AN: Merry Christmas guys! Or Happy Holidays which ever you prefer. I hope you enjoy the chapter. I worked my but off to have it done in time.
Also there is an important message at the end of the chapter so please check it out.
Chapter 54
Jason POV
'How much farther is it?' I thought as I trudged across the desert. 'There was supposed to be an oasis around here, Octavin said it would be here!' I mentally screamed letting out an actual shout of frustration
'Or...or he lied and set us up to die.' I realized looking at me quest mates. Both were from the Fifth Cohort like myself and they had passed out the day before. I found what looked like a sheet of metal from one of those granary towers and a little bit of rope that I used to make a makeshift sled to pull them with. I tried to let them rest during the day and pull them at night when it was cooler but things were looking grim. I had given them most of my water earlier in the hopes it would last them until we reached the oasis but now I knew that was a lie. The sun was peeking over the horizon and I knew I was going to have to find something soon if we were going to make it out of here.
Pausing to give my aching arms a rest I grabbed my canteen and opened it up for a drink. You can imagine my despair when barely a drop of water fell onto my cracked lips. The strength vanished from my legs and I fell to my knees. 'After all this we were going to die here in the desert' I despaired of fighting back tears. I didn't know what else to do. I'd prayed to my Father, Mars, Bellona, even Lupa no one had answered.
Steeling my nerves I put my hands together for one last prayer, I'd been warned not to call on him but if I didn't try now I would be dead anyway. "Perseus, I don't know if you can hear me or even care but please lend me your aid. My friends are nearly dead and I don't have the strength left to help them anymore. I-I don't know what to do please help me." Most would be disgusted by me praying to anyone who was even remotely part of Neptune's realm, but I didn't care.
I waited a moment but nothing happened. Forcing myself to my feet I grabbed the rope and pushed forward, if I was going to die then I would die like a Roman, fighting for survival. With every step my canteen swung from its strap that attached it to my belt, occasionally hitting my leg. This went on for an hour with each hit getting progressively harder until finally I reached down and unhooked the blasted strap. I intended to hurl the container out into the desert, after all it was useless to me now, but to my shock it was heavy.
Unscrewing the cap once again I let out actual tears as literal drops of water flowed from the overfilled canteen. With barely any hesitation I brought it to my lips and took greedy gulps. It tasted so fresh like the rain itself was that which filled it, never having touched the ground. I had drunk nearly half of it before I remembered my fellow legionnaires. Dropping the rope I stepped onto the sled and coaxed one of them awake. Dakota was weak but conscious enough to gulp down the water himself.
I wanted to let him have his fill but I had another companion to worry about. Taking the canteen away he seemed to understand and didn't fight me. Carefully waking up Eric I put the canteen to his lips. This would be the last of the water but it might just buy us one more day.
When Eric didn't stop drinking despite the fact that the canteen had to be empty I gently pulled it away. Looking inside I nearly dropped the container as more water bubbled up from within. A light drew my attention allowing me to see the image of a dragon being seared onto the container. "He enchanted it." I marveled running my fingers over the image. Hidden amongst the dragons scales I could make out a symbol but I didn't understand its meaning.
Going back to my companions I let them drink as much as they wanted before pulling them off the sled. Flipping the rounded piece of metal over I stuck it in the ground to give us some shade from the sun. We had all the water we could ask for now and waiting a day to recover certainly wasn't going to kill us.
Percy POV
Normal people let their siblings sleep when they are tired after a major battle, even if said battle happened a few days prior. My brother is not a normal person. That very fact is the reason I was awoken at an unholy hour by my adorable niece jumping into my bed and onto my chest screaming "Uncle Percy!".
"Hey Amera." I groaned as the rambunctious girl practically bounced on my chest. Oh how I wished I could just go back to sleep. I had dreamt about Jason praying to me again and much like last time I felt drained, though not as much as before.
Cracking my eyes open I saw Triton grinning ear to ear while Annabeth was rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "What are you doing? It's like six in the morning." she groaned.
Triton laughed, enjoying our misery. "Well the wife and I had business to attend to and when we asked Amera who she wanted to spend the day with your names were at the top of the list."
"Yeah us." I yawned, grabbing my niece while rolling onto my side.
"Uncle Percy what are you doing?" Amera asked, struggling to get out of my grip.
"Going back to sleep and so are you." I said holding her close to my chest.
"But I don't wanna sleep." Even with my eyes closed I could practically feel her pouting.
"But if you do go back to sleep we can visit the pegasus stables after breakfast." I said and immediately she stopped moving.
"Promise?" she said quietly. She loved pegasus' and the one time she met blackjack I swear she lost her mind with excitement.
"I promise, now go to sleep." I said. Triton laughed and flashed out while Amera made herself comfortable. She must have been more tired than she let on because she was asleep within minutes.
Smiling to myself I allowed sleep to overtake me. What felt like five minutes later Annabeth was shaking me awake "Come on sleepy head it's almost time for breakfast and Amera is getting restless." It was then that I noticed that my niece was no longer in my arms.
Sighing I rolled out of bed and walked into the bathroom. After a quick shower and a change of clothes the three of us were out the door. Amera was between Annabeth and I practically bouncing with excitement. She held both mine and Annabeth's hand in each of her own and I'm pretty sure she was trying to gently pull us towards the pavilion.
On our way there I saw Nico and Bianca talking with the hunters of Artemis. There had been a debate about whether or not Bianca was still part of the hunt since she had died and that normally is considered the end. However there were some that argued that the oath never says they are released upon their death. Thalia put an end to the argument saying that Artemis would have to have the final say. For now Chiron was allowing the children of Hades to share a room in the big house. Mostly because the Hermes cabin didn't want the siblings staying with them.
Upon reaching the pavilion I let go of Amera's hand so Annabeth could set the goddess on her lap. Other campers were taking their seats too but most didn't seem to pay us much attention. Chiron on the other took notice of Amera almost immediately and made his way over to us. "Good morning you two." He greeted "And who might this be?"
"This is Amera, Triton's daughter." I answered "He asked Annabeth and I to watch her for a little while so he could take care of something."
"I see," Chiron said with controlled surprise. "and would happen to know who her mother is?"
"His wife." Annabeth replied with skillfully feigned confusion "I thought there was a big announcement a while back that he was married."
"There was but given the tendencies of most gods I thought it best to check." That was a blatant lie and we all knew it, well probably not Amera. The old centaur was probably trying to confirm or disprove the claims Zeus was making.
"Auntie Annabeth what Ten-den-tees mean?" Amera asked, struggling with the large word.
"Tendencies" Annabeth corrected "refers to something you are likely to do. You like to swim so one could say you have a tendency to swim."
"Oh okay" The young goddess said, taking a moment to process the information "But what does that have to do with my parents?"
"Yes Chiron, what does that have to do with her parents?" I asked, biting back a snort.
"That's something you should ask your father about." Chiron said, hastily excusing himself.
"What was that all about?" Thalia asked, approaching the table.
"It's a long story." Annabeth replied.
Thalia shrugged "So Annabeth, you change your mind about joining the hunt?"
"Nope," she said "still happy with Thomas."
"Figured but I'm expected to at least ask powerful demigoddesses when I get the chance." She said with another shrugged "So what's up with you two?"
"Not much really, just trying to rest up. And babysitting." I said adding in the last part with a teasing tone.
"I'm not a baby!" Amera whined.
"You're not even a year old yet so I think it still fits." I laughed, enjoying her adorable pout "But when you turn one you get to start weapons training and only big girls get to use weapons."
"I can't wait till my birthday." The young goddess grumbled.
Seeing Thalia's extremely confused look Annabeth decided to help her out "Amera is a goddess." She explained "Triton left her in our care for a little while."
"Ooooh that makes a lot more sense." Thalia said crouching down so she was more on Amera's level "So how about you? Want to come join the hunters of Artemis, we can teach all about weapons and hunting?"
Amera perked up briefly but it didn't last long "Daddy said I can't join the Hunters until I'm at least ten." She replied.
Thalia sighed dramatically "Well if that's what he said I guess you'll have to wait. Tell you what, I reserve a spot just for you in the hunt, does that sound good?" Amera nodded enthusiastically.
"Great, see you around!" Thalia said heading back to the hunters table.
"Did you know she was that good with kids?" I whispered to Annabeth.
"Not really. Even when I travelled with her she was a bit more, I don't know, rough might be the word."
Annabeth POV
The nymphs and naiads eventually brought out breakfast for everyone which was usually a fairly simple affair. Today it involved eggs, bacon, and a buttered biscuit. Seeing no reason to delay I dished up a portion for myself and Amera before passing the remaining to Percy.
After the other nymphs left one came back. Looking up I expected that she was bringing hash browns or fruit to round out the meal. What I was not expecting to see was nymph blushing brightly while she placed a small plate of chocolate chip pancakes on the table. While she didn't set the plate directly in front of anyone it was clear to me that it was meant for Percy.
'This is new' I thought. I mean I had noticed that nymphs had started showing him more attention since the battle of the labyrinth but this was by far the most direct action any of them had taken.
Naturally Percy missed it entirely "Amera look at what the nice nymph brought you!" He said sliding the plate in front of the young goddess. The nymph wilted slightly as her gift was miss interpreted but smiled as Amera thanked her profusely.
Percy, Amera, and I gave our offerings to the gods which was a little strange given the fact that the two of them were gods themselves. Still it was better safe than sorry.
After breakfast we decided that I would be the one to take Amera to the stables since Percy hadn't fully recovered yet. I worry for him, he was taking so long to recover and while I understood that this was a result of him being cut off from his domains, this morning he was paler than he was last night.
Percy POV
A good nap that's all I wanted and it seemed like the universe was against it. After Annabeth left with Amera Chiron called me over to the big house. "Percy, how are you feeling? He asked, offering me a seat.
"I'm alright." I said taking my place on the couch.
"Are you sure?" He pressed "I don't mean to alarm you but what you did during your quest and the battle that followed was almost...unbelievable. I've been teaching demigods for thousands of years and more than a few of your half siblings have attempted similar feats and I can count on one hand with fingers to spare the number that have survived it."
"But they did survive?"
"Well yes" the old centaur admitted concern entering his voice "but none of them have bounced back as...effortlessly as you have. I'm worried that there may be some sort of effect they just haven't noticed yet. I ask again, how are you feeling."
I wanted to just wave him off but given what he just told me I thought a certain degree of honesty might be prudent. "Is Mr. D still out running errands for his father?" Chiron nodded "Well here is what I can remember." And it all just started pouring out of me. At first I only told him about how I felt after the battle, leaving out only the dream of Jason, but it didn't stop there. I told about the battle itself and everything I felt when calling on my power. Then I went into what happened at the volcano and landing on Leto Island. I did leave out her friend as I didn't want them to get in trouble because I was an idiot. Upon finishing I looked to Chiron hoping he'd have an answer to what I was feeling.
For a long time Chiron said nothing simply pondering my words. "I see" he said calmly "that is most unusual but I don't believe that what you are feeling is cause for alarm."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes I've heard about this sort of thing happening in the past and I don't believe you are in any danger. If my understanding is correct then it only means you have yet to realize your full potential."
Relieved I slumped on the couch. I was tired and this stress wasn't helping. "That's good." I breathed. Standing up I thanked Chiron for his help and allowed him to walk me to the door. Stepping across the threshold I spun back for one last question "So other demigods have gone through this before?"
"No. I've never heard of any demigod or monster going through this kind of growth." He said closing the door before I could ask what he meant.
Walking back to my cabin I could help but contemplate the conversation I'd just had. 'He said others had gone through it but no demigod or monster had. Well what was left? Nature spirits and gods? Immortals too and maybe even the dead?' I discounted the last one as I was certain that I was very much alive and I wasn't even sure it counted as a separate type of being. The prophecy still hung over my head so that meant I could be a god or immortal. Did that make me some kind of nature spirit? I heard stories of mortals becoming nature spirits so it wasn't impossible but again what of the prophecy? Maybe I was some kind of demigod/nature spirit hybrid. Clearly more research was needed.
I was so engrossed in my thoughts I almost didn't even notice Artemis waiting for me. "Hello Percy." she greeted.
"Lady Artemis." I replied with a nod of my head. "What can I do for you?"
"Thalia mentioned something about a potential hunter in your cabin and I thought I'd come take a look for myself."
"Did she mention that Amera's father didn't want her joining until she was older?" I asked
"Yes but that doesn't mean I can't build some bridges now." Artemis said with a shrug.
'Not like you really need to.' I thought with a laugh 'Zoe seems to already have her mind set on it.'
"By the way how are you doing?" Artemis asked, looking oddly concerned.
"I'm fine, just really tired from everything you know."
"That's to be expected. If even half of the things I've heard are true then you're lucky you didn't get yourself killed." She said. It almost felt like she was scolding me.
"Well I don't know what everyone one is claiming but there was some pretty crazy stuff that happened. Oh! And I met your mother!" I said, causing genuine shock to fly across the goddesses face. "She wants you to visit more, says she misses her little moonbeam."
"Really well I'll have to do that sometime soon now won't." It was strange, even though she was smiling the whole time I suddenly felt like my life had just been forfeited.
"Uncle Percy!" Amera shouted, an event that years later I would claim probably saved my life.
"Amera!" I replied, catching the young goddess flying tackle. Carefully Resting her on my hip I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. "What are you doing here? I thought Annabeth was taking you to see the stables?"
"She did and I got to meet all the pegasus and feed them and fly on Blackjack!" She said practically vibrating with excitement.
'She did all that? How long was I talking to Chiron?' I thought turning so Amera could see Artemis. "Hey Amera there's someone I want you to meet." I said directing my attention to the elder goddess present "This is my friend Artemis."
Naturally Amera was very familiar with the name thanks to Zoe but her reaction wasn't what I was expecting "Emily!" She said, waving animatedly.
Both Artemis and I jumped at her declaration as it was just so unexpected "Amera" I said gently "This is Artemis. Emily is a completely different person."
Amera looked at me while tilting her head adorably before looking back at Artemis "Emily." She said defiantly pointing at the moon goddess.
"Whose Emily?" Artemis asked.
"My girlfriend." I said hoping she didn't smite me.
Artemis snorted "In your dreams boy."
Ok just because that statement was technically true didn't mean it didn't hurt.
Ignoring the statement for now I focused on Amera "Why do you think she's Emily?" I asked "They don't even look the same."
"But Daddy doesn't always look the same and he's still my Daddy." she reasoned. Honestly considering Amera was less than a year old it was a pretty solid argument and I couldn't think of a way to convince her otherwise. She was a goddess being raised by and around beings that could alter their forms at will. What was I going to say that would change her mind.
Artemis seeing my frustration laughed softly "Well I think it's time I took my leave. I need to speak to Chiron before I collect my hunters."
Zoe POV
I don't mean to sound ungrateful but it was times like this I really wish I was a god rather than just an immortal. Sure immortality has its perks but when the city you live in resides in the deepest depths of the ocean it takes a fair amount of time to get anywhere. Upon seeing the shores of Camp Half Blood I sighed it temporary relief. My journey was half over and while I was looking forward to seeing my daughter again I was not looking forward to the long trip home with a hyperactive child.
Stepping onto the shore I set out for the Poseidon cabin in the hopes that Amera would be there. My destination was in sight when Artemis appeared around the other side heading towards the big house.
It was the first time I'd seen her since I left the hunt. I couldn't let this opportunity slip by, hopefully Percy and Annabeth wouldn't mind watching their niece a little longer. Quickening my pace I ran after my sister in all but blood. We were nearly to the big house by the time I caught up to her "Artemis." I said, just barely raising my voice.
Turning around her eyes widened as she saw me "Zoe!" She all but shouted, pulling me into a hug. "It's good to see you again!"
"I know" I replied "I've been trying to contact you but my IM's never seem to get through."
Pulling back Artemis looked down very much like a child would when they knew they'd been caught. "Things have been pretty crazy since you left." she said "I've had a bit of trouble adapting."
It wasn't the whole truth but I wasn't going to press her for the rest right now. "I know I've heard all about what's been happening on Olympus. Who would have thought your brother would have had the guts to face down Hades himself." I laughed.
Artemis looked up with a rueful smile "You think he used his bad poetry to scare my Uncle off?" she said letting out a laugh of own.
"Who knows, it's not like it can be used for anything else." I replied.
This was nice, for a moment it felt like old times. Sadly the Fates had other plans "Are you here to rejoin the hunt?" Artemis asked hopefully.
"No." I said shaking my head. "I'm sorry to say but I will never again be a member of the hunt."
"Oh common just because you've turned me down this time doesn't mean the offer is rescinded. As long as you are a maiden there will always be a place waiting for you. Though you might have to fight Thalia if you want to be my lieutenant again."
This was going to be harder than I thought but I wanted her to hear it from me "Artemis that's just it. You see after I left I-"
My words died in my throat as a shout filled the air "Amera wait!" On instinct I spun in place and effortlessly caught my daughter as she leapt through the air. "You're early!" she laughed hugging me with all her might.
Behind her Percy, who had apparently been chasing her, lost his balance as he tried to stop and tumbled to the ground. "Uncle Percy is being silly." Amera laughed, ultimately causing Artemis and myself to join her.
"I'm glad my pain brings you joy." he said dryly, making no attempt to pick himself up.
"You know Amera?" Artemis asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course I do." I said in a tone that was much calmer than I felt "You see Amera is my daughter."
Artemis straightened like she had been slapped. Panicking I pressed forward hoping she would understand. "It all happened so quickly, a lot of it seems like a blur. One minute I was working at a mortal school. The next Triton was asking me to marry him. I wanted you to be there for the wedding but then everything happened and I couldn't get a hold of you. Then I found out Amera was on the way and then-" I was rambling because I didn't know what else to do.
Artemis held up a hand silencing me. I knew this would be a blow but I hoped she wouldn't hate me for it. "Are you happy?" She asked.
"Very." I said looking at my poor confused daughter who was watching me with concern.
"Then I'm happy for you and I wish I had been there for it all. Maybe if I hadn't fought myself over pointless things I could have met Amera long before now." She said embracing me once more.
Pulling away Artemis furrowed her brow, as if something had just donned on her, and shot Percy a glare "Wait a minute you knew about this didn't you?"
"I did." was Percy's careful reply as him finally got off the ground. Probably realized he can't run while laying down.
"I asked him not to say anything. I wanted you to hear it from me." I placated.
Artemis took a calming breath "I understand, I probably would have done the same."
Just as Percy seemed to relax Artemis crossed the distance between them and slapped him across the face, hard. "That's for lying to me."
Percy POV
Twenty minutes after Zoe left with Amera I was sitting in my cabin holding I ice pack to my still stinging cheek. Meanwhile Annabeth was laughing her head "Your face looks like one of those freaking do not walk signs!"
"Don't you have a class to teach or something." I snapped laying down and facing the wall. I glad Artemis forgave me and all but did she really have to slap me so hard. Annabeth, still laughing, got up and left finally giving me some peace.
With her gone I thought back to Artemis. Was it wrong that I found her incredibly attractive when angry? Probably. I had a girlfriend and I shouldn't really be having these kinds of thoughts. Speaking of my girlfriend, why did Amera think she and Artemis were the same? They looked nothing alike! 'It would make far more sense for her to confuse Artemis and Leto.' I thought.
I wondered how the Titaness was doing. It was lonely for her on that Island and while she did have her friend that came to visit I knew she struggled at times. Honestly I was sickened by the fact she was even imprisoned. I didn't know the whole story and what little I did was based on what I'd overheard when Leto and her friend thought I was sleeping.
From what I understood after Leto learned who Zeus really was, and had given birth to Apollo and Artemis, she went to live in the countryside. There she met a fell in love with a peaceful giant named Damasen. They were happy for a while but eventually Zeus became jealous and killed Damasen with a demigod's help. Then he imprisoned Leto on an Island surrounded by monsters that would prevent any mortal from reaching it.
Sighing I adjusted the ice pack and tried to go to sleep.
AN: Hey guys so I've got a problem. I've been really thinking about the domains I want to give Percy and I've hit a snag. I've picked out two physical domains that I feel would fit Percy very well but I want to give him at least one domain that is more ethereal if that makes any sense.
To clarify I'm defining physical domains as things you can touch. Examples are sea, sky, earth, sun, moon, fire, etc. Physical domains are things we come to understand through our senses.
Ethereal Domains are things like love, war, wisdom, fear, chivalry Etc. They are either emotional states or ideologies. (I'm trying to stay away from the domain of heroes as that one is chosen all the time.)
Now here is the problem I'm running into. I can't come up with an Ethereal domain that I feel matches Percy and that is my challenge for you the reader! Send me an Ethereal domain that you feel matches this version of Percy and your argument. The best one will be featured in my next chapter and be officially named as one of Percy's domains.
