Children of Divinity (A Percy Jackson Fanfic/BoyXBoy)

Chapter 16 Well Then....

"We're gonna be cutting it close," Percy said as he anxiously tapped his foot, as we neared our destination.

"Yeah. But we're almost there. Albeit with not much time left. Even still we're so close." Annabeth added.

"Guys, I know this isn't the best time. But I need to say something....because I might not get to say it later." I said, pausing with a sniffle. Taking breath I said it. "Im sorry. I'm really really sorry...I haven't actually helped any of you at all. I didn't help you fight, I didn't help you search, i.....I didn't..." I  began but couldn't even finish my apology before lowering my head tears now forming in my eyes.

They all looked to me seemingly very surprised. Annabeth actually was the first to respond, and it wasn't what I was expecting from her. She smiled at me shaking her head, then pulled me into a light hug. It didn't last long before she pulled away.

"Jesse, you don't need to apologize. Truly. Yeah you didn't fight, but you were still with us every step of the way. I did notice your protection from Hades, and if we hadn't had the pearls I'm sure you would've gotten us out like you did Andrew. Not all help needs to be from actual fighting. So it's ok."

"Wait....why did you say you might not get to say this later...." Grover asked feeling confused. Andrew's hand found its way into mine before I could reply, giving it a squeeze.

"Because the gods will probably kill him once we get up there ." Annabeth answered quietly, glancing to me.

"So this could be the last time we see him..." Percy added and Grover blinked, and then felt sad.

"Yeah...so, thank you. All of you. It's been an honor, I mean it," I smiled through my tears. Annabeth smiled back at me but felt sad. Percy felt anger as did Grover, but even still they just nodded at me. Feeling mostly respect with some hints of sadness.

"I'm glad I got the chance to meet you Jesse," Percy said offering me his hand, Andrew let go of mine so I could shake it.

"I don't do that," Grover said as he hugged me then let go. "Like you said, it's been an honor."

Their words were short, but the emotion behind them was immense. Its enough for me, knowing the genuine emotions they currently felt for me. They didn't need to say more.

"I'm sorry if this makes you guys uncomfortable," Andrew said as he pulled me into a gentle kiss by wrapping his arms around my lower waist. Then put his forehead against mine, I don't think I've ever felt such pure anger and sadness....no that's wrong. It was rage and despair, that's what he felt. "I love you so so much Jess."

"Right back at you Andy," I whispered to him. And as if on qué, we appeared in front of the gates of Olympus.

No other words needed saying as we made our way towards the palace housing the collection of gods. Every fiber of my being on high alert with each step I took. Not like it'll do me much good, even with my knife I can't compare to the Zeus' lightning, or Poseidon's trident. 'Sides...I don't want to use it. If I'm going out, I'm going out on my terms. Which as long as they don't do anything to Andy, it will be peaceful.

"We made it!" I heard Percy say as we entered into the palace. Housing the seats of power themselves upon which only Zeus and Poseidon occupied theirs, every other one was vacant as were the other gods.

Zeus' eyes were on me, and Poseidon's were on his son. While trying to remain confident, I know I'm not on equal footing with them despite being older. So I looked down and away from the Olympian king, whose eyes were still on me. I'm not looking at him but I can feel him looking at me. I heard a throat being cleared and the tension seemed to be eased quite a bit.

"Brother, they've brought it."

"They have indeed," Zeus said as he took it from Percy. I tuned out the exchange between Percy and the two gods, only focusing on Andrew. Who kept silent but our hands remained intertwined. Till finally I felt both Zeus and Poseidon's gaze on me.

"I think it's time we addressed the titan in the room. The rest of you may leave, including you son of Aphrodite." I felt Andrew's shock as much as my own. He nodded, squeezed my hand and then left. He looked back at me only once, feeling immense uncertainty. I tried to offer him my best smile to ease  the tension between us as much as possible.

"I was surprised by your bold move joining them up here uncle," Zeus said, feeling actual genuine surprise, but nothing past mildness. I gulped as I nodded, finally doing my best to turn my gaze up to them. Despite their giant form which I could match, I forced myself to find the courage to look them in the eye and remain human sized. There was a long pause before Zeus spoke up once more. "Have you nothing to say to explain yourself Issusius?"

"I wanted to make sure Andy and the others could leave safely, that's it."

"And if they hadn't? You beat me in the last war prior to us gaining our weapons Issusius, perhaps you were banking on that power again?"

"NO!" I shouted angrily, before even realizing what I'd said and done. Zeus and Poseidon looked surprised, even blinking at me. I had managed to not let my emotions invade them though. I took a deep breath. "I'm sorry for yelling. Yes I fought you and others in the past, much to my regret. And because of that I've been poked and prodded by Ares, Hades, you, and even Aphrodite to some extent about me potentially fighting you all again. No matter how many times I've said I don't want to...I just want me and what I care about to be left alone. That's it."

Poseidon and Zeus frowned as they continued to look at me and I them. Both of them feel unsure of what to do, and me feeling unsure of what was going to happen.

"I see," Zeus replies after a while of more silence.

"I believe him. But that's just me," Poseidon said with a shrug.

"...As do I." Zeus nodded as he eyed me.

"Then is there anything more to discuss?" I ask and Poseidon looked from me to Zeus. The Olympian king looked deep in thought a few moments longer before shaking his head.

"No. Nothing more. I'll spare you the obvious warning uncle. We'll leave it at this."

I nodded to my nephew and turned around, walking out of the palace and down to the gateway.

"That was intense..." I muttered to myself as I put my arms behind my head and upon leaving the gateway immediately found myself back at the lobby of the Empire State Building.

I saw Andrew and the other 3 waiting by the park me and Andy had been at earlier.

"Wow...I didn't think...." Annabeth gasped as she had seen me and they all came running towards me.

"Yeah I know right, I'm surprised too. But, I'll take the win."

"I'm glad you're ok Jess," Andrew said with a smile as we held hands. "I really really am."

"Me too...soooo, back to camp?" I asked and the others nodded.

"Oh yeah. Definitely," Grover said.