Chapter 1 ~ Rebellion

Artemis's PoV:

Another war won by the demigods, by him, and this time he's lost more than I think he can handle. Athena is catatonic, She had been able to make peace between her two aspects, Minerva and Athena. Due to Annabeth finding the Parthenos, the pride healing her warring psyches, only for her Favorite daughter to fall into Tartarus, Artemis had watched on as well, convincing herself it was because of the importance of the quest but that was shattered when the noble fool refused to let go of the girl, choosing damnation over abandoning her. I was furious, a strange sensation taking hold of me, I was inconsolable as Apollo tried his best to help me while we were stuck on Delos. Only for them to escape and defeat the giants and Gaia, and just when it looked like she'd be able to apologize to her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend, Annabeth had been struck down in one last spiteful strike by the Earth Mother. Leo had given his life to finish our monstrous grandmother. The seven were broken, Perseus most of all. They stood guard around the poor boy, their expressions hard and angry. Poseidon was hugging his son, trying to console him, and Hades was whispering to his daughter conspiratorially.

Father had called the council to Attendance. The Augur was dead, and the Romans and Greeks united to defeat the Monsters that had been recruited by the foolish legacy of Apollo. The war was over. Father looked at Apollo sternly and began to scold him.

"This is all your fault! Delphi lost, civil war, the great prophecy right after one had just finished!"

Apollo tried to defend himself, explaining that prophecy doesn't work like that, he can't decide fate only report it, but Father wouldn't hear it.

"You will be punished!" Zeus bellowed.

I was afraid for my brother, wondering what sort of punishment my father had in mind, and wondering what I could do to help. Zeus looked to the Fates. "Take him to Olympus, to await punishment."

After Apollo had left, the most unlikely thing happened. My half-brother spoke up. "What's going to happen to him?" Jason asked. I looked my half-brother over; he carried himself in a very similar way to our father. A regal bearing and confidence. "That does not matter, he will be punished for his many failings. That is all you need to know," Zeus ordered, seemingly ending the conversation.

"Father, please don't punish him," Jason said, imploringly.

Zeus frowned. "Someone must be punished, son."

"But why? Wouldn't it be wiser to keep the peace? It's unjust; we all share the blame for this war, and not one person can take all the blame." Jason said defiantly. I shot him a look, trying to warn him, but it was too late.

"Unwise?" Zeus whispered. "We all share the blame? Are you saying it's my fault?" His tone was dangerous. This was bad. Athena was too lost in grief to talk sense to Father. If Jason wasn't careful, he'd get obliterated by the Master-bolt, son or not. If there was one thing Zeus hated more than someone challenging his authority, it was a child, especially a son, challenging his authority. Then bad went to worse. I was distracted from Percy due to my fear for my brother. I had been watching him closely, and as I glanced back towards him, I noticed he was no longer catatonic in his father's arms. Instead, he came alive due to the threat to his friend, and he wasn't alone. Each of the seven, imperceptible to all but the keenest of eyes, poised themselves. Shifting weight and position as if ready for combat. We had created the greatest weapons in history and now my foolish father was about to lose control of them. Poseidon had tried to hold his son back but was unable, fear in his eyes as he gripped his trident ready. The other gods didn't realize the threat, they were too enraptured by Jason's defiance and Zeus's anger, they didn't see how fragile and furious their children had become. To my surprise, however, Perseus was the peacemaker, and Jason, thunderstruck at his father's behavior, could only watch as Jackson approached the king of the Gods.

"Uncle, there has been enough death, we are in shock. Please forgive our anger." Perseus said. I noticed Aphrodite holding her daughter, who ripped away and ran to Jason, embracing him, his attention finally off his father, catastrophe nearly avoided. The girl was sobbing, and I couldn't comprehend why. Perseus finally explained to the confused gods.

"Take me to Olympus now," Perseus demanded. Zeus looked like he was about to get angry again, but before he could, Perseus continued. "Lady Hestia awaits me, she is caring for my little sister, I've yet to meet her and she needs me. It can be my reward or whatever just get me there!" Jason gasped, Piper through her sobs managing to tell her boyfriend what was wrong. He looked from her to Perseus, his face pale.

"Will someone please explain what's wrong!" I asked, annoyed at the precarious situation we seemed to be dangling from. Can no one act like an adult?

Poseidon, thunderstruck, finally spoke up. "Sally and Paul are gone."

"Tristan as well," Aphrodite confirmed.

That spiteful monster! Of course. If Gaia couldn't win, she'd make sure that her enemies at least suffered for defeating her.

Zeus sighed and gave in to Perseus's demand, teleporting the boy to Olympus. My heart ached. I'd never become close to Perseus, and it irked me how much that annoyed me. Seeing him lose everything was harder than I could even imagine, perhaps it was empathy, as I had lost so much in such a short period. A decade is nothing to an immortal, and in the last decade, I've lost more friends than in the last 2000 years combined. Little did I know now, I'd not get the chance to get to know the young hero, at least not for a long time.

Chapter 2 ~ New Responsibilities and a Choice:

Perseus's PoV:

As we step into the throne room of Olympus, the grandeur feels ostentatious and hollow. I've always found the gods' need for splendor somewhat irritating, but today, it made me downright murderous.

The gods who flashed in with us stood uncomfortable at the sight they beheld, their expressions ranging from solemn to awkward. At the center, Hestia stands, holding an infant. Estelle, my sister was born while I was missing. Beside the goddes are two bodies under a shroud with the trident of Poseidon as its mark, I try to not look at them as I make my way towards Lady Hestia. The news of my mother and Paul's deaths came mere moments after losing my one true love.

I stride forward, my focus entirely on Hestia and the tiny bundle in her arms. She meets my eyes with a sad, knowing look before gently passing Estelle to me. Holding her for the first time, I feel a mix of overwhelming love and profound sorrow. I wasn't there for her, for my mom, or for Paul. That regret gnaws at me, but I push it aside. I need to stay strong for Estelle.

Jason, Piper, Hazel, Frank, and I are all that's left of the seven, the greatest heroes of this age. The four other heroes hover close to me as if they were my and Estelle's bodyguards, all assuring me they would be there for me and Estelle, even Piper who had lost her father just like I lost my mother, her strength and compassion were on display, as she buried her grief to comfort a friend in need.

"I'm leaving now," I say, my voice cutting through the silent tension. "I don't need your rewards or your gratitude. We need time to heal, away from all this." I gesture around the opulent throne room, my disdain clear.

Zeus's face flushes with anger, but before he can speak, Hades steps forward. "He deserves this time, brother. Let them go."

Poseidon, his eyes filled with unspoken grief, nods in agreement. "He's given enough to Olympus, you will not stop him." My father's voice was dangerous and his barely veiled rage was moments from spilling outward.

Hestia's gentle voice is the final push. "Family is the most important thing, Zeus. You of all should understand that."

Zeus grumbles, clearly unhappy but outnumbered and outmaneuvered by his siblings. "Very well. Go."

As I turn to leave so do the others. I look to them and they nod as if to say 'What do you expect sea-weed brain, we're with you all the way.'

Without another word, we turn and leave the throne room. The heavy gaze of the gods follows us, but I refuse to look back. My focus is on Estelle, her innocent eyes an anchor for me in this sea of turmoil.

We make our way back to the mortal world, heading to my Mother's apartment. It's a place filled with love and memories, a sanctuary far removed from the grandiosity of Olympus.

Once we reach there we unlock the door and enter the apartment, once in there we all collapse onto furniture and sit there silently for hours, each dealing with their grief in their own ways. Hazel, Frank, and Jason who had not lost as much as Piper and Percy decided to take care of the two. They consoled them and cooked them dinner. They helped Percy take care of Estelle and put her to bed, Percy had no idea what he was doing and was terrified. Piper yet again stepped up and helped take care of the infant. After dinner was cooked, the baby was fed and put to bed, the five gathered around the kitchen table, and Perseus almost cried when he opened the microwave and found Blue chocolate chip cookies. Wolfing them down, before even touching the Mac and cheese Hazel and Frank cooked. Not much was said, each person shell shocked. They retired to bed after dinner, Percy sleeping in Estelle's room with the baby, he realized it was his old room before falling off to sleep.

The next day Nico showed up, with a blonde boy and Reyna. Reyna had hugged Percy and to everyone's surprise Piper as well. They gathered around the table for breakfast Percy holding Estelle tight and finally had the discussion they all had been avoiding.

Nico starts, his voice quiet but steady. "Percy, I wanted to tell you that your mom and Paul are in Elysium. They're at peace."

I nod, a lump forming in my throat. It's a small comfort, knowing they're in a good place, but it doesn't lessen the pain of their loss. "Thank you, Nico."

I hesitate before asking the question that's been haunting me. "What about Annabeth?"

Nico winces, looking at me with a mix of sorrow and understanding. "She needs one more good life to enter the Blessed Isle. She decided to go for it. She wanted to say goodbye, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She knew she wouldn't have the strength to go for reincarnation if she had seen you. She wanted you to move on and she's sorry."

The words hit me like a tidal wave, leaving me shell-shocked. My face pales, and for a moment, I can't breathe. Everyone around the table watches me, expecting anger or despair. But instead, a chuckle escapes my lips, surprising even me.

"Wise Girl always was an overachiever," I say, my voice trembling but managing a smile. "I don't blame her. I didn't want to hold her back. I'll never move on, though. I know that. My fatal flaw won't let me betray Annabeth."

Silence falls over the room, thick with the weight of my words. My friends exchange worried glances, but I can see their relief. They thought I'd be consumed by rage or grief, but instead, I've accepted it. At least, as much as I can.

Reyna speaks up, her voice firm yet gentle. "We're here for you, Percy. Whatever you need, we're not going anywhere."

I look around the table, seeing the support and love in their eyes.

"What are we going to do about the gods?" Jason asks, breaking the heavy silence.

"How much more do we need to lose because of their pride and foolishness?" I add, feeling the weight of our collective losses.

Piper shakes her head in agreement. "Leo, Annabeth, our families. No matter what we do, they always want more. Even our parents… we're just pawns," she mutters darkly.

Nico nods, his expression determined. "I say we disappear. Look for Leo and start somewhere new, maybe Europe."

Everyone gasps. "Leo is alive?" Jason whispers, eyes wide.

Nico smiles. "Yes, he is. He died but then came back."

Hazel gasps, "The Elixir of Life from Asclepius!"

Frank's eyes go wide. "That clever bastard."

I look to them all, feeling the weight of my responsibility. "I can't leave Estelle."

They all look at me with understanding and resolve. "Of course not," Piper says. "We're in this together. We're not leaving you to raise her alone, and where is safer than with the most powerful demigods of this age?"

"So we take the Argo, find Leo, and then settle in Europe," I list off. "All while hiding our actions from Olympus and our parents? Sounds good to me. I'm done with the lot of them. I'll miss my dad, but I'll write him, tell him I'm safe and to not look for me."

"Same," Nico and Will say simultaneously.

"Same," Hazel and Piper echo.

"I'll leave my dad on read," Jason says, laughing.

A sense of determination and unity settles over us. We've faced gods, monsters, and countless battles together. This is just another challenge, but this time, we're doing it for ourselves and for those we love. As I hold Estelle close, I feel a flicker of hope. We'll find Leo, and together, we'll forge a new path far from the reach of the gods.