"I will," Thalia said taking the book.
Chapter 4: A New Friend
"Mom, you don't have to apologize, I know you wouldn't have done it if you had a choice." Percy said smiling at Hera.
Hera smiled at her adopted son. He was such a good kid despite all the terrible things that happened to him; exactly what she had always wanted in a son.
"I didn't know you wanted a son?" Zeus said.
"You didn't ask," Hera replied.
"You did well in the meeting Percy. I don't think I've seen your uncle so relieved at finding a demigod in his life. I'm happy you're getting your own palace on Olympus. It will be good to have my son around more often." Hera said warmly.
Hera smiled. She was glad that Percy would eventually live closer to her.
"You do know that I will still be rescuing demigods, right?" Percy asked a little nervous.
"Yes but that doesn't mean you can't spend a little time on Olympus with your mother now does it?" Hera asked.
"Lady Hera, I would appreciate it if you would let me do the reading," Thalia teased.
Hera nodded, "Yes but that doesn't mean you can't spend a little time on Olympus with your mother now does it?"
"I'll try," Hera laughed.
All of the gods except for Hestia all stared at Hera in shock. They had never heard Hera laugh for millennia.
Percy shook his head smiling, "No, I suppose it doesn't."
Percy looked a little nervously at Hera, "Are you ever going to tell anyone that you aren't my patron but that you actually adopted me?"
"Of course I am Percy. I don't care what your father says. You're just as much my son as his now; but you've just returned, at least to almost everyone on Olympus, I think a little time to let your return settle in will be best." Hera said smiling at her son.
"What about Uncle Zeus? What if he gets angry?" Percy asked curiously.
"Are you scared, dear nephew?" Zeus asked.
"Nope, just concerned for my mother," Percy replied.
"Good," Zeus said approvingly. "You know, Perseus, I just might approve of you."
Hera smiled at her husband.
Hera laughed, "And what will he say? He has had hundreds of demigods with other woman. I think I am more than justified to adopt a son."
Zeus looked at his wife feeling guilty. He would work on keeping himself in control in the future.
Percy grinned, "Good."
"So, do you want to tell me why you lied to Apollo about your archery competition with Artemis?" Hera asked with an eyebrow raised.
"What!" Artemis yelled.
Percy just laughed. "Percy, I think you broke my mistress," Thalia whispered.
Percy looked over at the maiden goddess who was now frozen in shock. He just shrugged.
Percy gaped, "How did you know?"
Hera laughed, "I might not be able to read your mind anymore but I can still tell when you lie."
All of the mothers in the room grinned. They all had their motherly secrets. THey could always tell when their children were lying without having to read their minds.
Percy scowled playfully at her, "I don't know. Apollo is just so annoying. He never would have let her live it down."
Hera nodded, "I figured. You saved everyone the headache of listening to Apollo tease her for the next few centuries."
Artemis looked over at Percy gratefully.
Percy nodded, and then he smiled, "I must say it was nice to see my Dad again. I have missed him a lot."
Poseidon smiled at his son.
Hera nodded, "I know you're cautious Percy, but I know you miss your cousins Nico and Thalia. Maybe it would be good for you to see them sometime. I know Thalia hasn't been the same since you vanished. She keeps the hunt looking for you no matter what. And Nico still searches for you by himself."
Percy frowned. He had missed his cousins a lot, and he didn't mean for them to change so much in a negative way. He just wanted them to be safe.
Percy frowned, "I do miss them a lot. Maybe you're right. I think I will talk to Artemis and Hades about seeing them again. I just hope they won't tell anyone else."
Hera smiled, "I am sure they will understand your reasons. You can start with Artemis. I believe she is listening to our conversation right now." Hera said before she flicked her finger and the throne room door opened revealing a wide-eyed Artemis.
"Rule 72, never give your position away," Hermes scolded.
"There are rules about eavesdropping?" Artemis asked.
"Yes, but the rulebook on lying is a lot longer," Hermes said waving his hand making a book the size of a college dictionary appear. "That's only the first edition."
Hera laughed before she kissed Percy on the cheek and vanished in a flash of light.
Percy looked at Artemis nervously. Artemis walked over to Percy with a glare, "So you didn't cheat? Mind telling me how your archery got so good? I think you were one of the worst archers in the history of Camp Half Blood if I recall."
Thalia laughed. "From what I've heard Percy received a whole plague awarding him the Worst Archer award. One time he shot an arrow, and it landed in Chiron's tail who was standing behind him with his front facing the target."
Everyone laughed at the thought. "How'd you manage that one?" Athena asked.
"Well I let go of the arrow while my bow was pointing up from trying to notch the arrow. It hit a tree branch from above me, bounced behind me, hit a tree that was behind Chiron, and bounced hitting Chiron in the tail," Percy replied.
"Wow, he's better than Poseidon," Artemis laughed.
Poseidon grumbled, "That was one time!"
Percy looked at Artemis incredulously, "Seriously? You don't think I noticed that you blessed me when you made me immortal?"
Artemis' eyes widened, "How did you know?"
Percy chuckled, "I don't know. Maybe the silver glow my skin gives off in the moonlight. Or the fact I was suddenly decent with a bow and could move as quiet as your hunters through the woods."
Artemis face palmed herself for being so stupid. "So that was what the silver glow was all about," Zeus muttered.
Artemis face palmed causing Percy to chuckle. Artemis glared at Percy for a minute before chuckling herself, "I guess the glow would be obvious wouldn't it?"
"You think?" Thalia said sarcastically to a red-faced goddess.
Percy nodded before turning serious, "I have been curious though, why did you bless me?"
Artemis shook her head, "Not here. I've wanted to ask you something for a while. Can we go someplace more private to talk?"
Percy nodded and grabbed her shoulder. They both vanished in a flash of flames. They reappeared at the edge of a forest, on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
"What the Hades was that?" Artemis asked angrily.
"Argh, will you guys stop using my name?!" Hades yelled.
"Sorry, uncle, it's just a habit," Artemis said apologetically.
Hades sighed. "It's fine, just please use someone else's name for once."
"I just teleported us to somewhere more private." Percy said innocently.
"I thought you were only partially immortal? How can you teleport?" Artemis asked suspiciously.
"Well, since I'm the goddess of the Hearth, I can teleport from fire to fire, but since Percy is my champion, he can produce his own fire with his body, he can go anywhere," Hestia explained.
"Oh," Percy said.
"You didn't know?" Artemis asked.
"No, I just knew it had something to do with fire," Percy said.
Percy held up his hands, "I am. But when Hestia made me her champion, she gave me the ability to teleport using fire. I'm sorry but I thought you might like this place." He said gesturing to the cliff. It was night and the moon was clearly visible along with the stars. The ocean lay below them, the tides crashing against the cliff walls.
"Actually yes, this is quite beautiful." Artemis said surprised.
Percy nodded, "Ever since your blessing, I've always felt most at peace when I was around both the moon and the sea. The tides and moon have a relaxing effect on me. The forest also helps. Whenever I would get upset about something from my past I would come here. It helped me regain control of my emotions." Percy explained as he sat on the cliff looking out into the sea.
Artemis smiled at that.
Artemis stared at Percy for minute, noticing the way his skin glowed in the moonlight. She couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked without the emotionless mask he wore during most of the council meeting. She sat beside him on the cliff as she looked out into the night sky.
Poseidon glanced at his niece with his eyebrows raised. She blushed, but he just waved it off. He liked Artemis being with his son.
"Perseus, how did you come to be adopted by Hera?" Artemis asked curiously.
Zeus and Poseidon leaned forward wanting to know exactly why Hera adopted Percy.
Percy continued to stare at the sky as he answered, "Well after she and Hestia became my patrons, she would visit me a lot. We would just talk a lot about a bunch of different things. She would listen to me about everything from her betrayal to all the friends I had lost over the years. I would listen to how hard it is being married to Zeus. She never hated you or any of his kids but was mostly just hurt.
Zeus frowned. He felt guilty about cheating on his wife.
It's not pleasant to have permanent reminders of your husband's unfaithfulness for all eternity.
Zeus glanced over at Hera who had her head in her hands. He thought she'd blow up, but instead she just cried quietly from the hurt. He felt a sharp pain in his heart. He hated seeing her hurt, and he felt guilty about cheating on her so many times. He was lucky that she was still with him.
Eventually I convinced her it isn't anyone's fault but his. She feels bad about the way she has treated his children over the centuries. Well except Heracles, I told her she was far too kind to him, something she agreed with.
"Finally someone agrees with me!" Artemis cheered.
Hera looked up and smiled at her stepdaughter. "Of course, he was a prick for doing that to Zoe," Hera said.
She feels especially bad about how she treated you when you first came to Olympus. Then a couple of years ago, I thanked Hera for being there for me when I almost lost it over my Mom's death. She said I was like the son she always wished she had. Hestia suggested that Hera just adopt me officially. When I saw the way her face lit up at the suggestion I knew I couldn't say no. Not that I would have, she kind of filled the void in me when my Mom died." Percy answered quietly.
Poseidon and Percy both smiled sadly at the mention of Sally.
Artemis listened with shock to Percy explain.
"So it was you that changed her so much?" Artemis asked.
Hera nodded. The younger gods all looked at Percy gratefully. Hera changed a lot. She yelled less, she smiled and laughed more, she even offered to help Hephaestus in forging and Athena in making battle strategies and building monuments in Olympus.
Percy looked at Artemis and raised an eyebrow.
"A couple years ago everyone noticed how much kinder and softer Hera became. When she blew up on Olympus today everyone was shocked because she hadn't gotten angry once in the past two years." Artemis explained.
Percy gave Artemis a small smile, "Good, she is a very sweet woman. She was simply bitter. I know she wishes she could make amends for the things she has done to wrong you and your half-brothers and sisters."
The younger gods all looked at Hera. Athena said, "We're family and families stick together and forgive each other for their mistakes."
The others(Except for Ares and Dionysus) all nodded in agreement. Athena elbowed Ares and Hermes elbowed Dionysus making them both nod as well.
"Well she didn't put up a fight when my mother was finally released. That is enough for me." Artemis replied.
Percy nodded, "She apologized to your mother you know. To say your mother was surprised is an understatement."
Artemis looked over at Hera with shock. She just smiled and winked.
Artemis' jaw dropped, "She actually apologized to my mother?"
Percy nodded, "Yes. Your mother is a really nice person too. You two look a lot alike. You have the same facial expressions."
Artemis felt herself blush at the fact that Percy paid attention to her facial expressions.
Artemis felt herself blush at the fact that Percy paid attention to her facial expressions. Once she controlled herself she looked at Percy shocked, "You met my mother?"
Percy chuckled, "Yea, she crushed me in a hug when she found out it was part of my wish for her to be freed. Even for a Titan your mother is incredibly strong. Thankfully I still had the Curse of Achilles then."
The gods all laughed. "The Great Perseus Jackson, defeater of the Minotaur, Furies, Ares, Kronos, and more, was killed on this day by a hug. Let us all take a moment of silence for may he rest in peace," Hermes said pretending to cry.
Everyone except Percy, Ares, and Dionysus put their heads down in respect. "Now if we all could say a prayer for this brave hero," Apollo said as he switched into a black Chastibule (I think that's what priests wear).
"In the name of the Olympians, let Perseus Jackson, the son, nephew, friend, and hero of many, be able to have a good judgment and go to Elysium where he can decide to move on or try for rebirth, Amen," Hermes said also changing into a Chastibule.
Percy broke the moment by bursting into fits of laughter along with the others. "Alright, alright, let's continue reading, although if you want to know what kind of flowers I want, I like water lilies and moonlaces," Percy said.
Artemis laughed at Percy's description of her mother. Then she realized what he said about his Achilles Curse.
"What do you mean you had the Curse of Achilles?" Artemis asked confused.
Percy shrugged, "I wasn't lying about being both Roman and Greek. Before I started rescuing demigods, Hera and Hestia sent me to Camp Jupiter. When I crossed the Little Tiber I knew I would lose the curse since it was a Greek curse. But after about two months, I left camp. While it was different, it was too similar to Camp Half Blood. I left and Hestia and Hera began sending me on missions to rescue demigods."
"Gosh, Nico was pissed when he found out. It took him two years to get Percy to listen to his plan and then another year to finally convince him to do it," Thalia said remembering Nico's reaction.
Percy smiled sheepishly.
"But you have a bar for a year of service in the legion?" Artemis asked.
Percy scowled, "Lycaon and his pack ambushed Lupa and her pack. Another camper and I killed most of his pack but Lycaon managed to slip away like the coward he is." Percy growled. "Lupa decided that my actions were more important than a quest and I was given the mark for a year of service."
Artemis smirked at Percy, "You have a knack for finding trouble don't you."
"My lady, I would appreciate it if you would let me do the reading," Thalia said.
Artemis smirked at Percy, "You have a knack for finding trouble don't you."
Artemis smiled sheepishly.
"Unfortunately." Percy groaned, causing Artemis to chuckle.
"Well thank you. Lupa is a friend of mine." Artemis said gratefully.
Percy nodded.
Artemis stared at Percy incredulously, "Don't you ever feel proud of the things you've done?"
"What do you mean?" Percy asked curiously.
Artemis stared at him for a minute, "Perseus, you're the greatest hero in Greek history and yet you don't even acknowledge it. Any other man who achieved one tenth of the things you've done would be as arrogant as Heracles or Zeus."
"I'm not arrogant!" Zeus yelled.
"Yes you are," the gods said in unision.
Zeus grumbled.
Percy looked at Artemis surprised, "I highly doubt I am the greatest hero to ever live. There are plenty of greater heroes than me."
"No there aren't. You are the greatest hero. You just refuse to recognize your own accomplishments," Phoebe said.
"I knew there was a reason Lady Artemis recruited you," Thalia said reading the next line.
Artemis punched Percy in the arm, "No there aren't. You just refuse to recognize your own accomplishments."
Phoebe smiled with pride that she and her lady thought alike.
Percy shook his head, "They aren't accomplishments. I would gladly trade them all for even one of my dead friends back. They are the heroes. People say I rescued you from Atlas when that isn't true. Zoe was the true hero of that quest. She faced her father knowing she would die. She was a far greater hero than I am."
Zoe smiled at Percy. She was shocked that he mentioned her. "Thank you, Percy, but you are the greater hero," she said.
Percy shook his head in protest.
"Percy, I don't care what you think. You've done far more greater things than I ever could, but I appreciate you mentioning me," Zoe said.
Percy opened his mouth to protest. "Perseus, please. You're much too modest," Hestia said before he could say anything.
Percy wisely closed his mouth.
Percy looked at Artemis to see her eyes tearing up, "Artemis I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to remind yo…." He began but Artemis clamped a hand over her mouth.
"That's not why I'm crying. It's just nice to hear someone finally give the greatest huntress I ever had the credit she deserves. She was a far greater hero than Heracles, Theseus, the original Perseus or all the others. The only one who surpasses her is you Perseus. Thank you." Artemis said as she wiped away her tears.
Zoe nodded in agreement.
Percy decided it was best to just nod and stay quiet while Artemis reined in her emotions. After a minute she turned to Percy with a serious expression on her face.
"The question I've been waiting to ask you for five years, is why? Why did you use part of your wish on my mother? You made sure to mention both her and Calypso when you said you're wish. I've been waiting five years to ask you why. I understand Calypso because you know her but you didn't know my mother, I'm surprised you had even heard of her." Artemis asked seriously as she looked at Percy closely for his answer.
Percy blushed a little knowing his response.
Percy's eyes widened, he tried to look away but Artemis grabbed his face and made him look her in the eyes. Percy sighed, "I did it for you." He whispered.
"Take cover!" Percy yelled.
Everyone except Ares and Dionysus dropped to the floor and covered their ears. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW!" Aphrodite screamed.
Dionysus and Ares both collapsed to the floor. Their eardrums rung so hard it gave them headaches worthy of Athena. Zeus snapped his fingers making the ringing stop and the glass repair itself.
Artemis' eyes widened, "Why?"
"Because of a few reasons actually. You voted to save my life after the quest with Zoe despite the fact that I got Zoe killed. Because you gave my cousin Thalia a home, something she hadn't had in her entire life. Even at camp it wasn't a home for her. She was never truly happy until you gave her a home in the hunt. And because despite the fact I am a boy, you never treated me as badly as you did other males and I kind of thought that made us friends. I thought having your mother free would make you happy." Percy explained, the last part coming out quieter than the rest.
Artemis stared at Percy with wide eyes, shocked that he would do something like that.
Artemis stared at Percy with wide eyes making Percy become extremely nervous he was close to becoming a jackelope. He was about to apologize when Artemis shocked him by pulling him into a hug. Percy felt himself blush deeply and thanked every god he knew that Artemis couldn't see his face right then. After a minute, Artemis pulled back with a smile of her face.
"Yes Percy, I consider you my friend. The only male friend I have." She said in a happy tone before her face darkened and she slapped Percy hard across the face.
"What'd he do?" Poseidon asked.
"Just wait, Poseidon. I'm sure there is an explanation," Artemis said.
"Zoe's death was not your fault. She knew her fate when the prophecy was issued." Artemis said angrily.
Zoe nodded in agreement with Artemis.
Percy shook his head, "And that prophecy may never have been issued if I wasn't such a fool. If I had seen through her lies, you may not have taken Annabeth's place under the sky, something she probably planned. Then Zoe may still be alive."
This time Zoe slapped him across the face. "Perseus, no one could have known that. If it wasn't Annabeth it would've been someone like Thalia or Clarisse. You can't control fate!" Zoe scolded.
Percy just rubbed his jaw and said, "Gosh I think that was harder than Artemis's, and that's saying something."
Everyone laughed at that statement.
Artemis slapped him again, "I was captured by Atlas. He would have found a way to trick me under the sky no matter what. Don't you dare take Zoe's heroic sacrifice away from her."
Zoe nodded again in agreement with Artemis.
Percy's eyes widened, "That's not wha…." He started before Artemis clamped her hand over his mouth again.
"I know that's not what you meant. It's only that and that you're my friend that stops me from adding to the jackelope population right now." Artemis said seriously before she softened.
Percy paled a little. Artemis smirked seeing Percy's face.
"I know you would never try to take something away from Zoe, but her death was not your fault." Artemis explained.
Percy wisely nodded.
Artemis and Percy sat in silence for a few minutes staring at the sky before Artemis spoke again.
"Percy, are you really swearing off love like my hunters?" She asked curiously.
"Well, I might change that for a certain goddess," Percy said.
"I knew you had it in for me," Aphrodite said winking.
"I wasn't talking about you, I was talking about Artemis. Although, I would never want her to break her oath just for me," Percy said. "As long as she's happy, I am."
"Percy, what happens in the future? Are we together?" Artemis asked curiously.
"Yes, we have been together for four years," Percy smiled.
"Wait, what about my hunters?" Artemis asked.
"They're fine as you can tell. Lady Styx and I made a little agreement. As long as I stay mortal, you can keep the Hunters," Percy said. "That's all I'm saying."
Thalia continued reading.
Percy nodded seriously, "I will never get a friend killed for love again."
Artemis looked at him questioningly.
Percy's face darkened, "Every friend I lost could have been prevented if I saw through her lies, if I wasn't such a naïve and love struck little boy. My parents wouldn't have died by that bitch's hands. The last thing my mother saw was her evil face and I won't do that to another person I care about. Love is a distraction and not necessary. If there were a male version of the hunters, I would have joined a long time ago."
"Maybe Hades can make one," Athena said.
"Why Hades, why not me or Apollo?" Hermes asked.
"Because Hades seems to be the only god that can control himself," Artemis replied.
Hermes opened his mouth to protest but shut it knowing she was right.
Artemis looked at Percy sadly. She decided not to pursue the subject as it was obviously not a pleasant one for him. Another question popped into her mind she has wanted to ask Percy for a while.
"Percy, why did Annabeth think your Achilles' spot was on your lower back?" She asked softly.
Poseidon leaned forward wanting to know this as well.
A small smile crept onto Percy's face, "Achilles."
Artemis looked at him confused, "What?"
"When I entered the Styx, Achilles was there to warn me not to as he said he did to everyone who entered. When the river spit me out, Achilles spoke in my mind. He told me to not tell anyone my Achilles' spot, even the one who tied me to the mortal world. It was Annabeth who tied me to the world. During the battle, she asked me where my spot was and I remembered his warning. I told her to guess. She guessed on my left side, and she was almost right. I told her it was in the small of my back. That's why I stabbed Luke there. It was luck, but his death was her fault as well. She told me his Achilles' spot without knowing she did. When I disarmed her, she asked how I knew where his spot was. I foolishly told her that she had guessed right with mine but also that she told me where Luke's was. It almost got me killed when Athena blasted me. Thalia saved my life." Percy explained.
Poseidon looked at Thalia gratefully.
Artemis smiled at his explanation, "You're smarter than people give you credit for Percy."
Percy shrugged, "Mostly just lucky."
"Take the compliment Percy. You're too modest sometimes," Artemis said.
"My lady, I thought we talked about this," Thalia joked.
Artemis punched his arm playfully, "Take the compliment Percy. You're too modest sometimes."
"Sorry, Thalia," Artemis said blushing.
Percy smiled at Artemis. He was shocked when she blushed. She tried to cover it but Percy saw, he wisely didn't comment.
Artemis blushed a deep red.
"Do you really want to visit Thalia?" Artemis asked trying to forget she had just blushed at Percy's smile.
Percy nodded, "I have missed her a lot. I think it's time I visited both her and Nico. They are my cousins and my two best friends."
Artemis nodded, "Should I bring her to Olympus?"
Percy looked thoughtful for a minute before he shook his head. Artemis looked at him strangely.
Artemis had a confused look on her face.
Percy smiled, "We're friends, right Artemis?"
Artemis smiled back and nodded.
"So I will be able to bring female demigods to you without being killed right?" Percy asked hopefully.
Artemis got a thoughtful look on her face, causing Percy to pale a bit, but then she smirked, "Yes Percy, I won't kill you for bringing me hunters." She said like it was obvious.
"I don't know, a group of man-hating women aren't that obvious," Percy said.
Artemis smirked.
"Your hunters will keep my secret for me if you tell them too, right?" He asked.
Artemis smiled, "You're going to let my hunter's know your identity?" She asked hopefully.
"I will as long as you can keep them from trying to kill me." Percy said.
Phoebe had a look of guilt on her face but after Percy whispered a few words to her she nodded and smiled.
Artemis nodded, "You're actually the only acceptable male in their minds. Thalia and Zoe made them actually like you. They know you were Zoe's only male friend in her entire life."
Percy nodded, "Good, I have a young girl to save in Utah. Instead of bringing her to you on foot, I will cheat and teleport us a little bit away from your camp. I will bring her to camp as Blake but reveal myself in front of your hunters."
Athena thought. She had a daughter in Utah. She paled a little but reminded herself that Chloe was in front of her.
Artemis grinned, "Good. I think they will appreciate being the only ones who know."
"I hope your right. I don't have the curse to save me from the hunter's wrath if not." Percy said warily.
Artemis smirked, "I will keep them in line. But for Thalia, you're on your own. Her wrath you have to face yourself."
Thalia grinned evilly making Percy pale a little.
Percy paled, "I deserve her wrath. I haven't been a good friend."
Artemis looked at Percy sympathetically, "She will be mad but mostly she will be happy to have you back. She hasn't taken your disappearance very well."
Percy looked at his cousin with concern. She smiled sadly. She had starved herself while looking for Percy. She didn't like it but she was determined to find her long lost cousin. It was part of her fatal flaw. She could never give up on something she started, especially when it involved saving family.
Percy nodded and tried to stand up. Artemis yanked him back down.
"Not yet fish boy, I have one more question." Artemis demanded.
"Okay, what's on your mind moon beam?" Percy asked playfully.
Artemis smiled at the nickname.
Artemis' eyes widened, "Did you just call me moon beam?" She asked indignantly.
Percy smirked, "Yes, I believe it's a proper response to being called fish boy."
Artemis looked at Percy for minute before she smiled, she actually liked the nickname. It was nice to have a friend who wasn't afraid of her.
"How did you get so good at archery? My blessing would help, but you're better than any of my hunters." She asked curiously.
Artemis leaned forward wanting to know how Percy got so good.
Percy grinned, "Hard work. I've practiced every day for five years. The minute I found out I didn't suck anymore I got hooked. I always liked archery but was miserable at it. Besides, our competition was easy; if the contest had been more difficult then you would have won easily. I just managed to make ten perfect shots from a short distance."
Artemis smiled.
Artemis smiled, "See, archery is awesome isn't it." As soon as the words left her mouth she covered her mouth with her hand. Her face had a horrified expression on it.
Everyone burst into laughter. Artemis looked horrified and turned red.
Percy' eyes went wide before he started laughing hysterically, "Oh….. my…gods…. Apollo… will…. love… it…. when….. I …tell… him…" Percy managed to sputter out between laughs.
Artemis glared at Percy who just laughed more.
Artemis eyes widened before they narrowed. She jumped on top of Percy and pinned him to the ground. She began wailing on his chest and arms until his laughter stopped.
"You will never repeat what you heard." She said threateningly.
"Ah, sweet blackmail," Hermes said mischievously only to find a silver arrow centimeters below his manhood.
"You will not repeat this to Apollo or that arrow will land a little higher," Artemis threatened.
Hermes nodded quickly.
Percy couldn't stop himself from breaking into more laughter. Artemis began beating on Percy again until his laughter died down.
"Perseus, I will kill you if you don't promise to never repeat that." She threatened.
Percy's face morphed into a thoughtful one. Artemis narrowed her eyes at him before he smiled.
"How about another deal?" He asked.
Her eyes narrowed further, "What deal?"
"You can never call me Perseus again and in exchange, I will keep your secret." Percy said smirking.
Artemis' eyes widened, "You're blackmailing me?"
"Lady Artemis, please let me read," Thalia said.
Artemis' eyes widened, "You're blackmailing me?"
Artemis blushed again.
Percy nodded. Artemis glared at him before sighing. "Fine. I have been calling you Percy for most of the night anyway. But if you ever tell anyone, they won't ever find your body. My hunting wolves would love some seafood for a change."
Percy and Thalia exchanged glances. Percy had told her about the meat-eating horses at the Tripled G-Ranch.
Percy paled at the thought causing Artemis to smirk. She got off him and offered him a hand, pulling him to his feet. When she did, their faces were inches apart. Artemis took in his scent, it was intoxicating to her. Percy felt his face heat up being so close to the goddess. He couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was.
Percy and Artemis blushed simultaneously.
Percy stepped back and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
"Hey Artemis?" He asked softly.
She looked up at him, her blush finally fading.
"Thank you." He said gratefully.
Artemis raised an eyebrow.
Percy looked down, "I haven't had this much fun in years. I've spent the past five years pretty much emotionless and cold towards everyone except with Hera and Hestia. With the demigods, I kept things pretty impersonal. Except for the girls I brought to you. I couldn't help myself with them, they are such sweet girls. But tonight was different. I actually relaxed for once without being guarded toward people. I just wanted to say thank you for being such a good friend. It was nice to just hang out for once and have a real conversation."
Artemis smiled at Percy's words.
Artemis smiled at his words. She stepped closer to Percy, "Percy, you've done more things for me than anyone in my life. So thank you for being such a good friend. Make sure you make it to camp tomorrow." She said before she leaned over to Percy and kissed him softly on the cheek. "See you tomorrow Percy." She whispered before vanishing in a flash of silver light.
"You did what?!" Zeus yelled in shock as all the gods except for Hestia and Hera stared at the maiden goddess.
"Why shouldn't I be with Percy? He saved my life and my hunters. He earned my respect, and he saved maidens from horrible things," Artemis said.
"I'm not mad, I'm just shocked," Zeus said.
Percy stood frozen for a minute, his hand touching the spot on his cheek were she kissed him. He felt butterflies in his stomach. He shook it off. He was thankful to have her as a friend. Both were against love anyway, so the kiss was a friendly one he told himself before vanishing in a flash of flames.
Apollo stirred from his seat. "What happened?" he groaned.
"You fell asleep before the archery competition," Percy replied.
"What? What was the result? And Percy what are you doing here?" Apollo asked confused.
"I was Blake," Percy said. "The result ended up Artemis winning of course."
"You were Blake? But why?" Apollo asked.
"As I explained in the book, I felt that being Percy got everyone I loved killed. So, I shut myself away so that no one could get hurt. I then went travelling after that," Percy explained.
"Who wants to read?" Thalia asked.
"I would," Chloe said.
A/N: Next update I will switch polls. Till next time.