It was a sunny day on Olympus, Apollo was shining down in full from the sky. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of a multitude of flowers growing all over my garden. The sound of the fountain water gurgling mixed with the sounds of birds as they flew through the air.
All of it combined to create a very relaxing atmosphere that I am now enjoying as I lay back in my lounge chair by the fountain I use to check on the mortal world.
All over the world, I feel love being created. I feel hearts beating as they fall in love. I also feel hearts breaking as that love shatters. I feel love bloom as mothers look upon their newly born children. And I feel love wither as betrayal happens.
I smile as I feel all of these. As all of them are a part of me. A part of the cycle that has existed since before I was even born. The oldest of the gods! That's me, but don't mention that to my face, okay?
No woman wants to be reminded of their age.
I look down on the water in the fountain. Through the ripples, I saw various couples. All sporting varying levels of love. Kids with blooming crushes. Teenagers caught up in their feelings and being adventurous. Adults, more subdued with expressing their love. And the elders, content in the embers of the once smoldering fires of passion within their hearts.
Every single one of them I cherish as much as I can. Though I admit, there are a few among the centuries I have kept an eye on closer than the rest. Couples whose love and story have excited me and kept my attention. Individuals whose actions have called forth my scrutiny.
None more so than my current obsession.
Percy Jackson.
He who the books refer to as The Boyfriend.
The current generation of romantics even has a title perfectly suited for him.
"The Book-tok Boyfriend," they call him.
And I wholeheartedly agree, having read and inspired many of those works of literature. And really! How many men exist that will cross a continent to find and free a girl from captivity? One who wasn't even his girlfriend yet.
How many men can say that they declined an offer of forever in an island paradise spent with a beautiful woman who confessed her love and promised an eternity of affection, servitude, and pleasure, all if you stay?
Who among the men living today can say that they turned down godhood and all the power and glory that comes with it? In exchange for a lifetime with a woman who, again, was not yet his girlfriend.
Any guy whose memory of the woman he loved remained even after having his mind wiped by a goddess.
Or a man who willingly fell to the deepest, darkest part of the pit just so his love wouldn't be alone.
Only one name comes to mind when I think of all those: Only Him.
Only Percy Jackson.
Thinking of Percy brought a smile to my face, but it also brought back the memory of heartache. A hurt so severe I felt it all the way up here. The pain of a heart broken by betrayal. The feeling of the trust shattering to pieces caused by callousness, pride, and selfishness.
I wished I wasn't so affected by the fracturing of our minds brought about by the war between the Roman and the Greek sides of my existence. If I wasn't, I would have seen the cracks within the bonds between Percy and Annabeth earlier. I could have interfered and done something to mend them, correct them even. But alas, it wasn't meant to be.
I know I promised them an entertaining love life. But what happened to them, that was neither entertaining nor was it as I intended.
I sighed as I felt the familiar feeling of loss and disappointment over that lost love.
Needing a little bit of uplifting of the spirits. I waved my hand over the water and conjured up the images of my favorite demigod.
The water started to shimmer, showing me Percy Jackson in his home. He is currently sitting on a lounge chair like I was at the moment, making me smile. The only difference was that he has a woman sitting on his lap.
I smiled as I watched Percy wrap his arms around the waist of Hazel Levesque, the daughter of Pluto. Percy's first fiancée and the first member of his Harem. I watched as Hazel giggled and squirmed as Percy held on to her while he peppered her with kisses from behind.
I shivered as I felt a tsunami of emotions from the two. Massive waves of love battered my senses. Coming from Hazel for the son of Poseidon she was currently using as a seat. Feeling what I can from her, I was sure that even without the curse affecting her. She would have remained loyal to Percy. And her love for him would only grow in time.
And Percy was just being his usual loyal and loving self. Just a glance at him, and I was sure he would have done all that he did for Annabeth and more for Hazel. Or for any woman he falls in love with.
Looking at the two being so in love made me think of my own daughter.
Piper
My beautiful, tragic girl.
I'm glad that I was able to help her in time. Otherwise, I would have lost her to the darkness of the underworld all before her time.
And I was also thankful to Percy for being the kind of man that he is. Without him, Piper wouldn't have been able to heal. She would have lived, yes. But a life without love is no way to live at all.
I smiled down at the couple being projected on the water as I remembered that day Piper came to me here.
----------flashback----------
I was sitting on a couch in my temple, watching Ares perform as he regaled me with exploits from his past. Stories that I have heard thousands of times before. I stifled a yawn as boredom nearly overwhelmed me as I spent time with my lover.
Time I wish I could spend some other way.
Or with someone else.
I was fighting to keep my eyes open when the doors to my temple opened with a bang, surprising not just me but also Ares, who turned towards the door. Shield held in front of him, spear held above him. Ready to hurl it to whoever it was that opened my doors unannounced.
"Stop! Ares!" I shouted as I glimpsed at the form of the person that entered my temple. One glance was all I needed to recognize my daughter, Piper Mclean. But more than that, the emotions I was getting from her were what made me shout at my lover.
Pain, Anguish and Despair.
My daughter was at the end of her rope and was only a step from the edge. Anymore than that, and she will be lost to me forever.
I was on my feet and was across the space in a second. Next I was holding my daughter in my arms as she shook with sobs so heartbreaking I was tearing up myself.
"Shush, Your okay, I've got you," I whispered to her as my daughter lost herself in her tears.
"What is happening?" I heard Ares ask from behind me. I sighed as I was once again reminded that for all his strengths, my lover was not the most emotionally intelligent man I knew. I mean, even my husband is better at that than him. And Hephaestus spends all of his time with his machines and toys!
"Ares, darling. Would you be a dear and leave us alone for now." I said to my muscle bound lover. I started to walk back into the couch, taking my daughter with me.
"But you promised we would spend today together!" Ares whined like a child behind me.
"I'll make it up to you some other day," I said, trying to get rid of him.
"Dite! I had a whole day planned!" he continued as we neared the couch.
"Ares!" I raised my voice. "Leave us alone!"
I turned and looked straight at him. Letting just a little bit of my true nature slip out. A reminder of who I am and that I was the one who chose to be with him. A choice I was beginning to find to be extremely stressful as of late.
Being with Ares used to be exciting. Just seeing him used to take my breath away. But now, it's always the same thing. Oh, how I hope he'd matured in the centuries we've been together. But now, I don't think that's possible.
And that actually worries me. Not that I would be splitting up with Ares, no. It's that he was not the only one causing me stress.
While Ares has not changed much in the thousands of years we've been together. My husband, Hephaestus has changed so much. And not all of that change was for the better.
He used to look at me with such love and hatred. Every time we meet up for a council meeting or when we pass by each other on Olympus. His eyes would always be trained on me. And I would feel the yearning for me coming from him, stronger than any other.
The jealousy and hatred he's had for me every time he saw me with his brother Ares was like the sweetest drug. And I found myself yearning for it, like an addict looking for her next fix. And so I blatantly displayed my affairs and dalliances with his brother and all the other men in front of him.
For in his hatred for me lies his love for me also. And that love is what I used to keep him on a tight leash. Knowing that whatever else I did. He would always be there behind me.
But lately, his attitude towards me has been lukewarm at best. The times he's tried to catch Ares and me on dates can be counted on my fingers in the last decade. And the number of times he's asked me to be with him has practically stopped.
He used to send me gifts every year on our anniversary, but I have yet to receive anything from him in the last 5 years.
But what worries me the most is his indifference towards me.
His eyes no longer stray to me when we meet. And there is only resignation in him whenever he sees me with Ares.
I wish he would be angry with me again. I would prefer that over this.
For in anger lies a love that was hurt, and a heart that is hurt can be healed and nurtured.
But indifference is the absence of feelings, including love. And I am scared of that.
I shook my head and watched as Ares walked out of the door of my temple. I waved my hand, and it closed behind him. I sat down, taking my daughter with me. I pushed all thoughts of my own love life to the back of my mind for now.
My thoughts are directed to my crying daughter for the moment. All others can be pushed back at a later date and time.
Piper was still crying on my chest as we sat down, and I felt horrible for my daughter. After all she went through for us gods. She didn't deserve the pain she was currently feeling.
I just ran my hands through her hair as she slowly calmed down.
After a while, her sobs stopped. Though her eyes still had tears on them, they weren't flowing down like earlier. She sat up and I handed her a handkerchief. I studied my daughter closely as she wiped her face clean.
Her eyes were sunken and red from crying and lack of sleep, and her lips were cracked and bruised from being bitten due to stress and anxiety. Her color was off, and her form was all wrong. Her shoulders were hunched over, and she wouldn't look me in the eye.
This was not the brave and strong Piper Mclean I know. The one that used her voice to not just lull the earth back to slumber but also brought back the son of Jupiter from death. Gone was the confidence from her eyes, replaced by a desperation so intense I knew she was hanging only by a thread. Anymore, and she would snap.
My heart broke for my daughter. None of our children deserved the things they went through.
After a while, I sensed that she was ready to talk. I asked Piper what happened, even though I already knew what it was. Sometimes, it's better to speak it out loud.
"What happened, sweetie?" I asked.
It took a few seconds for Piper to speak up, but when she did, all her emotions came with her words.
"I couldn't take it anymore, Mom! I'm scared! and I'm tired," my daughter said in an anguish-filled voice so soft and small I almost didn't hear it.
"Oh, sweetie! No need to be afraid now," I assured her. taking her into my arms.
"Am I cursed, mom? Did I offended any god? Are you mad at me?" Piper asked as I rubbed her back.
"No, honey! Why would you think that?" I replied, asking her at the same time.
"Then why does everyone I love leave me?" she asked in a voice so broken my heart ached for her.
"Baby, that's not true!" I told her, but she cut me off.
"Not true! Jason left, first because our time together was only an illusion. Then he died, leaving me alone! Then Shel, I thought we had something, but then it all became too much for her too. And I had to leave!" My daughter listed in a loud voice. I just listened to her. Letting her get it all out of her chest.
This was better than how she was earlier. I prefer her to be this angry, even if it's with me. Rather than her being just done with everything.
"There were others too. But every time something happens and they leave me!"
"Why mom! Why!" again, Piper started crying, and I was left trying to calm her down as I took her in my arms again.
"It's okay, my love. We'll get through this," I told her. Letting her know that she won't be alone.
"Am I really destined for love, mom?" she asked against my chest.
"Of course, honey!" I replied.
"Then how come none of your children has had luck in your domain?" Piper followed up, making me pause and think of her words.
Piper, Drew, and Selena. Just three of my children that have been rather unlucky with love. Drew, being that she remained frivolous with how she handled love. As much as I hate to admit it, she was headed for heartbreak at this rate.
Selena, my poor girl. Such a tragic example of love gone wrong. Her love for my husband's son led her into making the wrong decisions, ultimately leading her to her demise. The only consolation is that they are now reunited in the afterlife after much discussion and begging for her part. Just to ensure her daughter gets Elysium after all the mistakes she made in life. Though even though she was happy, her daughter got to be with her sweet Charlie in the underworld. They would never really get the feeling of being one. They would never feel the love of making a family of their own.
My daughter would never know the happiness and love of being a mother.
I will not allow the same faith to befell Piper. Not if I can do something about it.
"No, Piper! No!" I denied her words and pulled her away from me. I held her at arms length and looked her straight in the eye.
"I give you my word, Piper. You won't suffer like that. None of my children will. I promise!" I vowed.
Hearing my words, Piper dissolved into sobs as she cried some more, though this time there was relief mixed with the despair she was feeling. And that was enough for me. For now, that is.
After about 10 minutes, Piper quieted down, and I noticed her breathing was more calm and level. I chanced a peek at her and found that she had fallen asleep. 'Good,' I thought, she needed the rest. For both her mind and body.
I stood up, taking Piper in my arms. I walked deeper in my temple and went to one of the empty rooms within. I went inside and placed Piper on the bed. I tucked her in and opened the balcony door to let the air in.
I strode out and looked over at the magnificent view of Olympus. On any given day, I would have felt pride in being one of the Olympians and calling this mountain my home. But not today, no. Today I felt nothing but disappointed. Not just at myself but with all of us gods who reside here, in this place that held all the power in the world.
'Some powerful goddess I am," I chided myself.
I looked back to my daughter sleeping peacefully on the bed and made my decision.
The moment Piper started to tell me her problem, an idea started to form in my mind. An idea so ridiculous I tried to push it out of my mind. But now, after all the revelations I got, it seems to be the only option available to us.
Piper's mental state is so fragile that I'm afraid another monster attack is all it will take for her to snap and end things. And her fragile heart has been broken so many times that it will take time to heal. Time and a special kind of man with the patience and care that will allow Piper to learn to let her guard down and fall in love again.
That is the only way for her heart to heal as a daughter of love; there is no other way.
Like how Apollo's children needed sunlight to thrive, her own children needed love to survive. Without it, they would wither and die, so to speak.
I don't want my daughter to have to suffer any longer. I stepped back in the room and sat on the bed. I ran my hands through Pipers hair as I thought of how I could broach this subject to her. Not just that, but how I would also approach Him. I know that at the moment. He does not have a favorable opinion of me. Especially after what happened to him and Annabeth.
I know he believes me to be the cause of what happened between them. I did promise to keep their love life exciting. And I did meddle in some way, but not to the point where it would lead to them breaking up.
But regardless of his opinion of me, I don't believe Percy would have it in him to deny me a favor. Especially if it involved the safety of one of his friends. Besides, it's not like I'm asking him to take Piper as one of his own.
'I'll only ask Percy if Piper could live with him for a year, yes, that could work.' I mused as I ran my hand now over Pipers face, brushing the loose strands of hair from her face. Clearing all the blemishes she acquired in her stress and anguish. Bringing back her beauty, one that she so rightly deserves as my child.
Call me vain, but there is power and strength to be found in beauty.
And Piper needs both right now.
The more I think of my plan, the more I marvel at how things turned out.
'It would seem The Fates really do know our "fates,"' I thought.
I marveled at how the threads The Fates weaved for Percy have come for this moment. How their insistence that he be rewarded was somehow made to facilitate the healing of not just her daughter but the daughter of Pluto as well.
'And if I'm right, then there will be others as well,' I thought with a smile.
With my mind made, I smiled at my daughter as she slept soundly. I leaned and kissed her forehead. and stood up to leave the room.
With one last look at Piper, I closed the door to her room and went back to the garden. I called one of the servant nymphs working under me and told her to look after Piper in case she wakes up before I came back.
After getting a nod, I closed my eyes and willed myself to appear in the underworld. Now I know some gods are not allowed to enter the domain of another god with permission. But that's not applicable to me. I existed in the time before the three sons of Kronos split the world among themselves.
As a daughter of Uoranos, born out of the waters of Pontus and cared for by thassala. I can go where I want, when I want. Beside, as long as love and beauty can be found at any place and time, then that place is not barred from me.
And contrary to popular claims, the underworld is full of love and a certain type of beauty.
When I opened my eyes, I found myself in front of the huge, dark gates of Hades's palace. I stepped through them and walked where I felt the Lord of the Underworld currently was. I found him in the hall where his throne was placed. Holding court just as his younger brother and king, Zeus, does on Olympus.
I stood by the door of the hall and waited for his proceedings to finish, not wanting to cause a disturbance. Well, more of a disturbance than I already did.
I waited for about half an hour until the proceedings were done. As the Throne Room emptied out, I went and stepped up to Hades as he stepped down from his throne. We met at the bottom of the steps, and he looked at me with a raised eyebrow.
"Now, I wonder what would have happened to force you to come to my domain uninvited?" he asked with a curious lilt in his voice. I bowed slightly before answering, just to show respect. No matter our age, He is the ruler of the underworld, and I am here as a guest. A guest who will be asking for a favor.
"Something important enough," I said in reply.
"I figured as much," Hades said as he sighed. He gestured with his hand for me to follow him, and together we walked out of the throne room. We walked in calm silence for a bit until he started asking me the reasons for my visit.
"So, Aphrodite, mind telling me why you're here?" he asked, without looking at me.
"I have a question about your daughter, Hazel and Percy," I started.
Hades turned to look at me at that, concern obvious on his face. "Is she alright? Did you foresee anything about her?" he asked, worry evident in his voice.
"She's fine! They both are," I assured him. "They are more than fine if what I feel from them is any indication," I added, making Hades question me.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I meant that they are both falling ever deeper in love with one another." I told him with a smile, hearing that made Hades pause in his steps for a bit. I stopped and waited for him. "I see, it seems like I was right in my decision," he stated after shaking himself.
I chuckled as we resumed our walk.
"If that's your reaction to that news, I wonder how you'll react when they get engaged? or marry. Or have kids." I wondered aloud.
Hades sputtered as he tried to respond. His eyes bulged wide as he started at me. "What? Is she? Is Hazel?" He choked on his words as he tried to ask me for clarification.
How fun!
"Relax! She's not pregnant. Not yet. But I'm at least sure that a proposal is possible soon," I said when he calmed down enough. "Proposal?" he asked as we went back to walking. "Hmm"
"We both know Percy well enough by now. You know the kind of man he is. He will do right by your daughter," I told him.
Hades was silent for a while before he nodded. "Yes, I can see that happening," he responded, absently.
We came out in one of the gardens around his palace. After a while of walking, we sat on one of the many benches. I took a deep breath before I started to speak of the reason I came down here.
"We got distracted, but the reason I'm here is somewhat connected to your daughter," I started. "I wanted to ask how you approached Percy with the Hazel situation?" I asked Hades.
"So this is not about a quest?" he replied. "No, a request more like," I responded.
"Hmm," Hades acknowledged. I stared ahead, thinking about my question while I stayed quiet beside him. After a while, he started to speak.
"When I approached him, he was understandably upset. He thought I was going to send him on a quest. I had to immediately clear things up. So my advice is to just go to him and explain directly what you have in mind." He gave me his advice, and I was grateful for it.
"And also, make sure he is either at his new home or somewhere he is relaxed. It will make asking him your favor easier," he added. I turned to him, asking him about that with my gaze.
"He was camping in the wilderness when I came to him the first time, so he was already on guard. My sudden appearance just made his mood worse," Hades explained. I nodded, and we were quiet for a few minutes.
"I thank you, Hades, for your insight. I shall take it into consideration," I said as I stood up. "What do you plan to do now?" he asked. "I shall first talk with Percy. I will inform him of what is happening with my daughter before I ask him my favor," I answered.
Hades nodded. "I see. Are you expecting the same outcome as with my Hazel?" he asked. I paused thinking of what I hoped this endeavor would result in.
"While I'm sure the same will happen between Percy and Piper. For now, all I'm hoping for is for my daughter to find peace with Percy, so her heart may heal. Love will follow naturally with time," I stated.
"After all, very few women exist that can resist Percy's charm," I said with a smile.
"I wish you well on your task ahead, Aphrodite." He bid my goodbye, and I closed my eyes as I willed myself out of the underworld. I traced Percy's presence, finding him at his new home. Locating him was easy for me. The amount of love I feel from that area was quite overwhelming.
But entering his domain was another matter all together. The border ensured that no matter who it is. No god or goddess can enter without his expressed permission. And so, I materialized just beyond the border of his lands. I opened my eyes and looked around.
The place was beautiful, filled with trees and plants. Nature was in full bloom here. I can see and sense the border but could not see through it. Nor can I sense anything or anyone within.
I decided to wait patiently, knowing that Percy already knew I was waiting beyond his borders. Or at least, a god was waiting for him. It took 5 minutes of waiting until the border shimmered, then out came Percy Jackson himself.
The years have been very kind to him. Just a glance at him would be enough to make a lesser woman feel the need to submit to him. Such was the beauty he possessed that I often had to double check if my heritage got mixed with his along the centuries. But no, Poseidon's was the only divine blood to mix with his blood.
And did that blood run through him so much? "Mini-Poseidon," he has been called. Not just because he inherited much of his father's domain. He also inherited Poseidon's looks, along with his temperament. Not much remembers now, but his father was once worshipped as a fertility god. And among us divine, his father has had the most lovers. And the most number of offspring.
'It's a blessing that he didn't inherit his father's womanizing ways,' I thought.
I smiled at Percy as he watched me with a frown on his handsome face.
"Hello, Percy! You look great!" I complimented him. It was the truth. He did look great. His body was exuding a dominant feel; a lesser goddess would feel overwhelmed by it. Much less a mortal woman. His body, hidden beneath his tight shirt. was the perfect specimen of sculpted muscles earned through hard work. The scars he had all over his skin evoke a need to caress and worship them from any woman who lays their eyes on them. Including me.
I shake myself mentally, pulling my thoughts back from the carnal desires that sprouted from deep within my mind.
I stared at Percy, waiting for him to respond. He stared at me for a few minutes longer before he sighed and leaned on a nearby tree. A picture of confidence and resignation. A deadly combination for any woman.
"Aphrodite," he greeted with a nod of his head. "What are you doing here? And please don't tell me you're here to give me a quest," he added, his tone exasperated.
"I'm not! I assure you. Besides, that's not allowed anymore," I told him, taking a step towards him. He just kept his eye on me until I was standing right in front of him.
"When has that ever stopped you guys?" He scoffed before replying.
"That was before The Fates themselves decreed it to be so. Not even us gods can meddle with them," I explained.
Percy eyed me closely, trying to see the truth behind my visit. I waited until he was done, I was about to speak when he spoke first.
"So, why are you here then?" he asked after a few seconds.
I took a deep breath, then just told him the reason. "I'm here to ask you a favor," I said directly, looking him straight in the eyes.
Percy sneered after hearing that. He shook his head and pushed himself off the tree he was leaning on. "I knew it!" He started pacing in front of me, and I could feel his irritation for me. I decided to just continue, hoping he would extend the same care he did for Pluto's daughter for my own.
"It's not for me, Percy!" I said, halting his steps. He turned to me with an incredulous look on his face. "Really? Who is it for then?" he asked. "It's for Piper," I replied in a small voice, keeping my eyes on his.
Percy's eye widened at that, clearly taken aback. He took a minute, just staring into my eyes before he spoke again.
"What happened with Piper?" Percy asked, voice filled with concern.
That single question assured me that I was doing the correct thing. That my decision to approach Percy was the correct one. The obvious worry and concern he was showing for my daughter all but assured me that he would care for Piper and that he would do everything to keep her safe. That his care for her would eventually lead to her heart healing.
With that revelation. I stood straight in front of Percy and bowed.
"I, Aphrodite, formally ask Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, to extend the same offer of protection and care he did for Pluto's daughter Hazel Levesque, to my own daughter, Piper Mclean."
I stated in the most sincere voice I could muster. I have not bowed to any being in over millennia. I cant even remember the last time I did so. But for Piper, I would do so. Over an over again.
Fortunately, Percy was a person who didn't enjoy lording over others, so he called me up from my bowed form and asked what I was doing.
"Lift your head, Aphrodite! Tell me what happened," he said, flustered.
I smiled at how cute he was being. Here he was, a man. With a goddess, not just any goddess but the goddess of Love and beauty herself, bowing to him. And he wanted nothing more than to end the spectacle as soon as possible.
He truly is a unique one.
If it had been some other god. They would have surely taken advantage of my vulnerability. The fact that I was asking for a favor would have guaranteed them asking me for something in return. Most likely involving sexual favors. And I would have agreed. For Piper, I would have. For my children I would have.
But Percy Jackson, I briefly looked into his eyes, and all I saw was genuine concern and a willingness to listen. And the will to help to the best he could. And just for that, I was tempted to offer up myself as thanks or as a reward for his assistance.
Oh! Who am I kidding! I would have offered myself up to him just so I could partake in what that daughter of Pluto was enjoying!. But tempting as that maybe. Now was not the time; maybe in the future. When he is more open to the idea of sharing his body with others, then I'll get the chance. For now, my focus must be on getting him to help Piper.
"It's a long story, Percy, just know that she needs your help," I said, pleading with him. Knowing that it was useless. He was always going to at least hear me out.
I was proven right when he sighed and looked to the border.
"Let's go inside at least, then you'll tell me exactly why you need my help," he said.
I smiled as I thanked him.
"Don't thank me yet," he said before he spoke the words that would allow me entry to his land, temporarily.
"I, Percy Jackson. Allow Aphrodite entry into my domain!" He declared. A shimmer appeared in the air as the border separating his land from the rest of the world opened. Percy turned to me and gestured with his hand for me to go first.
"After you," he said.
'What a gentleman,' I thought. Though I was sure under all that gentleness was a dominant man that would not take no for an answer. A roughness and wildness that would render any woman into a puddle in his very capable hands.
I smiled at him as I walked past him and stepped through the border.
What greeted me was a wide clearing in the woods, A distance away, I could see the reflection of the sun over a large, clear lake, sparkling in the sunlight. The mansion gifted to him stood prominent among the trees.
It was simply beautiful.
Percy walked past me, leading me to his home.
We walked to the door of the mansion, where he led me to a seating area over looking the pool and the lake. I sat down on one of the sofas, and Percy took a seat in front of me. I looked around and noticed 2 nymphs standing behind Percy, looking a bit nervous. I sense fear from them as most of their kind when in the presence of a god. Though the most prominent feeling I'm getting from them is worry, but not for themselves. They are worried for Percy.
I giggled internally, looks like Percy is doing magnificently with the women around him. To evoke such care from them is no easy feat. Even if they were bound to him in servitude. That would only ensure loyalty to him. Their hearts would still be their own, but from what I can see, Percy has their heart, willingly.
"So, mind telling me what you mean about a favor for Piper?" Percy asked, pulling me away from my thoughts. I was about to answer when two more ladies joined us in the room.
I smiled as Pluto's daughter, Hazel Levesque, came over and bowed to me. "I welcome you into our home, Lady Venus." Her greeting made me shift to my Roman form briefly.
"Thank you, dear one, I must say! You are absolutely glowing! Percy must be treating you quite well!" I said giddily. The love I'm feeling from her for Percy was affecting me so much.
"Yes, Percy has been nothing but the best boyfriend to me!" Hazel agreed with a beaming smile that almost blinded me with the amount of love and affection they held for the demigod sitting in front of me. The very same demigod who was now squirming about, uncomfortable with the attention he was receiving.
Percy lifts his hand to Hazel, and she reaches for it. Percy pulled her to him until she was sitting beside him. Immediately, her head leaned over his shoulder as her hands intwined with his. I watched the two bask in the comfortable familiarity and love they shared, and I wished for my daughter to find the same relationship as these two have.
"Aphrodite," Percy called, bringing me back to my Greek form. "Can you tell us now?" he asked, and I braced myself.
"First, I thank you for entertaining my request, Percy. I know you could have just declined to even listen, and there would have been nothing I could do about it. Such is the deal made with you. So again, thank you." I started, getting a nod from him. Hazel just stayed quiet.
"The reason I came here, Percy, is because I would like to ask for you to take in my daughter Piper," I told him directly. I watched as his eyes narrowed, staring at me. Trying to figure out what my game was, I'm sure. I waited to see how he would respond, but it was Hazel who responded.
"When you said 'take in' do you mean..." she asked, letting the end of her question linger. I decided to finish it for her.
"Yes, Hazel. Like what Percy did for you," I said, looking straight at Percy.
Percy sat up and lean forward, still looking at me. "What exactly happened with Piper?" he asked, and I closed my eyes for a bit, getting my thoughts ready to tell him what Piper went through ever since he went away.
I opened my eyes and started the tale. "You know that Piper and Jason broke up shortly after the war with the giants, right?" I asked and got a nod from both Percy and Hazel. "Well, after the two separated, Piper went back to live with her father." Percy nodded again, indicating that he knew. "While she was there, she got into a relationship with a woman named 'Shel'. She was clear-sighted like Rachel and your mom. And for a time she was happy." I smile forlornly, remembering how that love ended for Piper.
"I'm guessing it didn't last?" Percy asked, already knowing the answer.
I shook my head before answering. "Being clear-sighted did not mean acceptance and understanding. Shel meeting Piper brought answers to the things she was seeing. But it also brought out more questions. And it also placed Shel in danger from the elements of our world hunting demigods. And she, dating my daughter, was in more danger than most." I continued.
"But still, despite all the hardships. The two of them tried to make things work, and it seemed that they had a good handle on things until," I paused, not knowing how to proceed. I realized I did not know if Percy knew about Jason.
'I should have asked Hades,' I thought.
"Until?" Percy repeated. urging me to continue.
"Tell me, Percy, are you aware of the recent war with the immortal emperors of Rome?" I asked.
Percy was silent for a bit before he answered. "I knew a fight happened, and that lives were lost. Again. Because of the mistakes you gods made!" He said, his voice tense, filled with anger. And I knew that he knew what happened with Jason.
"Yes, I acknowledge that. That's why I'm here. I don't want the same thing to happen again in the future. I don't want another Jason to happen," I said, pleadingly. Imploring for him to listen and to calm down.
Percy closed his eyes and took a deep, steady breath as Hazel caressed his hand in hers, further calming him down. It's nice to see that her presence is soothing enough for Percy. A man such as him needs a woman that he can drop his guard around.
After a while, Percy opened his eyes. A lot calmer now. "I'm sorry about that, I still feel guilty about not being able to do anything to help during that time." He said with his head bowed.
"I understand Percy," I told him. I knew nothing I said could assuage the guilt in his heart. That was the job of the people he has around him, and from what I could see. Hazel was doing a great job at that.
"Well to continue. During that war, Piper was pulled into helping together with Jason. That decision strained the already stressed relationship Piper had with Shel. But after Jason died, things just went from bad to worse until Shel decided to break up with Piper."
"I won't tell the details, but after that, Piper fell to a dark place. His father tried his best to support her, but he could only do so much. And so Piper decided to go back to camp, thinking that being surrounded by her friends and other people who are like her might help. But being at camp just brought back the memories of all the people she lost," I said, tears now forming on my eyes.
I saw Percy gesture to the blue-haired nymph, who took off immediately. While I summoned a handkerchief and wiped my eyes.
"Being at camp reminded Piper of the times she spent with Jason, with Annabeth, who at that time was staying with her parents, and with Leo, who was away with Calypso. She had no one who knew her beyond being one of the Seven."
"Piper found herself alone in the place where she should have been feeling at home the most. It got so bad that she contemplated suicide," I told them, a tremble in my voice as I imagined losing my daughter. I heard a gasp and saw Hazel's eyes widen in shock while Percy sported a shocked look on his face.
"I didn't want that to happen. I was very thankful that instead of doing that, Piper chose to come to me for help." I continued.
"She came to me today up on Olympus. And I decided I would do all I could to help her. I first went to Hades, I asked him for advice on how to approach you with this favor." The nymph that left came back back at this point and handed me a glass of nectar.
"Thank you." I took the offered drink and took a sip.
After setting the glass back down on the table, I glanced at Percy to see how he was taking the news. I saw a frown on his face as he contemplated the favor I was asking from him.
"I know it's a lot, Percy. And I'm not asking for you to treat Piper the same way you do with Hazel. I'm also not asking for you to take her in as a member of your Harem, I know how that works. But I implore you to at least accept my daughter into your home. Of all the safe places that exist, it is only here that her mind can be at peace." I pleaded.
"Camp Half-Blood contains all of her memories of the loved ones she lost. Camp Jupiter might work to keep her safe, but she will be alone there, with no one to support her. She cannot go back to her father for obvious reasons. And Olympus is just not possible." I enumerated all the reasons she couldn't stay at those places.
"This place is the only place where she will be safe from monsters. While she is here she will also be out of reach for us immortals. Here, she can take her time to heal. And I believe your presence will also provide her all the support she'll need to recover." I ended at that, giving Percy time to think it through.
Again, Hazel was the one to break the silence with her question.
"If Percy were to agree, he will have to tell Piper about the harem. Do you think Piper would understand that and won't judge him for it?" she asked, a bit of protectiveness in her voice. I knew her worry was more for Percy than for herself.
I smiled at her before answering. "Piper, in the end, is still my child. I'm sure she will understand and learn to accept your circumstances." I saw a bit of relief on her face, but she still continued. "And what if, like me, Piper also ended up falling in love with Percy? Would you be okay with that?" she asked, and I had to hold back a giggle at her worry.
"I'm sorry, my Lady. But you have to understand, my Father also sent me here with the intention of being protected as I heal from wounds of the past. And yet here I am now, a woman in love and a willing member of his Harem." she stated, holding on to Percy's hand as he looked at her with eyes filled with love and admiration.
Oh, how I wish the same look would be directed at my daughter. And me.
"At the moment, Hazel, I can promise that I have no such intention for Piper. Just like with your father, all that I want is for Piper to be safe as she heals her broken heart and mind. Anything else that will happen beyond that will be up to her. And you." I answered, looking pointedly at Percy, who was still silent.
Silence prevailed for a few moments as Percy stared at me. Finally he spoke, his mind already made up.
He sighed before speaking. "I understand why you came here, Aphrodite. And I can sympathize with you as well. I already accepted Hazel for almost the same reasons, so I can't find any reason to deny your request," he started to say.
"Though I have to make it clear. I won't be actively pursuing Piper for a relationship. I will give her all the help and support I can, but I won't be making any moves to her." Percy said that last part while looking at Hazel.
I smiled at that. His Loyalty shining though as he assured Hazel, his current girlfriend, that he wouldn't be making any passes with another woman who will be living with them soon.
It's cute and endearing.
And it was also useless.
Proven by how Hazel responded.
"I appreciate what you're doing, Percy, but we all know how this will turn out." Hazel said, taking Percy's hand and kissing it.
"Hazel, you know I won't." Percy wasn't able to finish what he was going to say as Hazel placed a finger on his lips. "I know Percy, but like with me, I'm sure Piper would also fall for you. Even with you not doing anything. After all, I was the one who approached you, I was the one who confessed. And I was the one who asked to be with you." Hazel argued back.
I watched as the couple went back and forth with their argument, and I could help but find it cute.
"But I was also in love with you back then, Hazel. That's why I agreed to start dating," Percy shot back. "And what makes you think you wouldn't fall for Piper as well?" Hazel answered. "I'm not looking to fall in love with someone else!" he retorted. "I know Percy, and I love you for that. But I also know you. You are the most loyal and lovable person I know. But you also can't help but reciprocate the love you receive. Your loyalty ensures that you at least learn to love the person that earns your loyalty," Hazel explained, and I nodded at that.
"I agree with Hazel, but like I said earlier, I'm only asking for Piper to be allowed to stay here. Whatever happens because of that will be entirely up to you guys." I told them, hoping to stop their argument.
Percy sighed in defeat as Hazel and I smiled at him.
"Fine, I agree to take in Piper here as she heals. I promise she'll be safe here." Percy agreed.
"Thank you," I replied. but Percy was not yet done.
"But! Like with Hazel, I will need to explain to her everything about us and this place," he said, and I nodded. Understanding the need for it. "And you will have to explain to her how she will need to be sent here." He reminded me.
"Like how my father told me about Percy without telling me about the Harem and the price for it," Hazel added.
"I understand, I shall broach the subject with Piper as carefully as I can." I promised them as I already started to think of how I can tell Piper about this.
"Once you have informed Piper about this, you can send me an IM on when and where we can meet. I can either go to her on Olympus or in New York, which ever is more comfortable for her. So I can explain to her in detail about us." Percy said, and I smiled at the obvious concern he has for my daughter.
"I will, thanks," I smiled at him.
Feeling happy about the outcome of my meeting with them, I decided to leave and tell Piper about what had been discussed. I stood up, and Percy followed, showing impeccable manners. 'Sally raised her son very well,' I thought.
"Once again, I thank you, Percy, Hazel, for agreeing to hear me out. I also thank you for granting me this favor. I will never forget it and will pay you back in full someday. I promise that from this day forth that I, Aphrodite, shall always be behind you," I declared.
"Think nothing of it, Aphrodite, I'm happy to help," Percy replied with a smile.
"I shall leave now and will let you know when you can meet with Piper." I bid them farewell and willed myself back to my temple.
I found myself back at my temple, right outside the room where I left Piper. I opened the door and found her still laying in bed. But she was awake this time, her eyes empty, gazing at the ceiling.
Once again, I felt for my daughter, and I steeled my nerves to begin to tell her about how she could heal. I knocked on the door to announce my entry. Piper tuned her head to me and smiled, a bland smile. But a smile all the same, and I'm grateful for it. It seems I am right in getting her to sleep some. The sleep gave her much needed rest for her mind and heart. No longer is she drowning in sorrow, and her mind seems to have cleared up a bit.
That's good, I need her to have a clear mind for what I'm about to tell her.
"Mom," Piper called me, breaking me out of my thoughts.
I smiled at her and entered the room. "Darling, did you sleep well?" I asked as I came beside her and sat at the bed.
"I did," Piper nodded. "I'm sorry for barging in yesterday. I didn't know what else to do," she added. not meeting my eyes. I quickly shushed her up and started to brush her hair. "Shush, baby. You have nothing to apologize for. You are my daughter, consider this your home." I told her as I felt her relax into the bed. Enjoying the feeling of having her hair taken care of. Or maybe it's the fact that she has a mother taking care of her at last.
Maybe it's the latter. I should have started being a better mother when Percy asked it of us when he fought the Titans. Maybe then Piper wouldn't have suffered so much. Or any of my children, for that matter.
We enjoyed the quiet for a while until I decided to broach the subject of her going to Percy.
"Piper dear, are you well enough to discuss something important?" I asked her tentatively, I wouldn't want to push too hard.
Piper opened her eyes and looked at me. Seeing the look on my face, she sat up. giving me more of her hair to work with as I presented to her the option I came up with. "What do you want to talk about?" She asked, her back turned to me as I continued to brush her hair.
"Well, it's about what happened to you, sweetie," I started. "Look, mom, I'm sorry if I worried you yesterday. I'm okay now," Piper responded, trying to downplay her breakdown. But I won't allow her to. She needs to heal completely. Otherwise, it's just going to fester in her until she cracks.
"No, you are not okay, Piper! I can see through your heart, baby, and I can see that it is shattered. You need to heal," I told her, mustering up all the motherly tone I could. Piper was quiet after my outburst, I waited for her to respond. And it seemed she was not going to until she spoke in a very soft voice.
"And how do I do that?" she asked, her voice resigned.
I sighed, at least she was accepting of the fact that she needed to heal. I thought she was going to fight with me, or be in denial.
"Well, dear, while you were asleep, I reached out to some of the other gods, asking for advice on how I could help you." I started. "You didn't have to." Piper replied. "Of course I had to! It's the least I could do!" I stated.
"Anyway, I was told that in order for you to recover. You first need to be in a safe place. Away from monsters, away from gods, including me," I told her. "Are you kicking me out?" Piper tried to turn to look at me. "I'm not, promise," I assured her. Then I continued to explain.
"I meant it when I said you will always be welcome here. But at the same time, I don't recommend you spend much time here." I said, and Piper stayed quiet, waiting for me to explain. "That's because you staying here would violate Zeus's law about demigods staying on the mountain, except for special occasions or just for a short duration. It would also expose you to the other gods, and that would cause all kinds of trouble. For me and for you." I stated.
"What trouble?" Piper asked.
"For one, you are a very beautiful woman, my daughter. As such, it is a given that other gods will be interested in you. Romantically or sexually. And unless I've read you wrong, I believe you have no interest in being with a god." I told her, making her nod. "I thought as much."
"Secondly, barring romantic and sexual interest, the gods might still find you interesting in the way of quests. There was a reason Percy was given so many quests in the past, Piper. It wasn't just because he was the child of the prophecy or because he was the strongest demigod to exist," I explained.
"I mean, he is all those things and more, but the main reason behind his quests is because he was here. And he was available. Tell me, daughter, if you were a god and you needed a quest fulfilled. And you had a choice between an untested demigod and one that has already proven himself capable of getting things done, regardless of the odds. Who would you pick?" I asked Piper.
"The one that has already proven himself," Piper answered after a bit of thinking.
"And I would as well. And can you think of any demigod that has accomplished as much as Percy has?" Piper shook her head. "Neither can I," I said.
"The fact is, Piper, in the short time Percy has been alive, he has done so much for us gods that it made all other demigods before him look amateurish." I said, "Let's make an example of Odysseus and his journey through the sea of monsters to get back to his kingdom."
"Odysseus was the king of Ithaca who joined the war with Troy. A war that took 10 years to reach its conclusion. After the war, he and his men sailed back to Ithaca. But on the way he got waylaid by gods and other immortals, forcing him and his crew to enter the sea of monsters." I went on.
"Odysseus's journey through the sea of monsters was filled with hardships and difficult choices. And that journey took him more than 10 years to complete," I said with a shake of my head.
"I know the story of the Odyssey, mother, what's your point." Piper asked, not seeing the point.
"The point I'm trying to make Piper, is that Percy went through the same things Odysseus did. Percy, like Odysseus, entered the sea of monsters. But unlike Odysseus, Percy did it without a ship of his own."
"Unlike Odysseus, Percy sailed the sea of monsters with just his Cyclops brother Tyson and Annabeth." I couldn't help the tinge of disappointment in my tone as I remembered that daughter of Athena. "While Odysseus had 600 men on multiple ships with him."
"Perhaps the biggest difference between them is that Odysseus took more than 10years to escape the sea of monsters, while Percy did it in less than 10 days," I said, and Piper turned to me, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"I know, hard to believe. But understand, Piper, that Percy encountered almost all of the hardship Odysseus did. The Sirens, the cyclops Polyphemus, Scylla, and Charybdis. Even the sorceress Circe. He even ended up on Calypso's island, but that was during a different time." I listed all of the things that both Odysseus and Percy went through and faced during their time in that sea.
Piper was still staring at me in shock.
"I heard of that before, but not in detail." she told me.
"That's just how he is. He never lorded his achievement to anyone," I said with a smile.
"Mind you, Piper, he did all that when he was just 13." I finally ended my tale.
Piper just shook her head as she turned back again. My hand continued to play with her hair. I was now braiding them.
"My point is, That was just one of the many achievements of Percy during his short life. I can confidently say that he has done most of the feats of the heroes of old, but in a shorter timeframe." I continued.
"With that in mind, you can understand why most gods choose to have him on their quests. That is, until he went away and he became unreachable to us gods." I said as I halted my hands.
"Now with Percy away, the gods have to look for others who can do their quests. And who will they choose among the current demigods? Of course we will choose those who have distinguished themselves from the past wars. And who has distinguished themselves the most than you seven from the prophecy." I added as I undid my work, choosing a different style for her.
"And among the seven, who is the most available? Percy is out for the count, and Jason is sadly no longer with us," I said as I felt Piper stiffen and the mention of his name. "Annabeth is but a shell of her former self, due to her own actions. And Leo is just not reliable enough." I added.
"Frank has his duties as the Praetor and Hazel, like Percy, is out of our reach due to her father." I ended my list.
"That leaves you, Piper, as the only possible candidate. And I wouldn't want that for you. I watched as Percy was sent on quest after quest. I saw as his body was damaged over and over again. I felt it when his heart and mind almost reached his breaking point. I saw as he was betrayed, and I saw how he placed his duty before his own well being." I held Piper by her shoulder as I told her all this. Turning her to face me. So she can see the seriousness in my eyes.
"I'm not trying to minimize what your going through, Piper. But I believe if you were to go through what Percy has, then you wouldn't have had the strength to even come to me." I said, and Piper nodded in acceptance.
"With all that said, if you are to heal, you need to be kept away from all that is mythical and divine. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done," I told her.
"Camp half-blood is out of the question, being there just brings back memories for you. Ones you have to avoid for now. Camp Jupiter will also not do, as that will still put you in our reach." I added.
"Then where will I go? Alaska? I remember Hazel telling me that gods have no power over there." Piper asked, or more like whined, making me smile a bit.
"No, not Alaska. While it's true that we have no power there. We can still reach you there. And it's not like we can't just go there. So no, you won't be going there." I answered, shaking my head.
"Then where?"
"There really is only one place you can go. A place that is currently completely out of reach from us gods. We can only enter if we get permission from the Lord of that land. And all of its inhabitants are outside of us, the gods influence," I told her, making Piper's eyes widen in curiosity.
"In there, you will be safe. From monsters and from us gods. In there you can heal." I said with a smile.
"I'm sensing a but there somewhere," Piper replied with a worried smile.
"Very good, Piper! And you are right. To enter that place, one has to pay a price. Don't ask, I cannot tell you what it is. Only the Lord of that land can tell you what the price is. And I also cannot pay it for you, only you can pay it. And you have to do so willingly." I answered her honestly. With all that I am allowed to say.
"A price?" Piper clarified. brows knitted.
"Yes, a price for the safety and freedom you will gain while there." I repeated, trying to sell the idea to her as hard as I could.
"This is the only way, Piper." I pushed, placing my hand in hers. Imploring her to really consider the idea.
"I've already gone and asked the Lord for permission for you. He agreed to meet with you so you can discuss the price." I said, encouraging her.
"You did? When?" That got a reaction for her. Good.
"While you were asleep, I went and negotiated a meeting. It wasn't easy. He and me, we weren't really friendly. You could say that I'm one of the gods he hates. No, that's too harsh a word. Maybe it's better to say that he doesn't care much for me." I rambled.
"If that's the case, then why would he agree to meet me?" Piper asked.
"He may not like me, Piper, but he is not the type to pass that dislike to my children. No, he is one of the best examples of a man this world can offer." I told her with a dreamy smile, remembering how I felt in his presence. A shiver went through my spine as I imagined what it would be like to be with him. I was taken out of my daydreams by Piper asking a question.
"The best example! Really? Is he better than Percy then?" Piper's question stumped me. How do I tell her that Percy was exactly who I was talking about? I braced myself and decided to just come clean.
"Um, Piper. I'm going to need you to be calm about what I'm going to say next." I asked Piper, who just knitted her brows more, puzzled about my reaction to her question. But she stayed quiet and waited for me to say what I wanted.
"The person I was telling you about, the Lord of the land I want to send you to," I paused, for effect. Not because of nerves.
"It's Percy"
Piper was frozen, for 5 minutes, Piper just stared at me. I was starting to get worried I might have broken her brain of something when she finally snapped back to reality. She pulled her hand from mine, then she got off the bed and started to pace along the length of it. Biting her nails in the process.
After a while, she stopped and turned to face me again with a hard look on her eyes.
"Percy?" she asked.
"Yes, Percy," I repeated.
"And you think he's going to be okay with me after what I've done?" she asked, and I knew it weighted heavily on her mind. Her belief that she had any part in Annabeth's deceit.
"You have done nothing, Piper, you were never a part of Annabeth's wrongdoings." I told her. Making sure she understood that Annabeth's actions were her own.
"Done nothing? If it wasn't for me, they would still be together!" Piper insisted, heatedly.
"Yes! You are right. And the two of them would have stayed together. Under deceitful circumstances. And you, Piper, you would have lived with the knowledge of Annabeth's mistakes. You would have to live with that secret. Carrying that burden in your conscience, eating you up every time you see them both. You will know that every time Percy smiles it is because the truth is being hidden from him." I explained to Piper.
"And how will you be able to face Annabeth? After knowing her truth. Knowing that she stayed with Percy not because of love but because of need and obligation. You are my daughter Piper, do you believe Percy deserved that?" I asked her, trying to paint a picture to make her understand that she was faultless in this.
Piper tried to argue, but no words came out of her mouth. She knew the answer to my question.
"No, he doesn't deserve that." she said in the end.
I smiled at Piper, reaching out for her hand and pulling her back on the bed. "I know you feel guilty for your imagined part in the fall out of Annabeth's secret coming out. But it was the best outcome for them. Percy needed to know the truth, as harsh as that would be. He was hurt, quite severely. But it ultimately worked out for him in the end." I said as I began to play with Piper's hair again.
"As for Annabeth, she needed to learn that harsh but valuable lesson. She needed to learn that sometimes the most logical choices bring about the most painful outcome. She needed to learn that her brain isn't always the one that will lead her to the best future she can have. As she now no doubt understands," I finished.
"But will Percy even accept me?" she asked after a bit.
I smiled, happy I was getting through to her. The rest I leave to Percy. "Like I said, I already asked Percy permission to meet with you. Where you will meet is still undecided, but he at least agreed to meet up, and he will then explain to you about the particulars of living in his land, and the price." I explained, adding the price at the end.
A price I so wanted to pay for myself, just so I could partake in the exquisite cuisine called Percy Jackson.
Soon.
Piper nodded before asking what I knew she was going to ask sooner or later.
"What happened with Percy anyway? How come he has that land that you gods can't meddle with?" She asked, curious.
"Ah! I think it will be better if Percy is the one to explain that, but long story short, The Fates demanded that we gods reward Percy for his numerous deeds for us gods, and so we granted his wish of safety and freedom. The same safety and freedom that you will enjoy if you agree to stay with him." I said with a teasing smile.
Piper was quiet for a while, thinking it over, I'm sure. I was almost done with the elaborate braiding I was doing to her hair when she finally spoke. "I'll speak with Percy first, then I'll decide. For now, can you tell him to meet me at the Starbucks near the Empire State Building in 2 days?" Piper told me, making me smile brightly at her decision.
"Of course, Piper, that will give us time to shop for all that you will need!" I agreed, already feeling giddy at the thought of bonding with her over clothes and shoes.
I turn her over to face me and I kiss her on the forehead. "You rest up for now, I'll go and inform Percy, then tomorrow we'll go down to the city and prepare all that you will need." I said as I stood and walked to the door. I paused before I walked through and turned to look at Piper, still on the bed.
"For what it's worth, Piper, I think you are making the correct choice." I said, hoping she believes my words.
"I hope so too, mother," Piper replied, her tone hopeful.
I smiled at her and closed the door.
--------flashback end----------
I smiled as I remembered what followed that discussion.
I IM'ed Percy almost immediately and informed him that Piper agreed to the meeting. I told him of her request to meet here in New York, and thankfully, he agreed as well. Saying that it was about time for him to visit his mother.
I offered to flash him here, but he declined, saying that he would just take his Pegasus. "He needs the exercise," Percy said, talking about Blackjack, his Pegasus. I thanked him and finished the call.
The next day was spent going around the city with Piper, buying all sorts of dresses and outfits. Piper went with the flow and allowed me to run rampant with the choices of clothes I bought for her. That is, until we reached the lingerie store.
"Why would I need those?" she asked quite defiantly.
"A lady must always be prepared, Piper!" I retorted.
Anyway, after buying her an armoire's worth of lingerie, we went back to Olympus, where I had her stay for another night until her meeting with Percy the next day.
The day came, and Piper went down of Olympus on her own. I was tempted to follow her, in disguise, of course, but I held myself back. Knowing that she'll inform me of whatever her decision will be.
Piper came back in the afternoon visibly shaken, and I knew Percy was very forthcoming in his explanation. Including the details of the harem if the incredulous look on my daughter's face is any indication.
I waited for Piper to come to me to ask about it, and she did in the evening of the same day. Asking about the truth of what Percy shared with her. Piper said that Percy swore under the Styx name, but she still needed to ask me for confirmation.
I assured her that all that Percy told her was the truth, after she explained what was said to her. And I iterated that I wouldn't have suggested for her to go with Percy if I thought for a second that Percy would take advantage of her.
Piper also said that Percy was willing to take her in even if she didn't join the harem. I told her that Hazel first joined Percy under the same conditions. It's just that Hazel fell in love with Percy eventually, leading to her joining the harem.
Piper nodded, saying that Percy explained that as well.
I told Piper to think on it and to tell me what she decides, and that there is no rush. She replied that she would give me her decision in two days.
Those two days were spent just looking after my daughter while she stayed with me in temple. Ares did come by, asking me to go with him on a date, but I turned him down. Not really in the mood for a date, and not really wanting to spend time with him.
I think that my fling with him had run its course. My husband's continued apathy towards me is concerning. And my growing fascination with Percy was distracting. Oh, how wonderful it was to be able to feel all of these emotions personally.
It's intoxicating!
Anyway, it was 2 days later that Piper approached me with her decision, a decision I knew she was going to take. She agreed to live with Percy for the time being. Enjoying the safety and protection his bordered land would provide. And also taking advantage of His and Hazel's presence to help her heal.
I smiled as she told me of these things. Already knowing how it would all end. I think Piper knew as well. That she was bound to fall of the son of Poseidon, hard. But she was just in denial. Her friendship and guilt over Annabeth holding her back. But I also knew she'll get over those silly reasons.
She is a daughter of mine. A child of Love. And she will be loved and will Love in return.
I remember seeing her off the mountain, saying that she needed to say her proper goodbye to the people that matter to her. Her friends and her father needed to be told personally that she would be gone for a while. I applauded her courage and saw her off with a smile, promising to send her things to Percy ahead of her.
I was brought back to the present by a shiver that rocked my whole being.
It was an orgasmic feeling that had me tingling and shaking as though I had just finished a round of sex with the most experienced lover. And I can count on one hand the people that deserve such a title, Percy being one of them.
But I wasn't in the middle of sex, or even dreaming of sex. What could have caused that?
I dug deep into myself, into the depths where my being mixed with the domain I command. In there I found the source. A foretelling, scenes of a future yet to happen. The end results of the tapestry The Fates weaved long ago.
I was only able to get a glimpse of those threads, as they were infused with so much love that it allowed me to reach into them. Even through the defenses The Fates erected against other powers from having a peak.
It makes sense I was able to bypass those wards. To me at least.
After all.
"Love conquers all," as they say.
Even Fate itself.
I giggled at the ridiculousness of the thought of one string of the color green, infused with so much love. Entwined with other strings of different colors. All filled with Love as well. Further empowering the green string even more. Making it possible for it to do the impossible time and time again. Allowing it to defy the odds, odds placed by The Fates themselves.
Defying Fate.
Now I know how he was able to survive all he did. How he was able to do all that he'd done.
How he was the only one to garner my attention like no other before him.
It was Fated, one The Fates was powerless to change.
And so I accepted the changes and added my own.
After all
"Love conquers all."
And I am Love itself.