Adore

Chapter Fifteen

A Promise of Unity.

Poseidon sighed as he gazed at the far horizon. He was currently standing serenely in his temple, with his legs knee-deep in the water of his domain. He was currently waiting for one of his lieutenants to appear, having a message to be delivered to Triton down at Atlantis.

"My Lord! Why have you summoned me to Olympus?" A high pitched screech reached his ears, making Poseidon smile. He turned and found a man kneeling before him, head bowed. The man had light gray hair, and a fit build, like he was used to running. When he lifted his face, he revealed his unusual eyes, which were colored black. All of it, not just the irises.

"Delphin, how many times have I told you, don't kneel before me, friend."

The man smiled a little as Poseidon extended a hand towards him. He took it and stood, nodding in thanks to his Lord. "It will be highly improper for me to do so here, my Lord. We are not in our home."

"True." Poseidon sighed as he turned towards the horizon once more. Delphin noticed his pensive mood, and made no sound, content in waiting for his Lord's command.

Poseidon faced his loyal Lieutenant with a small smile. "Old friend, I need you to deliver this to Triton." He then dug into his shorts pocket and withdrew four glimmering pearls. Delphin's eyes widened a little as he gingerly accepted the treasures.

"My Lord, what-?"

"Tell Triton to have one of the Nereids, either Doto or Eucrante, to go to the nearest water source to my daughter. Tell him to have either Nereid to deliver this to my baby girl."

Delphin's eyes flashed with understanding as he snapped his fingers, watching four of the greatest treasures Atlantis has disappear into the void only he had access to. He then looked at Poseidon and bowed at the waist. "Thank you for trusting me with this important mission, my Lord."

As Delphin took a step towards the water, Poseidon stopped him, a weird smile on his face. Delphin eyed the smile nervously. "Anything else, my Lord?"

"Yes. Tell Triton to make sure the Nereid thoroughly tests the Son of Hermes, Luke." Delphin hurriedly nodded, unfamiliar with this weird version of his Lord.

"Of course. I shall deliver both messages."

Poseidon's smile returned to his normal one, making Delphin sigh in relief as he gave him a final bow, and jumped towards the water. He landed a little farther than Poseidon was situated. When he resurfaced, he had changed into a slightly larger dolphin. He gave one long screech and dived down. Poseidon just sighed and turned to leave his temple to keep his thoughts out of the gloom. Maybe he could talk to Hephaestus about the Cyclopes' latest inventions.

A man with shoulder-length black hair, and albino white skin lounged on a throne with what looked like it was made from skulls carved out from onyx. His intense black eyes surveyed the expanse of his throne room, finding the usual guards consisting of dead U.S. revolutionary soldiers, British Redcoats, Greek Warriors, Roman Legionnaires, Modern U.S. soldiers, Confederate soldiers, and their occasional canine partners. One, a dog the size of a small rhino, approached him, whining softly. He cut his eyes from roaving the entreaty of the room, and focused on the monster. He then sighed as he beaconed the monster forward, making it bark happily and trot to him, instantly rubbing itself on his robes which, on closer inspection, looked as if there were souls sewn into the fabric. He sighed as he absently rubbed the head of the monster, watching as its enormous tail thumped against the black granite floor.

"You look bored, Hades."

"That's because I am. You're late, by the way." The man let a small smile appear on his face as in front of him, a large pillar of fire suddenly appeared.

When the fire disappeared, a small girl, approximately nine years old, had appeared, not even phased by her entrance. She had mousy brown hair and her eyes were alit with cheerfully crackling flames. She wore a simple brown dress which fluttered when she skipped up to the dais holding the throne Hades was sitting on. Hades smiled at her as he snapped his fingers, instantly making a throne made from gold appear at his left, seeing as a throne made of flowers of different kinds rested on his right. The gold throne had the carvings of a family cheerfully eating together, a family laughing together, playing games. A family being a family.

The girl smiled as she happily skipped towards the newly made throne and sat on it. She then looked at the man and beaconed him closer. When he leaned towards her, she planted one big kiss on his cheek, giggling as she did so. The man just shook his head at her antics. "You never change, Hestia."

"I told you I'll always do that whenever we see each other, Hades."

"That's why I'm glad that Persephone is currently with her mother this time." Hades said dryly, looking at his sister with fond exasperation. "The last time, she almost caught us talking. You know she'll repeat everything she sees unusual here to her mother, and in turn it will be discussed at the next Council meeting. I don't want you in trouble, sister."

Hestia just giggled softly. "At least you give me permission to directly flash into your throne room, Hades. Unlike with Hermes, he still has to take the long way! Still, he gets here, so maybe you like him deep inside!"

Hades mock-scoffed. "I do not like that too-athletic nephew of mine. He is too much bright, like that twin nephew of mine. He should just be thankful I still permit him to see my palace. Next time I should make it so that he won't see anything."

"You really are a great uncle, Hades."

Hades lost his mock scowl and smiled softly at her. "You do know that all I ever wanted was to be accepted by our family, right?"

"I know. That's why I took the liberty of securing an honest oath out of Poseidon that neither he, nor his daughter had anything to do with you Helm being stolen." Hestia said, resting a small hand on Hades' arm. Hades, though, paid her no heed as he lost his smile, and a dark scowl overtook his face.

"Honest oath, my lily-white a*s, sister. We have the proof, living proof, right here that he can't keep promises, like Zeus." Here, Hades sneered as he mentioned his youngest brother's name.

Hestia squeezed his arm comfortingly. "Did you know, Hades, that Amphitrite wasn't the one Poseidon was supposed to marry? That Poseidon doesn't love her?"

"Lies. All Persephone ever mentions is how she often heard about the great gifts and wealth Poseidon continually showers the Queen of the Sea. Honestly, it makes me sick to my stomach that he even fell in love with that spiteful woman. I had thought he had more taste than that."

"And he has. It seems we aren't the only ones Zeus owes, Hades." Hades' eyebrow rose at that statement.

"You don't mean-?"

"Unfortunately. It seems that Zeus had asked Poseidon to marry Amphitrite as an amnesty ticket for Oceanus. And now, he had found his supposed wife, the mortal Sally Jackson. I really can't blame him if he wanted to meet the other half the Fates have made for him, and it hardly is his fault in the first place. So, please Hades. Understand what he's going through." Hestia pleaded softly. She sighed internally as one of Hades' aristocratic hands rose up and pinched the bridge of his nose. She really didn't mean to burden him with additional worries, seeing as he already had an overflowing cup full of them, but he needed to know that the young demigod on her way to see him was in no fault of her own. She needed him to understand that neither she nor her father has any intentions of bring war upon all of them.

"I fully understand what he's going through, seeing as I had to fight Demeter for Persephone. I'm probably the only one except you who understands him, but sister, if I believe what you are saying to me now, then where has my Helm disappeared to? And Zeus' Bolt? Who in their right minds would take two of the Big Three's symbols of power, therefore bringing us to the brink of war? Ares?"

Here Hades gave off an elegant snort. And honestly, Hestia couldn't fault him for doing that. Sure, Ares was the War God, but she knew he didn't have the balls to steal those weapons and don't make use of them. As irritated as she was with herself for even thinking about this, but she knew that Ares didn't have the brain capacity to even think of a plan like this by himself. So, even if Ares did have his hand deep into this, he wasn't the mastermind. Someone else is controlling him from the shadows.

"You're not thinking that Athena was the one behind this, are you?"

"No. Even if she has the right mental capacities, she's too much of her Father's favorite girl to even think of betraying him."

"Ah. About that. I'm not too sure about that, brother."

Hades raised an eyebrow at that, questioning. "Really now? What could possibly deter her undying and unfathomable love for her most glorious father?" Truthfully, sarcasm really works for the Lord of the Underworld, Hestia thought, suppressing her giggles. Though, as his question sank in, she lost her amusement in favor of severity to firmly express her seriousness with her answer.

"Love."

"Excuse me?" Hades' voice was incredulous. "I'm not sure I heard you perfectly, sister. Did you just say that Athena, the prudish, I-only-love-my-father-and-no-one-else-and-my-morta l-lovers-don't-count, virgin, rational goddess is in love?"

Hestia sighed as even she had a difficult time to think of Athena and Love in the same sentence. If she hadn't seen Aphrodite's reaction to it, she might've passed it off as a trick of the light. "As unbelievable as it sounds, she is. And with the most unlikely person as well."

"Try me."

"Poseidon."

Hestia had to clamp both of her hands on her mouth to keep her laughs in check because, truthfully, the only time she had seen Hades' face transform into what she was seeing now was when he first saw Persephone. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped, all traces of elegance gone.

"You're bluffing. She'd never fall for him. He's her rival for Tartarus' sake!"

"Ah. Remember brother, at the risk of sounding like Aphrodite, there's a thin line between love and hate. And I believe she had crossed it sometime in the last decade or so."

"Unbelievable." Hades muttered, passing a weary hand over his face. "If, by chance, what you're saying is correct, then it really is not far from reality that she may do this, but the biggest question would be why? What would she gain by doing this?"

"Are you suggesting that there is another who has a perfect alibi for doing this?"

"Oh, you know there is, sister. But even I would want it to be Athena rather than him."

"I completely agree." Hestia sighed. She dearly wished that she was completely and utterly wrong to suspect that he is on the verge of rising again. "On a completely unrelated topic, Hades, will you try to give young Persis a chance? You'll see what I was telling you is the truth."

Hades just sighed and smiled a little at Hestia. "I have no doubt that you are telling the truth, Hestia, but you trust too easily. If I could see for myself that she is as trustworthy as you paint her to be, I will allow her to enter my palace and help me."

Hestia smiled wider at his words. She snapped her fingers, and immediately, a cheerful bonfire appeared before them. She snapped them again, and the bonfire was encased in a clear bubble, with the smoke somehow still able to pierce through the bubble. Hestia just smiled serenely at Hades' questioning look. "There will be a Council meeting later. I had introduced them to this the last one the Council met. The smoke projects what is currently happening to the quest young Persis and her companions are undertaking. It will help you to learn about your niece, and to see that she has nothing against you, dear brother."

"Will you do this later, then?" Hades gestured towards the bonfire, a questioning eyebrow raised.

"Yes. This one is linked to the one I will make and leave at Olympus later. I will leave this here so you can watch with the Council on what is happening. I promise you, brother, that our young heroine will not disappoint." With her words and a final smile, Hestia snapped her fingers, making her figure disappear like wisps of smoke.

Hades leaned back on his throne when his sister was gone, a deep sigh escaping his well sculpted lips. He honestly doesn't know how to deal with all the revelations Hestia dropped on him all at the same time. Poseidon and his daughter innocent? Athena in love? Not to mention that with the impending war, his kingdom is going to be experiencing major blockages in the main roads due to sudden population boom. Not to mention the souls with Charon. Oh Fates. Just thinking about it makes his head ache with a fiery determination.

And the others all think he was the one to do the deed because he wants to overthrow his spoiled little brother? And to think he thought them all capable of using more than an iota of their brain cells. Well, except Ares. That was a given fact.

Hades gave another sigh as he looked at the bonfire, waiting for Hestia to materialize the images in the smoke so that he could watch his niece in her progress. And maybe, just maybe, if she proves herself worthy enough, he could ask her another favor other than retrieving his Helm.

A black haired woman scowled as she slammed yet another book closed, not caring if she damages her precious tomes. Her gray eyes were flashing with fury as she silently seethed. Fates! She was like this ever since the last Council session! And she was certain that her aunt would make them watch what was currently happening again, thus diverting his attention from her! The nerve of that brat! Who does she think she is! She continued on this vein of thought before freezing, her eyes widening. What in Tartarus' name?

She clutched her head, standing up suddenly, making her sway with the sudden movement. What in Hades' name is happening to her!? She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the lingering emotions. She then composed herself, donning on her haughty mask and striding out of the library.

From where she had stood, a shadow-like wraith formed, golden eyes glinting with malicious glee. His plan was working. Little by little, Olympus shall fall. He'll guarantee it.

A middle aged man ran his hand through his salt and pepper hair, his blue eyes shining with worry. At present, he was the only one present inside the Council Throne Room, with the others doing their own things. Even his father wasn't present. If he was in his normal mood, he would've tried to tail his father and find out where he was going. Once he confirmed that he was off gallivanting with one of his numerous women, he would instantly point his stepmother in his direction, and invite his gleeful stepbrother in laughing at their father's punishment from the shadows. Alas, now was not one of those days. He let out another sigh as there was a flash of energy beside him, indicating that his favorite stepbrother had arrived.

"Bro, I spoke with Nike. She says Luke doesn't need her at the moment, so we can assume that all's well with your boy!" Apollo cheerfully stated as he plopped down on his throne. His statement made the other god straighten on his throne, with him breathing out a sigh of relief.

"Oh, thank the Fates."

Apollo laughed a little at his brother's reaction. "No need to worry about that boy of yours, Hermes. I've seen great things about him."

Hermes looked at him so fast his neck snapped a little. "Are you certain, Apollo!? Are you absolutely certain!?"

Apollo smiled. "Yeah. My Oracle gave me a prediction awhile ago. He's going to be a great hero, side by side with young Persis."

Hermes hunched over, his shaking hand clenching so hard golden drops of ichor dropped from his palm to the floor.

Apollo smiled sympathetically at his brother, letting him cry his tears of relief. Oh yes. He knew. He knew what in Tartarus' name had happened all those years ago. He knew about the curse Hades placed on his Oracle, though he really couldn't fault his uncle on what he did. Anyways, if his father (blast him) didn't try to eradicate his uncle's mortal family, the mess could have been altogether been avoided, but he really couldn't change the past. He knew that May, Hermes' favorite mortal lover, tried to take on the Oracle, but the curse took effect. Thus, all May's ever seen was his son's grim fate.

That is, if young Persis had chosen the Daughter of Athena as her quest partner. As it stands now, young Luke's destiny has turned a complete 180 degrees. It seems that Persis was his anchor to believing the gods. The only thing concerning now was little Annabeth's destiny. It was the only destiny that was suspended, as if her soul itself was suspended in air. Though, that was ridiculous thinking. Honestly, who has the power to suspend life itself?

Well, all things make themselves clear to him in the end. It's just a matter of being patient. In the meantime, though, he was content in being there for his ecstatic brother.

One by one, the other gods and goddesses flashed to their thrones. Demeter was the first of the others to arrive. She had stopped and raised her eyebrow at the two younger gods, seeing as they were usually late to meetings, but here they were, present. Granted, Apollo had his IPod out, and Hermes was on the phone, but the point was they were still early. The Agriculture Goddess just shook her head and sat on her throne, knowing when to back down.

Athena was the next one to arrive, but the Wisdom Goddess was deep in thought, so she had no thoughts to offer the other goddess, who just sighed in resignation.

Hera flashed in shortly with Zeus. Zeus tried to approach his wife, but before he could move, she flashed him a look so cold he had to hide a shiver. She then sat on her throne while looking straight ahead, not giving anyone else heed. Zeus just grumbled and sat down, his eyes roaving the room, daring anyone to comment. Demeter just sighed again while Athena was snapped out of her thoughts by feeling her father's stare directed at her.

Thankfully, at that moment, Hephaestus arrived with Poseidon, with them discussing about the Cyclopes' latest inventions. Zeus sharpened his glare at his brother, who remained oblivious to it because at that moment, Aphrodite had flashed into the room, with Ares trailing after her with a pitiful look in his face.

"Come on, baby-," Ares whined, never noticing Hephaestus twitch and glare at him. "-it's not my fault I didn't take you out! My bike's still busted!"

"And whose fault is that?" Aphrodite said in a clipped tone, not even glancing at the War God's direction.

"Not mine! The Old Cripple doesn't want to fix it!"

"Just for that, you're taking me somewhere, bike or no, later. Am I clear?" Aphrodite then looked at Ares, her green eyes flashing with annoyance.

"Yes, baby."

Aphrodite smirked as Artemis flashed into the room, with Dionysus being the last one to arrive.

"Congratulations. You've once again impressed me. What is this? The third time?" Artemis raised an eyebrow at that.

"Nonsense, Artemis dear. It's the fifth!"

"In three thousand years." The Goddess of the Wild deadpanned, making the others hide their smiles or cough to cover up their laughter. Poseidon just sighed as he watched the 'public' face of Aphrodite puff up her cheeks in indignation. Honestly, when will she drop her act?

"Order. We are here to officially start another Council meeting. Where's Hestia?" Zeus announced, complete with the classic thunderclap behind him for dramatic effect.

"Here."

Hestia phased into the middle of the room, bringing with her the sound of children laughing and the smell of home-cooked meals. Everyone smiled a little at her.

"Shall we begin?" Hestia asked sweetly.

"Of course, sister." Demeter said, eager to see what is currently happening with the object of their discussions. Everyone nodded as they in turn focused on the center of the room.

Hestia nodded and snapped her fingers, making the same bonfire as yesterday's meeting appear. The smoke again condensed to form a mirage, showing the four demigods in line for entering the Gateway Arch. Athena straightened at this, her eyes flashing with pride at seeing the monument. The others (Hermes, Apollo and Poseidon) just rolled their eyes at her.

"Let's just watch young Percy." Hestia motioned to the fire, showing the four questers having a good time. Well, until Percy suddenly stiffened and looked around warily.

"Hey Hircum." "Yeah?" "Do you smell anything weird?"

"Good. She already knows how to be cautious." Artemis nodded, satisfied with her cousin's progress.

"Well, who wouldn't, sis? With whatever monster she's encountered already. And it's been only what? Two weeks? Since she discovered that whatever bedtime stories her mother taught her was all real." Apollo cheerfully pointed out. Artemis grudgingly nodded.

"A lot of good asking the satyr. Underground always smells like monsters to them." Dionysus drawled.

They continued to watch, saying nothing, until the four demigods crammed into the elevator with the, erm, big-boned lady.

"Why does she look familiar?"Hermes pondered, looking intensely at the lady.

"Now, now sonny. Behave."

"Oh dear." Demeter muttered. "Echidna."

Poseidon had suddenly stood up, and Hestia, sensing her brother was absolutely livid, hurriedly flashed to his side, laying a calming hand on the hand gripping his Trident.

"Calm down, Poseidon."

"How can I calm down when I see that my brother sent Echidna and Chimera to my ONLY DAUGHTER!" Poseidon roared, looking like he had wanted to challenge Zeus right then and there. Hermes and Apollo were tense, ready to spring between the two brothers, with Hermes glaring at his father and Apollo looking at the Lord of the Skies like he was a bug. Ares was smirking, the fire in his eyes glowing brighter and brighter every second. Hephaestus just shook his head in disgust at his brother.

Artemis was massaging her temple, disgust for her father clear on her face. Aphrodite, meanwhile, had caught Hephaestus' eyes and discreetly rolled her eyes at Ares' direction, making Hephaestus smirk a little. Demeter was sighing, looking reproachfully at Zeus, while Hera just plain glared at her husband. Dionysus, well, he just took out another magazine and buried his head inside.

Hermes glared at his father one last time before looking at his uncle with a softer expression. "Know that when it comes to a fight, I'm rooting for you, Uncle P." The God of Thieves said, making his father look at him with rage in his eyes.

"How dare-!"

"Zeus, enough." Hera's imposing voice resounded throughout the room, making the other gods gape at her. She's never rebuked her husband like that before. Well, in public. She preferred to let him take control. However, this time she was glaring at her husband, her usually warm brown eyes cold and hard.

"Hera?"

"You will desist in harming our niece until she has proven that she did steal your Bolt. Am I clear?"

"But dear-!"

"AM I CLEAR?"

"I.... Yes dear."

Hera nodded stiffly and turned back to the fire, studiously ignoring the surprised and appreciative glances thrown her way by the other gods, Hephaestus especially. The God of Blacksmiths had a pleased glint in his smoldering brown eyes. Maybe, just maybe, there's still hope for forgiveness.

As the others looked back to Percy, Poseidon slumped back into his throne, unable to look away as his daughter brilliantly battled Chimera. Though, every step she took, she got closer and closer to its tail. "Percy, Percy, look out." He muttered, his hand gripping his Trident hard enough so that his knuckles turned white. Hermes reached out to pat his uncle's shoulder. Hey, he could sympathize, seeing as Luke was almost in Percy's shoes. Hestia looked at her niece and smiled at him, making Hermes smile back.

"Thank you for helping, Hermes."

"It just feels like the right thing I should do."

Hestia was about to reply, but her voice was suddenly drowned as Poseidon let out an anguished wail. "Percy, no!"

Everyone snapped their heads to the fire, watching in horror, or in some cases (Zeus), in triumph, as Chimera's snake tail sunk it's fangs on Percy's right calf, making the girl drop her sword and let out blood-curdling scream, making Poseidon growl and tried to stand up, but Hestia kept a strong grip on his hand.

"Brother, you know you can't see to her. You're still bound by the Laws, especially now."

"I don't care about the Laws, Hestia! My baby girl is down there, dying, when I can do something about it!" Poseidon growled as he made to flash down to the mortal world. Though, before he can move, a firm hand landed on his shoulder. When he turned to look, he found himself staring at serious blue eyes. "Apollo?"

The God of Prophesies leaned closer to his uncle so that he could whisper in his ear. "Don't worry, Uncle P. She'll live. She inherited something." He then moved away, not before winking at his surprised uncle. Poseidon took a few moments before slumping heavily on his throne, meanwhile flashing his sister an apologetic smile. Hestia just smiled at him.

They turned to the fire once more to see Echidna mock Percy. "Foolish mortal! No god would care about you! The poison has reached your heart!"

Poseidon growled at that. How DARE that wench! Once he finds that good for nothing monster, he'll make sure she and her son stay in Tartarus permanently. Though when he heard his precious daughter's prayer, for the first time in eons, he felt useless. He couldn't interfere with her quest because he was on the Council. He just prayed that Dephin had already reached Triton by this time and that Triton had already sent a Nereid.

When Percy jumped towards the River, he sighed in relief. Athena noticed this and raised an eyebrow.

"Relieved that your cursed daughter is dying?"

A moment later, the Throne Room was shaking violently, making each and every god look at Poseidon, who was looking at Athena with murder in his eyes. His eyes flashed as cracks slowly appeared on the floor, the pillars adorning the room wobbling. "Say that again, Athena?" Athena looked shocked. Not once in the thousands of years they had been rivals had Poseidon been this angry to one of her comments.

Aphrodite, at this time, stood from her throne, managing to stay standing even though the floor was quaking with an intensity to rival a volcanic eruption. She then swiftly crossed the room, stopping in front of Athena, and promptly slapped her. The other gods had wide eyes as they watched Athena turn to look at Aphrodite, a hand cradling her stinging cheek. Poseidon was even shocked enough to have stopped the quake because for once, Aphrodite was fuming.

"For the first time in a decade, Athena, use your heart for once! Don't just use your brain!" The Love Goddess shouted, her eyes flashing every color of the rainbow in her anger.

Athena scowled and raised her hand, intending to curse the beautiful goddess, but a hand clamped over her raised arm, its grip bruisingly hard. "Try to lay a hand on my wife, Athena, and sister or not, kind to me or not, you'll feel my wrath." Athena followed the hand clamped on her arm to its owner to meet the smoldering brown eyes of Hephaestus. She scowled, but had no choice but to nod, therefore making Hephaestus to release her. The Fire God then ushered Aphrodite back to her own throne.

Athena then surveyed the room, inwardly cringing at the looks that met her. Demeter was shaking her head at her, eyes sad. Artemis was looking at her like it was the first time she was seeing her. Apollo and Hermes were glaring at her. Even Hera was looking at her in disappointment. Zeus wasn't even looking at her! Even Hestia, her kind, understanding aunt, was looking at her with a reprimanding stare. Ares, well, wasn't looking at her, too busy glaring at Hephaestus, who was returning to his throne. The clincher was even Dionysus was looking at her with glinting purple eyes.

She just huffed and flashed out of the Throne Room to her own temple. Once safely ensconced inside, she let her tears of mortification fall. All because of that wretched Sea Scum! As she buried her face on her hands, she never did notice a black shadow behind her, flickering between being intangible, and solid.

At the Throne Room, slowly, the others (except Apollo) refocused on Percy, expecting her to be in agony, dying, but the girl just stood there, bemused. Poseidon smirked a little at the other's expressions.

"It looks like she inherited a healing factor when submerged in water."

Hermes, at that point, looked at Apollo with a mischievous smirk. "Hey, Bro, do you think you could bless Luke so that when they want to get mini-Percys and mini-Lukes, they'll have amazing healing factors?"

"You got it, Bro!" The two gods laughed as they high-fived.

Poseidon was glaring at the two gods, gratitude instantly going down the drain. "Your brat still didn't prove himself, Hermes."

"Ah, brother, I do think you need to forget them for a little and look at what's happening." Hestia pulled at him, directing his attention to the fire. He turned to the fire and promptly stared as a water cyclone appeared.

Poseidon was gaping, speechless, as Triton appeared from the water cyclone. This wasn't what he told him to do! He continued gaping as his son then proceeded to hug his daughter, making her thrash a little at the tightness of his hug. When Triton finally babbled at his reason for being there, Poseidon let out a booming laugh as it hit him how he was able to help his direct baby sister. His son was a genius! He knew that he was sort of exempt of the Law because of his nymph blood!

The others were smiling as well, having figured out how Triton had managed to get in contact with his baby sister. Well, almost everyone. As usual, Ares was looking on clueless, but nobody bothered to clue him in. Zeus, on the other hand, scowled as Triton produced four glowing pearls. He glowered at his brother, but Poseidon took no heed. He was too busy smiling as he watched his favorite son and his favorite daughter interact. All he needed was Sally, and he was complete.

Hestia smiled at her brother, spotting the happy gleam in his eyes. Poseidon smiled softly at her, then returned to watching Percy, though, moments later, his soft smile morphed into a smirk as Triton mentioned Luke. "Looks like that plan of yours needs some fine-tuning, boys."

Hermes was whimpering as Apollo was wincing, the two already imagining the things Triton would do to Luke.

"Oh, nonsense! They're the perfect couple, Uncle! Don't worry, Hermes, I'll make sure they end up together!" Aphrodite, having recovered from her spiel awhile ago, was gleefully rubbing her hands in a sinister way, making Hermes pale even more.

Everyone had laughed at that, well, except for Zeus. Hestia smiled at her family, but frowned reproachfully at her youngest brother as she snapped her fingers once again. This time, the bonfire didn't disappear. Instead a translucent bubble encased the bonfire.

"I'll leave the bonfire here, as I'm sure we are going to watch tomorrow, yes?" She asked sweetly, making the others nod eagerly at her. Hephaestus, though, was looking at the bubble in curiosity.

"What does the bubble do, Aunt?"

Hestia smiled as the others looked at the bubble in curiosity. "It records any conversation once we leave. It is already the end of the meeting, and Athena has left earlier than expected. I assumed she would have not appreciated being left out."

Hera was smiling at her sister. "Hestia, you really have the family's best interests at heart."

Hestia smiled, her fiery eyes cheerfully crackling. "Of course, Hera. I want to be proud of our family."

And with that parting statement, each and every god flashed out of the room, leaving the bonfire cheerfully crackling in the silence, a promise of unity with every wisp.