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chapter eighteen ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
018. The Ruling of the Olympians

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SADLY PERCY WASN'T ZAPPED TO BITS. That was the most anticlimactic part in Cassie's mind.

He was a literal son of Poseidon flying in the air to Zeus' palace where the thunder and lighting got even worse.

The pegasi flew in circles around midtown Manhattan and more importantly Mount Olympus. Cassie had never actually been there before, she was forced into a taxi with Grover and Annabeth while Percy had all the fun with the gods.

The brunette's mouth fell open at its greatness. Annabeth had to push her chin up to close it. The scattered torches and fires lining the mountainside were all sorts of colors. Their flames reflected off the smaller palaces, setting them a glow.

The streets on Olympus were bustling with citizens all going about their days. Looks like they never slept. Demigods and nature spirits ran through the roads. Minor godlings were carried around by Cyclopes or dashing away in chariots.

Even winter was nonexistent. The gardens were blooming and the flowers smelled as sweet as ever. Music floated through the air, coming from
open windows. Above all, at the mountain peak, was the most amazing palace of them all, the pure white hall of the gods.

The pegasi landed in the outer courtyard before giant silver gates. Percy raised his hand to knock but the gates opened themselves.

'Good luck, boss,' Blackjack wished him.

"Yeah." Percy managed to say. He had this sense of doom swelling in his stomach. All the gods in one place. A groups of immortal beings who could disintegrate him with one blast, and a few would certainly like to.

'Hey, if ya don't come back, can I have your cabin for my stable?'

The son of Poseidon side-eyed his horse.

'Just a tbought. Sorry.' he half-heartedly apologized.

Blackjack took that as his cue to leave, taking off with his friends. The four were left alone to stare at the palace, a sense of deja vu washing over them. They'd admired Westover Hall just like this, however million years ago. Except now they didn't know which to be more nervous of. Then together by each other's sides, they entered the throne room.

Cassie looked in awe at the room. Nowhere on Olympus failed to impress. There was a throne for each of the Olympians and they were set up in a U-shape. A hearth sat in the middle and the room resembled the cabins at camp.

The ceiling was a map of all the constellations, even Zoë the Huntress shone bright up there. She ran across the heavens with her bow drawn.

When the eyes of all twelve gods and goddess were on you, it was hard not to be nervous. Cassie held her head high and even then she had to look way up at them. The brunette felt a familiar hand slid into hers, it had been a while since the same fingers were laced with her own.

"Welcome, heroes," a voice boomed.

"Mooo!"

That brought their attention to Bessie and Grover who had safely made it. The serpent cow was playfully splashing around in a sphere of water beside the hearth. He would joyfully stick his head out the bubble every so often. Swimming in a water bubble must've been a special experience.

Their satyr friend was kneeling by Zeus' throne, no doubt giving a report when he noticed them. Grover yelled out, "You made it!"

He rushed at them before remembering he had turned his back to the king of the gods. Grover asked for permission and it was granted with a, "Go on."

Zeus had ushered the satyr away, his unwavering gaze planted on Thalia.

Grover clopped over towards them, each step echoing off the spotless marble floor. Bessie splashed around and the hearth fire crackled.

Cassie locked eyes with her dad, an unimpressed expression on her face. She was tired and raised an eyebrow at the slightly proud smirk he held. It had replaced the scowl he was shooting a Percy as he sharpened his blade.

The daughter of Ares rolled her eyes and looked away, a small uncontrollable smile rising to her cheeks. Ares nodded approvingly and Cassie saw it through the side of her eyes. She had to admit, her father's chrome and leather throne was pretty cool.

She was brought from her thoughts when a certain satyr tackled her in a hug. Cassie's hand disconnected from Annabeth's as she wrapped it around Grover in return. She laughed a bit, patting his back. Once the daughter of Athena was given her hug, her hand found its way back into Cassie's.

When Grover got to Percy, he grasped his arms desperately. "Percy, Bessie and I made it! But you have to convince them! They can't do it!"

"Do what?" Percy said.

"Heroes," Artemis called for their attention.

She had gotten out of her throne and changed to human size. It was strange seeing a young auburn-haired girl in the middle of the giant Olympians. Artemis approached them, emotionless with her silver robes shimmering on her shoulders. A ray of moonlight followed her every step.

"The Council has been informed of your deeds. They know that Mount Othrys is rising in the West. They know of Atlas' attempt for freedom, and the gathering armies of Kronos. We have voted to act." Her voice was sharp and direct, Cassie thought Artemis should be in charge instead of her grandfather. The gods murmured amongst themselves, some not looking to thrilled, but no one spoke up in protest.

"At my Lord Zeus's command, my brother Apollo and I shall hunt the most powerful monsters, seeking to strike them down before they can join the Titans' cause. Lady Athena shall personally check on the other Titans to make sure they do not escape their various prisons. Lord Poseidon has been given permission to unleash his full fury on the cruise ship Princess Andromeda and send it to the bottom of the sea. And as for you, my heroes..." Artemis paused to face her fellow immortals. "These half-bloods have done Olympus a great service. Would any here deny that?"

The goddess of the hunt gazed at each of the gods, one by one. Cassie tracked her line of sight around the room. First there was Zeus, as old as ever and still trying to hide the white hairs in his nicely trimmed black beard. He work a dark pin-striped suit and little lightning bolts practically sparked in his eyes.

Beside him to the left, was a beautiful woman with her silver hair in a braid down her shoulder and a dress modeled after the colors of peacock feathers. She was Lady Hera.

Then on his right sat Percy's father, Poseidon. He was wearing beach shorts which made his Hawaiian shirt stand out. Sandals on his feet and no hat this time. His face was suntanned with a dark beard. Green eyes shone among his features.

Next to the sea god was a bulky dude. He had one leg braced in steal, his head was slightly misshapen, and his brown beard went wild in every direction. Little fires sparked in his hair. Hephaestus, Lord of the Forges, God of Blacksmiths.

Hermes was next, decked out in a business suit and scrolling on his caduceus mobile phone, checking messages. He shot Percy a wink when he caught the son of Poseidon's gaze.

Apollo relaxed in his bright, golden throne with sunglasses over his eyes. He was listening to music through his headphones, not paying any attention, but he gave Percy a thumbs up and threw a peace sign Cassie's way. She scoffed, amusedly.

Dionysus didn't want to be there, fiddling with a grape vine in his fingers. Ares had gone back to sharpening his knife and staring Percy down.

Back on the ladies' side which started with the queen of the gods, a dark-haired goddess donning gorgeous green robes was sat on Hera's side with a throne intricately woven of apple-tree branches. Demeter, Goddess of the Harvest.

Next to her, a woman with a familiar pair of gray eyes was sitting in an elegant white dress. She was beautiful and could only be Athena. Cassie was no doubt grateful Annabeth got her looks from her mother. The daughter of Ares half-expected Annabeth to let go of her hand under Athena's carefully eye, but to her surprise the blonde just held tighter.

And last but no where near least was Aphrodite. She only had to smile knowingly for a blush to erupt onto the brunette's face. The goddess of love was more than pleased with the girls' joined hands.

With all the Olympians in to room, there was much more power than imaginable. Surprisingly the whole place didn't blow up.

"I gotta say," Apollo spoke up, ending the awkward silence, "these kids did okay." With a clearing of his throat he began to spout poetry: "Heroes win laurels-"

"Um, yes, first class," Hermes cut in, he was eager to avoid his brother's theatrics. "All in favor of not disintegrating them?"

Some hands were held up with hesitation, Demeter and Aphrodite among the few.

"Wait just a minute," Ares growled out, using his knife to gesture at Thalia and Percy. "These two are dangerous. It'd be much safer, while we've got them here-"

Cassie sighed at her dad's words and Poseidon interrupted him, thankfully. "Ares, they are worthy heroes. We will not blast my son to bits."

"Nor my daughter. She has done well." Zeus commended and Thalia flushed red. Suddenly the floor had gotten very interesting. Percy understood how she was feeling, he'd rarely talked to his dad and a compliment was a pretty big deal.

The goddess of wisdom cleared her throat, leaning forward. "I am proud of my daughter as well and I'm sure deep down my brother is of his too. But there is a security risk here with the other two and this one." Athena nodded in Cassie's direction.

Annabeth went to protest, "Mother! How can you-"

Athena shot her a firm look, stopping her from speaking. "It is unfortunate that my father, Zeus, and my uncle, Poseidon, chose to break their oath not to have more children. Only Hades kept his word, a fact that I find ironic. As we know from the Great Prophecy, children of the three elder gods... such as Thalia and Percy... are dangerous. And we all know the deal with Cassandra. As thick-headed as he is, Ares has a point."

"Right!" Ares agreed, barely comprehending her words. "Hey, wait a minute. My daughter is perfectly fine. And who you callin'-" Cassie watched her dad begin to rise when a grape vine fastened around his waist, pulling him back into his seat.

"Oh, please, Ares," Dionysus spoke exasperatedly. "Save the fighting for later."

Ares tore the vine apart. "You're one to talk, you old drunk. You seriously want to protect these two brats?"

Dionysus inspected them indolently. "I have no love for them. Athena, do you truly think it safest to destroy them?"

"I do not pass judgment. I only point out the risk. What we do, the Council must decide."

"I will not have them punished," Artemis contradicted. "I will have them rewarded. If we destroy heroes who do us a great favor, then we are no better than the Titans. If this is Olympian justice, I will have none of it."

"Calm down, sis, Jeez, you need to lighten up." Apollo complained.

Artemis rolled her eyes, frustratedly, "Don't call me sis! I will reward them."

"Well, perhaps. But the monster at least must be destroyed. We have agreement on that?" Zeus asked the council. Many heads nodded.

Percy's heart dropped. "Bessie? You want to destroy Bessie?"

"Mooooooo!" Bessie cried out.

Poseidon's lips turned downwards. "You have named the Ophiotaurus, Bessie?"

"Dad, he's just a sea creature. A really nice sea creature. You can't destroy him."

His father shifted uncomfortably, "Percy, the monster's power is considerable. If the Titans were to steal it, or-"

"You can't," Percy stood his ground.

He met Zeus' eyes directly and maybe he should've been afraid but he wasn't. "Controlling the prophecies never works. Isn't that true? Besides, Bess- the Ophiotaurus is innocent. Killing something like that is wrong. It's just as wrong as... as Kronos eating his children, just because of something they might do. It's wrong!"

Cassie hid her smirk. Percy pulled the 'eating his children card'. Definitely brought back trauma for some of the Olympians.

Zeus thought it over and his eyes wandered to Thalia. "And what of the risk? Kronos knows full well, if one of you were to sacrifice the beast's entrails, you would have the power to destroy us. Do you think we can let that possibility remain? You, my daughter, will turn sixteen on the morrow, just as the prophecy says."

"You have to trust them. Sir, you have to trust them." Annabeth told him.

Zeus' face fell to a scowl. "Trust a hero?"

"Annabeth is right. Which is why I must first make a reward. My faithful companion, Zoë Nightshade, has passed into the stars. I must have a new lieutenant. And I intend to choose one. But first, Father Zeus, I must speak to you privately." Artemis explained. Her father bid her forward and leaned down to hear her.

The sudden fear hit Cassie like a brick. She was feeling a lot of things at once, realizing feelings she never wanted to have. But one thing was clear, Annabeth Chase had always been responsible for such emotions. Even back when they were children, meeting for the first time.

The feelings Cassie had for Annabeth were so strong they terrified her. It terrified her just what she'd be willing to do for this girl. But, instead of expressing those words and telling the blonde the understanding she had come to, she uttered three words: "Annabeth, please don't."

Annabeth stared at her questioningly, "What?"

"There's a lot of things finally donning on me, Chase. Right now I don't have the time or courage to tell you them, but I will one day and if you're off with them, then there's really no point... I just don't want you to..."

"Cassie? What do you mean? You look like you're going to be sick." The daughter of Athena worried.

That's exactly how Cassie felt. She badly wanted to just say what she was feeling, but her words came out jumbled and she was stiff with fear. All she could do was tightly grip Annabeth's hand.

Artemis turned back to them. "I shall have a new lieutenant. If she will accept it."

The brunette held her breath.

"Thalia, daughter of Zeus. Will you join the Hunt?"

Cassie let out the air, stunned. Silence fell over the room, Percy blinked in amazement, unsure he heard correctly. Annabeth smile, squeezing Thalia's hand using her free one. She knew this was coming.

"I will," Thalia accepted.

Zeus stood, staring at her with concern. "My daughter, consider well."

"Father, I will not turn sixteen tomorrow. I will never turn sixteen. I won't let this prophecy be mine. I stand with my sister Artemis. Kronos will never tempt me again." Thalia declared and she knelt at the goddess' feet. The punk girl recited the words from Bianca's oath. "I pledge myself to the goddess Artemis. I turn my back on the company of men..."

Thalia finished her pledge and did something that shocked Percy further if that was even possible. She walked over, smiling and embraced him in a big hug, in front off everyone. Percy's face was bright red and Cassie made note to tease him about this forever.

The daughter of Zeus pulled back still holding onto his shoulders. Percy said, "Um... aren't you supposed to not do that anymore? Hug boys, I mean?"

"I'm honoring a friend," Thalia justified, patting him roughly, "I must join the Hunt, Percy. I haven't known peace since... since Half-Blood Hill. I finally feel like I have a home. But you're a hero. You will be the one of the prophecy."

"Great," Percy grumbled.

"I'm proud to be your friend." Cassie didn't know if that made up for Thalia dooming the son of Poseidon, but she kept her mouth shut.

Thalia held Annabeth in a tight hug, the blonde sniffling a little. The daughter of Zeus squeezed Cassie in her own hug, ruffling the brunette's hair. She even hugged Grover who was on the verge of passing out.

Finally, Thalia took her place at Artemis' side.

"Now for the Ophiotaurus" the goddess announced.

"This boy is still dangerous," Dionysus advised, "The beast is a temptation to great power. Even if we spare the boy-"

"No." Percy stated, looking around the throne room, "Please. Keep the Ophiotaurus safe. My dad can hide him under the sea somewhere, or keep him in an aquarium here in Olympus. But you have to protect him."

"And why should we trust you?" Hephaestus interrogated.

"I'm only fourteen. If this prophecy is about me, that's two more years."

"Two years for Kronos to deceive you. Much can change in two years, my young hero." Athena reasoned.

"Mother!" Annabeth huffed, tiredly.

"It is only the truth, child. It is bad strategy to keep the animal alive. Or the boy."

"You can't just kill Percy!" Cassie protested earning herself a 'would you like to see me' look from the goddess of wisdom.

Poseidon agreed with the daughter of Ares, standing. "I will not have a sea creature destroyed, if I can help it. And I can help it." He held out an open palm and a trident appeared. It was twenty feet long and the three spear points shimmered a watery blue light. "I will vouch for the boy and the safety of the Ophiotaurus."

"You won't take it under the sea!" Zeus boomed, "I won't have that kind of bargaining chip in your possession."

"Brother, please," Poseidon groaned.

Zeus' lightning bolt appeared in his hand, threatening anyone who spoke against him.

The sea god gave in. "Fine, I will build an aquarium for the creature here. Hephaestus can help me. The creature will be safe. We shall protect it with all our powers. The boy will not betray us. I vouch for this on my honor."

His brother seemed to accept this. "All in favor?"

Surprisingly many of them raised their hands. Dionysus abstained along with both Cassie's dad and Annabeth's mom. But thankfully everyone else was on board.

"We have a majority. And so, since we will not be destroying these heroes. I imagine we should honor them. Let the triumph celebration begin!" Zeus decreed.

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Of all the parties Cassie had ever been to, she had to say Olympian ones are the best. The Nine Muses were in charge of the music, but whatever they were playing sounded different for everyone. The gods could be listening to classical pieces while the younger demigods danced to hip-hop or whatever. There were no disagreements or requests to change the radio station, only to crank it up.

Cassie immediately headed for the snack table, starved after everything that went down. Her plate was stacked with pizza, chips, and cookies. A golden goblet of Dr. Pepper in her other hand. Dionysus also happened to be by the refreshment stand which Cassie didn't realize he had grown. He had a beautiful woman on his arm-Ariadne, his wife. For once the god of wine seemed happy.

The fountains spewing nectar and ambrosia were super cool. Cassie watched Grover walk by with his own plate of tin cans and enchiladas. His goblet was filled with double-espresso latte and he'd chant into it: "Pan! Pan!"

The daughter of Ares ran into many gods while wandering around. Some more literally than others, it was a good thing they had shrunk to human size. Hermes had crashed into her in a hurry and speaking into his caduceus. He caught her plate, stole a chip, and left with a wink. Cassie managed to stay upright in the whole ordeal.

Apollo approached her next, shades on his head and keys spinning on his finger. Apparently Percy had declined his gracious offer of archery lessons.

"Something about being 'no good at archery'. What kind of excuse is that, anyone can learn. You get what I mean?"

She just nodded, biting in her pizza, "Totally."

"Nonsense, but hey if you ever want lessons you know where to find me! And feel free to drive the sun chariot any time." Apollo beamed at her.

"Thank you Lord Apollo. You think we could practice from the chariot?" Cassie joked.

The joke flew right over the sun god's head. "Definitely. Target practice from the chariot as we fly over the U.S.? Best fun there is!"

Cassie grinned and excused herself, making her way through the dancing crowds that filled the palace courtyards. She looked for Annabeth who was dancing with a minor godling the last time she saw her.

"Not bad kid," a man's gruff voice said to her right.

She rolled her eyes and turned, finding Ares leaning against a pole.

"Hey dad..."

"You weren't a complete disappointment Cassie."

"Thanks," she refrained from scoffing. That was the best praise she would get from her father.

"How was it?" Ares asked.

Cassie's brows furrowed, "How was what?"

"The blessing, kid. What else." Basically the god of war's way of saying 'duh'.

"It was helpful, you know until I had to hold up the sky on my own!"

Ares waved her off, not sharing her doubt. "Your girlfriend managed, I knew you could easily."

"Girlfriend?" Confusion laced her tone.

"That blonde chick. Smart one or whatever. Did you really have to pick Birdbrain's kid?" Cassie's dad grumbled.

A reappearing red tint kept making it's way onto the brunette's face at the mention of Annabeth. She thought back to when she met the goddess of love with her father.

"Did Aphrodite tell you-"

"I heard everything." Ares confessed, laughing at the girl's embarrassment. "Do whatever makes you... happy, kiddo."

Cassie knew if wasn't easy for her dad to say things like that, so she remembered when he did. "Thank you. So, how are things with you? Start any new fights?"

What was there really to ask you dad when he's the god of war?

"War is coming Cassie. It always is, but this one's different. I love a good family fight, best kind in my opinion. This isn't the same." Ares foresaw.

"What do you mean?"

"That friend of yours, Luke-?"

"We're not friends," She interrupted a bit too forcefully before realizing it was rude, "Sorry."

"Fine, whatever he is, he's not dead."

Cassie felt her heart stop. "No. He has to be, that fall was pretty hard."

Ares only shook his head. "Poseidon senses his boat. I sense the oncoming war, and you will have a tough role to play. Do not let me down."

"How can he be alive? That fall should've killed him! He doesn't deserved to survive," She cried out.

"I don't know everything kid. Beware of him, don't give into the temptation. He is more dangerous than before and so is the dead corpse he's been dragging around with him."

"What about Atlas? What's stopping him from forcing his burden upon some giant or something to be free."

Ares chuckled, "If it was that easy kid, don't you think he would've been out long ago. Only a titan can be given the curse of the sky unwillingly. Anyone else must choose to take the burden. Yet only a hero with unbeatable strength and courage would even dare. None of the wimps in Kronos' army stand a chance."

"Except Luke," Cassie reminded, "He freed Atlas, tricked Annabeth into saving him, then used her to drive Artemis to take the sky.

"Well that punk's his own case. Waste of time," Her dad scoffed under his breath. He seemed like he wanted to say more, but Aphrodite was waving him over worried about some demigod fight in the east courtyard. "I have to handle that. Win some fights, kiddo. We probably won't talk for some time." He vanished after that, heading towards his own girlfriend.

Cassie thought she should get back to looking for Annabeth and was about to join the crowd when another voice cut in. "You take after your father, you know."

The brunette swiveled on her heels now locking eyes with that familiar pair of stormy eyes. The woman looked so much like Annabeth, the name almost slept from Cassie's lips.

"Athena." The daughter of Ares greeted, attempting to hide her resentfulness. The goddess was the only one who had written her off and she was bound to some bitterness, which she didn't hide well enough.

She smiled wryly. "Do not judge me too harshly, half-blood. Wise counsel is not always popular, but I spoke the truth. You are dangerous."

"And you never take risks?" Cassie assumed.

Athena confirmed with a nod. "I concede the point. You may perhaps be useful. And yet... your fatal flaw may destroy us as well as yourself."

The brunette swallowed the lump forming in her throat. She remembered this conversation mainly between Percy and Annabeth. Fatal flaws, every hero had one. Annabeth's was her pride. It pushed her to believe she could do anything like holding up the sky or... saving Luke. Cassie didn't know what her own was.

Athena almost stared down at her pitifully. "Kronos may be unaware of it, so may many monsters. But they have a way triggering it. Think, Cassandra. What happens when you find yourself extremely angered? First, when Percy was taken by Scylla. Now my daughter, Annabeth." She hesitated at her child's name. "Each time, when your loved ones are in trouble, you are enraged. That anger causes your recklessness. You fatal flaw is wrath driven by loyalty, Cassie. Your fury is out of control when it comes to your friends. To save them you'd tear the world apart. In a hero with a fate like yours, that is a very, very dangerous quality to possess."

Cassie shoved her hands in her pockets to stay calm. "That can't be a flaw. My anger is reasonable. Just because I care for my friends-"

"The most dangerous flaws are those which are good in moderation," Athena revealed. "Evil is easy to fight. Lack of wisdom... that is very hard indeed."

The daughter of Ares couldn't argue with the goddess of wisdom. Everything she said was smart.

"I hope the Council did not make a mistake looking past you, but I will be watching, Cassandra Carter. I do not approve of your friendship with my daughter. I do not think it wise for either of you. And should you become too out of control or begin to waver in your loyalties..."

Athena's stone-cold stare fixed on Cassie felt like the goddess was reading her soul. She realized the goddess would be a terrible enemy to have. Worse than many of the gods, including her father. Athena wouldn't back down and if she really wanted to destroy you, her plan would work.

"Carter!" Annabeth called out, drawing the two from
their conversation. The blonde had been pushing through the crowd to get to Cassie. Her steps slowed at the sight of Athena. "Oh... Mom."

"I will leave you," Athena bid them goodbye. "For now." She made her way through the crowds which parted for her.

"Was she giving you a hard time?" Annabeth tried to read Cassie's face.

The brunette who was still deep in thought blinked out of it, "No. It's... fine. Don't worry."

Annabeth trailed her concerned eyes from Cassie's features to her hair. She reached out and brought forward a strand of gray hair, tucked within the brown. They both had matching streaks from their shared experience holding Atlas's burden.

Cassie had a lot she wanted to tell Annabeth. She was growing the courage to, courage Athena managed to step all over and take from her. It was like a punch to the gut: I do not approve of your friendship with my daughter.

"So," Annabeth rocked on her feet. "What did you want to tell me earlier?"

The music was still playing and people were dancing to the tunes. Cassie scratched the back of her neck but smiled at Annabeth, "I think you still owe me a dance Braniac."

She let a wide smile rise to her face. "All right, Warpath."

Cassie took the hand that was inspecting her gray strand and gently pulled Annabeth after her. Who knew what everyone else was hearing but it sounded like a slow dance.

Her hands found place on the blonde's waist, Annabeth's wrapping around her neck and together the two swayed to the music. The dance was exactly how Cassie felt: a little sad, yet a little hopeful too.

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ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ author's note

wdym there's one chapter left?? people im freaking out!! also i've been on a like plot making spree with actually decent plots for once sooo some interesting fics coming ur way one day!

sorry this wasn't a double update like planned, i got super busy with school and all that chaos smh. hopefully it's done but next sunday so i can't start work on the specialll 😉

idk what my updates r gonna look like with school but im gonna try my best trust!

but that's all! i really liked the different interactions this chapter! made some things clear! did i mention that i love cassibeth with my whole soul

as always thanks for reading <3

- Just Another Overthinker