All rights belong to Rick Riordan

Chapter 41

Ascension and Adoption

(Percy)

Well then no pressure or anything then was what I wanted to say in response to the Primordials question. However I also understood the seriousness of the situation and what Pontus was offering me and the others.

I really wanted to have a water domain and had been secretly disappointed with the fact I could not have Oceanus's as it would have been fitting I suppose. Though I would rather not have to kill someone to get it. I was sure the others would also be pleased to get more power over their domains thanks to the empowerment by the primordials gift, my father would probably take great delight in rubbing it in Zeus's face after all what chance did he have of getting the same offer as Ouranos had already faded.

It was strange that Pontus had highlighted the fact that we would all gain some of his power which suggested that Diana and Tyson would also gain domains as well which was strange. Although strange in a good way as it would be cool for my little bro to be an immortal Cyclops god and that was saying nothing about having something else in common with my new girlfriend besides hopefully she would no longer need that damned bubble. As funny as it was to see her walking back after being forced back by Pontus's voice alone she looked really stupid it reminded me of an old film I watched back at Gabe's place about a boy who was stuck in a bubble though for completely different reasons of course. He had a illness or something and she was two miles down in the ocean.

Then there were the advantages to myself other than the aforementioned. I would finally be a real immortal Titan with all the advantages that would come with it; I would no longer need help flashing around. I would no longer be able to die or at least permanently. Diana would no longer be left alone if something happened to me which I knew tormented her at the possibility of a re-occurrence of yesterday.

Though of course there was a cost. I would lose my inherited abilities from my father. Sure I would lose none of my hydro-kinesis abilities as I would have them replaced. But I would lose my minor abilities to create earthquakes and sadly my equestrian ones which meant I would no longer be able to talk with Blackjack, Scipio and not so sadly Arion as well as the other Pegasi. There was also the fact I would lose the Curse/Blessing of Achilles but then again I would be immortal though I did not think Styx would appreciate me losing it for second time though what could she do about it. The last thing was the most worrying was that I would be at last bound by the ancient laws though technically I could operate around the hunt in the same way as Artemis could.

'Perseus know that whatever you choose you will always be my son, if you are having doubts about losing your legacy know that Athena is not always the only one who has a plan for every contingency.' My father said with a shine in his eyes like he actually did have a way to counter my losses perhaps or at least some of them.

'Yes father.' I said turning from him back towards the massive Primordial noticing all eyes looking at me only pausing to stare into Diana's that were shining silver hopefully telling me what I should do. Sure there would be losses but I had overcome far greater what was a few special abilities when compared to losing the girl you thought you were destined to be with. Even if I had found love again Annabeth still remained my greatest what if, even if she did tell me to move on and reluctantly I had.

'I accept your offer Lord Pontus.' I said looking upwards at his face.

'I see you have overcome your hesitation then, good my guests should be here shortly.' He said confusingly and I guessed everyone behind me was probably equally as confused as I was before three more bubbles appeared in the room each filled with a identical elderly woman who looked just as confused to be here. The fates quickly however noticed the colossal water figure behind them.

'Greetings Uncle Pontus, why have you summoned us here?' The three said at once clearly as unaware of why they were here as I was.

'With Perseus's help I wish to fade not before bequeathing my power to worthy successors. You are to ensure my power is distributed fairly.' He explained and the Moirai stood opened mouthed before nodding reverently.

'Very well then Perseus it has come time for me to return to my parent's realm and at last be re-united with my wife. Do not be fooled by my composition. This form is composed of my purified essence in entirety you will find that your sword is quite capable of harming me despite your misgivings.' He explained and the though had occurred to me of how I was supposed to kill a 50ft tall god made of water with nothing but a sword albeit a magical sword capable of killing anything.

'Yes Lord Pontus.' I said controlling the currents in the room which was difficult thanks to the shear magnetism the Primordial had on the current as if he was subconsciously making this harder for me to do as I slowly floated off the palace floor. I realized one key problem and that I was currently lacking Maelstrom and that it was probably still at camp but nevertheless I was able to focus on returning the sword to myself and I watched as the familiar swirling pattern watch appeared on my wrist and for the first time actually noticed the coincidental alternating colors it depicted gold and silver could it have possibly have always known what was going to happen.

However now was not the time to be wondering if my watch/sword knew about my love life before I did as I changed it back into its familiar Celestial bronze and steel blade which I held in my right hand loosely pointed towards the Primordials chest conscious of the blades growing kill count of supposedly immortal beings, thank the gods I was the only one who could use the blade.

I looked up once more to see the Primordial God smile solemnly and nod and with that signal I plunged the blade through his icy breastplate and into the area of his chest I assumed his heart should be.

As he said despite his appearance his actual form gave resistance to the blade and curiously I could not see the blade inside him despite the fact I could generally see through his transparent form. What I could see however was the small wisps of Silver Ichor seeping out of the gash in his armor around the blade and to the sides of his breastplate and I remembered briefly the same fluid when I severed Gaia's throat before my journey down her esophagus.

I continued to push the blade in until the hilt of the 4ft weapon met his armor and I pulled my hands away and backed away reverently not looking away from the dying Primordial.

'I Pontus, Son of Chaos, Primordial of the Oceans offer my Power to Poseidon Son of Kronos so he may be the true Lord of the Oceans. I offer my Wife Thalassa's Domain of the sea to Amphitrite, Daughter of Tethys and Oceanus. I offer my Depths to Triton son of Poseidon. I offer the services of my inhabitants to Tyson, Son of Poseidon, General of Olympus and I offer my Tides to Diana daughter of Jupiter and Perseus Jackson, Son of Poseidon.' He announced weakly despite the impaled sword in his chest.

'I accept your offer.' I said slowly and heard the others also say it one after the other below me. The Primordial smiled again before suddenly freezing, literally.

However as I looked at the Primordial god turned ice sculpture I felt exactly the same and certainly not suddenly feeling very immortal.

'Perseus take the sword and release his essence.' The fates said floating up alongside me in their bubbles and I noticed them holding a sea-green piece of thread which eventually shifted into gold at its far end. So many years ago I had noticed these three old women with another such piece of string cut the string short and had thought it was the string of my life, instead it had been Luke's of course but I knew this time for certain that the string they currently held was the real deal. That one piece of thread was who I had been all this time but when I took that sword once again everything would change.

I didn't hesitate as I pulled the blade free.

(Diana)

I watched in silent fear as Percy pulled the blade free of its icy enclosure with one motion. Large cracks began to spread out from where the sword had been buried before multiplying until the dead god's body resembled a spider web of cracks across its surface before the whole construct shattered across the room in a cascade towards us.

However just before impact the ice suddenly melted in a silver flash that blinded everyone before we all except the fates collapsed.

I came to at the bottom of my bubble feeling really light-headed but oddly invigorated a sensation I had felt before when I received the moon as a domain as my body adjusted to it's new powers.

It was strange that once again Percy and me had received another joint domain but unlike before where I had been upset about the similarity, now I was excited about the prospect of sharing something else with him though this one he had the definite advantage over me in terms of experience. I still found it strange to think that I could possibly have received a water based domain. It was oddly fitting to receive Tides as another domain considering the mortals believed that it was dictated by the moon now it most certainly was as well as her boyfriend I thought with a smile.

Speaking of which where was he? I thought as I looked around the room noticing the others also in states of shock. Poseidon was the only one who was still standing but my uncle seemed to be larger than he had been. Amphitrite was sprawled across her throne holding her head in her hands. Triton was lying on his back on the throne room floor white skinned and would have appeared dead were it not for the movement of his tails. Tyson was still unconscious with his back to the wall though if anything the massive Cyclops also looked larger than previously. I looked up and found Percy looking down at me with pure golden eyes.

Now it was strange to look at his eyes without the familiar sea-green Iris's which was a result of him no longer having his fathers godly DNA I guess but that was nothing compared to the rest of his body at the moment.

From the waist down he had the tail of a Merman although made of golden scales to match his eyes and wings and I couldn't help but let out a small giggle at the image. Percy noticed my source of amusement with a frown before suddenly using the sword he still held to pop my bubble.

My laughter immediately shifted to screams as I prepared to be crushed by thousands of tones of pressure however I felt no different when the water reached me. I didn't even feel wet which I considered strange when suddenly the reason came to me and made me feel like an idiot. Of course I could not get wet and breathe underwater now.

I turned back towards my golden merman boyfriend with a frown intending to chew him out over his prank to find him staring at me mouth open.

(Percy)

I had been a little surprised to find myself with a tail when I woke up but sure enough from the waist down I looked like a golden coy carp and I guessed if anyone else in the room had been awake to see my expression they would have probably said I looked like one too as I floated with a dumb expression on my face. As it was fortunately I was the only one awake as even the fates had been knocked out by the release of energy or so I guessed as they all lay in a corner of the room in a cluster of bubbles.

The next person to wake up was my father who slowly rose from the base of his throne to his knees before standing up straight and I noticed that he too was visibly different appearing a few years younger and using his throne as a sense of scale also about two foot taller. I noticed that Amphitrite was likewise affected though she had maintained the dignity of remaining in her throne though it was now out of scale with her. I guess the pair had probably received a significant power increase from the Primordial.

Triton was similarly affected though on a smaller scale than our father and his mother though he remained generally unmoving on the floor where he had collapsed.

Tyson was now about the same size as Polyphemus had been the last time I saw him on his island, luckily his armor had likewise expanded to fit his new frame.

Finally I noticed the person I was looking for the most. Diana was slowly coming to in her bubble and looking around as I was. She still looked the same though her cloths had changed back to their original colour during her unconsciousness. I wanted to sneak up on her while she was still confused and to my great surprise I found myself able to use my new tail perfectly unlike my earlier mishaps when I had gained wings. At this rate my physical anatomy would be barely distinguishable as having ever been a human.

Careful to stay out of her line of sight I swam so I was above her head just in time for her to look up and see me looking down at her as I met her eyes and saw my own golden ones reflected in hers, I had never considered even my appearance could be affected by the change.

I watched her eyes move down until she noticed my tail before she started giggling at my expense to which I thought it was only fair to burst her bubble, literally. I watched her amused expression change to one of terror as the water raced towards her only for nothing to happen to her thank the gods.

Well nothing that could harm her at least.

I watched in curious amazement as her lower half melded together until she like me also possessed a tail although hers was silver. It must have been an automatic response to the waters touch which I guess explained why I had shifted immediately and she had not after all I was already surrounded by water.

'What are you staring at golden boy?' She asked angrily clearly not happy with my prank though it also meant she had not noticed her own appearance, something I intended to play with.

'Oh nothing much Diana just that everyone else seems to have been affected physically except you other than you can breathe underwater, I suppose you only got a minor domain.' I said tauntingly hoping to provoke her into coming after me as I backed away slowly with gentle beats of my tail.

'I will show you minor domain you no good idiotic Titan, the best bit is now I can kill you whenever you annoy me and that Styx can't save yo—' she said clearly meaning to take a step towards me only to fall over her own tail and crash to the floor. Rather than laugh I quickly swam towards her and helped her up.

She then proceeded to look at herself like an idiot for a good 30 seconds clearly forgetting about me as she stared at the silver appendage where her legs had been.

However the act of picking her up had shown me something strange. I was now only marginally taller than her rather than a full head. However she had been the same height as before when she was in her bubble which meant either her mermaid form was taller or I was shorter now.

I was broken out of my musings when she attempted to swim forward only to nearly fall on her face if I had not stopped her. Clearly she did not have my natural affinity for swimming with a tail. I concentrated on pushing the water away from us and found the task relatively simple whereas before the act would have drained my strength significantly and quickly.

As soon as we were no longer surrounded by water are tails changed back, thankfully we remained clothed as that would have been embarrassing. Diana looked significantly more relieved to be standing on her own two feet whereas I felt sort of disappointed by the change though it did serve to answer my question as I was now indeed the same height as she was I was I guessed 6'1 to her 5'11. I quickly deduced that this was because I probably now had a large form though I had no idea how to change it at the moment. I was actually pleased with the change as though intimidating it was really annoying being almost 7 feet tall especially around doors and low ceilings. All I had to do now was find a way of hiding my wings and I would look like a normal mortal.

At the thought of hiding my wings they suddenly faded from reality and I almost pitched forward at the sudden loss of weight from my back and I realized exactly how much energy I had had to use to counter their weight. Sure enough when I re-imagined them they reappeared as did the familiar weight. I realized that this must be how I could change my appearance that meant I could probably change my height in the same way.

(Diana)

I looked at Percy in fascination as he evidently discovered how to modify his appearance, it was strange to look at him without his now signature wings but it would certainly made it less difficult for him to blend in. I also noticed the significant decrease in height over what he had been. Good it would make it easier for me to kiss him without having to pull his head down not that he would be getting kissed anytime soon for that little stunt a minute ago.

It was annoying to see how easy he made swimming with a tail look easy of course when I tried I had immediately fell on my face much to his amusement. Of course it was something I would need to practice but for the moment I was happy to be back on my feet.

I looked about to see that Triton had finally risen from the floor and had settled back onto his throne though it looked far more tight on him than previously while his parents simply summoned a new pair of thrones that were larger before taking a seat. Tyson meanwhile had woken up and was once again standing by the entrance though he was looking at his club sadly as it was no longer in proportion to the rest of him.

'Well that was pleasantly unexpected.' Poseidon announced and I turned back towards him.

'Perseus as I said before though you have lost the abilities you inherited from me there is a way for me to return them to you.' He announced gaining my interest and evidently Percy's too. I knew the loss of his birthright probably pained him despite the advantages we had all gained from his and Pontus's sacrifice.

'Yes Father, I would do anything.' Percy said eagerly.

'In the past we used to adopt mortals to serve as our champions and the chosen individual would gain characteristics of their adoptive parent as well as some of their powers, it made mortal heroes the equivalent of demigods. For example I adopted Theseus after he returned from the Labyrinth and his own father was killed, Zeus adopted Alexander the Great. It was even possible to adopt another gods child providing the parent was willing such as when Jupiter allowed Pluto to adopt the Roman Emperor Diocletian allowing him to summon an undead legion.' He explained and I remembered the old practice before we sealed ourselves away from mortals with the mist and after that gods rarely allowed another god to adopt their child.

Percy stood silently as he took in the information.

'Father but Perseus is not a demigod or a mortal but a Titan Lord how is it possible?' Triton asked voicing the concern I was just thinking off.

My uncle however had clearly thought of a work around to the problem as he sat with a smile.

'Dad what Triton says is right how does that matter to me and besides how can you adopt someone who was your son in the first place?' Percy said staring at his father who remained unflinching.

'It is simple really, after all Diana being here gave me the idea.' He said to my surprise how could me being here give him the idea.

'I Poseidon, Lord of the Oceans give Neptune, Lord of the Oceans permission to adopt my son Perseus.' He said before suddenly changing aspects in a flash of light leaving the more familiar to my current forms god in his place though unlike previously Neptune also looked younger and still retained black hair and beard.

'I Neptune hereby offer to adopt Perseus, son of Poseidon to be my own.' Neptune announced loudly only to be interrupted by a trio of bubbles that rolled in between the god and me and Percy.

'It has never been done it is not possible for a god to adopt another as their own.' The left hand one said angrily.

'Listen here ladies, you are guests in my domain which I might add just got significantly stronger so do not deem to tell me what I can do down here and especially in regard to my own family.' Neptune said angrily to the three fates and I feared for him, it was one of the things that simply should not be done even my father never questioned them. The fates however looked stunned by the retort.

'Do not question me, I will adopt Perseus again and unless your mother Ananke herself comes here and forbids me I do not care what you say, so shut up and stand aside. Then you can do some announcing of titles and whatever else you want to do before you leave.'

At the mention of the Primordial of Destiny and Fate the room darkened however nothing else happened and Neptune gained a grin on his face as the regarded the three old ladies.

'I thought she wouldn't, so stand aside.' He said gripping his trident tightly.

The fates however at the mention of their mother whitened in the face despite their already pale skin tone before at once stepping to the side.

'Where were we before we were rudely interrupted? Oh yes I was adopting Perseus wasn't I.' Neptune said launching a scathing look at the trio before turning back towards my boyfriend with a kind smile.

Percy meanwhile was standing with a smile on his face at the possibility of regaining his birthright.

'I Perseus, son of Poseidon accept Neptune's offer of adoption.' He said loudly before disappearing into golden light.

(Percy)

I had never considered it possible to re-inherit my fathers inherent abilities, sure we may have had to take a drastic action to counter my loss but when my fathers Roman aspect confronted the Fates themselves over the decision I had thought it was once again impossible. It was to my surprise when he even called on another Primordial to attempt and stop him but instead nothing happened and the Fates had backed down.

I had then accepted the proposal and once again I felt different I was surrounded by light, the curious thing was I could see out at those watching with concern though I could not see myself only making out a golden outline until I realized I was actually looking at my own essence now which was kind of disorientating so I quickly looked away until the glow faded.

I quickly looked myself over happy everything was in order before looking around and seeing everyone except the fates with looks of relief, even Triton and Amphitrite looked happy which I thought was kind of them to care but it was nothing compared to my father as he leapt out of his throne decreasing in size with each step before grabbing me in a fatherly hug which I returned.

It felt strange to consider that I was technically a Roman now I suppose as Neptune was my father now. Then again I was also a full Titan so it didn't really matter all that did matter was I had my father again even if he was a different side of the same god.

Slowly my father released hold of me before turning towards the three Fates.

'Now then ladies, don't you have some announcements to make?' He said from alongside me.

'All hail Neptune Lord of the Oceans, Horses, Earthquakes and Storms.'

'All hail Amphitrite Queen of the Seas, goddess of Fish, Seals, and Springs.'

'All hail Triton, God of the Deeps, Prince and messenger of the Seas.'

'All hail Tyson, General of Olympus, God of Cyclops and Marine Creatures.'

'All hail Diana, Goddess of the Hunt, Moon, Wilderness, Chastity and Tides.'

'All hail Perseus, Titan Lord of Time, Tides, Constellations, Light and the Hunt, Saviour of Olympus, Heir of Kronos, Slayer of Gaia, bane of Giants and the Minotaur, former Titan of the Air, Guardian of the Hunt, Son of Neptune.' They said taking it in turns before all announcing the long list of my own. It felt strange for them to actually call me Heir of Kronos as well but who was I to complain though my father did.

'You forgot to say Prince of the Seas at the end of that all.' He said with a smile as he held me by the shoulder.

The three out of breath Fates looked at him with anger before reluctantly nodding their heads.

'Can I have that on a business card please; it is a bit of a mouthful.' I asked the three who glared at me before disappearing in a flash probably desperate to get out as quick as possible before anyone thought of anything else to add to my already long list. I was tempted to say Boyfriend of Diana but that would have given everything away.

'So then Percy what did you come and see us for before all this began?' Triton said surprisingly friendly evidently happy with his new god of the Deeps status.

'Well I wanted to tell dad I was fine after I got injured, so he didn't worry anymore and try and destroy Olympus any further.' I told him only to be embraced at my father's side with his arm over my shoulders.

'Well it was good to see you brother but I must go spread the news throughout the ocean, I hope to see you again.' He said before dissolving into bubbles.

'Perseus, Diana it was good to see you again but I must also be on my way, until next time.' Amphitrite said formally before also dissolving in her throne, perhaps that was one trick I could learn in time although I wanted to learn how to flash first as I was tired of needing Diana to do it for me.

'So you two were acting rather friendly earlier.' My dad commented as Diana walked to my side.

'Me and Percy are going out Lord Neptune.' Diana announced and I heard something hit the floor behind us and I turned to see Tyson standing there open mouthed after having dropped his club on the floor. He had been so silent I had forgotten he was still here.

'But the pretty goddess is a maiden goddess, isn't she?' He said in shock.

'Hey big guy, yeah she is but we don't want anyone to know about this just yet, so you can't tell anyone at all.' I told him.

'Tyson if you tell anyone I will take peanut butter of the lunch menu.' My father said and I could have sworn Tyson was almost in tears at the comment.

'I won't tell anyone about Percy and the pretty goddess ever.' He said sadly.

'Thanks little bro though you should go tell Ella about your new Status as god of Cyclops.' I said and he suddenly became excited before barreling through the doors as soon as he opened them.

'You were a bit harsh with the peanut butter threat.' I said turning towards my father.

'It was a far more effective measure than Styx, I know that oaths on that river can be broken after all you are proof of that.' He said with a grin.

'Thanks for reminding me I was a mistake.' I said feigning sadness.

'One I would make again no matter what the cost was to me. I will let nothing get between me and my favourite son, even if that means defying the fates themselves and beating my upstart brother so he lets my son date the girl he loves.' He said proudly grabbing Diana with his free arm so she was pinned at his side likewise.

'I must admit this has been one hell of a day and the sun is only just rising.' He said happily but I remembered one thing Diana had mentioned.

'Oh shit we forgot about Reyna and the chariot.' I said hurriedly and I noticed that Diana suddenly looked panicked.

'Hey dad glad to see, be back soon, got to go, bye.' I said hurriedly grabbing hold of Diana's hand before remembering I don't know how flashing around works.

'Have fun you two, but not that much fun, I don't want to explain to her father that way.' He said with a sly wink at us before dissolving away just as Diana flashed us away.

AN. Well the voting was pretty unanimous in favor of full titan which I did though I never intended for him to lose his powers permanently, though making him technically Roman was a idea that came to me as I was writing this and I liked it, after all Diana is Roman so why not.

I wanted to make them act as more of a family in this than they do in the TLO as Triton and Amphitrite have to understand that though Percy is an illegitimate child he has done enough to warrant them getting over their prejudice. (no secret hatreds and family killing here. cough.)

I hope no one has anything against me making them get Merman tails while submerged because frankly I couldn't care, like his wings rule of cool will always win. speaking of which I wanted to change Percy's appearance to be normal as it is a bit hard to integrate someone into mortal society when they are 7ft tall, half a ton and with a dozen wings, kinda ruins your dates when everyone is staring at you.

Though seriously he would have the best business card ever and their was more I could have added.

its funny how I can get more reviews in a night than I do in a week when I mention the words vote at the end of a chapter, see it is not that hard.

As always read and review.