A.N: Well here is chapter seven... Longest one yet, Definitley took longer than I wanted it to but it was needed as it sets up a good amount of the chapters to come. Oh and keep reviewing, it keeps me motivated to write. Someone asked how I update everyday, well the answers easy, i wrote a few chapters before I posted it but also I work at a job where I'm overqualified for the work I have to do so it gives me four or five hours a day to kill sitting at a desk, so naturally I find ways to kill the time, such as writing. The writing doesn't take long, I usually write a whole chapter in a sitting, it's going back and retreading it 7 or 8 times to make adjustments and corrections that's time consuming. So if you like the fast updates keep the damn reviews coming and I will keep updating. Suggestions are always appreciated.
Ch. 7
The quest to save Artemis
As soon as Zoe stepped out of the vortex and back into the clearing near Zeus' fist she immediately broke down into tears. She couldn't shake the feeling she would never see Perseus again. She couldn't abandon her mistress though, the woman who took her in when she had no home and gave her a family for over two thousand years. She had to take this quest, it was given to her and she would not fail Artemis. She just prayed that somehow she would survive this quest and see her love's face again. In her mind Zoe had already decided if she and the world survived the rise of Kronos and the Titan's forces she would leave the hunt so she and Perseus could be together. She was happy she knew everything about him now and yet she still felt like there was something he didn't tell her, but for now she had to focus on saving Artemis and surviving the quest.
Eventually her tears subsided and she began to trek back to the Artemis cabin, subconsciously gripping the pendant on her necklace. As soon as she walked back into the cabin area of Camp Half-Blood, she saw a familiar teenage girl sitting outside the Artemis cabin obviously waiting for her. Zoe realized a total of 30 minutes had passed since she had run from Thalia. She once again was completely aware of the time and could feel its flow again like she usually could. As Zoe approached her she did not know what to expect.
When she got closer to Thalia, she saw the place where Zoe had smacked her earlier was already healed. She assumed Perseus had kept his word like he always does. Her heart fluttered for a minute before it was filled with dread at the prospect of never seeing him again.
"Hello Thalia." Zoe said politely. She still felt bad for hitting her even if she did not remember it. Zoe was also really glad she hadn't gutted her like she wanted to.
"Ummm, Hi Zoe." Thalia said uncertainly. She had assumed this hunter did not like her and was surprised by the kind tone she spoke in.
"I'm sorry for avoiding you. I was confused. Come let's take a walk somewhere more private to talk, ok?" Zoe asked her. Although it wasn't that much of a question, it was more of a statement.
Thalia nodded in response and the two walked to a secluded area near the sword fighting arena.
Neither knew what to say, but Thalia, never one to be shy, broke the silence. "I was just curious as to how you know, Perseus." Thalia said, whispering his name just in case.
Zoe froze a bit. She expected the question but hadn't actually thought of a response. She was a huntress. She couldn't exactly say 'oh he has been my boyfriend for the past 1500 years'.
Eventually she relaxed, "He is a good friend of mine. He has been for a very long time."
Thalia raised an eyebrow, "Umm aren't you, you know, supposed to hate all men?"
Zoe laughed quietly, "Yes. And I do, a lot. But Perseus is different. I met him before I joined the hunt, many, many years ago."
"And Lady Artemis doesn't mind you being friends with a man?" Thalia questioned, surprised.
Zoe paled a bit. She had not expected that question and wasn't sure how to answer. "Actually she doesn't know. As you know Perseus is not known to very many people. In fact, other than his parents, you and I are the only ones who know he is alive. And it needs to stay that way as I'm sure he has mentioned." Zoe replied, the last part in a slightly warning tone.
Thalia quickly nodded, "Yes I know. I would never tell anyone. I owe him my life. I would never betray him. I was just curious how you managed to be his friend without Lady Artemis knowing."
Zoe nodded in acceptance to her answer, "Yes, well as I'm sure you've noticed Perseus has many, talents, that allow him to remain hidden from those he does not want to see him."
"Yea, he is amazing. Some of the things he can do are unreal." Thalia responded excitedly. She had never been able to talk to anyone about him before. It was nice to actually do it.
Zoe's eyes flashed dangerously. Something Thalia quickly picked up on. Her eyes shot wide open. She had a funny feeling what kind of "friends", him and Zoe were. She was just shocked the Lieutenant of the Hunt had romantic feelings toward a man. She also noticed the dangerous glint was still in Zoe's eyes.
"Zoe, I'm not going to ask you what kind of friends you and Perseus are since it's not my business, but from the way your glaring at me let me clarify what he is to me. He is my Patron God, even if I don't even know what he is god of. He is like the father or big brother I never had. My mom was a drunk and I ran away from home when I was ten. For 6 months I roamed the country alone. No money, scrounging for meals and running for monsters constantly. After 6 months I met up with Luke. So we roamed together for the next year. Things got better after meeting Luke. He is a son of Hermes, so he was able to steal us food and break into different places where we could sleep instead of staying in the woods or on the streets. The only help my father ever gave me was my shield, a knock off version of the shield he gave Athena." She said pointing to Aegis on her wrist.
"Zeus couldn't even give me a weapon to defend myself with. All we had was a baseball bat I carried and an old golf club Luke carried to fight off the constant monsters attracted to my scent. That was until one day when Luke went inside a mini-mart to steal us some dinner, a boy walked towards me. He was my age, and seemed like a normal kid except he had black and silver eyes. He walked by me like he didn't notice me until he was right in front of me. He dropped a backpack in front of me and walked away like he didn't notice he dropped it. I bent down to pick it up to hand it to him but he was gone. Inside, I found a canister of mace which turns into a celestial bronze spear." Thalia said pulling out a small bottle of mace.
"Also inside was a ring that turned into a sword, which I gave to Luke. There was also $5,000 in mortal money and a small bag of Drachmas. Luke and I assumed it was our parents finally helping us out. Luke still thinks that, but I know better now even if Perseus never mentioned it. Well a little while after that we met up with Annabeth who was only eight at the time. Then later we met Grover, who brought us to the borders of Camp Half-Blood." Thalia stated, slight tearing up after reliving those rough years of her life again.
She took a deep breath before continuing, "When we neared the borders, an army of monsters surrounded us. They were clearly after me so I convinced Luke to bring the others over the border to get help. After a few minutes I was about to be killed by a Fury when thunder boomed loudly and I thought Zeus was going to save me. I was wrong. A bolt came down straight at me. I thought my own father was going to kill me. As I prepared to die, I must have passed out, because when I woke up I was on the ground with a man looking down at me. But I wasn't dead, I was healed. That's when Perseus told me Zeus wasn't going to kill me; he was going to turn me into a tree…. Gee thanks father." Thalia said the last part bitterly.
Her demeanor softened immediately when she started again, "Perseus said I was needed to save the world and he would help me. Then he gave me the option of being the prophecy child or letting Zeus turn me into a tree. Needless to say I chose the prophecy, even though I'm pretty sure Perseus would have saved me anyway."
"Well that's how I met Perseus, how I became his champion and what his relationship is to me. I'm not sure what he thinks of me as but I do care for him deeply but as a father, since he's the only person who has ever been one in any way to me." Thalia finished sadly.
Zoe had listened attentively during her entire story, she knew most of it but what surprised her was the way Thalia thought of Perseus. Without another thought she stepped forward and pulled Thalia into a hug. "Trust me Thalia, I know Perseus very well and he cares for you a lot. When he told me about you he bragged about how brave you were against the army of monsters, and when he said he was your Patron God you could practically feel the pride rolling off his body."
Thalia beamed a smile at Zoe. She had always hoped Perseus was proud of her.
After a minute they stepped apart and smiled at each other. They both knew they were going to become fast friends. "Let's go get some rest Thalia; we have a Goddess to save in the morning." Zoe said smiling.
As they walked back to camp, Zoe was once again struck with despair in her heart knowing she could very well being going to her death.
(Line Break because the Quest to get there wasn't exciting in my story. Grover took the Ophiotaurus to Olympus. Bianca still died, sorry Bianca.)
The battle against Atlas was not going well for the members of the quest. They discovered a demi-god daughter of Ares, Clarisse La Rue turned traitor and was preparing to become the host for Kronos. She was locked in battle with Luke, sword versus spear, off to the side of the battle between Thalia and Zoe against Atlas. Artemis was helpless, stuck underneath the weight of the sky.
Thalia had just had her spear knocked away, Atlas stood above her ready to kill her.
"Pathetic little demi-god, what chance did you really stand against a titan." Atlas bellowed mockingly.
As he raised his spear ready to impale Thalia, a loud voice bellowed, "NOOOOOOO!"
In an instant Zoe stood between Thalia and Atlas firing an arrow straight into the forehead of her father.
"Arghh." Yelled Atlas as he stumbled backwards.
Zoe pulled Thalia to her feet before turning back around where her father stood ten yards away, mid throw, firing his spear straight into his daughter's stomach. Zoe flew back ten yards in a pile of rubble near the edge of the mountain.
Tears sprung into Thalia's eyes. Zoe and she had become very close during the quest. She just prayed she would somehow survive, her hopes were not high.
Thalia suddenly heard a voice in her head. 'Don't lose focus my champion.' Her eyes widened.
'Perseus!' she thought back.
'Stay focused Thalia. You cannot defeat Atlas alone. He is too strong for you right now.' She heard.
'Then what the hell am I supposed to do!' She thought back agitated.
'Go to Artemis. Take the weight of the sky from her. It is the only way. She can defeat Atlas and force him back under.' Thalia's jaw dropped.
'I can't it will crush me!' She cried.
'Thalia, you are stronger than you can imagine. Do you trust me?' He asked her seriously.
Thalia thought for a moment. He was there when no one else was. Not her mother. Not her father. Even when she didn't know it was him. She trusted him with her life. She knew she would take the sky.
'Of course I do Perseus. I will take the sky. I will hold until Artemis can put Atlas back where he belongs. I will make you proud.' She thought back.
'Thalia, you have made me beyond proud long before today. I know you will succeed.' She heard before she felt his presence vanish from her mind.
She looked at Atlas to see he hadn't moved an inch during her mental conversation with Perseus; it was like Atlas was frozen. He seemed to unfreeze right as she looked at him. She had no idea what that was about but had no time to think of it now; he was already coming at her. His spear materialized in his hand while she was weaponless.
Thalia knew she wouldn't make it to Artemis before Atlas killed her. She thought about what Perseus would tell her to do. Perseus! She thought. She grabbed her pendant and pulled. Her bow materialized in her hand quiver on her back.
She notched two arrows and fired them straight into Atlas' face.
She fired two more at his leg. Dropping him to a knee, giving her the chance she needed.
She sprinted to Artemis, stopping directly in front of her.
"Lady Artemis! Give me the sky." She exclaimed.
"No child, it will crush you." Artemis groaned back, clearly exhausted.
"No milady. Atlas will kill me anyway. Only you can fight him and put him back under the sky." Thalia replied.
She couldn't wait to argue with Artemis any longer, she climbed under the sky, stood next to Artemis, and put hands up to grab hold of the sky.
The weight and pain was unimaginable. She didn't know how long she could hold it.
'Prepare yourself Thalia.' It was Perseus again.
Then the weight and pain more than doubled. Thalia realized that Artemis had slipped out from under the burden. The pain was indescribable. She could barely make out Artemis battling Atlas in front of her, she was a blur of silver, hunting knives striking faster than Thalia could follow.
Thalia felt herself getting lightheaded. Her vision darkened and she was close to giving in to the pain.
'Hold on Thalia, only another couple minutes. I know you can do it. You have to. If not then all will be lost.' She heard in her mind.
Perseus' voice gave her new strength. Her vision began to clear. She felt raw power coursing through her body. She stood up straighter, lifting the weight off her shoulders slightly with her hands.
'That's my girl.' She heard the proud voice of Perseus in her mind. The fact that he called her his girl made her crack a smile despite the immense pain.
She suddenly heard a female voice enter her mind, 'Prepare yourself. Get ready.' It was Artemis. Thalia looked up to see Atlas lunge toward Artemis with his spear. She quickly dodged his strike, grabbed his spear and flung the Titan straight into Thalia.
She loosened her grip on the sky as the Titan crashed into her. She let herself get pushed out from the burden and saw the sky drop onto Atlas' back.
He screamed in pain before readjusting the weight onto his shoulders.
Thalia lay on the ground panting from exhaustion. She had done it. She held the sky and survived.
She looked up to see Luke disarm Clarisse who sneered at him, "This isn't over Castellan." She touched her bracelet and vanished into a golden light.
Luke dropped to a knee, panting from exhaustion. Thalia ran up to him and pulled him into a hug.
"Have you seen Annabeth?" She asked him worriedly.
"No, but Clarisse said she was imprisoned downstairs. She said after she killed me she would run Annabeth through with my own sword." He spat angrily. Thalia could understand his anger. Annabeth was like their little sister. They had taken care of her and watched over her ever since they had met her while roaming the country. Thalia promised herself to rip that war brats head off first chance she got, traitorous bitch.
"You did great Luke. Go find Annabeth. I will check on Zoe." Thalia told him. Luke nodded and took off down into the internal chambers of the mountain.
Thalia quickly sprinted to where she saw Zoe thrown.
When she reached her, she saw Zoe cradled in Artemis' arms. The goddess was sobbing hard.
Zoe was still alive, but not for long. There was blood soaked through her huntress uniform. Her skin was deathly pale.
Thalia knelt by Zoe, tears falling hard from her eyes.
"Can't you heal her?" Thalia cried to the Goddess.
Artemis just shook her head sadly still crying hard, "When the fates will the string cut, there is little we can do."
Thalia saw Zoe reaching weakly for her neck. She was looking for her necklace.
Thalia grabbed Zoe's hand and guided it to her wolf pendant.
Zoe grasped it tightly and whispered, "I'm so sorry."
Artemis looked confused but Thalia understood.
"You knew you were going to die. Atlas is your father, and yet you still came despite knowing what would happen." Thalia cried softly.
Zoe nodded, "I could not outrun my fate. If the Fates will something to happen, they cannot be defied."
"That may be the case for most. But it is not for me." A man's voice echoed in the cavern.
Artemis' head shot up. She could feel and immense amount of power coming toward them.
Suddenly Artemis was pushed back by a wall of darkness, a vortex appeared next to Zoe, and outstepped Perseus. He crotched down next to Zoe and gently picked her up.
Artemis grabbed her hunting knives and tried to lunge toward him. She was restrained by shadows that held in place. She screamed at him, "Get away from her you filth!"
Perseus completely ignored her. He cradled Zoe in his arms, "Did you really think I wouldn't know you were on a quest that predicted your death?" He asked her softly.
Zoe shook her head, "I'm so sorry. I should have told you but I couldn't leave my mistress at the mercy of my father."
Perseus just smiled gently at her, "And I could not stand by and watch the love of my life die before we ever got to be together."
He placed his hands on Zoe's wound sending streams of silver and black energy into her body. He continued to do so for several minutes. Slowly her wound closed up, and ever so subtly her skin regained the coppery tint it usually had.
Once her skin regained its usual glow, Perseus removed his hands, Zoe still cradled in his lap.
Zoe opened her eyes and stared into Perseus' eyes before reaching up and grabbing his head, pulling him in for a slow and gentle kiss, drawing a shocked gasp from Artemis.
Before anyone could say anything, a bright light appeared in front of Perseus and Zoe. The three Fates appeared with an outraged expression on their faces.
"Zoe Nightshade was supposed to die on this quest. Your interference is not allowed, Primordial or not!" They yelled in unison.
Everyone with the exception of Perseus wore terrified expressions on their faces. He set Zoe on her feet and stood up to his full height of six foot four, eyes pulsing with power. He wore an angry expression as he addressed the Fates, "I am beyond your power and your control. You cannot stop me from saving her." He spat angrily.
The Fates flinched but quickly regained their composure, "You may have healed her but we will just cut her string now. That is her fate; you have no right to interfere and cannot stop us."
Zoe was utterly terrified. She had just been saved only to be killed anyway.
Thalia was dumbfounded, staring numbly since the fates called her Patron a Primordial God and horrified her friend was going to die.
Artemis had a million emotions racing through her mind. She wanted to gut this man for kissing her lieutenant, whether he saved her or not. She was scared after learning he was a Primordial. Worried her lieutenant was going to be killed anyway, and utterly shocked by the fates appearance, the fact that both Thalia and Zoe seemed to know this man, and that Zoe appeared to be in love with him.
Before anyone could say anything, the Fates summoned a piece of string colored the same volcanic rock black as Zoe's eyes and a pair of shears getting ready to cut the string.
Time slowed, for everyone but Perseus. His eyes flashed with rage. He fired an energy blast at Lachesis and Atropos, who were holding the string and shears. Both fates eyes widened as the blast hit them. They dropped the shears and string. Perseus lunged forward and grabbed the string before it could drop then let time resume its usual pace. The shears fell to the ground. Every single person was absolutley flabbergasted by the events.
Perseus just smirked. He tucked the string into his back pocket, and then winked at Zoe.
Another Vortex opened in between the Fates and Perseus.
Outstepped a man, six foot six, with pale skin and pure black eyes.
The three fates bowed immediately. "Lord Chaos." They said in unison. Thalia and Artemis, who was released from her bonds, copied their actions immediately.
Perseus and Zoe just smiled. "Father." "Chaos." They both said casually. Artemis and Thalia were on the verge of a mental breakdown from the events of the past twenty minutes.
Before anyone said anyone said anything else there was a flash of light. When it vanished, there stood the Mother of Rome Lupa, smiling.
Before anyone could say a word, Chaos spoke up, rather casually, "Well I know everyone is very confused, well except for Perseus, Lupa, and Zoe, all your questions will be answered, but you must come with me."
The fates, Thalia, and Artemis all nodded numbly.
Thalia tugged on Perseus' sleeve and said quietly, "Luke and Annabeth are still inside. We can't leave them here."
Perseus nodded, he snapped his fingers and the sleeping forms of Luke and Annabeth were in front of them. "They can come with us, but this conversation is not for their ears so they will stay asleep until we return. Their memories will be adjusted so they think they came back to camp on Artemis' chariot."
Thalia smiled a Perseus, her eyes showing her gratitude.
With that Chaos opened a vortex. Zoe grabbed Perseus' hand lacing their fingers together and walked into the vortex first, Artemis and Thalia behind them, Artemis glaring daggers through Perseus' back.
Lupa put a hand on Artemis' shoulder. Artemis raised an eyebrow. Lupa looked deeply into her friend's silver eyes. "Do you trust me Diana?"
Artemis looked confused, but replied, "Of course I do. You are one of my closest friends."
Lupa smiled, "Please wait to pass judgment then. After this meeting you will want to kill some people but I promise you Perseus will not be one of them."
Artemis looked at her bewildered, "I do not understand but I trust you. I will wait to pass judgment. But unless something changes I will try to kill him for touching my Lieutenant."
Lupa smiled sadly, "Thank you my friend. I promise you will not regret it."
Artemis was still confused but nodded her head and smiled a small smile at one of her oldest friends. They walked into the portal with Thalia, followed by the Three Fates who were also very confused, and lastly by Chaos who was shaking his head at the conversation ahead of him, the sleeping floating bodies of Annabeth and Luke bringing up the rear.
Once everyone was settled into the throne room, Luke and Annabeth sleeping on beds Chaos conjured, Chaos turned to the three fates.
"You know the situation with Perseus, his conception, his situation, and the role he will play in the future, so I will tell you now, let this go. If you do not, you will face not only his wrath but my own. I know you were only performing your duties, but he had my consent to save her, he cannot face what is to come in the future without her."
The Fates nodded their heads, obviously not happy with what happened and how it happened, but knew better than to go against Chaos. "Yes, Lord Chaos. We understand."
Chaos smiled, "Thank you granddaughters, you may leave now."
The fates bowed and flashed out.
"Now time to discuss the more complicated matters. Artemis, I need you to refrain from doing anything until we have completed our discussion, understood?" Chaos asked seriously.
Artemis nodded, slightly nervous about angering Chaos.
"Well, first let's start with Perseus. Perseus here is the son of Lupa and myself." Chaos stated slowly.
Artemis' jaw dropped, betrayal clear in her eyes at the thought of Lupa breaking her vow.
"Perseus is my adopted son." He said calmly. Artemis was just confused now.
"A little over two millennia ago, your half-brother Ares, raped Lady Lupa, resulting in Perseus' birth." Chaos said cautiously.
Artemis exploded. "What! Send me to Olympus NOW! I am going to cut him up into little pieces and spread his essence so far apart he will never reform"
Suddenly Artemis' rage quelled, and she broke down into tears and ran to her friend and embraced her tightly, sobbing hard at the thought of her friend's suffering. Lupa just hugged her tightly. She didn't cry. It was painful to think about but she had moved past it. It had given her a son. The thing she loved most in the world. In the end, she was fine with her life. She had a great son and a great life.
"Diana," she said calmly, "Its ok. Yes I hate him, but it gave me my son. I would not go back and change it. My son is everything a mother could ask for in a child. So please relax because I am fine now."
Artemis nodded and gave her friend another hug before returning to her chair.
"Now continuing on, our son Perseus is the Primordial God of Hunting, Battle, Darkness and Time."
Thalia and Artemis gasped at that proclamation. Instead of saying anything though, they let the conversation continue on.
Chaos turned to Zoe, "Zoe dear, I think you should tell the story of how you got to know Perseus, starting at the beginning."
Zoe nodded and turned to Artemis. She told the story of their meeting at the Garden of the Hesperides, leaving out no detail. Afterword Artemis turned to Perseus and gave him a small smile. He had sent her the best huntress she ever had, and knocked out her arrogant half-brother that she hated.
Zoe turned to Artemis again, "My lady, you are not going to like some of the story when I get to a certain part of it, but please stay calm. You will especially like the result of that part."
Artemis looked confused but nodded.
"Well a little over 1500 years ago, you sent me to track a couple Hellhounds with two of my sisters. We separated where the beasts split up. As I followed my trail, I was confronted by Heracles. He assumed that I had attacked him when Perseus retrieved my sword that day 500 years prior. He attacked me and after I cut him…" Zoe paused here. Perseus grabbed her hand for comfort. She took a breath, bracing for Artemis' reaction, "He tried the rape me." Artemis exploded once again; this day was too much for her. She couldn't control herself anymore and she burst into her true form in an absolute furious rage. Perseus acting quickly, cocooned Thalia and Zoe in balls of darkness while Lupa calmed Artemis. Once she regained her human form, she was still seething in rage. She gripped her armrest so hard it cracked. She took a few calming breaths and nodded to Perseus who released Thalia and Zoe, both of whom sent him appreciative smiles.
Zoe continued knowing Artemis would love this part of the story, "Well after he hit me, he said he wanted to make a few adjustments to my face. I prayed to Perseus using the pendant he gave me. As Heracles tried to bring his blade down on my face I had closed my eyes. Instead of pain, I heard the sound of blades colliding. When I opened my eyes, Perseus was holding Heracles blade back. He saved my life, in more ways than one that day. After Perseus pushed him back he attacked Heracles injuring him severely, Heracles was bleeding all over. He tried to teleport out but Perseus froze him in time. Then Perseus had the wonderful suggestion of removing Heracles of his assets before we sent him away." Zoe stopped to chuckle for a moment. "So I sent a couple arrows into his crotch before Perseus kicked him through a portal sending him into a place where the Olympians power doesn't reach, leaving him a three day walk from help." Zoe finished grinning. She remembered how funny what they had done was but also how she and Perseus had started dating then.
Artemis sat there dumbfounded for a minute. She then got up and walked over to Perseus. She shocked everyone in the room when she pulled him out of his seat and hugged him. "Thank you for saving my best friend." She said sincerely. She then stepped back and playfully punched him in the shoulder, "That was the funniest day in the history of Olympus." She said laughing. "Heracles teleported into the throne room in the middle of a council meeting covered in ichor, holding his mangled and detached manhood in his hand and sobbing like a 5 year old. He claimed he was attacked by a group of monsters." Artemis said, before breaking down in laughter. "Zeus ordered no one to speak of it outside the council. I've wanted to tell someone about that for centuries. Even Apollo couldn't fix all the damage." She said still laughing.
Eventually she calmed down and turned very serious. "Now, what is going on between you and my lieutenant?" She asked in a dead serious tone that threatened pain.
So Zoe and Perseus told her the entire story of their relationship, from the first kiss to her breaking his nose and her first visit to the void.
Thalia who had been silent, was shocked Zoe had attacked Perseus because she thought they were together. It was kind of weird for her. She considered the man her father.
Artemis was silent for several minutes before responding, "How have you dated without me knowing? I am notified the minute a huntress so much as kisses a man."
Perseus explained how he shielded them from Artemis' senses. He spoke cautiously as Artemis was getting angry this happened behind her back.
Artemis sat silently, clearly deep in thought.
She eventually turned to Zoe. "Are you still a maiden Zoe?" She asked without much expression.
Zoe was shocked, but Perseus responded immediately, "Of course she is, what kind of man do you take me for? We are not married. I would never do that before she was my wife."
Artemis was silent for another couple minutes. The tension in the room was very thick.
Then Artemis broke out into a smile. "I do not like men. But I can honestly say I do like you. To wait thousands of years is an accomplishment no other man could or would achieve. In my many years of life you are the first to get my approval. It is clear you are your mother's son."
That garnered a fanged grin from both Lupa and Perseus. Lupa walked up and hugged her friend tightly. "Thank you for giving my son your approval. I promise you will not regret. His father, his real father Chaos has raised him well." That statement got a huge grin out of Chaos.
Artemis turned back to Perseus and Zoe, "Perseus, I like you. Do not disappoint me. There will be no second chances."
Perseus nodded happily and Zoe ran up and hugged the woman she considered a mother and a best friend in one.
Once everyone calmed back down much happier than before, Artemis turned toThalia, "I'm confused, where do you fit in to all of this?"
Thalia looked at Perseus who nodded his approval before she began her tale, starting with running away all the way up until Perseus helping her hold the sky with his words.
When Thalia mentioned she knew it was Perseus who have her the backpack with the weapons and money he was bursting with pride, he didn't think she had figured it out.
When she finished and mentioned she considered Perseus more her father than Zeus, Perseus had a few tears in his eyes as he walked up and caught her in a crushing hug. He whispered in her ear, "As far as I'm concerned, you are my daughter and I could not be prouder."
Once they broke apart and sat back down, Artemis turned back to Perseus, "I am more and more impressed with everything I learn about you. You are the only man I would ever consider to be worthy to be Zoe's partner."
Artemis then turned to Thalia, "Don't feel bad about Zeus. He is not a good father to any of his children. The only ones that can stand him are a few of the vilest males on the planet; Ares, Heracles, and Dionysus. Even my idiot twin brother thinks he's the worst father on the planet. But although our father is useless, you can depend on most of your half-brothers and sisters if you need us." She said with a warm smile.
Thalia smiled happily back at her half-sister, thankful she had some family that cared.
With that sensitive discussion behind them, Chaos decided it was time to tell them of the real threat the Olympians would be facing.
"Artemis, as much as I wish this was the end of things that needed to be discussed, it is not. I am going to tell you things you may not tell anyone else that isn't in this conversation. Not only that, I need you to swear an oath to keep silent on these things until the time I decide is right."
Artemis was confused and worried about whatever it was Chaos was going to tell her but knew she could not refuse a request by the creator.
"And I need you to swear upon my name as the River Styx is not binding enough for this kind of information. Just know that if you break an oath on my name, you will not go to Tatarus, you will fade immediately and never come back. I also need Zoe and Thalia to do the same. Lupa has already made the oath so she does not need to do it again." Chaos said in a dead serious tone.
Artemis, Zoe and Thalia immediately paled at the thought of making this oath. Perseus squeezed Zoe's hand in support the sent reassuring thoughts to Thalia to ease her worries.
All three swore the oath on Chaos' name. A darkness poured into the room, dropping the temperature immediately. Then the darkness vanished. The oaths were sealed.
"Thank you. As you all know Kronos is rising and rallying other Titans as well as an army to attack Olympus. He will also release Typhon and send him at Olympus. That is merely a fly on the wall compared to the threat you will face afterwards."
Artemis' jaw dropped at that proclamation. She had a feeling it was Gaia and the Giants again, which would be very bad.
Zoe got worried immediately and also very sad as she thought after Kronos, she and Perseus could finally be together.
Thalia was irritated as well as felt betrayed. Perseus told her the world was on her shoulders and now it was just a minor threat.
"Afterword, Gaia will raise her giant children and wage war on Olympus. But that is not the real threat you face." Chaos continued with a very serious face.
Artemis was shocked and horrified. Gaia and the Giants would be near impossible to defeat. Anything more than that would mean the fall of Olympus and the end of the Gods era.
Zoe began to tear up thinking her and Perseus would never be together. They could never survive this threat.
Chaos continued before anyone could speak up, "When the war with the Giants is at its peak, Gaia will unleash Erebus, Tartarus, and Ourea." Chaos stated sadly.
"We have no chance." Artemis exclaimed. She was about to continue but Chaos held up his hand to stop her.
"Yes, you Olympians have no hope against those four and the Giants. But you do have a chance. Your chance lies with my son and his champion."
At those words Thalia turned to Perseus, "WHAT! You said I had to defeat Kronos. Why wouldn't you tell me that was just the start! I thought you said you would help me, that I could trust you!"
Perseus turned to Thalia with an apologetic expression, "Thalia, I would have told you but my father forbid me from telling you yet. You were not ready to know. You are now. Please trust me that I have only had your interests and the worlds in mind."
"How? How can I help you defeat Giants and Primordials? I don't even know if I can defeat Kronos!" Thalia yelled back.
Perseus smiled at her, "Thalia, when we were speaking through our minds on Mount Othrys, did you wonder why Atlas never attacked you while we talked?"
Thalia looked confused, "I did at the time but I assumed you held him back when I found out you're the Primordial God of Time. You did right?"
Perseus chuckled, "I did not. You did."
Thalia's, Zoe's and Artemis' jaws dropped at that proclamation.
Zoe looked at Perseus, "I thought only I had your blessing over time?"
"You control time?" Artemis interjected.
"I will explain after milady." Zoe said apologetically. Artemis narrowed her eyes but nodded.
Perseus smiled at Zoe, "You did, but when I wiped Thalia's mind after you slapped her, I blessed her as well. I wanted to keep you both safe on the quest."
Thalia turned to Zoe, "You slapped me?! When?"
Zoe glared at Perseus, who shrunk into his seat, causing Lupa, Artemis, and Chaos to chuckle.
"Umm, I thought you and Perseus were together. I'm sorry. I may have slapped you and froze you in time before I ran away from you. Perseus wiped it from your memory. Sorry…. But I did break his nose when I got to him." Zoe said still glaring at Perseus for telling Thalia.
This caused Artemis, Lupa and Chaos to break into a fit of laughter.
Thalia relaxed and smiled, "Good. I forgive you then."
"What! It wasn't even true. Why is everyone happy I got punched?" Perseus whined.
Artemis spoke up still chuckling, "It should be expected. If you want to date my huntress you should expect her not to take any crap."
Perseus rolled his eyes but nodded his head. It was true. Zoe was not to be messed with.
Artemis turned to Zoe, "And how long have you had the ability to control time?" She asked with a slightly angry scowl on her face.
"Umm… for about 1500 years. Perseus gave it to me after the incident with Heracles so in case I was attacked again I would be able to defend myself better." Zoe said quietly.
Artemis turned to Perseus with a wide grin, "Thank you. You are a very good man. Not something you see… well… ever. You're the first I've met."
Perseus smiled back and pulled Zoe onto his lap where she still glared at him but cuddled into his embrace.
"We got sidetracked. Back to the, you know, threat to the end of the world?" Chaos said a bit exasperated. Everyone blushed a bit embarrassed they had gotten so distracted and nodded their agreement.
"Right, so Thalia here is the prophecy child. She will be able to defeat Kronos, Perseus and I are sure of it." Chaos said.
Thalia smiled at Perseus' confidence in her.
"The issue is Typhon. We need you Olympians in good shape for the threat after, so Perseus here, along with Zoe will defeat Typhon themselves before his escape is known to Olympus."
"What! You can't send Zoe to attack Typhon. Even with Perseus it is too dangerous!" Artemis exclaimed horrified of Zoe facing Typhon. "He is a threat to all the Olympian Gods together, not even Perseus can be that powerful."
Chaos laughed loudly at that proclamation. "Artemis, Perseus is a Primordial God who has spent his entire life training with me. He has no idea the power he contains. If he wanted to, he could stand toe-to-toe with me and to be honest I do not know who would be the victor."
There was a deafening silence in the room. Everyone besides Chaos turned to Perseus who hid in Zoe's hair, drawing a deep blush to her face.
"Don't you worry he could overthrow you?" Artemis asked curious.
Perseus face darkened. "What? That is exactly what is wrong with Olympus. Your father is such a paranoid asshole who thinks everyone wants his throne that he makes all of you believe everyone is power hungry. I would never betray my father. I would give my life to protect him without a second's hesitation. How many of Zeus' children would do that? Not a single one. If he ruled Olympus like my father does Western Civilization would be a hell of a lot better off. A united Olympus could actually help the world instead of Zeus using his power to strike down the children and lovers of his brothers. If Poseidon wanted to, he could dethrone your father with little trouble. But he doesn't, because despite how badly Zeus treats him and his siblings he is loyal and grateful for rescuing them from their father's stomach. Don't get me wrong, I respect a few Olympians but the list is short, Poseidon, Hestia, Athena, and you Artemis. The rest care more about their next lover than the safety of the mortals under their rule." Perseus finished still flushed with anger.
Lupa and Chaos looked at their son with pride. Artemis sat there stunned before speaking, "Wow, I've never heard anyone actually say what most know is the truth. You are correct of course. Are you sure you're a man?"
Lupa, Zoe and Artemis laughed at the question. Perseus just smiled, "Yes I am quite sure. I was just raised well by good parents. But we've become distracted again, please father, continue."
"Yes, as I am saying Perseus and Zoe will defeat Typhon. Zoe is more powerful than she realizes, as well as Thalia. They both have the full blessing of the Primordial God of Hunting, Battle, Darkness, and Time. They both have the power of a minor god of hunting, battle and time. They can use the darkness to shadow travel as well as use it in other ways to help them in battle." Chaos said tiredly, sure he would be interrupted again, of course he was right.
"We can shadow travel!?" Thalia and Zoe asked excitedly.
Perseus smiled and nodded, "Yes, sorry I didn't tell you Zoe. It would have been too dangerous if you knew. If someone had seen you it would have been very dangerous for both you and me."
Zoe nodded accepting his explanation, then pulled him into a deep kiss.
Artemis cleared her throat loudly, breaking the couple from their moment. "I approve of your relationship. But not in front of me yet, it will take a little getting used to seeing my huntress kiss a man without me putting an arrow between his eyes."
Zoe blushed but Perseus paled and nodded.
"As I was saying, with Perseus' blessings, Thalia will defeat Kronos; Zoe and Perseus will defeat Typhon, and then we are on to Gaia. The oracle will call for a prophecy of seven heroes to fight side by side with the Gods against the Giants. Thalia will not take part in that quest officially. The seven in the prophecy will fight side by side with their parent against the Giants. It seems Gaia will only be able to revive nine giants. The seven will fight seven Giants with their parent. The other two will be fought by Zoe and Artemis and Perseus and Thalia." Chaos said the last part with a smile.
Zoe and Thalia were happy but confused. Before they could say anything Chaos continued, "Zoe has anyone been more of a parent to you than Artemis?"
Zoe shook her head, earning a smile from Artemis.
"And Thalia, would you choose to fight with Zeus or Perseus?"
Thalia laughed, "I think my chose is rather obvious, I will fight with the only man who has ever been there as a father." This earned a huge fanged grin from Perseus.
"But what will happen when the other Gods see Perseus? They may attack him." Artemis asked.
"I will appear to the Olympians and explain I am sending a son to aide them. Then will not question an order from the creator." Chaos replied flatly.
Artemis nodded, then asked, "And what of the Primordial Gods when they attack?"
"Perseus will fight them. I am working on a plan to aide him but it will take time. I cannot interfere directly but I will do everything I can to help. I have faith in my son, he can win." Chaos said sternly.
Everyone sat silently taking in everything said in the meeting. To say they had a lot to digest would be a gross understatement.
Zoe was horrified Perseus had to fight four other Primordials. She just prayed Chaos would find a way to make sure he won.
Chaos brought them out of their thoughts, "That is what we are dealing with. I know it is a lot but it can be done. It has to be, if not then the world will fall. My sons and daughter will destroy the Olympians and demi-gods and enslave the mortals." Chaos said in a serious tone.
Everyone nodded, worried.
"Now it is time to return to earth, remember nothing of this can said to anyone. They will learn about it when they need to." Chaos told them tiredly, it had been a very long day.
Perseus walked up to his father and hugged him before he opened a vortex. Everyone besides Chaos walked through; when they exited they were in the woods outside Camp Half-Blood.
Artemis turned to Zoe and Perseus, "I must return to Olympus and tell them of the quest. I will explain everything that happened, excluding the near death of Zoe and everything that followed."
They nodded to her. Artemis then turned to Thalia, "Thank you for saving me sister. You have the heart of a true huntress. No other could have held the weight of the sky and fought so bravely. If you ever need me pray to me and your brothers and sisters will always come to your aide." She then hugged her.
She finally turned to Lupa, "It is always nice to see you my friend. This was certainly the most surprising day we've ever had. I will visit you soon; we still have much to catch up one."
Lupa smiled and hugged her, "I look forward to it."
Artemis then teleported to Olympus.
Lupa walked up to Thalia, Zoe, and her son. "I must return home as well. I expect a visit soon. From all of you." She said smiling, and then hugged each of them before vanishing in a flash of light.
"Where are Annabeth and Luke?" Thalia asked concerned.
"Sleeping in their cabins. As far as they remember they rode back to camp with you, Artemis, and Zoe." Perseus replied.
Perseus then reached over and pulled Thalia into a hug which she gladly returned. Perseus then put a finger to her head and passed a dark energy into her. When he stopped, she gasped.
"Yes, I figured the knowledge of how to use your new abilities would be helpful." Perseus said smiling.
He then hugged her again,"Hmm that is a nice souvenir you got from your time holding the sky." He said gesturing the the gray streak in Thalia's hair.
Thalia look at him questioningly.
Perseus conjured a mirror with a wave of his hand.
Thlaia gasped when she saw the streak of gray."Will it ever disappear?" She asked.
"No, it will always be there to serve as a reminder of your amazing feat. You have done well Thalia, I can't express how proud I am of you. Now go and rest, you have had a very long day. I will visit soon; we still have much to talk about concerning the future."
Thalia nodded and started to walk back to camp. Perseus stopped her, told her to close her eyes, then teleported her into her cabin.
Perseus turned to Zoe, before he could say a word she jumped onto him knocking him onto the ground with her on top of him. She smiled slyly at him before leaning down and pressing her lips to his. He deepened the kiss as she pressed herself into him. She licked his lip before he gave her access turning the kiss more passionate and hungry. As their kissing grew more intense Zoe began grinding her lithe body on top of his sending a spark through him. Their session continued to grow more intense until they heard a giggle a few yards away causing them to regrettably break apart. They looked up to see a dryad giggling and blushing from beside her tree.
Zoe gave an angry huff at being disturbed, while Perseus laughed at her for huffing. She glared at him before he put his finger to her forehead. When he pulled back she smiled. She grabbed his hand before they walked into a shadow to find somewhere a little more private.