And here's chapter 6! Hope you guys and gals like it! As always, I don't own PJO.

Artemis

Artemis woke to the sun shining through her window. Sighing loudly, she rubbed her eyes as she quested out with her senses. 11 o'clock, she thought. Gods I must have been tired. Sitting up, she lifted her left arm slowly, testing the still tender shoulder. It hurt, but it was manageable. Rising she put on a pair of jeans and a loose fitting thick flannel shirt, not bothering to don a base layer. As she buttoned the front of the shirt, she looked into the mirror hanging on the wall. Faint dark circles showed under slightly sunken eyes. I look almost mortal, she laughed to herself. Pinning her hair back, she walked barefoot from the room.

Percy and Nico were sitting on the couch in the living room across from a prattling Evelyn. The old woman, who sat knitting in her rocking chair, looked up when Artemis appeared in the doorway. "There you are, my dear," she exclaimed, pushing herself to her feet. "I was beginning to worry!" Evelyn grabbed Artemis's face in her hands and leaned in close to examine her face. "You look hungry, though I don't suppose mortal food would help much. Percy, do you have any more of that Nectar? Artemis here still doesn't look quite like her old self."

Percy nodded and reached into his duffle. Rising he walked to her and said, "Still have half a bottle of the stuff you gave me. Here, you need it way more than I do."

Artemis gave him a small smile, accepting the bottle. "Thank you Percy, and you Mrs. Evelyn." She walked to her usual seat, the spare rocking chair, and sat down. Uncorking the bottle and taking a sip, she murmured, "Good morning by the way."

"How are you feeling?" Percy asked, ignoring the pleasantry. She studied him. His eyes were a hurricane of emotions, though his face remained completely stoic. Pain, guilt, grief, anger; they were all there. This man's emotions fluctuate so much I don't think even he knows what's going on inside that head. This is not going to be easy, Artemis thought, but at least he's not blaming himself too much over last night.

"I've been better," she said, "but I'll survive. The wound is healing quickly." She shrugged her shoulder to demonstrate, and barely contained a wince of pain. I can't go to the meeting like this, she thought.

Nico spoke up, "So what's the plan for today Lady Artemis?" He's trying to change the subject, she thought, smart boy. Artemis considered her options.

"Well," she said after a moment, "that depends on how Mrs. Evelyn feels about meeting another Olympian." She turned to the old woman, who had resumed her knitting, and asked, "Would you mind if I asked my brother to come here? I'd like him to finish the healing before I have to go to tonight's meeting."

To her credit, Evelyn's eyes only widened slightly at the thought of another god in her home. She just murmured, "Any friend of yours is a friend of mine, my dear. I'd love to meet your brother." Artemis smiled at the old women, Evelyn was taking this better than she expected her to.

"I'll try to keep my brother in line," she said, "thought that can be difficult sometimes." Nico grunted from the couch.

"That's an understatement," he muttered. "He's decided Will's his favorite son. He's always popping in. The man never leaves us alone."

Artemis laughed at that. "Welcome to my life for the past 3,000 years." She turned to Evelyn, "Mrs. Evelyn, since you're mortal, you don't want to be here when a god arrives. Especially one who likes to show off. The side effects would be…unpleasant."

Nodding, Evelyn rose. "Well I'll just go in the kitchen and make a fresh pot of coffee then if we're going to have more company."

Percy rose with her, "I'll help Mrs. Evelyn." The two walked from the room. Guess he's still unsure about going back, she thought.

Sighing, Artemis closed her eyes and reached out to her brother. In seconds a flash of light lit the living room and the temperature noticeably increased. When she opened her eyes Apollo stood in the center of the room. "Little sister!" he cried. "What's up? You never call. You never write. I was getting worried about you!" Not giving him the chance to answer Apollo spun, "And Nico, my favorite son in law! Where have you been? I haven't seen you in almost four months!" He paused, as if thinking. "Wait a minute, why are you with my sister?"

"I'm not you son in law," Nico grumbled, "and I'm here because she needed a healer. I did the best I could, but I'm a son of Hades, I can only do so much."

All playfulness fled from Apollo. He spun to her, eyes focused on her left shoulder. Cursing he said, "That was bad. Nico get up. Artemis, to the couch. I need to examine you." She rose, careful not to move her shoulder, and walked to the now vacant couch. When she laid back he said, "Unbutton the shirt Artemis, I have to see the wound. Ooh don't glare like that, I'm trying to help you."

"I'll be in the kitchen," Nico said, and turned to leave.

"No, you stay," Apollo murmured, still studying Artemis. "I might need you to tell me what you did. Just turn your back." To Artemis he said, "Unbutton. Now."

Cursing under her breath she finally obeyed. Doctor's orders, she thought wryly. Unbuttoning the top two buttons, she exposed her left shoulder, carefully keeping her breast covered. Apollo hissed, "Gods Nico, how in the world did you get this closed."

"Will taught me the basics of healing, I did what I could and supplemented my abilities with nearly a quart of Nectar," Nico said to the far wall. "It was barely enough."

"Smart." Apollo murmured, still studying her shoulder. "And lucky to have so much Nectar on hand." To Artemis, he seemed to be looking through her. "You did well," he said finally. "Nearly as well as one of my children could have done. The tip of the clavicle is a little off but other than that everything looks good." He took a deep breath, "Ok sis, brace yourself. I'm going to finish what Nico started."

Before Apollo finished speaking, a wave of warmth engulfed her. Her vision went white. It lasted only seconds, and then she was back, laying on the couch in Evelyn's living room. "Ok sis," Apollo said, "you can button up now. You're gonna be weak for a few weeks, but the wound is gone." He looked around, "Where in Hades' name are we?"

Grunting with effort, Artemis pushed herself to a sitting position and buttoned he shirt. "This is where I've been living for the past year Apollo."

He looked around and smirked. "Homey," he said.

Artemis ignored him. Instead she raised her voice, "It's safe now Mrs. Evelyn. You can come back."

Evelyn bustled into the living room carrying a tray of coffee cups. "Well you must be Apollo," she said as she entered. "My my, you're as handsome as your sister is beautiful. Here you are, take a cup of coffee. I never let guest come over without at least offering them something, and on such short notice it's all I could whip up. Ooh Artemis my dear, you look wonderful. Had me frightened for a while there, but it looks like your brother's fixed you right up."

Apollo, initially stunned from the onslaught, grinned. He looked to Artemis and said, "Ooh I like her." Turning back to the old lady he smiled warmly, "Thank you, Mrs. Evelyn. Coffee would be wonderful."

"Now none of that, my dear," Evelyn said setting the tray down on the coffee table and waging a finger at him. "You know what that smile does to women, and my old heart can't take it."

Apollo laughed, and made to reply, but cut off suddenly. He stood, still as stone, a faraway look in his eyes as he stared toward the kitchen doorway. That's the look he gets when the Fates are speaking, Artemis realized. She followed his eyes. Percy stood there, leaning against the doorframe with a cup of coffee in his hands, calmly regarding Apollo.

Apollo's voice spoke in her head. He's the one, Sister.

He is, she agreed, but he is not aware.

He's been damaged. Wounded deeply. Damage you will have to repair. Apollo said after a moment.

I know, Brother. She thought back. I know.

Out loud Apollo murmured, "Perseus."

Percy inclined his head, "Lord Apollo." He took a sip of his coffee.

Apollo continued his silent study. Evelyn and Nico unconsciously backed away. They fear a confrontation, Artemis realized. The notion was absurd, given half the chance these two could be the greatest of friends. Apollo spoke then, "You've been marked Percy, by the Fates themselves. An instrument of their will on Earth. Death and destruction ride in your wake, but with luck you will overcome all who stand before you."

Percy stood silently, still leaning against the doorframe, as he continued his silent regard. Finally he asked, "Was that a foretelling?"

"More of a vague impression," Apollo said. Shaking himself he added. "Come sit, I imagine the three of you have quite the tale to tell. I would hear it. And just Apollo please, I am not my father." Percy strode forward and sat beside Artemis, Apollo settled in on her other side. "So tell me sis," he asked. "What happened?"

Might as well start at the beginning, she thought. "Percy and I ran into each other a few months ago. The night that Hestia claimed my hunters," she began. Ignoring Apollo's sympathetic look, she continued. "As I had grown bored and he was hunting monsters, I asked him to call me if he found a worthy fight. Last night he did. Together, with Nico's help, we slew Hippolytus and the army he had gathered. The bastard got in a lucky hit."

Apollo's eyes widened, "The Gigantes are already rising?" At her nod he murmured, "Father must hear of this."

"I plan on telling him tonight," she replied. "We'd have killed the bastard easily had Gaea not intervened." Artemis looked at her brother then, "Is she awake Brother, have we already run out of time?"

He shook his head, "No, but even slumbering the Earth Mother is powerful. We still have decades before she's fully awake." His eyes rose to look at Percy, before falling back to her. "So you're coming home then." Are you bringing Percy with you, you mean?

"Yes," she said. "For a while. The three of us will be at the Winter solstice meeting tonight." Go, she spoke to her brother silently, warn them that Percy is not aware of his part in the prophecy yet, but tell them nothing of what happened last night till I get there.

As you say Sister, Apollo thought back. "Well that's good," he said out loud. "The three of you have been missed." Rising, he drained his cup of coffee. "Mrs. Evelyn, the coffee was absolutely delightful. Thank you, but I fear I must be going now. Godly duties to attend to," he finished with a wink.

Artemis rolled her eyes at the blush that crept onto Evelyn's cheeks. Even old ladies aren't immune to his charms, she thought. "Well, my dear," Evelyn said, "you are more than welcome anytime you like."

"Thank you for the kind offer," he said with a smile. "And I'll see you three tonight." He walked into the kitchen, and a bright flash filled the room. The temperature dropped considerably.

"What a lovely young man," Evelyn murmured.

"Ooh gods," Artemis groaned. "Not you too." Evelyn just shook her head and smiled.

"Death and destruction ride in my wake," Percy said suddenly. Artemis turned to him. "Seems like Apollo thinks I'll make it to the war at least. I'll have my revenge. If I can't have Kronos, Gaea will do." He had a slight smile on his face. That smile made her shiver.

"I told you that you would and I meant it," she said. "Come, let's go to Olympus. Traveling that far in this state will tire me and I want to rest before the meeting. I doubt I'll be back tonight Mrs. Evelyn."

The old woman just nodded. "Ok then. Have fun my dears." She rose and walked into the kitchen.

Artemis stood. "Take my hands she said." Each of them bent down to pick up a duffel before obeying. The three disappeared in a flash of light, and reappeared in Artemis's palace. She stumbled, but Percy steadied her. "You two make yourselves at home," she said. "I'm going take a nap. Wake me up just before sundown." Percy just nodded. She walked from the room.

Percy

Percy glanced around the large room Artemis had left them in. Marble, he thought. Marble everywhere. Black streaked white marble on the floor. White streaked silver marble for the walls and columns. Silky silver upholstery on all the furniture. The only metals he could see were silver, white gold, and platinum. So this is what it's like to live like a god. To Nico he said, "For some reason I don't think that Artemis designed this place herself."

"Nah," Nico answered, settling himself onto one of the large cushioned chairs. "The Elder Cyclops built these palaces after the First Olympian War. My dad says they move with Olympus." He nodded toward the big screen TV on the wall and picked up a remote. "Though it looks like Hephaestus has made some improvements."

Percy settled down in a chair beside Nico as he flipped through the channels. His eyes still on the TV, Nico asked, "So what was that with Apollo?"

Percy shrugged, "You know as much as me." He grimaced, "Looks like things are going to depend on me this time around too. I don't want this responsibility, I just want to fight."

"That's probably exactly why the Fates chose you. What was it Apollo said? An instrument of their will on Earth?" Nico asked.

Percy grunted, "Nothing new there. The last great prophecy was about me, and if that's not the Fates using me I don't know what is." He paused before continuing, "At least Artemis is the one in those crosshairs this time, not me. All I have to deal with are 'vague impressions' of death and destruction."

Nico coughed into his hands loudly, trying to hide a smile. What's that about, Percy thought? "What are you going to do now?" Nico asked.

Percy shook his head, "Swear to one of the gods and go hunting Giants I assume. There's not much else left for me."

Nico looked thoughtful for a moment, as if debating with himself over something. Percy waited. Finally, Nico spoke, "Ask Artemis. She's not bound by the ancient laws as tightly as the other's. She could help you."

Ask Artemis!? he thought. Of all the Olympians he tells me to ask her? Why? "Are you trying to get me killed?" he asked sarcastically.

"No," Nico said levelly, "I'm trying to keep you alive. She'd be able to fight by your side. The others wouldn't."

Well that makes sense, Percy conceded. He grunted in reply.

"Just think about it," Nico said, turning back to the TV.

Apollo

Poseidon and Hades flashed into the room. "Ok Apollo, we're all here," Zeus said. "What is this about?"

Apollo took a deep breath. "Artemis has found the prophesied one. She's bringing him to Olympus tonight. He's aware of the prophecy, but not aware of his role. My sister wants to keep it that way for now."

Apollo watched their reactions. His father looked shocked at first, then grinned. Poseidon just nodded. Hades' did not react at all. Creepy as always, Apollo thought suppressing a shiver.

His father nodded, still grinning. "Very well, I'll trust her judgment in this. We'll spread the word."

"A demigod then?" Poseidon asked. "She would not bring a mortal here."

Aaaaand here we go, Apollo thought. "Indeed," he said. "An important, if somewhat unstable one." He met his uncles sea green eyes. "It's Percy."

Artemis

Artemis woke on her own as the sun began to fade. Sitting up in her bed she stretched, and was relieved to find no pain. She rose and dressed in her hunters garb. Checking her reflection in the polished silver mirror, she pinned her hair back and left the room.

She found Percy and Nico where she left them in the main parlor watching TV. "It's time," she said. Both rose without a word and followed her from the palace.

"You look better," Percy said as he moved to her left side once outside. She noted Nico move to her right. Neither of their eyes stopped moving. They're flanking me, she realized. Like I'm some child that needs protecting. Pushing her sudden anger at the thought aside she wondered, what would Zoe say if she could see me now? Guarded by two men. After a moment she grinned wryly, in the state I'm in probably to shut up and accept the help.

"I still feel weak thought," she told him. "It'll be weeks before I'm back to my old self." She walked a few more strides before she stopped and spun, raising an eyebrow at the pair. "Did the two of you decide I needed protecting, or are you just normally this paranoid?"

Nico paled a little at her tone, but Percy just answered calmly. "You got injured helping me, watching your back is the least I can do."

"You didn't answer my question," she said.

Percy smiled and looked up the hill toward the Hall of the Gods. "The meeting is starting," was all he said.

She muttered, "Insufferable man," under her breath as she spun back around. She could he Percy chuckling behind her as he walked.

"Do they know we're coming," Nico asked as they neared the Hall.

"I'm sure Apollo has told them we're coming, yes, but I asked him to leave the why until we were able to tell the tale ourselves…" Artemis trailed off as the tall Bronze doors of the Hall came into view. Before them stood four figures, dressed in coppery armor that glowed with a faint orange light. All four had black bows strapped to their backs, a quiver of fiery arrows on one hip, and a sword made of the same material as their armor on the other. Long spears, butts planted firmly on the ground, were held in their hands. "Well this is new," Artemis muttered.

Nico followed her gaze. When his eyes landed on the guards his eyes widened. "Ooh shit," he swore.

Artemis looked at him curiously. "What is it Nico?"

He grimaced. "I guess I should have thought to warn you," he said, "but it's too late now." Taking a deep breath he went to continue, then shook his head. "You'll just have to see for yourself."

"Answer me Nico," she said, voice hardening.

Sighing he answered slowly, "Four months ago your hunters were…repurposed, I guess. They're now called the Guardians of the Hearth and charged by Hestia to protect the Flame of the West at all cost. Should Olympus ever fall, should the gods themselves fade, they're oath bound to take a spark from the Hearth and hide it away so that one day when the time is right, it can be rekindled." He smirked humorlessly, "Hestia's life insurance policy Thalia says. The Last Olympian's last line of defense. If I'm not mistaken, that's Thalia up there right now."

Artemis spun back toward the doors, eyes wide. Pain she'd been suppressing for months flashed to the surface. She felt her eyes beginning to sting, and her anger begin to rise. No! she screamed at herself. They have found a new home and they are safe. It's better than I could have ever hoped. I will thankful and nothing more! Pushing down her offending emotions, she continued her slow walk to the door. Percy and Nico followed silently behind her. As they approached, Thalia stepped forward.

"Lady Artemis," Thalia began, but her voice broke. She dropped her spear and launched herself at Artemis. Her sisters followed close behind. Artemis embraced her former hunters tightly, fighting to keep the tears from her eyes. Gods, she thought, I've missed this.

"I've missed you all," she murmured to them. "So much."

"And we've missed you My Lady," Thalia replied with a laugh as she wiped tears from her eyes. "Nico, you brought her back! I was beginning to wonder where you'd gotten off to."

Nico grunted, "Other way around Thals. I'm just here because Lady Artemis told me I had to come."

Artemis nodded, "We have some news to report to the council."

Thalia nodded, "We'll let you go in then, but you have to come see us after the meeting." She turned to Percy, "And who might you be?"

He grinned widely, "What's the matter Pinecone Face? Don't recognize your own cousin?" For the first time since she found him, Artemis saw genuine happiness dancing in his eyes.

"Percy!?" Thalia sputtered. Her arms were around his neck as quickly as they'd been around Artemis. "Gods, you've grown. I didn't even recognize you, and what's with that disgusting hair on your face?" She pulled back, and punched him in the arm. "And that's for leaving without saying goodbye!"

Percy laughed at her as she shook her hand in pain. "Invulnerable remember? And I haven't had a chance to shave today," he said scratching at his jaw. "Nice armor by the way."

"Come," Artemis said cutting in before Thalia answered, "we can all catch up after the meeting. The council needs to hear of what's happened. Sooner rather than later."

"Yes My Lady," Thalia said. "But you better not disappear on me again without a word," she said waging a finger at Percy. Thalia motioned the two youngest Guardians to open the door. It's going to take some getting used to thinking about them like that, Artemis thought.

The large Bronze doors swung open easily, and Artemis strode into the Hall flanked by Percy and Nico. All eyes turned toward them. Poseidon was on his feet in an instant. Shrinking down to human size as he strode across the floor, he pulled Percy into a hug. "I've missed you my boy," he said quietly.

"I know Dad," Percy said. "I just had to go figure some things out on my own."

"Well you're here now," Poseidon said. "Come, Apollo says you three have quite a tale to tell. Sit by my throne."

Percy nodded, but his eyes drifted around the throne room as if searching for something. The memorial, Artemis realized. She reached out and placed her hand on his shoulder. When he looked at her, she nodded back the way they had come. They turned together. To either side of the large Bronze doors, in the white marble of the wall, two murals had been carved. On the right side, the life-sized likenesses of all the demigods who had fallen in the war looked out over the Hall. There were more faces there than Artemis was willing to count. Many of them had been her friends. On the left side stood two 20 foot tall figures. Percy stood there with Annabeth. His arm was around her waist and he had pulled her close. Both wore jeans and Camp Half-Blood t-shirts. They were looking at each other and smiling. Artemis murmured, "Her sacrifice hasn't been forgotten."

Percy stood staring at the mural a moment longer before nodding. He turned back toward the gods, face stoic, a faraway look in his eyes. "Let's get started then," Artemis said, trying to hide her worry. Growing to her godly height she strode to her throne. Percy and Nico both sat at their fathers' feet on benches that rose from the marble floor.

"Well then daughter," Zeus began, "why don't you tell us what's brought you back nearly a decade earlier that we thought to see you?"

She looked around the chamber. The eyes of everyone in the chamber, minus Percy, were on her. Instead he sat motionlessly, staring into the glowing embers of the hearth. Artemis took a deep calming breath and began. "A few months ago Percy and I ran into each other. When he left hunting monsters, I asked him to call me when he found them. He called last night. Together Nico, Percy, and I clashed with a small monster army in the Badlands of South Dakota." She paused, looked toward Hermes, and said, "Hippolytus was their leader."

Hermes was on his feet in an instant, eyes flaring. "Where is the bastard!?" he growled. "I'll rip his heart out."

"He's dead," Percy said, eyes never lifting from the Hearth. "Artemis and I killed him, though he nearly killed her in the process. Would have been easy if Gaea hadn't intervened."

"What!?" Poseidon and Zeus screamed simultaneously. Lightning flashed overhead. Artemis looked to her father; he was on his feet, Master Bolt in hand. This is getting out of hand, Artemis thought. He swung to Apollo, "You said we still had decades!"

Apollo, to his credit, only flinched slightly. "We do Dad. Calm down," he said. "But even sleeping the Earth Mother is powerful. We'll know when she's fully awake, trust me."

Zeus' gaze swung to Artemis, "Are there any other Gigantes out there?"

Artemis shook her head, "Percy would know better than me, and I haven't had the chance to ask him after taking a wound last night."

"Not that I know of," Percy said. "But I got lucky with this one, so I wouldn't know either." Zeus sat back down with a curse, and said nothing more. Hand rubbing his brow wearily, he seemed to be thinking. Artemis could almost feel the other Olympians' minds racing around her as the silence stretched on.

Finally, Hades broke the tension. "We cannot allow Gigantes to roam unchecked," he said. "We must send someone to hunt them down."

Percy didn't hesitate, "I'll volunteer," he said. "I have nothing else to do anyway."

Nico finally broke his silence. "It'll take a god and demigod working together," he said giving Percy a hard, meaningful look from his father's feet. "You'll get yourself killed trying to do this without a patron."

Zeus nodded and Poseidon made as if to stand. Stop! Artemis screamed silently in the minds of council. Poseidon froze and shot Artemis a quick, sharp glance. He settled back down into his throne after a moment. Thankfully, Percy seemed unaware of the silent exchange, his eyes still on the Hearth. After a moment Hades spoke, "Perseus, Nico, the council has much to discuss. Leave us to it."

"Yes, Father," Nico murmured as both demigods rose. Together they strode to the Bronze doors and left the Hall. Percy's eyes never lifted to the mural.

The Hall was silent. Finally Poseidon broke the silence. "I'm assuming Artemis," he said slowly, menacingly, "that since believe my son is the prophesied one, you would have his oath?"

Apollo broke in before Artemis could answer. "He is the prophesied one, Uncle. Of that there is no doubt. Fate swirls so strongly around him I'm amazed the rest of you cannot see it."

Artemis only said, "If he would give it, I would have it. I will not have him forced."

Poseidon studied Apollo. "You're certain of this?" he asked.

Apollo nodded, "I'd stake my life on it."

"Good," Poseidon replied. "Because you just did." He turned to Artemis, "My son has suffered enough for a ten lifetimes." His brow lowered and his voice took on a hard edge. "Do not needlessly make him suffer more."

"I will not Uncle," she replied.

Poseidon nodded, "Then if Percy so chooses, I will relinquish my claim on him and allow him to swear to you." He then looked to Zeus, "If either of your children have lied to me, Olympus will face Gaea without the help of the seas. I have remained loyal to you for millennia, but my son comes first."

Artemis saw anger flash in her father's eyes. Before he could speak, Athena cut in. "I will stand with Poseidon, Father," she said. "That boy has suffered too much for us to ask this of him, but if he chooses it, I will not speak out." She will stand with Poseidon!? Artemis thought. What in the world is going on there!?

"Did…did you just agree with Poseidon?" Dionysus asked.

"My daughter was fond of the boy," Athena said, pinning the wine god to his throne with a glare. "I will honor what she would have wanted."

Zeus remained silent for a long while, then he grumbled, "Understood Brother. Retrieve your son." Poseidon waved a hand and Percy materialized beside the hearth.

Zeus began, "Perseus, since you are Olympus's most deadly weapon, we have decided to accept your offer to hunt down the Giants."

"One moment My Lord," Percy cut in. "If I may, can I say something?"

To Artemis, her father looked annoyed by the interruption. He always did like the sound of his own voice, she thought. He grunted, but "Of course" was all he said.

"Nico has convinced me of my need for a patron on the council," he said. "He has also informed me on who he thinks would be the best choice." He looked to his father. "Father, as much as I would love to spend the coming years sworn to your service, you would only be able to help me with Giants, and I am sure to be confronted by other, lesser monsters as well. There is only one Olympian not bound by the ancient laws when it comes to hunting monsters. If she would have it," he said turning to Artemis, "I would give my oath to Artemis, and ask her to accompany me on this mission." Gods, Artemis thought, Nico you brilliant son of Hades. You've done more to accomplish this prophecy in a few hours than I have in five years.

She kept the shock of her face better than some of the other Olympians. Apollo and Hermes were starting open mouthed at Percy's back, and she thought she heard Aphrodite give a quiet delighted squeal. The other's ranged from Hephaestus's mildly surprised raised eyebrow, to Poseidon's wide-eyed wonder. The audacity of this man, to ask something like this of me, she thought. It shocks them all. Standing, she shrunk down to human size and walked forward. "If it is the will of the council," she said slowly, watching Percy, "I will accept." A flash of relief was his only his only reaction. So he wasn't sure how I'd react, she thought. She turned from Percy to the three thrones at the end of the Hall, "Uncles. Father. What say you?"

All three nodded. Zeus said, "It is done, then." He looked at the rest of the council, "Council dismissed." Flashes of light flared around the Hall. Only Artemis, Percy, their fathers, and Hades remained.

"If you would," she said, "Percy and I have much to discuss. We'll be staying on Olympus for a few weeks while I recover my strength, so we can talk later, but I would receive his oath in private."

"Very well Niece," Hades said, "but we'll be wanted a fuller report than what we've received so far before you leave."

She nodded, placed a hand on Percy's shoulder, and then flashed them to main parlor of her palace. "So," he asked, "How does this oath thing work?"

"Ooh stop that," she said annoyed. "I'm not taking an oath from you. You're my friend, not my servant. Still, it would be better to tell the other's that you did swear to me."

His eyebrows rose slightly at that, but his stoic mask remained. "Thank you Artemis. I don't like being bound to anyone, but I needed a gods help."

"Well you have it," she said. "No oath required." She paused for a moment, studying him. Wondering how he'd react to what she was going to say next. "I would like to give you my blessing though. It would make you better with that blade than you already are. Stronger, faster, and sturdier, with better reflexes too. You'll need all the help you can get."

Again, the eyebrows raised, but no more. "Wouldn't that give me the partial immortality too?" he asked, not seeming to like the idea.

She sighed, "It would. It would also give you a much better chance of being useful when the war does come, instead of being old and worn out."

His eyes brightened at that, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Then I accept," he said.

She stepped close to him, placed a palm against his chest, and closed her eyes. Weak as she was, the sudden drain on her power left her lightheaded. When she opened her eyes and looked up, Percy's face shone with the same faint silvery light as hers did. "Now what," he asked.

"Now," she said wearily, "I rest." She fell backwards onto the couch behind her, and closed her eyes. Just before drifting off to sleep, she felt the soft touch of fabric against her skin as Percy spread a blanket over her. She smiled as the darkness took her.

Lots of potential issues solved in this chapter. A mandate from Olympus requiring Percy and Artemis to spend the next few years together, so now Artemis has an excuse to be with Percy. Percy gets the partial immortality that comes with Artemis's blessing, so now he's done aging. A forty year old Percy having a kid with Artemis would just be weird. Artemis is fully healed, though she will have to rest for a few weeks. And Nico continues to show his brilliance (I really like Nico). Also had a number of emotional moments. All in all I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. The next chapter will have a few more reunions in it, as well as a few new characters. After that we're off to hunt Giants! Hope you liked it! Leave a review and let me know what you think!