One Final Act of Desperation

Chapter 6: My Mom Joins The Rodeo

A/N: HAHAHAHA! The intermittent chapter from the original fanfic made me smile so much! I didn't change from the original as I already loved it. I only swapped in Frank for little Percy because I thought he'd be the best replacement. His innocence resembles the original little Percy's innocence very well in my opinion. As you will notice as you read if you read the original fanfiction, I have decided to merge the intermittent chapter with this one. The intermittent chapter was below 2000 words so I thought Why not? Anyways, I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Disclaimer: All characters and text in bold belong to Rick Riordan. Cover art is not mine.

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Only two people remained in the throne room after everybody else went to mingle and then have lunch. Zeus was sitting on his throne with his head hanging low and a literal storm cloud crackling with lightning above his head. The Lord of the Skies was broken out of his depression when he felt a hand lay gently on his shoulder. He looked up with lidded eyes to see his oldest sibling looking at him with a tender but sad smile on her face.

"Are you here to lecture me, Hestia? If so, then get on with it," Zeus said grouchily.

Hestia rolled her eyes and bopped him on the head with her tiny fists. Zeus just glowered at her for a brief moment before slumping into his throne, seeming to age another ten years.

He waited for his older sister to say something, but when no words came, he spoke up, "You think I'm a terrible father, don't you?" Without even waiting for response, he continued, "Why am I even asking? I already know I am. I just struck out at my own children in a fit of rage."

Hestia moved to the front of Zeus and finally said, "You're right. Probably up there as one of the worst father's alive."

Zeus grimaced and somehow slumped even farther into his throne. He knew that she was just agreeing with him, but it still hurt coming from someone else's mouth.

"But," Hestia continued, making sure her brother's undivided attention was on her. "I'm pretty sure that this is one of the reasons why the Fates gathered us all here together."

"And why is that?" Zeus asked skeptically, still thinking that this whole process was just a waste of time.

Hestia sighed in exasperation. "You really are dimwitted brother. We're here to learn from our mistakes by reading these books. These books give us an opportunity to see life in the perspective of your children."

"The book is in the perspective of Poseidon's child though," Zeus argued.

"That may be so, but in the end, I'm sure most demigods think similarly to young Percy, including your own children."

Zeus put his chin into his palms while he thought over his sister's words. "And you think that by reading these books I can learn to be a better father?"

Hestia gave him a confident nod.

Zeus let out a sigh of resignation. "I suppose I should go and apologize to my children." He was prepared to find his children when he was pulled back into his seat by an angry Hestia.

"And what do you think apologizing to your children will help with!?" Hestia berated. "You can't apologize with words but with actions. Only then will your children realize that you do care. Understood!?" Zeus meekly nodded in affirmation.

"Good! Now you will stay here and reflect on your actions while I go and prepare lunch." Hestia marched out of the throne room, leaving behind a slightly miffed Zeus.

"When did I become so disrespected? I'm the King of Olympus so no one should be telling me what to do," Zeus grumbled unhappily.

"I heard that!" Hestia yelled, head popping back into the throne room. "I'm telling mother about everything by the way, bye!"