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Percy had a secret that nobody except his mother knew. You see, when Percy was 10 years old, he was diagnosed with cancer. Stage 4 lung cancer, to be exact.
When he learned he was a demigod he was shocked. After a while he realised that being a demigod was extending his life. His godly side was fighting the mutation in his cells, keeping him alive for longer than expected.
Before he entered the life of a demigod, he was being treated for his cancer but with his quests, he missed a lot of the treatment he was due. This shortened his already short lifespan, and he knew this. Still, he continued to fight for the gods, going on quests to help win the war they were fighting.
After the Second Titan War, he started his treatment again. He had made sure to not get close to anybody at camp, so nobody missed him. He went to school and got his treatment weekly, but it wasn’t enough, he was still dying.
Eventually, Hera kidnapped him and wiped his memory, unaware of his cancer. He woke up in the wolf house, only able to remember the fact that he had Cancer. He kept it to himself, not wanting to show weakness. People were curious about his mysterious coughing fits but didn’t pry, something Percy was thankful for.
He fought through the Second Giant War, not once complaining or telling anybody about his sickness. In Tartarus, Damasen had treated him while Annabeth slept, trying his best to help with the cancer but ultimately failing. They made it through the pit and during the final battle, Gaia had killed both of Percy’s parents in front of him.
The rewards ceremony on Olympus went ahead but the only thing Percy paid attention to was his own wish. He gave Hestia and Hades their thrones back on the council, something whioch he was thankful for. He knew that if he accepted godhood, he would never see his mom or Paul again, something he didn’t want.
A few months after the rewards ceremony, Percy was sat at the beach, not moving for 2 days straight. The gods got concerned and eventually decided to ask what was wrong. They all flashed down to the beach and gathered behind Percy.
After a minute, Poseidon approached his son. “My son, are you okay? You’ve been sitting there for 2 days now, and it isn't healthy.” He said and Percy didn’t react. For a few minutes there was silence before Percy spoke up. “I have always said that the best people get the worst luck. It would seem that I am not exempt from this rule.” he said, confusing the gods and goddesses present.
“What do you mean?” Athena asked and still, Percy didn’t move. “When I was 10 years old, my mom noticed I was coughing a lot. She also noticed I couldn’t do as much exercise as I used to, so she took me to the doctor. After a few hours of tests, we were told something that has been on my mind for the last 7 and a half years.” he said, again confusing the gathered deity's and now demigods.
“Have you ever wondered why I tried not to get too close to anybody? Why I never wanted a girlfriend?” he asked, and the gods looked between each other. “Percy... What are you talking about?” Poseidon asked his son, scared for what he may say. “I still remember that day.” Percy said. “The doctor walked in, a sombre look on his face. I remember when he said it. My mom burst into tears, and I could only smile softly and hug her.” he said, and the gods were even more confused.
Suddenly Apollo took in a sharp intake of breath and Percy turned around. The gods immediately noticed how his eyes were further back in their sockets and how he was deathly thin. “You figured it out.” he said simply, and Apollo nodded with tears in his eyes.
“it’s okay. I was told that I only had a few years. Already I have lasted longer than I was supposed to. I can feel my strength leaving me. I only have a few hours, if that.” he said, and all our eyes widened. “Percy, what's wrong?” Poseidon asked, tears gathering in his eyes.
“When I was 10 years old, I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The doctors didn’t know how it went unnoticed for so long but there wasn’t much they could do about it. Obviously, the quests and such didn’t help but after the Second Titan War I started treatment again. It was working but i8 was kidnapped before it could de much and had to fight another war. In Tartarus, Damasen tried to help but he only extended my life by a few months.” I said and many gasps were heard from the crowd.
Suddenly Poseidon rushed forward and hugged his son, tears falling from his eyes. Many of the gods on the council had tears running down their faces, even goddesses like Artemis had tears in their eyes. Percy hugged his father, happy to be in the arms of his family. He closed his eyes and let out his last breath, the strength finally leaving him.
The last words the hero of Olympus ever spoke were simple. Simple, but powerful. “Rest. No more pain.” he said before closing his eyes forever. When he opened his eyes again, he was in the entrance to DOA recording studios, facing Charon who had a frown on his face.
“Didn’t expect to see you here for a good while longer. Lord Hades had told me to allow you immediate access to the crossing. Come along.” he said before leading Percy into the elevator-turned-boat and across the Styx.
He met the line of dead souls and was led by and armed guard to the gates of Elysium. He entered the city and was greeted by his friends and family he had lost. His mom, Paul, Silena, Beckendorf, Lee, Luke. All of them were there to welcome him.
In the land of the living, People were mourning their hero's death. They held a massive ceremony, the biggest in the history of Olympus and he was hailed as a hero. Someone for the younger generations to live up to. Even the gods admired him, working to achieve what he had wanted, a peaceful and happy world.
There was a stature built on Olympus the day of his funeral ceremony. Right in front of the entrance, a statue was erected to commemorate Percy Jackson, the hero of Olympus. Over time, he faded to legend. Demigods were told the tale by Chiron and the other gods on the eve of his death every year. The one day where the gods, demigods and nature spirits collectively mourned.
Over time, Percy started to see his friends arrive at the gates of Elysium. First was Jason, then Frank, then Piper, Annabeth, Hazel, Leo, Calypso (somehow), the Stoll brothers, Katie Gardner, Thalia, and the rest of the people he knew in his short life. They all hugged him with tears in their eyes and went to live with their loved ones and family. Thalia went to live with the clan of dead hunters that existed in Elysium, Annabeth went to live with Luke and live their love story, and the rest with their loved ones.
Percy remained happy and lived with his mom and Paul. He knew his legacy was well known in the land of the living, but he frankly didn’t care. He had lived his life as he had been told to live it by his mom. Look out for others, love you friends and family, make the most of the time you have.
Eventually, people listened to the story of Percy Jackson, Hero of Olympus. In his story was a message that all knew. Even the strongest of people can be taken down by the simplest of things. Make the most of the time you have and don’t waste it.