Back Where I Belong

Rewarding the Heroes

The effect of Sally's words on Poseidon was immediate. His form stopped flickering and he started glowing. Everyone looked away so they wouldn't be blinded. When the glow died down, everyone looked back towards Poseidon and did a double take. Gone was the weak, frail god he had been for years. His hair had turned from thin and gray to a silky black. His skin now held his famous Mediterranean tan instead of the pale wrinkles the gods had become accustomed to seeing. However, the biggest change was in his eyes. They were bright and shining with tears of joy, and they had reverberated back to their original sea green, a stark contrast to the downcast, murky green they had once been.

The gods, especially Hestia, Hera, and Hades, were overjoyed to have their brother back. Hestia wanted to rush over and hug him, but one look at Poseidon's face told her not to. Poseidon's eyes shone with newfound hope, something he had not had in nearly sixteen years. "Percy? Is it really you, son?" he murmured. Percy stood up and walked over to the bed where his father was sitting. He sat down and hugged Poseidon tightly. Poseidon finally broke down and wept tears of joy, melting into his son's arms.

Though this was a happy reunion for Percy, Sally, and Poseidon, the rest of the gods were utterly confused. Finally, Annabeth said, "Excuse me, but his name is Peter. You must be mistaken." Percy shook his head. "No, my name is Percy. I did not tell you my true name as a precaution towards the possibility of a spy. If Kronos' army found out I was alive, then where might we be?" Annabeth was stunned, but she couldn't find any flaw in his logic.

Triton stepped forward, still not believing it. "Brother?" he asked. Percy nodded, smiling, and gestured for him to come sit with him. Triton's smile nearly split his face open as he ran over to sit with his long lost brother. Zeus cleared his throat. "Well, not that this isn't wonderful or anything, but we still need to reward these heroes for their efforts in the war. Come, demigods." He waved his hand, and everyone disappeared in a bright flash.

They reappeared in the Olympus throne room, and miraculously, none of the thrones were destroyed. All of the demigods except for Percy were kneeling in the center of the thrones. Percy had been teleported to his father's side since the sea god flat out refused to let go of Percy. Zeus threw his Master Bolt in the air, effectively catching the attention of everyone in the room. "Demigods, you have done Olympus a great service. For that, the gods thank you. As a reward, we will eliminate the law forbidding contact between us." The campers' cheers were deafening; all they had ever wanted was to see their godly parent and spend quality time with them.

After the cheers finally subsided, Zeus started calling up the individual campers who played a special role. The first he called was Thalia, since she was his daughter. "Thalia, as a reward for your efforts against Kronos, I will personally help fill the Hunters' ranks." Thalia smiled and said, "Thank you, Father. About that, though, Lady Artemis? I think I'm going to quit the Hunt."

Artemis looked shocked at her lieutenant. "What do you mean, Thalia?" Thalia looked down. "Look, I'm not going to lie to you, my lady. I mainly used the Hunt as an escape from the prophecy. Don't get me wrong, I loved my time with my sisters. However, I have seen that not all males are bad, and quite frankly, immortality, even if it's only partial immortality, does not suit me." Only one person noticed her eyes flick towards Percy quickly. Artemis nodded sadly at Thalia's statement. "I, Artemis, goddess of the hunt, hereby release Thalia Grace from her oath as a Hunter and relieve her of her duties as lieutenant of the Hunt." A silvery glow surrounded Thalia before it disappeared.

The next hero Zeus called up was Grover Underwood, a satyr who played a major role in rallying the nature spirits against Hyperion. "Grover Underwood, it seems that there is an unfortunate vacancy on the Council of Elders. That said, the Council has decided to name you a Lord of the Wild and a member of the Council." Dionysus grumbled. Grover collapsed immediately. Dionysus groaned. "Someone wake him up before he starts moaning." "FOOOOOD..." Dionysus sighed in exasperation. "Too late." he muttered.

The following hero that was called up was Clarisse La Rue, daughter of Ares. Apparently, she was the one who had ultimately slain the drakon. Ares grinned proudly as his daughter was called forward. "Daughter, you have made me proud. I hereby present you with a new electric spear, now accompanied with an unbreakable shield. Use these gifts well." Clarisse's jaw dropped. "T-thank you father." she stuttered, in awe of the new spear and shield. Ares waved his hand dismissively.

"Annabeth Chase." Zeus called. Annabeth paled a little before stepping forward. "My daughter, you have exceeded my highest expectations. It has come to our attention that Olympus is, well, trashed. We could rebuild the city exactly as it was, but we feel Olympus could use some improvements. You, my daughter, will design these improvements." Annabeth froze in shock and delight; this was her lifelong dream! The joy in her eyes was unmistakeable. Athena smiled at her daughter with pride in her eyes.

"PERSEUS JACKSON!" Zeus boomed. Percy got off of his father's lap and stood in the center of the room (much to the dismay of said sea god). Zeus looked around at the other gods and goddesses before saying, "Rumor has it that you were the one who defeated Kronos. Is this true?" Percy nodded, and Poseidon smiled at him in awe. "Well then. It seems that you are deserving of a gift. If you would like, we will offer you something we have not offered since the ancient times. Perseus Jackson, would you like to become a god?" What Percy did next stunned everyone in the room.

He shook his head. "No, I do not want to become a god. I would hate to peak in my late teens, after all. Similar to Thalia, I would not like to be immortal. At least, not yet. I would like to live my life as a somewhat normal teenager. However, I do have a request. Will you swear on the River Styx to grant this request?" Zeus looked slightly outraged. "You think we would not keep our word?" Percy smiled sheepishly. "I just want to be sure." Zeus rolled his eyes. "Fine. I, Zeus, the King of the Gods, hereby swear on behalf of the Council to grant whatever request Perseus Jackson would like." Thunder boomed in the background.

Percy smiled. "Thank you. Now, my request is just this: I want you to claim all of your children. Also, recognize the minor gods. They should have cabins at camp, as well as Uncle Hades. He is, after all, the eldest son of Kronos and one of the Big Three. That is my request." Hermes looked at him approvingly; his overcrowding cabin was starting to get on his nerves. Zeus huffed at Percy's request, but said, "Very well. Now, let's party!"

Hey guys! Did you like that chapter? I felt like I had to put in Clarisse, as I was a little miffed at Uncle Rick for not recognizing her in the awards. I mean, she's the Drakon Slayer, for the gods' sake.

Daily Song Recommendation: All Out Of Love by Air Supply