Author's Note: MERRY CHRISTMAS (or whatever holiday you happen to celebrate this season)! For you all the latest chapter and longer than usual to bout! Loving the reviews and kind words, thank you. That alone makes my holiday! So read on and enjoy.
PS. Check the bottom, I have a few question for my readers.
Disclaimer: I only own the plot.
"Wow, this area is nice," Andromeda commented as she looked around the heavily wooded mountains.
"Yeah," Jason agreed as he occasionally glanced at the scenery.
They were walking along a gravel and dirt road close to the apex of a mountain valley with large trees surrounding them. An odd deer or so passed by them time to time but otherwise it was very quiet, the afternoon sun already on its decent for the day. While walking Andy kept glancing at the heir of the light beside her, a worried frown marring her face at times.
Ever since she'd brought Jason to the House of Night and everything that happened afterwards, she could feel the lingering pain in his heart. It could only be described as sad and … empty even, as if he'd given up on the entire concept of love. She wondered if this was what her brother had felt in his betrayal but then she shook her head. True, he'd suffered similar betrayals but each happened between periods of battle and then peace, with at least one thing holding him together. Annabeth cheated but he had his friends and concerned with the war. Later it was the gods and the murder of their mom but Percy had Hestia's companionship for a time and then Nyx and Rhea.
Everything had simply fallen apart for Jason in one night and now, though he hid it a little too well, he was suffering as well with nowhere to vent those emotions. Maybe he would confide in Percy or Nico but then again, Nico was odd with emotional stuff and Percy, while being Jason's 'bro', was still a klutz when it came to comforting people. She should know, half the time when she cried for the first few years about everything she learned Percy would mess up what he was trying to say. Thank goodness she could be calmed with his hugs and cookies while Rhea handled the talking things out.
But who did Jason have for that? Reyna? Not likely and she was back at the camp anyways. His sister could be an option but they weren't even sure if she'd join them, Calypso too but then again, it went down to the lines being drawn for the war. 'Could … I help out?' she wondered as she glanced at him again, staring slightly at his sky blue eyes coursing with white electricity and glowing pupils. 'He really does look nice like this,' she noted before looking away and shaking those thoughts for the moment. 'Come on! Just think of some way to start… But how!? It's too soon but he'll just wallow in sadness otherwise. ARGH!'
She huffed in frustration which earned his attention making her bite back a curse. Still, might as well strike while the iron is hot anyways.
"Ah Jason," she started as she locked eyes with him.
"Yes."
"How are you feeling?" she asked tentatively but he gave her a confused eyebrow so she elaborated. "You know … about what happened in the camp."
At the mention of the camp his eyes immediately darkened with a flash of pain, almost making Andy flinch as she literally felt it pass through her as well. After some tense silence he answered curtly, "I'm … fine."
She nodded slowly, knowing that he wasn't in the mood to continue the conversation and now she was beating herself up for bringing it up. They walked on, the atmosphere now awkward when all Andromeda had wanted to do was talk with him and get to know him. Now she was pretty sure she made a sloppy attempt at breaking the ice … and possibly added more to it. Still, she was Andromeda Jackson, younger sister of the infamous Percy Jackson and that meant being stubborn was in the job description … just with a little more tact than her brother. So she took a breath as she looked at him before speaking softly.
"I know you don't want to talk about it," she started while Jason kept looking forward without giving any sign that he'd heard her. "But I just want to you to know … if you do ever want to talk, I'm just a shadow hop away."
He didn't answer her as they continued to walk, making her look at the floor dejectedly. She kicked around a twig or two as they moved, the silence feeling like a lead weight on her shoulders. After a while she looked around again as they passed a ridge and she could see the lower end of the valley. Evergreens and pines covered the mountain floor while a large lake marked the center and some of the highest peaks actually had snow on them even though the summer hadn't even ended yet.
She found it both beautiful and peaceful, much like some of the forests she used to explore whenever the Hunt located in a new area … until she left that is. That was probably the only thing she truly regretted about living in the House of Night. Sure, the house was more like a palace and was structured beautifully along with the special courtyard Percy and Nyx formed together but was still Tartarus. She couldn't wait for the day she could live on the surface again peacefully and just enjoy nature as she once had.
It was will thinking all this and taking in the view that she failed to notice Jason stepping up beside her before speaking softly. So soft in fact that she almost missed it.
"Thank you …"
She spun her head around in surprise but he was already moving again but from what she caught of his face before he was too far in front for her to see, she noted that he had a slightly embarrassed blush. She smile at the tiny victory though, knowing it was hard for guys like her brother and Jason to admit feeling weak or down. They were the leaders, the ones everyone looked to in times of need. They were tempered to not show any weakness or pain, to be those intimidating and unyielding warriors, the commanders that could take more and keep going. So for Jason to even thank her for her offer made her feel giddy to the point she actually hopped a little.
She soon caught up to him though, a pleasant silence now surrounding them as she hummed softly to herself. She could even see how Jason looked more relaxed and had the faintest of smiles on his face. After some more walking she let her curiosity take over as she looked at Jason.
"So, why did Frank and Hazel come out here of all places?"
Jason glanced at her for a moment before answering. "Well, I guess they just wanted to get away from it all. I mean, can you really blame them? The war took a heavy toll on everyone, especially those that had to travel to the Old World. Many of us had to face our demons one way or another so, once everything was said and done, trying to find peace made the most sense."
"Yeah but with the barrier Hecate set up, they could have lived just about anywhere so why out here in upper state Washington near the border to Canada?" she persisted.
"Frank's Canadian," Jason answered as if it explained everything before frowning. "And I thought we weren't supposed to name gods who are sided with the Olympians to not risk being found too early."
"Who said Hecate is with the Olympians," she said slyly while Jason looked at her incredulously. "What? Percy's been busy these last few years and honestly, of the gods, Hecate owed Percy more than anything since he's the reason she was spared after the Titan War and her children were recognized. The minute he told her his plans and who he is, she was on board."
"Oh," was Jason's only reply before he asked, "Any other gods I should know about?"
"A few like Damasen," she answered with a shrug.
"The bane of the war god? But I thought he hated his father after his banishment to Tartarus," Jason said with a frown.
"Not Tartarus, Gaea," Andromeda corrected. "And for the record, he knew that it was his mother that was disappointed in him while Tartarus lost interest in any of the Giants after they were defeated thanks to their own arrogance."
"Cold," Jason muttered.
"True but many forget that Tartarus is also wise and expects as much from those he trains or rarely sires. The Giants were supposed to be a better solution to the Olympians after they showed their true colors after a few centuries of ruling but in the end, the Giants failed. Tartarus can be fair and even lenient with one failure, but to fail so utterly and not even for a good reason was too much for him to even look at the Giants again without feeling shame for how they turned out. As for Damasen, since it was Gaea's curse that kept him trapped within the Pit, Tartarus couldn't really do anything to help … not that he would have considering Damasen gave up pretty quick and accepted his punishment without much of a fight."
"And now?" Jason asked curiously.
"He still won't fight on the front lines if that's what you're asking," Andy answered as she absentmindedly kicked a small pebble. "However, Percy got Damasen to a compromise that would benefit both parties so there's that."
"Huh," Jason muttered as they finally spotted a house coming onto view resting on the end of a ridge below the shadow of a mountain.
Andromeda looked at it intently, subconsciously picking out any weak points of defense and what best ways to possibly defend or attack that house. It was two story, fashioned out of a stone base before transitioning into thick logs and slanted roof. There was a large window stretching from floor to possibly the second floor letting Andy see into the living room and dining room beyond. 'That might be a serious safety issue,' she mused before returning to her observations. The gravel road led to a stoned driveway and large garage currently open letting Andy see a Jeep Wrangler, a pair of dirt bikes, and a Honda CRV all parked inside.
She also noted the pair of legs sticking out from under the jeep with several tools thrown around. Jason chuckled beside her as he walked on to the garage, suddenly whistling a happy tune as they got closer. Soon enough the pair of legs went stiff for a moment before a lot of scrambling followed as whoever was under the car rushed to get out.
Andy was surprised a little as a woman looking 25 jumped up before them, wearing overalls, a long sleeve shirt caked in dust and car grime, course brown hair held back by a gold bandana, and a pair of warm amber-gold eyes looking at them. The moment her eyes landed on Jason she grinned before giving him a flying hug while shouting, "Jason!" which he caught expertly. This must have been a usual Andromeda thought with a small giggle before the woman looked in her direction.
"Hello there," she greeted kindly. "I'm Havel Zhang, and you are?"
"Andromeda Jackson," she replied without missing a beat and internally chuckling at Hazel's face at hearing her name. "I know. Supposed to be dead and all that plus I should be like 10 by your time but we'll get to that."
"O-okay," Hazel said unsurely before looking to Jason for explanation … although she paused as she narrowed her eyes and properly studied him before gasping. "What happened to you!? You look so … different!"
"Let's get Frank too before I explain anything," he said before a slight frown marred his face. "A lot of things have happened in the last few days so this will take a while."
"And Piper?" Hazel asked as she looked around for said daughter of Aphrodite. "I take it this is more than a casual stop on one of your trips to rescue demigods."
She missed Jason's grimace but he didn't let it show for long before sighing. "Let's just go inside first."
Hazel gave him a worried look before nodding, picking up a rag to clean her hands along the way as they went to a door inside the garage and leading into the house. As soon as they entered Andromeda could smell dinner cooking and she couldn't help but drool slightly. Whatever it was, it definitely involved barbeque judging by the smell.
They walked into a rather stylish kitchen and adjoining dinner table separated by a long island with a few utensils, cook books, and a small basket filled with fresh breads. The insides were fashioned from a finer wood for the table, chairs, kitchen cabinets, and floor while the kitchen top was granite with a gas burning stove. Andy glanced to the side to see a similar living room with a currently burning fireplace making the atmosphere nice and toasty. She then looked back into the kitchen and spotted Hazel's husband, Frank Zhang, currently tossing a salad while wearing an apron that said 'big boy eats' on it making her chuckle.
The noise was enough to get his attention and allowed Andromeda to get a good look at him. He stood as tall as her brother at 6 foot'4 with a bulkier build and neck like a bull. Dark brown, nearly black eyes looked at them in slight surprise before he gave a huge grin as he set the salad bowl down. He quickly got around the island before giving Jason a bear hug to end all hugs. She was pretty sure she even heard Jason's spine crack from it while she and Hazel giggled at the face he was making. Soon enough Frank set Jason down before looking at her.
"Hello there, Frank Zhang," he introduced while offering a handshake which she graciously accepted. "And you are?"
"Andromeda Jackson," she replied, smirking again at his predictable reaction at hearing her name. "I know, I'll explain in a moment."
"There's a lot to explain though," Jason added seriously as Frank got a proper look at him and had the same face as Hazel when she noticed his changes.
"A lot is right," Frank muttered before turning back to the kitchen, Andy following his line of sight to see several pots stewing on the stovetop. "But, you know the rules of the house."
"But—"
"No buts Grace," Frank interrupted while crossing his arms. "We get visitors, we have a proper dinner and then talk about business."
Jason stared at him for a few seconds before sighing in defeat. "Fine, I can't get you to change your mind anyways … stubborn shapeshifter."
Frank grinned at him before clapping Jason on the shoulder. "Great! Then help me set up the table and we'll open up some cold ones while Hazel gets cleaned up. Andromeda, you're free to join us or if you're of the finer tastes, I can bring out some wine."
"That sounds lovely,"' Andy agreed as the group split up to do just that.
It didn't take long for Hazel to return, dressed in a simple cream dress reaching her knees and her hair set free. They soon got to dinner, a lovely meal of Mongolian BB'Q, stir fry, and the salad. Throughout the meal Andromeda couldn't help but constantly smile at the warmth and openness the Zhang's displayed making Jason smile and laugh. She could feel the love in this home, between Hazel and Frank as a happy couple and then Jason with the pair as siblings with bonds forged through hardship.
'I wish I could have seen what the original seven were like before everything broke apart,' she thought sadly as she looked at their smiling faces. But maybe someday they could return to this, after their war was finished even if the original seven would probably never be gathered again. She kept her thoughts on the matter to herself though as the dinner concluded before they transitioned to the living room, the couple sharing a loveseat while Andy and Jason sat on a couch facing them.
"So," Hazel started, "What did you come to talk to us about?"
Jason and Andromeda shared an uneasy glance before looking at the couple again, the tension building by the second.
"Jason …" Hazel said in a worried tone as she looked between the two. "… What's going on?"
Jason sighed before speaking softly, "It's a long story …"
And so, they told them. Everything starting with the murder of Percy's parents and the intentions of the gods to what happened just a few days ago without necessarily mentioning which immortals were already allied with them. Hazel had cried faintly when she heard about the incident with Piper and gave Jason a brief hug but they had to continue on soon. After hours they sat silent, Andromeda staring at her feet nervously as she waited for the couple sitting across from them to say something, anything. After what felt like an eternity Frank sighed, making the other three look at him.
"So," he started in a thick voice, as if there was something in his throat. "What is it that you came to accomplish? I know there had to be more than just coming to tell us this stuff. Hell, Nico knew and could have come any time so why now?"
Jason ran a hand through his hair before answering, "Honestly … nothing."
At their confused expressions he continued on. "I don't want anything from you two. I don't even want you to be involved in this coming war. You've done your part, you've already saved this world once and that is enough. I know you're both loyal romans at heart but please," Jason said pleadingly. "Don't fight this time around … I don't know if I could bear the thought of having to fight either of you."
Frank and Hazel stared at him in shock as Jason actually got on his knees and bowed to them, his voice coming out choked, "Please … I don't want to lose any more family to war."
"Jason…" Hazel said as tears built up in her eyes as she got down and hugged him to her chest as the ex-son of Zeus sobbed softly while embracing her back, all the pain and inner turmoil from the last two days finally catching up to him.
Frank soon joined in, engulfing both in his massive arms protectively. Andromeda for her part had tears running down her cheeks as she watched this union of friends, of family. This was the kind of love that she wished to protect and nurture, especially when tough times were approaching. Just in the few hours she'd gotten to know these two heroes, she'd already grown to love them and wish that they lived out the rest of their partially immortal lives in peace.
After several minutes Jason calmed down enough to pull back slightly and look at Hazel. She gave him a soft smile as she wiped away the last of his tears before kissing him on the forehead.
"Don't worry," she said gently as she looked at him. "We won't fight this time around."
"You won't?" Jason asked hopefully as he looked between the two.
"No … there would be too much at stake now," Frank replied as he wrapped an arm around Hazel, his hand resting right over her belly.
It took Andromeda a moment before her eyes widened in understanding, suddenly realizing that Hazel never once touched an ounce of alcohol throughout the night and even had a slight bump that had been well hidden by her dress.
"Hazel y-you're …" Jason trailed off as he numbly pointed a finger at her as she blushed while smiling.
"We're expecting!" Frank and Hazel said gleefully making Jason suddenly crack a smile bright enough to make Apollo flinch.
"That's incredible!" he shouted as he shot up and picked up Hazel before giving her a tight hug while Frank laughed and Andy even got up to join the hug, too giddy to resist.
She was pleasantly surprise to feel Hazel bring her into it before Frank again engulfed them all together and actually picked them up. After the hug Jason stepped back while looking relieved at the couple.
"So how far along are you?" Andy asked excitedly.
"Two months," Hazel replied while Jason clapped Frank on the shoulder and told him good job with a wink making the huge man blush up a storm. Hazel noticed and giggled for a moment before she cleared her throat to get Jason's attention. "So Jason … now that you know and all, me and Frank wanted to ask you something."
"What?" Jason asked curiously as he looked between the couple.
"Well … we were wondering if …" Frank started but Hazel beat him to it.
"If you'd want to be the godfather?" she asked anxiously.
Jason looked at them, stunned beyond words for a minute at least before he smiled even brighter and hugged Hazel again while shouting, "Of course! I'd be honored!"
There was a little cheer for that as the mood in the house skyrocketed. They spent another couple of hours like that, talking happily and telling Andy all sorts of stories from their adventures as demigods until it the hour got late. Andy glanced out into the pitch black night.
"Looks like it's time to head out," she murmured sadly but Hazel put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Well I hope you know you are always welcome here," she said warmly making Andy nod happily.
"And you better let us know when the special day comes," Andy said while pointing at her tiny bump. "We'll all want to be there for that day … I'll even make sure my brother comes along."
"But won't it be dangerous if the gods spotted him or sensed him near?" she asked but Jason answered for her.
"I could always speak to Aether and see if he'd be okay bringing you into the Palace of the Sky for that day so all of us can be there for you," he offered making Frank and Hazel's jaws drop.
"Yeah and hopefully Nico will have spoken to your father about us and he could make up some story about bringing you into the Underworld for the birth too," she added with a wink.
"A-are you sure?" Frank asked nervously. "Wouldn't the gods find it odd?"
"Maybe but it's not like they're on good terms with Hazel's dad anyways after what they did years ago," Andy answered with a shrug. "And if not, we'll figure something out."
"Thank you," Frank said as he draped an arm around his wife.
"Our pleasure," she replied as Jason stood beside her. "Oh, and if you want to contact us. Pray to Nyx, Rhea, Mnemosyne, Aether, Hemera, or Taratrus." She paused for a moment before adding, "And if you just want to send a letter or message, write on a piece of paper and stick it into a shadow while praying to Nyx or even Percy. One of them will get it immediately."
"I just learned that it works with light too," Jason pipped up. "Same thing, stick a letter in clear daylight and pray to Hemera or Aether and they'll get it. I'm not connected to the domains since I haven't claimed the right to be an heir so I can't receive messages that way yet."
"Noted," Frank said with a nod before there were several goodbye hugs.
Soon enough both were stepping out of the house, the happy couple looking at them with warm smiles. Andromeda gave them a wave before looking at Jason.
"So, does Aether expect you back yet?" she asked.
"I'm good for another few hours," he replied easily.
"Then you're hanging out with me," she said as she snagged his arm before shadow traveling them back to Tartarus.
They stumbled a little, or more like Jason did and she caught him making him blush. It was odd, considering his blood was slowly turning to ichor so he was a reddish gold. She giggled at it though but stopped when she heard a throat being cleared. She turned to see her brother looking at them in amusement, sweat trailing down his exposed torso as his swords Sin and Purgatory rested at his sides .She glanced around and realized she'd jumped them to the training grounds by accident in her haste.
She looked across from Percy to see Rhea there as well, dressed in a tight fitting sports bra and yoga pants, her hair in a ponytail, and also gleaming with sweat. In her hands was her bow staff, Testament, made of a mix of black Tartarean steel and emerald that she used her earth domain to obtain. The entire staff was just about seven feet long, with the main rode made of the steel while the emerald covered the blunt ends and formed tendril patterns reaching towards the center with the leather grips. She was broken out of her musings when Percy snapped his fingers to get her attention.
"Sup sis, how was the trip?" he asked.
Andromeda glanced at Jason before both beamed at Percy and told him everything. By the end Rhea was hoping with excitement at the news of a baby on the way.
"Oh, we are so visiting them soon," Percy agreed as he set a hand on his girlfriend's shoulder to calm her down slightly.
"How soon?" Rhea asked eagerly.
"Don't worry love, soon enough," Percy answered with a chuckle before his head randomly tilted to the side as if he was listening to something before a sly smile appeared on his face. He then glanced at Jason and said, "I do believe you have some siblings on the way."
Before they could even ask Percy smirked before dissolving into shadows while Rhea had a knowing smile on her face.
"Do you know what he's talking about?" Jason asked as he looked at Rhea.
"It's a surprise," she replied with a wink before turning around and heading for the House of Night in the distance. "Let's get to the house, we are expecting company after all …"
With Thalia
Thalia sat silently in her tent, her thoughts racing as she looked down at her own hands for what felt like hours. It had been little more than a day since Nico came and revealed the truth to her. She hadn't been able to sleep since and couldn't so much as look Artemis in the face throughout the whole day. She didn't know what to do anymore and she'd never felt more alone in her life. Here she was, with the band of girls that were her supposed family, only to learn of the horrors that had been hidden here.
Sure, she'd known that after the wars something had seemed to change within her mistress and even the other gods on the rare occasions they visited. It was as if now that the threats of their own ends weren't there, they no longer needed to pretend to be amiable or respectful towards the demigods. Apollo and Artemis argued louder and harsher words were spit out, Hermes who usually at least said hi to his daughters in the Hunt during deliveries simply appeared, finished business and left. They didn't say anything but she could tell some of his daughters felt hurt about it, him being one of the only males they still cared about.
She also hadn't spoken to her own father in years after one odd visit with him asking her if she would consider leaving the Hunt to become a goddess on Olympus. She denied it without hesitation, at the time feeling sure that her place was here rather than on Olympus and she couldn't shake the feeling that godly politics would be involved if she did. Hell, just look what happened to her so called friend, Annabeth. The pair had long since drifted apart, especially when Thalia learned about the cheating on Percy with Apollo of all people … and the irony that followed.
She wasn't sure how or why it happened, but a year or so after Percy's disappearance, Zeus announced that Apollo and Annabeth were getting hitched. She remembered the wedding as a blur, since just about everyone from Camp Half-blood and the Hunt had to attend along with a few senators from New Rome. She'd been sorta happy for Annabeth but they just weren't close anymore and the friendship was at an end. She still felt some pity though when, surprise, surprise! Took a year (impressive enough honestly) but soon Apollo was caught having an affair with a mortal and had another bun in the oven (confirmed by Hestia, Artemis informed her at the time). Apparently Annabeth nearly went full Hera on the mortal but luckily Hestia put her foot down about harming innocent mortals or demigods.
That was another thing, the few times she'd visited Olympus in the years, Thalia had heard how Hestia is nearly silent at all meetings now and doesn't even try to stop her brothers from fighting. She only ever speaks up when something regarding a demigod is mentioned and usually only to prevent hasty actions. So Olympus was a mess ever since Percy left and she was pretty sure she didn't even know the half of it … but now she could understand why. Hestia and Hades being reluctant to even take part, the louder bickering and threats sent between the gods, and the dramas revolving around them and the demigods. Apparently now her own brother could be added to the list of vanishing demigods which made her wonder how New Rome would react?
Their guardian and Pontifus Maximus, one of the seven, gone without a trace just like Percy nearly nine years ago. Add to that the mysterious disappearances of other gods and the wolf … no, Percy's infiltration while recovering his sister. He'd been so close and yet she'd never known until now. She could still recall the few times he simply sat beside her and offered silent comfort on her down days or when she occasionally scratched him behind the ears. He'd been such a welcome presence then and now she had the chance to have it again along with her family. Andromeda, Nico, Jason, and Percy were all waiting to see if she would join them and in her hands was the marble keeping her from them.
But then what about the Hunt? She knew that Percy was the one to kill Phoebe and would likely want the entire Hunt to burn for what they did to his family and the crimes committed over the years. That had been her first sign that things were wrong with Artemis and the other gods. They were reverting, becoming far more like their myths … just as merciless, cruel, and abusive. Artemis had once been like a sister or even mom to them, more so in Thalia's case since they actually are sisters, but things had fallen apart. Her sister had changed from the once noble Olympian that helped spare Percy after he saved her. But on the inside she'd been boiling with rage at having a debt to anyone, especially a male.
Just like her, many of the gods were starting to feel belittled and insulted to have one demigod not only save them repeatedly but also made them change their ways when most clearly didn't want to. He had been an upstart, a change, a guide and role model for the next generation of demigods … and that was dangerous to millennia old beings set in their ways. It made sense that they would want him either leashed by the ancient laws as a god with them … or disposed of. 'So is that what's happening to me?' she wondered as she thought about her father's request and the slow separation she was feeling from the Hunt.
In time her attitude towards men had become increasingly apparent as she did not outright show hostility towards them until they gave her a reason to. It also wasn't a secret that she would often go to nearby streams when they had the chance and IM Nico just to have a familiar face to speak to but many in the Hunt thought she was calling him for other motives and weren't exactly quiet about the accusations. She bared with it though and kept on with her duty, protecting the Hunt as the lieutenant. But could she now after everything?
In these three years things have only gotten worse. Artemis tries to pull a tough and cold façade now but behind closed doors, Thalia had been the only one to see Artemis break down and cry nearly every night for a year. She'd tried to help and comfort her as much as she could but nothing she did seemed to help and in one of those nights, where Artemis had fallen asleep with her head on Thalia's lap, did Thalia learn a shocking reason as to why Phoebe's death had hurt Artemis so much.
She and Phoebe had been lovers.
With Phoebe taken away in such a brutal fashion and Artemis powerless to help, she'd broken. Her warmth had all but vanished even to the point members of the Hunt tried to avoid her. Her normally intense silver-yellow eyes had dulled along with the moon and she trusted no one … save maybe for Thalia herself. Oh the irony, of how Artemis had not defended her from the Hunt's harsh treatment for years and then, when her lover is taken, she clings onto her little sister for dear life. So that was the Hunt now. Cold and empty during the days, barely ever singing at campfires and turning anything that strayed into the camp into a pincushion. New girls had to swear on the Styx to not be part of some group wishing to harm the Hunt and even then had to go through a grace period of a month before Artemis fully swore them in … none had lasted more than a week before requesting to leave.
Artemis would be emotionless before her hunters but at night, she would either request Thalia to come to her tent or join Thalia in her own or try to talk about the past for nostalgia, or just cling to Thalia. It had been nothing short of a miracle that Artemis hadn't stopped by to drive her chariot for the night rather than leave it on autopilot like usual when Nico had chosen to stop by. It was nighttime now and Thalia was pretty sure that Artemis would be back from her chariot soon so with a shaky breath, she made a choice.
She started to pack up some gear but mostly some mementos of her favorite Hunts or adventures. She stopped as she picked up one particular picture, smiling as she remembered the day. It had been a little over a week after the end of the Titan war and she along with her cousins had decided to stop by Sally's house to see her and Paul. They'd spent the day and even slept over when Paul and Sally had taken a picture of the three passed out together on a couch after watching some terrible comedy movie.
Percy had been in the middle with his arms open and head thrown back, Nico leaning back against him while Thalia was on the other side with her head in Percy's lap. Sally was in the background giving a sweet smile while ruffling Percy's hair softly. The corner of the picture had 'one family' written into it by Sally before she'd given it to Thalia and she was sure Nico and Percy had their own as well. She felt a single tear roll down her cheek as she looked at the picture before putting it away with the rest. Once packed she stepped out, not looking back at the tent that had been hers for over a decade.
She walked silently out of the camp towards a clearing a fair distance away and spotted Artemis sitting on a downed log while looking up at the moon. It had never been bright again after Phoebe's death and she knew many of the gods were concerned about Artemis but she never let any of them in. Thalia sighed as she walked up and sat beside the goddess, not knowing how to go about saying her retirement. All she was sure of was that Artemis would fight it and it was possible that other gods would notice if Artemis got too agitated. However, it seemed that Artemis already had something to say as she turned to look at her.
"Thalia … can I ask you something?"
Thalia looked at her unsurely for a moment before nodding.
"You'll … you won't leave me … right?" she asked and Thalia's heart nearly stopped.
'Does she already know? How!?' Thalia's thoughts raced but her mouth just worked on, "W-what?"
"You won't leave me right?" Artemis asked as a desperate glint appeared in her eyes. "Like the other girls that always come and then fall to monsters or are led astray. You're too strong for that right?" she asked as she suddenly got a lot closer making Thalia lean back. "You won't leave me like Zoe did … like Ph-Phoebe … please …" she begged as her eyes got watery.
"I… I…" Thalia stuttered, completely unprepared for Artemis to question her like this.
"I know I haven't been the best lately," she continued as she inched closer. "But please, I'll make it up to you … just promise you'll always be there with me."
Thalia looked away from her as she stood up, her eyes hidden behind her black bangs. She slowly reached up to her tiara before grasping it with trembling hands, Artemis gasping at the sight. Thalia paused as she looked at the tiara before finally meeting Artemis' gaze.
"I'm sorry … Artemis," she said as she held up the tiara to the goddess. "But I must resign from my post as your lieutenant and leave the Hunt."
"What!? Why!?" Artemis screamed as tears started to stream down her face, her silvery eyes seemingly breaking by the second as the moon got even duller.
"I'm sorry Artemis," Thalia chocked out as she looked away from her half-sister's eyes. "But I can't be here anymore."
"But why!?" Artemis screamed this time as anger started to show in her eyes while she took a step forward but Thalia mirrored her as she took a step back. "What did I do!? Is it something you think needs fixing? Is someone forcing you?"
Thalia looked at Artemis in surprise at that statement but could see the determination in her eyes. She wanted to make sure Thalia stayed in any way she could … but Thalia had made her choice.
"I'm sorry … but there is nothing that you can say that will change my mind," she replied as her resolve strengthened and she met Artemis' eyes.
"But this is your family!" Artemis tried but it only got a fierce glare out of Thalia.
"A family …" Thalia echoed as she looked down for a moment. "I had a family …" She then looked up again at Artemis as she continued, "I had a mom but you killed her."
"W-what?" Artemis asked as she suddenly looked less sure of herself.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about," she went on as her anger she'd been suppressing started to bubble up. "A kind and wonderful woman by the name of Sally Jackson," she said as Artemis started to shake her head in disbelief. "And a man I could have called dad unlike my sorry excuse for one." Thunder boomed in the background but Thalia didn't care as she glared at the goddess. "And a little sister … but no. You gods and your pride couldn't bear the thought of us being happier with mortals than you. That we would deny godhood and question your ways when it was the whole reason those wars could even start."
By now a storm was slowly gaining strength around them as lightning crackled off Thalia's frame. The commotion had awoken most of the Hunt and had them gathered at the edge of the clearing. They were looking on in worry between the seemingly shell-shocked goddess and the angered demigod.
"Now I know the truth," Thalia continued as she dug a hand into her pocket, fishing for the marble. "You are just as much of a deceitful, cruel, manipulating goddess as the rest of them. You murdered Sally and Paul Blofis, two innocent mortals, with your lover!" At Thalia's declaration the girls of the Hunt gasped while Artemis' mouth hung open and lightning flashed across the sky as rain started to pour. "You've ruined so many lives and I refuse to be part of it anymore!"
With that she threw the tiara at Artemis' feet, making the diadem at the top crack as Artemis looked at it in shock. Before anything else could happen, Thalia crushed her hand around the marble, the tiny obsidian shattering into a fine powder as darkness leaked off it and encompassed her. She could feel the familiar sensation of shadows holding onto her, letting her know that a shadow jump was immanent so before she could go, she locked eyes with Artemis and smirked before saying something to really send the goddess over the edge.
"And Artemis … Umbra says hello."
Thalia saw something snap in the goddess' eyes as she said that, an unholy anger taking over as her bow materialized in her hands but before she could even aim it the shadows swallowed Thalia, jumping her from that place and beyond the reach of the gods. Thalia felt as if she was being tossed in and out of a washer for several seconds before the shadows suddenly released her, making her fall into a heap on … someone …
"Get … off …" whoever it was under her groaned as she sat up.
She shook her head to get rid of the dizziness before looking around. She was in what looked like a large living room with the walls made of black marble and some couches currently occupied. She didn't really notice who as she immediately looked beneath her to see she'd landed and was straddling Nico's chest while he gave her an irritated look.
"Thals … you're kind of making it hard to breath," he muttered making her eyebrow twitch in annoyance as she smacked him before getting up and looking around at all the staring faces that she didn't recognize save for her brother, Jason, who was sitting beside a grown woman that looked suspiciously familiar with her rich brown hair but had eyes beginning as purple and turning to light blue as they drew closer to the center with pink pupils. The woman was beaming at her before she suddenly ran at her, shifting into a child form all the while before jumping and screaming, "Aunty Thalia!"
Thalia caught the flying missile by reflex while looking at her bewildered.
"Andromeda!?"
Author's Rant: Damn what a chapter! Was there enough feels for you all? The momentum builds so let me hear your thoughts on the matter!
Question: Okay, first off I've been debating and finally decided that it isn't fair if Percy is the only one with multi pairing with main being Percy/Rhea/Hestia x additional lovers of sorts. So, with that thought, Jason will be in on it too so regarding these bits as following:
Percy: Should Thalia be one of his lovers or get her own main pairing with someone else?
Jason: Should Andromeda be one of Jason's main (it will be two and I have the other decided and I bet anything none of you will guess who!)?
Normally I don't like revealing pairings and stuff but I will with a few already noted to get some opinions though mind some of these aren't set.
Percy/Rhea/Hestia lovers (they will be married, if its a harem it is a harem for all three of them):
Medusa
Lamia
Jason/mystery/Andromeda?:
Leto (all I got so far really)
Possibly Nico/Will/mystery
That's all I got so let me hear your thoughts!
A pleasure, Jbubu
