2. The Reward Ceremony

Percy POV

She was gone.

I never thought the day would come. I never expected to see the day where I witness her fall in battle.

Fall by my own blade.

I always thought I would be able to have a life with her. Go to college in New Rome together, graduate together. Maybe get a house and grow old together with our kids, watch them live their lives without the fear of being a monster's lunch. But those hopes and dreams were crushed.

All because of a stupid ghost.

I watched from inside my head as the eidolon used my body as a tool to kill Annabeth, to get rid of the one that matters to me the most.

My Wise Girl.

Despite winning the war, the price paid was too high. This was the one thing I would not give to win this war or any other war that might come in the future. As people were celebrating for our victory, some were grieving the loss of their loved ones. None more than me.

Annabeth was my mortal anchor. She was one of the first people I met when I was thrown into this mythological world. She was the one to pull me out of the Styx. We have been through literal hell together. Only for her to die by my hands.

The next few hours after the battle was a daze to me. The medics from the Apollo cabin and healers from Camp Jupiter were treating the wounded. The people that were not in the infirmary were helping clean up the battlefield and carrying the dead just next to the infirmary, the bodies waiting for their shrouds to be made and burned.

What broke me more was seeing Annabeth's body.

It took me a while to gather the confidence to approach her body. When I saw it, I immediately broke down again.

Laying there on the ground was the love of my life, with a gaping hole in the middle of her chest. It stopped bleeding a while ago but her normal orange camp shirt was deeply stained with her blood. Her lifeless grey eyes that normally sparkled with life were staring at the sky. Tears ran down my face as I reached down and closed her eyes. I picked her up gently and walked towards the infirmary.

After the battle, the demigods were about to restrain me when Frank stopped them. He told them that I was possessed much like Leo had when he fired on New Rome. That didn't stop me from getting stared at when I was walking with Annabeth's body in my arms.

It would have been better if I joined her.

But that would not be what Annabeth wanted. She would want me to move on with my life and move past her death. I could almost hear her in my head telling me it was not my fault, but it was. It was my sword that ended her life. I could almost hear her calling me a Seaweed Brain.

I placed Annabeth next to a few of her fallen siblings. I looked around to see a lot of my friends dead. Some had a fatal wound on their torso. Some had a hole where their heart was supposed to be. Some had no head.

I felt a hand on my shoulder but I didn't react. It was a whole minute when I looked over to my left. There stood Malcolm, Annabeth's half brother. He was hastily appointed as the head counsellor of the Athena cabin after Annabeth's death.

'It's not your fault you know,' Malcolm started with sadness in his grey eyes 'You didn't kill her.'

I just continued staring at her lifeless form in front of me. After a while, Malcolm sighed.

'She wouldn't want you to blame yourself, Percy. It's not your fault,' he let go of my shoulder and started walking away 'If you need help, don't be afraid to ask.'

Throughout the exchange, I had said nothing. I stood there as medics raced here and there. I stood there as more people were being brought into the infirmary until there were no more injured left outside the building. I made my way to dinner just as the horn sounded.

I slowly made my way across to the dining pavilion and sat down on the Poseidon table. Everyone around me was talking and laughing like nothing had happened. Despite the losses, the morale was relatively high. Since we had won the war, there will finally be peace.

Before dinner was served, Chiron made an announcement saying that the shrouds of the fallen would be burned after dinner at the campfire. Nico would be overseeing the burial rites of both Greek and Roman soldiers. He was more than delighted to honour the dead.

The night was long. Fresh tears came to the spectators' eyes when the shrouds were burned. Everyone lost someone they cared about this war. When Annabeth's shroud was about to be burned, I went up to say a few words. Her shroud was saved for last. As I passed it, I couldn't help but admire its beauty. Her shroud was made by her surviving siblings, a symbol of an owl was embroidered on grey silk. There was a green trident also weaved into the shroud behind the owl. It took all my willpower to not break down and cry in front of my friends.

'Annabeth she...' I took a deep breath 'She was my best friend. She was the one who helped me adjust to this crazy world of gods and monsters. I've known her since we were twelve and I know that a lot of the older campers knew her when she first came to Camp. She-she meant everything to me.'

Nobody was ashamed to be crying now, but I held on for her. For Annabeth.

'She wouldn't want us to be feeling guilty about her death,' She wouldn't want me to blame myself for killing her I added mentally 'Despite not knowing the Romans all that well, she was the one who made us being brought together possible. Without her, we would all probably be dead, having ripped each other apart.'

Half-hearted chuckles arose from the crowd. Chiron sat in his wheelchair form at the back of the crowd. I saw him wiping away tears. Annabeth was like a daughter to him. She always looked at him as a second father. Losing her took a toll on the entire camp. The newer Athena campers were just sobbing. Annabeth was there to help them when they arrived at Camp.

I looked over at the rest of the seven. Piper and Hazel had silent tears running down their faces as they watched me. During the months on the Argo II, we had grown close. Close enough to be called a family. Other than the Athena cabin and the head counsellors, we took her death the hardest. Jason was comforting Piper as best he could and Frank was doing the same despite his injured leg.

The injury I gave him.

I met Nico's eyes and he nodded slightly. I felt a single tear escape the corner of my eyes.

'I love you, Annabeth,' I raised the fire to the corner of her shroud to burn it 'Hope you achieve Elysium like the rest of the fallen. I will always remember you, Wise Girl.'

Her shroud lit up in flames as grey-coloured smoke rose into the night sky. I watched as the smoke reached the stars. I couldn't help but notice the Hunter constellation in the sky. I smiled briefly as I remembered the friend I had during that short time. Another friend that died by my side.

As I was still staring at the stars, a flash of light lit up in front of me. I looked down to see Hermes standing next to Chiron.

'Hello heroes,' Hermes had red, puffy eyes. He must have lost a lot of his children today 'Lord Zeus has requested the presence of all the head counsellors and the remaining seven of the prophecy to the throne room for a meeting. The Roman centurions and praetors are to attend as well.'

The crowd shuffled around as the people mentioned got ready for the whole gods flashing thing that gives everyone nausea.

'I will transport you all when you are ready.' Hermes said.

After a few seconds, my vision was blocked with a wall of white light when I, along with a lot of other demigods, appeared in the middle of the Throne Room of the Gods in all its glory.

Normally, visiting the throne room would never get old, but the deaths of everyone kind of ruined the mood to stare in awe at the amazing design of the 'room'.

All the gods were sitting in their thrones. Hades was sat on his usual guest 'throne' and Hestia in her eight-year-old form was sat next to the hearth.

All the demigods instantly bowed to show respect. It was a miracle that the gods were not suffering the double-minded-head-splitting thing with their Roman forms. The returning of the Athena Parthenos must have helped.

I looked at the face of all the gods one by one. My dad was beaming with pride but also had a hint of sadness in his eyes for my loss. I looked over to Athena expecting to be met with a face that made Medusa freeze, but was instead met with the gaze of a goddess experiencing extreme loss and sorrow.

Apollo, Hermes and Hephestus along with Demeter and Aphrodite showed signs that they have been crying. They were the most affected by the deaths of their children along with Athena. The other Olympians were indifferent.

'Demigods!' Zeus boomed 'You have been brought here today to be rewarded for your service to Olympus. You all fought well and bravely against the enemy. Without you all, Gaia would have succeeded in her conquest and Olympus would have been destroyed. For that, I thank you.'

Everyone including the Romans had wide eyes. Zeus, for once, had not been droning on about how the gods were the key to winning the war. It was surprising that the King of the Gods had even acknowledged the contribution of the demigods in this war, but thanking us...

He must have hit his head or something.

The head counsellors, centurions, Reyna and Nico were called forward first. They were offered partial immortality to act as the head counsellors for their cabin or centurions for their cohort for as long as they live, and train or help new demigods They would not age or get sick, and would only die in combat. Most of the demigods accepted with the exception of Travis Stoll, Katie Gardner, Clarisse la Rue and Chris Rodriguez. They said that they wanted to live their life as normal people, attend college and grow old together. This brought a small smile to my face.

Jason and Piper were called forward at the same time. Zeus had offered partial immortality along with the help and materials needed to build all the necessary shrines or cabins at both camps, fulfilling his roles as the Pontifex Maximus. Piper was also offered partial immortality to be Jason's lifelong companion, as well as the 'honour' of helping her mother with personal matters.

Not a great deal if you ask me.

Next was Frank and Hazel. Since they were both a praetor and a centurion respectively, they were just offered the same deal as the previous campers: get partial immortality and lead the Roman legion. They accepted with a condition that Frank's lifeline would no longer be tied to his stub of wood. The gods grudgingly accepted and watched as Frank unceremoniously dropped the piece of wood into the hearth.

I barely heard Zeus call my name. I walked in front of Zeus' throne and bowed.

'Stand up, Perseus.'

I stood and faced my uncle. I really hate this type of stuff. He was going to make a big show about my accomplishments and then offer me a huge reward as 'compensation' for my help in the war.

I didn't do that much.

'You were part of the seven of the prophecy. You led the Greek camp into battle against Gaia's minions and served a great part in closing the Doors of Death.'

I tensed remembering Tartarus.

'Since you had turned down godhood the last time, I sense that you would reject this time as well.' Zeus continued.

The ones that didn't know I declined the offer of godhood looked at me with wide eyes. I could feel them staring at the back of my head. I promptly ignored them.

'That is why we would not offer you that again. We offer you partial immortality like everyone else. You will act as the leader of Camp Half-Blood and will lead them to whatever battle would come next. Do you accept?'

I didn't even need to think about it.

'Sorry, Lord Zeus, but I must decline.'

The gods must have thought that was coming because they weren't even surprised. I looked over my shoulder briefly and saw that all my friends were looking at me in disbelief and a bit of sadness. I understood though. I would age while they would watch me die if they live that long. If I lived that long. I turned back to Zeus.

'I do have some wishes though. Will you swear on the Styx that you would grant them?'

Zeus nodded 'Yes, Perseus. I swear on the name of the council that we would fulfil your wishes as long as they are within our power.

Thunder boomed and I took a deep breath.

'First of all, I would like Lord Hades and Lady Hestia to have thrones on the council. As the eldest children of Kronos and their help in both wars, they have more than deserved their place on the council after so long.'

Now it was the gods' turn to look at me in shock. I mentally smirked as I saw their expressions.

'Very well, Perseus,' Zeus sighed 'You are right. It is finally time for my brother and sister to join the council.'

He snapped his fingers and the thrones moved. A new throne appeared next to my dad's. It was just like the one I saw Hades sat on in his palace in the Underworld. Another throne appeared next to Hera's. It was just a simple chair you would find at a dinner table, but it radiated the feeling of home. It was as if all the homes in the world were stuffed into the cushioning of the chair.

Hades stood up from his guest chair as it sank into the ground and disappeared. He walked up to me and embraced me.

'Thank you, nephew.' he whispered in my ear. I smiled before I returned his embrace.

'You deserve it, uncle. After all you've done.' I replied.

Hestia came up to me, still in her child form, as Hades grew to his godly height and took his seat next to his brothers. Hestia looked up at me before growing to about the age of 30. She looked like the ideal image of a mother. Seeing her reminded of my mum. I made a mental note to visit her afterwards. Hestia hugged me and I returned it instantly.

'Thank you, Perseus,' Hestia let go of me and smiled warmly. I couldn't help but return the smile 'Remember. You can always find hope in the hearth.'

She made her way to her throne and sat in it, a huge smile adorning her face. I turned back to Zeus.

'For my next wish, I want you to not punish anyone for this war. Not Apollo, not Hera, nobody. This war was Gaia's fault and her's only.'

If possible, the gods' eyes widened even more. My friends just smiled. Apollo looked at me with a gratifying look on his face. Hera beamed at me. Zeus was about to speak but I cut him off.

'I don't care if Octavian was a legacy of Apollo. Sure, Apollo gave Octavian his blessing but it was because of his lust for power. It is simply the nature of men. You would have done the same in his position. I'm sure he can change.'

I looked pointedly at Apollo and he nodded so hard he looked like he was having a seizure. Artemis looked at her brother with a smug look on her face, as if saying I'm not the only one to think you are my very definition of a male.

Zeus finally gave up and nodded for me to continue.

This time, I glared at Zeus. 'During the last war, you promised to release all the peaceful titans. You clearly didn't as Leo landed on Calypso's island. With her on it.'

All the demigods glared at the king and he looked away in shame.

'Very well,' he said, ignoring the looks of everyone in the room 'We will release them.'

I glared harder at him and he actually flinched. 'How do I know you would keep the promise this time?'

Zeus wasted no time in looking at his son. 'Hermes, would you fetch the peaceful titans from their...prisons?'

Hermes nodded and flashed away. A few moments later, Hermes reappeared along with a bunch of figures. I recognized Calypso among the group and several others I couldn't name. When they saw they were in the Olympian throne room, they immediately bowed.

'Lord Zeus, may I ask why we are here?' a woman asked after rising from her bow. The surrounding figures nodded to the question.

Zeus gestured towards me and they looked straight at me. All the attention was making me nervous. 'This hero has wished for your release. Seeing as how I was...wrong to imprison you all because of your heritage. You are all free now.'

The titans looked at Zeus in shock. I guess it wasn't every day that the King of the Gods admitted he was wrong. I saw Calypso and her relatives smile at me from the group. I smiled back and returned my attention to my uncle for my fourth and final wish.

'Before I continue, Lord Zeus,' I started 'I have a question to ask.'

Zeus simply nodded at me to continue.

'Is it possible to lift one of the Ancient Laws?'

That question caused a wave of uneasiness to spread amongst the gathered gods. My friends just looked confused.

My dad spoke up. 'It depends on which law you wish to lift, son.'

'Okay,' I continued 'I want to know if it is possible to lift the law that prevents the gods - all the gods - from visiting their children from both camps.'

The throne room fell into an unnerving silence. Everyone was staring at me in shock, surprise, pride and there were some looks of confusion as well. My demigod friends were looking at me in with happiness in their eyes. The newly arrived titans had looks of approval on their faces.

'I don't know if...' Zeus was cut off by my dad standing up and looking at him.

'Brother I think that it is a fabulous idea. It would allow our children to connect with us and we will also get to know them better.'

Zeus sighed. 'Let's vote on this. All in favour of Perseus' wish to be granted?'

Everyone's hand went up except Zeus and Dionysus.

'Very well,' Zeus said as he stood up 'I, Lord Zeus, King of the Gods, hereby declare that the Ancient Law Perseus mentioned be lifted.'

The demigods cheered. They rushed me and it quickly became a giant group hug. I grinned. I didn't know that this wish would affect them this much. The hugs hurt, but they were worth it.

After the ceremony, the gods all flashed away one by one. All of my friends were teleported back to camp but I stayed back. The freed titans came up to me and thanked me. Some were in tears that I had chosen to free them. I apologised for not making sure Zeus held up to his word after the last war but was quickly silenced by more thanks.

Calypso came up to me after the group parted. She was just as I remembered. I was still a bit miffed that she had placed a curse on Annabeth but what's done is done. I don't hold grudges. Annabeth wouldn't want me to.

'Percy.' She smiled at me.

'Calypso.' I returned her smile.

She must have noticed the sadness behind my smile because she placed a hand on my shoulder.

'Are you okay?' she asked with genuine concern.

'I would be lying if I said yes.'

Calypso raised an eyebrow and opened her mouth to speak but I stopped her.

'Annabeth, she...' my voice broke. I blinked the tears out of my eyes.

Calypso's expression softened 'It's okay, Percy. You could've done anything to stop it.'

I was about to tell her that I killed her but decided against it. I just nodded.

She released her hand from my shoulder. 'Percy, I was meaning to ask-'

'Leo?'

She nodded.

I sighed and looked straight into her eyes. 'I'm sorry, Calypso. He sacrificed himself to defeat Gaia.'

Her head lowered from my gaze and she just looked at the ground. I hesitated at first, but went up to hug her. She accepted my embrace and buried her face in my shoulder. My shirt was damp after a while from her tears but I didn't mind. She needed a shoulder to cry on, literally. I was glad to offer mine.

I rubbed her back soothingly until she stopped crying. I released her from the hug and looked her in the eyes again.

'He was a hero.'

She smiled sadly. 'So was Annabeth.'