Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson, though I can always wish
Takes place during the meeting after Percy defeated Kronos and he is telling his wish to the Gods in the throne room.
"PERCY JACKSON!" Poseidon announced. My name echoed around the chamber.
All talking died down. The room was silent except for the crackle of the hearth fire.
Everyone's eyes were on me-all the gods, the demigods, the Cyclopes, the spirits.
I walked into the middle of the throne room. Hestia smiled at me reassuringly. She was in the form of a girl now, and she seemed happy and content to be sitting by her fire again. Her smile gave me courage to keep walking.
First I bowed to Zeus. Then I knelt at my father's feet.
"Rise, my son," Poseidon said.
I stood uneasily.
"A great hero must be rewarded," Poseidon said. "Is there anyone here who would deny that my son is deserving?"
I waited for someone to pipe up. The gods never agreed on anything, and many of them still didn't like me, but not a single one protested.
"The Council agrees," Zeus said. "Percy Jackson, you will have one gift from the gods."
I hesitated. "Any gift?"
Zeus nodded grimly. "I know what you will ask. The greatest gift of all. Yes, if you want it, it shall be yours. The gods have not bestowed this gift on a mortal hero in many centuries, but, Perseus Jackson – if you wish it – you shall be made a god. Immortal. Undying. You shall serve as your father's lieutenant for all time."
I stared at him, stunned. "Um . . . a god?"
Zeus rolled his eyes. "A dimwitted god, apparently. But yes. With the consensus of the entire Council, I can make you immortal. Then I will have to put up with you forever."
"Hmm," Ares mused. "That means I can smash him to a pulp as often as I want, and he'll just keep coming back for more. I like this idea."
"I approve as well," Athena said, though she was looking at Annabeth.
I glanced back. Annabeth was trying not to meet my eyes. Her face was pale. I flashed back to two years ago, when I'd thought she was going to take the pledge to Artemis and become a Hunter. I'd been on the edge of a panic attack, thinking that I'd lose her. Now, she looked pretty much the same way.
I thought about the Three Fates, and the way I'd seen my life flash by. I could avoid all that. No aging, no death, no body in the grave. I could be a teenager forever, in top condition, powerful, and immortal, serving my father. I could have power and eternal life.
Who could refuse that?
Then I looked at Annabeth again. I thought about my friends from camp: Charles Beckendorf, Michael Yew, Silena Beauregard, so many others who were now dead. I thought about Ethan Nakamura and Luke.
And I knew what to do.
"No," I said.
The Council was silent. The gods frowned at each other like they must have misheard.
"No?" Zeus said. "You are . . . turningdownour generous gift?"
There was a dangerous edge to his voice, like a thunderstorm about to erupt.
"I'm honored and everything," I said. "Don't get me wrong. It's just . . . I've got a lot of life left to live. I'd hate to peak in my sophomore year."
The gods were glaring at me, but Annabeth had her hands over her mouth. Her eyes were shining. And that kind of made up for it.
"I do want a gift, though," I said. "Do you promise to grant my wish?"
Zeus thought about this. "If it is within our power."
"It is," I said. "And it's not even difficult. But I need your promise on the River Styx."
"Someone once told me," I said, looking at Hades, "you should always get a solemn oath."
Hades shrugged. "Guilty."
"Very well!" Zeus growled. "In the name of the Council, we swear by the River Styx to grant yourreasonablerequest as long as it is within our power."
The other gods muttered assent. Thunder boomed, shaking the throne room. The deal was made.
"From now on, I want to you properly recognize the children of the gods," I said. "All the children . . . ofallthe gods."
The Olympians shifted uncomfortably.
"Percy," my father said, "what exactly do you mean?"
"Kronos couldn't have risen if it hadn't been for a lot of demigods who felt abandoned by their parents," I said. "They felt angry, resentful, and unloved, and they had a good reason."
Zeus's royal nostrils flared. "You dare accuse-"
"No more undetermined children," I said. "I want you to promise to claim your children – all your demigod children – by the time they turn thirteen. They won't be left out in the world on their own at the mercy of monsters. I want them claimed and brought to camp so they can be trained right, and survive."
"Now, wait just a moment," Apollo said, but I was on a roll.
"And the minor gods," I said. "Nemesis, Hecate, Morpheus, Janus, Hebe-they all deserve a general amnesty and a place at Camp Half-Blood. Their children shouldn't be ignored. Calypso and the other peaceful Titan-kind should be pardoned too. And Hades-"
"Are you calling me aminor god?" Hades bellowed.
"No, my lord," I said quickly. "But your children should not be left out. They should have a cabin at camp. Nico has proven that.No unclaimed demigods will be crammed into the Hermes cabin anymore, wondering who their parents are.They'll have their own cabins, for all the gods. And no more pact of the Big Three. That didn't work anyway.You've got to stop trying to get rid of powerful demigods. We're going to train them and accept them instead. All children of the gods will be welcome and treated with respect. That is my wish."
Zeus snorted. "Is that all?"
"Percy," Poseidon said, "you ask much. You presume much."
"I hold you to your oath," I said. "All of you."
I got a lot of steely looks. Strangely, it was Athena who spoke up:
"The boy is correct. We have been unwise to ignore our children. It proved a strategic weakness in this war and almost caused our destruction. Percy Jackson, I have had my doubts about you, but perhaps"-she glanced at Annabeth, and then spoke as if the words had a sour taste-"perhaps I was mistaken. I move that we accept the boy's plan."
"Humph," Zeus said. "Being told what to do by a mere child. But I suppose . . ."
"All in favor," Hermes said.
All the Gods raised their hands and a blinding light filled the throne room, causing everyone, even the Gods, to cover their eyes. When the light disappeared they noticed all the demigods besides Annabeth, Percy, Thalia, Nico, Grover and Tyson disappeared. While looking around in panic, they noticed a book sitting on the floor in between the Gods and Demigods. It was a fairly thick book with a sea green cover and silver writing that no one could make out.
Hermes was the one to move first. He crossed the room and gently picked the book up, as if afraid it was about to bite him. His eyes widened upon reading the cover and he looked almost panicked. He stood staring at the book for a few minutes more until Zeus finally lost his patience.
"Well Hermes?" He thundered. "What is the meaning of this?"
Hermes looked up at all the worried and anxious faces and gulped. "It is a book."
Zeus rolled his eyes. "Yes we can see that. But why does this book make you act like that?"
Hermes gulped again and, with a panicked glance at Poseidon and Percy, said, "It says, The Son of Neptune milord."
Everything stilled. Poseidon's eyes widened and Percy shared a glance with Annabeth.
"What," Poseidon began slowly, "is a book about my son doing here?"
Hermes opened the book and looked for some answers. He found them when he saw the publishing date. "This book is from the future!"
Chaos began. Gods were yelling amongst themselves while the demigods began to fuss over Percy, though trying not to be obvious.
"Guys!" Percy yelled at them. They stopped their badgering at once. "If that book is from the future, how would I know what is going to happen?" They all looked abashed. They admitted asking Percy what he did and if he was ok was stupid. After all, how was he to know the answer to that as well?
Zeus, again, seemed to grow impatient. "Silence!" He boomed, ceasing all noise in the room. "Hermes," he continued in a controlled voice, obviously trying hard not to yell again, "is there anything in there that will tell us if the book is truly from the future or not?"
Hermes looked some more and finally seemed to find a sticky note in the back of the book. He cleared his throat and began to read.
Dear Gods and Demigods,
I have seen the future and it is not something I wish would come about. So, to change it, for the better, I have sent you all a book from the future. This book takes place eight months from now and is very important. You cannot make any decisions until after you have finished the book. I shall also send some other people as well, from the future and the present. I am also the one responsible for your missing friends, but they were not needed for the reading. The people from the future may answer any questions you ask, but if they so choose they do not have to. They will arrive momentarily.
Good luck,
Chaos
Silence descended the throne room once again. Everyone seemed to be in a type of shock. It was finally broken by Athena.
"B-but that is impossible!" She spluttered. "Lord Chaos never takes action in the world."
"As impossible as it seems," Hades grumbled, "it is undeniably true."
Athena fell silent.
Everyone was waiting, on edge, for the "guests" arrived.
And arrive they did.
Another brilliant light erupted out of nowhere, again causing people to shield their eyes. When it disappeared, everyone was staring in shock at the visitors.
They could tell right away that there were only three people from their time with the group. They each looked as though they just came from war, which they did. Sally Jackson was looking around the room in awe, not yet realizing her son was standing across the room. Paul was gaping at the Gods in amazement, his mouth wide open, causing some amused looks. The third person from their time drew raised eyebrows. It was Rachel Elizabeth Dare. She was looking at everything with curiosity and awe. She looked as though she were itching to get her sketchbook and pencils and draw everything. The ones from the future were much more surprising.
Thalia was standing in front of everyone else, wearing her famous death to Barbie t-shirt. She had a scowl on her face and seemed to have extreme sadness in her eyes. Nico was standing slightly behind Thalia and looked even more depressed than usual. (They are from before Nico finds Percy at camp Jupiter.) There were three demigods that no one recognized. There was a boy with blonde hair and had a scar on his face, with blue eyes. He held himself with more confidence than the other two. He had a look about him, as though he were missing something very important. The other boy seemed to have curly brown hair and elfish features. He was grinning broadly at everyone. The other was a beautiful girl. She had long brown locks and kaleidoscope eyes, she also had a dagger strapped to her belt, saying that she was not just a pretty face. The last person in the future group was the one that gained the most looks. It was Annabeth. But one so very different than the present one. This Annabeth had bloodshot eyes, as though all she has been doing is crying. Her skin was stretched across her bones, emphasizing the fact that she doesn't eat much anymore. Her hair was in a very messy pony tail and she was wearing a sweatshirt much too big for her that read "Good High Swim Team".
She looked like the walking dead.
Thalia stepped up to Zeus, bowed, and stood back up quickly. All the while glaring daggers at Hera, causing some confusion. She reluctantly turned back to her father and demanded, "Father, what is going on? I thought the Gods went "silent"?" She asked mockingly.
Zeus looked flabbergasted that she would talk to him this way. His Thalia would never. What happened in the future that causes his daughter to react so cold to him? And what did she mean "silent"?
Athena, being the Goddess of Wisdom, could not resist explaining the situation. "You were brought here to read a book about the future." That gained her disbelieving looks. "Lord Chaos has sent it." Thalia, Nico and the blonde boy's eyes widened. Annabeth seemed to barely be listening, which made all the present demigods and Gods worry. "The six of you were brought here from the future while the rest of us are in the present. Well, the present for us." They seemed to accept that.
Aphrodite smiled, seeing her daughter and that blonde haired boy holding hands. She will make sure that they are together forever. But first, she needs to know who the boy is, first. "I believe introductions are in order." She said, gaining surprised looks. Just because she valued beauty does not mean she is an airhead.
Thalia nodded and began the introductions with the future group. "I am Thalia Grace, from the future, obviously. You can call me Thals so you don't get us messed up." She said, looking at her younger self.
Nico went next. "I am Nico di Angelo. Again from the future. You can call me Nick."
Annabeth was looking at something in her hand and didn't realize it was her turn. A tear leaked out of her eye and Thals and Nick exchanged worried looks. Thals gently put her hand on Annabeth's arm a gently shook her. Annabeth looked up with wide eyes, as though only now realizing what happened. Thals whispered something in her ear, causing Annabeth to speak. "I am Annabeth Chase. You can call me Anna." She went back to looking at whatever was in her hand, not realizing she gained extremely worried looks from everyone in the room, none as great as Percy's. What happened to his Wise Girl?
The unknown girl seemed to want to break the uncomfortable silence, so she stepped up and began her turn. "I am Piper Mclean. Daughter of Aphrodite and charmspeaker." She smiled at Aphrodite who beamed back.
The elfish boy was next. He was the only one in the room who did not seem depressed in any way. He had a huge grin on his face. "I am Leo Valdez. Son of Hephaestus and fire user." To emphasize, he lit his hand on fire causing everyone to gape.
The blonde boy looked uncertain when he stepped forward, putting all attention on him, except for Anna and Percy, who was watching Anna with a concerned look on his face. The boy swallowed and said, "I am Jason Grace," cue shocked gasps and Thalia looking like someone punched her in the gut, "son of Jupiter and praetor of the twelfth legion." Cue more shocked gasps.
"What is a Roman doing with Greeks?" Apollo asked. The present demigods were slightly confused. Roman?
"The future is really messed up." Jason said, nervous.
Thalia stepped forward then, her eyes on Jason. Everyone looked at her and watched as she ran forward and hugged her missing brother. "Jason! I thought you were dead!"
Jason chuckled and hugged her back. "Like I said, messed up."
Once their reunion was over, the people of the present began their introductions. Since Thalia was already standing, she began. "I am Thalia Grace of the present. Lieutenant of Artemis and daughter of Zeus."
Nico stepped forward. By unspoken rule, the ones who were also from the future would go first. "I am Nico di Angelo. Son of Hades and Ghost King." Hades looked proud, making Nico blush slightly.
Annabeth stepped forward then, occasionally glancing at her future self. Piper, Leo and Jason all looked at her in shock, as though they never saw her look like her normal self. They probably didn't. "I am Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena and architect of Olympus."
Grover then started. "I am Grover Underwood, satyr and Lord of the Wild."
Rachel then stepped forward, while looking extremely nervous. "I am Rachel Elizabeth Dare, and I am just a mortal who can see through your mist thingy." Again, Leo, Jason and Piper looked at her in shock. It was as though they were expecting her to say something different.
Paul's turn. "I am Paul Blofis, I am just a mortal." He seemed delighted saying that though.
Sally then stepped forward, feeling Poseidon's eyes on her. "I am Sally Jackson, clear sighted mortal."
The reactions that got out of the three new demigods were more than what they expected. Piper squeaked, Leo gasped and Jason's mouth dropped open. Sally looked confused as to why they would have such a reaction to her name.
Tyson broke the tension. "I am Tyson! Peanut Butter!" He yelled with a grin.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at Tyson who was now smiling to himself. They chuckled.
Percy now knew it was his turn. He had a feeling he would get the biggest reaction of all so he purposefully waited till he was last. He stepped up and saw the trio's eyes widen drastically when they rested on him. He smiled. "I am Percy Jackson," they gasped, "son of Poseidon, and savior of Olym-." He was cut off when a body slammed into his; almost knocking him down if it weren't for his fast reflexes. He caught the person who slammed into him and now seemed to be trying to wrap their self around him. As soon as he saw the blonde hair he realized he was holding Anna from the future as she clung to him, sobbing.
He knew his face must have looked priceless, but everyone else's were about the same as his. In fact, Nick and Thals looked like they were holding themselves back from doing that themselves. Anna continued to sob and Percy's instincts kicked in. He always seemed to have an uncanny ability of comforting Annabeth. Ever since they first met he always seemed to know what to do when she was upset. He tightened his arms around her and rubbed his hand up and down her back in a soothing gesture. He kept whispering "Shh" knowing that will somehow sooth her. And it did. After a few minutes her crying began to grow softer until she was only sniffling. Percy continued his ministrations until he was positive she stopped. Sometime during all that, Zeus popped them up some couches and chairs so that they could be comfortable. Percy walked toward the biggest couch, Anna still wrapped around him, including her legs around his waist, and carefully sat down, setting Anna next to him. Annabeth looked extremely worried about her future self's behavior toward Percy and feared something happened to him. It would explain a lot. She sat on the other side of Percy, after the way her future self acted, there was no way she was leaving his side.
No one else made to sit down, they just continued to watch Percy and Anna. The futures were looking upset and Nick and Thals still had that strange longing look as they stared at Percy. The present people were now extremely worried and slightly horrified. What happened to make Anna act like that towards Percy?
Percy continued to rub Anna's back as she rested her head on his strong chest. Her hand still curled around the last thing he gave her before he disappeared. Just sitting there, smelling and feeling him again, was enough to make Anna want to cry. But she stopped herself. She knew she was in the past and he was not the Percy that she lost, but essentially, he was still Percy. She pulled her head away from his muscled chest, circled her arms around his neck, and pulled. She could see the surprise on his face right before she kissed him.
Annabeth gaped at her future self who was now kissing a very bewildered Percy. She was not the only one. Everyone, except Nick and Thals, had their mouths to the ground and were looking with wide eyes as the daughter of the Wisdom Goddess and the Son of the Sea God kissed. Percy, though still looking bewildered, made no move to end the kiss Anna initiated. After another minute of Anna kissing Percy passed, she finally stopped. She had a huge smile on her face while Percy could only gape while his cheeks started to turn red. Anna giggled, completely opposite of what she was like when she first got here. She looked around and noticed everyone's faces, especially her mother's murderous expression. Reality seemed to crash back into her and her eyes widened when she realized what she did. She quickly let go of Percy but did not move away from him. She would not be able to be separated from him now, she couldn't. Her cheeks flushed and she looked at the ground, not wanting to see everyone's faces anymore.
"Sorry." She muttered so lowly only Percy could here. He gently nudged her with his foot, unnoticed by everyone else, letting her know that it was okay. They always were good at their silent communications.
Thals decided to save her embarrassed best friend and sat next to her. "So, are we going to read this book or not?" She asked loudly, taking the attention off Anna.
Zeus got over his shock and cleared his throat. "Y-yes, let's begin the reading."
Everyone then settled on the couches and chairs. The couch Thals, Anna, Percy and Annabeth were on gained Nick and Grover. Thalia sat on another couch with Jason, Leo and Piper. Sally and Paul sat on a love seat and Nico, Rachel and Tyson sat on the remaining couch.
Zeus grabbed the book and began to read.
Percy I