Hello, guys! I've been writer-blocked by my brain. Plus my own finals to cope with.

I'm back with this new chapter, though. I hope you enjoy it :)

PJO belongs to Uncle Rick.

Percy knocked quietly on the door. He saw the Duchess hide a smirk.

"Where did that fearsome pirate façade go, Captain?" she wondered in a smug voice.

"Hilarious," he muttered. Then added with a tone of acceptance that didn't really reach his heart, "I'd appreciate it if you'd omit this part when retelling the story in the future."

"I will make sure to talk about it in detail, then," she stated.

His face remain stoic, "It's not fear, what I'm feeling. I'm out of my depth here."

"Well, yes," she agreed. "The ocean is quite shallow where we are standing."

He eyed her warily, "I'm not good with talking relatives into things."

The Duchess probably sensed how miserable he felt, for she said, "We are here on a diplomatic mission of sorts, are we not? Diplomacy I can deal with. Remember what you told me? 'Trust goes both ways'. Trust me on this."

Percy nodded. Before he could say something else a girl opened the door. She was around their age, he knew.

"Zoë Nightshade," he smiled winningly -which admittedly was pointless with his cousin's followers-.

"Perseus Jackson," she raised her eyebrow.

"May I introduce you to Duchess Annabeth Chase?"

"I thought you believed yourself above aristocracy?" Zoë replied smoothly.

"Circumstances are sometimes foggy," Annabeth said with ease. "Pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise," the girl replied. "What business do you have with Lady Artemis?"

"I'd hope my cousin would be willing to see me regardless of the cause," said Percy.

Zoë was shameless enough to look amused.

"The attack you saw a couple of days back," Annabeth cut down to the point. "It was us, the Blackjack."

That got Zoë's attention real fast.

"We're here to talk about whatever arrangements your Lady and us can come up with," Percy explained. "The more we delay this..."

"The more people will get hurt," the girl finished. "Come on in, I will announce your arrival to Lady Artemis."

Percy knew it must've been a rather strange sight for the Duchess. Two dozen young maidens discussing what looked like battle plans, chatting idly, sword-fighting in the backyard...

Standing in front of wall covered by maps was a woman, in her mid-twenties.

"My lady," said Zoë. "Percy Jackson is here to see you."

"Captain," Percy deadpanned under his breath as his cousin turned a hundred and eighty degrees to lock her eyes on him and Annabeth.

Artemis raised an impassive eyebrow, "When I told Chiron of the attack, I hoped he would manage a worthier ally. You will do for now, though."

Percy could think of various comments to make, but decided against all of them when Annabeth threw him a warning look. It'd do them no good to make an enemy of the woman in front of them. As different as she was from her father, Artemis had Zeus' skills, combined with an uncanny amount of power, and understanding of the common folk. She was almost as dangerous as the old King.

"This is Duchess Annabeth Chase," he told her instead, waving a hand at Annabeth's general direction.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance," the Duchess offered a small curtsy.

"No need for such pleasantries," said Artemis, and yet Percy could see she was content with the respect shown. "I am Artemis, I lead my handmaidens in what we like to call hunts."

"You are the Hunters? Is it your quests we heard stories of in your father's land, Princess?" Annabeth spoke with what Percy could only describe as building awe.

"I've renounced to that title," Artemis remarked. "I have little to do with my father these days. Regardless," she added thoughtfully. "I won't try to stop him on your behalf."

Percy shook his head, "I didn't intrude to turn you against your father. I'm here solely to discuss more dangerous threats."

"Kronos."

Percy repressed a shiver. Whenever he heard that name he could feel his grandfather's ugly stare.

"He can't go free," he affirmed. "We must hunt him down. But we can't do that without bringing our fathers together."

"I have my doubts Zeus will listen to me if I try to convince him," she stated.

"But he may listen to Jason," Annabeth said firmly. Percy could see the gears in her head turning with whatever little information she had so far. "If it were many of his children who pressed him on this, he would have to see the issue."

Percy snorted, and he had the notion that if Artemis was less proper, she probably would have too.

"You haven't known my father well enough," Artemis shook her head. "He will deny it even when Kronos destroys a city on his face."

"The public will grow scared," Annabeth insisted. "If the royal family -even if not the King or Queen themselves- speak of the threat, they will want protection. At least a mild guard is better warning than nothing at all!"

"We cannot contradict Father openly."

"Spread ideas, then," Annabeth suggested. "Do not officially deny the rumours."

Artemis shrugged, "I doubt my grandfather is strong enough to attack the inner kingdom. Or he is now, at any rate. We could warn my siblings at home, I'll contact my brother as soon as I can. It will buy us some time."

"In the meanwhile," the Duchess turned to Percy. "We must find a way to keep the King away, to give his children time to spread the news."

"We'll sail further," he agreed instantly. "We'll find the way to keep him busy. Help Jason think of a way to sway him, if at least a little."

Artemis nodded, "You mustn't delay any more. Do not underestimate my father, Perseus Jackson. He's ruthless, and revengeful. If he thinks you have done him wrong, he will stop at nothing to bring you down."