(A/N): I⚠️DO⚠️NOT⚠️OWN⚠️ANYTHING!!

Percy's POV
We kept flying east towards New York. I looked at my left and saw Thalia asleep on Porkpie's back. She has to be really exhausted to sleep in the air due to her fear of heights. I didn't blame her. Luckily, Porkpie (the pegasus) flew with ease, adjusting himself every once in a while so Thalia could stay safely on his back. I looked at my right to see (Y/N).

She was looking forward in a way that looked majestic. She let her (H/C) hair down from her ponytail, making her hair fly with the wind. She still had dry blood on her face from the cut Atlas gave her and she was holding her side. Her skin was a bit paler than normal.

Every so often, she would look up at the sky, before looking at her charm bracelet. Something was up about her. I flew along side her. She didn't notice until I spoke.

"You ok?" I asked her.

She snapped out of her thoughts and looked at me.

"Yeah. Just a cut and a few broken ribs."

"You know what I mean, (Y/N)."

(Y/N) smiled before looking forward again. I thought she wasn't going to answer my question, but I was wrong.

"I think my mom is alive." She said breaking the silence.

"(Y/N)-"

"I know, I know. It's crazy, but hear me out. Zoe said something that confused me."

"How? Your mom is proud of you."

"Exactly. She said the word is. Is proud of me. I know Zoe knows about my mom and her death but she still said 'Your mother is proud of you.' She could of said that my mom would be proud of me, you know like past tense, but she didn't."

(Y/N) looked at me as if searching for any disbelief on my face.

"So what you're saying is that your mom might be alive?"

"Crazy right?" (Y/N) said. "But that's when I remembered what Nereus told me when I mention my mom. He said something about 'untrained eye'."

"What did he mean by that?"

"My guess is that he was talking about the Mist. Will was only 8 and I was 7. We were just kids, so we didn't know anything about the Mist until we came to Camp Half-Blood."

(A/N): Idk how to explain it very well but please go with it.)

It was silent for a couple of minutes before I asked her a question.

"So what are you going to do now?"

(Y/N) shrugged her shoulders.

"I don't know yet. I need answers...but it could wait." She said. "Besides I need to talk to Will about it."

I was a bit relieved with her answer, but it still kept me on edge.

"Percy?"

"Yeah?"

"Is...Bianca...is she actually dead?"

"How did you-"

"Dream. I just wasn't sure if it was actually true." She said. "Tell me what happened to her."

So I told her everything that happened in the desert. How Bianca sacrificed herself for us to continue our quest. Once I finished telling (Y/N) on what happened to Bianca, I could tell that she wanted to cry, making me feel more guilty.

"Oh gods, s-she-" Then she stopped as if another thought came to her. "Oh my gods, Nico."

"I know and I promised him to keep Bianca safe. I failed him. It's my fau-"

"Percy, it's not your fault."

"Nico is not going to believe that."

"I'll help you explain it to him."

"You don't need to."

"I know but I want to. I know how it's like to lose someone you care about. I can't let Nico go through that alone."

"Are you sure?"

"I am. I'll try to be there for him. It's the least I could do for them..."

There was a moment of silence for a couple of minutes before (Y/N) spoke again.

"Sooo, you didn't believe I was dead?" (Y/N) asked.

"Never." I said immediately.

(Y/N)'s POV
I smiled at his response. I looked at the locket that Luke gave me years ago. I had to tell him.

"Neither is Luke, you know. I mean...he isn't dead."

Percy stared at me. I knew he didn't like Luke after almost trying to kill us multiple times in the past, but I just needed to tell him.

"(Y/N), that fall was pretty bad. There's no way-"

"He isn't dead." I interrupted him. "I know it. The same way you knew about me. He's still alive."

Percy frowned a little and was about to talk back when Blackjack neighed at him. I looked in front of us and saw that we were over the city of New York.

"You're the man, Blackjack." Percy said. "Er, the horse, I mean."

"You don't believe me, do you?" I asked Percy.

He didn't answer.

"But I know we'll see him again. He's in trouble, just like how I was. He's still under Kronos's spell. If I was able to break free from Kronos's spell, then I know we could free Luke."

Percy's POV
I didn't say anything back to (Y/N) because I knew we would be arguing. But I couldn't help get mad on the inside.

How could she still stand up for that creep? He used her! How could she still make excuses for him? Why is she still defending him? He deserved to fall. He deserved to...ok, I'll say it (not out loud though). He deserved to die. Unlike Bianca. Unlike Zoe.

"There it is." Thalia said, who just woken up from her nap. She pointed towards Manhattan. "It's started."

"What's started?" I asked.

I looked at where Thalia was pointing at. High above the Empire State Building, was Olympus on its own island of light.

"The winter solstice." (Y/N) said. "The Council of the Gods."

~~~

(Y/N)'s POV
We circled over midtown Manhattan, making one complete orbit around Mount Olympus. Olympus amazed me even more. It seemed to gleam in the early morning light. The streets were full of demigods and nature spirits and minor godlings bustling about, riding chariots or sedan chairs carried by Cyclops. Winter didn't seem to exist here with all the flowers everywhere. Music from lyres and reed pipes could be heard, making me want to listen to it all day long.

We landed in the outer courtyard, in front of huge silver gates which was the entrance of the greatest palace of all. Once we walked in front of the gates, they opened by themselves. Then there was a bright light before we ended up in the throne room, with all the gods together. I noticed that my ribs weren't too broken anymore and all the blood that were on my ripped up clothes disappeared.

I looked in front of us. Twelve enormous thrones making a 'U' shape were around the central hearth. The ceiling above glittered with constellations-even the newest one, Zoe the Huntress, making her way across the heavens with her bow drawn.

All twelve thrones were occupied with a 15 feet tall god or goddess. They were all staring at us.

"Welcome, heroes," Artemis said.

"Mooo!"

I looked at the source of the mooing and saw what appears to be a cow serpent in a sphere of water. That must be Bessie the Ophiotaurus Percy told me about. Grover was kneeling at Zeus's throne but as soon as he saw us, he immediately stood up.

"You made it!" Our satyr friend exclaimed.

He was about to run towards us but he looked at Zeus, asking for permission.

"Go on." Zeus said as he stared at Thalia.

Grover ran to us, giving Thalia and I big hugs and gave Percy a bro fist. Grover looked at me and smiled before giving me an extra hug.

"Glad you're ok, (Y/N)." He said.

"Thanks, Grover."

I felt eyes staring at me, so I looked and noticed my dad was the one staring at me. At least I think he was. I couldn't tell since he had shades on with headphones plugged into an iPod. But he flashed a smile at my direction.

"Percy, Bessie and I made it! But you have to convince them! They can't do it!" Grover said as he grasped Percy's arm.

"Do what?" Percy asked.

I was so confused at what was going on.

"Heroes," Artemis called.

The moon goddess slid down from her throne and turned to human size as a young auburn-haired girl with silver robes that shimmered in the light.

"The Council has been informed of your deeds." Artemis said. "They know that Mount Othrys is rising in the West. They know of Atlas's attempt for freedom, and the gathering armies of Kronos. We have voted to act."

Mumbles and whispers were shared among the gods.

"At my Lord Zeus's command," Artemis said, "my brother Apollo and I shall hunt the most powerful monsters, seeking to strike them down before they could join the Titans' cause. Lady Athena shall personally check on the other Titans to make sure they do not escape their various prisons. Lord Poseidon has been given permission to unleash his full fury on the Princess Andromeda and send it to the bottom of the sea. And as for you, my heroes..."

Artemis faced the other gods.

"These half-bloods have done Olympus a great service. Would any here deny that?" She asked.

She looked at every single god and so did I.

Zeus was listening to what Artemis was saying but sometimes he would glance at Thalia.

Beside him was Hera. She sat there looking all pretty, but I heard of all the stories about her. I didn't trust her at all, and judging by the look of disgust she was giving me, she didn't like me either. Guess the feeling is mutual.

On Zeus's right was Percy's father, Poseidon. The sea god was staring at Percy, but then he looked at me and nodded.

Next to Poseidon was Hephaestus, Lord of the Forges. He had a steel brace, a misshapen head, and a wild brown beard with fire flickering through his whiskers. He had pieces of metal in his hand, making some kind of device.

Hermes was next to Hephaestus. He was wearing a business suit and was checking his caduceus mobile phone for messages. But still looked up from his phone and winked at Percy.

My father was beside Hermes. I wasn't sure if he was listening to anything to what Artemis was saying. He lifted up his shades, revealing his sky blue eyes, reminding me so much of Will's. Gods, I missed Will. I actually can't wait to hear the earful lecture from him once I get back to Camp Half-Blood. He gave us a thumbs up.

Dionysus looked as bored as ever. He was twirling a grape vine between his fingers. He took one glance at me before looking away. Huh, good to see you to Mr.D.

Then there was the god of war, Ares. Just like our last visit on Olympus he was sharpening a knife. He was glaring at me, as if I committed some crime.

On the ladies' side of the throne room, sitting next to Hera was the Goddess of the Harvest herself, Demeter. She smiled warmly at me. I guess I'm on her good side since I help her kids with their gardening.

Next to Demeter was Annabeth's mom, Athena. She had an old papyrus scroll on her lap. She gave me a look that was both relieved and concern.

Lastly there was Aphrodite. She looked gorgeous as always with perfect makeup and flawless hair. She smiled at Percy, making him blush. I suddenly got a bit jealous, but I tried to push the feeling away, which was very hard to do.

There was silence until my dad broke the silence.

"I gotta say these kids did ok." He cleared his throat. "Heroes win laurels-"

He got cut off by Hermes, much to everyone's relief.

"Um, yes, first class." Hermes said. "All in favor of not disintegrating them."

A few hands went up.

"Now, wait just a minute." Ares growled. He pointed his knife at Percy and Thalia. "These two are dangerous. It'd be much safer, while we've got them here-"

"Ares," Poseidon interrupted. "they are worthy heroes. We will not blast my son to bits."

"Nor my daughter." Zeus said. "She has done well."

Thalia blushed as she looked at the floor.

"Ok but what about her?" Ares said, pointing his knife at me. "She's a traitor. She sided with the enemy. We need to kill her off."

More murmurs were heard either agreeing or disagreeing with Ares. I felt Percy's hand intertwine with mine. He was glaring at Ares and was about to say something but my dad beat him to it.

"We are not, and I repeat, NOT going to kill off my daughter!" Apollo yelled.

'So he wasn't just listening to music this whole time.'

Athena cleared her throat.

"Apollo, although your daughter did...cooperated with our enemy, it was against her own free will. If what Artemis has told us was true, she was under the spell of Kronos. But now she is here, free from his curse. She has helped defeat the problem at hand. So as far as I'm concerned, Ares, she is no traitor. She is a hero as well as a survivor."

Mummers of agreement were heard, relief flooded through me, but still something felt off. Athena looked at my dad.

"But that could only mean one thing, Apollo."

My dad didn't say anything. What could only mean one thing?

"And there is a security risk here with the other two." The goddess of wisdom said. "It is unfortunate that my father, Zeus, and my uncle, Poseidon, chose to break their oath not to have more children. Only Hades kept his word, a fact that I find ironic. As we know from the Great Prophecy, the children of the three elder gods...such as Thalia and Percy...are dangerous. As thickheaded as he is, Ares has a point."

"Right!" Ares said. "Hey, wait a minute. Who you callin'-"

He was about to stand up from his throne but not before a grape vine grew around his waist and pulled him back down to his seat.

"Oh, please, Ares." Mr.D said with a sigh. "Save the fighting for later."

"You're one to talk, you old drunk." Ares huffed as he ripped away the grape vine. "Are you seriously trying to protect these brats?"

The wine god looked down at us wearily.

"I have no love for any of them."

'Gee thanks Mr.D.'

"Athena, do you truly think it is safest to destroy the two of them?"

"I do not pass judgment." Athena said. "I only point out the risk. What we do, the Council must decide."

"I will not have them punished," Artemis said. "I will have them rewarded. If we destroy heroes who do us a great favor, then we are no better than the Titans. If this is Olympian justice, then I will have none of it."

"Woah, calm down sis," Dad said. "Jeez, you need to lighten up."

"Don't call me sis! I will reward them."

"Well," Zeus grumbled. "Perhaps. But the monster at least must be destroyed. We have an agreement on that?"

A lot of nodding heads.

'Monster? Did they mean Bessie? But they can't destroy him? He didn't do anything wrong.'

"Bessie? You want to kill Bessie?" Percy asked.

"Mooooooo!" Bessie said. The poor thing was scared.

"You have named the Ophiotaurus Bessie?" Poseidon asked.

"Dad," Percy said, "he's just a sea creature. A really nice sea creature. You can't destroy him."

"Percy, the monster's power is considerable. If the Titans were to steal it, or-"

"You can't." Percy insisted.

Percy then looked at Zeus straight in the eyes.

"Controlling the prophecies never works. Isn't that true? Besides, Bess-the Ophiotaurus is innocent. Killing something like that is wrong. It's just as wrong as....as Kronos eating his children just because of something they might do. It's wrong!"

Zeus looked like he considered Percy's words. He looked at Thalia before speaking.

"And what of the risk? Kronos knows full well, if one of you were to sacrifice the beast's entrails, you would have the power to destroy us. Do you think we can let that possibility remain?" Zeus asked. "You, my daughter, will turn sixteen on the morrow, just as the prophecy says."

I finally had the courage to speak up.

"You have to trust them." I said.

"Trust a hero?" Zeus asked as if it's the most ridiculous idea ever.

"(Y/N) is right," Artemis said. "Which is why I must first make a reward. My faithful companion, Zoe Nightshade, has passed into the stars. I must have a new lieutenant. And I intend to choose one. But first, Father Zeus, I must speak with you privately."

Zeus beckoned Artemis forward. He leaned down and listened as she spoke in his ear. I felt Percy's hand tightened his grip on my hand.

"(Y/N)." He said under his breath. "Don't."

"What?" I said since I had no idea what he was talking about.

Percy looked at me with pleading sea green eyes. His face started to turn a bit red, and his black hair started to dampen from his sweat.

"Please, I-I couldn't stand it if...I don't want you to-" Percy stuttered.

"Percy? You look like you're going to be sick."

"I just don't want you to-"

Percy got cut off by Artemis.

"I shall have a new lieutenant." She announced. "If she will accept it."

"No." I heard Percy muttered.

"Thalia. Daughter of Zeus. Will you join the Hunt?"

Silence filled the room. Percy stared at Thalia in shock. I only smiled at her. I squeezed her hand before letting go.

"I will." Thalia said firmly.

"My daughter, consider well-"

"Father," Thalia said. "I won't turn sixteen tomorrow. I will never turn sixteen. I won't let this prophecy be mine. I stand with my sister Artemis. Kronos will never tempt me again."

Then Thalia knelt before Artemis and began to say her oath to join the Hunt. After she finished saying her oath, she came up to Percy and gave him a big hug.

"Um...aren't you supposed to not do that anymore? Hug boys, I mean?" He asked.

"I'm honoring a friend." Thalia said as she pulled back from the hug. "I must join the Hunt, Percy. I haven't known peace since...since Half-Blood Hill. I finally feel like I have a home. But you're a hero. You will be the one of the prophecy."

"Great." Percy said with sarcasm.

"I'm proud to be your friend."

Then Thalia hugged me next.

"Tell Annabeth. Explain it to her why I had to do it." Thalia said.

I nodded.

"I will."

She hugged Grover next who looked like he was about to pass out. Then she went to stand by Artemis's side.

"(Y/N) Solace, you could also join the Hunt if that is your wish." Artemis said.

"Lady Artemis, I am honored that you asked me to join the Hunt but...I can't."

I looked at Percy and smiled at him. He looked so relieved at my answer. Artemis nodded.

"I was expecting this answer and I will respect it, but my offer will always be open for you."

"Thank you, but that won't be necessary."

"A precaution then. For the future." Artemis said. "Now for the Ophiotaurus."

"This boy is still dangerous," Mr.D warned. "The beast is a temptation to great power. Even if we spare the boy-"

"No." Percy said as he looked at all the gods. "Please, keep the Ophiotaurus safe. My dad can hide him under the sea somewhere, or keep him in an aquarium here in Olympus. But you have to protect him."

"And why should we trust you?" Hephaestus questioned.

"I'm only 14. If this prophecy is about me, that's two more years." Percy said.

"Which is also two more years for Kronos to try to trick you. A lot can change in two years, dude." Apollo said.

"Dad!"

"He speaks the truth. It is bad strategy to keep the animal alive. Or the boy." Athena said.

Poseidon stood up.

"I will not have a sea creature destroyed. If I can help it, I will help it."

He held out his hand, and a 20 foot long bronze trident appeared.

"I will vouch for the boy and the safety of the Ophiotaurus."

"You will not take it under the sea!" Zeus stood suddenly. "I won't have that kind of bargaining chip in your possession."

"Brother, please." Poseidon said with a sigh.

Zeus's master lighting bolt suddenly appeared in his hand.

"Fine," Poseidon said. "I will build an aquarium for the creature here. Hephaestus can help me. The creature will be safe. We shall protect it with all our powers. The boy will not betray us. I vouch for this on my honor."

"All in favor?" Zeus asked to the other gods.

A lot of hands went up except for Mr.D, Ares, and Athena.

"We have a majority." Zeus said.

I thought it would be over but of course I was wrong.

"Now we have another matter to discuss." Zeus said.

Suddenly I felt all eyes of every god and goddess on me.

"What?" I asked them.