Previously on Helix's Greatest Creation:
Sally passes away from cancer
Percy seeks comfort from Artemis, has sex and bonds with her
Nebula encounters her other mother, Chaos
AN: Just a small note, Nebula will refer to Order as mother while Chaos is mentioned as mom. To try to keep the confusion down. ENJOY
*I give unto you, Chapter 7 of Helix: Funeral Fit for a Queen!
"Come, embrace your daughter, Nebula." Nebula responds with her arms wide open for a hug.
Chaos gulps. Oh Percy. Talk about another familial relation for you to tend with. I'm so sorry, my love.
"So mom, where should we start?" Nebula questions while the portal closes behind her. With a wave of her hand, 2 lounge chairs appear with a table in between them. Feniks rises above her left shoulder which already be seen in a fury of activity.
Chaos cautiously approaches the table and lowers herself slowly into the chair like it was about to disappear if she sat down too quickly. Nebula just raises her eyebrow in question.
"I thought you would play a prank on me." Chaos gazes at Nebula for several minutes. "I thought you were dead, my daughter." Chaos says with tears in her eyes.
"I faked my death so I wouldn't be dragged into my parents' battles. I never wanted any part of it." Nebula responds with an apologetic tone about causing her mom pain but not regretting it.
"I am so sorry for what we did, Neb. You are my firstborn. You will always be in my heart." Nebula smiles at the end of Chaos' statement, sensing the truth in it.
"I understand, mom. However, we should get on with why I am here. I am to speak about your Mate, Percy. You should know that Mother already told me all about him." How dare Order tell Neb about my Mate when I should have?!
"What about my Mate, Nebula?" Chaos sees Nebula faintly flinch at her tone and using her full name.
"As you no doubt remember, I saved you from Mother's weapon during your war. If I had not, she would of destroyed you with no chance of you reforming. You would of joined my grandfather in the Void. I also know if you had been sent to the Void, Mother would've spent the rest of time in her own version of purgatory. I saved you both." Nebula finishes, explain why she was there.
"I know, Neb. I am eternally thankful. Yet this does not explain why you are bringing up Percy. What does Percy have to do with any of this?" Chaos is wondering why Nebula is mentioning Percy.
"I hear from Mother that Percy is quite the looker. You look very satisfied and glowing, mom. I want that. As repayment for your life, I want a night with your Mate, Percy. Before you get upset, I have no urge to join the Bond. I just want sex." Nebula states with a firm voice leaving no room for discussion. Chaos understands that she wants this.
"Due to your grandfather's laws that govern the first Primordials such as your Mother and myself. I am required to pay back any debts owed. Just to make one thing clear, Neb. I may not be able to refuse you that does not mean that Percy can't." Chaos finishes with a stricter voice showing that she is more powerful than ever. She is about to find out that getting in bed with Percy is harder than she thinks.
"Of course, mom. But, what aren't you telling me?" Nebula questions back. Ah, she has figured out that I am keeping something from her.
"Oh, just a little thing. You not only need Percy's permission but the permission from his other mate." Chaos finishes with a smirk.
"WHAT?! How can Percy have a second Mate? I thought he was mated to you?" Nebula is in shock at what her mom just said.
"Oh, he still is. However, just a few days ago, Percy has bonded a second Mate. One that I fully approved before hand." Chaos finished knowing that Nebula wants to know who the second is and purposefully avoiding it.
" . ?!" Nebula screams at her. She instantly regrets as Chaos' eyes widen and her black aura flares around her.
"Do not presume to order me around, Nebula. I am your mother. You will treat me with respect, debt or no debt. Do I make myself clear?" Chaos says in the strictest mothering tone Nebula has ever heard.
"Yes, mom. I apologize. May I know who the second Mate of Percy is?" Nebula quickly says to calm her mom down. Chaos' aura retreats back within her. I have let her stew long enough.
"Yes, Neb. Percy's second Mate and my sister Mate is Artemis, goddess of the Hunt, among other things." Chaos finishes with sort of announcement tone. Nebula is in shock with wide eyes and open mouth. It takes her a few minutes to pull herself back together.
"I know it is a shock, Neb. However, the law of the Bonded stands. You must get permission from both Artemis and Percy in order to bed him. You are not allowed to coerce them. They must give it of their own free will. THe Bond will not allow anything different." Chaos informs her daughter. Nebula realizes that not only will she have to convince Percy but also the former eternal maiden herself, Artemis.
"This won't be easy mom." Chaos merely smiles at her. No it won't daughter. Artemis will make you work for it.
~~~Scene Change~~~
The morning sun rises over the forest spreading its light over the nearby Hunter camp. Apollo has no idea what has happened with Artemis otherwise he would not be shining so beautifully. Percy and Artemis are spooning in her bed after a night of firsts for them both, more so for Artemis. Percy, in his sleep, lets go of Artemis to roll over and ends up rolling on the floor with a large PLOP waking both of them up.
"Ouch." Percy mutters to himself but as he opens his eyes sees nothing but fur rugs in front of him. Where am I? "Percy? Are you okay?" He freezes. Please don't let that be who I think it is. He slowly turns around and sees Artemis sitting up in bed. The fur blanket slips to her waist showing off her perfect Hunter tits. Deja vu. This feels just like when I woke up with Chaos the first time. Percy braces himself thinking Artemis is about to curse him for seeing her boobs.
"Uh, Percy. What are you doing?" Artemis asks curiously, wondering why Percy is scrunching his face and clutching fists.
"Aren't you gonna curse him for seeing your boobs?" Percy answers still bracing for the impact. He slowly opens his eyes to look at Artemis.
"Didn't you see enough of them last night? You also saw a lot more as well." Artemis replies with a smile. One that Percy is shocked to see is filled with love not anger or hate.
"True. I just thought you may not like me looking." Percy states.
"You mean looking or staring?" Artemis chuckles causing her boobs to shake, snapping Percy out of his trance.
"Sorry. I believe we need to have a little chat about the changes that are happening right now." Percy realizing that Artemis has joined the Bond since he can sense her emotions but not yet aware of the Bond. Chaos, I just want you to know, I didn't plan this. I want you to know that I love you, as well. After a few moments of silence, Chaos answers. I know love. You were hurting and you turned to a person you loved. I gave my blessing to Artemis a few weeks ago when I talked to her. That's the only reason why she was able to join the Bond. Explain things to her. If you need any help, I am here, always. Percy sends her his thanks and love which she returns.
"It seems that due to my Mate's approval a few weeks ago" Artemis stiffens in surprise while Percy just raises an eyebrow in response, "you joined the Bond when we made love the first time." Artemis leans back against her headboard in shock. Give her a few moments love, to come to terms with it. Chaos reminds Percy who takes a seat in the nearby chair while letting Artemis sort through this development.
After a few minutes, Artemis asks, "Are you upset that we are Bonded?" As Percy opens his mouth, he notices that Artemis has fear in her eyes. He realizes that she fears that he will reject her.
"I will admit that I was not planning on Bonding you. However, it is not something I regret. I can now freely admit, without being turned into something, that I love you Phoebe Artemis." Percy states to Artemis kneeling at the side of the bed and a hand outstretched to her.
Artemis takes his hand into hers. "And I love you Percy Jackson. However, you better not get in the habit of calling me by my full name." She replies with a smile. Of course, dear. For the first time, she hears Percy speak in her mind. This is amazing. She replies back. Yes it is. We will have a better chat later my sister. Chaos says to her in a tone letting her know that it would be a nice talk not a mean one.
A knock occurs on the main support beam of Artemis' tent. "Milady? Are you up?" Thalia questions. Percy and Artemis quickly look at each other and jump out of bed. They quickly begin dressing.
"Yes, Thalia. Just a moment while I get ready." Artemis says while dressing and keeping an eye on Percy at the same time. Not now, love. We need to get presentable. Percy warns Artemis, knowing her wandering eyes. She just smiles in response.
Percy steps behind the dresser to grab his pants when Thalia walks into the tent.
"Milady, what's taking so long?" Thalia questions. She is about to say something else when she notices several weird things. Artemis is glowing in a strange way, a red spot the size of an apple on her sheets and a guy's T-shirt hanging off the chair to her left. When she takes a breath in, she instantly recognizes the smell. Thalia turns to Artemis with wide eyes in shock.
"Please tell me you did not do what I believe you did, milady." When Thalia meets Artemis' eyes who quickly looks away, she knows that Artemis did.
"WHo is the guy that has defiled you, Milady?" Thalia takes out her dagger on her waist. With her back to the dresser, she doesn't see Percy walk up behind her.
"Thals. Please, let Artemis be. We did have sex last night. I did not take advantage or press Artemis to do anything she did not want to do. I swear this to you." Percy states in his most sincere tone. Percy has yet to notice that his arms cross under Thalia's boobs and his hands on them as a result. Thalia noticed immediately, dropped the dagger as Percy was speaking. Her face beginning to turn red. Percy begins to feel static electricity becoming stronger and knows that it's only seconds before Thalia blows up. He quickly releases her, grabs her hand, turns her around and kisses her deeply. It takes all of 2 seconds before Thalia begins to return the kiss and moan.
Artemis begins feeling arousal of her own not jealously. She realizes that Percy cares for Thalia just as much as he did for her before their Bonding. Artemis figures out why Chaos spoke to both Thalia and herself that day. Percy releases Thalia and holds her hands.
After catching her breath, Thalia looks up at Percy. "The next girl you deflower better be me otherwise I will make sure you can't deflower any woman." She lets go of Percy's hands and storms out of Artemis' tent before realizing what she said. Percy looks at Artemis in surprise. Yes, love. She did just say that. You better stop her before she says a word to the Hunters. Percy sees a bowl of water near by. Using its water, stretches a water hand to grab Thalia and bring her back inside the tent.
"Wha? What are you doing Percy?" Thalia quickly asks as Percy returns the water to the bowl.
"You never let me explain why I left yesterday." Thalia immediately notices Percy grow somber and sad. "My mom passed away last night in my arms. I was feeling lonely and came here. Artemis comforted me. One thing lead to another and you know the ending."
Artemis and Thalia quickly grab Percy in a hug crying with him. No words are needed for the strength that they give him.
As they break apart, "We will help you plan her funeral, Percy." Artemis tells him with Thalia nodding along.
~~~Scene Change~~~
~~~~3 Days Later~~~~
It's nearly time, Chaos. Can you come now? Percy will need us both. Artemis sends to Chaos. Yes, be there in a few. Chaos appears behind Artemis with a flash.
"Let's go to him." Artemis and Chaos walk to Percy's temple on Olympus where he is pacing in the garden in the center of it. Percy reflects on the moment he came to Olympus after telling Artemis & Thalia.
**Flashback**
"Nephew, why have you asked to see me in council?" Zeus asks walking into the private chambers of the Olympian Council. The chambers only used when an Olympian request a private audience with the King.
Percy turns to his uncle with tears in his eyes, "I have requested this audience for a personal request, my King." Percy says respectfully and in full garb of an Olympian.
"Please continue, Percy." Zeus motions to Percy wondering what could have his nephew in tears.
"My mother has passed from this life. I would like her funeral to be on Olympus. I have already petitioned the rest of the council and they have sign this resolution, approving it." Percy hands him a scroll with the signature of the remaining 11 Olympians. Zeus reads the resolution and rolls it closed.
"This does explain why Poseidon, Thalia, Artemis and Athena have been pushing me to agree to your private proposal. They were very vague on what it was, though. Yes, Percy. You may have her funeral here on the condition that no mortal attend. You understand?" Zeus announces to Percy.
Percy already knew that no mortal would be allowed on Olympus, had her wake on Earth just hours before coming up to Olympus. "Yes, uncle. One other thing, Aphrodite and Demeter have volunteered to decorate Olympus." Percy watches Zeus gulp. Both thinking that they better not go overboard.
**Flashback End**
Percy, Poseidon, Thalia and Artemis carry Sally's wood casket, carved by Hephaestus himself, up the precession to lay it down on the kindling of wood that had been constructed in the center of the Olympian Council chamber. A hole in the center of the ceiling dome allowed a perfect beam of sunlight illuminate her casket. Poseidon approached the podium while Percy, Thalia and Artemis joined Chaos in the front pew.
For five full minutes, Poseidon talked about Sally's soul which drew him to her in the first place. Their courtship for 6 months which resulted in Percy. How happy they were when he was born and the brief time he was able to spend with them both. He didn't regret a single moment of it. He thanks Sally for their son and for making him a better person. What surprised Percy is that Amphitrite embraces her husband as he takes his seat behind Percy.
Percy gives Chaos a kiss on the cheek then Artemis as well. He walks to the podium. As he looks out to the masses he sees several familiar faces. Annabeth who nods at him in sympathy. Reyna who has tears in her eyes for the first time he has ever known. Jason & Nico sitting next to her also grieving.
"My mom is the strongest person I have ever known. She spent her entire life protecting me from harm even as a child of the Big Three. She put up with that terrible excuse for a human being, Gabe, to keep me safe. Even at the end, all that mattered to her is my safety and happiness. Mom, I promise you that I will honor you every day of my life. Thank you for all you have done for me. Rest well." Percy ends nearly choking on his words. The torches around Olympus dim, Percy nods to Hestia in thanks. Percy then takes a nearby torch and begins lightning the wood piles to burn his mother's body. A funeral fit for the queens and kings of old. She becomes the first mortal to be honored this way on Olympus.
As Percy watches the fire burn hotter and bigger with Chaos and Artemis on either side of him, he feels that someone is watching him. Percy looks up and on the other side of the burning pyre, stands a woman in a white gown. He sees tears rolling down her cheeks which seem familiar to Chaos', Percy notes. As their eyes meet, Percy feels a surge of power within himself. Instantly, he is reminded of when he first met Chaos. The fire surges in height for a few seconds and when it dies down, the woman in white is gone.
Who was that? Why do I have the feeling I just met my 3rd Bond Mate?
AN: That's Chapter 7 ending at 2,896 words! That funeral scene was hard to write. I hope I did Sally justice by this send off. If you know who the woman in white is, Good Job for paying attention. For those who don't, she actually made an appearance earlier in this story, hint hint. Chapter 8 is coming much sooner than you think. I can mention that I have the rest of the story hammered out (Ch 9 & 10). I will be typing it up over the next week or so. At the current pace, My goal is to have the remaining 3 chapters posted by the end of March, at the VERY latest.