Chapter IV

Time for me to provide insight on the pairings;

Hestia- Find out this Chapter!

Nyx- Yet to be properly explored, but I am looking at making it a possible pairing.

Artemis- Yet to be properly explored, so I will hold off on making any concrete Pertemis action, (because I want to explore all my possibilities first).

OC – Possibility will definitely be there sooner or later, so let me know if it's something you would prefer, because I wouldn't mind doing so :)

Also, I had a lot of questions come in about AC: Odyssey and whether we would see more of it in the coming chapters, and my answers is: Why not? Just off the top of my head, I can already imagine how I would incorporate the game into this story, but it would most likely happen later on.

Leave your thoughts and opinions in the Reviews section or drop me a DM! [I promise I reply fast xD.]

As always, Enjoy!

-LostHouse

Percy POV

''And If I haven't missed anything, then that is everything up to right now.'' I told the goddess who was deep in thought, still processing this bizarre vision of mine.

''Percy...''

''You do realize that you practically dug yourself in a hole when you promised to free a Primordial goddess, right? Because, surely, if a being of her caliber cannot escape a prison made specifically for her, what made you promise that you would to do it? Or are you just searching for trouble wherever and whenever possible?'' she questioned me with a serious look present on her face.

''But she asked nicely...'' I tried to hopelessly defend myself.

Hestia facepalmed not once, but twice. Both hands might add.

''There is so many things wrong with what you just said Percy, and now with your insightful actions we have to go and free a Primordial, not even knowing if it is a trap or not?'' She sighed tiredly.

''Well, you don't have to put yourself in harm's way Hestia, because it was I who made the promise on my Honor and I never go back on my promises. I have a feeling deep inside of me that it has to be done, that somehow this would lead to be in our favor along the line, and anyways, who wouldn't want to have a Primordial in their debt?'' I thought out loud.

''Understand this, Percy. When you became my champion, I in turn became the very person who would have to protect you and guide you through and through, so I will obviously be going with you. And even the gods know little to nothing about the more than ancient Primordial beings, so it's either a miracle or a curse that Nyx sought you out and even helped you in the first place. Secondly, you came across a monster which hasn't been seen in eons, and by your description, it made you useless when facing it. Vision or not.'' She pointed out to me.

After she finished talking, she stood up and with a snap of her fingers made the orange blanket disappear alongst with the remains of our food. Taking this as a cue for me to also stand, I rose and stretched my back, cringing at the cracks and pops which were heard.

''You need to start training your own powers along with the ones bestowed upon you when I became your patron. Only then we are going to make our next move and start planning for what is to come on this journey. Is that understood?'' She commanded/asked whilst opening a fire portal.

''Yes, Hestia. Loud and clear.''

''Good.''

With all said, she stepped through the portal. But before I too could pass through, it suddenly closed and left me standing alone on Mt. Aenos. Sighing, I prepared myself for what was mostly to come- whilst thinking to myself,

The only person to blame here is me, I guess.

Kicking a lonely stone off the face of the mountain, I watched as it plummeted to the land far below as I waited for Hestia's next command. Luckily, I didn't have to wait too long.

Your training starts now, Perseus. Figure out how to fire travel to Camp Half-Blood and meet me in the war room. The goddess spoke in my head.

With a grunt of displeasure at the use of my too formal name, I began to think about how to open a fucking portal from Greece all the way to camp.

Please, just get me into the US at least... I prayed to no one as I focused on my powers gifted by Hestia.

Hestia POV

Where is he? I thought to myself. It has been 10 minutes and there was still no sign of Percy.

There was a short rap on the door as Chiron let himself in and gave a little bow in my direction. Smiling at the centaur, I bowed my head as a sign of respect to the immortal man.

''Hello Chiron! We'll just have to wait for Percy and then we can begin.'' I informed him as he made his way towards the table I was currently sitting at.

''Where is the young man? Haven't seen a shadow of him for the past 4 days.'' He asked, concern visible on his hardened features as he took a relaxed and comfortable stance.

''Oh, he's fine, for now. I left him on Mt. Aenos and he is still yet to appear, as you can so see.''

''Mt. Aenos? Isn't that back in Kefalonia?'' He wondered, eyes gleaming mischievously.

''Yes, it is. That fool just got involved with beings far beyond our imagination, so this is only the beginning of his personal hell- sorry, training.'' I corrected myself mid-way.

''Even more powerful beings? It seems he is a magnet for-''

KA-BOOM!

An explosion shook the camp, throwing me and Chiron onto the floor of the war room as panicked screams filled the skies. Meeting eyes with the centaur, we headed for the door with our movements in sync.

''It came from the direction of the pavilion!'' He stated frantically, evidently fearing for the unprepared children who could be injured.

What is this familiar feeling? Oh, that idoi-… I thought to myself whilst come to a complete stop.

''Chiron, I suggest you take the younger kids somewhere else as a certain someone is about to get a piece of my mind.'' I stated calmly.

Realization dawned on the half man-half horse as he rushed off to check on everyone, following through with my recommendation and leading bands of the younger kids further away. Slowly, I released bits of my power in small bursts as I began thinking how it is possible to create such a simple task as teleporting into a kamikaze arrival, at the center of camp no less.

Turning the final corner from outside the war room, I was hit with a sight I was genuinely surprised by.

Hanging by a shoeless leg which got caught in the roof of the dining pavilion, was a soot covered Percy, who also managed to burn half his clothes into ash. But then, there was also a muscular female who was currently shouting at a still dazed Percy, spittle drenching his face as she continuously screamed at him. After she felt as if she had made her point, she headbutted Percy in the chest and walked away with a proud look on her face.

Definitely a daughter of Ares.

Walking up to Percy, who was not only dazed but also in pain from the unnecessary headbutt, I watched as he swung back and forth. Assessing the damage done by him, I thankfully saw that it was very minimal compared to what it sounded like.

Sighing at the pendulum of a champion, I crossed my arms and waited for him to make some sort of an excuse.

''It wasn't me; I swear! It was...It was him! Pink shirt, over there!''

He jittered, protecting his chest from anymore surprise headbutts.

LINEBREAK

10 minutes later

Narrator POV

Percy, who was rubbing his head and promising himself to buy an anti-Clarisse Kevlar vest, was trying to sit silently as to not tick off the goddess any more than he already has. She was currently telling all the necessary parts about Percy's vision, such as the strange 'Cipactli' monster and guessing at the location of the unknown ancient ruins.

''This description of the 40-foot-tall crocodilian does jog my memory, and I know someone who should be able to help me identify it, yet those ancient ruins elude me. If I ever heard of such Cove, I would have definitely remembered it.'' Said Chiron as he ran over all the information provided to him whilst rubbing his chin in deep thought.

''Thank you, Chiron. If anymore such monsters attack us, we will instantly pass the information to you.'' Stated Hestia, turning to glance at Percy for a short second.

''Perseus will work on rescuing demigods and bringing them to camp, but please keep it secreted information, as we need to hide his true identity from anyone who will try to follow and attack from the shadows.'' She said with hinted notes of finality.

Chiron nodded his head, understanding that dangerous new beings could seek out Perseus for uncovering such long forgotten information and sites, voiced his understanding to the goddess.

''I will keep this information hidden, Lady Hestia.'' Chiron began.

''However, when Perseus brings new demigods how would I be able to identify him or know of his coming?'' He asked the goddess, unknowing that she already had an answer to such question.

''Trust me when I say this, Chiron, you will definitely know it is Perseus.'' She said with a bright smile as the trainer of heroes just shook his head, feeling pity for his most accomplished pupil.

Standing up, the centaur gave his final farewells to both champion and patron, before heading out the door and returning to his own duties and now, new goals.

Both god and demigod sat in a short silence before the man spoke.

''In all seriousness Hestia, it's time for me to start training and figuring out how to save a Primordial. So, what would you advise my first step to be?'' He slowly asked the goddess.

Giving it some thought, the gears in her head began to turn as she told Perseus his next plan of action.

''For now, I will train you every week in the powers I bestowed upon you as you travel the states in search of demigods. And a quick thought, if the child is a girl and has been troubled by men, then take her to Artemis and her Hunt. But do not be caught when delivering them. Change your name and mask your appearance, as from now on we will be working silently or fear being caught by anyone who may be watching from the shadows.'' she said seriously, making sure that Percy understood the severity of his situation.

''Yes, I understand. I shall begin the long-term preparations as soon as possible.'' Perseus said as he rose from his seated position.

''I will follow you and constantly stay in touch - and do call me if anything happens, Percy. We will have our training session three days from now and then every week. So, until then, stay cautious my dear champion.'' Said the goddess whilst pulling Percy in for a motherly hug. (AU. I have decided for Hestia to be a motherly figure as the reviews or DMs rarely asked for this pairing- and I'm not doing Harems. If u don't like this then you have no one to blame but yourself for not leaving your suggestions in the available services- LostHouse)

''I will try my utmost best, Hestia.'' He said, still in a close, warm embrace with Hestia.

''But you must know by now that trouble seems to have a one-way relationship with me.'' Percy said tiredly when pulling out from the hug.

With a twinkle in her eyes, Hestia gave a bright, encouraging smile to Perseus before she flashed away to the temple of Athena, with only a single thought present.

Stay safe, my child.

She thought warmly to herself as her heart leaped with joy. Why did she feel this way? She wasn't sure, but she just knew Percy would achieve greatness. And she will be there, by his side.

As Hestia disappeared with her internal thoughts, Perseus was left to stand and let everything sink in as he stared absent mindedly at the walls boxing him in. But a few things he was sure of as the rest of his mind ran blank, he needed an alias and plan a route across the states, hopefully sticking closer to the Hunters of Artemis in case they ran into monsters like the 'Cipactli' or if he needs to drop off a demigod.

Now with a confident gaze in his eyes and his posture like that of royalty, he understood it.

It was time for change.

LINEBREAK

TimeSkip - 6 months

Percy POV

Rolling out my sleeping bag next to the campfire, I dropped down onto it and stared at the night sky and all its inhabitants, slowly going over the contents of my long and tedious past six months.

Smiling as the memories began flooding in, I felt extremely grateful to Hestia for making me her champion, because if it wasn't for her, I would be locked away back in Camp Half-Blood and mourning the death of my lover.

But now I accepted it, however bitter it may seem.

Since I long left camp, I masked my real identity and started to fight under an alias by the name of Dorias. I also got informed by Nyx three weeks ago, who managed to overhear a conversation between the wardens working her prison, that there will be some sort of hybrids sent after me in hopes of killing me off.

Let them try. I thought to myself, grinning at the moon as it made yet another passage across the skies.

I have never felt so confident of myself ever before in my life, with the continuous training leading me to master all of Hestia's bestowed powers to the same level as the ones I was born with as a demigod, and also receiving tips from Nyx herself whenever she could which mainly focused on stealth and concealment.

And now on the topic of Nyx, she was a very interesting character.

Sometimes we would have hour long conversations during my sleep as I appeared in the same lifeless, void like halls as I did from the vision gifted by the Oracle of Delphi those six months ago, and sometimes she would go weeks on end without answering me or giving any signs.

Today's part of those more silent weeks. I concluded with a brief thought.

Those six months ago, only the gods and Chiron knew of my sudden disappearance as I was pronounced missing to both camps. It was for the best that I took that path as it would lead all those monsters hunting me down to a dead end and successfully throw them off my trail.

It was difficult at first to leave my past life behind, but I took that chance to train daily in all arts I possibly could, be it my powers, close combat or a combination of both- I trained to become the best I could be at this level.

Although there is still something that I don't understand... I pondered internally.

After saving around half a dozen maidens from abusive families, I brought them to the constantly moving Hunters of Artemis without ever being caught, and every time I travelled past Camp Half-Blood or the Huntresses Camp, I would catch drifts of amazement and wonder as the demigods I saved began to preach about a hooded 6-foot 3 man who wields fire and water like a possessed demon.

Ha-ha, they must think I'm some God or something! I giggled to myself, a weird habit I picked up from Hestia.

And then there was Artemis herself. I could never understand her it seems...

Sighing at the red embers left of my campfire, I closed my eyes and prepared myself for tomorrow.

LINEBREAK

Narrator POV

''Come on, you fat fuck, lead me back to your buddies.'' Came the quiet, impatient voice of a hooded figure.

The man was perched up high in an Oak tree, with his very presence masked by the cloudy night sky where not even a hint of moonlight was able to illuminate the patch of dark land below his vantage point.

He felt at ease, in his element so to speak.

Finally. He thought to himself, as speaking out loud would lead to his position being discovered by the creature, whose head nearly scrapped the branch he was posted on.

His goal was simple. He was to follow the previously unknown creature back to whatever hole it sprouted from and kill it.

Closely stalking the hybrid monster, the man leaped from branch to branch and from tree to tree in utter silence, his movements also masked by the gentle whisper of the wind which whistled a foreboding tune of death.

After prolonged minutes of following the monster through the pitch-black forest, the man paused in his steps just seconds before the beast whipped around and cautiously scanned the area with its glowing blood-like eyes.

Fuck...that was too close. Thought the man internally as he watched the eye slits of the monster shift from left to right and then doing the opposite, scanning the dark land before it.

Once the beast was foolishly satisfied with being 'alone', it turned around with a two-step turn and bent down over a large boulder which lay against the face of a mountain.

With a strange, human like sigh from the oversized creature, it then began to groan animalistically in frustration and stress as it began to deadlift the boulder and place it gently onto a shelf which was carved out further up the mountain.

The man still watched silently; his face washed of any emotion as he watched the scene before him, only praying to his patron that the fucker didn't close the entrance before he-

Suddenly dragged out of his thoughts by a more than familiar voice, he heard it say,

Dorias! It's a trap! Said the sudden voice of a certain goddess.

Yet the man didn't move a muscle, still watching the monster which was starting to slowly make its way inside the hidden cave.

DORIAS! Screamed the now frantic goddess.

Blocking out the telepathic voice of the woman, he dropped out of the tree towards the ground before executing a perfectly timed roll.

Just as the monster was about to tip the boulder back into place to block the entrance once more, the hooded man managed to run alongst the shadowed face of the mountain before leaping into the entrance and hiding himself within a crack inside the cave, milliseconds before the six-meter boulder slammed into place behind his back.

Compared to the exaggerated movements from the monster when it was still outside and baiting in the forest, it now moved with a confident swagger as it headed down the widened cave to who knows where.

The man decided to let the creature pass and waited for it to take a few corners before heading out from his hiding place and cautiously following the large prints of the monster, making sure to watch out from any visible traps or hidden enemies within the walls.

I know it's meant to be a trap, but I do not see anything completely out of the ordinary...He pondered to himself, skipping from shadow to shadow as he followed the beast deeper into the cavern.

After a cautious 20-minute pursuit, the man came across a huge cavern roughly the size of a football field, but instead of being any irregular shape, it took the form of a perfectly stretched out oval. Before assessing the area any further, the man thought it was best to hide himself and overlook everything from a position which would work in his favor incase a battle broke out.

Looking around the cavern, he found the perfect spot.

It was a simple hole in the wall which was 15-ish meters off the ground, providing a concealed 180-degree view of the oval shaped area. Scrambling up the walls with astute precision, he made way towards his chosen hideout as he felt the ground begin to shake as rough voices filled the whole cave system.

Quickening his pace, he climbed towards the hole before the mass of creatures caught him in his act.

Pe-! Can you hear me?!

Making it in the nick of time, he controlled his rapid breathing as he calmed his pacing heart to a gradual thump-thump. Emotionlessly watching as six enormous creatures, including the one that he followed, entered into the cavern and formed a loose circle, before singing a hideous chant in an unknown tongue.

PERSEUS GODS-DAMMIT! Exclaimed an extremely frustrated Hestia at being ignored by her champion.

Percy POV

Hm? You said something 'Tia? I innocently thought back to her whilst focusing on the strange ceremony before me.

You will be in a world of pain when you return, Perseus Jackson, and that's even if you return! She tried to mentally scold me.

Wasn't working though.

Hestia, relax. I know what I'm doing. I blatantly lied to the goddess as I observed the six creatures, who now began to do something very similar to the Maori Haka.

...I trust you, Percy. Just promise to come back in one piece. She mentally voiced to me.

I promise, Hestia. I sent back to her as I started to plan how I would kill all the creatures and escape with my limbs- hopefully- perfectly intact.

The creatures have also been identified to be offspring of the gods from the Aztec Pantheon, a Pantheon long faded from every realm as they were forgotten in history, having only numbered survivors heard of from over the decades which still roam the mortal realm.

This information had been uncovered by a friend of Chiron, who remains a mystery to both me and Hestia, but we respect all the help we could get so we never gave it a second thought.

Focus, focus, where's my Ford Focus? I sang in my head as a plan started to form in my head.

Deciding to wait a bit longer before I made my move, I kept trying to understand why they were dancing when this was supposed to be a trap. And my question was closely followed by the answer.

As the Aztec hybrids carried on their exaggerated dance, they suddenly started to increase the speed and momentum of their movements as they began roaring singular words in sync, which held no meaning to me. But I had to give them credit for being smarter than I initially thought them to be, as the oval cavern started to vibrate so aggressively due to their chant and dance, that cracks started to form in the faces of the rock walls as they began to crumble and collapse.

Okay... I'm so fucked...

Now I have limited time to kill six beasts, the size of small houses, and then remove a boulder the size of a backyard (of the very same small house), and escape in one piece.

With a quick sigh and an instinctive prayer to Nyx, I leaped out of my hideout and twisted mid-air to propel off a falling rock, successfully launching head first at the same beast I followed inside. Brandishing Riptide and a small dagger crafted by Hephaestus, I imbedded both sharp objects into the neck of the beast and grinned as my momentum forced me to slice all the way around the base of his nape.

With a roar of agony from the unsuspecting creature, I quickly climbed up its neck and skull by using my sword and dagger like ice axes, making sure to twist each weapon before removing them. Landing atop its head in seconds, I punched a whole into its skull and quickly followed it with an orange fame released from my open palm.

Knowing I have minutes left before I need to make my escape, I carried on jumping from monster to monster, killing them in the same fashion as I have with the first one.

That was until I misjudged the distance of my jump and got slammed into a wall by the flailing arms of the last hybrid who now stared at my fallen figure with vengeance in its eyes.

Wincing upon the impact, I listened as my ribs gave way with a solid crunch and one managed to poke itself through and out of my chest which was previously covered in light, unrestrictive leather armour. Gurgling blood as I started to panic in the nearly fully collapsed cavern, I watched as through the rising dust the last monster made his way towards me with a longing for blood in its rogue eyes.

Seeing the monster approach, I started to slide myself up the wall and got onto my feet with a short stagger as my vision started swimming. Just as the beast was raising its hand for the final blow, I also raised riptide in a hopeless, defiant stance as waited for the blow to come.

But it never came.

Throughout the banging echoes of the collapsing cavern, I failed to hear the beast cry out in pain as it got squashed below the fallen stone, with only its raised arm left protruding from the massive heap.

Coughing more blood, I started making my way towards the exit whilst trying to keep my rib from fully leaving my chest, dodging the continuously dropping roof of the cavern.

Before my feet could take me no more and gave out from below me, I heard a female voice utter something before my body was teleported to the surface and my vision turned pitch black.

LINEBREAK

Percy POV

As I stirred, I felt my numbed down senses scream as my chest burned in pain, unable to open my eyes or move a muscle as I laid stock still.

''I don't care for rules, Aunt Hestia, so tell me!'' Came an annoyed female voice.

Instantly relaxing my breathing, I pretended to be asleep as I eavesdropped on the ongoing conversation.

''It is not my place to tell you anything, niece.'' Said the, presumed, relaxed voice of Hestia.

''So, you're saying Perseus 'vanished' from Camp six months ago, and now re-appears injured, outside of the very hidden cave where I was trailing the unknown monster?'' Artemis asked incredulously.

''As I just said, it is not my place to tell you anything.'' Repeated the still calm Hestia.

''Humph, whatever! I'll simply, ask, Perseus as to why he dared to interfere with my hunt!'' Exclaimed the angry goddess, before I heard the slamming of a door as she left whatever building I was currently in.

''Percy.'' Said Hestia in a restrained voice as I cracked my right eye open.

As I adjusted to the light with both my eyes, I saw that I was lying on a bed inside of a tent which was littered with pelts and furs from many different animals.

Grinning at Hestia, I tried to imagine how much trouble I would be for breaking my promise to my patron.

''What did I tell you about returning in one piece, child?'' She said softly whilst gently swiping locks of my dark hair from out of my eyes.

Surprised by the tired look in Hestia's eyes, I changed my grin into a tight smile as I apologized to the goddess.

''Sorry Hestia, it got lucky and caught me on the backhand which I couldn't dodge...But hey! At least I'm still alive and kicking.'' I told the goddess as I nodded towards my current situation, which honestly wasn't great.

My chest was heavily wrapped in yellow bandages and I felt a brace on my neck which prevented me from looking down at my feet, but I could still feel the bandages that were wrapped around my ankle and hamstrings, further limiting my overall movement.

''You're an idiot, Percy.'' She straight up told me.

''I warned you and told you to head back, yet you ignored me, again, and after months of keeping your identity secret and letting you train; you blow it all away in a day by being caught unconscious! And by Artemis of all people! Sigh, we could've waited for our next chance to strike and do so with a plan, and not just dive in feet first like you did.'' Scolded Hestia as she sat on the bed I was lying on.

''Well, I dived in head first...''

Noticing the tight look on Hestia's face, I decided to retreat to my fallback option which works, but rarely.

''Umm, Sorry?'' I coughed out, feeling bad for letting her down and in pain from my senses gradually returning to me.

Instantly she lost her angry mood and replaced it with that of concern, before resting her hand on my chest and using her healing powers to get rid of the slowly building pain which was starting to attack me in pulsating waves.

Remembering about the silver eyed goddess who left minutes ago, I voiced my fear to Hestia.

''Let's leave before Artemis returns! I'm in no position to be threatened or lose my di-''I began hurriedly whispering to Hestia, before the very same goddess returned into the tent, but now with a calm look present on her face.

As soon as she came back in, I stopped talking and hid my face in the pillow, pretending to still be asleep. But sadly, Artemis saw right through my little act.

''Hello Dorias, or must I say, Perseus?'' Said Artemis, her face still calm and relaxed.

Slowly, I lifted the covers towards my neck, hoping to make some sort of shield between ourselves.

''He-Hello Artemis! It's a beautiful morning, is it not?''

''Despite the fact it is 6pm, it is a very beautiful day and it's about to get much better.'' Said Artemis as the first hint of a man-hating snarl started to show itself on her perfect features.

No-no-no think, Percy, think!

''Hestia! I need to go save some turtles from drowning! Please, flash me away-'' I frantically said whilst trying to sit up and cover myself behind Hestia, before Artemis growled once more,

''Youre not getting off the hook, Jackson. And Turtles don't drown, you stupid male.'' She scoffed at my hiding figure.

Peeking out from behind Hestia's rigid shoulder, I asked the moon goddess with a straight face,

''Are you one of those anti-Save the Turtles campaigners?'' I asked with feigned shock.

Twisting my head away (or forever living with an arrow protruding from my forehead), things got serious as the moon goddess leaped at my hiding figure, anger blazing in her eyes and accompanied with a hint of another emotion I couldn't exactly identify, but it looked like a very well-hidden sense of worry.

''Tell me, boy, what did you see inside the cave!'' She shouted, before grabbing me by the bandages wrapped across my chest and shaking me like a rag doll.

Before I could retaliate through the pain my body was experiencing, the raging goddess got taken off me by the firm hand of Hestia who was in her 32-year-old aspect.

''That is enough Artemis! You will not harm my champion any further with either your words or your actions. What's done is done. Or would you like that great influx of new hunters in your camp to be reduced to only one every 5 months?'' Said Hestia.

Her statements caused the moon goddess to frown and pause, thinking over the words just said as Hestia gently released her from her tight hold.

As Artemis was about to say something, the three of us got distracted and covered by a flash of light as an awesome Apollo walked out.

''You called again, Aunty Hes'?'' Started Apollo with a visible swagger.

''Sigh, yes Apollo. Just take the usual look at Percy and we can get out from under your skin.'' Said Hestia, knowing that Apollo must heal Percy from injuries ranging from Mild to Severe every week at least once.

As Artemis was going to open her mouth to speak about the points mentioned by Hestia before the arrival of her brother, she was forced to close it and scoff as Apollo sent a wink in her direction. After that she thought it was best to leave us to our own devices.

''Damn 'pollo, your awesome as always! Have you tried to teach your sister how to become as awesome as you, bro?'' I asked, intentionally getting the god into his 'cocky mode' to drive his sister out of the tent. Definitely didn't want to deal with her before my limbs could move on their own will.

''Favorite Cuz! It's good to see you wrapped up nice and warm for the winter, Ha-ha-ha!'' Laughed Apollo at his own joke.

Now it was Hestia's turn to leave as the testosterone levels in the tent started to rise extremely high.

''Hell yeah! I heard it's gonna be a chilly one!'' I jokingly replied to the sun god, spudding him with my good hand.

''Whatever Cuz, just stick with the latest fashion or you won't get any girls walking 'round like this.'' He said whilst pulling at some loose bandages and then indicating at what he was wearing.

Trying my hardest not to cringe at the choice of clothes he was wearing, I gave him a weak smirk and said,

''No one on Olympus is as fly as you, 'pollo!'' I told him as he tugged on his purple suspenders to accentuate my point.

''No matter how awesome I am- I do believe it's time we took a look at you. Also, may I repeat myself since my last visit, even though I do ask this every visit, please refrain yourself to be being injured once a week at the very least.'' He replied whilst undoing my stained bandages and wincing at the sight of my ribs.

''Damn Cuz, what did you get hit with this time?'' He quizzed before applying a green serum to my wounds.

''It was some creature I don't believe I have ever seen before, with the symbol of Rho on its right peck, whatever that might mean.'' I told the sun god, who surely wouldn't know about Nyx and the-

Suddenly, Apollo dropped the jar containing the serum and gently grabbed me by the shoulders.

''Percy...I have something I need to tell you.'' He informed me seriously before glancing around the tent to make sure it was fully empty.

''I have- I have been gifted a vision by the Fates during the Giant War, and it went like this.

Chains will be cast in the Palace of Night,

Of the chasing shadows there will be no sight,

His soul left to wander the blackened lands,

Past the gate within the devils' hands.

Have you encountered anything I just mentioned or anything similar, Percy?'' He asked hastily, all joking mannerisms leaving his character.

Wow, is that another Prophecy? I wondered to myself.

Concentrating deeply on the words from Apollos's vision, I could decipher the first two lines and their meanings already. Chains will be cast in the Palace of Night – most likely referred to me being chained by my oath to Lady Nyx about my promise to free her. Of the chasing shadows there will be no sight – this would explain the feelings of being constantly watched and followed, added with the constant showings of hybrids from the Aztec Pantheon who only attack me.

Aware that Artemis and Hestia where just outside of the tent, I motioned for Apollo to lean his head towards me.

As soon as he did, I gave a sharp flick to the temple with my middle finger.

''HEY! What was that for!?'' Exclaimed the hurt sun god.

''That was for not telling me nearly a fucking year ago about your vision!'' I yelled back at him.

''Wait, it's already been a year?'' He questioned, rubbing his forehead with his right hand.

Sighing at the incapable man who oversaw the healing of me, I decided to speed things along.

''Apollo, listen closely. The first two lines have already come to pass, and I have faint clues about what is to come next. I will need your help sooner than you think so when I call, be ready.'' I told the sun god whilst holding him by his purple suspenders.

Satisfied by my answer, he began the process of healing my injuries and making conversation at the same time.

''Understood, Percy. I will be there when you need me, although, I will need you to tell me everything that has happened so far. I assume you will remain as Dorias?'' Asked Apollo.

Hearing someone unlocking the door, I answered his question.

''Of course, Apollo! Anyways, how's wooing the ladies doing bro? Got any stories you want to tell me later?'' I hinted at the doctor, just as the figure of Artemis entered the tent.

Giving me a subtle wink at understanding what I implied, he finished reapplying the last of the fresh bandages and examined my nearly good as new body whilst flashing away his tools.

''Ha-ha, I have many stories to tell, but how about next time? I don't think my lil sis wants me to stick around any longer than deemed necessary.'' He grumbled out whilst simultaneously avoiding a slap aimed for his head, but sadly he failed to see the kick aimed for his jewels as the blunt force contact forced him to cry out in pain and flash away, the sound of a hideous screech successfully disappearing with him.

Oof, that must have hurt. I winced inwardly before cautiously gazing at the moon goddess and specifically her steel toe boots.

''Perseus, I-''

''Its Percy'' I corrected her as she glared at me for interrupting.

''Perseus, Aunt Hestia explained to me how you saved the many lost girls and brought them safely to my camp, but I must add, how you have done so without being caught still eludes me. Hestia also asked me if I could let you travel with me and my hunt for the next two months, but my answer was a strong no.'' She started saying, with a not-so-subtle evil grin slowly making way upon her face.

Instantly not liking where this was going, I cursed at Hestia for taking matters into her own hands and doing something that I will most likely despise.

''However, I am deeply grateful for the savings of innocent maidens, and mostly as a favor to Hestia more than anything else, I have decided to let you travel with the Hunt. Starting from tomorrow. Oh, and just before I forget, Perseus, I suggest you come up with a valid reason as to why you interrupted my hunt.'' With all said, she turned on her heel and exited the tent.

Whew, could've been much worse. I thought to myself.

And of course, I just had to jinx myself as watched Hestia come in with a smirk present on her soft features.

''I'm assuming that Artemis has explained everything?'' She asked, siting back down onto my bed.

''Yep, and I'm totally aware that you are aware of everything that's going on, because after all, it was you who just signed my death warrant only minutes ago.'' I groaned out at the mischievous goddess.

''Honestly, first you go off and tell everyone about my accident with the Statue of Hercules because I missed our first training session, which was not my fault by the way- you could blame the fat seagull for that, and now you make me travel with the actual embodiment of SJW's in disguise that it will be good for my 'training'.'' I told the patient goddess as she sat with an innocent look posted on her face.

''Seriously, if anything I would be doing the exact opposite of training. Or are slaves free to do as they like nowadays?'' I sighed out to Hestia before lying back down onto the soft bedding.

Hestia just raised an eyebrow at my ramblings before pinching my cheek.

''Hush, you big baby. You will soon realize why I've done what I did, and mark my words child, you will come running back to me with only gratefulness in your eyes.'' She said as I tried to dodge the rest of the pinches that were coming at my face. Which is nearly impossible with a neck brace, which wasn't taken off yet.

''Whatever, at least I don't have to worry about paying for my children to attend College, because I won't be able to have them in the first place.'' I huffed out, whilst turning around so my back faced the goddess.

Hestia just laughed and pushed me off the side of the bed, but before I could brace for impact, I was engulfed in a bright orange flame as I appeared on a bed in a very pink temple. Gagging at both the amount of perfume and the 18+ objects in the room, I heard the voice of a surprised half-naked Aphrodite who was busy with things, before I was re-engulfed by the flame and this time, I thankfully reappeared on the couch in Hestia temple.

Too shocked at what I just saw, I simply began to cough as I felt the images imbed themselves deep within my mind.

Who knew Aphrodite had a birthmark on her right nippl-

''Sorry, I accidentally opened the portal to the wrong temple.'' Said a mischievous Hestia as she walked out of the kitchen with an apron that said 'May the Forks Be with You' in light blue characters.

So, this is payback for breaking a foolish promise?

Forgetting about Aphrodite and her chest-full of dildos and other extravagant toys, I began laughing at Hestia's choice of wear as I heard my stomach invertedly grumble at the smell of cooking pancakes escaping from the said kitchen. Hestia also noticed this.

''Wash your hands first!'' She laughed at me, just as I began to huddle to one of the many chairs available at the kitchen island and sit down.

''Jeez, oh-kay mom, no need to shout.'' I ruffed out as I hopped to the closest sink.

LINEBREAK

Hunters Camp

Artemis POV

After informing Perseus about our now joint travels, I flashed myself back to my tent inside camp as I mentally prepared myself to inform the hunters about what tomorrow will bring.

He better not hit on my hunters.

As soon as that thought came and passed through my head, I paused.

When I told him that I was grateful for saving the lives of the young girls from abusive mortals, I fully meant what I said, as all the girls saved by him always talk about how gentle and understanding he was and how he never did anything that was uncomfortable to them.

Especially Chloe.

But it doesn't matter, because even the few men such as Perseus can still become monsters that man truly is.

Nodding my head in agreeance with my inner thoughts, I exited my tent and went out to inform the rest of my hunters whilst pondering whether to refer to him as Perseus or Dorias.

''He will not deceive me or my hunters, no matter how big or small the lie should be.'' I uttered out with finality in my tone.

After swiftly walking to the center of camp, I raised my voice ever so slightly and called the hunters.

''Girls! Gather round, I bring news!'' I called out.

Instantly, I watched as sixteen Hunters ran towards me from their mixture of different activities, with the four hunters saved by Dorias-no, Perseus, tried to keep up with the older, more experienced hunters.

As my lieutenant Thalia reached me the quickest, she asked the first questions of the day with concern evidently present on her face.

''What's wrong milady? Did something happen during your hunt? Or did Apollo do something stupid again?'' She fired off in bursts.

Smiling at my lieutenant, I gently shook my head and waited for everyone to form a semicircle in front of me, and once they did, I saw that they all had different emotions present on their face.

''Girls, starting from tomorrow the hunt will be accompanied by the same person who is the main reason behind the recent influx in new recruits.'' I started slowly.

Instantly, the four new recruits became visibly excited about the man by the name of Dorias joining our travels, but no one was as happy as Chloe, who was basically jumping up and down in pure joy at the news, a lopsided smile too similar to Perseus' dominating her features.

However, the rest of the hunt quickly fell into silence as Phoebe spoke up.

''But why milady? And isn't he a boy? He would spy and manipulate us like the rest!'' She said whilst the older hunters exclaimed their agreeance in tandem with each other.

''Silence!'' I commanded as the noise grew into a loud racket.

''He has been personally vouched for by Lady Hestia, and some of the older hunters may know him to be Perseus Jackson, the demigod which led the armies of Olympus during both wars.'' I explained whilst looking at Thalia's reaction.

''Percy? But we were told he went AWOL!'' She said surprised, with a slight buzz as her body started to release little zaps of lightning as anger started to set in.

''Thalia, we can continue this conversation later.'' I said with finality, not wanting to deal with a storm in the middle of our new camp.

As Thalia closed her mouth and simply nodded her head in compliance, Phoebe took the chance to ask another question.

''Is it that Son of Poseidon who was the cause of Zoë's death...?'' Whispered Phoebe as realization came in.

''He was not responsible for her death, Phoebe. Zoe knew that her death was prophesized and she didn't shy away from it, so do not take her glory away from her and blame it on a boy who already had too much on his plate. Is that understood, Huntress?'' With great trouble she gave a nearly invisible nod as her eyes glazed over with anger and promising revenge.

This will cause some trouble later on.

Looking at the sky, I saw that it was nearly time for me to take my duties of flying the moon chariot, so I gave my final commands before I left to speak with Thalia in private.

''His arrival will be tomorrow so try not to kill him just yet, because we can now have a slave for all the tedious chores. But for now, you may rest and do as you wish before it is time for bed. We will talk more about this subject in the morning at breakfast. Is that clear?''

Followed by a chant of 'Yes Ma'am!' and 'Yes Milady!', I turned on my heel and quickly motioned for Thalia to follow me to my tent, as I saw she already started to shake in barely suppressed anger and steadily building power at the news of Perseus being alive and well.

Not too sure if the word 'well' will apply to him tomorrow.

As we started walking to my tent, I heard a distant grumble from behind me.

''Six months and not even a single iris message? Pray that you survive tomorrow, Kelp-Head!'' Muttered a fuming Thalia as we walked the short path to my chambers.

After hearing her words, I gave a mischievous smile as I imagined the boy receive a beating from his cousin dearest.

Might need to ask Hestia for some popcorn as the fireworks should be promising.

But little did I know, that the new and changed Perseus was not to be seen as a pushover.

LINEBREAK

Chains will be cast in the Palace of Night,

Of the chasing shadows there will be no sign,

His soul left to wander the blackened lands,

Past the gate within the devils' hands.