Percy POV
As the sun began to set behind the trees, I looked between my pet hellhound, and her daughter who was also my girlfriend. This day just got longer.
As Jackie stared at the enormous hellhound, Mrs. O'Leary stared at her in confusion.
"You smell like… what are you? Who are you?"
Jackie looked down with a start at her humanoid form. She quickly shifted into her hellhound form and stood before Mrs. O'Leary expectantly.
I watched as she stepped back in surprise, "Jackie?"
Jackie's tail wagged with joy. She ran forward towards her mother, who stood there in shock. Jackie noticed this and slowed to a stop. She looked at Mrs. O'Leary uncertainly, "Mom? Aren't you happy to see me?"
This broke the larger hound out of her shock, "Of course!" she expressed this by running forward and nuzzling her daughters neck, "I've missed you terribly Jackie! But I have many questions."
Jackie stepped back and nodded her head, "That's understandable, you're probably wondering why I have a human form."
Mrs. O'Leary shook her head, "How about you start with why you smell like a goddess!"
As Jackie explained to her that she was, in fact, a goddess, and how this came to be, Mom nudged me and asked, "What's going on? Did Jackie call Mrs. O'Leary mom?"
I realized that she probably couldn't speak hellhound like I can, "I'm about as lost as you, she's just explaining to her why she is a goddess."
After a moment, Mrs. O'Leary stared at me I felt a sense of dread in my stomach as she padded up to me to look down at me. I gulped.
"This is awkward huh?" I said, trying to lighten the mood.
She nodded, "You mean how you used to keep me as your pet and now you are dating my daughter?"
I smiled nervously, "Yes?"
She chuckled and allowed her tail to wag, "Relax Percy, you couldn't have possibly known about me. I did do an amazing job pretending to be a dumb mutt."
I kept my mouth shut.
She continued, "I understand you are the new Hellhound King."
I nodded, "Speaking of which, why didn't you answer my summons?"
She seemed to almost sigh and sit down on her haunches. "I was afraid. I heard the call of a new king, but I was afraid it was Salvador pulling some trick."
"Why would Salvador pull a trick like that?" Jackie asked as she walked up next to her mom.
Mrs. O'Leary looked at her sadly. "He wants to kill me."
Jackie tilted her head in confusion, "Why?"
"Because I'm his sister."
She fell silent.
After a few moments of silence, I spoke up, "You know that didn't answer her question right? It only made it more confusing for us.
Mrs. O'Leary looked at me in disbelief, "Really? I thought it was obvious."
Jackie spoke up, "It really isn't. It doesn't explain why you left me to fend for myself when I was still a juvenile…"
Mrs. O'Leary looked at her daughter guiltily, "Like I said, I'm Salvador's sister. I think it's obvious that we are slightly different from regular hellhounds.
I snorted, "You mean how you both are bigger than freaking tanks? And that's just you, Salvador must have been twice your size!"
She nodded, "I was the runt of the litter."
I blinked, "Litter? How many siblings do you have?"
"Only one more! Our sister, the largest of us."
I nodded, "And where is she?"
She lowered her head sadly, "Salvador made certain that she cannot reform."
I wanted to ask how he could do that, but I figured it wasn't the right moment. "Ok then so why were you all so big?"
"Because our father was Cerberus." She stated like it was obvious.
I blinked, "Alright then. I suppose that makes sense."
She stared at me, "You're hopelessly confused aren't you?"
I nodded, "This is probably going to take a minute."
I conjured a couple chairs out of shadows for mom, Zoe, Tyson, Ella, and I to sit in while Mrs. O'Leary explained. Tyson stared at the act in amazement, but didn't question it, as even he could tell now was not the time.
After a couple minutes I finally got it. While Cerberus was Nyx's first hellhound creation, he isn't actually the father of all hellhounds. The smaller more numerous hellhound breed was created after Cerberus, as apparently, Cerberus wasn't satisfying to Nyx. I'd have to talk to her about this later.
Cerberus was the only one of his kind, but he managed to find a female hellhound strong enough to mate with in Tartarus, although she didn't survive the birth. I didn't pry too deep into how it worked. Long story short, that was Mrs. O'Leary's litter. There might have been more litters, but soon after the birth Cerberus was captured by Hades and took him up to the Underworld to be his guard dog.
Apparently, once they grew up in Tartarus to be bigger and stronger than the other hellhounds, while still resembling them with one head each, they accepted them as their leaders. The three of them agreed to lead the race together. However Salvador, the only male, wasn't satisfied.
He snuck up on their older sister and killed her swiftly, knowing that a direct approach would never work. Mrs. O'Leary on the other hand would be doable, but she was warned beforehand by her mate, a strong male who fathered her daughter Jackie. Luckily Salvador hadn't heard about Jackie yet, so the couple entrusted her to another female who was too old to have children.
When Salvador attacked, the male did his best to hold him off while Mrs. O'Leary made her escape.
"Wait." Zoe spoke up, "Why did you have to escape? Even if you lost you can reform can't you? You said your older sister can't reform because of whatever Salvador did to her. What was it?
Mrs. O'Leary seemed to shudder at the memory, "Growing up wasn't easy in Tartarus. We were killed in had to reform several times, luckily we reformed at the same age we were when we were killed, however it was quite a hassle. The thing is: we share a reforming pit?"
She stared at us, as if expecting us to understand immediately. Jackie however gasped in understanding. When she realized we didn't get it, she explained, "All monsters have their own reforming pit where they grow back in Tartarus. Due to Tartarus' size, they are all spread out, so most monster are able to keep the location secret."
I suddenly understood, "So since you share one, Salvador knows where you reform each time, so he can…"
Mrs. O'Leary nodded solemnly, "He can kill us before we are fully reformed, over and over again for all eternity."
Her head shot up then, "But Salvador has been slain! That means he will reform after Natalia, and we can defeat him together!"
"Uh… about that." I said, "You see I only became hellhound king by killing him and absorbing his powers and abilities, basically his entire being. It is a power I received from Chaos. Basically, he won't reform again…"
I awaited her reaction, fearing this might upset her. Much to my relief however, her tail began to wag with relief, "I was wondering how you did that! What a relief!"
I grinned cautiously, "You're not mad that I permanently killed your brother?"
She chuckled, "Of course not. I'm quite happy he is gone."
I then had a thought, "So your sister was named Natalia, and your brother was named Salvador… I'm going to go on a limb here and guess your real name is not Mrs. O'Leary."
The hellhound nodded, "That was the name given to me by Daedalus, he found me wandering around the world, constantly on the run from my brother. He helped me escape by hiding in his labyrinth, this made Salvador lose my trail for good. But yes, my name is not Mrs. O'Leary. It's Mila."
"Mila." I repeated.
"Mila…" Jackie repeated, probably more fascinated than I was. She had just learned her mother's name.
"So," Jackie continued, "I always wondered who you were and why I could never find you. I know your scent by heart, but Arthur and Lily never told me why I was adopted or who you were. I understand now, but there's one thing I have to know."
Mila nodded, "You want to know who your father was."
Jackie nodded.
She sighed, "I found him centuries later on accident. He didn't even recognize me. When he reformed, Salvador found him and tortured him. He was brainwashed to forget me, you, and who he was before. I'm sorry Jackie."
The smaller hellhound stared at her blankly. "Oh."
Mila walked forward and nuzzled her daughter comfortingly. Jackie leaned into it gratefully.
I stood up, "Well Mrs.—I mean Mila, I'm sorry that happened, but now you are completely welcome by all hellhounds. If anyone doesn't agree, just point me toward them."
Mila looked at me, "Thank you Percy."
I nodded, "I think you guys deserve some time together to catch up. I need to go check on camp, so I guess I'll leave you to it, okay Jackie?"
Rather than respond, Jackie shifted to human form and ran into me, pulling me into a kiss that I happily reciprocated.
When she pulled away she pulled my forehead to touch hers and whispered, "I'm so lucky to have you as my new king."
I smiled and whispered back, "I'm even luckier to have you as my queen. Now go on, you haven't seen your mom and centuries by the sound of it, you should get to know her."
She nodded, "I'll come back to you tonight, where will you be?"
I thought for a moment then answered, "Probably in the Poseidon cabin. If you don't find me there talk to Chiron, and he'll send you my way."
She nodded "I love you Percy."
I kissed her again, "I love you too, now go. I've seen your mom when she's angry, best not keep her waiting," I added playfully.
She smiled and ran back to Mila. She transformed into her true form and ran into the woods with her mother following soon after.
As I watched them run away, I heard a confused voice behind me, "Is that Percy's girlfriend?"
I turned to see Tyson with Ella on his shoulder. He was looking at me curiously, "I thought Annabeth was Percy's girlfriend."
I felt myself tense up. I guess nobody had told Tyson either. I felt Mom grab my hand and whisper, "I can tell him if you'd like…"
"Tell me what?" Tyson asked.
I smirked and told her, "He has super hearing, whispering is a bit mute. But I think I should tell him. He's my brother after all. It might take a while though…"
Zoe spoke up, "I know Camp Half-Blood fairly well. I can show her around while you talk to Tyson."
I nodded, "That sounds like a good idea. Is that ok with you Mom?"
She frowned but said, "That's fine."
I smiled, "I'll meet up with you guys later. Don't worry."
They nodded and started walking towards camp. That left me with Tyson and Ella.
Noticing the look of dread on my face, Tyson asked, "What's wrong brother?"
I sighed, "Listen Tyson…"
Zoe POV
I looked back to see Percy holding his sobbing cyclops brother in his arms while the harpy fluttered over them worriedly.
I sighed as I looked back. He has had to tell that story more than enough times. He deserves a break.
I turned back to look at the winding trail in front of us. As I led Sally towards the camp, I remembered how disgusted I used to feel every time I had to come here. Now I'm honestly not sure how I feel. This is where I met Percy, but the last time I was here, I died soon after.
Speaking of uncertain feelings, I looked to Sally walking next to me. She was definitely an amazing woman, even before becoming Percy's mom. She would have made an excellent huntress, and she will make an excellent primordial. However every time I look at her, I remember what she said to me back at the apartment.
When Percy saw my face afterwards, he assumed she threatened me like an overprotective mother, but on the contrary she warned me to keep myself safe.
"Listen, I know you are a millennia old hunter of Artemis and all that, not to mention a goddess now, but I still have to say it. I know you'll look out for my son, but you also need to look out for yourself. Percy told me how you died, and how you likely new it was coming. However no matter how many times he told himself that, he couldn't help but blame himself. He woke up screaming your name, he had flashbacks to your death, basically he fell into depression. The only one who was able to bring him out with Annabeth, and now she is gone. His loyalty is more than a fatal flaw, it's his Achilles Heel. I don't think he can take losing you again. So please, and I know how messed up and selfish this sounds, but please keep yourself safe for him."
I knew Percy had strong feelings for his friends and allies, but we barely got along, and we only knew each other for a few days. How I could have such an impact on him after such a short time? He never mentioned this to me, probably fearing that it would upset me.
He was better than any other guy I've ever met, but his care for others was sometimes too strong. I feared that one day it would literally be the death of him.
I was pulled out of my thoughts as we arrived at Half-Blood Hill.
Sally's attention was, understandably, drawn to Thalia's pine tree which was surrounded by a small dragon. Well, small in comparison to Ladon.
"That's a dragon…" Sally said, not fearfully, but seemingly intrigued.
I nodded, "I believe his name is Peleus. He guards the golden fleece."
"Oh, the one that Percy got on his second quest?"
I looked at her quizzically, "I had heard that a daughter of Ares had retrieved it."
She smirked, "Right. A girl named Clarisse. Percy told me he let her bring it back to camp to complete the prophecy and get her father off her back."
I filed that information away for later. At this point finding out about one of Percy's selfless acts has ceased to surprise me, but it hasn't ceased to make me love him more.
We walked through the barrier easily, and were greeted by the perfect temperature and weather.
Sally inhaled in surprise at the temperature change, "Well that's convenient."
I nodded, "Although a bit spoiling. We had no such protection in the hunt, so we suffered through all types of weather and were made stronger for it."
She smiled, "But you also have magic tents that are bigger on the inside and are probably waterproof."
I blushed, "Well yeah but… how did you know about our tents?"
"Percy told me."
I should have guessed, "Is there anything he hasn't told you?"
Her face turned grim, "Yeah, all the stuff that he doesn't think I can handle. Like the fact that THIS CAMP HAS A CLIMBING WALL WITH LAVA COMING OUT OF IT?!"
I stepped back in alarm as her demeanor turned from mild mother to furious primordial rage I could also spy the climbing wall peaking up over the trees. "it's just a climbing wall Sally! What's wrong with that?"
She looked at me in disbelief, "There is freaking lava coming out of the top! What if someone gets burned?"
I shrugged, "There's an infirmary, we have healing magic, they are usually fine."
She started breathing heavily, "He was here as a twelve year old! Do they have an age limit for it? Maybe he never tried it, he was never a fan of heights…"
I put my hands on her shoulders and made her look at me, "Sally, breath with me. In, out, in, out…"
We did this for moment until she calmed her breathing. Once she was ok I told her, "Demigods face dangers worse than that all the time, most of the time it happens outside of camp when they are even younger than twelve. Trust me when I say that having something like that to practice with in an environment where immediate health care is available is a godsend, so to speak."
She seemed to understand, "I suppose you're right. Look at me worrying about the lava wall when my boy has survived Tartarus. You must think I'm silly."
I chuckled, "I just think you have been in the mortal world too long. You'll get used to all this soon. And if it helps, Percy's skin is fireproof and he drop from great heights without a scratch, I don't think the climbing wall is a threat to him."
She sighed, "Yeah. So what are we going to see first, and don't say the climbing wall."
I thought for a moment and said, "We should probably go to the Big House first and check in with Chiron. He'll make sure no one else tries to kill us."
She agreed and I flashed us into the house.
We appeared to find a very surprised Chiron who appeared to have been pacing in the rec/war room.
As soon as he recognized us he knelt down, "My ladies, it's an honor."
I felt very awkward, as I hadn't been treated like a goddess by someone before, save for Percy. I could tell by the way she was fidgeting that Sally hadn't either.
"Uh, could you stand up Chiron," Sally said, "I'm not really comfortable with being worshipped, and I really respect you too much to see you kneel before me."
I nodded, "I feel the same way."
He stood up, "I see. That is a relief. Most goddesses demand such respect, although I know not of the primordials.
Sally snorted, "Oh don't worry, most of them seemed just as high and mighty, more so even."
He chuckled, "Somehow I find that comforting. It is good to see you Sally, and it is truly a blessing to have you back with us Zoe."
I smiled, "It's good to be back I suppose."
Chiron seemed to shift back and forth a bit on his hooves, "I must ask if Perseus will be joining us. I would be lying if I said I hadn't missed the boy, and I hear he has gone through some changes."
Sally answered, "He's outside of camp talking to Tyson about Annabeth."
The centaur winced, "That can't possibly be easy. It is truly a tragedy to lose Ms. Chase. I loved her like family. But I understand she is in a better place now, due to divine intervention."
I nodded, "She was an amazing girl. I only met her briefly and even I could tell. Anyways, I am giving Sally a tour of the camp, would you like to join us?"
He smiled, "I'd be happy to."
We exited the big house to see a swarm of Roman and Greek demigods milling about the camp. Some were arguing, some were laughing, and some were having the most intense volleyball game I have ever seen.
"Hey," Sally said upon seeing the court, "I went to a camp with one of those.
We moved on, ignoring the curious glances from the campers. They would be interested in who we were, but upon seeing Chiron with us, see no threat.
Next we visited the bath rooms.
"We had these too!"
Next the dinning pavilion.
"Ours was inside, and not as clean."
Then the cabins.
"Ours weren't as unique, and not as numerous, but we had them."
Then the forge.
"Yeah we didn't have one of those."
Finally we made it to the practice arena. Surprisingly there were no campers in there battling it out."
"We didn't think it would be a good idea to let them in," Chiron explained, "We wouldn't want the peace to be broken by an accidental maiming."
He unlocked the door and we went inside to see Percy and Reyna sparring.
Despite being vastly underequipped in the power division, Reyna was holding her own quite well. She was using her imperial gold spear against his Conqueror. His every swipe was blocked by her shaft so she could counter with a thrust.
We sat on the sidelines and watched the fight go on. Soon Percy had is sword against her spear, each pushing against one another in a battle of strength.
He leaned in with a smirk, "You realize I'm holding back right?"
Instead of getting angry or anything, she simply smiled back and said, "So am I."
She then grabbed his hands and quickly spun around, flinging his surprised face into the wall of the arena.
I could hear Sally hiss at the sight of her son sprawled on the ground, but she kept her mouth shut. She was getting it.
Reyna chuckled and leaned her spear on her shoulder, "Looks like I'm not the goddess of Strength for nothing."
Percy sat up, still a bit dazed, but lucid enough to grin like an idiot. "That was awesome! I wonder how strong you are.."
I shouted from the stands, "Maybe you should arm wrestle!"
They looked up and smiled upon seeing us watching them. Percy responded. "Definitely! Then you and I should race! But let's do it tomorrow after I take an eleven hour nap."
Chiron trotted up to Percy who smiled at his old teacher, they were the same height now so they could embrace each other with no problem.
"It's good to see you my boy. I've missed my favorite student."
Percy laughed, "It's good to see you too Chiron."
Chiron then stood back, "I know about what happened. You know it's not your fault right?"
I saw the familiar pain in Percy's eyes again, but he answered, "Yeah I know. Tyson told me too, after he finished crying. He went back to the Big House with Ella. I was planning on sleeping in the Poseidon cabin tonight, is that alright?"
Chiron waved the question away, "Consider it yours Percy, there's no need to ask."
"Thanks."
Reyna spoke up, "The Greeks and Romans seem to be getting along well enough, and it's almost 10:00. Do you want to turn in for the night?"
He nodded, "This has got to have been the longest day ever. But before I do, mom did you see the whole camp.
Sally nodded, "I saw it all, just go to bed. You deserve a good night's sleep in a real bed."
He sighed at the thought of it, "Okay then, time to hit the sack.
Then a flaming boulder the size of a garbage truck hit him.
Chapter 50!
I know I know, another cliffhanger. I'm evil. But for me this is basically practice for when I make a real book, so I'll do as many as I want and you can't stop me! Muahahahahahahahaha!
Anyways as always I love you all, see you next time!
