Sorry for the week delay, there was stuff/content I couldn't decide on. As you know I'm venturing out into my own plot now so at times I have to stop and ponder through first.
Percy
"Oi, wake up you pig." I felt a painful pinch on my cheeks.
"What do you want Diana?" I groaned out and peeled her hands off.
"Nice to know you still remember me. How dare you call out Artemis's name in your sleep, especially when you're hugging me and don't you dare go back to sleep!" Diana shook me to keep me awake.
"I don't know. I don't even what I called out during my sleep. Although I could have sworn I felt another pair of arms around me." I replied, still with my eyes closed.
"She did come in, snuggled up and ready to sleep until she was summoned for a meeting. Still, I never hear you calling my name in your sleep."
"Diana…" I called out and snuggled on her. I heard her sighing out in exasperation, meaning I've won as I rolled around with me on top of her. I always wanted to sleep like this. Sometimes, if I'm being playful I would lay lower and rest on her breasts which are what I'm doing now.
"I don't usually get to do this when the both of you are around." I sighed blissfully as I rested my head in between her breast as I dozed off again.
Artemis
"What do you mean there's monster reforming in the underworld?" Zeus asked out.
"It's what I said. There is a dead monster reforming in the underworld. The ashes are gathering. I could see the shape of the Cyclops's head." Hades answered back.
"Why is it reforming in the underworld? All dead monsters reform in Tartarus!" Zeus had to shout back.
"If I knew I wouldn't call for this meeting right?" Hades raised his voice… and the meaningless arguments begin. I just sat there and stone, my mind kept wandering to Perseus and my body is starting to miss his warmth. It would've been fine if I didn't hug Perseus for a few minutes then having to come here and sit on this cold marble throne.
"If all you're going to do is to yell and scold then we can call off this meeting. But mark my words when the day come that you're in need of my assistance you can forget about it." Hades stood up in a fit of rage. Great, a king that thinks with his pride while another stubborn who bores a four thousand years old grudges.
"You are the ruler of the underworld! You're supposed to know everything." Zeus raged at Hades.
"As if you know everything under your rule. Your marriage is a wreck and you don't even know your own daughter is dating someone right under your nose until it was shown deadpan to you-"
"If all you two are going to do is argue and bring up old grudges I see no point in the rest of us being here." I cut the both of them, annoyed by the fact that I'm really missing Perseus to the point of irritation and that I got brought up in a meaningless argument as a weapon of insult.
"Artemis is right." Poseidon finally joined in. "Hades, I can't send any manpower to you but I'll have weapons sent over by tomorrow as a form of aid-"
"Weapons aren't the main problem now brother. I need to watch over the reforming monster, increase the rate of patrols and at the same time sends out search parties to investigate this matter." Hades answered back. Finally, some real discussion here after two hours.
"Consider enlisting the help of the people in the Elysium to help. I'm sure they will be willing." Athena added on.
"I will also go back and read through the Ancient Library to see if I missed out any details." With that, Hades flashes off without even waiting for Zeus.
"See? It wouldn't hurt to listen to the other party before screaming away." Hera chastised him before flashing away as well. I also didn't wait for anyone and returned back to the Hunt.
"Great," I muttered under my breath. They didn't leave a space for me. I pulled Perseus down got back into our previous position with me hugging his back. It wasn't my favourite position but it will have to do for tonight.
The following days went on with me and Diana switching places. Perseus was getting better. I could see his technique improving and his ability to control fire and water makes it a wild card, especially that one time he burnt my hand during sparring session… okay fine, he didn't really burn me. I was attacking and he let loose a flame guard and I thrust straight into it. Nonetheless, the idiot wasted the remaining of the day clinging and apologising to me. As for the council, Zeus was getting impatient waiting for an explanation from Hades. Poseidon sent some arms for the people in Elysium to bear arms just in case. Athena has holed up in her palace ever since. No one has seen her around. It wouldn't take long before Zeus demands for an explanation and this time I'm not confident Hades would play nice. Nobody said anything about the two worlds being the underworld and Tartarus. What if it meant-
"This is ground control to moon base please respond." I was knocked back to reality, literally with Perseus conking my forehead.
"What?" I shot him an irritated look.
"Usually you would only daze off thinking about me…" He started to act a little sad, with Diana reeling him in and comforting him.
"You two can really consider acting." I rolled my eyes at them, only to get pulled in together.
"Come on, I was just trying to lighten up your mood. I know what you're thinking about. Diana told me. There's really nothing you can do about it. What's going to happen is going to happen. Back then, Hades hid his children in the Lotus Casino, Thalia became your lieutenant at 15, the Big Three had their pact-"
"You know you're getting the timeline wrong right?" I looked at him, and I can't believe he pondered for a moment before realising.
"Oh right. Nico and his sister came first, then Thalia and lastly me. I don't where Jason fits in but either way, my point is that ultimately it was going to happen. If those two worlds are going to collide it's going to collide. I think we should be more focused on the third one about the kill or let live. It's like the only decision whoever the person gets to make. You guys did a lot, but in the end, it was Luke who made the right decision. In short, just relax. It's not like you can really do much now. Just train me and the Hunters and see how it goes." Perseus hugged me tightly.
"I don't like it when you frown." He whispered softly. I guess he's right-
"Yes, I'm finally right for once!" Perseus shouted elatedly.
"How are you reading my thoughts?!" I pushed him away and glared at him. All that warm, fuzzy lovely lovely feeling got blown off by that one idiotic comment.
"Diana's feeding it to me. That's why I'm holding onto her." He raised his interlocked hands with Diana.
"I'm gonna-" I groaned when a loud thunder boomed, but it wasn't hard to guess what I was going to say.
"Guess you'll have to kill me later." He smirked at her. I paused for a moment before it was his turn to groan when I grabbed hold of his hand.
Percy
I was brought to Olympus, much to my disagreement and without saying I was lifted up and placed on Artemis's throne. While I'm happy that she lets me sit on her throne (Last I checked my father almost blasted me when I climbed onto his throne), I still rather be in bed with Diana.
"Hades if you're still giving me the same answer as before we can adjourn this meeting early." Zeus just fires blatantly at Hades. I guess the tension is real.
"No, I have even more bad news for you. There was a flood in the underworld caused by the river Styx." Hades stated grimly, and immediately after there was a loud slam that lifted me off the throne for a split second. I quickly crawled backwards and wrapped Artemis's finger around me in case I fly off.
"How is it… Never mind you probably going to say you don't know anything again." And my guess was right. There was another loud bang by Zeus and I felt my secured this time. Also, Artemis was pressing me down lightly with her finger. Soon after a woman in a long black dress with black hair and… almost everything on her was black in colour except her skin. Her lips, eyelashes, heels whatsoever was all black.
"You better have a good explanation for this." Zeus gritted his teeth, his masterbolt has appeared in his hands.
"I had nothing to do with this-"
"NONSENSE. You are the Nymph of the river and you're telling me that you had nothing to do with this?" Zeus bellowed out at the Styx, who kind of seemed unfazed at his bellowing.
"First of all, I'm a goddess and to finish up what I said halfway, someone else was forcing the water up those shores. At least that cleans up some of the pollutions-"
"If you can't control the river then what good are you?!" Zeus shouted out again, and this time I think it really got on Styx's nerve.
"Ya, what good am I? My name was supposed to be of the most solemn oath, and end up you gods just swear upon for show and then break it after. There's one sitting right there now." Styx pointed right at me.
"Hey it wasn't his fault that he was born, and besides he has done more good in this world than any other demigods." Artemis cut in straight after. It felt kind of nice, with Artemis being so protective of me.
"And what good did it made when you decide to break your oath with him that very night?" She shot right back, and this time it was my turn to get pissed off.
"She held that oath for four thousand years! Do you go after someone who stayed true to it for four thousand than others who broke theirs in a few years? You try not having sex with Pallas for four thousand years-"
"But I'm not the one who pledged to be a virgin goddess-"
"ENOUGH!" Zeus shot a bolt into the sky. "This is between us Styx. Don't try to find fault in my daughters or I will incinerate you right now." He aimed his bolt at Styx. There was a short pause before Styx burst out into a hysterical laughter.
"For someone who calls himself the king of gods, you really are as blind as for how big your pride you. Your lovely daughter over here and her Roman form both broke their virgin oath with Perseus and I'm sure I'm not the only one knew it-" There was a sudden blinding light that blocked my vision and when I could see again, I was back at the Hunt.
Artemis
"I'll let you sort out your family business. I have things to attend to." With that, Styx flashed off, and now the centre of attention turned to me.
"Is it true Artemis?" Zeus asked in a remarkably calm tone.
"I can explain-" There was a loud slam on the ground where Zeus was sitting, along with a crack on the floor where the bolt stroke.
"Where is he?" Zeus asked, again in a calm anger tone.
"It's not his fau-"
"WHERE IS HE?" Zeus finally gave in to his rage. "Tell me now and I'll promise his death will be swift." Zeus gripped onto his masterbolt tightly, before a trident was pointed at his neck.
"You try as much as touch him and I will declare war against you." Poseidon finally opened his mouth.
"And I will personally use that bolt you love so much and blast it at you." Hades threatened back.
"We can't risk a fight among ourselves father," Athena mentioned cautiously. Even so, Zeus will definitely-
"Fine, but I'm pulling Perseus out from the Hunt and he is not to go near Artemis or Diana 5 feet or lightening will strike him." He fired a bolt up into the skies as I broke down into tears.
"Father please I-"
"I would've been happy for you if it was any other man-"
"But he's the only man I approve! At least let him claim me as his reward for his service-"
"His service is what kept me from blasting him off right now. I'll give you until midnight to say your goodbyes-"
"You do that, and you can forget about my help in the next great prophecy-"
"He's not going anywhere near you and that's final. I will not have this argument again." With that, Zeus flashed off.
"I'm sorry Niece… I have to consider my position… If it makes it any better, I would've no objection if you and Perseus came and ask for permission for marriage." Poseidon came forward. I simply nodded my head. I just can't imagine a life without Perseus anymore-
"Come on Lil sis don't be sad. Hera said she's going to talk to Zeus and is Athena and Aphrodite. Just go back and spend some time with Percy before… before midnight strikes." He wiped the tears from my cheek and flashed me back to the Hunt…
Percy
I sat on the bed waiting. I want to be there, I want to do my part to help Artemis. The fault isn't all hers. Who does she think she is just sending me away? I'm not an irresponsible guy. I dare to stand up and admit it. I-
"Artemis?" She said nothing but clung onto me. I could see her eyes tearing up trying to fight them back.
"What's wrong?" I caressed her head. Still, she said nothing but hugged me tighter. Soon later, her other half appeared. Same thing, she said nothing but hugged onto me. I let them clung onto me for a moment, and before I opened my mouth again-
Zeus decreed that you are not allowed to step with 5 feet of Artemis or Diana after today or you will be blasted by lightening. Aphrodite answered in my head.
We tried talking to him, but I guess we'll have to wait until he finishes blowing off his steam. Apollo added
"Come on, I'm sure Zeus will get over it soon. He himself also doesn't keep promises, who is him to judge?" I consoled the two clingy goddesses, but it doesn't seem to work.
"We only have until midnight…"Artemis trailed off and tightened her grip on me.
"Well, maybe this is a good chance for us to learn some independence. Like when the great prophecy starts and the world collides, I'll-"
"You're not going to join the fight! You're going to become a god and stay away from this war-"
"Artemis we've been through this already… Okay, I'll become a god after this war-"
"NO NOW!" Artemis swung me over and glared straight into my eyes.
"How? Zeus hates me now, so there's no way-"
"With the rest of the Olympian gods, we can easily make you into a god, at the very least a minor god first. You can also consume the Apple. You defeated it once you can do it again. Or-"
"After the prophecy." I cut Artemis off and stared back into her eyes. "If a war is really coming, you'll need all the help you can get from the demigods which include me. You make me a god and then I cannot participate in the war, I can't protect you two." I ruffled Artemis's hair.
"But who's going to protect you?" Diana climbed onto me from the back and rests her head on my shoulders.
"Isn't that why you're training me-"
"Trained. We can't train you anymore…" it was Diana's turn to trail off. I sighed as I lifted her up and placed her in front of me beside Artemis.
"Okay listen up you two. There's more than one way to train me. You can use your bow, or we can ask Athena again or whoever is free to help. I need to take part in this upcoming prophecy. It's the best chance to prove myself that I'm worthy of you-" I was cut off with one slap on my right by Artemis, followed by another on the left by Diana.
"Okok wrong word choice!" I shouted out quickly before Artemis's hand reaches my face. "What I meant was it would be a good opportunity to proof myself to Zeus, and officially ask for your hands in marriages. I'm sure he can't argue then anymore." I held their hand each on mine.
"You've already proven yourself over the last two wars." Artemis mumbled, looking away from me as her cheeks glowed a little pink.
"Yeah, one war of one of us." Diana chuckled, then a funny thought came to my mind.
"So this war will mean… OKAY SORRY!" I raised my hands in defeat when another two hands came up in preparation to slap me again.
"Anyways," I quickly change the topic. "I'll still be at the Hunt. We can still talk and see each other. Worst case scenario we can IM one another-"
"No you're staying at the Hunt there's no arguing about that." I felt two pairs of steely eyes glaring right at my direction.
"Fine… but I'm getting the blank-"
"No, you'll sleep back in your original tent. I'll let you take one of the pillows but not the blanket." Artemis cut me off immediately as I looked at her with puppy eyes.
"Don't give me those eyes it looks disgusting on you." Artemis swatted me off. Fine then, I'll just use other tactics.
"Please?" I dragged the word out as I clung myself onto her like a koala bear. She tried to shake me off, but she gave up in a while and just sat there quietly.
"Fine fine you can take the damn blanket just get off me." She shook me off with more force, and then a quick moment later.
"Why are you hugging me back? I already gave you the blanket." Artemis huffed, still a little grumbly that she just lost her blanket
"Because Diana told me you enjoyed it and missed it but didn't dare to say it out loud." I snuggled my face onto her auburn hair. The happiness lasted for momentarily until Artemis sighed again.
"Stop sighing!" I yelled out loud. "It's not like I'm dead-"And this I managed to catch both their hands in time. "We're just separated for a while. There's no way my dad will stand for this, or Apollo or Hestia or Hera or Aphrodite or Hermes-"
"Or me." A… rather familiar voice answered from the entrance. I initially thought it was Thalia, but then-
"Who are you and how did you get in?!" Both Artemis and Diana got up and drew their bow. I looked over as well. She looks oddly familiar-
"How could you forget who am I? We even spent the night together." She started to tear up and all, but my main focus was the two goddesses who were initially protective of me now turning their bow at me.
"Wait wait wait wait I don't even remember going into any other people's mansion except you and Aphrodite… and she's clearly not Aphrodite-" I paused for a moment and ponder. She does look familiar…
"We're waiting-"
"I remember! She's Nyx!" I recalled.
"Kind of obvious with the black dress and-"
"Good try, why would a Primordial come here for? Now be honest and I'll make sure your death be less torturous." Artemis threatened again, nocking her arrow and ready to fire at me.
"Ask Zoe! I'm serious!" I cried out. "Even until now you still don't trust me?" One of them put down her bow first, I reckon is Diana-
"You got that right." She smiled. I rushed up and hugged her. Artemis never trusted me in such situations before.
"ahem ahem." Nyx 'coughed' out. "I will just wait outside. It's fine really." Nyx opened the flap and went out.
"You really sure that's Nyx the Primordial goddess of the night?" Diana asked.
"Believe me she's a lot friendlier than people think," I answered. "Come on Arty. Don't tell me you're jealous? I poked the goddess who has her arms crossed. "How about this, I'll hold your hand when we go out to show her you're my girlfriend-"
"Who's your girlfriend? You never officially asked me." Artemis looked away defiantly.
"I'll be your girlfriend." Diana jumped on me, beaming from side to side.
"Done. Too late Artemis, guess you'll have to settle for number two." I chuckled and gave Diana a kiss. It's time like this that Diana really helps bring up the mood around.
"Ah I don't want to argue with you anymore. Let's go out and meet her." Artemis said exasperatedly and walked off. I immediately rushed forward and grabbed hold of Artemis's hand and walked out with her.
"You have a lot of explaining to do Percy. Last I heard you were with Artemis, not Diana." Nyx questioned.
"It's a long story, so why are you here?" I asked back.
"Oh yes, I came here to inform you something. I know your brother gave this great prophecy about worlds colliding and one true king and all." Nyx paused for a moment there. "It's false." She said grimly.
"What do you mean it's a lie? I saw Apollo's turn green with the smokes coming out like it was the last two time?" Artemis questioned back.
"By now you should probably have a guess on who's your enemy is. It's Tartarus. As to why I don't have an answer but I do know that he knows how people relies on the prophecy to make their decision so he created a false one-"
"It's impossible to just create a false prophecy, not when it came from the god of prophecy." Artemis then draws her bow again, this time aiming straight at Nyx. "Why should we trust you? You stay in Tartarus." Artemis challenged her again.
"Artemis, think about it. She doesn't need to tell her anything and we're already on the brink of killing each other. Also, she can kill us off easily-"
"Then there must be a reason why. Maybe Tartarus has her locked down in some ways-"The lights suddenly went off and on, and when it came back Nyx was holding onto Artemis's bow.
"I am still a Primordial show some respect. You don't need to know why I'm helping but believe it or not I am. I came to tell you what I wanted to and I'll be leaving. What you do with it is-" The sky started rumbling. I thought it was Nyx getting furious, but then I realised Artemis and Diana stepping away from me.
"It's almost midnight," Artemis mentioned. I tried going closer to her but as I did, the thunder rumbled even louder and it only calmed down when Artemis took another step back.
"What happened?" Nyx asked.
"Zeus found out about our relationship, so he decreed that I'm not allowed 5 feet within Artemis and Diana or I'll be a strike by lightning." I answered coldly, my inside void of emotion. I knew it was coming, I thought it would be fine. I assured them it would be fine… but I guess Artemis is right and I'm wrong again. The sky darkened again, but not entirely like just now, and then it brightened back again as I looked at Nyx.
"If it makes you trust me more. I darken the visions around Zeus's thunder cloud so it would not spot you three. However, it would only work at night after sunset. I can try speaking to Hemera if I knew where she was. She disappeared centuries ago but I'm sure she didn't fade away-"
"Wait! Before you lift it, I have some terms for Artemis." I cut her off. Nyx then smiled and walked up to me, cupping my face with her palm.
"You, are one lucky man. I know what you want to say but if you think about she's just concerned about you, VERY concerned. However, if you ever feel undignified you can always come and find me. I hope that helps. Also, I want to hear about you and Diana when this is all over." She patted my head and turned her attention to Artemis.
"I said what I can. The rest is up to you guys and Percy." The skies blackened for a split second and Nyx was gone.
I couldn't decide whether how cruel I wanted to be to the trio so I accidentally dragged across the weekends and had to wait until the next week. Sorry!
