CHAPTER SIX: OLYMPUS

As Artemis' chariot descended toward Olympus, the weight of everything that had happened pressed heavily on Perseus.

The power he had taken from the Ophiotaurus still coursed through him, humming beneath his skin, an ever-present reminder of the choice he had made. His thoughts were a whirlwind of doubt, guilt, and apprehension at what awaited him at the top of Mount Olympus.

Artemis stood at the front of the chariot, her expression unreadable as she guided the silver deer through the clouds. Thalia, Zoë, and Grover sat silently beside him, each lost in their own thoughts. The battle had been won, but none of them felt victorious.

Perseus' eyes drifted to Thalia, her gaze fixed on the horizon, her shoulders tense. She had taken on the weight of the sky, something no mortal should ever have to endure, and yet she had done it without hesitation.

In her eyes, he saw the same resolve, but also a deep exhaustion that mirrored his own. They had both carried unbearable burdens that day, and now they had to face the consequences.

As the peak of Olympus came into view, shining golden against the evening sky, Perseus's heart pounded. This was not the first time he had stood before the gods, but this time was different. This time, he wasn't just another immortal, not just their equal.

Now, he had the power to destroy them.

The chariot touched down at the foot of the grand marble steps leading to the Hall of the Gods. Towering statues of Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, and the other Olympians loomed over them. The air felt thick with anticipation as the group disembarked.

"Stay close," Artemis said quietly to Zoë, Grover, and Thalia. Then she turned to Perseus, her silver eyes locking onto his. "Do not speak unless spoken to. The gods will not be… merciful."

Perseus raised an eyebrow. He wasn't sure he could stay silent if the gods accused him of things he had no control over.

Together, they climbed the stairs, each step heavier than the last. The massive bronze doors of the throne room creaked open as they approached, revealing the assembly of gods within. Every Olympian was there, their towering forms seated upon their thrones, eyes fixed on the small group entering the hall.

Zeus, king of the gods, sat in the center, his expression thunderous. His eyes blazed with a mixture of fury and suspicion as he gazed down at Perseus. Next to him, Poseidon watched his son with a troubled expression, his sea-green eyes filled with concern. Athena sat straight and rigid, her storm-grey eyes softening at the sight of a bloodied Perseus.

The air crackled with divine power, an energy that made the hair on Perseus's neck stand on end.

"Perseus," Zeus's voice boomed, filling the vast hall. "Step forward."

Perseus stepped out from behind Artemis. The eyes of the gods were all on him now, their judgmental stares piercing through him.

"You have taken the power of the Ophiotaurus," Zeus continued, his voice cold and unforgiving. "A power that could destroy us all. Do you realize what you have done?"

Perseus took a breath, his voice steady but laced with the weight of everything he had endured. "I did what I had to do to stop Atlas. If I hadn't sacrificed the Ophiotaurus, there might not be no Olympus to destroy."

"And what do you plan to do with this power now, boy?" Zeus voice cut in. "You hold the means to bring about the end of Olympus. How do we know you will not use it against us?"

"I don't want your power," Perseus said firmly, meeting her gaze. "I never asked for this. You know this."

"Yet you took it," Zeus growled. "And now you must answer for it."

There was a heavy silence as the gods exchanged glances, some with doubt, others with anger. Hermes shifted uneasily, while Aphrodite's expression was one of amused interest. But it was Poseidon who finally spoke, his deep voice echoing through the hall.

"My son acted to save his friends and to prevent catastrophe," Poseidon said, his voice calm but firm. "He does not seek the destruction of Olympus."

"But the power is in his hands now," Zeus shot back, his eyes narrowing. "That is the danger."

"You will not touch him, Zeus, or so help me-"

"Perhaps the danger lies not in Perseus," a new voice spoke, soft but with undeniable strength. It was Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, who rarely spoke in the meetings of the gods. "Perhaps the danger lies in how we choose to handle this."

The gods fell silent at her words.

Perseus stood tall. "I won't be your pawn," he said quietly, but with determination. "I won't destroy Olympus. But I won't let you decide who I am, either. I decide that."

Zeus's expression darkened, but before he could speak, Athena stepped forward. "Perseus saved Olympus today, whether you wish to admit it or not," she said, her voice sharp. "Perhaps we should be grateful for his actions, not condemn them."

Perseus felt the eyes of the gods burning into him, but he refused to back down. He had made his choice, and whatever came next, he would face it on his terms.

"Very well," Zeus finally said, his tone grudging. "But understand this, Perseus - Olympus will be watching you. One wrong step, and you will face the consequences."

Perseus raised an eyebrow. "Maybe it is I who should be watching Olympus. I did not take the power out of greed, but out of necessity. I have done nothing but protect the people you claim to care about. If you don't trust me, that says more about you than it does about me."

The hall fell into an uneasy silence. The gods exchanged tense glances, some bristling at his words, others appearing thoughtful. Poseidon's face remained impassive, but his eyes gleamed with pride. Hestia's calm expression betrayed no surprise at Perseus's defiance, while Artemis's gaze flickered between the demigod and Zeus, waiting for the response.

Zeus's thunderous scowl deepened. Lightning crackled faintly at his fingertips. "You tread a dangerous line, Perseus. The gods are not accustomed to being questioned."

Perseus met her gaze, unflinching. "Maybe it's time someone did."

There was a long, heavy pause. Perseus stood his ground, his resolve unshaken.

Ares laughed. "He has a point, you know."

Zeus finally let out a slow breath, his expression hard. "You are bold, Perseus," he said, his voice low and rumbling. "Perhaps too bold. But for now, we will allow you to keep the power you have taken - under one condition."

Perseus's eyes narrowed. "And what's that?"

"You will swear an oath," Zeus declared, his tone leaving no room for argument. "An unbreakable oath that you will not use this power against Olympus, nor against the gods. Should you ever violate that oath, the consequences will be dire."

"What's the point?" Perseus said. "You know full well Styx cannot force me to do anything, and even if she could, she respects me quite a bit more than you. I could simply ask her to absolve the oath, and you'd be none the wiser."

He paused.

"But I'll swear the oath," Perseus said after a moment, his voice clear. "Know this, however: I won't stand by if the gods hurt the innocent. I am not your enemy, but I'm not your puppet either."

The gods remained silent, but it was clear that Perseus had drawn a line, one that would not be easily crossed.

Zeus gestured, and a faint rumble echoed through the hall. "Then speak your oath, Perseus Jackson."

Perseus stood tall, feeling the weight of countless eyes upon him. "I swear on the River Styx," he said, his voice strong, "that I will not use the power of the Ophiotaurus against Olympus or the gods - unless it is to protect the innocent."

Thunder rumbled in the distance, sealing the oath. A cold, solemn silence followed, broken only by the faint crackling of Zeus's lightning.

"Very well," Zeus said at last, though his tone carried a note of finality. "But the daughter of Atlas should have died. The Fates decreed it."

"And I stopped it," Perseus said. "The Fates can come to me if they wish."

"What about Thalia?" Athena said.

Perseus whirled on her. "What about her?"

Athena seemed a lot less confident under his gaze.

She hesitated, her storm-grey eyes briefly flickering to Thalia, who stood quietly at Artemis's side. "She took on the weight of the sky," Athena said, her voice more measured now. "That is no small feat for a mortal. She, too, has crossed a line, and her future may now be uncertain."

Perseus stepped forward, his gaze hard. "Thalia carried the sky because she had no choice. Just like I took the Ophiotaurus's power because there was no other way. We didn't ask for this. If you're going to judge her, then you'll have to judge me, too. What do you choose, Little Owl?"

Athena's lips pressed into a thin line, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. It was rare for her to be at a loss for words, but Perseus was no regular person.

"Thalia Grace is under my protection," Perseus declared. "Whatever consequences she may face for her actions today, I am also to blame."

Lightning coursed through Zeus' beard. "She is my daughter! I will not have you take her from me!"

"And yet, I have spent more time with her than you ever have."

Artemis spoke up. "A compromise, then. If she accepts, Thalia Grace will be a part of the Hunt."

Thalia nodded. "I accept." For a second, her skin seemed to glow silver.

Zeus's eyes narrowed, but he seemed to consider Artemis's words. "Very well," he said grudgingly, though his tone still held an edge. "As a member of the Hunt, my daughter will be exempt from any further scrutiny. But let it be known, Artemis - her actions today will not be forgotten."

Artemis inclined her head in acknowledgment, though there was a fierce protectiveness in her gaze as she looked at Thalia. "Neither will her bravery."

"Then I suppose," Dionysus said, "we shall celebrate the defeat of Atlas, and the return of our friend."

The gods cheered, and one by one, they went over to the hall and raised their goblets in a toast to the defeat of Atlas. The tension that had filled the hall moments ago seemed to ebb away as laughter and conversation gradually took over.

Zeus gestured to Perseus. "Walk with me."

Perseus hesitated for a moment, then nodded, falling in step with Zeus as they moved away from the rest of the gods. The sound of laughter and clinking goblets faded behind them, leaving only the quiet hum of the mountaintop wind. The two walked in silence.

Zeus led them to a secluded balcony overlooking the vast expanse of the city below. Dark clouds swirled ominously in the distance, as if mirroring the storm that still brewed within the king of the gods.

"You planned it, didn't you?" Zeus asked.

"Planned what?"

"You placed Thalia under your protection, knowing I would not accept it, knowing that Artemis would make her a hunter as a compromise."

Perseus shrugged. "It is not my fault you are predictable."

"You spoke boldly back there," Zeus said, his voice low but charged with intensity. "Few have the nerve to speak to me in such a manner. If it wasn't for all you have done, for all that us Olympians respect and love you, you would have been smote. Anyone else would have been. You have changed, Perseus."

"I have not changed, I have merely stopped caring what you think of me."

"I am the king of the gods, Perseus."

"No one knows the truth, do they? You didn't kill Hyperion, I did. You didn't fight against Iapetus, I did. We fought against Kronos as a united front, not just you."

Zeus looked at Perseus. "I could strike you down right now."

He shrugged. "And where would that leave you? Too long I have been the silent blade of Olympus. Too long. You made me a weapon, sharpened, ready for nothing but war. You created a soldier, a warrior, a destroyer, then asked for peace."

Zeus' thunderous gaze narrowed, but Perseus pressed on, his voice rising, passion pouring out like a river breaking free of its banks. "You wanted peace, but only after you bathed me in blood. You used me in your games, pushed me into battles I never asked for, and now you expect me to stand idle, to pretend I don't see what you've become."

The King of the Gods stood, the full weight of his power shaking the very foundations of the throne room. "You will watch your tone, Perseus. I am the King of Olympus. It is I who decides what is necessary. I am a god"

Perseus took a step forward, his jaw tight, eyes blazing with a fire that dared Zeus to strike. "It is ironic. You are a god playing god."
"Explain." Zeus said, his eyes alight with electricity.

"What is a god, Uncle, if not a relic of humanity? You think because you were born more powerful than mortals, the very mortals you need to exist, that you are king of all things."

Zeus snarled, the sky outside darkening as storm clouds gathered. "I am the ruler of Olympus! The protector of the realms! I do not answer to mortals."

Perseus' lip curled in defiance. "You call yourself protector, yet all I've seen is destruction. You demand worship, yet you hide from the truth - you need mortals. Without them, without us, you are nothing. The gods exist because humans believe in you. Without their belief, without their lives, you'd fade into nothingness."

Zeus bristled, but Perseus pushed on, his voice hard and unrelenting. "You play at being gods, ruling over a world you don't understand, a world you depend on but never admit. You fight amongst yourselves, wage wars, make sacrifices, but you can't see that the real power isn't in Olympus. It's in the hearts of those who believe. Mortals built this world, and you-" he jabbed a finger toward Zeus- "you've been pretending it's yours."

For a moment, Zeus was silent. The tension in the air was thick, the clouds outside swirling, lightning flashing ominously in the distance. Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, Zeus leaned forward, his voice low and dangerous. "You think you know the burden of godhood, Perseus? You think the weight of Olympus is something that mortals could carry? Your arrogance blinds you."

Perseus met his gaze, unflinching. "No, Uncle. It's your arrogance that blinds you. You sit here on your throne, deciding the fates of mortals as if they were nothing but pieces on a board, but you've forgotten what it means to fight, to bleed, to die. You've forgotten the very people who gave you power in the first place."

Zeus' hand tightened around the armrest of his throne, electricity sparking from his fingertips, but Perseus was undeterred. "Without us, you have no Olympus. Without the blood of mortals, your power means nothing. And one day, Uncle, when the belief fades and the last mortal has turned their back on the gods - you will fade too."

"I am a god, Perseus. You would be wise to remember that."

Perseus laughed. "So what? Your immortality means nothing to me. Godly immortality, with all its fancy parlour tricks - flashing, shapeshifting, divine forms - is not true immortality. As it stands, I am the only one who has true immortality. I cannot die, reform, or fade. I am forever undying."

Zeus' eyes flashed with fury as Perseus' words echoed in the throne room, his divine power crackling in the air. "You - a demigod - would claim something greater than the gods themselves?"

Perseus stood tall, undeterred by Zeus' rising power. "I don't claim it, Uncle. I am it. You, with all your lightning and your throne, can reform when your body is struck down, but you are bound to the faith of mortals. You fade when they no longer believe. But I… I cannot die, I cannot reform, I cannot fade. You know this. You have known this. You just refuse to accept it."

Zeus' fingers twitched, sending sparks flying from the armrest. "This gift, do you believe it yours only?"

Perseus met Zeus' fiery gaze. "You think it's a gift?" He shook his head. "No, Uncle. It's a curse. A curse that I have borne for centuries. While you fight to remain relevant, I walk through time, watching kingdoms rise and fall, watching even the gods themselves struggle for meaning."

Zeus' fury swelled, but something in Perseus' words gave him pause. His thunderous voice softened. "Why do you speak of this curse as though it gives you power over me? You are still but a child of Olympus."

Perseus laughed, the sound full of irony. "A child of Olympus? Is that what you still think I am? I built Olympus."

Zeus' eyes narrowed as Perseus took a step forward, his voice gaining a new edge. "Do you know what Atlas said to me on the mountain, when I fought against him?" His expression darkened, the memory sharp as a blade. "He looked at me, with all his strength and bitterness, and said, 'Named by a god, named by a mortal, birthed from both, yet you are neither.'"

Zeus' brow furrowed, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face, but Perseus pressed on. "I am the first demigod," he continued, his voice low and dangerous. "I will be the last demigod. But I am not even that. I have outlived the label, outgrown the title. You and the rest of Olympus - you gave me power, sent me to the farthest corners of the world, tested me against your enemies and your allies alike. But in doing so, you forged something you didn't understand."

Perseus' eyes gleamed, his voice like steel. "I am not bound by your rules anymore. I am not a pawn in your game, and I am not a demigod tied to the whims of fate or the flickering belief of mortals. I am beyond that now. Atlas saw it. He knew that while I was named by a god and mortal, I belonged to neither." He turned on his heel, back to the festivities.

Zeus' silence was heavy, the weight of Perseus' words hanging in the air like a storm waiting to break. For the first time in centuries, the King of Olympus found himself questioning the power he thought he had over this ancient warrior.

ETERNITY

The party was, for lack of a better word, crazy.

Dionysus was handing out god-level alcohol like it was candy on Halloween, the Muses were singing everything from Beethoven to modern pop. Laughter was everywhere.

As Perseus moved through the crowd, he felt eyes upon him - some curious, some wary, but all intrigued.

"Percy!" Dionysus called, his voice cheerfuls. "Care to join in on the fun? We have ambrosia cocktails that could knock a titan off his feet!"

"Not tonight, Bacchus," Perseus replied, a small smile breaking through. "I have people to talk to talk to."

He scanned the room until he spotted Thalia and Zoe nestled in a quieter corner. Thalia's trademark spiky hair danced with every laugh she shared with Zoe, whose usual stoicism seemed softened by the festive atmosphere.

As he approached, he caught snippets of their conversation.

"-and then I told him, if he couldn't handle the heat, he should stay out of the forge!" Thalia exclaimed, throwing her head back in laughter.

Zoe rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. "It seems even Hephaestus has his limits."

Perseus grinned, feeling a warmth in his chest. "Save me a drink, will you?" he teased as he joined them.

Thalia's smile brightened. "Finally decided to mingle? We thought you were going to stand there brooding all night!"

"I was just-" he started, but the laughter bubbling around them drowned out his words.
Perseus grumbled something about annoying daughters of Zeus.

Before he could say much more, he was interrupted by a voice he recognised.

He turned to see Athena, her presence commanding even amidst the merriment.

"Perseus," she greeted, her tone warm. "I see you've chosen your company wisely." Athena glanced at the spear strapped to his back. "And your weapons wisely too."

"Just catching up with old friends," he replied, trying to keep his tone light.

"Old friends?" Athena raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her lips.

As the celebration continued around them, Perseus felt the need to step away from the jovial atmosphere for a moment. He motioned for Athena to join him in a quieter corner of the grand hall, where the music softened to a mere background hum.

"Thanks for coming over," he said, his tone shifting to one of seriousness. "I appreciate your support, especially tonight."

Athena regarded him thoughtfully. "You carry a heavy burden, Perseus. I can see it weighs on you, even amid the laughter."

He ran a hand through his hair, a habit he'd developed when he felt unsettled. "I thought maybe tonight would be different. I hoped I could push those thoughts aside, even for a little while."

"You cannot escape what you are," she said gently. "Nor should you wish to. It is your nature to confront what lies ahead, even if it brings you pain."

Perseus sighed, looking past her at the dancing figures. "It's just… I feel so disconnected from everything and everyone. I've faced Titans, monsters, gods, yet here I am, surrounded by friends, and I can't shake this feeling of being an outsider."

Athena stepped closer, her gaze piercing but warm. "You are not an outsider. You have forged your path, one that diverges from the expectations of Olympus. It is both a gift and a curse."

"What do you mean?" he asked, his brow furrowing.

"Your existence defies the conventional boundaries of demigod and god," she explained. "You possess power that comes from both sides, but with that power comes the risk of isolation. You've outgrown the titles that once defined you."

Perseus shook his head, frustration bubbling to the surface. "I didn't ask for this. I never wanted to be a threat. I just want to understand who I am and find my place."

"Then seek that understanding," Athena urged. "Embrace your duality. There is strength in being neither fully one nor the other. You can carve a new path, one that could lead to unforeseen possibilities for all of us."

"You really think so?"

"I know so," she said firmly. "But you must be prepared to face the challenges that will arise. The gods will not accept change easily. They cling to their power, and they will fight to keep it."

Perseus nodded, feeling a sense of clarity wash over him. "Thank you, Owl. I'll do my best."

He took a deep breath, feeling slightly lighter. "Now, about that ambrosia cocktail…" he said with a hint of a grin, ready to rejoin the celebration.

Athena chuckled softly. "Very well."

"Perfect timing!" Dionysus shouted from across the room, lifting a sparkling glass in their direction. "Get your drink, my friends! The night is still young, and the festivities are just beginning!"

With a shared grin, the duo made their way to the bar where Dionysus mixed drinks. The cocktails shimmered in their glasses, swirling with colors that danced like fireflies.

"To new paths!" Dionysus toasted, his grin infectious, handing both drinks. "May your journeys be filled with laughter and a touch of divine chaos."

They clinked their glasses together, the sound ringing out like a promise. Perseus took a sip, the flavors exploding on his tongue - a perfect blend of sweetness and warmth.

Apollo appeared out of nowhere. "Athena drinking? What has the world come to?"

Athena arched an eyebrow. "I can enjoy a drink just like anyone else, Apollo. Even goddesses need to celebrate."

Apollo's laughter rang out, bright and melodious. "True, true! But you have to admit, it's a rare sight." He turned to Perseus, his expression shifting to one of genuine interest. "And you, my friend! How's it been with you?"

Perseus smiled. "Well, it feels like I'm in pretty good company."

Dionysus leaned in, a conspiratorial grin on his face. "I like to think it was my impeccable taste in cocktails that drew you in!"

Athena rolled her eyes playfully, but there was a warmth in her demeanor. "Just don't let it go to your head, Dionysus."

"Too late for that!" Dionysus retorted, raising his glass in a mock toast. "But seriously, it's good to have you back, Perseus."

"It's good to be back," he responded. Turning, he noticed Hestia waving at him. "I'll go see what Aunt Hestia wants."

"Don't be too long!" Apollo said. "Hermes wants to talk to you."

Perseus nodded. He made his way through the vibrant party, weaving past dancing figures and clusters of laughter, until he reached Hestia, who stood by a small flame, poking it with a stick.

"Perseus!" she exclaimed, her voice soothing and welcoming. "I'm glad to see you. How are you finding the festivities?"

"It's a bit overwhelming," he admitted, glancing around at the chaos. "But it feels good to be among friends."

Hestia smiled, her eyes reflecting the warmth of the flame. "Family is important, especially in times of change. I wanted to speak with you about your plans. You've been given a great responsibility, and I believe your heart is in the right place."

Perseus felt a swell of gratitude. "Thank you, Hestia."

"I admire your ambition," Hestia replied, her expression thoughtful. "But be cautious. Not all will welcome change. Remember, the hearth is the center of family and home. Your journey will be challenging, but you'll always have a place here."

He nodded, absorbing her words. "I appreciate that. I want to create a space where everyone feels accepted, even if it means facing opposition."

"And that's why we need you," she said, still prodding the flame. "You have always made us stronger, forcing us to change. Even when we don't want to."

He rolled his eyes. "That exact stick almost burnt down Athens."

Hestia chuckled. "Ah, but the fire brought renewal, didn't it? Sometimes, destruction is necessary for new beginnings."

Perseus smirked. "You're sounding very much like a true goddess of the hearth, always finding the silver lining."

"Someone has to," she replied, her expression softening. "Change can be difficult for us, but it can also lead to unexpected beauty. Your determination to forge a new path may lead us to greater harmony, if we allow it."

He glanced at the flickering flames, feeling a sense of resolve building within him. "I just want to ensure that no one feels excluded in the process. I want to be… a bridge between worlds, not a wall."

"Wise words," Hestia praised, her gaze steady. "And remember, it's not just about what you want; it's about what everyone needs. Listen to their voices, understand their fears. Only then can you lead effectively."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Exactly," she said, her voice warm and encouraging. "Keep that fire within you alive, but also ensure it doesn't consume you or those around you. You have a unique gift, Perseus. Use it wisely."

Before he could respond, Hermes strolled over, his playful grin back in place. "Still talking? I thought we came here to celebrate!"

Perseus rolled his eyes, though he couldn't suppress a smile. "Just some friendly advice from Hestia. You know, the usual."

"Ah, advice from the goddess of the hearth!" Hermes exclaimed, feigning shock. "What's next? Are we going to discuss the meaning of life over ambrosia?"

Hestia shot him a mock glare, but her lips twitched in amusement. "Perhaps we should, Hermes. After all, you could use some lessons on wisdom."

"Touché," he replied, hands up in mock surrender. "But really, Perseus, you need to loosen up a bit. Join the festivities! There's plenty of time for serious discussions later."

Perseus considered it for a moment. "You're right. I could use a break from all the heavy thoughts."

"Now you're talking!" Hermes said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Come on, let's find some good music and dance! Life is too short to spend all your time pondering the fate of Olympus!"

"Just don't let me embarrass myself," Perseus warned, chuckling as he followed Hermes back into the party.

He stepped onto the dance floor, ready to embrace the chaos and joy of life among friends, knowing that this moment was just as vital as the battles ahead.

Finished! How'd y'all like it? The gods all seem to like or respect Percy, except for Zeus, but he's a cunt.

Review responses:

zilla boi: Thanks! I enjoy writing the relationship.

Payton cepeda: Thank you!

Vallier2417: Thank you so much! That twist was fun to write.

Frey: No-one. Percy subverted fate.

Guest: Make an account, trust me. It'll be well worth it.

danielchester998: Thanks! Athena and Percy are great to write.

Robotdocter: Bessie was a necessary sacrifice. Maybe someone else might use her in Tartarus... and Percy obviously won't go against Olympus. The spear is gonna be basically this version of Percy's Riptide. Thanks!

Guest: Updated!

Turtle: Thank you! I wanted Perseus to be powerful, but I didn't want to make him defeat Atlas too easily. Yup, the gods love Percy, who wouldn't? Thanks again!

Guest: Done!

That's about it! Quick question - for those who have read my new fic The Wisdom of Water, would you want me to delay a chapter for Eternity for a week so I could make a chapter for that fic?

Anyway, see you guys soon!