14 Chapter 14 : Hero of Hope, yes it sounds lame

=========================

So here we are the final Chapter of Book 1. It's a special one, 5000 words long.

Yeah not gonna post a chapter this long anytime soon. It's the conclusion and the reveal of Percy's master plan.

I hope you guys like it because I worked my ass of. Also if you're wondering about the ending. Don't worry though all the 5 books will be covered.

So please enjoy and tell me your thoughts about the ending and I'll see you tomorrow at the start of the cross over. I'm now plotting out Sea of monsters and trust me it's gonna be awesome!

==========================

"No Cerberus!" I shouted as my giant three headed hell hound peed over a truck that passed under us.

Cerberus had shadow traveled with us to Manhattan and began chasing cars through the city. Luckily he only chased cars that went to 5the Avenue but still, I can't imagine what the mortals must've seen.

"You peed like a half hour ago in Tartarus!" I screamed, in repsonse he growled at a truck that had a smiling man on it and read: Earther buildings, you ask we build!

Cerberus doesn't like trucks.

We managed to reach the Empire State building without much trouble, (trouble for us, not the mortals) and we quickly left, I patted Cerberus a few times before entering the lobby. The giant dog disappeared into the shadows of an alley.

Annabeth and I went straight to the service desk where a security guard was reading some book called: Gone.

Must have been a good book because he didn't look up.

"We need an audience with Zeus." I said.

"Excuse me?" He said looking up from his book.

"Look, I carry around one of the most destructive weapons in the world. You really want me to wait in line?" I winked at him.

The security guard paled and handed me a keycard. "Just leave."

"Thank you." I grinned.

"You really had to scare him?" Annabeth asked.

"You really want to talk to that guy and explain everything?"

Annabeth kept silent.

We entered the elevator and I slid the keycard through the control panel. A new red button appeared with the number 600. Annabeth pressed the button and we went up.

We walked through an almost silent Olympus. My eyes met the gazes of many minor gods, nymphs and naiads. All of them looked at me with curiosity. Annabeth looked with awe around.

My trip through Olympus was a daze. I passed some giggling wood nymphs who threw olives at me from their garden. We followed the main road that led up to the central courtyard. Past that was the throne loom.

Twelve thrones stood in a U form arranged in the same orders as the cabins. For now if I had a say in it.

All the twelve Olympians looked at me with curiosity. They were already seated and I had the feeling the meeting had almost come to an end.

Demeter smiled at me with a slight tone of mischief. In the corner by the hearth sat my patron in her eight year old form.

I approached my father's throne and knelt at his feet. "Father." I waited while looking up. My heart banged against my chest.

Poseidon opened his mouth to say something but Zeus spoke first.

"Should you not address the master of this house first, boy?"

"Peace, brother," Poseidon finally said. His voice stirred my oldest memories: that warm glow I remembered as a baby, the sensation of this god's hand on my forehead, "The boy defers to his father. This is only right."

"You still claim him then?" Zeus asked, a challenging look in his eyes. "You claim this child whom you sired against our sacred oath?"

"I have admitted my wrong doing," Poseidon said. "Now I would hear him speak."

I turned to Zeus and bowed.

"Lord Zeus." I nodded respectfully.

"Speak boy." He said, well now I know where Artemis got that habit from.

I first took out the lightning bolt, it transformed from a pen into the Master Bolt. Zeus opened his hand and it flew to his palm without me even doing anything.

"So you stole the Master Bolt after all?"

I smelled ozone again.

I shook my head, "I did not steal the Master Bolt, but I figured out who did. Luke Castellan, a son of Hermes stole it and Ares helped him, Apollo can confirm this."

Everyone turned to Apollo, some with curiosity, some with anger and Hermes with shame. Did he already know Luke betrayed us?

Apollo nodded, "the kid speaks the truth."

"Why and how?" Athena immediately asked.

"Luke stole the Master Bolt last winter Solstice and got away with it. Ares caught him but Luke convinced Ares to not reveal him as the thief so the Olympians would start a war among themself."

"But why would my son do that?" Hermes asked nervously. I felt it was a rhetorical question.

"He hates Olympus for ignoring him and stuffing the Hermes Cabin with unclaimed children. Ares simply wants war."

Zeus glared at Ares, "You dare to plot against me!"

Ares shrunk in his throne. Not saying anything.

"We're not done." Zeus promised.

"He is proud and impulsive," Poseidon said. "It runs in the family."

"Zeus if I may say something, Luke is smart. Luke would never start a war against Olympus without allies."

"What are you implying?" Zeus scowled..

"I hung around Luke for a good amount of time and I think I know his plans and allies."

"Please share." Athena said before Zeus could deny it.

"Luke knows what the biggest weakness of Olympus is."

"And that is?" Zeus asked.

"Olympus is torn apart, demigods especially. A lot of demigods in Camp don't know who their parents are. They are stuffed into the Hermes Cabin feeling lost and with no love for Olympus. Luke is planning on using them in his war. A civil war among demigods."

Ares grinned.

"But it doesn't make sense. They could never overthrow Olympus." Athena spoke. "We might rely on their power but a plan like that would never work."

"And if they betray us I will blast them with my Master Bolt!" Zeus said twirling the Master Bolt in his hand.

"Like I said Luke has allies and I think we all know who he would turn to if he wants to overthrow Olympus." I said sending a shiver through their spines.

"Kronos." Athena concluded.

"Impossible." Zeus yelled. "This matter shouldn't be discussed in the Throne room."

I straightened my back and turned around to face each Olympian in the eyes.

"Look you can deny it but here's the evidence. I bet you all heard about the Great Prophecy."

The Gods were surprised to say the least.

'Boom' Chaos shouted.

"Who told you about the Great Prophecy?" Apollo asked.

"That's not important now. Look I know you all are wondering if you should let me live or kill me so I won't destroy Olympus at the age of 16."

Athena's eyebrow raised.

"Well someone is prepared." Apollo said grinning.

"Kronos is rising, that's what the Great Prophecy is about, Athena you should understand, the big problem is my role in that prophecy. However I am willing to fight for Olympus and even swear loyalty."

"Swear it." Zeus said glad I was willing to do it.

"For a price."

The Gods all looked in surprise.

"You dare to bribe Olympus!" Zeus challenged me.

Poseidon gave me a questioning look while Apollo grinned which made me wonder if he even knew what we were talking about. Yes he was wearing earbuds.

'I could appear in the throne room and demand them to give you what you want.' Nyx suggested.

'Nah I'm fine'

No, I don't wish to bribe Olympus. Like I said, I need two favors in order to fight this war. They are small favors but they will all work to your advantage."

And this was the tricky part of the plan, I have to keep the pace high so they won't realise a twelve year old demigod actually bribed them. Before their pride could kick in. Luckily Hestia and I practiced.

Hestia turned towards me and said, "Even if we wanted it, the Ancient laws forbids us from giving things to demigods unless they do something big."

I nodded, "I know that's why I brought gifts for all the Olympians in exchange for the favor. To balance my request."

Apollo got up from his throne and smiled. "Yeah! I like this one. Now give me the gifts!"

Artemis scowled at her brother but I saw I caught her interest.

Second phase of the plan. Demeter owed me a favor for rescuing Meg and I asked her to ask me one question during the Solstice meeting.

"However I need you all to swear on the Styx to fulfill my two wishes."

"How do we know you won't abuse them and ask for something like Godhood?" Demeter asked with a glint of mischief. No one actually thought about her. So when she said something, it had to be important. Of course she already knew what I would answer, we both planned it.

"I swear on the Styx that the two favors I ask are for the good of all of us."

'Cue the thunder' Chaos mumbled.

Thunder roared in the background.

Zeus grunted but all the other gods looked excited at the idea of gifts. Zeus wanted to protest but the other gods looked at him with puppy eyes and glares.

"Fine I swear on the Styx to fulfill Perseus wishes as long as they are reasonable."

All the other gods followed.

I guess Lady Styx had a busy day.

"Now give me the gifts!" Apollo yelled happily like it was christmas.

"Shall we do Alphabetical order?" I asked and the Gods nodded.

Especially gods who had a name with the A.

Zeus only grunted at hearing he would be last.

I took out my backpack and unzipped it, A small sacrifice fire appeared in the middle of the room. Hestia smiled at me.

I took out the Aphrodite's scarf.

"For Aphrodite I retrieved her scarf." I threw it into the fire. A second later it appeared in her hands and she squealed in happiness, she gave me a seductive smile and said, "If you ever need something don't hesitate to ask."

She gave me a wink.

Apollo nodded. "Next one."

I took out a pair of sneakers and spoke. "For Apollo I have a pair of flying shoes, just don't wear them near Tartarus or you get dragged in."

I threw them into the fire and they appeared in his hands. He gave me a wide grin and I wondered if he even listened to the Tartarus part. Well I guess I would hear if a certain sun God was dragged into Tartarus.

"Also I made a haiku for you about my quest." I took out a piece of paper and dropped it into the fire. All the Gods snickered as Apollo read the note with a huge smile.

"Thanks COusin You're awesome!" He said with a smile so bright it almost blinded Hemera.

"For Ares I have nothing because he literally tried to kill me and start war."

"Punk!" Ares muttered but Zeus smiled. "This is part of your punishment son!"

The Gods laughed, taking much joy in his suffering.

"Artemis." I announced, she looked at me with her silver eyes calculating what kind of male I was. I took out the Minotaur horn and said. "For Artemis I have the Minotaur horn."

I threw it into the fire. Artemis gave me a respectful nod.

I took out two plastic Lotus Casino cards, "For Athena and Hermes I have two Lotus Casino cards with Premium membership, it has unlimited amounts of money and works everywhere."

Athena smiled, I guess she would buy books.

Hermes gave me a sad nod, still sore about the loss of his son.

I turned towards Demeter. "For you I have nothing physical but something I think you would like."

She raised her brow and gave me a questioning look.

"I won a bet with Dionysus and now I can decide for a month what the campers will eat and I pass on that right to you."

She beamed at me with a happy smile and I bet 100 Drachma that we would eat Cereal for a month.

I took out a vial with the Styx water and threw it into the fire, "For Dionysus I have water from the Styx I guess you can use it to make some wine or something."

Dionysus gave me a bored look but nodded anyway. "Well thank you Perry. Really appreciate it."

I turned to face Hephaestus and took out the Chimera hide.

"For you I have the pelt of a Chimera, the monster I slayed on top of the Arch." I threw the pelt into the fire where it disappeared.

"I told you he is awesome." Apollo whispered into Hermes's ear who sat next to him.

Hephaestus gave me a thankful nod.

"For Hera I have the eye of a Medusa, a monster I defeated on my quest, I guess you can use it to turn unfaithful husbands into stone." And I threw it into the fire.

Hera grinned evilly while Zeus paled a bit.

"Also can you please visit my stepfather with it? He beats my mom." I added with a lower voice.

Hera nodded. "I'll think I could do that."

"Thanks, now for the next Olympian."

I skipped Hermes because I already gave him a credit card.

I faced my father who looked proud at me. "For you my father I have one pearl of the sea. I'm not sure what you would do with it but here you have it nonetheless and I threw one of the three pearls into the fire."

The Gods laughed at the description of the gift but Poseidon just smiled at me and said. "You have my eternal gratitude son."

"For Zeus I have a special gift but I can only tell it to you in private."

"What is it?" Hermes asked, curiously.

"It's only meant for Zeus's ears."

"Let him speak with me alone." Zeus said and all the Gods flashed away, Hestia took Annabeth with her.

"What is my gift?" Zeus asked, suddenly he looked a lot more menacing.

I sighed. "I can revive Thalia."

Silence filled the room.

"You are lying."

"No I can revive her, it will take some time before she will be revived but I can revive her."

"Swear it." He said angry.

"I swear on the Styx that I will revive Thalia within 2 years."

Thunder roared in the distance and Zeus's eyes softened.

"I hope you know what you are doing." Zeus whispered.

I nodded.

"Thank you boy." He said and then all the Gods flashed back into the room with Annabeth.

"What did he give you, father?" Athena asked but Zeus silenced her. Athena asked but Zeus silenced her.

"Perseus's gift for me shall not be questioned and that is an order."

The Gods pouted but respected his wish.

"So now what are the two favors you ask?" Zeus asked.

"All Demigods must be claimed" I said. "I want you to promise to claim all your demigod children by the time they turn twelve. I want them claimed and brought to camp so they can be trained right, and survive."

"But there's no way I can keep track of all my children!" Apollo cried out.

"Then keep it in your pants." Artemis fired back.

"Why may I ask?" Athena asked.

"Luke counts on the fact that a lot of Demigods will feel abandoned by their parents, we must show them we care about them and in the end it even works out for you all because they will pray to their parents."

A few Gods nodded but a few Gods just looked unsure.

"You ask a lot Percy." Poseidon said.

"A war is coming and will probably be determined by demigods and I hold you all to your oaths." I said.

'A war is coming, that sounds badass.' Chaos commented.

'I liked winter coming more.' Hemera said.

'Oh what about Darkness is coming?' Nyx suggested

"Fine, what else?" Zeus asked.

"No more unclaimed demigods will be crammed into the Hermes cabin wondering who their parents are. They'll have their own cabins, for all the gods; not just the Olympians but everyone shall be treated with respect."

A few Gods grunted but Hestia and my father smiled at me.

"Fine your wish shall be granted, I shall ask someone to build more cabins and all the children shall be claimed, now I want you to fulfill your end of our deal."

"I Perseus Jackson swear to fight and defend Olympus until I die or Olympus betrays me."

Thunder was heard in the distance.

All the Gods looked satisfied, it was clear I was an important asset for them and now I was loyal they could relax. The Great Prophecy was suddenly less scary.

"If I may ask you something, Perseus how do you know so much about us and the camp?" Athena asked.

The final phase of my plan for this year.

Hestia stood up from the Hearth and stood beside me. "That's because he is my Champion and I taught him everything." Hestia said proud. All the jaws dropped.

Hestia began explaining, "When I saw him at camp I knew he would be important for the survival of Olympus. Instead of angsting over his decision 4 years from now I decided to take matters into my own hands and I made him my Champion."

"But why him?" Hera asked.

"Because he is loyal and has a good heart."

Primordials, Gods and probably everyone who heard this cringed.

"Okay now that's done the council meeting is over!" Zeus suddenly called. "There are certain changes we all now have to pull through."

With a thunder flash Zeus disappeared. The other Gods followed.

Demeter got up from her throne and shrunk to human size, "thanks for saving my daughter if you ever need my help pray to me." And with that she disappeared in a whirl storm of cereals.

Athena looked at me and said, "If I didn't know any better I would have thought Poseidon adopted one of my children." She then turned to her daughter, "I will ask Chiron if you can build the Cabins, I think you deserve it after helping Perseus retrieve the lighting bolt."

Annabeth first looked in shock, then excitement and finally guilt. "Sorry mom but I can't. I did not help Percy and even tried to kill him because I thought he was the thief."

"It's alright Annabeth. I kept some secrets that made things harder for all of us. Just make sure the Cabins get done." I said.

She nodded gratefully and Athena flashed away.

Hestia got up and gave me a big hug and whispered into my ear. "See you at camp."

She disappeared into a pillar of fire.

Hermes got up and asked me with sadness in my eyes. "I want you to understand that I do love my son."

"I know and there's still hope for him. He warned me not to use the shoes in the underworld."

This brightened his mood, "if anyone can bring him back."

I nodded, "I'll do my best"

He gave me a smile and flashed away as well.

Apollo got up, wearing his new sneakers and flew towards me. "You're awesome bro! I expect a new Haiku next time we see each other!" Without waiting for my answer he teleported away.

Poseidon got up and opened his arms for a bear hug.

I ran towards him and gave him a hug, "Hi dad!"

He returned the hug and began apologizing for the twelve years he was not in my life.

"It's okay dad." I said comforting him.

'Please stop.' Nyx yelled but I ignored her.

"I'm so proud of you, what you did to Medusa? I have no idea how you did that but I don't care."

I let go of him and said. "Proud to say you're my dad."

A sad look crossed his face. "I wish I could spend more time with you but U need to go now Percy, war preparations."

I nodded, "I understand it, see you later."

He smiled before leaving.

"Let's return to camp, I can't wait to see what the campers are up to." I said.

"You planned it all out didn't you?"

I shrugged.

'Mission accomplished!' Chaos shouted.

'Stop shouting in my ear.' I yelled back.

'NEW POWER UNLOCKED!' Chaos shouted.

I fell to the ground, resulting in a confused glance from Annabeth.

"What was that for?" She asked.

'Oh I am so tired.' I lied.

She eyed me with suspicion but decided not to talk about it. We left the throne room and walked through Olympus.

'What do you mean with New Powers unlocked?' I asked.

'I unlocked a power of yours as a reward for completing the quest, like a game.' Chaos said, annoyed.

'Well what's it?'

'You have to find it out yourself´ She teased.

'Oh that is low!'I complained but she just giggled.

When we left the throne room all around us people started cheering at me like I was some hero. News spread fast on Olympus apparently. A few times I heard them say something along the lines of;

"He bribed Zeus."

"He made all the Demigod be claimed."

"Even the minor gods get their own cabin."

It honestly felt good to see that my quest paid off.

On the way to the Elevator I saw one man, almost naked wearing a lion pelt, Looking at me angry. Hercules.

"Annabeth go, I see you downstairs."

"What?"

"Just do it." I demanded.

I faced Hercules who had a club in his hand probably made of Celestial Bronze.

"So you are the new Hero of Hope?"

"What?" I asked.

"They call you the Hero of Demigods, the new favourite of the Gods." He laughed at me like we shared a joke. "Amazing, back in the days you had to lift the sky to become a legend but now."

He shook his head. "Kids these days."

I sighed and took out Riptide and summoned Frost silver.

"So what?"

He lifted his club. "How about a little duel? See if you are actually the hero people claim you are."

"You sound jealous."

He shrugged nonchalantly. "Let's say I just want to test out the newblood."

"And if I refuse?" I scowled.

Hercules gave me a knowing wink.

Guess there was no escaping this one.

Without waiting for him to make his first move I lunged forward, Riptide in front of me like a spear. It got deflected with ease by his club. But as he did that I brought down FrostSilver. Hercules was again fast enough to block that as well. For a second we were locked in a standstill, that was until he started to use his strength. I didn't lose my grip. The sheer force however pushed me back and even made my feet leave trails on the road.

He was of course the god of strength but even strength has to bend for speed. His eyes widened as he saw my sword. "Recognize it? I hope you do because I will beat you up for what you did!"

'KILL HIM' Nyx said.

'For once I agree' I said smiling.

I swung my Riptide down at him while I slashed FrostSilver at his side.

He blocked the sword that attacked first with his club but Frost silver still hit him on the side.

He didn't flinch when I hit him. However, I had another trick up my sleeve.

I used my power over fire and set FrostSilver on fire, it took a lot of my concentration to make sure FrostSilver would not melt and the fire only burnedHeracles.

When the flames appeared and connected with Heracles he suddenly was lit on fire like he was filled with gasoline.

He screamed and roared, blindly trashing his massive club around. I actually had to back down to avoid getting hit.

'Light em up!' Chaos yelled enthusiastically.

'Sacrifice him to me please.' Nyx asked.

'No don't Percy. For all his incompetence Hercules is still a God. Leave before he uses his real strength, besides you need Zeus on your side this war.' Hemera said with a calm tone.

I decided that Hemera was the most sane of all us four right now.

I let go of FrostSilver and allowed it to melt and stepped back.

"This is for Zoë Nightshade!" I said before leaving the 'Hero' crumbled on the floor.

(Artemis)

I was curious about who this boy was, it was obvious he was smart. He played the entire council like it was a simple game. He had planned this all along even before the quest was issued. Somehow he managed to get Hestia into his plans as well and I think Demeter as well. She never said something relevant until today.

I went looking for him when I saw him beating up Heracles. I was about to turn away in disgust seeing he was just like any other male, only violent, when I heard him say; "This is for Zoë Nightshade!"

Then he walked away towards the elevator. It was obvious he was no fan of him like any other male demigod out there but how did he know about Zoë?

I made a mental note to ask her if she knew about this boy named, "Perseus Jackson."

When Annabeth and I passed the tree line were met with a crowd of Demigods who were waiting for us. I waved nervously until Meg dashed forward and gave me a hug. "Percy your back!" she squealed.

"Yes I am."

She looked me into the eyes and said, "I poked Clarisse in the eyes!" She said with pride.

I saw Multiple Ares Campers with blue eyes and grim looks.

"Great you're learning fast!"

Connor and Travis stepped forward and asked, "where's Luke?"

I shook my head, "he betrayed me and Annabeth for Kronos, he stole the lightning bolt."

Multiple gasps and denials came till Chiron spoke up and said, "He's telling the truth, Hermes came by and told me everything."

More rumors came, betrayed looks and hushed whispers spread among the campers.

Then suddenly above half of the campers a symbol of their Godly parents appeared. They all looked confused above their heads waiting for an explanation.

"I made a deal with Zeus. Now all demigods above the age of twelve shall be claimed and all the minor gods get to have their own cabins. Annabeth is going to design them"

Jaws dropped in awe.

"So no more unclaimed Demigod from now." I added.

Suddenly everyone dashed forward and began carrying me and Annabeth towards above their heads yelling our names like we were heroes.

"Help." I yelped but they did not listen.

"It's your own fault." Meg said following the group with an evil grin, "How is this my fault?" I pouted.

"Because you had to help the unclaimed demigods." She said with a smile.

We passed the Hearth where I saw Hestia smiling at the crowd of Demigods.

We entered the Pavilion where a feast meal was prepared and waiting for us.

They dropped me to my own table, my friends sat down next to me and we waited for everyone to take a seat. Connor got up with a glass lemonade in his hand and raised it.

"For Percy and Annabeth!" He yelled.

Everyone followed him except the Ares kids.

Travis got up.

"For helping the undetermined demigods!" He yelled and again everyone followed.

Meg decided to make it worse and got up as well with an evil grin.

"For the Hero of Demigods!"

She was gonna pay for it.

I sat in my cabin, ready to sleep when an Iris message appeared in front of me.

Luke appeared in front of me and looked nervous. He saw me and smiled, "Hi Percy, I heard what you've done on Olympus."

I nodded.

"I want to thank you for what you've done for the Demigods."

"No problem Luke, like I said I fight for the demigods at Camp."

Luke flinched, "I'm sorry for betraying you but…"

"It doesn't matter, all I care about are the demigods at camp." I repeated.

"So do I."

I sighed, "Look I know we are now enemies but can you please tell me when something is dangering my friends? I don't really care what you do with the Olympians but my friends are important to me and I want to keep them alive this war."

"I promise." He said and I smiled.

"Look Kronos is mad at you, he counted on the demigods this war and it seems like that plan won't work."

"Good for him." I smirked.

"No it's really bad, for both of us, he's now working with people and monsters that are worse than we had planned."

'We'll survive.' Nyx said and I repeated her.

"We will survive."

Luke gave me a thoughtful look and said, "Please look after my siblings will ya?" and he swiped through the Iris Message leaving me alone in my room.

I got up and left my cabin, Nyx hid me from the Harpies with her powers and I made my way over to the hearth where I saw Hestia sitting and poking into the fire.

She smiled at me.

"So how is the Hero of Hope doing?" She asked.

"What?"

"That's what they call you on Olympus. What you did today was extraordinary and people began to hope that things will change for the better."

"It sounds lame though." she chuckled.

"I think it has a nice ring to it"

...

the last chapter of the first book :

The End Of The Beginning And The Beginning Of The End

...

==================================

So this was it. Hope you guys liked it. 

==================================

===============================

p atreon : Moonhorse