It's been a long day, without you my friend, and I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
Piper wasn't jealous. Ha! Of course not! She didn't notice how much time Artemis and Percy spent together. Or how they would whisper amongst each other. And of course she didn't mind when she occasionally saw them embrace. No! She was NOT jealous at all! That would be absurd because...oh screw it she was infuriated anytime she saw Percy associate with the goddess.
The moon goddess didn't necessarily coddle the boy but she was kinder to him. She would allow him to throw an arm around her or hug her in thanks and Piper ALWAYS seemed to be around them when it happened. She knew she and Percy were broken up but that didn't mean she was suddenly over him. Quite the contrary. She was mad at him still but she was even more pissed off that Artemis kept coming around. She knew she shouldn't be. Artemis would never like Percy...right?
The son of Poseidon sat on the beach once again. Except instead of by himself or with Nico, a certain silver eyed goddess sat next to him. It seemed to be his one place of solace and comfort which made sense since it was his element. He had been seeing Artemis a lot lately not that he minded. She was keeping her promise to Thalia and he respected that and appreciated her trying to make him feel better. He needed people, he lost Thalia, Piper was mad at him, he could hardly see his mom or baby sister, and he and Nico were still working on becoming friends again. The fact of the matter was that he needed someone else to help him. He was still struggling with his lack of cigarettes and would occasionally get angered by his withdrawals and eat sweets all the time to satisfy his strange cravings.
"How's your addiction issue going?" Artemis asked as she looked out at the ocean. The thing about him and Artemis was that when they spoke they hardly looked at each other. She didn't want things to seem to intimate because, while Percy was attractive and had a lovely personality, she honestly harbored no feelings for him. She was making up hell to him as best she could but how could she? She knew Thalia would have been proud of her for helping out her cousin and she knew that her being there for him was helpful to him. He needed more than just Leo to show his support.
Percy took a quick glance at the goddess,"Fine I suppose. I shake and get angry sometimes...but other than that it isn't too bad. I just have a super sweet tooth now." He chuckled slightly and Artemis nodded.
"Good." They both became silent before Percy finally faced her. She frowned and looked at him and they remained eye contact. She could tell that whatever he was about to say was important...she could feel a heavy topic coming on.
"How's the hunt doing...with Thalia gone." Rarely did he ever bring up the daughter of Zeus and Artemis clenched her jaw.
She tore her gaze from his,"They're...they're surviving." She muttered,"Phoebe is the new lieutenant but it took her a full month to actually put the tiara on her head." She smiled wryly and to her embarrassment her eyes watered,"I...I miss my sister." She breathed shakily and Percy nodded glumly before becoming silent. The atmosphere was tense and uncomfortable. Percy looked like he was going to scream at any moment while Artemis fought back her grief.
Artemis blinked rapidly as she tried to fight her tears and this didn't go unnoticed by the son of Poseidon,"You can cry if you want." He laughed quietly,"You've seen me go crazy before...it's okay if you need to." She tried looked at him in anger and annoyance but her glassy eyes betrayed her.
"I'm not going to cry in front of you." She huffed as she sniffled. She tried to look strong but Percy knew better. She looked haunted, her eyes watery and empty, her hands clutched the sand around her as if it were her life line, and her knees were drawn to her chest as if to hold herself together. She was on the edge of breaking down and Percy didn't want to push her but she pushed him all to open up. Lecturing about how unhealthy it was to keep all his feelings bottled up.
Percy tried again,"C'mon Arty," He pried gently as he bumped his shoulders against hers,"we're family. Crying is nothing to be ashamed of. I know you miss Thalia...and I know for a fact you haven't cried in front of the hunt...so you can be strong for them." Artemis looked at him in surprise.
"Perceptive...but still...I just don't feel comfortable..." She trailed off as Percy rolled his eyes.
"You're my friend and my cousin. Who cares? We're the only two here!" He said in exasperation before smiling at her teasingly,"If you want I'll close my eyes and cover my ears?" He squeezed his eyes shut and covered his ears,"Don't be a chicken Artemis." He mocked lightly. He expected an insult. A smack to the head, maybe a flick in the ear, or even a zap of godly energy. But to his utter shock slender arms wrapped around his torso and a head rested on his chest, auburn haired covered his nose, and tears soaked his shirt.
He hesitantly opened his eyes to see Artemis pressed to his chest, she didn't sob, she didn't scream, she didn't lose it, and she didn't crumble. She cried silently and he dared to catch a glimpse of her face. Her silver eyes were dull and vacant as tears leaked from them. She looked empty, exhausted, and it was if she wasn't really here with him. And surprisingly her silence was worse than her screams and sobs would have been.
He looked back over the ocean and wrapped his arms around her slender form and let her cry. He held no romantic feelings for Artemis. None at all. She was just there for him.
And to his absolute disgust he could feel himself comparing her to Thalia and being happy that they were so similar. He was trying to replace the raven haired teen...not on purpose but it didn't make him feel any worse about it. No one could replace Thalia yet here was trying to make Artemis become the best friend he lost. He hated himself for it. But he continued to seek out the woman's company. Artemis was so much like Thalia. Beautiful, fiery, tough, strong, a challenge to be around, a joy to be around, witty, and just overall...awesome. He couldn't believe himself. But he didn't feel so depressed when the goddess was with him. She filled his days with laughter and he enjoyed being with her. He forgot about everyone else and Artemis became his Thalia 2.0. He knew he was wrong for thinking this but he couldn't find it within himself to regret beginning to care so deeply for Artemis.
"It's okay." Percy murmured into Artemis's hair as he hugged her tightly,"I'm here." I won't lose you like I did Thalia.
-Line Break-
Emotions were the absolute worst. Piper knew that long before she ever fell head over heels for Percy. She was far more right brained than left and at the moment she hated it. Percy had always gotten her into the habit of going to the beach, and she found she loved the ocean and it wasn't just because of Percy, she just loved the smell and sound of the waves lapping the sand and how beautiful the water was.
So when she got to her place of serenity she was stunned to see Artemis and Percy...holding each other. Oh gods. Her anger boiled over and before she knew what she was doing she was stomping towards the two.
Piper cut it out. You two are broken up. Artemis is a maiden goddess and Percy still has feelings for you-shut up logic.
Oh, she was no logical thinker. As the daughter of Aphrodite she usually ran on pure emotion alone and she had never been this angry in her life. Seeing Percy's arm wrapped around the daughter of Zeus was enough to drive her crazy with envy and rage but seeing how snuggled up the alleged virgin goddess was to Percy made her ballistic.
"What the Hades is going on here!" She snarled making both of them jump to their feet. Percy's face was a bright red while Artemis just looked at her tiredly. Her nose was red and her eyes seemed...empty as she stared at the daughter of Aphrodite.
Percy laughed nervously,"Hey Pipes-"
She snorted,"Don't you dare play this off Jackson!" She spat and she stomped towards him,"There's something going on with you and Artemis-"
The moon goddess angrily interjected,"Are you insinuating that we are together in a romantic way?" She hissed, her emptiness replaced by rage and disbelief while Percy gulped nervously and stepped away from the two angered females.
Piper rolled her eyes,"Oh look! The so called man hater has a brain!" Shut up Piper,"What's going on between you and Percy!" Shut up Piper,"You hate guys so what makes him so special?" You're an idiot Piper.
Artemis glared at her menacingly,"The last I checked you and Percy are no longer together." Oh crap...she got her there,"And there is absolutely nothing going on between me and him. I'm keeping a promise." She softened slightly and looked down at her feet. The gesture was very un-Artemis like, Percy noticed, she always stood tall and was tough about every situation. "I'm keeping a promise to Thalia." Piper lost all anger and looked away as guilt crashed down onto her,"I have to make sure Percy heals. But this isn't just a job to me." Artemis shrugged,"I'm here for him as a friend and nothing more. I could never see Percy as more than-"
Percy smirked,"A hot dream! She can look but she can't touch!" He said proudly making Piper smile slightly. She missed seeing that Percy...it was refreshing. And she instantly felt stupid for trusting emotions over logic. But she really couldn't help it. She cared too much and maybe that was the problem.
Artemis narrowed her eyes at him,"A hot dream? More like a hot mess." Percy gaped and Artemis chuckled slightly before Percy shoved her teasingly.
"Wow and here I thought you had good taste." He stuck his tongue out at the moon goddess and ducked the fist aimed for his head. He laughed before turning to the ever sheepish Piper and took a step closer to her. They stared at each other for a long moment, neither knowing what to say, Artemis smiled slightly before turning out and looking at the ocean. She stepped away from the two to give them a moment alone. They obviously needed it. Percy would always talk about Piper to Artemis and though any other girl would have thought it was cute Artemis wasn't any other girl, she'd listen and try not to gag at his corniness, but she allowed for him to keep talking about her. Sometimes it was like he forgot Artemis was there as he smiled and told her stories about them. She didn't care for romance but she hoped things worked out between the two. Percy getting Piper back would definitely help him and she knew Thalia would want this.
Percy scratched the back of his neck,"Uh...I really don't like Artemis. I swear to the styx." Thunder boomed loudly and he saw Piper visibly relax before blushing out of embarrassment.
"Sorry I yelled..." She mumbled while staring at her feet. Gods she'd rather be eaten by hellhound than have to face Percy at the moment. She had been avoiding him out of spite and hurt that he hadn't tried talking to her either.
He put his hand on her shoulder making her meet his eyes,"It's okay. That was the most exciting thing that's happened in a while." He smiled slightly before moving his hand,"Besides, I really like this other girl. She's a daughter of Aphrodite and all...and," He blushed,"she's pretty awesome."
Piper looked at him with wide eyes,"Percy-"
"Can you put in a good word for me to Tracy?" He asked quickly and Piper looked at him in shock before he broke into a fit of laughter. "Your face!" He crowed and she frowned before slapping his arm. Oh lord his laugh was glorious. She hadn't seen him so happy in a long time and it pained her that she hadn't really helped boost his sanity. If anything she just took more of it from him. But she was utterly in love with him...so why was she staying away from him? Pride? Regret? What was holding her back?
"Jerk!" She huffed and Percy stopped laughing before looking at her seriously. His mirth vanished and was replaced by a softness that she hadn't seen since they were at her mansion. She saw his hand twitch as it hesitantly reached for hers. And to his surprise she met him half way. Their fingers interlaced and Percy was grinning like a fool and she felt more blood rush to her cheeks as she smiled as well. Does this mean they were back together? What did this mean!
"And I uh understand if you don't want to jump back into this relationship yet. But I just hope you know I l-"
"How touching, Jackson, and here I thought you were gay!" A voice called out and the three on the beach turned to see...Thalia Grace?
Percy was shaking,"Y-You're not real." He whispered as he stepped away from Piper and closer to Thalia. Piper was pale as a ghost as she looked at the daughter of Zeus. Something wasn't right with her. She wore all black which wasn't unusual but it was the dark bags under her eyes, the way her eyes were no longer electric blue but a dark blue, and how menacing her aura seemed as she smiled at her cousin. Something was definitely wrong.
Thalia smiled tiredly,"Of course I'm real...c'mere you doofus." She held her arms out and Percy didn't hesitate to run to her. Tears filled his eyes as he squeezed the crap out of his suddenly alive best friend. She was here? Oh gods she was actually here in his arms and he was loving every second of it. He laid his head on her shoulder and buried his face into her neck. He felt weak around her, like he'd collapse at any minute, but he refused to let her go. He feared she'd vanish and end up being his illusion once again.
Artemis was staring at Thalia in awe, not sure if she should go and approach her sister she stood there indecisively. She felt tears prick her eyes and she swallowed thickly as she chanced it by taking a couple steps forward. She'd let Percy see the girl first, he had been broken without her, he needed this first.
Suddenly the tight hug shifted as Thalia wrapped hear arm around Percy's neck,"Th-Thalia you're c-choking me." Percy stammered as he struggled to get out of her grasp. When did she get so strong? He could barely move as she wrapped another arm around his neck and squeezed tightly. Why was she doing this? Didn't she know how much this hurt him? How this was beginning to make him gag? How hard it was to breathe?
Thalia smiled sadly,"Shhh...it's okay Percy...just close your eyes." She murmured and Piper and Artemis began to panic. Percy listened to her for reasons he couldn't understand and settled down slightly. Maybe she'd listen to him?
Percy felt tears blur his vision as he felt strength pour out of him,"Thalia p-please stop." He whimpered,"You're hurting me." And suddenly everything went black, Thalia gently laid him down on the sand while a furious Artemis confronted her.
"What was that!" She roared as her protectiveness over Percy came out of her.
Thalia's tender expression, as she watched Percy's unconscious form, vanished,"I'm not here for you Artemis." She said in a monotone before turning to Piper,"You...McLean...I should have never trusted you." Thalia laughed sadistically,"You killed me! So now I'll stab you in your back!" She looked back at Percy momentarily,"Percy is mine. He was mine first. Not yours. And now I'm taking him back." She snarled and Piper drew her knife and clutched it tightly.
"Thalia, I'm sorry I killed you, but please don't fight me." She murmured as she looked at Percy,"One of us dying won't help Percy...please...do what you always do and think of him." She pleaded and Thalia seemed to mull it over before a devious smirk appeared on her lips.
"We were fine without you before, and we still will be, especially because Percy will have me. Not a useless daughter of Aphrodite." Thalia snarled and Piper bristled in anger of Thalia's disregard for Percy's feelings, and her blatant disrespect towards her. Sure she killed Thalia but it wasn't really her doing. But that didn't stop her guilt from coming back and lapping up her consciousness like a thirsty animal would water. She was the reason Percy went crazy, no that wasn't her fault, that was Aphrodite.
"Hello Artemis." A voice said cooly and all eyes turned to see...Zoe Nightshade,"I intend to skip all formalities. I'm here to kill you and Thalia is here to kill Piper. It's that simple." The raven haired girl said in a monotone. Artemis felt more tears prick her eyes. That couldn't have been Zoe.
Tan skin, beautiful features, dark eyes, black hair, bow, tiara...it was her. Her fallen huntress was back, adorned in the same clothes she had been murdered in, Artemis had to look away as she remembered that moment she lost her.
"I see the stars again Milady."
She bit her lip, seeing her broken form, the spear had struck her stomach and Zoe lay in her arms helplessly. Shivering, eyes dull, breathing heavily as her blood rushed out of her. Artemis felt herself panicking, this couldn't be happening, Zoe couldn't be alive. How was that even possible? Artemis clenched her fists at those memories before putting a reign on her emotions and tried to hide her anguish as she stared at her old lieutenant.
"Whoever sent you must be a fool." She said as she cocked her head upwards in superiority,"You two really think you can take on a goddess?" She sneered and Zoe smirked at Thalia knowingly before walking up to the moon goddess slowly. Artemis put a hand on her knife but as Zoe got closer she couldn't bring herself to unsheathe her blade.
Zoe. Memories came rushing back to the moon goddess as she took in the girl's appearance once again. When she first joined the hunt, when she was promoted, when she saved the girl's lives countless of times, when she was soft hearted and smiled oh so often, when she laid dying in her arms. Artemis hadn't realized she had stopped breathing until Zoe gently cupped her cheek. Onyx eyes met silver ones and Artemis felt herself relax slightly as she swallowed thickly.
Zoe had been her best friend, her sister, her rock when things got hard. Zoe had always been there and she had loved her more than she had any of her other hunters. Her death had torn Artemis apart more than Thalia's had. And feeling her actually touching her made elation overwhelm her.
"Zoe-"
The daughter of Atlas cut her off as she smiled warmly at Artemis,"Aphrodite sent me because," The warmth in her smile vanished immediately,"you can't bear to see me die again." Suddenly a fist connected to Artemis's face making the goddess fall on her butt. And that's when all chaos erupted.
Thalia charged towards Piper who felt immense anger and strength surge through her. Her knife and Thalia's spear clashed, Piper had gained strength over the months, she was easy fight but Thalia didn't know that.
Piper was quick on her feet, Thalia was stronger than her, but Piper knew she was faster than the daughter of Zeus. Thalia let out an outraged scream as she swung her spear like she would a baseball bat, Piper easily ducked the spear before attempting to get a quick blow on Thalia's thigh, Thalia expected this and jumped backwards. Both girls looked at each other warily, Piper knew Thalia would easily overpower her, but this is where her speed would come in handy.
Would Percy hate her if she was able to kill Thalia again? This made her hesitate, would that ruin everything? She was so close to getting back with Percy, and she didn't want to kill Thalia, anything but that. She had liked the daughter of Zeus, they hadn't been the best of friends, but their interest in fixing Percy had made it so they were decent friends. She could still feel herself plunging the dagger in the back of Thalia Grace, she had had multiple night terrors due to this, she hadn't slept the same after that.
"Hey McLean! Wake up! I want to kick your butt fair and square! No powers! No nothing! Just good ole weapons." Thalia laughed confidently and Piper snapped back to reality.
Thalia was irrational which is what Piper too used for her advantage,"You know, all the months you've been dead," Piper smirked,"Percy hasn't brought you up once." Thalia's blue eyes sparked with anger and she gritted her teeth.
"Lies!" She attempted to impale the daughter of Zeus but Piper stepped sideways, she launched herself in the air, knowing she'd have enough time to do so. With Thalia's spear fully extended she had plenty of time. As she came back down from her jump she used her momentum and brought her fist down on Thalia's nose. There was a loud crack and Thalia screamed in pain, Piper smirked, Percy taught her that one.
Thalia let out a roar as she faked a stab with her spear, as expected Piper stepped around it, but she hadn't been ready for Thalia's foot that tripped her. Piper smacked onto the ground. Seconds later a spear thrust towards her shocked form, she rolled out of the way but the blade skid her arm, Piper howled in pain as blood dripped down her arm. She stumbled to her feet right before Thalia cracked her in the head with the butt of her spear.
Piper grunted as her vision blurred and the world tilted again. She fell onto the sand and barely managed to dodge the spear once again. Her head was throbbing painfully as well as her arm. Thinking quickly Piper grabbed a handful of sand and flung it into Thalia's eyes.
Thalia screeched in agony and Piper shot to her feet before tackling Thalia. She pinned the raven haired girl to the ground and began wailing on her. Taking out all her anger and frustration on the daughter of Zeus. The girl's spear had been lost in the tussle but Piper's knife was safely sheathed just in case.
"I'm sorry!" Piper yelled as she slammed her fist on the girl's face even harder. She wouldn't die,"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry Thalia! I never wanted this." She murmured brokenly as she blood soak her knuckles. Remorse filled her as Thalia flailed in panic, she couldn't believe this was happening, the only person she wanted to damage this badly was Annabeth Chase. Not Thalia Grace. Her knuckles felt terrible but she didn't stop, she couldn't stop, and she hated that her mother had caused this to happen. Thalia and her were supposed to be friends, bound together by the well being of Percy Jackson, not torn apart by the love goddess.
Suddenly Piper was thrown off by the girl. Within seconds the bloody faced Thalia was on her feet. Her nose was terribly broken, her mouth filed with blood, crimson leaked from her nose and mouth, but her eyes remained normal and held the same animosity towards Piper. Piper still had her knife and as Thalia reached for her she swung her blade.
Thalia caught it, blood seeped from her hand, but she didn't even flinch. Piper, however, did flinch. But not because Thalia caught her blade and didn't even bat an eye, no matter how impressive that was that wasn't the reason Piper flinched. The daughter of Aphrodite flinched due to the bone chilling smile that Thalia gave her. The way her eyes looked, rage filled them but other than that they looked lifeless and empty, blood dripped from her face, and her smile was almost vacant, as if she was a robot.
A sinister smile erupted on Thalia's lips,"You're dead now." She snarled before wrenching the knife from Piper and picking her up by her throat.
Meanwhile Artemis had no less of a struggle with Zoe.
"Strike me!" Zoe shrieked as she attacked the goddess furiously. Artemis swiftly avoided the girl's blades, she'd throw some punches here and there, but she never attempted to stab Zoe. She couldn't bring herself to do so. She already lost Zoe once, maybe she had a chance of saving the girl, she was filled with hope as she dodged another flurry of attacks.
Zoe grew more and more frustrated,"I said strike me!" She demanded as she kicked Artemis in the knee, the auburn haired girl gasped in pain, Zoe brought the butt of her blade down on Artemis's head and the goddess crumpled,"YOU'VE NEVER HELD BACK BEFORE!" Zoe screamed in rage as she kicked Artemis in stomach and spat on her in a sign of total disrespect.
Artemis felt fury envelope her and she rolled to her feet. Despite her pain in her stomach she snatched Zoe's arm and twisted it behind her back. The daughter of Atlas yelped in surprise but broke out of the lock quickly, Artemis had taught her well, she slit her knife across Artemis's forearm making the goddess wince in pain. It was a sharp pain that made gold blood flow out and soil her clothes.
Artemis let out a roar in rage, this wasn't Zoe, she told herself but she knew that it was. Artemis attacked her with vigor and Zoe backflipped and dodged every knife blow that came her way. Artemis paused before smirking and pretending to attempt to stab the girl in her abdomen. Zoe jumped backwards but Artemis had been ready.
She rushed forward unexpectedly and lunged at the girl. She jumped and wrapped her legs around her neck, she stuck her arms out as she fell and brought Zoe with her. Using her core strength she flipped Zoe and slammed her into the ground all while managing to balance on two hands. Zoe groaned as Artemis leaped to her feet once again.
Zoe stumbled to her feet and smirked,"About time Arty. I was afraid you'd just let me win." They met in a flurry of silver. Both were gracefully dancing around each other with deadly moves and sharp precision. Zoe had landed a couple of blows on Artemis who steeled herself and clenched her jaw. Suddenly she saw Orion in Zoe's place. With anger she thrust her knives into Zoe's thighs making her scream in anguish as she collapsed on her back. Artemis let a few tears fall as she looked at her hunter's broken form.
"I-I'm so sorry." Artemis choked out but Zoe was too busy squeezing her eyes shut and attempting to block out the pain. This was never supposed to happen. Zoe looked...she looked like she did when Atlas had implied her stomach. Angry and confused and full of pain. Artemis let out a sob and covered her mouth with her hand. She caused such pain to her huntress and watching her suffer was unbearable.
Thalia laughed as she tossed Piper's feeble form into the ground. Piper groaned, Thalia was too strong, but that didn't mean she'd stop fighting. She had taken quite the beating from Thalia and currently had a large cut on her lip. And she was certain she had a few broken ribs. A hand reached down to grab her again and Piper lunged upwards and bit down on the fingers as hard as she could. She made the daughter or Zeus bleed once again. Blood filled Piper's mouth and she grimaced at the taste. Not only was she in pain, she'd also never get that retched taste from her mouth.
Thalia spewed cuss words from her mouth and electricity danced across her fingertips of her uninjured hand,"THAT'S IT!" She shrieked and raised her hand to strike her with lighting. Piper didn't close her eyes. She stared up at the electricity fearlessly, knowing she couldn't outrun her fate. She'd die here, on the sand, without telling Percy she friggen loved him. She let out a sigh, she'd see Percy on the other side, she accepted her fate. Maybe Percy would be fine without her.
Thalia suddenly froze and looked down. A blade, Piper's blade, sat deep within her chest and more crimson liquid flood from her mouth and wound as she slowly sunk to her knees. All power had evaporated from her and Piper looked up in shock.
A livid Percy stood over Thalia who looked up at him in confusion,"P-Percy...why?" She wheezed as tears filled her eyes. Piper noticed Percy soften as he leaned down next to her.
Percy gently cupped Thalia's face in his hands,"Because you're not really Thalia." He whispered sadly before smiling slightly at her,"I've missed you so much...and I love you...but you don't belong here. You should be dead." He said softly as he wiped her tears away with his thumbs. He hadn't wanted to kill Thalia. But this wasn't her. It wasn't the real Thalia. It was some fragment of her. Her looked into her dull blue eyes, it was still as painful as her first death, but Percy was far more accepting of her death this time.
He had been the one to kill his best friend. He felt no remorse. She was supposed to be dead. He had needed her, but he knew that he could live without her, he would have to. And killing her was his way of putting her to rest. She didn't deserve to be on this cruel earth anymore. She needed to move on and so did he. And he could do that. It would have been selfish to keep her alive. Because though she was a product of Aphrodite...he knew that Thalia was in there. And she deserved to rest.
Thalia trembled as her breathing quickened and she clutched onto Percy tightly,"I-I love you. I did this for us." She whispered in a raspy voice and Percy tenderly pressed a kiss to her forehead. He knew that she only meant well. But he wouldn't allow any harm to fall upon Piper. He loved both of them but Piper was...real. It was actually her and not some weird version of her. He knew that he couldn't possibly survive without the daughter of Aphrodite. Just looking at her made him feel better.
Piper made him feel happy in a way that Thalia never could.
"I know you did." He murmured as he held her to his chest,"I know. You're still my best friend." He told her as he pressed his cheek to her hair and rubbed her back soothingly.
He felt tears soak his shirt as Thalia clutched onto him as if he were her lifeline,"I miss you..." She let out a gasp in pain as she felt her breathing become more difficult,"I miss you so much." She croaked and Percy felt tears prick his eyes but he refused to let them fall.
"I know. But our bond will never be broken Thals. I promise I'll tell you all about my adventures when I see you again. We'll catch up." Percy breathed as he held onto her trembling form.
Thalia smiled slightly,"Okay." Black dots danced in her vision and Percy chuckled dryly. She was a bloody mess, her face was slightly mangled from Piper's fists, and her hair was a mess from fighting so much. She looked so fragile, as if she were glass, and a gust of wind would make her shatter.
"Now go follow that light you idiot. And don't come back okay? I'll see you soon. Just be patient. Now get out of here." He sniffled,"Luke's waiting for you...do you see Bianca? Silena? Good ole Beck?" Percy smiled as he felt Thalia gasp in awe,"Don't you see them reaching for you...they'll take care of you until I get home." He promised as he kissed the top of her head.
Thalia smiled even wider,"Y-Yes. I see them...Luke...he's...Percy he's grabbed my hand. Silena is...she's..." Thalia looked up at Percy who looked down at her at that exact moment. She placed a chaste kiss on his lips much to his shock before smirking,"Doesn't mean anything." She coughed heavily and blood soaked Percy's shirt but he didn't mind,"I love you...Kelp head." She breathed before looking out at the ocean again,"I'm coming Luke...Bianca...I know." She whispered before she collapsed in his arms. Percy sat there, frozen in utter shock, and grief enveloped him as Thalia's body turned to dust.
He stared numbly at his arms before looking at Piper. He noticed her saddened facial expression and her cut lip. He scooted closer to her and she looked up at him. Tears filled her eyes and Percy gently wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into his lap. He could hear Artemis speaking to Zoe, saying their tearful goodbyes, and he tuned them out as he took in Piper. The cut on her lip made her look tough, the bruise on her cheek looked brutal but she still looked so beautiful. Her body was covered in cuts and bruises but Percy just looked into her eyes.
They turned green. And without a second thought Percy leaned closer to her and planted a kiss on her lips. He she didn't hesitate to wrap her arms around his neck and deepen the kiss. Percy felt like he was letting all of his pent up anger and sadness into the kiss as did Piper. They had missed each other terribly. Percy thought his heart would explode from the kiss. Piper, who had originally been shocked by Thalia's kiss, had calmed because she sense no love between the two. No romantic love at least.
She didn't know that Thalia's kiss was her way of saying goodbye to what could have been.
Piper missed everything about Percy. Tears streamed down her cheeks but her eyes remained shut as she pulled away from the boy. With her heart beating rapidly she buried her face into Percy's chest and the two remained frozen. Both were too afraid to let go of each other. The days had been so long without Percy, she had felt utterly empty, and she had been sad with his absence. She couldn't stay away from him any longer. She had to make sure he remained good and well especially after he killed his best friend.
"I love you so much." Percy whispered as he buried his face into the crook of her neck,"And I'm so sorry." He had missed her like crazy. She didn't respond as she held onto him tightly for support. She instead, pulled away from Percy momentarily, to kiss his forehead lovingly, before drawing him against her again. She knew he needed comfort after killing Thalia.
"I'm proud of you." She whispered back and Percy knew what she was proud of. She was proud he hadn't gone crazy over killing Thalia like he would have months ago. She was proud of his sanity and self control. And Percy had almost lost it, when he stabbed Thalia his mind bordered insanity, but he fought to keep himself under control because everyone was hurt. And it wouldn't have been fair to lose it like he would have months ago.
"Thank you." He snuggled closer to her for support, he snuggled closer for warmth, and he snuggled closer to maintain sanity. Gods he loved Piper. She ran her fingers through his hair in a calming gesture because she remembered how much he loved that. And he was limp against her. He should have been comforting her, she got beat up, but no, there she sat with him. Making sure he was alright. He didn't deserve her. He loved her so much.
Artemis pressed a kiss to Zoe's forehead,"I love you Zoe. I hope you never forget that." Artemis murmured and Zoe smiled up at her mistress sadly. The spell obviously broken as she grabbed the goddess's hand.
"I love you too milady..." She smiled faintly before looking up at the sky,"I don't see stars this time...I see clouds." She breathed in awe as she closed her eyes. Artemis looked at her still form in grief before a loud wail escaped her lips. And in a flash of light Zoe was gone. She had gone back into the sky where she truly belonged.
Artemis bit her lips and kept the tears from falling. Zoe was home now. That's all that mattered. Feeling emotionally drained Artemis trumped back to where Percy and Piper were.
Percy looked up at her before standing with Piper. He embraced the goddess tightly and she clung to him. She didn't cry, much like Percy she was just in shock, but she appreciated Percy's affection though she'd never forget it.
"It was like I lost her all over again." She whispered brokenly,"Her and Thalia." She wet her lips as she blinked back more tears.
Percy let out a shuttered breath,"I know...but they're home now Arty. All that matters is that you and Piper are safe." He murmured before pulling away and smiling at her reassuringly,"We should head back to camp." Artemis nodded numbly as Percy grabbed Piper's hand and began walking back.
Artemis hesitated and looked up at the clouds,"Goodbye Zoe." She breathed before turning and following the reunited couple back to camp.
When the trio arrived they were in complete shock.
The camp was in flames, campers were running around frantically, other campers lying dead or wounded, and monsters laughed as they disappeared into the woods. The chaos and damage that had been inflicted on Percy's home made him sick to his stomach. He was surprised that he didn't vomit then and there.
Percy shook his head as his home burned before his very eyes,"No...Thalia and Zoe...they were distractions!" He yelled in anguish as he watched the Poseidon cabin collapse.
-Line Break-
Zeus let out a snarl as he choked Thanatos in sheer fury,"YOU DARE RESURRECT MY DAUGHTER!" He boomed as he raised his master bolt while remaining a firm grasp on the god's throat. Thanatos was expendable, Hermes collected souls as well, and Thanatos would be of no great loss.
Thanatos looked at the god calmly,"Yes." Not believing the god would act on his anger. He watched Zeus with deep, knowing, brown eyes and smiled slightly,"With Gaea in charge...there'll be so many souls for me to collect!" He licked his lips hungrily before looking back up at Zeus,"And there's nothing you gods can do to stop us."
"There's just one little thing you didn't count on." Zeus growled lowly,"And it was the gods joining this war. Our children won't be the only ones fighting against you traitors." He laughed darkly as Thanatos's eyes widened,"But you," He paused before smirking,"you won't even live long enough to see the big three in action once again." He unleashed the lighting bolt on Thanatos making the god scream and wither in pain. "You have brought this upon yourself!" Zeus boomed,"AND THE POWER OF THE GODS SHALL BE SEEN ON THE BATTLEFIELD! ONCE AGAIN!"
Sorry if it sucked. I'm so tired. Not well edited and I apologize.
Exoria: Gods...where do I start? So I found your stories a couple of days ago when I was searching for fanfics to read cuz I couldn't. Your very first one — "The Boy who Grew Up". And I thought "Meh, mediocre author." So I decided to click into your profile and take a look at your "Favourites". Not sure why I started reading the rest of the stories' synopsis, but you bet I'm glad I did. I loved "That Colour Silver" (damn that was good, mini Marathon-ed), this story's awesome too _ keep writing :D nghhh you got a lazy reader like me to review _ not even Anak (hehe hi Anak if you're reading this. Don't kill me ._. ) achieved that feat ._. Kudos to you! XD
PS I'm an Em fan too. Was wondering about the Em quotes you had in your stories. Got really excited to find a fellow Em fan :3
PPS I LIKE REYNA :( C'MON, she's a really sad girl if think about it. I feel bad for her, hope she finds love :p her luck in this "Love" thing stinks _ poor girl :/
Thanks that meant a lot! Yeah Boy Who Grew Up sucks. I really can't justify that at all. I'm honored that you reviewed! Yeah Em is the greatest! Stans gotta stick together! Eh Reyna is just there...ugh.
red demon161: I just found this fic and read through it. I loved it, don't know much about the Percy Jackson series, but I love this fic. You write an insane Percy well. I loved the part where Zeus threatened him and he started to beg for death. That shocked Zeus. The part with Thalia's death was very sad and watching Percy with the fake Thalia was even more sad, seeing Percy losing what was left of his mind.
As for this chapter I'm glad to see Percy start the long road to healing. Talking with his friends and former friends can only help. I also loved the hug with Artemis. She loved that hug more then she will ever admit.
I'm glad you like it! Yeah Perce is getting back on his feet. I know right, who wouldn't want a hug from Percy though, like honestly. If you don't you're just lying to yourself. Even Athena wants some Jackson action...like hug wise...
SonofNeptuneJr: MERRY CHRISTMAS AND LOTS OF COOKIES
Hope you have a wonderful time during the holidays and thank you for the new chapter! Just one thing: I think that Percy going euphoric immediately was slightly unrealistic. Maybe a day or two after hugging Artemis, he starts cracking through the shell.
THANKS FOR THE COOKIES! Eh it had been a couple of months not a couple of days. But I guarantee psycho Percy isn't gone yet.
Sorry it took me so long guys. I've been focusing on Recovery a lot recently. So review and all that! Did you guys have a fun April 1st and Easter?