Chapter 4: Requiem

"Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul."

Invictus, by William Henly

Location: Perseus' Lodge, Morpheus' Realm

Tartarus, the planes of the hell below even Hades. Where the monsters that haunted humanity since it's birth. Haunting the nights of children as they rested, hunting demigods since their conception. A place of nightmares, of woe, misery and oblivion. The grounds were caked with fiery salts, brown from the eternal flames. The paths that have been trekked were beaten from the use of it's denizens. They were made of hard asphalts that had been melted into the ground. The air was acidic, toxic, and the visibility was nil.

The forgotten monsters of the deep, giants, titans, all who aren't from the surface world live in the realms of the protogenoi Tartarus. He rejoices when his denizens return as well as when they reform. For him, the lives of mortals are inconsequent. The gods less so, if only to provide entertainment as they send his people back to where they belong, to him. This place of wrath and tears looms the Horrors of the shade, tis he that is this. Up until very recently no mortal had ever escaped from his land, sure the errant gods have made their way after reforming, but the idea of a mortal escaping was ludicrous. Let alone two.

This, had disrupted the natural order of things. With the slaying of Gaia as she tried to make her way unto the realms of Earth, the slayer being one of the ones who had escaped him . It was a testament to the mortal's will, to defy the protogenoi. However, consequences should be had. If it weren't for the amount of energy it would take to form on the planes of mortals, he would have already smote this boy. Consequences should be fit for the punishment. Steps shall be taken…..Perseus Jackson, your survival is an afront to my being. O' prepare little mortal…

The scene shifted, Tartarus still, but instead of a dream…..It was a memory. After a betrayal.

Percy's eyes as he gazed at Akhlys with a newfound intensity. In a terrifying display of his strength over water, he willed the poison to obey him. The dark, swirling mass of venomous liquid rose from the ground, twisting and writhing like a malevolent serpent under his command.

In a moment of raw rage and desperation, Percy's hands reached out, and the dark water coiled around

Akhlys like an anaconda, tightening its grip on her throat. He could see the fear in her eyes, the realization that she was at the mercy of a demigod who had embraced the darkest corners of his soul.

Percy's heart pounded in his chest as the darkness threatened to consume him entirely. He could feel the primal urge to end Akhlys' existence, to rid the world of such malevolence once and for all. The line between hero and villain blurred, and for a fleeting moment, Percy teetered on the precipice of becoming a monster himself.

In that split second, when he was on the verge of letting the darkness take control, a single thought broke through the haze - Annabeth. The love he had for her, the promise they made to each other, and the light she brought into his life, pierced through the darkness that threatened to devour him. The scene faded to black.

Percy jolted awake, gasping for breath as the remnants of the nightmare still haunted his mind. He could feel his heart pounding wildly in his chest, and the sweat soaked his forehead, despite the cool air in his cabin. The images from his dream clung to him like a suffocating shroud, refusing to let go.

Tartarus, the planes of the hell below even Hades, haunted Percy's dreams once more, leaving him shaken to the core. The memory of facing Akhlys, the embodiment of misery and poison, weighed heavily on his mind. In that moment of desperation, he had almost succumbed to the darkness within, allowing his rage to overpower reason.

He sat up, trying to shake off the lingering effects of the nightmare, but the haunting images refused to fade. The memory of Akhlys' fear-stricken eyes as he had taken control of the poison still sent shivers down his spine. He had never felt such raw power, such a primal desire for revenge. It scared him, knowing that he was capable of such darkness.

Percy's mind wandered to the memories of Annabeth, his beloved partner in battle and in life. She had been a beacon of light and reason, grounding him even in the darkest of times. But now, she was gone, and he was left to grapple with the weight of her absence.

It hurt. Pains of the Hells, he'd walk through Tartarus again to see her smile one more time. It seems Apollo was right though. There is something stirring. Tartarus.

Taking a look across the night stand, the trident pendant, gleamed softly. He sighed. Feeling even more tired than he did when he fell asleep. He has never regretted anything he's ever done but no one ever told him about what came after. How could he blame them? It's not like most Grecian demigods made it past 25. Monsters tend to be efficient in culling the spawns of the gods. If it weren't for Hecate drenching his lodge in the mist…He'd be with her. In Elysium.

Fucking hell, is this what it has come to? Is this what I am? He thought, as he pulled himself from the cotton sheets. Going into the bathroom, the luster sheen from the metal seemingly gone. All he could see was a world of shades of grey. Gazing into the mirror, he saw the bags under his eyes. The sweats drying on his skin. His hair jumbled and a mess. Death, sometimes he felt would be a mercy. Mercy Killing, Hah if Annabeth was here she'd tell me which god would take my soul to Hades if that was the case.

As Percy contemplated his thoughts, his dreams and memories. His mind began to spiral. He had been doing so good. Why must this happen now? Why can't he be given any rest ? Hadn't he been through enough? When does it end?

As Percy was going through his internal crisis. Lux slinked his way past his leg almost sensing his companions distress. Jumping up to the sink, his big eyes glowing a yellow hue peered unto Perseus. Almost gazing into his troubled soul.

Those eyes, they saw past everything. The weight of his emotions still clung to him, and he knew he couldn't push them aside. His nightmares, his memories and prophetic dreams. They were all very real. Things that couldn't be banished by a simple act of will.

As much as Percy wanted to stay strong, and face everything head-on as he had in the past. These past few weeks, had him realize it was okay to grieve. To acknowledge that he needed time to heal. To process the losses he had endured.

Lux's company provided him with a temporary respite from the darkness that was engulfing him. Lux…

"Thanks, buddy," Percy whispered in an almost inaudible way, gently stroking the feline's soft dark fur. " I wish , I could be as carefree as you sometimes."

Lux as if in response to the heavy words spoke, began to purr softly. In the silence of the cabin, not even the sounds of the wilderness outside disturbed the two companions, finding solace in each other's presence. Percy didn't need to put on any brave face for him, he didn't have to be the Hero of Olympus. He was just Lux's human, he could be vulnerable, and the cat would never judge him for it.

Five years, he had been away. Had he healed though? The same nightmares, the same Hells he had endured had haunted him continuously. Apollo's presence was the first respite he had had since he claimed this abode. The game night, was the first time he had laughed as he did since before the Fall.

With that, Percy could no longer find solace in rest, staying up. Going out to the dim murky lake, to swim. Anything, to take his mind of the pains.

It was a few hours later. The moon was falling, and the sun had begun to rise. There was a large flash in the direction of his cabin. As if on instinct and being in his father's element after that harrowing dream, the necklace he had put on this morning before the trip began to glow.

Making his way silently to the shore, in nothing more than swim trunks and his trident unveiled.

The water rippled and churned as Percy emerged from the lake, his body glistening with droplets of water reflecting the early morning light. Despite the serene beauty of the lake, his expression was anything but peaceful. His eyes glinted with a mixture of anger and frustration, his jaw set in a tight line.

He had hoped that swimming in the familiar waters of his father's realm would bring him some measure of comfort or clarity. Yet, the memories of Tartarus and the nightmares that haunted him still clung to his mind like a relentless tide. The dip in the lake had done little to wash away the darkness that threatened to consume him.

Percy's grip tightened on the trident he held in his hand, the glimmering trinket now a weapon of immense power. But even the strength of his father's gift couldn't dispel the overwhelming emotions that tormented him.

He waded out of the water, his steps heavy as he made his way back to the shore. His wet hair clung to his forehead, his breathing heavy with the weight of his internal struggles.

"Damn it," he muttered under his breath, frustration seeping into his words. He slammed the trident into the soft sand, the prongs sinking into the ground. It was a physical manifestation of his anger, his discontent with the situation he found himself in.

"Why can't I just... move on?" he asked the empty air, his voice tinged with desperation. He had faced countless monsters, gods, and titans, but this battle within himself seemed insurmountable.

He pushed past those thoughts, there was a disturbance in the air. Someone is in his cabin. He could feel the water particles distorting around them. The added connection to the trident allowed him to discern their location, just inside.

As Percy approached his cabin, he noticed a figure standing just inside. His instincts sharpened, and his grip on the trident tightened, ready to face whatever threat might be lurking in his home.

But as he stepped closer, the figure came into clearer view, and Percy's heart skipped a beat. It was Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and the moon. Her silver eyes widened in surprise as she looked at him, standing shirtless with water droplets still clinging to his skin.

For a moment, Percy couldn't help but notice the faint hint of admiration in her gaze. But he quickly shook off the thought, realizing he was standing half-naked in front of the man-hating virgin goddess. He felt a blush rise to his cheeks, and he cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Well, this is an unexpected surprise," Percy said, trying to lighten the mood. "Spying on me, Artemis? I knew I had a fan out there."

He immediately regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth. Artemis was not one to be amused by such jokes, especially coming from a man. His eyes widened as he realized his mistake, and he quickly added, "I mean, sorry, that was a terrible joke. I didn't mean to imply anything. It's just...you caught me off guard."

Artemis regarded him with a mix of amusement and something else he couldn't quite place. "It's alright, Perseus," she replied, her voice calm and composed. "I may have been...observing from a distance. I wanted to see how you were doing."

Percy felt a strange warmth in his chest at her concern, even though he knew he shouldn't read too much into it. "I appreciate it," he said sincerely. "It's been a rough time lately, and I guess I needed some time to myself."

Artemis nodded, her expression softening. "I can understand that," she said. "Sometimes, solitude is necessary to heal wounds. But remember, you don't have to bear your burdens alone."

Percy appreciated her words, and for a moment, he felt a flicker of hope in the darkness that had enveloped him. "Thank you, Artemis," he said, grateful for her presence, even if it was a bit unexpected.

As she turned to leave, Artemis hesitated for a moment, seemingly pulled by something she couldn't entirely explain. The conversations shared on Olympus, the words Percy spoke. Their pains were very similar. Grief and misery do love their company. Despite her initial intentions to leave, she found herself drawn to stay with him a little longer.

"It is almost dawn, I think…if you don't mind, I could spare a moment, " Artemis said, her voice much softer than he was used to. She followed Percy's lead as he moved towards the couch, and they both settled down facing each other.

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their individual struggles hanging in the air. Then, Percy spoke, his voice sincere and gentle, "Artemis, thank you for being here. I know it's not in your nature to show concern for us mortals, but your presence means a lot to me."

Artemis regarded him thoughtfully before replying, "I do not often interfere in the affairs of mortals, but you are different, Perseus. Your bravery, your determination, and your willingness to sacrifice for others...they have left a mark on me."

Percy couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at her words. To be acknowledged by a goddess like Artemis was an honor he didn't take lightly. "I don't think I'm anything special," he said modestly. "I just do what needs to be done."

Artemis shook her head slightly, a small smile playing at her lips. "Modesty suits you," she remarked. "But I have learned that there is strength in vulnerability, and courage in acknowledging our own pain."

Their eyes met, and Percy saw a glimmer of understanding in Artemis' gaze. It was as if she saw through the facade he had been putting up for the world, and in that moment, he felt a sense of connection with her that he hadn't expected.

"You're right," Percy admitted, the walls he had built around his emotions starting to crumble. "It's been hard, losing people I care about, facing nightmares that won't go away. I thought I could handle it all, but...I'm struggling."

Artemis reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder, a gesture of comfort and support. "You do not have to carry this burden alone," she said gently. "We all have our moments of weakness, even us immortals. It is in accepting our vulnerabilities that we find strength."

As they sat on the couch, Percy felt a deep connection with Artemis, one that transcended their roles as demigod and goddess. He sensed her pain, the weight of her losses, and understood the burden she carried. He knew that losing his mother and Annabeth couldn't compare to the devastation Artemis must have felt in losing her huntresses.

"I can't even begin to imagine what you've been through," Percy began, his voice gentle. "Losing so many of your huntresses, your family... it must have been unbearable."

Artemis nodded, her expression softening with vulnerability. "It was a pain unlike any other," she admitted, her voice tinged with sorrow. "My huntresses were like my children, and I failed to protect them. I failed as their leader."

Percy placed a hand on hers, offering a small measure of comfort. "You couldn't have known what would happen," he said softly. "You're a great leader, and you've protected and guided them for centuries. But even the strongest leaders can't prevent every tragedy."

The goddess looked at him, her eyes searching his as if trying to understand the depth of his empathy. "And what about you, Perseus?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Losing your mother and Annabeth... that pain must be crushing."

Percy swallowed hard, the memories of their deaths flooding back to him. "It was," he replied, his voice tinged with grief. "I lost my mother just after Annabeth, I'll never get to know my baby sister. A revenge killing for my acts that day. Before her fall, I thought I had found a future with Annabeth. But it was all ripped away from me."

Artemis squeezed his hand, a silent gesture of solidarity. "You've faced so much, and yet you continue to fight," she said, admiration evident in her voice. "You are stronger than you know, Perseus."

Percy looked at her, his gaze filled with a mixture of pain and determination. "I don't always feel strong," he admitted. "Sometimes, it feels like the weight of the world is crushing me, and I can't see a way forward."

Artemis leaned closer, their shoulders almost touching. "I know that feeling," she confessed. "The pain of loss can be suffocating, but remember that you're not alone in this. Lean on your friends, your allies. We are here for you."

He appreciated her words, feeling a sense of kinship with the goddess who understood the depths of his suffering. "And I'm here for you too," Percy said, his voice resolute. "You may be a goddess, but that doesn't mean you have to face your pain alone."

Artemis smiled softly, a glimmer of gratitude in her eyes. " Thank you, Perseus," she said, her voice sincere. "You're presence, is oddly comforting, for a male at least. It means a lot to me."

They sat in quiet companionship, until Percy started to fall asleep, after his harrowing night. His head finding its way into Artemis' lap.

As he fell asleep, Artemis spooked out of her own thoughts of loss and grief. Almost pushed him away by reaction, but then she realized. Their meeting, wasn't a coincidence. Fashioned by the fates themselves to give them both solace from kindred spirits. A binding of mutual pain and resilience to continue on. His sincerity was proof. He was no Orion, nor was he the Hercules that took advantage of Zoe.

So she let him sleep, knowing partially what the night before had done for him, she knew he needed it. The minutes became hours, and her too became comfortable enough to sleep.


Location: Percy's lodge

Timestamp: A few hours later

Comfort. Warmth. These were the first few things Percy felt as he was slowly regaining consciousness. He hadn't even known he had laid down. The first thing he remembered, Artemis, was in his cabin. The last conversation he had flew through his mind's eye. The warmth made itself more apparent, and he could hear an almost inaudible sound of breathing. Opening his eyes, the rays of the sun shone through the windows, the panes of the window coalesced as shadows against the coffee table.

It was then, when he saw Lux cleaning himself across the room he realized the warmth wasn't from Lux. Shifting his head ever so slightly, and looking upwards was an asleep Goddess of the Hunt. Startled by his predicament he immediately went to move out of the position he was in. Worrying he might be smote, his movements caused Artemis' silver eyes to shine as she was woken from his movements.

"A..Artemis, I'm so sorry, I didn't even kno–" As he started rambling out a quick apology in hopes of remaining human, she put her finger up to his lips, effectively shushing the anxiety ridden demigod.

"Do you think I would have let you stay if I minded? Or do you believe a Goddess such as myself wouldn't be capable? " smiling slightly at Perceus' predicament, she teased.

" T-that's not, what I meant at all? So I'm not going to become a jackalope..?" He stammered out.

He had just slept on the Goddess of the hunt, and he's still human. It's a miracle. She didn't even seem mad. "Perseus, we're past this. You had a harrowing night, if Gods dreamt I believe I would have been in much the same situation. Besides, as strange as it may sound, while I hate the majority of the male species. You've proven yourself in your misery, your actions prove you to be different."

With that she looked at him, her silver eyes gazing unto his, as she rendered her judgment. Percy for a brief moment thought how he could get lost in those eyes, her compassion for him broke him out of his stupor. Banishing the thought lest she catch on.

He spoke, " Thank you, Artemis, for staying. I don't know what I would have done without someone to talk to." Artemis smiled gently, her fingers playing with a lock of his hair. "You don't have to thank me," she said softly. "I came here for you, to offer comfort and understanding. It's the least I can do for someone who has endured so much."

Percy felt a sense of calm settle over him in Artemis' presence. There was something about her that made him feel safe and understood. "You've been through a lot too," he said, looking into her eyes. "The loss of your huntresses, the weight of leadership... it must be overwhelming at times."

Artemis nodded, her expression reflecting the weight of her responsibilities. "It is," she admitted. "Being the goddess of the hunt is not an easy task, and the loss of my huntresses has left a void in my heart. But I must carry on, for their sake and for the sake of the mortal world."

Percy reached out and placed a hand on hers, offering comfort and solidarity. "You're not alone in this," he said firmly. "We're in this together, whether you like it or not."

Artemis looked at him, her silver eyes softened by his words. "Thank you, Perseus," she said, her voice sincere. "It's been a long time since someone has shown such kindness and understanding."

"You deserve it," Percy replied, a small smile playing on his lips. "You may be a goddess, but you're also a person with feelings and emotions. You don't have to bear the weight of the world on your shoulders alone." As the words left his lips they slipped into a companionable silence. As the silence drew on, there was a level of tension that Artemis hadn't experienced before. In efforts to dispel whatever it was. She stood up, gazing over at Percy for a moment.

" I came here to comfort you, and yet you did the same for me. Know this, you may be male but you can always reach out. It's what friends do." Shocked but grateful at the turn of events, Perseus felt lighter than he had in a long time.

Smiling he returned," If only you do the same, and call me Percy. That's what friends do." Throwing her words back at her he was rewarded with a sincere smile.

" Close your eyes Pers-y, I must return to Camp Half-Blood, I have to have a long overdue conversation with a huntress of mine." Testing out the name, Artemis found herself quite liking it and like that. With a bright flash of silvery light. She vanished. Leaving Perseus to his thoughts.

Authors Note:

Troubling times are ahead it seems. The stage is almost completely set.

I hope you've enjoyed

All Chapters reworked! Hope you enjoy ! Took me a minute to get through it all but I think this will create a better flow for the story let me know what you think!