A/N: *sniff.* sad. this is one of the last chapters.

Kissing Nico was the highlight of my life, light breaking through the clouds on a dreary day. Fireworks boomed in my head, canceling out the sounds of the world around us. I could do it for days on end. In fact, thats just about all I did these days. After the battle, there was cleanup, taking care of those fallen in battle. There was many funerals, and at them I saw Percy with his arm around Annabeth. About time, was my only thought over that. We still had plenty of word ahead of us, but the worst part was over. Everyone that was left got taken to Camp to celebrate. And celebrate we did, day and night. The monsters were gone, at least, until they reformed. But until then, training was suspended for the time being.

Anyway, I brushed away the more unpleasant thoughts, and focused on Nico and me. It was only me and him. That is, until I felt a tapping on my shoulder. I ignored it, hoping they would go away, but they persisted and got more intense as time went on. I finally drew away from Nico to greet the happy tapper. But before, I looked into his eyes one time and saw the love in them. His hand wound around mine, and I was reassured. So, I turned to see who was harrasing me.

Turns out, the person who wanted my attention was pretty important. Well, not the person, but the intentions behind them. It was Argus, Head of Security. See, I had alot of unresolved issues going on. I was still technically a Huntress, but my actions weren't really reflecting that of one. And Zeus still didn't like me. So I was headed to the Empire State Building to talk to the Gods. Sadly, Nico wasn't allowed to accompany me. I gave him one last peck and climbed into the camp van.

Argus had averted every single on of his eyes when I kissed Nico. A few of the wandered to me now, looking suspiciously at my causual appearance. I was starting to care a bit more for what I looked like, now that I had someone to live for. My denim ripped shorts, brown long-sleeve sweater, and bright blue and silver zebra striped Dunks reflected that. I had huge white sunglasses perched on my eyes, hiding them from the world. But the world saw my perfect face once more. I no longer coated it in makeup, but did use eyeliner and mascara. I was a changed girl. Would the Gods believe that?

In a matter of minutes, the van pulled up to a towering building. I mournfully said my farewells to Argus and climbed out. Then I clambered over to the desk. I was ridiculously nervous, for good reason. This would decide my future. And I hated not being able to control what happened to me.

My fingers fumbled over the key for the elavator. Too soon I was heading up to the 600th floor. I was in awe of the magnificence of Olympus. The top of a mountain, simply floating in midair! It was pretty much the coolest thing ever. As I made my way up to the top, I got a ton of looks. I could practically feel people whispering about me. But I was walking so fast that I was almost a blur. When I reached the palace, I did not look back. I stepped forward to meet my destiny.

Twelve immense figures looked up as I entered. I felt their powerful gazes, their analyzing stares. My steps echoed, strangely loud in the dead silent room. I could tell that they had stopped talking when I entered, probably had been talking about me. As I knelt down in front of Zeus, the tension in the room grew even thicker.

"Lord Zeus, Lord Poseidon, Lord Hades, Lord Apollo, Lord Ares, Lord Dionysus, Lord Hermes." I looked each of them straight in the eyes as I addressed them. "Lady Hera, Lady Athena, Lady Aphrodite, Lady Artmeis, Lady Demeter." My words faltered a bit when I looked at my mother and Artemis, but Hera had given me a smile that settled my nerves a bit.

"Nicole Toi." Zeus's voice boomed out, shocking me. "Your actions in the past few weeks have not only angered many of my brethren, but have also endangered the very fate of Olympus. What do you have to say for yourself?"

I had rehearsed my story many times, but now was the first time I was delivering it to people. "My Lords and Ladies, I know that my actions were not the wisest, but everything turned out all right in the end. You do not question how your Ambrosia and Nectar was made, but simply eat it. I am asking that you forgive what happened, put it in the past, and let me move on."

There was a bit of chuckling among the Gods when I said the Ambrosia bit, but Zeus's grim face didn't even twitch. "What do you think gave you the right? Why can't every half-blood out there go do what you did?"

I took a deep breath to steady my anger. "I think what gave me the right was that I had nothing to lose. Most half-bloods have a mother and father. I considered myself to have neither. I also had the time and skill. I knew what to do, when to do it, and how."

I could tell Zeus hadn't been expecting that answer, so he boomed out an unexpected question. "Do you regret what you did?"

I had to think about it. Had I helped Kronos, he probably would have showered me with gifts, and I would've been set for life. Since I had helped the Gods, I know was facing judgement. This was difficult. "I did the right thing. The only thing I regret is the people whose lives have been lost."

Zeus surprised me by nodding. "You have grown much." He said dismissively. "Now, I leave you to talk to others." Then he got up and walked out, Hera on his right hand. All of the other Gods but two followed. Artemis and Aphrodite stood looking at me, total opposites. On one side was my mother, beautiful, well-cared for, the picture of happiness. On the other was my friend, strong, easy to talk to, and reliable. This was my moment to choose.

"Mother, I know I have disgraced you by joining the Hunt. But my choices were well guided and made me happy. Artemis, I have had the time of my life in the Hunt. But I know that I cannot continue to see Nico if I am a Huntress. So, I would like to quit the Hunt. I hope this doesn't make you have any ill feelings towards me." My mom practically glowed when I said I would quit the Hunt. Artemis just looked sad.

"You were a fine Huntress, Nicole. But I don't think I can blame you. I too was once in love's embrace. I hope your story has a happy ending." Artemis spoke gravely, then exited. I was left standing across from my mother.

"As for the rest, mom, I don't think im going back to my old ways. Im happy as I am, minimum makeup, not having shopping trips every weekend, even getting a little dirty every once in awhile. Im in love, mom, can I have your blessing." I spoke softly.

And for the first time in over a month, my mother spoke to me gently. "You saw, Nicole, that two things so wildly different can't live together. One has to get over the other. Im happy you found your median. And you and Nico will be happily in love. I didn't create this love, I have no power over it. You fell in love all by yourself, Nicole. Now, you are free."

A/N: OOOOOh. One more chapter/thing. I don't think im ready for it to end.
Song- Chasing the Night by Every Avenue