"And where have you been, young man?" Percy winced as he found his mother's stern eyes trained on him. He had planned to sneak in while everyone was sleeping, but his mother apparently had decided it was a good time to be patrolling the house.

"Hey, mom," Percy greeted sheepishly.

"Perseus Jackson, I asked you a question," Sally reminded her son.

"Ah, you see I was out… doing… stuff?" Percy rubbed the back of his neck. He could answer the question honestly, but he knew there was a lecture due for carelessness. In hindsight, telling your parents that you're out looking for some adventure is a good idea.

Not unexpectedly, Sally arched an eyebrow. "Doing… stuff? This late?"

"Well, mom… I, uh…" Oh, what now. Best to spill the beans.

As his mother heard the tale, she sighed, rubbing her forehead. He could tell his mother was tired.

"Percy," she began "at least inform us that you're about to go on a life-threatening trip. You don't want us worried about whether you've been kidnapped again, do you?" Percy shook his head. "And, I know it's your own life, son. But you shouldn't be taking quests for the gods after all you've done. You deserve to rest," she added softly.

"I know, mom. And I really don't want to serve the gods all my life. But, I think I've gotten all the rest I needed. Now, I want to go out and… do what I do best. It's what I was born to do."

Sally had a conflicted look on her face. "As a mother, I'm very proud of you Percy. You're all grown up, making decisions for yourself," A smile crept to her face, alongside the moisture in her eyes. "I just hope you can be at peace, and I can see sitting at home isn't going to help achieve that."

Percy hesitated before telling her about Annabeth. "Did I do the right thing?"

Sally's lips formed a thin line, a change barely visible in the lamplight. "That is for you to decide, Percy, not me. I know you love Annabeth, and I know she loves you. But sometimes, that love can't last forever. Things change, priorities change," her expression became nostalgic, "I loved Poseidon once, for example. And I am sure that despite being a god, he felt the same for me. It was passionate, the love we had created for ourselves," she let out a deep sigh, "But eventually, it came to an end. We had our own lives to go to. I couldn't do what Poseidon wanted from me, and I couldn't ask him to forsake his life. Not that he would've, if I'm honest. Asking someone to live a good life with them is one thing. Asking them to leave everything behind for a brief period of happiness is entirely different. It would be unfair of me to even imagine expecting that from anyone, let alone a god whose duties are important for an entire pantheon."

Sally remained silent for a while, unfocused if anyone paid heed to her. Her words really weighed on Percy, who was lost in his own thoughts. Her attention returned to her son. "And you, Percy, are making the same decision I did. Annabeth has a path carved for herself, one that she should be able to achieve; with or without you," she said, her lips thinning with concern, "I cannot say if ending things was the best decision, but if you aren't feeling that close then a bit of freedom will open up possibilities for the both of you."

"A long-distance relationship is not what either of you want," Sally continued "At least this way, you might find someone else; like I found Paul. If I decided to remain hung up on Poseidon, maybe I wouldn't have married him," the glint in her eyes was obvious even in the dim light, and Percy knew for sure that his mother wasn't lying about loving Paul. She then gave Percy a smile, a teasing gleam in her eyes "And I am sure you will find someone sooner or later. My son is quite the handsome hero, after all."

Percy went red, but grinned all the same.

"Know that I only want the best for you," Sally continued softly, "so does Paul. We will always stand by you, whatever you choose to do in life." She held out her arms, and soon both mother and son embraced. "I love you, Percy. Please stay safe."

"Love you too, mom."

They held the embrace for a while, comforted in each other. Until they were interrupted by a knock on the door.

Sally eyed the door warily while pulling away, as did Percy. Who would knock at the door this late?

He held his trusty ballpoint, looking through the eyepiece of the wooden door of their apartment.

"It's me, Perce," a familiar voice chirped from outside.

"Apollo?" Why the heck is he here? Oh wait.

"Of course, it's me. Who else?"

Percy wondered why Apollo didn't just flash inside. Then he mentally thanked the god for his sense of decency. Who knew Apollo had one?

He opened the door, as the familiar god sauntered in, adjusting the golden curls of his hair. Sally still appeared wary, though she had eased up a little knowing it was a god Percy trusted. A little at least.

Apollo certainly looked different. His aura was godly again, not the mortal one Percy had become accustomed to over the quest. The god's attention was brought to the woman in the house.

"You must be Sally Jackson, mother of my cousin, Percy Jackson." He took her hand, kissing it lightly. "I must say, you are quite beautiful. Your presence reminds me of my own mother, Leto."

Sally gave him the warmest smile she could muster out of habit, but it didn't fully reach her cautious eyes.

"I am flattered that you compare me with your mother. You are Lord Apollo, I presume?"

Apollo grinned goofily. "No need to call me Lord. Apollo is fine."

Sally nodded. "Please take a seat. I am sure you would like to be more comfortable."

Apollo thanked the woman, sitting down on one of the blue sofas. Percy did the same, while Sally strolled to the kitchen, letting the two boys handle their business.

"So cuz," the god asked brightly, "do you realise why I'm here?"

"Maybe. Is it our deal?"

Apollo snapped his fingers. "You are indeed correct, my friend." The god gave the demigod a smirk. "Do you agree to be my champion?"

"About that… I want to, uh, work on our details."

Apollo arched an eyebrow. "You wish to… negotiate? With a god?"

Percy didn't even flinch when he affirmed the statement. Apollo gazed blankly, the gears in his godly head turning.

"Artemis put you up to this, didn't she?" Apollo concluded with a deadpan.

Percy's mouth twitched upwards. "Yep."

"Damn it, sis." Apollo cursed dramatically. He proceeded to mutter something inaudible under his breath. "C'mon, man. I thought you trusted me," Apollo accused "It's not like I was planning to enslave you." Percy just shrugged in response. "Anyway, I believe we have some room to negotiate. Under what conditions will you be my champion?"

The deal was finalised quite smoothly from both sides. Apollo truly didn't want to trap Percy into an unreasonable deal. He didn't want to face his uncle's wrath after all, and he still shuddered when he thought about their conversation after the vote. And he didn't want to be on his sister's bad side either, if he was honest. She had really taken a liking to the demigod; one Apollo swore he needed to keep in check if things ever went awry. Besides, all Percy really demanded was the right to refuse any quests he didn't want to do, and to be compensated appropriately. He also wanted his family blessed, which was the reward for helping the god on the quest. Those were very acceptable terms.

"Your cookies are delicious, Miss Jackson," Apollo praised, munching down another. "In fact I would say they possess a heavenly taste. Believe me, I would know."

He greedily picked up the last one, much to his teenage hosts' chagrin. "I never would have thought blue food could be this good. If the people of Olympus learned of your creations, they would be lining up for them. Hades, you could profit from this. Especially if I put in a good word. 'Sally Jackson's Blue Bites of Heaven'. How does that sound?"

Sally chuckled. "Thank you, Apollo, but I have no need for advertisement. I make these cookies for my family, and any visitors that find their way to our home. Not to sell them. Though I do appreciate your offer, and your imagination."

Apollo gave a disappointed look. "I cannot force you into this, but I was hoping to take credit for the idea. I would love to see my name associated with this if you ever consider it," he replied with a broad smile and a wink. "Regardless, I have to reward you for your hospitality today."

Apollo closed his eyes, holding his hand up.

"Well," he stated after ending his gesture, "I have completed my end of the deal, Percy. You and your family have received my blessing. You are all safe from any mortal diseases. Anything that will affect you and the other three members of your family will be of the supernatural kind. You're welcome." The god bowed for extra effect.

"Thanks, man."

"Thank y- wait… what do you mean 'other' three members?" Sally questioned.

The god grinned brightly. "Ah. Forgot to mention," he said, pointing towards her belly, "I can see that there will be a fourth addition to your little family soon."

Sally let out a gasp.

"Y-you mean, I'm-I'm pregnant?" Sally stuttered.

Apollo nodded, "Indeed, you are. You can pray to my sister for any assistance with regards to the kid," he gave the mother-to-be a reassuring look "I'm sure she'd help."

He turned to Percy, who was still agape at the news. Apollo was now serious.

"I'm sorry for the shock, man, but there's been some recent… developments. I will need your help."

Percy raised an eyebrow, "You're already sending me on a quest? Right after you tell me that my mom is pregnant?"

"Yes?" Apollo replied "It's not an immediate quest. Just a, what do I call it? A small briefing. Me, you and Artemis. Actually… I think I should call Artemis here, before we depart to a more private place. You wouldn't mind if she's here, right?" he asked Percy "I think it would be a good idea to introduce her to your mother," Apollo said, with an indecipherable gleam in his eyes.

Percy looked over at Sally questioningly, who nodded from her end of the sofa. Apollo's concentration departed somewhere else, as the distracted look suggested.

Soon, there was a bright silver flash in the room. In its place, Percy recognised the graceful nineteen-something year old form of the goddess of the hunt. A form he was getting more and more familiar with.

"Hello, Perseus," she greeted with a warm smile, one that might even be considered affectionate. Something that did not go unnoticed by the boy's mother. "And hello to you as well, Sally. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Sally returned the smile. "And it is my honour to host two gods in a single day. Or night, I guess."

"Ahem. Remember who called you here, sis."

The comment caused Artemis to roll her eyes. "Hello, brother. After all, I did not just see you a few hours ago."

"I know you missed me, Arty."

Artemis bit back a comment, not wanting to embarrass herself there of all places.

"So," Apollo continued over the lack of response, "we wanted to let you know that Miss Jackson here," he pointed with an outstretched hand "is… pregnant."

Artemis' head quickly turned to observe the woman in question.

"I presume you wish for assistance from me, then?" she asked in a friendly manner.

"Apollo suggested it. If it's not much of a problem…" Sally began carefully.

Artemis waved her off. "It won't be. I can certainly make the time for you. After all, you raised one of our greatest heroes. One who is also a good man, unlike most others."

Sally's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "That is… high praise coming from you, milady."

Artemis gave her another smile. "Well, he has certainly proved himself as a thoughtful, respectful and selfless person, and I hope he will remain so," she scowled, "I am not unfair in my judgments. My reputation has become otherwise; for no fault of my own."

Apollo let out a cough. "Right."

This earned him a glare, to which he responded with a cheeky grin. Sally was watching this interaction bemused, not expecting two powerful gods to bicker like teenagers. But from what Percy told her, this was normal. He himself looked unfazed.

"As I said," the goddess diverted her attention back to the woman, "just pray to me whenever you need me. I would be happy to help."

"I will keep your offer in mind, milady. Thank you."

Artemis nodded.

"Now, Perce," Apollo started, "let's head to my palace. You too, Artemis," he said, getting his sister's attention, "something serious has come up."

Both Percy and Artemis looked at him curiously.

"Can't we do this tomorrow?" Percy whined. "It's late, and I need some sleep."

"My, my, Percy. That is not how you think of matters of utmost importance. We have to cover this today. You can sleep in my palace. Heck, I'll…" his gaze shifted to Sally, who was listening intently. "You wouldn't mind, would you?"

Sally looked like she was debating what to say. "If this is really important, then no. I assume nothing will happen to my son in your palace?"

Apollo scoffed. "Of course not. There's nothing dangerous in my palace."

Artemis snorted from beside. "Percy would probably end up blind for days."

"Nonsense," Apollo responded, twirling a finger, "my palace is meant for healing. No one will leave without feeling better. With a disease or worsened condition? Never."

"I'll be okay, mom. It's not like I haven't slept in worse places."

Sally exhaled. "Unfortunately, you are right."

"I hope you will consider my suggestion, Miss Jackson. Goodbye." And with that, Apollo left with a bright, golden flash.

Artemis was left there with both Jacksons. Annoyed, having noticed the wink he had sent her before departure.

"Farewell, Miss Jackson," she said to the lady. "I will see you again, whenever I'm needed."

"Thank you. I will pray."

"Guess I'll see you soon, mom."

"Bye, son. And stay safe."

Percy gave her a grin, "When am I not?"

Sally gave her son a light slap on the arm, "Since when were you so cheeky?" she complained with a light smile

"Always, mom," Percy smirked. Sally gave another chuckle.

Artemis was observing with a smile of her own.

"I believe we have to leave, Percy. Come here," she grabbed ahold of Percy's hand, lacing her fingers in his. The action was sudden, and Percy didn't really grasp what happened before he closed his eyes instinctively. With a silver flash, both of them disappeared.

Sally was left wondering what she had just seen.

The goddess and the demigod appeared inside Apollo's palace (as Artemis was typically welcome), fingers still interlaced. Apollo was standing right in front of the two, grinning from ear to ear and arching an eyebrow towards his sister. Ichor found its way into the goddess' cheeks, giving her face a shade of golden while she sent him another glare. A look which Percy found more cute than intimidating.

He immediately paled at his line of thought, all senses on alert. I really need some sleep. Why was she golden, though?

"Welcome to my humble abode, champion," Apollo announced brightly, gesturing towards the golden walls of his palace which were taking their toll on Percy's eyes. It's the lighting. Apollo needs to seriously put it down a bit.

"Humble," Artemis snorted lightly. She quickly left his side and took one of the sofas and sat down casually, leaning back and placing one bare foot on the golden table. Percy followed her example, settling on a sofa adjacent to the goddess, though he didn't dare place his feet in the same space.

"I see you're relaxed," Apollo noted, "and that's fine. Treat the place as if it's your own home. You'll be here many times."

"I will?"

Apollo gave a light chuckle. "Don't sound so disappointed, man. It should be a great honour to be welcomed in my palace. Especially multiple times. And don't doubt it; this is where I am most secure. Important discussions and plans will always be discussed here. Get used to it."

Artemis coughed, "Shall we get to business, brother?"

"Yes," Apollo said gravely, the sudden change in tone caught both of his companions' attention. "Now, we just defeated Python, right?"

"Mhm," Percy remembered that quite vividly. Artemis motioned him to continue.

"I didn't expect this to happen, but…" Apollo bit his lip nervously, "his tampering of the Fates has resulted in the expulsion of a ton of monsters from Tartarus. Some of which we haven't seen for years, And some which we've never even seen before."

Percy just stared at him blankly, not quite understanding. Artemis didn't either, judging from her curious expression. "I don't get why you are so concerned about this. This falls into my domain."

"I know it sounds like nothing," the sun god continued "but I made a big deal out of it because it kind of is. With so many monsters out there, demigods as a whole would be unsafe. And you can bet they will be organising under someone if they are given time," he looked nervous, "if word goes out that all of this happened because of Python, dad will find some way to punish me again."

Artemis let out an exasperated sigh. "Nothing's going to happen, Apollo. Father isn't that unreasonable. You're being paranoid. Acting like a mere mortal. No offence to you, of course," Artemis added for Percy's benefit. He didn't show any reaction to either statement.

"I'm just being a little cautious, okay? I have to be. You're not the one that becomes mortal time and time again," he said, a little bite noticeable in the tone.

Artemis sent him another glare, one that was truly intimidating and promised a world of pain. Even Percy was unsettled, and he wasn't on the end of it.

Apollo stretched out his arms in 'calm down'. "Okay," he breathed out, "that was unfair. Sorry. Just- you get my point, right?"

The goddess bit her lip quite furiously, before relenting. "Yes. I get it."

"I was thinking that none of this should go out, okay? This information stays between the three of us. You aren't going to tell anyone else. Not our father, not your father," he pointed towards Percy, "not even your hunters, Artemis. Absolutely no one else."

The two nodded in affirmation.

"Now, I was thinking that the three of us should hunt down some of these monsters before they start banding together, and preferably before the others notice. Artemis," he turned towards his sister, "you can easily track down many of them by yourself. I don't need to tell you anything. Just be more active, I guess. And Percy," he now turned towards the demigod, "I will send you out on some of the hunts. Will be a good start to this apprenticeship."

Percy gave him a nod.

"Good."

The scent of freshly baked biscuits invaded Percy's senses. A girl walked in, carrying a tray full of biscuits. She had a petite figure, with a pale complexion and brown hair. The golden chiton she wore matched the theme of the palace she was serving in.

She first strolled over to Apollo, presenting the tray like a well-trained waiter. The sun god whispered something to her, before grabbing a biscuit from the tray. The girl moved over to the only other female in the lounge, and then finally to Percy.

"Are you Percy Jackson, the hero of Olympus?" she asked sweetly as she served him. Her elfish features reminded Percy of the dryads, and he assumed she was some sort of nymph as well.

"Yep," Percy confirmed as he picked up a biscuit from the tray.

"My name's Cecilia. I have served Lord Apollo here at his palace for some time now," she looked at him admiringly, "I have heard a lot about the Hero of Olympus, so it is nice to finally meet you in person."

"Nice to meet you too, Cecilia. Just call me Percy."

"Do titles unsettle you, great hero? I heard you were going to be Lord Apollo's champion," she asked, placing the tray onto the table.

Percy glanced at Apollo, who was grinning. The god sent him a wink.

"Yeah, I am Apollo's champion. But that's just the job. I don't want to be called anything but my name."

A coy smile played on her lips. "I will make sure to address you as you wish, Percy. And it is good to hear that you are milord's champion. I look forward to seeing you here again. I must add; you are much more handsome than I thought you would be," she said, her greyish eyes performing a quick scan on him innocently.

"Ah, thanks?" Percy glanced at the two gods again. Apollo still sported a grin, while Artemis seemed to look at nothing in particular, completely stoic.

Cecilia giggled. "I'm just telling the truth. See you later, champion of Apollo" she said, grabbing a biscuit from the tray she had placed on the table.

"Sure. See you later," Percy said faintly. "And call me Percy."

Cecilia gave him another coy smile, before heading out of the lounge.

"So Apollo," Artemis started abruptly, "did you have anything more to add?"

Percy was taken aback by the sudden coldness in her tone, but Apollo didn't seem to mind. The god gave Percy a sly smile.

"Yeah. While you are going to be fighting monsters, you also need some special training as my champion. You think you can do it?"

Percy shrugged. "Yeah, I guess."

"Cool. Now, as a champion of me, there is one skill you lack. Quite severely, in fact. We will need to work on that."

Percy got the implication and went pale. "You mean archery?"

Apollo grinned wickedly, "Yep."

"But I'm hopeless!" Percy protested, "Seriously. I can't use a bow if my life depends on it."

"Unfortunately for you," Artemis said without feeling sorry at all, "your life will depend on it. And you must train for the eventuality. No champion of mine or my brother can be lacking in our most prominent skill."

"But-"

"C'mon, Perce. It isn't going to be that difficult. I will be teaching you. The best archer the world has seen."

Artemis snorted. "You're not the best archer, Apollo."

"But I am," he concluded, before turning towards his other guest, "Artemis on the other hand, would love to teach you to hunt. Won't you, sis?"

Artemis seemed to consider this for a moment. "I think I would," she turned to smile warmly at Percy, "After all, you've done much for me that I didn't properly reward you for."

Percy didn't understand what he had done for her, but the dazzling smile she offered prevented him from disagreeing.

"And speaking of rewards," she stood up. A bow materialised in her hands with a dull silver flash, "here's a bow that you might find useful."

The moon goddess held it out for him. Percy hesitated, before he took the bow from her hands. It felt light, yet sturdy. An ideal weapon to carry around. In appearance, it was similar to Apollo's bow, but instead of being golden it was a shade of green - abalone; like the walls of Cabin Three.

"Consider this a gift from me, personally," Artemis told him softly.

"It's… wow."

Artemis looked at him in disbelief as Apollo started to crack up.

"'Wow'? That's the best you can come up with?" she asked.

"Err… I mean it's - it's incredible," he stumbled over the words, "no, beautiful… I just couldn't imagine you would gift me something like this. It feels like it was made for me… thank you."

"It is made for you, Perseus. You deserve it," she said earnestly.

Apollo whistled as he came over to look closely, "This bow is something special - tailor-made too," he added with a smirk.

Artemis gave him a playful glare, before returning to a neutral expression. Percy felt something was amiss in the exchange.

The three went on to discuss the schedule, when and where Percy would train. After everything was finalised (with relative ease), the trio decided to call it a day.

"Let's get you to your room, man. Wouldn't want to keep Cecilia waiting."

"What?" Percy coughed out.

The sun god chuckled, "Relax, man. Just messing with you. Although I'm sure Cecilia wouldn't mind if you want," he added, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Artemis smacked her brother on the shoulder. "You shouldn't be making these inappropriate jokes, Apollo," Artemis chastised, looking quite miffed, "he's a good man. I certainly wouldn't want to see him corrupted because of you."

She sent Percy a warning look for good measure, one that Percy sent a chill down his spine.

Apollo groaned as he clutched his shoulder, muttering something about 'abusive sisters'. The goddess smirked smugly.

"Guess I will leave. Farewell, Percy," the goddess said to him, "I will see you in training. Be prepared."

Percy nodded. "I will. See you."

The goddess gave him another smile, just a little of the lips before leaving in a silver flash.

Apollo placed an arm on the son of Poseidon's shoulder, and began to walk him to the guest bedroom. He give the demigod a short tour of the important portions of his place, showing him where to find the lounge, the dining hall and the room where Percy would rest. Some of the walls were painted with exploits of Apollo, others with patterns of flowers and plants. Percy assumed they were all references to his dead lovers. Golden colour could be seen everywhere.

"And here's your room," Apollo announced as they reached their destination, "you're free tomorrow, so it would be nice to make up the hours we stole from you. Sleep tight."

"Thanks, man."

Apollo left with a grin, presumably to his own room. Percy was quite surprised with his own room. Unlike the others, it was painted a duller colour. A silverish one, to be exact. He wasn't complaining - his eyes felt much better compared to the rest of the palace. There was also a restroom, thank the gods - er, Apollo. He took a relaxing shower, before heading to sleep,

The bed seemed as comfortable and luxurious as one could get, and Percy took the opportunity to use it. And he drifted off to the realm of Hypnos, with Morpheus not interfering on a rare occasion.

Here we are with another update. Hope it's enjoyable, even if it's a little uneventful.

As always, do tell what you liked. For me, the high point for this chapter was Percy and Sally's talk. And definitely tell me what was lacking, or any huge mistakes I might have overlooked.

I would also announce that updates might be hard to come by next month, as I'll be busy with an internship. I write in my free time, so there's still chances of a updating but no guarentees.