Searching For Serenity

Chapter 7

Percy
Once we were out of the dining tent Artemis pulled me along towards the edge of the camp, "Are you ready?"
"Um yeah, I guess," I said kind of reluctantly.
She looked me in my eyes for a second before nodding and reaching for my shoulder.
"Wait," I interjected while backing up out of her reach.
She looked at me curiously, "What is it?"
I thought for a second before replying, "What do you think the gods are gonna do with me? It's not like I can just go back to camp like, 'hey guys, its good to be back, who wants to race up the lava wall?' That's not really something I want to do."
She seemed to sense my uneasiness, "Percy, truthfully I have no idea what they'll do. I'm sure they'll be ecstatic at your return and I'd be willing to bet they'd hear out your wis-"
"But I don't even know what I want!"
She flash at look of annoyance at my interrupting her before smirking, "Maybe they'll have another Great Prophecy ready for you by the time we get there."
I stared at her, trying to tell if she was kidding or not, "Yeah, maybe if they want to see a now returned 'Hero of Olympus' throw himself off the side and take the fast way down to New York."
She punched me in the shoulder, "You'll be alright...Kelpy," and began reaching for my shoulder once again.
"Thalia beat you to tha-" and I was cut off by us flashing to Olympus.

We appeared in a large room with the usual couch and TV, it was lightly decorated with silver engraved furnishings, paintings, and several stuffed monsters.
So this is what Artemis does in her free time. Full time hunter, part time taxidermist and painter. Makes sense.I started to look around at the paintings, they were all extremely detailed. I didn't recognize most of them, but I found one that I would never forget. It was reversed from how I remember, being it was from Artemis's perspective.
I sat next to her on one knee, helping her hold up the sky, before she had let go and let me take the weight alone. She had gone into the utmost of detail, you could see the drops of sweat in the focused creases of my forehead. It was like a snapshot from the past.
Is that really what I looked like? Is that what Artemis thought I looked like? I'm not normally one to toot my own horn, but 'toot, toot,' fourteen year old me was a stud, I thought with a stupid grin.
I was pulled out of my thoughts by a certain Moon Goddess clearing her throat, "Ahem- Are you done perusing my house like it's a museum?"
I felt my face pinken, "Yeah-"
"Then let's head to the throne room," she replied turning towards an oak double door, with large glass panes flanking each side.
We stepped out to find a bustling Olympian street, a mixture of minor gods, demigods, and nature spirits dressed in a mixture of the classical chitons and modern clothes. Shops lined the streets in the empty spots left by the palaces. Up the street I recognized the top of the grand throne room. I pulled my hood up tight and tried to sink my face into the shadow it provided before stepping off in unison with Artemis.
We walked in silence, looks being thrown from the majority of the populace that made way for us walking down the middle of the street. When we reached the door Artemis lightly pushed it open to reveal it completely empty besides an ever-present Hestia sitting by the Hearth.
She looked up at us with the bright warming smile, "Hello Artemis. Hello Percy, it is nice to see you again," and looked back down at the flames that suddenly grew in intensity.
Welp there goes that, I thought, throwing back my hood.
"Turn away and close your eyes, I'm going to assume my true form and summon the council," Artemis said, "and keep them closed, they're going to flash in and I'd hate for your story end there."
I felt the heat on the back of my neck and heard the familiar twang of a taught bowstring being released.
"Daughter, why d-"
I heard a couple of gasps interrupt the King of Gods, "Percy!"
"Brother...," Zeus started, midway sounding like he decided against trying to stop a now frenzied Poseidon.
I turned to find myself looking at a human sized Poseidon running full bore straight at me. He picked me up in a hug that put Tyson to shame. He held me for a good ten seconds.
I couldn't bear it anymore, I began flapping my hands against his sides, "D-da-d, ca- can-t b-breeeathe," pushing out the last word with a wheeze as he begun to loosen his hug.
I heard two chuckles coming from Apollo and Hermes. I glanced over to look at them both smirking, then I shot at glance over at Artemis and made that seemingly inevitable eye contact. She smiled brightly, with an almost sad look in her eye and gave a nod.
Poseidon released me and took a step back while holding my shoulders, looking me up and down with a near maniacal grin.
This is a first, I thought, realizing that if my dad was acting like this he must've been on the brink of insanity waiting for my return.
"My son! You're back! Are you alright? Where have you been? Why did you not come back? Wh-"
"Dad, I'm fine, and it's a long story," I said nervously, still not sure how much I should tell.
"Brother! Why don't you return to your throne and let Perseus here tell his story to the council," Zeus commanded more than suggested.
"No offense brother, but I'll be remaining by my son," father said, draping his arm over my shoulders.
"Father, really it's fi-"
"I know it's fine, but I will be staying by your side," he replied with a mischievous grin that reminded me where I'd come from.
Poseidon switched his gaze back to a now brooding Zeus. They had a staring contest, neither giving up, their pride on the line.
"Zeus it's fine. There's no harm in Poseidon staying with his son, who he just got back after so long," Hera interrupted, to my surprise.
Zeus nodded, not breaking eye contact with Poseidon, "Go ahead Perseus."
I sighed and began delving into the story. As I told it, I received many questions and squeezes of affection from my father when I went over the parts with Annabeth.
I finished it off, leaving out the part of Pontus telling me his secret, and me happening across Artemis being attacked, which was mostly true. I made sure to leave the information that I wanted to keep secret for now completely out instead of trying to alter the events, to be sure Apollo wouldn't call out my bullshit.
The council sat in silence.
"Well my young nephew, it is good to have you back...but now that you are I find it only fair that we reward you as we have rewarded the rest of the seven," Zeus announced, partially to me and partially to the council.
There were nods of approval all around, even from the gods I'd least expect, like Athena, Ares, and Hera. The only one who didn't was a surprisingly passed out Dionysus.
"We agreed as a whole, that when you returned we would offer you a spot in the Olympian Council," the King of Gods announced, leaving me shaken and feeling weak.
I stumbled only to be caught by my father. I looked over to see him smiling at me, "So what do you say son?"
I sat there for a second glancing at all the olympians, my gaze resting on Artemis. I shot her a scowl as if to say 'Me and you are gonna have words' and she let loose a smile, stunning the council more than my return had. I continued moving my gaze along the waiting faces, till I finally ended with Hestia who gave me a nod along with a smile.
"I'm sorry," I said as my dad squeezed my shoulder, "but I can't accept."
I looked back to Zeus who had appeared to be short circuiting, "You dare to co-"
"Are you sure my son? You would have your own domains and wouldn't have to live a hero's life anymore...," my father asked.
"Yes dad, I'm sorry, but that's not what I want...," I looked back at Zeus, "But I do have a request, actually a couple."
He stared back at me, with a vein bulging out of his forehead, "And what may they be Hero," he replied, the anger evident in his tone.
"Well I would once again like you to swear on the river Styx that you will free the peaceful Titans from their prisons," I replied trying to remain calm.
"And?"
"I would like to ask you to restore Hestia's throne, and for Hades to be added to the council. They both deserve to have their input heard," I added.
Zeus just stared at me, I started to think I had gone too far, then he started laughing and I was even more confused.
"Is that all you wish nephew," I nodded and he continued after a chuckle, "I was expecting you to ask more. I half expected you to ask for one of my daughters' hand in marriage," he finished in a joking manner, booming with laughter.
I looked over to see Athena and Artemis both staring at Zeus, equal parts of anger and incredulousness evident through their expressions.
"Well I for one approve of my son's wishes," my father said stepping forward toward the council.
"Me as well," Zeus added.
Nods and confirmations rang out through the throne room. I looked over at Hestia to see her beaming in my direction. Zeus raised his lightning bolt and I turned away just in time for Hades to flash in. He was filled in on what had taken place. He spun towards me with a rare half smile, he made his over to me and put out his hand, to which I accepted.
"Thank you my nephew. I won't forget this, should you need anything all you need to do is ask," he said with a light nod. "I would also like to allow you to enter and leave my domain as you wish, though I cannot allow you to see anyone who has passed over."
"Thank you uncle," I said while releasing my grip on his hand.
He stepped back and turned towards the end of the line of thrones and looked at the empty space like he was already designing his throne in his head as Hestia was doing the same on the opposite side.
"So Percy you will be going back to camp?" Zeus asked.
"No, I don't think so. I'm not ready to jump back into that routine," I replied nervously.
"So then what will you do?" My father asked with a curious look on his face.
"I'm not sure, I might just travel around, helping out where I can," I said, not entirely sure if that's what I wanted to do.
Poseidon was about to respond when he was cut off, "Ahem- Artemis, would you mind stepping outside with me," Zeus asked, once again sounding more like a command.
They stepped out and the other Olympians started talking amongst themselves, like kids when the teacher steps out of the classroom. I turned to the other side to see Hestia approaching us.
"Dad would you excuse me while I talk to Hestia?"
"Of course son," my father agreed, while stepping off towards his throne, looking like he'd won the lottery.
"Thank you Percy," Hestia said, stepping close with her arms out, asking for a hug.
I of course accepted and leaned into her embrace. Hestia always was one of my favorite Olympians, we'd had limited interactions, but she'd had a motherly like feel about her.
"No need to thank me Hestia, you deserve it," I replied with my head resting above her's, as she was in her usual form, that of a young girl.
"Well I appreciate it, and I for one think you should've wished for something for yourself," she said backing up and looking me in my eyes, "that is why I'd like to make you my Champion and receive my blessing, if you'd accept of course."
I took a step back, not expecting her to say anything of the sort, "Well Hestia, I'd love to," and I leaned down closer to her, "but between me and you, that Polk guy I was with turned out to be Pontus, and I'm sort of already his champion," I said shyly, not knowing how she would take the news or if she'd tell anyone.
"Sort of?! What does that mean? And why would you not be proud of your new title? You should flaunt it!" A familiar voice rang in my head.
"Shut up ya old fart, I am proud of it, but I'm not trying to have Zeus trying to fry me in my first couple hours back. My dad and him would probably start hurling shots at each other!" I thought back.
"Well I expect you to let them know about your good ol' Grandpa P! And soon you little shithead!" He yelled jokingly in my head, followed by a cackling noise that could only be his 'laugh.'
I refocused on Hestia and saw her staring with her eyes wide in surprise before returning to normal, "Don't worry, your secret will stay with me," she said with a wink, "but at least accept my blessing."
"Of course," I replied with a genuine smile.
Her face turned to one of seriousness, "Would you like to have power over fire, home cooked meals, or the Hearth?"
What the Hades does the power of the Hearth encompass, I asked myself thoughtfully.
"The power of fire is pretty self explanatory, and the home cooked meals will allow you to summon food and drink, made by me, whenever you wish. The power of Hearth allows you to produce a warm, calming effect over allies or foes," she said with a smile like she was listening to my thoughts.
"Umm...I guess I'll take the power of home cooked meals," I said with a grin , "You can never go wrong with food, as long as you'll add blue pancakes to your arsenal," I added with a chuckle.
"Yes of course! Be sure to try the peach cobbler!" She reached forward to put her hand on my shoulder, "This may hurt for just a moment."
I saw her close her eyes in focus and immediately I felt warm and completely at ease, the power of the Hearth flowing through me. The pain was easily bearable, not comparable to receiving Pontus's blessing.
"So how do you feel?" Hestia asked.
"Kind of hungry," I said with a grin.
"Well, it looks like you'll have to wait to try out your new powers, here comes Zeus and Artemis."
I turned behind me to see a beaming Zeus and an angry looking Artemis, who both walked right passed us towards their respective thrones.
When Zeus reached his throne he slammed his bolt on the ground. "Everyone return to your thrones," he said looking to Poseidon to make sure he wasn't going to defy him.
My dad looked at me, then Zeus, and back to me. I grinned at him and nodded, as if to say 'Let's not give him an aneurysm.' He flashed a grin at me and stayed on his throne.
"Perseus, you say you wish to travel and seek out young demigods, and while I think that respectable, I have another idea," he said, leaving the statement hanging, trying his best to build suspense.
He looked over at Artemis, who just stared at me with a scowl. Then he looked back at me "Artemis has agreed to let you travel with the hunt, you would be free to leave and hunt for young demigods, while also being around to protect my daughters an-"
"Father! I do not need a male's protection!"
Ouch. I thought we were passed that, I thought, while looking at Artemis with a semi hurt expression.
She seemed to soften seeing my expression, and I saw a glimmer of some unknown emotion pass through her silver eyes before they hardened once again.
"Artemis. You were almost killed or worse in Alaska, and who better to protect you than the one man you claim to have respect for?" He asked, sounding caring for his daughter.
She looked to him and it looked as if they were having a mental conversation before she took a deep sigh and nodded her head before looking back to me.
"Like I was saying Percy, you will be able to escort the demigods to camp or give the females the option to join the Hunt. You could even help train my daughter's hunters. You would be benefiting camp, and the Hunt, all the while giving me peace of mind. You would receive partial immortality and Artemis's blessing. So what do you think Perseus?"
I look from Artemis, to Zeus, and back, "Would this really be alright with you Artemis?"
Artemis hesitated and looked thoughtful for a second before nodding her head, "Yes, although I do not like it, it's not a bad idea and would be good for the Hunt."
"So you accept Percy?" Zeus confirmed.
"Yes, I accept. I swear on the Styx to do my best to protect Artemis and her hunters to the best of my ability," I said, feeling the urge to swear it.
Zeus nodded, clearly pleased with my willingness to swear on my life to protect his daughters. "So be it," he said, "Approach to receive your partial immortality."
I stepped forward towards the King of Gods's throne for him to stand up and lay his hand on my shoulder. Instantly I felt completely rejuvenated and slightly stronger.
"Thank you uncle," I said.
"No. Thank you, my young nephew. You truly are a unique hero," he replied , "It genuinely is good to have you back."
I nodded and stepped back to the center of the room.
"Does anyone have anything to add?" He asked, "No? Then this council is dismissed."
With that he flashed away, along with all the other gods besides Hades, Poseidon, Hestia, and Artemis.
Hestia gave me a smile before returning to designing her throne. Poseidon once again ran up to me and wrapped me in a hug.
"I missed you my son. Best of luck to you, you're gonna need it with those hunters," he said with a warm smile, dissolving into salt water leaving an ocean breeze.
I looked over at Artemis, to find those beautiful silver eyes staring straight into my own with her head resting in her hands. I walked towards her throne, "Is everything alright...milady?" I asked with my straightest face.
"Shut the fuck up Percy," she replied with an equally straight face before her lips twitched at the sides. "You know, it's not gonna be easy, Thalia will be ecstatic, but I can't say the same for the others."
"What about you? You gonna be able to handle a 'filthy male' in your camp?" I asked with a tad bit of annoyance, not letting her forget what she had said, "And what about you not telling me about you agreeing with the rest of the council to try to make me an Olympian?!"
She sighed, "Percy...I'm s-sorry for saying that, that wasn't fair, I was just upset about my father constantly trying to protect me. But yes, even if you are a 'filthy male,' I think I'll be able to tolerate it." She said with a joking a tone and a slight punch to chest to back it up as she stood up, "And who am I to ruin the surprise?"
I just smiled and frowned after a thought, "You're not gonna make this easy for me are you?"
"What fun would that be?" She asked with an evil grin before grabbing my shoulder and flashing us away.