This is the fifth and final instalment of Percy Jackson and The Kings and Queens of Olympus. I strongly encourage you to read the other instalments before reading this one. I will update when I have time, hopefully weekly.

The Olympian council hall was the picture of chaos. A war council had been summoned to address the growing threat of Othrys in the wake of Greek fire found in an underground labyrinth of each city in Olympus. The fact that so many kingdoms almost went up in flames and in a couple of instances part of two cities had gone up in flames, had caused an outcry for war among all the Olympians. Everyone was ready to march to Othrys, everyone except Athens. Percy's insistence that Othrys was a decoy and that Olympus wa the real target had caused a large debate.

"I don't care who you think he is," Dionysius complained. "The battle is in Othrys, and I'm not being left behind on some kin's word."

"You are giving us very little to go by, Athena." Zeus placated to the council. "I can not base an entire battle on one soldiers hunch. Stallion, or no stallion. Be reasonable, Athena."

"I know how it sounds." Annabeth's mother tried.

"It sounds like the wisest Queen in Olympus has fallen to superstitions." A voice on the other side of the council sneered.

Athena's nostril's flared. "But aside from the strange events around the boy, he has a point. We need to have some army keeping an eye on the south."

"There is nothing in the south. Not anymore." Zeus argued.

"At least to protect Olympus. That's not superstition, it's strategy." Athena glared toward where the offending remark was made.

"She has a point." Poseidon spoke up. "I can leave a portion of my army here at the capitol . . ."

A ruckus objected to that as people shouted, "We need Atlantis." or "Cowards."

Zeus raised a hand to settle the council down. Once they had quieted he addressed Poseidon directly. "I am going to have to object. Your army is needed." the two men looked at each other for a moment as though having a silent conversation. Then Zeus continued, But I see no reason why this Percy Jackson can't safe guard Olympus while we fight Othrys. Let the army of Athens and this Percy Jackson watch over the city while we vanquish our enemies."

In insulation stung and Annabeth wanted to share her won biting comments. Her mother had a look of annoyance for a moment then smiled pleasantly. "That's all I ask."

Annabeth noticed some of the confused looks that others gave.

"You will of course be joining us in Othrys." Zeus studied her. "Whether with or without your army is up to you. But your presence will be required."

The look of annoyance had returned to her mother's face. But she did a small bow and said, "As you wish."

"Athens will not be alone in defending Olympus." A feminine voice called out. Everyone turned toward the voice to find Lady Artimus standing there. "If Percy Jackson says that there is a threat to Olympus, then there is a threat to Olympus, and my hunters and I will stand with Athens to defend it.

The room erupted into murmurings and whispers.

"Lady, Athena," Hermes shouted over the din. "I'd like to offer up my troops to help."

"And have them turn on my troops? I think not. Don't think I haven't' forgotten the welcome you gave my daughter."

"I took care of that. Agrius was killed for his crimes and those who followed him." Hermes said defensively.

"Doesn't mean it won't happen again." Athena spat.

"Enough." Zeus roared. "We'll need Hermes cunning at Othrys." Zeus ended the argument.

Hermes sat down and Athena scanned the room. Annabeth's gaze stood fixed on Nico, who was deliberately avoiding her gaze. Annabeth watched as her mother slowly sat down.

The rest of the meeting was spent discussing the attack on Othrys. Annabeth spent her time glaring at Nico, who continued to avoid her gaze, which made her all the more furious at him. Percy's reputation and all of Athens was hinging on his information that Kronos was marching from the south. And to top it off Hades and Nico sat disturbingly quiet throughout her mother's proposition. Hades could have at least offered to help defend Olympus, or at least support Athena in her proposition would be better than the silent treatment they were getting now.

Once the meeting was over, Annabeth made a beeline toward Nico. He noticed her coming toward him and sped up his pace away from her. Annabeth was having none of it and practically ran. She reached out and grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt.

"Where do you think you are going?" Annabeth practically growled.

"Lady Annabeth, I was just on my way to . . . take care of some business."

"Let's address my business first." Annabeth narrowed her eyes. "Percy stuck his neck out for you not revealing your betrayal against Athens not to mention Olympus." Nico paled. He probably hadn't counted her knowing that little piece of information. "And how do you repay this? By letting him face the greatest threat to all of Olympus alone!" Annabeth seethed the last part out.

"I tried." Nico looked earnest. "But my father didn't want to give anyone reason to investigate us, namely me." Nico said miserably.

"So that's it? Well as long as your reputation stays intact, who care is we're all destroyed by Kronos." Annabeth spat. Nico looked even more miserable than before. "With only Athens to defend Olympus, you know we don't stand a chance against Kronos. You above anyone knows what we're up against. You owe Percy." Annabeth left him with that, still seething.

As she was headed back toward her mother she saw Clarisse across the way. They locked eyes for just a moment, but Clarisse looked away leaving Annabeth wondering.

"Annabeth." Athena's commanding voice called out. Annabeth hurried to her side. Malcom was already with her. "We are leaving. There is much to do."

"Yes, mother." Annabeth and Malcolm chorused.

"We'll have to leave a portion of our troops in Athens, for safety reasons, but Lieutenant Jackson will take the larger portion into Olympus. Athena rattled off as she walked quickly toward their room. "Malcolm and you will stay in Athens, of course."

Malcolm and Annabeth both objected. "This is my chance to prove myself in battle." Malcolm argued.

"But he's your heir." Annabeth tried to reason as she struggled to keep up.

Athena stopped short and looked at them both. "Don't question my judgement. A kingdom without an heir is as good as lost. I can be put at risk. You cannot."

Malcolm looked dejected. Annabeth huffed at the thought of being trapped at home again. But cheered up as a plan began to form for her escape.

Athena took two steps before she was intercepted by a man with blond hair and blue eyes that stayed fixed on Annabeth. He had what would have been a handsome face had it not have such a glint in his eyes that betrayed his smile. "Queen Athena! You are looking well."

"Nero." Athena stated his name flatly. "What do you want?"

"Just wanted to tell you how courageous you were to challenge Zeus so directly."

"I wasn't challenging Zeus!" Athena said it with more force than is acceptable for a royal. Nero paid into mind.

"I would of course aid you in your noble endeavor had I an army to lend."

Athena narrowed her eyes at Nero and tightly said, "Of course."

"But I must say it is a pleasure in itself to be able to finally meet your daughter, Princess Annabeth." Annabeth actually shrunk at the praise. "You are quite a remarkable princess."

Athena stepped in front of Annabeth, and Malcolm stood protectively beside her. "She is an exceptional young woman and worthy of only the best."

Nero's face turned sour for the briefest of moments.

"We'd love to stay and chat, but war is upon us and unlike you, we have an army to get ready." Athena pushed past him with Annabeth by her side and Malcolm on her other. Annabeth glanced back to see Nero watching them leave with a steely look in his eye that gave Annabeth shivers.

She turned to her mother and asked, Who was that?'

"Bottom feeder tryin to rise above his station." Athena said with disgust.

"He hasn't tried to contact you about courting me, has he?" Annabeth asked worriedly.

Athena opened the door to their room. "I would never let anyone so lowly near you."

Annabeth at first felt relieved. Then her thoughts turned toward someone else who her mother would consider lowly and she didn't quite knowhow to feel.

"Now before we leave, I want you to meet with Pollox one more time." Athena said. Annabeth inwardly groaned.