A Fire Burns Within Me Version 2

Final Decision

"I honestly think that space would be epic," Apollo said with a wistful glint in his eye.

Hermes rolled his eyes. "He has been like this ever since he saw Star Wars and Star Trek," he said to us.

I grinned evilly. "Which is better?"

Apollo made a distressed look in my direction. "I don't know!" He said desperately. "I love them both!"

I chuckled while Hermes rolled his eyes again.

"Before you decide, Perce, come say good bye to the Council," Hermes said seriously. "Your father-"

"Hermes, I can't. You know I can't," I interrupted with a sigh. "I can't face them."

"Not the demigods, Percy, we know what she did to you," Apollo was quick to say. "Just the Council."

I still hesitated. The last time I saw anyone on the Council besides my mother, I wasn't at my best. I was still bitter and after I left, my blind anger led me to get caught. The next few weeks after that were literal torture.

"Hermes and Apollo are right, Percy, I've let you delay it long enough," my mother spoke up softly. "You need to see your father."

I sighed and rubbed my face wearily. "Alright," I said finally. "Let's go."

"Thank you, Percy," Mom said, looking as if a weight was lifted from her shoulders. She gave me a big hug and started leading me out.

Suddenly I felt guilty having her keep this from everyone. I should not have asked that of her.

Then something struck me. I dont' know if Dad knows about Mom, my first mom. I don't know why but I did not want to have to tell him I don't have enough strength to revisit that memory so soon. The dreams are enough.

"Mom," I said as I followed her and the others to the throne room. "Does Dad know about...you know."

Fortunately, she knew what I was trying to say. "Yes, he knows about your other mother."

"What happened?" Apollo asked, oblivious.

Hermes hit him in the arm. "Think, man! Why else would Hestia adopt Percy?" He demanded in exasperation.

"Oh," Apollo said quietly. "Hey, Perce, I'm-"

"It's fine," I said as we entered the throne room. "Don't worry about it."

I knew they didn't believe me when I said it was fine but I ignored them as I walked to the center of the room. Looking around, I realized not much had changed. Not since my last visit. Hades, that was such a long time ago. Or it felt like it. Last time I was here, I was bitter-more than bitter- I was angry. The anger and shock had consumed me then and I could think of nothing else besides my betrayal. I'd unleashed everything. Everything but that dark corner of my soul no one seems to tell you about. I was not so far gone that I would go completely out of control.

I wonder how the gods would want to see me again like Hermes and Apollo indicated. I practically destroyed camp and all their kids inside.

I was broken out of my thoughts by Hestia's soft voice. "I call the Olympian Council to order," she said, her voice resonating off the walls and through my body.

Not ten seconds later, Zeus appeared. "What is it, Hestia? You never call for a meeting," he said, concerned.

"If you please, brother, wait for the rest of the Council," she replied with a smile.

"Right," he said, just as Hera and Athena popped in. "I knew that."

"Normally you are the last one here," Hera said, realizing he was here. "Why did you get here first?"