บท 31: DA : Chapter 31: Coming Together II
"… But I expect everyone up early tomorrow! Percy, you have some more chatting to do along with Nico visiting Thalia and Jason, you can make a trip to Frank and Hazel after you talk with Hemera and Aether about their offer.
As for Medusa and Lamia … well, pray to Lady Chaos because your training starts," she finished with an ominous giggle making the two women gulp nervously
...
Percy felt for them, he really did, but at the moment he was too tired to offer support. So, he gave Rhea a lazy wink before he wrapped her in his arms and shadow traveled to their room, leaving a fussy sister behind since they 'forgot' her again.
They just liked being a little more 'cuddly' before going to sleep and it was awkward if Andy was there for it. Sneaking in later when both were asleep already was fine though.
So with that, the pair arrived and Rhea snapped her fingers, instantly changing them into their preferred sleepwear which consisted of only baggy pants for Percy and a shirt and panties for Rhea.
They quickly got into the sheets, his arms wrapped protectively around her as she nuzzled into the crook of his neck. She then leaned up to give him a quick kiss before murmuring, "Love you," and then shifting back down so that her head rested on his chest.
"Love you too," he returned before kissing the top of her head before slowly closing his eyes and letting the toils of the day lol him to sleep …
...
Next Morning
"So … what is your decision?" Aether asked as he sat across from Jason.
Percy watched the exchange closely while providing some moral support for his friend. They'd gotten up early like Nyx wanted and as punishment for sneaking off, Andromeda was forced to join Medusa and Lamia for the first day of training, the physical evaluations.
Percy shuddered at the thought, knowing Nyx had less mercy than Tartarus when it came to training. As for Nico, he left to track down the Hunt for the day with Rhea going as support in case he gets found.
Unlikely since Rhea was a master at using the shadow power granted to her from Nyx's charm to hide her presence and one or two others completely once night time fell.
As for Percy, Jason asked him to remain since everyone else was gone and he was pretty nervous about the whole thing.
Percy agreed easily and after a slight chewing out from Nyx about procrastinating his search, she agreed as well. 'Moms, always so pushy,' he mused as he waited for Jason to answer Aether. For a few minutes no one spoke until Jason asked softly, "Why me?"
Aether's normally schooled expression softened as he glanced at his wife while she in turn gave him an understanding smile as she focused on Jason.
"It is because, like Percy, you are a hero that has conquered his flaw and fights for justice, not for his own goals or glory," she said softly.
"Conquering my flaw?" Jason parroted as he looked at her questioningly.
"Yes," she hummed before explaining, "Most children of Zeus suffer from either incredible arrogance or pride. You however have been tempering that pride for years through your own efforts.
You grew up from practically nothing in the weakest cohort of the legion. You grew into a leader but always trusted and respected your friends, making them naturally loyal to you yet you never took advantage of that.
You even conceded the lead of the quest to Percy during the Giant war. You didn't know him personally, you didn't have any reason to trust him with so much authority and yet, you did.
You became brothers through hardship and saved this era. And last of all, you turned down godhood just to keep protecting the fellow demigods you care so much for."
Jason remained silent as Hemera spoke of his accomplishments with such respect and admiration, her eyes seemingly glowing brighter with every word.
"You're strong, courageous, loyal, and just while also controlling your own pride for the greater good, even going as far as to denying the glory you could so easily take.
After all, for years you've said no to Zeus' constant offers of immortality and riches but you still remained firm with the choice you made on that day at the end of the war. You're everything Aether and I could hope for in an heir, Jason Grace."
"So …" Aether took up as he looked straight into Jason's eyes. "Will you become our heir and strive to the better future?"
All sets of eyes were on Jason now as he looked down at his own hands for a while. Percy wished he could see what he was thinking but he kept himself from asking as he silently watched.
This was a big decision and Percy had several days, a war, and several betrayals on his mind when he made his choice but everything was still rather fresh for Jason, so how would he choose? Suddenly Jason balled his hands into fists as he got up, looking at Hemera and Aether with a fire burning in his eyes.
"I'll do it," he spoke firmly, earning a grin from Aether and bright smile from Hemera.
"Wonderful!" Hemera cheered as the two protogenoi got up and circled around to stand on Jason's sides.
"Are you ready?" Aether asked to which Jason nodded.
"This will feel funny," Hemera commented as both protogenoi put a hand on each of Jason's shoulders.
Jason was then encompassed in a bright glow making Percy squint for a moment before it died down and saw the results. Jason stood an inch taller, his muscles more defined yet still lean.
His hair had grown slightly from the short military cut to slightly more casual length, also turning a bright, platinum blonde like Hemera with white tips to match Aether.
His eyes though had gone from a pale blue to glowing sky blue with literal white electricity coursing through the irises and pure white pupils.
"Ooh," Hemera hummed as she looked at him approvingly. "Now the pair of you really are storm and fire."
Percy chuckled at Hemera's comparison while Jason inspected himself in a mirror Aether conjured up.
"Not bad," he commented earning an incredulous look from Hemera.
"What do you mean? You're going to be a heartbreaker with those looks," Hemera protested making Jason wince at the heartbreaker part. "Oh … sorry."
"It's okay," Jason sighed as he set the mirror down.
Aether then cleared his throat to get their attention.
"If that is all for now, I think it best you come with us to the Palace of the Sky for now to get familiar with the environment. After all, you need some more light and the Pit is a bit … lacking in such regards."
Percy snorted at that description before asking, "So you'll bring him back tomorrow or take him directly to Frank and Hazel's?"
"We could but didn't your sister want to come along?" Hemera returned casually.
"I suppose," Percy muttered but he still wasn't that comfortable with his sister being in the mortal world without him or Rhea around. She had a habit of finding trouble since she was his sister after all and with her current track record, he wouldn't be surprised if they kept getting unexpected arrivals with her every trip.
"Hey man, don't worry okay," Jason said reassuringly.
"I'll keep a guard up and the gods don't really visit them that much from what I hear aside from Hades during the eve of the Winter Solstice. I'll keep her safe for yah."
"You do realize she can kick your butt wearing a blind fold right?" Hemera asked while trying and failing to stifle her giggles.
Jason blushed in slight embarrassment but Percy appreciated the gesture. He clapped Jason on the shoulder before giving him the thumbs up.
"Sure, I'll let her know that you'll return tomorrow to pick her up but you'd better bring her back the same way she left."
"Dude, you sound like her dad," Jason muttered while looking at him curiously.
"Honestly I feel like it half the time too," Percy said with a shrug. "Can you blame me though? I was already 25 when I brought her here at 6 years old. Between me, Rhea, and Nyx we raised her so sometimes I can't help but call her my little girl."
"And the whole sneaking into yours and Rhea's room? I find that a little odd considering she's what, in her twenties now?" Jason asked.
"Power of hers," Percy replied while running a hand through his hair. "Like Aphrodite but instead of appearance she'll change to an age matching the kind of love she feels.
In case when she sneaks into our room, she's usually in the form of a 5 year old so it's like our daughter sneaking in to sleep with her parents or a little sister with her older siblings.
That one's my fault by the way, I kinda spoiled her when she first got here and letting her sleep in my bed was a big thing with her."
Jason chuckled at his explanation before smiling at him. "Just sounds like an overly dotting big brother to me. Nothing really wrong with that though so I won't judge or anything, I was just curious."
"So …" Aether muttered as he looked at a watch that Percy didn't recall seeing there before. "Are we going or what?"
"Fine," Percy replied with an eye roll while pushing Jason towards the waiting couple. "Get going. Some of us have work to do," he added with a smirk.
"Oh ha-ha," Jason muttered before Hemera grabbed his shoulder and the three flashed away while Percy looked away.
He could see the divine forms of gods safely now but until he becomes full primordial, he still needs to look away from any primordial flashing. Once they were gone Percy sighed as he looked at the empty dining room.
"Well … off to more business," he mumbled before dissolving into shadow …
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Don't forget to throw some power Stones, to keep the story going.
...
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