Okay...so, a lot of people didn't want Percy to be a 'Lord of Wolves' yet. However, they weren't against the idea of Percy shapeshifting into a wolf. Thus, I wrote this chapter to satisfy both criteria. Imagining Chaos as a dramatic lady, who would have a thing for flair, I composed the shapeshifting part of the chapter.

As for people who want a third POV, I can do that. I'll have a third POV more and more frequently in each chapters where a vivid description is required. Sorry, but the base of the story will be the First POV. I hope you can read this chapter first as a... template for how the POVs will work before complaining and whining in the comments

'Ha?', was my intelligent response to her announcement. 'L-lord of the wolves?'. My voice was an octave higher than usual.

Chaos nodded enthusiastically. 'Yup! You have the domain of wolves now!'

I rolled my eyes. 'I gathered that, Chaos. But why? I'm not even an immortal, I can't have a domain. Moreover, this domain is already occupied by Lupa. And what does it even entail?' I asked confusedly.

Chaos seemed to ponder this for a moment. 'Hmm, you are correct, but it's not a domain. At least, not yet'.

Sensing my displeasure at her cryptic choice of words, she explained further. 'You are accurate, you can't have a domain if you aren't an immortal. Right now, this 'domain' is just a title. Like a sign of your ownership of the domain, if you will. What you can have is the requisite form for the domain of wolves. For example, Lupa wasn't always a goddess. When she cared for Romulus and Remus, she was a mere wolf. Jupiter was the one to grant her immortality and a human form, to further the legacy of Rome and train legionaries.' She explained.

I blinked, then frowned. 'Wait, does that mean you gave me a wolf form right now, so if I accept godhood, I would be known as the 'Lord of Wolves'?

That made a lot of sense if I thought about it. Poseidon had an affinity for water before the kingdoms for the big three were drawn. Same with Hades and Zeus. They received the domains with which they were most comfortable. No doubt the work of Fates.

'Not if, but when you become a god', Chaos corrected sternly. 'And yes, 'Lord of Wolves' will be one of your many titles.'

I grumbled but relented. 'Fine. When', I snarked. 'What do you mean 'one of many'? And don't the Fates give someone their domain?'

Chaos smiled and further said. 'Generally, the Fates are the ones to give a new god their domains, however, since your life string is not their's to weave anymore, I took the liberty to make you the successor for the domain.'

'So, will my wolf form remain the same after I ascend godhood?', I questioned.

Chaos barked a laugh, unable to control herself. 'Gods no! Your wolf form will be much more untamed and exceedingly powerful. The sheer aura from your body will suffocate any mortal or demigod that stands in front of you. You will radiate authority and viciousness. You will draw your power from all the wolves around the world who will claim you as their Lord and bow their heads in acknowledgment. Your wolf form will easily tower the largest of Cyclops and Hundred-handed-ones', Chaos declared proudly.

I blinked, my mind slowly coming up to terms with what happened in the last hour. 'You mean, I would cap at about twelve feet in height and four feet in width. You also said I would draw power from the countless wolves around the globe', I said slowly as Chaos nodded in agreement.

'Why in my father's name, would you give me domain so powerful?' I asked incredulously. 'Aren't you worried I would abuse all this power? I don't want any more power! Why do you and Nyx have so much faith in me? I'm just a normal demi-god!'

Chaos laughed softly, an actual, mirthful laugh of amusement. 'Oh you silly boy, the fact you don't want this power, that any being would kill for, shows that you are worthy. We trust you because of your past actions and tendencies to protect others before yourself. Besides-', she said with a smirk. 'If you ever turn up like Zeus, you'll have Artemis to straighten you out.'

I turned a bit red at the comment but shuddered at the prospect of ever becoming like the paranoid, power-hungry King of Olympus.

'Right', I replied shakily. 'So, do I have the power to take up my wolf form, right now, seeing I am a demigod?'

Chaos nodded. 'Of course, just focus on your instinct and your more... wolf-ish side?' she half-asked-half-told. 'Just imagine yourself turning into a wolf and you'll be fine', she advised with a sheepish wave of her hands.

I rolled my eyes at her thorough and enlightening explanation but tried nevertheless.

I closed my eyes and muted out everything around me. I felt my senses going deeper and deeper inside me until I felt them reaching a wild aura of pure darkness. I gasped and shrunk away involuntarily when I came in contact with the quiescent wolf, that I could feel before me.

I could feel its enormous midnight black form, radiating darkness as its stomach heaved with every cold breath. With a start, I realized that the wolf was asleep, curled up to protect itself from the malevolent aura around it which was trying to consume its massive form.

I almost retreated my senses because of the overwhelming sensations of malice, bloodlust, and hostility. I steeled my nerves and approached the evil aura once again. This time when I came in contact with it, it latched on to me, urging me to lose control over the unbridled fury and hate.

I grit my teeth in exertion as I tried to push away the malicious side of the canine and wake up the lone noble wolf that was buried beneath all the self-hatred, rage, guilt, and other emotions that weighed over my mind.

My emotions!

All the varying sentiments plagued my mind, forcing me to submit to my most negative thoughts and emotions. I am ashamed to admit that I was tempted to give in. The temptation, for some reason, was too great to submit myself and turn into a mindless, remorseless, and vicious beast.

In desperation, I forced myself to remember every good and content memory I had. Visions of my mothers, Annabeth, Thalia, and Artemis flooded my mind as they urged me to cling on to the good moments. In a way, it was like the Styx. At that time, Annabeth pulled me out of the river as my mortal anchor. This time I had my family.

I gasped breathlessly when the evil aura began to back off slightly. As the aura retreated slightly, I screamed in exertion as I tried to dispel it for good.

A bright white light burst forth me, covering every corner until I was blinded. With an agonizing hiss, the evil side of Percy Jackson vanished, dispelled by the blinding flash.

Just as it started, the light shut off, leaving me in pitch-black darkness. I blinked in an attempt to make out where I was. The effort became futile when the darkness seemed to cling on to me like a second skin, depriving my eyes off any light.

I strained my ears when I heard a calming tha-thump in front of me. With a start, I realized the sound was the heart-beat of the wolf which lay dormant in front of me.

I squinted and stared in the darkness for any change or movement in the canine. With a dramatic click, the beast opened its eyes.

I gasped at the two glowing whirlpools of endless green and blue staring right at me, like orbs glowing with power in the endless Nyx.

The wolf was awake.

/\

Percy heaved in exhaustion as his body gave out, pulling him out of his mind and he crumpled onto the cool floor beneath. With labored breaths, he came upon the realization that his body was... changing.

He watched in fascination as his hands transformed into muscular paws with wickedly sharp claws. With cracks and pops of bones, his spine elongated and his tan skin gave way to a luscious coat of black fur.

He felt his face elongate into a sharp snout and his teeth transform into gleaming fangs as his senses heightening tenfold. A white streak ran from his strong neck, all the way to his waist horizontally, adding to his intimidating look. His ears turned sharper and flicked in content as his hearing enhanced.

Where the demi-god once stood, a midnight raven-black wolf crouched as the floor groaned under its paws, its muscles rippling under its weight. Its fangs gleamed in the soft glow of the moonlight entering the cabin, sharper than most enchanted weapons. Taking a soundless yet regal step forward, the wolf opened his orbs, revealing the fierce gaze of a predator.

The most enchanting of eyes adorned the magnificent specimen. The sea-green orbs with flecks of turquoise shining with intelligence that would bring lesser enemies to a standstill with their stare alone. Shadows swirled around the creature's limbs, as the temperature in the cabin dropped a few degrees.

The wolf brought his head down slowly and gazed at its form, presumably to marvel upon its magnificent frame.

Of course, we forget, that the wolf is still Percy Jackson.

With an undignified squeak of surprise, our fearsome warrior fell on his wolfish butt as he took a glance at his body. Apparently, this was too much to handle for our young demi-god as his eyes rolled up and he fainted and collapsed in a heap.

If one were to take a look inside his mind, they would find the creator of the universe snickering at the utter grace and elegance presented by the predator.

Percy opened his eyes slowly as the rosy rays of Eos' dawn entered the cabin, lighting it up in a warm orange glow. The birds chirped and flitted across the clear skies as a gentle gale blew across the terrain in Camp Half-Blood. He could hear the gleeful yells of younger campers as they played in the morning hours. He blinked a few times until the last traces of tiredness and sleep were removed from his eyes, which flitted randomly around the room.

Our hero groaned and sat upright on the bed, wiping the drool off his face with a towel. With a confused grunt, he leaned over his bed, to check the time in the clock on his bedstand. With a soft sigh, he put his hands on his head and recalled the events of the previous night.

After Skia passed out, it took a great deal of noise to wake him up again, courtesy of Chaos. Normally, Nyx would be all about making annoying peppy remarks, but since she was out of commission, it was Chaos' job to wake the heavy sleeper.

Oh right! Upon the suggestion of naming the wolf form from Chaos, Percy had chosen Skia as his name. Quite fitting actually, with its raven-black fur which seemed to melt in 'shadows'.

Upon waking up, Percy demanded why had Chaos put him through such a ritual and what happened to 'just imagine yourself as a wolf.' Chaos seemed pretty sheepish when she apologized for her forgetfulness. The 'ritual' was actually a test, which Percy had to pass to embrace the animalistic side of his without succumbing to the wild, vicious and untamed side of the predator.

While Percy was still mad at Chaos for forgetting such an important detail, he felt much more at ease than before. It was like he had come to terms with his flaws and innermost guilts. It made him feel much better that he wouldn't go all 'big bad wolf' on someone because of his unruly, suppressed instincts. He didn't need that on his conscience, not after what happened with Akhlys.

After learning all about his wolf form from Chaos, he was ready for bed. He had been pleasantly surprised to learn he could control his powers in his wolf form, just not as well. While they wouldn't be as potent as in his wolf form, they would certainly prove as awesome intimidating tactics.

Just imagine facing a seven-foot midnight-black wolf with shadows swirling around its enormous form, with fervent embers wisping from its luscious coat, glowing sea-green eyes, and gleaming silver fangs. Yeah, the enemies would probably piss their pants.

They both had decided that until desperate, Percy wouldn't transform into Skia in presence of anyone other than his mother and Artemis. He would probably have to reveal it, but he would cross the bridge when they'd get there.

Percy was snapped out of his musings when an overenthusiastic nod racked his door. "Hey, Perce! C'mon bud, it's time for breakfast." Luke called out cheerily.

With a loud grunt of agreement, he quickly put on his t-shirt and wiped the sleep out of his eyes to step outside where he was greeted by a cheerful Luke Castellan.

The two exchanged niceties and made their way towards the dining pavilion while talking about menial things.

/\

In the evening, I found myself standing at the entrance of the big house. I had conversed with Artemis and my mother earlier that day, and they both had agreed to prepone the quest a little bit.

If I had left things to pan out naturally, I would've been summoned by Chiron in about a week, but I was getting restless so I decided to confront the god and Chiron there and then.

I took a deep breath and knocked on the door, hoping to find just Chiron inside. Of course, the Fates hated me because the first thing I noticed when my favorite centaur opened the door was the pot-belly of the pitiful excuse for a god.

I bit back a groan as Chiron greeted me in surprise. "Percy, my boy! Come on in, we were just talking about you."

I bit back a retort at his tact and followed him inside, where the god was seated. Mr. D glanced at me with a bored look on his face and turned back to his cards. "Why is the boy here, Chiron? I thought we agreed to let him be for a few days before sending him off to his impending doom." He spoke.

I raised my eyebrows at him and turned to Chiron. "What's all this about?" I asked, gesturing to Dionysus. Chiron looked like a deer caught in headlights. He gave a nervous smile in response and pointed to an empty chair. "You may want to sit down first, Percy"

I obliged and took a seat, subconsciously moving as far away from Dionysus as possible. Chiron noticed this and chuckled while pouring himself a cup of tea.

"Well don't expect me to bow, Peter Johnson, just because your father is Ol' Barnacle Beard and Hestia," Dionysus said, while I picked up a pinochle card absentmindedly.

I rolled my eyes. "I didn't expect you to Lord Dionysus. I'm after all just a half-blood to do the gods' work" I sassed. He narrowed his eyes, probably to discern any disrespect from my tone.

Chiron interjected quickly, no doubt to restrain any further arguments. "Ah Percy, now, we were to inform you of this development in a week, but since Mr. D has already hinted it, I might as well explain everything." He says, looking a bit apologetic.

I waved my hand dismissively. "It's fine, Chiron." While I was annoyed at his habit of being vague and withholding important information, I didn't have the time and patience to not get cranky.

Before Chiron could start his explanation about the theft, Dionysus started his whiny charade again. "If I had my way," Dionysus said, "I would cause your molecules to erupt in flames. We'd sweep up the ashes and be done with a lot of trouble. But Chiron seems to feel this would be against my mission at this cursed camp: to keep you little brats safe from harm."

"Spontaneous combustion is a form of harm, Mr. D," Chiron put in.

"Nonsense," Dionysus said. "Boy wouldn't feel a thing. Nevertheless, I've agreed to restrain myself I'm thinking of turning you into a dolphin instead, sending you back to your father."

"Mr. D-" Chiron warned.

I just watched their exchange with a hand on my head like a tennis match.

"Oh, all right," Dionysus relented. "There's one more option. But it's deadly foolishness." Dionysus rose as he put down his can of diet coke. "While you explain the details of what you have decided, I am going to take a nap. I don't want to be here when the brat gets his ego blown up."

I just raised an eyebrow at him, as he lumbered out of the room.

"Ah, I must advise you to no get disheartened by Mr. D's behavior. He hates all heroes." Chiron shrugged apologetically.

"Because of Theseus?" I guessed, looking at the sleeping head of Seymor from the crack in the door.

Chiron looked surprised but nodded uneasily. "Quite true. Lord Dionysus hasn't forgotten what Theseus did to his wife." I nodded as he continued. "However, we must not dwell on that. We have more pressing matters to attend to."

He turned to me. "Tell Percy, what did you make of the hellhound?"

I was surprised he asked this question this time too so I just decided to answer it a bit inaccurately. "I mean it was scary at first, facing a monster and all, but I just kinda gave in to my instincts, and then I wasn't nervous anymore. Though I'm glad you killed it"

Chiron smiled a bit and nodded. "Very good. Your instincts are extremely important in battle situations. They will save your life in dire circumstances and you must trust them. You will have plenty of time to hone them when you're done."

I feigned ignorance. "Done with what, sir?" I asked.

"Your quest, of course."

"My quest," I repeated. "Quest for what exactly, sir?"

He grimaced. "Ah, the details are quite hard to explain, Percy."

I looked outside the window, where the sun was setting with wisps of storm clouds brewing around the barrier. I could feel the sea getting choppier by the second, as the tension between the two elder gods heightened.

"You want me to retrieve the master bolt, right?" I asked, ignoring the shocked agape expression on the centaur. "Poseidon and Zeus are fighting over it, aren't they? Zeus blames Poseidon for stealing the bolt on the winter solstice, that's why the weather has been weird since Christmas. He believes that I, a scrawny twelve-year-old, introduced to the world of gods a week ago, stole the bolt during the winter solstice, when, mind you, I wasn't anywhere near New York at the time, correct?" I asked rhetorically but Chiron replied anyway.

"Correct, Percy," He said shakily, still in shock from my little rant.

I sighed and concluded. "Zeus is an idiot."

Chiron gasped at my choice of words as a loud thunderclap shook the valley. The windows rattled and Chiron paled. "You should not have said that, child"

I shrugged. "I should not have, but I don't like false accusations, especially those without proof and common sense and tact."

Chiron nodded shakily. "Um...uh...yes, though may I ask how did you come upon this information?"

"Sure," I said. "My mother told me. After I was claimed, I talked with my mother and she told me how the tensions in Olympus were at an all-time high because Zeus' bolt was stolen. She explained how Zeus threatened to wage war on my father, believing he stole the oversized sparkler. Father, in return, was extremely offended by the accusation, and rightly so, and demanded an apology before the summer solstice. Now that my dad has freely claimed me, Zeus has found someone else to pin the blame on and now I have to search for the bolt as a peace offering. Did I miss something?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Um... no, that's about it," Chiron replied, finally regaining sense. "Though Lord Zeus does have the right to be suspicious from your father, seeing he has tried this sort of thing to gain leadership before. I believe-"

"Uh... let me stop you right there, Chiron," I interjected with an apologetic expression. "If you are referring to when Zeus was captured in a golden net then, pardon my bluntness, you are incorrect. It was a decision collectively made by Lady Hera, Lady Athena, Lord Apollo, and father. However, dad and the others never wanted power or the rule. They merely wanted to make him rule better. The council was tired of his paranoia and tyranny, so they tied him up and urged him to be a better king. My father is and was quite content with ruling Atlantis and never was his intention of overthrowing his youngest brother." I said sternly, before blinking. "Ah, sorry about that." I offered apologetically. "I became quite defensive over him. My apologies."

Chiron stared at me, then blinked before chuckling. "I should be the one apologizing, young one. I didn't mean to offend you or your father like that. Regardless, if the bolt is not returned to Zeus before the solstice meeting, the skies and seas will be at war with each other, nature fighting against itself, tearing the fabric of civilization into pieces. Millions will die and the world will fall into chaos."

"Bad", I summarized.

"And you" Chiron continued. "Will be the first one to feel his wrath."

"Of course," I muttered. "So, if the thing is stolen, where is it?"

"I believe I know." Chiron's expression was grim. "Part of a prophecy I had years ago ... well, some of the lines make sense to me, now. But before I can say more, you must officially take up the quest. You must seek the counsel of the Oracle."

"But where?" I insisted.

"As I said, you must first consult the Oracle. Depending on the prophecy, we can guess the liable god." He said.

"Alright. So... in the attic?"

"Yes, child."

I nodded and made my way to the attic. I wondered if the prophecy would change or remain the same. If I had to guess, I'd say it remained unchanged. There isn't anything I'd do differently in this timeline. Maybe, not get sidetracked with distractions and make peace with my emo uncle. The rest, I would let it pan out the same way it did the last time.

Surprise, surprise, the same prophecy was issued by the creepy-as-fuck mummy. Man, how I missed Rachel.

"Did you receive the prophecy?" Chiron asked seriously.

I nodded and took a seat slowly. "Well," Chiron prompted.

I cleared my throat and recited.

"You shall go west and face the god who has turned,

You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned,

You shall be betrayed, by the one who calls you friend,

And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end."

Chiron exhaled shakily. "I must tell you this, Percy, that prophecies often have double meanings and you should not dwell on them too much."

I nodded wordlessly. "So... any idea where the bolt is?"

"Think Percy," Chiron said. "If there comes a war between Zeus and Poseidon, who gains the most?"

I raised my eyebrows. "Someone who loves war?"

Chiron shook his head. "No, child. Someone who harbors a grudge, who has been unhappy with his lot since the world was divided eons ago, whose kingdom would grow powerful with the deaths of millions. Someone who hates his brothers for forcing him into an oath to have no more children, an oath that both of them have now broken."

"Hades?"

"Yes." He said grimly. "The lord of the dead is the only possibility."

He glanced at me as if expecting me to gasp or scowl.

Instead, I just frowned. "Now, let's not get tunnel vision here, Chiron. Why would Hades benefit from a war? Everyone's death is inevitable. What would he gain by millions perishing at once, when each and everyone is going to die at some point? Moreover, he hasn't waged war against Olympus in millennia despite them banishing him from his own home. By this logic, we could blame other gods too. For example, Ares, who would gain immensely from another war, that being his domain. Or, Hera, who would like to make Zeus feel vulnerable for once. It could be some other enemy of the gods. Or even some minor god who wants some recognition from the Olympians, who often look at them as if they were beneath them. Any of these gods can be in the west for the duration of the quest, so we can't pin the blame on Hades automatically. Prophecies are meant to be deceiving after all." I explained.

Chiron just blinked and stared at me for a minute before bursting out into laughter. "My goodness, Percy. You are something else. Of course, I apologize once again. I did not think of these scenarios at all. Although, now I don't have a clue as to where the bolt may be."

I chuckled. "It's alright Chiron. You must have enough on your mind because of the war. As to where the bolt may be, we will start our search from the underworld. Hades sent Alecto, which means he may have a clue as to where the bolt would be. Or he could just be pissed off at dad for breaking the oath and wants revenge." I suggested.

Chiron nodded sagely. "So, it is decided, you, along with two more companions will travel to the underworld in Los Angeles and to find the bolt and return it to Lord Zeus. Which brings the question of who will you chose for the quest."

I pretended to think for a while. "If they accept, I'll have Annabeth and Grover."

Chiron nodded and ushered me out to inform my quest-mates and prepare for the journey.

Under the rosy rays of the setting sun, a silver-eyed goddess had her eye upon a magnificent buck that was grazing a few meters away. As the goddess Artemis drew her bow at stretch to snuff out the life of the animal, thunder rumbled above them. The buck, startled by the loud sound, pranced away in haste.

Artemis sighed as she sheathed her bow and flashed to the hunter's campsite.

"Hunters!" She called out. "Zeus has called everyone for an emergency meeting, therefore I must make way to Olympus. Zoe-" She turned towards her millennia-old partner. "You are in charge until I return, Lieutenant."

With that, the goddess of the moon flashed to her throne on Mount Olympus. She looked around to find all the gods except the King and Queen present. Athena was immersed in a book, Apollo was listening to music while Hermes was making calls. Ares, Aphrodite, and Hephaestus were arguing whereas Demeter was talking about cereal and Poseidon was doing his best to ignore her while gripping his trident tightly.

With a flash of lightning and thunder, the King and Queen arrived onto their thrones.

Zeus cleared his throat and rumbled. "Silence everyone! Now, we commence with the emergency council meeting as called by Dionysus."

This caused several to raise their eyebrows. Dionysus wasn't anyone to call a council meeting. He would rather prefer to sleep and whine when on Olympus than take part in a meeting.

"Ah... yes." Dionysus started. "Today the sea-spawn visited Chiron for some reason. While we had decided to inform him of the quest in two weeks, Chiron opted to explain everything to him after I hinted at what was happening. Seeing, Father blames him and Poseidon for the theft, I felt it would be appropriate for the council to watch their conversation and look if the brat accepts the theft."

Athena raised her eyebrow at Dionysus' seemingly well-crafted plan. Poseidon sighed exasperatedly. "I told you, I don't have the stupid bolt! And Percy wasn't even present at the solstice meeting!"

Zeus ignored him and called out. "Iris, please begin a one-way IM to Chiron's location."

"Of course, Lord Zeus," came her reply as an image shimmered in the center of the throne room.

Artemis leaned forward. The image showed Percy and Chiron conversing.

"My quest," Percy spoke. "My quest for what?"

Chiron grimaced. "Ah, the details are quite hard to explain, Percy."

"My bolt is stolen," Zeus said angrily. "Is that so hard to explain?"

Percy glanced outside the window and spoke. "You want me to retrieve the master bolt, right?"

Everybody in the throne room gasped and exploded into questions as to why Percy already knew about the theft. In all this ruckus, Zeus was yelling about his correct assumptions about the boy and his father. However, before he could do anything, Poseidon slammed his trident on the ground and spoke tightly. "Let. Him. Continue." He growled out.

Everyone paled a bit at the disguised threat as Zeus begrudgingly brought his attention back to the IM.

"Poseidon and Zeus are fighting over it, aren't they? Zeus blames Poseidon for stealing the bolt on the winter solstice, that's why the weather has been weird since Christmas. He believes that I, a scrawny twelve-year-old, introduced to the world of gods a week ago, stole the bolt during the winter solstice, when, mind you, I wasn't anywhere near New York at the time, correct?" Percy spoke in disbelief.

"Well, when you put it like that, it does sound far-fetched," Apollo spoke up. "I mean, the kid barely knows about the gods and he wasn't even at the meeting."

"Thank you!" Poseidon exclaimed while gesturing to Apollo "Finally, someone who is making sense."

"No! This is probably just an elaborate scheme by the sea-spawn and his father to justify themselves!" Zeus insisted.

By now, even the council members who supported Zeus looked weirded out by his logic.

Athena glanced at Hestia and Poseidon, who both were seething at Zeus' choice of words for their son. She raised an eyebrow at their protectiveness and turned her attention to the screen.

"Correct, Percy," Chiron said shakily, still in shock from my little rant.

Percy sighed and concluded. "Zeus is an idiot."

Everyone fell silent at his proclamation and glanced towards Zeus. The thunder god was seething, lightning dancing around his body as his face turned purple from anger. Apollo and Hermes burst into snickers.

"I like this kid," Apollo said, still laughing at his Father's face. "Yeah" Hermes agreed, chuckling. "He is hardcore."

"Insolent boy!" Zeus snarled. "I will-"

"You will do nothing, brother," Poseidon stated firmly. "He speaks the truth. You are an idiot, blinded by paranoia and lust for power."

Before Zeus could retort, Athena hastily brought everyone's attention back to the IM, still curious about how the sea-spawn know so much about the war. Artemis was inwardly chuckling at Percy's words. This was one of the qualities that drew her to him.

Chiron gasped at his choice of words as a loud thunderclap shook the valley. The windows rattled and Chiron paled. "You should not have said that, child"

Percy just shrugged. "I should not have, but I don't like false accusations, especially those without proof and common sense and tact."

Poseidon muttered. "Exactly."

Chiron nodded shakily. "Um...uh...yes, though may I ask how did you come upon this information?"

"That is what I want to know," Athena said as she narrowed her eyes. Zeus was about to speak something when Hestia interrupted. "Let my son speak, little brother, before you draw any more conclusions."

Zeus reddened but bit his lip.

"Sure," Percy said. "My mother told me. After I was claimed, I talked with my mother and she told me how the tensions in Olympus were at an all-time high because Zeus' bolt was stolen. She explained how Zeus threatened to wage war on my father, believing he stole the oversized sparkler. Father, in return, was extremely offended by the accusation, and rightly so, and demanded an apology before the summer solstice. Now that my dad has freely claimed me, Zeus has found someone else to pin the blame on and now I have to search for the bolt as a peace offering. Did I miss something?"

"He is a cheeky one, isn't he?" Aphrodite grinned as the rest of the council, save for Zeus and Hera, burst into a bout of giggles at his description of the master bolt. Even Athena failed to keep in a small smile.

Zeus growled. "Hestia! How dare you reveal what is happening in Olympus to a demi-god?"

The goddess stood up abruptly. "How dare I?!" She demanded incredulously. "How dare you?! You blame my son for theft without reason and you expect me to not help my child? The least I could do was to inform him about his situation, seeing he would have to undergo a quest to find your bolt, which was stolen because of your carelessness." She hissed out as her robes caught on fire.

The council gaped as the ever-peaceful goddess finally snapped. Zeus just nodded wordlessly as he tried to process what just happened. Poseidon smirked and winked at Hestia, who smiled kindly.

"Aunt Hes must really love the demi-god. I've never seen her get this mad." Apollo whispered in his twin's ear, who had no choice but to agree.

"Um... no, that's about it," Chiron replied, seemingly a bit shaken up. "Though Lord Zeus does have the right to be suspicious from your father, seeing he has tried this sort of thing to gain leadership before. I believe-"

"Oh, gods," Poseidon groaned. "I never tried to unseat Zeus. I don't even want the throne! I'm perfectly content with ruling Atlantis"

"A likely story," Zeus grumbled.

"Uh... let me stop you right there, Chiron," Percy interrupted with an apologetic expression.

"Oh, this is gonna be good." Hermes rubbed his hands together.

"If you are referring to when Zeus was captured in a golden net then, pardon my bluntness, you are incorrect. It was a decision collectively made by Lady Hera, Lady Athena, Lord Apollo, and father. However, dad and the others never wanted power or the rule. They merely wanted to make him rule better. The council was tired of his paranoia and tyranny, so they tied him up and urged him to be a better king. My father is and was quite content with ruling Atlantis and never was his intention of overthrowing his youngest brother." Percy said sternly, before blinking. "Ah, sorry about that." He offered apologetically. "I became quite defensive over him. My apologies."

Everyone in the throne room gaped at him, wide-eyed, in disbelief. Still in shock, the Olympians heard Chiron splutter at his monologue.

Hera blinked. "Did the boy just manage to make Chiron speechless?"

That made the Olympians snap out of their shock before Poseidon cheered. "Yeah! That's my boy! That's exactly what happened. I never wanted the throne" He was obviously pleased that his son defended him, despite having zero contact prior.

Zeus was still reeling from the shock from Hestia and the sea-spawn dropped another monologue. The poor god was having a massive headache.

Athena had her eyebrows raised in grudging admiration. The sea-spawn was proving her previous view on knuckle-headed sons of Poseidon wrong. "Are you sure, he is your son, Barnacle-beard?" Athena asked seriously.

"Hey!" Poseidon barked indignantly. "What do you mean by that?"

Athena rolled her eyes. "I mean, he obviously didn't get his smarts from you. So, I assume he gets that from his mother?"

Poseidon huffed. "I can be plenty intelligent when I want to."

"Riiiight..." Athena drawled sarcastically as Poseidon continued with a wistful smile. "Yes, he did get his smarts from his mortal mother."

Athena nodded and sat back in satisfaction and pondered over how loyal the boy was to his father.

Meanwhile, Apollo, Hermes, and Aphrodite were having their own little discussion. "Our cousin seems to be a cool guy, doesn't he?" Apollo asked cheerily.

"Yeah, he does. I mean he is smart but does not act like a know-it-all and does not hesitate to cut down someone if he thinks they're incorrect." Hermes pointed out.

Aphrodite just sighed dreamily. "Amazing character as well as good looks? I mean, did you see his gorgeous sea-green eyes with flames around them? I could get lost in them forever."

Before Apollo could agree, Artemis pointed her drawn arrow at Aphrodite and snarled. "If you know what's good for you, you won't go after him, Aphrodite." She spat out.

Aphrodite and Apollo exchanged glances. "Uh... sis, why do you care about Perseus so much?" Apollo asked confusedly.

"Ooh, does Arty have a crush?" Aphrodite teased.

Artemis narrowed her eyes and was about to retort when Hestia cleared her throat and pointed towards the IM. "Percy has received the prophecy. I suggest we pay attention now."

Everyone quietened down as Percy started reciting his prophecy.

"You shall go west and face the god who has turned,

You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned,

You shall be betrayed, by the one who calls you friend,

And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end."

Immediately, everyone's mind went to the Lord of the Dead. "Hades..." Athena breathed out.

"Hades stole the bolt?!" Zeus screeched.

"Before we jump to any conclusions, let's see what Percy and Chiron have to say," Hestia said pointedly.

"But Aunt Hestia," Athena protested. "It has to be Hades. No one else fits the description."

Hestia sighed and just pointed to the screen.

Athena grumbled a bit but watched the exchange between Perseus and Chiron.

Chiron exhaled shakily. "I must tell you this, Percy, that prophecies often have double meanings and you should not dwell on them too much."

"Chiron is true," Apollo piped in.

Percy nodded wordlessly. "So... any idea where the bolt is?"

"Ha, stupid sea-spawn. Doesn't even realize it's about Hades." Athena sneered causing everyone to look at her in disbelief. Hestia gave her a disappointed look which affected her more than she let on. Maybe she was too hard on the sea-spawn, but she wasn't going to accept that, her pride came in the way.

"Think Percy," Chiron said. "If there comes a war between Zeus and Poseidon, who gains the most?"

"Hades," several council members repeated.

Percy raised his eyebrows. "Someone who loves war?"

Again, everyone blinked at his logic.

Chiron shook his head. "No, child. Someone who harbors a grudge, who has been unhappy with his lot since the world was divided eons ago, whose kingdom would grow powerful with the deaths of millions. Someone who hates his brothers for forcing him into an oath to have no more children, an oath that both of them have now broken."

"Hades?"

"Yes." He said grimly. "The lord of the dead is the only possibility."

"It was Hades! How dare he-" Zeus' nostrils flared as he stood up to rant but Hestia had enough of her irresponsible brother.

"Zeus!" she snapped harshly. "Shut up, sit down and listen." She commanded.

Percy frowned. "Now, let's not get tunnel vision here, Chiron. Why would Hades benefit from a war? Everyone's death is inevitable. What would he gain by millions perishing at once, when each and everyone is going to die at some point? Moreover, he hasn't waged war against Olympus in millennia despite them banishing him from his own home. By this logic, we could blame other gods too. For example, Ares, who would gain immensely from another war, that being his domain. Or, Hera, who would like to make Zeus feel vulnerable for once. It could be some other enemy of the gods. Or even some minor god who wants some recognition from the Olympians, who often look at them as if they were beneath them. Any of these gods can be in the west for the duration of the quest, so we can't pin the blame on Hades automatically. Prophecies are meant to be deceiving after all." he explained.

Again, the Olympian throne room reigned in silence as they took in the seemingly logical words of the demi-god.

"I-I never thought about it like that." Athena breathed out as everyone turned their heads towards her. She blushed at realizing she voiced her thoughts out loud.

"Did she just admit to being wrong?" Hermes spoke slowly, pointing to Athena.

Athena glared at him, then everyone, before finally sighing. "Yes, I admit t-that the Sea-spawn had a b-better deduction of the s-situation." She choked out the words as if they were poison.

Poseidon and Hestia beamed with pride as the other Olympians watched the rest of the exchange silently until Percy selected his quest-mates.

Artemis was admiring Percy quietly, holding back giggles at the dumbfounded gods. This bothered her. Usually, she was always in control of her emotions, a cool, calm, and regal leader, but every time she was with Percy, it was like he brought out the child in her. It felt pleasant.

Athena and Dionysus watched on with well-restrained pride as Percy selected Annabeth and Grover for the quest.

After Percy left the room, Zeus waved his hand over the IM and cleared his throat. "I still believe that Poseidon and his spawn are responsible for the theft."

This comment caused the entirety of the throne room, even Hera and Athena, to roll their eyes at his idiocy.

"However, if the sea-spawn returns my master bolt before the solstice, I will call off the war." He proclaimed.

Poseidon narrowed his eyes dangerously but flashed out without a word, not wanting to be near his idiotic brother anymore, lest he destroy the western sea-board with tsunamis and storms.

Athena left wordlessly, her face still set in an expression of restrained disbelief at being proven incorrect by a son of Poseidon.

The rest of the gods flashed out too, with Percy Jackson being the center of their conversations. Artemis stayed for a little while after the rest of the gods had left, then she too flashed away, but not without catching a knowing glance from the goddess of the Hearth.

There. Phew. Dam, that was a long-ass chapter. Sorry, for all the people who thought the quest would start in this chapter. The hearing of Percy's conversation with Chiron is an important plot development that will be visible in the future. (Hint: it involves Athena)

Also, I explained how the whole wolf thing works. So, to all those people who freaked out about Percy having a domain without immortality, I hope this chapter was enough to curb your viciousness. So, I can now proudly write about Skia and his awesomeness.

Also a teeny tiny amount of Pertemis!

What I was most excited about was the behavior of Poseidon and Hestia towards their son. I always imagined Poseidon as a cool dad, who cares about his son, but doesn't know how to show that affection. Making him and Hestia act all defensive against the council was a joy to write.

This is easily my favorite chapter so far and it has been the most fun to write. I hope you guys enjoyed it as much I did.

And that's it for now.

Byeeeeee