A/N-I was so happy to write this chapter-I missed writing dialogue between different characters so much. Last chapter was long and I am proud of it but gods, it was EXHAUSTING. This chapter is mostly the minor pairings getting together or having a conversation. If you're not into romance and fluff, skip this chapter-except read the beginning with Artemis and the Hunt, that's going to come into play later. Apart from that, happy reading!

3rd Person-

"Calm down, Artemis." The goddess told herself, her body trembling. "You've already told the gods and Percy. Now all that's left are the girls. Woman up, Artemis. You can do this."

"Lady Artemis?" Thalia's voice called out, concerned. "Are you okay? You can tell us whatever you need to later-at a better time."

"No, I need to tell you all this now. It's important." Artemis gazed into the eyes of her girls. They were all so strong, beautiful, and loyal; she could only hope that loyalty would last after she told them.

"Does this have anything to do with where you've been for the last three months?" Atlanta asked. "Mi'lady, I understand you have godly duties to attend and you did check in with us often but why where you gone so long? Are you leaving again after today?"

Artemis sighed; this wasn't going to be easy. "No, I was assigned a task by my father that required my presence often. I can't tell you girls the details but soon, I will be able to. After today, I'm going back but it's only to check up on someone. After that, the hunt has all my attention. Speaking of the hunt, there's going to be a few rules, if you will, changing."

The girls leaned in, attentive. Their leader took another breath and continued, "Today, I will be honest. Completely. All I ask is that you all hear me out and afterwards, I will understand if any of you choose to leave the hunt."

Thalia, like many of the other girls, narrowed her eyes; what was Artemis going to say?

"Those of you who been here for quite some time, know about Adonis. In fact, some of you joined the hunt to escape his constant harassment."

Some of the girls scoffed, centuries later, still despised the womanizer.

"Touchy subject, I know." The hunt chuckled at Artemis' joke. "For the girls who haven't been here as long, imagine Apollo, just twice as much annoying."

All of the girls rolled their eyes, laughing.

"Just so you all get the general gist of Adonis-he was a womanizer and caused a lot problems in the Hunt. So I decided to take of him. The first time I saw him, I should've shot him point blank. I could have-I had him in my sights, arrow notched. I was hiding in a tree and he turned around, and startled, I fell. He helped me up and when I looked into his eyes, I felt as though the world stopped. His eyes were amber and gorgeous and his words were more than just words. They were eloquent, harmonic sounds and I understood why so many girls had fallen for him. I let him live, didn't even warn him to stay away from any girl. Just walked away and tried to get the man with the smoldering amber eyes out of my head. Weeks later, another incident. Another huntress pledging her loyalty. Once more, I found him and once more, I couldn't release the arrow. Instead, I approached Adonis, hoping to threaten him away. He began talking and all my intentions went wayward. On the last occasion I saw him, I killed him. It was...difficult, to say the least. I couldn't even look at him so as soon the arrow flew, I walked away. As I left, I heard the sound of an infant, crying. The city of Athens was nearby therefore, I assumed it came from there."

The goddess' face paled. "I should've never ignored that cry. If I'd known who it was, I would've turned around."

"Artemis..." Naomi trailed, worried. All the girl were alarmed but continued to listen.

"Now comes the bad part," Artemis warned, her palms perspiring. "For the next sixteen years, the Hunt grew and I was in need of a new Lieutenant. The previous had perished in combat and at the time, many of the girls were too inexperienced to take on such a vital and demanding role. Eventually, Persia of Athens came across the Hunt. Some of you veterans may still remember her. Two thousands years ago, I told the hunt that she had quit. I lied and now, I'm going to tell the truth."

"Is this what you were trying to say a while ago then Phoebe quit, interrupting you?" A girl asked.

"Yes. As you girls can see, I've been trying to tell you all this for quite some time now. I only hope you all remember that after I've said my piece." Artemis took a deep breath. "At first, Persia was a bit hesitant to become Lieutenant but after she accepted, she fit in like a glove. We were often told that we looked similar, but neither of us thought much of it. I didn't know her godly parent but she said it was a goddess. I was under the impression that she didn't know either but she had a strong guess, which only makes what I'm about to say even worse. At the same time, Orion had come into my life. He was a great hunter and friend. Without realizing it, I had begun to fall in love with him. That was my first mistake."

At this, the girls gasped but clamped their mouths shuts.

"One day, I invited Persia and Orion on a small hunting expedition. They were my two closest friends and I figured that they should meet. When I came to the rendezvous spot, I saw Orion and Persia together and he had a hand in her hair, stroking it. Next thing I knew, I lost it. I was often frustrated that I couldn't ever be that intimate with him because of my vow. Instinctively, my arrow flew and I killed him. Persia was scared. She pleaded and begged with me but I didn't even see her. I was so angry, I could taste it. Then I made my second mistake, I killed her too."

The huntresses who had been there during Persia's time gaped at Artemis. They couldn't believe that their Lady would kill one of their own. Thalia felt a thousand shivers down her spine, Artemis killed a lieutenant. A position she now held. The daughter of Zeus shook her head, Percy had told her before but she didn't believe it. She had even heard it from Persia herself but it was a whole different story coming from the goddess.

Artemis couldn't bring herself to look her girls so she looked away, toward the windows of her cabin. "Fast forward to recent times, Persia is back. She wasn't killed in a combat nor did she break her oath so she managed to cheat death, essentially. She was chained to cliff and a search team, assigned by Apollo, found and brought her back as she was part of the Seven. Or six, now."

"Five." Thalia croaked. "Five. Percy and Piper are dead."

"Five," Artemis corrected herself, mentally reminding herself that everyone was convinced that Percy was dead. "Recently, I had a bit of a run-in with Adonis. It was then that he told me we had conceived a child together. The infant I heard the day I killed him wasn't from the city. It was from my child. It was Persia."

Gasps and cries of disbelief rang around the cabin. Many of the hunters voiced their opinion and Artemis held up a hand.

"Wait, there's more. I was obligated to tell this information to the gods and as a consequence, there's a few rules that have changed. I may still continue to lead the Hunt however, I no longer hold the title of a maiden and I have to claim Persia. Unfortunately, my deed also affects you all. From now on, all of you are allowed to form relationships with others. Whether that be platonic or romantic, you are now free. Should you decide to do so, I will encourage such relationships and will try to keep the hunt near camp so that you may bond with others."

Artemis looked at the shocked faces of her girls. "I-I'm sorry."

Thalia Grace was the first to speak, her throat burning. "I-I knew that you killed Persia but I never believed it. I defended you and now-now, you come clean! I'm not sure about the rest of these girls but I won't serve a pathological liar and cold blooded killer. You killed one of us! Who's to say you won't do it again!"

Before Artemis could respond, the other girls stood up, agreeing with their lieutenant. The daughter of Zeus looked crestfallen, "I qu-"

"No more quitting," Atlanta's voice sliced through the air. "I can't forgive you this time, Artemis. None of us should leave, this is our family. We worked so hard to become one and I'll be dammed if you're going to tear us apart. You crossed the line. You should go."

Thalia nodded, agreeing. "We will follow by Zeus' rules but we will no longer be under your command. I've led these girls for three months and I can do it for an eternity if need be. If anyone forgives Artemis and wants to stand by her, I won't stop you."

One by one, each and every girl shook their heads-even the newly admitted ones.

Artemis' body shook and she could barely breathe. This was the last thing she wanted.

"You heard us." Naomi said. As if on cue, the girls separated, making an aisle for the goddess to walk through.

Artemis held her head up high despite being choked up and made her way to the door. A handle on the knob, she looked back at the girls. Some looked away, ashamed. Some, like Thalia, were sad to see her go but knew it was for the best. Others, like Naomi and Atlanta, had a look of disgust on their faces.

The goddess faced the door, her heart threatening to burst. Then just like that, the goddess walked out on the Hunt.

"Hey, there you are." The son of Hades approached the daughter of Zeus who sat by the creek. "I've been looking for you everywhere. I got worried after I didn't see you at lunch today."

Thalia Grace looked up at him, tears flowing freely onto her cheek. "Well, you found me. Happy?"

"Not when you're not," Nico sat down beside her, cupping her cheeks. "What happened, Thalia?"

"Everything." Thalia managed to choke out. "It's...Artemis. She admitted that she killed Persia and that's not all. Persia is her kid. Her father was Adonis and her mother is Artemis."

Nico sucked in a sharp breath. "That's not going to sit well with the gods. Do they know?"

The girl nodded. "They do. They revoked Artemis' maiden title and the hunters are not held to the same vow any more. We can date."

Thalia's breath hitched and she looked at him after the last sentence. His face was expressionless and her face fell, he wasn't interested in her.

"We kicked Artemis out of the hunt." Thalia continued. "She killed one of us...I can't forgive that. Still, it feels so wrong, I can't even begin to tell you how wrong it feels. She gave me a choice-if I joined, then I didn't have to be child of the prophecy. She trusted me to lead the Hunt alongside her and I feel as though I've stabbed her in the back. She's like a mother figure to me; I'm not sure what I did was right."

"Thalia, hey-look at me." Nico tilted her head to face him. "You did the right thing. She was in the wrong-she shouldn't have killed her own huntress. Nothing you've done is wrong, that'd be impossible. You're...y-you're perfect."

Thalia buried herself in Nico's shoulder and shuddered as he wrapped his arms around her. "Thank you, Nico. I-I didn't have anyone to talk to. Annabeth is better after Percy and all so I didn't want to bring her down with this. Jason's upset enough with Piper's death. He's been distracting himself lately. I thought about talking to you but I guess I chickened out."

"Why? Smell of death freak you out that much? Darn it, here I was thinking you were finally warming up to me."

"No, you idiot. I just didn't want you think I was annoying or being over dramatic." Thalia chuckled.

"Well if this is what you call annoying, then I'm available anytime." The demigods laughed and Nico sighed. "But seriously, what do you think of the new dating rule and all?"

"I think it's good." Thalia pulled away, facing the son of Hades. Her heart was caught in her throat but a sudden burst of energy propelled her to continue. "There is one person I've been kind of interested in."

"Oh?" Nico didn't even bother putting on a mask, he was visibly upset. "Who is he? When did this happen? And for how long? Do you like him or like like him?"

Thalia laughed and pressed her lips against his. Nico quickly got over his shock and kissed her back, his stomach doing somersaults.

The daughter of Zeus pulled away, chuckling at the boy's flushed face. It was the first time she had seen him with any color to his pale face. "Does that answer your questions?"

"All but the last one."

"Nico, if it wasn't already blatantly obvious, I like like you. Happy?"

"Very."

"Hi," Hazel caught up to the son of Hephaestus after lunch.

"Bye." Leo said curtly. He had almost made it to his cabin before he girl stopped him. "Leo, we need to talk."

"About what? Sammy?" Leo hissed. "About how I'm Sammy 2.0? About how you're trying to replace him with me? What do you want to talk about, Hazel? Huh?"

The girl flinched, stunned by his harsh words. "I want to talk about all that. I'd appreciate it if you'd hear me out."

Leo wanted to roll his eyes but one look at her pleading face and he couldn't. He tilted his head toward the beach, offering his hand. Hazel took it gingerly and they walked around the beach as the daughter of Pluto began her tale,

"I met Sammy at St. Agnes Academy for Colored Children and Indians during the 1940s. The kids there were mean; they teased me relentlessly. Sammy was different. Somehow, he always managed to divert the negativity with humor. He was also a gifted horserider-he taught me how to ride. When my mother and I moved to Alaska, we lost contact."

"No skype?" Leo asked jokingly.

"Not even facetime," Hazel joked then sighed. "When you sent that video message to Camp Jupiter, telling us that you were coming; I knew it wasn't a coincident. I knew you weren't Sammy-you'd have to be over seventy years old. I meant to find out why you two were so similar but once I got to know you, I guess I forgot. Unexpectedly, you swept me off my feet and I started falling for you. I want us to move past this roadblock so that there's nothing but trust between the two of us. Anyway, as I said before, Sammy and I lost contact after I moved. I did a little research and Leo, Sammy's your great grandfather."

"Hold up, you stalked me? Not that I mind but warn a guy, Hazel."

"I'm not joking, Leo!" Hazel pushed him away playfully. "You two are related and that's why I was drawn to you. But that's not the reason I'm still attracted to you. I see you for you, Leo. Not Sammy. Just you."

"I don't know if I can be with you without thinking of him. I want to make this work but I need to be one hundred percent sure that you're not with me because you have unfinished business with him."

"Leo Valdez, you have a really bad case of ADHD. All demigods have it but I think yours is extremely heightened. The only time I've ever seen you stop moving is when you're sleeping. You're multilingual-you can speak Spanish, Greek, and English fluently. You're the only known living son of Vulcan who has been given the gift of Pyrokinesis. You once claimed that you don't like Star Trek. Besides Persia, you are the only one of the seven to not have lived in California at any point in your life. Your favorite color is red. You once reprogrammed all the electronic bill-"

"Alright, I get it!" Leo exclaimed, looking at the girl in awe. "Are you planning to write my biography? If so, don't forget to title it, Leo Valdez: The hottest guy on earth."

"Sure, I'll send it straight to an editor."

Leo laughed and pulled the girl in for a hug. "I can't stay mad at you, Hazel. Especially not after that stunt."

"Good because I don't think I could've gone without my Leo-fix for much longer." The daughter of Pluto planted a kiss on his lips.

Leo was the first to break the kiss, smiling. "By the way, how'd you find out about Sammy being my great-grandfather and all?"

"Riordan Wiki, where else?"

"Hmmm."

"Hey, there you are. I was beginning to think you'd vanished off the face of the earth again."

Jason Grace laughed at his girlfriend, keeping an eye on the Iris Message as he laced his tennis shoes. "Nope-I've just been really busy. I'm surprised you even have the time to IM, isn't Camp Jupiter also preparing for the battle? The doors could open at any time and camp will be the first thing Gaea sets her eyes on."

"We're just as prepared as Camp Half Blood is, Jason. I have complete faith in the legion. As of now, we're making preparations to accommodate Camp Half-Blood when you guys arrive. Some of the centurions are looking forward to see the Greeks. They've must've bonded during the first battle."

"What about you? Are you anxious to see anyone in particular?"

Reyna scoffed. "I think you already know the answer to that. Leo Valdez, of course."

Jason almost choked. "What am I, then? Chopped liver?" The son of Jupiter then sighed. "Me and Leo...aren't doing so hot. Piper was the glue that held us all together, really and now she's...she's gone. I was complete jerk to her before she died, Rey. I just wish I could speak to her once more."

"I'm really sorry about her, Jason. I know we didn't talk much before you went back to New York but I think we should. You need to get this off your chest; it's the only way you'll find closure."

"No, not now. I'm not ready." The demigod shook his head, his eyes threatening to water. "I-I can't."

"Then when, Jason? You need to have a clear head by the time Gaea attacks or else we're all doomed."

The son of Jupiter flinched, leave to Reyna to lay out the truth, however brutal it may be. This particular trait was one of her best ones to Jason. She was consistently strong and Jason knew when he couldn't be, she would always. "I know, Reyna. I know."

"I'll be here whenever you want to talk about it."

"Thanks. Look, I've got to go. I'll see you soon, okay?"

Reyna nodded to her boyfriend, "Bye, Jason."

With that, the praetor swiped her hand through the screen, severing the connection.

As the day neared nightfall, Annabeth Chase snuck out of the Athena cabin and strolled over to the beach. She'd had a long day of drawing up battle plans and she just wanted to relax, enjoying the crisp waves. She laid down on the sand, looking up at the night sky. It was too long before Annabeth heard footsteps approaching her. She figure it was one of her siblings who noticed her missing and went to look for her. She sighed but prepared herself mentally to get up.

"See that constellation on bottom left? The brightest? That's Zoe's." A familiar voice pointed out.

A small smirk graced the girl's face and she raised her eyebrows. "Long time no see, Jackson."

"A visit was a bit over due, I suppose." Percy laid down next to her, sighing. "You don't seem surprised to me. You're supposed to think I'm dead."

"I did, at one point. One day, I noticed your camp t-shirt missing and I figured the gods had something to do with your 'death.' You're like a roach, Percy Jackson. Impossible to kill and would likely somehow survive a nuclear apocalypse."

"I didn't come here to be teased, you know. If I wanted to, I would've gone straight to Thalia." The son of Poseidon chuckled, his sea green eyes smoldering.

"Did Hera take you again?" Annabeth asked. "I'm surprised she didn't take Jason also."

"No it was her husband, Zeus. I can now safely say I've been kidnapped by a couple. These past three months, I've been trying to get myself together. Getting prepared for the war and unfortunately, that meant cutting of contact with the outside world, including you. I would've at least tried to IM you but I didn't want to risk it."

"Why are you here then? If there's a risk?"

"I don't know. I just got in a cab and came here." Percy looked into Annabeth's eyes. "Why do you trust me so easily? I could still be on Gaea's side for all you know."

"Your eyes. When you with Gaea, they were cold like Luke's. They're normal now." Annabeth smiled. "I missed hearing your voice, Percy."

"I missed you too, Annabeth. It's been a long three months."

For a while, the pair was silent, enjoying one another's company. Suddenly, Annabeth sat up, brushing the sand out of her hair. "Percy, I think we should break up."

The son of Poseidon bolted upright, alarmed. "W-what? Why?"

"Over these few months, I've realized that although I missed you, I've got a life to live. I wanted-still do-you to share with that life with me but Percy, I want stability. You're many things but your life is anything but ordinary. I've had a blast these past years and I wouldn't trade it for all the riches in the world. But I just want consistency, especially after this war. I don't suppose you want the same?" She asked, hopeful.

It was then that Percy understood the difference between Annabeth and Artemis. Artemis would continue to support him despite his hectic life but Annabeth had a limit. There were things she wanted in life and with or without him, she was destined to do those things. He had to let her go. It was the only way.

"Okay. You're destined to do great things, Annabeth but I think there are more adventures in store for me."

Annabeth was taken aback, she wasn't expecting this to go over well. "Well then it's settled, I guess." Suddenly, a bolt of lightning appeared dangerously close to Percy and her eyes widened.

"Zeus?" She asked, bewildered.

"Zeus." Percy confirmed, scrambling to his feet. "I'll take that as a sign that I should be on my way."

"Wait!" Annabeth got up, smiling. "We have to do the awkward ex hug now; it's key to a mutual break up."

"Fine, but I'm not going to like it."

"Never asked you to." The daughter of Athena pulled him close, breathing in his scent. "Don't stay 'dead' too long, Seaweed Brain."

"Considering that the King of the Gods isn't too pleased with me right now, I don't know if I should promise that."

"You're right, you're a walking dead man." Annabeth pulled away, patting him on the back. "Scram, Jackson. Run like you've been offered a lifetime's supply of blue chocolate chip cookies."

His ex-girlfriend laughed, watching the boy sprint towards the city. She'd never seen him run that fast, even when his life was in danger.

Percy practically bolted into his hotel room, praying that Zeus wasn't already there, his master bolt in hand ready to smite him. Percy's heart rate returned to normal as there was no sign of the god. Regardless, Zeus would have his head eventually. The son of Poseidon decided to take a shower, if was going to die, he wanted to be clean. After washing off the sand and exhaustion off, Percy changed into his pajamas, deciding to await his fate on his bed, watching The Vampire Diaries.

A gentle knock came at the door, and the person let themselves in.

"Hey," Artemis greeted, a brown bag in hand. "I came to chew you out on behalf of Zeus. What you do this time? Did you get the blu-ray version of the goofy movie?"

"Nope, I went to Camp Half Blood to see Annabeth. Got dumped."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Percy. I brought ice cream, hopefully that'll make you feel better."

Percy grinned, strolling over to the kitchen and got two spoons and bowls.

"Forget the bowls. We're going old school-straight out of the cartoon."

Percy frowned but put the bowls back. "Had a bad day too, huh?"

"You could say that." Artemis handed him a pint of birthday cake ice cream and opened her cookies and cream.

"Wanna talk about it? I'm actually a really good listener, provided that there's food in my mouth."

"Tempting but no, I'm not ready. Not quite yet. Still registering everything and all."

"Another time then?" Percy nodded, understanding. "Do you feel a bit better now that there's ice cream?"

"Mhmmm. Ready to talk about the break up?"

Percy answered by shoving a bit of ice cream in his mouth, turning his tongue bright blue.

"Don't blame you. I hope you guys at least awkward hugg-ed it out. It's vital to really cement the breakup, you know."

"Don't worry, we got that covered."

Artemis took a bite of her ice cream and nodded towards the tv screen. "Team Damon or team Stefan?"

"Girl, please. Team Klaroline."

"Oh no, give me back that ice cream. I need to go-I can't believe you. Please, team Klamille." Artemis pretended to leave, trying to throw a disgusted look at him.

"No, don't go. I was playing-come on, don't do this." Percy pleaded, a hand on her wrist.

"Fine, but only because you look cute begging me to stay." Artemis sat down, feeling much better already. "I've had one hell of a day, Jackson. I'm glad I'm here with you so at least the whole day isn't completely ruined."

"Same here. Cheers." The pair clinked pints and when Percy finished off the last bit of birthday cake, he collapsed onto the bed, staring at the goddess. "But for how much time do we have left together? Another week?"

"I wish." Artemis set her ice cream aside, lying down. "The doors are bound to open any time then it's go time. Zeus is waiting for Camp Half Blood to make their way to Camp Jupiter then off you go, hero. We've got two-maybe three days, if we're lucky."

The demigod tilted his head to face her, bearing his soul into her silver eyes. "Until then, I guess."

"Until then." Artemis confirmed, carefully watching his face as she pressed her body up against his.

Percy looked shocked but wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on her head. Artemis frowned, feeling his muscles. "Say, Jackson, have you been working out lately? Your muscles seem...bigger."

"It's the steroids."

A/N-Originally, I had planned to have the Hunt forgive Artemis but for some reason I was like no, time to do what I do best-screw up everything. That'll come into play next chapter which is the battle. I haven't written it yet but it should be less than 8k words. It's not going to be like the last battle where the beginning was war preparations and what not. The chapter will be the entire battle then I'll try to tie up some loose ends-prophecy speaking. Then the chapter after that will be the last! We're winding that, kiddies *sniffs!* Anyway, I had fun writing this so if you liked it leave a fav, follow, and/or review!