Fall Of The Eldest - Percy Jackson

Chspter 31 - The Truth

Percy's P.O.V

We did not have our assembly with the people of New Rome right away.

Once we made it on solid ground, we realized how beat up we were. I threw up blood from my broken ribs and nearly passed out from blood loss, Nico was nearly transparent from shadows, Hazel's arms had gotten worse, Jason has used so much energy he was practically desirous, and Koda had a freaking seizure.

So, once Koda's heart rate was back to normal, their wounds bandaged, and they were given a walking stick to support them, we met up with the others.

My ribs were bandaged once again, along with medical wrap around my arms and joints, Hazel had her arm in a cast, Jason had wraps around his head from his concussions with the floor, and Nico looked rather fine except with Will practically clinging to his side in case he passed out from lack of energy. We looked so ready to face a crowd of thousands after all that happened. Hint the sarcasm?

We stumbled onto the stage where the people cheered. I guess they were happy to find that not all their heroes had died. My cousins and Koda shoved me to the mic.

"I -uhh..." I looked back at my friends, giving me encouraging smiles and pumped fists.

"Well," I gathered my courage and faced the crowd. "Something good to here is that our Praetors have r-returned." That earned a loud roar from the crowd.

"Yeah," I laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of my neck. I only knew of one thing to tell the people. The truth.

"It's good to be back, honestly." My voice wavered so much over the microphone, but I knew what I wanted to say "And we wouldn't have been able to come home if it wasn't for this person here." I motioned to my gray haired friend, who now looked panicked at the sudden attention.

"They, and I do mean they, fought against the odds to bring us home. To save us from a demise that actually, we created. But they weren't alone. Fenner MacWay, your old Praetor, fought back against Ronan himself, giving the rest of the Seven the information they needed to do what they do best; be heroes."

"But like I said before, third was something we created. Ronan was part of quest not the long ago. He, along with Fen, Koda, and their brother Cyrus took on one of the main aspects of being a demigod. Being on a quest will always have you face monsters, immortals beings, threats, and straightforward pain beyond imagination. For those who have been on quests, who know what I am saying. This group, went through almost a year of pain, losing someone they loved. Only to return to their home and not have a single taste of spotlight or glory."

I took a breath. I had gotten the treatment they had deserved. The guilt knotted in my stomach again as my friends watched quietly, taking everything in.

"Myself, along with the rest of the Seven, were honored, respected, and treated from our actions. But why? Yes we took down Gaia, but these guys also stopped evil forces. Where was their attention and respect? Ronan may have been sick and disrespectful, but his motives were true. He lost a friend, and his cousin, but he was pushed into the darkness because of us. We all focus on the heritage, the great sons and daughters of the big three, and their achievements. In my opinion, there are many more brave acts that each and everyone hs done that needs to be shone."

"Koda- they suffered through child experimentation all their life. That itself causes so much pain and trauma, but look at them. They keep fighting with a smile on their face; staying optimistic; finding a way around problems.

Fenner- she was forced under government rule, but used this as an advantage. She used what she had to get the job done.

Cyrus - despite the fact that they aren't here with us, they still tough bravery. He sacrificed his life, he freedom, everything so the others could complete their quest. Thank you Cyrus, may you Rest In Peace."