The Cradle of Olympus

by Rohan Rodrigues

Taking place for a brief period in Ancient Greece and beyond, at a time when the Olympian council of Gods haven't reached their full potential yet, an unknown entity has made it's presence known. What will it's connection be to Olympus, and the greater Greek pantheon as well? Arc I is complete, continuing on with Arc II.

50. Chapter 50

Authors Note: BWAHAHAHA! I bet you guys didn't expect such an early update, but I did! Damn, it's great coming back and writing like this again. But enough of me… let's get on with the story!

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Chapter 50: It's raining men!

"Now, why would you hunters put up camp over here of all places?!" Aphrodite grumbled as she gingerly stepped over a patch of muck.

"Because this is a good habitable spot to be in." Zoë answered, hopping from place to place. "We don't usually stay in places like these anyway, so it will be a good challenge for us hunters."

Aphrodite muttered something incomprehensible while Thalia trailed slowly behind, periodically looking back. She was gripping her mace canister tightly, a slight look of worry on her face.

"Don't fall behind now child!" Zoë called out. "It is imperative that we meet the hunters soon."

"Coming!" Thalia shouted, almost slipping on a wet patch as her mind slightly wandered. Truth to be told, she was slightly worried about the goat. Because while the presence of it didn't seem to bother Thalia, it certainly did for Percy. He knew something about it, but would he tell her about it if she brought it up again. Or brush it off for later? She hoped he wouldn't do that; she didn't really want any secrets between them at least.

The trio continued to walk for a while, the air filled with the low buzzing of insects, the crunching of leaves and sticks beneath shoes, and the continues sprays of perfume applied everywhere by Aphrodite. She muttered something as her clothes shimmered, which were then replaced by casual clothes, perfect for trails. Zoë slightly nodded in approval and then began climbing up a tree, only to descend down a few moments later.

"We're close." She answered, guiding them to a thicket, which looked like it was recently covered up. Zoë whistled out a tune, which was then whistled back to her from a distance. Zoë motioned for them to stop.

"Now, this is mostly for thee since this will be thy first time." Zoë said to Thalia. "But stay close to me for the time being. Don't wander out, or try to interact with Artemis's hunting dogs. While they are mostly tame, they don't really take kindly to outsiders. And don't worry about the hunters either, they will be fine with you being little and a female."

"And thou-" Zoë then said to Aphrodite, who just raised an eyebrow in response, as if daring her to speak.

Zoë regarded her and then turned back, moving into the foliage and immediately disappearing. Thalia heisted and glanced at Aphrodite, who just nodded her head forward. Thalia steeled her nerves and then stepped forward. She was then immediately greeted by the faint scent of cinnamon and the sight of ten or so girls running around, setting up tents and a tarp. The location was next to a shallow creek, but with enough ample space to roam around. Wherever a tent was being set up, there was a fairly large dog prowling around, it's shining eyes roaming about as if it was scanning for something. In the center, Zoë was talking to a couple of young girls who looked to be around in their early teens. The biggest of the two was a girl with ginger hair, and a scowling expression that seemed natural. She looked to be built like a wrestler. The second girl was quite smaller in comparison, with light blonde hair, and a pensive expression on her face.

"So you don't know where she is?" the ginger girl asked.

"She disappeared immediately after my adversary left, Phoebe." Zoë replied. "While I might know the reason, I don't plan on sharing anything until Milady says so. And I have a feeling she will be the one to tell."

Phoebe opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted by the girl next to her. "So it was not Orion you faced in Charleston?"

"No Celyn. It was another being. Admittedly, he was quite difficult to challenge. If it hadn't been for… outside help, I would have been captured by him. To think I was led astray by his trap…"

"Good thing Lady Artemis figured it out and managed to save you in the nick of time then right?" Celyn replied, a small smile on her face. "I do wonder where she went off to, I was surprised not to see her with you. I do hope she's fine."

Phoebe nodded in agreement. It was then that she noticed two individuals standing at the entrance to their camp. An unknown little girl, and a very beautiful woman whose power was radiating off intentionally which she immediately recognized, if the looks weren't enough."

"What is she doing here?!" Phoebe whispered shouted to Zoë, her eyes trained at the little girl next to Aphrodite. "And who is that, her daughter?"

"No, she's not that pretty to be her daughter." Zoë replied with a smirk. "That's Thalia. I found her in Charleston by herself." She said. Not really a lie since that is how they met.

Celyn's eyes widened. "A possible recruit then?"

Zoë shrugged. "I'm not sure either. I doubt her… carer will agree."

Phoebe had a questioning look on her face. "So she has parents? Are they…"

"No, not that I know of. Look, I suggest not looking into her for now, just let her be. They are both with Artemis too, so don't show any hostility like the last time to the goddess. She is still an Olympian, and is to be respected."

Phoebe scowled slightly but nodded, while Celyn immediately agreed. The two then ran back to where most of the hunters were. Zoë then returned back to Thalia and Aphrodite, the former taking in everything with amazement.

"It's not much now because of our location being temporary. But if thee do come to our permanent ones, thou will see all that the hunters can offer a young demigod of thy caliber."

"Cool!"

"Come on, I can give a short tour if thee wish. What will thou be doing?" Zoë asked, her question directed to Aphrodite.

The goddess shrugged. "I'll just stay here for now, wait for Percy and Artemis probably."

"I wonder if Milady will bring him here though." Zoë said, a thoughtful look on her face. "Should I warn the hunters…"

Aphrodite blinked. "You didn't alert them that a male god might be coming here?"

"Indeed."

Aphrodite grinned wickedly. "Hmm, if it goes how I think it might, I suggest you let it be as it is. This might just be entertaining after all."

Zoë understood what Aphrodite was insinuating, and smirked, silently agreeing. She then led Thalia to around the encampment, pointing at the tents that were forming a crescent shape, and the archery range that was currently being set up, while explaining the goings of the hunt.

"We're all partially immortal maidens over here, dedicating our lives to serve Lady Artemis and her hunt. While we may not age or acquire any sickness, we can still fall in battle. But, the chance to serve Artemis is the highest honor a young maiden can receive. Provided they abide by their oath."

"An oath?"

"Yes. The oath basically asks the person to pledge themselves to Lady Artemis. But the important part is that you need to turn your back on the company of men. While that doesn't outright mean you can't be around them, it's more that you can't fall in love with them. That's the main part, if you fall in love with a man romantically, your oath is broken. Or, fall in love with anyone really romantically in general, though one might say that's not in the oath… . I would leave that up to Milady to explain."

"So no falling in love?"

"Yes. You are still admittedly quite young, so it's not recommended for maidens your age to make a decision now, only when older. But if the situation calls for it, and if you are really sure, then Artemis will consider it."

"But, coming back to the hunt itself, there are various activities to do in order to hone thy overall hunting skills. Thou can even compete in certain challenges to perfect any individual skills too, like spear wielding, or swordplay. And once every week, we have a game night. Not any party games if that's what thou are wondering, game night is where we hunt our own game and prepare it as well for everyone. Whoever makes the best dish, gets exempted from chores the next day. Just one of the things we carried over back when Perseus was still with us."

"So the hunt looked like this when Percy was alive back then?"

"No…" Zoë replied, a sad smile on her face. "I may not have been there for long, but it was nothing like this. Honestly, it was better before…"

Thalia tilted her head as she watched Zoë lost in thought. "Can you show me the dogs now?" Thali asked aloud, shaking Zoë off from her stupor.

"Oh… I suppose so. Just don't go too close them, let them familiarize thee for now at least." Zoë replied, guiding Thalia to a tent.

Aphrodite was watching Zoë and Thalia as they were roaming around, while also keeping an eye on the other hunters who were shooting glances at her. She then heard a rustling noise beneath her and looked back to find Artemis stepping in. Aphrodite's yes slightly widened on seeing the goddess, mostly because of how different she looked. And she didn't mean physical, the aura the goddess was radiating off was… something so different but familiar that it just registered to her that this was how she was when he was still around. Which could only mean…

"I take it had a nice chat?" Aphrodite asked, a wry smile on her face.

"Oh!" Artemis exclaimed. "I didn't realize you would be here. Wait, why are you even here?"

Aphrodite rolled her eyes. "Reasons related to Percy. If it weren't for him, I would have been out on my own. Also, no greeting?"

Artemis frowned slightly. 'You didn't say hello either."

"Touché." Aphrodite said with a shrug. "Haven't seen you in a while though."

Artemis raised an eyebrow. "Why are you making small talk with me?"

The love goddess sighed. "Because I'm feeling awkward standing here by myself and I can't see my brother around."

Artemis smirked. "He's taking his time for now, but he'll be here soon."

"Oh? And how will you explain that to the hunters?"

"I'm not going to be revealing anything yet." Artemis replied. "I'll make sure he's in my tent for now, and from there, we'll see where Perseus wants to take himself forward. Whether he's going to reveal himself to Olympus, or go incognito again. Then there is also the matter of the prophecy child to discuss…"

"So he's told you about her?"

"After I mostly figured it out myself, but yes he came clean." Artemis said with a sigh. "Four months, that's admittedly a long time for a god to go unnoticed. Add a demigod, how he did it is beyond me. He did mention some death mist, but still…"

"Milady!" Phoebe announced, bowing to Artemis, and then Aphrodite. "Lady Aphrodite."

"Hello Phoebe, I see camp is almost set." Artemis said. "Ask Zoë to meet me in my tent, along with the child that accompanied her and Aphrodite I presume. I should also request that no is to loiter around my tent or disturb us while we discuss something of outmost importance. Am I clear with these instructions?"

"Of course Milady." Phoebe replied, jogging back to the hunters. Artemis motioned for Aphrodite to follow her, coming up to a silver tent that was a bit bigger than the others. The two then stepped inside the tent, which was surprisingly cool and comfortable. Silk rugs and pillows covered the floor, and there was an unlit bronze brazier in the center. The walls were lined with animal pelts, like a tiger and a bear. But there were some which Aphrodite noted looked monstrous in origin. She watched as Artemis walked over to a display stand made of polished oak, and place her bow on it. Her form then shimmered, a twelve-year-old Artemis taking its place

A few moments later, Zoë and Thalia entered the tent, the latter once again taking in everything with a slight childlike wonder. She recognized Aphrodite, but not the auburn head girl next her.

"Thalia, meet Lady Artemis. Goddess of the moon, and the hunt." Zoë announced.

Thalia looked around, wondering if Artemis was going to suddenly pop out, probably in a flash of fire from the big torch thing in the center of the room. When nothing happened, she then realized that the girl from before was staring at her intently, a hint of amusement shining in her eyes. She then glanced at Aphrodite who stifled a laugh, and then at Zoë who merely sighed.

"Wait… you're Artemis?!" Thalia exclaimed, finally connecting the dots.

"Indeed I am. Are you surprised by my appearance?"

"Uh… yes."

"That's understandable, you're not the first."

"But, Percy is a big adult…" Thalia muttered. "And he said you and him were together… but you're not his age…"

Artemis raised an eyebrow, then chuckled. "I see the confusion. Looks like Perseus still had me in his thoughts, and aloud. But no, this is not my actual form or age. I can appear as I usually was, a grown woman, or a blazing fire like you imagined. But I chose this to match the age of my hunters, so I could be more approachable to them or any young maidens. Though some still prefer me when I'm older." She replied.

Zoë shrugged.

Thalia nodded slowly. "Okay, but why am I here? I didn't do anything wrong, or is it about Percy? Because he didn't do anything either."

"On the contrary, he probably pulled off the stupidest stunt I've seen. And that's saying something because I've seen him do many." Artemis said. "But you don't need to worry, he'll be fine. Mostly. Speaking of that foolish companion of mine…"

"Are you guys together again?" Aphrodite asked excitedly, while Zoë and Thalia both looked curious. Artemis didn't respond as a look of concentration flashed across her face. A flash of light then emerged next to her, which died down to reveal Percy, who looked lost in thought.

"Hmm? Oh, I'm… ahh." Percy muttered, looking around the room. "I see you redecorated. I don't like it."

Artemis huffed. "And what's wrong with my room?"

"There's no bed?"

"We gods don't even need sleep."

"Still, a bed compliments a living space."

"Yep, back together." Aphrodite nodded with conviction.

"Percy!" Thalia exclaimed, rushing to the god, who greeted her with equal enthusiasm.

"Hey bug, Styx I'm glad to see you all well. Nothing broken right, good. You were fine after I was gone right?"

"Mhm, I got our stuff to from the hotel too. Oh, and can you show me your pet fish later on? I really wanted to meet it, but Zoë wouldn't let me."

"Umbra? Of course, I need to catch up with her as well."

"We're fine too you know." Aphrodite muttered, rolling. Artemis just stared at the scene with a blank expression, until she remembered what they were here for.

"Coming back." Artemis interrupted. "Perseus, would you mind explaining, what you have been up to ever since you returned to present times. Just so we're all up to date."

"This will be fun." Aphrodite said in a sing-song voice.

Percy glanced at Thalia who shrugged in response. They looked to be having a silent conversation when Percy sighed, straightening himself.

"Well, let's to this then. One more time."

It took a while, with Percy opting to leave Forbidden beings out, but he managed to retell his first appearance from the mansion of Night, to New York and Los Angeles, all the way to Charleston.

"There was this one stopover in a place called Dawson. But I don't think it'll be wise to dwell on what happened there now." Percy suggested.

"So this death mist. Is it still on you?" Artemis asked.

"I highly doubt it's still around me now." Percy replied, staring at Artemis with a strange look. "And I don't think I can get more either."

"So all in all, excluding Thalia, we three are actually the only ones who know you're still around?" Aphrodite asked. "Are you going to let it be like that or…?"

"If you're asking if I'll go to Olympus… then yes. I do plan to do so."

"The entire council?"

Percy fell silent, glancing down at Thalia, who in turn was distracted by a wolf pelt that was staring back at her.

"Yes, everyone. Unless, let's say my lovely mother from her realm decade's otherwise. Something might come up, happen, who knows. Now Artemis, I know you want to bring Thalia to Olympus." Percy said to the goddess. "But can I at least have an audience with Zeus first, just him alone? I want to set the record straight with him, and there are some matters that I need to discuss with him too. I feel it's the least I can do."

Artemis hummed in acknowledgement, nodding slowly. "It can be doable; I have to arrange it with father." She said, frowning slightly on catching Percy staring at her again. "Is something wrong?"

"No? Well, it's just that." Percy muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Please don't take any offense, but can you change out of your child form. I'm finding it weird talking to you like this, since I've mostly seen you… grown up."

"Oh. Though I can say the same for you too honestly." Artemis replied, wrinkling her nose. "You look quite old than what I'm used to. Even Apollo doesn't go that old."

"Huh, I thought I was young." Percy muttered, noticing the pointed stares of Zoë and Aphrodite. "What?"

"Nothing. Just that I told you so." Aphrodite replied sweetly.

"You said it was fine." Percy said with a frown, decreasing in age. At the same time, Artemis increased hers, with both of them falling in their early twenties.

"Better?"

"Better."

"Hmm, I did enjoy the mature look." Aphrodite muttered.

"Okay, so Perseus needs an audience with Zeus. I suppose the child can remain in the hunt for now." Artemis noted.

"She could go to the half-blood camp as well." Aphrodite pointed out. "Just because she's a girl, this isn't the be all, end all."

Artemis rolled her eyes. "I'm not asking her to join the hunters, it's just stay here temporarily."

"I don't think that camp can be an option for now." Percy interjected. "Yes, it has something to do with Thalia." He told Artemis telepathically.

"Why not-" Thalia then interrupted, crossing her arms. "-I stay with Percy only."

"Percy is likely going to be very busy with godly matters." Artemis explained. "He has a lot of explaining to do to many people, and some of them are here in the room. And I don't think you want hang around day and night listening to a bunch of grown-up talk now right?"

Thalia blinked. "There's only going to be talking?"

Artemis nodded solemnly, while Percy covered his grin.

"That doesn't sound fun… but I want to be with Percy…"

"I'll visit in between my talks. And who knows, you might learn some things over here too. Zoë over here will be there too, and I know some hunters here as well."

Thalia sweatdropped. "Great…"

"Then it's decided, we'll have Percy-"

A piercing whistle broke through the conversation stopping everyone inside and outside Artemis's tent in their tracks. The temperatures then suddenly increased dramatically, and then cooled down, the only sounds coming was the faint humming of a machine.

Chirp-chirp

"No, oh no." Artemis muttered, clenching her teeth. "I swear if it's him-"

Artemis barged over to the entrance of the tent and ripped it open, rushing outside. The hunters were at the side, blinking and massaging their heads as they adjusted to the shining light that was emitting from the side of the creek.

"I swear on father, if you don't get out of here right at this instant-"

"What's the rush sis? I just parked." A melodic voice called out.

The light then lied down, revealing a red sports car that was glowing, only because the metal was so hot it was radiating heat everywhere. The driver's seat then opened, and out stepped a young adult around the age of eighteen with golden blonde hair that was slicked back, with chiseled looks and physique, similar to that of an athlete. He had a bright smile, and it only widened on seeing Artemis.

"Little sister! It's been so long, how's my favorite sibling doing?"

"I'm your only sibling… Apollo." Artemis gritted out. "And how many times do I Have to tell you, I'm older-"

"No, no, I have others. Hermes, and… well, "had" also applies in this scenario but you're still my favorite." Apollo replied with a grin.

Artemis sighed. "Why are you here, and now of all days."

"Cause I was worried! I mean come on sis, you called me in the middle of the day asking for the sun to shine brightly over Charleston of all the random places, and I wouldn't have been curious?"

"It was an emergency, but it has been handled." Artemis admitted. "And stop calling me sis!"

"Ah, the hunters!" Apollo exclaimed, skipping towards them. "Hello ladies." He said, taking off his sunglasses and giving a bow.

"Oh don't start now." Artemis groaned, pulling Apollo back by his collar. Phoebe, Celyn and Atlana regarded him with courtesy, while the rest just glared at him.

"I heard you went to Delos. Any particular reason?" Apollo piped up, staring at Artemis with a pointed look. The goddess slightly blushed but then shook her head. "Was feeling nostalgic. Nothing else."

"Uh-huh. You seem a bit jumpy today. Well, you did have some kind of 'emergency' which you haven't given a hint to at the very least, so I can chalk it up to that…"

"What?" Artemis asked on noticing Apollo trailing off.

"Something's in the air." He then said, sniffing a couple of times. "A lot of something."

"Well, why don't you go up with your chariot and check it out then-"

"Hang on, hang on a minute." Apollo suddenly said, peering at Artemis. "You're not in your kid form."

"Excuse me?"

"Yes, you're not in your kid form." Apollo declared, his sky blue eyes having a questioning look. "That is never the case, You're always in your kid form, even during council meetings. Heck, I haven't seen you older that twelve in like one hundred and seven years!"

"Why did you even bother to count-"

"And this aura, it's definitely not from that dragon cave up ahead so what is it?" Apollo muttered, walking forward. He sniffled a couple of times as he changed directions, soon coming up to Artemis's tent. He turned around to her, giving her a pointed look.

"You're in your adult form, and there's an unknown godly aura radiating from your tent."

"I'm sure you must be imagining now." Artemis said tiredly, cursing herself for not thinking of putting any blockers. "Maybe you're sensing the new monster hide I recently got, there could be some residual-"

"Ohhoho, it's going to be a monster hide soon enough that's for sure." Apollo laughed, cupping his mouth. "Hey stump-head, I have your date with an arrow loving god right here!" he exclaimed, barging into the tent. At that same moment, Percy and the rest of the inhabitants emerged outside of the tent entrance through a shadow portal, a shit eating grin on his face.

"Just as I thought… no one's in here." Apollo called out from inside the tent, emerging out. Only to find himself staring at a pair of dark eyes, with rings of blue encircling the pupils.

"Who is that man!" Phoebe shouted.

"That's what I was wondering…" Apollo muttered, slowly taking in the being that was in front of him.

"Blimey, that is proper skinny. Have you not been eating?" Percy remarked as he stared at Apollo.

"…No." Apollo whispered, his face paling. "You're not-"

Apollo reached behind him which Percy mimicked, both of them staring intently at each other as they drew their arm out, their respective weapons clutched in their hands. Apollo then grabbed the top of his bow and twisted it, producing out a short sword which he held in front of Percy. Meanwhile, Percy just made his sword bigger with his braces.

"Compensating?" Apollo asked.

"For what?" Percy asked, confused.

"Regeneration. I heard, it's a lottery." Apollo remarked, putting his sword aside.

"Very clever, he's clever now I see." Percy said, directing that to Artemis, who was staring at their interaction with apprehension and confusion.

"I mean." Apollo shrugged. "That is what monsters go through."

"Now that's hurtful. Calling me a monster, gods can go through that you know."

"In theory." Apollo stated.

"Well, then I tested out that theory and confirmed it's real didn't I."

Apollo raised an eyebrow.

Percy sighed. "Fine, you got me. But the last thing I do remember after waking up was being in Tartarus so…"

Apollo blinked as he intently studied Percy. Suddenly, a big grin broke across his face as he crashed into the god, hoisting him up on his shoulders.

"MY BRO IS ALIVE! WOO-HOO, TAKE THAT OLD DIRT-FACE!"

Percy laughed loudly as he was paraded around, with Artemis and Aphrodite staring at them with bewilderment, Zoë and Thalia confused, and the hunters unsure of the entire situation. However, Phoebe, Celyn, and Atlana looked like they saw a ghost. Or more appropriately, they were seeing one right now.

"How. Do. You. Even. Know. It's. Me?" Percy asked, spelling each word one by one as Apollo swayed back and forth.

"Cause I'm the god of prophecies and truth, you blockhead!" Apollo exclaimed, happy tears streaming down his face. "I have half a mind to throw you in the creek right now!"

"I don't mind, I deserve it!" Percy exclaimed back, laughing along with Apollo.

"Boys…" Artemis simply said with a sigh, Aphrodite nodding sagely next to her.

"My lady?" Phoebe called out quietly. "That- That is… him, isn't it?"

Artemis smiled. "I think you'll be happy to be correct for once, because it is him. And yes, I was in your position as well, admittedly much worse."

"How is he not dead again by your hand?!" Celyn choked out with a laugh.

"You know; I'm surprised about that bit myself." Apollo spoke up.

Artemis shook her head. "Believe me, that meeting really wasn't that much hugs and kisses."

"Hmm, then let's rectify that." Apollo said, grabbing Percy by his legs. "Hunters, catch!"

"What are you- AHHHH!"

Apollo had swung Percy around and threw him to the direction of the hunters, where he landed facedown at their feet.

"Ow…" Percy muttered, glancing up to the hunters with a mixture of emotions, Phoebe and Celyn being the most. His mind flashed to when he first met them, comforting Phoebe with her sister's death, and rescuing Celyn from the icy clutches of a maniacal angel. And Percy had a feeling he was not the only one remembering those memories.

"Hey girls." He said softly, a grin on his face. "Been a while, hasn't it?."

Phoebe and Celyn just stared at him until they slowly began to approach him. They glanced at Artemis, as if asking for confirmation, which she gave with a smile. And that was when the tears started to come out, as they rushed and gave Percy massive hugs.

"Oof, can't believe I forgot about these." He said with a chuckle, ruffling their heads. "How have you been, hope you weren't giving Artemis a hard time since I've left huh?"

The two hunters just cried harder in response, prompting Percy to bring them closer, a slightly awkward look on his face.

"Oh this is definitely blackmail material for later." Atlana sniffled, wiping her tears. "But it is good to see you again Lord Perseus."

"Atlana! Likewise, you're all grown up too. Well, grown up in the kid sense that is, nothing wrong with that-"

"Hello lovely daughter!" Apollo chimed in, flashing next to the hunter. "I didn't see you there!"

Atlana sighed. "Must you always say the same thing every time you see me."

"Of course! Remember how we used to play hide and seek back before? I got it from there, our little inside joke!"

"My intention wasn't to play hide and seek with seek you." Atlana muttered.

"You used to hide every time I came to visit, such fun…"

Percy felt something shift beneath him and slide against his neck as he listened to Apollo. Immediately knowing what was happening, he let it play out and found himself facedown again. But this time Phoebe and Celyn were sitting on his back, and pinning his arms and legs down with their feet.

"This is for leaving us, again, and leaving milady inconsolable for centuries!" Phoebe shouted.

"The gall to just off yourself after you disappeared… were you not thinking?!" Celyn demanded.

"And that's the problem." Zoë said. "He wasn't."

"To be fair, it was a bit of a heat of the moment." Percy's muffled voice called out. "Artemis, back me up."

Artemis scoffed. "Oh no dear, you reap what you sow."

"Is anyone going to explain what's happening here right now?!" a hunter suddenly asked, looking quite shocked.

"This is the god Perseus, Naomi." Celyn explained. "He was the founder alongside Artemis of the hunters as we told you before, back during ancient times. And if you remembered, he had disappeared during that time as well, which is why we're all happy and confused on how he's here back again."

Artemis continued. "He helped establish the fundamentals of the hunt alongside me, and was even the inspiration for the demigod camp. To many of the hunters back then, he was something akin a mentor, brother or father figure."

"And to me, he is my lover." She finished, kneeling besides Percy. "Though you're still unbearable right now."

"Nah, you love me." Percy teased.

"Hush, before I turn you into a jackalope."

Percy dissolved into his shadow, leaving Phoebe and Celyn to fall on to the floor and scrambling to get up. He appeared next to Artemis, looking confused.

"A jacka-what?"

"Oh the positive emotions, some mixed. Refreshing, I must say." Aphrodite said with a happy sigh.

"Why hello, now how did I miss you." Apollo remarked, pulling up to the love goddess. "Here to take upon my offer?"

"Please, Ares's chariot rides are much better. And he lets me ride."

"Ooh, switching up now huh?" Apollo replied with a shit eating grin. "I feel a limerick coming up!"

"Oh gods, please, no!" Zoë cried out, but it was too late.

"Ares and Aphrodite, divine,

In love's battlefield, they entwine.

With passion ablaze,

In the gods' fervent gaze,

A fiery romance, so divine."

Aphrodite looked impressed. "I was expecting something a bit worse."

"Don't doubt before you hear it." Apollo replied, slinging his arms around Percy and Artemis's shoulders. "Come on, this calls for a celebration! Percy is back, and the hunters aren't chasing us out either! There once was a goddess from Sparta-"

"Lord Apollo has been in a limerick phase for some time now ever since his visit from England. Admittedly, his ode phase was better, even when everything centered around him only." Zoë explained to Thalia, who still looked very confused. "I believe this is not where thy confusion is stemming from?"

"It's just weird seeing him… look happy?" Thalia replied. "I always noticed how sad he looked sometimes…"

"I see. But thou will get used to these scenes. I know I did. And seeing that thou might be a frequent visitor, it'll be no different."

"Come on Perce, do one with me!"

"Oh no, I'm not that good with poetry, you know that."

"Eh, you sound british already, you'll be fine. Wait, why do you sound british?"

Percy sweatdropped. "Too much media consumption from there?"

Artemis tilted her head. "You're responding neutrally to Percy too. Any reason for not wringing Apollo's head, Perseus?"

"Oh…" Percy mouthed, while Apollo looked surprised at the realization. "I started to go by Percy as a cover name, so I can blend in easily. So I'm… Percy Jackson."

"Jackson?! Damn, you got a last name too." Apollo laughed. "Imagine if you have to take that name sis!"

Artemis cheeks turned gold. "That is not happening!"

"What, the name or the wedding-" Apollo joked, jumping back on seeing Artemis summon her bow. "Percy!"

"Last I checked, you're not an unassuming mortal. So refer me by Perseus, and we'll see."

"Aw man, I'm being outnumbered. It's times like these I need my wingman. Except he has a literal 24/7 company to manage." Apollo complained, his eyes drifting around, landing on a little girl that was standing some ways away next to Zoë. Electric blue eyes stared back at him, giving Apollo a sudden jolt, and a vision flashed in front of him.

Darkness. Ruins.

"That- Artemis- that's- she's…" Apollo sputtered, pointing at Thalia and whipping his head back and forth between her and Artemis. "She- how- you-"

Artemis sighed. "Ready to go one more round with my dear brother?" she asked Percy, who groaned in response.

"This is why I wanted to tell everything, when everyone was in the same room."

"You may have an audience with my just father soon. Might as well practice on this idiot first."

---

"…And that's about it."

Apollo kept quiet until Percy finished, his eyes shifting periodically between him and Thalia, who didn't like his piercing look.

"I can sense mostly truth. With some parts omitted." Apollo finally spoke up, reclining back. "Which you already mentioned you would do that, so no pressure."

"But to be honest, I'm not surprised. I should have seen it coming from what I saw` back then..."

"You knew?!" Artemis yelled. "And you didn't bother to tell?!"

"I don't get the clear picture most of the time." Apollo placated. "I only had an inkling that Percy might come around-"

"What?"

"Inkling sis. Like come on, you had similar thoughts when those events happened last December. Almost everyone did for that matter."

"So, what are you exactly planning now?" Apollo asked Percy. "After talking with Zeus that is. Revelation? Or becoming a phantom again."

"Am not I both? A phantom, followed by one revelation after the other?" Percy said.

Apollo smirked. "True. So how about a party?"

"That's where your mind has wandered off to?" Artemis reprimanded.

"I'm sure Zeus will host one regardless" Aphrodite chirped.

"Then an after party! We can have it with just us only, the god team!" Apollo grinned. "Imagine us and Hermes and Hecate. Just like old times."

Percy smiled. "I like the sound of that."

Artemis flicked a piece of wood from her arrow shaft. "I don't mind, but at least give me time to relocate my hunters somewhere else first."

"Then it's decided. Oh man, we're going to have the best party ever. And we'll have even better stuff this time, alcohol from 200 BC!"

"Is that even safe?"

"For consumption, maybe. For our senses…" Aphrodite trailed off, a wicked grin on her face.

"What about me?" Thalia asked Percy softly.

"You can stay with the hunt; I can trust them to watch out for you." Percy replied. "You look deep in thought, something up bug?"

"I just remembered the stories you told me, about the gods. It looks like you got your family back right?" Thalia replied, a sort of sad smile on her face. Percy stared at her then looked up, watching Apollo and Aphrodite already making plans, while Artemis tried to reel them from the crazy ideas.

"Almost all of them. Like I said, family is not always just blood. And you can always find more." Percy said, choosing his next words carefully. "Like I found you."

Thalia's head immediately whipped around to face Percy's, her jaw open and eyes shining brightly. Percy winked back at her, though his message was clever. Thalia smiled brightly in response and snuggled closer to the god, while he listened again to now Apollo and Aphrodite's bickering, while Artemis stared at Percy briefly, the interaction not lost on her.

---

Later in the night, Percy was walking around the camp, muttering to himself as he took a step forward to the camp, only to take two steps back. He could hear the hunters from here, who for some reason were saying 'boy' quite a lot in their conversation. Apollo and Aphrodite had long left, the former promising that the he will come again very soon, along with Hermes. Thalia was with Artemis, who had taken her aside in order to know her better (and probably inform her of the situation of her disappearance.). As for Zoë …

"Thy pacing around is starting to become annoying." Zoë stated, making Percy pause. "Are thou going to be like this, every time you come to the hunt, or not?"

"I don't know, I'm not sure if I'm welcome there." Percy replied, gesturing to the hunters, who were having their meal. "Like, am I allowed since I'm male and all? Artemis informed of that oath, would I even be wanted? Like, I don't mean Phoebe, Celyn, and perhaps Atlana, but I mean the others. I don't recognize any of them, hence my worry."

Zoë nodded slowly. "Fair. But milady did give thee permission to interact with the hunters, and she did ask them as well. The hunters of old do want to be with thee, they want to know what happened. And the newer hunters, while apprehensive, are also curious. They did hear about thee and the stories, and have some degree of respect for you for the deeds you accomplished, and this was long before thy records were released to the mortal world. Maybe they won't call you boy in front of you. And as long as thee don't step out of line, thou will be fine."

"Step out of line as in…"

Zoë shook her head. "Perseus, thou were a founder. It will be fine." She said, dragging him to the hunters.

"But not of this version!" he protested.

"Finally, you brought him out." Atlana stated on seeing Zoë and Percy approach her and the hunters. "If you had waited a minute, these two would have chickened out and ran in their tent." She said, jutting her head towards Phoebe and Celyn, who both looked like deer caught in headlights.

"The brash Phoebe chickening out? Now that would be a sight to see." The hunter, Naomi, drawled out with a grin,

"Hush." Phoebe hissed, glancing at Percy who just blinked in response.

"So…" he began.

"…So?" Celyn finished.

"Gods, you two are so lost." Atlana commented.

"We haven't talked to a male, much less a god face to face in centuries you know." Phoebe shot back

"Kind of same situation here too. I was specifically told not to go to any of you guys and the gods, and basically keep to myself." Percy stated. "Which I immediately disobeyed."

Phoebe frowned. "Which person told you to do as they say?"

"My mother." Percy deadpanned.

Celyn looked surprised. "Lady Hestia? But she's so sweet, I didn't think she would do that.".

"Oh no, this was my birth mother believe it or not. I'm not sure if you guys remember this, but I was adopted. And after I woke up from my imprisonment, which was the reason for my long disappearance, I finally met my birth mother. Wasn't a pretty reunion, that's for sure."

"You were imprisoned? I thought you were sent away to fight some apocalyptic monster." A silver haired girl asked.

"Didn't everyone say he died?" another one mentioned.

"Why did you disappear?" Phoebe finally asked after a brief silence.

"I… do not know myself. It mostly had something to do with me doing something that was not possible, and I guess I angered someone."

"You said you disobeyed that order from your mother about keeping to yourself." Celyn recalled. "Was it when you met Lady Artemis and us?"

"No, that happened long back. It was some months ago, when me and Thalia, that little girl here, started travelling with me."

Phoebe's eyes widened. "Months? Why didn't you come to see us then during that time, or at least Lady Artemis?" she demanded.

"Believe me Phoebe, I would have loved too." Percy replied sadly. "But I didn't want trouble to befall upon you, even with how selfish I wanted to be. So I waited, and by stroke of luck, I ran into Zoë in Charleston. Or she ran into me first, but either way we would have found each other with what happened in the city. And then, I found Artemis. And in turn, you guys."

"You should have still come earlier. At least given us a sign." Phoebe muttered.

"But it worked out though. And neither of us had to wait that long. Imagine if it was another ten years." Celyn replied. "I'm glad you are alive though Lord Perseus, it wasn't the same after you left. We did miss you."

Phoebe nodded in agreement, making Percy smile. "Thank you girls." He noticed the other hunters looking a bit uncomfortable, and decided to ease their situation. "Well, I don't plan to leave everyone out of the conversation, so why not we introduce ourselves." He suggested. "Perseus here, god of the eclipse, mountains, and other cool stuff."

The hunters eyed him suspiciously, as if he was planning to do something nefarious, but Zoë's pointed stare made them react. Naomi went first.

"Well, I'm Naomi. My grandmother is Athena, and I joined like… a long time ago."

Percy tilted his head. "Athena? But she didn't have any children other than Erechtheus. Do you mean a descendant of his?"

Naomi shook her head. "No, she is my grandmother, and I was born much later than that timeframe, maybe a millennium later?"

"Interesting…" Percy muttered, though his head was filled with confusing questions about his fellow goddess. "And you all?"

"I'm Laurel, a nymph. I'm a recent recruit actually if you were wondering."

"Amelia. Mortal here, but I can see through the mist." another said.

"Cassie. I don't know about my parentage since I was an orphan, though Lady Artemis does suspect some divinity."

"Sylvie. I've been told I'm a descendant of Hecate."

"And I'm Hunter, a daughter of Kratos." the silver haired hunter replied.

Percy snickered. "You're a hunter named Hunter?"

Hunter scowled. "Don't annoy me with that stupid joke, boy."

"And of course, us three and our lieutenant. We are the hunters of Artemis." Atlana finished.

Percy smiled. "It's great to make everyone's acquaintance, or reacquaint in some cases. I know I' a male, and I've been told you hold some prejudices towards them, but thank you for at least taking the effort to be civil at the very least."

"You haven't done anything yet to warrant us really hating you." Naomi said. "Unless if we were to count you leaving Artemis behind, but she told us to hold that against you long back. However, if you do something now…"

"I'll make sure to dangle him from my moon chariot then." Artemis said from behind.

"Like we did to Apollo and the others?" Percy remembered, taking a moment to comprehend that Artemis was again in her child form.

"Walk with me Perseus?" Artemis asked, holding out her hand. Percy took it, and after saying his night greetings to the hunters, followed the moon goddess outside the encampment. The two walked in silence for a while, until they found a manmade trail.

"There are a lot of these nowadays." Artemis commented, skipping over the trail and changing into her adult form. "It's nice that mortals are taking a more personal interest in these places now, though I would like it if some of them were more untouched. Just free."

"I know what you mean. But they do a good job, most of the time." Percy replied.

"I had a chat with the child, Thalia Grace." Artemis said, watching Percy closely. "It was quite a conversation."

"What did you both talk about?"

"Mostly her time since away from home and with you. I did ask about her home life, but she didn't really respond to those questions." Artemis replied.

"Yeah, I won't be surprised. It wasn't really the greatest, though I'm not going to say anything. Nothing against you of course, just… confidentiality."

"Don't worry, it's the same with my hunters. As long as they are ready to tell, I don't interfere, or divulge about it with someone."

"She did speak highly of you." Artemis then said, smile forming on her lips. "I can now see the closeness between you two making sense."

"Well, I mean, yeah." Percy replied bashfully. "Had to take upon the role f a guardian you know."

"You sure about that?" Artemis teased. "I could swear I saw some familial interaction going on there."

"Oh, that…" Percy muttered. "Well, I have to be a big brother-"

Artemis scoffed. "Brother? As if."

"Then what, father figure?" Percy joked. Though his expression slowly sobered up on seeing Artemis's unwavering look. "No, you are joking."

"What's wrong with that? You were quite fatherly with some hunters before, only this time you're like extra paternal now."

"Yeah, but I never pushed it to be like their actual fathers. And I don't really want to replace… Zeus?" Percy protested, though the last part sounded strange to him. Because for some reason, he didn't mind actually doing it…

"Percy, Zoë even told me about your interactions with the demigod and Aphrodite's comments on your protectiveness. Which I also saw some. Not to mention, that older form of yours didn't fool me either."

"…Oh no. Am I, actually?" Percy muttered. "Can I even be like that to someone, especially Thalia? Not a parental figure, but actually her…"

Artemis pointedly stared at him. "I'm not going to lie; it was strange seeing you like that. But then I realized, I can actually get used to you being like this." She replied, a mysterious smile on her face.

"And if you're wondering about Zeus, then tell me this. Who do you consider your mother? Hestia, or Nyx?"

"Hestia." Percy said without hesitation. Artemis smiled in response. "There's your answer."

"Huh?"

Artemis sighed. "Maybe it's not a good thing that you're still this dense. At least you live up to being the god of mountains."

"Wait, I think I know what you mean, but I'm also not sure if it is what you mean."

"Don't worry about it." Artemis replied, hopping up to a tree branch, and then moved onward. Percy cursed and then sighed, forming a grappling hook which he launched into the air, and was soon behind Artemis, swinging alongside her. The two then continued on random paths, crossing paths with each other, until they both landed near the hunters' camp, but away from sight. Artemis then spoke up.

"So how was it, meeting the hunters again?"

"It was… strange." Percy admitted. "I know there was that whole situation with guys, which may have led to some prejudice being built up. And while it was great seeing my hunters again from back then, I could tell there was something, mostly with the older one's surprising. Though the interaction could have gone worse, which I'm glad it didn't."

Artemis didn't react, her hand tracing something on a tree bark. "I'm not surprised. Zoë and Phoebe are two of the hunters who hate men the most."

Percy's eyes widened. "Them? But they were just-"

"You're the exception. They knew you personally Perseus, it wasn't going to change even after all these years. But when it comes to others… at least I convinced them to be civil with Apollo and Hermes thankfully. Otherwise the way they treat others, not just Olympians… . It's another reason why I had to stay with them mostly and slowly adopt that form. We stopped going to cities, and even towns later on."

"So that's why you're mostly a kid?"

"Part of the reason." Artemis corrected, a contemplative look on her face. "Perseus, you wanted to know about my oath I made regarding men, am I correct?"

"Yes. But you can take your time, we are taking our whole thing slow currently, so you don't have to tell me everything now."

Artemis shook her head. "That is nonsense. I am going to tell you, just so there's no animosity between us. If we are going to be back together again, then I want to do it without any secrets or misunderstandings between us."

Artemis then took Percy's hands in hers, and took a step backwards, her feet lifted in the air. Percy mimicked her, the two then slowly walking upwards until they were well above the treetops.

"Sometime after the gigantomachy and your disappearance, Heracles died because of his mortal wife's insecurity of whether he will love her, and only her, or not. After that incident, Zeus declared that because of Heracles's great feats and hardships, it was only right that his son was to be properly recognized for what he did for Olympus, and was thus made a god. Even Hera didn't object to it surprisingly. So after making a constellation from part of his soul, Zeus brought Heracles to Olympus and made him the god of strength. And as a peace offering Hera and Zeus gave their daughter Hebe to Heracles's hand in marriage."

"Really, Hebe? I thought she didn't want to get married during that time, said something about still having her youth and hundreds of years before she decided to marry?"

"Exactly. But my father, who was also king, just gave the order… and it was done. Just like that, Hebe was married. And the same happened with Aphrodite remember. Of course, one might say the risk of a war being fought over her was too real, but looking back, she was just married in a flash. No fanfare or anything, just the king of Olympus decreeing it, and it happened. And that was when I started to get scared."

"I got scared, because I thought at some point maybe, my father might give my hand in marriage too. Maybe not anytime soon due to me grieving, but he could randomly decide one day, that his daughter needs to move on, and probably make some kind of peace/ alliance with a god and marry me off to him. And it was around that time that some gods decided that I had grieved enough for you, and that it was a perfect opportunity to court me…"

"What happened then?" Percy asked softly.

Artemis scoffed. "I pushed them off of course. The handsy ones got castrated. And that was when I knew I had to do something, or my father might intervene. And that was when Athena gave me a thought to mull over, which I formulated an idea upon. An idea so effective, that, it has allowed me to be here I believe."

"I went to my father, and I made him swear to take an oath for me on the River Styx. An oath which he surprisingly agreed to do, without hesitation, and which still stumps me to this day. But it is an oath that entailed, that he will never betroth me to another god, or force me in a marriage. An oath which also entailed, that only I will decide when I am ready to marry, and only to someone whom I love the most."

"I effectively made him unable to marry me to someone, and only I can decide to do so if I love that person deeply. And there was only one person at that time who I ever loved, and highly doubted I would ever let go off my feelings for. So I made myself be part of an oath where I was in love with someone who now didn't exist at that time. Which is why I never did anything romantically ever, and solidified the notion of everyone believing that I took an oath to be a virgin goddess forever. It didn't help that I started to appear as a young maiden as well, in order to ward off any gods, who I doubt would like it if outsiders commented that they were technically after someone who looked like a "child". Which is also where the misconception came that I am now an eternal virgin goddess, and that I would never fall in love with someone, because I took an oath to the Styx and so on. But no, it's not the case."

"So you see Perseus, I didn't take an oath to be a virgin goddess forever, or an oath where I would never marry. Only an oath for my father to not interfere, and where I would never fall in love with someone else, and be true to the one who I still love to this day."

"Artemis…" Percy whispered, reaching out for her head, but momentarily paused, his eyes seeking for permission. The goddess leant forward in response, which allowed Percy to cup her cheek gently, wiping the lone tear across her face.

"After all this time?" he asked

"Always." She whispered.

Percy's voice was caught in his throat, making him unable to respond. A small chuckle then escaped, then a laugh.

"So I'm…"

"Yes."

"So nothing to worry?"

"Yesss."

"It'll be fine?"

Artemis chuckled. "Yes Percy, everything will be fine."

"Gods I am so lucky to have you." Percy said with a relieved sigh as he fell down. Artemis was startled momentarily and laughed, carrying Percy up and then gently bringing him down.

"Of course. Though I am still making you-"

"No, don't apologize for that. I told you before, I completely understand why." Percy stated, settling down on the ground. "But I'm not going to lie, that nagging thought ever since I learnt of that 'oath' is thankfully gone."

Artemis smiled. "Hmm, maybe I should have let it stay longer for a bit."

"How rude."

Artemis chuckled, and then knelt down besides Percy. "You want to help me with something?"

"What is it?"

"There's this tradition I do for my hunting spots. I always leave a pair of flowers behind, our flowers to be exact. As a token of remembrance. But maybe we could change it to something else with you back."

"What do you have in mind?"

The two were then kneeling down next to newly grown patch of grass. Artemis had already summoned a pair of red amaranth, while Percy took some time to summon the nightshade, due to not doing it in a while. They both bent down and helped each other plant the flowers, soon admiring their handy work as the flowers slowly started to bloom, even with their proximity. A small reminder, that they will always prevail, no matter what.

"It's perfect." Percy said, echoing Artemis's thoughts. The two stayed like that for some time well over the night, their fingers interlocking at some point, until the last lights from the hunter's camp died down, prompting them to return back. But not for long.

---

It was still nighttime, and Percy was once again out on the prowl, scoping a nearby cave. He was told that there was a dragon that made its nest in there, which Percy as intrigued to check out. But he knew he would be tempted to fight it, which in turn would alert hunters and everyone else nearby, and probably ruin everyone's sleep and make Artemis mad. So he decided to let it go for now, and after accidently scaring a couple of mortals who were also camping, headed back to the hunter encampment. He noticed that someone was outside, and by the looks of it, practicing fighting forms with a weapon, and on closer inspection, it was Thalia.

"Hey bug, how come you're up? Any nightmares?" Percy asked, setting next to the demigod.

"Oh, Percy! No, I didn't sleep yet. Just…doing something."

Percy nodded slowly, not looking convinced. "I can check how you're doing with your spear tomorrow if you want. Maybe make you use a shield too. But you should try to get some rest though, it has been a very long day you know."

"Yeah… that titan thing and all was something." Thalia said.

"How was that talk with Artemis? She didn't grill you too much for information?" Percy joked.

"She was fine, kept asking me about you. What you were up to. Then she asked about me, which came back to you again."

"I see." Percy replied, momentarily glancing up and smiling. 'hey bug, the stars are moving above us."

"What?!" Thalia exclaimed, quickly looking up to see fireflies dancing around. Percy shushed her, lest she disturb someone. He then raised his arm, slowly turning it and watched as some of the clouds disappeared, revealing a bright array of stars.

"I know how much you like trying to find them." He simply replied, happy to see her grinning from ear to ear. "One of these days, I could try convincing Artemis to take you up on the moon chariot. Then you can see the stars closer. What do you think?"

"You think she will do it for me?" Thalia asked curiously.

"Hmm, now that I don't have an answer for." Percy replied.

"You're going to be with her for much longer now aren't you." Thalia then said.

"What makes you think that?" Percy asked.

"Cause she's your girlfriendddd." Thalia said in a sing song voice. "Right?"

Percy smirked. "It's… complicated. But a good complicated, so that's there. Why, planning on running away from me now?" he teased.

Thalia frowned. "No, I don't want that. But since you will be with Artemis, you might not need me with you though."

Percy sighed. "Thalia, if you think I'm going to drop you off on the side of the road and go my merry way, you'll be disappointed to know that that it won't happen. Of course, ultimately it's your choice what you want to do. But I don't plan on leaving you, and I never did even before. Sure, Artemis being in the picture may change things up, but not our bond. You're my little demigod after all."

Thalia was quiet, but Percy could hear her faintly sniffling. She then looked at him, her eyes shining brightly and ran towards him, hugging his leg tightly.

"Love you Percy." She mumbled.

Percy felt floored for some reason. Artemis's words once again echoed inside his head, making him sigh. "You know… it might not be that bad." He finally thought.

"Love you too bug."

---

It was a couple of days later, and the hunters were packing up their equipment, ready to move on to their next hunting trail. Artemis had left earlier for Olympus, in order to confirm that she could get the audience with the king of the gods, who should be free according to her. Percy in the meanwhile was hanging around with Thalia, trying to train her in order to distract himself from Apollo's ongoing internal commentary.

"Can you believe him, he's working overtime! Say's he needs to go to Quebec to deliver something to Boreas, he's not even bothering to listen to what I have to say. Honestly, I'm tempted to just pack you in a box and mail you directly to his Ops Store."

"And what makes you think I'll go with it." Percy tiredly replied.

"Oh wait, you're coming to New York anyway, to see dad. Why don't you pop in to the store before or after your meeting and see him then?"

"I thought you said he was going to Quebec?"

"Shoot yeah… maybe we can cause some disruption in there? That might make him come flying back."

Percy sighed. "Look, Zeus might just reveal my existence by, I don't know, lighting the empire state building blue or something. We will all be meeting then anyway, like a grand reveal party."

"True, true. Well, let's hope father doesn't do anything stupid regarding you, like say dangling you above Tartarus. Cause that would suck, and be a bit funny."

"Watch your right side Thalia, you're not doing much to defend yourself from that area." Percy stated, directing the demigod.

"Good luck with the meeting!" Apollo suddenly said after a long string of words, leaving Percy's mind blank for once. It was strange having it so empty, when it was usually filled with the prayers of mortals. Though nowadays, it was usually questions that occupied his head. He then decided to try something again.

"Lady Nyx. If you can hear me, then I just want to let you know I'll be having an audience with Zeus soon. So, do you want me to tell him about forbidden beings or not?"

"…Eris? Geras? Are you two there?"

"Where are you going to be going now with Lady Artemis?" Thalia suddenly asked.

Percy slightly shook his head. "Oh, New York."

"Without me?" Thalia whined.

"Sorry little miss, but not where I'm going. I'm going to Mount Olympus to be more specific, to meet your father."

Thalia's eyes widened. "Zeus?" she whispered. It looked like she wanted to say more, though Percy could make out the various emotions flash across her face.

"Anything you want me to tell your old man upstairs?"

Thalia frowned. "No? I don't know what to say either."

"Fair enough." Percy replied, though he did have some choice words.

"You're not going to get into trouble, right?" Thalia then asked. "Because lady Artemis told me what you did was not supposed to happen."

"You would have run away at some point though." Percy pointed out.

Thalia nodded. "Yep. But I don't want you to get into trouble for that."

"I doubt anything bad will happen." Percy replied, grinning slightly. "And I'll be back before you know it for our next adventure."

"Yep!" Thalia replied with a grin. "You still need to take me to Disney!"

"What am I… a walking dream maker?" Percy replied deadpanned, making Thalia laugh. Artemis then flashed some ways away, giving a short nod to Percy who realized what it meant. It was happening.

"I guess this is my cue to leave." Percy said, getting up. "You be good with the hunters okay; I'll be back soon."

Thalia sweatdropped. "You say that, but then something always happens."

"But I always make it out in the end." Percy called back, giving Thalia one final ruffle on the head. He then jogged up to Artemis, who was impatiently tapping her foot on the ground.

"We're only going away for a couple of hours, not days." She said, holding his shoulder.

"You know this is regarding Zeus right." Percy stated. "Who if I remember you saying, is even more paranoid now."

"Yes, but not by a lot."

The two then flashed away, the colors of the forest slowly blurring together until they it was replaced by neon blurs, which then expanded to form the New York cityscape. Percy blinked and found himself greeted by a familiar location.

"Times square. I crashed here a while after I came to this city."

"You did mention that. Why did that goddess, Eris, send you here?"

"I asked her to send me to Olympus. And she did, but not in the way I expected." Percy replied.

The two then began their walk to the building, going through Broadway. They then came up to fifth avenue, and continued their path, with the view of the empire State coming closer to view. As well as the powerful godly presence that was starting to be emitted, drawing them like flies to a lamp. The city was still bustling around even at the unconventional hour; which Percy was still quite surprised to see.

"I planned to come to this city again you know, around Christmas time. Basically I wanted to show Thalia Christmas in New York, you know the tree, Rockefeller. Maybe even ice skating. And I wanted it to be a full circle moment for me to, coming back to same place where I first landed in the mortal world after my awakening. I even thought of checking out that demigod camp too. And then most definitely, seek you guys out if I didn't get to come across anyone during my travels. I gave myself a year, I didn't plan to wait anytime longer."

"You could still do it, depending if the outcome with my father is favorable." Artemis said comfortingly. "Though would you have preferred that, or what you are given now?"

"Definitely what I have been given now. You're right, plans always change. Our fates aren't even played out yet. We still have time, loads of it."

"Well, then let's get on with it." Artemis said, stopping. Percy stopped, and realized they had reached the building, and were standing directly below it, just in front of the entrance. The words 'Empire State' stood out once again with its bold and golden letters. He remembered how the last time he was here, he immediately left, due to the fear of doing something rash. But now…

"So how do we do this? Do we launch ourselves straight up until we come to whatever is Olympus at this point, or do we now have access to flash their directly?"

"Well, we could have flashed directly to Olympus from the hunter cam itself." Artemis replied, making Percy confused.

"But then I realized, you of course never got to see the, other way, to reach Mount Olympus, so I figured to do that for your first time."

"And what's this other way?"

Artemis grinned in response. "Follow me." She simply said, heading inside the building. Percy followed her in and found himself in the lobby. He was slightly taken aback by the grandiose interior of the lobby, spotting a large mural of the building at the other side of the room. His eyes drifted around, until it landed on a guard at the front desk, who seemed engrossed in the book he was reading.

"Hey, I read that one before." Percy commented, recognizing the familiar book cover, a large ring surrounded by other smaller rings on a white backdrop, with yellow borders that contained a foreign text. "I've yet to watch the animated film though."

"Eh?" The guard grunted, and after a while, glanced up at Percy. "what do you want?"

"Well, I was wondering if you can point me to the general direction to Mount Olympus."

The guard stared at him, looked up at the ceiling, and then back at the god. "Seriously?"

"Perseus!" Artemis called out from behind. "How did you manage to stray away, come on!"

"Coming!" Percy said, jogging towards the goddess.

"Excuse me, you don't have permit to use that elevator-" The guard called out, only to pause mid-sentence on seeing Artemis's eyes flash dangerously.

"I didn't- um- card will be inside ma'am." The guard whimpered, tucking himself inside his chair. Artemis pulled a confused Percy inside an elevator that was tucked away in the corner. The doors closed, and a single beep was heard, followed by a card slot forming beneath the floor buttons. A single jet black card popped up, which Artemis took and swiped it at the security slot. The card disappeared, and a new button formed on the console. A big red one with the number '600' engraved.

"Oh that's a big red button alright." Percy said with a grin. "Can I?"

Percy didn't wait for a response and immediately hit it. The elevator began to rise up, the speed quite fast, though it was taking longer than what Percy was expecting. For some reason, he felt a certain sense of apprehension and began to shift around, only calming down when Artemis interlaced her fingers with his own. And they waited, and waited, until…

Ding.

The elevators doors slid open, and Percy whistled in amazement at seeing the narrow stone walkaway that was connected to the elevator, and a stairway. Below them was Manhattan, from the height of perhaps an airplane. His eyes then returned back to the stairway, and after craning his head up to find where it led, he couldn't believe his eyes.

"Bloody… hell."

"You sure about that? Look again." Artemis prompted.

"No… I mean, how did you guys manage this." He whispered, as he stared at the familiar sight of the peak of Mount Olympus, with virtually nothing changed at all. It was like seeing the same Olympus back in Greece, only this time, it was suspended over a city like an asteroid. The familiar sight of the multileveled palaces made his heart ache for the days where he used to run around the curving roads and jump off from ledges, with either Ares or Athena chasing him. There was a light layer of snow this time around as Percy moved deeper into the city, making sure to pull his hood up just in case he ran into anyone who might recognize him. The familiar sight of the town square, the arena in the distance, the various gardens and the market all came into view. The god had half a mind to just breeze through the entire city again, taking in everything…

Artemis gently led him aside. "Come on, we're going straight through the throne room. I don't think you will be able to handle it if we go by the palace route, in case you see your mother's or your own palace."

Percy momentarily stilled. "My mother, she would be in the throne room right? Tending to the hearth?"

Artemis shook her head. "I made sure this would be a private affair, with only me in your company for some time only. It's just going to be you, and Zeus in there, no interruptions."

"Got it." Percy muttered, the tow beginning their climb up to the throne room. The air only started to get warmer, or maybe it was his nervousness that was making him feel uncomfortable. It was going to be fine, he was just going to meet his Uncle. Who he liked very much… who was sometimes at odds with him… who he tried sealing him at one point-

"Wait here, I'll inform father that his visitor has arrived." Artemis said, snapping Percy from his train of thought.

"Wait, what did you tell him about this? Like, who is he meeting, the purpose-"

But Artemis had already slipped into the room, leaving the god by himself.

"Okay, time to wait. Just, wait…" Percy mumbled, trudging around the steps, which later changed to him hopping and skipping along the steps, and then full on pacing.

"How much time is this going to take?" Percy muttered, glancing up at the sky. "…Only a minute has passed?! That's it, I'm going in."

Percy slipped into his shadow and floated forward, trying to find an opening to the throne room. It took him a moment, but he was able to create one, but for now he just listened to what was happening inside.

"You still haven't made any indication on who I will be meeting, daughter."

"I've asked for your trust with this. Are you faltering in it father?"

"No, I suppose it's too late for that anyway. Very well, bring this person in."

Percy took this as his cue, but instead of reappearing back outside the throne room, he directly went inside the room, landing just next to the hearth and slightly startling Artemis. The throne room didn't look any different from what Percy remembered, it still had the unique thrones which Hephaestus built in the form of a U-shape, along with the central hearth. Massive columns rose towards the dome ceiling, which still had its constellations gliding across, along with some new ones.

Percy momentarily noticed a different throne where his mother's, Hestia's, was. This throne was made out of grapevines, and had a cushion made out of leopard skin. It seemed that some other thrones had upgrades as well, but for now, Percy's attention was at the being sitting at the center of the thrones, and staring back at him with eyes that sparkled with electricity. The king of the gods, Zeus.

To Percy's delight, Zeus was wearing a dark blue pinstriped suit. He had a well-trimmed beard that resembled a storm cloud with its shade of color. Zeus still had his handsome and proud, but grim face, which only deepened the more as he stared at Percy.

Percy decided it was best if he acted now, and approached Zeus. His attire began to change to his traditional Greek clothes, and knelt down in front of Zeus's feet.

"My lord." Percy said solemnly, not daring to look up. He could feel Zeus's gaze boring down at him, the hairs on his body slowly rising up as the energy in the room began to charge up, the smell of ozone filling the air. Not a word was spoken, nor an action taken between anyone, with the tension in the room alike of that of a ticking time bomb.

"When those events struck Greece a few months back. The disappearance of the twilit tree, Skiagis's uncovering, and the eclipse. Many had a notion that it could have been, because of you." Zeus spoke, his voice booming across the room.

"As your Uncle, I entertained those thoughts well. But as king, I did not wish to see the welfare of my fellow Olympians to be pulled down once again, especially if those notions did not accomplish what we hoped for. But now, I see it was all for naught, wasn't it… Lykofós Perseus."

"Rise. Let me look at you." Zeus commanded. Percy got up and took a few steps back. Zeus's eyes were now shining, the electricity replaced with storm blue eyes. The way he was taking in Percy, the god was sure that he didn't believed it either. But the realization was settling in.

"It is indeed you… in the flesh. And you came with my daughter…"

"It is him father." Artemis spoke for the first time since Percy stepped in. "Apollo has met him too, if you need more confirmation."

"No, if Apollo didn't find any fault…" Zeus whispered, his form slowly relaxing. "Then this actually means… you pulled through. You finally pulled through after taking down the earth mother, didn't you Perseus? Even though it took so many years."

Percy stiffly nodded. "Yes, but not exactly my lord. While I managed to subdue the earth mother, there was a series of complications that took place which contributed to my disappearance."

Zeus's face darkened. "Is that so?" he turned towards Artemis, who straightened up. "Daughter, would you allow me and Perseus time alone. I would need to be caught up in his events, which I'm sure he already disclosed to you."

Percy and Artemis both looked slightly embarrassed. "Of course father." Artemis replied, shimmering away. Zeus then focused his attention on to Perseus, a slightly unreadable expression on his face. "Truth to be told, it is surreal seeing you again. Even though I had decreed you to be faded, never to return, I always held out that somewhere, somehow, you might still be thriving. And here you stand, a testament to your prowess, and strength. So tell me Perseus, what happened."

And so Percy did. He first told Zeus about the tetrekar's and his connection, but he didn't mention that his father could be still around. He talked about meeting Nyx and his parentage to her, and then moved on the to the conditions she and The fates had placed on him in regards to seeking out the other Olympians. He talked about his time travelling to various cities, until he landed in Charleston, where he met Aphrodite and Zoë, and ultimately, Artemis.

"And that leads me here." Percy finished. Zeus was quiet during the entire recount; his only actions being stroking his beard as he looked deep in thought.

"So there's a race of immortals that I presume are dead, and you are partly of that sort. A being that isn't supposed to exist. Perseus, I can't help but wonder, that you didn't ask for this meeting simply to just inform me of your revival and what has been happening. There is another reason to this I believe."

"There is milord. And before I disclose that, I would ask you to please hear me out for what I have to say before you do anything rash, and to keep your calm."

Zeus raised an eyebrow. "And what would that be?"

"I know of your demigod child, Thalia, and the great prophecy that was issued. As for Thalia's disappearance, that may have happened because of me. She's been travelling with me ever since I met her in her home in L.A."

Percy gulped as he stared at Zeus, the energy in the room once again rising as the smell of ozone returned. Sparks started to burst from Zeus's fingertips, but he didn't react to what Percy said. Yet.

"Speak." He ordered. "On why you have been keeping my daughter under your custody."

"You know me Uncle, I'm the patron of heroes. And I would never leave a child stuck in an unfavorable situation, and Thalia was in one."

"Nonsense, she was perfectly safe with her mother."

"But that's where the problem was, her mother. The environment she created for Thalia, it was not good for her. She was going to run away eventually if I hadn't interfered."

"The house was well protected, I made sure of it." Zeus thundered. "And even if monsters entered, I'm sure Thalia would have handled it."

"This is not about the monsters' milord, it's about your ex-mortal lover who's her mom." Percy shot back. "Like I mentioned, it wasn't great with her. I've seen it myself, and even Thalia admitted to it. She willingly came along with me as well. It's not like I forced her to. If she didn't, I would have put her in the demigod camp, not roam the streets homeless."

Zeus narrowed his eyes. "So she was with you all this time. How didn't I and others find her presence, or yours for that matter."

"Nyx provided me with a substance that would mask my scent to not just monsters, but anyone until I so wished. I have exhausted it though now. But it provided me with enough cover to protect myself and Thalia.

"Did it?" Zeus challenged. "You mentioned visiting Dawson, I heard there was a situation in that place a few months ago. And seeing from the damage caused there, I doubt that child was properly protected.

Percy clenched his teeth, but didn't respond.

"And then there was Charleston. Apollo was kind enough to unknowingly tell me that Artemis needed some means to defeat a formidable foe. And you were there alongside her. Who was this foe Perseus, and did it have something to do with my daughter?"

Percy bit back a curse. "Yes." He then said, and Zeus's eyes flashed dangerously. "But I assure you, I did everything in my power to keep her safe, and she is. She is with the hunters, safe as can be. You can ask Amaltheia as well, who I know you sent after Thalia."

"For good reason." Zeus growled. "You weren't supposed to take her out of her home, she should have been there for a few more years. Now I have to not only rectify your mistake, but that one as well."

Percy frowned. "About that. Amaltheia informed me on what you plan on doing with Thalia. And frankly, that's a really stupid plan."

"I did not ask for your opinion nephew. And that was only for her to keep, I need to have a word with her as well."

Percy frowned. "You're not seriously considering to go with it."

"Perseus, that child is ticking time bomb with the power she currently holds upon her. even without the prophecy, her capabilities can't end well for the world, especially one that is going to enter a new millennium. I have to make sure that mistake ends up being useful for us in the long run, and for whatever the prophecy entails for the Western Civilization."

"She's not a tool Zeus!"

"And who told you to interfere! Was it Nyx, the Fates?" Zeus roared. "You weren't there during those years Perseus, when the big three children changed the fate of humanity countless times due to their power. The wars that were fought, the civilizations toppled. I am not going to be the lead instigator for another cataclysmic event, which is why I'm taking these precautions. And I certainly don't need the input of the god who has been harboring my child all this time."

Percy clenched his fists. "You can't do this to Thalia, at least not now. She's still a child, not even twelve. None of her predecessors even had to go through what you want her to go through in terms of training. She's luckily managing her powers now with my help."

Zeus raised an eyebrow. "You've been training her… of course. Why am I not surprised, she must have already connected with you..."

Zeus then sighed heavily, rubbing his temple. "Perseus, my decision regarding my daughter is final. Whether you like it or not, the fate of our very existence lies on her shoulders. I am glad however, that her outside influence was you, I myself couldn't ask for someone to lead her to the right path."

Percy frowned. "I had no intentions for that whatsoever."

"Regardless, I am not happy with the fact that my daughter could have possibly formed an attachment with you. And I may not be wrong with it being in your case too. My word is final. Thalia is to be trained under Amaltheia's tutelage, just like she did for many of my children before. And once she's of age, to lead the demigod camp for any battle that may come our way."

"However, just so we could keep a peace between us, and to celebrate your reawakening, I can allow you this. She can stay with you until the coming summer solstice. It's the least I can do for my favorite nephew; after all you have done for Olympus."

Percy rolled his eyes. "I'm your only nephew."

Zeus's eyes bored down on Percy. "Do we have an agreement?"

"You want to do it on the Styx?" Percy sarcastically asked. He meant it as a remark, but Zeus visibly winced, gingerly touching his neck.

"It doesn't matter if I refuse, I would still agree to a Styx oath regrettably." Zeus muttered. "Ever since that day, when you made me swear that other oath, where I would have to agree on any future oaths on the River Styx no matter what from either you or Artemis."

Percy frowned slightly, but then recalled what happened that day. It was when Zeus had taken advantage of Kallisto. And when his sealing powers broke out. And when he first heard his father's voice.

"That's right, I did make you swear on that…" Percy muttered.

"Is there anything else you wished to discuss with me?" Zeus then asked.

Percy thought about it, and wondered if Zeus would even believe him on this. But it was worth a try.

"Milord, I have reason to believe that the titans, may be plotting something. I have already met two so far in the mortal world."

Zeus's eyes immediately widened. "That's impossible." He thundered, clutching his unpowered master bolt tightly. "Every single one of them are imprisoned."

It took a few moments for those words to register for Percy. "Every single one?!" he exclaimed

"It was done a long time ago, as a precaution." Zeus replied, his eyes hardening. "And you have seen some out in the mortal world…"

"But, Leto? What about those who were on our side?"

"I still get reports from the hundred-handed ones, so I doubt there's something entirely wrong down there." Zeus mused. "Was there any connection you noticed with the titan's reappearances?"

"I…" Percy trailed off. He didn't think Zeus would actually do it, but after hearing it. And the Fates, they did mention Kronos was trying to. And Lelantos mentioned a master…

"It could be due to; you know… the Crooked One." Percy replied cryptically.

Zeus's expression remained neutral, but Percy could make out the storm that was brewing behind his eyes. "That's a bold claim nephew."

"It's the only claim I have. One of them was even after Thalia."

"Were they now." Zeus muttered. "Especially when she knows too much…"

"And ultimately, it was you in the end that met them head on." Zeus mumbled to himself, closing his eyes. "This may prove unbeneficial with what I'm thinking…"

Percy raised an eyebrow. "Uncle?"

"I'm assuming you were going to make it a point to let everyone know that you have returned, isn't that right Perseus?" Zeus asked, to which Percy nodded. "If you don't mind, can you keep this to just the council, and of course your mother. The reason being, while there is no concrete information on what the reason is for titans reappearing, revealing your status back in the Greek pantheon may put some motions in to play from their end. Maybe they might retaliate if they heard you are alive again, or they will hide low if they think there are no unsuspecting forces after them."

"Milord?"

"In a sense, you can hunt them down too… . Along with Artemis, and my other children as well… . Would that be fine?"

Percy shrugged. "I mean; I don't know anyone else who I would like to reveal myself to. But I still don't get what you're insinuating-"

"Then it is decided! Perseus." Zeus announced, getting up from his throne and descending down until he was Percy's height. "Truthfully, it is great to see you again. But I must apologize, for I have somewhere to be. I have been meaning to give Aeolus a security check, and I have been delaying it for far too long."

"Um, okay."

"Fret not, we will meet each other again after you've visited everyone you want to. For we would need to have another meeting, this time with the entire council present. These comments about the titans, it would be wiser to act upon them now rather than to delay it…"

And with that, Zeus's form crackled with electricity, Percy momentarily squinted his eyes as the lord of the sky flashed away, leaving him behind with the hairs on his body raised. Though they continued to be like that for a while.

---

Back in the hunt, the hunters had finished packing up and were ready to leave. They were told to move further ahead, at least till Lake Moultrie. However, unknown to them, something was lurking near their camp, analyzing each and every person's actions.

"Ready to move… so soon…" a gruff voice muttered, walking back slowly. "I don't see them though… so I'm not sure how I would approach this. Maybe if I could kidnap those two, that would make it easier."

The being then stepped back further and paused. It turned around and stared down, finding an elaborate trap, that could have been placed for outsiders.

"Or… the element of surprise."

The being then placed his foot in the trap, and was immediately swung upwards. A loud shriek echoed across the forest, making the hunters pause.

"You guys heard that right?" Phoebe asked.

"Yeah, it came… from where I set my trap!" Hunter exclaimed, her eyes widening. The hunters immediately went to investigate, with Zoë and Thalia following closely behind.

"What kind of idiot falls for Hunter's traps out of all…"

"Hey!"

"Is that… a boy?" Phoebe incredulously asked, making the hunters pause. Because sure enough, hanging upside down from a tree branch, was a boy. Or more specifically, a man. He had scraggly dirty blonde hair and a bit of an un-kept beard. He was only wearing a simple jeans and jacket. But when he slowly turned around, his brown eyes darted across the hunters faces, an unreadable expression on his face."

"You four are still here huh. I guess that's good, I do not know how to pay respects to anyone who is dead anymore."

"Who are you?" Atlana demanded, reaching for her knife.

"Just someone who doesn't care. Until now." The man replied, staring at Zoë. "Is Perseus here? I do hope so, because I don't want this to be a waste of a plane ticket. I had to mug a poor man for it."

"What- how do thee know Perseus-"

"Oh…my gods." Phoebe whispered, clenching her teeth tightly. "You?!"

"Yes?"

Phoebe continued to sputter, and then let out an animalistic growl. "Di immortals, why are all the men in our lives coming back now?"

"Uh, is he supposed to be some long lost god too?" Thalia suddenly asked, making Zoë frown. Until Phoebe's reaction, and the words 'long lost' finally clicked.

"You know, if you want to leave me here, that's fine. But just make sure to tell Perseus or Artemis that I'm here. And that Arius doesn't like waiting, okay?"

---

And we're done for now! Alright, we're finally moving on to the more juicier parts, and everything is soon coming together! I can't wait to write all that down, and show you guys it because it's going to be great. Hopefully, I hope so. So, the question about Artemis's oath was also answered, so no need for you guys to worry about that either. It'll be pretty shitty if I put angst in that part too, when there's already going to be so much- uh… moving on! And this is chapter 50 too, that's quite an achievement. Who knows, we might even make it to the century XD. But yeah, thanks everyone for still sticking around for the story, I promise, it's going to be worth it. Don't worry, I'm sure I'm going to see you guys again soon. Bye!...\/