I wanted to put a warning here. Some parts of this chapter might need something slightly higher than a T rating though I don't believe it's quite rated M; however, for the sake of simplicity and just to be safe I'm saying this: THIS CHAPTER IS RATED M. There will be nudity and torture. That is all.

Percy (almost six months later, making this sometime in early July 2015)

Percy followed Artemis through the densely packed streets of New Orleans. Six months of dead ends. Six months of chasing nothing but the ghost of rumors that lead nowhere, and now they were pushing through the drunken crowds under the unforgiving summer sun chasing another phantom gleaned from half heard whispers from less than reputable sources. "Geez Apollo," Percy muttered, his annoyance finally winning out. "We get it, you're hot. Now cool it will you?" If anything the heat grew more intense and Percy cursed under his breath. His hair was plastered to his forehead, and he was already sweating through his t-shirt. At least he'd decided to wear shorts today even though it made it difficult to disguise his weapons. Ahead of him, Artemis seemed unaffected by the heat. As cool and calm as ever in her short shorts and tank top, flawless pale skin shining in the late morning light. To distract himself from the discomfort, Percy let his mind wander.

Six months had passed since they'd descended from Olympus and started their hunt. In that time they'd returned to visit twice, each a week long affair. The first in March and the most recent being in late June for the solstice meeting. Two weeks he'd spent with Ava while Artemis split her time between Olympus and his mother's apartment.

Percy sighed and stepped around two drunks arguing over where they wanted to watch the firework display from. When they'd first left Olympus, he and Artemis had traveled to Gainesville, Florida. Since then they had been steadily working their way west; following the words of soothsayers and witches, blind prophets and spirit walkers, fortune tellers and psychics, and even one ancient great-granddaughter of Apollo who insisted on calling Artemis "Aunt", much to her dismay. Anyone who had any claim on the supernatural, whether real or feigned, they listened to and investigated. No matter where they looked though, there was no sign of a monster army led by a Giant. If fact, monsters seemed to have disappeared entirely. This latest rumor, learned from a Voodoo priestess in the bayous south of the city, had brought them here. To Bourbon Street on Independence Day.

Percy snapped out of his trance when a large, tanned man, arms covered in tribal tattoos, stepped between him and an unaware Artemis. The man, steps unsteady from drink, reached forward, and tried to put a hand on Artemis's shoulder. Percy growled involuntarily under his breath. Without breaking stride he reached over the man's shoulder and grabbed his wrist. A quick jerk spun the man to the side and Percy shoved the heel of his free hand into the outside of the outstretched elbow. The arm bent inward with a sickening crunch, and then Percy was past him. Artemis did not even flinch as the man's screams of pain rose behind them. The only acknowledgement she made was slowing her pace slightly to allow Percy to catch up.

When he was at her side she asked in a slightly amused tone, "Did you just break that mortal's arm Percy?" Her eyes never ceased scanning the crowd before them, but Percy could see her mouth twitch up in a small smile.

Percy shrugged, not bothering to look around, Artemis knew where she was going. "He tried to touch you," was the only explanation he gave.

Her smile widened. "Many people are touching me Percy," she said reasonably. "We are part of a crowd after all." Still her eyes scanned the street before them.

This time Percy scowled and checked his pocket for Riptide. It would do no good against mortals who stepped out of line, but the sword was a comfort. "I assure you Artemis, his intentions were anything but pure."

Artemis finally turned her smile on Percy. "Now you sound like Zoe," she said fondly. "You've become a hard man Percy, but in some ways I'm thankful for that. We'll need it in the future."

Percy grunted but did not reply. Instead he asked, "Are we almost there? I swear Apollo is trying to melt me with this damn heat." At her soft chuckle he added, "And why in Hades name is it not affecting you?"

Artemis shrugged. "I'm a goddess," was the only answer she gave. "And yes," she added after a moment, "we are. See that red neon sign halfway down the block? That," she sighed, "is unfortunately our destination."

Percy followed her gaze to sign she'd indicated. His dyslexia made it difficult to read at the best of times, but in his current mood he didn't even care to try. The shape of the sign, however, was unmistakable. "Really?" he asked flatly. "That's where we're going?"

Artemis gave a second resigned sigh, "Apparently there are a number of empousa employed there. We have no choice, we have to at least check it out." She paused then added after a moment, "I'd be happy if we could just find one. This lack of monsters has me on edge." She shook her head, "It's not natural."

Despite himself Percy chuckled. "Lead the way then," he said. "This should be interesting." Interesting indeed. He'd come to know Artemis well over the course of their six month hunt, and if anything the thought of her entering a strip club was more funny now than it would have been before. Beside him, Artemis sighed for a third time again.

Together they pushed through the milling crowds of red, white, and blue until they reached their destinations. Artemis, stopped, visibly steeled herself, took a deep breath, and then walked for the door. A large, heavily muscled man eyed them openly as they approached, his gaze lingering just a moment too long on Artemis, before he moved into their path and opened his mouth. He was too late. Artemis's hand shot out in a blur, and she snapped her fingers in front of his face. The man's eyes glazed over as his mouth slammed shut. He moved aside and opened the door. Percy felt a brow raise. "I didn't know you could manipulate the Mist," he said quietly as they entered the club.

Artemis shrugged as they walked down the long dark hall. "I don't do it often, but if there's an empousa in the building she knows we're here now. We won't have to go looking for her, she'll come to us hoping to find an easy demigod meal."

Percy nodded, he wasn't in the mood to go chasing after one of those blood-sucking succubuses anyway, and neither, it seemed, was Artemis. Despite how uncomfortable being here with Artemis would be, at least the club was blessedly cool, and that improved his mood somewhat. They reached the end of the hall, and walked into a large, dimly lit room. Percy's eyes widened, and he forced himself to focus on the far wall when he saw Artemis glance his way suspiciously. The room was maybe only a quarter full, but just about every woman he could see was in some form of lingerie or varying degrees of undress. Not that I'd mind looking, he thought, but I have to live with this woman…wow, he added to himself, that sounded strange even to me. Aloud he asked, "What now?"

Percy glanced at Artemis in time to see her roll her eyes at him. She looked annoyed. Damn, he thought. It's like she can read minds. On second thought, maybe she could. She was a goddess after all. "If I'm going to stay here I need a drink," she said. "Go get us something and meet me at that booth over there." She nodded to a dark corner of the room.

"Aye aye captain," Percy muttered under his breath as he turned toward the bar. Not low enough, and he chuckled at her indignant snort.

As he approached the bar the small man polishing a glass looked up. "What'll it be?" he asked, never ceasing his polishing.

"Bourbon. Neat," Percy said, grinning to himself. I've always wanted to say that. "And a glass of merlot."

The small man nodded and threw his towel over his shoulder then put the glass he'd been polishing on the bar. He reached back without looking, wrapped his fingers around a bottle, and then paused. "You want the good stuff?" he asked. Percy shrugged and nodded. Why not? Olympus is footing the bill. The bartender released the bottle he'd grabbed and took hold of another one, then poured the drink. Reaching under the bar he pulled out another glass and a bottle of wine. "Just take the bottle," he said. "Gotta use it once it's opened and no one else ever drinks this stuff. Too pricey." Percy nodded his thanks and slid the sea-green credit card his father had given him across the bar. The man opened the bottle, scanned the credit card, and then picked up another glass. As Percy turned away he began polishing the new glass as if he'd never stopped.

Artemis raised an eyebrow at him as he sat down beside her. They both sat with their backs to the wall. "Is that bourbon?" she asked. When Percy nodded she continued. "Do you even like bourbon?"

"No idea," he said truthfully. "Never had it, but I saw it in a movie once and wanted to try it." For the second time in a matter of minutes, Artemis rolled her eyes at him. Percy ignored her and raised the glass to his lips. Then found himself coughing and trying to keep the fiery liquid down. Beside him, Artemis laughed. Well at least she's not annoyed anymore, he thought. "Blah," he said aloud, placing the glass on the table. His mouth was on fire. "Taste like burnt wood smoke."

Still laughing, Artemis slid her glass toward him. "Here," she said. "We can share. At least you know you like this." Percy turned a glare on her that only seemed to make her more amused, before defiantly raising his glass and draining its contents. Artemis raised an eyebrow, and held his gaze even when his eyes began to water. Even in his discomfort he could tell she was holding back laughter.

Finally, the burning in his throat receded. "I've come to the conclusion," he said as evenly as he could with a numb tongue, "that I do not like bourbon."

Again, Artemis laughed, clear and pure. She really does have a beautiful laugh, Percy thought. "Here," she said. "A sip of wine will help wash away the taste." That's twice now, he realized, that's she's offered to share a glass with me. Not very subtle Artemis. Nodding his thanks, he raised the glass and sipped. "There's an empousa here," she said, serious once more when he'd lowered the glass. "I can feel her."

Percy glanced around. None of the strippers in the room seemed to match what he knew of empousa. "Well she's not down here," he said. "Must be in one of the private rooms upstairs."

"Then we wait," Artemis said settling back in her seat. "We're not going to let our only real lead in six months get away."

"Agreed," Percy said and settled back beside her. A thought came to him then, and he had to fight to keep his stoic mask in place. As nonchalant as possible, he reaching into his pocket and pulled out the cell phone she'd given him all those months ago.

Artemis eyed him warily. "What are you doing?" she asked.

"Taking a picture," he said innocently, fighting to keep the smile from his face. "It's the only way anybody is going to believe you willingly came into a strip club." He lifted the phone, and leaned to make sure a few of the scantily clad women were in the background. It made a small shutter sound effect as he snapped the picture. He lowered the phone and began punching in a number. "Apollo is going to love this," he said, still trying to act as innocent as possible.

"Perseus Jackson," Artemis warned flatly, "I will end you." He looked up and met her eyes. Ok, he thought, maybe I shouldn't push her too far. Before he could reply her eyes shot past him and she said, "We've got company."

Putting the phone away, picture unsent, Percy turned to follow her gaze. A tall, long legged blonde who looked like she'd just stepped off of a Victoria's Secret runway was descending the spiral staircase across the room. She wore tall heals, thigh high fishnets, a garter, and not a stitch more. She reached the bottom of the stairs, locked eyes with Percy, and smiled. A familiar sense of wrongness came over him as she strode across the room, ample bared breast bouncing slightly with every step. She slipped into the booth across from them, and Percy had to fight to keep his eyes on her face as she stretched out to lounge across the whole bench. Beside him, he felt Artemis stiffen.

"I thought," she purred seductively, "that I was mistaken when I sensed the Mist being manipulated." Is it getting warm in here? She batted her eyelashes, "I told myself that no demigod would be so foolish as to trespass on my territory." Percy had to swallow around a lump in his throat. An inviting smile, "It appears my senses are a perceptive as ever, however, despite my being…otherwise occupied." Why can't I breathe?

Artemis leaned forward, every muscle taunt, as she studied the monster. "You're Firstborn," she said, and the empousa's eyes shot to her. Percy took a deep, gasping breath as the spell broke. Both women, goddess and monster alike, ignored him. This one is more powerful than Kelli, he thought. "What is your name?" Artemis continued.

"Perceptive little demigod," the empousa purred. Artemis didn't flinch. "And steel willed as well," she continued when she saw her spell would not work on Artemis. "Very well. I am called Rubi."

"Ahh," Artemis said leaning back. "So not just one of the Firstborn, but the very first." Artemis crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, "Hecate has been looking for you Rubi."

Rubi tossed her hair over her shoulder in a dismissive gesture that made her large breast jiggle. Percy's breath caught again, and he had to fight to force the air out of his lungs. "Well Mommy can just keep on looking," she pouted in feigned innocence. Her gaze sharpened once more on Artemis. "You know things most demigods do not," she said. "Who are you?"

Artemis shrugged. "Call me Zoe," was all she said.

"Very well Zoe," Rubi said, purring once more. This time Percy was able to keep control of himself, if only just. "I am idly curious. Before I drain you both dry tell me, why are you here."

Artemis shrugged again, "We're here to torture information out of you." Her face took on a thoughtful expression, and she tapped her chin with a finger. "I suppose we could just ask, but after what you've just put my companion through I'm sure he'll want revenge. He is a hard one."

"I bet he is," Rubi said smiling suggestively. Percy blushed, but this time the spell had no effect on him. "Torture me is it? Well, I'm sorry but I can't let you mar my beautiful face, so I think I'll just have to kill you."

Artemis's brow creased as she studied the naked monster with mock intensity. "I don't know," she said after a moment's scrutiny. "I think a few scars would be an improvement. What do you think Percy?"

Rubi snarled, "Listen here you flat-chested little bitch…" In a blur Percy was across the table, Annabeth's dagger pressed against Rubi's throat.

"I know your kind," he whispered, fury seeping into his voice. He hated feeling helpless. "No matter how fast you think you are, I promise, I'm faster. If you try to flash out you'll wake up in Tartarus. If I so much as think I hear a whisper of charmspeak I'll pin you to this booth. Do you understand me?"

Percy could hear the smile in Artemis's voice. "I told you he'd want revenge. Now I think it's time for a private show upstairs, don't you Percy?" Rubi's eyes widened as if his name finally got through to her, and he watched as naked fear etched itself across her face. She recognizes my name. He grinned evilly. Good.

Percy nodded toward the stairs. "Stand up slowly," he said. "One wrong move and you're dead." Rubi nodded as much as the dagger at her throat would let her and slid from the booth. Percy followed. With the dagger now pressed against her lower back, Rubi led them across the room. No one but the bartender even spared them a glance, and Artemis blocked his view of the dagger. They reached the top of the stairs. Time to teach this bitch just who she was trying to charmspeak, Percy thought, and he sheathed the dagger. Faster than she could react, Percy grabbed Rubi's left wrist and twisted her arm behind her back before slamming her face first into the wall. Her nose collapsed with a sickening crunch, but the suddenly unsheathed dagger once again at her neck again kept her from crying out. He could see tears leaking from the corner her tightly shut visible eye, and a shudder of pain went through her body. "Find an empty room," he whispered to Artemis over his shoulder.

"Over here," came her whispered reply after a moment. Percy spun Rubi around and shoved her through the door.

The room was small, and even more dimly lit than the one downstairs. A low leather chair was the only furniture. Percy shoved the prisoner forward roughly, and she stumbled into the chair. "Sit," he growled, "if you move you die."

Artemis entered and closed the door behind her. She raised an eyebrow and asked, "Was it really necessary to break every bone in her face before we even started asking questions?"

Percy glanced back toward the empousa. Damn, I did more damage than I thought. Rubi's face was a wreck. Her nose was shattered, along with it appeared, the entirety of the left side of her face. Blood leaked from what was left of her nose, and pieces of bone could be seen through the split skin covering what had once been a beautiful high cheek bone. Her left eye was already swollen shut, but tears were still leaking from her one good eye. The way she held her jaw suggested it might have been cracked as well. Blood dripped from her quivering chin onto her bared breast, but instead of flaunting her nudity as she'd done downstairs, now she pulled her knees up to cover herself and tried to sink as far as possible back into the chair. Percy shrugged and responded in a tone as indifferent as possible. "She annoyed me. Now she knows we mean business." He turned back to Artemis. "Firstborn?" he asked.

Artemis nodded. "All of the empousa are Hecate's daughters," she explained. "Rubi here is the oldest and most powerful, as you learned to your dismay downstairs. She's the one who broke Hecate's control over her sister's centuries ago. Hecate has been looking for her ever since."

Through the blood and tears, Rubi spoke. "What do you want?" she asked, words coming out between sobs.

Only the hand that suddenly appeared on his shoulder kept Percy from caving in the right side of her face. "No need for that yet Percy," Artemis whispered. "Let's find out what she knows first."

"I hate feeling helpless," he growled, and Artemis nodded.

"I know you do," she said. "I do too, but we need her alive for now."

He continued glaring at the broken monster before him before cursing and turning away. "Fine," he said. "Ask your questions. Then she's mine."

"Very well," Artemis said, turning toward the prisoner. "You should know," she said in a conversational tone, "my real name is Artemis." She crouched down in front of the chair and Rubi flinched back, lone eye widening in more fear than before. Artemis studied her for a long moment before asking, "Where have the monsters gone. You're the first I've seen in six months."

"They've been summoned," Rubi answered eagerly, sobs finally subsiding. Though the damage Percy had done to her face made her voice nasally. That thought made him smile. "I alone among my sister's was able to resist. The others were too weak."

Artemis nodded, but never broke eye contact. "I'd guessed as much. Who summoned them, and where are they gathering?" Rubi opened her mouth to answer, then closed it again. She turned to look away. Artemis shook her head, "Rubi. Rubi. Rubi. That was a bad choice." Artemis rose and turned to Percy. "She's all yours," she said. "Just make sure you leave her alive."

"Wait!" Rubi yelled through a clenched jaw, and a quickly upraised hand from Artemis stopped Percy before he reached the prisoner. He cursed under his breath. "He'll kill me if I tell you," the monster whimpered.

Artemis crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "And what do you think my companion will do if you don't?" she asked.

Rubi flinched back from the idea, and took as deep a breath as her shattered face would allow. Then she breathed one word. "Clytius."

"Where?" Artemis asked sternly, her impatience with the empousa seeping into her voice.

Rubi answered hurriedly. "Lac des Allemands," she said. "It's a lake about 25 miles west of he…" She cut off as Artemis's silver knife slid into her throat, and she exploded into a cloud of golden dust.

Calmly Artemis wiped the golden dust from the blade of her knife then turned to Percy. "Why'd you do that?" he asked, feigning calm. "I wanted her," he said. His voice was hard even in his own ears.

"You were angry and wanted revenge," she said reasonably. "One day you'll thank me for stopping you from doing what you wanted to."

Percy held her gaze for a moment longer then sighed and looked down. Gods, he thought, she's right. Annabeth would weep if saw what I've let myself become. "You're right," he said, voice cracking, and he felt the fury drain from his body. Shame tried to take its place, but he forced it down mercilessly. "Thank you."

Artemis smiled and stepped close. She reached up and put a hand on his shoulder. "It takes a special kind of person to admit when they're wrong," she said. "It shows you're healing Percy. Now come on. Let's get out of this wretched place."

Artemis

Half an hour after leaving that vile den of debauchery, Dionysus would have loved that place, Artemis was sitting across from Percy at a small café. She watched him carefully as he took a bite of the sandwich he'd ordered for lunch, oblivious to her scrutiny. He seemed like he was back to his normal self, but his reaction to the empousa's spell had been…extreme to say the least. She'd grown so used to the stoic mask he wore that she'd forgotten just how damaged he really was. Just how much pain he'd been through. Such fury and cruelty hiding just below the surface, she thought. Dare I give my heart to this man? The thought was absurd, for she knew that eventually she would. Perhaps in some ways I've already started to, she conceded. The longer she spent in his company the less she disliked the idea, even though at times it was still hard to accept. He was a good man beneath the hard outer shell. Still, it would not do to forget what he was capable of.

Percy looked up from his meal. "So," he said, "this Lac des Allemands. You know where it is?"

Artemis nodded. "Like Rubi said, its west of the city. I've been there before. Mostly marsh and swamp with few dry places large enough to camp an army." She shrugged, "Shouldn't be too hard to find them."

Percy grinned around a mouthful of food, "You've been everywhere before." He swallowed. "Well, I for one could use a break after that ordeal," he said. "Let put off going trudging through the swamp till tomorrow and take the rest of the day off. It's a holiday after all."

Artemis considered. Yes, she thought, he could use a break after the stress he just went through. Hell, we could both use a break. Seeing him break like that hurt to watch. She smiled. "Very well," she said. "I assume you want to go see Ava?"

Percy shook his head. "No," he said. "We just saw her. I've been too long from the sea. Let's go to a beach somewhere."

She raised an eyebrow at him. He has to know that's impossible, she thought. He can't possibly be that thick. "I'm a daughter of Zeus," she said. "You're father would kill me if I ever dared to enter his domain without his permission."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," he said waving a hand dismissively. "Same reason I can never fly," he said. "Stupid sibling rivalry and all that. Anyway you have my permission, and that's good enough."

Artemis shook her head at his casual disregard for centuries of bad blood, and started to argue, but then thought better of it. This is supposed to be for him after all. She told herself. "I'll take you to a beach somewhere," she said after a moment, "but you'll be swimming alone. There is no way I'm getting in the water."

Percy just shrugged. "We'll see," was all he said.

Artemis rolled her eyes at him. "Where do you want to go," she asked.

Again, he shrugged and said, "Surprise me."

Artemis thought for a moment and then smiled. "Follow me," she said and rose. She led Percy into an alley beside the café and glanced around to make sure there were no mortals nearby. Incinerating someone would not be a good start to their day off. Satisfied, she reached up to grasp Percy's shoulder, and flashed away. The air was filled with the roar of crashing waves, and the smell of salt permeated everything. "How's this?" she asked Percy.

He looked around and smiled. "Just north of Miami," he said. "This is perfect."

"Good," Artemis said, and she sat down on the sand. She patted the place right next to her and Percy took a seat. "One of Apollo's private beaches," she explained. "He never gets near the water, your father intimidates him I think, but he does like to bring girls here."

Percy laughed, and Artemis watched as the tension visibly drained from his body. Like the wilderness does for me, she thought, the sea relaxes him. He leaned back, supporting himself on his elbows and said, "Thank you Artemis. I needed this."

She smiled to herself. "You're welcome Percy," she said, and then silence fell. For a long time, they sat side by side, staring out at the waves, each content in their own thoughts. Finally, Artemis broke the stillness. "Go out," she said. "Enjoy the water. I'll be here when you get done."

Percy sat still for a moment longer before saying, "Ok," and rising. He peeled off his shirt and shoes, tossed them on the sand behind him, and set off for the crashing waves. Artemis watched the muscles of his back ripple as he jogged across the sand. Even as a mortal he has the body of a god, she thought and blushed. Quickly, she averted her gaze. When her eyes found him again, which didn't take nearly as long as she thought it should have, he was standing in the shallows and talking to his father. Poseidon nodded and stepped past Percy. Alone, he approached Artemis, leaving Percy behind with the waves. She sighed, and rose as he drew near.

Poseidon nodded. "Artemis," he said in greeting.

"Uncle," she said, returning the gesture. "I had not expected to see you here. Has something happened?"

"No," Poseidon replied. "Percy was just telling me you recently succeeded in locating a Gigas in Louisiana." He grimaced, "Clytius, he says. Favored son of Gaea. He will not fall easily. If you need aid in this fight, I wanted you to know you can call on me. I will come."

Well that's surprising, Artemis thought raising an eyebrow. Though I suppose it shouldn't be. Percy is his favored son after all. "Thank you Uncle," she said. "Stand ready for the next couple of days. If we do not find him tomorrow, it will be the next day at the latest."

Poseidon nodded and turned back to the sea. After taking a few steps he looked back over his shoulder. "As far as I'm concerned, in the seas Percy's word is law," he said. "If he gives you leave to enter my domain, then you have my leave as well." With that, the god of the seas disappeared in a geyser of salt water.

That shocked her. Percy's word is law?, she thought as she sat back down. The implications of that were staggering. If Percy wanted to, he could usurp Triton's place as Poseidon's heir, and Poseidon would support him. Given Percy's new found immortality, the possibility of that happening sometime in the distant future was increasingly likely, and the sea god had to know that. What is going on there, she asked herself? The sudden clearing of a throat made her look up. "So," Percy said extending a hand. "Ready to go for a swim now?"

She eyed him up and down, and did not answer. Tall and broad-shouldered, he truly was a sight to behold. Well-muscled and tanned with a dusting of black hair across his chest he was the picture of an Olympic swimmer. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts she took his hand, and stood. He raised an eyebrow. "You're going to go swimming in that?" he asked, eyeing her clothes.

She raised an eyebrow right back and let her annoyance seep into her voice. "If you think I will willingly let you see any more of me than you already have," she said seriously, "then you are sorely mistaken." Maybe he could use a short stint as a jackalope for being so forward, she mused. Or maybe I could do something more creative. A mouse perhaps? No, that won't do either.

Percy met her gaze without flinching. "If I'm to be your future husband," he responded just as seriously, "then you'd better get used to the idea of me seeing more of you."

Shock flung all thoughts of punishment from her mind. How…how did he find out!? How long had he known!? She tried to form the words, but when she opened her mouth no sound emerged. She closed it again and stared up at him, eyes wide. Whatever he saw on her face amused him, and he grinned. "I continue to wonder," he mused slowly, "why you all believe I am so oblivious. I had suspicions since that first day in Boulder Artemis, but when you agreed to come hunting with me you confirmed it. The council would have never agreed to allow you to waste your time with me if there wasn't a good reason for it." He stopped and looked down at her clothes before returning his gaze to her eyes. "So I ask you again," he said. "Are you going to go swimming in that?"

Silently, still unable to form words and eyes still wide with shock, she continued to stare up at him. He continued to watch her struggle, that insufferable grin on his face. Slowly, inch by inch, she raised her right arm, and snapped her fingers. Her clothes disappeared, and in their place she wore a silver bikini. Modest as far as bikinis go, but a bikini none the less. His gaze never left her eyes, but his grin widened. "Let go," he said, and pulled her toward the waves.

So there's chapter nine, and to answer the question I've been asked numerous times since I began this story: Percy is not a fool! He's known all along! Well, he had suspicions anyway, and despite what he said, Artemis didn't confirmed them until there at the end when she changed clothes. If you'll notice, the last Percy POV we had was way back in chapter 6 just before the solstice meeting, and it was very short, giving away almost none of Percy's thoughts. That was intentional, I wanted to hide his suspicions. Early in this chapter, when Artemis offers to share a glass with him for the second time, I gave a little hint that he might know, but it was only a passing thing. Easily missed. So now the air is clear between them, and it will be exciting to see where the relationship goes from here!

I tried to keep the adult themes to a minimum, since the story as a whole is only rated T and I'm not ready to up to rating yet. Maybe in the future, but not yet. I like the idea of putting Percy and Artemis in uncomfortable or stressful situations; of squeezing them a little and finding out what comes out. Hence the strip club the squeeze Artemis, and the charmspeak to squeeze Percy. All in all, Artemis handled herself much better than Percy did. That was intentional. I wanted to show that though he may put on mask and lie to the whole world, himself included, he is still not well. The casual way he broke a mortals arm, and then his eagerness to torture Rubi even after they'd gotten the information they needed from her is a disturbing image of our beloved Percy. One most of us are not used to, and is without a doubt a central theme of this story.

Another thing I want to point out is how Percy's willingness to look at naked women here (he only doesn't because Artemis is there) is a stark contrast to his staunch denial to even think of another woman back in the early chapters. To me that signifies that he's finally getting over Annabeth. However do not be fooled, the pain may be gone, but the scars still remain.

Well, I hope you liked it! I wouldn't say this chapter was enjoyable to write (other than the end), but it was necessary. Thanks for reading! As always, leave a review and let me know what you think! Feedback from readers motivates me to write.