The Sun and The Sea

Council of the Gods

Lightning and thunder boiled over Mount Tamalpais in the north. The wind blew everyone's hair slightly. Saying goodbye to Zoe wasn't easy. 

Artemis took it the hardest. Her body was flickering between her true form and her mortal form. This, of course, was fatal to the demigods seeing as it could vaporize them in an instant. 

"I must go to Olympus immediately," Artemis said. "I will not be able to take you, but I will send help." 

The goddess set her hand on Annabeth's shoulder. "You are brave beyond measure, my girl. You will do what is right." 

Then she looked quizzically at Thalia as if she weren't sure what to make of this younger daughter of Zeus. Thalia seemed reluctant to look up, but something made her, and she held the goddess's eyes. Artemis's gaze softened with sympathy. Then she turned to Percy. 

"You did well," she said. "For a man." 

Artemis looked at Finley, who had dry tear tracks running from her hazel eyes. The moonlight somehow made her eyes shine. 

"I told you once your talents were different from your siblings, the rest of my brother's offspring," Artemis said softly. "You are destined for great things, Finley Jones. You showed the heart of a warrior tonight. That's something I admire. Continue on as you do."

She mounted her chariot, which began to glow. They averted our eyes. There was a flash of silver, and the goddess was gone. 

"Well," Dr. Chase sighed. "She was impressive; though I must say I still prefer Athena." 

Annabeth turned toward him. "Dad, I... I'm sorry that—" 

"Shh." He hugged her. "Do what you must, my dear. I know this isn't easy for you." 

His voice was a little shaky, but he gave Annabeth a brave smile.

Finley looked at the two with a sad smile but turned away. Tears danced in her eyes as she thought of what a good life she could've had if her mother's heart was not full of hate. She could have someone to call when she needs them. She could have someone to advise her. To have someone that will protect her. 

But she couldn't. 

Finley didn't hate Annabeth and Percy for having that. She didn't hate them at all. She just wished she were fortunate enough to know what it feels like to be loved as more than friends. To be loved in a way only a parent could show. 

 Not wanting to ruin Annabeth's happiness, Finely quickly wiped the tears from her eyes. 

A loud whoosh of wings was heard overhead.  Three pegasi descended through the fog: two white-winged horses and one pure black one.

"Blackjack!" Percy called happily. 

Finley smiled softly before approaching Blackjack and stroking his main while Percy spoke to the horses. 

Now Blackjack didn't like many people, but he loved Finley. During the winters when Percy wasn't at camp, Finley kept him company. It was to the point she was the only one, other than Percy, who was allowed to clean his stall. 

"Nah," Percy said aloud. "These are my friends. We need to get to Olympus pretty fast." 

"If you stomp on me," Finley began as she looked at Blackjack. "and I won't give you any more donuts or rubs."

Blackjack looked mildly offended. 

"He said, and I quote, 'Didn't mean you, Bossette!'," Percy translated.

Blackjack made a noise. 

"He also says, 'I will assist Boss Lady on her trip to Olympus. Do you by any chance have donuts?'" Percy translated again. "Sorry, Blackjack. We're fresh out of donuts."