Confidence & Pride// [Percy Jackson OC]// Book 5

{Chapter Twenty-Five}

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"I'll rise up/High like the waves
I'll rise up/ in spite of the ache"
- Rise (Andra Day)
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RAISE A VOICE NO MORE DENIED

ARYA WALKED BACK INTO THE THRONE ROOM at Poseidon's side, not as an inferior, but as a proud demigod, something she never thought she would get the chance to do. All eyes turned on them, and Arya straightened up with confidence. This was a moment she would never forget, entering the chambers of Olympus not as a scared little girl who was willing to do whatever it took to please the gods, but one who was grown up and very aware of the realities of the world, one willing to do whatever it takes to be listened to too. This had been her dream for years, and she was going to make the most of it.

Zeus walked up to his throne and took his seat, all the other gods, barring Poseidon, followed in suit. The other demigods shuffled to the edges of the room, clearing out the middle.

Nico had taken a seat with his legs crossed besides Hades feet, and the god of the Underworld seemed pleased to have him there.

Arya and Poseidon made their way to Percy, Tyson, and Grover who were also standing off to the side.

"Well, Poseidon?" Zeus grumped. "Are you too proud to join us in council, my brother?"

Poseidon looked over at his children and sent them a wink, "I would be honored, Lord Zeus."

Poseidon took his time getting over to his seat and once he was in his fishing chair with his trident in his hand, the Olympian Council convened.

Zeus started off with some long winded boring speech about how great the gods did together, and other stuff that none of the demigods cared about. Arya could practically see Connor and Travis' eyes glaze over. Annabeth looking much healthier, made her way over to them.

"Miss much?" she whispered.

"Nobody's planning to kill us, so far," Percy whispered back.

"First time today." Arya added in.

The three of them shared a look and started to crack up at each other, not because the comment was wildly funny, but simply because now there was time to laugh. 

They were cut short when Grover nudged them though because Hera was giving them a dirty look from her throne. Arya guessed even saving the world wasn't enough to impress some gods.

"As for my brothers," Zeus said, "we are thankful" He cleared his throat and clenched his jaw, "erm, thankful for the aid of Hades."

Hades didn't respond with more than a nod of his head and a smug smile on his face, he didn't have too, he was aware that he was a savior that day whether the other Olympians were going to admit it or not. That didn't mean he wasn't going to enjoy being recognized.