(Post publish edit: fixed entire chapter being bold.)
Finally, it's here. It's been a month of hell, you are probably aware that my PC is dead, but then my phone decided to break and later my glasses as well. These last two are fixed, obviously, but it's been difficult. Hopefully you will enjoy this last chapter of this "ark". Also, I'm gonna answer reviews too before the chapters, so, onto it (and if you want to be answered, just review it!):
To Le Connoisseur: funnily enough, you are one of the reasons of why I started this story, with that Percy Jackson fanfic slander that you made. I'm glad you think the cliches are well utilized. I didn't even notice things like Natalie were kind of like the small girl, sister like figure that instantly joins the Hunt. Perhaps that's why people find it a little better.
To A-gods-flame: S2, hope you had a good new year as well! Making sure to write at a healthy pace as you suggested, although I got overboard with this chapter.
To Death Fury and skotos07: I appreciate it, thank you very much!
As the elevator made its way to under the surface, Artemis felt her head slightly dizzy.
And not just because she was riding an elevator. Of course, it was because of Percy Jackson.
The truth was that they were traveling together for roughly three days, but so much had happened that it felt like three months had passed. First his revelation to the Olympians. Then his stubbornness and annoying attitude. Later, a titan and a kidnapping. After all of that, a storm that he and Thalia managed to create, one that had obliterated an army of monsters.
And to top all of that, the way he morphed into a serial killer for a few moments. It reminded Artemis of those slasher movies that Apollo sometimes mentioned in the 90s. Seeing it in real life though, it was scary, even for a goddess. The way he walked up to the trembling monsters, only to play with their blood as they screamed for mercy... Artemis was glad he didn't turn on the gods. She didn't want to see the massacre that the man could unleash upon the children of Camp Half-Blood, or even the legionnaires of Camp Jupiter.
And that's not all! Of course it wouldn't be. Somehow, even after all of that, Artemis felt like she was enjoying the man's company. And not only that, no, but day by day, or, better speaking, hour by hour, she always looked at him with more worry, more attachment. He was a hunter now, she had seen his work in the flesh.
After all of this, she wanted to go to a normal hunt with him. To at least know the man behind the Butcher of beasts.
Of course, Artemis's thoughts on Jackson weren't over. Because out of nowhere, she was choosing to appear much older than usual. Like, twenty. Not twelve. Maybe she got it mixed up. Artemis couldn't figure out why did she like to be that way now.
That was a lie. Of course she knew. She wasn't dense. It was because of him. She tried making an excuse that this form was superior in a fight, and maybe that was partially true. Maybe. But to comfort herself, she had decided that it was simply a matter of age. That when with an older person, she would morph into an older appearance herself, to better suit her company.
Then why, by the non-existent grace of Hera, Percy always stared at her, as if in a trance? Was she that beautiful? And his glances didn't exactly creep her out. It was always an excuse to look at his eyes. He did make Artemis very curious. Like she needed to know him more. To dive in and fully understand the man behind the hero, or nowadays, as previously mentioned, bhind the killer.
For now, she decided to wait. But Artemis did not know what to expect of the Fates.
She was driven out of her mental ramblings as a soft ding echoed through the elevator, the same that was played earlier before that slaughter. Artemis positioned an arrow into her bow, only to notice that she had grabbed one of the firework arrows.
Cursing herself for her lack of attention but at the same time thanking her habit of double checking that surely prevented something terrible, she put the arrow back into her quiver, and settling for a common silver arrow that her hunters used so much.
As for Percy, he couldn't be more ready. Already having Riptide in his hand, his left fist closed, and his jaw clenched. Artemis could feel just how tense he was, ready to slice whatever was waiting at the other side of the doorway.
But as the doors of the elevator opened in a slow fashion, both demigod and goddess were surprised to find no one waiting for them. Just empty halls, like Percy had described previously.
The son of Poseidon stepped forward first, much to Artemis annoyance, who scowled at him. "It could have been trapped."
"If it was, they would have had to sacrifice that group of monsters that we dealt with earlier." Percy argued in response, and Artemis didn't like the implication of the use of "we". She was sure that it was all on him.
"Maybe that's a fair point." Artemis started while still glaring at her companion. "But this is certainly not normal. Do you think you and Thalia really destroyed all of their forces?"
"No. I still feel multiple heartbeats in here. Some human, most not." Percy replied dryly. It made Artemis more nervous. Some human... Probably the Hunters. She was already scolding herself for agreeing to send the Hunt down here.
But it was too late now.
"I see an issue here." Artemis pointed.
"I know." Percy said, to her surprise. "Our dear titaness managed to tame the Labyrinth, for this station to work."
That was quite literally what passed through Artemis's mind. She knew that Daedalus's creation was rebellious, dangerous, always eager to kill you at the first opportunity. And Apollo had told her that this new maze, brought to life by Pasiphae, despite being subtle, was just as dangerous, and perhaps even more sadistic.
So how did this titaness, whoever this is, managed to make the Labyrinth stay in one place, like a normal maze would do?
"Let's move." Artemis suggested, and Percy nodded. The two began moving, slow and steady, checking inside multiple rooms that im Artemis's opinion reminded her of Percy's own cave, but she didn't wish to remind him of that. The hall was fairly dark, having a few weak lamps on the walls to illuminate it. This small amount of light wasn't unfamiliar to either of them, and so they marched forward.
Inside of those rooms, that Artemis and Percy both peeked inside with caution, were various objects, ranging from weapons, makeshift beds, and even instruments in one of them. Made her wonder what would Apollo think of this. And it sure made her feel curious to think that the owners of all objects here were probably already dead by the hands of the man walking alongside her.
It wasn't too long before they found a crossing between two halls, which made them stop by instinct. Artemis was glad that he knew the implications of such an encounter.
"Something is wrong." Percy stated, holding onto Riptide like his life depended on it.
Artemis opened her mouth to agree with his assumption, but instead of speaking, she widened her eyes when she noticed the cracks on the ground below the two of them.
"Percy!" She barely had time to call him before the entire floor was turned into dust and he started falling. Artemis missed the son of Poseidon when trying to reach for him, and for her to not fall, she decided to take the form of the first bird that she could think of, which was surprisingly a pigeon.
As she flapped her wings and flew around the floorless crossroad, she couldn't locate or feel Percy below. He was definitely not falling anymore. Artemis could only curse herself for her lack of foresight.
That was, until she heard a feminine scream down the other hallway.
Flying the quickest she could, Artemis made her way towards the scream. The far away cries only seemed go intensify, but they didn't look like cries of pains, instead more like a... discussion?
As Artemis marched forward, she couldn't remove the thought of Percy from her mind, now more than ever. She was really worried that whatever had happened, might have claimed the demigod's life.
And Artemis couldn't tolerate that for multiple reasons. She could think of three at the moment:
The Zeus thought process: if he did die, an asset would be lost and Olympus would be very much demoralized. Even if it was a miracle that a demigod that old was still standing. Artemis saw the truth in that, but it felt too shallow.
The middle ground approach: Artemis already cared for Percy as a friend. He had earned her respect before and now undoubtedly her friendship, even if it's very uncommon for her to have male friends. His loss would be tragic. And not only for them, but for Thalia and Reyna as well.
And finally, the Poseidon way: Percy's loss was irreparable and she would probably be fighting the sea god in the next days as revenge.
All three seemed insane from her point of view. A small voice inside Artemis's head told her that maybe there was a fourth option, but she wasn't thrilled to hear it.
Instead, she focused on the screams, potentially being from her hunters. It wasn't long before she saw figures in the distance, even in the dark ambiance.
What she found was kind of baffling. Here we have twenty or so Hunters, led by Thalia, pointing silver arrows at three monsters that Artemis knew well. Kelli held a still gagged Natalie in her arms, with the demigod looking quite frightened. By Kelli's side, stood the tho dracaenae that Percy had subdued days before.
"You will give her to us now, and we might deliver you a quick death." Reyna threatened, holding her bow tightly. For a daughter of Bellona, she did grow accostumed to bows and arrows instead of traditional Roman weapons quite fast.
"For the last time, we are on your side!" Kelli said, her voice dripping exasperation. Artemis decided that this would be the time to intervene. Glowing from above, she landed right in between the two groups, startling both of them.
"Milady?!" Thalia and a few other Hunters yelled at the same time when they say the goddess just falling from the ceiling.
Artemis got up, realizing that she was back at her twelve year old appearance. At least she didn't have to explain that. And maybe this was more related to the subconscious than everyone knew. "Hello, girls." She looked first from the Hunt, in order to see if they were fine, and next she glanced over to Kelli and the dracaenae. Natalie's expression was filled with relief at her sight.
"Lady Artemis." Kelli greeted with venom. Safe to say she was not happy with this arrangement.
The feeling was mutual.
"I'd say it's a pleasure, but I would be lying." Artemis responded in an equally cold voice. "She's on our side." She said while turning to the Hunt.
"She's what?" Thalia asked loudly.
"Percy." Artemis simply said, and her lieutenant seemed to understand. Only his name could explain so much. She once more turned to Kelli, grabbing Natalie from the empousa's arms. With one move, she removed the gag from the demigoddess's mouth.
Natalie sighed in relief. "God! I mean, gods. Thank you, Lady Artemis." Artemis mentally facepalmed at the young one's antics. She really reminded her of the tales that were told of a young Percy Jackson.
And here he was again, plaguing her mind!
"You're welcome. But the job is still not over. You shall get out of here. Percy is missing. I will find him, alone. Get Natalie out." She ordered to Thalia, who nodded in acceptance, but Artemis knew that she was very worried and not happy that she wouldn't be participating in the search. Reyna seemed equally upset by that.
But Artemis knew better. The Labyrinth was out for the kill tonight.
"And as for us?" One or the dracaenae hissed. Artemis found it funny that neither she or Percy actually knew her names.
"You will accompany them out of here. But any funny business... It's not gonna be me that will unleash hell upon you." Artemis warned them, and it seemed to work. The threat of Percy's wrath was convincing enough for the monsters, especially Kelli, who for once did not open her mouth.
The group began walking in the opposite direction in which Artemis came from. She sighed as they disappeared into the darkness, leaving the goddess to be consumed in her own thoughts.
She started to run back. Hopefully, time and luck would be on her side.
Percy knew he was in trouble when the world, quite literally, came crashing down on him.
He only saw darkness. He felt like he lost his balance, but he was not falling anymore. It was almost like his eyes were closed, by how dark it was. He still could feel his body, so he probably wasn't dead, on his way to Charon's ferry.
Instead, the ground beneath him solidified. He then remembered, he was in the Labyrinth. And if this one held at least a resemblance of the old one, it would know that he was one of the main architects behind its destruction. No pun intended.
His rotten luck strikes again. Another being seeking revenge out of him.
Percy found himself in another crossing, similar to the old one that he was standing with Artemis. Was she alright? Probably, actually. But he was still worried. Worried for an immortal goddess. It was quite ironic.
He could feel the danger in the air, crawling in his skin, making him shiver constantly. He held Riptide with both of his hands, his fateful sword. Her weight felt familiar as always, keeping him comfortable in that regard at least. He prepared himself for any type of attacks.
What he wasn't expecting, was for the voice of Thalia to scream for him in the distance.
"What the..." Percy muttered, turning towards the origin of the sound. He ran down the dark hallway, his mind not really contemplating the possibility of this being anything but his cousin pleading for his help.
"Percy!" Another call. This time from Reyna, coming from the same direction. It only made him run quicker, and for him to feel even more worried.
What made him stop in his tracks was when he heard the voice of someone that wasn't meant to be here.
"As if thou could save anyone..." Another voice whispered, a voice that he hadn't heard since...
"Zöe?" Percy asked in disbelief. He tried to find reasonings for it. She was dead. This had to be a trick. And yet...
"Indeed. A failure." The soft voice of Bianca di Angelo echoed throughout the maze.
"No..." Percy tried to back off away from the voice, his fear and confusion being replaced with guilt. Logic was quickly being torn away from his mind as he heard the ghosts whisper.
"Failure." Charles Beckendord whispered
"Murderer." Michael Yew accused.
"No, no, no!" Percy cried, any rational thought swept away as the memories danced around in his mind. Once more the guilt started to build up in his throat.
"Couldn't keep anyone safe." Silena Beauregard said in a tone unlike herself.
"Where were you?" Jason Grace cried.
"Neither could you keep a promise." Luke Castellan whispered with a snicker.
"I kept my promise! I did everything like you said!" Percy tried to counter between heavy breaths. The memories of the deaths that he witnessed were overwhelming his senses, filling his mind.
"Did you?" At last, Annabeth came forward to confront him. Not just figuratively. An apparition, similar to a ghost, flew from where he had heard the voice of Reyna and Thalia before. She was glaring murderously at him.
"I... I-" Percy was at a loss of words. Was this really Annabeth? Was this her ghost? Had she not find peace after her death? He had heard of Beryl Grace, who had become a spirit of madness. Shouldn't Annabeth be at Elysium? Surely she wouldn't fall to this. To roam in misery.
Regardless, Annabeth interrupted him. "I don't even have to wait for an answer." She spat out with venom in her voice. "You failed me. You kept things under your control. You are a monster. Like every single one that you have slaughtered."
"No, no, I did that to protect others!"
The ghost laughed coldly. "And now look at you. Being the lap dog of a goddess. A dog to kill and maim on the behalf of the Olympians. To lash out in your rage to forget your sins and failures. You failed everyone, Jackson."
Percy wasn't fully listening. Too busy withering in his own grief. His own anger. And yet, he had never falled to his knees. Never bowing to this apparition, whatever it was. Slowly, reason returned to his head. Perhaps his mind would always try to blame him, but this wasn't his mind.
This was a trick.
"I did what I could, Annabeth." Percy held Riptide even further. "If you are indeed the one. And not an illusion." He brought his hand down to his chest. "Let us see what you really are."
With a bold smirk, he performed the ancient signal to ward off evil; the three fingers thrust out of the heart.
Annabeth, whatever it was, disappeared. The Labyrinth shook, perhaps in rage, and Percy responded by clashing his foot against the ground, causing it to shake even further. At least his powers were functional enough.
"Enough with the tricks!" He bellowed, anger once again boiling all over his being. He started to run forward, feeling the ground, walls and roof all shaking as he ran, but it never made him stop. Instead, he finally saw light. Not at the end of the tunnel, of course.
Instead, another red door, with two torches on the walls beside it. He could feel three heartbeats behind that door. As he prepared to kick the door out of his way to get in, it opened itself.
Actually, an empousa had opened it and quickly ran back to a table, where Percy saw one cyclops, his single eye widened in fear, and the cloaked titaness from before.
The kidnapper of Natalie got up from her seat. "Well. So much for that." She said, sounding more frustrated than angered.
Without saying a word, Percy got a hold of the two monsters' blood. It all made sense now. One that could replicate voices that it didn't even know, another being a follower of the goddess of magic who could manipulate the Mist.
Percy could understand now Annabeth's suspicion of cyclops, all those years ago. He clenched his fist, making the two deceivers quickly explode into dust. He wasn't in the mood for anything too special.
Their boss, the titanide, barely had much time to react. From under the cloak, Percy saw a smile. "Let's not be hasty here. Here." She conjured a seat, much like her own, in front of her desk. "Take a seat."
Percy spat on the ground. "What makes you think that I will trust you?"
The titanide sighed, her smile fading. "I swear on the Styx that I will not hurt you, nor will I trick or deceive you anymore. I just want to have a conversation."
Percy widened his eyes at her oath. It didn't seem right for her to swear something like that. But the sound of the thunder above made him comfortable enough to sit on the chair.
He glanced around the room. It reminded him of a... library? For some reason, there were bookshelves all over the place. The place was impeccably clean, and he could hear a soft music playing through small jukeboxes on the walls.
"Make yourself comfortable." The titanide conjured two cups and a teapot. The latter was just for aesthetics, since the cups were already filled.
"I don't drink tea." Percy commented, glancing over to the liquid inside his cup.
"What do you drink, then?" The titanide asked with a curious tone.
"Not tea." He concluded after some thought. His tea was quickly replaced by something that smelled like whisky.
"I believe that will suit you more." The titanide took a sip from her glass.
"If you don't intoxicate me." Percy told her sarcastically. "Now, cut the chat. Who are you?"
The deity before him laughed softly. "I would assume this room would be a giveaway." As soon as she finished speaking, she removed the cloak from her face, at last revealing her face.
And it was a beautiful face, Percy had to admit. She had a very narrow chin, and prominent cheekbones. Her skin was pale, and she had brownish green eyes, much like what Piper had, albeit without the blue, and without the whole kaleidoscope thing. Her hair was loose, and it had a messy appearance to it, although it didn't seemed poorly maintained. Just that this was her style.
"Mnemosyne. Titanide of Memory, at your disposal." The newly revealed Mnemosyne extended one hand, and Percy shook it with caution.
"I would be lying if I said it's a pleasure." Percy responded dryly, causing Mnemosyne to chuckle.
"I understand. I do wish we had met under more favorable circumstances, Percy. I've heard so much about you. Specially when you were dead, funnily enough."
Percy took a sip from his drink. It tasted alright, and the alcohol revigorated his mind slightly. "Great to know that I'm a recurrent subject of godly gossips."
Once again, Mnemosyne laughed. "Oh, not just a subject. The subject. I had a feeling that you were not dead. It's really a shame that we had to meet like this."
Her tone was almost... regretful? It seemed like she was saddened by what she was doing it.
She seemed to notice the confusion on Percy's face, taking a sip of her whisky before talking. "I was... blackmailed into doing this, one could say."
Percy was, to put it mildly, surprised by that statement. "So... you did all of that without really wanting to?"
"For the most part." Mnemosyne admitted, grimacing. "I had a... an old debt with the Titan Lord himself. I was contacted by Prometheus after doomsday... I mean, August the 18th," she gave Percy an apologetic smile. "with him saying that Kronos wanted me, of all people, to lead another insurgency. A contingency plan, if you will."
Percy's mind was spinning already. Part of him was glad that he dealt with this already, but part of him was confused...
"But why did you do it? Kronos is gone." He asked. Mnemosyne looked directly at him. Her eyes were just as ancient as Hestia's or Artemis's, but along with age, they also held infinite amounts of knowledge.
"I believe you do know that nothing is ever truly gone. Specially immortals. My parents, Gaea or Ouranos, neither of them are dead. They still live, only scattered. For Kronos, it's different, but it's plausible to think that he will return."
And Percy knew that. It might take another millennia or two, or even threee, but the Titan Lord might reform, even if in the Pit. Hermes had warned him of this at Olympus, all those years ago. It was chilling possibility.
"I suppose." He drank a bit more. Perhaps he should stop, but he was too tired to really deny the effects of the drink. "But why are you telling me this? I assumed that you would personally want to stop me."
Mnemosyne's jovial expression faded, replaced by what could be described as a shadow right on top of the titanide of Memory's face. "I believe we are evened here, Percy." She followed Percy's gesture and drank from her glass. "You have destroyed the armies that I spent so much time training, and unlike most, I'm not a fighter myself." She grabbed one lock of her hair and placed it behind her ear. "And unless you attack me first, which I know you won't do, I can't simply vaporize you without going to the Fates' blacklist."
That did make sense, just enough. At least he wouldn't have to fight another Immortal. Not today, not tonight. But there were still loose ends.
"And Natalie?" Percy asked. Mnemosyne quickly smiled sheepishly.
"I assumed you would figure it out."
Percy got one more sip. "She's your daughter." It wasn't a question.
To his surprise, the titanide laughed again. "No, no." She placed one hand under her chin. "Granddaughter. A direct legacy."
For the first time, Percy was genuinely surprised. "Wow. Of all things, that was unexpected."
"I know." Mnemosyne agreed, once more laughing. "You should have seen her face. She is a good girl. Her grandfather was a good man." The titanide's eyes got dreamy for a moment. "So was her father. Unfortunately, life for a half-blood is... unreasonably short." Once more the shadow loomed over her bright skin.
Of course, he could understand that too. More than most. Even if he was in all regards an elderly man in demigod terms. The fact that he was still alive was a miracle on its own. He knew death, and a lot of it. "I assume you can't stay with her."
Anger passed through the knowing eyes of Mnemosyne, but it didn't seem to be directed at him. "No. And I believe she is already with your friends. By the way, Kelli is not really subtle."
Percy blinked. "You knew."
Mnemosyne shrugged. "As I said, not subtle at all. Your two dracaenae friends, they are a little bit smarter, but still detectable to one like me. And I'm not trying to gloat here."
"I know." The Butcher looked straight into the eyes of the titanide. One that just minutes ago was his enemy, but not of her own will. "Would you like for me to get Natalie to camp?"
"Smart boy." Mnemosyne said with a smirk. "You aren't dense at all, unlike what they say."
"Thanks." Percy said, drinking from the last time from his glass before emptying it. "And how did you tame the Labyrinth, exactly?"
"Oh, Percy," Again, Mnemosyne gave him a small chuckle. "That's a secret. But it does involve negotiations."
Percy had barely any time to ponder about those words before the entire room shook heavily.
"Ah. That's my cue." Mnemosyne got up from her seat, and with a wave of her hand, she made the empty glasses disappear.
"What?" Percy asked. His head was already quite dizzy from the effects of the alcohol, along with the exhaustion and revelation of new information.
"Your partner." Mnemosyne explained, and at least Percy got what that meant. He straightened his posture and checked up his breath. It did not smell any good.
"I must say, even after everything, it's been a pleasure." The room shook once more as Percy spoke those words.
"Same, Percy. If you are seeking an interesting conversation, just call me through Iris. Goodbye, hero." With a last smile and a friendly wink, the titanide started to glow.
Percy wisely closed his eyes before the glow ceased. He opened them again, only to find himself alone at the library-like room.
Well, alone with what remained of that cyclops and empousa.
Not even five seconds after Percy was left on his own, that was undone. From the where the door (and the entire wall) stood previously, Lady Artemis herself was present, her bow in her hands, again at her adult form.
Did she really prefer appearing like that now? He made a mental note to ask her (again) once this was truly over. To see what's gonna be her actual answer when asked in a normal setup.
The goddess approached him fast, and the way she looked at him really made Percy shiver.
"Why do I smell alcohol?" Was the first thing that Artemis said to him. So much for that breath check.
"Uh... It's a long story." Percy said sheepishly, putting one hand behind his neck. Artemis kept glaring at him until the entire room shook violently. This time, much stronger than when Artemis was trying to get in.
"I think the Labyrinth is onto us." Percy tried to get up, but was taken aback by the effects of the whisky, that almost made him fall to the ground. Fortunately, Artemis caught him, quite effortlessly too.
"Why did you accept a drink from a titan? That's how father tricked them in the first place." Artemis complained, rolling her eyes at him. More than ever, Percy felt Iike just looking at her was entertaining enough. At least he could blame the alcohol for that. "Come on, close your eyes."
He obeyed her, shutting his eyes so he wouldn't be vaporized by her divine form. But his drunken brain sure wondered what Artemis looked like in her true aspect. He scolded himself with the sane part of his mind, just in time for the glow that had emanated earlier to cease.
He once more opened his eyes, finding himself back at the hill where they had stood earlier. There were Hunters, a lot of them, but he sure couldn't count how many. He recognized Reyna and Thalia, who came forward immediately, along with a newly rescued Natalie, who had a wide smile on her face. There was also an African-American girl with a curly hair that Percy didn't really recognize at first, until he remembered their first encounter at Goode High School.
Percy noted that he was holding onto Artemis like his life depended on it. He quickly released her, so his life wouldn't end in such an anticlimatic way. Far from the group, he could see the two dracaenae that were accompanying them before, watching from a certain distance, skeptical of what to do now.
Beyond that, he didn't notice much, especially when the aforementioned cheerleader out of nowhere brought her lips onto his.
Artemis had a lot of questions to make. She was a bit disappointed that Percy had released her, and worried that he would dall again. But all of that was forgotten when she saw that vile monster eating Percy's face out. And not in the literal sense.
She didn't know what would be worse to witness.
For some reason, she got really angry. As in, fuming. How dare of Kelli to take advantage of someone that was literally drunk! The only reason of why she didn't shoot the empousa immediately was because the previously drunken man reacted way faster than she did, surprisingly enough.
Apparently the unwelcomed kiss had removed all the effects from Percy's mind that the alcohol had created on him. He quickly grabbed Kelli and held her at a tree, pointing his sword at her throat. Almost everyone spectating was frozen by the quickness of the events unfolding before their eyes.
"What the hell were you thinking?" Percy asked in the murderous tone that Artemis was getting accostumed to. Despite her position, Kelli still managed to smile.
"Well, there are... a lot of forms of servitude..." The empousa told him in a suggestive tone. Artemis could barely believe what she was hearing.
Neither could Thalia, who motioned to approach Percy and Kelli, but the former raised one hand. "Don't." He said, then turning to the two snake women who had approached the group slightly in the midst of the commotion. "You two are excused. But I warn you, do not cross my path again."
The dracaenae actually bowed slightly to Percy, and quickly slithered away from this crime scene. It was weird seeing a demigod be so praised. Artemis had seen something like it before. It did make sense for it to happen again. But she did not know if Percy would be happy with it.
Probably not.
"As for you..." Percy once more glared at Kelli. "You will not be released from your duty. But I order you, get out of my face. Unless you do want a lot of violence to follow this meeting."
Kelli seemed to reconsider her options, and raised her arms in surrender. Percy released her, and she gave one last look at him before leaving, not giving anyone else a single glance.
As the monsters made their way out of the hill, Percy leaned on the tree that he was close by. In fact, he pretty much threw himself at the tree. Artemis turned to the baffled Hunters, now muttering between themselves.
"The show is over." She announced. "You all can return to our temporary camp, for us to celebrate this victory, with the rest that we deserve! You did well today, and you are now free of duties."
Her speech was met with a small ovation from the Hunt, who subsequently left, in order for all of them to at last, get some rest. The only ones that remained were Thalia and Reyna, who had approached Percy, and Natalie who was a few feet away.
"What happened down there?" Reyna broke the cold silence.
"I met the titan." Percy answered in a tired voice. "She was Mnemosyne. Her grandma." He nodded his head towards Natalie, who smiled weakly as the two hunters and Artemis glanced over to her. "That's all."
Artemis stared at Percy for a few seconds. She was truly satisfied that he didn't fall for that creature's spells, and the tentations of having someone under you and the implications of it. Those were one of the type of men that Artemis despised.
Percy was not one of them.
"At least we are all alive. No casualties at all." Thalia reminded him. Percy focused his eyes to look onto his cousin. Artemis now noticed that before, he was staring directly at the moon.
At her.
"That's wonderful." Percy spoke in a voice that didn't scream happiness, but it seemed genuine. "But I'm still very fucking furious with what I had to go through." He turned to Natalie, who once more change her expression as his eyes landed on her. "So, do you want to go to camp after the whole revelation thing?"
The now revealed legacy nodded fast. "I do. She said that you would bring me there like you intended to do earlier."
"Indeed." The Butcher yawned. "If you all excuse me, I'm gonna have a peaceful night of sleep. Good night."
Without saying another word, he simply climbed up the tree that he was leaning on, and settled for one of its branches for a bed. Artemis wanted to send him to an actual bed, but she could already hear soft snoring from above.
Artemis was truly relieved that Percy didn't fall for Kelli's charm. But a part of her mind was wondering why she got so angry at that unwelcomed kiss. Surely it wasn't just the moral standpoint that brought so much rage to her.
It might be something else.
"Milady?" Reyna called as all of the still awaken group started to make their way to the base of the hill.
"Yes, Reyna, what is it?"
"Why do you look so old?"
Oh, the irony of Reyna asking her that after what she said to Percy! Surely the Fates were cackling wildly at her, wherever they were.
Artemis tried to smirk, but it fell off slightly. Nonetheless, she tried to give them the best cocky tone that did, in fact, run in the family.
"Someone told me it's better for fighting."
And here we have it, the end of the tenth chapter. I didn't plan for the end to be exactly on the 10th, but it worked out. As for the future of the story, I plan on doing some casual chapters, before coming up with a fairly unpredictable tale that most people don't seem to explore enough, considering what the character of Percy Jackson even is. Anyway, review it, and see you all later!