Chapter 12: Heroes Get Remembered

Hi. I'm writing this chapter a day after posting the other one. We're at 40k words already, will probably be 43k when this chapter comes out. It's really hard to believe that I've actually stuck to this story. The most words I've got from a story in the past was 19,999. Yeah, I know. My OCD went up in flames as well. Well then, let's get into this chapter.

Chapter 12: Heroes Get Remembered

Poseidon's P.O.V.

So he's gone. That's it? My boy is gone, just like that. My beard bristled with grey hairs as I gripped my trident with shaky hands. The room was silent, as the gods sat on their thrones not saying a word.

The world was in mourning. We won the war, but at what cost? My son saved the world for the third time, but it finally caught up with him. What was there to do?

I shed a tear, and looked down at my lap. Memories poured through my mind of all the times I'd been the most proud of him. When he completed his first quest and prevented a war. When he'd fought a titan, rescued a goddess, and survived to tell the tale. When he'd led the demigods into battle during the Second Titan War. When he single-handedly defeated my father and saved Olympus.

I looked back on when we'd fought together side by side against Gaea and her giants. I remembered how proud I was to see him become a god, and be crowned an Olympian. I followed him into battle, proud to fight by my favourite son's side. If only I knew what I'd see not too long after.

He was the only child of mine to ever make anything out of himself. Even Triton just spends his days flirting with the naiads and starting fights in Atlantis. Why did it have to be Percy?

Zeus broke the deafening silence in the room. "Are we ready?"

Zeus P.O.V.

Of all the heroes, it just had to be him. There will never be someone as good as Perseus, I just don't think it's possible. Especially if it's a demigod. He was the greatest hero we could ever ask for, and now he was gone, and I didn't know what lay in store for us.

From this point on, Olympus would be without it's saviour, and we'd most likely fall back into the old days of paranoia, treachery and cruelty. He really was a shining star on Olympus. One that I know we'll never forget.

Enjoy Elysium, nephew.

-Zeus

Hera P.O.V.

I never liked the boy, that was no secret, and I won't pretend I did just because he's gone. Still, it's hard to believe that he was the greatest hero we ever could've had, as much as I don't like that thought. I tested him multiple times, and each time he came out victorious. It's hard to forget that, but equally hard to remember.

He was annoying, stubborn, disrespectful, ill-mannered, and too sarcastic for my liking. But still, he was a hero, one we'll never get back.

Rest easy, you annoying brat

-Hera

Demeter P.O.V.

Well, I never had much to do with the boy. By far the best of my brother's children, and he's come through for us more than a few times. No doubt that without him, we likely wouldn't still be here today, or at least not in the positions of power we currently have.

He'd always become so awkward when I reminded him to eat cereal, not that he needed to. He did well, that's all I can really say.

Thank you for the, what, 17th time?

-Demeter

Ares P.O.V.

I hated him. I hated him with every bone in my body. Even with that, I have to congratulate him on the skill he had. I don't like to talk about it, but it's not exactly a secret, so I'll bring it up. He, a mere boy, bested me, the God of War, in a fight at age 12. I was having a bad day.

I admire his skill, bravery, and calmness about everything. I must admit, if I'd been put in his shoes, I would've gone mad and tried to destroy Olympus after the third of fourth year.

It was an honor to fight by your side, punk.

-Ares

Athena P.O.V.

Alright, I may not have liked him, but I'll give him this. He was a hero, perhaps not a smart one, but a hero nonetheless. I remember how my daughter had been so head-over-heels in love with him, then my sister. I'll never see why. He was as daft a cabbage as they come.

Still, the pros have to outweigh the cons. When Olympus was being buried beneath the rubble and wrecks, he held onto us. He was the one who saved us, no matter what way you look at it. And I guess, from that point of view, it's not hard to see why my sister was so smitten with him.

Farewell, Jackson.

-Athena

Apollo P.O.V.

I mean, how can you hate the guy? He defeated gods, titans, giants, primordials, all with nothing but his sword and maybe a little help. He fell into Tartarus for the girl he loved, or thought he loved anyways. He managed to charm my little older sister Artemis, a feat worthy of godhood on it's own.

He was cool, I like him. I know most people on the council didn't openly like him, but we all had a soft spot for the guy, there's no denying it. Just sad that I couldn't take him out so we could be each other's wingmen before he decided to like my sister. He would've gotten all the girls for me, though whether they would've preferred me or him is debatable. I can tell you're gonna be the subject of a lot of my songs from now on. You were a great guy, Perce.

See ya, cuz!

-Apollo

Hephaestus P.O.V.

Probably one of the few demigods I truly respected. He always treated me and my children fairly, where others wouldn't. He honored my son, Charlie, so I think it's only fair I do the same.

We never had much in common, but I still have to admit the lad was good at heart. He always wanted nothing more than to help those he truly cared for, which was basically anyone who spoke to him and didn't want to tear him apart.

Wish you all the best, lad

-Hephaestus

Aphrodite P.O.V.

This is the first time I've truly been sad about a death in a long time, not since that hotshot Helios faded. You were one hunk of a man, Percy. It's too bad my sister got to you before I could. I really wish you could've been mine, but hey, who am I to interfere with true love?

I wasn't in the room when it happened, but I knew when it happened, because the immense heartbreak that was felt throughout the room when they found you. A pity I didn't get to see you off

Au Revoir, Handsome

-Aphrodite

Hermes P.O.V.

Seriously, of all people, why did it have to be him? We could've been such good friends, if only he decided to stick around longer. I remember watching him as a kid, as weird as that sound, running around with his friend and just... winning. There wasn't any thought to it, he just came, he saw, and he got out alive.

I guess that really sums Percy up, doesn't it? Well Percy, wish we could've gotten to know each other better.

Bye, Perce!

-Hermes

Dionysus P.O.V.

As much as we hated each other, and I know he hated me, the feeling was mutual, we did have a lot in common. We were both charming, brave, legendary demigods who didn't care what was to come, just that we wanted to survive that day. We didn't worry for the future, just half-focused on the present.

Then suddenly, we're gods, and everything just seems to slow down. I remember the first time he walked into my camp, and I knew he wouldn't last a week. I was wrong, obviously, but even through all he did, that feeling never disappeared. I never had any doubt that he'd be dead by the next day, every day for about five years.

It wasn't until he became a god that I sat back and thought, 'Wow, the kid made it.'

Goodbye, a true legend among idiots

-Dionysus

Hades P.O.V.

He was the worst that the demigod race had to offer. He was annoying, tone-deaf, way too lucky for his own good, and a complete idiot. But still, he was probably the best that the demigod race could ever provide.

A hero, that's what he was. He outshone me and my children, which was extremely frustrating, but he still saved us multiple times, so I guess I have to acknowledge that. He was probably the person whose come closest to achieving peace in our time, and he wasn't even big headed about it.

While yes, sometimes it was hard to differ between bravery and stupidity for that boy, he had some good qualities. I hate to admit it, but he doesn't get enough credit for all the credit he gave us. Truly the model of what demigods should be, not that anyone will ever be nearly as good as him, perhaps one of my children will come close.

Rest in Peace, young hero

-Hades

Hestia P.O.V.

One of the only people to ever notice me sitting by the hearth on Olympus. I have so many words that I can use to express my respect, love and care for the boy. I loved him like he was my son. I won't tell all that I thought of him, however.

Just know that he was the most selfless, caring, respectful, funny, and powerful demigod that there ever was, and I doubt Olympus will ever forget you for all that you've done for us.

Sweet dreams, Percy

-Hestia

Poseidon P.O.V.

My boy, I could never be more proud of you. I could never be more proud of anyone. You were the light of my life. When I met your mother, I couldn't resist. I didn't care that I would be breaking a sacred rule, it's not like I would be the first. I knew that a great good would come out of it. I was right.

When I first laid my eyes on you, my baby boy, I was entranced. I knew at that moment that you were everything that I wanted my children to be. Your little sister was born recently, Percy, my first daughter in centuries. Thank you Percy. If you hadn't stepped up and succeeded where we'd failed, she wouldn't get the chance of life that she has now.

I hope that my future children will be a glorious as you, but I know it's unlikely. You got most of it from your mother.

Goodnight, my boy.

-Poseidon

Artemis P.O.V.

You're gone. You're really gone. I thought we'd have more time, no, I thought we'd have forever. But you're gone, and I'm all alone. Why now? Why you? So many questions race through my mind and I have no answers. We miss you, everyone misses you. I miss you. I miss the feeling of your arms wrapped around me in your sweet embrace.

I waited for 4000 years for the right person, and I finally found him. Then, just like that, he was gone. I contemplated joining you, but I knew you'd be disappointed in me. Plus, I found another thing to live for.

I still cry at the thought of what we had, what we should have, of what we could have. I miss you, every day. Every hour. Every minute. I miss you, Percy. I'm glad I found you, I'm glad we got to be together, Percy. Even if it was only for a short amount of time. Also, about that other thing to live for, we did it Percy. Your legacy will live on. I'm pregnant, Percy.

I'm pregnant with a child who's going to grow up without a father.

Well Percy, I guess this is it. I love you. I hope we will see each other again, perhaps not too soon. I know that the next time we meet, it will be only happiness and sadness. I happily await that day, but maybe it can wait a little bit longer, if you don't mind.

I love you, Percy

-Artemis

I finished scratching off my message onto the tomb, tears running freely down my face. He was gone, and I had to accept that. I placed a hand on my stomach, even more tears pouring out. This child would grow up without the love of a father. Thanks, Fates.

Athena helped me up, and we stood by the other's, looking at the large tomb. It was on Olympus, in a mausoleum built specifically for Percy. We never even got the body, it was too dangerous to go back into the remains of Erebus' fort to find it. The place had since become a haven for monsters and evil creatures.

I pained me knowing that my husband's corpse would lay there, rotting, for all eternity. There wasn't really anything else we could do other than make this memorial of him. Athena and Hephaestus were working on a statue of him that would be placed just outside the throne room, in the center of Olympus. A fitting tribute to the greatest hero we'd ever seen.

My eyes ran over all the messages scrawled out over the tomb. Mine was directly under the name, which read his name and titles in clear, engraved markings.

Perseus Jackson, Son of Poseidon and Sally Jackson, Retriever of Zeus' Bolt, Survivor of the Sea of Monsters, Holder of the Sky, Love of Artemis, Navigator of the Labyrinth, Bane of the Titans, Slayer of Kronos, Ex-Praetor of the Twelfth Legion, Former Councillor of the Poseidon Cabin, Leader of Camp Half-Blood, Bane of the Giants, Slayer of Gaea, the 15th Olympian, First General of the Armies of Olympus, Bane of Monsters, Slayer of Erebus, Three-Time Saviour of Olympus, a Good Friend, Son and Husband

Wow, he really did a lot. It's amazing that a mere demigod could accomplish so much. Of course he did, he was my demigods.

One by one, we all left the mausoleum, paying our final respects to Percy. When it was just me left, I wiped a tear and walked out. Before I left, I looked back, and blew one final kiss towards the tomb. I like to think he was there, watching, and that he caught it.

Once we were outside, Zeus, Poseidon and Hades all grabbed a large rock, and using their combined strength, lifting it into place in front of the door, sealing off the entry. I let one tear shed as I saw the light inside the room disappear, becoming encompassed in darkness.

Goodbye Percy. I love you.

? P.O.V.

I sat by the large rectangle rock on my knees, a sharp rock in my hand. With my tongue poking out in frustration, I looked at all the words scribbled onto the rock and thought about mine.

What would I write? This was important, probably the only time I'll ever be able to do this, so I wanted to make it count. I thought about all the important people in my life, about how privileged I was, and started to scratch in my words on the tomb.

Dear Percy

I've heard a lot about you. I heard you died in the war, protecting my family, and ensuring that people like me could be alive. I guess I should thank you for that, even though I don't remember it. Mom said I was too young to remember anything like that. As far as I can remember, it's been peaceful, and I like it that way.

We have a few things in common, or so I hear. Mom's always talking about how I could be the next 'Percy Jackson', but I don't see that happening. I'm good at fighting, but sometimes I don't really understand things. Mom tried to teach me how to read and write, but I could only understand Greek. English is just too hard for me.

I hope that wouldn't make you think any less of me. I try, I really do, but sometimes I just can't. Mom says you also used to do that, but I doubt it. From what I've heard, it seems strange that you'd be as silly as people say. I always imagined you like Hercules, strong, mean, and full of yourself. People say you weren't though, so that makes me happy.

Most people say you didn't get your coolness from your dad, but from your mom. I never got to meet her. I don't think I will, though it would be nice. I don't even know who she is, where she is, or if she'd even know who I am.

Mom was mad at you for a long time. Especially just before I was born, apparently. Apollo said she was just being silly. Apollo always makes me laugh, he's funny, like you. I see your statue when mom takes me to the market. You look nice, and like you could beat up a lot of guys. Mom always laughs when I say that.

Some days Mom doesn't want to talk about you at all, she gets sad. Some days you're all she wants to talk about, and she seems happy. I like those days better, because she'll tell me about you. Everyone always talks about the things you did, but only she talks about who you were. She always talks about how you were too stupid for your own good, and now you're gone. I'm not mad, though. I am happy you did what you did, because otherwise I wouldn't be here, and Mom wouldn't either.

Even though I've never met you, I feel like you've had a big impact on my life, and I'm glad. You saved us. Thank you. Thank you not only for that, but for giving my Mom someone to love. I love you too, Daddy. Maybe we'll see each other someday. Not now though, Mom would be sad.

Love,

Your daughter.

I looked up towards the name of the tomb, and scratched in a slight correction.

"Honey? You done?" Mom called out to me from the entrance. I dropped the rock, and ran over to her, smiling. "Yep, thank you mommy!" I said, hugging her tightly. She laughed, her auburn hair covering part of her face. I saw her face saddened slightly as she looked over towards the tomb. I wasn't sad, I smiled at it.

Grandpa Zeus and Poseidon closed the door, along with Uncle Hades, making sure no one could get in. We walked away, my hand holding Mom and Grandpa Poseidon's. I smiled, think about how I finally met my dad, and all the things I'd ever wanted to say to him. I thought about what the tomb now said, and smiled as Mom suggested we go for ice cream.

Perseus Jackson, Son of Poseidon and Sally Jackson, Retriever of Zeus' Bolt, Survivor of the Sea of Monsters, Holder of the Sky, Love of Artemis, Navigator of the Labyrinth, Bane of the Titans, Slayer of Kronos, Ex-Praetor of the Twelfth Legion, Former Councillor of the Poseidon Cabin, Leader of Camp Half-Blood, Bane of the Giants, Slayer of Gaea, the 15th Olympian, First General of the Armies of Olympus, Bane of Monsters, Slayer of Erebus, Three-Time Saviour of Olympus, a Good Friend, Son and Husband, and the Best Dad in the World.

That was hard to write. That's really all I have to say about this chapter. What should Percy's (or rather Artemis' since Percy didn't get to name it) daughter be named? Leave your suggestions please. :)

Word Count: 3373