Chapter Text
The twelve gods of Olympus were in the throne room, some more lively than others.
Hera, for example, was happy; at least her husband would stop having children with mortals after the pact. On the other hand, Zeus was sure that Olympus was safe after the pact; he had gotten rid of anyone who could be the child of the prophecy. Ares and Aphrodite were not paying much attention, whispering to each other and letting out little giggles from time to time. Apollo and Hermes were planning a prank to annoy Athena and Artemis, the first ignoring everyone while reading her book, and the second waiting for the time to leave and return with her Huntresses. Demeter, on the other hand, was chatting with Dionysus about cereals or rather, chatting alone, since the god of wine was only pretending to listen while looking at his wine magazine. There was also Hephaestus, who was trying to assemble one of his machines without paying attention to anything. Finally there was Poseidon; the god was sad because his children had recently died because of his brother, and he wondered how badly Hades must be taking it.
Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, was watching them all with sadness; for eons her hearth fire had been fading and none of them seemed to care. The goddess was wonder how long they’d resist before it was too late.
All this was happening until a light invaded the throne room. It was so intense that everyone, including Apollo, had to cover their eyes. Where a minute earlier it had been empty, now stood Hades, the god of the Underworld, and his wife; Persephone, the goddess of the spring and the queen of the Underworld. They both looked confused, as confused as they have never been in their immortal life’s. Behind them were the very Fates, three old women with wrinkled and aged faces, but that now looked strangely stern and angry.
They were stern, angry, and even if the gods don’t know it yet, they were also scared.
“Gods!” roared the one on the left with a voice so intense it made everyone tremble. “We are very upset with you.”
“M-my ladies, what have we..?” Zeus began to say, but the old woman on the right silenced him.
“It is not because of what you do, but because of what you will do! And all those your decisions will affect!”
None of the gods were brave enough to say anything, or to even feel shame.
“So we have decided to change things for the first time.” The one in the middle began to say “You will read some books from the future that tell the story of the greatest heroes we have had the pleasure to know. And no, Zeus, Hercules is not one of them.” she added upon seeing the smile of the mentioned one, which immediately disappeared.
Heroes better than his son? Zeus couldn’t believe it, it was impossible. After all, Hercules had earned the gift of becoming a god!
“Hades and Persephone must participate in the reading, that is why we brought them.” continued the one in the middle. “We will also bring the demigods in question. You must swear not to harm them, otherwise there will be serious consequences.” Having said that, they disappeared.
The confused gods swore not to harm anyone. As soon as they did, three lights appeared in the room. The first (the smallest) revealed ten books, but only one of them could be read and showed its cover; the others were blank. The second light was much larger, revealing two large groups of demigods, some wearing orange shirts and others purple shirts. The gods held their breath, panic threatening to take hold on them. Greeks and Romans? In the same room? Apollo was about to look for something to calm his impending headache when, both groups, began shouting greetings, hugging, and some even kissing. The third light revealed a group of girls with leather hunting jackets. In a moment, they also joined in the greetings. At that point, the gods no longer understood anything.
“SILENCE!” Zeus exclaimed, indignant. The room fell into a strange silence of shock and confusion. “You are in the presence of the gods of Olympus, show respect!”
The three groups were surprised for a few seconds, then the purple-shirted group knelt, the Huntresses only showed respect before their lady, who smiled at them, and the orange-shirted group showed no intention of kneeling.
“Well?” exclaimed Zeus.
A girl from the Greeks laughed. It was obvious that she was a leader by the way the others looked at her with respect, almost like waiting for her to tell them what to do. “You’re not… seriously speaking, right? Kneel before you, Zeus? And I thought Apollo told bad jokes, but you outdid him.”
“Hey! My jokes are awesome!” exclaimed the sun god.
“Of course they are, Sunshine.” the girl pretended to agreed and winked at him, not realizing the look of surprise and horror on the god’s face.
That girl was identical to…no, it couldn’t be, not again.
“How dare you disrespect me like this? I’m the—”
“Brother.” interrupted Hestia. “These children must be very confused.” She stood up with a gentle smile in her face. “Listen, heroes, you are in the past. The Fates have decided to change the future. That is why we are going to read some books that narrate the adventures of the most important heroes of the future. Now, please, could you do us the favor of introducing yourselves? Not to sound pretentious, but I suppose all of you already know who we are.” She said softly.
“Of course, Lady Hestia.” The same girl responded politely. But she frowned, feeling confused and disappointed. In the past? That means Apollo… She looked at him staring at her with horror. She shook her head, defeated, not believing she would have to deal with all of this again.
“Then do it organized.” ordered Athena with a tone of authority. “First the Romans, then the Huntresses, and lastly the Greeks.” she ordered, using an unpleasant tone when saying ‘Romans.’
A Roman-shirted girl stepped forward. She had a praetor insignia, dark hair like her eyes, tied in a braid. She walked straight and confidently before presenting herself. “I am Reyna Avila Ramirez Arellano, daughter of Bellona, and Praetor of the Twelfth Legion.” At the end she sat in one of the seats that Hestia had kindly made appear.
The next was a boy who looked Chinese, had a Roman-cut hair and black eyes, was robust, and like Reyna had the insignia of a Praetor. “I am Frank Zhang, son of Mars, Praetor of the Twelfth Legion, one of the Nine, and descendant of Poseidon.” Having said that, he sat down. Poseidon looked at him with curiosity.
The next was a dark-skinned girl with hazel eyes so bright they seemed golden. She had curly hair and wore a Centurion insignia. “I am Hazel Levesque, daughter of Pluto, and—I was born before the pact!” She added upon seeing that Jupiter, or was it Zeus?, was about to start protesting. “I am Centurion of the Fifth Cohort and one of the Nine.”
“But you…” Hades seemed unable to speak. “You were supposed to have died.”
“I was given a second chance.” She simply said, then sat next to Frank.
One by one, the members of Camp Jupiter introduced themselves, and when they had finished, a girl from the Huntresses stepped forward. She had black, spiky-cut hair, electric blue eyes, and freckles across her nose. She wore a crown on her head and a bow on her back. “I’m Thalia Grace, but don’t use my last name unless you want an arrow up your ass.”
“I wouldn’t recommend it.” murmured a boy from the Greeks.
“And he says that from experience.” added the girl next to him, causing general laughter.
“Well, if Little Mermaid and Seaweed Brain let me continue…” she said, ignoring her friends’ protests. “I’m a daughter of Zeus and lieutenant of Artemis. I joined the Hunt before I was sixteen, so I’m not the child of the prophecy.” That last statement didn’t stop Hades, Hera, and Poseidon from starting to complain.
“You’re a hypocrite!” Hades exclaimed. “You killed all my children, forced me to make the pact, and yet you broke it anyway!”
“Damned cheater!” Hera yelled at her husband indignantly. The other gods rolled their eyes.
“You owe me twenty drachmas.” Hermes grinned smugly at Apollo.
“Damn it!” The god looked at Poseidon as if he’d been betrayed. “I trusted you, uncle.”
The other gods stared at them like they were crazy.
“Silence!” exclaimed Hestia, to everyone’s surprise. “You’re scaring the children!” Then she turned to the demigods: “Continue, please.”
“Wait,” said Artemis. “What happened to Zoë?”
Thalia’s expression darkened. “I suppose the reading will say,” she replied, then sat down to let the other Huntresses go ahead.
Once they were done, another boy stepped forward. He was blond, with electric blue eyes like Thalia’s, Roman-cut hair, and a small scar on his lip. “I’m Jason Grace, son of Jupiter and champion of Juno.” He said quickly upon seeing Hera about to protest, though she stopped at his last words. The other gods were also surprised. A son of Jupiter? Champion of Juno? Had the future gone mad? What was next—Athena and Poseidon falling in love? “Yes, I’m Roman, but I spend my time between both camps. Continuing, I’m ex-praetor of Camp Jupiter and one of the Nine.” He finished, greeted his sister, and went to sit.
The next was a tanned girl with choppy hair and kaleidoscope eyes. Her hair was in a braid with feathers. She was very beautiful, but gave the impression she didn’t want to show it. “I’m Piper McLean, daughter of Aphrodite, one of the Nine, and possessor of charmspeak.” Then she sat beside Jason.
“It’s the turn of the sexiest guy in camp!” exclaimed a Latino boy who looked like a mischievous sprite, with curly hair and a maniacal grin. “The hot Leo Valdez!” he declared, literally bursting into flames and causing laughter from everyone present.
“Leo!” Piper exclaimed, trying not to laugh.
“I know, beauty queen, I’m impressive, as I was saying—” he continued once he’d put himself out. “I’m Sexy Valdez, son of Hephaestus, fire-user, and one of the Nine.” Then he sat next to Jason and Piper, leaving Hephaestus surprised—anyone would think the boy was Hermes’s son.
“My turn,” said a girl with caramel-colored hair and almond-shaped eyes. She was very beautiful, and the gods recognized her instantly. “I’m Calypso. If you’re wondering how I left the island, I suppose the books will say.” She finished and sat beside Leo.
The next was a pale-skinned boy with black hair and dark eyes. His camp shirt was black with a skeletal Pegasus “I’m Nico di Angelo, son of Hades. I was born before the pact.” He added quickly, seeing Zeus about to make a scene. “Ambassador of Pluto and King of Ghosts.” With that, he sat down.
“My turn,” said a sturdy girl with brown hair. “I’m Clarisse La Rue, daughter of Ares, counselor of Cabin Five, and Slayer of the Drakon.” She finished, and Ares gave her an appraising look.
“My turn.” A blonde girl with intense gray eyes stood. She looked like she was analyzing how to take you down in a fight. “My name is Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, counselor of Cabin Six, heroine of Olympus, one of the Nine, Architect of Olympus, and follower of the Mark of Athena.” She finished, leaving Athena surprised. Why would Olympus need an architect? And above all… could it be that her daughter had found her statue? She was alive… not like the others.
The next was a blond boy with a bright smile and blue eyes. “I’m Will Solace, son of Apollo and counselor of Cabin Seven.” He said. Apollo beamed at him, and Will went to sit next to Nico.
“Travis…” started one boy.
“And Connor…” said the other.
“Stoll” they finished in unison—two boys with brown hair, blue eyes, and mischievous grins. “Sons of Hermes and counselors of Cabin Eleven.” With that, they sat down.
“My turn,” said a redheaded girl with green eyes. “I’m Rachel Elizabeth Dare, mortal and Oracle of Delphi.” With that, she sat down, just as Apollo began to sing: “My oracle is not a mummy! My oracle is not a mummy!” causing laughter from everyone.
Then the rest of the Greeks introduced themselves, among them Chris Rodriguez, Katie Gardner, Miranda Gardiner, and others. In the end, only three were left, but they seemed to be arguing quietly.
“If you guys want, we can go for a walk while you decide to introduce yourselves.” Thalia told them with amusement. She was aware that things would get complicated with those three.
“I’ll go first, cowards,” finally muttered the girl from the beginning to her two friends. She had dark curly hair and striking green-blue eyes. She was very beautiful. She cast a quick glance at Apollo, which no one noticed except Artemis—who also recognized the girl—and Aphrodite, who could feel the girl’s emotions.
“I’m Leah Jackson, daughter of Poseidon.” She paused at the complaints from Zeus and Hades.
“You broke the pact!” Zeus shouted.
“So did you!” Poseidon countered.
“You’re both hypocrites!” Hades huffed.
“Finished?” Said the girl, emotionless. “Anyway, yes, I’m Poseidon’s daughter. My twin brother and I are counselors of Cabin Three. I’m one of the Nine, heroine of Olympus, Savior of Olympus, and heroine of Rome. Your turn, little brother.” She said, and sat with the rest of the Prophecy of the Nine.
“Don’t call me little brother!” growled a boy, and the gods had a kind of déjà vu of Apollo and Artemis.
“I’m Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon and Hero of Olympus, ex-praetor of the Legion, hero of Rome, and savior of Olympus. Well, your turn, Selene. Good luck.” He said, giving a pitying look to the last girl, then went to sit with his sister and friends.
“Well, I am Selene Brown, daughter of…” She took a breath, almost as if she were scared. “Daughter of Artemis and Orion, which also makes me a descendant of Poseidon.” She said in a whisper, but because the room was silent it was perfectly heard.
And chaos begins.
“WHAT!?” exclaimed Zeus furiously and turned to a pale Artemis. “YOU BROKE YOUR VOW!”
“F-father…” she stammered. “It is not what you think. I—“
“IS NOT WHAT I THINK!? YOU SWORE TO REMAIN VIRGIN FOREVER!” He raised his lightning bolt threateningly.
“Father, no! It is not as you think!” cried Apollo, stepping forward. The other gods looked at them perplexed, a daughter of Artemis? That sounded more ridiculous than Athena and Poseidon as a couple. Hera was the only exception, she looked at Artemis with repulsion. ‘I should have hit her harder.’ Thought the goddess of marriage.
Zeus looked at Apollo furiously and raised his bolt at the twins, who turned twice as pale. “YOU KNEW, APOLLO!?”
“Y-yes.” Stammered the sun god.
“THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, YOU TWO WILL BE PUNISHED!”
“NO!” shouted the Huntresses, Selene, Leah, and Apollo’s children. “Lord Zeus, it is not as you think!” added Selene, respectfully, believing it would calm Zeus’s wrath. It did not work.
Zeus glared at her. “You’re right, girl. The problem here is you.”
Then he shot his lightning bolt straight at Selene.
“NO!” was the general cry in the room, but no one arrived in time to stop it… except for a kind of shining shield of light that covered the demigoddess and prevented the bolt from hurting her. The bolt bounced off the shield and exploded on Zeus’ s head. For a second no one said anything, too stunned by what had just happened to even say a word.
Then the Fates appeared with angry faces.
“Zeus!” They shouted at the same time. “We said that if you tried to harm anyone there would be consequences! These are the consequences!” exclaimed the one on the right.
“If you try to harm someone, the damage will fall on the one who caused it!” exclaimed the one on the left.
“And you gods cannot hurt each other either!” exclaimed the one in the middle before disappearing, leaving the room in deadly silence, broken only by Selene’s friends making sure she was alright.
“Father,” this time Athena spoke after a few seconds, with a calm voice. “I think the best thing would be to start reading and let the books answer all our doubts.”
“Yes.” grunted Zeus, still smoking, literally, since his own bolt had hit him hard. “Athena, start reading.”
Athena, under intense silence, grabbed the book and read: PERCY AND LEAH JACKSON AND THE LIGHTNING THIEF. The goddess closed her eyes. Of course, it had to be that title.
“WHAT!?” exclaimed Zeus. “Who dares to steal my lightning bolt?!”
“Father, we will discover it if I start reading. Very well: LEAH: PERCY DESTROYS OUR INTRODUCTION TO ALGEBRA TEACHER.”