Chapter 2: Percy POV
Artemis and I reached the camp for her hunt. I sent out a mental message to Bryan,
"Yo get over here bro!" I said
If you are wondering, it is something we figured out we could do randomly. When we asked Mom about it she just said that it must have to do with the fact that she created both of us together in the hearth, which means we share a bond. Literally and figuratively. So we can see where each other are at all times, though not who they are with.
"I'm coming, chill," Bryan replied in my head
I chuckled as Bryan appeared in a burst of flames. He smacked the back of my head.
"Dude you need to be more patient my guy unless you wanted me to come without a shirt on," he said
"I mean, I don't wanna face the hunters alone and I know you don't want to either so, I mean, wait a minute what the fuck? What were you doing that you would come here shirtless?" I grinned
Bryan blushed while Artemis glared at me for what I was suggesting. Yes, I was totally suggesting that.
"If you must know, I was sleeping," he said seriously.
"Ohh, poor guy," I said, "I have a feeling this might be one rude awakening."
Artemis laughed then dragged us both into her camp. She let go of our arms and we walked out where a group of girls was sitting by a fireplace. They looked up at us and instantly their faces turned hostile.
"Lady Artemis, why are there males with you?" one of them asked accusingly, saying males like it was the worst insult possible.
"They are my...companions," she said.
I couldn't help myself, even though my physical health was at risk I couldn't help but mess with Artemis a little bit.
"Oh, c'mon Artemis, you can say it. We're your friends, not lowly companions," I laughed poking her gently in the side.
Suddenly I felt a sharp pain as an arrow embedded itself in my hand. Golden ichor spilled from my hand as I pulled the arrow out.
"Phoebe, I told you yesterday not to harm them," Artemis sighed
"My lady you didn't tell us they were males. They will taint you," she said
I looked at her for a minute to see if she was serious. She definitely didn't look like she was kidding. I turned to Bryan who had a weird look on his face. Then we started giggling. Then it turned into a laugh. Soon we couldn't even stand up, as we fell to the ground holding our stomachs. Artemis just looked at us and sighed, though I could tell she was trying to hold back her laughter as well.
"She said...hold up she said..." Bryan screamed, "She said 'they will taint you'".
With that, both of us started laughing again. The girl, Phoebe was her name? Anyway, she shot another arrow at me. Well, I don't want to get shot again, so I caught it in midair, snapping it.
"How...how did you do that?" she stuttered
"Girls, I don't think they were properly introduced to you," Artemis groaned, "These idiots are Perseus, Olympian god of fire, swordsmanship, and loyalty," she emphasized the loyalty part, "and Bryan, Olympian god of fire, battle strategy, and loyalty" she emphasized the loyalty part again.
Phoebe glared at us, "Well I don't trust them. I didn't join this hunt to be stuck around males."
I sighed, Bryan just looked at me and shrugged, but he also looked a little upset.
Artemis looked at us apologetically, "Sorry, I didn't know she would shoot you,"
"It's alright," I said
"It was kind of funny though," she said slyly.
I glared at her but failed because honestly, a small smile was threatening to break out on my face.
"Anyway," Artemis said to all the girls, "They will probably be around here a bit, so be nice."
The girls all slowly nodded, but they were still glaring at us.
"How do we know we can trust thee?" one of the girls said. She looked older than the rest and slightly familiar, though I can't place where I have seen her before.
"Look, we're gods of loyalty," Bryan said, "If you want we can swear to...something. We'll figure something out with Artemis and do it at the campfire tonight." I nodded. It sounded like a good idea. Artemis nodded as well.
"What is your name?" I asked
"What is it to you boy?" she retorted, glaring at me
I put my hands up, "Just wondering, since I'm gonna be here pretty often, and stuff gets hard when I have to call you huntress lady," I said
She frowned, "Zoe Nightshade,"
I nodded, smiling.
'So, you wanna go ask uncle Zeus about it now?' Bryan asked me in my mind
'Sure why not,'
He grinned, then turned to Artemis,
"Hey Artemis, we're gonna go talk to Zeus real quick, we'll be back soon," he said
She nodded, "Ok, make sure you are here by sundown."
I frowned at her, "What was that?" I asked grinning
She rolled her eyes, "PLEASE make sure you are here by sundown," she said sarcastically
"Thank you, and definitely," I said, winking at her, "See you later Arty,"
Bryan and I teleported to Olympus and started walking to the throne room.
"Dude, I hope Zeus is in the throne room," Bryan said
"No kidding. I don't wanna call him, who knows what he could be doing." I laughed
"Dude, I don't even want to know," he said
We walked into the throne room and saw our mother sitting by her throne, tending the flames of the hearth, as well as (thank all the gods) Zeus, sitting on his throne.
We first went to Hestia and hugged her. She smiled and held us close.
"Why are you two here?" she asked
"Oh, we have to ask uncle Zeus something," Bryan said
She nodded and let go of us. We stood and walked toward Zeus, who smiled when he saw us.
"What can I do for my favorite nephews?" he asked
Bryan nodded at me, so I took a deep breath and said, "Well lord Zeus, Bryan and I want to go to the mortal world for a bit. We want to go and see Camp Half-Blood as well as just see what is happening with the mortals." I started
"So, we are asking for pardon from the ancient laws." Bryan finished.
Zeus' eyes widened as he took in what we just asked.
"Why do you want that?" he asked, "You can still go into the mortal world, even with the ancient laws."
"Well, we know this, but should we have any reason to fight, whether it be to protect someone, or ourselves, or...well we just want to be pardoned," I said
Zeus thought about it for a moment.
"Being gods and unbound by ancient laws would make you dangerous," he said, "However, I trust you two, and since you are the gods of loyalty, I could have you swear a separate oath of loyalty to Olympus, just in case. Alright, I will do this for you."
We smiled, then Zeus stood from his throne and put his hand on our shoulders.
"I Zeus, king of the gods, hereby remove Perseus and Bryan of their bindings to the ancient laws," he said.
A glow surrounded Bryan and me. As it faded, nothing felt different. Zeus nodded,
"That's it, there you go," he said
"Wait really?" I asked, and he nodded
"Nothing feels different though," Bryan said
"Oh, well that's because the ancient laws aren't a source of power, they are laws. So nothing really changed with you, it's just that the laws don't apply to you anymore." Zeus said, "Now, let's do your other oath now shall we?"
We nodded, "Ok, repeat after me," Zeus said, "I swear to always be loyal to Olympus, to defend it against harm, to protect its people, and to never cause harm to its shores." he finished.
Bryan and I echoed the oath, and we were done. We said goodbye to Zeus and our mother and got ready to leave for the hunt again. We teleported to the hunter's camp. It was probably around 15 minutes until sunset, and all of the hunters were around getting things done. We walked toward where the campfire and tents were and decided to sit down since no one else was there. We sat around the not-burning fireplace.
"So, what should we do while we wait for Artemis and the other hunters?" Bryan asked as he set the fire
"To be honest, I don't know., what should we pledge to the hunters?" I said, "Because I really don't want to get messed up and bound to something I don't want to be bound by."
"Yeah, how about we swear to not look or touch Artemis in a romantic way?" he asked, then grinned, "But you wouldn't want that would you?"
I choked on air, "Umm, what are you talking about?"
Bryan fell on the floor laughing. "Admit it. You like her."
"Nah, shut up," I grumbled
Bryan picked himself off the floor, still chuckling to himself. "Alright, how about this. We swear to not touch any of the hunters romantically."
I nodded, trying to ignore what he said earlier. I don't like Artemis like that, of course, I don't. He's messing with me.
"Alright let's go ask Artemis," he said, standing up and turning, only to see Artemis standing there with the rest of the hunters.
"Oh, well, in that case, I guess we'll just stay here," he said and sat back down.
Artemis sat between me and Bryan, and the other hunters just spread out around the fire.
"Thank you for starting the fire for us," Artemis smiled, "Recently, starting the fire has been...difficult for us." her smile turned into an accusing glare.
Bran started staring at me, and I realized my shoes were looking very...interesting in front of the fire.
"Perseus, since your domain is fire," Artemis said, mock glaring at me, "Can you explain why our fires last for about 2 seconds and then die out?"
"Well…" my voice broke, and Bryan was trying not to laugh, "You must have not been...umm...fanning it properly?"
With that Bryan couldn't hold it in anymore, he burst out laughing. He fell to the ground clutching his stomach. Artemis took one look at him and turned back to me,
"So, you want to tell me the truth now or?" she stopped
'Dude she's fucking scary help!' I said to Bryan
'HAHAHAHAHAHHA good luck dude' he said
"Ummmmm, it's just a coincidence?" I whimpered
She glared at me again, and honestly, she was absolutely terrifying when she glared at me like that.
"Okay okay, so I was pranking you what's the big deal," I said winking at her trying to fake being confident,
"Oh so it WAS you?" she asked her glare only intensifying
"Uh, yeah," I said, extinguishing the fire in front of us. Her eyes widened,
"YOU DIDN'T" she mock yelled
"BUT I DID," I said back.
"OH PERSEUS IM GOING TO KILL YOU!" then she jumped on me, tackling me to the ground. She then froze in shock before deciding to lay on me.
"Ummm, Arty?" I groaned, my face was stuck to the ground, and guess what, it wasn't fun.
"Well, you are very warm, and since you took away our fire," she paused
"Oh god, Arty I'm sorry just...please get off of me!" I groaned
"What do you have to say for yourself?" she asked me, my face was really starting to hurt.
"...gods this is embarrassing...I'm sorry for pranking you and your hunters, please get the fuck off my back,"
Artemis rolled her eyes, "Well since you asked NICELY" she said sarcastically then got off my back. I got up wincing,
"Damn, you're heavy," I said, then paled, yeah, Artemis was glaring at me...again.
'Damn bro, you messed up...again,' Bryan said
'Oh haha, sure you're enjoying this,' I glared at him
"What was that Perseus? You are calling me fat?" Artemis was looking at me the way a fox looks at a bunny
"No, just that you obviously changed your weight to make that more uncomfortable for me huh," I grinned
"Good save, and yes. It was super fun making you uncomfortable," Artemis laughed
Bryan also started laughing and honestly, I couldn't stop myself from joining in. It looks like meeting the hunters isn't going that bad. Even if they don't really like us, they will soon, I hope. Suddenly Artemis, Bryan, and I got a signal that an emergency council meeting has been called.
"Zoe, a council meeting has been called. You are in charge while we are gone," Artemis said. Zoe nodded and we all flashed into the throne room.
I sat on my throne, with Artemis on my right, and Bryan on my left.
"I called this meeting to share some news that has come to light these last few days," Zeus started, and we all nodded, "We all know of the great prophecy, and I believe it may be starting."
There was uproar in the council, with Athena, Poseidon, and Ares trying to talk at the same time.
Zeus waited before continuing, "The titan Atlas has been freed from his prison on Mount Tam. We do not know who took his burden, but he is free."
"I will go find him," Artemis said
All of the heads in the room snapped to her.
"WHAT?" Apollo yelled, "You can't go alone,"
She glared at him, "I can and I will, and none of you are going to stop me," she said
'Don't worry about me Perseus, I will be fine. Please do not go against me on this,' she said in my head
I paused, 'What the fuck?' I thought, she just...talked to me in my head, but mother told me and Bryan that it was something that we could do with each other because of the hearth. I'm going to have to ask her about that later.
I nodded at Artemis, "As much as I don't like it, she is definitely the most capable to take on this mission. She isn't bound by the ancient laws just like me and Bryan, so I think it would be good for her to go, maybe just to scout out what is happening at mount tam. Then maybe the three of us can go and do what we need to do." I said
Most of the other gods nodded at what I said. Ares seemed to...dislike the idea, but he doesn't have my respect so I don't care.
"Alright, if you agree with her then that is what we will do. Artemis, you will go and scout out for us, try to see what is happening. Then return to Olympus and then we will figure out what to do from then." Zeus said, "You will leave tomorrow morning, council dismissed."
Most of the gods flashed out, except for Mother, Artemis, Apollo, Bryan, and me.
"Artemis how could you even think about doing this? It's dangerous!" Apollo cried
"I will do what I need to do, and there is nothing you can say about it," she said, then her expression softened and she hugged her brother. "Don't worry Apollo I will be fine,"
Then she turned to me and hugged me as well. "Thank you for agreeing with me Percy," she said
I sighed as I held her, "I don't like it, but I wasn't lying. I'm sure you can do it, just, don't get hurt in the process, please? I can't lose my best friend." I grinned
She smiled at me and nodded, flashing out, most likely to her hunt. I turned to Bryan and my mom, who were having a small conversation on the side.
'Hello mother,' I said to her in her head,
She turned to me and when she saw my playful glare, she knew her lie was out.
"So Perseus, you finally found out about mind conversations," she laughed
"I didn't even try it with anyone other than Bryan because I thought you said that it was part of our connection!" I laughed
"Wait, we can mentally communicate with anyone?" Bryan asked, eyes widening
"Yes," Mother laughed, "However, this thing you guys have where you can see each other's location at all times, that's new. That I am certain came from your connection."
I grinned and hugged her, Bryan did the same, "Mother, why must you embarrass me?" I whispered, "When Artemis spoke in my mind I thought I was hallucinating,"
She laughed, "It was funny, besides, now you know, so no harm." She smiled
I smiled and we just sat together, leaning against her throne in silence.
(1 week later)
"Hey Perce remember how we stopped Zeus from taking mom's throne?" Bryan asked as we sat, sweating after a long 2 hours of training together.
"Yeah, I do, why?" I said
"Well, it has officially been 187 years since it happened," he said
"Really? That long?" I asked
"Yep," was all I got in response, and we settled back into a comfortable silence. To be honest, I remember that day like it happened only a week ago.
(start flashback)
We were all sitting on our thrones when Zeus started talking,
"I wish to add my son Dionysus to the olympian council," Zeus said
I remembered seeing Dionysus fight, he was nothing special, but he did invent wine but to be made a god? Then again I don't really care. I ended up zoning out as I heard snippets of conversation. At some point, an argument broke out and I was about to fall asleep on my throne. It was actually that boring. Suddenly my mother's voice broke out,
"I will step down if it will stop a war," she said quietly.
That got my attention as well as Bryan's. We both looked attentively to see what would happen now.
Zeus smiled like everything was great, "well then, that's settled, now let's…"
"YOU WILL NOT REMOVE MY MOTHER FROM THIS COUNCIL!" I yelled as I sprung to my feet. I summoned my sword and held it threateningly at Zeus.
"If you think for a minute that this is a good idea, then I do not see you fit to rule Olympus uncle," I said dangerously. "What has Dionysis done that would make him fit to be an Olympian?" I asked, "Actually, I don't care if he's made into a god, I really don't. Let me rephrase my question. What has he done that would make him fit to be an Olympian in the place of my mother?" I asked
Suddenly I felt a warm hand on my shoulder and saw my mother smiling at me sadly,
"Thank you my son but please control yourself," she said quietly.
I took a deep breath, then nodded and sat down again. I kept my sword in my hand though and I was glaring at Zeus.
"Maybe Perseus has finished making his point, or, our point clear, but I haven't said anything yet," Bryan said calmly from his throne.
Of course, he said it calmly but I knew him well enough, plus we are connected, so I could feel the threatening anger on every word he said, and even if I wasn't connected to him I would feel it. I'm pretty sure every god on the council felt the threat behind his words.
Bryan continued, twirling his dagger around his finger, "Should you decide to take away our mother's throne, and give it to someone who I don't think has done anything worthy of becoming a god, then you have lost your mind, uncle."
"All your son has done is make a drink. That drinks insanity might be getting to you, uncle. If you do this, then I will go to war against you." I growled
"Nephews, please calm yourselves," Zeus said, but his tone was cold, "Please watch how you speak to me."
"Uncle we love you, but you must understand that you are letting your care for your child cloud your better judgment. We have no problem with letting Dionysus become an Olympian god, but we shall not stand and let our mother lose her throne because of it." Bryan said
"I apologize for my words uncle. I will not go to war against you, and you are fit to rule Olympus. However, if our mother loses her throne, your son will be dead before you can say my name." I said
Zeus sat in silence while all of the other gods looked at me and Bryan in shock. Our mother's beautiful red eyes shone with pride and joy. Then everyone's attention turned to Zeus who sighed and said,
"Very well, nephews, I hereby call for a vote to make my son Dionysus the 16th Olympian!" Zeus said.
Most of the hands went up, excluding Artemis. So Dionysus became the god of wine and parties.
(end flashback)
So that's where we are now. 16 Olympians. Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hades, Mother (Hestia), Artemis, Apollo, Me, Bryan, Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Athena, Ares, Demeter, Hermes, and Dionysus.
"So, you want to spar again?" I asked Bryan, and he nodded. We stood and got ready again for another battle, and we were about to start when a satyr ran in,
"My lords," he bowed, "Your mother summons you to the throne room."
I nodded, "thank you,". The satyr bowed and ran out of the training room.
"Why would mom need to call us like that?" Bryan asked as we walked to the throne room. We could teleport but we don't want to.
"I don't know," I said
We walked in and saw our mother sitting on her throne. When she saw us she quickly shrunk to normal (non-godly) height. She hugged us and said,
"I'm sorry for calling you so suddenly but it is necessary," she said
"It's okay, mom. What's wrong?" Bryan asked
I also looked at mom questioningly. She looked at us sadly,
"Artemis has been captured," she said
Hi guys! I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! In case you haven't noticed yet, this is around the Titans Curse in terms of timeline… I'll upload ch 3 soon :)
Peace!
