The End of an Olympian

09 | Joy Ride

His head was bowed in submission as Dad walked through. I was confused by the interaction—my dad being rude and Lucius acting servile—but I let it go for now.

1183 words

Percy

Dad and I talked for a while longer before he flashed away. It was good to see him again, but I wished he stayed for breakfast. I walked into the room with Lucius who had been trailing behind at a respectful distance. The seventeen staff members stood behind their chairs nervously. What I found weird was that Lucius looked just as nervous when he approached his chair. I thought he'd be more comfortable with me after last night.

"Please, sit," I directed the table as I sat down myself.

Everyone sat down apprehensively and we started breakfast. It went alright after I broke the awkwardness. They were still tense, but I think they were warming up to me. For some reason, though, Lucius didn't look at me the entire time. When the table was cleared, I walked out with Lucius keeping his distance behind me. He looked troubled but didn't look like he wanted to share what was on his mind at the moment. So I decided having a day off would help him gather his thoughts.

"I need to do a few more things before I go," I said, pausing and facing Lucius. "Go ahead and take the day off. I won't need you until tomorrow since I'll probably get back late."

"Yes, sir. What time will you be leaving?"

"Just before lunch I suspect."

"Ok, I'll see you off then."

"No need, but thanks, Lucius. And breakfast went well. Good job," I added as I made my way to a side section of my palace.

This section was open above to the sky. It held the stables on a surprisingly large field for the horses or Pegasi to roam around.

As I entered the stables, I could see that one of the horses was quite agitated. A young man who looked about 20 was trying to calm him down to no avail. I walked up and heard the horse in my head.

Lord! Please, all I want is a doughnut! I haven't had one in a month!

Ok, ok, but you know it's not good for you.

Yes, Lord, but they're so good!!

I chuckled and summoned a doughnut to my hand. This one was definitely listening to Blackjack too much. I held it out and he ate it in one bite.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, boy?" I turned to see that it was the young man. "Those are horrible for horses! You can't just feed them doughnuts! Why are you here anyway? You're clearly not part of the palace staff."

"Sorry, but I'm positive one doughnut won't kill him. Lucius, said you let people ride them sometimes. I was hoping to go riding this morning." I admired this guy's boldness and passion to take care of the horses. He must be the groom. What was his name again? Noor?

"Yeah? Well, Lucius should keep his mouth shut. There won't be any more free rides."

"Why not?"

"Are you stupid or something? Lord Perseus is back."

"So?" I was having far too much fun not revealing who I was.

"So?! He'd have my head if he ever found out I let people ride his horses. I had a right mind to keep most away from the Pegasi, seeing as they're his sacred animal. I don't want to even think about what Lord Perseus would say, let alone do if he knew."

"Well... he'd probably start by asking you to call him Percy, not 'Lord' and certainly not 'Perseus'. Then he'd probably tell you he didn't mind if others enjoyed riding any of the horses or Pegasi. In fact, he'd probably come down here and enjoy a ride himself."

"Oh, yeah? And what makes you say that, boy?"

I changed to my 20-year-old form and watched as Noor's face changed to understanding. I laughed and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Now. Care to take me for a ride? Take out a Pegasi of your choosing while I call a friend."

I was able to make Blackjack an immortal Pegasus because they are my sacred animals. He was always there for me and I'm glad to still have him as a friend, even if he insists on calling me "Boss". I only have so many friends.

Thalia is still kicking with the Hunters of Artemis. She and I haven't matured our relationship at all, but we're grateful to still have each other. She also went through a tough time from losing everyone because of her immortality, but she still had her fellow hunters with her. Jason and Annabeth had sadly died before the "living for eternity" thing really set in.

Then there was Nico. When he was 27, he was made immortal so he could remain Hades' heir. A few years of pestering later, Will was also immortal at the age of 30 and they lived a happy married life together. Nico was traveling a lot on errands for his father while Will ran a very successful hospital chain that was secretly built for demigods or legacies. He would go from hospital to hospital over the years as a surgeon or some other type of doctor. If he needed to get off the grid and eliminate suspicions as to why he wasn't aging, he took up teaching at Camp Half-Blood's infirmary. He often taught the medics at Camp Jupiter or Camp Bellona, which held the 13th legion created by Reyna.

I let out a loud New York Taxi whistle and a few beats later, a black mass came spiraling towards where we had moved to stand in the nearby field.

Yo, Boss! How's it been?

Pretty good, Blackjack. You?

Not so bad myself. Say, got any doughnuts?

I know for a fact you had some this morning, so no more from me.

Aww, come on, Boss! I'm immortal, remember?

Yeah, I remember, but the answer is still no.

Fine. What did you need anyway?

Just a fun ride. What do you say?

Sure thing, Boss.

"M-my Lord," I heard from behind me. Noor had come out with a beautiful light brown Pegasus. "Please let me apologize for insulting you earlier. I didn't know who you were. I beg you to show me mercy!" He had gone down into a reverent bow.

What's wrong with this guy, Boss? He's sweating buckets! Gross!

Don't be rude, Blackjack.

"Don't sweat it, Noor. Your blunt honestly is refreshing. Ready to go?"

"Yes, Lord Perseus," he admitted hesitantly.

"Great! But first, what I said about my name is still true. Call me Percy."

"A-are you sure, sir?"

"Positive," I reassured as I mounted Blackjack. I saw Noor do the same and we took to the air.

Everything seemed clearer up here. I had forgotten how amazing it felt to fly on a Pegasus. Noor loosened up a bit and we had some fun racing. He was a funny guy and an excellent rider. But noon was fast approaching, so I said goodbye to Blackjack and Noor brought his Pegasus back to the stables. Time to visit Camp Half-Blood.