Lost

by Kritirio

You're all teens' right. Most of you must know how it feels like to like someone, to have a crush on someone, to feel that bitter sweet feeling known to us all as love. But how many of you have felt betrayal, how many of you have felt the sharp pain that stings your heart, how many of you have felt your heart break to a million pieces and how many of you have your world turned upsi

10. Confessions

Flashback continues

So I've trained like hell for the past six months, you remember what I said about grandmas being sweet, well scratch that because grandma just turned to her 'Train my grandson till he is unconscious' mode. This is scary as hell if you happen to be her grandson.

During the past six months I've also made a lot of friends. The Titan council has also taken a liking to me. Theia and I are pretty close friends now. Oceanus has also taken a liking to me besides me being the son of his arch enemy. But the thing I'm most proud of,is curing different monsters. It was the day after the titans pledged their allegiance to me. Grandma had taken me to formally introduce myself to the Titan army.

We were currently in a giant coliseum like building. It was like the one in Rome, if the roman coliseum was built with white marble, embroidered with imperial gold and was a bazillion times greater then its current size. Oh no, I'm not exaggerating, I had to grow to full size to see the boundary of the bloody thing but what surprised me the most was that the entire coliseum was filled with monsters of all kinds.

"Monsters" Atlas, my commander shouted. "I present you with lord Perseus, king of the titans." I stepped forward and spoke with an unusual command to my voice ,which I didn't know I had. "Monsters, today I stand before you as your king but I know we've had our differences in the past. I've taken many loved ones from you and you have done the same. So I'm pleased that you have sworn your allegiance to me and as a token of gratitude I'm about to give you all a gift."

I'm sure most of you have read a lot of Greek mythology and most of you at one point or another have pitied the monsters in it. So when I took on the role of the Titan king I wanted to do something about it and after thinking about it for a long while, I finally came up with a brilliant idea.

I let lose a few words in the tongue of the titans and suddenly every monster began to grow bright yellow. After a while the light died down and instead of the monsters there stood humans, well immortal humans to be precise. They all were looking at each other with shocked expressions.

"Monsters do not worry, I've have merely given you the ability to transform into humans but you can turn back to your true form whenever you chose." And as I said that some of them changed to their true forms and back to human. "Plus I have taken your lust for human and demigod blood. You now have an appetite similar to the humans." I finished and the entire army chorused their gratitude. Then I just walked out.

So after that I was pretty much training all day and getting to know the members of the army at night. I made good friends with medusa, who by the is beautiful now that I returned her to her true form but she can become a gorgon whenever she wishes. Then there was Kelly the empousae, who tried to kill me once but was now one of my closest friends.

Over the months many titans appeared among them were Prometheus and Epimetheus, Perses and Krios and surprisingly Calypso as well. I was in one of my training sessions with grandma, when suddenly Prometheus appeared. He bowed to me and grandma and asked if he could talk with Lady Rhea in private. I raised an eye brow but was about to flash out when grandma stopped me and motioned for Prometheus to come closer. He did as he was told and then she touched his forehead.

Both grandma and Prometheus stayed that way for what seemed like over an hour but just when I was about to shake them out of it grandma spoke "Oh dear, this does complicate things."
"What's wrong grandma?" I asked.
"Well Perseus it appears it's time for you to do some protecting." I gave her a confused expression, so she explained further.
"It appears the goddess of hunt is in danger."
"Why?whats wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing is wrong right now lord but as the Titan of fore thought, I sense that she'll be kidnapped as bait to lure us and the gods into a trap in the future by our enemy." Prometheus explained and I have to admit it was a valid reason but I didn't understand why must it be me.
"Okay but why should I go? Any of the titans can protect her perfectly." I complained like a child.
"Well son if its one of us then she'll sense us immediately, you on the other hand can also change into a demigod, which hides your essence." Rhea explained.

End of flashback.

"But grandma she'll turn me into a jackalope." I whined.
"Oh stop whining like a child Perseus. You know what you've to do." Rhea scolded.
"And that would be?" I asked because I sure as hell don't know how I was even going to get close to Artemis. "Haaa...well my dear son, you'll have to find a way to stay close to Artemis, I don't care how but you'll have to do it.."
"Fine but what about the Olympians, they'll surely find me if I so much as go near the hunters camp." I said.
"You don't have to worry about them anymore, I've put an illusion around you,no one can sense if you don't want them to." She explained.
"Okay but what do I tell Artemis when she starts asking about my whereabouts for the past six months?"
"Make something up, I can't do your thinking for you." Rhea said.
"Fine, when do I leave?" I asked.
"Now." She said and clicked her fingers and the next thing I know I'm in a forest.

'Great' I murmured. 'What am I suppose to do now? ' I though. I looked around and saw a lot of maple trees. The deep green, star shaped leaves contrasted beautifully with the crisp white trunk and branches of the maple trees. I was marvelling at the beauty of the forest when I saw an arrow coming right at me. Instinctively I side stepped and quickly pulled my hood over my face. I followed the direction the arrow came from and saw a group of girls in silver dresses, holding bows with arrows notched, aiming straight at me. The leader was a twelve year old girl with acute silver eyes and auburn hair. Next to her was a sixteen year old with jet black hair which appeared to have been spiked. She had bright blue eyes and features similar to me.
They slowly walked towards me, arrows still aimed at my head and a spot I rather not mention.

'Oh great what am I suppose to do now' I thought. 'Protect her Perseus, she is going to play a crucial part in the future. But don't use your power over time, it's possible that our enemy might sense you' Rhea spoke in my mind. 'How am I supposed to protect her if I can't use my powers?' I asked. 'Don't worry, when you need help just ask the snake to transform' she replied. 'What snake?' I asked, obviously confused. 'The one in around your neck.' She replied. 'What do you mean? I don't hav-" that's as far as I got because I suddenly felt something move around my neck. 'Oh that snake.' I thought. But there was no reply.

"Who are you, boy?" The twelve year old asked. You know it's hard to take a twelve year old seriously but I knew this girl was non other then the moon goddess herself, Artemis.
"Answer her or die." Thallia threatened raising her bow.
"Now is that anyway to greet you're long lost friend." I said with a mischievous grin plastered on my face.
"What do you mean?" Thalia spat.
"Come now thals, don't tell me you don't recognise your own cousin." I mocked while flipping the hood off.

I heard a collective gasp before being tacked to the ground by my best friend/cousin. "Percy" she said still hugging me tightly. "Hello Thalia."I said returning the hug. She didn't reply but just stayed like that hugging me for what felt like a minute and then she pulled back and stood and offered her hand.
Once I was on my feet, I felt someone punch me hard in the face. "WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?" Thalia shouted. I checked my nose to see if it was bleeding but thankfully it wasn't.

"Nice to see you too pine cone face." I said sarcastically which earned me a glare. "Answer her question boy." Artemis said rather harshly.
"Hello my lady, it's a pleasure to see you again as well." I said and bowed. When I looked up I could've sworn she was blushing a bit.
"Percy answer the damn question." Thalia said.
"Okay but please can you tell the hunters to lower their bows, it's really uncomfortable to talk while you have dozen arrows aimed at your head." I said..
"Hunters lower your bows" Artemis ordered and all the hunters obeyed.
"Now Perseus, where were you for the last six months?" Artemis asked. Okay what do I tell her. Damn granny couldn't you've at least have give me the time to prepare.
"I was just wandering across the country." I lied with confidence. Artemis narrowed her eyes as if saying 'do I look like an idiot to you?'.
"You idiot, do you have any idea what your disappearance has caused". Thalia scolded. Of course I know I'm the Titan king. But I didn't say that, instead I just gave her a blank expression.
"Percy, your father along with the majority of the Olympian counsel, has threatened to declare on Athena and Annabeth if they fail to find you within a year." Thalia explained. I knew all this but I had act surprised or i was going to be asked a lot of questions. "Oh"
"Wait you said half the Olympian counsel, who else beside my father declared war." I asked trying to put on a convincing act.

"Lord Hades, Lady Hestia,Lady Artemis, Lord Apollo and lord Hermes." Thalia said.
I looked at Artemis and gave her a quizzical look. Why would she declare war for me. I mean I understand why Hestia or Hades or Hermes would do it but why her.

"But we don't have to worry about that anymore because Perseus has been found and now I must take him to Olympus." Artemis said. 'Don't let her take you to Olympus' rhea ordered in my head. 'Can you at least knock'. I thought back. 'Perseus listen, don't let her take you to Olympus, if she does Zeus will immediately know your true identity' she warned. 'Fine but I'm going to have to use my powers, just this once' I thought back. 'Very well but just this once, now say something; you've been staring at her for a minute now.' Rhea said.

Oh shit. "Perseus you alright?" Artemis asked. I nodded and said "I'm sorry lady Artemis but I cannot go to Olympus." Artemis looked shocked; oh shit I hope she doesn't turn me into a jackalope. "What do you mean you cannot go? Did you not hear Thalia when she said your disappearance has threatened civil war." Artemis said with harshness.

"I'm sorry lady Artemis but my father said I need to be found in a years time and it has only been six months, I just need more time." I pleaded, it is true that I needed stall my arrival in Olympus because Rhea told me to but it is also true that I needed more time because I still haven't healed from my heart break.

"No Perseus you're coming with me to Olympus whether you like or not." Artemis said and reached out to grab me but took a step back.
"Wait." I said.
"What?" She asked. " Lets have a little archery competition, if you win I'll come to Olympus without any struggle but if I win, I get to chose when I want to go but I'll make sure it's within a year." As soon as those words left my mouth everyone started laughing uncontrollably.
Artemis finally regained herself enough to say "Very well, five arrows, the one who hits the bulls eye the most wins." I nodded and they led me through the forest to where they had camped.

They had chosen a beautiful spot. There was a near by stream, for water. The area had very little trees so there was minimum threat of a surprise attack. There were about thirteen tents in a circular formation with a large tent in the middle, maybe that was the armoury. There was also a make shift archery range, which is where we were now. Thalia had offered me her bow but I refused, instead I wished for a bow and a ring appeared in hand. I put the ring in and instinctively gave it a twist and suddenly there was a black bow in my hand and a quiver had appeared on my back.

"Where'd you get that?" Thalia asked. I just smirked at her and looked towards Artemis. "You go first." I said. She just nodded an moved in front of a targets which was several yards away. She took aim and quickly let lose five arrows which all landed in the dead centre of the target. She smiled towards the targetbefore saying "Your turn." Did I ever tell you the moon goddess had a beautiful smile. I nodded and stepped infront of another target. I took aim and then released the arrow but I quickly stopped time and made sure the arrow landed dead centre, being the Titan of time hadn't done much to improve my archery, so I had to turn the arrow to an almost ninety degree angle. I did the same to all the others arrows but made sure each consecutive arrow pierced the one before it in half resulting in all five arrows landing in one spot, the bull's eye.

By the time I was done the hunters were looking at me with wide eyes. "Looks like I win." I said nonchalantly. "This is not possible, you sucked at archery." Thalia said.
"Well I did train for six months". I lied. "Looks like you won but I still cannot let you go." Artemis said.
"But we had a deal." I complained.
"True but the deal was I won't take you to Olympus against your wishes, it said nothing about letting you roam free." She said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Perseus I cannot allow you to go, so henceforth you'll be a like a guardian to the hunt." She announced and everyone looked at her with shocked expressions. "But my lady he's a boy." A huntress who I recognised as Phoebe said. "I know but I've no choice, I cannot just let him roam free for if he were to get captured and unable to return in six months time there will be war." Artemis explained. "So Perseus, do you except?" She asked. 'Accept, of course I accept, you just made my mission a whole lot easier' I thought. "Yes my lady, I accept." I said. "Very well then repeat after me, I, Perseus Jackson hereby take upon the role of guardian of Artemis." She said and I did as she told me. Then suddenly I was consumed by silver light. I glowed for a minute before the glow died down.

"You're immortal now but like the hunters you can fall in battle." She said. Little did she know I am an immortal beyond any hunters comprehension. "Thank you milady but what exactly am I suppose to do." I asked and in return Artemis gave me an evil grin. 'Oh crap, what've I gotten myself into.'

I'm sure most of you guys out there would be thrilled at the idea of being at a camp with a dozen beauties but really how many of you will still be interested if these so called beauties were viscous man hating females who know how to use hunting knives and a bow. Hmmm... But if you're still interested IM me maybe we can trade places because right now I swear I hate those hunters.

A month and a half since my forced induction into the hunters of Artemis.. My body is in excellent condition, my muscles have grown and I have developed a great amount of endurance. Yeah sounds great doesn't it, yeah great my ass, these freakin hunters have been using me like a bloody slave. Make breakfast, wash cloths, dodge stray arrows that are aimed at your manhood, make lunch, run for your life for the wild deer have decided to stampede in your direction, make dinner, wash all the plates, prepare baths for the hunters and get talked to and treated like a 'good for nothing' while doing all of these.

When I see grandma she's gonna wish she was still in slumber when I'm done with her making me go through this. But I really didn't mind when the hunters treated me like trash but I wish I could say the same about Artemis. She acted the same way her hunters did, rude and condescending, but it hurt when he she said something that made me feel useless, like a burden, even though it was her that was keeping me here against my wishes.

You'd think Thalia would treat me like a Friend after all we've been through but no, she would just ignore me or say something like 'not now kelp head, I'm busy' whenever I tried to talk to her. After continuous torture for another month I was on the verge of begging someone to talk to.

It was a nice evening, the sun was almost completely bellow the horizon, a few rays escape over the edges of the opaque earth, lighting the sky in a frighteningly beautiful shade of red. I signed at the mesmerising scenery, even after being heartbroken I wished I had someone to share this moment with, my heart yearned to hold someone in arms while she rested her shoulders against my chest.

Nostalgia overtook me as these thoughts crossed through my head because I remember sharing just such a moment with Annabeth, ahh Annabeth, no matter how I try to fool myself by saying it doesn't hurt when I think of her anymore, it does, god it hurts. I guess staying at Othrys with all the titans and monsters treating me like family had somehow suppressed all the pain but now, here with hunters, with all the mental and physical exhaustion all the suppressed thoughts just came back with a vengeance.

I felt sad and then it started to rain, I was grateful for it though because it could hide my tears for I didn't want these hunters to have the pleasure of seeing me cry.
"You should get inside your tent boy " I heard a voice say and I turned around to see it was Artemis, she seemed surprised for a moment but quickly regained herself. "Of course my lady." I said politely and walked towards my tent which is aclittle far away from the main camp.
See a part of frustration was because of my inability reply with same tone the hunters used against me, I always replied politely no matter how harsh they were with me.

When I reached my tent I crawled into my make shift bed and just tried shut everything out. I failed miserably at my attempts to suppress the pain of abandonment. Try as I might I couldn't stop the tears from drenching my pillow. I don't know how long I was crying, it felt like forever and I wanted to stay in my tent forever but I couldn't because a conch blew, signalling dinner.
I wiped my tears and walked outside and noticed it had stopped raining. I slowly walked towards the dinning table, lost in my thoughts.

When I reached the dinning table, I saw all the hunters were looking at me expectantly. "What?" I asked.
Thalia sighed before answering "you were suppose to make dinner kelp head."
Oh shit, I was so caught up in my emotions that I forgot to make any dinner. Hmmm... What to do?what do I- ,Well I could try that.
"Well what would like to eat?" I asked Thalia. She gave me a annoyed look, "Percy I'm starving, I don't think I can wait for you to make somethi-"
"Just tell me what you want?" I interrupted. She glared at me for a moment but finally gave in "barbecue chicken with chow min." She ordered. See being the champion of Rhea has its perks, one of them being I can summon food because Hestia is one of Rhea's daughters.
I just snapped my fingers and two plates appeared in my hands, one had BBQ chicken and the other chow men. I put both plates in front of Thalia. Everyone was staring at me shocked at

what I just did. "How?" Said Thalia.

I just smirked and said "the run can teach you alot of tricks." She was about to ask more but I quickly summoned the same thing for everyone execpt lady Artemis. I looked at Artemis and asked "what would my lady like for dinner?" . She just looked at me with the harsh emotionless expression, I felt pain again but why? Why should I feel pain? It's not like I care what she thinks of me. "Same" I just nodded and summoned what she asked for and excused myself because I wasn't in any mood to eat.
I went back to my tent and laid down on the bed, I closed my eyes and tried to sleep and thankfully Morpheus took over

Artemis's POV
I still can't believe a son of Poseidon bested me in an archery contest. When on earth did he get so good at it anyway. I remember Thalia telling me the Perseus is the only person she knew, who misses the bullseye at point blank range. Now I was in a predicament, what was I to do? I can't just let him go. Nor can I drag him to Olympus because I gave him my word. Ahh stupid idiot, why doesn't he want to go to Olympus anyway.
Hmmm... There is more then one way to crack an egg. He doesn't want and I can't force him either so why don't I just make him want to go.

I made Perseus my guardian to the utmost displeasure of my hunters, well that's what I want, the hunters won't like him, so they'll make his life a living hell and considering he's a male with no endurance he'll beg me to take him to Olympus. Perfect.
Once I told Perseus to go set up his tent, I told my plan to the hunters and they all were grinning evilly. Already drawing out different plans to torture him.
"I don't think I can do that to him, My Lady." My lieutenant Thalia said.
"What? Why?" I asked.
"Because he's my bestfriend and my cousin, and after what happened with Annabeth, I just don't think it's a good idea." She argued.

"Look Thalia I understand he's important to you but if he doesn't return as so as possible to Olympus, things might get ugly." I explained." But he said he'll come with you before the year ends." She said. "I Know but you can never be too careful when it involves Poseidon, the seas have always been unpredictable." I reasoned. She looked like she was going to say something but stopped herself and thought for moment. "Very well my lady, but you'll be the one who will be responsible if he cuts his ties with me." She said with a strange seriousness to her voice. "He'll never do that." I said.

"It is like you said my lady the seas have always been unpredictable." She said and walked away. Well I hope this doesn't backfire or I'll have an angry Thalia to deal with.
True to my word the hunters made Perseus's life miserable. I gave him an impossible number of chores. We talked to him the way one would to a criminal but surprisingly he never retorted, he just replied in a kind manner. I expected him to walk out after a week or so but he held on, for a month then another, then another, then another.
It had suddenly started to rain hard. My hunters quickly ran towards their tents to get away from the downpour. I was on my way towards the tent when I saw Perseus , siting by the stream looking towards the sky. When I called his name he quickly turned towards me. I was shocked to see that he was crying and his eyes, his usual sparkling green eyes were full of sadness. I wanted to comfort him, I wanted to go up to him and hug him, I wanted to ki- wow what? No forget I said that. I'm a maiden goddess I shouldn't feel this way, yet I was. "Of course my lady" he said and walked back to his tent. I went into mine and laid down in my bed thinking about Perseus. I felt horrible treating him like this, I want to be nice to him, I want to be near him, I want to - there I go again, damn it, how can the goddess of the chaste fall in love. This is an absurd thought. Well Aphrodite better not be messing with me because if she is, there will be hell to pay. I was so lost in my thoughts that I forgot it was almost dinner time. I quickly got out of the tent and noticed it had stopped raining. I blew the conch signalling dinner.

One by one all the hunters filled the dinning table. We were all waiting for Percy to bring us our dinner but when he came, all I saw was that his eyes were blood red from crying but I ignored the urge to go comfort him and stared at him instead. "What?" He asked stupidly.
"Gods seaweed brain you were suppose to make dinner remember" Thalia exclaimed. "Oh" was all he said. He seemed to be thinking for a while then he opened his to say "what would you like to eat Thalia."
"Percy I'm starving, I don't think I can wait for you to make somethi-"
"Just tell me what you want?" He interrupted. "barbecue chicken with chow min". Thalia ordered. He then clicked his fingers and all of a sudden two plates appeared in his hands. One had chow min and the other had BBQ, they smelt soo delicious that my stomach almost grumbled. "How?" Thalia asked. "The run can teach you a lot of things." He said. He clicked his fingers again and a plate of BBQ and chow min appeared in front of every one. He then turned to me asked what I wanted."same" I said coldly. He just nodded and summoned the same thing for me.

Okay this is just strange, first he beats me in an archery contest and then he has the ability to summon food, there is something suspicious going on and I intend to get to the bottom of it. But before I could ask him how he did it he just excused himself and walked back to his tent.
After that every one ate in silence. After everyone was done then plates just magically disappeared. I saw the hunters smile because they won't have to wash the dishes now . "My lady can I have a word with you in private." Thalia said while standing up. "Okay" I said and both of us walked back to my tent.

Once inside Thalia spoke. "I don't think I can do this any more." "What do you mean?" I asked.
"Lady Artemis, I don't think I can just ignore him anymore."
"Thalia you have to, he needs to go Olympus as soon as possible, you know what will happen if he doesn't."
"But my lady it's been almost three months, he isn't even complaining."
"I know but we have to keep this up, even if we can get him there even a month early it might make a big difference."
"Fine" Thalia said and walked out but before going out she turned back and said "He was crying today, I saw his eyes were full of pain. I hope this works my lady but remember if I lose my brother, you're going to have to find a lieutenant for your hunters" with that she walked out, leaving me there speechless, I knew she cared for him but I didn't she would care him enough to leave the hunt.

Days progressed the same way they did for the last two months, hunters making Perseus's life miserable, me ignoring him but Thalia had just decided to ignore my orders, she chatted and go along with him just like they used to.. I swear that girl has too much of our father in her. Oh well, it can't be helped. Thalia was never good at following orders that she didn't like.

Another month passed and I was becoming more frustrated by each passing day, how can that idiot withstand so much insults and pain staking chores for four months. I was tempted to let down the whole 'make his life terrible' act but I knew I couldn't.
Another month passed and Perseus showed no sign of his intent to leave. But that all changed on the last day of the month.

Percy's POV

Days went by quickly, and before I knew it another month had passed and it was the last day of yet another month. Nothing interested happened during the last couple of months, the hunters were as cold as ever making my life a living hell was apparently very amusing to them.
Artemis was the same as her pack if demons, rude and prideful, but I don't know why it always hurts when she treats me like trash. The only thing that had changed was that Thalia had stopped ignoring me. But the highlight of the month came the night before the last day of the month.

I had just finished washing the dishes and was on my way back when I felt a familiar voice in my head. "Hello Perseus,"
"Don't 'Hello Perseus' me, where the hell have you been?' I thought back angrily. Honestly this women sends me into a camp full man haters for almost half a year without any contact what so ever and then casually greets me like nothing happened. "Well someone's cranky" Rhea said and I just glared at her.
"Alright alright, I know it wasn't easy for you here but it had to be done, Artemis needs a protector. But don't worry I have good news for you."
"And what would that be?" I asked.
"I believe it's time for you Percy Jackson to be reintroduced on Olympus." She said and for the first in four months I felt there was something that has been nagging me ever since I got here.
"Grandma you said Artemis needed to be protected, but she hasn't been attacked ever since I got here."
"Hmmm...it was Prometheus who foresaw the attack and since he is the Titan of for sight it would be wise to consider his opinion. But for now sleep, tell Artemis to take you to Olympus tomorrow." And with that she left. I sighed deeply and went to my sleep was a dreamless one.

What is the worst sound to wake up in the morning. No doubt your parents telling you to get up and get ready for school but do you know what's even more annoying, well it's waking up to the sound of battle.
The first thing I heard when I woke was hunters shouting "we're under attack."
Next hour is a blur to me, I remember getting up quickly and running out to join the battle against what appeared to be aurae. Well they were made of wind but they were laden with heavy armour and swords made out of celestial bronze.

I joined the battle quickly, my first victim fell when I jumped over his and stabbed my sword into his neck but instead of disintegrating instantly, ichor flowed out of his wounds and then he or it disappeared in the form of a gentle breeze. I didn't have time to think about the unusual disintegration of the aurae because the camp was literally being swarmed by thousands of aurae, wave after wave of wind spirits attacked. I fought as hard as I could but I knew we were no match for them.

As I killed another spirit, I saw Artemis being cornered by a spirit, but this one was different. He had a long blade in his arm and wore no armour, instead he had a white robe over his body. I watched as he and Artemis exchanged blows, they were an equal match which came as a surprise because no wind spirit could possible hold his own against a normal goddess and this was Artemis, lady of the hunt.

Then suddenly I saw one of the wind spirits swing his sword at my head, I dodged and quickly beheaded him. I quickly looked back to where Artemis was and saw her on the ground and the spirit had his sword raised, ready to strike. Horror struck me, I don't know why but I felt a strange pain, it felt like someone was constricting my heart. I panicked, which resulted in me stopping time and running full speed to where Artemis, I picked her up bridal style and reached out of the spirits blade span before letting time flow again.

Artemis eyes widened when she saw she was alive and in my hands. Unknowingly we stared into each others eyes for what seemed like an eternity, man she has the most beautiful orbs I've ever seen, wait what no. I did not just compliment the maiden goddesses eyes, did I? As much as I wanted to stay there looking at her bea- eyes, we had to win.

"Perseus, how di-" she started looking straight into my eyes.
"Later right now we need to make sure the hunters are safe." I said and when I turned around and looked at the spirit, my eyes widened, there in front of stood something that resembled an elf, with long golden hair and pointy ears. He also for some reason seemed startled.
"Impossible." He said with his eyes bulging out of his elfish sockets.
"You weren't suppose reform for at least several millennia. How did yo-?"
"That for me to know and you to find out, now why are you attacking the hunters, the wind gods are allies of Olympus are they not." I asked.

Instead of answering me he took a few steps back and shouted "winds retreat." Before I could comprehend what was happening, the entire monster army disappeared.
Then suddenly I saw an arrow coming towards me but I easily sidestepped. When I looked followed the arrows path I saw It was a huntress who fired it.
"What the hell?" I shouted.
"Let go of lady Artemis boy." Spat one of the hunters through gritted teeth. Oh shit I totally forgot I still had Artemis in my arms. I looked down and saw her looking at with shock, "what?" I asked.
"Perseus let me down?" She ordered.
"My lady your legs broken, you can't possibly walk." I reasoned. It was partly true. Her leg was broken but that's not the only reason I didn't want to let her down, I sorta enjoyed having her in my arms.

Then I sensed another arrow coming towards me and I dodged it again.
"Let her down boy or you won't be able to dodge the next one." The huntress spat.
"Perseus let me down this instance, I don't need a stupid boy to protect me" Artemis said with an annoyed tone. Man why does it hurt when she says things like that? 'Dude she's is insulting you, it's suppose to hurt' my rational brain said. 'But it doesn't when the huntresses do it'. No reply.
"Let her down boy, she's not your girlfriend. In case you've forgotten she dumped you like the trash you are." The huntress spat.
Okay that was the last freakin straw. I felt myself shudder with rage. I have had it with these stupid brats.

"Watch how you speak to me huntress, I've looked past your cruelty and rudeness for the past months but I've my limits and you just crossed them. So I suggest you think before you speak the next time." I threatened and released a bit of my power to prove my point.
"Percy-" Artemis started but I interrupted her "it's time to go to Olympus my lady." I saw a hint of sadness cross her face. But it she quickly covered it up.
"You are right but I can't teleport us there and I certainly won't let you carry me all the way to New York." I simply smiled at her stubbornness; all the rage I previously felt left me as I looked into those silver eyes. I now knew for certain they I was in love the moon goddess but the realisation broke my heart because I knew that my feelings will never be reciprocated. "It's okay my lady, I'll teleport us to Olympus, I believe they're having a meeting right now."
She looked shocked at what I just said but then gave a mocking laugh.
"Did you hit your head boy, demigods can-" I cut her off as I quickly teleported us outside the Olympian throne room. She was beyond shocked at this movement.
"How did you -" okay I seriously needed to stop interrupting her before she turns me into a jackelope.
"you'll have your answers soon my lady" I said as I opened the the doors of the throne of Olympus here I come.

Percy's POV

The throne looked the same as it did the last time I saw it, which was the day they left me. I had expected to feel pain at the thought of the betrayal by my friends but I felt nothing.
All the gods were shocked to see me walk right in. The gods were seated as usual but at the foot of their thrones were their immortal children. My 'friends' had similar expressions on their faces, except for Nico, who was grinning with a raised eye brow. Wonder what that's all about?
As I walked in I was hugged by someone, which was kinda awkward seeing I still had Artemis in my arms.

"Son" my father said as he drew back from the hug. I have to admit it was good to see him again.
"Father."
"It's good to see you are healthy son, I was worried something bad had happened you." He said with a genuine worry in his eyes.
But before I could reply I heard Zeus clear his throat. "Brother get back on your throne, my nephew has some explaining to do." Zeus ordered. My father glared at him before giving me a sympathetic look and vanishing and reappearing on his throne.

"Now Perseus tell me where have you been for all this time and give me a valid reason why I shouldn't blast you for carrying my daughter." Zeus asked.
I look down at Artemis to see that she was blushing a deep shade of red, hmmm now why would she do that. She locked eyes with me for a movement but quickly averted them and snuggled into my arms. Man I felt like I could fly when she did that.
I stepped forward and I was about to answer when Annabeth spoke from under Athena's throne.

"You're suppose to bow before a superior being Jackson." I glared at her but before I could say anything I heard an all too familiar voice.
"You are right daughter of wisdom." Every one looked at the sealing of the throne room as a bright light descended slowly towards the floor, when it died down there stood Rhea in a beautiful tunic.

Everyone looked shocked to see the mother of gods standing there with a beautiful smile.
"Mother" I heard an eleven year boys voice say as he hugged Rhea. He was followed by two other boys and three girls who appeared to be a year or so older then him. All six children hugging Rhea,as if for dear life. I stared at them shocked out of my boots. Who are these kids? Where did they come from? And why did they call Rhea mother.
I looked towards my fathers throne for answers but he was not there. And Zeus, Hades,Hera, Demeter and Hestia were missing as well. I looked down at Artemis but she was as shocked as I was.

"Children,it's good to see you but return to your thrones we have some issues to discuss." Rhea said. The children nodded and returned to their thrones. When I saw one of them about to sit on my father's throne, I thought he was crazy but when he sat down he grew up, the little boy was my father. Oh my gods, I looked at them my jaw open wide. My father saw me and started to laugh.

"Come now my son, you didn't think I was born like this did you, I was a boy once and when mother is around all of us just shrink to our younger selves." Everyone in the room except the Six children of Rhea nodded their heads in understanding.
"Mother, how did you wake from your slumber, after we defeated father, non of us could get you to wake up, we tried for millennia without success." Zeus asked.
"Well Zeus you have young Perseus to thank for that." Rhea said while looking towards me and giving me a motherly smile.
"What do you mean mother? How can my son wake you up when we, the gods couldn't?" My father asked and my grandmother told her children how I made a great sacrifice, Yada Yada Yada. When she was done Zeus spoke with unusual gratitude in his voice. "You've done us a great service young nephew. For that we are in your debt." I smiled at my uncle and said "you don't owe me anything uncle, lady Rhea is my grandmother and it was my duty as much it was yours to wake her, although I wish I had done it on purpose." My aunts and uncles all gave me a warm smile, even Hera. I have a feeling that I'm on their good side now.

"None the less, you are worthy of a reward, Perseus we offer you godhood again." Zeus said. I looked at grandma and we both chuckled.
"What's so funny?" My father asked.
"Nothing dad, it's just that I've already received my reward." I said.
"What do you mean?" Hera asked.
"Well daughter, as a reward for freeing me he is now my champion. This means he has pretty much the same powers as that of my children."
Everyone in the room looked at me with awe, my old friends execpt Nico looked at me with jealousy, which I found quite amusing.
"That explains a lot." I heard Artemis say. I smiled at her but she quickly snuggled into me again. Did I tell you I feel like the luckiest man in the world right now. I must have had a pretty stupid grin plastered on my face because grandma gave me one of her mischievous smirks.
"What?" I asked.
"Oh nothing" she replied.
"Oh c'mon granny, you've your evil grin plastered on your face, so obviously it isn't nothing." I said.
"Are you sure you want me to embarrass you in front of the Olympian counsel?" She threatened.
"Oh please you have nothing against me." I said nonchalantly but inside I was freaking out.
"Whatever, anyways how was your time with the hunt?" She said her evil smile returning.
I just glared at her and was about to speak when Zeus cleared his throat.
"Well it's nice to know you two have bonded quite well but Perseus do mind letting my daughter down so she can sit on her throne." Zeus demanded.

"I'm afraid lady Artemis has injured her leg and is unable to walk for now, lord Apollo will heal her but first we have issues to discuss." I said. I looked at grandma and she nodded.
"Issues? Is this about the incident several months ago." Hades asked.
Grandma nodded.
"It's true then, father has indeed returned." Demeter said.
"No my daughter."
"But my lady I heard Kampe say that the Titan of time has returned when she captured me." Artemis said while looking Rhea and then me. I just gave her a smile and looked at grandma.
"Yes, daughter of Leto, it's true that the the Titan of time is back" I was trying hard to contain my laughter at the look on the gods faces.
"What do you mean mother?" Zeus asked.
Rhea looked at me and said "it's time Perseus." I nodded my head. Haa I hope uncle doesn't declare war.

"Gods of Olympus, it's not only me that has been awakened but the entire Titan pantheon." Rhea said and all the Olympian counsel looked horrified. "But how is this possible, how can the pantheon be revived without its king?" Zeus asked.
"The Titans now serve a new king, my son." Then she looked at me and suddenly bowed. Everyone looked at me with utter shock.
"What is the meaning of this? Mother why do you bow before this demigod." Zeus said anger visible in his voice.

Rhea stood up and gave Zeus a death glare which made him flinch.
"He's no longer a demigod Zeus, he is Perseus , Titan of time, heir of Kronos, champion of Rhea and king of the Titan pantheon".
On cue grandma lifted the blocks on my power and suddenly all my power flowed through me. I could feel the immense energy radiating of me. I looked Down and saw fear in Artemis's eyes. I smiled and lowered my head to her ear and whispered.
"You have no reason to fear me my lady, I will never hurt the people close to my heart." She looked shocked for a moment then blushed and looked away.
"This cannot be." Zeus said. "the boy must die." He said and suddenly he was in full armour I looked around and half the Olympian counsel was in a similar state.
"I do not wish for war uncle" I said before things got ugly.
"How can we trust you?" Hera spat.
"Because I tell you to." Rhea spoke.
"Mother, how could have let this could you give this boy the power over time." Zeus asked.

"Calm down Zeus, my grandson has nothing against your rule and I did not give him his powers, I merely gave him godhood but instead he turned into a Titan and because he defeated your father, time simply choose him as its master.." Rhea said calmly.
"But mother how do we know that he won't try to attack Olympus." Zeus asked.
"I have complete faith in Perseus that he won't be the first one to attack but be warned if the Olympian forces try anything against Othrys, I will side with my grandson." Rhea warned. "No offence lady Rhea but we can just trap the two of you right now, we have numbers on our side." Athena said.
"Athena quite down, do not threaten my mother or the consequences will be severe." Zeus warned.

"Well well you truly are Metis's daughter. But child you do not have numbers on your side, I doubt my children will attack me and which means you do not have six of the most powerful gods fighting and I doubt Artemis will fight us either which means Apollo will stay neutral. So you have only eight Olympians on your side, but I doubt even they will fight me. Which puts eight Olympians against the Titan pantheon and their children." Once Thea said that all the members of the Titan pantheon appeared in full battle.
"Now I believe it's you who is at a disadvantage but as I my grandson said, we do not wish for war" ."

There was a strange silence in the room for while as both sides looked at each other.
"Well this is a rather complicated situation." Hades said.
"Titans put your weapons down and change into civil cloths, there will no fighting b/w us and the gods. Right uncle?" I said while looking towards Zeus.
He seemed in deep thought for a moment but then he sighed and changed back into his tunic.
"Right nephew, mother trusts you so, so will I and my brothers and sisters and our children." As he said that the tension in the dissipated. All the titans changed into Greek tunics as well.
"Good, now that that's over I have some bad children." Rhea said.
"What is it mother?" Zeus asked but before Rhea could say anything. Poseidon stood up and walked over to me.
The look on his face told me I was in trouble. He stopped right in front of me. Then all of a sudden he gave me a bone crushing hug, which was again awkward as Artemis was in my arms.
"Ohm dad is everything okay." I asked. He quietly broke the hug. I saw that he had tears in his eyes but they were tears of joy.
"You've made me proud son."
I smiled at him and nodded my head in gratitude. "Thanks dad." Poseidon smiled and then went back to his throne.

"Okay...so what were you saying mother." Hades asked.
"I've already told the Titan pantheon and they are preparing their armies. Children I believe war is upon us and it'll be one harder and bloodier then any you've experienced before." All hell broke lose as those words left Rhea's mouth.
"Silence" roared Zeus. Everyone quickly quieted down. "Mother, if the titans are our allies now and the giants are dormant, who is it that we are fighting against?"
"That I cannot tell you yet." Rhea said.
"But how are we to prepare for war if we don't even know our enemy?" Athena asked.
"Child if I tell you who the enemy is then all of you will lose heart."
"Are you saying we are cowards?" Ares spat.
"Lord Ares it would be best if you watch your tone when addressing my grandmother." I said nonchalantly.
"Shut it Jackson, she is my grandmother too." Ares retorted. Wow that was good logic.
"Then please watch your tone," I said.
"Oh yeah,,, what if I don't." Ares challenged.
"Well I could always make you." I retorted.
"Ha... I'd like to see you try". As soon as he said that I froze time and made duck tape appear in my hand.

I quickly flashed up to Ares and wrapped it around his head affectively shutting his mouth. I quickly flashed back held Artemis in my hands again. I was about let time flow again but I just kept staring at her. She was so beautiful and I loved her more then life itself and this fact sent a pain through my heart as I knew she would never be mine. I sighed heavily, then regained my composure and put my evil smirk on.
I let time flow again and everyone gasped at the duck tape closing Ares's mouth.
"Perseus, don't abuse your powers." Rhea scolded.
"But grandma he was being disrespectful to you." I whined.
"What did I tell you about arguing with me, now quit intruding and let me explain."
"Yes grandma." I acquiesced.
She flicked her hand the duck tape around Are's mouth disappeared.
"Why you little -" Ares began but Rhea interrupted him "And I'm going to have a word with your father about your manners Ares." Rhea looked at Zeus and he gave Ares a death glare.
"Now as I was saying I cannot tell you the identity of our enemy because his name will send a shock through your army and some might turn over and no I don't think you're cowards. I haven't told the Titan pantheon either for the same reason. Now I want you to prepare and train your armies as much as you can because although it'll be sometime before our enemy will attack, we will need every soldier of the combined armies of titans and gods if we are to stand a chance."
Everyone seemed to be comprehending Rheas words. There was an awkward silence for a while before Zeus spoke. "Very well mother. Gods prepare your armies, if the threat is as large as mother says it is, we will need to use every available resource". Every god nodded their head in understanding.

After a while Zeus turned towards me and asked "Perseus how did come across Artemis?" I looked down at Artemis and she gave me a nod.
"Well you see..." And so I explained every thing from Artemis finding me to the attack of the aurae. I left out the part about Artemis and the hunters treating me like trash.
"So the wind gods have betrayed us." Zeus said through gritted teeth.
"Not necessarily my lord, the aurae that attacked us weren't normal, they were strong and there was their commander, he looked like some sort of an elf." I said.
"Well whatever they were one things for sure, they were after Artemis." Rhea stated. I looked at Artemis again, for some reason she wasn't her usual stone cold self, her eyes were soft and vulnerable.
"Yes I suppose they were." I said softly.
"Well it's decided then, Perseus you'll remain by Artemis's side as long as she is under threat." Rhea stated.
"What?" I shouted. Don't get me wrong, I would give any thing to be near Artemis but it gets so lonely at the hunters camp.
"You heard me grandson, you are to protect Artemis as long as necessary."
"No, I will not go back there" I stated bluntly.
"Yes you will" Rhea said.
"Grandma please," I pleaded but alas grandma being grandma didn't even seem affected by the desperation in my voice.
"Oh stop whining, your a Titan, act like one"
"Grandma, don't you've a mission that sends me to tarturas or the fields of punishment" I asked hoping she would.
"No, so suck it up" grandma replied.
"I'm not going" I said and pounded my foot with the ground to prove my point..
Instead of saying something, Rhea just grabbed my ear and started twisting and pulling it.
"Ow ow ow,,,grandma let go, you're embarrassing me" I complained,
"Good, now are you going to protect Artemis or not."
"Okay okay, just let go of my ear," I said and she let me go. Damn it, grandmas are scary.
Suddenly everyone in the room started laughing wildly, I looked at Artemis for answers but I saw a relieved smile plastered on her face.
"You're still the same old Percy" I heard Frank say. I felt anger boil in me from hearing him talk to me like nothing happened.
"It's lord Perseus to you godling" I said coldly and suddenly the temperature in the room dropped. Frank gulped and backed away.
"Percy calm down" I heard Artemis's voice. I looked down at her and just smiled.
"Okay now that that's done meeting adjourned, Apollo please heel Artemis and nephew take care of her." Zeus commanded.
"Oh children I need to talk you in private .I believe I have some parenting to do" Rhea said and the six major gods paled. Rhea clicked her fingers and disappeared along with her children.

I turned to the Titan pantheon and told them to go back to Othrys. Then I walked up to Apollo with Artemis still in my arms. He got down from his throne and teleported us to infirmary. There he fixed Artemis's leg but told her she won't be able walk for a while. He then instructed me to take care of her and disappeared.
I looked at Artemis and she had a far away look in her eyes.
"Is everything alright my lady?" I asked as I sat down on a chair beside her bed.
"Yes Perseus, I'm fine. Lets go back to the hunters" she said. Oh great now I've to face those demons spawn again.
"Very well Phoebe Artemis" I said. She raised an eye brow at my usage of her full name. I ignored it and picked her up from the bad bridal style. "Is this going to be a common thing now?" Artemis asked.
I smiled at her and she just gave out a loud sigh,with that I teleported us to the hunters camp.

We teleported to the dining area of the hunters, the first thing I noticed was that it was night time, around nine o'clock. The hunters were were sitting in the dining and once they saw us, they sprinted from their chairs and walked up to us.
"Percy where the hell have you been? And why are you caring my lady?" Thalia interrogated. Oh that's right I never told the hunters where we were going.
Call it stupidity but you wouldn't believe what I said next.
"Well you see, me and Artemis here were out on a date and I'm carrying Artemis because I can." Everyone's jaws dropped so low that they resembled a startled zombie. I couldn't help but laugh at this. I looked at Artemis to see she was trying desperately to hold a normal facade.

All the hunters except Thalia suddenly had their bows aimed at me, then the huntress from earlier today spoke "Put lady Artemis down, male scum."
Before I could say something Artemis spoke.
"Phoebe, watch how you speak to Perseus." The huntresses looked at Artemis as if she was crazy, I mean here was the feminist goddess tell one of her hunters to watch how they speak to a boy.
"So it's true. You guys are together now." Thalia said in a sad/excited/ 'how on earth did this happen' tone.
"No Thalia, Perseus is just messing with you." Artemis said. "Party pooper" I muttered under my breath. Artemis just rolled her eyes and began to explain the events of the day. The look on the huntresses face was priceless when they found out I was the new Titan lord.

"He is what now?" Thalia shouted.
"The Titan of time, heir of Kronos,champion of Rhea and the king of the Titan pantheon." Artemis stated with a tone that said 'I don't believe it either but it's true'.
Everyone just stared at me, some shocked, others with horror and some with admiration.
Thalia seemed to be in a trance for a movement then she walked upto me and WHAM. She punched me hard on the face .
"What the hell was that for?" I asked. Damn that girl can punch.
"Oh let me guess, FOR NOT TELLING ME WHO YOU REALLY WERE." Thalia shouted in my face.
"Thalia I'm sorry, I wanted to tell you. I really did but the thing is Grandma told me not to." She raised an eye brow at me for some reason.
"Grandma?" Oh that's right they don't know me and Rhea bonded well.
"Yes, lady Rhea." I said.
"You call the mother of gods grandma!" Thalia said in disbelief.
"Well yah, she told me to call her that."
"Okay!" Thalia said. There was an awkward silence for a while. Then suddenly Thalia asked "Hey Percy, now that you're a Titan, does that mean I have to call you Lord Perseus."
I laughed a little for before answering. "No Thalia, It's still me so you don't have to treat me any differently." She looked relieved and gave me a smile.
"Good cz there's no way in hell am I bowing in front of you every time I see you." Thalia joked.
"Insolent mortal" I said in my fake evil Titan voice. She laughed and gave a playful nudge.
"Good, now do you mind handing my lady over and why are you here? Shouldn't you be at Othrys." Thalia reached out to take Artemis from. I moved her a little to the left refusing to hand her over.

"Well cousin, my dear grandma has forced me to be Artemis's protector and I will not hand her over cz I'm her personal male nurse until she gets better." I said as tightened my grip on Artemis.
"If you two don't stop talking about me as if I'm a volleyball I swear I'm gonna turn you into animals." Artemis threatened in an annoyed voice.
"Fine." Thalia said.
"Now if you'll excuse us, I have to take lady Artemis to her tent and make sure she gets something to eat." I said and turned my on my heel and headed towards Artemis's tent.
"Stop boy, men are not allowed in my lady's tent." Phoebe spat.
"I've already told you once huntress watch how you speak to me, Thalia is allowed to treat me the way she does because he's my friend and nothing short of a sister, this is my last warning talk to me like that again and the outcome will not be good." I threatened with deadly seriousness in my voice.

I didn't wait for her to respond and flashed us into Artemis's tent. I then walked to her bed, I carefully laid her down and sat on my knees beside her.
"What would my lady want to eat?" I asked with a my usual smile.
"Hmmm...how about some soup." She demanded. "Of course my lady" I said and summoned some soup in my hand. I took a spoonful and extended my hand towards Artemis's mouth.
"Perseus stop treating me like a baby, my hands are perfectly fine." Artemis said.
"Now now stop complaining and open wide, I promised grandma I'd take care of you and I intend to honour my promise to its fullest extent." I reasoned. She huffed but eventually opened her mouth for me to spoon feed her.
"See now was that so hard." I teased.
"You're just lucky you're a Titan now. I might have turned you into a jackelope." She threatened. I just smiled and continued feeding her soup. She just ate in silence until the soup was fineshed.
"Now would you like something else." I asked.
"No, that's enough." She said.
I got up on my feet before saying "Alright then, you should rest my lady, I'll be outside if you need me."
"What?no Perseus go to your tent and get some rest." She ordered.
"I'm sorry Phoebe Artemis but I can't do that, our enemy can kidnap you in your current state and I'm sure my grandmother will kill me if that happens."
"Are you implying that I'm too week to even protect myself?" She asked obviously annoyed that a boy had the to be in her company more then necessary.
"No, I think you're quite strong but you're injured right now and I'm under oath to protect you." I said.
"Really well I don't need a stupid boy to protect me, now go." She said. There it was again, man I hate her mood swings. It always hurts so bad when she says mean stuff.
"That may be but I have my duties, now I'll be outside if you need me." I said and flashed myself outside her tent. I sat down on the cold ground and summoned myself a sleeping Baig. I got into it and closed my eyes.

I was thinking about fate again, how I always fall in love with someone I can't have. I sighed and let Morpheus take over me.
The next morning I woke up early and prepared a small bath for lady Artemis. I slowly opened the flap of her tent to see she was already awake.
"Good morning Perseus." She said with an unusually kind smile. There it is, her mood swing again. Well I have had enough those.
"Good morning Artemis" I said without emotion. She seemed a little startled by my lack of emotion but then gave me a gentle nod. "I've prepared a bath for you, I'll get Thalia to carry you there and help you clean yourself while you eat breakfast." I said and flicked my fingers and summoned some oatmeal. I quickly handed her the oat meal and turned around to get Thalia.
"Aren't you going to feed me?" Artemis asked.
"Your hands are perfectly fine, you don't need a stupid boy." I answered without a hint of emotion. She looked hurt for a moment but then lowered her head and started eating her breakfast.

I flashed to Thalia's tent and told her what to do. I tried to flash us to Artemis's tent but Thalia told me she didn't like it, so we had to walk.
"So how's it like?" Thalia asked.
"How's what like?"
"You know, being a Titan and all, what does it feel like?"
"It feels great, it feels like there's nothing I can't but its so much power and a constant struggle not to lose yourself." I said.
She gave me a warm smile and patted my back "Don't worry you'll be fine, if not, well the I can always beat the pride out of you" she said.
"You wish pinecone face." We talked for the rest of the walk about random things, once we arrived Artemis's tent, I told Thalia where I set the bath. I told her to come get me when she was done.

I decided to take a bath as well and went to the lake. Once there I took off my cloths and jumped into the lake with nothing but my boxers on.
After a while I got out of the water, got dressed and went to Artemis's tent to see if she was back. I knocked and heard someone say "come in."

I went inside and found Artemis on her bed, she was wearing a long night gown and her hair was still wet. She looked at me and gave me a warm smile, I just kept my emotionless face on and walked next to her. She looked at me with a hurt expression before asking "Is something bothering you?"
"No, everything's fine." I said plainly.
"Oh alright then." She tried to reach for her towel which was on the foot of her bed but I stopped her and willed her hair dry.

"Thank you." She said. I just nodded my head. Then suddenly I heard some ruckus out side, I got up and tried to walk out but then I heard someone clearing their throat.
"What?" I asked.
She just rolled her eyes before saying "Aren't you forgetting something?" Artemis asked. I gave her an expression that said 'huh?'
She sighed before saying "Were you planning on just leaving me here."

"Oh well I'll go get Thalia to carry you outside." I said, she looked at me quizzically but instead of saying something she tried to get up. I ran next to her and stopped her immediately. "What're you doing?" I asked. She glared at me before saying "Are you trying to make me feel weak?"

"What? No I just thought you'd-" I started but Artemis interrupted me "I what?" I just looked into her eyes and saw I unconsciously wounded her pride. "Lets talk later." I said and scooped her in my arms. She gave me a glare but then rested her head on my chest.
Without another word I walked out side to find Medusa in her human form surrounded by the hunters.

"State you're purpose here." one of the huntresses asked.
"I do not need to answer to you huntress." Medusa retorted.
"You will If you value your life." Another, I think Phoebe threatened.
Medusa just laughed before saying, "Is that so, well go on then." Medusa challenged.
Phoebe was about to fire an arrow but I shouted "Enough" she instantly froze and glared at me.
Medusa saw me caring Artemis and her eyes lit up. I walked towards her and once I was in front of her she bowed.

"Why did you stop me boy?" Phoebe asked. Medusa looked murderously at her. "Watch how you speak to my lord huntress because the next time you speak to him like that you'll find yourself in Hades before you can say feminist." Medusa threatened. Phoebe visibly flinched, which gave medusa a satisfied smile.. She then turned towards me "So you already found yourself a girlfriend ehh Percy?" I felt my surface heat up.

"She's not my girlfriend." I shouted. She just gave me a smirk that said 'Sure' .
During my training on Othrys, I had grown close with my army, most of the army calls me by my nickname because Lord Perseus sounds far to formal for my taste.
"Okay sure."
"So I doubt you came here just teach manners to the huntresses." I asked, which earned me an elbow to the stomach from Artemis.
Medusa just smiled "lady Rhea has called a council meeting, she told me to inform you to come ASAP."

"Okay." I said. I looked at Artemis and asked, "Artemis I can't leave you here so I'm afraid you'll have to come as well." I thought she would protest but instead she just nodded her head. "Thalia you're in-charge." Artemis said.
I looked at medusa before I teleported us in front of the throne room.
"Wow!" Artemis gasped as she took in the beauty of Othrys.
"Impressed." I asked with a smile.
"I'll say."
I gave out a small chuckle.
"Well I'll see you around." Medusa said give me a small peck on the cheek and walking away. "Sure" I said.
I looked at Artemis to see she was glaring daggers at Medusa. "Ready to go." I asked. She nodded and I opened the doors the reveal the Titan throne room..

Everyone looked at me with a raided eye brow. "What?" I Snapped.
"Perseus, why are you carrying Leto's daughter?" Theia asked.
"Because she is injured and someone forced me to become her guardian." I said while glaring Grandma.
She just smirked "You seem to be enjoying yourself" she said. I just glared at her.
"Artemis grow to your full height." I said.
"Huh! You do know you'll be squashed right." She said obviously forgetting the fact that I'm a Titan now.
"Ah hello, Titan of time here." I said. Realisation dawned on her and without further questions, she started to grow and I followed her lead. Once we were of godly height I walked over to throne and sat down and Artemis was now siting on my lap , with her back rested against my chest and our faces touching.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying the position we were in.
The Titans raised an eye brow but I spoke before any of the could embarrass me. "So what is the purpose of this meeting?" I asked.

"Perseus, Prometheus has brought a serious matter in front of the council." Rhea stated. Oh shit something tells me I'm not going to like this one little bit.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Well it's quite a serious issue, which if not dealt with will throw the Titan council into a civil war." Rhea said.
I raised an eye brow.

"Perseus, every available Titan has pledged his or her allegiance to you but if something were to happen to you in the upcoming war, the Titan council will be leader less." She stated.
"What's your point grandma?" I asked.
"Well son, you need get married and give the council an heir." Rhea said.
"What?!" Me and Artemis shouted at the same time. Then we both blushed beet red.
"What do you mean get married?" I asked.
"I mean you need a wife."
"Grandma you know that's not possible."
"Well I'm afraid you have no choice."
"Of course I do. You can't force me to marry someone." I stated.
"Alone, no I can't but the council is almost biased about you getting married."
"But grandma-"
"Look Percy, I know you don't want to be forced into a marriage but you're the king and have a duty to your people and this council, one of the foremost is to provide a capable heir." Rhea reasoned. I slumped back in my chair knowing there was no way for me to win this argument.
"Now you have a week to select a bride, I don't care who it is, as long as she could provide us an heir but if you fail, the council will choose one for you." She said. I sighed heavily before saying "Very well, is their anything else."

"No, you can go if you wish." I nodded my head and took Artemis in my arms again. I told her to shrink to human size and both us were human size again.
I was about to teleport but Grandma teleported next me with Phoebe by her side.
With out saying anything, Phoebe touched Artemis and her ankle began to glow.. After a couple seconds the glow died down. I gave her a quizzical look.

"You can put her down now, I healed her or would you rather carry her." She said with a smirk. I blushed and set Artemis down. She didn't fall, so I guess Phoebe was right.
"Thank you but how? Even my brother wasn't able to heel me completely." Artemis asked.
"Apollo still has a lot to learn." Phoebe said and disappeared.

Rhea came forward and hugged me and slipped something in my pocket. "Bring me a granddaughter in law worthy of this ring" she whispered into my ear. I smiled at her and said my goodbye before teleporting me and Artemis to the lake side at camp.

Once there I sat down with my feet in the water. Artemis came and sat next to me.
"So what are you going to do?" She asked.
"I don't know." I said honestly.
"Well you need to pick someone within a week." She said, wait was that disappointment in her voice.
"I know."
"Well do you have someone you love?" She asked with curiosity.
I sighed before answering "I do."

Her face suddenly fell but then she composed herself ."Well then what's wrong? why don't you ask her?" Because I'm afraid she'll turn into a jackelope, I thought. "I want to but I don't know how? And I'm afraid she might reject me." I said.

"Look Perseus I'm gonna deny I ever said this but I think any girl would be seriously bazookas if she rejected you." She said. I was shocked, I mean did she just compliment me.
"So do you think I have a chance." I asked.
"Yep."
"But I don't how to do this?"
"Tell you what, since you helped me a lot, why don't you say what you want to say to whoever she is to me, for practice."
"Really?" I asked.
"Really" she said and stood up.

I stood up as well and took her hand in mine and went down on my knee. I brought the ring out and opened it. It was an amazing design with a sapphire and a moonstone in the zodiac formation with silver vines grabbing on to it.
"Artemis, goddess of the moon, will you marry me?" I asked. Her eyes were sparkling and for a moment I thought she was going to cry.
"Good, now all you have to do is to say that to the one you love." She said on the verge of crying.
I smiled and said
"I just did".

A.N
Alright another chapter is up, I'm so sorry for not updating faster but I have exams in may and well have to go through an extensive course. CourtingTheMoon I'm so sorry that I didn't send this chapter to you but I hadn't updated for a long time. But I hope I can count on you for my next chapter.
Well everyone please Review and give your suggestion and any way to improve the story. I'm sorry for the spacing issue, I don't know why FF is showing it that way.
Till next ,Choöse :D