Chapter 6 ~ 5 Years Later:
Piper's PoV
I watched Percy chasing Estelle around with Leo and Calypso while Jason and I looked on, laughing. I rubbed my belly and smiled at Jason. Estelle was about to have a companion to play with soon. She had been pretty much adopted by all of us. Perseus had taken to being a father figure very well, while everyone else was like an uncle and aunt to her. We had all changed, our scars healing ever so slowly.
I looked around me. Mont Blanc had flourished, and each one of the ten founders had a palace that represented them, similar to the Olympians on Mount Olympus. Being so close to many homelands of gods, the Seven had mingled with different pantheons. Each had, to some degree, found themselves a mentor. Jason had Thor, Frank had Loki, Nico had Anubis and Hela, Will had Ra, I had Lady Freya, Reyna was taught by Lady Sif, Leo had Baldr, Hazel and Calypso had Hecate. Hecate wanted to find Hazel after they all disappeared so she could finish Hazel's training. Due to her mastery of magic, she had found us, she had promised to keep us hidden, and only come to us in secret to train Hazel and Calypso but eventually, she decided to join us in exile. Other minor deities joined as well. Triton became another uncle to Estelle and grew very close to Percy, Nemesis, and Morpheus soon after Hecate. The only Olympian who had joined us was Hestia, who found us due to her domain. Our new family was like a beacon to the Goddess of the Hearth. We made her promise to keep our home a secret, and she agreed. She visited often, and two years after our self-imposed exile, the most surprising thing happened. She asked Percy, whom she had admired greatly ever since he gave her Hope during the first Titan war—yes, that Hope from Pandora's box—if he would like her to adopt him and Estelle.
Never before in history had Hestia adopted anyone. It was rare for gods to do, as it couldn't be undone, and it was as binding as if they were true blood children. The adopted child would inherit the adoptive parent's powers, just like any true blood child. Hestia had never had a child and always wanted one, but she never found a child she truly connected with. As a maiden goddess, she couldn't or wouldn't have a child the other way. After holding Estelle and spending time with Percy, she knew they both were connected to her; they pulled at her very soul, her domain. Perseus's loyalty and how he valued his family and loved ones above all else had truly touched her heart.
Perseus accepted, feeling honored. Hestia truly held to her word when she said she'd be a mother to both of them. Perseus's heart healed faster due to Hestia's nurturing nature.
Percy had changed the most. He would never truly get over the loss of Annabeth, but he was healing. He was strong for Estelle, whom he saw more as a daughter than a sister, though he made sure she knew of their mom and her father. He had been taken under the wing of two gods, two of the greatest gods in all of existence: Lord Odin the All-father, and Lord Tyr, god of war.
As I looked at Percy, I could see the changes. He sported a black beard which was braided with silver and gold, and his hair was long, falling below his ears. He had grown into a strong young man, tall at 6'3" and strong as an ox, yet lithe and lean. His black hair still had that strip of silver from his time under Atlas's burden. His eyes glittered again, it had taken years for them to regain that lively, joyful glitter. Jason watched his friend play with Estelle, a smile on his face. Jason, Percy, and Nico had become what their fathers should have always been. They were more brothers than their fathers were, despite only technically being cousins.
We had tried to set Percy up, minor goddesses, and even Titans (thanks to Calypso for trying), but he refused to move on. His entire focus was on his pseudo-daughter and the burgeoning family in Mont Blanc.
I looked around at the many palaces. Morpheus, Nemesis, and Hecate had built their own, and they were just what you'd expect. Leo's palace looked like a mix between a medieval forge and a modern factory, filled with the constant hum of machinery and the glow of molten metal. Jason's was made of marble, with blue crystal windows that shimmered in the light.
I lived with him, but still had my own palace. Mine was a blend of my Native American heritage and Greek heritage, with intricate beadwork and totemic designs interwoven with classical Greek architecture. Frank's palace was a building of shifting hues, with statues that morphed from animal to animal, embodying both his Roman discipline and his Chinese heritage.
Calypso's palace looked as if it was taken directly from Bronze-Age Greece, with frescoes and art depicting her family, the Titans. Hazel's palace was adorned in purple and black, encrusted with diamonds, gold, and other rare metals and jewels. Nico's looked like a lich's castle, dark and foreboding, befitting a prince of Hades. Reyna's was purely Roman, resembling a fort, warlike and disciplined.
Will's palace was tasteful, Marble and Gold with a light that shone with a soft and nurturing glow that both calmed and healed, with beautiful art all over it. Music filled the air whenever you drew near. Lastly, Percy's and Estelle's palace was marble white mixed with black, like a yin and yang, with silver trimming and sea-green waves painted on. Coral and shells were scattered throughout, and driftwood was used often. The silver trimming glowed at night. The furniture was comfortable and homey, and a grand hearth dominated the center of the building in honor of Perseus's and Estelle's adoptive parent. Hestia spent much of her time living in Percy's palace, which caused her siblings to suspect something was odd, but she kept her promise.
Chapter 7 ~ Three Years Later
Percy's PoV
Eight years had passed since we chose exile on Mont Blanc. Our new home had grown into a haven, a sanctuary where our children played under our watchful eyes and the eyes of our new mentors and friends.
Estelle, my sister, and pseudo-daughter, had grown into a remarkable young girl. Gifted with Hestia's powers, she had an innate ability to calm any situation and summon food with a mere thought. Her bright spirit and natural leadership made her the center of our small community.
Tristan, Jason and Piper's son, had inherited powers that echoed his parents' lineage. At a young age, he could already control the winds, a skill he used with mischievous delight. More surprisingly, he had been caught using charm speak, a trait that brought laughter and caution in equal measure.
Emily, Frank, and Hazel's daughter, was a marvel in her own right. As just a one-year-old, she could shape-shift effortlessly, transforming into an animal with a childlike innocence. Even more astonishing, she had a penchant for summoning diamonds, creating a collection that dazzled us all.
As I watched Estelle, Tristan, and Emily play together, their laughter echoing against the backdrop of Mont Blanc's majestic peaks, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace. Our decision to leave Olympus and forge our path had been challenging, but seeing our children thrive filled me with a deep sense of pride.
Mont Blanc itself had transformed with our presence. Each of us had our palaces, reflecting our journeys and the gods who guided us. Estelle's and mine, in particular, stood out with its marble-white structure adorned with sea-green waves and silver trimmings. It was a home filled with warmth, where Hestia often visited, fulfilling her promise to be a mother to both Estelle and me.
Our days were filled with learning and growth. I continued my studies under Odin and Tyr, gaining wisdom and strength that helped heal the wounds of loss and betrayal. I had accepted Hestia's adoption, forming a true mother-son bond with her. She became almost a grandmother to Estelle, something I was thankful for given the lack of both a grandmother and grandfather figure in our life.
Jason, Piper, Frank, Hazel, and the others were also thriving. Their mentors had taught them skills that went beyond combat and magic—lessons in leadership, compassion, and the importance of family. Together, we created a community where everyone played a part in shaping our future.
As the sun set over Mont Blanc, casting hues of gold and crimson across the sky, I sighed, feeling at peace, something I thought i'd never achieve
But for now, as Estelle giggled while Tristan conjured a playful breeze and Emily transformed into a tiny deer, I allowed myself a moment of peace. Here, on Mont Blanc, surrounded by those I loved and who loved me in return, I knew that we had found our true home.
Chapter 8: Training Continues
Percy's PoV
Mont Blanc had become our sanctuary, a place of peace and growth away from the tumultuous world of the gods. One evening, as I sat in Calypso's garden—a haven of vibrant flowers and lush greenery—a familiar shift in the air signaled the arrival of my mentors. The gentle rustling of leaves was replaced by the distinctive shimmering of ravens appearing through magical travel.
Huginn and Muninn, Odin's ravens, materialized first, their feathers glistening in the twilight. They hovered momentarily before dissolving into wisps of smoke that coalesced into the form of Odin himself. His single eye gleamed with ancient wisdom and a regal presence.
A moment later, another figure emerged from the shadows—a tall, calm, and kind presence. Tyr, the god of war, walked towards me with his usual serene demeanor. His eyes, full of wisdom and stern kindness, met mine as he nodded in greeting.
"Percy," Odin began, his voice resonating with the weight of ages, "it is time to continue your training."
"We've covered much already," Tyr added, his tone gentle yet firm. "But there is always more to learn, more to understand about yourself and your destiny."
We walked deeper into the garden, past blooming flowers and enchanted trees, to a secluded area where Calypso had set up a tranquil space for meditation and practice. The beauty of the surroundings was a constant reminder of the balance we sought to achieve—strength and wisdom, power and compassion.
Odin gestured to a small pool of water, "Percy, focus on the pool," he instructed. "Today, we will move onto your next lesson, we will not look to the past but to the present." He whispered an incantation and the water rippled. "Next time you will cast that spell, I'll leave you a book to study." I groaned, "At least give me one translated into English, please." I begged. Odin looked at me without smiling and said, "No." Sighing I turned to the pool.
I gazed into the water, concentrating. Over the past few years, under Odin's guidance, I have been taught how to perceive the intricate web of fate. First, we started with the past, which was terrible as my past sucked. Though Tyr was happy, as it allowed him to work on my, as he calls it 'Warriors Spirit'. He wished to clear my mind to improve my combat abilities. Now, I focused on the here and now, letting the images come to me. The water began to show scenes from Mount Olympus. The gods were gathered for a meeting, and voices were raised in heated debate. I could hear snippets of conversation—Hades and Zeus arguing over who Mother Rhea favored more.
The absurdity of their argument struck me, but then I realized with a jolt that this was happening now. It was the summer solstice meeting. "How are we able to see this?" I asked, astonished. "I thought Olympus had fail-safes to prevent spying."
Odin chuckled, his laugh deep and resonant. "My magic and power are as old as Zeus's grandfather Ouranos, whom I knew. These fail-safes are nothing compared to the ancient knowledge I possess. With time, you will learn to be greater than even us."
We moved from the pond to a nearby clearing perfect for combat training. Tyr drew a battle axe, his expression serious. "Combat is not just about strength," he said, his voice calm yet commanding. "It's about understanding justice and sacrifice. You must know why you fight, violence without reason robs you of purpose and in the end, if an enemy doesn't defeat you, you will." Tyr couldn't be any more different than the other Gods of War I've met. Unlike say Ares or Mars, Tyr hated war and sought to end them before it started. I respected him for that more than I respected perhaps any other being. He had become an important part of my life, more than a mentor, he had become a big brother or even a father. I never got to have the relationship with Poseidon that I wanted. He loved me and would wage war to protect me, I loved him more than words could express, but due to the stupid ancient laws, I never got to have him as a father. I couldn't ask him for advice or tell him my fears and desires. I'd never tell him this as it would be unfair and cruel. He had given so much up for me and I would not let him down, but it was sadly the truth, and I couldn't lie to myself, not anymore.
We began to spar, the clash of our weapons resonating through the garden. Tyr's movements were precise and deliberate, each striking a lesson. He pushed me, testing my limits, but always with the intent to teach.
"Combat can also be a form of therapy," Tyr stated between strikes. "What do you fight for, Percy?"
"I fight for my family, for those I love," I replied, parrying his blows.
"Good," Tyr said, his eyes narrowing in concentration. "But you must also confront your trauma and grief. They can be used against you, or for you. The choice is yours, learn from it, gain wisdom from it, or let it consume you, turn you from the path of righteousness."
I nodded and parried his strike towards my head. "I understand," I muttered to him, already panting.
"Do you? Have I ever told you about Tolkien?"
"Huh?" I asked, what does Lord of the Rings have to do with learning from grief?
"Everything." Tyr spoke, "I hate when you read my mind!" I yelled.
Tyr smiled and Swung at my legs, I dove out of the way before striking at his head.
He blocked and continued speaking. "Nienna is the Goddess of grief and sorrow but also pity and courage. She does not wallow in it, no instead she learns from it, she is the Goddess of wisdom. She was Olorins mistress, along with Manwe. She knew of all the hurt in the world, and yet she used it to learn. Learn Perseus from the woe of this world. Learn mercy, learn pity and above all else learn to care."
As we dueled, our conversation delved deeper into these topics of—loss, grief, and justice. Tyr spoke of the sacrifices he had made, the patience he had learned. He tried to force me to come to terms with my past and losses, to understand that they were a part of me but did not define me.
"You must learn to accept the past, to embrace the future," Tyr said, delivering a powerful strike that I barely managed to block. "And remember to learn Restraint and patience. These qualities will make you a stronger leader."
Our training session continued into the night, the garden illuminated by the soft glow of magical lanterns. Odin's lessons in wisdom and foresight complemented Tyr's teachings in combat and justice. Together, they were shaping me into a leader and protector for my family.
In the evenings, after the day's rigorous training, I often found myself reflecting on the lessons in the serenity of Calypso's garden. The beauty of the flowers, the tranquility of the water, and the gentle hum of life around me provided a soothing backdrop.
Calypso's garden had become more than just a place of beauty. It symbolized growth and balance, the harmony between strength and wisdom. Here, amidst the flowers and greenery, I was becoming more than just a demigod. I was becoming a leader, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
With Odin and Tyr's continued guidance, I was learning to navigate the threads of fate, to wield power with justice, and to lead with strength and compassion. And as I looked toward the horizon, I knew that with their teachings, I was prepared for whatever the future held.