The Forgotten Olympian |BOOK 1| PJO X HP | Alexandra Marine

Chapter 65 - Alex - Zeus Almost Kills His Son

Ah, nice to have the mic back at last.

Let's see. It was not fun taking care of the fire AND the gods at the same time. They always seem to need some sort of babysitter to take care of them. And that babysitter was usually- drumroll please-- me.

Nothing was left of the giants except heaps of ash, a few spears and some burning dreadlocks.

The Argo II was still aloft, barely, moored to the top of the Parthenon. Half the ship's oars were broken off or tangled. Smoke streamed from several large splits in the hull. The sails were peppered with burning holes.

Leo looked almost as bad. He stood in the midst of the temple with the other crewmembers, his face covered in soot, his clothes smoldering.

The gods fanned out in a semicircle as Zeus approached. None of them seemed particularly joyful about their victory.

Apollo and Artemis stood together in the shadow of a column, as if trying to hide. Nike tried to put a golden laurel wreath on Hecate's head, but the goddess of magic swatted it away. Hermes sneaked close to Athena, attempting to put his arm around her. Athena turned her aegis shield his way and Hermes scuffled off.

"He will not be pleased," I told Hera.

"It'd be a surprise if he just let you go," Poseidon said. "I'm still sore from the last time-"

"Just don't protest anything he says, Hera," said Demeter. "It's your best chance."

"And no sacrifices," Poseidon said, glaring at me.

"Woah, woah, okay," I said, raising my hands in surrender and grinned. Dad put his arm around my shoulder, smiling. He gave me his I'm-so-freaking-proud-of-my-kid-look. 

The only other Olympian who seemed in a good mood was Ares. He laughed and pantomimed gutting an enemy while Frank listened, his expression polite but queasy.

"Brethren," Zeus said, "we are healed, thanks to the work of these demigods. The Athena Parthenos, which once stood in this temple, now stands at Camp Half-Blood. It has united our offspring, and thus our own essences."

"Lord Zeus," Piper spoke up, "is Reyna okay? Nico and Coach Hedge?"

Zeus knitted his cloud-colored eyebrows. And then he turned to me.

I took a step forward. "They succeeded in their mission," I informed Piper.  "As of this moment they are alive. Whether or not they are okay–"

"There is still work to be done," Hera interrupted. I coughed loudly. She spread her arms like she wanted a group hug. "But my heroes... you have triumphed over the giants as I knew you would. My plan succeeded beautifully."

Zeus turned on his wife. Thunder shook the Acropolis. "Hera, do not dare take credit! You have caused at least as many problems as you've fixed!"

The queen of heavens blanched. "Husband, surely you see now – this was the only way."

"There is never only one way!" Zeus bellowed. '"That is why there are three Fates, not one. Is this not so?"

By the ruins of the giant king's throne, the three old ladies silently bowed their heads in recognition. The other gods stayed well away from the Fates and their gleaming brass clubs.

"Please, husband." Hera tried for a smile, but she was clearly frightened.  "I only did what I –"

"Silence!" Zeus snapped. "You disobeyed my orders. Nevertheless... I recognize that you acted with honest intentions. The valor of these seven heroes has proven that you were not entirely without wisdom."