The death of a hero

3

Seeing his friends again after such a long time was the thing Percy dreaded and loved the most. He was afraid of their reactions but also excited to see them again. He took a deep breath and walked into Elysium. It was strange to see it this clear and real, right infront of him, had he only seen it from far away. The first to notice him was Silena Beauregard. She was talking to her husband, judging by the ring that she was twirling around her ring finger. Charles Beckendorf was the person, Percy most feared seeing again because he was the only person that had died unneccesarily, without a prophecy saying they needed to die. So, he just stopped in his tracks when first Silena saw him and then showed Charles that he arrived. When Beckendorf acknowledged him, Percy casted his gaze down to not anger his old friend before he felt himself being hugged by a sobbing Silena. "Percy, Percy, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be with your daughter and Annabeth. You have a family. How can you.... What happened?" "Silena, I..... had to protect them. I couldnt stand seeing them die, so I ..... sacrificed myself, so they would leave them alone." And now joined a second embrace their hug. Beckendorf was still at least 1 foot taller than him and wrapped his long arms around them. He wasnt crying but Percy could feel that he had to breathe very hard, as if he was trying to refrain from crying. "Beck.....Beckendorf,..... I'm so so so sorry! It was my fault that you died! If I had been quicker, if I had gotten you away from them, if I......." "Percy!", Beckendorf interrupted him and broke up the hug to look Percy in the eyes, as well as Silena. "Percy, it was my decision and my life. I wouldnt want it any other way. Besides, Silena and I had a really great time down here. I'm..... actually sorry for you because you had to leave Annabeth behind and I still have my Silena." After that, Percy stayed silent for a minute before he just said: "Yeah but I cant really change that. So, back to you two. You married?" "Yes, and it was awesome if I might say so!", screached Silena. From there on, Silena rambled about their wedding until she came to the interesting part. The guests. Because three people Percy was particularly fond of had been invited and lived here in Elysium. Bianca di Angelo, Zoë Nightshade and Luke Castellan. When Percy asked if they could visit them, Beck and Silena just grinned and promised him to lead him there. They had to walk around a few corners and then Percy could already see, where they were headed. Two houses stood out among the rest. One, because it was decorated with silver arrows and moons. The other was actually really familiar to Percy, had he already been in this house. Or rather in the original from the real world. It was kind of heartwarming that Luke finally embraced his childhood. As the trio stood between the houses, Percy didnt know where to knock first. This 'problem' was solved when the silver house opened its front door and Bianca di Angelo all but ran in Percys arms. "Percy! How great it is to see you again! But I must say, you dont look too good!" "Probably, because he died just a few hours ago Bianca! Let him breath!" Zoë deadpanned. When Percy looked at her, she folded her arms infront of her chest. "Jackson, Jackson, Jackson. I hadnt expected to see you hear so soon. What happened?" Percy shrugged and told them the story. "WHAT?! YOU CANT JUST SACRIFICE YOURSELF! WHAT ABOUT ANNABETH?!" "Bianca, I had to choose between their life and my life. I would always choose her over me. Even if that means my death.", Percy answered. "Ugh, you are quite literally the definition of a perfect..... man. You are insufferable!", exclaimed Zoë. Suddenly, the door from the other house was opened with a loud "Bang!" And out came.... Luke Castellan. "Zoë and Bianca! How often do I need to tell you that you can have conversations INSIDE your house, not infront of it where EVERYONE needs to listen to them?! And while we are at it, what happened this time? Did Hades finally manage to go on a proper date with Persephone?!" Luke rambled until Percy shyly raised his hand and waved with a smile. Luke stopped in his tracks and finally seemed to see him. "P.... Percy? What are you....... O holy Hades, Annabeth is gonna be so mad!" And with that Luke came over to accept him in a hug. Percy gratefully leaned into the embrace and Luke began to speak: "I guess from what I've heard that you, Annabeth and your daughter were in a risky situation where you decided to sacrifice yourself so that Anni and Zoë could escape?" Percy nodded but was interrupted by Zoë who was nearly exploding with anger. "Why would Jackson need to save me? I can take care of myself!" Percy and Luke bursted out laughing which just angered Zoë more and more. "Okay, I have to clarify!", Percy finally exclaimed. "Zoë, I named my daughter after you and you, Bianca. Her complete name is Zoë Bianca Jackson but ..... considering recent..... events I guess she is ....... going to change her last name to Chase." Bianca again began to sob and hugged the life out of Percy. When she let him go, he came to see Zoë with tears in her eyes. They didnt roll but she was seemingly touched by Percys words. "And what about US?!", screached Silena. "Heyyyyyy, calm down, Sil. Clarisse named your daughter after you and.... I said to Annabeth if we ever had a son, one of his names had to be Charles and/or Luke. She agreed but ...... well, she isnt going to have any other kids with me, so ........ I dont know." Silena scrunched her nose and shook her head. "Percy, I was messing with you and you didnt even notice it! But I appreciate the new info. When Clarisse comes, she will never hear the end of it!" Percy stared at her wide eyed. "Sil, if you tell her I told you that, she is going to kill me!" "Ahh, dont worry Perce! I will make sure she keeps your secrets", Charles said with a little wink. Percy noticed that he wasnt as sad as he had been when first realized he died. Maybe it was the new environment, maybe it were his friends. But he decided that he would be happy down here despite everything that happened. He was gonna enjoy his afterlife. And no one deserved it more than him.