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chapter forty-five
( the last olympian )
❝ to family! ❞
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I felt stupid for passing out in Percy's arms in seeing Luke's body be taken by the Fates. But I was so tired ... and in so much pain ... and I don't even know. The grief I felt for Luke was different than others I've felt when someone I cared about has passed. I don't know whether it was the exhaustion of watching so many go, or whether it was a sad understanding. A realisation that Luke was better off now. That he was now free, and at peace, and had a second chance; to make everything right. It was sad, but there was also something happy about it.
When I came to, I was surprised to feel no pain at all. I looked at my fingers and saw no bruises or cuts, I could move my arm without any trouble. I felt someone brush my hair out of my face and there was Hannah, cupping my cheek with a tearful smile.
She didn't need to say anything. I sat up and I wrapped my arms around her, holding tight. She held my head, letting out a few relieved sobs. It was over. We had won. I'm alive. We're alive.
"I'm so proud of you," said Hannah in a whisper, running her hands through my hair.
Hearing those words made me break out into a few tears. I held on tighter and closed my eyes, burrowing my head into the crook of her shoulder; into a mother's touch; one that meant more to me than my real mothers ever did.
"Thanks, Mom," I whispered back.
Her breath hitched. She froze for a second, but then relaxed and pressed a loving kiss to the side of my head.
Even though I wanted to stay with her, I also wanted to find the others. Making my way into the throne room, Zeus was halfway through making a speech. Careful, I slipped in unnoticed, coming to stand in with Grover, Annabeth and Percy.
"Miss much?" I asked Percy in a whisper.
"Nobody's planning to kill us, so far," he replied back, leaning in close.
"Wow ... first time today."
He snorted and I hid a smile. Grover and Annabeth nudged us because Hera was giving us dirty looks.
"As for my brothers," Zeus said, "we are thankful━" he cleared his throat, like the next words were hard for him to get out, "━erm, thankful for the aid of Hades."
The god nodded. He had a smug look on his face, and I smirked. He had most definitely earned the right; him and Nico. He patted his son on the shoulders, and Nico looked happier than I have ever seen him. It made my heart flutter.
"And, of course," Zeus continued stiffly, "we must ... um ... thank Poseidon."
"I'm sorry, brother," said Percy's father, "what was that?"
"We must thank Poseidon," Zeus growled. "Without whom ... it would have been difficult━"
Apollo cleared his throat. Zeus glared at him. My father nodded to me in the Throne room.
He grinded his teeth. Percy sent me a side glance, very amused. I flushed.
"And Claire Moore, the Lights Kin━thank you. Whom without, as well, would have been very difficult━"
"Difficult?" Posiedon asked innocently.
"Impossible," Zeus said. "Impossible to defeat Typhon."
The gods murmured agreement and pounded their weapons in approval. But I didn't need their approval. Seeing the proud look on Percy's face was enough.
Apollo cleared his throat again.
Zeus sighed, annoyed. "Yes. Yes. Claire Moore, step forward."
I glanced at my friends nervously, but took a hesitant step out into the throne room. The gods' eyes were on me. Zeus narrowed his gaze into a glare━he still wasn't happy over needing me to win their battle.
"In our ... gratitude for what you have done," he began, "I have elected not to kill you."
"Uh ... thank you, sir ..."
Percy scoffed back another snort. Annabeth elbowed him in the side.
"Furthermore, for your bravery, I can offer you a gift. Ask, and you shall receieve."
I was startled. "Wait ..." I crossed my arms. "Like ... anything?"
Zeus sighed, very annoyed at this point. "Yes. Yes, anything."
"Um ..." I didn't know what to ask for. In fact, I don't really want anything━especially from the Gods. But there was someone in the back of my mind. Someone still barely clinging onto life on a bed without an arm. "Um ... I━I have this friend ... Cain Richards. He's━he's the son of Phobos. Um ... he━he lost his arm━"
"I can't give him back his arm," Zeus told me. "That is unfortunately lost forever. But ..." he thought about it, and nodded to himself. "I'll have Hephaestus design an arm for him━he will be more than happy to do that for the demigod who saved his children's lives. He will be crafted an arm worthy of a hero."
"Thank you," I said. And I meant it this time.
I stepped back without another word, not even waiting for Zeus to dismiss me. I stood next to Percy again, feeling much better that I was back with my friends. The King of the Gods was startled━maybe a bit offended, but he had promised not to kill me (I took the chance to rub it in his face, just a little).
"Which leaves us," said Zeus, "only the matter of thanking the rest of our young demigod heroes, who defending Olympus so well━even if there were a few dents in my throne."
Thalia was called forth first since she was his daughter, and promsed her help in filling the Hunters' ranks.
Artemis smiled at her, "You have done well, my lieutenant. You have made me proud, and all those Hunters who perished in my service will never be forgotten. They will achieve Elysium, I am sure." She sent a glare sideways at hades.
He shrugged. "Probably."
Artemis's glare hardened.
"Okay," he grumbled. "i'll streamline their application process."
Thalia beamed despite it all, beyond relieved. "Thank you, my lady," she bowed to the gods, even hades, and then limped over to stand by Artemis's side.
"Tyson, son of Poseidon!" called Zeus. Tyson looked nervous. He glanced back at us and we smiled, nodding. He went to stand in the middle of the council, and the king of the gods grunted. "Doesn't miss many meals, does he? Tyson, for your bravery int he war, and for leading the Cyclops, you are appointed a general in the armies of Olympus. You shall henceforth lead your brethen into war whenever required by teh gods. And you shall have a new ... um ... what kind of weapon would you like? A sword? An axe?"
"Stick!" Tyson showed his broken club.
"Very well," said Zeus. "We will grant you a new━er━stick. The best stick that may be found."
Tyson cried out a cheer, and all the Cyclopes joined in, pounding him on the back as he rejoined them.
"Grover Underwood of the satyrs!" Dionysus called.
Grover came forward nervously.
"Oh, stop chewing your shirt," Mr D chided. "Honestly, I'm not going to blast you. For your bravery and sacrifice, blah, blah, blah, and since we have an unfortunate vacancy, the gods have seen fit to name you a member of the Council of Cloven Elders."
I broke out into a proud smile. Grover collapsed on the spot.
"Oh, wonderful," muttered Mr D as several naiads came forward to hep Grover. "Well, when he wakes up, someone tell him that he will no longer be an outcast, and that all satyrs, naiads and other spirits of nature will henceforth treat him as Lord of the Wild, with all rights, privileges and honours, blah, blah, blah. Now, please, drag him off before he wakes up and starts grovelling."
"FOOOOD!" moaned Grover as he was carried away. Annabeth smiled after him.
Next up was, "Annabeth Chase," called Athena, "my own daughter."
Annabeth squeezed my arm, gave Percy a small punch, then walked forward and knelt at her mother's feet.
"Ow..." whispered Percy.
"Shh," I told him, excited for my best friend.
Athena smiled. "You, my daughter, have exceeded all expectations. You have used your wits, your strength and your courage to defend this city, and our seat of power. It has come to our attention that Olympus is ... well, trashed. The Titan lord did much damage that will have to be repaired. We could rebuild it by magic, of course, and make it just as it was. But the gods feel that the city could be improved. We will take this as an opportunity. And you, my daughter, will design these improvements."
Annabeth swayed a little on the spot, stunned. "My━my lady?"
Her mother smiled wryly, "You are an architect, are you not? You have studied the techniques of Daedalus himself. Who better to redesign Olympus, and make it a monument that will last for another aeon?"
"You mean ... I can design whatever I want?"
"As your heart desires," the goddess said. "Make us a city for the ages."
"As long as you have plenty of statues of me," Apollo added.
"And me," agreed Aphrodite.
"Hey, and me!" added Ares. "Big statues with huge wicked swords and━"
"All right!" Athena interrupted. "She gets the point. Rise, my daughter━official architect of Olympus."
Annabeth rose in a trance and walked back towards us. I grinned at her. Percy gave her a nudge.
"Way to go," he told her.
She was at a loss for words. "I'll━I'll have to start planning ... Drafting paper, and━um━pencils━"
"My turn! My turn!" Apollo announced, clapping his hands. Oh, here we go. "My daughter━Claire Moore! Come forth, my hero! Yes, yes, again!"
I pursed my lips and stepped up to him. I waved a hello.
"For your astounding bravery," he told me proudly, a hand to his heart and the other out to the throne room, "I have composed a Haiku of your daring adventure!"
Oh no.
I glanced back at Percy. He bounced his brows at me, I narrowed my eyes. My father didn't notice.
"Claire Moore defeated.
Typhon, the worst monster-er.
She's the awesome-nest!"
It was terrible, but I smiled.
Stepping back yet again, finally, it was time for the last of us yet to be called forward.
"PERCY JACKSON!" Poseidon bellowed. His name echoed around the chamber.
All talking died down. The room grew silent except for the crackle of the hearth fire. Percy looked a little startled to have everyone's eyes on him. But I sent him an encouraging smile. The tension in his shoulders lifted a breath and he walked into the middle of the throne room. Hestia smiled as well from the place at her fire in the form of a little girl, radiating warmth and comfort.
First, Percy bowed to Zeus. Then he knelt at his father's feet, much like the rest of us had to our parents.
"Rise, my son," said his father.
Percy stood uneasily.
"A great hero must be rewarded," said Poseidon. "Is there anyone here who would deny that my son is deserving?"
Not a single god protested. (Which was a first).
"The council agrees," Zeus said. "Percy Jackson, you will have one gift from the gods."
Percy hesitated━much like I had. "Any gift?"
Zeus nodded grimly. "I know what you will ask. The greatest gift of all. Yes, if you want it, it shall be yours. The gods have not destowed this gift on a mortal hero in many centuries, but Perseus Jackson━if you wish it, you shall be made a god. Immortal. Undying. You shall serve as your father's lieutenant for all time."
It was like someone had taken my heart and pulled it out of my throat. They hung it there, out of my reach and laughing in my face.
I felt so selfish, but I couldn't help it.
I think I went pale, anticipating Percy's answer. He stared at Zeus, stunned. "Um ... a god?"
Zeus rolled his eyes. "A dim-witted god, apparently. But yes. With the consesus of the entire council, I can make you immorta. Then I have to put up with you forever."
No.
(Gods, how could I be so selfish? Here he was, about to receieve the best gift of all time. A life of immortality. He could live forever, never have to worry about fighting a monster again. Live his life here, in Olympus, with his father, as a God.)
(And yet, I couldn't even bear the thought...)
I felt sick. I wanted to say something, to persuade him no. But my voice wouldn't work, and why should it? Who was I to tell him no? If this was the best choice for him, I should be proud; there for him.
But it also meant losing him ... forever.
I didn't even hear the gods anymore. Their voices were muddled in the back of my head. But I saw Percy glance back at me, and I had to look away. I stared at the floor, hoping it would make it easier to say goodbye this way (by not saying it). I reached for Annabeth's hand, however, grasping it so tight her fingertips went blue.
And then ...
Percy took a deep breath, faced the Gods, and said:
"No."
My eyes shot back up. My heart returned, and it had wings. I was shocked━he turned down immortality? For what?
The council was silent. The gods frowned at each other. "No?" said Zeus. "You are ... turning down our generous gift?"
"I━I'm honoured and everything," said Percy carefully, wary of the edge to the God's voice. "Don't get me wrong. It's just ... I've got a lot of life left to live. I'd hate to peak in my sophomore year."
He glanced back again, meeting my gaze. My heart was so light, I think I was floating. He's not going away ... I'm not losing him.
"I do want a gift, though," he then said, returning his gaze forward. "Do you promise to grant my wish?"
Zeus thought about this. "If it is within our power."
"It is," said Percy. "And it's not even difficult. But I need you to promise on the River Styx."
"What?" cried Dionysus. "You don't trust us?"
"Someone once told me," said Percy, giving Hades a glance, "you should always get a solemn oath."
Hades shrugged. "Guilty."
"Very well!" growled Zeys. "In the name of the council, we swear by the River Styx to grant your reasonable request as long as it is within our power."
The other gods muttered (some grumbled) assent. Thunder clashed above. It shook the entire throne room.
Percy nodded, satisfied. "From now on," he said, "I want you to properly recognise the children of the gods. All the children ... of all the gods."
The Olympians shifted uncomfortably.
"Percy," Poseidon spoke up, "what exactly do you mean?"
"Kronos couldn't have risen if it hadn't bee for a lot of demigods who felt abandoned by their parents," went on Percy. "They felt angry, resentful and unloved, and they had a good reason."
Zeus's nostrils flared, "You dare accuse━"
"No more undetermined children," declared Percy, not at all afraid of his growing anger. "I want you to promise to claim your children━all your demigod children━by the time they turn thirteen. They won't be left out in the world on their own at the mercy of monsters. I want them claimed and brought to camp so they can be trained right, and survive."
(This boy).
"Now just wait a moment━" Apollo tried, but he wasn't finished.
"And the minor gods," said Percy. "Nemesis, Hecatle, Morpheus, Phobos, Janus, Hebe━they all deserve a general amnesty and a place at Camp Half-Blood. Their children shouldn't be ignored. Calypso and the other peaceful Titan-kind should be pardoned, too. And Hades━"
"Are you calling me a minor god?!"
"No, my lord," said Percy quickly. "But your children should not be left out. They should have a cabin at camp. Nico has proven that. No unclaimed demigods will be crammed into the Hermes cabin any more, wondering who their parents are. They'll have their own cabins, for all the gods. And no more pact of the Big Three. That didn't work anyway. You've got to stop trying to get rid of powerful demigods. We're going to train them and accept them instead. All children of the gods will be welcome and treated with respect. That is my wish."
I think I was smiling. Was I smiling? Is that why my cheeks hurt?
Zeus snorted. "Is that all?"
"Percy," Poseidon murmured, "you ask much. You presume much."
"I hold you to your oath," Percy said. "All of you."
° ° °
Rachel stole Percy's pegasus. I wasn't sure whether to be angry or kind of impressed.
(I think I've settled for the latter).
We raced back to Camp Half-Blood as quickly as we could. It seemed the events never ended. We were tired, and in pain, and most definitely just wanting a nap and the time to mourn, but no, of course not━we're demigods!
It seemed like forever riding the hippocampi until we saw the beach at camp. We thanked them and waded ashore only to find Argus waiting for us, looking quite grumpy with his arms crossed.
"Is she here?" asked Percy.
He nodded, grim.
"Is everything okay?" asked Annabeth.
He shook his head.
"Great," I muttered.
We took off at a run, following him up the trail. After everything, it was a little bit bewildering to be back at Camp, but there was little time to focus on that━instead, I focused on running as quick as I could for the Big House. Something was definitely wrong. Mist━green mist, the magical kind━swirled around the yard. My younger self had a spark of fear, feeling that same energy that radiated off May Castellan back when I had met her ... Oh, gods, Rachel, what have you done?
Chiron lied on a horse-sized stretcher by the volleyball pit, a bunch of satyrs standing around him. I was relieved to see him alive, but I don't think that hit me just quite yet. Blackjack cantered nervously in the grass. Percy sighed, understanding what he was saying.
Rachel Elizabeth Dare, in all of her frizzy red-hair glory, stood at the bottom of the porch steps with her arms raised up high like she was waiting for something. Like a ball ... only thing, I don't think it was a ball.
"What's she doing?" I demanded, more worried than anything. "How did she even get past the barriers?"
"She flew," one of the satyrs said, sending Blackjack an accusing look. "Right past the dragon, right through the magic boundaries."
"Rachel!" Percy shouted, but the satyrs stopped him in his path.
"Percy, don't," Chiron warned. He winced as he tried to move. His left arm was in a sling, and his two back legs must be broken, in splints. "You can't interrupt."
"I thought you explained things to her!"
"I did. And I invited her here."
Percy looked livid. "You said you'd never let anyone try again! You said━"
I realised what was happening. My eyes widened. Oh, my gods ...
"I know what I said, Percy. But I was wrong. Rachel had a vision about the curse of Hades. She believes it may be lifted now. She convinced me she deserves a chance."
"And if the curse isn't lifted? If Hades hasn't got to do that yet, she'll go crazy!"
The Mist swirled around Rachel. She shivered like she was going into shock. Percy fought against the satyrs. "Hey!" he cried. "STOP!" he ran to her. He got within three metres and hit something━an invisible force that knocked him back. He landed in the grass. I ran to him, checking whether he was okay. Annabeth was at our sides. We stared, shocked, watching Rachel open her eyes and turn. She looked as if she was sleepwalking━as if she could see us, but only in a dream.
"It's all right," her voice sounded far away; as if whispering through a plain of wheat. "This is why I've come,"
"You'll be destroyed!"
She shook her head. "This is where I belong, Percy. I finally understand why."
The Big House rumbled, shaking the ground. The door flew open and a casket of green light poured out like it had been begging to be let free. Mist curled into a hundred smokey serpents, slithering up the perch columns, curling around the house. Then, amongst the green, appeared the Oracle in the doorway. She shuffled forward, straight towards Rachel who still held out her arms to her━as if welcoming a great big hug.
She didn't look scared. "You've waited too long," she told the Oracle kindly. "But I'm here now."
The sun above blared brighter and a man appeared above the porch, floating in the air. Blonde, in a white toga with sunglasses and a cocky smile.
"Apollo," murmured Percy.
He winked at us, but held up his finger to his lips.
"Rachel Elizabeth Dare," he said. "You have the gift of prophecy. But it is also a curse. Are you sure you want this?"
Rachel nodded. "It's my destiny."
"Do you accept the risks?"
"I do."
"Then proceed."
Rachel closed her eyes. "I accept this role," she announced. "I pledge myself to Apollo, god of oracles. I open my eyes to the future and embrace the spirit. I accept the spirit of Delphi, voice of the gods, speaker of riddles, seer of fate."
We were stunned, frozen and unable to move. Behind us, Nico di Angelo looked paler than usual. The Mist thickened as she spoke━green columns of smoke, like huge pythons, uncoiling from the mummy's mouth and down the stairs where they curled, affectionate, around Rachel's heels. The Oracle's mummy crumbled, falling away until it was nothing but a pile of dust in an old tie-dyed dress. Mist enveloped Rachel, finally accepting the welcome she brought it.
It grew so bright, we couldn't see her.
And then the smoke cleared.
She collapsed.
Percy, Annabeth, Nico and I rushed forward, but Apollo said, "Stop! This is the most delicate part."
"What's going on?!" demanded Percy, furious. "What do you mean?"
My father studied Rachel with concern. "Either the spirit takes hold, or it doesn't."
"And if it doesn't?" Annabeth asked.
I don't think any of us wanted the answer, but my Dad replied anyway. "Five syllables," he counted them on his fingers. "That would be real bad."
But despite the warning, Percy ran forward and knelt over Rachel. Annabeth, Nico and I waited with anxious breaths.
And then, her eyes fluttered open. She focused, "Percy," she murmured.
"Are you okay?"
She tried to sit up. "Ow," she pressed her hands to her temples.
The rest of us followed. I sat down on Rachel's other side, placing a hand to her back to help. She looked surprised by the kind gesture.
"Rachel," Nico said, "your life aura almost faded completely. I could see you dying."
"I'm all right," she murmured. "Please, help me up. The visions━they're a little disorienting."
I did so, holding her tight. Percy helped. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked.
Apollo drifted down from the porch, grinning. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce the new Oracle of Delphi."
Annabeth let out a scoff of disbelief, a grin starting to form on her face. "You're kidding."
Rachel managed a weak smile. "It's a little surprising to me, too, but this is my fate. I saw it when I was in New York. I know why I was born with true sight. I was meant to become the Oracle."
Percy blinked. "You mean you can tell the future now?"
"Not all the time. But there are visions, images, words in my mind. When someone asks me a question, I━oh no━"
"It's starting," announced my father.
Rachel doubled over as if someone had punched her. Percy and I let go in surprise as she shot back up and her eyes glowed a brilliant, misty green.
The voice that came from her lips was as if three of her were talking at once:
"Ten half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
Only can fear guide harmony in acceptance,
or face true mournful, chaotic discrepance.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death."
At the last word, Rachel collapsed. Percy and I caught her and helped her to the porch. She was feverish.
"I'm all right," she said, voice now normal.
"What was that?" asked Percy.
She shook her head, confused. "What was that?" she echoed.
"I believe," said Apollo, "that we just heard the next Great Prophecy."
I frowned, "What?"
"What does it mean?" Percy demanded.
Rachel frowned, "I━I don't even remember what I said."
"No," agreed my father. "The spirit will only speak through you occasionally. The rest of the time, our Rachel will be much as she's always been. There's no point in grilling her, even if she has just issued the next big prediction for the future of the world."
"What?" Percy was still trying to comprehend it all. "But━"
"Percy," Apollo cut him off, "I wouldn't worry too much. The last Great Prophecy about you took almost seventy years to complete. This one may not even happen in your lifetime."
But that didn't change the troubled look on Percy's face. "Maybe ..." he said, "but it didn't sound so good."
"No!" grinned my father. "It certainly didn't. She is going to make a wonderful Oracle!"
° ° °
After dinner, I went to find Percy. It had been a rough day, and a rough evening. We said goodbye to far too many people, but also celebrated their lives as well, and those who survived. Friends hugged, families cried with each other, Grover and Juniper went for an evening walk, Annabeth took food to Cain in the infirmary.
And Percy celebrated his birthday, alone, at the Poseidon table. I don't even think he remembered.
(It was a good thing I did).
"Hey," I sat down beside him on the bench. He glanced at me, the moonlight striking across his black hair, turning it silver. I saw the grey patch of hair at the nape of his neck. I smiled. I held out the huge misshapen cupcake with blue icing. "Happy Birthday, Drool Boy."
He stared at me, "What?"
My smile brightened. I was right. "It's August eighteenth," I said. "Your birthday, yeah?"
He scoffed a little, remembering. I nudged him, a little amused. I tried to keep the air between us light, despite everything that has happened the past few days. We needed it━both of us.
"Make a wish," I told him.
"Did you bake this yourself?" he asked.
"Tyson and Annabeth helped. None of us are great cooks."
"That explains why it looks like a chocolate brick," said Percy. I gaped, offened. "With extra-blue cement."
I shoved him light-heartedly, and couldn't help but laugh. He smiled at me, thinking for a second before blowing out the candle. I didn't ask him what he wished for, instead, we cut it in half and shared, eating with our fingers. For a brick, it tasted pretty good.
We watched the ocean together.
"So," I spoke up, slicing up a bit of icing with my finger. I nipped it off with my teeth. "You saved the world."
"We saved the world."
I arched a brow. His green eyes glittered like the ocean under the moonlight. Gods, he was so handsome. I picked up more icing. "And ..." I continued nochalantly, "... Rachel is the new Oracle, which is crazy. But you know what that means?"
"No?"
"It means she can't date anybody," I said happily. "She's sworn to maidenhood. It's a sacred oath. I know all about it, of course, as the daughter of Apollo."
"You don't sound disappointed," said Percy.
I scoffed, shrugging. Scrunching up my nose, I tried not to meet his gaze. Instead, I bit into the cupcake. Swallowing, I said, "Don't I? To be honest, I couldn't care less. Except now I'm technically also sworn to her, which is great."
"Uh━huh."
I spun on him, hearing the sarcasm. "What?" I demanded. "You got something to say to me, Barnacle Face?"
"Eh, you'd probably kick my butt, Sunshine."
"You know I'd kick your butt. Extra hard."
He brushed cake off his hands, his lips twitching upwards. I finished off the rest of my half. "When I was at the River Styx, turning invulnerable ... Nico said I had to concentrate on one thing that kept me anchored to the world, that made me want to stay mortal."
My heart thundered. My stomach jolted. I knew I was bright red, but I kept my gaze on the horizon. My breath hitched, "Yeah ...?"
"Then up on Olympus," he went on, nervous, "when they wanted to make me a god and stuff, I kept thinking━"
"Oh, they wanted to make you a God? Sorry, I wasn't listening."
He shoved me, and I laughed. "I'm being serious here!"
"So serious." I smirked. He gave me a blank look, and I rolled my eyes. "Go on, doofus, I'm listening."
Percy sighed, and went back to his nervous self. "Well━I━I kind of did want to accept the offer, but ... but I didn't. Because I thought━I didn't want things to stay the same for eternity, because things could always get better. And I was thinking..." he trailed off, refusing to meet my gaze.
(This boy).
I wanted to make fun of him, just a tad━just to see the blush on his cheeks. "You were thinking of Annabeth! I knew it!"
Percy froze. He blanched at me. "What?" he let out. "No━what━why would you━Claire, I was thinking of you!"
I laughed. Leaning forward, I cupped his cheeks. "I'm glad you didn't," I whispered to him. "Because I was thinking of you, too..."
Leaning in, our lips brushed. He tasted of blue icing and cake, but it was enthralling. Percy smiled into the kiss, slipping an arm around my waist. We've had a few kisses, to be sure. A look-I'm-about-to-sacrifice-myself-kiss in the Labyrinth. A set of wow-so-I-kind-of-like-you kisses by the lake. A I-need-time-to-myself goodbye kiss on the cheek. But this ... Gods, this was something else.
Percy kissed me again and I giggled, pulling him closer. I could stay like this forever, I'm sure. Here, kissing him, in the moonlight━
"Well, it's about time!"
I pulled away, startled.
The pavilion was filled with torchlight and campers. Percy's grip around my waist fell slightly, annoyed to see Clarisse lead an entire group of eavesdroppers towards us━I yelped when they hoisted us both onto their shoulders.
"Oh, come on!" Percy complained. "Is there no privacy!"
"The lovebirds need to cool off!" Clarisse said with glee.
I saw that Annabeth was amongst them. I gaped at her. Traitor. "The canoe lake!" she cried.
"What?" I screeched. "No, no, no, not the water, not the water, not the water━"
With a huge cheer, they carried us down the hill and dumped us right into the water.
Bubbles cascaded around me. I squinted my eyes through the murk and saw Percy swimming towards me. In this moment, I didn't care about the fact that my clothes were now wet, or that I couldn't breathe, because soon, that didn't matter. I reached out for him and he met me with his lips on mine━
We were wrapped in water and air-bubbles. Percy pulled me close. I wrapped my arms around his neck.
(And I can tell you. It was the best underwater kiss of all time).
° ° °
Different was a word I used to like to call myself. It was a word everyone who is at this camp was accustomed to. At Camp Half-Blood, everything was different. We, ourselves, are different than most people on this planet. To be blunt, of course, we are all the children of Greek Gods. Half-bloods. Half-human, half-god.
But for me, the word different had an entirely different definition. I used to hold it with the meaning of a curse; a burden given to me by my father back in that alleyway. But now, I saw it as something else. It wasn't a curse, it wasn't a burden, it wasn't something that I should shun or push away. No. In fact, it was a part of who I was. It didn't make me, because even without it, I was the hero my twelve-year-old self dreamed I would one day be. But, of course, I got there the hard way. Through betrayal, pain, death (not just of others, but me, too) ... but also through friendship, meeting people I never would have had the chance to without it, and saving so many others.
And, to be honest, I'm no different to you. We all have our trials and tribulations. We all have our moments when we feel like saying, no, I can't continue on, let me just go ... but what makes me a demigod, a hero ... and what can make you a hero ... is to stand up, push through it and say, yes, I will continue on, and there's nothing anybody can do to stop me. Because I am strong, I am important, I am me, and that is the most spectacular thing, most spectacular super-power I have.
We're all different. But that was what made us special. What made us who we are. What made us all heroes.
In a way. You and I, everyone out here ...
We are all the Light's Kin.
° ° °
a/n: that's it.
we have an epilogue ... but ... but that's IT.
oh my gods ... OH MY GODS. i'm actually crying. this series has seen me through changes of my life, my writing style, through highschool. THIS--THIS BOOK IS JUST--THE FIRST SERIES IS OVER OH MY GODS I CAN'T.
Thank you. THANK EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU. Those who have been here from the very beginning, those who have found claire's story along the way, those who are reading this long after this has finished. ALL OF YOU HAVE MADE THIS SERIES ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT, AND FAVOURITE SERIES SO CLOSE TO MY HEART THAT I JUST.
i'm emotional. brb.
see you in the epilogue oh my fucking gods.