Authors Note: Annnnddd, I'm back! Again! Why does this feel like an achievement, I don't like it! I should be updating more often, but I can't! I should stop putting an exclamation mark! On with the chapter!
Chapter 49: Awaited Talks
Percy didn't like to admit it, but his head always was a mess. It wasn't his fault though, a lot seemed to happen to just him, for better or worse. And it only evolved into a slight permanent headache, more prominent ever since he awoke from his sealed slumber.
But now…now it felt so heavy that the god felt like he was going to be sick. And he didn't even know why. Was it the recent fight with the titan, or the sight of Artemis?
"Oh…" Percy moaned internally as he felt insides twist. Maybe it was the latter. And where was the ringing noise coming from, his head. Or was it Lelantos's distant whimpers?
He tried to look away from Artemis's slow turning blank face, but he couldn't. Though the more he gazed at her, the sicker he felt… what the hell was wrong with him?
"Okay, before I might lose my sanity." Percy breathed out as he approached the goddess. "I know I have a lot to say, and-"
Percy spied Lelantos trying to fade away. Not wasting his chance. He dissolved into the shadows and reappeared besides the titan, leveling his sword at its neck.
"Oh…I'm sorry…" Lelntos gasped out, grinning crookedly. "Am I interrupting a lover's reunion? Or is a lovers spat more appropriate?"
"Enough games, and I don't mean this lightly." Percy gritted out. "We have you completely under our clutches. There are three of us Olympian's backing this claim, you have nowhere to hide."
"Now that's a bore." Lelantos muttered. "I quite enjoyed our little game of hunt. I didn't have any comparable companions to play with back in the day, you all are my finest specimens. My prized-"
"Yeah, yeah, we get the picture." Percy muttered, rolling his eyes. Suddenly, he saw a volley of arrows heading straight for him and the titan from his peripheral vision, causing him to back away. The titan grinned in response and became momentarily see through, which caused the arrows to harmlessly pass through him, and he then took of once again.
"NO!" Percy cried out, balling his fist tightly. Before he could reach however, he heard Artemis let out a cry behind him, prompting him to turn around in case anything had happened. What he didn't expect was the truly genuine hatred behind his lovers eyes as she lunged towards him, the action giving him just a split second to realize what was about to happen.
"Fuck." Percy thought.
Artemis grabbed Percy's face with one hand, her nails digging deep into his skin. With all her might, she brought him down to the ground, leaving a large indent where the chin impacted. She then forcefully twisted Percy's head, which even he was surprised could withstand being twisted like that, and not hurt at the same time. She then grabbed his hair and violently began smashing his head on the pavement, the echoes of the action resounding the area.
"Titan… imposter… never… απατεώνας!"
"No- no Artemis stop- I'm not…" Percy tried to choke out, his form glowing. Artemis eyes momentarily widened but then hardened, with her form began to glow as well. Percy cursed internally as he sensed Artemis trying to turn into her true form, most likely a response for what he was about to do.
"Of course her seeing me isn't going to lead to happy stuff. Why is my track record with this stuff so bad after coming back?" Percy groaned internally. "I need to act fast, with Artemis and Lelantos."
Percy shot back quickly, holding his hands out. The sky darkened as a wall of shadows began to envelope around him and Artemis.
"Zoë, I need you to track Lelantos, he's on the move. Get Aphrodite, and even Thalia to help. I'm occupied with something…which I don't want to escape from if I'm being honest." Percy communicated telepathically. Taking a deep breath, he walked slowly towards the goddess, who was turning around with a mix of confusion and anger. She noticed Percy approaching her and quickly got her bow out, nocking a lone arrow that was pulsing with energy and aimed towards the sky.
"Deep breaths, deep breaths. Don't rush, don't rush." Percy thought, his mind swimming with unsaid words.
Artemis continued to watch him like a predator eyeing up its prey, mere moments before it would go on a kill. But he could see it, the look of uncertainty, and a spark, as if she was also contemplating what she's seeing before her, and whether if he was who she thought he was. Or was not.
Artemis's face then hardened as she pulled the arrow down further. "Shit, talk now, talk now!" Percy panicked, his fingers twitching.
"That…mark." Artemis muttered, her eyes narrowing. "Reveal your right arm!" she demanded.
Percy gulped but complied, dropping his coat. He the shifted the sleeves up to show his arm. If he remembered correctly, the damage was less the last time Artemis saw it, so he wasn't sure if seeing more of it would help his case or not. But Artemis just stood there, her face expressionless as she stared at the greyed arm, all the way to his shoulder.
"You… I witnessed you producing hellfire. No being can replicate a primal resource."
"They can steal it." Percy blurted out like an idiot.
Artemis raised an eyebrow. "True… but then that would mean I have to entertain the idea of an imbecile parading around with Perseus's fire…"
"But you don't have to." Percy exclaimed, taking a step forward.
Artemis stepped back, making Percy pause. He cursed himself. He knew this was going to be a delicate process, he can't rush this lest he ruin it.
"Okay…I" Percy began but then paused. "Who do you think I am. And please, give me an honest answer because only then I would know how to approach you… and this."
Artemis stared at him silently and closed her eyes, letting out a deep breath. "I see in front of me, the image of my lover. He speaks his tongue, and looks like him…though a bit modern. I've witnessed him display the same abilities he has…but is it truly him? Is he the really the one who I and many others lost, millennia ago?"
Percy nodded slowly. "Of course you're wary, you have every right to be and I won't fault you for it. But please, give me the chance at least to prove that it is indeed me. And I can, I will."
"I am Lykofos Perseus, the son of Hestia. I'm the god of the eclipse, the twilight, the in between of the sun and moon. I am the bearer of the primal hellfire, and…co-founder of the hunters of the twilight moon-"
"Stop." Artemis stated, a hint of anger in her voice. "Anyone can repeat those words; you think you have any credence when speaking that? Try harder."
Percy narrowed his eyes. "What else can I speak of then? I'm asking you, to at least take my word for now so that..."
Percy remembered something. A conversation. Something that happened not too long for him, but for Artemis. Though, with how important that day was for them, there was no way she would forget the talk they had. She couldn't, it was too important for both of them.
"During the gigantomachy.' Percy began. "We…had a talk before the war. And an oath was made that day."
Artemis still had the blank look on her face, but Percy was sure he saw a glimmer of recognition in her eyes.
"We had that talk at one of our lowest points ever. When I tried to kill you…wow that feels like yesterday." Percy sighed. "We were at such odds, you and Apollo had slaughtered those Theban children, I tried to involuntarily what, seal you two for the rest of your life? I decided I was no better than a monster and ran away, you then came to me later and swore on the Styx of all things to be a better goddess which surprised the hell out of me."
Thunder rumbled overhead. Percy let out a shuddering breath as he took a step forward. There was no response from the goddess, so Percy took the initiative to carry on.
"We tried to comfort each other at that time of uncertainty, and I couldn't have asked for a better moment before fighting in an all-encompassing war-"
"You called yourself a monster." Artemis whispered. "I disagreed."
Percy broke into a grin. "Vehemently." He replied.
"Your head was in your arse that day. Though when is it never." Artemis sighed out, a chuckle escaping her. Percy noted Artemis's form was taking shape, it was slowly aging up.
"You were having second doubts about our relationship too. What, you thought I was just going to leave you behind so easily?" Percy quipped.
"…You did." Artemis said softly.
Percy blinked, wondering if she was talking about that time in the world between worlds. But then he realized he had left her behind after Thebes. That time when he encountered Gaia and Foteinos.
"But I don't really blame you for that. You were traumatized." Artemis replied, rubbing her arms.
"But, I did decide to help you with that power. To prove you were not some freak, to continue to love, and guide you."
Percy sucked his breath in when he realized he was now actually standing in front of Artemis. No arrow at his face, no divine intervention trying to separate them. He was facing her, though Artemis had her head down.
"Didn't we agree we were both monster's?" Artemis asked. "For the things we did, and our natures…"
"I thought we agreed to be each other's saviors. Are we still holding on to that?" Percy asked softly.
Percy gently cupped Artemis's face, which was damp from the tears streaming down her face. Artemis slowly looked up, her eyes closed and breathing heavily.
"Άρτεμις?"
"Περσεύς?"
Artemis then opened her eyes, which were now brimming with tears. Percy was no better as he was struggling to compose himself from kissing Artemis and crying at the same time.
"You… stupid… of gods-" Artemis choked out, burrowing her head into Percy's chest. "No one knows; no one knew of that conversation…only us…"
"I would never forget. You, never as long as I breathe." Percy said with a shuddering breath. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry…"
"No, please be quite. I don't want to hear anything, I just- I just want to soak this in, all this…this is too much…"
Percy gently nodded, bringing in Artemis to an embrace. She momentarily stiffened, but the slowly relaxed, her grip on Percy's shirt tightening. They continued to stay like this, until Percy felt Artemis shift beneath him. He glanced down to find Artemis cupping his head and brining it forward. He was then met with a passionate kiss, which definitely made him go numb and giddy at the same time. Artemis looked like to be feeling the same way, until she suddenly stayed still. She immediately let go of Percy and stumbled back, a mixture of shock, happiness and confusion settling on her face, which was also mirrored on Percy.
"I… that titan… did we just let it go?" Artemis whispered.
"Oh, yeah… . You know, I just realized something myself."
"What?"
"After the war." Percy replied, rubbing his neck sheepishly. "I said I'll take you somewhere. A new destination. Problem is, I didn't take into account I would do something as stupid as sealing myself for millennia to come."
Artemis was silent for a while, until a tried sigh was heard coming out from her. "I don't know if I should thank the Fates that you're still you. Though I had hoped you would have said something along the lines of "We let a titan go loose'."
"Oh, yeah of course." Percy murmured sheepishly. "I mean; I did put someone on to get them."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Oh, you are not going to believe who all I ran by in this town…"
"Why don't you tell me later. We do have a titan to capture now." Artemis replied, her demeanor a bit strange. She then launched herself up, running along the rooftops. Percy wondered momentarily if something was up but then pushed it aside. He was by Artemis's side again, and that's what mattered to him he thought as he followed the goddess's trail.
"Are you sure Percy asked us to find that titan? Again?!"
"Yes." Zoë gritted out. "I don't understand it either. I thought he had apprehended him."
"Just what we need." Aphrodite replied with a sigh. "Any idea where he could be?"
"Well, he is after the child, so…" Zoë remarked, glancing at Thalia.
Thalia folded her arms. "Are you going to use me as bait?" she accused.
Zoë held her arms up. "I never insinuated that."
"Liar." Aphrodite stated calmly.
The wind suddenly became dry, and then immediately chilly. Zoë grimaced as she slung her bow out, while Thalia hid behind her and the goddess.
"I never knew Olympians were this foolish. They let me go, just like that. I expected to be down in the pit by now, but at least I won't go empty handed." Lelantos's empty voice echoed around them.
"Again with the invisible act." Aphrodite groaned. "Come on, we know it's you, you don't have to hide!"
"But that would ruin the game, don't we like games in this family?" Lelantos asked. "I heard my Uncles had such fun ones. Who can run the fastest around the globe? Who can pick off the flowers from Rhea's head. And who can hold down father Ouranos down the longest."
A light breeze brushed past, making them flinch. Suddenly, a large gust of wind began to emit around them, with Lelantos moving along with it, searching for an opening.
But before he could make a move, the air around suddenly changed, which was felt by everyone. A sizzling sound was then heard overhead and looking up, the source seemed to come from a lone arrow, piercing through the sky and emitting a bellow of smoke. As soon as it disappeared into the clods, a bright flash of light ensued, followed by what looked like thousands of glowing silver arrows raining down upon where Lelantos and the other three were.
"Is she mad?!" Aphrodite cried out as she erected a barrier above her, Zoëand Thalia. She then drew a circle with her palm above her, which caused the barrier to enlarge and encompass them all.
"That looks like milady's…" Zoë said, trailing off.
"Oh that's your milady alright." Aphrodite grumbled a she braced for the attack. Lelantos on the other hand laughed out loud, his voice blending in with the heavy roar of the wind.
"Is this the best an Olympian goddess can do? Our lord was right; this civilization is on its last embers. And we should be the ones to-"
Lelantos stopped speaking midway when he felt something shift. Not just physically beneath him, but around him as well. He was confused. He knew he was unseen, obscured. So why did he feel… watched.
Lelantos suddenly writhed in pain as he felt his body shift, and to his horror, dark wisps of shadows were coming out of his body. Shadow tendrils erupted from his surroundings and began to encircle him as well, with the wisps coming out of the titan's body slowly merging with the larger tendrils. The silver arrows from the sky then began to rain down, and with Lelantos incapacitated, the sounds of the wind were then replaced with the muffled cries of the titan.
Artemis then shimmered into view, drawing out her daggers. She jumped from the roof and landed on top of the immobilized titan, cocking her head to the side as she studied him.
"I didn't know you could do this." Artemis thought.
"Always thought of doing it. Took the chance today." Percy replied back, his fingers twitching. His heart was beating erratically for some reason on seeing Artemis. Unbeknownst to him, even she was experiencing the same thing.
Lelantos struggled with his bounds, but with arrows embedding his body as well, he couldn't move much. though his form started to gradually glow. The goddess responded with pressing a dagger to his neck, and the other aimed next to his ear, the tip pointing to the entrance.
"Make one false move… I ought to slay you here at your weakest."
Lelantos tried to laugh, though it came out like a cough. "You believe this will hold me? Do you not know of my nature?"
"Do you not know ours?" Percy's voice echoed out as he emerged from within a shadow. "We are hunters. It wouldn't look good on our track records you know."
Lelantos sneered. "Don't give me that crap, I bested you initially, along with that nymph. And I will complete my mission!"
Artemis growled out, but before she could strike, Lelantos released a shockwave. Even though Percy anticipated it, he only had enough time to pull up barriers for him and Artemis. They both cursed as they watched Lelantos slip out. Percy formed a hookshot and launched it while Artemis shot a powered up arrow, both of them targeted to the titan, but still missed as the side of a building exploded from the impact. Percy then launched himself downwards, the ground beneath him cracking and giving way. He then shot up, with large chunks of earth following him at his wake. Artemis followed close by.
"You have any idea on tracking a being whose specialty is being unnoticed?" Percy asked.
"Not to this extent." Artemis grumbled.
"Would you like me to check with the stars themselves?"
"Oh gods…"
"Or do you wish no harm to befall them like me? Maybe the roots of the sunrise then."
"Oh hush you." Artemis glared at Percy, who was grinning maniacally. "I was just rambling to keep him occupied, nothing else."
"Ohhhh the lovely couple is bickering?" Lelantos's voice broke through. "I wonder-"
"You keep out of this." Artemis shouted, firing splitting arrows where the voice came from. The tree in the way exploded into flames.
"Okay, what have we got." Artemis asked telepathically.
"Well, we have a titan who was neutral in the war, so not much information about him. He has mastery over the wind, and aerial predators like the falcon." Percy answered.
"From little I remember from my mother, he was the first being who pioneered hunting, at least the basics of it. Was skilled in being unobserved, and out of sight."
"Wish he was out of mind too. So we can have two options. One, we make him chase us and then trap him. Or two, we do the chasing."
"How do you propose doing the first option?" Artemis prompted.
"Maybe we can try using the alleyways as paths? Could zigzag around."
"Hmm, no. I don't like that."
"Why, too close to possible mortals?"
"A bit too tight."
Percy smirked. "Well, I hope you're not getting personal."
Artemis looked caught off-guard on hearing Percy's remark, wobbling in the air a bit. "What- Too tight to fight you fool!" she exclaimed, smacking his head.
"Sorry." Percy muttered, straightening up. "I think we can go with the alleyways. We don't have to necessarily fight while he chases us."
"And how do you propose we do that, if we're not say, his primary targets?"
Percy hummed to himself. "What if…we make him mad?"
"Mad?"
"Hear me out. He prides himself so much in being invisible and obscure, what if we just… took that away from him? You saw how he was when his mist covers dissipated."
"That sounds plausible." Artemis muttered. "How do we do that?"
"We remove his chances of not being seen. Attack everywhere. I can still feel him within the shadows, so we can do concentrated attacks. But when I say attack everywhere, I mean it. Like that, we'll irritate him so much, he'll probably just pop out and retaliate against us."
"Unconventional, but doable." Artemis agreed, nocking five arrows. "Can you sense him around?"
"Just a moment… bottom right!"
Artemis shot her arrows while Percy launched a barrage of shattered pieces from the ground to where Lelantos was. The spot, which had some cars parked was destroyed in moments. Percy felt Lelantos shift upwards, which Percy then once again directed his firepower to, Artemis doing the same as well. It resulted in Lelantos having nowhere to hide, and at one point he was cornered as well with the gods attacking him from opposite sides too. Lelantos then tried escaping through a building itself, but Percy followed suit, crashing into the titan without a care in the world as he once again immobilized him, and sent him spiraling through the building.
They both emerged out of the other side. Artemis then appeared from the roof, jumping off it launching another volley after another to where Lelantos was, many of them hitting on target, while some bombarded the outside area as well. But Artemis looked unfazed, as her eyes were fixed on Percy, her expression unreadable.
"Why are they behaving so… rash?" Zoë wondered out loud. Aphrodite glanced at her, and then back at the two gods, who seemed to have not a care in the world as they subjugated Lelantos and the town to more destruction.
"They're all over the place" Aphrodite muttered. On seeing Zoë's confused look, she elaborated. "Their emotions. I can pick those up easily from anyone, and theirs are all over the place. It's like… they are getting overwhelmed."
"With Lelantos?"
"No, with each other. Their presence is affecting each other. I mean, I know I'll go mad if I'm still continuously fighting a slippery foe and not be able to make out with my lover after who knows how long."
"That's what causing this?!" Zoë exclaimed, gesturing at the partially destroyed buildings and streets from Percy and Artemis's rampage.
Aphrodite shrugged. "That's love for you. Simple, yet so complex. It either lets you see the world clearly, or clouds your judgment. And your emotions play a big part in it."
"I did not get any of that…" Thalia muttered to herself.
Aphrodite tapped her chin. "But you do have a point, this is becoming too much. They need to calm down before they decide to do something stupid like revealing their true from. Won't help if they accidently vaporize any stuff and mortals."
At some point Percy then grabbed Lelantos as he began to freefall and directed him towards Washington Square Park, where they crash landed. Lelantos rolled over the ground until he was stopped by Artemis, with her foot on his head, and her glaring down at him.
"Now, this was… unforeseeable."
"Lelantos. You know for someone who prides himself in being unseen, you did a big mistake coming over here and challenging me. So tell me, who sent you here?" Percy growled out, forming an axe from his gauntlet. "You mentioned your father. And a master."
"So? You should have thought better than to interfere in our affairs. And now, you pay the price."
Percy glared at him. "Your affairs?!"
"You could have gone with your life as an invisible loner. But no, you had to have that 'child' with you. And challenge us titans before we could even make the first move! If you think I'm the least of your worries there's more coming, and not just for you. For the other Olympian gods as well. And they all have a grudge again the eldest sons and daughters."
"But, we have an outlet. Something you brought to us. The child will be a substantial tool for our master's conquest."
"You dare even think-"
"And once he's done with her, oh the possibilities. Maybe he could bury her remains along with the others. Or subject that to her? Anything works, we won't have any use for her after-"
Percy let out a yell as he brought the axe down on the neck of the titan, which was then followed by a spurt of ichor as it came gushing out like water from a tap. The titan's cries were once again picked up by the wind, which were carried over to where Zoë and the rest were.
"Any ideas?" Zoë she reluctantly asked on hearing the cries.
"Well, I am a very pretty distraction." Aphrodite replied, but then winced. "But in all seriousness, I kind of have an idea. Though the aftermath may not go well if I'm being honest…"
"I feel it's best to do it." Zoë replied. "They may hate thee for it, but it's the only way."
"Yeah, thanks for that thought." Aphrodite muttered as a look of concentration formed on her face. She then raised her fingers and let out an ear splitting snap, that echoed throughout the entire town. The noise travelled through Percy and Artemis, making them pause. Suddenly, a field of flowers engulfed their views, and a sweet aroma filled their senses, making them sway.
"Flowers…"
"Pretty…"
Percy giggled but then looked confused. He then slapped himself and was immediately hit by the combined scent of the sea and smoke. Suddenly, a brilliant flash of light erupted from where Lelantos was, the last thing Percy could see of him was his terrified face.
Percy and Artemis were then both knocked back, crashing into Charleston City Hall. As the dust cleared, the spot where Lelantos was empty, the only remnant being the singed and burning areas of Washington Square. Percy groaned as he slowly trudged outside, his form flickering as he struggled to keep himself in check. He wasn't sure if it was Lelantos, or some other factor that caused the distraction. Behind him, Artemis wasn't faring so well either, her knuckles so white that Percy was sure, there was ichor flowing out from self-made cuts dug into her palm.
"Perseus."
"Yeah?"
"The titan has left the town, hasn't he.?"
Percy paused for a moment and then slowly nodded. "Yeah… I can't sense him anymore."
Artemis let out a shuddering growl as she strode towards Percy. "Aphrodite, can you look after Thalia and Zoë for now. I might be occupied for a long time." The god telepathically communicated as he prepared for the worst. Artemis then grabbed him, and Percy felt himself shift around, soon finding himself flashed to a pretty barren area. There was a hill range close by, and strangely enough, some old columns that looked Greek in origin. Percy felt the land beneath him familiar, meaning he had been here before.
"We're…in Greece?" Percy asked, only to find Artemis striding towards the open sea. She was breathing heavily as she trudged forward and stopped, her entire body shaking as she stared forward. Artemis then let out a loud guttural scream as she slowly sank to the ground, her cries not wavering once. Percy looked on sadly as he waited for her to let it all out. After a while, Artemis was reduced to crying on the ground, her body wreaked with sobs. Percy then slowly got up and approached her, slowly bringing her into an embrace. Artemis froze up with a shuddering halt, making Percy wonder if she was going to push him off or not, but she just stayed still.
"You doing okay?" Percy whispered.
"I… guess…" Artemis muttered, wiping her eyes.
"I'm sorry I let the titan go."
Artemis furrowed her eyebrows. "I'm not mad about that."
"Well… I feel it must be one of the things you're mad about?" Percy replied.
Artemis rolled her eyes. "Maybe… but there's a lot more I'm mad about."
"Like you." She answered.
Percy sighed, though there was a small smile on his face. "Nothing different then huh?"
Artemis stiffened, and then pushed Percy off of her. "Nothing different?" Artemis whispered, glaring at a confused Percy. "Perseus, what do you remembering after you… sealed Gaia?"
"I…" Percy began, making sure to choose his next words carefully. "I was put into a stasis, a coma really. Someone didn't like what I was doing so I got trapped."
"And you broke out after that? Was the gigantomachy your last memories?" Artemis asked.
Percy nodded, making Artemis sigh. "And therein lies the problem."
Percy frowned. "And what's that, me being gone? Like I said, it wasn't my fault."
"I'm not blaming you for that." Artemis replied. "I'm angry because you think nothing's changed. And that's a fair assumption, I doubt you have felt the passage of time on you. But it has for all of us, for me especially. Things aren't how they are as they were back then."
"I get that Artemis. I mean, I was kind of active for the past few months, I've seen how the worlds changed-"
Artemis groaned. "I'm not referring to the world. Percy, it may have been nothing for you. But for me, it was hundreds, and hundreds of years. Us gods may not have that much of a concept of time, but even an immortal can tell that's a significant amount."
"And so much has happened, so much, especially to me Perseus that these, feelings… I never thought I would experience them again in such full force, let alone to this extent! Your presence is literally causing me so much distress, that I had to drag you and myself back to my homeland!"
"…Oh…" Percy said glumly, his shoulders slumped. Artemis sighed, sitting next to Percy. "Now, I don't mean you specifically are distressing me. Actually… scratch that… no…ugh! Why is this so complicated?!"
Percy shrugged. "We never had it simple anyway."
Artemis chuckled. "That is definitely true. But I kind of like that."
"Okay, here's the thing." Artemis said, letting out a deep breath. "I still hold, my feelings for you. I never thought once to let them go. But I have also come to accept that I will never see you again. So while I may not have fully moved on, I've been more or less focusing on the hunt, and abiding by my oath on being a better goddess since I felt it was one of the things I could do to honor you. And since coming to America, I felt that maybe I'm starting to get into a routine. Protect the wildlife, carry on the hunt, do any godly duties here and there if I can. And it was starting to be… fine…"
"But now that I'm here." Percy stated, a blank look on his face. "You don't know how to take this forward."
"…Yeah. That is basically it." Artemis said, a sad look on her face. "I am thrilled you are actually alive, and healthy as you can be. But I can't just erase everything and go back to where we were back in Greece. That's asking too much. That's like asking to pretend the last couple of millennia never happened."
Percy sighed. "You know, I kind of held out hope myself, that maybe, we could go back to how we were before I was taken away. But there was this one factor that concerned you, and I can see it now."
Artemis raised an eyebrow. "Something concerning me?"
Percy nodded, his gaze away from Artemis's. "Another oath you made. The one to be a virgin goddess. The one where you turned your back on love."
Artemis stared at Percy, a shocked look on her face. "You know about that? How?"
Percy shrugged. "Doesn't really matter."
Artemis frowned. "Oh no, you are not going to start ignoring or pushing me away Lykofos Perseus." She said, moving to face him in front. "I listened back there in Charleston, now listen to what I have to say as well."
"Just because I'm confused about my feelings, and what the future may hold with you back, does not mean I don't want you in my life at all. I still love you, dearly, but I also need time to adjust to my old feelings. Mind you, I literally was celibate for centuries Perseus, not to mention the only men I have ever had a decent relationship with was maybe my brother, father, and Hermes here and there. And Arius, but that was back when he was still…present."
"Coming back to what you said, I don't know who you heard from about my oath, but yes, I have been essentially a virgin goddess like Hestia and Athena. So I hope you understand why I'm being so confused, distant like."
"Zoë did mention something similar." Percy muttered. "So, what does this mean for us."
"For us… Styx I've missed those words." Artemis murmured, a smile on her face. "I want you to remember this first Percy. I do love you. I adore you. Forget whatever you heard about me since coming back because I have not lost my feelings, nor have I ever sought out another man after you were gone. But it's too soon for me to fully accept you as my romantic partner again, which is why I plead with you to give me time. Give me time to hold you close, to cherish you once again. Because I don't want to rush in headfirst only to get sorely disappointed, not after the last time we unintentionally parted ways. And I promise, in due to time, I will want to court you again. And hopefully, have it be very much permanent this time."
Percy's eyes widened, coughing slightly on hearing the last part. "So, you still love me…" he asked, blushing madly. "But the oath-"
"Uh-uh, what did I say." Artemis said, placing a finger on Percy's lips. "Forget everything what you heard about me, for now at least. I promise, I will explain that as soon as possible. But you need to give me an answer, and that is- Will you wait for me?"
Percy blinked, a wry smile forming on his face. "How can I deny such a request from my lovely lady. But I do get it, all this is a lot to handle." He replied, puffing his chest.
"Perseus." Artemis chuckled, smacking his head. "I'm serious, okay." She said, her face sobering. "I know this may feel unfair from your end, but can you please allow me this? I don't want our relationship to be lost again. I am willing to be with you, much more seriously if you allow me to take the time needed for me to get all my affairs in order.
"So no lovey-dovey stuff with you, until you're comfortable with the idea of dating me again?"
"I don't mind it a little, but nothing heavy. Or suggestive." Artemis warned with a smirk. "And maybe tone the physical a bit. I'm not that accustomed to touch these days… but I don't want to let go of yours any sooner.
"Okay…okay." Percy murmured. "I mean, you went full centuries without me, it's not like you're telling me to disappear for a few years. We can still hang out and all right?"
"Most definitely." Artemis replied.
"Okay, I can do that. I'm sure I can." Percy muttered, groaning internally. "This might be harder than I think it'll be." He thought aloud.
Artemis raised an eyebrow. "You didn't say that in your head you know."
Percy sweatdropped. "My bad. But, yes. I can do that Artemis. For you."
Artemis sighed with relief, bringing Percy into a hug. "Thank you, so much. I promise I won't let you down."
"Heh, just don't make me wait too long."
"And you make sure you don't anger any powerful being who can whisk you away."
"Promise."
"Promise."
Both looked into each other's eyes, as they once again soaked into the familiarity they sorely missed. Artemis's sliver-yellow eyes shone brilliantly as the sky darkened, while Percy's dark eyes had more blue in them than before. They then leaned forward and kissed, while not as passionate as the one before, it was still chaste, with a promise of more to come. They then separated and reclined on the ground, staring at the growing night sky. And even though the moon was a crescent, Percy had never seen it so bright before, he almost thought it was a full moon.
"Delos." Artemis said softly. "You wanted to know where we were."
"I figured." Percy replied. "The only place where you can collect your thoughts and remain sane."
Artemis nodded in agreement, sighing peacefully.
"So… I don't want to break the moment again, but we did leave a few people behind in Charleston."
"Mhm." Artemis hummed. "I did send the hunters to go ahead there before I flashed to Charleston, so they might rendezvous with Zoë soon."
"Styx… the hunters." Percy echoed. "Phoebe and Celyn."
Artemis patted his shoulder sympathetically. "Good luck. You are going to need it for the next couple of days if you do plan to reveal yourself to everyone."
"Oh gods… everyone." Percy sighed. "Can't I just launch a firework message that can be seen by the entire world which says, 'Percy's back!'?"
"Now that would be too easy for you. I doubt the Fates would go for it." Artemis said with a chuckle. "I do have one question though."
"Yeah?"
"Charleston? Out of all the places, why Charleston?"
Percy shrugged. "I was just curious. Wanted to see some sights. Besides, Thalia seemed to enjoy it so that was a plus in my book."
Artemis frowned. "Thalia? Who is she?"
"Just a kid. A demigod."
Artemis tilted her head to the side. "You are travelling with a… demigod child?"
Percy shrugged. "Circumstances led to that yes. And don't worry, I have been taking care of her. Training her as well with her powers too."
"I see…" Artemis said, a hint of suspicion in her eyes. "It's still a bit strange that you're allowing a demigod to accompany you. Especially with the risks."
Percy nodded. "I know, which is why I made sure to have a foolproof way to mask her demigod scent from monsters, or her trace from anyone really."
"I don't follow?"
"Well, then I got a lot of explaining to do."
"Are you sure he's not here?" Thalia asked, her arms crossed.
Aphrodite groaned. "For the eleventh time, YES! He told me to watch over you while he was busy occupied in something else. Now can you stay quiet and eat your croissant."
Thalia took a bite, her eyes boring in on the goddess. "But where did he go?"
"Gods, why does she look a bit like Zeus in interrogation mode?" Aphrodite thought, massaging her temple. "Somewhere."
"Where?"
Aphrodite clenched her teeth, her gaze directed towards Zoë, who was speaking to Umbra. The orca looked a bit skittish, she could tell from Sebastianos trying to calm her down with his soothing clicks.
"What are those animals blabbering about now?" Aphrodite called out to Zoë, who frowned at her response. After some back and forth, Zoë then made her way to them.
"The sea creature… Umbra. She just wanted to know of the aftermath, with the titan and Perseus. And seeing that he and milady aren't present, I think it's safe to assume they are together."
"Who's milady?" Thalia asked.
"The goddess Artemis." Zoë answered. "Goddess of the moon and hunt. And was lord Perseus's lover."
Thalia's eyes widened. "Is it the same Artemis Percy can't stop talking about? Because every day he has to say something about her."
Zoë smirked. "Milady was like that too. Now…"
"Well, whatever happens, let's just hope it goes well. Because I don't want to deal with a heartbroken Percy. Though it doesn't sound that bad if I'll be there for him." Aphrodite murmured.
"So." Zoë then said, peering at Thalia. "Thou are the child of the prophecy. The child of him."
Thalia shifted in her place. "And?"
"Curious. He kept thy parentage a secret, even from thee." Zoë replied, glancing at Aphrodite. "Why are you under his protection. Because of the prophecy?"
"Don't bother asking her or Percy. Both of them probably don't know the answer to that question, or they'll refuse to reveal it." Aphrodite interjected.
"I suppose so." Zoë grumbled. The three then stilled when they heard the cry of a familiar bird above them. They looked up to find that it was indeed a falcon that was descending towards them.
"Wait!" Zoë commanded to Aphrodite, who had gotten up. "I recognize him, he's from the hunters."
'That's a relief." Aphrodite said with a sigh. The falcon then perched itself on Zoë's outstretched arm. She reached out for its foot and untied something from it, a note. She then thanked the falcon, which then took flight once again.
"Atlana… I see…" Zoë muttered, crumpling the note. "It seems that milady had sent the hunters here before her arrival. They will be arriving soon."
"Oh great, more of you all." Aphrodite muttered, rolling her eyes.
"Thou don't need to stay." Zoë replied with a glare. "Thou can leave for thy escapades if thee want too. I can take care of the child from here."
"Please, like I'm going to let down Percy." Aphrodite said with a sneer. "You don't have any need for her anyway, why do you want her?"
"Perseus and Artemis will be coming directly to the hunt after they have finished discussing what they need to. It'll be convenient if the child is there as well."
"So I'll come too."
"Thou don't have too."
"Be grateful I'm even entertaining the idea you stuck-up…"
Thalia had tuned their conversation out at this point as she finished her croissant. She was watching the firefighters and paramedics sweeping around the park when she noticed a faint glow emitting from the entrance of the park. Suddenly, the image of a goat flashed before her eyes, the same one she saw at the entrance of the museum in the morning. Thalia continued to stare at the goat, while it did the same with her. As if she was under a spell, she then got up and made her way to where the goat was, approaching it slowly. The goat continued to stare at Thalia when it suddenly brayed loudly, making Thalia jump.
"What are thou doing?" Zoë asked, making Thalia flinch on seeing her stand so close. It was like she suddenly appeared there, and when Thalia turned to find the goat, it wasn't present anymore."
"I…" Thalia began, looking confused. "I thought I saw something."
Zoë stared at where Thalia was looking, and then back at her. "That usually doesn't mean something good."
Thalia then realized something. "Percy looked afraid when I told him this too. Like it was something bad."
Zoë blinked. "Now we know it isn't something good."
What's happening over there?" Aphrodite called out from behind.
"Any description you can tell me of what thee saw?" Zoë asked.
"Uh… it looked like a goat?" Thalia replied.
"Half man, half goat?"
"No, full goat."
"Hmm, I can't think of anything now." Zoë sighed. "And just when we got rid of that titan…"
"Ahem." Aphrodite announced as she popped over to where Zoë and Thalia were, a look of frustration on her face. "Would any of you two mind filling me in what's going on?"
"Thou can accompany the girl to where the hunt will take camp." Zoë then announced, addressing Aphrodite. "Take us to Ion Swamp, it's near here, and that will be where we'll be meeting the hunt. But make sure to keep your distance from them, I don't want any funny stuff happening. Though you will have to answer to my lady if anything happens."
"Of…course." Aphrodite replied sweetly, though inside she was seething. "Such insolence… . You'll pay some day huntress."
"Wait! My and Percy's stuff is still in the hotel."
"We'll take it. Aphrodite, after you."
"So, I think the first thing I should talk about, is this." Percy said, bringing out his arm. The umbra ore gauntlet that Percy had created receded back, revealing the full extent of his arm. Artemis gingerly touched the grey skin, her fingers tracing the golden vein like patterns that stretched across the arm.
"I don't recall if I asked this before, but how does it feel? When I…"
Percy shrugged. "I haven't lost any feeling in my arm if that's what you're asking. It doesn't hurt either, but it like, twitches involuntarily."
"Only the fingers?"
"No, the entire arm."
Artemis slowly nodded. She then slightly pulled down Percy's shirt, revealing the grey spread from his shoulder. "It has just barely hit your chest. Is it spreading?"
"No, it's been like this since I first woke up in this era. I have a theory that it spreads the more I use my sealing powers."
"Sealing powers. And these are from…"
"Me being a Tetrekar. A forbidden being."
"And there's more of, your kind?"
"There was. But I've been told that one of them may still be around. And he's supposedly my father." Percy replied with a chuckle.
Artemis blinked. "Now that is a surprise. And only the primordials know of their existence?"
"Yeah, apparently."
Artemis rubbed her chin. "I'm not sure I understand any of this currently. I feel like you are hiding information from me."
Percy rubbed the back of his neck. "Truth to be told, I am glossing details. But!" he said on seeing Artemis's look of protest. "But it's not like I want to do it either. The truth is, this information has been guarded so secretly, that I'm not even sure if I'm supposed to be telling you or anyone else of this. But I plan to, once I receive confirmation that I can."
"From who?"
"Nyx, primordial goddess of the night. And… my mother."
Artemis's eyes widened, her mouth opening and closing. She got up and began to pace around next to Percy, muttering to herself. She then sat down again, taking a deep breath.
"Hecate… needs to do some answering." She finally said.
"I doubt she knows anything either." Percy replied.
Artemis glared at him. "I would have said Pontus then, but I don't know him very well. and no one's heard from him, even Aphrodite. She believes he's gone underground, been like that since the gigantomachy."
"Is that so." Percy muttered, leaning back.
After a moment of silence, Artemis then spoke up. "What else do you know since coming back, besides your heritage if you don't want to talk about it."
"Hmm…oh, there's a great prophecy that has been issued right, by the oracle of Delphi?" Percy asked. He wondered if he could get more information related to that, and maybe gauge a stance on what others think of Thalia.
"That's good, you're not completely out of the loop. But yes, there has been a prophecy that revolves around children of the eldest gods.
Percy frowned. "Wait, in plural?"
Artemis nodded. "Let me recite it- Half-blood children of the eldest gods. Shall reach sixteen, against all odds. Twilight shadows black throne of time. Away from kin, but with one of no rhyme-."
"-Siblings clash with an oath to break. One of their souls, accursed blade shall take. And a single choice shall end their days. With Olympus to preserve, or raze." Percy finished. "I don't think I remembered the children part."
"And to this day, no one can decipher what the prophecy means." Artemis replied, letting out a sigh. "Why did my father have to order all future prophecies to be so cryptic. They used to be so straightforward. 'Follow this cow for a while until it falls down due to exhaustion, and build a great city from that spot'. And my idiot brother readily went for it"
"So, I'm assuming there's children of those gods if such a prophecy exists." Percy asked.
Artemis frowned slightly but nodded. "Only a girl. A daughter of Zeus."
"I see…"
"Only one?" Percy thought to himself. "So that means it's only Thalia. But for how long, will there be more, or will Thalia be the only one of her kind post the creation of the prophecy. Will it even happen in her lifetime…"
"Percy?" Artemis said, looking at him strangely. "You look deep in thought."
"Oh, just wondering about the rest of the prophecy. You know, there is that one line with twilight in it. And what is this accursed blade?"
"They are concerning lines, but we don't have any information on them." Artemis replied. "There was some speculation about… you know, it's not important." She said, shaking her head.
"Artemis." Percy then said. "What do you think about this child of the prophecy?"
The goddess raised an eyebrow. "My opinion?"
"Honestly, this child's existence is concerning. After all, the prophecy does make their future actions clear. But that is what they are, future actions. I have no ill-will to a child who I'm not even sure what path it will ultimately choose. But once that path is clear, then it is also clear of what our possible roles will be."
"And that is?" Percy prompted.
"You already know it Perseus." Artemis stated, her gaze boring deeply into Percy's. "And I feel you have made a decision yourself as well."
"Have I?" Percy asked, continuing to stare at Artemis.
"The moment you met her I believe.'
Percy blinked. Artemis sighed and leaned back, a sad smile on her face.
"How…"
"Perseus, I was there when Lelantos was taunting you with the fate of the 'child'. And when you mentioned her name was Thalia, and then the subsequent question, it really wasn't that hard to piece it all together."
Percy groaned, head in his hands. "And here I thought you might not even know her name."
Artemis looked unimpressed. "My father issued a nationwide search when he found out the child had run away from home. The only clue to her whereabouts was that she was in the company of someone. It went from just his children finding her, to assigning the other gods as well. Outside of the council mind you."
"Yikes… . Well, I'm sure Zeus would be relieved to know that his daughter is safe with me." Percy replied with a grin.
"Right… I'm sure my father, the most paranoid god out there, will be thrilled to know of that her daughter is with a previously thought to be… dead… god."
Percy sweat dropped. "Touché."
"Now tell me, why would you even take her out of her home if you knew who she was in the first place?" Artemis asked.
"I- She didn't have a good home life to begin with Artemis. Her mother was like emotionally abusing her, then there were repeated monster attacks. And, you know me. I can't sit idle if I see someone in trouble, especially a demigod child. I am their patron after all."
"I understand that, but did you even think of the repercussions? How did you even manage to hide her out for so long that even I couldn't find you?"
"The death mist." Percy replied. "Akhyls prime resource."
"Akhyls… like the primordial?!" Artemis exclaimed.
"Well, only primordials can have a resource but yes, her. Long story how I got it by the way."
"And that was enough?"
"To hide me and Thalia for a few months? I'd say so, even when I had little of it left on me, it was still effective. Now though, I may have to reapply it."
Artemis frowned. "Why would you want to reapply it? I'm assuming you had it on you so it would be impossible for us to detect you, which I'm not happy about, but you don't need it. Unless, you don't plan on staying, or even letting everyone know…"
"I do plan on staying Artemis. Like I said, I'm not going to go off and disappear again." Percy reaffirmed. "It's just, I would like it as a pre cautionary measure. But you do have a point, I may not need it anymore…"
"But, I do plan to be with Thalia you know, I'm not going to go back on my word with that. So that's why…" Percy trailed off when he saw Artemis's expression, his mind racing.
"You're not… going to bring her to Olympus, are you?"
Artemis then let out a deep breath. "Those were our orders. To return the child to Zeus. And if I found you, then I effectively found her as well…"
"Shit…" Percy muttered. "Look, Thalia doesn't even know anything about the prophecy. And I didn't take her under my wing because of it either. She's already unsure of what to think of her father, imagine taking her to the council where I bet the discussion will be about whether they should kill her or not. And Zeus won't be of any help either to her as well considering his track record."
"I understand that Perseus." Artemis replied. "But I can't just ignore the fact that you're harboring the child of the prophecy, and someone who I have been trying to find tirelessly these past couple of months. And I can't disobey my father either, especially when he's king."
"Come on, we did so much shit behind his back, back in Greece."
"These circumstances are different! What do you want me to do, just keep quiet while you want to do some magical road trip with a nine-year-old? You have to explain your reasoning for harboring with her as well to Zeus."
"Look, at the most, Zeus will probably order her to go to the half-blood camp where she'll be trained by Chiron, if he plans to have her alive that is. I'm sure you will still be able to visit her then." Artemis said softly.
"I just don't want her to get into trouble because of me. Or have the worst fall upon to her." Percy admitted. "I admit it, taking her away from her home may not have been the best choice, but she was going to run away regardless. And there was no way I was going to leave her defenseless like that…"
"Shush, I get it, it's okay." Artemis muttered softly, holding Percy close. "But we have to take her up there, maybe not now, but very soon. We can't keep yours and her situations quiet for long, people will know."
"…Fine. Okay fine." Percy muttered, letting out a deep breath.
"It'll be fine Percy."
"Yeah… it'll be fine."
The two then stayed like that for some time, the only sounds being the crashing waves and the distant chirps of the insects and animals.
"Come, we must return back." Artemis whispered. "But I must admit, it was nice coming back here."
"Mhm. Next time, It'll be my turn to take you out."
"Somewhere close though."
"Mexico?"
"Perfect. And Perseus." Artemis then leaned forward on her tiptoes, placing a brief kiss on his forehead. "Thank you, for listening that is."
"Always milady." Percy replied with a grin. "Shall we."
"We shall." Artemis replied, taking his hand. The scenery around them then blurred together into different colors until they reappeared in a murky forested area.
"Ion swamp." Artemis stated on seeing Percy's questioning look. "I've sent my hunters here after I left for Charleston. And I believe Zoë will be here with them as well, with the child."
"I think there will be someone else too if I'm not wrong." Percy thought to himself as he watched Artemis take the lead. "Are you coming?" she called out.
"Yeah, I just want to take some time to myself, just to think things over. If you don't mind that is." Percy replied.
Artemis nodded in understanding. "Of course, I'll go on ahead then. Just walk straight and you'll reach a trail, follow that. Me and the others will be waiting."
"Got it."
"Don't take too long."
"I won't!" Percy called out, watching as Artemis disappeared behind the thicket of trees. He then turned around and sighed, slowly banging his head on a nearby tree.
"The Fates are really messing with me now." Percy muttered.
"Hmm, looks like I don't have to show myself again then, now that you're alone." An elderly voice called out
Percy whipped his head to the direction of the voice, fully expecting o come face to face with the Morai. But instead, all he found was a goat. And that somehow was even worse.
"Shit."
"Please mind your language around me." The goat replied telepathically, with the voice of that of an elderly woman. "My word, it is Perseus. You are as elusive as the stories of you."
"I try." Percy replied. "Now, what do I owe you the pleasure, Amaltheia?"
The goat let out an irritated bleat. "You very well know why I am here."
From what Percy remembered, Amaltheia was the nursemaid of Zeus, when he was still a wee baby and hiding from Kronos's new family diet. She had taken care of the god when Rhea wasn't available, and when the time came to fight the titans, he had Amaltheia skinned, and the fur was used to make his indestructible shield, the Aegis. Amaltheia had curlicue horns like a ram, but the swollen udders of a female goat. She had amber colored eyes and a bronze collar around her neck. Her grey fur had wisps of glowing light coming out of her, making her look slightly blurry. But the strangest feature of hers was what looked like Greek words tattooed around her udders, making Percy unintentionally stare at them.
Amaltheia gave another irritated bleat, making Percy jump. "I'm sorry, but is that Pepsi written over there?" he asked.
"What do you think FDR was made of?"
Percy just stared at her. "Seriously?"
Amaltheia sighed. "Why were you hiding the child of Zeus from me? You are aware I am supposed to be a leading guide for them when they first venture out."
"You are? Must have slipped my mind." Percy replied, looking elsewhere.
"Lord Zeus was most upset when he found out his daughter was missing. He eventually had to put me in the task of finding her, and his hopes were not wrong."
"That's cool." Percy said. "Look you found me and Thalia, cool. But you can see she's in safe hands. Now I know we never formally met, but you must have heard of my reputation. And you must have seen it firsthand too."
"Against the titan?"
Percy sighed. "Aside from that, but I managed to drive him away with the help of Artemis."
If goats could sigh, Amaltheia just did that. "Perseus, while I won't deny that you may not have any ill intentions towards the child, I have strict orders to retrieve her as soon as I find her, and bring her to Olympus. Artemis must have told you something similar. But the reason is not for some council debate or something similar in your line of thinking. Lord Zeus has set very specific plans he wants to entail on to Thalia, and I have been assigned to see to it they are fulfilled."
Percy frowned. "And what are those?"
"Being a child of the prophecy." Amaltheia replied solemnly. "On seeing that the risk of Thalia being influenced by external factors has risen, milord has decided the time has come for Thalia to fulfil her purpose of being key to Olympus's preservation, however that may be. He has set trials for her to complete and small quests to test her ability. And once the time is right, she will then venture out on her own, fending for herself until she is strong enough to be not just be a part of the half-blood camp, but to lead it as well for a possible war."
Percy just stared at Amaltheia, his expression akin to a gaping fish. "She's nine!"
"Then it is high time she starts now. There must be no time lost at all when it comes to the prophecy."
"But, she- do you even know she if for sure ready?!" Percy exclaimed. "While I may have been training her and helping develop her powers, I'm not sure myself if she will be up for this. And you said she'll have to fend for herself? Are you even going to teach her basic survival skills?!'
"Trial and error from her end." Amaltheia simply replied.
"This… this sounds totally absurd." Percy exclaimed. "I'm not saying you can't make her do it at all, but wait till she's older, at least twelve!"
"She will manage Perseus. Her siblings from the ancient past have done so as well."
"Just because they did it doesn't mean she needs to as well!" Percy groaned out. "Styx, are you trying to make me barge into Olympus right now?"
"Why not. You will then hear it from Lord Zeus himself."
Percy's right eye twitched as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Is there anything that's in the all glorious Thunder Thigh's plans you forgot to mention?" Percy asked.
"There is in fact." Amaltheia replied, making Percy curse. "While it wasn't implied, Lord Zeus will make sure to let you and everyone know that there can be no direct godly interference or interaction from any of the gods while Thalia is on her own. This will be applied until she reaches the camp, where she will establish herself as the child of Zeus and leader of the camp."
"I see." Percy whispered, his face slowly darkening. "So Zeus's brilliant plan is to make his daughter go through a survival of the fittest run, and basically become the bigshot hero who others will be expected to follow. Doesn't sound too different from the big man himself."
"It is the only way." Amaltheia retorted.
"For him that is." Percy muttered. "I've heard enough."
"The fate of Olympus is right now at stake here young god." Amaltheia warned. "I suggest you ignore your personal feelings and look at the greater picture here. This will be for the greater good."
"Now while I would have immediately gone to milord and informed him of his daughter's safety and location, I trust that his daughter Artemis will do the same swiftly and efficiently. And there will be less disagreements from your end." Amaltheia replied. "If you still have them, then the doors are open for the king to hear. And I have a feeling you might."
Percy didn't say anything as he silently stared at Amaltheia. The goat gave out a final bleat as it shimmered out of view. Percy clenched his fists tightly as he leant back, his head swimming with this new information, and what the future repercussions could hold.
"I just wanted more time. Time… which was taken from me. Time… with everyone."
And done! You know, after a string of long chapters, it was actually nice to write something short and condensed. I hope you guys don't mind it being short though, I was afraid of dragging it out. But hey, at last I'm going to be writing cooler stuff now as we start moving on to the next phase of the story. And please do not kill me with what I did with Percy and Artemis, it was the only logical step (for me that is to make the reunion and this new factor in their relationship to move forward. I promise you guys it'll be worth it in the end, no slow burn or anything like that. Also, what is this bot thing for ffn emails, is this why I've not been getting any email alerts? But yeah, it's lovely back here again, I hoped you guys enjoy this chapter, and I'll see you all in the next update. Bye!…\/