"A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are made for."
POV: Third person
"Perseus Jackson," Zeus thundered at the kneeled figure beneath him, "You have been accused of treason of the highest degree. How do you plead?"
"Guilty," he crowed. The crowd gasped, surprised at his admission. He carried on, "Guilty of ever trusting the Godly world. Guilty of saving Olympus from its dethroning. Guilty of failing to save those worthy of living. Guilty of letting h - her die."
He followed the last statement with a burning glare towards the stoic boy sitting in the crowd as if though what he'd done never happened. With his green eyes burning vengefully, his last words, as heard by all there, were not but a mumble in the wind. A voice filled with fervor. One etched with pain.
"Would you like to know the worst part about betrayal?" He began to chuckle humorlessly, "It's that it never comes from your enemies."
Zeus's blonde brow furrowed together and his frown deepened as his anger grew. The impudent mortal.
"Let it be known the final words of Perseus Adonis Jackson have been spoken. For his crimes I, Zeus, King of the Gods, Ruler of the Skies and the Olympian Council by unanimous vote sentence Percy Jackson to death. However, being as I am benevolent, I will allow you one final request. You will then accordingly be sent to the gallows."
"I need nothing from you." hissed the being wrapped in chains.
''May Thanatos have mercy on your soul, Τέρας because Hades will not," whispered Hermes from his throne. (Monster)
The great halls of Olympus then fell silent and somber like the dead in the Asphodel fields.
"Wait!" cried Hestia from her seat in The Hearth, "Before you send him for slaughter I ask to speak with him. Alone."
"Very well, Sister." Zeus said, likely grateful the tense atmosphere had been broken before he had to step in, "Your wish will be granted. You have ten minutes to do what you must. Your time starts now."
All twelve Gods stood at once followed by the consecutive kneeling of those around them. One by one the Gods vanished into a bright light and the room began to empty.
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"What do you wa-" Percy got out before being pulled into a hug.
"I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry," Hestia murmured, her voice thick with tears and sorrow. "I should've done something, anything but I couldn't. I didn't."
His eyes widened in shock. A Goddess. Apologizing. "It's all right. There's nothing you could have done, they already made up their minds long before the vote."
"But I could've -- I should've tried to prevent it." Hestia howled.
"Lady Hestia." Percy hesitated, " Of all the gods and goddesses I've met... you are without a doubt the most warm-hearted, least arrogant of them all."
She chuckled into his shoulder, "Thank you, Perseus. But really, a pun? You're about to die and you crack a joke. Warm Hearted," She whispered under her breath.
"Eh, humor never dies," he said shrugging, genuinely smiling for the first time in what seemed like years. "But I'm not going to die. Not yet. I owe it to all the people who fell in the wars to keep doing good. I owe it to Annabeth. I'm going to travel the universe, purging nations of corrupt leaders, saving people and hopefully finding some peace. She'd always talked about visiting new places."
"A worthy goal for a hero such as yourself," said Hestia wiping her eyes. "But there's something I must ask of you. Will you do such good in my name? I would be honored if you allowed me to bless you and take the name of my Champion."
"It is I who would be honored, κυρία μου. I humbly accept your offer." hummed Percy, bowing. (My Lady)
"Then I, Hestia, hereby name you my Champion and grant you the powers of the Hearth. Use my gifts for good and serve the people in my name. May you one day return to me all that you desire to be." she chanted her amber eyes glowing and her hair blowing in an invisible wind.
"Η Φωτιά Μέσα Μου," said Percy. (The Fire Within Me)
Hestia smiled. "You now have control over fire, the ability to summon meals, to heal wounds and, of course, partial immortality. Good luck, my Protathlitís. I hope these powers help you on your journey." (My Champion)
Percy looked up and Hestia was staggered. His eyes seemed to ignite, the green jumped and danced like flames, constantly moving. They were scorching. Powerful. Dangerous. "Our time is almost up, so, for now, all I can do is thank you, κυία μου." (My Lady)
"Goodbye, my Protathlitís." She smiled sadly, summoning a black cloak and throwing it over his shoulders. "Now go. Before they return. I will pretend you escaped your chains and buy you some time." (Champion)
He nodded and disappeared into the shadows fleeing all he knew. 'How did we get here, young hero?' thought Hestia watching her Champion hurry farther away. 'The answer to that is quite simple,' the voice in her head spoke. "προδοσία." (Betrayal)
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Word Count: 874
Not a bad start if a bit short. Now you guys are probably wondering what exactly lead up to this point and I promise that you'll see what in the next chapter. For now, don't be a silent reader, let me know what you think and if you have a good idea for a future adventure for our hero make sure to send me a message. I hope you enjoy the chapter.
προδοσία = Betrayal
Protathlitís = Champion
κυρία μου = My Lady
Η Φωτιά Μέσα Μου = The Fire Within Me
Τέρας = Monster
VOUS LISEZ
Son Of The Sea
FanfictionThe war was over. There were no armies to be lead, nor villains to be defeated. So the mightest of the heroes was cast aside. Suddenly, those who fought for good had forsaken the best of them. And so the question of right and wrong emerged, an echo...
