A/N: Massive fluffs everywhere, just before we get into the main plot of the story.
Chapter 3
After explaining the rest of the story to Jason and the others, they didn't look very thrilled to learn the news.
"Some has been wrong in the last couple of months," Jason pointed out. "Monsters are getting restless and they're getting harder to kill."
"Is death being chained again?" Percy asked.
Nico shook his head. "I don't think he meant that when he said harder to kill. They're essence is stronger, so it would take more than a wound from godly metal to take them out."
Thalia also nodded. "We've been experiencing that kind of trouble when we're attacked by monsters, or when we're rescuing demigods." Annabeth laced her fingers into Percy's and gripped tightly. Percy gave her a reassuring smile.
"For now, let the gods handle with it," Percy decided. "Keep a look out on things. If something big really is going on, then we're gonna do something about it. For now, let's just wait it out. We earned the rest."
His friends didn't even argue. After seeing so much carnage throughout their teenage demigod life, they earned the rest. Even though the gods weren't giving them much chance to do so after what they'd done, they tried their best to live their life normally.
"Oh yeah," Jason turned to Percy. "Why did Zeus go after you today?"
Percy shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe he needed someone to save his godly ass again," Thunder rumbled in the afternoon skies, but the sun was clear and shining. Percy waved it off and smirked. "I think I understand why bastards from Tartarus don't give a fuck about Zeus. When you've been in Hell for six years, you'll learn that the Olympians are scared of you."
Annabeth slapped him slightly on the arm. "Careful with what you say, Percy. That's your pride talking."
Percy kissed her forehead. "Yeah, sorry."
She's right, you know, Nyx spoke in his mind.
"Hang on, Nyx is talking," Percy said. "About what?" His friends thought it was weird to see him talking like that by himself, but it would be bad to ignore a talking Primordial in your head.
About your pride, Nyx said. It's like the Titans and Giants. They thought that by being imprisoned in Tartarus, the gods were scared of them. If you keep thinking like that, you'd end up like them as well.
"Control the ego," Percy muttered. "Got it,"
"What did she say?" Nico asked.
"I'll tell you later." Percy grinned. "Right now, I'm hungry. Who wants pizza?"
Line Break
The day continued on normally, which was surprising. They were alert as they went on with their daily routine, getting ready should the Olympians jump out of the dumpster and disintegrating them on the spot. After they had their meal, Jason, Thalia and Piper were going out for the night, just to get to know each other since Piper was going to be part of the Grace family. Nico and Reyna head out to get some groceries for the home.
Which left Percy and Annabeth alone in the house.
Annabeth was in the showers while Percy sat on the railing of the balcony, which was dangerous because the apartment was actually five stories from the ground.
If I hadn't known any better, I'd say you're trying to kill yourself, Nyx mused.
"And if I hadn't know any better, I might kill myself," Percy muttered back.
What's on your mind, Perseus?
Percy sighed. "What's really going on down there, Nyx? Is Chaos really stirring?"
If Nyx was in front of him, he was sure that she'd shook her head. Even I don't know that. Her realm is deeper than mine and I had no control nor do I know what's going on down there. But Hestia's right. After so long, Chaos's realm is stirring. I don't know if it's a threat or what, but I doubt it would be pretty.
Percy swung his feet as he sat on the railing. Then, he took out his sword which Nyx gave. "What about this thing, Nyx? Tell me more about it."
That thing, is a weapon I created from my very essence, Essence of the Night. It's a rather painful process, so you'd better be grateful for it. Aside from me, the only beings that could wield such weapon are the ones that received my blessing.
"Well, thanks," Percy muttered.
You don't sound like you meant it,
"I do," Percy grinned. "You're just being ridiculous,"
Excuse me, but I am a Primordial
"And we've tricked you once, remember?"
I still haven't forgiven you for that,
"Aw, come on. No hard feelings?"
Shut up,
"Percy?" A voice called from behind. It made Percy jumped, so he basically fell down from the railing onto the ground five stories below. But he could fly, so he didn't have to worry.
"AHHH!" Percy faked falling down.
"Percy!" Annabeth ran and looked over the railing, only to see him grinning at her.
"Gotcha," Percy said with a mischievous smirk.
"Not funny!" Annabeth grumbled. She was wearing his old buttoned shirt with shorts that practically revealed her tanned and athletic legs. Percy found himself blushing that he was staring at Annabeth. She looked beautiful six years ago, but now that she's became more mature, She looked even more beautiful. Maybe it was just Percy's raging hormones, but it really was true.
Percy flew and landed next to her. She had a grumpy look on her as she crossed her arms and glared at him. Percy held his hands out apologetically. "Didn't mean to scare you."
"But you did," Annabeth grumbled.
"In my defense, you scared me first," Percy said. Annabeth was still glaring at him. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry."
"And?"
"Uh, promise that I won't do it again,"
Aren't you a gentleman? Nyx muttered. Percy sent a mental message to her to shut up.
"Good," Annabeth said. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a deep kiss. Percy returned it with just as much passion. When they pulled out, Annabeth smirked.
"Do you always wear like this?" Percy asked.
Annabeth shook her head. "Only when I'm alone, which happens a lot," Then, she had a mischievous grin. "Why? Is it turning you on?"
Percy blushed furiously. "Um, uh, ah . . ."
Annabeth laughed at that and kissed him on the lips. Percy felt the urge to pull her closer and deepen the kiss. When he did, Annabeth chuckled, and Percy pulled away. "What's wrong?" Percy asked.
"Your 'little friend' is poking at me," Annabeth smiled innocently.
Percy hoped his face wasn't as red as he felt. "Sorry," He muttered.
Annabeth giggled. "Seaweed Brain," She whispered and continued to kiss him. Percy trailed down his kisses to her cheek, then moved to her neck. Annabeth let out a soft moan as Percy continued to kiss her neck. "Percy," She whispered softly. "Let's go somewhere-"
A loud thunder interrupted their intimate moment, which annoyed them immensely.
Stood perched on the railing of their very balcony, was Artemis again, and she didn't look happy.
Percy sighed. "If you're taking me or any of us back to Olympus, it's not going to happen."
"Although I don't like this, but I'm going for the diplomatic approach," Artemis grumbled. She jumped off the railing and stood next to Annabeth and Percy. "The Olympians don't know that I'm visiting you, so be grateful."
Percy noticed that her leg, where Piper had shot her, was wrapped in silver bandage. Percy didn't know that immortals needed healing, being all powerful and everything. "How's the leg?" Percy asked. Artemis was surprised to found genuine concern in his voice.
"It'll heal in a few hours," Artemis admitted. "Percy, I know what your answer's going to be, but I still need to ask you to come to Olympus with me. Just you, the others won't be harmed."
Percy exchanged looks with Annabeth. "I believe I deserve to know why," Percy said.
Artemis nodded. "Zeus won't admit it, but he needs your help. He demands your capture and wants you to work for Olympus, whether you want to or not. He's paranoid about Chaos's realm stirring, and he's afraid that his throne is in danger."
"And Zeus tries to send an invitation through a massive cannonball," Percy rolled his eyes. "Sorry Artemis, but we're going to sit this one out. Unless this threat is really as big as you gods think, then none of us are going to lend a helping hand."
Artemis sighed. "I can't say I wasn't expecting that. I'll talk to Zeus and the council. Should you change your mind, I swear on the Styx that you'll be treated fairly and that the council won't harm you,"
Thunder rumbled in the distance. Percy gave Artemis a lopsided grin, which made Artemis blush. "Thank you, Artemis. I appreciate it." Artemis just nodded and flashed away. When Percy turned towards Annabeth, she was glaring at him. "What?"
"I don't like the way she blushes at you," Annabeth grumbled.
I'm on Annabeth on this one, Nyx grumbled in his head. Why did she look at you like that?
"Okay, first of all, I don't know what you're talking about," Percy held his hands up. "Secondly, why are you acting like this? Are you jealous?"
Annabeth's ears turned pink. "Well, yeah!" She said, exasperated. "I mean, how would you feel if some guy looked at me like he had a thing for me while you're-" Percy silenced her with a kiss. When he pulled out, he had a smirk on his face with Annabeth frowning at him, but she had clearly softened up. "I wasn't finish talking,"
"I know," Percy said. "It's one of my ways to shut you up but not make you mad at the same time,"
Annabeth glared at him before sighing. "I'm getting ready for bed." She said before going inside.
Why? Nyx asked.
"Why what?"
Why was she acting like that around you?
"For the second time, I don't know."
I think she has a crush on you,
Percy rolled his eyes. "Nyx, she's a goddess. Wait, let me rephrase that." Percy raised his hand up dramatically. "She's a maiden goddess. You see where I'm getting at?"
Nyx grumbled in frustration. If she dares to look at you like that again, I'm going to blast her away from Tartarus.
Percy shrugged. "Suit yourself."
Percy went to Annabeth's bedroom to find the owner lying on the bed face up, still awake. "Couldn't sleep, Wise Girl?"
Annabeth sighed. "I was just thinking about us," She sat up. "I was looking forward to, you know, after the war . . ."
Percy realized what she was talking about. He sat next to her and put his arm around her. "I never did ask you again, did I?" Percy grinned. "You know, after everything, we could live together you know. We can actually get a normal life for a change, and then after that we can get married and-" Annabeth shut him up with a kiss. "I wasn't finish talking,"
Annabeth smirked. Instead of saying anything, she leaned towards his ear and whispered softly, "Close the door,"
Okay then.
Line Break
That morning, the group gathered at the living room, just chatting as usual before starting their daily routine. Jason was busy cuddling with Piper, while Thalia, Reyna and Nico were having a contest on who could slap the other person's arm harder.
The only ones who weren't there were Percy and Annabeth.
The couple was still sprawled on bed, their bodies entangled with each other after what seemed like a magical night. It was the first for both of them and by Olympus it was wonderful. Annabeth and Percy were elated that they'd fully given themselves to each other. Percy woke up first, smiling as he watched Annabeth's nude yet sleeping figure. Percy pulled a blanket and put it over her as he got dressed himself.
Percy walked out of his room and headed to the kitchen for a cup of coffee.
"Whoa, Percy," Nico said. "What did you do last night?"
"What?" Percy asked as he poured the coffee.
"Your hair is messed up," Reyna pointed out.
"It's always like that when I wake up," Percy said as he took a sip of his coffee.
"There's a hickey on your neck," Jason smirked. Percy almost spewed his drink.
"Yeah, well, we kinda made out last night," Percy said, blushing. They seemed to get it and just went to their own duties. Jason went over and leaned on the counter and grinned at Percy.
"Was it good?" He asked.
"Was what good?"
Jason laughed. "You know you can't play dumb with that kind of thing. It's kind of obvious, you know?"
Percy rolled his eyes. "Try not to announce it to the world, Grace," He grumbled. "Yeah, we had sex last night. What can I say? I love her,"
"I'm happy for you man," Jason grinned and gave Percy a fist bump, which he happily returned. "But I'd cover that hickey if I was you,"
"Morning Percy," Someone said behind him. Percy turned around to see Annabeth. Her hair was messy and uncombed, but in a sexy way. She wore the buttoned shirt last night, but this time with denim shorts that reached her knees. She gave him a quick kiss to the lips.
"Good morning Annabeth," Jason grinned. "Had fun last night?"
Annabeth blushed while Percy glared at Jason. "I'll say it one time, Grace. Shut up."
Jason held his hands up in surrender. "I'm going to work now. See you guys soon, okay?"
After Jason left, Thalia, Nico and Reyna followed suit. Again, it's Percy, Piper and Annabeth all that left in the house.
Percy, I need you to do something for me, Nyx said in his head.
"What's wrong?" Percy asked.
Erase my memory about you last night, She grumbled. There're some things that I should forget.
Percy grinned. "Well, too bad you're-" For the millionth time, he was interrupted by a powerful lightning striking their balcony. Percy immediately brought out his sword, while Annabeth and Piper sprang into action.
"What was that?" Piper asked.
"Perseus!" The voice of the Lord of the Skies bellowed. "Come out here before I blast the living soul out of you!"
"What does this prick want again?" Percy growled. He started to walk out, but Annabeth stopped him.
"Percy, it could be a trap,"
"I need to deal with him," Percy said seriously. "He can't keep bothering us like this." Percy walked past Annabeth and flew to the rooftop of the apartment. Zeus was on top of the building next to the apartment. "What do you want, asshole?"
Zeus's nostrils flared. "Ares! Bring her here!" Zeus shouted. Ares flashed into the scene, sprawled on the ground next to him was Artemis, in chains. The wound on her leg was still there, not healing like it should. Artemis looked beaten up with her clothes tattered up. She was in chains and didn't look conscious. "I believe my daughter visit you last night, correct?"
"That's none of your business," Percy said, anger building up in his chest. "Let her go! It's me you want!"
Lightning struck around him, narrowly missing him, but Percy didn't flinch. "I will show you what happens to people who betray me." Zeus growled. Zeus brought his master bolt up, ready for the kill. Percy realized what was going to happen.
As the master bolt made its way towards Artemis, Percy heard a gunshot as Zeus staggered backwards, golden blood dripping from his shoulder.
"Still an egotistical bastard, I see," Piper said from the apartment. "Are you going to kill someone else just so your ego won't be wounded?"
"Kill them!" Zeus roared. Ares moved with blinding speed towards Percy, his giant sword ready for the kill. Percy blocked it with his sword, then he kicked Ares away. Percy surged forward and elbowed Ares. The war god grunted before spinning around, trying to hit Percy's skull with the hilt of his sword. Percy ducked out of the way, and sliced at Ares's ankle.
The god roared in pain as golden blood rushed out of his wound. Percy wasted no time in tackling Ares, pinning him to the ground. The built up rage in him was finally unleashed. He was on top of Ares as he landed blow after blow with his fists. The fact that the Olympians harmed someone that was innocent was ticking Percy off.
Ares didn't stand a chance as Percy beat his face up with newfound strength from Nyx's blessing.
Percy, enough, Nyx said in his head.
Surprisingly, Percy stopped. He hadn't realized the damage he'd done to Ares's face. Even though he was a god, Percy doubted it would take him a minute to heal from those wounds.
Go save Artemis, Nyx said. Percy calmly obliged and scanned the area for her. Zeus was still standing next to her, kicking her in the gut while she's in pain. Artemis didn't look like she could fight, so Percy had to help her.
Percy flew towards Zeus and planted both feet on his chest in a dropkick, sending him tumbling down the roof. Percy went towards Artemis to see her face deathly pale. Her skin was feverishly cold and she didn't look too good. Percy carried Artemis bridal style and flew towards his apartment, where Piper and Annabeth were waiting. They looked like they'd been in combat themselves. The probably were when Percy was busy with Ares.
"Take care of her," Percy said. Piper just nodded as Percy set Artemis carefully on the couch.
"PERSEUS JACKSON!" Zeus roared. "Give me my daughter back!"
"You wanted to kill her!" Percy shouted back. "I can't have you do that now, can I?!"
"I will blast you away!"
"Give me your best shot!" Percy challenged. Zeus fired his master bolt straight at Percy. He didn't know how, but with a defiant yell, he formed a barrier made out of dark energy that surrounded him. The bolt hit the barrier with tremendous force, making everything tremble before it disappeared. Percy was unaffected, but the barrier seemed to drain his energy. "I'm going to give you a chance, Airhead. Either you fuck off, or I'm going to make sure that you suffer as much as possible."
Zeus growled as he flashed away, knowing his chances are limited without any backup. Percy hadn't realized how drained he was until he finally sat down. His body felt sore and his muscles were tired. Percy walked over to where Artemis was laid down on a couch and sat on the floor next to it. Piper was cleaning the blood from her body. Her clothes were stained with red blood, but her skin was slowly returning back to normal.
Wait . . .
"Is she bleeding mortal blood?" Percy asked.
Piper nodded. "I don't know how it happened. The moment I tried wiping her wounds, her blood turned red."
"I think Zeus stripped her of her immortality," Annabeth concluded. "I don't know if it's possible or not, but what I know is that she's no longer a mortal."
"That's a bit hard to believe," Percy wheezed. "We met her last night. She used powers with no problem,"
"You're mortal Percy, and you can use Poseidon's powers with no problem," Annabeth said. "My point is that she may or may not still have her powers, doesn't matter if she's immortal or not. Her powers maybe weakened, now that she's not a goddess, but she still has powers."
On cue, Artemis coughed. Now that she's a mortal, her recover rate is very slow. "Can she drink nectar?" Piper asked.
"She had immortal parents, so I think it would be okay. But I wouldn't risk giving her too much." Annabeth said. Piper nodded and grabbed a canteen of nectar.
"Damn Piper," Percy muttered. "You've got everything ready, haven't you?"
"I like to be prepared," Piper smirked as she made Artemis drink some of the nectar. The color was slowly returning to her face and her wounds closed a bit. She must've took quite a beating, judging from the bruises and cuts on her body.
"Get some rest, Percy." Annabeth said. "We'll look after her,"
"Promise me you won't kill her?"
Annabeth shrugged. "Depends,"
Line Break
Percy woke up at midnight, which was a bit strange. That fight must've drained much out of him. Annabeth was on bed next to him. Percy didn't want to wake her up, so he slowly slid out of bed and headed to the kitchen to grab something to drink. He was surprised to hear sobbing coming from the living room.
Percy slowly crept up towards the source of the sound. It was Artemis. She was on the couch, hugging her knees and sobbing. When she noticed Percy, she quickly wiped her tears away and put on her strong face. "I thought you were asleep," Artemis said, her voice was cracking.
Percy shrugged. "I woke up," Percy went to the kitchen and made two mugs of hot chocolate. He walked over to Artemis and gave her one of the mugs. She eyes at him warily. Percy rolled his eyes. "It's not poisoned, if that's what you're wondering."
Artemis glanced back and forth between Percy and the glass of chocolate before taking it. She took a sip of it before staring at him. Percy sat a few distance away from her, partly because she was a man-hating goddess. Well, was a man-hating goddess.
"Why are you being nice to me?" Artemis asked.
"Would you prefer if I was mean to you?" Percy asked with a grin.
"Just answer the question, Perseus,"
Percy shrugged. "Just cause. I know I can be scary, but I'm not evil."
"Then why won't you help Olympus?"
Percy's expression darkened. "Because Olympus doesn't deserve my help. Not after what you guys did to me." Then, his expression softened. "Try locking someone up in Hell after what they did for you. It would be hard not to feel bitter."
Artemis was silent for a while, letting the silence of the night settle in before speaking again. "Sorry," Artemis managed. Even though she's not a goddess anymore, it was hard to swallow her pride just to apologize to a male.
Percy chuckled and shook his head. "There's no need for that. Although I appreciate you apology, I don't need it."
Artemis just nodded. "Percy, what are you going to do next?
"I'm still standing by my decision," Percy said. "I'm going to wait it out to see what happens. If it gets worse, I'll interfere. But if Olympus is still coming after me, I'm going to keep telling them to leave me and my friends alone,"
Artemis wasn't comfortable asking this, but she had to. She had nowhere else to go. "Um, can I stay here for a while?"
Percy smiled. "Make yourself at home. Sorry if this isn't as comfortable as what you're used to."
"It's fine," Artemis smiled at him. "Thank you, Perseus."
"Get some sleep, will you?" Percy said. "Nothing's going to get you here. There's no impending danger around here, so you should be able to get a peaceful sleep."
Artemis nodded. Before Percy could do anything, Artemis planted a kiss on Percy's cheek before resting her head on Percy's lap. "Uh, Artemis? Can you, um, sleep somewhere else?"
Too late, Artemis was already asleep.
This will be fun in the morning.
A/N: I know it didn't seem much, since everything was just fluff, but the next chapter will be where the story really progresses.
