Good Morning everyone! How are we all doing today? I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while. I was busying working on my original story, 'All of Our Stars'. But I've finally decided to update this cuz I've missed it!
Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, followed or favourited the story! I hope you can stick with me to the end! There's a little surprise for you in this chapter, I hope you like it!
Hephaestus cleared his throat, "So who would like to read next"?
Hades sighed and held his arm out. The book appeared in his hand with a flourish of black flames.
Just then, a yellow note appeared and floated down to the Olympians. Zeus quickly snatched it out of the air.
Demeter frowned. "It's another one of those notes from The Seer. The boy needs to learn some manners, he can't keep interrupting us. We need to read this book he has given us and what does he do? Nothing except interrupting us."
"Hush sister. Zeus is trying to read." Hera placed a gentle hand on Demeter.
Dear Olympians,
First of all I would like to thank Demeter for her kind comments. It's not like I spend hours of my time writing this.
Hermes frowned,"Is he talking about the note?"
"One would assume so." Athena said.
To fully scope the extent that this Percy Jackson has affected the lives of the people living in that alternate universe one must see the results first-hand. That is why I have invited some very arty and piercing people to this reading. . . Okay, those puns were terrible.
"They really were bad." Hermes said.
"There's a smiley face." Zeus muttered.
"Just read on Zeus." Poseidon leaned over, he wanted to find out who was going to be invited in.
Apollo tapped his chin in thought, who are arty and piercing?
Anyhow, please treat the two accordingly, they may be a tad bit disorientated. Being from an alternate universe and all.
Cheers,
The Seer.
PS: Oh and just in advance, sorry Artemis!
Artemis frowned, "What?"
Apollo clicked his fingers in realisation. "Oh shi-"
The room was suddenly engulfed in a bright light, the occupants having to shield their eyes from the intensity.
Piper was shielding her eyes when she heard a thud, and a familiar voice a few moments later.
"Percy you idiot! I told you not to pick up that note."
"I'm sorry Arty… But in my defence I didn't pick it up, I touched it."
Piper's eyes widened behind her arm, she looked up to see those familiar pairs of auburn and black sprawled on the floor. "My Lady! Percy!"
Zeus frowned. "Daughter?"
The daughter in question froze and saw how her hands were connected to the person next to her. She quickly retracted it and jumped up, "Father."
Zeus seemed shocked, pointing to her and Percy. "What is the meaning of this?"
This time Percy spoke up. "We come from an alternate universe, from the one that you are reading about now." He took a glance over the note, at least The Seer told him that it was an alternate universe.
Zeus seemed nonplussed. "Yes not that," he waved off. "What is the hand holding … thing you were doing."
Artemis's cheeks turned red, her green eyes were staring at the ground. "In the alternate universe we are… together.
Zeus still seemed confused. "Yes. I know you two are together for his…" He raised a slightly shaky hand at Percy, "Training."
"Oh for Gods sake Zeus! Your daughter and the son of Poseidon have feelings for each other, they like each other, they are a couple, they are girlfriend and boyfriend, yada yada-" Hades said.
"-Probably banging as well." Ares muttered, lucky nobody heard him.
The throne room suddenly dimmed down into a dark grey, the rumbling of thunder could be heard in the distance. "Shit . . . not this again." Percy sighed, the first time was bad enough.
If one looked at Zeus's face closely, they could see that it was getting redder by the second, to the point of it reaching purple. "YOU DARE-"
"IT"S AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE! I've already dealt with this crap with the Zeus in my universe, if he's okay with it, then I don't see why you're not ok with it." Percy fired back.
Piper gave Artemis a surprised look. Artemis had a sheepish expression on her face. "He's not okay with it per se, but I think he gets that Percy is a great man." As she said this her eyes glanced over Piper's hunting attire, a far-way look in her eyes. Piper saw that, but didn't say anything.
The rest of the Olympians were busying enjoying the screaming match between Zeus and Percy. Hermes and Apollo had gotten the camera out, the women (save for Aphrodite) were ready to jump in if it got bad, and oddly enough Ares and Dionysius were sharing popcorn.
"DEFILING MY DAUGHTER-"
"-IT'S NOT DEFILING IF SHE JUMPS ME FIRST."
"Oh." Aphrodite giggled, she didn't think Arty had it in her. She loved that Artemis finally ended up Percy. Oh, she just loved Pertemis!
Speaking of Artemis. She was sitting on the ground, hiding her face behind her hair. The exact same screaming match happened back in their universe.
"-YOU'RE NOT EVEN OF AGE!-"
"Tell me about it." Thalia muttered. Hey! She only wanted to be able to drink, get your head out of the gutter!
"-I'M TWENTY-ONE LORD ZEUS-"
Piper squinted, if she looked closely, Percy did look a tad bit older. He had a small stubble along his chin, his hair was slightly shorter than before.
Hermes leaned over to Apollo. "You know what this means bro?"
Apollo nodded. "Clubs. Stri-"Hestia sent him a look. "Stripes clubs! Good oi stripes!"
"-DON'T TAKE THAT TONE WITH ME BOY-"
"-NOW YOU SOUND LIKE ONE OF ARTEMIS'S HUNTERS-"
Hades leaned over to Poseidon. "Now you know how we feel when you guys throw a tantrum."
Poseidon's gaze was fixated on the screaming match. "Do you think we should stop them?"
"-YOU DARE DISRESPECT ME-"
"-I'M TELLING THE TRUTH!-"
A lightning bolt appeared in Zeus's hand as he grew to full size. "I should blast you right now," he strangely did not scream out that line.
"I love your daughter."
That seemed to be it for Zeus, who dropped his bolt. "What?"
"I love your daughter, and she loves me. . . That should be enough for you." Percy's face was calm, but it was his expression that truly shook Zeus. He was speaking with a conviction that Zeus had only seen once in all those millennia's.
The same conviction he had with Leto.
Then, after a long silence of Zeus staring at Percy, something strange happened, the bolt disappeared, and Zeus's whole demeanor shifted. He blinked, then turned to Artemis, "Does he treat you well?
Artemis seemed shocked. "What?"
This would have be the time where the other gods attempted to stop Zeus throwing his bolt.
"Does Perseus Jackson treat you well?" Zeus repeated, but it was different, more caring, more loving. "Are you happy with him?"
"Um. Well I guess-" Then Artemis saw her father's eyes looking at her, he was so different. ". . .Yes." She said softly. "Percy treats me well . . . for a man.
Percy rolled his eyes as some chuckles came out of the other Olympians, of course Artemis would say that.
She continues, "He's caring, loyal and everything I thought a man couldn't be… But here we are." She felt herself look into her father's (?) eyes, "I am happy with Percy, and I could us spending the rest of our lives together." She couldn't help the small smile that appeared on her face.
Zeus didn't seem to respond, his face blank as he studied the man in front of him. He then lowered himself back onto his throne. "Read!" He declared, the sooner they got this done, the sooner he could get that son of Poseidon out of his sight.
Percy saw this as the signal to find a seat next to Artemis. He felt his hands lace through hers as auburn coloured hair tumbled down his shoulders. "That went well." He watched as Hades leafed through the book, trying to find the chapter.
"Tell me about it." Artemis said, "You're lucky my father is nice in this universe."
"'Nice'." Percy nodded. "That's exactly how I'll describe him." The corners of his lips twitched upwards. His eyes caught sight of the vacant throne next to Apollo, "Wouldn't you want to sit there? It's better than the floor."
"No, I'll like to stay where I am." Sitting next to Apollo was always a pain, she would've punched him at least once a chapter.
"Are you sure?"
"You're ruining it Percy." Came Artemis's tense reply.
"Right…"
As Piper watched that little scene, she couldn't help but hold back a squeal. They were just so cute together!
-0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000-
"Finally." Hades said, "Found the chapter:
Chapter 7: The Letter
Piper trained along with Percy using a dagger as her main weapon, given by Artemis while taking archery lessons with the goddess.
"And you became quite proficient with both." Artemis remarked.
Piper blushed, "I wasn't as good as you or Percy Milady."
Artemis smiled. "It was still quite good."
The goddess was impressed of her determination to learn, something that would make anyone think twice that Piper was a daughter of Aphrodite.
Aphrodite huffed. "I really don't like this stereotyping thing you do with my kids."
Hermes waved it off. "Don't worry about it Dite, they do it to all our kids."
It's Artemis' power that concealed Piper from immortals even from Aphrodite in order to keep their hunting a secret.
Dionysius snorted. "Cause we all know how well we keep secrets around here."
Artemis, however, was somewhat preoccupied, her mind straying and wafting in free space.
"Oh really." Percy turned and raised an eyebrow.
"You know I'm not afraid to hurt you." Artemis smirked when Percy promptly shut up.
For a maiden goddess who lived her immortal life feeling hostile toward men, Artemis was prepared to meet the challenge of dealing with their kind in so many interesting ways.
"That's one way to put it." Thalia said. "Let's say interesting." That made Artemis laugh.
What she wasn't prepared for was actually feeling something bizarre and foreign for one. It was so unfair for Artemis to have someone, a boy no less, who had so much effect on her.
"Still can't get over the fact you got my sis Percy. I'm torn on whether to congratulate you or scare you off," Apollo rubbed his chin.
This made Percy tense up, even though he had made peace with Apollo in his universe, he can't deny he wasn't still uneasy around him.
Ever since she claimed and accepted Percy as a friend (only male friend, she thought) worthy of her trust and respect, Artemis became uneasy and somewhat shy around the male demigod.
"Screw it! Who here thinks this is really weird." Hermes raised a hand. No-one thought Artemis would even look at a guy, much less bring him home.
"Hermes! I don't want another word out of you." Zeus's voice was low, but it was that hidden anger that made Hermes sweat.
"I guess that your dad is still mad." Percy said to Artemis.
"I'm not surprised." Artemis murmured. It was strange to know that her father had parental instincts in this universe.
The goddess kept her distance or tried to ignore Percy most of the time. She found herself stealing glances at Percy only to feel her face heat up whenever he caught her looking at him.
"AWW~ that's really adorable Arty. You obviously had a big crush on him." Aphrodite cooed.
Percy had a small smile as he watched his girlfriend's cheeks turn red. "It was the first time a guy had managed to be a friend. I-um." She cleared her throat, "I was admittedly a bit confused." Her voice was barely audible to Percy, much less the other Olympians.
Thalia watched the whole display, it was kind of strange to watch; how even at times gods could be humans.
When she composed herself, she would glare at him as if daring him to point it out.
The same glare could be seen in the throne room, Artemis daring the Olympians to laugh at her.
Percy not knowing why she would look at him threateningly, approached her, "Hey Arty. Is there something wrong? You're like glaring all day at me." He asked. His voice laced with worry that he had done something wrong that would cost his friendship with the goddess.
"I hate when you do that Percy. Why don't you just leave your stupid boy nose out of it." Artemis grumbled.
Percy shrugged. "Cause I care about you."
Zeus watched the two with a stern eye, slowly contemplating the merits of the son of Poseidon.
Surprised by Percy's tone and of her own action, Artemis twirled around avoiding eye contact. "This is none of your concern, Percy. Don't stick your boy nose where it doesn't belong."
"Whoa. I'm getting a sense of déjà vu." Dionysius drawled. There was chuckles from the other Olympians.
Percy frowned. "Huh?" but Artemis was already walking away from him.
Thalia sighed. "Honestly Percy, I don't understand how you were so dense around girls."
Percy cracked a grin. "I didn't have much interaction with girls, I was living in a forest for most of my life."
Percy sighed deeply. He noticed Artemis up and down behavior after they left New Jersey. The goddess was conflicted of something and Percy wanted to help, he was her friend after all. "I will never understand girls."
"And I never will." Percy agreed.
"Bro, none of us understand them." Apollo said.
"What do you mean?" Piper asked coming from behind. Sometimes, he forgot that he now had two girls for company and the daughter of Aphrodite was an exotic one too. Percy realized along the way that Piper was a little bit on the tomboyish side, which was strange for a daughter of the goddess of love and beauty.
"Hey! My daughter isn't strange, she's beautiful in her own way." Aphrodite protested.
"Mom! It's okay, he meant 'strange' as in 'different'." Piper soothed.
Percy smiled at her. "It's nothing, Beauty Queen."
Thalia frowned. Isn't that what Leo called Piper?
Piper nudged him in the arm for the nickname. "You're looking weirdly at Lady Artemis." Piper commented still being formal with the goddess despite the latter insisting that she should be called by her name while hunting. Piper had explained to Artemis that she was used on being formal because of her father's evil assistant.
Piper shuddered. "I still think she was a monster."
"She probably was." Hades said. "A lot of monsters take those assistant, nanny jobs, gets them around a lot of people or kids."
"And you two say I am weird." Poseidon muttered, his gaze fixed on his son (?). Did Percy hate him? Did he blame him?
Percy shrugged. "She changed. The first time I met her, she was this fierce girl who hated me like I made the idea of being a guy.
Apollo nodded. "Of course."
Then she turned a little nicer. Now, she alternates in either of the two from time to time. When I say 'time to time', I mean every time I approached her or she approached me."
"Soo all the time?" Hermes whistled. "Got it."
Artemis was slightly mortified. "Was I really that bad?" She turned to Percy.
"Eh." Percy thought about it. "You weren't that bad, it wasn't that much of a problem."
Piper leaned to Thalia,"It was pretty bad. Sometimes they couldn't look at each other, much less talk."
Piper nodded. She had an eerie feeling that something had happened between the two. Even though she wouldn't admit it, she had a little crush on Percy
"HA!" Aphrodite yelled triumphantly, "I knew it~ you had a crush on him." She pointed at Piper, who blushed heavily.
"I was young, and it was a small crush-"
"-Pipes-"
"It was a little bit of a hero syndrome-
"-Pipes-"
"-I swear I didn't mean anything by it-"
"-Piper!" Piper realised what was going on and stopped talking, Percy continued. "It's fine, it was a long time ago. You don't have to worry about it."
Piper let out a sigh of relief, she really wanted to be maintain that friendship she had with Percy and Artemis.
but would be glad to settle for being friends since they were too young and they are in the presence of a forever single goddess.
Ares snorted. "Yeah, look how well that turned out."
Hestia frowned. "Ares!"
"What? I'm telling the truth."
"I see. Anyway Aqua boy, let's go. We need to eat, it's a little late. Lady Artemis prepared dinner." She pulled him to their camp where Artemis was waiting patiently.
After they have eaten, Percy sat by a log with Piper beside him while Artemis sat farther away.
Ever since Piper joined her and Percy's secret hunting and training, the goddess of the moon became self-conscious and felt insecure.
Percy grasped Artemis's hand. "You don't have to feel insecure, you're easily the most beautiful person in the room."
Artemis smiled in return, "Thank you."
Of course this meant some of the other women in the room felt a bit annoyed. Namely Hera, Aphrodite and Athena.
Artemis would seldom check her reflection on a nearby crystal clear river or stream, something she didn't do typically. She didn't really mind how she faired as long as no one would insult her looks.
Hephaestus laughed, a small spark starting at the bottom of his beard. "Women and their vanity. I never understood it."
Hera looked at her son worryingly, perhaps that marriage to Aphrodite wasn't the best decision.
Even before the outbreak of the Trojan War, Artemis didn't jump into argument with Hera, Aphrodite and Athena who claimed to be the most beautiful goddess. She remembered how she watched the three coaxed Paris to choose one which eventually caused the war.
"Which I won." Athena said smugly.
She then pointedly ignored the two glares she got from the other two parties.
Artemis felt like she was on a competition even if she didn't know whether there was a rivalry going between her and the daughter of Aphrodite. The one thing the goddess understood was that Piper seemed to outshine her for Percy's attention.
"That was probably because of Arty's bipolarness when talking to Percy." Apollo said.
There were a few chuckles in the room, Artemis cleared her throat in response.
As senseless as it may sound, Artemis wanted to get closer to the male demigod, to know him better. Although she wouldn't admit, the nasty feeling was growing stronger especially seeing how close Percy and Piper had become.
Aphrodite tsked. "Green isn't a good colour on you Arty."
"MOM! There's no need for that!" Piper sent Artemis an apologetic look, to which Artemis winked in return.
She didn't care about it that much anymore.
Like now, she wanted to yank off either Percy or Piper away from each other. Percy was seated contentedly looking at the clear night sky. Piper laid her head on Percy's shoulder sighing in relief.
Percy had a glance at the woman currently on his shoulder, the universe had a weird sense of humor. "You were really annoyed weren't you?" Percy never knew a cent about how Artemis felt at that time.
It took a while for Artemis to respond. "I'm not annoyed anymore. . . I mean, I used to be, but not anymore."
Percy raised an eyebrow. "Hmm. . . Any particular reason why?" He felt a weight lift off his shoulder as Artemis tilted her head.
"Because I've got you." She kissed him on the cheek.
It was just lucky that Zeus had promised himself not to kill the son of Poseidon this chapter. But the redness on his face was putting doubt on that promise.
He tensed at first before relaxing.
Artemis was observing the two critically. She saw Piper's face tinted with red while Percy was busy gazing at the stars like he wasn't aware of the girl leaning on him.
Apollo clicked his fingers in frustration. "It's always the dense ones! How do they get all the chicks!"
Percy grinned. "Just cuz."
The goddess wanted to asked so many questions when Piper beat her again. "Percy, why are you so nice?"
Aphrodite put her hands to her hair. "No Piper! Out of all the questions you could ask him, you ask 'Why are you nice'.
Piper blushed. "I'm sorry! I didn't what to pry into Percy's life."
Percy brought down his gaze to where Piper was leaning into him. "I don't know if I really am. You can ask Arty. She knew more since I've spent most of the time with her."
They looked at the goddess who seemed surprised and glared at Percy. "Well, I must say Percy isn't that bad, for a man."
"And in terms of compliments from Artemis, that is right up there." Percy smirked as he looked at the woman in mention mirthfully.
Percy was about to protest when he realized it was the first time Artemis hadn't called him a boy. Here she was being a lot nicer again but still it made him blush.
Piper nodded though wondering why Percy was all red. Even the man-hater goddess said so. Piper scooted a little closer to him which made the goddess knit her eyebrows. Artemis was feeling it yet again.
"Jealousy~jealousy~Arty is so~." Aphrodite stopped, she couldn't make the little song rhyme.
"I'm going to kill her." Artemis half-growled.
"No! We don't want to kill anyone, we promised not to!" Percy grabbed onto Artemis's shoulder.
"Fine!" Artemis sighed heavily.
Piper seemed to notice the goddess' facial appearance and she thought something impossible. Could it be…? The daughter of Aphrodite leaned away and came to check Percy's reaction and she caught sight of her savior's reddening face. Hadn't she restrained herself, Piper was sure that her jaw would drop all the way to the ground. Artemis, the exact opposite of her mother was jealous while she realized Percy was somewhat attracted to the goddess as well. Being a daughter of Aphrodite, she could feel it even if it's very faint. She heard that the two had been in this adventure together for months and considering Percy's kind nature, attraction was possible.
"Wow Piper. Are you going to play matchmaker?" Thalia teased.
Aphrodite waved it off. "Of course she would, she's my daughter."
Sure she had a crush on Percy but she wouldn't force herself into him. Sighing sadly, she removed her head from Percy's shoulder and asked another question. "So Percy, do you have someone important in your life? I mean you are training hard and all but for what or for whom?"
"Yes!" Aphrodite jumped up and down. "You're finally asking the right questions Piper!"
Percy turned beet red when he 'accidentally' took a quick glance on Artemis who was staring at him intently. He successfully hid it but Piper saw it and chuckled. It was easy to lure someone if they were caught up in the moment.
"Yeah it is!" Apollo laughed. Just the amount of girls he had picked up by saving them from a 'car'.
"I think Hecate is still mad at you for last week." Hermes said.
"She'll get over it."
"For my family and friends of course." Percy said quickly. "Why?"
"Well, he's not lying. It's just not the complete truth." Apollo gave Percy a pointed look.
Percy nodded before answering. "At that time I thought telling her the truth would mean that I would get turned into an animal. So I decided not to say anything."
"I wouldn't have turned you into an animal." Artemis said. Actually, she wasn't exactly sure of what she would've done.
Piper smiled. "I'm just curious."
Artemis remained silent. She wasn't sure about Percy's answer like it lacked important information.
"You should have said 'I'm deeply and hopelessly in love with you Artemis'." Aphrodite said dreamingly.
Zeus flinched and took a deep breath, he was alright-he was fine.
Hades held back a grin. "Are you not well brother?"
"NO!" Zeus snapped. "I-I mean I'm absolutely fine, continue reading Hades."
Percy sighed and recited some lines that startled Artemis.
"A half-blood of the eldest gods
Zeus glared at his eldest sister. "You told him about the prophecy!" Percy frowned, he didn't like the way Zeus talked to Hestia.
Hestia shrugged. "I didn't, but my counterpart did. I assume it was to prepare Percy should the prophecy be about him."
Shall reach sixteen against all odds
And see the world in endless sleep
The hero's soul curse blade shall reap
A single choice shall end his days
Olympus to preserve or raze"
Artemis wide eyed stared at him in shock. "Percy that's the great prophecy. How did you…I mean did Lady Hestia told you?"
Thalia had a weak smile. "The prophecy could also apply to that Dylan kid."
"No, the prophecy was about me."
"Okay then…"
Percy sighed. "Yes. At first I accepted to train with you because of this prophecy.
"So what's the other reason?" Artemis looked at Percy.
"The other reason is that. . . I started to fall in love with you." Percy admitted.
Artemis leaned over and placed a kiss on Percy's lips, it was short, and it was sweet, and of course, everyone else started to make a big fuss.
First it was Apollo, "MY EYES! WHAT DID I JUST SEE!"
Then it was Aphrodite. "OMG! PERTEMIS'S FIRST KISS."
Some were smiling at the scene. Some didn't care about it at all.
And Zeus? He fainted when his neck started to go purple.
I've been safeguarded by Aunt Hestia just to ensure I will be out of harms reach. As I grow older, I have to train and to ensure that I will pick the right choice. We know that Arty hates men with her very essence, so I force myself to go with her but now, I know what I should do. I wanted to save my friends and my family and of course that includes both of you. I never trusted anyone that much but I trusted the two of you like how I trust Aunt Hestia and my mom. Four years from now and the decision would probably cost my life. Even if my life will end like that, I will be willing to give it up for the people I love." He explained avoiding the pity eyes his two listeners were showing him.
Artemis felt like she was stripped of her immortality. There, right in front of her, the first man she admired because of his character, of what he was, had admitted that he was prepared to die. It constricted her heart that his life was already numbered even if he was so young to experience such terrible prophecy.
There were a few sniffles from the women.
Ares rolled his eyes, boohoo, the kid was going to fight in a war! He should be happy!
Involuntarily, Artemis stood up and sat beside Percy opposite of Piper's seat.
"Percy, you're not the only child of the big three. There was an oath but both my father and Lord Poseidon broke it. Besides, prophecies have double meanings and it had a strange way of happening." Artemis said trying to be optimistic. How could this idiot just accept it? Doesn't he care about others feelings for him?
"Of course I care Artemis, but I had to be realistic at that time. The prophecy was most likely about me, and if it was, then I should have been spending everyday preparing for it." Percy said.
Artemis didn't like what he said, so she punched him. "Stop being so negative about everything."
Piper looked sad. She couldn't fully comprehend what the prophecy meant but she understood what Percy had explained. He was training to die in the end.
Percy sighed. "I'm aware of that. Aunt Hestia tried to explain it to me to but 'a single choice shall end his days' doesn't have that many meaning is it? Don't worry. I'd like you two to know that if I die, I'll die a happy 'man.' This adventure we had is quite fun and the friends a gained are awesome." Percy said wiggling his eyebrows at Artemis for calling him a man rather than a boy.
Apollo burst out in laughter. "Oh man, I'm trying to imagine Percy wiggling his eyebrows," he said. "Perce, could you demonstrate for us?"
So Percy demonstrated, which caused Apollo to laugh even louder.
Thankfully, it lightened up the mood. Artemis smacked the back of his head, momentarily forgetting that this selfless 'man' had claimed that he would die for them.
"Still how could you simply accept that? Don't you want to have a happy life?" Piper asked, her vision were blurry from the tears forming in her eyes.
Artemis was thinking the same though she wasn't that emotional as the daughter of Aphrodite in the outside. The goddess maintained her composure but the beating inside her chest hurt her like an invisible thorns wrapped around her heart, squeezing it repeatedly every second.
"I think everybody wants to have a happy life but if my death will make the ones I hold dearly happy, so be it. Happiness isn't about yourself only; it's about other's happiness as well." Percy said quietly, his voice filled with sadness. At least, he knew some great friends.
Hera smiled, "That's a great philosophy to live by Percy Jackson. You have your loved ones in mind."
Percy smiled back, "Thank you Lady Hera."
"Not if we can help it." Artemis stated firmly. Piper agreed. "You don't need to carry that kind of burden. We are your friends."
Percy chuckled. "I don't know. I never understand girls anyway." He said jokingly but was glad he had odd friends. A man hating goddess and a unAphrodite-like daughter for friends, maybe it would be a great change.
The three of them sat there the entire night sharing stories with each other. They enjoyed each other's company brushing off the fact that one of them was part of the great prophecy.
It was June 21st.
Apollo frowned, "What's so important about June 21st?"
"It's the day of the Summer Solstice," Dionysius said." Don't you ever pay attention in meetings?"
"You're the one with your head behind a magazine!"
"True, true."
Artemis finally decided to take a cab like mortal would do. The cab dropped them in Los Angeles, a few kilometers away from Santa Monica. Percy noticed her agitated expression as if she was in a hurry. He knew that this was the day war would broke out if the symbols of power aren't returned to their rightful owners. He hoped that his new friends were successful but the skies told them otherwise.
Apollo clicked his fingers in realisation. "That's right! Grover, Annabeth and that Dylan kid are on a quest!" He said. "Oh, ho. We almost forgot about them."
Thunder was rumbling from the distance and a storm was brewing wildly.
Hades sighed and looked at the throne across to him. This would have been the time to mention Zeus's tantrums, but unfortunately he was a state of unconsciousness.
Percy also noted that Artemis haven't used any of her godly powers in a past few weeks which was surprising like she was saving it for an upcoming event.
Santa Monica. Percy repeated in his mind. It was the place where their hunting mission was headed to. The very same place Artemis said where Echidna was hiding. Now it all made sense, she was saving her strength for the foreboding battle.
Apollo started to sing 'The Final Countdown'.
The three of them passed an alley silently when a gang of teen boys emerged from the darkness and encircled them. Six teens aging 15 to 17 was looking at them with different emotions though they were eyeing Artemis and Piper more than Percy.
Hermes clicked his tongue. "That's a bit sexist," he said. "How come it's always the males who are the thugs? Why can't it be females?"
Athena rolled her eyes, "It's just logistics. Men are typically more prone to violence than women."
"Exactly… I resent that."
The tallest and most bulky among them pointed his index finger on Piper. "Hey, you."
"Another stereotype. . . Why is it always the biggest person who speaks first?"
Piper wasn't that scared of boys yet she was still a bit apprehensive of them. Her hand reached for her dagger in her belt. Artemis and Percy was the same even though their weapons couldn't hurt mortals. Piper held her hand as if saying 'I got this.'
"Bitches, stand back." Apollo held out his arms in an attempt to hold Hermes back.
Piper blushed in embarrassment.
The two nodded and let Piper handle the situation.
"Me?" Piper asked softly.
"Yes you. You look familiar…No, you are the missing daughter of the famous actor, Tristan McLean. You see, your father put up a reward to whoever would bring his daughter back safely. You have to come with us." The bulky dude said but his eyes had a different glint which frightened Piper. His eyes had the same dark gleam as her previous captors.
"You could have let us handle the situation Piper," Percy said softly.
"Yeah, but I wanted to start standing up for myself." Piper smiled, "It's not fair for you two to fight my battles for me."
Trying to avoid possible deaths, Piper tried to use her charmspeak. "I'm not Tristan's McLean's daughter. Now I would like you to leave this place and forgot that you saw me." Hopefully Percy or Artemis wouldn't kill one. She still wasn't used seeing a human being die even if she witnessed Percy do it twice.
Percy frowned, he still wasn't used to killing people, even after all these years.
Three of them sauntered away but three remained who looked slightly dazed. But instead of eyeing Piper, they were now looking at Artemis. "You—" was the only word the boy had said as Percy, burning with rage, punched the boy square in the jaw. Two of the boys charged Percy but they suddenly dropped into the ground as they shrank into furry animals with small antlers sticking on their heads.
"You know if your father was awake, he would grill you on misusing your powers right." Hades looked at Artemis.
She shrugged. "Are you two going to do it?" She looked at her uncles.
"Nope." They chorused together.
Artemis rolled her eyes. "Stupid boys. Anyway, you're learning Piper but you still need a lot of practice in order to affect a lot of people at once with your power." She turned to Percy. "And Percy, I can protect myself. I just want to see how Piper improved." Though she appreciated what Percy had done, she would never voice it out.
Percy faced Piper, a smirk forming in his lips. "You're a daughter of a famous actor?" Percy asked.
"You know I've worked with Tristan once." Apollo spoke. "It's was in that episode for uhh. . . Supernatural!" He exclaimed.
Naturally, this set Piper off. "You were in that episode?" She was a huge fan of Supernatural, and was even more excited when her dad got a role as a demon for a season.
Apollo clicked his tongue. "Sweetie, I was in all the episodes." Being Castiel meant getting the chicks at the bar.
Piper blushed but was afraid that Percy would hate her. "Yeah, part of the reason why I run away." She answered glumly.
"Why?"
"He never had the time for me. He even has a cruel assistant who 'watches' over me." Piper sighed recounting what she told Artemis. "I love my dad but…I felt alone."
Aphrodite frowned. "Sweetie, I'm sorry I couldn't spend any time with you."
Piper shook her head. "It's okay now, I made some other great friends along the way."
Percy slung his arm around Piper and pulled her into a hug which made Artemis raise an eyebrow but stayed silent. The throbbing inside the goddess' chest was getting stronger whenever she saw the two like that. "Have you heard what the boy said earlier? You father is looking for you. You shouldn't give up on him. He might be busy as an actor but you can at least try to talk to him. I can tell that he was a good father as he had a good daughter like you."
"He's a good father. One of the best." Piper said. She didn't understand it before, but her father worked to support her, and the use of an assistant was because he needed someone to look after her. It wasn't his fault that the assistants were monsters.
"He is," Piper said, her head still buried in Percy's chest. "I just feel left out when I didn't see him again all year and I have to bear his assistant's presence. It was something I couldn't tolerate anymore."
Percy rubbed circles in her back soothingly. "It's not too late. You can talk to him and besides you have change, you can stand up against your father's evil helper." He whispered.
Piper pulled away wiping some tears. "Thank you. I will do that."
Piper smiled. "And I did do it." That assistant was gone within a few weeks, a quick use of the mist ensured that no-one missed her.
Artemis joined the two and shoved Percy lightly. "I never thought a boy would be that good in giving advices. Though, I really like her to join my hunt."
"And I still do." Artemis moved her head to meet Piper.
"Maybe one day Lady Artemis." Piper mused.
Percy grumbled. "I can if I wanted too and I realize girls are good in something too."
Apollo laughed. "Yeah they are." Artemis promptly got off her comfortable seat.
SLAP
"AHHHHH."
Artemis smiled though girls are good in almost everything, she thought. "Good in?"
Percy grinned. "Attracting trouble."
"That's really true." Hades stopped reading for a moment.
Demeter put her hands by her sides. "And pray tell, when do we attract trouble."
"The Trojan War," he deadpanned.
Artemis and Piper's mouth hung open. "What do you mean good in attracting trouble?"
"Nothing." Percy replied laughing.
"Well we know for a fact that a certain boy who is now in trouble!" The two girls chorused as they flanked Percy in each side poking him for fun.
"And now you guys just punch me. . . What happened?" Percy asked.
Artemis rolled her eyes. "You're a big boy now Percy."
After they exited the alley, the three proceeded towards a beach in Santa Monica. They could already see the Pacific glinting gold under the sun. Percy had been to Montauk beach before but never had he set foot on the sea water. He just admired it from afar thinking how it would be so cool to actually swim on the sea. Now he knew that he couldn't or else his father would know about him in an instant.
Poseidon looked at his son sadly. "Do you hate me that much Percy?" Not setting foot in sea water, it must have been torture as a son of Poseidon.
Percy looked at his father and sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Back in my universe you and I have a . . . good relationship." Percy half-smiled, "But I forgave you dad, it wasn't your fault, and I don't want you to worry."
Artemis could sense powerful presences and her mind screamed vengeance. Forest nymphs and his twin brother Apollo kept on giving her lead to Echidna. At the latest, the mother of monsters had gathered monsters inside a ship shrouded from the eyes of Poseidon. More likely, Oceanus, the titan of the seas was helping Echidna and the vast number of monsters.
The three of them were startled when three flashes of light appeared a hundred yards in front of them, blocking the way to the beach. Artemis paled that other gods had found about her and Hestia's agreement.
"Told ya." Dionysius smirked from behind his magazine.
Fortunately, the new arrivals weren't other gods. Unfortunately, they are far worse than the gods.
Artemis went even paler but she urged herself to step forward and to talk with the three ancient women carrying a string.
There were a chorus of groans from the other occupants in the room.
"Nephew, you just seem like a magnet for trouble." Hestia said.
"It wasn't really that bad. They just talked to me." Percy said sheepishly.
She noticed that the Fates were looking intently at Percy. It was something that worried her too much. Could they be claiming the life of the only male she would ever approve?
"I didn't know you cared that much back then." Percy said to Artemis.
Artemis smirked. "Always Percy . . . Always."
"I've got to stop letting you watch Harry Potter."
Before the goddess could speak, Atropos, the old woman in the middle holding a pair of gold and silver scissors, called. Her voice rasped in thin air, sending bone chilling vibrations. "Percy Jackson."
Apollo shivered, she was holding a packet of peas next to his face. "I'm still scared whenever they talk."
"That's saying a lot." Hermes muttered, " Considering how you spend the most time with them."
Artemis spun around to face Percy. She found him looking at the Fates like he had already met them before. He wasn't even afraid or at least he didn't show it.
"Aren't you scared of dying?" Thalia was genuinely curious, how could Percy handle it all so well.
Percy shrugged. "I guess-" he faltered. "I guess it's because my whole life has been leading to the prophecy in mind. As a child the prophecy had been drilled into my head. . ." He looked at Thalia, "To answer your question; I am scared of dying, but I guess I've accepted that as an inevitable part of my life."
"Wow." Thalia muttered. Percy was really strong, to be able to handle that amount of pressure from such an early age.
"We have warned you that getting so close to the sea will either bring birth or destruction. Tell us young demigod, are you ready to face the consequences of going back?" The three asked in unison.
Percy nodded grimly. "Yes. The letter says it all. I don't know how but it clearly instructs me to go. It was a vision."
Atropos nodded. "The rift of the past shall be compensated by the present. For better or for worse, the decision is in your hands. Choose well, Percy Jackson." The old ladies choired before slowly fading in front of them.
Piper and Artemis looked at Percy for explanation. "My mother, she had foreseen this day. I don't know how but she knew."
Hermes pursed his lips. "It looks like your counterpart had a child with a Seer."
Percy shook his head, "No it wasn't that."
Hermes frowned. "Then what was it?"
"You'll find out soon enough."
Artemis stared at him. A visit from the Fates was a very big deal and Percy was telling them that her mother had a vision. Percy's mother was gone or so she thought. "I thought…" She didn't finish as she looked at Percy's sad visage.
Percy took out a white envelope from his bag and handed it to Artemis. "Would you like to read it Arty?"
Artemis nodded as she remembered the letter Percy received during his 9th birthday. Somewhat touched that Percy let her read it rather than Piper; she inspected the envelope carefully and read the note found at the back.
"I'm glad that you'd let Lady Artemis read the letter instead of me." Piper said thoughtfully.
Percy leaned forward. "Why?"
Piper grinned. "Isn't it obvious?" She said, "Artemis was much more important to you than me. I'm kind of relieved it was her."
"Open it when you are in a journey to the sea"
Percy sent a meaningful glance to Poseidon, who suddenly realised, a part of Percy's reasons for avoiding him.
Is that why you avoided me Percy? Because you had those burdens on your back?
The goddess looked up to Percy. "Santa Monica…" She said. Percy gave her a nod of confirmation.
Percy motioned her to open the flap and read the main letter. Artemis cleared her throat and began;
"Dear Perseus,
If you are reading this, I want you to know how I am sorry for not being a mother you wanted me to be. The Fates had warned that a prophecy concerning me still existed. It's been a very long time but I started to recall it slowly. My memories were wiped out in the River Lethe to save me from banishment as my existence was considered a threat by Zeus.
Hades growled. It was always because of Zeus, the amount of pain he has caused in the world. His throat suddenly feeling dry as he looked at his unconscious brother.
"Brother!" A stern voice snapped him out of his reverie. He felt himself look into the flaming eyes of his sister. "Calm yourself."
Hades took a deep breath and went back to reading.
I shifted form into a mortal, undetected by the Olympians. I lived peacefully with my new twin sister, Sally. Though I never fully remembered why, I vowed never to return to the sea.
Poseidon's mind went into overdrive, there were only a few people that he knew that vowed to not 'return to the sea'. Combining that fact with Percy's abnormal powers.
Sadly, what belongs to the sea will always return to the sea and that includes the two of us. I know you would resent your father and me but if you are to blame someone, blame only me. It was my fault. It would never happen if I stayed strong.
Poseidon frowned, "It wasn't all of your fault." Poseidon was one those people, those people who wanted to carry everyone's pain. It was painful, and it was often tragic.
Now that you are in a journey to go back from where we came from, I had a vision you will confront someone and by then head straight to the sea immediately. But remember this: go with what your heart tells you, or you will lose all. Whoever you meet there, do not mistrust your judgment. You must listen to your heart.
And if we meet again, I presume I will have my entire memory back and I have a request for you to grant me. Promise me that you will grant my final wish.
Set me free.
Athena frowned. "Set me free sounds like . . ." she trailed off.
"It sounds like she wants him to kill her." Hera finished sadly.
Once again, I'm sorry for giving you a hero's fate. My previous life as I remembered partially was never anything but tragic. How I wish you have the same happy ending as your namesake. May the Fates be with you, Perseus.
I love you my son,
Sarah"
The two girls looked at Percy sympathetically. They knew that Percy had this burden of the great prophecy to endure but right now he had to face yet another problem. Set me free. For Artemis and Piper's ears, it sounded like 'please kill me.' Percy's expression showed that he was thinking the same.
Percy looked up into the waiting constellations, his eyes tint with red. He wasn't going to deny it was hard, listening to that again. He glanced down to the hand grasping his.
"Cheer up, you've got that happy ending." Diana said light-heartedly.
Artemis examined the letter looking for Percy's mother's real identity. She frowned that there was no other notes. Percy looked amused at her as she scowled back.
Percy shrugged. "Sorry."
Artemis huffed indignantly but gestured Piper and Percy to follow. "I don't know what beings awaited as there but I can sense their powerful energies. We have to move cautiously. What are you going to do Perseus?"
Percy scowled. "Hey!" Apparently, Artemis' payback for the weird nicknames had arrived which caught Percy off-guard.
"And I still hate it to this day." Percy groaned.
"Perseus." Artemis smirked. "PER-SE-US."
Artemis simply smirked. "Shut up Perseus. Now you know how I feel when you call me Arty the first time. Now be a man and get used to it."
"See Perseus!" Artemis pointed to the book, "Past me is just so smart."
Percy sighed. Artemis was just as stubborn as he was so it was no use to protest. He stared at the beach, his eyes darkening every minute. Artemis couldn't help but to feel worry for Percy. "I'll help you fight monsters in this place until all are defeated or that 'someone' shows up in the sea whoever it is."
Ares groaned. "It's that annoying selflessness again." He looked at Percy. "Why can't you just worry about yourself?"
"I don't know Ares, I think it's kinda adorable." Aphrodite said as she powdered her face.
"Exactly. . . Wait, what?"
Artemis bit her lower lip. "Perseus, your task is to head straight to the sea. Piper and I will take care of this. She had the qualities of being a good hunter and we can protect ourselves." Piper nodded in agreement; she trained with Percy and would never put it into waste.
Percy narrowed his eyes. "I know but I'll never let you go and have the fun for yourselves. I'll help if I can no matter what you say Arty."
Ares grumbled to himself, weird girls and their tastes.
Artemis grumbled about stupid overwhelming loyalty under her breath.
"Ha. You're thinking the same thing as Arthritis." Dionysius laughed at Ares.
"Shut it you old drunk!"
"Dionysius. I would appreciate it from you address me by my proper name." Artemis growled.
Dionysius scoffed. "Why? What are you going to do?" A knife went shredded the middle of his magazine, landing just inches away from his eyes. "Point taken."
Even though she liked that trait of Percy or flaw as Hestia called it, Percy's fate was more important than their hunting. She then noticed Percy's killing intent, an aura of bloodlust, which seemed to swirl around his body. It was like someone dark and full of malice inside him that wanted to escape and wreak havoc in the area. The goddess knew that Percy wouldn't take a 'no' for an answer.
"Fine but if there is someone came to existence on that place, don't hesitate to leave the monsters to us. Is that understood?" Artemis asked going authoritative like she used to.
Percy rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say milady." The reply earned him an elbow from Piper and a smack in the arm from Artemis.
"Sarcasm isn't appreciated." Artemis said dryly.
"Yes milady. Whatever you say mil-OW!" Percy rubbed his arm. Okay, maybe he shouldn't push her, considering what she was going through right now.
While Percy and Artemis were discussing about their battle plan, Piper noticed an odd looking ship docked in the Santa Monica Pier. Being a daughter of a movie star, she had seen a lot of cruise ship when she was with her father but this one seemed suspicious mainly because it resembled Greek designs. A huge ship with a three-story-tall woman statue for a masthead attached into its bow was so out of place considering other ships beside it. PRINCESS ANDROMEDA was painted in black above the bow line. She racked her brain and indeed the name rang a bell. It was the wife of the original Perseus after he saved her from the sea serpent Cetus.
"I'm impressed Piper, you know your history." Athena nodded to the daughter of Aphrodite.
Piper tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear and said. "Thank you Lady Athena. I did try to study as much as I could about Greek legends during my training trip."
The ship was already departing but not before leaving a small retinue of monsters being led by two hideous characters in the form of a man and woman. Piper choked at the sight that the sound she made, grabbed Percy and Artemis' attention.
"It's Echidna and that other guy." Apollo clicked his fingers. "It starts with T!"
Artemis rolled her eyes, he'll find out soon enough.
Percy uncapped his pen, Artemis's silver bow materialized in her hand and Piper drew her silver dagger strapped in her belt. They hid on a small hut close to the sea.
"The ship was filled with monsters." Piper said hoarsely.
"We cannot pursue the ship, it's beyond my powers. I'll report this monster-infested ship to the Olympian Council after we finish taking down this monsters."
"Which Zeus will do NOTHING ABOUT." Poseidon turned to his still-unconscious brother. Strangely, he still didn't wake.
Hera placed a hand on Poseidon's shoulder. "We'll wake him after this chapter is finished."
Artemis said before her silver eyes brightened in anticipation. "Echidna…" She spat recognizing the mother of monsters though the small monster army was still out of earshot.
Hades sighed. "You didn't maim her that bad right? Monster counselling sessions are such a pain to organise."
Apollo held out a hand. "There's monster counselling sessions?" He asked with widened eyes.
"You'll know how they'll resent what you just said right." Hades said dryly. "Monsters are people too, and all that jazz."
Artemis had an innocent look on her face as she answered Hades. "I don't think I maim her that bad. She certainly got less than what she deserved."
"Okay." Hades sighed. "My counterpart should've arranged at least ten sessions."
Percy put a hand in her shoulder. Normally, Artemis would either turn any man into an animal or kill it right on the spot for touching her but instead she calmed down and looked at Percy in the eyes.
Apollo pouted. "Why don't you love me sis?"
Artemis mock smiled at her brother. "I'll think about it."
I've got to say, she hid that smile well, just not well enough for Apollo.
"I know that you're saving your energy for this day to come but please, don't stress yourself. You will avenge them." Percy stated remembering Artemis' thirst for revenge.
"You knew?" Artemis asked with a hint of anger. He knew about her hunt.
Percy nodded. "A little, that's why I'm here to help." He then looked warily at the man leading the monsters beside Echidna: it was the giant in his nightmare. "Arty, I've seen that big guy over there. He appeared in my dream. He is after me and seeking revenge to twins. Is that you and your brother?"
"Eureka!" Apollo jumped out of his throne. "I've got it . . . it's Tityos- oh crap," he fell back on his throne. "That guy was a giant asshole."
"Good job, I'm literally gonna say that in the next line." Hades drawled.
Artemis' eyes widened before it turned into a harsh glare directed at the giant. "Tityos"
"And that's the chapter." Hades sighed.
I hope you guys enjoyed what I did with putting Artemis and Percy in together, I couldn't really find a realistic way for them to get together, so this was the only option. (I mean really, who falls in love reading a book together?) What do you guys think?
All the other usual stuff apply. Please review and please!
Check out my other story 'All of Our Stars'. It's a mortal Percy/Artemis, give it a try! Even if the ending isn't exactly a happy one!
PS: To those who noticed it, it wasn't a mistake . . . I did it on purpose ;)
