New York City
Percy's POV
Flying was bad enough for a son of Poseidon, but flying straight up to Zeus's palace, with thunder and lightning swirling around it, was even worse.
We circled over midtown Manhattan, making one complete orbit around Mount Olympus. I'd only been there once before, traveling by elevator up to the secret six-hundredth floor of the Empire State Building. This time, if it was possible, Olympus amazed me even more.
In the early-morning darkness, torches and fires made the mountainside palaces glow twenty different colors, from bloodred to indigo. Apparently, no one ever slept on Olympus. The twisting streets were full of demigods and nature spirits and minor godlings bustling about, riding chariots or sedan chairs carried by Cyclopes. Winter didn't seem to exist here. I caught the scent of the gardens in full bloom, jasmine, roses, and even sweeter things I couldn't name. Music drifted up from many windows, the soft sounds of lyres and reed pipes. Towering at the peak of the mountain was the greatest palace of all, the glowing white hall of the gods.
Our Pegasi set us down in the outer courtyard, in front of huge silver gates. Before I could even think to knock, the gates opened by themselves.
Blackjack: Good luck, boss.
Percy: Yeah.
I didn't know why, but I had a sense of doom. I'd never seen all the gods together. I knew any one of them could blast me to dust, and a few of them would like to.
Blackjack: Hey, if ya don't come back, can I have your cabin for my stable?
I looked at him.
Blackjack: Just a thought. Sorry.
Casablanca nudged Theo with her head.
Casablanca: Good luck, Theo.
Blackjack and his friends flew off, leaving Thalia, Annabeth, Zoe, Theo, and me alone. For a minute we stood there regarding the palace, the way we'd stood together in front of Westover Hall, what seemed like a million years ago.
And then, side by side, we walked into the throne room.
Twelve enormous thrones made a U around a central hearth, just like the placement of the cabins at camp. The ceiling above glittered with constellations.
All of the seats were occupied. Each god and goddess was about fifteen feet tall, and I'm telling you, if you've ever had a dozen all-powerful super-huge beings turn their eyes on you at once...Well, suddenly, facing monsters seemed like a picnic.
Artemis: Hello, heroes.
I heard a moo.
That's when I noticed Bessie and Grover.
A sphere of water was hovering in the center of the room, next to the hearth fire. Bessie was swimming happily around, swishing his serpent tail and poking his head out the sides and bottom of the sphere. He seemed to be enjoying the novelty of swimming in a magic bubble. Grover was kneeling at Zeus's throne as if he'd just been giving a report, but when he saw us...
Grover: You made it!
He started to run toward me, then remembered he was turning his back on Zeus, and looked for permission.
Zeus: Go on.
But he wasn't really paying attention to Grover. The lord of the sky was staring intently at Thalia.
Grover trotted over. None of the gods spoke. Every clop of Grover's hooves echoed on the marble floor. Bessie splashed in his bubble of water. The hearth fire crackled.
I looked nervously at my father, Poseidon. He was dressed similarly to the last time I'd seen him: beach shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, and sandals. He had a weathered, suntanned face with a dark beard and deep green eyes. I wasn't sure how he would feel about seeing me again, but the corners of his eyes crinkled with smile lines. He nodded as if to say It's okay.
Grover gave Annabeth, Theo, and Thalia big hugs. When he tried to give one to Zoe, she stepped back. Grover took the hint and settled for a handshake. Then he grasped my arms.
Grover: Percy, Bessie and I made it! But you have to convince them! They can't do it!
Percy: Do what?
The goddess slid down from her throne and turned to human size, a young auburn-haired girl, perfectly at ease in the midst of the giant Olympians. She walked toward us, her silver robes shimmering. There was no emotion in her face. She seemed to walk in a column of moonlight.
Artemis: The Council has been informed of your deeds. They know that Mount Othrys is rising in the West. They know of Atlas's attempt for freedom, and the gathering armies of Kronos. We have voted to act.
There was some mumbling and shuffling among the gods as if they weren't all happy with this plan, but nobody protested.
Artemis: At my Lord Zeus's command, my brother Apollo and I shall hunt the most powerful monsters, seeking to strike them down before they can join the Titans' cause. Lady Athena shall personally check on the other Titans to make sure they do not escape their various prisons. Lord Poseidon has been given permission to unleash his full fury on the cruise ship Princess Andromeda and send it to the bottom of the sea. And as for you, my heroes...
She turned to face the other immortals.
Artemis: These half-bloods have done Olympus a great service. Would any here deny that?
She looked around at the assembled gods, meeting their faces individually. Zeus in his dark pin-striped suit, his black beard neatly trimmed, and his eyes sparking with energy. Next to him sat a beautiful woman with silver hair braided over one shoulder and a dress that shimmered colors like peacock feathers. The Lady Hera.
On Zeus's right, my father Poseidon. Next to him, a huge lump of a man with a leg in a steel brace, a misshapen head, and a wild brown beard, fire flickering through his whiskers. The Lord of the Forges, Hephaestus.
Hermes winked at me and Theo. He was wearing a business suit today, checking messages on his caduceus mobile phone. Apollo leaned back on his golden throne with his shades on. He had iPod headphones on, so I wasn't sure he was even listening, but he gave me and Theo a thumbs-up. Dionysus looked bored, twirling a grapevine between his fingers. And Ares, well, he sat on his chrome-and-leather throne, glowering at me while he sharpened a knife.
On the ladies' side of the throne room, a dark-haired goddess in green robes sat next to Hera on a throne woven of apple tree branches. Demeter, Goddess of the Harvest. Next to her sat a beautiful, gray-eyed woman in an elegant white dress. She could only be Annabeth's mother, Athena. Then there was Aphrodite, who smiled at me knowingly and made me blush in spite of myself.
All the Olympians in one place. So much power in this room it was a miracle the whole palace didn't blow apart.
Apollo: I gotta say, these kids did okay. (points at Theo) Especially you, kid. The whole holding up the sky thing is just...Wow!
He cleared his throat and began to recite.
Apollo: Heroes win laurels—
Hermes: Um, yes, first class. All in favor of not disintegrating them?
A few tentative hands went up—Demeter, Aphrodite.
Ares: Wait just a minute.
He pointed at Thalia and me.
Ares: These two are dangerous. It'd be much safer, while we've got them here—
Poseidon: Ares, they are worthy heroes. We will not blast my son to bits.
Zeus: Nor my daughter. She has done well.
Thalia blushed. She studied the floor. I knew how she felt. I'd hardly ever talked to my father, much less gotten a compliment.
Athena: I am proud of my daughter as well. But there is a security risk here with the other two.
Annabeth: Mother! How can you—
Athena: It is unfortunate that my father, Zeus, and my uncle, Poseidon, chose to break their oath not to have more children. Only Hades kept his word, a fact that I find ironic. As we know from the Great Prophecy, children of the three elder gods...such as Thalia and Percy...are dangerous. As thickheaded as he is, Ares has a point.
Ares: Right! Hey, wait a minute. Who you callin'—
He started to get up, but a grapevine grew around his waist like a seat belt and pulled him back down.
Dionysus: Oh, please, Ares. Save the fighting for later.
Ares: You're one to talk, you old drunk. You seriously want to protect these brats?
Dionysus: I have no love for them. Athena, do you truly think it safest to destroy them?
Athena: I do not pass judgment, I only point out the risk. What we do, the Council must decide.
Artemis: I will not have them punished, especially my son. I will have them rewarded. If we destroy heroes who do us a great favor, then we are no better than the Titans. If this is Olympian justice, I will have none of it.
Apollo: Calm down, sis. Jeez, you need to lighten up.
Artemis: Don't call me sis! I will reward them.
Zeus: Well...Perhaps. But the monster at least must be destroyed. We have agreement on that?
A lot of nodding heads.
It took me a second to realize what they were saying. Then my heart turned to lead.
Percy: Bessie? You want to destroy Bessie?
Bessie mooed in protest.
Poseidon: You have named the Ophiotaurus Bessie?
Percy: Dad, he's just a sea creature. A really nice sea creature. You can't destroy him.
Poseidon: Percy, the monster's power is considerable. If the Titans were to steal it, or—
Percy: You can't.
I looked at Zeus. I probably should have been afraid of him, but I stared him right in the eye.
Percy: Controlling the prophecies never works. Isn't that true? Besides, Bess—the Ophiotaurus is innocent. Killing something like that is wrong. It's just as wrong as...as Kronos eating his children, just because of something they might do. It's wrong!
Zeus seemed to consider this. His eyes drifted to his daughter Thalia.
Zeus: And what of the risk? Kronos knows full well, if one of you were to sacrifice the beast's entrails, you would have the power to destroy us. Do you think we can let that possibility remain? You, my daughter, will turn sixteen on the morrow, just as the prophecy says.
Theo: You're just gonna have to trust them, sir.
Zeus: Trust a hero?
Artemis: Theo is right. Which is why I must first make a reward. (turns to Zoe) My faithful companion, Zoe Nightshade. (sighs) For you, my child, you are a Hunter no more.
Zoe's face dropped, which Theo noticed and put her hand on her shoulder for reassurance.
Artemis: It is regrettable that this course of action must be taken, but you deserve rest. My final command to you, Zoe, is to venture to Camp Half-Blood. Live with them. Enjoy the time you have you have left. You have served me well above and beyond, my dear Zoe. But now, I order you to rest. Go with Theo and the others back to camp.
Zoe nodded solemnly.
Artemis: And with that, I must have a new lieutenant. And I intend to choose one. But first, Father Zeus, I must speak to you privately.
Zeus beckoned Artemis forward. He leaned down and listened as she spoke in his ear.
Theo looked panicked.
Theo: (whispers to Annabeth) Annabeth, please. Don't.
Annabeth: (whispers) What?
Theo: (whispers) There's something I need to tell you. I don't know if I could...I don't want you to—
Annabeth: (whispers) Are you okay, Theo? You look like you're going to be sick.
Theo: (whispers) I feel like I will.
Annabeth looked confused, but then Artemis turned.
Artemis: I shall have a new lieutenant. If she will accept it.
Theo: (under his breath) Please, no.
Artemis: Thalia, daughter of Zeus. Will you join the Hunt?
Stunned silence filled the room. I stared at Thalia, unable to believe what I was hearing. Annabeth smiled. She squeezed Thalia's hand and let it go as if she'd been expecting this all along.
Thalia: I will.
Zeus rose, his eyes full of concern.
Zeus: My daughter, consider well—
Thalia: Father, I will not turn sixteen tomorrow. I will never turn sixteen. I won't let this prophecy be mine. I stand with my sister Artemis. Kronos will never tempt me again.
She knelt before the goddess and began the words I remembered from Bianca's oath, what seemed like so long ago.
Afterward, Thalia did something that surprised me almost as much as the pledge. She came over to me, smiled, and in front of the whole assembly, she gave me a big hug.
I blushed as she pulled away and gripped my shoulders.
Percy: Um... aren't you supposed to not do that anymore? Hug boys, I mean?
Thalia: I'm honoring a friend. I must join the Hunt, Percy. I haven't known peace since...since Half-Blood Hill. I finally feel like I have a home. But you're a hero. You will be the one of the prophecy.
Percy: Great.
Thalia: I'm proud to be your friend.
She hugged Annabeth, who was trying hard not to cry. Then she even hugged Grover, who looked ready to pass out, like somebody had just given him an all-you-can-eat enchilada coupon. She then hugged Theo, but once they separated, she kissed him on the left cheek and whispered something in his ear that I couldn't hear, but it did make Theo blush. Once she moved away from Theo's ear, she playfully punched him in the arm with a smirk on her face.
Then Thalia went to stand by Artemis's side.
Artemis: Now for the Ophiotaurus.
Dionysus: This boy is still dangerous. The beast is a temptation to great power. Even if we spare the boy—
Percy: No. Please. Keep the Ophiotaurus safe. My dad can hide him under the sea somewhere or keep him in an aquarium here in Olympus. But you have to protect him.
Hephaestus: And why should we trust you?
Percy: I'm only fourteen. If this prophecy is about me, that's two more years.
Athena: Two years for Kronos to deceive you. Much can change in two years, my young hero.
Annabeth: Mother!
Athena: It is only the truth, child. It is bad strategy to keep the animal alive. Or the boy.
Poseidon: (gets up) I will not have a sea creature destroyed if I can help it. And I can help it.
He held out his hand, and a trident appeared in it: a twenty-foot-long bronze shaft with three spear tips that shimmered with blue, watery light.
Poseidon: I will vouch for the boy and the safety of the Ophiotaurus.
Zeus: (gets up) You won't take it under the sea! I won't have that kind of bargaining chip in your possession.
Poseidon: Brother, please.
Zeus's lightning bolt appeared in his hand, a shaft of electricity that filled the whole room with the smell of ozone.
Poseidon: Fine. I will build an aquarium for the creature here. Hephaestus can help me. The creature will be safe. We shall protect it with all our powers. The boy will not betray us. I vouch for this on my honor.
Zeus thought about this.
Zeus: All in favor?
To my surprise, a lot of hands went up. Dionysus abstained. So did Ares and Athena. But everybody else...
Zeus: We have a majority. And so, since we will not be destroying these heroes...I imagine we should honor them. Let the triumph celebration begin!
Theo's POV
There are parties, and then there are huge, major, blowout parties. And then there are Olympian parties. If you ever get a choice, go for the Olympian.
The Nine Muses cranked up the tunes, and I realized the music was whatever you wanted it to be: the gods could listen to classical, and the younger demigods heard hip-hop or whatever, and it was all the same soundtrack. No arguments. No fights to change the radio station. Just requests to crank it up.
Dionysus went around growing refreshment stands out of the ground, and a beautiful woman walked with him arm in arm—his wife, Ariadne. Dionysus looked happy for the first time. He even looked at me and nodded, and I nodded back. I might hate the guy with every fiber of my being, but I had a tiny little bit of respect for him, and I think he feels the same.
Nectar and ambrosia overflowed from golden fountains, and platters of mortal snack food crowded the banquet tables. Golden goblets filled with whatever drink you wanted. Grover trotted around with a full plate of tin cans and enchiladas, and his goblet was full of double-espresso latte, which he kept muttering Pan's over like an incantation.
Gods kept coming over to congratulate me. Thankfully, they had reduced themselves to human size, so they didn't accidentally trample partygoers under their feet. Hermes started chatting with me, and he was so cheerful I hated to tell him what had happened to his least favorite son, Luke, but before I could even get up the courage, Hermes got a call on his caduceus and walked away.
Aphrodite walked up to me cheerfully, saying some shit about "true love prevailing once again." She squeezed me tightly while trying not to cry, saying "I promised myself I wouldn't cry" over and over as she separated from me and walked away.
Apollo told me I could drive his sun chariot any time, and if I ever wanted archery lessons, I could go to him. I don't think I need them, to be honest, but I agreed.
Theo: Hey, about that potion...Didn't that change the prophecy?
Apollo: Not really. Zoe's heart did stop before she woke back up, so...
Theo: (chuckles) Right. I guess there's no way around that loophole. How did you know it was gonna work, anyway?
Apollo: (smirks) I didn't.
I raised my eyebrows. Apollo ruffled my hair before walking away.
???: Imagine how I felt, having him for a brother.
I turned around and saw my mother standing behind me with her hands behind her back.
Theo: I don't know, Mom. I bet he'd make an awesome brother.
Artemis: "Annoying" would be the more appropriate term.
She and I chuckled.
Artemis: But I still love him all the same.
Theo: Yeah.
We looked at each other and addressed the elephant in the room.
Artemis: I am sorry about Orion. If I had intervened when he faced Alexios—
Theo: Stop, Mom. It wasn't your fault. I never blamed you for that. And I never will.
A tear threatened to fall from her eye.
Theo: Besides, next time I see him...I'll make sure he doesn't hurt you or anyone else ever again.
Artemis smiled a bit before wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug, which I returned.
Artemis: I may have some difficulty showing it at times, but...I am proud of you, my son.
Theo: (smiles) And I couldn't ask for a better mom.
We both separated and smiled at each other. Then we heard cheering from a crowd.
Artemis: (groans) Again, brother? Why must he always try this trick every time? It never works!
I laugh.
Artemis looked at me and chuckled.
Artemis: I'll see you soon, Theo.
Theo: You too, Mom.
Artemis: (smiles) And take care of Zoe, will you? She deserves some peace now.
I nodded, and then Artemis walked towards the crowd, probably to pull Apollo by the ear or something.
I walked around the party, mingling, and then I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned and saw Zoe standing to my right.
Zoe: Hello, Theo.
Theo: Hey, Zoe. How are you holding up?
Zoe: (sighs) I do not know. When my sisters abandoned me, I was alone until Artemis took me under her wing. Being a Hunter was all I have ever known, but now...
Theo: Well, David always told me, "It never hurts to be something else for a change."
Zoe: He seems wise.
Theo: (shrugs) Eh, he has his moments.
Zoe: And brave, as well. Not many mortals dare to confront one as powerful as Orion.
Theo: Yeah.
Zoe looked down, so I nudged her.
Theo: I understand how you're feeling, though. You spend thousands of years serving my mother, not being a fan of heroes...
Zoe: That is an understatement.
Theo: (chuckles) I guess. And now you're being sequestered to a camp full of them.
Zoe: "Sequestered?" I did not know thou knew such a word.
Theo: Well, you hang out with someone as smart as Annabeth long enough, you pick up a few things.
Zoe chuckled.
Theo: Look, not everyone there is Hercules. It's gonna take time for them to get used to you being there, but they will grow to like you. Plus, I'm sure the Apollo campers will consider you as a cousin, like they did me, now that we're related.
Zoe: What are thou talking about?
Theo: That liquid you drank? It needed a couple of drops of my blood to work. So, now you have the blood of Artemis coursing through your veins just like I do.
Zoe smiled a bit.
Zoe: I suppose it only cements our siblinghood.
Theo: Yeah, it does.
After a while of chatting, I directed Zoe towards Percy, hoping that they would get along more.
I continued walking around until I heard someone clear their throat behind me. I turned around and saw a brown-haired woman standing behind me with familiar grey eyes.
Theo: Athena.
I immediately bowed.
Athena: (chuckles) There is no need for that, Theo. Stand. You've helped save my daughter's life, and for that, I thank you.
I stood up and nodded.
Theo: I wasn't gonna let anything happen to her.
Athena: And that is your fatal flaw. You feel responsible for her and your friends, and you toss your own needs aside for them.
Theo: I have to. As long as they're okay at the end, I'd be okay with that.
Athena: And tell me, how do you think they would feel if you were to perish in battle?
My words got caught in my throat. Athena smirked, just like her daughter would do.
Theo: I'm not sure...
Athena: I trust that your royalties will never waver, Theo Miller. Will it?
When she asked me that question, I had a crazy idea. I had to do something to prove to her that I would never betray Olympus, because that would mean betraying everyone I care about, including Annabeth...And what is the most serious oath you could make?
I put my hand out. Athena looked at me quizzically as she took my hand into a firm handshake.
Theo: I swear on the River Styx that I will do whatever it takes to protect your daughter, even if it costs me my life and soul.
Thunder rumbled.
Athena: You do realize how grievous the consequences would be should you break that oath?
Theo: If anything, it shows how serious I am about it.
Athena couldn't help but smile.
Athena: I can see that.
???: Theo!
Athena and I saw Annabeth running through the crowd. She stopped short when she saw who I was talking to.
Annabeth: Oh...Mom.
Athena: I will leave you. For now.
She turned and strode through the crowds, which parted before her as if she were carrying Aegis.
Annabeth: Was she giving you a hard time?
Theo: (shakes his head) Don't worry about it. I'm fine.
She studied me with concern. She touched the new streak of gray in my hair that matched hers exactly—our painful souvenir from holding Atlas's burden.
Annabeth: So, what did you want to tell me earlier?
I smiled a bit as I recalled what Thalia whispered to me earlier.
Thalia: Go get her, tiger.
Theo: Let's go for a walk.
Annabeth looked at me quizzically before nodding, then we walked together until we could barely hear the music.
Percy's POV
I walked around until I saw Theo and Annabeth walking away from the party.
I got curious, so I started following them. But I felt two arms hook around mine, stopping me.
Thalia: Don't even think about it, Seaweed Brain.
Zoe: Do not interrupt them, Percy. They deserve this.
What are they...Ohhhhhh. Well, it's about time.
Percy: (smirks) Yeah, I guess they do.
I walked the other way with Thalia and Zoe, leaving the two lovebirds to have their well-deserved moment.
Theo's POV
Once we stopped, the music was barely heard. All I could hear was the wind.
Annabeth: Okay, Theo. What is it?
I took out my iPod and removed the earphones from its headphone jack.
Theo: I think I still owe you a dance, since...y'know, we got interrupted back at Westover Hall.
I picked a certain song and pressed play.
Annabeth: (chuckles and rolls her eyes) Alright, Pinhead.
So, I took her hand, and I don't know what everybody else heard, but to me, it sounded like a slow dance: a little sad, but maybe a little hopeful, too.
We swayed slowly to the sound of the songs as we gazed into each other's eyes. We tuned out the entire world and all its problems.
Right now, there were no gods, no half-bloods, no monsters, no Titans, nothing. There was just me, Annabeth, and Chester Bennington's vocals in the background. Nothing else mattered at this moment.
I felt drawn to Annabeth's stormy-grey eyes, and she looked like she was drawn to my hazel eyes. We glanced at each other's lips and closed our eyes as our faces slowly inched closer.
Eventually, our lips made contact.
It was like a jolt of lightning in my brain. Her lips felt warm and soft against mine, and for a brief moment, time stood still. My heart raced as all my worries and fears flooded out of my brain.
When we pulled away and opened our eyes, I could see the love in Annabeth's eyes as we rested our foreheads against each other.
No words were uttered, but a thousand words were spoken with that one simple act.