I was back on Healer/Doctor duty but I didn't mind. 

I met up with Pollux, who got a broken arm while I was sleeping, so I healed that for him. Even though he had to keep it in his sling, the bone was fine.

The gods' focus was on repairing most of the palace, including their thrones. And when the bridge to Olympus was repaired, that's when all of our friends started filing in.

The Cyclopses had saved Thalia. Healing her legs was easy but, since I had conserve energy strictly following the orders of my brother and Annie, I had to have her stay on her crutches.

The Stolls were fine except for a few scratches and bruises. And I was proud to hear that during my absence, they didn't even raid a whole lot. They told me that my parents were fine, though they couldn't get onto Olympus which sucked.

The thing that Percy had told Mrs. O'Leary before we went up to Olympus was dig up Chiron out of that pile of bricks I saw. When Chiron was fighting his father he was blasted to the side of that brick building and debris fell on him. Thankfully, the hellhound managed to dig him out and was heading over to camp.

Nico walked in and I immediately rushed up to him, wrapping him in a tight hug.

"So I see you managed to help with the hearth during the battle?" he mumbled in my ear.

"Lady Hestia granted me her blessing and, since I'm a millionth, spoke through me. I didn't think she'd think I-"

"Oh shut up, Clair. You're a millionth not to mention Claira Vega. Of course she would think you worthy enough to tend to and protect the Olympian hearth," Nico flashed me a genuine smile before his father approached next to us and cleared his throat.

We immediately let go of each other, Nico following behind Hades.

And then, to my surprise, Clarisse walked in. Ares immediately greeted her, being a proud father of his drakon-slaying daughter (or so I've heard).

As I walked back inside the palace, away from the entrance, I saw Percy and Dionysus talking.

"Ah our little millionth. Exactly who I was looking for," the god walked up to me and laid a surprisingly gentle hand on my shoulder. "Talking to my son, he said that you gave him the strength after his arm broke. I don't understand what that means but at least he's safe,"

I blushed as Percy looked on.

"Er... I'm sure you should thank Percy as well for the survival of your son," I said.

"Oh I already have. I just thought you might want to know," then Dionysus walked away, approaching his throne.

To the side Grover walked up to Percy but I kept looking around the throne room at all of the reunions the gods and goddesses were making with their children. This was what I protected with Hestia when I tended to the hearth.

And then the the conch horn sounded. The army of my father marched in, a certain Cyclops at the front.

"Percy, Claira!" Tyson shouted and ran toward us, his arms open wide. He picked us both up in a group hug, Grover cowering in fear in the sidelines.

"You are not dead!" Tyson exclaimed.

"Best thing I've heard all day," I smiled up at the Cyclops. He just laughed and clapped his hands happily.

"I am not dead, too! Yay! We chained Typhon. Was fun!" Tyson yelled.

Behind him, the other Cyclopses celebrated.

"Tyson led us! He very brave!" One shouted.

"Bravest of the Cyclopses!" Another joined in.

That caused my baby brother to blush. "Was nothing,"

I grinned as Percy spoke up. "We saw you! You were amazing!"

And, while Grover was cowering, he somehow found the strength to say: "Yes! Three cheers for Tyson!"

While the Cyclopses did cheer, the conch horn blew again and my father walked into the throne room in his armor, his trident glowing a sea green I knew too well.

"Tyson!" Poseidon yelled. "Well done, my son. Claira-" He gave me a slight glare and then sighed. "I heard about what you did,"

I looked away, only for him to pat my head. "You sacrificed yourself to save your friend and even protected our hearth? I couldn't be any more proud," he grinned down at me.

Then he turned to Percy. "And Percy-" He gave him a stern look. "I even forgive you for sitting on my throne. You have saved Olympus!"

And then Poseidon collected the both of us in a huge hug.

But my father's words registered in my head. "Wait... Percy did what?!" 

That caused Dad to laugh. "I could not be more proud of the both you. You two have risen above every hero. Not even Hercules-"

"POSEIDON!" A voice suddenly bellowed.

Our father's name echoed throughout the whole palace.

We looked up to see Zeus. He had already taken his throne. The other gods had already filed in and took their thrones as well. Even Hades was present, sitting on a stone guest chair at the foot of the hearth. Nico sat at his father's feet.

"Well, Poseidon?" Zeus grumbled. "Are you too proud to join us in council, brother?"

Dad just turned to the both of us and winked. "I would be honored, Lord Zeus,"

***

I made my way over to the hearth, to the surprise of all of the gods and goddesses. But I didn't mind them. I only headed over to Hestia, who welcomed me whole heartedly.

When I passed Nico, he gave me a small smile as I sat at the small, glowing fire.

Zeus started talking and I immediately tuned out, like I always have, since it was super long and boring. I just stared into the burning coals of the hearth as Hestia poked at them.

Then Zeus reached something that made me laugh.

"As for my brothers," Zeus began. "We are thankful.... erm... thankful for the aid of Hades,"

I looked up to see my uncle with a smug smile on his face, and for once I didn't feel like punching him in the face. Hades even leaned down to pat his son on the shoulders, and I couldn't be any more happier for Nico. He's come far. The son of Hades himself looked the happiest I've seen him, next to that one time he actually managed to beat me with a sword in an easy battle back at camp.

"And of course..." Zeus continued, though he definitely made it seem like getting the words out were difficult. "We must... uh... thank Poseidon-"

"I'm sorry brother. What was that?" Dad teased.

"We must thank Poseidon," Zeus grumbled at Dad. "Without whom... it would've been difficult-"

"Difficult?" Dad asked, completely innocent.

"Impossible to defeat Typhon," Zeus said.

The gods murmured in agreement and pounded their weapons in approval.

"Which then leaves us only the matter of thanking our young demigod heroes, who defended Olympus so well... even if there are a few dents in my throne," Zeus said.

And then called Thalia first, since she was his daughter and promised her help in filling the Hunters' ranks.

Then Artemis smiled. "You have done well, my lieutenant. You have made me proud and all of the Hunters that perished in my service will never be forgotten. They will achieve Elysium, I'm sure," 

And that caused Artemis to glare at Hades.

My uncle just shrugged. "Probably,"

Artemis glared some more.

"Alright," Hades mumbled. "They will,"

Thalia grinned. "Thank you, my lady," She bowed to all of the gods and then made her way over to stand by Artemis.

"Tyson, son of Poseidon!"

When he was called forward, Zeus said that he'd be granted a new weapon of his choice. Turns out it was a club which Tyson called a stick.

"Grover Underwood of the satyrs!" Dionysus called.

Grover stumbled forward nervously. I heard that he thought that he'd still be an outcast because of the many lives lost with the nature spirits. But, turns out, he was named a member of the Council of Cloven Elders. And that made him immediately faint.

"Annabeth Chase, my own daughter," Athena called.

In the end, Annie was appointed the architect for Olympus. Her dream literally come true.

"Claira Vega, my daughter," Poseidon called.

But before I walked up, I took out a spare piece of ambrosia from my pocket and tossed it into the hearth, sending up a prayer. One filled with gratefulness, relief, and thankfulness.

Then I walked to Dad and knelt in front of him.

"Claira Vega. My two millionth child, rise," Poseidon said. I did and looked up at him. "Since you are a millionth, all of us do have something to say,"

And the first to speak was Apollo. "Who taught you that phrase?" He asked, somewhat in awe.

"Er, your son, Will Solace," I answered.

"Hmm. I see. Must've studied healing phrases pretty well then," Apollo nodded. "That's all for me,"

"Well then I must say-" Artemis spoke up. "-how proud I am of your archery skills. They've seemed to improve, ten-fold," she gave me a smile. Even Thalia gave me a thumbs up.

"Well I was gonna say that too!" Apollo whined to his sister, making me giggle.

"The girl's strong too! But she could never replace my Clarisse!" Ares bellowed, his voice echoing throughout the whole chamber.

I nodded at Clarisse who just gave me a smug smile. Or was that a hint of a genuine, proud smile...?

"She's become a wise young woman, from what I've gathered from my daughter," Athena commented, earning a blush from said daughter.

"And I will say I'm still indebted to the girl," Dionysus let out a long, exaggerated sigh. "I don't know where my son would be if it wasn't for her,"

"Obviously she does her job at that camp fairly well," Demeter said.

"Her role as a fire user has helped as well," Hephaestus commented.

"She's been on my good side since a few years ago. I'll definitely say she's improved her skills," Hermes gave me a smile.

"And, thanks to me, she's still as beautiful as ever, even with that white hair," Aphrodite spoke up. "Though I still don't understand her relationship with-"

"Alright, Aphrodite," Hades cut in before she could say anymore, making me blush as well as be eternally grateful. If she mentioned anything about that to the whole frickin camp I would've died.

"I'm just saying. It literally came out of nowhere," she shrugged and looked at me.

"Anyway," Hades cut in again. "Do I really have to say anything about my niece?" He looked up at his brother, bored.

"She's my daughter as well as your niece, brother. You must have something nice about her, right?" Poseidon asked, a bit angry at Hades' remark.

"Well... she's helped my own son a lot. She even taught him how to hold a sword correctly," he muttered.

"She's used her strength for her family," Hera gave me a small smile. "She's done well,"

"My own daughter approves," Zeus said. "That's all I need to say,"

And when it looked like all of the gods and goddesses were finished, Hestia surprisingly stood from her place at the hearth.

"She has done well with her place at the hearth. She protected it when it was needed the most," Hestia's voice rang out with finality.

And looking around, all of the gods and goddesses were shocked to see Hestia, who technically wasn't part of the full council, speaking on my behalf.

"I could not be more proud of her," Hestia gave me a warm smile then looked at her brothers and sisters. "What? You did say all of the gods and goddesses,"

"We have not heard you speak for a while, sister," Zeus said. "It was only a minor shock,"

But then Dad looked back down at me. "You're a strong hero, Claira. On behalf of myself as your father, I'd be happy to grant you any desire you'd like,"

And that made me perk up. "Any desire?"

"Of course! You're my little girl!" He let out a laugh.

"Uh... well... there's this one thing that I've wanted for the longest time..." I started to say.

"Well?" Dad looked at me.

"I know it sounds selfish of me but..." I looked at Hades. "I want to speak to my mother,"

And everything went quiet, if only for a little bit.

"Er, Claira," Dad started. "Don't you think that's a bit-"

"Done," Hades nodded. "I'll allow it," he looked up at Dad. "You did say any desire, right, brother?"

Dad sighed. "Alright,"

"But of course, there will be a time limit," Hades said.

A pang of sadness went through me, but that was understandable. "How long?"

"A day. I don't want you staying my realm for too long," he said, his words stiff, as if being told to say them. But then I noticed Nico was standing next to his father, within talking distance.

The boy caught my eye and winked, making me suppress a giggle.

"Thank you, Lord Hades," I bowed, then backed up as Poseidon called the final hero's name.

"Percy Jackson!!"

My brother's name echoed throughout the chamber.

He walked to the middle of the chamber and bowed to Zeus, then knelt at our father's feet.

"Rise, my son," Poseidon said. And Percy obeyed.

"A great hero must be rewarded. Is there anyone here who could deny that my son is deserving?"

And the Council stayed silent at the question. No one protested.

"The Council agrees. Percy Jackson, you will have one gift from the gods," Zeus said.

And Percy seemed stunned. "Any gift?"

Zeus nodded. And, seemingly assuming, Zeus said that the he could grant him the greatest gift of all: the gift of becoming a god. He could serve as Dad's lieutenant for all time.

Sudden panic rose within me. This sounded to me exactly like when Artemis had asked me to join the Hunters of Artemis. In the end I turned the offer down but... the temptation of ridding of all responsibilities, just enjoying time with my friends, using my bow for good...

Of course Percy's case was different but it was still the same too: he'd be pulled away from camp. From all of us campers. He'd most likely have to stick with Dad the whole time. We'd barely get to see him. Our friend, our hero, my brother...

"No,"

And that sent a shock throughout the whole Council.

"No? You are turning down our generous gift?" Zeus' voice did not sound the kindest but Percy held his ground.

"I mean, I'm honored and everything. 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,"

My brother's words struck my heart and I teared up. And although I knew he wasn't looking at me, I still stared at him. He was given the opportunity to become a god... and he turned the offer down probably for a certain demigod girl... as well as his family.

"I do want a gift though," Percy spoke up. "Do you promise to grant my wish?"

And Zeus thought about it. "If it is within our power,"

"I'm sure it is. It's not even difficult. But I need your promise on the River Styx," Percy said.

And that seemed to infuriate a few gods. 

"What?!" Dionysus yelled. "You don't trust us?"

"Someone once told me..." Percy gave Hades a pointed look. "...you should always get a solemn oath,"

Hades raised his hand. "Guilty,"

"Very well!" Zeus growled. "In the name of the Council, we swear by the River Styx to grant you reasonable request as long as it is within our power,"

The other gods murmured agreement. Thunder boomed over head, indicating the deal was set.

"From now on," Percy started. "I want you to properly recognize the children of the gods. All the children... of all the gods,"

The Council seemed a bit uneasy on that.

"Percy, what exactly do you mean?" Dad asked.

But I knew exactly what Percy meant. We witnessed the deaths of too many demigods that were unclaimed by their godly parent... they felt unloved... and that feeling rose to anger.

Percy asked for them to claim all of their children by the time they turned thirteen so that they'd be safe at camp, acknowledge all of the minor gods and goddesses, for Hades to finally have a cabin at camp (which I was too happy about), and for no more of the Big Three pact. It never worked anyway and how could it just suddenly work in the future? Percy decided that we'd train them and accept them into camp, no matter what.

"Is that all?" Zeus scoffed.

"Percy you ask much. You presume much," Poseidon said.

"I hold all of you to your oath," Percy reminded.

And eventually they all agreed, with the help of Hermes.

***

On my way out of Olympus I spotted the back of my Dad.

"Oh, Dad, I was just looking for you-!" But I faltered realizing who he was facing.

Nico di Angelo himself.

"Uh... I think I just heard the Stolls call! Gotta go!" I turned around wanting to run only for a hand to grab the back of my shirt.

"What the- Dad!" I exclaimed.

"I will leave you, Clair. DOn't worry. It's not like I spoke of anything important-"

"Did you mention Long Island Sound?" I demanded.

"Er, no," He answered.

"The letter?"

"No,"

I sighed and raked a hand through my hair.

"Alright then,"

And then Dad left... leaving me and Nico in a very awkward silence.

But I broke it anyway as if nothing ever happened. "Sorry about him, Nico. Dad can seriously be random at times,"

"Uh... ok," He answered, most likely not knowing what else to say.

"What did he talk about?" I looked over at him. And his face told me everything.

"Uh... stuff," was his answer.

"Oh, very descriptive. Thanks, Captain Obvious," I smirked at him.

"I'll tell you when we get back at camp," He gave me a smile.

"If you forget, I'll make sure you remember," I raised my hand up as if ready to slap him.

"N-No, I think I can remember just fine," he backed away, stuttering, as I giggled. But then a breeze flew by, lifting strands of hair into my vision.

"Why did it have to be my hair, of all things, to change?" I grabbed all of my hair and brought it to one side, stroking it lightly.

"What's wrong with it? It seems perfectly fine," Nico said.

"Well... because it's the one thing I have, physically, that I can remember my mother by," I looked up at him.

"So... is that why you asked my father to-"

"-to let me see her?" I asked. He nodded in response. "Of course. And to talk to her but yeah. I wanted to see her again. Now that my whole look has been tainted by the power I have... I need to make sure I know where I come from," I flipped my hair behind me and suddenly rushed up to him, wrapping my arms around him. "Thanks, Nico,"

"U-Uh..." he stuttered. "W-What'd I do?"

"Didn't you persuade your father to go along with my request?" I looked up at him as he slowly wrapped his arms around me.

"Er... yeah," he nodded.

"That's why I'm thanking you," I just laid my head on his chest with a relieved smile.

And we stood there for what seemed like forever.

Until, within my mind, I saw red hair, a black pegasus, and the Oracle...

"Come on, Nico. We should get going,," I mumbled and gently pulled away from him.

I noticed him look down at me, worried.

"Did you have a vision?" He asked, making me look away.

"I have to find Rachel,"

And then, without another word, I grabbed him by the wrist and we ran to the elevator.