Disclaimer - I do not own PJO or HOO. All rights to our dear Uncle Rick.
AN: Little announcement before we dive into the chapter. I changed the prophecy around a bit. So for the last line, instead of "A hero's breath the final sacrifice." it's changed to "The time rewind, the final sacrifice."
Anyways, enjoy! Remember to vote on the poll on my profile :D If all goes well, there will be a double update this week. Buckle your seatbelt, cause this chapter is about to get... a little wild.
Also, little help to those of you having trouble viewing new chapters. For example:
1. Prologue
2. Chapter 1
3. Chapter 2
4. Chapter 3
Chapter 3 is the new chapter but you can't access it. Usually, it helps if I click on chapter 1. For some reason, it'll pop up and I can go down from there. PM me if you have more questions.
- Kathy
"Are you going to the party?" Thalia was the first to break the silence as Artemis scanned the letter again, wondering if it's a joke her brother and Hermes were pulling on her. Thalia spoke up once more. "I didn't know the Olympians celebrated Christmas."
"We don't," Artemis stated. Thalia frowned as Artemis mused to herself. "It's possible that it's a prank pulled by my idiotic brothers."
Artemis studied the letter once more as Thalia took a sip of her milk, looking at her mistress with curiosity. Never once had she heard that Olympians celebrate Christmas with it being a holiday to celebrate another god. The hunters themselves have small celebrations every now and then, giving each other small gifts and listening to Christmas carols from time to time. Artemis joins them every once in a while but Thalia had never thought that the other Olympians even know of Christmas.
Artemis let out a groan of annoyance, grumbling under her breath. "This letter doesn't seem like a prank-" Her sentence was cut short when another letter the size of a notecard appeared once again. Artemis snatched it out of the air as she scanned through it, her face showing anger as she ripped the notecard into pieces, storming into the room she was sharing with Percy soon after.
Thalia simply raised her eyebrow as she watched Artemis storming out of their room a few minutes later, a confused Percy behind her. His hair was a mess but he doesn't seem to care. His eyes barely looked opened as he tried to rub the sleep out of them.
Artemis was about to walk out of the door when another similar letter appeared. Before she could rip that, Thalia snatched it away from her mistress. A teasing grin appearing on her face when she read it. Artemis glared at her as Percy looked between the two of them, trying to figure out what's going on.
Thalia cleared her throat as she started reading. "Dear Arty-"
"Don't you dare Thalia Grace," Artemis threatened as Thalia shrugged, pretending to look over her shoulder, frowning.
"I don't see any Thalia Grace around," she turned toward Percy, who stared blankly at her. "Do you see a Thalia Grace around?"
Percy gestured toward Thalia helplessly as he sneaked a look at his fuming best friend. "A-aren't you Thalia Grace? I mean… I thought that's your name?"
Thalia sighed, mumbling 'idiot' under her breath as she spoke up again, making her voice loud and clear while trying to flinch away from Artemis's glare. They may be half-sisters-
Soon-to-be sister-in-law, a part of her snickered as she remembered the letter in her hands. But Artemis still scared her to death sometimes.
"I'm actually Thalia Jackson." she said, emphasizing on Jackson as Percy made an 'o' shape with his mouth. Artemis just stood near the front door, her arms crossed and tapping impatiently on the ground.
"Well, Thalia Jackson," Artemis started as she walked threatening toward her, her eyes full of anger. Thalia backed up a bit, looking toward Percy for back-up. "If you dare read that letter, you will be on laundry duty for a month."
"Oh, you wouldn't-" Thalia gasped as Artemis smirked. "Oh, I would."
Thalia looked toward the two of them before shoving the letter at Percy, who caught it by surprise. Artemis's eyes widened but Thalia dashed out the front door without another word, making Artemis glared at the door. Percy, who was still lost, opened the letter and read it with confusion.
"Dear Arty,
One, this is not a prank. Two, Remember to bring a plus one. It's required. Zeus had ordered all Olympians to come with a plus one. And I think Percy would be a perfect man don't you think? So dreamy… ah… you're a lucky girl, Artemis.
Your favorite sister,
Aphrodite."
"A plus one to what?" Percy asked bluntly as he felt a slight blush appearing on his face after reading the letter. Artemis just blushed as she snatched the letter away from his hand and tore it into pieces once more, throwing it in the trash.
"It's an Olympian party," she stated simply as she slapped Percy's face once more and disappeared in a flash of silver. Percy stared at the spot blankly, as he rubbed his cheek.
"Oww… what was that for?" He muttered to himself as he sighed, walking back toward his room, grumbling under his breath when he realized that it's only five. "Why are women so hard to understand?"
Artemis flashed back to her hunters' camp, straight into her tent, before joining back together with her other self as memories flashed into her mind, bringing a small smile to her face as she remembered all the games and stories her hunters had played and shared yesterday night. Though her mind soon flashed to Percy once again.
They had always been best friends and she'd prided herself in knowing everything possible about him. Their friendship is something Artemis valued very much. It may be one of her rarer friendships with a male but it's worth it, she knows it is. Percy is always different from all the other boys. He's kind, caring, and loyal. Once upon a time, she would laugh at someone if they told her she'd be friends with a boy, but now that they're friends, it felt like second nature to her.
She sighed, shaking her head as she tried to push all thoughts aside, focusing on flipping through her closet. She knows for sure now that it's not a prank pulled by her brothers but that means she has to actually wear a dress. Artemis shuddered at the thought as she finally found her only dress in the back of the closet. Pushing aside all of her silver hunting clothes, she sighed before pulling it out and straightening out the wrinkles.
A pair of jeans laid on her bed, tempting her to wear that instead. But from past experience, Artemis knew that her father would prefer the Olympians to look their best in front of other guests. The last time they had a party was a few years back, but it wasn't really a formal ball, just a party to celebrate a victory.
The letter kept on popping back into Artemis' mind, reminding her that she, unfortunately, needed to find a plus one. Artemis let out a long and heavy sighed as she waved her hand, creating a rainbow as she threw a drachma in. "Oh Iris, except my offering and show me, Percy Jackson."
Bad timing, Artemis found herself blushing madly when Percy appeared, half-naked as he came out of the shower. His bottom half was wrapped with a towel. She doesn't know who screamed louder, him or her.
"PUT ON SOME CLOTHES!" Artemis exclaimed as she covered her eyes, the image of his half-naked body kept on flashing through her mind. Artemis took a few calming breaths as she opened her eyes, glad to see a T-Shirt and jeans on.
Percy's face was red as he sat down on his bed, staring up at Artemis. "So… what's up?"
Artemis just stared at him for a moment before snapping herself out of her thoughts. "Oh yes… um… so like you remember that letter you read in the morning?"
Percy nodded unsurely as Artemis sighed, thinking it's better to get it over first. "Would you be my plus one?"
Percy's mouth hung open as he shuttered out. "I mean… sure, is this like a date? I mean, of course, it's not a date… but like me? Why me?"
Artemis looked frustrated as she coughed loudly to interrupt his mumbling. Percy looked up, his face still bright red, showing disbelief. Artemis wasn't faring any better. "I mean like… as a friend. But like I can find someone else you know. Maybe I'll bring one of my hunters…"
Jealousy flashed across his face but it disappeared as fast as it appeared, making her think that she'd just imagined it. "I'll come, don't worry," Percy flashed her one of his trademark smiles before letting out a loud yelp when a letter appeared in front of him.
"Well, seems like the mailman got lost," Percy grumbled, opening his letter and reading through it as Artemis added. "It could also be mailwoman."
"See you at three, moonbeam," Percy turned back toward her. She nodded and smiled at him, ignoring her fluttering heart at the use of the nickname. It's just a nickname, he calls his friends by their nicknames all the time, she thought, trying to convince herself.
"See you there," Artemis waved through the Iris message as she flopped backward onto his bed, not able to keep a smile off her face for some unknown reasons. Artemis finally stood back up after a while, going toward her bathroom. She'd a party to get ready for.
Percy waited right outside the throne room, where he and Artemis had agreed to meet up, pulling at his black tie as he straightened out his already perfect suit. When his mother and stepfather woke up and found out that their guests disappeared, Percy had to swear on his life that he didn't kick them out or have anything to do with it. Only after that did his mother let him go.
He was looking around uncomfortably when his father walked up to him. Percy smiled at him. "Hey dad," he greeted as Poseidon smiled down at his son.
"Waiting for someone?" He raised his eyebrow as Percy nodded. Poseidon looked at him with curiosity as he gestured for his son to continue. "And who might have caught my son's eyes?"
Percy blushed as he shook his head. "We're just going as friends, dad."
"Are you sure you two are only friends?" Poseidon asked. Percy quickly nodded as he looked over his shoulder, seeing Artemis walking toward them. His eyes widened as he stared at her. Poseidon turned around before laughing when he noticed it was Artemis. He shook his head with a smile. "Only you son, only you."
He nodded politely at Artemis before slipping into the throne room.
Artemis was wearing a long silver gown made of luxurious silk that reached the ground. The sunlight shining on the dress made it look like it's changing color. Small diamonds were woven into the bottom half of the dress. She had a light blue scarf around her neck. Her auburn hair was let down in soft curls.
"A little overboard?" Artemis asked wearily but Percy shook his head as he offered her his hand. She hooked her arms through his, ignoring the surprised stares from some minor gods.
"Nah, just perfect," he grinned as he gestured toward the throne room. "Shall we, milady?"
Artemis rolled her eyes as she punched him playfully. They pushed open the door to the throne room as the stares turned their way. Percy could hear whispered and looks of surprise following them as they quickly made their way to the other Olympians.
"Is that Percy Jackson?"
"Oh my gods, that's Artemis, I can't believe she's wearing a dress."
"Are they dating?"
"How did they meet?"
Artemis pressed herself closer to Percy, not wanting the attention as he wrapped his arms protectively around her, glaring at anyone who's staring at her. Apollo saved them by waving them over to a table. Artemis quickly sank into one of the chairs as she covered her face with her hair.
"Are they still staring?" Artemis whisper-hissed at Percy who looked around, glaring at anyone staring before they turned around.
"Your boyfriend scared them off, lil sis," Apollo said teasingly as Artemis glared at him.
"One, I'm not your lil sis. I help mother deliver you for Zeus' sake!" Artemis exclaimed as she continued. "And two, he's not my boyfriend, we're just friends."
Percy nodded along, ignoring the part that hoped that they're more than friends. Artemis sighed as she leaned back against the chair, mumbling to herself. "I hate formal balls."
"I hate it more," Percy grumbled before his eyes lit up when he saw his friends coming over. He looked at Artemis who gestured for him to go over. "You'll be alright here, right?"
"I'm a goddess, Percy, I'll be fine," she promised before she noticed her hunters as well. She had flashed them here with her but told them to go ahead without her. Artemis walked over as Thalia greeted her with a smirk visible on her face. Artemis sighed, knowing no matter what she said, Thalia wouldn't listen.
"Enjoying the party, milady?"
"I would enjoy it more if people stop staring," she said through gritted teeth as she forced a smile on her lips as she nodded to a few minor gods politely. Thalia coughed in an attempt to stop her laughing before seeing her little brother in the crowd.
"See you later, milady, don't die out here," Thalia waved before dashing off toward Jason. Artemis rolled her eyes once more as a waiter walked by, handing her a drink. She took it, not noticing the black-cloaked figure watching her, an evil smirk on their lips.
"You got adopted by Sally?" Jason asked for the hundredth times as Percy sighed and Thalia facepalmed, grumbling under her breath.
"Yes little brother, Sally adopted me. Is it so hard to believe?!"
"Yes!" Jason exclaimed as Piper walked over, handing him a drink. He took it thankfully as Nico appeared out of the shadow next to them, scaring the four of them. "I can never get used to that."
Nico smirked at him as he looked around. "So, what's up? Also, I heard Percy came here with Artemis?"
Percy blushed as Jason spitted out his drink and Piper raised her eyebrow. Thalia started laughing again before shutting up when Percy gave her a death glare. "We came as friends, that's all."
Apollo suddenly walked by with Rachel. Hazel and Frank coming over from the other side of the room as well. Percy frowned at the sudden increase in their group. "Why is everyone gathering here?"
"Apollo spoke another prophecy," Rachel spoke up bluntly. Percy groaned, Jason sighed, and Thalia rolled her eyes, muttering 'only you have the luck to be in three big prophecies for a lifetime'. "We're going to reveal it to camp soon."
"Speaking of camp," Piper spoke up as she looked at Percy, making eye contact. He shifted uncomfortably before looking away. "Are you coming back to camp anytime soon?"
"I still don't know," he admitted as he started walking away, something in him feeling like something's wrong. "I got to go for a while, I'll give you my answer soon."
Percy walked aimlessly around the party before he suddenly found a pair of arms wrapped around his midsection. He turned around before noticing Artemis, a dazed look in her eyes. "Hey Percy," her voice was slurred and she seemed to be stumbling.
The frown on Percy's face deepened, knowing Artemis would never have more wine than she could handle. He tried to hold her up as she leaned against him, her breaths seeming uneven. "Are you okay?"
"Never better," she grinned at him before falling forward. Percy quickly caught her as he looked around the room. No one noticed her weird behavior, just doing their own things.
"Let's get you home," Percy decided as he started dragging her out of the throne room, his hand locked tightly around her wrist.
"But Percy," she whined adorably as Percy shook his head to clear his thoughts.
"No, we're going home and that's final," he said sternly before closing his eyes, deciding to try out the new trick his dad had told him. Percy closed his eyes and concentrated, ignoring Artemis's cries of protest as they mist traveled to his apartment.
Artemis looked around in confusion at the sudden change of scenery before she started shouting. "Take me back! I need that wine! I didn't finish the last cup! Percyyy, please?"
"No," Percy said, a bit uncertain but he knew he couldn't fall for any trick, whatever she drank must have been something powerful. "My answer is final."
Artemis suddenly fell backward, as Percy quickly ran forward to catch her. Her face looked pale and there was sweat dripping down her forehead. Her eyes were closed tightly as Percy carried her up bridal style and laid her down in his room.
He tried to let go afterward but he found her arms wrapped around his neck tightly. Percy sighed as he tried to pull away again. Artemis refused to let go though, making Percy let out a small prayer. "Whoever's listening, please save me tomorrow..."
Percy finally got down next to her as she snuggled close to him, making him blushed and unsure of what to do. In the end, she settled down for wrapping his arms awkwardly around her. He closed his eyes, sleep starting to overcome him. But a word from Artemis topped him from falling into a peaceful slumber.
"I love you," a small and soft voice whispered into the night as Percy's eyes widened. He didn't say anything, thinking it's probably because she's drunk. He ignored every part of his heart that long for it to be true.
Artemis woke up the next day with a foggy memory. She nearly jumped out of bed when she realized an arm was wrapped protectively around her. She started to panic for a second before looking down and realized, one, her clothes are still on, and two, it's Percy next to her. She sorted through her memories but drew a blank after her first drink. All she remembered was wanting more.
Percy started to stir next to her and when he opened his eyes, he fell off the bed, hitting the floor with a 'thud'. Artemis wouldn't admit it but she missed his warmth. His arms around her.
"I didn't do anything, I swear," Percy quickly stood up as Artemis smiled reasurely at him.
"I know," she started before frowning, a slight panic starting to rise once more. "Did I do… anything? What happened?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure," Percy admitted as he sat down on the edge of the bed. "When I found you, you looked like you're drunk. And your face was really pale. It's like you're poisoned or something."
"Poisoned?" Artemis asked uncertainty before wrecking her brain for any information on poison but drawing a blank. "Maybe… I'll have to ask Athena about it later."
"Anything… funny… happened?" Artemis asked again before Percy looked anywhere but at her. His eyes darted around the room, making her worried. She laid a calming hand on his shoulder as he quickly shook his head.
"No, nothing at all," he tried to smile before getting out of bed. "Well, I'm going to go get ready, so see you later."
Artemis sat alone in the bed, trying hard to remember what she had done. Had she said anything mean, done anything? She found that she couldn't find an answer though. Instead, she just sighed and started to get out of bed, hoping she didn't say anything that'll ruin this friendship they have.
Percy found himself at his parent's apartment once more when his mom suggested that he take a break from college. So he went there during Spring Break. His friendship with Artemis seemed to have taken a step back. He had tried to make it up to her but he doesn't know how. He knew he shouldn't trouble himself over it but she'd told him she loved him. Percy wanted to know if it's true, but he couldn't find the courage to ask.
Thalia seemed to notice this new change as she started pestering him about it, trying to get him to spill. He wouldn't say a word though. So when Sally had suddenly called her and asked her to come over to dinner but she didn't complain. It gave her a new opportunity to try her new plan, and maybe this time Percy will actually tell her what happened.
With the amount of "solo hunting" Artemis had been doing for the past years, Thalia found herself so much more free time. She'd originally gone up to Sally's apartment to check up on Percy, but when she found out he wasn't there, Sally had told her his address. The more they talked the more Thalia realized that she's a mother figure she'd never really had in her life. After she accidentally slipped up and called Sally "mom", the adoption paper was signed and she found herself a new family outside the hunt.
"Hey mom," Thalia greeted as she walked through the front door, leaving her shoes near the door and walking toward the kitchen, where she could smell the blue cookies. She grinned at Paul. "Hey, dad."
"Hey lil bro," Thalia smirked at Percy who happened to walk out of his room. A scowl was seen on his face as Thalia moved up to ruffle his hair. He ducked away with a smirk of his own as Thalia fake glared at him and tackled him. "You won't get away from me that easily."
Percy stuck out his tongue as he flipped the two of them over, pinning Thalia down on the ground this time. "Nah, I did get away from you easily. But will you excuse me, I have blue cookies I need to eat."
Sally shook her head with a small smile on her face as she watched the two of them argue on the floor, her hand subconsciously rubbing her stomach as she cleared her throat loudly. "I believe your father would eat all the cookies if you two don't stop arguing any time soon."
Paul chuckled as he nodded along, taking another cookie. Thalia's eyes widened as Percy quickly rushed toward the island where the freshly baked tray of cookies laid. Paul quickly finished the cookie in his hand as he took another one.
"Dad!" Thalia protested with a small pout as Paul smiled with a teasing glint in his eyes. "You're eating all of my cookies."
"And my cookie!" Percy added as he unwillingly put a few cookies back under his mom's stern look when he grabbed a handful. He stuffed them in his mouth as Thalia crunched the cookies quickly before reaching out for another one.
"What are you supposed to say?" Sally asked from the doorway, a small smile graced her lips.
"Thank you, mom!" The two of them echoed as Sally laughed and gestured toward the dining table. The duo took a sit across from each other as they looked toward Sally, wondering what she had to say.
Sally took a calming breath to stop her racing heart as she looked at her husband who gave her a smile of encouragement. Finally, she blurted out after a period of silence. "You two are going to a big sister and brother!"
"I'm already a big sister!" Thalia protested as Percy shouted. "I'm the big brother in the house!"
Sally sighed as the two started arguing about their age, none getting the hidden message behind the word. She sat down beside Paul as she leaned against his shoulder. He kissed her forehead as he watched his children with a smile, his hand on Sally's stomach, imaging life after the birth of the little one.
Artemis strolled through the street of Olympus, stuck in her head. She'd tried to speak to Percy again and again about what happened that fateful night but he wouldn't say anything, refusing to even talk about it. There are times where he'd tried to but he never succeeded so Artemis tried not to push him too much in fear of damaging their friendship even more.
She still visits every Saturday, but the atmosphere always becomes awkward when the topic of that night was brought up, none of them knowing what to say after that. Artemis sighed as she tried to remember as much as she could about that night but she could only remember up to hugging Percy from behind before her memories went blank.
Looking back at her behavior, Artemis is more sure that it's some kind of drug or poison that's in her drink. She wanted to ask Athena about it since she usually knows the answer. She was so lost in thought she didn't realize it until she bumped right into the person she was looking for.
"Athena!" Artemis exclaimed up in surprise as Athena looked up from her book in annoyance. Her facial expression softened when she saw who it was.
"Sister," Athena greeted as she made her book disappear with a snap of her fingers. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
Artemis looked around uncertainty before asking. "Do you think we can discuss this somewhere more private?"
Athena nodded as she laid a hand on Artemis' shoulder and flashed the two of them to her palace. The familiar smell of books filled the air as Athena gestured toward the table in the center of her library. Shelves and shelves of books surrounded them as Athena moved aside some blueprints and papers, one that looked suspiciously like a letter.
Artemis chose not to comment, focusing instead on the question she had. "What do you know about poison?"
Athena raised her eyebrow as she spoke up, her face showing no emotions. "And why would you be interested in poison, sister?"
Artemis rolled her eyes as she sighed, knowing Athena is right to be suspicious. "I was drugged or poisoned during the party."
"The ball?" Athena sat up straighter, looking both surprised and interested as Artemis nodded her head. "What made you think it wasn't just the drinks? Olympus does have strong alcoholic drinks."
"I was pale and I was dizzy. It felt hotter than usual and everything around me seemed to be spinny. Oh, and I'd never tasted any drink that made me crave for more," Artemis listed off. Athena looked thoughtful as she closed her eyes for a while before opening them and snapping her fingers, a book appearing in front of her. She flipped through the book silently, mumbling to herself.
"We need to call a council meeting," Athena firmly stated as Artemis stood up, a look of surprise flashed across her face.
"What for?"
"I think the threat we're facing is pretty obvious. The signs are all in front of us, you just have to find it."
Artemis jogged lightly beside Percy, the two of them running through the forest quietly. A quiver of arrows on her shoulder as she wrapped her fingers around her bow tightly. When Athena tried to call a council meeting the day before, her signal couldn't be sent out and none of the other gods could be reached. Athena had suspected that a greater power is behind it and said there's nothing they could do about it. All they could do is wait for the magic to fade.
"You're scaring away the animals," Artemis said bluntly as she tried not to laugh at the way Percy was holding the bow. Twenty or so years with the goddess of archery you would think one would be a great archer. Percy was a hopeless case though. No matter what Artemis tried, he couldn't be taught. At least he started showing a little progress recently.
"I'm as quiet as I can possibly be!" Percy hissed. He wasn't wrong, barely any noise was heard but there are still some small but noticeable sounds coming from the leaves and branches he's stepping on. Artemis on the other hand has steps as light as feather. Being a hunter for centuries definitely came in handy.
"Not enough," Artemis whispered as she suddenly pulled her bow out, noticing an arrow quietly and quickly before pulling the string. Percy uncapped Riptide as a celestial bronze sword appeared in his hands.
A loud growl was heard before a huge shadow covered the duo. A hellhound-like monster jumped out behind the brushes. Artemis' eyes widened when she suddenly realized where she'd seen it before. The day she'd meet Poseidon, she'd found the very same monster. Next to her, she heard Percy muttering "asillas." Artemis frowned, wondering how he knew that but decided to ask him later.
The asillas studied them, licking their lips as Artemis released the arrow. It bounced off the monster, sending both fear and deja vu down her spine. Her dreams, the night her life changed. Another thought suddenly came to mind as she remembered the dream, his lifeless body.
Hunting knives were out in an instant as she leaped forward, slashing at the asillas. Percy let out a battle cry next to her as he charged it. His sword sent the monster back a few steps but did no damage. Artemis moved forward again, her movements were quick and calculated. Percy watched from the sideline, unable to do anything but swing, and hacked at the monster, hoping it would help slightly.
"Percy!" Artemis's distant cries barely reached his ears before he was pushed out of the way. He landed on the ground, pain flaring up on his side. The asillas were gone, leaving behind black monster dust. His eyes landed on Artemis's form on the ground, ichor was covering the ground around her.
Percy quickly limped toward her, ignoring the pain in his ankle. Probably sprained it, he thought to himself as he kneeled down next to Artemis. Her eyes were closed and her head was limped on the ground. Her hand was cold but her forehead was burning up.
"No no no," he cried as his mind involuntarily flashed toward Annabeth. "Artemis, please be okay."
He ripped a piece of his own shirt off, ignoring the chilling wind. Nothing around him mattered, all the mattered was focusing on saving Artemis. There were three claw marks on her midsection and her arms seemed to be broken. Her silver hunting knives were dropped the moment she fell. Percy quickly wrapped his shirt around her midsection, reminding himself over and over that she's a goddess.
But as he put his ears to her chest, checking for heartbeats, he found none.
AN: Heh-
I mean like... this is a "perfect" ending! (I mean for me that is, for you... *hold up hands* Please don't kill me?)
Hope you guys enjoy this! I'll probably be updating more one-shots soon so you can look forward to that! Tell me what you think of it!
Stay safe.
- Kathy