All rights belong to Rick Riordan.

Winter Solstice, December, 2009

Percy sighed in relief. Jason had just finished his quest to save the Queen of the Gods. Thankfully, he wasn't required to intervene even if Zeus gave him permission to do so. He had thought he needed to when Porphyrion rose, but he had just sunk into the earth after Hera was freed.

Percy flashed into the throne room and banged his scythe on the ground, signaling an early start to the winter solstice meeting.

First, Zeus flashed in with confusion on his face but was erased when Hera appeared. His face became somewhat angry although he masked it well. Percy's father Poseidon flashed in next, smiling at the sight of Hera being free.

As the gods continued to flash in, Zeus was about to begin when a shadow materialized and Hades stepped out. Barely glancing at his brother Zeus raised a hand and a small black stone chair appeared, which Hades sat in.

Zeus looked at Percy, "Perseus, you called the meeting early. I'm sure we can all see why but I would like to hear it from you."

Percy nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Uncle. As all of you can see, Hera has been freed and Jason partially succeeded on his quest."

Apollo raised an eyebrow, "Partially?"

Percy sighed deeply. "Porphyrion is free."

Pandemonium broke out in the throne room. Gods shouted at each other, the earth trembled, and thunder rumbled.

"SILENCE!"

Surprisingly, the shout came from Poseidon who was seething in anger.

"In my five thousand years of being on this council, I have finally had enough. We will no longer shout at each other, no threats will be made in this throne room, and we will discuss this like the gods we are - or so help me Chaos I will make you."

The throne room shut up.

"Thank you, father. Now, as I was saying, the giant king is free once more. Fate has been… shifting a lot recently, and I have a feeling that has to do with the nature of the prophecy. Apollo, can you enlighten us as to why, maybe?"

Apollo nodded, "Of course, cuz. Alright, so basically, this prophecy is very… open. Unusually open. We thought the last one was, well this is more so. Even though the last one was vaguer, this prophecy has so many variables at play it makes my head spin. The start of all of this began almost a hundred years ago."

Many of the gods looked around in confusion before Hades' face dawned in recognition.

"Hades? What is it?"

The question came from Zeus, who was looking at his brother curiously.

Hades sighed, "I- well, Pluto became enraptured with a woman in the roaring twenties. Her name was Marie. She was a "witch" and tried to call upon a demon, or dark creature, something or another. Instead, Pluto answered and fell in love with her. From her, a daughter of mine was born. Hazel Levesque. She was born with a curse."

Zeus' eyes bored unnervingly into Hades'. He wasn't angry, though, just trying to get a grasp of the situation.

"What curse?"

Hades continued, "As you all know, Pluto has a greater affinity for the riches of the earth than I do. Well, she inherited that power-" several gods gasped, "- but it was cursed. Marie wished for all the riches of the earth, and I warned her it came at a cost. That cost fell on Hazel by the Fates. Any gem someone touched that was procured by her, they had something unfortunate happen. The more valuable the worse it was. It could be anything from a minor accident to death."

The gods were silent at Hades' words. The last child of Pluto to inherit the powers of the Rich One wasn't since the Roman Empire.

"How exactly does all of this tie into the Earth Mother?"

Hades sighed, "Gaea started to speak in her ear. Marie's, I mean. She convinced her to move to Alaska and do a task, and all would be well. Instead, Gaea took control of Marie until the very last moment when she had brought Hazel. She was attempting to raise Alcyoneus."

Zeus looked contemplative. "And this happened when? The forties?"

Hades nodded. "Gaea needed Marie to do it of free will for the last portion, in a cave where she had been going for weeks. Instead, Hazel pulled all of the riches out of the roof of the cave, sinking the island. It delayed my bane's return for a few decades, but unfortunately, he did eventually rise in the 1980's."

The gods shivered. That was a bad decade.

Zeus grumbled. "That horrible decade. The first stirrings of Father, Apollo pranking me, Poseidon threatening war until I admitted he was cooler-" Percy looked incredulously at his father. He grinned sheepishly. "- and now this. Wait, that was when Michael Varus went to Alaska. Was that?..."

At the mention of the Roman demigod the gods shifted.

Pluto nodded, "It was."

Jupiter sighed. "What a mess. Alright, wife, it is time for you to begin explaining your part in all of this."

Juno sighed, "Very well, husband. When the great prophecy was given I knew something had to be done. We need the camps to be united or else all is lost, so I came up with a plan. I kidnapped Jason, as you gave his life to me. As you can see, Jason has successfully integrated with the Greeks, Now we are just waiting on the other."

The gods looked at Juno.

"The other?"

Neptune had asked, staring at his sister. Everyone glanced warily at Neptune; he was not a god to be trifled with.

"Annabeth Chase from Camp Half-Blood."

Minerva rose, "You kidnapped my daughter!"

Juno scoffed, "Oh relax, she's only been in my palace for a few weeks. She will remain asleep until May when I send her to Lupa. She will train with Lupa and then be sent to Camp Jupiter, I have no doubt that she'll be given some form of quest to do with the prophecy."

Tempus spoke up, "She will be. I'm not exactly sure what the situation will be, but I'm almost certain that she will face Alcyoneus in Alaska. I have seen glimpses of her fate and foresaw her in an environment that was icy with two Roman demigods. If I'm able to help her, I will."

Minerva nodded, "Thank you, Tempus. I do not say that often but she is one of my better ones."

Tempus was about to respond when he got a prayer in his head.

'Percy, help! It's Thalia, the hunters are under attack by these… I don't even know what they are, they're like big ugly cockroaches and they have six hands! Help! NO! SAR-'

Tempus sat straight up on his throne and shifted back to Percy.

"I need to leave. Now."

Jupiter looked at Percy, "Why? The meeting just started."

Percy looked at Jupiter tiredly. "To help your daughter."

Before Jupiter could respond Percy flashed away.

(Break)

Percy appeared in the midst of a fierce battle between hunters and monsters. Looking around, he spotted Thalia fighting a group of what he recognized as earthborn from monster class at camp.

Stepping beside her he pulled out his scythe and destroyed five of them in one large sweep. He grinned, "See you needed some help, Thals."

His grin was wiped off of his face when he saw the tear marks under her eyes.

"Thalia, what happened?'

She hugged him and sniffled, "Sa-Sarah. I don't even know if sh-she's ali-alive. She got hit in the chest really hard by a ro-rock and I- I…"

Percy rubbed her back soothingly. "Shh, shh. I'll take care of the rest of this and check on her."

Thalia nodded and went to help Percy from behind as he fought.

It wasn't even much of a fight, really. He took out his scythe and started cutting the monsters like grain.

Is it weird to think that Saturn actually used this to harvest grain?

Percy agreed with Tempus and shuddered. "Yeah. It is."

Once the fighting was over, Percy ran to a group of hunters huddled around a girl.

"Move out of the way!"

Phoebe looked up at him with loathing and tears running down her face, "Go away, boy. It's not like you can help."

Percy looked at her and his eyes glowed purple, Phoebe's face turning white as snow.

"Move. Out. Of. The. Way."

Phoebe jumped up and ran twenty feet back as did the rest of the hunters.

When he saw the girl at the center, his heart broke. She had a large, dark bruise on her chest and her eyes were weak.

"Is your name Sarah?"

The girl weakly nodded and Percy kneeled beside her. "Can I check you? I need to touch your chest; I promise it is just to see if I can do anything about it."

The girl looked at him angrily before seemingly realizing her situation and nodded.

Percy's hands glowed gold and gently laid across her bosom. The hunters shouted furiously but Sarah looked at them to say it was okay.

Percy hunched in defeat. "Sarah, I am so sorry. I can't do anything about this as the damage is too extensive. I will let your sister say goodbye. I'll make sure Artemis casts you among the stars. I'm sorry."

Percy got up and looked at the hunters, shaking his head. Thalia and Phoebe sobbed. They all gathered around her before she passed on. Percy walked towards them once it was clear that Sarah was gone.

"Guys, let me through."

The hunters didn't even argue, too stunned at the loss of an elder hunter.

"Διατάζω την ψυχή σου να έρθει σε μένα, θεέ της μοίρας, για να βγει η Άρτεμις να ξεκουραστεί."

(I command your soul to come to me, god of fate, so that Artemis may cast out it to rest.)

At Percy's words, a blue orb floating out of Sarah's chest went over Percy's palm.

Thalia looked at Percy with a red face, "Wh-what was t-th-that?"

Percy smiled gently. "That was her soul. I will now take it to Artemis so that she may cast her soul to the stars. You will have a new view tonight."

(Break)

Percy stood dejectedly at Artemis' palace door. He really didn't want to do this, and if she blamed him, he honestly couldn't fault her for it. They were currently his responsibility.

He knocked. The door opened.

"Who?"

Percy saw her face and his heart broke.

"Sarah."

Artemis choked back a sob. "Where is she?"

Percy sighed, "Can I come in?"

Artemis wordlessly walked away leaving the door open. Percy entered hesitantly.

Truthfully, the inside of her palace was beautiful. Silver and black color schemes, deer and boar heads, furs, plaques of fallen huntresses, and a giant chandelier - it made a breathtaking sight.

He sat down on the couch in the main room and she sat opposite him on another one.

"Her body is being tended to by her sisters, but I have something for you."

Artemis scowled at him, tears running down her face. "What could you possibly have that I would want right now?"

Percy smiled and held his hand out to her over the table and opened it. Slowly, a medium-sized blue orb materialized in front of the Moon Goddess. She gasped.

"How did you-?"

Percy smiled, "I don't know, but it came naturally to me."

Artemis breathed and took it from him, the orb floating between her hands. "Follow me."

They went outside to a balcony and she placed the orb in front of her mouth. She blew, and the orb flew out into the sky and stars.

"Κύριε Ουρανό και Κριό, παρακαλώ δεχτείτε αυτή τη νέα ψυχή στα πεδία σας. Έχει ζήσει μια ζωή αντάξια και εγώ, η θεά της Σελήνης, την επαινώ για τη γενναιότητα της."

(Lord Ouranos and Krios, please accept this new soul into your domains. She has lived a worthy life and I, the Moon Goddess, commend her for her bravery.)

"Όπως η μητέρα σου σου έδωσε ζωή ανάμεσα στους ζωντανούς, σου δίνω μια νέα ζωή ανάμεσα στα αστέρια. Θα είστε γνωστός ως ο λύκος, το αιώνιο σύμβολο του κυνηγιού σας για βαθειά αδελφότητα."

(As your mother gave you life among the living, I give you a new life among the stars. You will be known as the wolf, the eternal symbol of your hunt for deep sisterhood.)

Percy smiled at Artemis. "That was the most beautiful thing I've ever witnessed."

Artemis smiled weakly. "Yes, it is something to witness."

Artemis started crying again, and Percy stood there awkwardly. Hesitantly stepping forward, he asked, "Artemis? It's going to be al-"

The goddess launched herself at him, crying into his shirt.

Comfort her, you imbecile.

'But she'll kill me! She probably doesn't even know what she's doing!'

You are a loser.

Percy mentally shot Tempus a bird and put his arms around the goddess.

"Y-you were the la-last person to see her alive. Was she- was she in pain?"

Percy held her head against his chest and rubbed her hair comfortingly.

"She might have been briefly, but when I got to her her last few moments were without pain and with her sisters."

Artemis sobbed harder.

"I am truly sorry, Artemis. I wish I could have done more. I didn't even foresee it happening."

Artemis hicupped. "Do-does that mean that something else is at pl-play?"

Percy shook his head above her, his chin rubbing her hair. "Not necessarily. I don't always see everything. If I had I would have changed it in a heartbeat."

Artemis nodded weakly. Percy shuffled awkwardly, still holding her. "Well, I guess I'll head off. I've brought you enough pa-"

"No! St-stay. Pl-please."

Percy's heart broke further. He would have never expected to see the man-hater almighty moon goddess reduced to such a state, but here she was seeking him of all people for comfort. Her voice was so tiny, so small - he felt compelled to listen to her.

"Okay. Okay, I'll stay."

Percy gently led her inside and sat on the couch. Artemis laid her head on his shoulder.

'Tempus, you, uh, ever notice anything? She's never acted like this to me before. I don't know why she trusts me so much.'

It's because you've watched her hunters, dude. Even though one died you did everything you could.

'I mean, I guess. I just don't get it.'

Maybe she secretly has the hots for you.

'Shut up, Tempus. Besides, she is a man-hating virgin goddess.'

Pussy.

Percy rolled his eyes. Tempus was a bully.

Wait, did that mean he bullied himself?

Shaking his head, he stroked Artemis' hair as she silently cried on his shoulder. Eventually, both fell into a deep sleep on her couch.

(Break)

The council had been debating for a while now and Tempus grew tired of it. It was almost always pointless bantering with nothing being done. While it wasn't as chaotic since Poseidon's threat, it was still meaningless.

"Enough."

The council quieted down and looked at Tempus.

"There is nothing to do for now besides wait. Once Annabeth Chase is sent to Camp Jupiter the ball will start rolling. While that is happening, I will do what I can. Leading from that, I have a proposal, Uncle."

Zeus waved Tempus to go on, watching him curiously.

"I know for a fact there are demigods out there that haven't been claimed. I propose that Artemis, Apollo, and I split up to gather them. The numbers will help us."

Apollo looked giddy at being able to work with Percy. He most likely figured that he would be able to get him drunk again. Artemis scowled.

"I won't be able to bring Romans in."

Tempus looked at her curiously. "Why not?"

Artemis shifted into Diana, and the entire council looked stunned. Diana had not been seen by the council since Spain. "While I do have huntresses that were with me during the Empire, and thus know of my other form, they are sworn to never speak of it and I also have not informed them of Camp Jupiter's existence. You and Apollo will have to handle the Romans, as there are also more of them than the Greeks."

Tempus and Apollo shrugged. "That works. Just don't rough the boys you'll find up, assuming Zeus approves?"

Zeus looked contemplative. "Very well. I suppose I can start to lift the ban on mortal interaction, but only as necessary. The only reason I'm allowing it is because you three are mostly in control of your forms."

(Break)

Percy sat in his palace, relaxing after a long day. Since Zeus' approval two months ago, Artemis, Apollo, and Percy had brought in over thirty demigods between the camps. Most of them were Roman, around twenty, but that was to be expected. Rome was always bigger than Greece after a certain point and thus there had been more demigods. It also seemed mortals attracted the Roman forms of the gods instead of the Greek, anyway.

Hearing a knock at his palace, he opened the door and revealed Aphrodite. He raised an eyebrow.

"Can I help you?"

She smiled beautifully at him, "I came to ask a question. Can I come in?"

Percy sighed and waved for her to enter. "What is it, Aphrodite?"

She huffed, "So impatient. I was wondering if I… well, if I could take you, um… on a date?"

Percy looked at her in disbelief. "You haven't directly talked to me since, what, a few years ago? And now you want to take me on a date? I find that a little hard to believe, especially with you and Ares being together."

Her face darkened, "I haven't been with him for around a year. I finally realized that after a four-thousand-year fling, he wasn't worth it. Being a war god might be hot but raping and killing isn't."

Percy's face darkened. "That sounds like him."

Aphrodite waved her hand, "Anyway, enough about him. Will you go out with me, Percy?"

Percy looked at her. "You're married to Hephaestus."

She scoffed, "Look, I really do understand how that's offputting but you do realize he cheats on me? And, I also wouldn't consider it cheating. I was married against my will, Percy. I don't want it and neither does he, so while we are technically married, we might as well not be."

Percy sighed. "Look, you're beautiful and everything, but I don't want to make anyone angry. I also don't trust you. What are you looking to get out of this, Aphrodite? What do you want? A relationship? I find that hard to believe."

She sighed, "Just give me a chance, Percy. Just one. One date, one night, and I promise you'll enjoy it."

He looked at her skeptically. "Fine. I can't believe I'm agreeing to this but fine. I'll allow you to take me on one date."

She squealed and hugged him, "Thank you!"

She flashed away in a puff of pink smoke and Percy shook his head. "Unbelievable."

Dude, what are you doing?

"What do you mean, Tempus?"

What about Artemis?

Percy could see the mental image of Tempus wiggling his eyebrows and Percy rolled his eyes.

"First off, she's a maiden goddess, so that wouldn't even work. Second, she doesn't like me or any other guy like that. Third, I'm not sure that I'm even interested in her."

Whatever.

(Break)

Percy sat at a table with Aphrodite in Paris. He had to admit she had gone all out; the restaurant was very nice, she had dressed with almost no makeup on (which Percy preferred) and she had been nothing but, well… Percy hated to admit it but amazing.

He found that talking with Aphrodite was very easy and they had soon been talking for several hours. They had shared several glasses of wine but due to their godly essence, it did little to nothing.

"Well, have you enjoyed yourself, Percy?"

Percy smiled, "I'm surprised to say that yes, I have. You are a very interesting person. There's a lot underneath what people paint you as."

Aphrodite smiled widely, "I'm glad to hear that. What would you like to do?"

Percy hummed. "We can go back to my palace and watch a movie if you would like."

Aphrodite looked at him incredulously.

Percy blushed gold, "N-not li-like that! I mean… I- we could-"

Aphrodite giggled uncontrollably. "Oh Percy, you're so cute. Of course, we can."

Soon, Percy found himself on a couch with Aphrodite in his palace watching a romance movie; no surprise there. Aphrodite soon ended up snuggled into his side, his arm around her shoulder. His head rested above her chin.

"Are you awake?"

She looked at him with a smile, "Of course. I wouldn't leave you hanging like that."

Percy looked confused, "What do you mean by-"

Her lips brushed against his and his mind went blank.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

He pushed Tempus' rambling out of his brain and found Aphrodite looking at him with sadness. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you didn't want to."

Instead of replying, Percy grabbed her chin and kissed her firmly. She gasped and smiled into the kiss, shifting herself on top of him.

"Aphrodite, I- what am I-"

She put her finger against his lips. "It doesn't have to be anything. We can cherish this for just us. This can be more if you want, or not. I don't care. I'm enjoying myself."

Percy looked at her unsurely. "Percy, it doesn't make you a bad person. We are gods, yes? We have desires, wants, and needs. Let me give you what you want- what you need. I know you desire me, Percy, and I you. Let us have this one night."

"Aphrodite, can I uh… think about this? I really enjoyed this, and you're amazing but I just need to figure out what I want."

She smiled at him and nodded, "Of course. Just let me know, yeah?"

Percy smiled and kissed her once more, "I will."

(Break)

Percy was in a dilemma. For now, he had sent Tempus to silently watch over Camp Jupiter so he was doing something, even though he didn't like it. While he was weakened since essentially half of his essence was in Tempus, he liked it better without him constantly talking in his head.

Percy looked upon the ocean; he had found himself standing on Montauk Beach.

"Father, I request to enter your domain."

For almost a moment, Percy was going to leave in disbelief as no response came, but soon he felt a comforting sea breeze envelop him and he knew he had been given approval.

Arriving at the Gates of the Sea Jewel, Atlantis, he looked at the guards. "I have come to visit my father. Please let me through."

The mermen looked at him indifferently, "No visitors at this time."

Percy's face grew harder, "Do you want to anger your Lord? My father, King Poseidon is waiting for me."

At the mention of the Sea Lord's name, the guards looked at Percy closer and widened their eyes, "We-we're s-sorry My Lord! We di-didn't recognize you! P-Please fo-forgive us!"

Percy rolled his eyes, "You're forgiven and don't call me 'My Lord'. I am not your king."

Pushing past the gates he stared in awe of the city around him. He had not visited in a long time - not since Beckendorf's death, and that had been because he was almost blown to smithereens on the Princess Andromeda.

His father certainly knew how to make Olympus look like junior architecture.

Arriving at the Court of Poseidon, Percy knocked and a guard opened.

"Business?"

"Lord Perseus, here to see my father."

The guard looked him over and nodded, "You may enter, My Lord."

Percy fought the urge to strangle the guard. "Don't call me that. I'm not your Lord, my father is."

The guard chuckled, "Ah, but you are one of the seas. You are the second Prince of Atlantis, whether you like it or not, My Lord."

Percy glared before shaking his head and moving on, hearing the guard laugh behind him. Eventually, he reached his father's throne which housed the man himself. Amphitrite sat on his left on a slightly smaller throne while Triton floated next to his father's side, wielding a silver trident.

Deciding to show respect, he bowed. "My Lord and Lady, I have arrived to seek a private audience with my father."

When his statement was met with silence, he looked up only to see Poseidon's lips quirking. Eventually, he failed and burst out into a belly laugh that would have made Thanatos crack a smile.

"Oh, my, that was funny. Son, you never have to ask permission to come here - you are one of mine. Also, while I do appreciate the bowing, please don't. Ever again. I do not like my own family bowing to me and you know the sea does not like to be restrained, regardless of the cage."

Percy had heard the words before and internally agreed. Standing up, he grinned. "I have to be infuriating sometimes, Dad. How else will I get on your nerves?"

Poseidon chuckled, "Just like me. Although you are eerily similar to your mother."

At his words, Poseidon saw his wife side-eye him and Triton gave his father a dirty look.

Percy was facing a dilemma entirely worse.

"Oh shit."

Poseidon raised an eyebrow, "What is it?"

Percy paled rapidly, "I, uh… I haven't talked to Mom since before the war ended."

Poseidon looked at Percy in disbelief. "You're dead."

Percy nodded, "Oh yeah. I'm toast. Want to come with me? It'd give us a chance to talk anyway."

Percy realized his words too late and tried to backpedal, "My Lady, I am sorry, I did not think -"

Amphitrite scoffed with a look of disdain, "No, you didn't. Just like your father. Go, Poseidon. We will talk later."

The Queen of the Seas vanished in a flurry of bubbles and Poseidon hunched. "You've done it now, Percy. Yes, I will go with you. It will be nice to see Sally again after all this time."

Percy nodded. "Alright, cool. Let's go."

Poseidon grabbed Percy's shoulder and flashed away, Percy not missing the last look of loathing Triton gave his half-brother.

(Break)

Percy and his Father appeared right outside of Sally Jackson's door.

"You knock."

Poseidon scoffed, "I'm not the one who forgot to tell his mother that he is a god on the council."

Percy grinned, "And I'm not the one who forgot to visit my mother, even though you technically could."

Poseidon paled. "That was a cheap shot."

Percy shrugged, "Rock paper scissors for who has to knock."

Poseidon grunted, "Game on, son."

"Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!"

Poseidon scowled, looking at Percy's scissors to his paper. "You got lucky."

"Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!"

"NO!"

Poseidon hunched in defeat and Percy laughed. "Try to beat the god of inevitability and fate in a game of chance again, Dad. Great idea."

Poseidon looked at Percy in mock-loathing, "Now listen here, you little punk, when this is over and I get my hands on you-"

Before Poseidon could get a fake threat out, the door opened and Sally Jackson stood open-mouthed at the sight of her once-lover and her son who had not spoken to her in months.

She half sobbed, half laughed, and launched herself at her son who hugged her with tears in his eyes.

"Hey, mom."

Sally sobbed and Poseidon looked both happy and uncomfortable.

Sally pulled back and cupped his face as if he wasn't real and then -

SLAP!

Percy stumbled back in disbelief while Poseidon decided the sky was very interesting.

"Inside, now. And don't think I forgot you, Poseidon, get in here too."

Poseidon and Percy exchanged looks of mutual doom before heading in the door with a fuming Sally behind them.

(Break)

"You what?"

"Uh, yeah. I'm a god now, Mom."

Sally looked at Percy in awe, "My boy? A god?"

Percy nodded sheepishly, "Yeah. God of Fate, Inevitability, and Time at your service."

Sally looked blankly at Percy.

"I think it'd be best if you started from the beginning."

Percy chuckled, "Yeah, probably so. Basically, I fought Kronos in the throne room, and Luke took back control for a moment. I gave him a knife and he killed himself, thus killing Kronos. Normally, Kronos would have gone to Tartarus but his essence being scattered in the process of not being fully formed sent him to the void."

Sally nodded, "So when did you become a god?"

Percy sighed, "Well, to be honest, I've learned that a few more things were at play. The primordial of fate, whose name I shall not utter due to names having power, decided I was the best candidate for the god of fate and inevitability. I probably would have said no but she steered me in the direction of accepting, which I did. I trained with Uncle Zeus for around a week before being set on my own."

Sally shook her head in wonder. "Your life will never be dull, Percy."

Percy scratched the back of his head, "Uh, yeah, that's actually what I wanted to talk to Dad about, and I guess you can know too…"

Poseidon looked at his son in concern, "Is everything alright, son?"

Percy sighed. "I don't know. A lot of weird stuff has happened in my life recently and I'm not sure how to feel."

Poseidon raised his eyebrows, "Such as?"

Percy coughed, "Well, one of Artemis' hunters died on my watch. I took her soul and gave it to Artemis who put it in the stars, and she proceeded to cry and fall asleep on my shoulder."

Poseidon stared blankly at Percy. "You're treading a fine line, son. If a god like Apollo even suspects that you are with his sister, he will try to kill you. Not that I wouldn't take revenge, of course."

Percy laughed, "Please, Apollo stands no chance."

Poseidon scowled, "It's not a good thing to be arrogant, son. He's thousands of years older than you."

Percy held his hands up placatingly, "No, I'm being serious. He actually stands no chance. I think the Fates may have overdone it when they made me a god because if I use my domains in a fight with any of the council, except you and uncle I would win. Maybe not Athena, I'm not sure. But I fought Artemis and well… she didn't fair too well."

"You fought with Artemis? I'll kill her!"

Percy widened his eyes, "No, no! It was so her hunters could watch. I had asked her to teach me archery and she asked in return for me to put on a show for her hunters so they wouldn't brush off close combat anymore."

Poseidon relaxed, "Well, good job then. Anyway, what else has happened?"

Percy's face turned gold and Poseidon's eyes lit up in mischief. "Ah, there's a girl, isn't there?"

Percy said nothing and his face turned more yellow.

Deciding to join the conversation, Sally gave Percy a piece of her mind.

"Perseus Jackson, do you have a woman in your life and I don't know about it?"

Percy winced at the use of his full name. "Uh, kind of? I'm not sure… we went on one date, and, um…"

Percy blushed an impossible shade of gold which made Poseidon cackle. Not at Percy's embarrassment, but at the beratement he was about to receive from his mother.

"PERSEUS JACKSON! Did you do that with a woman on the first date?"

Percy paled, "Mom, no! She wanted to but I stopped her and told her I need to think about it."

Sally relaxed somewhat. "Okay, good."

Poseidon chuckled, "So, who is it?"

Percy fiddled with his thumbs. "You're not gonna like it and I really need advice on what I should do."

Poseidon's eyebrows rose. "Well, let's hear it. It's not like I'll kill her."

Percy sighed and mumbled a name quietly. Sally looked confused, "Who did you say, Percy?"

Poseidon stared at Percy in disbelief. "You didn't."

Percy shrugged helplessly, "I did. I really didn't intend for it to turn out that way but it did."

Sally stared at Percy, "Who?"

"Aphrodite."

Sally looked at Percy. "I don't even know what to say. Poseidon, this is your court."

With that, Sally walked to the kitchen to presumably make Percy's favorite blue cookies.

Poseidon sighed, "Son, I really don't know what to tell you. Did she offer you a relationship?"

Percy nodded, "Yeah, she did."

Poseidon hummed. "Well, she was being serious then. She doesn't offer relationships unless she means it, and I'm surprised she would like more out of it. I'll say this - if you think it would make you happy, then go for it. Just don't get disappointed when it doesn't work out."

Percy nodded, "Thanks, Dad. I think I'll try and see how it goes, but I won't hold high expectations."

Poseidon nodded, "Good idea."

Sally came back into the lying room with a tray full of cookies, "So, did you boys finish your conversation?"

Percy blushed, "Yeah. Also, I almost forgot - Mom, there's someone you should meet."

Sally appeared sceptical. "Who?"

Percy's form shifted. He grew around an inch taller, his hair lengthened into a black ponytail, and his eyes changed from purple to gold.

"Hello, Mother."

Sally looked confusedly at Poseidon, "What happened to him?"

Poseidon sighed before wincing in pain. His form shifted as well. Soon, realization dawned on Sally.

"Oh, I think I see. Hello, Neptune, It's been a while."

Neptune grinned, "Hello, Sally. Beautiful as ever, like a pearl in the sea."

Sally blushed. "Father, stop flirting with my mother and explain."

Neptune had the decency to look abashed, "Sorry. This is Tempus, Percy's Roman form."

Sally looked bewildered. "He has a Roman form? How?"

Neptune blushed. "Well, when we… conceived Percy, Poseidon found you so beautiful that I was attracted as well. For but a moment, I was a mix of both myself and Poseidon, which has never happened in the history of the gods."

Sally blushed heavily. "Well, that's nice to know."

Neptune and Tempus both reverted once again and Percy stood up, Poseidon following soon after.

"Give me a hug. Mom."

Sally laughed and hugged her son tightly. "Please visit more often. Paul wasn't here today and he would have loved to see you."

Percy nodded, "I will, don't worry. Time passing is weird as a god, it feels much shorter."

Sally nodded, "I understand. Just don't forget me, Percy. I'll always be your Mama."

Percy laughed and squeezed his mother once more before letting go. "Bye Mom, I love you."

"I love you too Percy. And Poseidon? Take care of my boy."

Poseidon grinned, "Always, Sally."

They both flashed away and as Sally thought further, she cried in happiness that Percy was finally able to have a relationship with his father.

(Break)

Several Months Later

Annabeth woke with a start.

Looking at her surroundings, she noticed that she was in a dilapidated mansion with overgrowth on the inside.

The next thing she noticed was that she couldn't remember a thing.

Who was she?

Annabeth. Yes, that was her name. Where did she come from?

She had no clue. She couldn't remember any family, any friends, or any location that might have been of importance.

Hello, Annabeth Chase.

Annabeth turned quickly and froze in fear.

A massive wolf was stalking her. She was around 5 feet tall and 7 feet long.

My name is Lupa. Let us see if you shall be worthy, hmm?

The wolf growled and Annabeth readied herself for the fight of her life.

So that's the end of this chapter. I'm not sure I really like how it panned out, but it is what it is.

I'm mainly experimenting with this story, and seeing where it goes. I don't necessarily have a goal for how long I would like it to be, but we'll see where it takes us.

I know many of you will be surprised by the Percy/Aphrodite pairing, but I promise you it isn't permanent. It will build character for Percy, and for now, he deserves some happiness, doesn't he?

I will repeat this once more; Percy in this story is more god-like. While he does still have his childish moments, as you saw with his game with Poseidon, he is a god and thus will act as one. Percy knows his worth and is still discovering his power.

I expect things to heat up a bit in the next few chapters.

Good day to you all.