Ch. 10

A heavy sigh escaped the lush lips of a fare haired girl with startling grey eyes that contrasted shapely. She stared out over the clear lake waters as the morning sun gently reflected reds and yellows off the surface of the waters. creating a master piece that only nature could produce. Her nimble fingers fiddling with a ring on her left hand, which had become a nervous habit of her's. The grey eyes of the female stung with the tears she refused to shed. She had to be strong, she couldn't appear cowardly. The last thing she needed was to give them more ammunition against her. When she had tried to speak to Percy, he had all but blasted her; and from the power she felt roll off of him, she believed he could. But his power was not what frightened her most, Percy had changed since she had last seen him. He seemed more... wild, more animal like.

Annabeth rubbed her eyes, trying to clear the tears away. But ever since she saw the look of betrayal in Percy's gaze, it seemed her heart had taken control over her body. Where her mind was demanding for her to step up and move on, her heart yearned for her to approach him. She desperately wanted to talk with Percy, to try and mend their broken hearts. But whenever she had gathered up the strength to do so, the image of the broken look in his eyes quickly swallowed her courage.

With one more twist of her ring, she stood. Bones and joints creaking and popping from the hours of stillness. Annabeth had trudged her way to the beach after the battle yesterday, trying to quell the ache in her chest, but it seemed she had dozed off while she swam deep within her thoughts. She had awoken just before dawn broke over the horizon.

As she made her way past the forest, sounds of prowling monster echoed off the trees in an eery crescendo of soft growls and cries. The dryads were awakening and beginning their morning routine.

Just as she reached her cabin door, the breakfast horn sounded. The female quickly stepped aside, nearly avoiding being stampeded as her cabin mates walked past, most not even looking her way. The ones that did just looked on with pity filled gazes. It had become like this after Percy found her with that damned son of Apollo. When all had shunned her, she had seeked comfort within her siblings. They were the only ones willing to speak with her, but as time went on, even they seemed unable to free her of the strong chains of her depression. Grover was busy with his role as lord of the wild and his girlfriend, Juniper. Thalia wouldn't even talk to her, which became clear yesterday. And Nico was as close to Percy as one could be, so it was natural he would back Percy.

As the wisdom goddess' daughter stepped up behind the line of the Athena cabin, Annabeth's gaze flicked over to the Sea God's cabin. Confusion clouded her mind. Percy had yet to awaken? That was extremely uncharacteristic of him to miss a meal. Especially breakfast. The daughter of Athena took a shaky step towards the seemingly vacant cabin, but ultimately decided against it. Stepping back in line, she followed her brothers and sisters into the dinning pavilion.

Thalia eyes slowly opened to the smiling face of her mistress. Unprepared for the intrusion of her sleep, a loud yelp was heard as she crashed to the floor. Artemis chuckled softly as loud laughter echoed all through the goddess' palace. Thalia pulled the blanket off of her head and glared at the hunters around her. Only causing them to laugh harder.

Thalia charged up her fist and tackled Phoebe to the floor before flicking her forehead. It was Thalia's turn to burst out in laughter. The daughter of Ares hair had fluffed out and stood on end like a evil scientists. Phoebe blinked before she started laughing. Artemis watched as her second in command and Phoebe started to wrestle playfully, yelling mock insults to each other.

"I have to head to the throne room girls. So try and not kill each other while I'm gone" Artemis called out as she opened the door to her palace. She took one last look over her shoulder and grinned happily. Thalia had grabbed a pillow and started to attack Phoebe with it, causing an all out pillow war between the hunters. Shaking her head softly, the goddess made her way to the throne room with a warm smile on her face.

The goddess could have flashed into the room with little more then a thought, but she was in a giddy mood. Her hunters were never closer then they are now and she had a certain demigod that had eyes on her. A warm shudder passed through her as she thought about his multicolored eyes that glowed with mirth and happiness when ever she was near. Artemis shook her head, trying to clear her mind. The last thing she needed was someone to pick up on her thoughts.

The goddess felt her face fall into it's usual blank mask as she pushed open the large double doors to the throne room. The counsel had already gathered. With a nod to her father, Artemis made her way to her throne.

"Now that you have finally joined us, we can begin." The god of lightening called, glancing at his daughter. Slight annoyance filled his light blue eyes. Hera nodded and cleared her throat.

"As you all know, Gaea is rising." Murmured yeses echoed around the room. "As well as her Giant children." Most of the gods paled at the mention of them. Even the all mighty Zeus could not calm the chill that ran down his spine. Even with his insufferable ego, he knew better then argue that the gods where stronger. Every supernatural being knew this, and most were afraid to some degree at this treat.

Athena stood from her throne, her usually cold grey eyes now glinted in apprehension for the near future. "The giants soul purpose is to oppose us and take our place." Few gods did nothing at the mention of this.

Dionysus was slouched over in his throne, his face hidden behind a wine magazine as drool dripped from his lips. Hephaestus' large hands tinkered with tiny bolts and pieces of scrap. It seemed he wasn't listening, but every now and then, his eyes would flick about the room. But they always landed on his bride before returning to his hands.

Athena's gaze met the queen of the heavens'. "That is why Hera and myself have implemented her plan."

Time seemed to stop for Artemis. Her breathe froze in her throat as the ichor in her veins ran cold. How could her father do something like this? She had voiced her opinion on this multiple time before, she was sure that her sister would have thought up a different course of action. Right? Artemis' silver eyes widened in realization. Percy would have absolutely no recollection of her. This thought scared her almost as much as him going to war. The goddess' heart throbbed.

"You must bring him back!" Artemis shouted as she shot to her feet. Zeus stared at his daughter, eyes wide at her reaction. She sounded almost hurt?

After a short moment, Zeus snapped out of his shock. "And why would we do that, daughter?" His voice filled with genuine curiosity.

Firry anger clouded the goddess' eyes as she stared her father down. "The Romans are strict and cold." She argued.

Apollo nodded his head. "She's right. Percy isn't exactly a rules kind of guy." The sun god said with a light chuckle. The gods that were close to the halfblood, smiled and nodded.

The barest trace of a smile cracked the usually tight lips of the sky god. "As much as I hate to admit it, that is correct." Zeus grumbled in his throne.

Artemis returned to her seat, a slight amount of relief churning in her. What was said was true, if anyone could stand with the Romans, while not being one himself, it was Percy. A small smile made its home on her lush pink lips. He had a nack for defying the odds, even if they were stacked against him.

Zeus cleared his throat, trying to garner the attention of his family. Once all eyes were upon him, well aside from the drunk, he began. "Anyways, my nephew, as much as it pains me to say, is the most powerful demigod we have. Even if there isn't a leader at the camp, it goes with out saying that our children look up to him," The god paused and loosened the collar of his designer suit. As if it caused actual discomfort to him. "And would fallow him into battle. Which is why we chose Percy for the part. If anyone could pull it off, it would be him." He finished, his face showing the wishful, and greedy thought that it should be one of HIS sons that he spoke of.

Poseidon stared at his brother in shock at the praise his boy got from his egotistical sibling. Zeus must have chocked on his enormous pride to say such things. A smug smirk crept its way onto Poseidon's sun tanned face, "What was that brother? I didn't quit catch that." He taunted.

Hades watched amused as Poseidon vaunted his younger brother. He was quit shocked to say the least, but The Lord of the dead had to agree with the youngest child of Kronos. His nephew was indeed more powerful than any other halfblood.

"You heard me!" Zeus snapped at the sea god. His face red with anger. Snickers and poorly hidden chuckles echoed off the stone walls of the grand room. The loudest coming from Apollo and Hermes. Both had not bothered to conceal their amusement at their father's tomato red face.

Percy's father smiled broadly, He was extremely proud of his son. Poseidon opened his mouth to retort when he was cut off. "Enough of you bickering uncle!" Anger dripping from the moon goddess' voice as she snapped. Poseidon stared at her, confused. Why was she so out of mad all of a sudden? Was she angered that they sent his son off without her consent? Was she worried about the dangers? Even Poseidon wasn't all to concerned for his son's safety, Percy could more than handle himself. She had never once snapped like this, not even with Orion.

Artemis turned back to her father, whom had a similar look on his face. "You need to bring him back." She pleaded.

Zeus narrowed his eyes. "Why? What is he to you to cause a reaction like this in you?" He questioned suspiciously. Artemis seemed taken aback by this. The firry light in her eyes dimmed. Apollo and his father watched her fidget at the question, while two certain goddesses smiled knowingly.

"He... He is no one." She replied after a moment. It pained her say such things, but she knew she had too. Her eyes flicked over Apollo's, seeing her brother's gaze, Artemis's hardened. "That boy is nothing special to me." She sneered. Her heart aching as the words flowed over her lips. Her tone may have been hard and cold, as well as her face. But if one, such as the forgotten goddess, watched closely, they would see she struggled over the words and the almost perdu flicker of regret in her silver eyes.

The Lord of the sky relaxed a bit, an almost relieved look crossed his face. "Then why-"

Aphrodite, being the love goddess could sense emotions. Regret and anger rolled off of the moon deity. "What my sister means, is that she is just watching out for the wellbeing of our Hero." Aphrodite said with a smile. A small amount of charm speak flowed into her words. Just enough to sway her father's thoughts, but not enough to draw attention. Artemis released the breath she had been unaware she was holding in.

Zeus nodded with one last glance at the moon goddess, his watchful gaze lingered longer then she would have like before he gestured for Athena to continue. But Artemis couldn't stay any longer. Her emotions were all scattered about. She was angered, doleful. Despite the situation, she chuckled inwardly. It was unbelievable what love did to someone. How much it changed a person on the outside as much as inside. Artemis flashed a grateful smile towards the love goddess and vanished. Heading to the one place she knew she would be alone.

Apollo watched as his dearest sister flashed away. His eyes narrowed in suspicion. He needed to have a talk with her, and possibly with Percy as well.

A large wolf paced a rut into the cold ground that an old decaying mansion sat upon. If one were to look at it, they could easily tell that it was once impressive. But now, parts of the roof were caved in, while other sections of the house looked burned and scorched.

'Where is he?!' She growled out. He large canines gleamed in the afternoon light. Lupa's fur bristled in annoyance and aggravation. She was told that he would be here be the time she arrived. She had heard much about the young hero. The deeds he has performed had earned him god hood, but he turned it down. When Diana had told her of him, the mother of Rome could see the affection glint in her eyes.

As Lupa continued to pace back and forth, a smaller, albeit still large, wolf stepped out of the thick forest the surrounded the ruined mansion. The goddess' head whipped around as her sight zeroed in on her approaching beta, her right hand within the pack.

When the beta neared his mistress, he knelt low before rising. 'Mi'lady, has he arrived?' His head tilted slightly.

Lupa sighed. "No, Im afraid not Drake." She said tiredly as she turned back to the Wolf House. The click click of her claws echoed eerily in the air as she made her way inside. Drake stilled as he watched her reaching form. Longing filled his eyes as he stared at her. How he wish he could hold her, lay gentle feather light kisses upon her.

It was the Berta's turn to sigh as he started after his mistress and love. He had loved her every since she had saved his sorry ass long ago. Drake's eyes glazed over as he swam through the years he had spent with Lupa.

The wolf goddess entered the court yard at the center of the house and nearly jumped out of her furry hide. On the floor, wrapped in a sea green cloth was a handsome young man. Jet black hair splayed about in an unruly manner. A single thick grey stripe adorned the deep black. A perfect tan colored his face. She approached him, a deep breath escaped her lungs as she neared.

When the mother of Rome was feet from the boy, a familiar scent drifted up her nose. Causing her to stiffen, her bright yellow eyes widened in extreme surprise. It was him! The newborn she tracked back in Rome! But how was he here? And why was he in Italy?

Drake snapped himself out of his thoughts as he stepped up beside his mistress. He stared down at the young man before him. Sleeping peacefully. The look on his face almost saddened the beta. For he would soon awake into the horrid nightmare that is life for one such as he.

The male gazed at his mistress. Taking note of her stiffened form and wide eyes caused him to be on edge. Lupa was staring at the boy with wonder.

'Mi'lady?' He asked with a nudged to the shoulder. When she didn't answer, he looked back at the demigod at their feet in confusion. Why had his unshakable mistress seem so off put by his presence? When he knew she wasn't going to answer, he grew slightly angered. What about this boy caused her to act so differently? Wanting answers, Drake gentle nudged his snout against the boy's chest, trying to awaken him. His displeasure at bringing the demigod from his peaceful state of unconsciousness forgotten.

'Don't-' The goddess went to snap at Drake's shoulder when she saw him move on the boy but startling powerful gold, silver, and sea green reptilian eyes snapped open, a wild, animalistic look present in them.

A/N: I'm currently looking for a permanent Beta for this story. And I need a GOOD one. I've had to many that claim to be good, but they have not. So if you think you have takes it takes, then PM me or leave a review. Also, I have a pol up on my profile. So go and vote.