End of Blood of Olympus

Piper

Piper couldn't believe her eyes. She had other things to worry about, of course, (Jason being blown to ozone smelling bits was pretty high on that list) but after over a month of wondering who Percy's soulmate could be she finally saw the other end of his string. She had assumed she'd never know who his destiny entailed. She'd come to terms with the fact that most people didn't have a string she could see, and those she did probably didn't have close enough contact with the other end. But right in front of her, she watched as the goddess of maidenhood argued for her boyfriend's life with a little red string tied around her finger.

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Zeus

Zeus had doubts when Perseus originally refused immortality. He understood, of course it was difficult to watch mortals pass away who had claimed a piece of one's heart, especially when his fatal flaw was personal loyalty, but there was an obvious problem that needed addressed on Olympus, and Perseus Jackson was the perfect person to address it.

The boy had made a habit of calling the gods out on broken promises and poor decisions. Any lesser being would have been killed ages ago for the disrespect he often showed. Perseus, however, continued to stand up for those around him and would wave away the idea of rewarding himself when he sees others so obviously in need.

Zeus had made many poor decisions in his lifetimes, but he never intended to forget his children. He never intended to make them suffer. He wanted someone to hold him, and all the other gods, accountable. Even as just a demigod Perseus rose to that challenge.

Would it be so bad to accept immortality? Would he truly hate the domains of accountability and loyalty?

The choice would be the boy's, but he needed the chance to make it. That's why Zeus was meeting his brothers only a day into the reconstruction efforts after the war with Gaea.

"What is it?" Poseidon sighed as he arrived at the arranged area.

"We have to wait for Hades."

"I'm here," replied the disembodied voice of his older brother. Zeus rolled his eyes; he hated that helm.

"I have an idea, and I would need your blessing," he nodded to Poseidon, "and your help," he nodded to Hades, "to bring it to fruition."

Both brothers stared at him, waiting for him to continue. Neither had much patience with everything going on in all the kingdoms.

"Well," Zeus huffed, reigning in his temper, "it's about Perseus."

This elicited a glare from Poseidon.

"He has brought to my attention that we are doing a pretty poor job attending to all of our duties. Ignoring Calypso was cruel, shutting Olympus's doors was disastrous, and our disrespect towards the minor gods has yet to be corrected." His audience of two shifted, but their expressions remained unreadable as he laid out the reasoning for his gift.

"We've already established that Olympus is willing to host another god, and I've thought their domains could include accountability and loyalty. And I still believe Perseus would fill this role nicely."

"I agree," started Poseidon, "but he has already declined when we offered last year. You will not force this upon him." His glare was menacing as hidden threats were laced in his statement.

"I wish to gift him a pendant that when he dies, naturally I might add, he does not ferry off to the underworld. Instead he will enter a council of three, us, and be offered the choice of godhood once more."

"I could make such a pendant, but I warn you, when he considers the offer I want him to be fully informed," stated Hades.

"What do you mean?" asked Poseidon.

"This is his third incarnation. If he accepts, he will be passing on the Isle of the Blest. It would not be fair to not inform him."

Zeus nodded gravely. That complicated things. Either way, the choice would be Perseus's.

"As long as Percy is allowed an informed choice, I will grant my blessing," said Poseidon.

"Will you pass on the pendant as well?" asked Zeus. He doubted the hero would accept it from him.

"Of course."

"Well, Hades? Shall we begin?"

Moments later, a small silver pendant was placed on a leather cord. One side depicted the Isles of the Blest in black etchings, while the other showed Olympus in golden carving.

Zeus watched from afar as Poseidon asked Perseus to never take it off. The boy offered a lopsided grin, "Thanks Dad." Zeus smiled at the exchange and turned to look over his own son, Apollo.

This would not be the first time Apollo was cast from Olympus. He wanted his son to truly learn what devastation his oracles caused. Accountability… Apollo needed to know it too. But in what way would Zeus need to show accountability for the actions he was about to take?