Another chapter and only two weeks this time! Still trying to be a little more consistent with my writing folks so bare with me here. Hope you all enjoy and let me know what you guys think. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I only own the plot.


Steely grey eyes met black and icy blue, barely a few meters separating them. One armed and practically humming with power, the other coursing with adrenaline, taking in every detail around her. Percy looked at the goddess before him, the girl turned woman that had meant so much to him, had been his reason for bearing through every struggle and day of suffering, and even passing the very pits of Tartarus for.

The girl that broke his heart and ran away.

Just looking at her made his emotions conflict and rage beneath the impassive surface of his face. This was no longer a larger battlefield where she was merely a minor force and of little concern. Right now it was only her to take his focus and with no clear objective, he was oddly unsure of what to do.

He hadn't come for any particular reason. Sure, he'd known she was approaching, after all, he'd gotten her brother's prayer and he'd watched her travel. Honestly he'd wasn't planning on confronting her like this but after sensing the arrival of the cyclops, he had been more curious to see why they were here. It had also been entertaining to see her dispatching them so easily, even if the last commander would have taken some more effort than usual but nothing special all things considered.

Still he did intervene, slicing past the cyclops with little to no resistance. Then again, he'd gotten used to fighting top tier monsters in the pits, all being stronger, faster, and tougher than anything short of beings like Elder cyclops, major deities, and other ancient monsters would seem like small fry. Still, even as he briefly glanced at the monster remains, he kept the goddess within his sight as he released a tensed sigh.

Unsure of how to proceed, he opened his hand in the direction of her sword, a tendril of shadow condensing, grabbing the blade, and tossing it his way. Catching it swiftly, he tossed it, handle first, to the goddess. Annabeth looked at it and caught it easily enough before strapping it into her sheath at her hip. With the sword away Annabeth returned her attention to him, looking far more timid than he could ever remember from her. The awkward silence crept on for some time, neither really speaking up and Percy was seriously considering just turning around and walking away but before he did Annabeth finally broke the silence.

"Per-" she started.

"Why are you here, Chase?" he cut her off, the depth and growl within his voice causing her to flinch slightly and glance away.

She raised her head again even as her fists clenched and unclenched repeatedly at her sides. Taking a deep breath to calm down before leveling her eyes with his.

"I came because I needed to speak with the new primordials … and I needed to see you too," she said, her voice becoming softer at the end.

"Why?" he asked, the growl in his voice becoming more prominent even if he already had an idea.

"I needed to ask about my mother," she replied, glancing away for a moment before looking at him again. "Is … How is she being treated?"

'Is she suffering like Ares was?' Percy mentally added for her as he looked into those grey eyes, seeing the worry beneath as clear as day.

"She's safe," he replied after a minute or so of silence. "A rough week but she came out in decent shape and now just needs some rest." He then turned around, his back to her as he prepared to walk away, otherwise he risked the irritation growing into more the longer he stayed looking at her.

"So you're not going to …?"

"Torture and execute her? No, but she still has a small hearing before the council before the official decision for her fate is taken though things seem to be looking up for her," he answered much to her visible relief when he looked over his shoulder though he did question himself on why he was being so forthcoming. For all intents and purposes she was still an enemy goddess at the moment. He was broken out of his thoughts however when Annabeth spoke up again.

"W-would it be possible…"

"Don't even think about it," he interrupted again, this time a scowl visible on his face.

Looking her in the eyes he slowly drew his katana again, seeing the tensing of her arms. Then, with equal parts grace and skill, he spun on his heel in a full circle while slashing down at the ground in front of her. She squinted her eyes as a sudden blast of air buffeted her as the earth was ripped in front of her. As the dust settled a clear cut running through the earth and out of sight in both directions divided them.

"You aren't an Olympian," he spoke again as he sheathed his katana, back to her again. "Therefore you are not a target but you are still affiliated with Olympus. You are nearly in our territory and we won't let you pass as you please so turn back … otherwise I'll be taking you in. If you know what's good for you you'll turn back now."

Silence was all that answered him so he started to walk, his left hand clenched and resisting the urge to attack like Jason nearly had when he first saw Piper again. This wasn't good though, he knew his temper was flaring again and he would either need to head to Tartarus and cut down entire legions of monsters or spar with his fellow council members to get rid of his frustrations. However things didn't go as planned once he sensed the goddess actually moving forward.

"I'm sorry Percy but I can't just-"

Clang!

He had to admit, he was slightly impressed. His katana had been drawn and slashed while closing the distance in a fraction of a second but the blonde goddess managed to draw her own blade and narrowly block, even if the force made her buckle down to one knee, her left foot being clearly past the line he'd carved. Her arms and sword were trembling as he slowly upped the pressure, looking at her with narrowed eyes as she looked back at him almost defiantly, sweat starting to gather on her brow.

He internally smirked as he started to lean forward, pushing the goddess back even as the ground beneath her feet started to crack. Then, before she could react he pulled back causing her to stumble forward but then he flipped his katana around to the blunt edge before swinging it again like a bat. The blow caught her along the flat of her sword, the force blowing her back until she slammed into and through a tree behind her.

He watched silently as the tree fell and the slight dust settled, observing as the goddess shook herself before slowly getting back up. He didn't show it but he approved of her getting back up. If that blow alone had been enough to truly keep her down, he would have simply cut her down just to end her misery. Still, he was annoyed with her tenacity as well, especially since she was walking back towards him again.

"Has becoming a goddess done away with that wisdom you were so proud of?" he asked in an icy tone as the flames of his eyes writhed more while his pupils narrowed to nearly slits.

"No," she replied with a shake of her head. "But it need to keep going and see my mother and make sure she really is safe before I speak to them."

"I already said she was fine," he said as he kept his sword level at his side.

"And you'd take me for a fool if I just believed it at face value," she retorted sharply before raising her sword and looking directly into his eyes.

"And you're not being a fool right now? You won't get passed me so just turn and run, you're good at that last time I checked," he said scathingly making her wince before her eyes hardened. "Last chance or I cut you down."

As he said that he took some steps back, being able to see the line and her, as if daring her to continue even after he already gave her more chances than she deserved in his opinion. She glanced between him and the line, her grip on her sword tightening as she took a deep breath.

"I'm done running," she said as she walked again, stepping fully passed the carved line.

He grit his teeth, a growl breaking free as he looked at the goddess before biting out, "So be it."

And so he attacked, his katana held in a single wield as he closed the distance as her eyes widened but she still reacted on instinct and raised her defense. The collision was instantaneous and Percy watched as the goddess visibly grit her teeth at dealing with the pressure. But he wasn't about to let up in the slightest. He turned the downward slash into a horizontal swipe, grinding his blade's edge against hers in a strike that could have lopped her head off but she managed to duck under it.

She then rolled with the momentum before hopping to her feet before initiating the attack herself. He raised an eyebrow at her speed, completely surpassing what she showed when fighting the cyclops and even possibly moving faster than during their attack. Still he raised his sword to block, grunting a little at the force before shoving back and, faster than she could adjust, lashed out with a left fist nailing her straight in the gut.

She nearly folded over his fist as she spit out spittle with a gasp and was launched back into the ground, crashing a small trench until her momentum finally bled off … right back on the other side of the line dividing them. He stood silently as the dust and debris settled, watching as the goddess coughed as she turned over and slowly forced herself back up. He shook his head as he lowered his blade and spoke up, irritation dripping off his voice.

"You know, if you're going to be this stubborn to get passed me, then maybe using more power or even going into divine form would help."

Annabeth turned around again as she wiped a smug of dirt close to her right eye before looking at him, breathing slightly heavier than before but not looking at all that damaged from the blow. He had to admit, she was built of tough stuff then.

"I didn't sneak away just to be traced if I use my power," she replied as she readied her sword again.

"Then why bother?" he asked, glancing at the division between them before returning his full attention to the blonde goddess. "You can't beat me like this and I already gave you answers about your mother. Just turn back Chase," he said as he turned around himself, already on edge and wanting to go home himself.

"Percy! Wait!" she called, making him pause as he turned around to look at her even as he sheathed his sword yet again.

"You are really trying my patience here goddess," he spat angrily but Annabeth remained resolute as she looked at him. Then, with a breathe to steady out, she spoke up.

"Then, at least hear me out."

"Why?" he asked with narrowed eyes. "What more could I possibly want with you?" Seeing her familiar look as she glanced around in thought, he scoffed drawing her attention. "And don't try making offers. You have nothing I want or need," he said, 'Anymore,' he mentally completed.

With his piece said he turned and started to walk again but then he caught the sound of her approaching yet again, this time almost at a jog. Then, before her next footfall could even land on the other side of the line, he moved and in an instant, was before her. He lashed out with a kick, hitting her in the gut and knocking her several meters back.

He was breathing heavy now as his anger built. Didn't she see! He was trying to let her go, to her home and family, to answer her brother's prayer. But she just kept coming, even as she stumbled slightly and slumped her shoulders from the hit, she walked up again while looking him in the eyes. Again she got almost over the line and again he struck, an uppercut that nearly cracked her chin as she sailed through the air for several seconds before landing in a heap.

"Just stay down," he growled out as he cracked his fists from clenching them so hard.

She shook her head even as she slowly got back up much to his growing anger and turned towards him again.

"Stay back," he said through grit teeth even as his right hand drifted towards the hilt of his sword.

"Percy … please," she said softly as she kept walking.

"I'm warning you," he almost whispered, his eyes obscured by his hair as his hand clenched around the hilt of his sword.

The blonde only shook her head stubbornly even as she stumbled slightly letting Percy notice that she was favoring her right side.

"I won't run," she murmured as she got to the line, foot raised.

Then, before she could set her foot down he moved, all but teleporting to mortal and even most immortals eyes with his katana swinging. Then, his own narrowed eyes widened at the sight before him, shock and disbelief. He blinked once, twice, even going as far as thrice as he looked to make sure he was seeing clearly … and he was. Annabeth had dropped her sword, leaving herself completely vulnerable while the edge of Purgatory rested at her throat, almost close enough to kiss her skin.

His hand holding the sword was starting to tremble, looking her in the eyes as his inner turmoil grew. All he needed was to lean closer. One flick and her head would roll, one nick and his Voidice would spread, trapping and slowly consuming her until she faded leaving a hollow statue. So many was to possibly have her at his mercy … and yet he couldn't go through with it.

"Why?" he asked, his tone both angry and nearly pleading as her own eyes got misty.

"Because you weren't going to do it, in the end you're still the seaweed-brain I know," she replied.

"How do you…"

"Then why didn't you kill me the first time?" she interrupted, her eyes boring into his. "What stopped you then?"

"I … I don't know," he answered as his eyes refused to meet. In truth he knew and it wasn't for any other reason than the fact that it had been her.

In that fight he had been so focused on Artemis as the target of his hate that all others simply became extra that he instinctively fought, not really caring who they were. It had only been at the very last minute that he even noticed it was her to begin with and even then it was close. Too close for his liking. He knew the truth just like she did and in the end both were victims even if she willingly ran and hide. It broke his heart and it still hurts at times but even then, he could not hate her. Angry, sad, and disappointed yes but never could he gather the will to hate.

"You knew what I'd done before we fell into Tartarus right?" she asked even as he saw the hint of shame in her eyes.

It wasn't hard for him to understand what exactly she was talking about and slowly he nodded only to get a sad smile from her in turn.

"And even then you still fell with me to Tartarus," she said almost wistfully with a shake of her head before, much to her alarm, stepping finally planting her foot down. The movement finally moved her close enough that the edge of his sword nicked her neck, tiny drops of ichor oozing out. "That's exactly why I need your help now."

Hearing that brought a whole new wave of anger in him as a suddenly snarled while pulling back the blade only for his free hand to latch onto her throat and easily lift her a foot off the ground, cutting off her gasp as his pupils narrowed to slits while the temperature started to rapidly lower around them.

"Is that it?" he growled as the darkness intensified. "So I was a fool for still believing in you and now you think you can just demand something of me!?" he practically roared as power coursed through him, turning his finger nails into icy claws and lengthening his fangs while deepening his voice. "Why goddess? Why would I ever so much as lift a finger for you instead of finishing you off now rather than later!?" he bellowed, the power and ferocity in his voice booming around them as the night responded to his aggression, thickening as an almost suffocating pressure started to bare down on the choking goddess.

With another snarl he flicked his wrist, tossing the goddess aside with enough force to make her plow throw several meters of hardened earth. She coughed and groaned as she tried to sit up but was stopped as he appeared before her, his foot slamming on her chest and keeping her pinned, ignoring the pang of guilt in his chest as he watched her cough up some ichor.

Keeping the pressure high enough to make sure she couldn't move but not too much so she could speak, her spoke in a low, icy voice.

"Tell me goddess, why are you here, truly? What could possibly drive you to come alone, almost begging for my help when you know you don't even deserve my help?"

Annabeth steadily looked at him, a new wetness in her eyes that he could tell weren't faked as she gingerly moved slightly under his foot before trying to slowly reach into her shirt. Seeing that he lowered his foot just enough and watched closely as she reached into her shirt before bringing out a small golden locket, disconnecting it from a small chain, and tentatively offering it to him.

Silence lasted between them for nearly a minute as Percy weighed his options, his sword at the ready in his right hand while his left remained open, icy claws also at the ready. Then, internally sighing, he slowly took the locket and glancing at the goddess again before opening it. Inside was a single picture of two blondes that could have been mistaken for twins save for the eyes and ages, one being an adult and steely grey eyes while the other was a toddler with greyish blue eyes. The happy smiles and the background of a park behind them completed the scene of mother and daughter spending time together.

"I came for family," Annabeth said softly as she slowly sat up after had removed his foot, being more focused on the picture presented to him. Seeing as he had calmed if only barely, she continued on. "I need to speak to the council because I want my siblings spared. Most are only fighting because they want mother back but also because they're unsure what else to possibly do and are too scared of the Olympians."

"We get prayers so there is no need for you to come personally and my offer from before still stands for them," he replied as he took his eyes of the picture to look at her.

"And they aren't so quick to trust. Me coming here and then returning ads credit to your offer. Even if it was a risk to me, I rather take the chance with myself if it saves my family from pointless death," Annabeth countered with more energy to her before lowering her gaze for a moment before looking at him. "And there is another, more personal reason for me seeing you directly."

Percy felt a knot form in his gut as he saw the way she was looking at him. He just knew whatever that was, he was probably going to come close to going ballistic again and with the goddess being the only target in current range, and that was a possibility best avoided. Still, taking a steadying breathe he gave a small nod for her to continue. She nervously squirmed under his gaze for a while, the atmosphere becoming tenser all the while until she finally spoke in a small voice.

"I need you to help in keeping her safe," she started only for Percy to interrupt.

"Why? She's only a godling so she shouldn't even be close to any battlefields."

"Maybe so but …" Annabeth trailed off for a moment before steeling herself as she met his gaze. "With this war, I'd rather not take the risk so I decided to ask for the help of the one person that could keep her safe, you."

"And why me?" he asked, that feeling of dread growing.

"Because … you're her godfather …"

Shocked disbelief looked on at steely, honest grey eyes. His jaw felt almost unhinged as he looked incredulously at the goddess. Did he hear her right? Did she truly just tell him that he was the godfather of the child born from the affair that began the true breaking of his loyalty and trust? He wasn't petty enough to hate the kid considering she was innocent of any happenings between them but that still didn't mean that he wanted to really even know her, but this?

"W-what?" he asked, his fists clenching as a miasma of darkness started to radiate around him.

"That you're her godfa-ah!?"

She was cut off as an unholy amount of pressure and power bore down on her, the ground beneath her and Percy starting to crack as pebbles began to float around the enraged primordial to the point his wings also materialized. His entire demeanor became frigid as his eyes narrowed with rage at the sheer gall of the goddess before him.

Slowly he raised his hand and by his will, the shadows writhed around before forming tendrils around Annabeth with points and edges sharp enough to cut even drakons to shreds and each one was pointed at the immobile goddess. He looked down at her with a blank face, only his narrowed eyes even hinting at the rage underneath even as she looked at him with actual fear and tears in her eyes. His anger was a veritable tempest mixed with confusion as well, constantly questioning this situation and how he would proceed.

Why was his question above all? Why him of so many others, especially when he was practically dead to Olympus less than six months ago and yet here he was, just learning that he apparently had a goddaughter born to the woman who claimed his heart first only to break it. But he couldn't bring himself to ask, not right now at least. He knew there had to be more to this, Annabeth was not someone who acted on mere whims and he doubted naming him godfather was brought through a fit of nostalgia. There was more to this but at the moment he knew he was too angry from the surprise involved, too volatile to even consider a civil discussion at the moment.

So, with just a thought the shadowed blades slowly retreated as the pressure around them gradually lowered as the goddess nervously looked around her. Then her gaze turned to him, still holding some fear even as a pang of hope showed through, possibly thinking that he was coming to accept his apparent role. Sadly for her, he couldn't be farther from accepting at the moment and honestly, seeing her so hopeful about it only angered him more.

"Per—"

"Silence," he growled out, the pressure returning with a vengeance for all of a second but it was enough to freeze the goddess.

Taking another breathe as he slowly sheathed away Purgatory, he looked down at the goddess again with indifference. Then, with a sharp whistle, three shadows condensed around them before three hummer sized, obsidian black wolves with clear blue eyes stalked out, their growls thrumming through the very earth as their teeth laid bare to the goddess.

"I'll humor you goddess and let you pass on. They will escort you to the mountain and you shall speak before the council then," he said in a clipped tone before turning his back. "You had better have a good reason for choosing me, otherwise I might not even be your biggest concern."

With his part said, he stepped away without a backward glance. He couldn't look at her or so much as be in her presence any more, not when he was like this. There were few people that were safe around him in such times and so, with another step he was swallowed in darkness. The shadows and void swirled around him for all of two seconds before he stepped out again, this time in a familiar room, at the foot of a king sized bed.

Within the silky black sheets two beauties stirred at his presence, one pair of crimson flame eyes and another of gold with hints of emerald looked at him in clear worry, probably after having felt his momentary lapse in control. Just seeing them and their concern for him worked to steady him, his claws reverting to nail and his fangs receding to their shorter size as the darkness calmed around him. Without a word they sat up as he stepped closer, his blades and most of his clothes save for his boxers disappearing in a burst of shadow. None of them spoke, there was simply no need for it now. Their trust and understanding of each other communicated all that was needed between them.

As he set one knee on the bed Rhea came closer before giving him a soft kiss full of warmth and reassurance, easily dousing the earlier torrents of rage clawing at his mind. His body relaxed against her, relishing in her presence before she pulled back only for Hestia to take her place. Another warm and gentle kiss, this time while pulling him farther onto the bed was dealt out as the last of his anger seemingly melted away.

He sighed, feeling so tired all of a sudden as he slumped down into the bed, Rhea and Hestia each soon taking their claimed spots at his sides clutching at him like a big plushy. Smiling tenderly at them, he was about to move to give them their kisses goodnight but was interrupted when their door slowly opened. All three looked to see Andromeda having come to join them, dressed in one of Percy's shirts and panties as opposed to his queens with their nightgowns.

Silently she closed the door and joined them, crawling onto him until she could give him a kiss as well before shuffling down just enough so that her head rested on his chest while Rhea and Hestia took his shoulders. He smiled down at all three of his wives as he willed the light to dim, leaving them in soothing darkness as his wings curled around all three of them.

Tonight he would simply spend his time and focus on them and in the next few days he would face that goddess again…


With Andromeda, Next Morning

The primordial of love walked with a little hop to her step, smiling and savoring the morning as the sun started to warm the sleepy streets of the Second district, a few early risers passing greetings to her. Her morning had started out on a rather sober subject, mainly being his interactions and later revelations from Annabeth. Neither Andy nor her queens reacted all that well to the news but managed to calm after a while and then agree on giving Annabeth the meeting before the council. Then, with a report from his wolves Percy was sure Annabeth would arrive tomorrow morning at the latest.

After that subject got discussed Andy had been all for instigating a thorough rump much to the agreements of her queens and king leaving them all deliciously refreshed and ready for the day. After their steamy activities, each went on their own way for whatever plans the day had which came back to what Andromeda was doing now. As she walked through the city she thought back on how her Valkyries were doing, Raven and Piper having returned their first team hunt, this time traveling near the edges of Mexico city. On the accounts from Raven, Piper seemed notably at ease with the tasks at hand and quite suited to calming those they rescued though the number was low this time around with around five young adults brought to Will's clinic.

They were there even now if she remembered correctly but that wasn't why she was out and about. Instead she walked in the direction of the townhomes built in tandem to the shops, the entrances being on a raised walkway above the commercial street below. It only took her a few minutes before she arrived at her destination and rapped her knuckles on the oak door.

For a few minutes the only sounds were the small wind chime hung beside the door before she heard steps coming from the other side. Then, upon opening she was greeted with the sight of Medusa dressed casually in a shirt and jean shorts much like Andy was herself.

"Morning Medusa," she greeted warmly.

"Andy," the pseudo-goddess returned with her own smile before stepping aside. "Please, come in."

Taking the offer she did so, removing her sandals to a small shoe rack before looking at the Shadow intently and asking, "So … how is she?"

Knowing exactly who she was talking about Medusa sighed but before she could answer another voice called softly from down the hall.

"Medusa …?"

Is was very light and gentle, almost shy and had an underlying vulnerability that made Andy smile sadly even if she had expected something like this. Giving an understanding look to Medusa, Andy stepped aside and followed after Medusa as the pair headed inside the house, their steps echoing on the wood floor. After passing the hall they arrived in a rather spacious living room with an adjacent kitchen to the left side. Walls painted in shades of dark blue including the ceiling, some paintings and images of either ancient Greece or nature decorating the space. However it was the large black couch and its sole occupant that took Andy's attention.

There, siting at the end was Athena, dressed in pajamas Andy recognized as Medusa's, with a warm blanket covering her lap and a cup of tea in hand. However, upon spotting Andy, Athena tensed slightly as her eyes widened before she slowly set her cup down and was stood before bowing her head to Andy.

"Hello Lady Andromeda," she said much to Medusa's obvious shocked silence as Andy smiled sadly yet again as she took in the presence of the goddess and her current demeanor.

"Hello Athena," she replied in kind. "How are you?" she asked gently, giving a warm and reassuring smile that seemed to calm the goddess slightly.

"I've been … well," was the soft reply as the goddess sat down, fidgeting with the hem of her pajama shirt making Andy internally sigh.

She had expected something like this and knew the situation with Athena was now going to be delicate, luckily she already had the first steps to help her along with it. So, with a wave of her hand a small portal of shadows formed over her outstretched arms before a box with holes in the sides deposited there. With the shadow dissipating Andy slowly approached Athena as the goddess looked from her to the box and back.

"Here you go," she said as she offered the box much to Athena's confusion and slight curiosity though the curious side to her won out as she gingerly took it.

Glancing at Andy one more time just to get a nod as encouragement, Athena opened the lid only to gasp at what was inside. The three goddesses watched as a small wolf puppy with grey fur reared its head up to look directly back at Athena. With the innocence and curiosity of a baby the pup hopped its front legs onto the box edge before sniffing at Athena and then trying to lick her, whining and lightly yipping excitedly.

Athena for her part looked at the pup in confusion before smiling warmly, stretching a hand out and lightly petting the pup much to its delight as it licked her hand. Giggling softly she picked the pup out of the box and held it to her chest, cooing softly as the pup continued to lick at her, even adding a few barks in between.

"Her name is Anesi," Andy commented as she backed up to stand beside Medusa as Athena idly nodded, her attention completely dedicated to her new little friend.

Seeing Athena thoroughly distracted Andy led Medusa back to the kitchen, just far enough to be out of ear shot if they spoke softly while still being able to see the pair from over the counter separating the kitchen and living room.

"So, how she been in the last few days?" Andy started as she directed her attention to Medusa, the latter still looking on at the scene of the goddess and puppy.

"I think she's doing decent but then again, she's been behaving different. She slept for over 24 hours when we got back and then I managed to get her bathed and fed but she's been oddly clingy," Medusa replied, a tinge of worry coming through her voice. "Honestly I'm concerned about her since I can't recall her ever being this …" Medusa trailed off trying to find the words.

"Let me guess, docile, meek, passive, and other such characteristics," Andy said knowingly getting a nod from Medusa before the pseudo-goddess added more.

"She's also been having trouble sleeping the last two nights to the point she bunked with me both times."

"Do you mind?" Andy asked with a teasing quality to her voice, getting a slight blush from the Shadow. Giggling at Medusa's expense for a bit, Andy took a breath and then sighed slowly as she got more serious. "Now, as amusing as it is to use her to tease you, the fact of the matter is that this will be a very delicate situation."

"What do you mean?" Medusa asked as she looked at winged goddess.

"Well first think back to how you were after Percy, Nyx, and Tartarus freed you from your curse. What was it like for you at first?"

Medusa frowned as she considered Andy's words, her eyes glancing around before she slowly responded. "Well for a while I guess I was just trying to comprehend everything. Even if Percy delivered on his promise, I had resigned to my curse and the matching mentality for so long that it was just a shock and half the time I thought I would just wake up to being a monster again… I … I just didn't know what to do with myself after such a change and if it hadn't been for Percy, I don't know what would have happened."

Andy nodded as she crossed her arms under her bust. "Exactly and if I recall right you even cried yourself to sleep several times, with either me or Percy, begging that even if it was a dream, that you wouldn't wake up because you didn't want to go back to your curse," she said getting an embarrassed blush and nod from the pseudo-goddess. "Well then you should have an idea of what is happening to Athena," she continued, looking pointedly to the goddess rubbing the belly of her puppy in her lap. "She's affectively still in shock from what happened to her and now has to cope with it."

"How exactly?" Medusa asked as she looked at the Olympian goddess as well.

"Well think about it. When she finally apologized to you, she essentially accepted her death and try to make amends before it, or at least in the death of her current self after the lust had consumed her being. To accept that only not to be broken but actually being given a second chance was something she didn't expect. I know we haven't exactly given her much reason to believe we could be any better than the Olympians or the Titans before, at least in regards to gods like her but I'm pretty sure part of her is still on guard about what we'll do with her."

"And what are you going to do with her?" Medusa asked as she took her eyes off the blonde goddess only to look at the ravenette.

"Leave her in your care for now, try to visit and help her adjust and see just who she is," Andy replied before glancing at the playing pup. "The puppy will help with that too."

"What do you mean?" Medusa asked in confusion, frowning slightly as she looked back and forth between Athena and Andy.

"Let's put it this way. What causes fear in people?"

Medusa scrunched her brows for a moment in thought before answering. "Many things. Threats to oneself and what we care about, maybe something or someone that once caused us some form of harm or trauma, and the unknown."

"And now here is Athena, basically surrounded by dozens of beings that can be very real threats to both herself and those she cares about, myself being the one that caused the trauma even if it didn't go to the worst case and now she is in a situation she has never known before. She used up a good deal of her power the few times she flared it when angered or trying to escape and being beyond the border of the 'Land of the Gods' means she can't really even recover much power leaving her around the level of a low tier minor god at the moment. Since she hasn't even taken the Oath of Citizenship or even a visitor's oath to make sure she behaves, Styx's city barrier completely prevents her from flashing in and out of the city," Andy explained before pausing as she glanced at the goddess in question to make sure she was still distracted.

"And add the week she spent having her mind pressured and warring with her own body combined with essentially fighting against her own fatal flaw, stripped of any authority, responsibility, or influence to have her way, and having her worst mistakes all used against her. Then, instead of being in an overtly hostile environment or being tortured, or used," she spat that word with disgust. "She is in a relatively safe space, away from those that want to harm her or even can get to her for that matter, under your care making you a safety point for her and will be left in peace for the time being. She simply has no idea what to do now or adjust along with an environment that she can't control. She basically been left stripped so that leaves the question; who is she now, and just who will she become?"

As she spoke she internally snickered as Medusa's jaw kept dropping with her explanation. Yes, it had been quite the gamble to get to Athena to this point but Andy was confident. As far as she was concerned, Athena had paid her dues and after having a millennia old façade of superiority and pride broken all that was left was for Athena to change and grow. And if there was one goddess that Andy was sure could come back from this experience even stronger than before, it was Athena.

Her musing though was interrupted as Medusa recovered from her explanation, even going as far as rubbing the bridge of her nose before muttering, "But was putting her at risk of literally becoming a sex doll really necessary?"

Andromeda sighed while pinching the bridge of her nose having expected to still get heat for that. Giving Medusa a bland look she asked, "How else would you have created enough pressure to actually make her think about herself and what's she's been and denied for millennia?"

Seeing Medusa's silence she continued on.

"The point was to give her a test to try and teach a lesson. That collar? I had it linked to her mental state and emotions and would only release if Athena became honest with herself. Yes, she was at risk of breaking under the mental stress but as for the whole 'living sex doll', that extreme wouldn't happen unless she actually indulged. The problem is being pumped full of lust like that leaves desires and sensations, which she has little to no experience and therefore no tolerance for, is the risk."

"And what would have happened if the she hadn't become honest with herself and overturned her own fatal flaw?" Medusa asked she glanced at the goddess still sitting farther off on the couch with the puppy now sleeping in her lap.

"It would have gotten to the point that she actually might have started begging for relief and there was the danger since indulging her would have broken the last line of her rational. Of course I could have stopped the collar but that would have left her with the lust and desire accumulated beforehand and that would take possibly weeks to taper off. Then that would mean isolation and possibly even needing to restrain her so she couldn't even indulge herself … and of course leaving her at point zero since she didn't accomplish anything in my test but at the same time I don't want to kill her."

"Couldn't you just, I don't know, drain away those desires?" Medusa asked with a slight tone of skepticism.

Andy gave her a pointed look before asking her own question. "How again was it that gods use their power on other sentient beings?"

"Prayer, sacrifice, willingly opening up, or entering and being part of a domain within the god's control," Medusa answered easily enough.

"So it comes down to invitation," Andy said with a nod before glancing at Athena. "And there is a goddess with one of the strongest minds and wills around fully capable protecting her mind to the point even us primordial would have to put effort to get past it. So, her emotions fall under my domains to an extent, especially those directly related to Love and Desire but at the same time, as a free and sentient mind, I can't just control her like some puppet. Still with me?"

Getting a nod from Medusa Andy continued on.

"So to even affect her to a point I need to either sneak past her defenses, something already highly unlikely considering it's her, or completely overwhelm the defense which I did with the collar even if I tried to limit it to an extent. If I'd had permission or an invitation into her mind before, I could have used lust without any risk of overwhelming her mind and breaking it, just make her as horny as I wanted her to be. Now in the reversed case, she's full of lust and still trying to guard against me so how would I remove the lust?"

"… Take it all in one fell swoop?" Medusa answered unsurely.

"Exactly, I'd have to go over the top but tell me, what's to say I wouldn't accidentally take too much or even remove other emotions that are related to lust?" she asked as she placed her hands on her hips while looking intently at the pseudo-goddess. "I could have possibly turned her into a literal blank slate and, what's worse, the mind just isn't built to deal with so many sudden changes. It could end with her being a vegetable and that's all going on if she failed but was still pumped full of lust. If she had broken to it and needing isolation or risk her going past the point of no return, taking that lust which would have become her drive at that point could cause violent withdrawals," she finished with a slight huff.

Medusa simply looked at her, blinking owlishly as she absorbed all the information. She went as far as to look at Athena for a full minute before looking back to Andy.

"Okay … so what's with the puppy?" she finally asked getting the winged goddess to chuckle softly.

"Like I said, I believe this is all a new start for Athena. True, it was done quicker and more urgently that strictly necessary but no pain no gain. Anyways, it will be good for her to have a small companion that can grow with her and just be a little ball of energy to keep her happy while also giving her something to be a constant. After all, Percy's wolves work wonders with the kids they're assigned to in the clinic and orphanage so I thought Athena could use one too though that pup is purely hers to keep for as long as she wants," she explained. "Which reminds me!" she suddenly chirped as she snapped her fingers and in a flash, a box appeared on Medusa's counter. "Puppy chow, some formula since she isn't completely weened yet and all other goodies and necessities for young pups."

"Don't I get any say in this?" Medusa asked as she looked into the newly arrived box before glancing to Andy. "Taking care of and cleaning up after puppies isn't exactly easy and quick."

Andy gave her a bland look. "You both can clean any mess with a snap of your fingers or just will the shadows to absorb it and the puppy is blessed by Percy meaning she's smart and will grow stronger and healthier that regular wolves. Also you love the wolves too so I don't see why you would complain."

Medusa sighed in defeat with a nod make Andy smirk. However that smirk soon melted into a fond smile as she looked towards the blonde goddess. "You know, at the end of the day the original goal was reached. We wanted Athena out of combat but this way we have a chance of convincing her children to drop out of the fight. This shouldn't be their war but they're the ones currently on the front lines and as much as it pains us, if we meet them on the battlefield, we won't hesitate." She then paused as she looked to Medusa. "Anyways, I should get going. Let me know if you or Athena need anything but I'll try to stop by again later on."

Seeing Medusa nod Andy gave her harem-sister a quick kiss before seeing herself out of the comfy town home. Sighing lightly as she stepped out she gazed up watching as the sun continued its rise before smirking at it. Ever since they dropped the barrier hiding their presence she was sure Apollo could at least make out the mountain from his chariot even if he couldn't actually see the detail of the city or residents thanks to Styx's security barrier. Still, leaving thoughts of that sunny bastard for more important pursuits, she disappeared in a puff of lavender smoke only to reappear in another near the center of the council throne room.

In a few moments she ascended to her godly form, towering at 100 feet before making short work of siting on her throne and going through all the new information of her domains since the night before. While she did that the others soon appeared as well via their preferred methods of teleportation. Once all were in attendance and assimilated to their domains her king cleared his throat to get their attention.

"Alright, now that we're here, for those of you that didn't know, an Olympian goddess is traveling by footed escort here to speak with the council," he began.

"Which one?" Thalia asked while her gaze zoned out meaning she was trying to scan from the skies and looking for a divine signature.

"Chase," was Percy's curt reply and with it Rhea frowned slightly while Hestia actually growled earning concerned looks from the others.

Percy noticed it though and took a hold of a hand each to his sides from their thrones, effectively calming them. Andy had been informed of the passed night's events in the morning along with Rhea and Hestia, the latter of the goddess's not liking some of the newly revealed knowledge in the slightest. Apparently her interactions with the new blonde goddess hadn't been much more that brief greetings at most. Hestia had not liked the goddess ever since she ascended, mainly due to the pain she caused Percy and then the following years where she became distant from her family.

She's also stated that Annabeth had never named a godfather, which for deities was nothing trivial, especially when considering the well-being and future potential of godlings. Now Hestia was of the mind that the blonde goddess was trying to pull something, possibly even make use of Percy's past feelings. Andy hadn't been too sold on that prospect and planned on checking it more thoroughly later in her office and see if the goddess was hiding ulterior motives while Rhea was not as overtly hostile at the thought of Annabeth but wasn't exactly brimming with warmth at the thought of finally meeting the goddess face to face.

"Annabeth?" Thalia replied, snapping Andy out of her thoughts. "Why is she coming here? Is she surrendering or something?" Andy could see the lingering hope in Thalia's eyes at the thought, knowing the primordial goddess still cared some about the girl-turned-goddess that she took care of all those years ago even if they had become distant during the near decade Percy had been gone.

Percy shook her head at the question before sighing. "It's a little more complicated than that," he muttered as he prepared to explain in more detail as the others looked on curiously. Andy for her part tried to sit back, idly wondering what tomorrow's meeting with the goddess would entail considering that from this morning's reports from Percy's wolves, the goddess wouldn't arrive until early tomorrow…


How was it? I know lately the material has been slow and focused on Athena and Annabeth but I really need to set some things up with them before the war picks up again so work with me here. Hope everyone enjoyed!