Previously..

Within minutes, it was over.

The battlefield, once a chaotic storm of violence, was now eerily silent. The Acropolis was in ruins, the scars of battle etched into every stone. The air was thick with the scent of blood and destruction, but the war—at last—was won.

Poseidon looked down at his son, still unconscious in his arms, and exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The gods had won. Olympus had been saved.

But at what cost?

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Chapter 2: Unexpected Dreams

Percy POV

Darkness. That was the first thing I noticed. Not the comforting kind like a quiet night under the stars, but a deep, endless abyss that stretched forever in every direction. It was the kind of darkness that made you feel weightless, like you weren't really there at all.

Was this what death felt like?

I blinked—at least, I thought I did—but nothing changed. No light, no sounds, just the overwhelming emptiness pressing against me. I tried to move, but there was no floor beneath my feet, no air to push against, just... nothing.

Then, the memories came.

They flickered around me like movie projections in the dark. Moments of my life playing out in vivid detail. I saw myself as a little kid, running through Central Park, laughing as my mom chased me. I felt the warmth of her hands, the way she picked me up and spun me around. The memory shifted—I was older, at Yancy Academy, sitting alone at lunch while Nancy Bobofit and her gang whispered and laughed. The sting of loneliness hit me like a punch to the gut.

The images kept shifting, faster now. The first time I met Annabeth, her stormy grey eyes calculating as she sized me up. Grover's panicked bleats as he tried (and failed) to act human. My first real quest, battling Ares on the beach.

I watched myself grow, fight, bleed. Every victory. Every loss. Every sacrifice.

Then, the worst moment of all.

Annabeth.

Her wide, terrified eyes staring at me from inside that stone coffin. The earthen spear flying toward her—

I tried to scream, to move, to do anything, but my body wouldn't respond. I was trapped, forced to relive it all, the sharp, unbearable agony of loss tearing through me like wildfire.

"You are not dead, son of Poseidon."

The voice was deep and filled with authority. It cut through the darkness like a blade, yanking me back to reality. I turned sharply—suddenly, I could move again.

In front of me, three figures sat behind a massive stone table. They weren't just powerful; they radiated something beyond even the gods—

The one in the center, a man with skin the color of the deep ocean, inclined his head slightly. "Take a seat."

For the first time, I noticed a chair across from them. My instincts screamed at me not to sit, to stay standing, to prepare for a fight if necessary. But there was something about their presence that made me hesitate. Not fear—just the overwhelming knowledge that I was in the presence of beings far beyond my understanding.

Slowly, I stepped forward and lowered myself into the chair.

The woman on the left was stunning in a way that wasn't quite human—her eyes held the rolling waves of an endless sea, her hair shifting like foam on a restless tide. She smiled warmly. "I am Thalassa, the primordial of the sea."

The man in the center, the one who had first spoken, nodded. "I am Pontus, also the primordial of the sea."

The final figure, a woman with a veil covering her face, her presence more ominous than the others, finally spoke. "And I am Ananke, the primordial of fate."

I swallowed hard. I'd fought Titans, Giants, and even a primordial before—but this? Three of them? My gut told me this wasn't a battle, but I still felt like I was standing at the edge of something huge.

I started to rise to bow out of respect, but Thalassa immediately waved me down, clicking her tongue. "None of that, dear. You are like a grandson to me."

I blinked. "Uh… what?"

Pontus chuckled, his deep voice like waves crashing against cliffs. "We are the sea, Perseus. We have felt your presence from the moment you were born. And we have watched."

Thalassa smiled. "You care for the ocean in a way few do. Not just as a tool for battle, but as something alive, something to be respected and loved. You have treated it as more than just an extension of your power. And for that, you have endeared yourself to us."

I had no idea how to respond to that. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. "Uh… thanks?"

Ananke's voice cut through the warmth like a knife. "Ever since you set foot into the divine world, you have shifted the balance."

The air around me grew heavier. My fingers curled into fists. "The balance?"

Thalassa sighed, her expression turning serious. "The universe is delicate, child. Even the smallest ripple can cause great waves. And you, my dear, have caused more than ripples."

Pontus nodded gravely. "Your actions have reshaped the course of history. You have changed destinies, saved those who were meant to fall, destroyed those who were meant to rise."

I frowned. "So… what? You're saying I messed up fate?"

Ananke tilted her head. "You have challenged it."

A shiver ran down my spine. I wasn't sure I liked where this conversation was going.

Thalassa reached forward, placing a gentle hand over mine. "Do not misunderstand. You have done great things, Perseus. But great things always come with consequences."

I swallowed hard. My mind raced, trying to piece together what they were saying, what this all meant for me.

Pontus leaned forward slightly. "And there are even greater things ahead."

My gut twisted. "What do you mean?"

Before he could answer, I blurted out the one question I was almost afraid to ask. "Is there going to be another war?"

Silence.

Then, Pontus gave a slow, solemn nod. "Yes."

I exhaled sharply, staring down at the table as frustration burned in my chest. Another war. Another fight. Another battle that only I could stop. My fingers dug into my palms. "Of course there is."

Thalassa's expression softened, but she didn't say anything. Ananke, however, tilted her head. "You are the only hero who can do what must be done."

I let out a bitter laugh. "Because I've always been."

"No," Pontus said. "Because you are the only one who would fight for the world, not for yourself."

I looked up, meeting his gaze. And for the first time, I saw something in his eyes that I hadn't seen in many immortals before.

Respect.

And that terrified me more than anything else.

Pontus's gaze softened, but there was an edge of something—wisdom, perhaps, or the burden of foresight—that made their words sink deeper. "You've only just begun to understand your own potential, Perseus. What you faced, that power, it's nothing compared to what's coming."

My heart thudded. "What do you mean?" I asked, feeling a chill creep up my spine.

Thalassa leaned forward slightly, a soft smile crossing her lips. "You've always been connected to the sea, my dear. Since birth, you've been bound to a power far greater than you could fathom. But it has been locked away. And it is time to unlock it."

I blinked, my mind racing. "Locked away? What do you mean?"

Pontus exchanged a brief glance with Thalassa, his expression unreadable. "The power within you has been suppressed since your birth, Perseus. It was a choice made by your mother—to keep you from the entirety of your power."

I couldn't comprehend what they were saying. The power I had already wielded, the things I'd done, had felt like more than enough. But hearing them speak like this… it was like they were telling me I hadn't even scratched the surface.

Thalassa's gaze softened as she leaned closer. "But you can't use it all at once, child. If you try, the divine energy will tear you apart."

I swallowed, my throat dry. "So what do I do?"

Ananke, ever quiet until now, spoke with a soft, emotionless tone that still held an eerie power. "You must train, Perseus. For two years. Only then will you be ready to master this power."

Two years. The thought of it made my chest tighten. I had never really had time to rest. My whole life had been a whirlwind of battles, losses, and near-death experiences. And now, I was being told I had to wait even longer before I could face the next war? The frustration burned in my gut, but I pushed it down.

Before I could voice my frustration, Thalassa smiled. "But first, child, we are giving you a gift."

I frowned, not quite understanding. "A gift?"

Pontus's gaze turned serious. "It's time for you to wield what you've always had inside you. We are unlocking your true power."

I froze. Unlocking my power? That was not what I expected to hear. I could barely wrap my mind around the idea of something even more powerful than what I'd already used. "But what—what exactly does that mean?"

Thalassa's voice was warm, like the caress of ocean waves. "You've been given the potential for greatness. We are giving you the means to access it. But it will take time. It will take control."

I wanted to ask more questions, to protest, but before I could speak, Pontus nodded to Ananke, and suddenly, something shifted in the air between us. The void around us began to crackle with energy, and from the space between the three Primordials, a weapon appeared.

My breath hitched.

A sword.

It wasn't just any sword. It was a xiphos—three feet long with a glimmering blade that shimmered with a strange, ethereal glow. The metal of the blade was a darker gray. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It hummed with power, a subtle vibration that echoed deep within my chest.

Thalassa's voice brought me back to reality. "Your old blade was destroyed, but now you have this."

Pontus nodded. "I forged this with my own hands. I used a mix of celestial bronze, olympian silver and stygian iron." He paused, "Typically, it cannot be forged due to the materials' different origins clashing, but with the help of my ichor during the curing of the metals, they infused together."

"Perseus, what you have in front of you is something that has never been done before." Thalassa slowly stated.

"It is a weapon of the sea—of the ocean's very heart. And within it are three locks. Each lock will release your power in stages, when you are ready."

I stared at the blade, my fingers itching to reach out and take it. But I hesitated.

The blade was a godly weapon. It had to be. It was crafted by the Primordials themselves. And yet, I couldn't help but wonder if I could control it.

"Locks?" I asked. "What do you mean?"

Thalassa leaned forward. "The locks will release your true potential, but only when you are ready. It's a gradual process. You won't be able to wield it fully all at once. You need to learn control."

Pontus's gaze grew intense. "Because if you misjudge how much power to put behind attacks, even slightly, the consequences could be catastrophic. Not just for you, Perseus, but for everything around you. You must master control, or you will destroy the world you are trying to save."

I took a step forward, still unsure of how I felt about all this. "So, this sword is part of my growth? Part of unlocking my power?"

"Yes," Pontus said, his voice firm. "And you will unlock its power as you grow stronger. As you train and learn to control it. But remember this: It will take time. Your full power is beyond anything you've ever imagined."

I let that sink in, the weight of his words pressing down on me. Power beyond anything I could imagine? That terrified me. And yet, at the same time, it was impossible to ignore the pull of the blade, the call of something within me that yearned to wield it.

I reached out, my fingers brushing the hilt, and felt an immediate rush of warmth flood through my hand. The sword was cool to the touch, but it vibrated with a subtle heat, as if it were alive.

"How do I make it disappear?" I asked, still staring at the blade.

Pontus gave a small nod. "Picture the xiphos fading away or shifting into a different form."

I concentrated, imagining the sword transforming. Slowly, the blade shrank and morphed, until it settled as a bracelet around my right wrist.

Pontus smiled faintly. "Good. You will need it, Perseus. You are the only one who can save this world. And whether you are ready or not, the storm is coming."

Ananke's eyes glowed softly. "Now sleep, child. You have a surprise waiting for you when you wake."

The world around me faded to darkness once again, and I fell into an endless void.

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When I first opened my eyes, the world was a blur of bright light. For a moment, I thought I was still dreaming, maybe in some kind of limbo. My head felt heavy, my vision fuzzy, and there was a constant, annoying beeping noise around me. I rubbed my eyes, trying to clear the haze, but it didn't help. The brightness only seemed to intensify. I squinted, trying to adjust.

And that's when I realized… I wasn't in some dream.

I was in a hospital room.

I could feel the soft, sterile sheets beneath me, the coldness of metal near my skin, and the tight feeling around my body that made me feel like I'd been wrapped up in a cocoon. I rubbed my face again, blinking rapidly, trying to make sense of my surroundings. My body was wrapped in golden bandages. Not like a typical hospital wrap but something much more intricate. It shimmered, a faint glow tracing along the edges, and it made me feel like I was being held together by something otherworldly.

Machines beeped around me, and I could feel the slight pull of wires attached to my body—monitoring, tracking, healing, I guessed. But I wasn't exactly sure who'd done all of this. I didn't remember anyone putting me in a hospital.

And then I heard it.

A familiar voice.

"Percy, you're awake."

I froze.

Poseidon.

It took me a moment before I could speak. My voice felt foreign to me, cracked and hoarse, like it hadn't been used in days. "Dad?" I croaked.

I tried to sit up, but my body was stiff, sore, as if every muscle had been stretched to its limit and then some. I winced, then let out a frustrated breath. "What happened?"

He snapped his fingers and a glass of water appeared at my side. I didn't question it. My throat felt like sandpaper, and the water tasted like a gift from the gods themselves. I drank it in small gulps, trying to moisten my mouth enough to speak.

Poseidon's voice came again, this time much softer. "I'm glad to see you awake, son. You've been out for a while."

I looked at him, but the room was too blurry, too bright for me to focus on him properly. The light above me seemed to hang like a glaring spotlight, and it made me feel disoriented. I rubbed my eyes again, trying to adjust to the reality around me.

"How long?" I muttered, still feeling the weight of the past battle sitting on my chest. The fight with Gaea. It felt like it had just happened, yet everything felt off, out of place.

"Two weeks," Poseidon answered, his voice laced with a subtle relief. "It's been two weeks since the battle."

Two weeks?

A cold dread settled in the pit of my stomach. "Two weeks? That means… how's everyone else? What happened to them? Are they okay?"

My voice cracked a bit as I asked, my mind racing through the faces of everyone I cared about. Jason, Nico, Reyna, the others—were they alright? Had they made it through the chaos? Or were they…?

Poseidon's warm laugh interrupted my spiraling thoughts. "They're fine, Percy. Everyone's healed. Back to normal. They were waiting on you to wake up before the ceremony. You know, the award ceremony."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. Everyone was okay. But still, the thought of everything that had happened… I couldn't shake the weight of the final battle. The exhaustion, the overwhelming surge of power I'd barely been able to control, and then—Annabeth. Her face flashed in my mind, and I couldn't stop the pang of grief that hit me like a truck.

The lump in my throat grew, and I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to push the pain away. I didn't want to break down here, not in front of my dad. Not when I hadn't even processed everything that had happened.

But then I felt it—Poseidon's hand, resting gently on my shoulder. His touch was warm, a comfort I hadn't realized I needed.

"You're alright, son," Poseidon said softly, his voice full of understanding. "It's okay to feel everything you're feeling."

I tried to hold back the tears, but they came anyway. Silent at first, just a few drops that I wiped away. But soon it was too much. I clenched my fists, trying to contain the emotions threatening to overflow. Annabeth. My heart broke every time I thought about her, about how I couldn't save her. I couldn't do it, couldn't keep her safe, and the pressure of that failure felt like it would drown me.

Poseidon didn't say anything, but I felt his presence there, a silent pillar of support as I let the sobs come. It wasn't like the cry of a child or the kind of sobbing you do when you're frustrated. It was deeper, rawer—grief that I didn't even realize I was holding back. The loss. The pain. The knowledge that I would never see her again.

It felt like my heart was being ripped apart, and I didn't have the strength to fight it.

"I'm sorry," I whispered through the tears, choking on the words. "I couldn't—"

"You didn't fail her, Percy," Poseidon said, his voice unwavering. "You loved her. And that's what matters."

I looked up at him through blurry eyes, unable to find the right words. He nodded at me, a silent understanding passing between us.

"Now," Poseidon said, his voice shifting back to something more practical. "I'm going to go tell the others you're awake. But I want you to get dressed for the ceremony, alright? They've been waiting on you."

I nodded, not trusting my voice. I needed to process everything, to understand what came next.

Before he left, Poseidon turned back to me, a small, reassuring smile on his face. "And Percy…"

I looked up at him, wiping away the last of my tears.

"Sally's been worried sick about you," he said. "You should go see her after you're discharged. She's been waiting too."

I didn't answer, but I nodded. I knew that seeing her would be bittersweet, but I couldn't let it go any longer.

And then, before I could say anything, Poseidon flashed out of the room in a swirl of sea-green light.

The room fell into silence again, but it wasn't as cold or sterile as before. I took a deep breath, feeling the past two weeks settle over me. The loss, the grief, the uncertainty of what came next.

But for now, all I could do was prepare for what was coming. The ceremony. The awards. The next phase of this strange, strange life of mine.

And maybe, just maybe, I'd figure out how to keep moving forward.

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I woke up to the sound of a door creaking open. A familiar golden glow filled the room as Apollo strolled in, his usual easygoing smirk plastered on his face.

"Ah, the hero awakens," he said, striding toward my bed. "How are we feeling, champ?"

I groaned, pushing myself up against the headboard. My entire body still ached, but it was nothing compared to how I felt right after the battle. "I'm fine," I muttered. "Ready to get out of here."

Apollo raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? Because last time I checked, nearly overloading yourself with divine power isn't something you just shake off."

I waved him off. "I've had worse."

That part was true. I'd been through enough near-death experiences to fill a Greek tragedy. But still, something felt… different this time. Maybe it was because I had actually felt my body giving out, breaking under the weight of too much power. Or maybe it was because—

I pushed the thought away. I couldn't go there. Not now.

Apollo, of course, wasn't buying it. "Alright, tough guy, let's see you stand then."

I rolled my eyes and swung my legs over the side of the bed. My feet hit the marble floor, and I took a deep breath before pushing myself up. For a second, I thought I had it—until the entire room tilted sideways. My knees buckled, and before I could faceplant into the ground, Apollo was there, steadying me with one hand on my shoulder.

"Whoa there," he said, guiding me back onto the bed. "Let's not rush things."

I scowled. "I had it."

"Sure," he said. "And Hermes never cheats at poker."

I sighed and rubbed my temples. "So what now? You gonna keep me here forever?"

Apollo shook his head and reached into his pocket, pulling out a small glass vial filled with something thick and green.

I gagged just looking at it. "Oh gods, what is that?"

"Medicine," Apollo said, popping the cork. A sharp, pungent smell immediately filled the air, like someone had blended seaweed, old gym socks, and monster breath into a smoothie.

I recoiled. "That is not medicine. That is a biohazard."

Apollo smirked. "I'd offer you nectar or ambrosia, but, your body's already overloaded with godly energy. If I give you any more, you might actually spontaneously combust."

I frowned. "Okay, but did you have to make it smell like that?"

"Drink up, cuz."

I pinched my nose and downed the whole thing in one gulp. Immediately, my stomach lurched. The taste was somehow worse than the smell—like expired herbal tea mixed with rotten fish. I gagged and nearly spit it out, but Apollo crossed his arms and gave me a look that said don't even think about it.

After a few painful seconds, I forced myself to swallow. "I hate you," I rasped, coughing.

Apollo grinned. "Love you too, buddy."

The worst part? It actually helped. The nausea that had been lingering since I woke up faded, and the aching in my limbs dulled to something more manageable.

Apollo clapped his hands together. "Alright, you're good to go. Get dressed. You've got places to be."

I glanced over at the chair next to my bed, where someone—probably my dad—had left a fresh set of clothes. I pulled on my Camp Half-Blood T-shirt, a pair of jeans, and strapped on my bracelet—the one I had gotten from the Primordials.

It was ominous against my wrist, a reminder of the dream I had.

Taking a steadying breath, I stood again. This time, I stayed upright.

Apollo nodded approvingly. "Much better. Try not to pass out on your way to the throne room."

"No promises," I muttered as I headed for the door.

The moment I stepped outside, I felt a hundred stares on me.

The streets of Olympus were busy, but the second people noticed me, they froze. Minor gods, nymphs, satyrs—everyone stopped what they were doing to watch as I walked past. Some whispered among themselves. Others just stared, wide-eyed, like they were looking at something out of legend.

And then some of them—actually bowed.

That sent a shiver down my spine. I had never wanted that kind of attention. I wasn't a god. I was just… me. But after what had happened in the battle, after everything I had done—

I clenched my fists and kept walking, ignoring the stares as best as I could.

The throne room wasn't far now. Whatever Zeus and the others had planned, I just wanted to get it over with.

The massive doors of the Olympian throne room loomed before me, their golden surface reflecting the ethereal glow of the city of gods. My heart pounded in my chest, though whether it was from nerves or lingering exhaustion, I wasn't sure. I took a deep breath and pushed the doors open.

The moment I stepped inside, all conversation ceased. The air was thick with anticipation as every god, demigod, and immortal being in the room turned to stare at me. For a second, I just stood there, blinking against the light of the grand chandeliers above. Then, before I could react, my friends rushed toward me.

"Percy!" Hazel was the first to reach me, wrapping her arms around me in a hug before pulling back quickly, as if afraid she might hurt me. "You're okay!"

"You had us worried, man." Leo grinned, but there was something softer in his expression—relief, maybe. "I mean, I knew you wouldn't die or anything, but still."

Frank patted my shoulder, careful but firm. "You really slept through the last two weeks?"

I forced a smile. "Guess I needed my beauty sleep."

They laughed, and for a moment, it almost felt normal. Almost. But then my gaze flickered toward Annabeth's usual spot beside me, and the weight in my chest returned. I swallowed the lump in my throat and pushed the thought aside. Not here. Not now.

Jason approached next, a knowing look in his eyes. "Good to see you, Percy."

Piper elbowed him. "Yeah, you gave us a heart attack, Seaweed Brain."

I smirked at the nickname, but before I could respond, a booming voice interrupted us.

"Silence."

The room immediately quieted. Zeus sat on his throne, his piercing gaze scanning the gathered demigods. His expression was unreadable, but I could tell he was in his usual bad mood—not that it was a surprise. Next to him, the other Olympians watched with varying degrees of interest. Dionysus was grumpy from being awoken from his nap, which wasn't a shock. Poseidon, on the other hand, gave me a small nod, his sea-green eyes filled with pride.

Zeus continued, "The time has come to honor the heroes of this war, I will start with the seven."

The room seemed to hold its breath. Then, one by one, Zeus began calling my friends forward.

"Jason Grace."

Jason stepped up, his back straight, his chin high. Zeus regarded him for a moment before shifting into Jupiter and saying, "For your bravery and leadership my son. We offer you minor godhood, a place among the immortals. You will be the minor god of lightning and the sky."

Jason exhaled, glancing back at us before nodding. "I accept."

A ripple of energy surged through the air as Jason's form glowed faintly with newfound power.

Next, Zeus called Piper, then Hazel, then Frank, and finally Leo. Each of them accepted, their domains being granted to them one by one:

Piper became the minor goddess of charmspeak and persuasion.

Hazel was granted dominion over precious metals.

Frank became the minor god of shapeshifting and warfare strategy.

Leo took his place as the minor god of fire, forges, and craftsmanship.

I clapped for them, but my hands felt heavy. These were my friends, and they were becoming something more than demigods. Would they still be the same? Would we still be the same?

"Reyna Avila Ramírez-Arellano."

Reyna stepped forward, her expression unreadable.

Zeus continued, "For your unwavering dedication and service, you shall be granted partial immortality. You will be promoted to the immortal consul of New Rome, guiding it for generations to come."

Reyna bowed. "I accept, my lord."

The power that surged around her was different from Jason's or the others'. It wasn't full godhood, but it was something close.

Then Hades stood. "Nico di Angelo."

Nico stepped up, his face neutral, though I could tell he was holding back emotions. Hades studied him for a long moment before saying, "You have proven yourself beyond measure. If you accept, you shall be my lieutenant, a minor god of shadows, death, and the Underworld."

Nico hesitated, then nodded. "I accept."

A pulse of darkness surrounded him, vanishing just as quickly as it appeared.

Then, all eyes turned to me.

Poseidon rose from his throne. "Perseus Jackson."

I stepped forward, trying to ignore the way my hands clenched into fists at my sides.

"My son," Poseidon said, his voice steady. "You have once again proven yourself as the greatest heroes of all time. We offer you full Olympian godhood."

A murmur spread through the room. Jason glanced at Piper in confusion. "Again?" he whispered.

Piper's jaw tightened, and she muttered back, "He declined last time. He wouldn't leave Annabeth."

I exhaled slowly. Every ones eyes on me, but my answer hadn't changed.

"I appreciate it," I said, my voice steady. "But I have to say no."

A mixture of reactions filled the room—some surprised, some knowing, some frustrated. Zeus looked like he wanted to smite me just on principle.

Poseidon sighed, though I could see the ghost of a smile on his lips. "Then what would you ask of us?"

I first demanded that they all swear on the River Styx to uphold these promises, making sure there would be no way for them to go back on their word. Zeus, looking thoroughly annoyed, swore the oath.

I took a deep breath. "Three things."

The gods listened as I laid out my requests: Hades and Hestia getting their rightful places on the council, the innocent Titans finally being freed, and the minor gods being would be given shrines and proper cabins at Camp Half-Blood, ensuring that their children would always have a place to belong.

The silence that followed was heavy, but then Hestia stood, her warm gaze settling on me. "Thank you, Percy." She wrapped me in a hug, her presence soothing, before stepping back.

Hades approached next, shaking my hand. "You've done more for me than most realize," he said quietly. "You will always be welcome in the Underworld, nephew."

I nodded, not sure what to say.

Before Zeus could officially conclude the ceremony, Poseidon spoke again. "One last thing."

I blinked as he turned to me.

"You always ask for others, never for yourself." Poseidon's tone was firm. "That changes today."

I opened my mouth to argue, but Poseidon raised a hand. "I am granting you partial immortality."

Sea-green light engulfed me, and I gasped as power surged through me. It wasn't overwhelming, but it was... different. Like my body had been reinforced, strengthened in ways I didn't fully understand yet.

When the light faded, I let out a breath. "You didn't even let me argue."

Poseidon smirked. "Did you think I would?"

Zeus cleared his throat. "The ceremony is concluded. Let the celebration begin!"

As soon as he said it, Dionysus, Apollo, and Hermes sprang into action. A grand feast appeared, music filled the air, and the Olympians broke into a full-blown party. Someone—probably Hermes—laughed and said, "A mortal party is nothing compared to a godly one."

I watched as my friends celebrated, but I felt... detached. Like I wasn't really there. Poseidon must have noticed because he stepped beside me.

"Come," he said. "Let's talk."

I didn't argue. As the party raged behind us, I followed my father to a quiet corner of the throne room, bracing myself for whatever conversation was about to come.

The conversation started slowly, an awkward silence stretching between us before Poseidon finally spoke. His voice was soft, but it held years of unspoken thoughts.

"I'm proud of you, Percy," he said, his gaze steady. "More than you'll ever know."

I didn't know how to respond to that. The words felt strange, like I wasn't really the one he was talking to. Sure, I knew I'd done some big things—things no other mortal could've done. But hearing it from him... from my dad? It hit differently.

"I just wish I could've been there for you more," Poseidon continued, looking away for a moment, as if the words were harder for him to say than they should've been. "For you and Sally both. You deserved better. You both did."

I stood there for a moment, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Dad, it's fine," I said quietly. "You've done what you could. And... mom made up for it."

Poseidon's eyes softened, though there was a flicker of regret in them. "She was always strong. I... couldn't ask for a better mother for you, Percy. But I should've been there. For you. For her. For both of you."

I swallowed hard, the sadness that had been hanging around me, ever since I woke up, felt heavier now. It didn't help that Annabeth wasn't here to share this moment, either. Everything just felt... wrong.

"You've always done your best," I replied, trying to reassure him. But the words felt hollow, even to me.

Poseidon didn't seem convinced. His eyes met mine again, filled with a quiet sorrow. "I should've done more. I wanted to be there for you, especially after everything you've been through. I'm sorry I wasn't."

I didn't have the heart to tell him that there was no perfect solution to the mess of our lives. That even if he had been there more, things might've turned out differently, but maybe not better. Instead, I just nodded. "It's okay, Dad. You're here now. That's what matters."

There was another long silence, but this one was more comfortable, like we both knew the things we couldn't say, the things we couldn't change. And for a moment, I felt like I wasn't the only one carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.

Poseidon sighed and pulled me into a hug, his strong arms wrapping around me like a wave crashing in the ocean, steady and sure.

When he pulled back, he gave me a long, serious look. "You're my son, Percy," he said quietly. "And I'm proud of you, no matter what."

I nodded, trying to hold back the tears. But the lump in my throat was getting harder to ignore.

"I... I just want to go home," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Poseidon's face softened, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. "Of course," he said gently. "I'll get you back to Camp Half-Blood."

"Thanks, Dad," I said quietly, and before I could say anything else, Poseidon nodded, his eyes full of understanding.

With one last look, he stepped forward, lifting his hand. A sea-green light engulfed me.

In an instant, I was gone.

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Make sure to join my discord server. We have polls, in-story character images, helpful mods, and lots of others interested in the story, updates will be announced there every time, I personally will be responding to everyone there so if you have questions or suggestions, head over!

Link here: discord . gg / KYGHq67HKF (Remove Spaces Please).

If you are finding this story and you are interested in my writing, I have another story that is more developed with a God!Percy, so if you are interested go to my profile and check out Storms of Olympus!

Also, I'm currently in the process of looking for beta-readers. I want to establish a mini team (3-4) of people who can beta-read chapters before I publish them. If you are interested, shoot me a DM on Discord (jayvee100) and I'll get back to you. I only ask that you be available to beta-read often and that you are willing to give a helping hand. This is done to maintain quality and make sure that each chapter is the best it can be.
Thanks,
Jv.

As always, feel free to review, comment, kudos, like, or favorite the story to support me! I look forward to reading all constructive criticism.