A.N: Well readers, this is your Christmas gift from me. Its 2am on Christmas morning and I just finished editing the chapter. It may still have a few errors since I usually review and edit it four or five times before posting but only did it twice. but I'm tired and I dont want to run into that fat bastard Santa when he comes to give me some cool shit. So here it is. Thanks to your reviews I realized I totally forgot about one of my favorite pairings, Percy/Calypso. If I dont write one next I will the one after that. Most good plot ideas are still available since there are hardly any stories like with Percy/Reyna fics. A few people want to see Percy x Hestia and I will write one but it will be difficult. She fits into a motherly role with Percy so well I find it difficult to develop a romantic relationship between the two. I do like the pairing and will write one but i need to think of a good idea for a story first. Other people want a Piper story and I will write one i think at some point but I've only seen it done well a few times, particularly in "Perseus Master of Elements" so will wait a bit on that. But still let me know what you think.
Ch.14
Eight months had passed since the end of the Titan War. The mortal who led Thalia, Luke and Annabeth through the Labyrinth, Rachael Dare, had become the new oracle and spouted the Prophecy of Seven almost immediately. The spirit of the Oracle of Delphi had finally been able to move on to its next host thanks to Perseus. He had visited Hades a month after the Titan War to ask him to remove the curse placed on the oracle by Hades after the murder of Maria Di Angelo, the mother of Bianca and Nico, the two half-bloods who were rescued by the hunters and campers from the boarding school in Maine. Hades grudgingly removed the curse as a personal favor to Perseus, whom he liked immensely after he acknowledged him as one of the heroes of Olympus and put Zeus in his place. During their conversation Perseus informed Hades that his son Nico Di Angelo would be part of the Prophecy of Seven. Perseus had wanted to be sure he could count on Hades in the war against Gaia and the Giants. Although not thrilled to fight in battle alongside his brother Zeus, Hades has assured him he would answer the call when the time came to fight the Giants. Perseus promised Hades that Zeus would be kept in his place during the battle as he had no love for the King of the Gods. During his visit Hades and Perseus spoke for a couple hours and realized both agreed about many things when it came to Olympus and some of the Gods. Before leaving, Perseus had informed Hades that his time being treated as an outcast on Olympus was limited. While Hades didn't know what he meant, he smiled and nodded, confident that Perseus was the kind of man who kept his word.
Since the end of the Titan War Clarisse had spent the majority of her time in the void living with Perseus. After a few days, she began to get comfortable being there and spent most of her time with her new brother Perseus. The two had become nearly inseparable; the only time they weren't together was when Perseus would spend time with Zoe. Clarisse and Perseus bonded immediately, learning everything about each other's lives. Despite her protests, Perseus had taken Clarisse to Camp Jupiter to meet his mother. She had expected the Mother of Rome to despise her because of her father but instead she was welcomed with open arms. Lupa had explained it was not Clarisse's fault she was a daughter of Ares and that if she was important to her son then she was important to her. Perseus had started training Clarisse in the arena in the void. He had given Clarisse the same blessing he gave Zoe and Thalia and trained her on her new powers and abilities. She was already an excellent warrior and with her new abilities Perseus knew she would be a valuable fighter in the war with Gaia. Clarisse and Thalia had begun to get to know each other, with Thalia teasing her by calling her Auntie Claire. While Clarisse would scowl at the name, she usually broke into a small smile at the thought of finally having a family.
Thalia split her time between Camp Half-Blood and living in the void with her father and Clarisse. When she finally returned to Camp Half-Blood she was given a hero's welcome the minute she crossed the borders. The campers were not in the throne room during the award ceremony nearly didn't recognize her with her new eye color. She was admired by the majority of campers; dozens of campers nearly broke down into tears after finally being claimed and given their own cabins in the case of the children of minor gods thanks to her wish. Thalia moved into her new cabin, the Perseus cabin, which Perseus had placed at the head of the cabins ahead of the Zeus cabin just to piss off Zeus. A lightning bolt struck the cabin only to bounce off and destroy the now empty Zeus cabin.
Zeus had been in a rage for months following the events of the reward ceremony following the defeat of Kronos and the Titans. He had closed Olympus down in his anger, cutting off all connections to demigods. After eight months, Artemis had finally had enough. During a council meeting she had decided it was time to end the madness and have the council force Zeus to open up Olympus again in order to prepare for the war with Gaia.
"Father, enough is enough. You are letting your anger cloud your judgment. We need to be preparing for the war with Gaia, not hiding up in Olympus because your daughter, who you tried to kill, decided she preferred a man who actually cared for her to be her father." Artemis yelled, breaking up and argument between Poseidon and Zeus about the very same subject.
Thunder boomed shaking the throne room.
"You are siding with this Primordial God over your own father, the King of the Gods." Zeus boomed.
"Brother, she is right. There will be no Olympus left if we do not prepare for Gaia and the Giants." Poseidon interrupted.
"No. This is Olympus and I am King of the Gods. Chaos and his son have no power here. They are not allowed to interfere with what I do here. I am King and my word is law." Replied a seething Zeus.
"Father, this is enough. You're the only one who doesn't want Olympus opened up. This is a council of the Gods, not a dictatorship. You are supposed to lead us to making good decisions. Not allow your wounded pride lead us unprepared into a war that could easily be our downfall." Yelled a furious Athena.
"How dare you. I will not allow another daughter to disrespect me in my own throne room." Screamed Zeus, grabbing his master bolt and hurling it at a surprised Athena.
As the bolt flew everything slowed down, and then it stopped. Perseus appeared in the throne room shaking his head. He casually walked up to the bolt and snatched it out of the air. When he grabbed it, time resumed again.
Athena ducked thinking the bolt was still flying at her. Poseidon was trying to throw himself in front of Athena, drawing many suprised looks from the council. Artemis had an arrow notched aimed at Zeus.
"Zeus, Zeus, Zeus. Exactly who the fuck do you think you are? My father told you he would be blast you out of existence if you tried to seek retribution against the Gods that don't agree with you. You should be kissing my ass that I am here and not my father. He was about to come and end your life. But I convinced him we need all the fighters we can in the war with my sister." Perseus said scoldingly, a slight smirk on his face.
"You and your father have no right to interfere with events on Olympus. Leave now before I order you killed by the Olympian Army." Zeus bellowed.
Perseus started chuckling, "And who would that be Zeus? How many of the Olympians would listen to your orders. Despite filling the council with your children, I doubt many of them care enough to risk their lives to follow your orders. And you are wrong. I am not bound by the Ancient Laws which means I go where I want when I want.
Zeus was shaking with rage. "As King of the Gods, I order you to attack this primordial scum." Ordered Zeus, screaming at the council.
What happened next was not what he expected. Dionysus and Ares jumped up from their thrones, weapon in hands. The others sat in their throne shaking their heads.
"How dare you defy my orders?" I shall have you all banished from Olympus." Bellowed Zeus.
"I like this. This will be fun." Smirked Perseus. Artemis smiled evilly from her seat.
Perseus flicked his finger. Dionysus flew across the throne room and slammed into a wall, falling to the floor unconscious.
Ares eyes widened but he materialized a broad sword in his hand and attacked Perseus.
"I'm going to love this." Muttered Artemis from her throne.
As Ares charged Perseus, who was still holding Zeus's bolt, Perseus turned and fired it at Zeus, blasting him across the room. He turned as Ares brought his sword down towards his head. Perseus' eyes caught fire. He reached up and caught Ares' sword in his hands, stopping is it instantly. He let go with one and slammed Ares in the jaw with his fist, breaking it visibly.
Ares stumbled back shocked. Perseus disappeared in a shadow, reappearing behind the War God. He kicked Ares legs out from under him sending him to the floor on his back before slamming his foot down Ares nose, breaking that too.
Ares tried to crawl away.
"No, I think not. I am not nearly done with you." Perseus growled
He kicked Ares in the ribs sending him sliding into the foot of Artemis' throne.
Artemis grinned before sending Ares back toward Perseus with a kick to the face. Perseus dragged Ares to his feet before sending several heavy handed blows into Ares' face and stomach. As Ares fell to the floor again a red arrow flew by Perseus' head, hitting Aphrodite square in the chest and blasting her clear across the room, as she was sneaking up behind Perseus with a dagger.
Perseus turned to Artemis and smiled, nodding his thanks. Perseus pulled Ares up again materializing a black dagger in his hand. He was about to stab Ares before a vortex appeared.
"No! You cannot kill him, yet." Yelled Chaos stopping Perseus momentarily.
Two people stepped out of the vortex, Chaos and a hooded figure.
"Brother, please don't. Not yet. Remember what you promised me?" The hooded figure pleaded despite how much she didn't want to.
"Son, please. Control your anger. Remember what you're not. You're not like him. Anger and rage do not control you. Your time for revenge will come I promise. Just not yet, please son." Chaos pleaded, confusing all the Olympians besides Artemis immensely.
Perseus stood there, his hand around Ares throat, and a Chaos metal dagger in hand. His chance to finally kill the bastard right in front of him. His hand was shaking with the dagger in hand, wanting so badly to impale it into Ares cold black heart.
A hand touched his shoulder and someone whispered in his ear, "Perseus, don't. Zoe would not want you to lose control. After the war you can kill him, but listen to your father, not yet." Artemis pleaded.
Perseus turned and looked into Artemis' silver eyes for a moment before nodding.
"Thank you Artemis, for reminding me of what matters. You are a good friend." Perseus said sincerely.
Artemis smiled, "As are you. When the time comes, I will help you make it extra painful."
Perseus grinned before turning back to an incoherent Ares. Perseus swept his legs out from under him bringing him to the floor. In the blink of an eye he brought the dagger to Ares forearm making a few quick slices and cuts. Ares screamed in pain but Perseus ignored it. He lean down to Ares ear whispering murderously, "A reminder of what will cost you your life someday. And that day will be sooner than you think."
He threw a thunderous punch to Ares forehead knocking him out and ending his screaming.
Perseus turned to Apollo, "Get him out of my sight before I change my mind and kill him."
Apollo nodded furiously before walking up to Ares to flash him out. When he got there he stopped and gasped. In Ares' arm were four letters carved down to the bone.
SPQR.
Artemis stepped forward, looking at Ares' forearm and smiled. She shook her head at Apollo, telling him not to ask. He nodded and flashed out with Ares.
Artemis turned to Perseus to see him looking like he was near tears. She pulled him into a tight hug, whispering soothing words in his ear. After a minute he looked at her and nodded, telling her he had regained him composure.
"HOW DARE YOU TRY TO KILL MY SON, AN OLYMPIAN?" Screamed Zeus who had recovered from the shock of the beat down Ares received.
"SILENCE!" Bellowed Chaos, seething at the arrogance of Zeus.
Zeus cowered a little before regaining his composure.
"You son has attacked an Olympian, it is clear he is no ally to Olympus. How do you expect us to work with him if he has tried to kill one of us?" Zeus replied, keeping his voice low when speaking to Chaos.
"Zeus, shut the Hades up." Retorted Artemis from her throne.
"How dare y.." Zeus started but was interrupted by Chaos.
"How dare she? How dare you? I told you I would blast you out of existence if you touched one hair on her or Thalia's head or sought revenge against those that don't follow you like she. And my son had to show up stop you from trying to kill your own daughter Athena." Yelled Chaos, getting to the point where he was ready to kill Zeus.
"Let's get one thing clear right now Zeus. This is it. This is your last chance before I remove you from your position of King of the Gods and put one of your more qualified brothers in your place. If you don't believe me, try me." Chaos said threateningly.
Zeus looked shocked. Finally realizing he could lose his throne if he didn't comply.
"Yes Lord Chaos. I will listen to your warning. What shall you have us do?" Zeus grudgingly, hating having to listen to anyone.
Chaos smirked, "Now, that's a good boy."
Poseidon, Athena, Hestia, Hera, Demeter, Artemis, Perseus, Hermes, and a recently returned Apollo snickered quietly at Chaos' words.
Zeus' eyes were seething with rage but he but his tongue for the sake of his throne.
"The Prophecy of Seven was issued last month. I will inform you of the seven involved since you have made no effort to decipher the seven with Olympus closed. The seven are: Jason Grace, Son of Jupiter; Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena; Luke Castellan, Son of Hermes; Will Solace, Son of Apollo; Leo Valdez, Son of Hephaestus; Reyna Milan, Daughter of Bellona; and Nico Di Angelo, Son of Hades." Chaos explained.
"WHAT! Bellona and Hades aren't even Olympians. You told us seven of our demigod children would be in the prophecy." Yelled Zeus, standing up.
A throwing knife flew into Zeus throne, narrowly missing his head.
Perseus' had a murderous look on his face. "Hades has more right to be an Olympian than you and most of your sons. And Bellona is a far better warrior than all but a few on the council. The prophecy chose her and her daughter because they are needed. She is a far superior warrior to that piece of trash you call a war god. Unless you would like me to do to you what my friend and I did to your son Heracles, I would shut your damn mouth."
"THAT WAS YOU! HOW DARE YOU CASTRATE THE GREASTEST HERO TO EVER WALK THIS EARTH?" Screamed Zeus, his bolt appearing in his hand for a moment before it vanished into a shadow only to reappear in Perseus' hand.
Perseus began to laugh hysterically. "The greatest hero to ever live, please tell me that's a joke. You're joking, right?"
Zeus was fuming but less threatening without his master bolt. "No other hero could defeat Ladon, the most powerful monster on Earth other than Typhon. How is he not the greatest?
"First off, he did not defeat Ladon. He used a friend of mine to trick Ladon so he could get an apple. And your boy is nothing but an arrogant womanizer like yourself. You're lucky I didn't kill him for trying to rape my friend. So he should consider himself lucky all we did was castrate him. Next time I will make him fade, I swear it on the Styx." Perseus said in a tone that was completely serious, as thunder boomed sealing his promise.
"What! I knew that boy was useless. He shouldn't even be a God; he cheated on his 11th labor. And a rapist! I will kill that boy myself if I see him on Olympus again Zeus." Screamed an enraged Hera.
Artemis and Perseus smiled at Hera's reaction.
"Ahem, can we get back to the point and deal with Zeus' insignificant boy another time?" Asked an amused Chaos.
Zeus was still in a rage but bit his tongue and nodded.
"Now, you need to find a way to merge the two camps together. The seven must unite and lead a unified army of demigods into battle, any suggestions on how to merge the two camps peacefully?" Chaos asked.
Hera raised her hand timidly.
"Yes, Lady Hera." Chaos said warmly.
"What if we exchanged leaders of the two camps? Each will be sent into the other camp without their memories until they earn the trust of the other campers." Hera suggested.
Perseus smiled at her, "That is an excellent idea Lady Hera. If only Zeus listened to you, Olympus would be run a million times better than under his orders."
Hera smiled warmly at Perseus for the praise.
"Who will be exchanged?" Athena asked.
"Well both Jason Grace and Reyna Milan are a part of the prophecy and leaders of Camp Jupiter. So one of those two will be exchanged from Camp Jupiter. Thalia is the clear leader of Camp Half-Blood so she would be the best choice." Hera replied.
"Thalia won't work." Perseus interjected.
Everyone gave him questioning looks.
"Oh, yea she isn't a demi-god. She is a full immortal now so she won't work." Perseus stated simply.
"You made my daughter immortal?" Zeus asked angrily.
Perseus' eyes flashed dangerously. He twirled Zeus' bolt in his hand. "Unless you want me to snap your symbol of power in half you will never call my daughter yours again."
Zeus paled. He nodded grudgingly.
"Yes Thalia is fully immortal. She is my daughter so she became fully immortal the moment I adopted her." Perseus explained. "Besides, I promised to reunite her with her brother once he comes to camp. So Jason will be sent to Camp Half-Blood. Luke Castellan will be sent to Camp Jupiter. He is a camp leader and a good enough swordsman and warrior to gain the respect of the Romans."
Hermes was smiling proudly at the description of his son.
Hera looked at Perseus incredulously. "How does Thalia know about Jason?"
"I told her. She is my daughter; I will not keep things from her." Perseus stated casually.
"And she is incredibly thankful to you Lady Hera for saving Jason and everything you have done for him. As am I. That was a very commendable deed you did saving the boy because his father couldn't keep it in his pants. I will always be grateful to you for that." Perseus added.
Hera smiled a Perseus. She liked this God and thought about how much Olympus would be better off with someone as him ruling as King of the Gods.
"So it is decided, Jason Grace and Luke Castellan will be exchanged. Lady Hera, I assume you can handle the switch and the memory wipe?" Chaos asked.
"Of course, my Lord." Hera replied with a bow.
Chaos smiled, "Just Chaos my dear. You, Poseidon, Artemis and Athena may just call me Chaos. As my son said last time, you are excellent Gods and Goddesses; you shall bow to no one."
Hera smiled, as did Athena, Poseidon and Artemis.
"Now we should get going. Artemis my dear, would you please come with us? We have a few things to discuss about the war and as you are the Goddess that is closest to my son, you shall be the one to deliver messages about the war to the council." Chaos asked kindly.
Artemis nodded, a little confused but stood up with a smile.
"And Zeus, remember my warning. This is your last chance before I dethrone you. Touch a single hair on any God or Goddesses head in the time leading up to the war, you won't just be dethroned, you will no longer exist. We need every single God and Goddess ready for battle. Your temper tantrums are no longer an acceptable reason for attacking anyone. So don't get your panties in a twist and we will be just fine." Chaos said cheekily before hopping into a vortex Perseus created followed by Artemis, Perseus and the hooded figure.
After they left, Perseus jumped back through into the throne room, "Whoops, forgot to give this back."
He smirked evilly, and then stepped forward to fire the bolt at Zeus.
Zeus cowered and turtled in his throne expecting to be blasted. But it never came.
When he looked up his bolt was lying in front of his throne with a fresh pair of boxer briefs. Perseus gone.
The council erupted in laughter and Zeus disappeared in a bolt of lightning.
In the Throne Room of the Void
Artemis, Chaos, and Perseus stepped out of the vortex along with the hooded figure. Artemis walked up to Perseus and pulled him into a tight hug.
"Thank you for coming to defend my sister from Zeus. He is getting more and more arrogant and conceded by the day." Artemis said gratefully.
Perseus smiled at her, "Your my friend Artemis, I will always come to yours or the people you care for's aide if they need it."
Artemis smiled at Perseus and nodded. She saw Thalia walk into the room. Her smile grew as she walked up to Thalia and hugged her. "Hello sist… I mean Thalia." She said realizing Thalia probably didn't consider her a sister anymore.
"Artemis, you're still my sister. Perseus may be my father but it doesn't change my siblings, just my relationship with Zeus." Thalia said happily.
Artemis nodded and smiled again.
"Speaking of siblings, that is why I wanted you to come here. I want you to meet my sister Artemis. But I need you to remain calm and not react rashly. I don't want to freeze you in time." Perseus said seriously.
Artemis looked confused but agreed.
Perseus nodded to the hooded figure who dropped her hood, revealing the brown hair and red eyes of Clarisse La Rue.
Artemis' bow materialized in her hand, with an arrow notched and aimed at Clarisse.
Perseus stepped protectively in front of Clarisse.
"Why is that traitor here?" Yelled Artemis. "I thought Thalia killed her. Perseus, I don't know what this is about but you better explain."
"Artemis, I asked you not to react rashly. Please, if you trust me, let me explain." Perseus said pleadingly.
"Okay, explain." Artemis snapped but her bow vanished.
"Artemis, this is my sister. The prophecy was not what it seemed like. The choice Thalia made was to give Clarisse a blade I gave Zoe. It was made of a metal that kills immortals, the same kind you stopped me from killing Ares with. Clarisse stabbed herself in her Achilles spot, killing Kronos once and for all. He is faded and can never return." Perseus explained.
"She still betrayed us and nearly destroyed Olympus." Artemis argued.
"Yes she did. But I would have done exactly the same thing. You have no idea the type of life she had to live with a piece of trash like Ares as a father. Her mother was impregnated by Ares while she was drunk. It's not exactly rape but she wasn't exactly willing either." Perseus told her.
He turned to Clarisse, "Can I?" He asked.
Clarisse nodded sadly.
Perseus walked up to Artemis and put a finger to her forehead shooting a pulse of black energy into her.
Artemis gasped as she looked at the memories of Clarisse's life.
She watched a toddler Clarisse being abused and constantly verbally assaulted by her mother, blaming her for getting pregnant. She saw Clarisse being forced to work as basically a slave around her home by her mother just for the right to eat dinner. She saw her in Camp Half-Blood taking care of her siblings, even the older ones. She saw Ares slap her for not being a better warrior, calling her a worthless daughter and how if only she had been a boy. She watched as Clarisse twitched with rage when Ares hit her 8 year old half-sister for not being tough enough. She saw how Clarisse stabbed herself with a knife Thalia gave her. She saw Perseus save her and bring her to the void. She saw how Clarisse finally found what she always wanted, a family member that actually loved her. How Clarisse bonded with Thalia and Zoe and seemed to be a completely different person with people around her that actually care for her.
When the memories stopped, Artemis stood looking at Clarisse with tears in her eyes. Watching the memories was like being there, she felt all the emotions and sadness that accompanied each memory.
"I am sorry. I can understand why you tried to destroy the Gods, I don't blame you. Your life has not been fair, and a large part of that fault belongs to the Gods. Please forgive me for judging you so harshly." Artemis said sadly.
Clarisse nodded and gave Artemis a small smile. "Despite my reasons, I still led many demigods to their deaths by my actions and I can only try to make amends for the things I've done." Clarisse said sadly.
Artemis gave her a small sad smile knowing the guilt was eating her up.
"That's why I wanted you to know about Clarisse, Artemis. She will fight in the war with Gaia alongside myself and Thalia. She has been blessed by me and is also an immortal like Thalia. A full immortal but not bound by the Ancient Laws as most Gods and immortals are." Perseus explained.
Artemis seemed a bit shocked. "How are she and Thalia not bound by the Ancient Laws. For that matter, how are you, a God, not bound by the Ancient Laws." Artemis questioned.
Chaos chuckled, "That's simple Artemis. I willed it and so it was done. It was I who created the laws and when I did I allowed myself a way to provide a chosen few a chance not to be bound. When I created them, I included myself under their restrictions so as to not seem like I was trying to restrict others to control power. But honestly, they are broken daily. There are consequences for this but not enforced as they should be. Your father has broken the laws countless times. Every demigod and lover of his brothers he had killed has been a violation of the laws. I have not punished him because his day of reckoning is approaching and he will suffer for his arrogance." Chao said ominously.
Artemis' eyes widened but she smiled at the thought of Zeus finally being put in his place.
"That isn't the only reason I needed you to come here Artemis. Things have gotten worse. Another of my children has joined Gaia in her quest to conquer Earth." Chaos said solemnly.
"Who?" Artemis questioned frightened.
"Hydros. Primordial God of Water, and another powerful God to join their ranks. I believe I will have a way for Perseus to defeat them in the war alongside his daughter but it is too early to be sure." Chaos said seriously.
Artemis had paled at the mention of Hydros joining the enemy. "Am I still to keep this from the council?" She asked.
Chaos nodded, "Yes, but I need you to make sure Poseidon is there in the battle against the Giants. He will be a key ally against Hydros. We will need some Olympians in the fight with the Primordial Gods. I wanted to inform you so you know to make sure he is there as he has no demigod children so was not included in the Prophecy of Seven."
"I am sure he will be in the fight. He is not one to stand by and watch his family in battle when he can help. His loyalty to his family knows no bounds." Artemis replied.
Chaos smiled at Artemis, "Very well, thank you Artemis. You may return to your hunters. Now with Olympus reopened we need you to prepare your girls for war. They are some of the best fighters the Gods have and they will indeed be needed in the war."
Artemis smiled at the praise of her hunters.
Perseus snapped his fingers and a vortex appeared.
"This will bring you to the hunter's camp. It is time for you to explain things to your newest lieutenant. She has been pestering Zoe for months for her reason for declining immortality. You can explain to her that Zoe knew she would fight by your side against the Giants and she needed to not be fully immortal to do so." Perseus explained.
"Perseus, if you had Clarisse and Thalia made immortal but not bound by Ancient Laws, then why have you not done the same with Zoe? I know you love her, and I don't understand why you would let her fight if she could die." Artemis asked confused.
Perseus smirked, "She has been a full immortal since before the Titan War. I just never told her so she would not fight differently. I would prefer to not to wait until she reforms to see her again."
Artemis grinned at him. "Thank you Perseus, I should have known you would not put her at risk."
Perseus smiled and nodded before Artemis stepped into the vortex and into the hunter's camp.
Inside the Camp of the Hunters of Artemis
Artemis stepped out of a vortex in the middle of her hunt's camp, only to find Zoe and Phoebe yelling at one another in front of the other huntresses.
"Enough!" Snapped Artemis.
The hunters immediately dropped to a knee in a bow to their mistress.
Artemis looked at Zoe and Phoebe who were still glaring at one another from their kneeling position.
"You may rise. We are going to make a change around here girls." Artemis said.
The hunters looked at her questioningly.
"You will no longer bow when I come before you. A friend of mine has helped me realize that you girls are some of the best warriors on this planet. You follow my orders to a letter and are undyingly loyal to me. I think it is time you received your proper respect in return." Artemis said smiling.
Zoe grinned knowing she was speaking about Perseus.
"Now girls, I must apologize for being gone these last several months. Zeus' anger and arrogance caused him to close down Olympus, cutting off all contact with demigods. But now Zeus has been overruled and Olympus reopened. The war with the giants and Gaia draws closer and we must be ready. So expect your training to increase dramatically. We will continue to hunt more and more monsters so as to prevent them from joining the enemy ranks. I would like you all to return to your training… except for my two lieutenants. The two of you have a meeting with me in my tent. Now." Artemis explained, the last part in a stern voice.
Phoebe paled a bit at Artemis' tone. Zoe just nodded and followed Artemis to her tent.
Once inside Artemis made a motion for them to sit. A took a deep breath preparing herself for the conversation in front of her.
"Phoebe, I know you would want to know why Zoe refused full immortality. If you want your answer you must swear on the River Styx that this conversation never leaves this tent." Artemis stated seriously.
Phoebe looked confused but wanted her answer.
"I Phoebe Erat, swear on the River Styx that I will never repeat the following conversation with Lady Artemis and Zoe Nightshade to anyone outside this tent." Phoebe swore.
Thunder boomed outside.
"Zoe is already fully immortal." Artemis said calmly.
"What? How?" Phoebe yelled.
Artemis glared at Phoebe for yelling at her. Phoebe shrunk back and apologized.
"How did you know Lady Artemis?" Zoe asked shocked.
Artemis sighed, this was going to be a long conversation.
"A few hours ago there was a council meeting where everyone was trying to convince my father to reopen Olympus for the sake of our survival. When he refused to listen, Athena finally blew up and yelled at him. Zeus tried to blast her off Olympus but was saved by a friend of mine." Artemis explained.
Zoe smiled at Perseus saving yet another person from Zeus' wrath.
Phoebe had an idea where this conversation was going but waited for more explanation.
"Thalia's father Perseus froze time before the bolt could strike Athena down, caught the bolt just as he had done with Thalia and began to yell at my father. Zeus ordered the Olympians to attack him. Only Ares and Dionysus did as they were ordered. Dionysus was knocked unconscious with a literal flick of Perseus' finger. Perseus then blasted Zeus with his bolt. He then proceeded beat Ares nearly to death with his bare hands. He was about to stab him with a dagger that would kill and immortal but was stopped when his father Chaos, his sister, and myself convinced him not to." Artemis recalled with a smile. It was a good afternoon.
"My lady, why are you so fond of this man? He is still a male." Phoebe asked wondering why everyone was so fond of him.
"Well Phoebe, this is a long and rather shocking story. Before I tell it I remind you that you swore on the Styx to never repeat what I am about to tell you. If you break that oath, not only will you spend some time in Tartarus, but I will banish you from the hunt and wipe your memories of your time in the hunt, leaving you a wandering immortal with no memories of the past 1200 years." Artemis warned Phoebe threateningly.
Phoebe's eyes widened in fear, she gulped nervously and nodded.
"Perseus is Zoe's boyfriend. He has been for the past 1500 years." Artemis said calmly.
Phoebe exploded, "WHAT!? You hypocrite! How many girls have you convinced to swear off men and you have been dating one of the scumbags yourself for a millennia and a half." Phoebe screeched.
In the blink of an eye Zoe had Phoebe pinned to the floor with a dagger at her throat.
"Never speak of Perseus that way again, or I will slit your throat before the words leave your mouth." Zoe growled.
Artemis was glaring but she was actually glaring at Phoebe. She knew it wasn't her fault, this is what she had taught them but she was quite fond on the Primordial God of Time herself.
"Zoe step back. This is how she should react. She simply does not know Perseus like we do." Artemis said in a stern but calm voice.
Zoe nodded and released Phoebe but continued to glare at her.
Phoebe turned to Artemis to explain why she was apparently not right in this situation.
"Phoebe, Perseus is a son of Lupa, one of my best friends." Artemis said.
"But Lady Lupa is a maiden Goddess milady!" Phoebe argued.
"Yes she is, she was raped by my vile half-brother Ares. Lupa was rescued by Chaos as she was giving birth. He adopted Perseus and made him into a Primordial God." Artemis explained slowly. She wanted to rip Ares' head off still but knew he would get what was coming to him.
Phoebe's jaw dropped but she still didn't see where this made it okay for Zoe to date. She waited for more explanation.
"Well when Perseus was visiting his mother, he came across the Garden of the Hesperides where he watched Zoe be betrayed by that pig Heracles. Deciding he would not let this stand, he attacked Heracles and knocked him out, retrieving the sword Zoe had given him. That is where Zoe and Perseus met, they became friends after that. It was Perseus who sent Zoe to the hunters in the first place. As far as I know they only spoke a few times over the next five centuries." Artemis said looking to Zoe for confirmation which she received in the form of a nod.
"Five hundred years after Perseus sent Zoe to me, Zoe was sent on a mission to track a couple Hellhounds with a couple huntresses, I believe you were one of them Phoebe. When you separated Heracles attacked and attempted to rape Zoe." Artemis said, growling the last sentence out.
Phoebe gasped, she never knew Zoe was attacked, she had seemed happy after that mission.
"Perseus came and saved Zoe. Afterword, he froze Heracles in time while Zoe sent a couple arrows into Heracles manhood, changing him forever." Artemis said chuckling along with Zoe. Even Phoebe couldn't help but laugh at that part of the story.
"Well it appears Zoe and Perseus fell in love that day and began to date, unknown to me." Artemis said with a glare at Zoe. Zoe looked down, she didn't regret it but she felt bad about lying to Artemis.
"When I was captured by Atlas, I was saved by Thalia and Zoe as you know. What you don't know is Zoe was nearly killed by her father Atlas as she was destined to from the prophecy. Perseus came and saved Zoe from certain death. Afterword the three fates showed up furious at Perseus for trying to defy them. They tried to kill her right then and there. But when they took out Zoe's string and the shears of life Perseus slowed time and blasted two of the fates who were holding the string and shears with energy." Artemis continued.
"What?" Phoebe interrupted. "No one can defy the fates!"
"That's what I thought too but apparently Perseus is beyond their power as well as the power of my brother's oracle." Artemis replied smiling at the memory.
"After Perseus grabbed Zoe's sting and took it into his care, his father showed up followed shortly by his mother. His father took us to the void where they explained all of this to me. Suprisingly, I am okay with it. Phoebe, you must understand, this man is a very special circumstance. He has been loyal to Zoe for 1500 years. With his mother's encouragement I gave them my blessing." Artemis told her seriously.
Phoebe looked shocked. Everything she had thought she knew about Zoe was a lie. She was hurt, Zoe was one of her best friends.
"Why Zoe, why didn't you tell me?" She asked Zoe sincerely.
Zoe was upset, she knew she trusted her friend but she couldn't have told her. It was a secret from everyone, even Artemis up until a couple years ago.
"Phoebe, answer me honestly. Would you have kept it a secret?" Zoe said calmly.
Phoebe stared at her. She thought about it for a minute. Zoe was one of the people closest to her, but she knew she would not have lied to Artemis, even for Zoe.
Phoebe shook her head, "No, you're right. I wouldn't have kept this from Artemis. But why did you?"
Zoe looked ashamed, "I didn't want to, but I had to. Perseus was a secret from the world until his appearance on Olympus to save Thalia. His father has known about the war with Gaia for thousands of years. Perseus has trained since his birth to defeat her, he has had to because without him we would all die. There is more to the threat than Gaia. Lady Artemis, myself, and Thalia swore an oath to Chaos to never repeat it, so I can't tell you what we're up against, but it is bad. Worse than you can imagine. Lady Artemis is the only one on the council to know what we truly face. Perseus is our only hope for survival." Zoe explained as she started to tear up.
Phoebe was shocked. Shocked and scared. Something worse than Gaia meant almost certain death. She saw a couple tears in Zoe's eyes and pulled her into a hug. Despite being lied to, she still cared for her sister.
Artemis watched Phoebe and Zoe with warm smile on her face. She knew Phoebe cared deeply for Zoe and would eventually forgive her.
Zoe pulled back and looked at Phoebe with confusion, "You don't hate me?" She asked sadly.
Phoebe stared at her for a minute with her eyes narrowed, "I don't completely forgive you for lying to me for centuries, but you are one of my best friends and closest sisters. If Lady Artemis approves of you and this man then I do as well. From what I've heard from Thalia and you two, he appears to be an exception to the rule. But if he ever hurts you, I will find a way to kill him slowly and painfully, Primordial God or not." Phoebe replied.
Artemis laughed loudly at the last part, "I will as well as I have already warned Perseus. But I don't think we have to worry about that. I have never seen a man so committed to a woman in my entire existence."
Zoe blushed bright red at Artemis' words, drawing more laughter from Phoebe and Artemis.
When Phoebe stopped laughing she thought of something, "If Zoe is with a man, why do you allow her to remain in the hunt? The hunt is for maidens."
Artemis laughed, "Like I said, Perseus is the most committed man I have ever met, Zoe is still a maiden."
Phoebe's jaw dropped. She liked Perseus even more. No man waits 1500 years for any woman. He really must be something special.
"Wait, none of this story ever explained how Zoe is fully immortal." Phoebe stated.
Zoe paled, she had no idea what Perseus had told her.
Artemis wore a face devoid of emotion. She waited for Zoe to explain but from the scared look on her face, her suspicions were confirmed.
"Well Perseus never explained that to me either actually, but I think I have an idea." Artemis said with her eyes narrowed at Zoe, who shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
Artemis reached forward in a flash and grabbed Zoe's left hand. She grabbed her ring finger and felt the ring sitting there invisible to everyone.
Artemis glared at Zoe for a minute while Zoe looked like she wanted to find a hole to hide in somewhere. After a minute though, Artemis smiled, laughing at Zoe's discomfort.
"It appears our sister Zoe here is going to get married sometime in the future." Artemis said with a smirk.
Phoebe's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates before laughing at Zoe as well. "Well I expect to be one of your bridesmaids for your wedding, sister."
Zoe calmed down and smiled before hugging them both, thanking them for not being angry with her.
A.N: Since this is your Christmas present readers, I expect a review from everyone. Theres been over 23,000 views and I dont have 23,000 reviews... just kidding I know most are repeat views but you get what I mean, review damnit. They make my day and motivate me to write. Well merry christmas or happy whatever holiday you celebrate i'm too lazy to look up how to spell.
Happy Holidays, I'm going to bed. Goodnight.