So one of the events in this chapter is something I've had in mind from the beginning. I wasn't exactly sure how it was going to play out, but I was sure I wanted it to happen. Get your emotions ready, this is going to be another rough one. Hope you guys like it! Still don't own PJO.

Artemis (Christmas morning three days later)

The early morning sun woke Artemis from a fitful sleep. Groggily, she wiped her eyes, sat up in bed, and stretched, trying to work the knots of tension from her shoulders. It did not work. Pushing down frustration, an emotion she'd been feeling a lot of since coming back to Evelyn's, she rose and dressed. Not caring what she looked like, only Evelyn would see her today anyway, she donned an old pair of holey jeans and a thick flannel shirt, not bothering with a base layer despite the frigid temperature. A quick glance in the mirror brought a bitter smile to her lips. There was a haggardness about her reflection that she was not used to seeing there. I look almost mortal, she thought wryly and sighed. Three days. Three days and still no word of Percy. Frustration doesn't even begin to describe how I feel. Sighing heavily, she pushed open the bedroom door and headed for the kitchen. The smells of breakfast foods wafted down the hallway.

Evelyn of course, was already up and cooking breakfast. She'd seemed to, as most elderly women Artemis had met in her long life, have taken it upon herself to cure Artemis's melancholy with food. As she entered the kitchen, Evelyn turned and smiled a smile that was only slightly touched with sympathy. "How was your night, my dear?" she asked turning back to the sizzling pan before her.

What did I ever do to deserve this woman, Artemis asked herself? More and more Evelyn was reminding Artemis of Hestia. A steady comforting presence that did not ask for explanations. Artemis gave her a small smile in return. "I've had better," was all she said as she walked across the kitchen to pour herself a cup of coffee. Breathing in the aroma of the dark bitter liquid calmed her somewhat, and she turned toward Evelyn as she took a sip. Her eyebrows rose as she took in the array of breakfast foods before her. "Mrs. Evelyn," Artemis chided. "There was no need for this. You must have been up for hours to have all this cooked."

"Call me Evy dear," Evelyn said, absently waving the greasy spatula she was using in Artemis's general directions. "And nonsense! I never had children or grandchildren of my own, so with you I'm making up for lost time." Scooping more bacon onto an already heaping plate Evelyn glanced over her shoulder, a twinkle in her eye. "You wouldn't be so cruel as to deny an old woman her fantasies would you? No? Didn't think so. Now sit. You're just going to have to deal with me mothering you for a time."

Despite herself Artemis smiled warmly at the woman and obeyed. In short order, Evelyn had enough food for three set before her, and carefully watched to make sure Artemis ate. "You do know that I don't need mortal food," Artemis asked after a moment. "Don't you?"

Evelyn sniffed and waved a hand dismissively. "This isn't about sustenance," she said. "It's about a thing we mortals like to call comfort food." Her gaze sharpened on Artemis, and she pointed to the plate. "Eat," she said. "It will be good for you."

Artemis smiled inwardly and picked up her fork. "I should really introduce you to my Aunt Hestia," she said between bites of scrambled eggs and fresh biscuit. "I think you two would get along wonderfully."

Finally satisfied Artemis was eating; Evelyn turned to her own plate before answering. "Yes, well," she said as she spooned a scoop of fresh sliced fruit from a bowl. "I think I have my hands full with one mopey goddess at the moment. If Lady Hestia is in a mood anything like yours I don't think I'd be able to stand it," she finished, the twinkle returning to her eye.

Artemis paused with a piece of bacon halfway to her mouth and looked at Evelyn. Hestia…mopey? Suddenly she found herself laughing, her first genuine laugh in days. Through her mirth, she could see a grinning Evelyn nod to herself before continuing her meal. Artemis's mirth died slowly, and she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "I needed that," she said. "Thank you."

"It's what I'm here for, my dear," Evelyn said.

Artemis studied Evelyn for a moment before coming to a decision. "You haven't asked me what happened," she said. "Why?"

Evelyn laid her fork down and lifted her coffee cup, looking over its rim at Artemis. "I assumed when you were ready to talk you'd talk," she said after a moment. "I didn't want to pressure you." Suddenly Evelyn snorted a mirthless laugh. "It feels strange saying this to a goddess but I want you to feel safe and secure here, an escape from the pressures of the outside world." She smiled, "A home if you will."

Again Artemis found herself smiling and wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. She reached across the table and squeezed Evelyn's hand. I'm not worth of you Evelyn, she thought. I never have been. Leaning back she sighed. "I assume you remember me telling you the reason I left New York six years ago was because of a new great prophecy?" She waited for the old woman's not before continuing. "Well I think it's time you heard what it said."

"You mean the one that says you're supposed to marry Percy?" Evelyn asked. Artemis stiffened and felt her eyes widen in shock as Evelyn grinned. "I still have some contacts in the Greek world Artemis," she said. "After I found out what the prophecy said, and who you were it wasn't too hard to guess Percy was the one."

Artemis shook herself. It seems I've underestimated you again Evelyn, she thought. Getting herself under control she said, "Yes, that one." As shock receded sadness took its place again. The grin faded from Evelyn's face and Artemis had to look away, unable to meet the sympathy alight in her eyes. Taking a deep breathe she spoke quietly in a flat, emotionless voice. "Four days ago Gaea sent an assassin after Percy's family. His step-father and mother were murdered. Only his sister survived. In his grief he's disappeared, Poseidon and Nico are looking for him, but there hasn't been any word yet." She paused and took another deep breathe before continuing, voice cracking this time. "Orion was the killer."

"Ohh Artemis," Evelyn murmured as she rose and made her way around the small table. "I'm so sorry my dear." She pulled Artemis into a hug, and Artemis buried her face in the elderly woman's shoulder. "That's it my dear," she murmured. "Let it out."

For long moments, Evelyn stood there holding Artemis as she wept, murmuring soothing words and patting her hair. When the tears passed, Artemis wiped her eyes again with her sleeve, and sat back. "I never used to cry before," she mumbled. "I don't know what's wrong with me."

A ghost of a smile crossed Evelyn's lips. "You're in love with the boy Artemis," she said soothingly as she patted Artemis's arm and returned to her seat. "You're hurting for him."

Artemis's arm froze in the act of wiping her cheek. In love? she thought incredulously. Surprisingly, the anger that would have risen at the suggestion just a year earlier was absent. It's where this thing has to end, there's no use fighting it anymore. And fight it she had been, unconsciously, even against her will, her mind had fought the idea of forsaking her oath tooth and nail. Maybe it was the stress of not knowing what was going on, maybe it was the extreme pressure of prophecy, or maybe it was the bone crushing sadness, but the effort needed to summon her emotional barriers was beyond her. For the first time, Artemis truly allowed herself to examine her feelings and found that Evelyn was right. Maybe…maybe I am. "You realized I've killed people for suggesting much less?" she asked. "Don't you?"

Again that ghost of a smile flashed across Evelyn's lips. "I can see the truth in your eyes my dear," she said gently. "You know it, and I know it. Do away with these silly games and admit it to yourself."

Artemis felt a sense of self-loathing rise within her and let it out in a bitter laugh. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised," she said in a hard voice. "The only man I've loved since Orion lost his parents because of me. The Fates' way of paying me back for all the pain I've caused men over the years I guess. Percy will never have me now, and I don't blame him. He deserves better than me."

Evelyn's hand slapped the table with a loud crack. In spite of herself, Artemis started slightly, a silver knife appearing in her hands. "Now listen here young lady," Evelyn said in a no nonsense tone, waging a finger under Artemis's nose. "I'll have none of that self-pity in my home. Yes you may have trained Orion, but this is in no way your fault. Get that ridiculous thought out of your head this instant!"

Artemis stared at the elderly woman, mouth hanging open, in shock. Not even Hera, much less a mortal, would dare talk to an Olympian like that. This woman is as brave or crazy as Percy is. After a moment she felt a small grin form on her face. "Yes ma'am," was all she said.

Evelyn nodded with finality. "Good," she said. "Now that that's settled, go change your clothes my dear. I'll not have you moping around the apartment all depressed on today of all days. I'll make sure you enjoy this Christmas if I have to tie you to a chair and pour eggnog down your throat."

Smiling to herself, Artemis rose and obeyed.

Hours later, late afternoon sun slanting through the windows saw Artemis and Evelyn sitting in their rocking chairs and drinking hot chocolate. Evelyn was going on about something a friend of a friend's grandson had done, and Artemis was listening contently with only half an ear when a small surge of power downstairs made her stiffen slightly. Evelyn cut off immediately. Observant, Artemis mused. More observant than she lets on. "What is it my dear," Evelyn asked.

"Someone just arrived downstairs," Artemis said, trying to push down the rising sense of hope within her. That would only lead to disappointment. "It's probably Nico, but just to be safe stay here while I check it out." It's not Orion, she told herself. Hera still has him or he's in Tartarus by now. Still, better to be safe. Summoning her daggers, Artemis moved to the front door and opened it a crack. She let out a relieved sigh when she saw Nico appear at the bottom of the stairs. "Come on up Nico," she called dispelling her daggers. There was a flash of light behind the boy, a much larger surge of power, and a familiar sound of rushing water filled the small stairway. So Poseidon comes himself. That surprised her, though on second thought it shouldn't. The man would do anything for Percy. "You're welcome as well Uncle."

"Who is it my dear," Evelyn asked from behind, not worried but wary.

"Poseidon and Nico," Artemis told her. "They must have word of Percy or they would not have both come." That though frightened her. If they'd have succeeded Percy would be with them now. So they failed. Why are they here then?

"Poseidon!?" Evelyn almost croaked, and Artemis turned. The woman recovered quickly however. "Well," she said just a touch breathlessly. "I guess I should go make a few more cups of hot chocolate then. Invite them in dear; don't leave our guest standing in the stairway." With that she turned and bustled into the kitchen.

Artemis smiled a small smile at the old woman's back, but it did nothing to calm her nerves. She turned as Nico and Poseidon reached the door. The waves of power coming of the god made her step in his path. "There is a mortal here Uncle," she said somewhat sharply. "One very dear to me. Contain yourself."

He glared at her but nodded. I shouldn't take offense. A glare is his natural expression these days. Still, the deep sorrow in those sea green eyes made her heart go out to him. She knew it was mirrored in her own. The waves of power receded, and she stepped aside. "What news?" she asked as the pair stepped into the apartment.

Poseidon sighed heavily, and the tension seemed to flow out of him. When it left all that remained was a weary middle-aged man looking somewhat worse for wear. He walked to the couch and sat down heavily before waving in Nico's general direction. "Speak Nico," he commanded. "My mind is elsewhere."

Nico remained standing, whether in respect or from restlessness, Artemis couldn't tell, and began pacing as he spoke. Artemis retook her place in her rocking chair. "We found him," the pale young man said, "in the Tennessee wilderness just south of Gatlinburg." Artemis waved impatiently for him to continue. I know all that, I could have found him whenever I wanted. Tell me how he is. Ever the loyal servant of Olympus, Nico obeyed her silent command. "It's bad," he said.

"I'd gathered as much for Poseidon's" face Artemis said, a tad more sharply than she intended. "Tell me how he is."

"I don't know My Lady," Nico said. "He wouldn't let us near him. The one time I did get close he attacked me," he finished, voice fading to a murmur. "Any time he saw Lord Poseidon he just ran. We left before we pushed him further over the edge."

Artemis sighed and leaned back as Evelyn returned with a tray of steaming cups. "Mrs. Evelyn," she said. "You know Nico, and this is my Uncle Poseidon."

Evelyn nodded her head respectfully in Poseidon's direction, who ignored her. "Would you like a cup of hot chocolate My Lord?" she asked him. "Forgive my boldness, but you look as though you could use something."

Poseidon grunted a humorless laugh. "Something strong would be better," he muttered. "But hot chocolate will do." After a moment he add, "Thank you." Accepting and taking a sip of the offered cup he leaned forward, and his eyes hardened. "Artemis," he said seriously, "I require your help."

Artemis stiffened at the tone, and for a moment wished she hadn't dispelled her hunting knives. "You once told me," she said slowly, "that if I made Percy suffer you'd kill me." Nico quietly moved to the edge of the room, getting himself out of the line of fire, and Evelyn pulled back slightly. Artemis barely noticed. Her full attention was on her Uncle. "Has that changed?"

Again Poseidon grunted a humorless laugh. "I'm not so big a fool as you seem to be," he said, and she stiffened. "I don't blame you; I know you wouldn't hurt him anymore than I." He paused for a moment and his voice and face darkened. "I blame Gaea," he finished in a harsh whisper.

Well at least that's out of the way. "Why have you come here then," she asked. "I doubt I'll be able to succeed where you have failed. I believe Percy cares for me, but no more than he does for you or Nico. If you couldn't get through to him what makes you think I'll be able to?"

"You're right," Poseidon said, a dangerous glint appeared in his eye. "You probably wouldn't, but Nico has a plan. An ambitious one and we're here to recruit you. It could mean war between Olympians if he succeeds, and you're one of the only ones other than me who I'm sure will support him. Athena might as well once she hears of it. Perhaps Apollo if what I hear of his actions recently is true." He paused then barely mumbled. "Maybe Hestia…maybe."

Artemis turned to Nico and raised an eyebrow. "And who, young Nico, might you be leading us to war with," she asked.

The boy grimaced. "My father," he muttered.

Hours later found Artemis standing in the Tennessee wilderness, not far from where their bond told her Percy was. She glanced up at the moon, trying to calm herself, as she paced another lap around the clearing. "Calm down Sis," Apollo muttered. "You're making even me nervous." The uncertain edge in his voice proved he was telling the truth.

Artemis turned and glared at him. He was sitting on a fallen log to her right, nervously running fingers through his golden hair. "Calm down?" she hissed. "Calm down? When has that ever done anything but annoy me further Apollo? Don't tell me to calm down!" Poseidon had been right of course, Apollo had been willing to help with their mission this night, but the magnitude of what they were doing was weighing heavily on both of them.

Apollo threw up his hands defensively, eyes widening, and Artemis realized she was holding her bow. "Geez Sis," he muttered, "I was just…"

"Both of you be quiet," Athena snapped, open anger in her voice. "What we do here could mean civil war. I will not risk Olympus itself only for you two to ruin any benefits we might gain with your bickering." Artemis turned her glare on her half-sister. Athena's iron-hard face hardened further. "Sit down and be quiet," she growled.

Artemis maintained her glare for a moment later, fingers twitching toward her quiver, and then deflated. What am I doing? They're my allies, my only allies after tonight, I can't attack them. She sighed heavily and moved toward her brother's log. Athena remained standing a short distance away. Sitting down Artemis looked toward the moon. "Poseidon should have Hades and Father distracted by now," she said to nobody in particular.

"So all of our fates rest in young Nico's hands now," Athena mused, then grimaced. "I can't say I like that. He's s a son of Hades, how do we know he won't betray us?"

"He won't," was all Artemis said, not wanted to start the argument again.

"I still say it's a foolish risk," Athena maintained.

"And it's one we have to take," Apollo said, all lightness gone from his voice. "All there is to do now is wait Sister," he said. "It's too late to change the plan now."

Athena fell silent and Artemis followed suit. Questing out with her senses, she allowed the familiar hum of the wilderness around her to sooth her troubled mind. It did not quite relax her, but it did take the edge off her stress. I should make more time for this, Artemis thought absently. Around her the forest suddenly went still. Her eyes shot open, and she was alert and ready once more. "They're here," she said.

Both Apollo and Athena went still, as shadows coalesced between them to form Nico. "It's done," he said bowing his head respectfully. "I don't think I was detected. She awaits my call."

"Then bring her Ghost King," Athena said hurriedly, voice oddly strained. "Let this thing be finished."

Nico nodded and closed his eyes, focusing. Slowly, a pale mist rose from the ground around the boy and began to coalesce into the form of a young woman, a young woman with blonde hair and penetrating pale grey eyes.

"Annabeth," Athena breathed, tears forming in the corner of her eyes.

"Mother," Annabeth smiled, incorporeal hand rising as if to embrace Athena then falling again. Instead the girl contented herself with, "It's good to see you again." Her eyes left her mother and flickered toward Artemis and Apollo, widening slightly. Nico didn't tell her what was going on, Artemis realized, and Annabeth bowed her head in respect. Athena stepped forward and placed a hand against Annabeth's translucent cheek. "I can almost fell that," the girl murmured, with another smile for her mother. "Or at least I imagine that I can."

Athena smiled then, bright and true. "It's good to see you again as well, my daughter," she said. "Nico hasn't told you why you're here I gather?"

"There was no time My Lady," Nico interjected. "There still isn't," he muttered almost under his breath. "My father will figure out somethings wrong any minute." He's as stressed as I am, Artemis realized. Stepping forward and raising a single hand Nico said, "Hold still Annabeth, this will be…uncomfortable." He placed two fingers against the ghost's forehead, closed his eyes in concentration for a few moments, and then gently pushed.

Annabeth jerked back with a muffled yell, naked pain etched across her face, and stumbled half a dozen paces before righting herself. "What did you do?" Athena hissed, spear forming in her hands. I can't let this get out of hand, Artemis thought stepping between her sister and Nico. Apollo followed suit.

"Calm down Sister," Apollo said in a soothing voice. "Let Nico explain before trying to poke holes in him huh? I'm sure there's a perfectly good explanation." He turned to the boy then, and barely caught him in time as he swayed wearily. "There is an explanation," he asked Nico almost pleadingly. "Isn't there Nico?"

"There was no time to explain," Nico mumbled. "So I forced the memories of the past six years into her mind." He sighed and to Artemis it looked as though he forced himself to straighten through sheer willpower. "It's painful, but effective. Now we can get on with this. I need to disappear before my father finds me."

"I'm fine," Annabeth said from behind Athena in a somewhat strained voice. "Don't harm him Mother. Please." Athena finally relaxed somewhat as Annabeth stepped up beside her. Artemis moved from between them as Annabeth's hard grey eyes found Nico. "What have you done?" she demanded angrily. "You idiot! Your father will destroy you for this!"

Nico met her glare calmly. "You know why I did it Annabeth," he said quietly. "We both know you'd have done it for him too." He smirked weakly then, "Besides, what's one man's soul against the entire world?"

"Well yours is one man's soul I intend to protect," Apollo told Nico firmly. "Say your goodbyes, we're going."

In an instant Annabeth's anger was gone from her face, and she closed the distance between them to hug Nico tightly. He returned the embrace just as enthusiastically. "Thank you for this," she mumbled into his shoulder. "Now go," she said pushing him back. "And be safe."

He smiled down at her. "I will," he said. "And return to the Isle when you're done here. I don't want Father punishing you too."

Annabeth smirked, "Yes Your Majesty," and then Nico and Apollo were gone in a flash of light.

Artemis let the young woman gather herself and turn back before speaking. "You know what you're to do then?"

"I do My Lady," Annabeth said, pain dancing deep in her eyes. "Ohh Percy," she almost whimpered. "I'm so sorry. I should have never left you like this."

"Don't do that Annabeth," Athena said firmly, before Artemis could get a word out. She shot a glance at her sister that Athena successfully ignored. "His pain is not your fault, and your death was not his. You were both the victim of circumstances, and now you have a chance to make much of his needless self-imposed suffering right. A true daughter of mine would be strong enough to realize that, and do what needs doing."

That put some steel in her spine, Artemis thought as Annabeth stood straighter with every word. She nodded, "You're right of course Mother," she said. "And I may be able to relieve him of some of his guilt, but I can't help what happened to his parents."

Athena smiled a small, knowing, and somewhat sympathetic smile. "No," she said. "You can't. You'll have to trust to his new love to help him through that." Together, mother and daughter looked toward Artemis, Athena smiling and Annabeth wary.

"As you say Mother," was Annabeth's only reply. After a moment Annabeth continued addressing Artemis, "If may ask a question My Lady?" And here it comes, with Athena here to hear me answer no less. Annabeth waited for Artemis's nod before continuing. "Do you love him My Lady? Nico seems to think you might, but I want to hear the truth from you."

Artemis didn't hesitate. "I do, Annabeth," she said quietly. Then again to herself more quietly, "I actually do."

Annabeth smiled a small, pained smile. "Good. That's for the best I guess," she said. After a moment she added, "Nico seems to think he loves you as well." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath that seemed to calm her. Finally she said, "I'm ready."

Percy

He couldn't remember how long it had been since he'd collapsed from exhaustion, or much of the past few days for that matter. There were vague dream-like memories of attacking a friend, and fleeing from a father, but he couldn't say with any certainty if he'd imagined those or not. There had been too many hallucinations since she'd told him. Who told me what? The moment of confusion vanished in a sudden spark of clarity. Nico…that was the friend's name. Remember that. I can't lose myself again. My name is…No! No. Don't go there. Not there.

His mind skittered away from that thought, and the confusion returned stronger than before. Questions of identity were far too close to the pain he was running from. He remembered talking with friends, Friends?, and then she told him, Artemis, she told me, and then the pain and the primal urge to flee. That fear of a man who'd been seared to the bone fleeing fire grasping him in it clutches and not letting go. Only exhaustion had stopped his desperate flight, and here his thoughts were catching up with him, if slowly.

Artemis. Yes that was her name. Was she a friend? The clouds in his mind thickened further for a moment. She brought the pain. She must be an enemy. A single bolt of clarity shot through the confusion. No! Not Artemis. Never her. She's a friend. Always. Why was that?

Suddenly he realized he was lying face first in the dirt. It took him a number of long minutes to determine he should move. Move damn you, he growled at his arms and legs. Slowly, jerkily, they finally obeyed. With excruciating slowness, he pushed himself into a seated position and leaned back against a tree.

Taking a deep breathe he forced his thoughts into line. The fear and pain surged, but he fought it tooth and nail for control of his mind. My name is…I am…name… The pain won and his thought scattered once more. He sagged against the tree.

"Percy," a quiet feminine voice from the outside whispered, and he recoiled as if struck. That name! Don't say that name! he screamed. He was in the dirt again. He didn't remember moving, but he had to get away from that name. "Percy," it said again. "Is that you?" He tried to scramble back, but his exhausted limbs would not obey. Don't say that name! "By the gods what's happened to him My Lady?" the voice asked.

Another voice, this one clear and pure, if just as soft, answered. "He's been hurt one to many times," it said. Outside! Outside! Why couldn't the voices stay outside!? Don't talk about the pain you fools! "It's up to you and I to help him." There was a scrapping sound in the dirt.

"Percy," the first voice said again, closer this time. He flinched again, but did not have the energy to flee. "I want you to look at me." Look at her? There was only the darkness. "I need you to open your eyes for me, okay?" Eyes? Yes, that's right. I have eyes. He felt his eyelid flutter. "Yes," the voice said again. "That's it. Open your eyes." His eye cracked, and blinding light flooded in.

Artemis

Artemis stood behind Annabeth in the pale moonlight as the younger woman tried to coax Percy out of his stupor. Exhaustion, madness, grief, I don't know what the hell this is. She just hoped they could save him from it. Her heart ached after going days without seeing him only to find him like this. Love seems to be nothing more than a series of one heartache after another. Aphrodite was crazy. No wonder I shunned this for so many years. It hurts.

"Yes," Annabeth said gently. "That's it. Open your eyes." One of Percy's eyes fluttered open, and then squinted in pain immediately. Slowly, his eye finally adjusted to the light and focused on Annabeth. There was no recognition in it at first, nothing that Artemis could call lucidity, but slowly, realization dawned.

His mouth moved slowly, and at first only small gasps of air escaped, but finally he croaked, "Annabeth?" He closed his eye again, and Artemis felt her heart sink, but Percy only shook his head weakly as if to clear it before opening both eyes this time. "Is…" he began hoarsely, then cleared his throat roughly. "Is that really you?"

Though her back was turned, Artemis could hear the smile clearly in Annabeth's reply. "It's really me Seaweed Brain."

Before Annabeth finished speaking Percy was struggling to rise. Artemis was at his side in an instant. "Easy Percy," she said soothingly. "Easy." He clutched her arm in a weak grip and tried to pull himself into a sitting position. Artemis helped him, and immediately he was reaching with one trembling hand toward Annabeth. Artemis placed a hand on his arm and he weakly tried to shake it off.

"I'm just a ghost Percy," Annabeth said sadly. "You can't touch me." After a moment he let his arm fall.

He stared at her for a long time, confusion, and maybe hope, writ plainly on his face. Finally he spoke. "How?" he asked.

"I heard you needed me so I came," Annabeth told him with a smile. "I'll always find my way to you if you need me Percy, you know that. Though Lord Hades may insist I return to the Isle soon." Smart girl, Artemis thought. No need to burden him with Nico yet.

Through the steadying hand she had on his shoulder, Artemis could feel Percy trembling. "I…" he began, then cut off in a muffled sob. "I'm so sorry Annabeth," he whispered, and then the words came in a whispered rush. "I wasn't fast enough. I couldn't save you. You're dead because of me. I'm…"

"Hey now," Annabeth cut in with a gentle chiding tone. "Cut that out Seaweed Brain. Nothing that happened that day was your fault."

Percy stiffened under Artemis's hand. "But…"

"No buts," Annabeth said firmly. "I made my choices that day. You didn't make them for me. The only regret I have, and I mean the only one, is that saving the world meant I had to leave you behind." Her voice softened again when he looked away, "Look at me Percy." He obeyed. "I'd do it all over again today. Without hesitation. There was nothing either of us could have done to change the outcome of that battle; and yes, it hurts, but I'm comfortable with the choices I made that day. You have to be too."

Percy grimaced and looked away. "I could have done something," he muttered, but the trembling had stopped.

"No Percy," Annabeth said gently, "you couldn't have."

With that the tension seemed to drain from Percy. Artemis placed a second steadying hand on his shoulder to keep him upright. He raised a hand to his face to wipe away what Artemis assumed were tears, and then gave a mirthless chuckle. "You look older," he muttered.

Annabeth smiled. "Time has passed, and I've moved on" she said with a hint of sadness. "I'm a ghost now, so I can appear however I want. I thought it appropriate." She shot a quick, slightly bitter glance over Percy's shoulder at Artemis. One that Artemis hoped Percy did not see. "I hear there's another war coming. One you two will play a pivotal role in."

Beneath her hands Artemis felt Percy stiffened again. "Annabeth…" he began, then stopped, as if unsure what to say.

Annabeth again smiled that small sad smile. "Relax Percy," she said. "Like I said, time has passed. I've moved on." If Percy heard the lie he gave no sign of it that Artemis could see. Ohh Annabeth, Artemis thought. The Fates have been cruel to you indeed. I'm so sorry. After a moment Annabeth continued with another glance toward Artemis. "We both have it seems." With that Annabeth rose. "I feel a tug pulling me back to the Underworld," she said. "Our time is short."

Artemis helped Percy to his feet, and pulled his arm around her shoulders to help him remain standing. "I really did love you," he said quietly after he'd risen. "I always will."

"And I'll always love you Percy," Annabeth said. Artemis could see unshed tears forming in the other woman's eyes. "Goodbye Seaweed Brain," she whispered.

"Goodbye Wise Girl," he said as the mist that made up Annabeth's form dissipated. Percy turned to Artemis then, and buried his face in her shoulder. Together they sank to their knees, and she held him as he cried.

Well there it is. Heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. It's funny how often those two emotions go hand in hand isn't it?

In the previous chapter I made sure to make mention of the fact that Hades considers the Isle of the Blest sacred. He will not take kindly to what Nico did, son or no. So Nico has gone into hiding (yay! another thing for Percy to blame himself for), but have no fear, I'm not done with him yet.

We have potential conflict between Olympians brewing because of what Nico did. If Hades decides to blame Poseidon, Apollo, Athena, and Artemis for what happened in this chapter, the effects could be disastrous. Stay tuned to find out what happens.

Having Annabeth take responsibility for her own actions took some of the guilt off of Percy's shoulders, but never fear, it will not make all of his emotional scars go away. In reality wounds like that never really go away completely, they just tend to fade into the background noise of life. Percy is not better, but he has learned the valuable lesson about trying to claim responsibility for others. We'll have to see where he goes from here.

Finally we come to Annabeth, who is clearly still in love with Percy, and just as clearly determined to stay out of the way of his and Artemis's relationship. As Artemis said, the Fates have truly been cruel to her. I find her entire situation completely heartbreaking. If she tries to keep Percy's love, the world dies, so she has no choice but to lie to the man she's in love with and tell him she's moved on. It's just so sad, but I told you at the beginning this would be a story of heartache. This might be the last we see of her. I haven't decided yet. Let me know what you think.

Well that's it for now. Leave a review to let me know if you loved/hated it. Questions, comments, criticisms, and suggestions are always welcome. Hearing from my readers is what keeps me writing!