Ch.11
All rights belong to Riordan
As chaos gripped Olympus and the world beyond, the absence of Percy Jackson weighed heavily upon the hearts of the gods. In the wake of his death and mysterious disappearance, turmoil reigned supreme, casting a pall of sorrow and uncertainty over the realms.
Within the hallowed halls of Olympus, Poseidon had crafted a solemn memorial to honor the memory of his beloved son. In the grandeur of the throne room, a solitary rock stood as a testament to Percy's courage and sacrifice, upon which a trident, reminiscent of Poseidon's own, was firmly embedded.
As the waves crashed relentlessly upon the shores of the mortal plane and the winds howled with unrestrained fury, the gods sat in the throne room.
As Zeus presided over the tense meeting within the confines of Olympus, the air crackled with palpable tension, each god and goddess gripped by a sense of urgency and apprehension, the need for answers weighing heavily upon them all.
"Hephaestus, any updates?" Zeus's voice rang out with authority, cutting through the silence like a bolt of lightning.
Hephaestus nodded solemnly, his brow furrowed in concentration as he relayed his findings to the assembly. "The blast originated from the couch as I suspected," he began, his voice tinged with a steely resolve. "But the Greek fire explosives were built into the couch itself. This was not an accidental explosion; this was deliberate and preplanned."
A hushed murmur rippled through the gathered gods and goddesses, the gravity of Hephaestus's words sinking in with chilling clarity. The revelation of foul play sent shockwaves through the assembly, sparking a flurry of speculation and suspicion as they grappled with the implications of such a heinous act.
"The only thing that remains unclear is who was the intended target if not both of them," Hephaestus concluded, his tone firm and resolute.
Zeus's jaw clenched with barely-contained rage as he absorbed the gravity of the situation.
Zeus's gaze swept across the assembled gods, his expression dark with fury as he took in the matching anger reflected in their faces. Beside him, Poseidon's normally serene countenance was twisted with rage, his fists clenched in impotent fury at the revelation of his son's deliberate demise. The usually serene goddesses, too, bristled with indignation, their bonds with Percy now fueling their righteous anger.
Artemis, consumed by grief, was notably missing from the room. Despite Apollo's attempts to coax her from her seclusion, she remained enclosed within her home in Zoe, unwilling or unable to face the harsh reality of Percy's untimely passing.
Apollo's brow furrowed with concern as he watched over his sister from afar, his attempts to provide solace and support met with stubborn resistance.
As the tension within the room reached a fever pitch, Zeus knew that decisive action was needed to quell the rising tide of anger and uncertainty.
Athena's voice cut through the tension in the room like a beacon of reason amidst the storm of emotions, her tone calm and measured despite the gravity of the situation. she fixed her gaze upon Poseidon, her expression urging him to see reason.
"Poseidon, I know you're angry, but you need to calm the oceans," Athena implored. "The mortals are frantic, and their cities are being pounded with storms."
Poseidon's jaw tightened with defiance as he shook his head, his resolve unyielding in the face of Athena's entreaty. "I'm not doing it," he declared, his voice laced with frustration and sorrow. "The oceans reflect me, and they're not happy about one of their own being taken."
Athena's calm demeanor faltered for a moment as she absorbed Poseidon's steadfast refusal, her brow furrowing with concern at the implications of his words. As the goddess of wisdom, she understood the gravity of the situation unfolding before them, and the urgency of quelling the tumultuous seas that threatened mortal lives.
"You say that like it has a mind of its own," Athena remarked, her tone tinged with surprise as she sought to comprehend Poseidon's assertion.
Poseidon nodded solemnly, his expression reflecting the weight of his words. "In a way, it does," he affirmed, his voice carrying the resonance of ancient truths.
Athena's eyes widened with realization as she contemplated the notion of the oceans possessing a form of consciousness. It was a concept that she had never considered a possibility.
The gods sat in their thrones, their minds consumed by thoughts of grief and uncertainty, when suddenly Poseidon's sharp intake of breath pierced the heavy silence. Startled, they turned their attention to him, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern.
Pointing shakily towards the memorial, Poseidon's eyes widened in astonishment as he observed the trident glowing and trembling ever so slightly. His voice trembled with emotion as he uttered the words that echoed through the chamber.
"The sea is calling," he murmured, his words laden with a sense of wonder and disbelief.
The gods exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to comprehend the significance of Poseidon's cryptic statement. Zeus, hesitantly breaking the silence, voiced the question that lingered in their minds.
"Brother, what do you mean?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Poseidon's gaze remained fixed on the glowing trident, a sense of awe dawning in his eyes as he spoke. "The sea... it's calming," he explained, his voice filled with wonder and reverence.
The gods watched in astonishment as the trident, bathed in a soft glow, vanished from its resting place upon the rock. Poseidon's expression transformed from shock to quiet resolve as he turned to Zeus, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes.
"The sea... it's rejoicing," Poseidon declared, his voice ringing with newfound clarity and certainty.
Zeus's eyes widened in disbelief as he struggled to comprehend the implications of Poseidon's revelation. "Why would it be rejoicing?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Poseidon met his brother's gaze with a calm assurance, the happiness returning to his eyes as he spoke the words that filled the chamber with a sense of hope and possibility.
"It feels the return of its prince," he declared, his voice resonating with quiet confidence and pride.
The gods gasped as they looked at Poseidon. Zeus sat stunned in his throne, not knowing what to say. As he opened his mouth to speak, A swiling white portal appeared in the center of the room.
The gods stared at the portal, not knowing what to expect until the gasped as a familiar man stepped out of it, holding the trident that vanished meer moments ago.
The gods sat frozen in stunned disbelief, their eyes fixed upon Percy as he emerged from the swirling white portal, the trident held firmly in his grasp.
For a fleeting moment, Percy paused to acknowledge the portal with a wave before it vanished in a burst of vibrant light, leaving him standing before the assembled deities, his expression a mix of determination and resolve.
Percy's light-hearted chuckle filled the chamber, breaking the tension that had gripped the gods in his absence. With a playful grin, he regarded the assembled deities, his presence a welcome relief amidst the uncertainty that had clouded Olympus.
"What, I leave for two days and you guys look like you've seen a ghost," Percy quipped, his tone infused with warmth and humor.
Poseidon, overcome with emotion at his son's unexpected return, wasted no time in crossing the distance between them, enfolding Percy in a tight embrace. Percy laughed in response, returning the embrace with equal fervor, his heart swelling with gratitude at the warmth of his father's embrace.
"Percy, how are you here?" Poseidon asked, his voice laced with a mixture of disbelief and relief.
Percy's gaze turned skyward for a moment, a flicker of contemplation crossing his features before he met his father's gaze with a knowing smile. "I had some help," he replied cryptically, his words hinting at the mysteries that lay beyond the veil of mortality.
Apollo, still reeling from the shock of Percy's return, regarded him with wide-eyed astonishment. "You died. I felt and watched you die," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Percy shrugged nonchalantly, a mischievous grin playing across his features. "I got better," he quipped, his tone light-hearted despite the gravity of his words.
Zeus, seizing upon the urgency of the moment, turned to Hermes with a sense of purpose. "Hermes, go get Artemis and Zoe, and do not take no for an answer," he commanded, his voice ringing with authority.
Hermes nodded in solemn understanding before vanishing in a flash of divine light.
"Percy, where have you been the last two days?" Zeus inquired, his voice echoing with curiosity and concern.
"I was in the sky, or in technical terms, Ouranos's court," Percy replied calmly, his gaze steady as he met the king of the gods' questioning stare.
"But isn't Ouranos gone like the other primordials?" Athena interjected, her brow furrowed with confusion at Percy's revelation.
Percy shook his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "No, m'lady, he's not. I was there, recovering, until I was well enough to return home," he explained, his tone matter-of-fact yet tinged with a sense of awe.
"Why would he take you, though?" Demeter inquired, her voice laced with curiosity as she sought to understand the enigmatic circumstances surrounding Percy's sudden disappearance.
Percy turned to her, his smile widening as he met her gaze. "Because of Zoe, Artemis's old lieutenant," he replied, his words carrying a weight of significance that left the gods stunned into silence.
The assembled deities exchanged puzzled glances, their minds reeling with the implications of Percy's cryptic revelation. Poseidon, sensing the gravity of the moment, spoke up, his voice tinged with urgency.
"What do you mean, Percy?" he asked.
"I'll explain when Artemis and Zoe are here," Percy declared, his tone resolute as he glanced around the chamber, his gaze lingering on the trident clutched in his hand.
Poseidon, his curiosity piqued by Percy's revelation, turned his attention to the gleaming weapon with a furrowed brow. "How are you holding that? That's supposed to be a godly weapon," he remarked, his voice tinged with bemusement.
Percy's smile widened as he met his father's gaze, a playful glint in his eyes. Without hesitation, he used the point of the trident to cut his palm, the wound bleeding solid gold to the astonishment of all present.
"Percy Jackson, god of nothing at the moment, at your service," he announced with a mock bow, his tone light-hearted yet tinged with a hint of pride.
Poseidon's eyes widened in realization as he comprehended the significance of Percy's transformation. A wide grin spread across his face as he regarded his son with a mixture of pride and joy.
"It's about time, Percy," Poseidon exclaimed, his voice filled with warmth and affection.
Percy laughed in response, the weight of his newfound status as a god settling upon him with a sense of purpose and belonging. "Yeah, I guess that's true," he conceded.
Poseidon's smile widened as he and Percy made their way to his throne. With a wave of his hand, he conjured a miniature version of his grand throne for Percy to sit in, a gesture of respect and acknowledgment of his newfound status as a god. Percy returned the smile, grateful for his father's warmth and acceptance, before settling into the seat provided for him.
As they waited for Hermes to arrive with Artemis and Zoe, anticipation filled the air, mingling with the sense of reunion and purpose that permeated the throne room.
Meanwhile, Hermes wasted no time in making his way to Artemis's home, his mind focused on the urgency of his mission. When he reached the front door, he hesitated for a moment, his heart sinking at the thought of Artemis's pain.
With a heavy sigh, Hermes knocked on the door, steeling himself for the difficult conversation that lay ahead. When Artemis opened the door, her tired and unkempt appearance elicited a pang of sympathy from Hermes.
"What do you want, Hermes?" Artemis's voice was quiet, her demeanor reflecting the exhaustion and grief that weighed heavily upon her.
"It's about Percy, m'lady," Hermes replied softly, his gaze meeting Artemis's with a mixture of apprehension and concern.
Artemis's eyes widened in alarm at the mention of Percy's name, her heart skipping a beat as she braced herself for the worst. "What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her fears threatening to overwhelm her.
"He's back," he announced.
Artemis's eyes widened in disbelief as she seized Hermes by the shirt, her grip firm and unyielding as she pulled him inside and shut the door with a resounding thud. With a surge of emotion, she pressed him against the door, her fingers tightening around his throat as she demanded answers.
"What do you mean he's back?" Artemis's voice was laced with pain and sorrow, her eyes flashing dangerously as she struggled to comprehend the astonishing news.
"He's alive. He just returned to the throne room moments ago in a white portal," Hermes managed to choke out, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he fought to speak.
Artemis released her hold on Hermes, her gaze softening as a glimmer of hope pierced through the darkness that had enveloped her heart. With a shaky breath, she took a step back, her mind reeling with the implications of Percy's miraculous return.
As Hermes watched, relieved to see some semblance of hope returning to Artemis's eyes, he spoke, his voice filled with urgency and determination.
"Get cleaned up, grab Zoe, and let us return to Lord Zeus before he thinks you murdered me," he instructed, his words a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation they faced.
Artemis nodded before swiftly darting off to change her attire and locate Zoe. Moments later, she reemerged, her appearance markedly improved from before. Hermes couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow as he looked at Zoe, recognizing the silent plea in her eyes for him to speak the truth.
With a reassuring smile, Hermes nodded and opened the front door. "Let's go then. Your father awaits, Zoe," he declared, his voice filled with warmth and encouragement. Zoe's face lit up with a radiant smile as she eagerly followed Artemis outside, her hand clasped firmly in her mother's.
Hermes trailed closely behind, closing the door behind him as they made their way towards the throne room. As they emerged outside, Artemis took Zoe's hand, and in a flash of light, they vanished, teleporting to the throne room.
With a sense of determination, Hermes followed suit, his heart racing with anticipation as he prepared to reunite with the gods and confront the astonishing truth of Percy's return.
As they materialized in the throne room, Artemis's eyes darted around frantically until they locked with Percy's. He sat regally on the throne, his posture relaxed yet commanding, the trident resting across his lap.
Upon noticing Artemis's arrival and the intensity of her gaze, Percy rose from his seat, placing the trident back on the throne before striding over to meet her. Artemis wasted no time in closing the distance between them, throwing herself into his arms with a mixture of relief and overwhelming emotion.
Percy caught her, his laughter mingling with her tears as he held her close, offering her the comfort and reassurance she so desperately needed. They remained locked in each other's embrace for several minutes, the weight of their shared grief and joy mingling in the air around them.
Just as Artemis opened her mouth to speak, she was suddenly interrupted as Zoe barreled into them, spear-tackling them both with a fierce intensity. Percy staggered slightly before falling over under the unexpected force of the impact.
"Oomph," Percy grunted as he toppled over under the weight of both girls. Artemis's laughter rang through the room, her tears of relief mixing with the joy of their reunion as Percy held Zoe close, offering her comfort until her tears subsided. Once Zoe felt better, she joined in the laughter, finding amusement in Percy's plight as he lay on the floor.
"That's the second time you've spear-tackled me, Zoe, except there's no sand under me this time. Big meanie," Percy teased, pouting playfully. Zoe giggled before sticking her tongue out at him, then graciously got off him to allow him to stand up.
"You're a big dad, you can handle it," Zoe quipped, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she teased Percy.
Percy mock-glared at her before rising to his feet. Their playful banter was interrupted by Zeus, who cleared his throat to draw their attention.
"My dear," Zeus addressed Artemis, his tone gentle yet commanding, "please take your seat so we can learn what transpired in the past few days."
Artemis nodded before quickly embracing Percy once more, her heart overflowing with love and relief, before flashing to her throne. Percy and Zoe exchanged a glance, sharing a moment of understanding, before making their way to Percy's throne.
Percy gently set down his trident, leaning it against his seat, and took his place, with Zoe perched comfortably on the armrest beside him. Artemis shot them a disapproving look, prompting Percy to chuckle softly.
However, Artemis quickly remedied the situation with a wave of her hand, causing Percy's throne to move and settle at the foot of hers. With another gesture, she conjured a smaller throne for Zoe, who eagerly took her seat.
Percy laughed at the sight of Zoe settling into her new throne, her excitement evident as she looked around with wide eyes. He glanced up at Artemis, who was looking down at him with a tender expression, her love for him evident in every glance.
"So Percy, what happened in the sky?" Zeus asked.
As Percy recounted his experience, the gods listened intently, their attention focused solely on his every word. Zeus leaned forward, his gaze piercing as he awaited Percy's explanation.
"Well, when I woke up, I found myself in a room with see-through floor panels and walls," Percy began, his voice steady as he recounted the surreal experience. "After leaving the room, I walked down a long hallway until I reached two big doors."
Percy paused for a moment, as if reliving the memory in his mind, before continuing. "Upon pushing them open, I found myself in a room that felt like an empty space in the sky. Ouranos was sitting on a throne in the middle of the room, waiting for me. And that's when he explained to me who he was and why I was there."
As Percy spoke, the gravity of his words hung heavy in the air, each detail adding to the intrigue of his otherworldly encounter. The gods exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued as they awaited further explanation from Percy.
"What did he say?" Athena asked eagerly, her curiosity evident in her demeanor.
Percy chuckled at her expression before replying, "Apparently, it has to do with Zoe."
Artemis furrowed her brow in confusion, her gaze shifting to Percy. "Why would Ouranos be concerned with our daughter?" she questioned, her voice tinged with bewilderment.
Percy smiled up at her, his eyes warm with understanding. "Because Ouranos revealed something surprising," he explained. "Zoe is not just our daughter. She's... well, she's more than that."
Artemis leaned in closer, her curiosity piqued. "More than our daughter? What do you mean?" she pressed, her voice filled with confusion.
"Because our Zoe is your Zoe, but after rebirth."
Percy's words hung in the air, each syllable carrying the weight of profound revelation. Artemis's jaw dropped as the full implications of Percy's explanation sank in. Her old lieutenant and closest friend, the Zoe she once knew, was now her daughter.
"How could that happen?" Artemis asked, her voice trembling with a mixture of shock and wonder.
Percy met her gaze with unwavering sincerity. "Zoe had served Ouranos for many years," he began, his voice steady as he recounted the extraordinary tale. "But she grew weary of watching you from the sky, unable to reach you. So she asked Ouranos if he would allow her to try for rebirth, hoping that she would eventually reunite with you."
Artemis listened intently, her heart aching with empathy for Zoe's longing. "Instead," Percy continued, "Ouranos granted her wish in a way she never expected. He allowed her to return to you not just as a demigod, but as your daughter."
As Percy's words settled over them, the magnitude of Zoe's journey became clear. Artemis was overcome with a flood of emotions—astonishment, gratitude, and an overwhelming sense of love for the daughter she had unknowingly yearned for.
"Does she remember anything?" Artemis asked, her voice tinged with anticipation.
Percy shook his head, his expression thoughtful. "Ouranos offered to return her memories to her in the form of dreams," he explained, "and if you wanted, he could give our Zoe a Roman form, which would change her back to your old Zoe."
Artemis's eyes widened in astonishment as she processed Percy's words. The possibility of having her old lieutenant back, alongside her daughter, seemed almost too good to be true. She glanced down at Zoe, her heart swelling with a newfound sense of hope and longing.
"If he did that, would Zoe still remember her old life?" Artemis inquired, her voice trembling with emotion.
Percy nodded solemnly. "Yes," he confirmed. "When she is in her Roman form, she would be how she was when we last saw her, except a couple of years older. And when she's our Zoe, she would still have the other Zoe's memories, just not her personality."
Artemis absorbed Percy's words, a sense of clarity beginning to settle over her. The choice before her was clearer now, albeit still daunting. She leaned back in her throne, her mind racing with the implications of her decision. Meanwhile, the other gods watched the conversation unfold, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation.
Finally, Poseidon broke the silence, his voice echoing with authority as he addressed the gathered deities.
"Percy, when would that take effect? If I remember right, Zoe died when she was about your Zoe's age," Poseidon inquired, his tone carrying a sense of urgency.
Percy nodded in affirmation. "Yes," he confirmed. "This would take effect when she turns 18, which according to Ouranos is when she will ascend to a full immortal like us."
Artemis listened intently to their conversation, her brows furrowing in thought as Percy's words sank in. Suddenly, a question emerged from her mind, laden with curiosity and uncertainty. "Wait, Percy, what do you mean 'like us'?" she asked, her voice tinged with hesitancy.
Percy's smile was gentle as he lifted his trident and made a deliberate cut on his hand, revealing the golden blood that flowed from the wound. Artemis's eyes widened in astonishment as she beheld the divine essence coursing through Percy's veins. "Ouranos made me a god to help with the transition of Zoe's eventual ascension," Percy explained, his voice resonating with solemnity. "He said it was up to you guys to decide domains."
Artemis's smile widened at the realization that Percy would now remain with her for eternity. Zoe, who had been silently listening to their conversation, finally interjected with a burst of enthusiasm. "Wait, so I'm gonna have my namesake as my Roman form?" she exclaimed, her excitement palpable.
Percy nodded in response, his own grin mirroring Zoe's enthusiasm. "Yes," he confirmed.
"Cool!" Zoe exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The gods chuckled at her infectious energy, their spirits lifting in the midst of the heavy discussions.
Poseidon rose from his seat, his expression brimming with pride as he addressed Zeus. "Brother, I believe we should give Percy domains so he's not a wandering immortal," he suggested.
Zeus nodded in agreement, and in a flash, the Fates appeared in the room. "All hail Lord Perseus, god of the tides, loyalty, and heroes," they proclaimed before disappearing as quickly as they had arrived.
Poseidon's joy was evident as he celebrated his son's newfound status. However, their moment of jubilation was quickly overshadowed by Athena's reminder of the urgent matter at hand.
Percy looked puzzled at their confusion regarding the attacker's identity. "You guys didn't figure that out?" he questioned, his brow furrowing in confusion.
The gods turned to him, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity. "You know who it was?" Zeus asked, his voice tinged with astonishment.
Percy nodded grimly. "It was Leo."