Chapter IX


Percy was in a desperate situation.

The voice he was talking to earlier became silent after it said that he would face his destiny right at this moment. After he barely managed to defeat the war god, a new unidentified individual emerged before him. The being was made of smoke like a cloud but instead of a cloud's normal fluffy whitish color, it was darkish with odd silver-colored highlights but it had the shape of a human about Percy's size and height. In each cloudy hands of the figure, two hunting knives were present.

Okay, Percy thought looking oddly at the gas-filled being. How do you fight a cloud person?

"Who are you?" he asked gripping the trident. The figure seemed to drift in the air like a usual smoke but it retained its figure rather than dispersing.

He heard the misty figure snarled at him in response with such ferocity.

Definitely not a friendly cloud person, Percy thought narrowing his eyes at the misty figure.

When the figure stepped forward, hunting knives at hand, Percy pointed the trident at it. At some point, he heard weird voices saying like 'What kind of mother are you?' As far as Percy was concern, he could never be a mother but perhaps a father in the future if ever he would live that long.

Back on the dire situation, Percy should beat this one as fast as possible. His friends needed to have all three symbols of power to prevent the war and time was running out. "If you are going to prevent my friends from returning this weapon, you have to go through me first." He said with the same bravado when he faced Ares.

Now he only heard murmurings, several murmurings. He only wished his friends were fine as he didn't have the chance to take a quick glance back on the shore.

Even if Percy had been scanning the area, he couldn't have known that the two of them were alone, that he had in fact was standing in a pretend place under the spell of his own mother and the cloud person as he called it was actually the goddess of the hunt.

Just like how he started his fight with the god of war, Percy acted first, charging the cloud person with Poseidon's trident raised.


In a matter of milliseconds, Percy and Artemis raced towards each other. Their inhuman speed turned them into a blur and their weapons collided: trident against hunting knives.

CLANG!

The impact sent shockwaves of displaced air reverberating throughout the shore. Both of them stood their ground firmly. They pressed their weapons harder in a cyclone of silver and purple streaks of light, the winds of both scudding around them, popping and sizzling with silver light and purplish flames shooting every which way.

Water and ice walls surrounded Annabeth, Piper and the still unconscious Dylan and Grover. They were hoping to help Artemis but Thetis preventing them from interfering.

Having two weapons, Artemis used her advantage swiftly. She slashed Percy left and right, maneuvering her attacks so that if she got a clear shot, the injury wouldn't be fatal to Percy. To Artemis' disappointment, Percy simply rotated his wrists, swinging the trident in a semi-arc as he blocked both attacks simultaneously.

Thetis grinned. "You can't defeat my son, daughter of Leto."

Artemis narrowed her eyes at Percy who was under the control of Thetis. What did just Thetis said? 'You can't defeat my son?' The goddess of the moon thought. She was certain that Thetis possessed Percy but the way Thetis said it, it meant that it wasn't her fighting but Percy.

"I am the one who taught Percy the ways of being a hunter," Artemis said, trying to invite Thetis to talk more. Maybe she would figure what kind of spell the Nereid was using.

Thetis' smile grew bigger. "That's another reason for you to be afraid."

Hmm. Is his mind being manipulated rather than controlled?

The fight went on and to say Artemis was shocked would be an understatement. Thetis fought her evenly. How could a minor sea goddess hold against an Olympian? If it was Percy, he could really stand against her as long as she wouldn't utilize her godly powers. But even if she used her godly powers at this moment, Thetis would counter its effects instantly. Most of the time, confusion crossed Percy's face, which gave Artemis hope that Percy was still awake.

Artemis summed it up and came into three realizations.

First, with Thetis involvement and influence, Percy somewhat unlocked his full potential and had achieved a higher degree of control over his water and ice powers. Artemis admitted grudgingly that Percy could rival an Olympian in terms of strength and speed. Part of the blame was hers since she was the one who trained him.

Second, Percy wasn't totally under Thetis' control. As far as she knew, the fifty Nereids weren't born or trained to fight in physical battles but those minor sea goddesses truly had vast control over water because of their father, the old sea god Nereus. Basically, she was really fighting Percy and Thetis was just intoxicating Percy's mind with falsities to act differently.

Third, Percy seemed to know everything about her fighting style, well, except archery. Artemis had known it for a long time that Percy was a good observer. Somehow, Percy memorized how she moved in battle and especially how she would attack and defend. In conclusion, Percy was able to predict her attacks and where to expect it.

Talking about sparring everyday just to push him to his limits (and to torture him back then), Artemis thought. He really is beyond my expectations.

She came up first with a plan to force Thetis/Percy away from the water. She backed away and her silver bow materialized. The goddess of archery started pelting him with arrows; each release aimed to immobilize the target demigod.

Percy chased Artemis, moving away from the surf. He deflected the arrows with the trident and with the water swirling around him.

Artemis smirked inwardly. Good result. I just need to knock you out and will deal with your demented mother after. Although as for how she would knock Percy out cold, Artemis had no idea.

When Percy was a few yards away from the water, something unexpected happened.

A beautiful woman around twenty five with flowing jet black hair that reached down her back and glittering purple eyes suddenly materialized right behind Percy. It seemed like she was ejected out of him.

Percy halted on his tracks looking confused though his eyes remained fiery purple as the woman's. His free hand went up to clutch his throbbing temple.

Not wasting the golden opportunity, Artemis lunged at Percy with blazing speed, tackling him to the ground. Percy struggled, dropping the trident while Artemis wrapped her arms around him tightly. Pouring her godly strength in her arms, she knew that she would never let him go.

"Thetis!" Artemis shouted as she glared at the woman. Even the lone spectator, Annabeth, who was there thinking of a way to help the goddess, was surprised at the sudden appearance of the Nereid.

"Sisters…" Thetis said sounding displeased. Both of her arms and legs were being tied up in a combination of gold and celestial bronze chains.

Artemis' quickly scanned the area and her eyes landed on several strange figures in the middle of the bay, beautiful women who resembled Thetis, numbering forty nine as she counted. The fifty Nereid daughters of Nereus had only gathered once in a same place outside Poseidon's court and it was during the time when they mourned Achilles' death.

Poseidon must have sent them, he was now aware of Percy's existence. Artemis thought. If there was no war coming, Poseidon must have come here himself.

Artemis looked directly at Thetis. "I don't think your sisters came to aid you. Release your control over Percy!" Percy was squirming beneath her but without the waters help; Artemis was a lot stronger than him. Her death grip held him successfully in place.

"It doesn't matter," Thetis said, ignoring the chains her Nereid sisters were conjuring. "Like me, they cannot purposely leave the sea and my son will continue to fight you."

Before Artemis could reply, Percy managed to slide a hunting knife out and slashed her right arm, leaving a good-size cut. Her golden blood dribbled down her sleeve. She glared briefly at him.

"Percy you idiot, get to your senses!" Artemis hissed as she pried the knife off Percy's hand. She thought her words could bring Percy back but it failed. Fortunately, she saw that Percy seemed to perceive her voice.

"He can't hear you," Thetis said but now there was hint of uneasiness in her voice. Artemis caught that anyway. "You have wasted your chance."

Percy yelled and a wall of water splashed Artemis off him. Without his knife, he brandished his sword and the two powerful and agile hunters engaged again in a good old-fashioned hand to hand combat.

Artemis grimaced. She should have knocked Percy out there but she had second thoughts. She was scared and unnerved by the feeling that she might end up killing him like she had done with Orion. It was not to compare Percy with Orion but if she got mad at first when she accidentally shot that prick because of Apollo's trickery, what would she felt if she would made a mistake in saving Percy? Orion was a horrible one while Percy was her friend that she actually liked. Stupid emotions.

Artemis was already out of fresh ideas. The battle was simply recurring as Percy knew everything she could do. In addition, Percy was mirroring her moves; he had developed her fighting style. Whether it's natural or because of Thetis, Percy was definitely a force to reckon with.

Thetis laughed. "Like I told you daughter of Leto, you can't defeat Perseus. As you can see, he has your skills. I must admit, you taught my son well."

Was there something that Percy's battle instinct couldn't predict or expect? Artemis thought. She glanced again at the demigods trying to find help. Athena's daughter was now lying on the soft sand of the shore, her chest rising and falling slowly. She had fallen asleep.

From a distance, she saw Piper peeked from her hiding place. The goddess of the hunt reddened for a brief time as an idea hit her. I might thank her later.


When something heavy was lifted from Percy, he felt his head ache like it was being squished. His surroundings seemed to ripple. In truth, Thetis was losing hold on Percy's mind. The cloud person or misty figure in front of him flickered and he could now determine that it was a female.

He heard a voice again but this time it sounded familiar. He was fed up with these voices and charged the misty figure again. His opponent was a very good fighter. It was kinda odd that the cloud being moved like a hunter or to be exact a huntress.

When they were a few feet apart, Percy heard it say. "Remember the night when you found me."

Huh?

When they crossed blades, their heads were a few inches away from each other. Percy was concentrating on a one final push to exert his whole effort to defeat it when he felt a warm feeling on his lips.

It lasted for only less than a second.

But he was certain that it was a kiss. Well, it felt like a kiss. Percy thought but it clearly distracted him for a while as the scent of the forest reached his nose. When did a forest appear near Santa Monica pier?

"You promised you'll keep me safe." The voice whispered, sounding desperate.

A strong gust of wind rushed, wiping the cloudy figure. Percy froze when the face of Artemis reappeared very close to him, her silver eyes flashing with regret and anger.

"Arty?"

If Artemis heard him, she probably ignored it as she forcefully drove her right fist directly at Percy's face. Her godly punch connected on Percy's left cheek.

Percy felt like a sledgehammer was thrown straight to his head. He crumpled to the ground. He felt weak: his arms, legs, and his joints and…in short everything. He was surprised he didn't fell unconscious. Artemis was a lot stronger than his stepfather.

He looked up at Artemis only to find her facing a woman who looked a lot like her mother Sally, with the exception of the purple eyes. Looking back at the goddess, Artemis was walking towards his mother look-alike.

Oh, Percy thought. He heard his real mother's voice awhile back. Sally and Sarah are supposedly to be twins. Could it be my mother? Why Arty does look like she was going to kill her?

"Arty…" He croaked trying to stop the moon goddess.

This time around, Artemis heard him. She spun and quickly ran to him, helping him to sit up.

"Percy," Artemis said worriedly. "Do you recognize me? Do you remember anything?"

Percy laughed. "I don't know, Arty. I think your fist was enough to make me forget everything. It hurts. A lot."

Artemis glared at him. "You idiot! You have gone into a stupid killing rampage."

"I don't remember that. As far as I remember I was fighting a person made of cloud," Percy said, his eyes drifted on Artemis' bleeding arm. "Who did that?"

"You did." Percy's jaw dropped. "I'll explain later but right now we have to deal with your mother."

"My mother?"

Artemis pointed her index finger on Thetis. The goddess' eyes widened when she found Thetis out of her chains. The Nereid mother of Percy was smiling rather lovingly at him. Every other Nereid was standing behind her, all wearing sad smiles on their faces.

"How dare you look at Percy like that?" Artemis shouted, standing protectively in front of a still wobbly son of Thetis. So they will aid their sister after all? What's really going on?

Thetis walked along the surf, not daring to leave the water. "I'm his mother and before you start picking a fight with me or with my sister, I suggest you think twice. You may be an Olympian but you have no chance against us after fighting my son. Be still and let me explain."

Artemis, clearly understanding their current chances, remained standing in front of Percy defensively.

"Wise choice, daughter of Leto," Thetis remarked. "Everything I said earlier was the truth, well, except on the part of killing you. I simply wished to see how my son had grown into a fine young man. I beg your pardon for my earlier aggressiveness and hostility."

Artemis was shocked at Thetis' revelation while Percy sat there, confused. "But it doesn't give you the right to use your own son for doing that kind of thing. I nearly killed him!"

Thetis stared at the goddess with a neutral face. "I manipulated my son because it is what I've seen on my own vision. I have the gift of prophecies and I always get a glimpse of possibilities in the future. As much as I hate it, I have to do it or else…" She left it hanging.

Artemis blinked once or twice. "What would happen if you didn't do it?" She asked her, the previous anger in her voice gone. Just like Percy, Thetis was good in switching moods and hiding their true emotions.

Thetis shifted her gaze at Percy. "His future will be different and I can tell that you will not like it. Like my first child, Achilles, I already know what would Percy will be. For the better or for the worse, I can't tell you anything."

Artemis nodded. Telling the future was never good. Some would try to change it which only resulted into miserable failures. "You said you are telling the truth about everything, does that mean that you'll still kill my broth…"

The Nereid interrupted, her purple eyes shone with hate. "Yes. If it's Apollo that would be standing right in front of me, I would attack him myself. I called my sisters to keep me in check and not to overdo my stay. I may not be a warrior but as long as I stood in my turf, I can easily fight you."

Artemis remained silent. Thetis moved a little closer and opened her arms for Percy. The moon goddess tensed but as she looked at Percy's longing eyes, she needed not to worry.

Percy was trying to hold his tears back. This was his mother. Even if he couldn't comprehend what was happening about manipulating and using him, he just wanted to hug her. Water flowed to him, filling him with new strength and he didn't waste his time. He ran to his mother's arms.

They held each other for a minute before Percy pulled away. Thetis' hate melted, her purple eyes flickered into what supposedly a sea nymph's uncorrupted state: a vibrant blue to green color. It only lasted for a few seconds before it returned into purple ones.

"Mom…" Percy said.

"Perseus," Thetis said rubbing circles on her son's back. "You'll know everything you wanted to know once you granted my final wish. I implanted the important things in my memory you needed to know after you set me free. I cannot stay for long."

"But…we just met," He protested, holding Thetis tighter. "You can't possibly leave me or wish for me to set you free whatever it meant."

"I've been always with you. I was away from my life source for a very long time that when you are five, I have to conceal my essence inside you, only to be awoken when you return in the sea." She explained.

Thetis continued. "My heart and mind was already tainted with so much hate that without my sisters here keeping it at bay, I might lose myself. But remember, I always love you like how I love Achilles. You two are so important to me that I tried to change both of you and your brother's fate but I know that it wouldn't happen. So I decided to do this even if it might hurt me. In the end, you must set me free."

Percy nodded blankly. He picked up the trident and handled it to one of his mother's sister. "Please bring it back to your Lord Poseidon and ask him to call off the war. My friends have tried hard to recover that." He glanced at his friends, whom all are sleeping. Apparently, the Nereids have taken some precautionary actions.

"You have our word, nephew." A Nereid said. "Your friends will wake up once we left and I think Lady Artemis will help them to Olympus."

"I will," replied from the goddess.

Thetis kissed Percy's forehead. She guided Percy's hand just above her heart. "Now, you have to grant my final wish. I'll transfer some of my essence to you and some of my memories."

"Is there no other way?" Percy asked hopelessly. He doesn't really need additional power anyway.

"It's the only way for me to escape this prophecy. I know it sound so selfish of me but I hope you understand that I don't want others to exploit this. We may never know that perhaps they would use me in their own advantage and benefit in the future." Thetis explained.

Percy sobbed silently. "I love you mom…"

Thetis turned to Artemis. "Once again, I offer to you my humble apologies, Lady Artemis and thank you for making my son a good young man."

Artemis nodded, confirming that she forgave her. She had another thing to hate Apollo. It was clear that Apollo's intervention devastated Thetis. He broke the Ancient Law just because he was one of the patrons of Troy. Little brother, you really are a stupid sun god.

Thetis shed tears before she pushed it, a strong surge of power channeled through Percy's hand to her heart along with the power of every Nereid present. Thetis's form flickered, slowly dissipating in the air. She smiled sadly at Percy.

"Thank you Percy. I love you my son." She faded as part of her essence transferring to Percy. "I'll always be with you…Extend my gratitude to Sally."

A tear trickled down Percy's cheek and his vision spun. Darkness befell him.


Percy woke up in a familiar bed in his old camping site, her real mother's favorite, where Hestia brought him to train and live on his own. Artemis sat next to him holding a glass of nectar and a square of ambrosia. An upsurge of nausea rolled over him as he tried to remember the events that had happened.

Artemis made him sip through the drinking straw. "How are Annabeth, Grover and Dylan? What happened to the war?" Percy asked groggily. He was sad that his mother Thetis chose to fade but at least he knew that his mother really loved him.

The goddess smiled at him. "Your friends arrived safely to Olympus. All symbols of power were sent back to its rightful owners. The threat of war has been called off." She said looking a little worried though.

Percy noticed her anguish look. "Is there another problem Arty?"

Artemis sighed. "Yes. Ares escaped punishment and he told the council about your existence. Of course, no one knows about you except me, Hephaestus and Hestia. Although I got the feeling that Poseidon already knew about you since you entered his domain but he remained silent in the meeting. Zeus thinks you're a threat to Olympus because you defeated the war god and he ordered your immediate capture."

"You're going to bring me to Olympus then?"

Artemis rolled her eyes. "You think so low of me, Perseus. Just because I hate men in general, it doesn't mean I will betray a friend. Besides, you have been out for two days. If I surrendered you to my father, I have done it while you are asleep."

Percy stared at her with uncertainty. It wasn't because of Artemis' antagonism of men but for the reason that last time he attacked Artemis. He just remembered it today very clearly and on how he fought her unknowingly. It was more enough reason to scorn him among the males she despised.

Artemis chuckled at the look Percy was giving her. "You're thinking that you have ruined our friendship and caused me to hate you because of those little scratches you gave me?" She asked, her eyes shining mischievously.

Percy nodded nervously and Artemis burst into a sudden fits of laughter. "If I do, you will find yourself wondering in the underworld or galloping in forest as a jackalope. You are not yourself at last time so I can't, by any means, hate you." She said in between soft laughs.

"Haha. Very funny." Percy responded sarcastically. It's good to hear her laughter. Last I'll hear it. The hunt is over. He thought sadly. "Did they know that you were helping or with me?"

"No," Artemis replied. "Ares thought that you are a rogue demigod working for the Titan Lord. Rest assured that everyone who knew about you are safe and have sworn to the Styx never to reveal that they had particular knowledge of you."

Percy slumped back in relief. The tent became quiet for a long time as Percy and Artemis enjoyed each other's company.

"Thank you." Percy said out of the blue.

"For what?"

"For bringing me back," Percy said quietly, staring at the tent's ceiling. "I mean, you save me back there in Santa Monica. My face still hurts though."

Artemis blushed, remembering the way she helped him. "Well, I can't think of another way to lift Thetis' bewitchment on you. I have to defeat you and knock you out."

"My memory is quite vague at our fight," Percy said. "But it was returning to me like my mom told me. Though, I wasn't sure about a certain part of the fight."

Artemis turned even redder. Luckily, Percy wasn't looking at her. "What part?" she asked even though she already knew what shocking part it was. What would I tell him in case he asks?

It was Percy's turn to blush. There was no way he would lie to Artemis so he told her the truth. "I don't know if it was my imagination or what, but my lips felt warm at that time. It's like someone had kissed me."

Artemis nodded, still beet red. "Anything you remember other than that?" she asked making sure whether Percy remembered or not. If that was the case, she was ready to deny and to tell that probably he was hallucinating because of Thetis' power. The feeling was quite infuriating her all the time.

Percy continued. "Well the misty figure disappeared and you were standing on the figure's spot very close in front of me and your right fist went straight to my face." He winced remembering how strong the maiden goddess was.

Artemis nodded tensely. "Have you realized who it was?"

"You mean the misty figure?" Percy said deep in thought. He had an idea but it couldn't be Artemis because if it was her, then it only meant one thing.

She nodded again.

"Hmmm… if you were on that misty figure spot then—"

Percy never got the chance to finish what she was saying when Piper rushed suddenly inside the tent startling Percy and Artemis. She looked deviously at the two before she sat next to Percy, opposite to Artemis.

"How are you Percy?" Piper asked.

"I'm fine," Percy said before noticing the large bag Piper was carrying. "Thanks for the concern Pipes but what's with the bag? Where are you going?"

"You see… Percy… I followed your advice and I called my dad." Piper said stammering a little.

Percy nodded. "So you're going to try once more?"

"Yeah," Piper replied softly. "And perhaps, I'll attend a new school too. But don't worry about me; I can handle myself now especially around boys."

Percy turned to Artemis. "Will monsters attack her that much?"

Artemis shook her head. "No, probably they will ignore her." She turned to Piper. "I mean no offence to you my dear but children of Aphrodite have weaker scent and thus will not attract monsters often." She explained.

"I don't mind, Lady Artemis." Piper said politely. "I think it would be better if they will ignore me. And I'd like to thank the two of you for teaching me how to fight. I haven't had so much fun even if it's life threatening."

Artemis nodded. "I share the same sentiment with you, Piper." Besides, the goddess was still looking forward for Piper joining her hunt.

Piper nodded before she leaned in to Percy. The daughter of Aphrodite kissed Percy softly on the cheek much to the goddess' shock before she bid her goodbye to the two, sprinting outside Percy's tent.

"I can see you like it," Artemis remarked, whose face hardened for a reason, glanced down at Percy. "You know, Piper is nice, nicer than her mother if you will actually meet Aphrodite. Mortals labeled the goddess of love as my opposite."

Percy was shocked while staring at Piper's retreating figure. Well, he was more shocked not because of Piper's action but of Artemis reaction. "Uhm…Piper is just friendly and yeah…she is really nice." And he chose not to comment on Aphrodite being Artemis' opposite.

Artemis crossed her arms around her chest. "You've taken a liking to her, I can tell."

Percy looked confused. "Of course I like Piper, I mean as a friend if that's what you are talking about. Why?"

Artemis sighed. It was a kiss on the cheek while she, on the other hand, had kissed him in the lips. No, I just brushed mine to his just to distract him. She reminded herself. Still, the goddess of maidens pressed the idea that she didn't know why she was acting up strange. Or maybe it's what they call jealousy.

"Can we take a walk outside for a while?" She asked quietly not explaining why.

Percy, lying in the bed perplexed, stretched his arms and legs, testing whether he could accompany the goddess. The nectar and ambrosia, as always, had done its job pretty well. "I think I can."

They walked through the, Artemis leading and Percy following her lead. It was a cloudless night and Percy wondered how the heck Piper left the place. Aunt Hestia had helped her probably. The moon and stars were clearly visible and the water crashing from the waterfall hogged the sound.

As they walked through the place, Percy couldn't help but to stare at Artemis, noticing how the darkness of the night enhanced the silver glow around her. Definitely beautiful, he thought. Percy felt a little sad though.

"I'll be returning to my hunt this night since the problem with Echidna has been solved." Artemis said breaking the silence.

Good thing, Artemis kept her focus on the steps ahead as Percy continued to stare at her. "I think it can't be helped. On top of that, your hunters probably miss you already." Percy responded.

"Same goes for me, I miss my hunters." Artemis said. "How about you? What are you going to do since your training with me is done?"

"I'll still train on my own like I use to," Percy said as he slid out one of his hunting knife. "And I'll visit my other mom. I know she would like to know what happened."

Silence enveloped them again. After a minute, Percy tapped Artemis by the shoulder, grabbing her attention.

"Arty, before you go I'd like you to have this." He said before handing her one of his hunting knife where his name was inscribed, Percy's knife from Hestia.

Artemis raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Percy took a deep breath forcing a blush not to appear in his cheeks. "You are my first friend and you are a great teacher so this is my way of thanking you. I hope you accept it."

"You know Percy it wasn't necessary to thank me," Artemis said but she took Percy's knife anyway. A silver hunting knife materialized in her hand. "Here. If you are giving me one of yours, I'll give you one of my personal hunting knives. Don't lose it."

Percy felt flattered and elated. At least he would have something to treasure from his very first friend. Something he didn't expect from Artemis to do. "I won't. I promise, Phoebe Artemis." Percy read the name emblazoned in Artemis' silver hunting knife.

Artemis scowled but it was rather playful than in exasperation. "You're lucky that I consider you my friend, Perseus Jackson."

Percy grinned mischievously knowing he won in this name irritation contest. "Thanks Arty."

Artemis blushed and she thought about something to change the subject. "You know, I've accepted to train you because of what happened to my hunt." She bit her lower lip. Why would I say that? I mean at first it was for entirely for the sake of my hunt but…

"I know that."

"But I never knew that I'll have fun in hunting with a company of a man." She supplied.

"I hope it wasn't because of the things you tormented me of." Percy said shuddering at the thought of his first weeks of training. Artemis was very harsh.

Artemis jabbed him in the ribs. "Maybe at first," she admitted. "But how could you blame me? I've spent thousands of years pretty much despising males. Anyhow, I truly had fun in this short encounter of ours. At least for me, it was a new feeling of actually having a male friend."

Percy nodded. "Likewise Arty, I actually have a man hating goddess for a friend." He said in a happy tone, emphasizing the man hating part.

Artemis rolled her eyes but smiled. She suddenly closed the distance and pulled him into an embrace. It all happened by instinct at the thought of losing the one man unlike any other she met for a long time. It was there last night together.

Percy tensed in surprise. Partly because he had felt the same warm feeling when the unknown female figure he fought in Santa Monica kissed him suddenly even though what Artemis had done tonight was a hug. Besides, it couldn't be Artemis. Sure they were friends and all but to the point of Artemis kissing him? Impossible, she was a maiden goddess and again the man hating one.

"I'm treating a fellow hunter and the only man I came to trust with respect." Artemis said and she felt Percy relaxing.

"Uhm thanks, I guess." Percy mumbled unable to return the gesture. He doesn't know what would be Artemis' reaction if he would hug her. Better safe than sorry.

"And if you ever become one of those disgusting males I hate, I swear I'll kill you a hundred times over on the day we meet again." Artemis whispered before pulling back. Her mind drifted on his past hunting companion, Orion. It really scared her if someday Percy would turn into a scoundrel like his half-brother especially she had developed certain affection for Percy. The threat was only a defensive mechanism of hers.

She smiled at Percy again, her cheeks showing a small tint of pink since it was her first time allowing herself to cling into a male in such a manner. Not to mention that it was the man she had her first kiss with even if Percy was partially unaware of it. The goddess stepped back and disappeared slowly while illuminating the clearing with bright silver light.

Percy stood by the clearing, still in deep thought that the known man hating goddess had hugged him. He stared at the moon intently, strapping Artemis' personal silver hunting knife to his side. He had something to tell to the goddess but Percy thought it would sound silly. The truth was he had taken a liking to Artemis the first time he saw her. Sure, they had a rough start but when he got to know the intrepid huntress more, he had grown fond of her.

Before Percy could return to his tent, two figures appeared in front of him. One was his Aunt Hestia who enveloped him in a hug after not seeing each other for several months. Oh Gods, is this maiden-goddesses-hug-Percy day?

The second one, man with albino white skin and zealous black eyes in black silk robe, walked grumpily to his side, shadows danced in the area. Percy let out a small smile at the lord of the Underworld. "Uncle Hades."

"Nephew," Hades grunted in somewhat bored tone. "It came to my knowledge that you are the one who recovered my helm."

"I had help uncle." Percy said casually.

Hades stared at him for a second. "Well, I don't like owing someone especially a demigod spawn of one of my brothers. I'm here to offer something you would like and will benefit me in the future." The god said sternly with the slightest hint of gratifying tone.

Percy inclined his head, genuinely interested. He had nothing to do but train alone in this place since Artemis left already. He would be much grateful having a new excuse to be away in this lonely place. "What is it uncle?"

"You're a son of Thetis are you not?"

Percy nodded.

"Your famous half-brother resides in the Underworld," Hades said. "And since Hestia says you are the child in the great prophecy, I offer you some valuable time with Achilles. He already agreed to train you and he also wishes to have a little time to talk with his one and only surviving sibling."

Percy absolutely liked the idea. Who wouldn't want to meet the greatest Greek warrior of all time anyway? Not to mention, Achilles was his half-brother. He doesn't really have anyone whom he was related to but his aunt turn adopted mother.(With the exemption of the gods and goddesses of course).

"I accept uncle." Percy answered excitedly.

Hades nodded. "Very well nephew. I look forward for you visiting my domain. Farewell." The Lord of the Dead was engulfed with shadows leaving Percy and Hestia alone.

The goddess of the hearth in her usual nine year old form invited Percy by the dead campfire and they sat together as Percy ate the food Hestia had summoned. Flames popped out of the campfire lighting the place.

"Uncle Hades said that his offer would benefit him," Percy said after munching a cheeseburger. "How? I mean, I'll go training and all but I don't think it would benefit him."

Hestia sighed while staring at the fire reflecting her own glowing red eyes. "My brother is planning to reintroduce his children back to the real world. He will need you in ensuring their safety when the time is right."

Percy's eyes widened slightly. "He broke the oath too?"

"No, Hades didn't. He was keeping his children in a special place for more than seventy years." Hestia explained. "Just like you, they are being kept secret from Olympus."

Percy nodded. "If that's the case, I don't mind Aunt Hestia. I'll be more willing to help."

Hestia beamed at him before she turned pale. "I think I owe you an apology, Percy."

Percy gave her a quizzical look. He knew that gods and goddesses are quite stubborn and wouldn't apologize to a mortal like Artemis, though the moon goddess implies it sometimes but for his Aunt Hestia, it's a natural thing to do. "Why are you apologizing Aunt Hestia? I don't remember anything you've done wrong. If you mean sending me with Artemis, I'm really glad about it. I learned a lot from her."

The goddess of the hearth shook her head. "It's about Thetis actually. You see, I am fully aware of what would happen there and I can't do anything about it. I let you find your own answers which almost end up in an aggravating situation. You fought two Olympians, Percy. It's something a twelve year old boy shouldn't do at that age."

Percy sighed heavily. His mother said that it would happen eventually and it did. It was an inevitable event. "About that, there is nothing to forgive since you aren't fault Aunt Hestia. It's something that would happen no matter what. Besides, I have met my real mother even if it started in a not very nice way. I'm just glad I met her."

Hestia smiled at him. She could see the sadness in his eyes for losing Thetis. The goddess of the hearth decided to change the subject.

"So Percy how's your stay with Artemis? Is anything worth sharing?" She asked in a teasing voice.

Percy blushed. His Aunt Hestia couldn't possibly know that he liked the maiden goddess, did she? "I guess it's worth sharing the torture I get from the man-hating goddess. By any means, Lady Artemis is actually nice if someone just got to know her better." He said trying to glare at his aunt but failing. His face was so hot in embarrassment.

Hestia chuckled. "My, my little nephew has a crush. That explains your red face, isn't it?"

Percy groaned, but there was no sense of denying it. He was certain that Hestia was the goddess of lie detectors. "If Arty knew, she would turn me into a jackalope. I have seen her demonstration back in Santa Monica."

Hestia shrugged. "Artemis let you call her by that nickname. She even stayed and watched over you this past two days. I'd say she sees you as friend, a real friend." She was quite shock that Percy would be able to attract Artemis' interest and yet she was worried since it might hurt the two in the end simply because her niece was a maiden goddess like herself.

Percy was shocked, his face turning into a deep shade of red. "She watched over me?" he asked in horror hoping that he didn't drool in his sleep.

Hestia nodded. "Even if my niece shuns men, she genuinely cares for her friends. Not even Apollo can get away without taking a major beating from Artemis if he tried to call her by that."

Percy paused.

"My mother told Artemis that I am somewhat a destined destroyer, the exact opposite of Achilles, the shield of the Greeks. How could I possibly pick the right choice in the end if I was born to destroy?" Percy asked. He didn't need to find a thesaurus and know that the word 'destroy' had the same meaning with the great prophecy's final word: raze.

Hestia smiled. "It's very simple, Percy. If you know what is good, you'll do good things. Sometimes destroying something doesn't mean it's already out of ill-will. Just keep in mind that it will always depend on you on doing the right thing."

Percy simply nodded. He still had four years to think about the prophecy. At present, he better prepared himself for the worst. After all, he had new friends and family to protect. He might not be like his half-brother Achilles but one thing for sure that he would choose the right thing no matter what.

A determined smile graced his lips as the moon glowed ever so brightly in the dark sky.


Notes:

And that concludes the Lightning thief part and the story will proceed on the Titan's curse plot skipping the Sea of Monsters but of course it would be different. I know that some of you wanted Percy to meet the Hunt already so next chapter it would be entitled: The Hunt in Maine.

Thank you so much for those who had reviewed, favorite and followed this story. The story now has 170 reviews, 183 favorites and 240 follows. It felt really good knowing that you like the story. It motivates me to carry on forward.

Again thank you for reading and don't forget to review, favorite and follow.

CF