A/N-I always do A/N's because I feel like the chapter is off without them but half of the time, I have nothing important to say. This is one of those times. Anyway, enjoy!

Chapter 23-

3rd Person-

The king of the Gods sat in his throne, gazing at the unconscious figure lying beside the hearth. Shortly after the battle had ended, he had commanded the gods to return to their domains, to make sure no giant had escaped and was waiting for them. He had returned to Olympus and found a sleeping figure on the floor, and the giant-Antaeus- knelt beside the body. Immediately, Zeus had a bolt in hand, ready to smite the giant but Antaeus promised that he was no threat.

Antaeus had brought Jackson to the god, wishing for an underground arena in return for the demigod. Zeus granted him this wish and he had left. Afterwards, he placed his nephew near the hearth and summoned his two children.

Now, it was a waiting game.

'As the heroes of old aid'

That singular line from the prophecy repeated itself in his head, prompting Zeus to come up with a plan for Percy's 'disappearance.' As demonstrated from the night's events, Percy had been brainwashed by Gaea. The god had no doubt that Percy had a role in their entrapment which made him a threat.

He needed to train Percy but it was important that the demigod had little outside interactions. Olympus and the entire world was on the line. As the god removed a drachma from his suit pocket, he had made his decision:

He had to convince the Greeks and Romans that Percy Jackson was dead.

The god waved his hand and the air before him perspired, forming rainbow with the mist.

"Oh Iris, please accept my offering." Zeus whispered, careful not to wake Percy. "Show me my brother, Hades."

The mist shifted and showed the god in his throne, his head in his hands.

"Hades," His younger brother addressed.

The god's head snapped up. "Brother-you have no idea the toll this battle has taken on my kingdom. I've got dead demigods coming out of my ears! It's maddening!"

Zeus bowed his head solemnly. "How many casualties?"

"Six. Including one of the seven from the prophecy, Piper McLean."

The king of God nodded-it was through her sacrifice that Olympus survived the night. "Make sure all six heroes go to Elysium-they deserve it, for their bravery tonight."

Hades nodded while his brother continued.

"I need to call in favor." At this, Hades raised an eyebrow. "My target on Jackson worked-he was captured and brought before me. I wou-"

"Now, you're going to kill him and I'll have one more demigod. Great." The ruler of the underworld groaned. "Very well, send him down."

"I'm not going to kill Percy."

Hades pretended to clean out his ear. "Come again? Are you not the same god who had him interviewed under the suspicion that he was threat? I also recall you put the target over his head as well. Don't tell me you've had a change of heart, Zeus."

"Ha ha, brother. I suppose I should start from the beginning before I ask for a favor." The god of the skies took a deep breath, recalling the prophecy.

"A boy of eighteen, with special powers

Shall save or ruin Olympus in the nigh hour

The silver eyed one shall aid his grief

Preserving the hero when he is most weak

As the heroes of old aid

The hero's decision shall be made

And Olympus will rest on his fate."

Hades drank in the prophecy, knowing that the boy was Percy Jackson. He now understood that Zeus wasn't being paranoid-he was only trying to save Olympus.

Zeus began deciphering the prophecy. "A boy of eighteen with special powers-obviously Jackson, with his newly acquired powers."

"Hopefully will save Olympus." Hades added.

"Now, I have reason to believe that the silver eyed one is my daughter, Artemis." Zeus started. "However, I cannot fathom as to why she would be the one to aid him. You'd think it'd be Athena's daughter but alas, I didn't make the prophecy. I hope the prophecy isn't referring to them as a couple-my daughter will remain a maiden goddess."

"I don't think so," The god of death mulled over this line. "After all, Percy did save Artemis when she was captured by the titans. Perhaps that is where they connect-they've both been abducted by the enemy. Artemis will be able to relate to him."

"The next line is where you come in," Zeus' blue eyes met Hades' onyx ones. "I need the past heroes-Hercules, Adonis, Perseus, and however many more you can muster. They are needed to train Percy for the war."

"I suppose I can do so-considering that Olympus is in peril and all." The god of the Underworld was about to swipe his hand through the screen before Zeus said,

"Wait. I need one more favor from you."

"What else could you possibly want?" Hades snapped, there was so much to do and his brother was taking up valuable time.

"I need you to convince your children that Percy is dead." Zeus looked over at the unconscious demigod. "Hazel and Nico can sense that he's still alive. I need both camps to believe he has perished-Percy needs to focus on his training."

"I'll see what I can do." His older brother swiped his hand through the screen, ending the connection.

It wasn't too long before a bright yellow and silver light manifested before Zeus' eyes. The lights faded and the god's twin children appeared, bowing before their father.

"What's up, Pops?" Apollo asked.

His father sniffed at his son's eloquence. "I have a favor to ask of you two."

"Yes?" Artemis waited patiently.

"Just as I had intended, Percy Jackson was captured and brought to me," The god pointed to the hearth where the demigod lay.

Apollo stared at Artemis, knowing she wanted to bolt over to him.

That was true. Artemis' body wanted to rush over to Percy but her mind said no, fearing her father's reaction. She stood in place and rightfully so because Zeus was watching her intently.

Zeus clapped his hands, focusing their attention back on him. He repeated the prophecy once more, aware of his children's reactions.

Artemis knew the silver eyed one was her and she looked down, praying that Zeus hadn't made the connection.

"Now, I've called you both here because I need your help in rehabilitating Percy. Hades will lead the camps and the other gods to believe he is dead so that Percy can focus on training. Apollo-I need you to do a full examination of Percy. I know Gaea has distorted his mind and I need you to mend that. Artemis-you are mentioned in the prophecy which leads me to believe you are key to swaying the boy's decision to side with Olympus. Before I give you my reason as to why that is, is there anything you'd like to tell me about your relationship with Percy?"

Artemis was sweating. Now was not the time to confess her feelings for the son of Poseidon. Especially not in front of her father. She glanced at Apollo who looked as mortified as she felt. He mouthed the words, 'now or never.'

The goddess gulped, peering up at her father.

"Seeing as you have no plausible answer, you must not have a solid relationship with Percy." Zeus adjusted his tie, his suspicion fading. "Well, I'll assume it is because you two were both captured by the enemy-which you can use to relate to him. From this day on, you will be with Percy often. He won't have much outside contact until the temporary close on the Doors is over. I need you to be his best friend, confidant, and I know you despise most men but you're just going to have to make an exception."

Artemis' heart soared. She would finally spend time with Percy.

Artemis then frowned.

She would spend time with the boy who had just tried to kill her earlier that night.

Her father noticed her frown, sighing. "Please, my child-if you have to pretend, do so. We can train Percy day and night but it means nothing if we don't establish his loyalty to us. The fate of Olympus and the world hinges upon you two building a relationship-do whatever you can to convince to be on our side. That being said, we can all agree that Percy currently despises us. Artemis will be here often so Apollo, I need you t-"

"You need me to man the night shifts. Got it." Apollo brushed a blond strand away from his face. "In fact, I think Thalia should take over the Hunt until the Doors open-you know, so Artemis can really build that relationship with Percy. She needs to be able to sort out her feelings for him-excuse me, I mean his feelings about Gaea and the gods."

"I'm sure my other daughter is capable of that," Zeus nodded. "In fact, during the day, when we have meetings-I need Percy away from the throne room so that the other gods are under the impression that he is dead. I'll figure out some lodging arrangements and you'll be staying with him from time to time."

Artemis' jaw nearly dropped. She now had full-time, Percy duty.

Her twin brother smirked, pleased with his work. "I'd make a great cupid." He whispered to himself.

"As you wish, F-father." Artemis stammered.

Behind them, Percy had awoken. He was gathering his bearings and then his eyes landed on the three gods. He zeroed on Artemis, his eyes burning with vengeance.

He took out his pen, Riptide.

Now, he needed to finish what he had started.

3rd Person-

It was still the same night of the battle, only early in the morning. It was around 2 am and six demigod bodies had been encased in burial shrouds. The Greek and Roman demigods had gathered in the garden of the Bacchus to commemorate those who had fought bravely and died in the battle.

Chiron was in his centaur form, his face solemn. He loved to train heroes not bury them.

"Romans, you may be unfamiliar with our burial practice so I will explain the process to you. When a camper dies, their friends or siblings make a short speech and the deceased camper is burned in their shroud. When campers depart on a quest, it is tradition for their cabin-mates to make them one. Every Greek demigod here has brought their own shroud so we have a shroud for our deceased. We've also managed to form a shroud for your fallen campers as well." Chiron looked to his left where a group of demigods had prepared a speech for their fallen comrades. "Romans-if you will go first."

A pyre had been prepared and the first body, cloaked with a gray shroud, had been set on fire.

A roman demigod stood, his hands shaking as he placed himself in front of the pyre. "There's not much known about Bobby. His godly parent is unknown but he was brave, especially tonight. He used to ride Hannibal-our war elephant-at the beginning of every war game. It took a lot to tame that elephant but Bobby was always ready for a challenge. Let us not forget the sacrifice Bobby made tonight for all of us-his death was not in vain."

While the remainder of Bobby's body and shroud burned away, another body had been placed in the pyre. It was covered with a kool aid red shroud.

Jason Grace stood up, facing the pyre. "Dakota, son of Bacchus, was my friend. He was the senior centurion of the Fifth Cohort and addicted to kool aid."

This garnered a laugh from the Romans.

"I know-that's an understatement." Jason chuckled then sighed. "He should be here-he loved life. Never took anything to heart and was kind to everyone. Dakota, you will be sincerely missed."

"Now, the Greeks." Chiron voiced to the group. The next body was covered with a deep purple shroud, decorated with grapevines. Annabeth stood and looked up at the crowd.

"A few years ago, Pollux had lost his twin brother-Castor. I remember watching his attempt to speak at his brother's burial. He wasn't able to speak and Castor's death devastated him. Since then, Pollux had dedicated his life to fighting our enemies so that no sibling will lose theirs just as he had. I know Pollux and Castor are together now, just as it was meant to be."

As Annabeth sat down, two bodies encased with a blue shroud were placed into the pyre. Katie Gardner got up, her face streaming with tears.

"I should be the last person to honor these two guys." She started. "Travis and Connor Stoll were sons of Hermes, head counselors of cabin eleven. Contrary to popular belief, they weren't twins-Travis was older than Connor. Nonetheless, they were equally annoying. Their crazy pranks drove me insane but they always managed to put a smile on my face. We should all remember their humor and keep them alive in our memories. Goodbye Travis and Connor Stoll, I would give anything to be pranked by you dweebs one last time."

The last and final body was mourned for equally between both camps. Her shroud was multi colored, much like her kaleidoscope eyes.

Leo Valdez stood up and watched as her body was engulfed by the flames.

"Piper McLean was a daughter of Aphrodite, one of the Seven, and my partner in crime. Without her brave actions in the battle, none of us would be here tonight. I, along with the other four demigods part of the Seven, were there to witness her death. Piper was injured and could've been healed easily but she refused, insisting that the Doors must close. The weeks leading up to her death, she spoke a lot about saving someone. I'll admit, I was bit freaked but of course, I supported her. What can I say-the girl had a way with words." Leo looked around; no one got his joke.

"Alright, that was not a subtle attempt to hint at Piper's charm speak ability. Anyway, as she was dying, she realized that she had saved herself. Saving all of us in the battle had restored her, saving herself. Whatever time we have left until the Doors open is because of her sacrifice; we won't let her death be in vain. We will use this time to train and together, Greeks and Romans, we will kick Gaea and her Giant's butts. I know Pipes will be with us every step of the way, cheering us on in Elysium."

All of the campers clapped-Leo's speech had done justice to Piper and revitalized the overall spirit. Afterwards, the demigods gathered around and shared stories of their fallen brothers and sister, creating a somber mood. Reyna and Chiron agreed to have the Greeks stay for a few more hours, then somewhere around 9 am, they would return to New York.

Eventually, the demigods dispersed but Persia of Athens lingered, staring at the ashes of the former fire. Piper was gone and now they'd have to pick the ashes.

In front of her, a bright light appeared. Persia shielded her eyes and when the light faded, she looked up.

"Apollo." She whispered, burying her face in his shoulder.

The god wrapped his arms around the girl. "Are you okay?"

"I am now." Persia sighed. "She's gone. She sacrificed herself to save us."

"Piper was brave-we won't forget her."

"I know but..." Persia pulled away, peering into the gods' eyes. "Her death reminded me how short life really is."

"Um, Persia? We're both immortal."

The demigod rolled her eyes; it was hard to create a mushy moment with Apollo around. "I went through alot with Gaea in the past week,"

Apollo's jaw clenched. "I should've been there. I should've protected you. I'm so sor-"

The girl pressed a finger to his lips. "You're adorable but please, stop talking. Don't blame yourself-I went to Gaea of my will. Stupidly, but it was my choice."

Apollo looked down, ashamed. "Still, I could-"

The silver eyed girl tilted his chin to face her. "Hey, look at me. I live to see another day-I'm immortal and you're a worry wart."

"Gods, I'm becoming like my Father aren't I?"

Thunder clapped in the background.

Apollo glanced at the sky. "You're paranoid, Dad, and you know it!"

"Shut up-we've already nearly died tonight, let's not go for the record. I don't think you'd enjoy being Apollo barbecue, would you?"

"Would lick me if I were?"

The girl laughed. "You're impossible."

"But you still love me." Apollo said casually. Once he realized he had said the l-word, the god sucked in a sharp breath.

Persia's head snapped up and her cheeks were flushed. "I do love you, Apollo." She whispered, caressing his cheek.

The sun god wanted to do a series of cartwheels but he narrowed his eyes. "Then why did you sacrifice yourself to Gaea? You know I never want you in danger-you didn't even IM me. I had no idea you left until Piper told me. Do you even know what you put me through? I sent out an entire search team to find you despite the fact that you had died two thousand years ago. Then you go and give yourself to Gaea-do you have any idea how that felt?"

"Oh really?" Persia shot back. "You went through so much-what about me Apollo? While I was chained to that rock, I never stopped thinking about you. Not a day went by without me thinking of your adorable smile, handsome face, and excruciating cheesy jokes. I come back and see all your children-it's quite obvious that you don't feel the same about me. Admit it, Apollo-I was just another temporary infatuation."

"You're kidding right? I had all my kids because I loved you!"

Persia scoffed. "That's one hell of a way of showing it!"

The sun god took a deep breath; he didn't phrase that correctly. "I was devastated after your death, Persia. You meant the world to me and then you were gone. I spent the next centuries finding women who looked like you-black hair, short, small figure. None of them were you. Not even close. So I had kids with them-hoping that somehow, they'd turn out like you. I guess I figured that if I couldn't have you, I wanted a reminder of you."

Persia voice softened. "I did notice they all had either black hair or were short."

A moment passed and Apollo searched in Persia's silver eyes-he wanted to know what she was thinking.

The girl closed the gap between them and stood on her tip toes, her lips pressing against Apollo's. He kissed her back, feverishly, like a man in desperate need of water. The girl wound her fingers in his golden locks and he tugged at her waist, deepening the kiss.

Eventually, they broke apart, gasping for air.

"Gods, you're unbelievable." Persia managed to say after taking a few breaths.

Apollo smiled, his white teeth dazzling. "Unbelievably handsome, you mean."

Persia stared at his face, examining him. She squinted at his cheek and noticed a small, pink mark. "Is this from the battle? Why hasn't it healed yet?"

Apollo's eyes grew wide. "Uh, no. I went to throne room after the battle and I, um, fell-yep, so that's how that happened."

The girl laughed softly. "Okay, whatever you say."

Phew, Apollo couldn't tell her that Percy tried to attack him, Artemis, and Zeus after he woke up. Zeus pinned the demigod down and Apollo had to inject him with a sedative. Artemis was frozen in fear and Apollo hated that she had to witness that. Zeus had gotten a hotel room across the Empire State Building and Percy was tied up in the room, asleep. Apollo was supposed to bring Sally Jackson to the hotel room but he'd decided to stop by Camp Jupiter and see Persia.

The sun god drew the girl in once more, tilting his head towards her. Their lips had barely touched before there was another clap of thunder. Zeus was reminding him to get Sally.

Apollo sighed, pulling away. "I have to go."

Persia nodded, her face dropping. "Come back to me?" She asked, her silver eyes wide.

"Always."

The demigod diverted her eyes and when she opened them again, he was gone. Persia walked away from the dying pyre, touching her lips. She smiled at the thought of the god. He was the person she'd been waiting for all her life and she was going to hold onto him for dear life.

Apollo knocked on the door of Sally and Paul Blofis' apartment and without hesitation, the door flew open. The brunette woman was dressed in a blue robe, her hair in a messy bun.

"Percy?" She asked breathlessly.

Apollo was bewildered. He nodded, offering his hand.

"Let's go."

The sun god held the mortal in his arms, flashing her outside the hotel room in which Percy slept. Sally reached for the doorknob but Apollo gently placed a hand over hers.

"Sally, there's something you should know,"

"My son joined Gaea and believes the gods must die. Yeah, I know-Annabeth informed me. Apollo, I know I can get through to him if you'll let me through."

Apollo smiled and swiped the hotel card key, unlocking the door.

Percy Jackson was awake, tugging at chains. He was tied to bed post, unable to reach his sword. He growled when he saw the sun god but his eyes softened when they landed on his mother.

"Mom," He whispered.

"Oh Percy, what have you gotten yourself into this time?" Sally sighed, making her way over to her son. She sat on the bed, stroking her hands through Percy's hair.

"I hate that you have to see me like this-I look like a spin off of fifty shades."

"Well, when you were growing up I was always worried that you'd end up in chains but I was thinking for jail."

Percy chuckled, forgetting about Apollo's presence. "Because I blew up several museum and schools?"

"Exactly. Percy-I just finished paying the damages you caused from Goode Highschool."

"Good times." Percy smiled. He had missed his mom. She never judged him and always smelled like candy. He peered into her eyes as they shifted from blue to green. He sighed, looking down. Sally's eyes reminded him of a friend.

Percy may have hated the gods but he harbored none against their children. Earlier, Artemis and Zeus were in the room, talking about Piper's death. They thought he was asleep but Percy heard everything-including the other five demigods that had perished.

"I killed them." He blurted out, mortified. He had tried to think of their death as collateral damage; a necessary evil to win the war. Now he wasn't sure-they were his friends and he had indirectly killed them. "I killed them-Piper, Pollux, Dakota, Bobby, and the Stolls. It was my idea to have the gods trapped-they could've escaped. They could've lived. Dakota could've been sneaking out in the middle of the night to get his stupid kool aid right now. I only wanted to make the gods pay; I didn't want my friends to get hurt."

Sally held her son as he began shaking uncontrollably. "It's not your fault, Percy. You didn't know what you were doing-Gaea's been manipulating you."

"THAT'S ALL YOU GUYS KEEP SAYING!" Percy yelled, his voice rising. "You, Artemis, Zeus-I don't know how Gaea manipulated me-all I know is that she played on my doubts about the gods and all I can think about is killing every last one of them. She amplified what was already there. I'm not a good person, Mom. I'm not a hero. I'm a horrible person-I've killed my friends and I don't think I can live with that."

Sally tried to get him to quiet down but he wouldn't; Percy kept shaking and yelling that he was a murderer. Apollo looked at Sally grimly.

"I'm afraid we'll have to cut this visit short."

Sally nodded, tears in her eyes. "I understand. I can come back, right?"

"The door's always open." Apollo took the mortal's hand flashing her back to her apartment.

When they arrived, the mortal wiped a few tears from her eyes and thanked the god. "Promise me you'll everything in your power to help him?"

"Whatever it takes." Apollo promised before flashing back to Percy's hotel room.

He was still awake but only quietly repeated the words, "I killed them. I killed them."

Apollo knelt on the floor, approaching the boy.

"You know, I once thought I had gotten you into this mess." The sun god started.

Percy quieted down, paying attention.

"After Artemis killed Persia I kinda of went berserk and cursed my sister. I, um, cursed the next person she fell in love to an eternity of torture."

"Savage." Percy commented, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. "You're telling me this because..."

Apollo sighed, exasperated. "I used to think it was my fault that Gaea captured and tortured you and now I would like to apologize."

Percy's eyes widened. "Artemis is in love...with me?"

The god sucked in a sharp breath. He'd forgotten about that little bit of info. "Well, yeah."

Apollo figured Percy would be angry-he had just tried to kill his sister and now he had just found she was in love with him. Instead, Percy did the opposite.

He laughed.

A good, hearty laugh that reminded Apollo of the boy he had once known.

The son of Poseidon was in disbelief. "Artemis-founder of a man-hating group, MAIDEN goddess, and immortal-in love with me, a mortal demigod? Good one Apollo-I'm glad I didn't kill you. I needed that laugh-thanks buddy."

"What else are you going to tell me-that Hercules is on Olympus as we speak?" Percy threw his head back, laughing. "You should be the god of comedians."

Outside, thunder clapped. He had to go. "Well take it or leave it, Perce-I'm out." With that, the sun god flashed out.

The demigod stopped laughing, a realization dawning on him-he felt the same way about Artemis. He had always favored the moon goddess-she cared about demigods, specifically the hunt. When Zoe died, the goddess felt true grief which Percy had never seen a god do before-the other gods were so far removed from demigod affairs. She never treated him like he was inferior to her because he was male and Percy admired that.

Well, up until he found out that she had killed a innocent girl out of jealously. At first, Percy ignored it; he knew that the gods had often done heinous deeds in Ancient Greece but it started to eat at him and when he was captured by Gaea, those feelings had only been amplified.

Somehow-somewhere along the way-he had confused his feelings for Artemis and believed them to be hate. He knew that she was a maiden and immortal so Percy became frustrated and fused that confusion into hate. He didn't hate Artemis-he hated the confusion that surrounded his feelings for her.

This begged the question: Why he had begun a relationship with Annabeth? Percy thought for a while but then, the answer was apparent.

Everyone expected them to. In the quest to save Artemis, the demigod had spoken with Aphrodite who had insisted that Percy was in love with Annabeth. Percy had denied it but that was the first romantic thought that he had about her. As the saying goes, opposites attract-Poseidon and Athena were enemies but somehow, Percy and Annabeth had gotten along-prompting this ideal. Then there was the kiss at Mount St. Helens. It was out of adrenaline and the fear of death. Then, a year later they began dating. Percy and Annabeth had a strong friendship and would've been lost without one another but they were never meant to be in a relationship.

Percy was stumped. Annabeth and Rachel had been distractions.

Distractions for the girl he truly wanted-Artemis.

"Why am I on Olympus?" The son of Zeus questioned, looking at the other heroes that surrounded him. Just minutes before, they were in the Underworld-in Elysium-now they were on Olympus.

"Beats me, Hercules." The man known as Adonis replied. ***

Behind them, the god of the Underworld cleared his throat, garnering the heroes' attention. "Heroes, I have summoned you here to train one of your own. According to a prophecy, the past heroes are to provide their expertise and assist the hero who will determine the fate of Olympus. Now, here's the catch-this is all temporary. Any given day could be the day Gaea and her Giants attack-we must not waste any time. I've gotten a close estimate of how much time we have and it's roughly three months-give or take a few weeks. I need all of you to come up with a vigorous training program for the hero, understand?"

The heroes nodded, agreeing to help save Olympus once more.

"Hercules," Hades addressed the hero. "Lord Zeus has specifically requested for you to come up with a program similar to the twelve labors you performed in the past."

"No problem."

"Adonis," The god moved onto the next hero. "We determined that the hero has some sort of charm speaking ability-as you were the favored one of Aphrodite-you should be able to help improve that power. Can you do that?"

The brown haired man smiled, saluting Hades. "Yes, sir."

Hades rolled his eyes, moving on. "Theseus-work with Hercules. You have also performed six labors-together, you two should be able to come up with a rigorous program. This will be the final test-so think of the most challenging task."

When the demigod nodded in agreement, Hades addressed the last hero. "Perseus- you're a skilled fighter. We have plenty of weapons at our disposal if you're willing to train him."

"Better than being dead, I suppose."

"That's the spirit, Perseus!" The sun god walked in with his twin, flashing a dazzling smile. The king of the gods was beside him and the heroes bowed in respect. When Adonis stood up, his brown eyes met Artemis'-she looked away, turning her attention toward her father.

"Rise, heroes." Zeus said and the demigods did so. "You have all done a great service to Olympus and it is time to do it again. This war is unlike anything we've ever seen before but with your help, we will be victorious. It goes without saying but you four are supposed to be dead so do not let the other gods know of your appearance. We've arranged lodging near the hero so that training can start immediately. Only Apollo, Artemis, Hades and I know of this plan-do not speak with other gods nor anyone else about this lest I say so. Speaking of our hero-how's the cure going, son?"

Apollo grimaced-he hadn't actually began looking for it. "It's going."

"What cure?" Hercules asked.

"Well, you see, our hero is slightly...deranged." Apollo explained and his sister winced. "He was captured and influenced by the enemy so now he wants to kill all the gods. Anyway, it's my job to fix that."

"So-let me get this straight." Adonis started, running a hand through his hair. "You want us to train a hero who isn't even on your side-to fight on your side. Correct?"

The gods nodded.

"Great." Adonis' voice dripped with sarcasm.

"Might as well call this the thirteenth labor." Hercules whistled.

"So are you all in?" Apollo asked, gazing at the heroes.

The men nodded but Theseus frowned.

"Wait, who is the hero we are to train."

"Why, it's Percy Jackson." Zeus replied, his blue eyes meeting the son of Poseidon's.

"I'm really sorry, Annabeth-there's nothing. He's dead."

The daughter of Athena exhaled, the weight of the world on her shoulders. "It's okay Nico-I needed to know."

The remainder of the Seven, Thalia, and Nico surrounded their friend, there to offer their support. They had arrived at Camp Half Blood earlier that morning and because activities for the day were suspended, they were at Montauk beach.

"Are you okay?" Thalia asked, pulling her friend in for a hug. "I'm going to miss him."

Annabeth pulled away, tears in her eyes. "Me too but that wasn't Percy last night. My Seaweed Brain died weeks ago-when he was captured by Gaea. That's how I want to remember him. That's how we all should remember him."

Hazel nodded. "Of course. The person who died last night wasn't Percy-he was just a shell of the boy we all knew and loved."

"How about we make a shroud for Percy-as a memorial?" Jason suggested, looking at Annabeth. "Sound good?"

The girl smiled through her tears. She had loved Percy but she let go him when she realized he wasn't coming back. It was time to move on. "Sounds great, Jason."

Adonis was sitting on the balcony of Percy's hotel room, staring intently at the sleeping demigod when the goddess of the moon walked in. She had brought his orange Camp Half blood t-shirt to remind him of his second home, as attempt to break through to him. She was about to turn around but she spotted Adonis, his gaze on her.

The man wondered whether she'd talk to him because for the past three days she had avoided him, and he had to give her props for that because he was the first hero to train Percy yet the goddess had to be around him often. Adonis' eyebrows rose as the goddess stepped out onto the balcony, leaning on the railing.

"How is he?" Artemis asked softly, tilting her head toward Percy.

"Not cooperative in the slightest." Adonis answered. "The other day I was trying to explain to him the art of persuasive speaking and he was paying attention-then he zoned out. He's got these moments of slight clairvoyance but it goes as soon as it comes. He's getting better though-I can tell."

"Apollo is working with Hecate-the potion should be ready by next week. It's only a matter of time."

"What's your lot in this?" Adonis asked, facing the silver eyed woman. "The other heroes and I are here to train Percy, Apollo is searching for a cure, and Zeus and Hades are at the head of this operation. What are you doing here? Wait, don't tell me-you're still irrevocably in love with me and couldn't bear life without me."

The goddess snorted. "I forgot how poetic you were." Artemis sighed. "Well if you must know, I'm mentioned in the prophecy as the one who will help overcome Percy's torment."

"Honorary mention. Nice." Adonis commented then looked back at the demigod. "I saw the way you looked at him-you used to look at me that same way, once upon a time."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"No, no-don't deny it. I can read your facial expression-you love him and you loved me once too-that's why you killed me. Artemis, let yourself love. I know you're a maiden goddess and the hunt is important to you but you've got to let yourself fall in love. Everyone needs to love and be loved by someone-it's vital to the heart."

Artemis stiffened. "I can't-there's too many people counting on me. My girls and the gods expect me to remain a maiden. I can't disappoint them."

"So you're willing to sacrifice your own happiness for the sake of others?"

"If that's what it takes then so be it."

"Wow," Adonis scoffed, clapping his hands. "I never I thought I'd see the day stubborn, independent Artemis conform to the expectations of others. This is rich."

Heat flushed across the goddess' face and she began seeing flashes of red in her vision. "Look, Adonis-I just wanted to apologize for killing you but if you are only here to berate me then by all means, the door's that way."

"I don't want an apology, Artemis." The hero spat, standing up. "I've seen you do to obscene acts when you start falling in love. You become destructive and begin eliminating in the only way you know how. You kill the object of your affection. You killed me and you killed Orion-I don't want Percy to end up the same way."

"How dare you?" Her jaw clenched. "I did what I had to do and I don't care what you think of me."

"I can't believe you, Artemis. You don't even realize the damage you've caused-it's truly astounding."

"Don't pyscho-analyze me, Adonis! I am a goddess and I will turn yo-"

"Do what?" Adonis challenged, the vein in his neck becoming prominent. "I'm already dead-thanks to you."

"I did what was necessary! You know what, you're not even worth my time. I shouldn't have come out here. It was a mistake."

"There you go again! You're a scared little girl now-just like you were centuries ago."

"I had a good reason behind my deeds, no matter how atrocious you find them."

Adonis snatched her wrist, looking the goddess steely in the eyes. There was no playfulness in them this time. He was dead serious. "Oh really-then explain Persia. Why did she have to die?"

"Collateral damage." She responded, cold.

"How could you, Artemis?" He looked at her with disgust. "Your own child-you killed her!"

The hero sucked in a sharp breath as Artemis' eyes widened.

"After I killed you, I heard an infant cry-oh gods." Artemis' words were shaky and her heart rate picked up. "She looks exactly like me-why didn't I see it before?"

"Is there a problem here?" The son of Poseidon was awake, staring intently at Adonis' firm grasp on Artemis' wrist. "Is everything alright, Artemis?"

The goddess found herself nodding, her nerves wrecked.

"Let go of her." Percy demanded. "You're hurting her."

Adonis released her wrist and shot Percy a distasteful look. "I was just leaving anyway."

The man left and Artemis was still frozen, her mouth open wide.

The son of Poseidon gently took her hand into his, turning it over to examine it closely. "Are you okay?"

The goddess eyed him warily, trying to asses whether he was trying to kill her again.

Percy got the hint and let go of her wrist. "Right-I'm a guy, not supposed touch you." His sea green eyes smoldered and a genuine expression graced his face. "I'm not trying to hurt you, Artemis. Not now-at least. I get in these weird moods-my head feels like its splitting open and the only way to make it to go away is to think of killing a god. I'm trying, Artemis. I really am."

"I understand." The goddess wanted him to get better but she wasn't sure this stable version of Percy would last.

His eyes wandered to Artemis' right hand where her fist was clutching an orange object.

"What's that?" He asked, pointing to her right hand.

"Huh?" Artemis asked, dazed. "Oh-it's your camp shirt. I thought I'd bring it by here."

She handed him the shirt and he accepted it, nodding. "Thank you, Artemis."

"I should get going," The goddess had a lot weighing on her mind but she had decided to the right thing. "Goodbye, Percy."

Percy opened his mouth as if to protest but instead, he gave her small smile. "Bye, Artemis."

The woman walked away, heading to Olympus.

She arrived in the throne room, there were no gods except her father who sat in his throne, immersed in his thoughts. Artemis' heart started to speed up again but she forced herself to walk forward.

"Artemis?" Her father's eyebrows rose.

"I need you to call an emergency council. Right now."

"What for?"

"Please. Just do it-do it before I change my mind."

Thunder clapped twice and Zeus gazed at his daughter. "It is done."

Artemis' palms were sweaty and she had to remind herself to breathe. It was too late to back out now.

Within seconds, all the gods appeared in the seats of power.

"This better be good." Athena said. "I was reviewing Webster's 64th edition."

"Retweet-I was trying to create a new hashtag." Aphrodite's hair was colored black-a sign of mourning.

"I've got places to destroy, people to beat up, and things to wreck."

"Oh, Ares-have some cereal." Demeter scrambled to find a spoon for her oatmeal. "Cheerios help lower cholesterol and make your heart happy and healthy."

"You incessant woman, for the last time-I do not want your cereal!"

"Silence!" Zeus roared and when he got the gods' attention, he pointed at his nervous daughter. "Artemis would like to share something with us today."

The goddess drew in a shaky breath, feeling an immense amount of pressure. "I sired a child."

Each and every god's jaw dropped. Her father was the first to speak, his voice breaking through the deadly silence. "H-how? When?"

"A little over 2,000 years ago. I fell for Adonis so I killed him, as I walked away from his body-I heard the faint cry of a newborn. I didn't know about the child until now."

"Who is the child?" Hera asked.

"Persia." Artemis answered. "Persia of Athens."

Apollo paled and the god of messengers snorted. "Ha-you fell in love with your niece."

"I hope Martha bites you." The sun god replied.

Artemis was nervous but she looked to her father. "I understand the consequences of my actions. I am willing to accept any punishment you see fit. My only wish is to allow the Hunt to continue-I will no longer lead them but those girls have become like family over the centuries. I should be punished, not them."

The gods held their breath as Zeus mulled over Artemis' words. After a few moments, he straightened in his throne. "Artemis, you have broken your eternal vow. You must be punished for your deed."

"I understand, Father."

"Do not submit so quickly, I will not take the hunt from you. You have founded a sanctuary for these girls and they look up to you. You are to remain in leadership of the Hunt. However, you must allow your hunters to form outside relationship with others should they wish."

Artemis' head spun. She was expecting something much worse. "They can date?"

"I don't see why not." Zeus replied. "One more thing: you will no longer hold the title of a maiden and you will have to claim Persia as your daughter."

Artemis exhaled and for once, it felt like she was breathing for the first time. "I can do that."

Aphrodite smirked, shrinking down to her human size. She held her arms out, smiling. "Welcome to reality, Arty. Bring it here."

The goddess of the Moon sighed but wrapped her arms around the other woman. Before she knew it, the rest of the gods had piled on top of her.

"Awww baby sis." Apollo bear hugged her. "I'm so proud of you."

"I...can't...breathe." Artemis wheezed. Her family separated and smiled at the goddess.

Hermes looked smug. "I believe that some of you owe me drachmas." He held a palm out, expecting his payment. One by one every god, deposited three gold coins into his hand.

Artemis' jaw dropped. "You all bet on me?"

"Yeah." Apollo kissed his gold coins before dropping them into Hermes' hands.

"Unbelievable. Hestia-you too?"

The goddess shrugged. "If it makes you feel any better, I thought it was going to happen a century from now."

"No, no it doesn't."

***-I've mentioned this before but this story takes place (well, after Persia's death and the 2, 116 years pass) after the MoA it's kind of after the Percy/Annabeth reunion then the six, Annabeth, and Nico go back to Camp Half-blood and eventually they get called for the interview, and that's where the fic picks up. Therefore, they've never met a bitter Hercules so let's pretend he died and wasn't turned into a god. Also I know Adonis was not really a 'hero' but I brought him back because it goes with the plot.

A/N-So next chapter is 11k words-it's over a period of three months and it's centered around Percy's training. Now that I've gotten Artemis' vow out of the way, I can move forward with the whole Pertemis thing. Also I'll stop driving drifts between Apollo and Persia-the whole hunter thing, her death, her sacrificing herself to Gaea bit. I'm done; I swear. Actually, there's one more slight obstacle but you'll see. So next monday, carve out some time if you want to read this in one sitting and if you don't hate this fic, leave a review and fav!