Authors Note: Guess who's back again! Cause it's show time, and we got another chapter to delve into. Hope you guys don't mind the lack of action; I'm still reeling from Charleston T_T. But let's do this shall we.


Chapter 51: Godly bias, I'm telling you

It was a calm day at Ion Swamp. The tress rustled, insects chirped as the sun began to set, and a few mortals were heading back to the main city. But just a bit away, there was a whole slew of profanity coming from a newly sheltered area, which would make even an old timey pirate blush. And it originated from one teenage girl.

"Asshole!"

"Mhm."

"γαμήσου!"

"You too…"

"Burn in Tartarus!" Phoebe screamed, clutching her knives tightly. "I ought to send you there myself!"

"…She better have reacted like this with Perseus. Otherwise there's clear bias." Arius complained aloud.

"Enough!" Zoë then shouted, taking a deep breath. "Keep thy calm Phoebe, we're supposed to be more civilized than boys."

Phoebe muttered something incoherent, but her glare was fixated on Arius, who was still swung upside down from the tree.

"I don't understand though." Celyn whispered. "Why, after all this time, you show up now? We knew you were alive, but out of all the days, years even-"

"Believe me, I was happy living in my hut in the woods." Arius muttered. "But a certain god decided to wake up and destroy my humble abode, and again for good measure. So I have come here, to make meet him."

"Wake up? Thou mean Perseus?" Zoë asked.

"No, I meant Dornröschen." Arius replied with a huff

Phoebe snapped. "You came here because of him? Why?! What even prompted you to leave wherever you were rotting?"

"Phoebe…" Celyn said gently.

"I thought that was already obvious? Now would you let me be, I feel like a showpiece over here."

"You…fine!" Phoebe declared, storming away. Celyn glanced at Zoë who shook her head, making the hunter falter. Atlana and Thalia were quite during the interaction, while the rest were muttering among themselves and glaring at Arius. To them, he made one of their oldest really mad, which can only mean he brought trouble.

"And just when Artemis had to leave." Zoë muttered tiredly.

Arius slightly perked up. "Yes, where did she go?"

"None, of thy concern."

"Oh now don't be like that." Arius said. He then swung forward and pulled his upper body up, grabbed the rope he was hanging by, and ripped it. He then landed on his feet with ease, and found several bows pointed at him.

"Zoë, can you tell them to stand down?"

"I'm afraid not." Zoë replied coolly. "While thou were a dear friend once, that was many years ago. Times have changed, and so have we. I suggest staying put where thee are now, if thou so badly want to see lady Artemis and lord Perseus. Not that we were going to let thee walk freely either."

"Hmph, fine by me." The immortal muttered.

"Laurel, Cassie, watch over him. And if he does anything to step out of line, you're free to pin him down. With knives."

"Of course Lieutenant."

Arius raised an eyebrow. "She made you Lieutenant? My condolences."

Zoë didn't reply, and sauntered away. Arius slightly frowned, until he felt that someone was staring at him. Someone he didn't know. He glanced down to find Thalia, who cocked her head to the side.

"You look homeless." She then said, taking in his ragged appearance

Arius nodded slowly. "Yes, yes I am. Didn't you hear?"

"Thalia, come!" Zoë called out. The demigod gave Arius one final withering look before she ran off. Arius grimaced as he shifted in his place. He would have honestly preferred if he just met Perseus only by himself, gave his condolences for returning to a messed up world, and went off his merry way. But he knew there was a reason he dragged himself out of Germany to be here. A gut feeling now to be honest, but he hoped it would become something more. All he had to do now was to wait and see.


Percy slowly exited the throne room, walking down the stairs one step at a time. As far as the meeting went, it did go a bit better than he expected. He didn't like the fact that he wasn't able to convince him off that plan he had for Thalia, but there was still time. To change his mind of course, but if that didn't work, then he wasn't sure how he was going to break the news to the little demigod.

He spotted Artemis at the foot of the steps, who had already noticed him and had a relieved smile on her face. Percy grinned back and swept down, landing just next to the goddess.

"I take it went better than expected?" she asked.

"Maybe, a bit lower than that." Percy suggested. "But at least I didn't get a thunderbolt up my arse."

"You're smelling slightly of ozone though, so I have a feeling it almost went there."

Percy chuckled. "Walk with me?" he asked.

"Are you sure? What about being seen by someone?"

"I have my hood. And I can always blend with the shadows."

"Fair enough. Lead the way." Artemis said. The two then made their way to one of the winding paths which led to the palaces of the Olympian gods. Percy immediate wrinkled nose when he saw one of the palaces that smelled terribly of alcohol.

"Is that where the new god stays?" Percy remarked, staring at what was once a basic looking palace, now looking like an adult party house that was overgrown with vegetation.

Artemis was momentarily confused. "Oh, you mean Dionysus." She said, a hint of disdain in her voice. "He doesn't live here anymore thankfully. The parties that used to happen here, they sometimes rivalled Apollo's. But at least my brother had some class, he on the other hand…"

Artemis looked a bit sick. "Yeah, I get the picture." Percy muttered weakly, understanding Artemis's queasiness. "He was sent to the demigod camp if I remember correctly."

"Yes, for some hundred years because of a tree nymph. I would have said good riddance, except he doesn't do much for the camp. If it weren't for Chiron, who knows what would have happened to it all these years."

"I really want to see this camp now. Provided that nothing really takes up my time soon." Percy replied, eliciting a curios glance from Artemis.

"I bring the hunters there from time to time. Though I don't plan to go there anytime soon, I have a big hunt that I have planned with the hunters, and we can't miss it due to the season and timing. Besides, they don't really enjoy going there either."

After a while, Percy spoke again. "I brought up the titans to him. While he didn't seem that convinced that the crooked one would rise, he didn't dismiss the fact that titans were popping up around the mortal world. So that's some progress."

"That's good. Though I'm not that surprised he didn't believe the possible source of the threat without any solid evidence, it is admittedly quite farfetched to come to that conclusion."

Percy raised an eyebrow. "You don't believe it could be him?"

Artemis sighed. "Perseus, while Kronos was the biggest threat when it came to the titans, we know he wasn't the only ruling leader of the titans. There were his brothers who were commanders, Atlas as his general. We don't know ourselves why titans have suddenly sprung out from their prisons, nor do we know if their 'master' truly is referring to him."

"I get that Artemis, but-" Percy said, biting his lip. "When I was in Nyx's realm, the Fates were present too and they had this to say, that Kronos was planning to rise. Is not that confirmation enough?"

Artemis pursed her lips. "Percy, you know yourself that the Fates don't know the exact future. And with how cryptic they are sometimes, their words can have multiple meanings. We can't take everything at face value, especially not for something that can be a possible threat. It's why the great prophecy is still being studied to this day, we haven't solved what its contents even mean one bit."

Percy was silent for a while but then sighed. "Okay, but can we at least have Kronos as a possibility?"

Artemis smiled. "Of course, all cards come into play here. Was there anything else my father mentioned regarding the titans?"

"Yes. He did say he might plan to send his children, or us rather, in tracking down any escaped titans if they do crop up."

Artemis's eyes lit up. "Now that will be fun." She remarked.

"Yeah, I don't really mind that." Percy said, smirking slightly. "And more reason to spend time with you."

"Oh hush you." Artemis said. Percy noted that she looked like she wanted to do something, whether it was to punch his arm or shove him lightly but she refrained from it. He didn't mind that really. It was supposed to be slow and steady.

The continued to walk until Percy spotted a familiar palace, his throat tightening. The walls seemed to be overgrown with vegetation, but it actually suited the dark teakwood exterior of the palace. It looked desolate and empty, like no one lived here for ages, and Percy knew why. Everything about it looked more or less the same, except for one key addition. A statue of him, carved out of obsidian was placed at the front of the gate. It depicted him with just a sword, but Percy noticed that it was surrounded by what looked like shadow tendrils and chunks of rock, all probably carved from the same block.

"It was only sensible we had one." Artemis spoke up.

"Yeah… this probably is the best statue of me ever." Percy replied, nodding appreciatively.

Artemis rolled her eyes. "This is the statue that commemorates your death ash head."

"Yeah, but I'm just saying- hey, you called me ash head." Percy realized, slowly grinning. "I almost forgot about that nickname."

Artemis crossed her arms. "Almost?"

"Yes, almost… arrowhead." Percy replied with a smirk. Artemis chuckled brightly. "Okay, I believe you."

"You know, seeing that my palace is here, that only means my mother's is just further ahead." Percy said, a thoughtful look on his face. "Do you think she will be there? She wasn't in the throne room."

Artemis frowned. "I don't know; she hardly resides in her palace nowadays. I have heard from my hunters that they sometimes see Hestia at the demigod camp, but she mostly keeps to herself. Though not many people approach her nowadays…"

"But, it won't hurt to try." Artemis suggested. "They do say parents know when their children arrive home."

Percy sweatdropped. "I'm not sure if this applies to my situation." The two then continued on, until they reached Hestia's palace. Like before, it still looked the same like how Percy remembered. After taking a couple of deep breaths, he nervously pushed the doors and stepped inside. Like Artemis had said, it looked like no one had been staying here for a while. But Percy could still make out the faint scent of cookies and smoke, the crackling of firewood emanating inside his head. Though it sounded quite loud…and clearer.

Artemis's small gasp got his attention, and that was when he found himself facing a nine-year-old girl, her head covered by a brown shawl. The girl slowly raised her head, and Percy's eyes met hers, which were ablaze with a fire that would probably rival Ares's.

"Hi mom." Percy said cheerfully, hoping maybe that might waver Hestia's glare. Artemis shook her head sagely, like she just witnessed a big mistake.

"The gall of you, to disappear"

"Um…"

"Leaving us worried, for years!"

"Well…"

"And now you come, unannounced."

"But-"

"Are you trying to add more years into my life? Because I don't like that."

"Well, considering your age…"

"Don't talk with that porky mouth of yours."

Soon, Hestia launched into a tirade, which slowly descended with her speaking in Greek and aging up to her adult form which Percy associated her with.

"But." She then said finally, grabbing Percy's face with her hands, bringing him close. "Thank the Fates that you are actually safe and not harmed in any way!"

Percy smiled as he brought Hestia into an embrace. That was his mom, no matter what, she can never truly get angry, it just wasn't in her nature.

"I'm so sorry mom." Percy murmured, feeling Hestia tightening her grip around him. "I won't scare you like that again."

"Oh don't promise me that my dear Perseus." Hestia said soothingly, stroking the back of his head. "We both know that it may only get worse from there." She tried to sound casual about it, but Percy could tell his freak disappearance had really shaken her up. And he was not surprised, considering everyone's reactions around it.

"And thank you my dear." She then said to Artemis. "For bringing him here. Because di immortals, he would not have come here by himself to at least let his mother know he was alive."

"Hey!" Percy complained, while Artemis chuckled. "Of course Hestia."

"I had my reasons." Percy whined.

"I'm sure you did, and I have a feeling they were not made by you." Hestia whispered, choking up. "Because I had a feeling, ever since that day, that eclipse- I knew my baby had emerged once again. I just knew…"

"Perseus." Artemis spoke up, a look of concentration on her face. "I just received word from Zoë, she needs me to return to the hunters as soon as possible. Apparently a situation has come up that requires mine, and possibly your presence as well."

Percy's eye's widened. "Both of us? Are they in danger?"

"Nothing of that sort, but she did stress its importance. But you could stay behind if you want. I know how much you wished to reunite with everyone, and I'm not going to drag you away from your mother now."

"Quite right." Hestia replied, tightening her grip on Percy's neck.

"Let me… know… if… needed." Percy whimpered.

Artemis smirked. "Make sure he doesn't run way." She said, flashing away.

"Now." Hestia finally said, letting go of Percy. "Are you going to tell me how you are well, or are you now sworn to secrecy?"

Percy tilted his head. "Well, it's been a while since I've been told to follow it, and since I see no repercussions happening now…"

"I met Nyx when I awoke." Percy then said. Hestia looked surprised on hearing this, and then her expression turned neutral.

"So she finally decided to reach out to you?" Hestia asked, slightly frowning. "I hope she wasn't the reason you were barred from seeing us."

"Well…" Percy trailed off, biting his lip. "She did give certain conditions if I were to roam the mortal world again."

Hestia's eyes shone brightly. "I see. How was it though, meeting her?"

Percy shrugged. "It was strange. She revealed a lot about my origin, kept insisting on calling me Lykofos though. But even with all that, and how she claimed she cared and all, I just had no… feeling towards her? like I could sense a connection but not one which I would call familial."

Hestia looked surprised. "Are you sure? She is your mother."

"Yeah, but I got a better one." Percy replied, grinning cheekily. Hestia huffed, though there was a small smile on her face.

"I would still suggest keeping contact, regardless of your feelings. And if there are any disagreements between the two of you, then speak on them."

Percy wrinkled his nose. "I doubt I'll be able to get through that with her. I'm content with how our relationship was before I was imprisoned, and after."

"That is entirely up to you in the end. But know which to hold dearly." Hestia said, kissing Percy's forehead. "Oh… I had longed for this day to happen, so long…"

"I know, I'm sorry-"

"Hush child, do not apologize." Hestia said gently. "You have already explained the circumstances, and I hold no ill-will to you or anyone else."

Percy sighed. "Alright. You know, I really did miss your cooking while I was on my own…"

Hestia shook her head. "Is that why you came here? To be fed."

"Mom! But no seriously, I want to have blackcurrant pancakes now." Percy said.

"Perseus…" Artemis voice came up in his head. "I think you should come to encampment, the same location. There is something you should… meet."

"On second thought." Percy groaned, his shoulders slumping. "Artemis just asked me to come over."

Hestia looked worried. "It's not serious?"

"She sounded… I'm not sure. Angry, surprised? It could be either good or bad." Percy said, getting up. Hestia sighed, but nodded. "I will come by later." Percy promised.

"You should, because I will be most likely making a lot of food."

"All for me?"

"Hmm, invite your friends. It would be nice to see them all together again."

"Keep some sand ready for Aphrodite then."

Percy, don't tease her!" Hestia reprimanded, swatting his arm. "Now go, before Artemis comes here to drag you out herself."

"Understood, see you later." Percy replied, giving her quick hug, and flashing away. He soon appeared at the hunter's camp, noting all the equipment was already disassembled. So what was the hold up?

He spotted Artemis on the other side and jogged up to her. She was in her twelve-year-old form, and looked deep in though, her face scrunched up and frowning. She stayed like that even when Percy finally approached her.

"So, what's the situation?" he then asked when Artemis didn't respond. She cracked an eye open, stared at him, and then sighed, rubbing her forehead.

"I think it will be better if I just show you." She finally said. "And you better react with shock, because if you don't, I'm going to assume it's a prank between the two of you and then I will gut you both."

"Now I'm confused. I thought this was something serious, why…" Percy replied, trailing off when he spotted a two of the hunters with their bows drawn out at another figure. Percy frowned, as he took in the persons ragged appearance, and the fact that he was sleeping. He wondered if he was an enemy when the person's features suddenly registered to him, making his jaw drop.

"What the fu-"

"No profanity." Artemis interrupted, crossing her arms. "But that was my silent reaction too. And it seems like this isn't a prank either."

"How- Wha- why would you… why would you think this was a prank from me?!" Percy exclaimed.

"Weh…" Arius grumbled as he woke, blinking blearily. He felt a change in his surroundings, and heard two voices that he only heard in his head when he was spaced out. Which was quite often then he liked to admit. But he slowly smiled, and moved his head up, only to find Laurel blocking his view with an arrow tip.

"Scheiße, move out of the way." He grumbled. Laurel narrowed her eyes in response, but Artemis quickly intervened before anything escalated.

"You two assist in the moving. We'll take it from here." Artemis ordered. The hunters nodded and bounded away, leaving two frazzled gods, and a grinning partial immortal.

"Oh, I knew I was right. Kneeeewwww it." Arius chuckled weakly, slowly getting up. "Gods, you two look exactly how I last saw you all, except, a tad younger? Or older, who even knows anymore, but where am I any different."

Artemis narrowed her eyes, drawing out a knife. "How can you be here. More importantly, why are you here."

"Why are you pointing your knife like that, I'm friend, no foe!" Arius exclaimed, flexing his fingers as he muttered to himself. "And don't just stand there." He said, pointing at Percy. "I'm counting on you to save me from these devils."

"It is you?" Percy asked, looking more surprised. "You look… well."

"I can hear yourself lying." Artemis murmured. "Well I wasn't exactly living in a castle. Though there are a lot where I was living, you know, I could have taken a castle for myself…"

"Is it him though?" Percy asked Artemis telepathically. "I don't really know how to tell, but it does seem like him."

"He's wearing the cloak." Artemis noted, her gaze drifting towards the old cloak which the hunters once wore. "Only those who were a part of Twilight Moon have them currently. Zoë, Phoebe, Celyn, Atlana… and Arius."

"Aww, but Artemis, you're little." Arius chuckled. "You gods, you get younger every day. And you…" he then faced Percy. "Hmm… yes… older, surprisingly."

"I'm surprising, look at you…" Percy said. He knew Arius when he was just a young kid, barely twelve. But now he looked twice that age, additionally with his disheveled and unkept appearance, it made him look even far older than that. He was also much burlier than before, built like a wrestler. A far cry from the somewhat scrawny kid which Percy remembered.

"Yeah… I don't know. It's been a while since I've seen my full appearance properly." Arius slowly replied as he started to sway. "But… my lord…"

Arius stumbled over to Percy, gripping his shoulders tightly. "You… have returned. I pray that, it is all for naught…"

And he promptly fainted.

"Whoa there kid." Percy said, catching him from falling. "Artemis, my tent's over there, can you?"

"Yes, let me." She replied, heading over to where Thalia was. She brought out the tent and placed it on the ground, where it automatically expanded and was set up.

"Bigger on the inside." She thought as she went inside, soon followed by Percy carrying Arius. He went inside a room and placed him on a bed, then came out, a slightly worried look on his face.

"I couldn't find any major injuries. I suppose he fainted from exhaustion."

Artemis nodded, a frown on her face. "How did he manage to find the hunters though? There shouldn't be anything that he would have knowledge of that would have been able to track us."

"Who's that?" Thalia asked, making Percy and Artemis glance at her.

"Now where did you come from bug?"

"From the door." She simply said, pointing at the tent flap. "Who was that man?"

"Someone me and Artemis knew a long time ago." Percy replied, carrying her up. "Why are you not with the hunters?"

Thalia wrinkled her nose. "Do I have to be?"

Percy looked thoughtful. "Well… not necessarily."

"Good. Now who's that."

"I already told you that little miss." He replied, setting her down. "You will behave if I allow you to stay right?"

"Of course I will, why wouldn't I." Thalia said brightly, giving her best puppy eyes impression.

"You do realize that's a horrible puppy eyes look."

"Worth a try." She mumbled.

Artemis had a humorous look on her face. "I'll inform the hunters we are moving on then. I would just need to help relocate them, but I will be back tomorrow in the morning; I don't want you to deal with that man inside alone. Besides, there are many questions from my end."

"Got it, where are you planning to send them though?"

"I haven't really decided. Virginia, maybe even Florida."

Percy sweatdropped. "May I suggest Virginia." He requested, on seeing Thalia's sparkling eyes, which were immediately went away on hearing his suggestion.

"Why not?!" Thalia exclaimed. "Percy!"

The god chuckled. "Don't worry, we'll go there in the summer definitely. We have all the time in the…"

Zeus's words ringed inside his head, the declaration he had made regarding Thalia. The summer solstice.

Percy's mood slightly dropped, which didn't go unnoticed by Artemis and Thalia. Artemis looked like she wanted to ask something, but then stopped herself."

"I'll be with the hunters. I'll see you tomorrow." She instead said, waving goodbye and exited the tent. Percy nodded, and wordlessly walked towards the main room of the tent, with Thalia following close by.

"What's wrong?" she asked after a moment.

Percy regarded her and the sighed. "Remember I went to Olympus to have a chat with your dad?"

Thalia wrinkled her nose but nodded, her eyes then widening. "You're not in trouble are you?"

"No, I'm not. But let's just say he wasn't keen on hearing that I was taking care of you these past few months." Percy replied, momentarily glancing up.

"Why should he care now; it's not like he did all this time." Thalia muttered.

Percy raised an eyebrow. "Regardless, he… gave an ultimatum regarding you You're supposed to-" Percy said, clenching his teeth. "He doesn't want you to be in my company anymore, you're supposed to leave to be under his care in a couple of months."

Thalia's eyes widened. "What?!" she exclaimed. "But- But why would he do that! Didn't you tell him?"

Percy smiled painfully. "Can't say that exactly to your dad and the king of the gods. Especially now that he doesn't want me to be seen with you."

Thalia bristled with anger. "So now he gets up, when I disappeared and not when I was back home? Couldn't he see how it was there, and how happy I am here?"

"Technically not…" Percy thought to himself.

"Ughh!" Thalia yelled out, looking at Percy with frustration. "Can nothing be done? You're a god, just tell Zeus to… I don't know…"

She then slumped down next to Percy, a forlorn look on her face. "We put down so many places… Christmas in New York. I don't want you to go…"

"Believe me Thalia, I don't like this either." Percy replied. "But I'll try to make it work, okay? Maybe I can convince him, for a year at least. You could go to the camp even later on and train with your fellow demigods too if you like that."

"Or we could just go travelling only?"

Percy chuckled. "I'm afraid that won't be really possible now. Now that some people know I'm out and about, it'll be difficult for me to have time to do any extra activities. Like dragging you around the country." He said, shoving her shoulder gently.

Thalia sniffled. "I don't mind if you're busy, but Zeus said you're not allowed to see me. How is that any fair?"

Percy didn't reply, and instead just soothingly rubbed Thalia's back, who had her eyes shut in order to not let the tears out. The two stayed like that for a while, until Thalia let out a shuddering breath, opening her now bloodshot eyes.

"Can I go and talk to Zeus?"

Percy snorted. "You want to go and charge towards Zeus with your spear or what?"

"Yeah."

The god softly laughed. "Now that would be a sight to see."

Thalia looked at him, a small smile on her face. "You'll back me up though, right?"

"Of course bug."

Thalia nodded, wiping her eyes. "Okay. I still don't like this…"

'I know bug, but I'll try. I'll try to see if anything can be done. But if not…"

The low growl of a stomach rumbling got Percy's attention, thankful for a distraction. "Come on, looks like you're hungry. What do you have in mind."

Thalia frowned. "I'm not hungry." She said defiantly.

"I'm not going to let you go to sleep on an empty stomach you know. Tell you what, how about I make our favorites tonight?"

Thalia slightly perked up. "Cheeseburgers?"

"And cheeseburgers it is."


Percy was playing around with his vambraces when he noticed something creep in front of him in his peripheral vision. He glanced up, and barely noticed a figure exiting the tent. Sensing that Thalia was still asleep, it could only mean that the only other occupant was awake. Which gave Percy a good reason to kill some time.

The god exited the tent and stepped outside, spotting Arius just a few feet away, staring at him like a deer caught in headlights.

"I wasn't sure if I should have come up to you." He muttered. "Thought I should prepare myself."

Percy cocked his head to the side. "I'm always open to talk, you know that."

Arius nodded slowly, his eyes shifting around. "I see that the others have left."

"Yeah, apparently the hunters really wanted to get moving. I wonder why." Percy noted, taking in Arius's unbothered demeanor. He was still in his current clothes, and the way he spoke, the accent. Percy could honestly hear a multitude of styles coming out of him, and it was difficult to pinpoint where he would be from if he was a stranger.

'I guess that's what happens if you absorb many cultures." Percy thought. He then spoke. "Though now that you are awake, I should call upon Artemis."

"Oh, um, would you mind if… you don't, do that?" Arius asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice. "I just… I would like it if I could talk to you for now. By yourself."

Percy looked a bit surprise. "Of course, I don't mind. You prefer outside?"

Arius slowly nodded. "I'm more familiar with outside. I haven't been inside a closed space since… I don't know."

Percy nodded understandingly. "Sure, whatever you prefer." He said, settling down on the grass, which Arius mimicked. The latter shifted in his place as he glanced around nervously, while Percy just gave him a pointed look.

"Sorry, it's just… not used to direct talking." Arius muttered, looking away. "I guess I should start from the beginning."

"Depends which beginning. You had a lot. First as Arius the mortal. Then a founding hunter of the twilight moon. And then the partial immortal leader of a camp of demigods."

"Eh, wasn't much." Arius muttered, looking abashed. "So you heard of those things."

Percy nodded. "The last I heard of you, was that you disappeared when the gods were in Germany. I guess you can start from there?"

Arius shrugged. "Well… not much happened when the flame moved there. Holy Roman Empire happened, the gods were perched on top of Zugspitze, more or less the center of the land. And I decided to visit the Black forest, and never look back."

"Why?"

"Nothing special. Just… stuff." Arius muttered. "But you, I'm more interested in the fact that you managed to crawl out from wherever you were. And from what I found out later on, you caused quite the ruckus around the world."

"It was not my intention." Percy answered. "So why come out now, after all these years. Got lonely by yourself?"

"Heh, as if…" Arius said, a glint in his eyes. "Just curious on how our world will react to your appearance."

"And you?"

"Me? The gods can classify me dead, and I will be swell with it. I have long left this behind."

"Yet here you are." Percy thought, staring at him curiously. "You seem to be quite caught up with the modern speech. I almost expected you to talk in the same dialect as Zoë, maybe even older."

Arius snorted. "I heard how she speaks. It's difficult to be by yourself when you have mortals poking around the forest, preening about tourism. The amount of times I had to move. But I am not completely savage."

"Hmm, why did you disappear from everyone though." Percy asked, frowning slightly. "I figured you had a good gig. Partial immortality, teaching demigods for generations to come? And I doubt you weren't like, bared from leaving the place so why?"

Arius frowned. "What is this, an interrogation? Because I can ask you the same Lord Perseus. You took down a freaking primordial, and never came back to tell the tale. And don't forget, you left the hunt before that as well for whatever reason Lady Artemis has still not told us. Or maybe she did, and I wasn't there for it. And after that, you had no presence in the hunt, or in our lives. I don't even want to dwell on what happened in those years, what occurred because you were not-!"

Arius hissed, clutching his head tightly as he muttered a string of words in repeat. Percy watched as the grown man stopped shivering, letting out a few short breaths as he opened his eyes, which looked lost in thought.

"Are you-"

"Fine!" Arius snapped, but then flinched. "Forgive me, that was uncalled for. And please don't ask me about what just transpired, I don't…want to… remember…"

Percy was quite, but didn't press on that matter. "If you must know, I was apprehended against my will. I didn't intend to- I never would leave Artemis, or any of you all behind."

Arius slowly nodded. "I know. Just, don't mention it, I don't want to get smote for lashing out on a god. Though I guess that's one way I can have my death be."

Percy shook his head. "That's a horrible way to go out."

"Nah, it's better than the other ways that I have tried." Arius quipped, chuckling to himself while Percy just stared at him.

The god then cleared his throat. "Anyway." He said. "So now that you are here, what are you planning to do next? Are you going to stay, or are you going to be going your own way once again?"

"Already planning to get rid of me?" Arius teased, a thoughtful look on his face. "But to be honest… I actually do not know what I should be doing. I don't even know why I came out here, or what I'm going to do. I'm lost… strange when that happens right?"

"You can always stick around with us if you need an air of familiarity." Percy offered.

"Not sure how much familiarity I can handle, but I appreciate the sentiment. Besides, I'm pretty sure I'm on a no-fly list right now."

Percy snorted. "How did you manage that?"

"There was a rude lady sitting behind me. Oh, and an angry German back home in an airport."

"What did you-"

Arius let out a big yawn, cutting Percy off. "Soooory, I'm afraid I'm still beat from walking for twenty-seven hours. If you don't mind, I should sleep…"

"Oh, sure." Percy said. Arius muttered a thanks as he slowly trudged back to the tent. Percy continued to stare at the tent, wondering what was going on with the hunter he once knew. There was more to his story, that was for sure, but Percy wondered if he would ever learn all of it. He then slightly smiled, realizing it sounded similar to his predicament as well. In the end, it was only up to them to share. And he hoped he would.


The next morning, Artemis came down to where Percy was, noting that they were still in the same location she had left them. She peeked inside the tent, and found herself enveloped with the familiar scent of black currants. And the excited and frazzled shouts of a child and adult.

"No, put that down-"

"You said I could eat anything." Thalia exclaimed, stuffing a spoonful of ice cream in her mouth.

"That list doesn't include ice cream." Percy snorted, waving around a spatula. "Now sit down, I don't want to burn your food."

"You can fix it anyway."

"I prefer not to erase my mistakes." Percy shot back, gently prodding a shadow wisp next to Thalia, who reacted with sparks flying around her body.

"Thalia-"

"Pleaseee. Can I have it with the pancakes?"

"No, not allowed."

Percy then shot the wisp at her, which jolted Thalia and caused her to fling the tub of ice cream in the air. Before the two could react however, an arrow with a rope tied behind it pierced it. It then flew backwards and landed in Artemis's hands.

"Hmm, pecan nut. Not a bad choice." She commented, taking a scoop for herself.

"See, Lady Artemis is having it for breakfast." Thalia said triumphantly.

Percy instead groaned softly. "You're supposed to be the good example over here." he told the goddess.

"That's supposed to be the parent's job." Artemis replied with a smirk, enjoying Percy's embarrassed blush. "Besides, who said I was sharing?"

Percy and Thalia stared at her with mouths agape.

"Rude."

"Not fair…"

"But I won't say no to what's cooking over here." Artemis said, peering over at the pan, a slight frown flashing across her face. "You might want to check this one ash head."

"Shit." Percy muttered, clamoring at the stove.

"Has our new visitor woken up yet?" Artemis asked, gesturing her head to the rooms at the other end.

"He did wake up a bit after midnight." Percy said, pointedly ignoring Artemis's piercing stare. "But he went back to sleep after I had a chat with him."

Artemis crossed her arms. "And you didn't think to inform me? Or call me over?"

"Well." Percy trailed off. "I didn't want to disturb you from relocating the hunters…"

Artemis merely raised an eyebrow, and the god crumpled. "Okay, he wanted to just talk to me only at that time. Maybe now you can go and interrogate him."

"Thank you. And next time, lead with the truth." Artemis said brightly, patting Percy's cheek.

"Where did you put the hunters though?"

"Lake Marion up north. By the way, your aquatic friend decided to meet us there as well."

"…I have quite a few you know."

"The fish."

"Umbra?" Percy asked with surprise. "What's she doing there?"

"Probably wanting you." Artemis replied. "Is he in one of them?"

"Hmm? Oh, Arius. Yeah he's in the same room."

Artemis gave her thanks and walked towards the rooms, and entered Arius's. A few moments later, some shuffling noises were heard and then a shout, which was followed by Arius flying out of the room.

"Ow! What did you do that for?!" he cried out, glaring at an angry looking Artemis.

"Don't grab me by my hand boy." She snarled.

"You don't enter my personal space without permission!" Arius snapped back.

"Woah alright, stop!" Percy exclaimed, pulling up a wall of shadows between the two. "Both of you, calm down." Percy ordered, receiving two heated scowls from both parties. "Now."

Arius muttered something but then kept quiet, while Artemis eyes were bored down on the wall, like she was trying to burn a hole through it.

"You okay?" Percy asked the goddess, who nodded stiffly.

"He took me by surprise, I didn't expect him to suddenly wake up and grab my hand," she replied.

"You did just barge into his room without any warning." Percy said. "Artemis." He then said firmly, when it looked like the goddess wanted to protest.

Artemis sighed. "I know; I realize that it is my fault. But I also don't fully trust him Perseus. He went missing a long time ago, and finds us, the hunters with ease. He may not be the same boy we knew from before, nor do we know his motives."

"I understand that, which is why we're going to be talking, and reacquainting with each other." Percy stated, squeezing her hand gently. He then walked over to the other side, where Arius was still sprawled on the ground, giving Percy a questioning look.

"You better get on Artemis's good side for now. She's not as trusting of you like I am trying to be." Percy told him, helping him on his feet.

Arius pulled his hand away, slowly getting up himself. "That's the verdict? Understood."

"And here I thought I was going to have a calm morning." Percy thought, pulling down the wall. He walked back to the living area, where Thalia was watching everything unfold, while silently eating ice cream.

"Really bug?" Percy said, shaking his head.

"What? I needed something to watch and eat."

Everyone then sat down on the table, which was laid out with the food which Percy made, as well as individual tubs of ice cream.

"Hmm, are those… what did you used to call them, pancakes?" Arius asked curiously, poking the food placed in front of him.

"Arius." Artemis spoke up. "How did you find the hunters?"

Arius hummed loudly. "Hmm, well it wasn't easy, I had to convince that old horse to let me use it for some time. But I did it using Anaklusmos."

Percy almost choked on his drink. "Anaklusmos? Like Zoë's sword?"

Artemis narrowed her eyes. "Do you have that in your possession now?"

"Yep." Arius replied, fishing inside his pocket and then placed something on the table. Percy leaned forward, expecting to see the familiar hair clip, only to find something else.

He picked it up. "This is a pen." He said flatly, holding up a disposable blue ballpoint pen. "This is a pen."

"Well, it wasn't going to be an ancient hair clip forever you know." Arius replied with a shrug.

Percy took another look at the pen, and noticed the word Anaklusmos engraved on the side in Greek.

"Riptide." He automatically translated. Like it was second nature, he reached out to the cap of the pen and pulled it off. The pen shimmered and a three-foot-long sword appeared in Percy's hands. A Greek xiphos, with a blade shaped like a leaf and made out of celestial bronze, attached to a leather bound hilt. Another familiar feeling washed over him, and the smell of the sea enveloped him and the room.

"That is so cool…" Thalia whispered with awe.

"Aw man, I missed this." Percy grinned, twirling the sword around as a familiar rush surged through him. A spray of seawater emitted from the blade as Percy swung it in an arc, making him smile.

"Looks like I haven't lost my touch." Percy said, placing the pen cap on the tip of the sword, which shrunk it down back into a pen.

"You seem quite in tuned with it." Artemis remarked, looking curios.

"Pontus." Percy told her, placing the pen back on the table. "But why… do you have Riptide with you?"

"I needed it to track Zoë's presence. She told me a long time ago that her essence was imbued in this blade. So taking that into consideration, I wondered if I could track her, ergo the hunters, by using the sword. And after convincing Chiron who had it in his possession, it wasn't quite difficult after that."

"How did you even manage to even use the sword to track her." Percy wondered. "You don't have any abilities from what I remember."

Arius smirked. "True, and I still don't. But I did a favour for Hecate once, and she was willing to be out of my debt. Even though she forgot said favour and who I was…"

"So yeah, one simple tracking spell later, and here I am." Arius proclaimed, leaning back on his chair. "Any questions?"

Artemis took Riptide in her hand, and inspected it. "I assume Zoë doesn't know about this?"

"No-pe."

"What are you thinking?" Percy asked, noticing Artemis deep in thought.

"I'm contemplating if I should take this back to her." Artemis replied. "But I doubt she will be thrilled to see it, nor even like how it came here." she said, handing it back to Arius.

"How long did it even take you to come here?" Thalia suddenly asked.

Arius frowned. "Oh… you kid. Um, well it took me like a week. Maybe two… months? I know I landed here in the states in December."

"Last year?" Percy exclaimed. "What were you doing for almost five months?"

"I had to get used to all this milord." Arius exclaimed, waving his hands around. "I didn't want to look like a hillbilly in front of you guys."

"Uh-huh." Percy said with a deadpanned look.

"Arius." Artemis then said, looking at him with a serious expression. "Why did you leave?"

"The hunters?"

"You know what I mean."

He shrugged. "Just tired."

"Of what?"

"Everything." Arius replied slowly, his face darkening. "I don't want to talk about it."

Artemis regarded him with a glare, which then softened. "I apologize for entering your space without your consent. That was not my place to do that."

Arius looked like he wanted to retort but stopped himself, nodding slowly. "Apology granted."

"But that doesn't mean you're off my sight. I expect you to keep to yourself with the hunters. Unlike Perseus, I doubt they will be much forgiving towards you."

"Oh come on." Arius replied sullenly. "I didn't even knock them out. They came barging towards me with bows and knives. I was calmly hanging upside down."

"Then prove you're worthy of it. You have a lot to make up to them if you hadn't realized, especially your former sisters." Artemis replied. "That goes for you too Perseus."

Percy sighed. "I know; I don't plan to avoid them either."

"Well, as long as you and them are fine with the company of men, I seen no qualm." Arius replied. "But can I fight them?"

Artemis raised an eyebrow. "You think you're up to spar with them?"

"Hey, this-" Arius said, gesturing at his body. "Is not for show."

Artemis sighed. "Don't waste your life on them."

"Hmm, quite true. That would be embarrassing."


It was a few hours since breakfast. Percy had once again taken down the tent, and was with Artemis. Thalia on the other hand decided to leave Percy's side for now, and walked up to Arius, who looked like he was struggling with the new clothes he was wearing.

"What are you doing." She asked.

"Ugh, since when did clothes get this complicated. Back in my day, we either had a loin cloth, or roamed naked whenever we wanted." He grumbled, adjusting his shirt. "What do you want now."

"Percy and Lady Artemis don't seem to trust you." She replied.

"Yeah? Good for them. …Anything else you want to inform me that I don't know already?"

Thalia glared at him, and trudged off, making Arius roll his eyes. "Hey Perseus, who's the midget you have with you."

"That's Thalia."

Arius waited for ten seconds. "Just Thalia? Not going to say anything more or…"

Percy exhaled. "I guess you haven't caught up with the prophecy?"

"Prophecy?"

Percy then explained about the oath taken by the big three gods relating to their demigod children, and the prophecy that started it.

"She's Zeus's kid?" Arius asked, looking surprised. "I guess I could see that, but wow, what a downgrade."

Percy frowned. "What do you mean."

"Well, when you go from Perseus, Heracles, Helen, to well, this."

"She's perfectly fine as she is." Percy replied. "She doesn't need to be compared to those heroes, especially the likes of Heracles."

Arius raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, my bad. But you're not worried about this prophecy on her head?"

"Arius…"

"Yeah, okay, I'll keep quiet."

"Where are we going now?" Thalia asked, looking excited. "Another road trip?"

"Not anytime soon I'm afraid bug." Percy said apologetically. "I need to go see the hunters again, and handle Arius for the time being."

"Ohh…" Thalia mumbled.

"But, Umbra is there so you can go on a ride with her if you want."

"Your pet fish?"

"Mhm."

"Yes!"

Percy smiled, and noticed Arius from the corner of his eye, giving him a knowing grin.

"I see now…"

Percy raised a finger. "Not a word." He warned with a grin, patting Thalia's head.

"Are you three done over there, so we can get moving?" Artemis called out, looking impatient. Percy collected everything and shrunk it down, slinging his bag across him while Thalia held his hand.

"Arius, come on."

"Oh no, I hate flashing. I can walk it, honestly. I'll probably reach by nighttime-"

"Arius, just take my hand."

"Ugh.. you better let go when we reach, before I puke." He muttered, gingerly taking Percy's hand. A bright light enveloped them as their scenery began to blur together, colors flying everywhere as they changed different shades, before settling into one particular once which expanded to form a new scenery. They were still in a forested area, this time overlooking a lake. Thalia blinked blearily as she adjusted to the new place, while Arius immediately let go and stumbled forward, landing on his face.

The distant shouts and laughs of numerous girls then echo from afar. Percy saw that hunters were at the shore of the lake, laughing and playing with what looked like large mass of body swimming along the waters. The body then broke out of the surface, revealing it to be Umbra herself, as she landed once again in the water, leaving behind her a large wave of water upon the girls.

"Well, looks like they are having fun." Percy commented.

Artemis had a slightly disappointed look. "I told them to take out the training equipment." She said, clapping her hands. "Hunters!"

The hunters all immediately stopped what they were doing, some of them slipping into the water as they were surprised by Artemis's sudden entrance. Every one of them scrambled out of the water, all of them soaking wet.

"Zoë, I thought I informed you to have them start their training regiment, didn't I?" Artemis asked her, who blushed in embarrassment.

"I was about to Milady. But Lord Perseus's animal companion came about, and Phoebe and Celyn were delighted to see her, and then everyone…"

"So, It's Umbra's fault. Come on Artemis, don't blame them." Percy said with a grin.

"Hey! You can't be pinning the blame on me now!" Umbra's exasperated voice rung out.

"Sorry girl." Percy replied with mock innocence.

"Um, who is that supposed to be?" Celyn then asked, pointing to the slack form of Arius, who was still laying face first on the ground.

"What- Bloody hell Arius." Percy exasperatedly sighed, picking him up by the collar. "You're sleeping?!"

"Hmm, hngh?" Arius murmured, cracking an eye open. "I don't think I'm sick anymore."

"What is he doing here now?" Phoebe growled out, several hunters agreeing with her when they saw Arius.

"He will be staying here, under my watch for the time being." Artemis answered. "Me and Perseus are trying to figure out what his motives are, so having him in our vicinity will be helpful. For the time being, I must ask that you tolerate his presence. But if he steps out of line, then you all know what must be done."

The hunters had wicked grins on their faces on hearing this.

"And you know what I meant by that." Artemis clarified. "Me and Perseus will be watching, so no traps, or provocation."

"Come on, I'll introduce you to her." Percy said, taking Thalia to see Umbra. "Thalia, this is my pet dolphin. Umbra, this is Thalia."

"I'm an orca you know, just because I'm classified as a dolphin, doesn't mean I'm one." Umbra replied sullenly, splashing water around her.

Thalia gasped. "It talks inside my head!"

Umbra then let out a low growl. "Nice kid you have there by the way. I see you got busy."

"She is." Percy replied, slowly realizing what Umbra meant. "Wait, no! She's not my kid, I mean, not like that!"

"Sure boss." Umbra replied, giving a toothy smile. Thalia giggled in response.

Artemis had joined them by then, giving Umbra a smile. "Hello there, it's been a long time since I have seen you."

"Lady Artemis, my honour as well." Umbra said as it tried to get up in a vertical position, but landed back on the water.

"How did you come here so fast?" the goddess asked.

"Underwater wormholes. Pretty nifty for travelling through water bodies quickly."

"Is that what you used to get to Charleston so quickly?" Percy asked.

"Yep. Let me tell you master; swimming across the Mediterranean was lonely without you. And after the Isle war… but the Arctic circle was fun. Though fighting the kraken again was not as thrilling without you there."

Percy tilted his head. "The Isle war? Aphrodite mentioned that…"

"Of course." Artemis muttered, a pained look on her face. "We'll have to tell you about that."

"So tell me boss kid, you want to go do deep lake exploration?" Umbra asked Thalia.

The demigod looked excited, but immediately paled when she realized something. "Wait, I can't go into water."

"Come on Thalia, this isn't the sea now." Percy said softly. "Maybe don't take her underwater, but just let her ride around the lake for now Umbra."

"Is something wrong with her and water?" Artemis asked Percy telepathically.

"I'm not sure, she's very nervous near large bodies of water, especially the sea. I don't know if it's a child of Zeus thing or something else."

"It is strange indeed."

"You got it master. Come on, hop on the back." Umbra said, swimming around in circles. Thalia still looked unconvinced, until Percy thought of something.

"You want me to join you for this?" Percy asked.

"Can we even fit?" Thalia wondered.

"Hey, I may look little, but I can definitely pack the weight." Umbra haughtily replied. "I used to take these two sweethearts over here for all kinds of sea trips. The amount of times they made googly eyes at each other, and making out…"

"Okay, you don't have to reveal all that." Percy cut in, making neck swiping motions with his hand, while Artemis's cheeks turned gold. "Are you going to let us climb on your back or what?"

Umbra then slowly surfaced up and drifted closer to the shore. Thalia immediately hopped on the orca's back with Percy following closely. "Will you be joining us?"

Artemis looked torn. "I would really love to, but I'm not comfortable with leaving the hunters without any supervision for Arius. And I don't trust either of them with what they may do to each other."

"Come on, it'll be for a few minutes." Percy said, holding out his hand. "Just for a while, and we'll be back before you know it."

"Yeah, it'll be fun." Thalia replied, grinning.

Artemis pursued her lips, a smile slowly forming on her face. "Okay, you convinced me. Zoë, watch over that boy."

"Yes milady." Zoë replied, giving Arius a steely glare, which was returned back to her with equal vigor.

"Long time no see. We didn't get to talk on account for you sauntering away." Arius said coolly.

Zoë's glare didn't waver. "I don't know why Lady Artemis just left thee in that swamp, but I suppose she has her reasons."

"But you don't have any for avoiding me, princess."

Zoë's nostrils flared. "Don't call me that."

"Arius." Celyn spoke up, a small smile on her face. "If you're here, then I believe Lady Artemis trusts you to some degree. But it is good to see you again."

"Celyn. My days, you look lovely as ever."

"Oh shut your crap boy." Phoebe snapped. "You are lucky milady didn't turn you into a jackalope."

"I'd be honored if I turn into one." Arius grinned. "Phoebe, brawny as ever eh."

Phoebe snorted. "And you look like a scarecrow."

"A buff one I presume?"

"A soon to be mutilated one."

"Don't provoke each other now." Zoë muttered, getting up. "Hunters, ready the training sets. Start thy practice, lady Artemis should arrive seeing thou all practicing, and not talking with him. Now move it."

The hunters all got up and shouted words of agreement, preparing to do their training. They left Arius by himself, who merely got up and plopped himself under a tree, close to where the hunters were. He watched as they removed various props and rope, and began assembling what looked like an obstacle course. After a few minutes, it was ready, and Arius watched as Zoë began dictating what was supposed to happen as she jumped over hurdles and swung through hoops around the area. It seemed fun, but Arius knew he would fall flat on his face if he tried something like that with his physique.

After Zoë had finished with the course, the other hunters soon followed, as they tried to complete the challenge with some hunters retrying. Arius felt himself again dozing, and only became wide awake when he heard footsteps approach him.

"Are thou just going to laze around the sun, or are thee going to keep thyself busy?"

"Busy? Are you expecting me to join your little game?"

Zoë rolled her eyes. "At least do something. All I've seen thou do is sleep, sleep and complain."

"Well that's how I have lived, and will continues to do so." Arius said with a content sigh. Zoë huffed and was about to walk back when Arius spoke up. "Hey princess, you may want this."

Arius threw Riptide at a confused Zoë. Her body began to glow faintly as she stared at the pen in her hand, realization washing over her like a chill.

"Where did thee get this?" she demanded.

Arius snorted. "You gave it to me remember?"

"To throw it back in the sea!" Zoë exclaimed, looking shocked. "Why would thou keep this?"

"I didn't keep it if that's what you're wondering." Arius replied, straightening himself. "I didn't even like that sword first of all, felt weird to hold. But I knew there was something special about it. So I gave it to Chiron for safekeeping."

"But why?"

Arius shrugged. "I don't have any proper answer for that. But I'm thankful I did, led me here you know."

Zoë was silent for a while. "I gave it to thee on thy last day in the hunt. As a parting gift."

"You have a weird concept for gifts. 'Here, take this magical sword and chuck it into the ocean because I don't like using it anymore'."

"I didn't know what else to do. You were leaving, so I had the perfect reason to take this away from me." She replied, twirling the pen in her hand. "Why did it take this form?"

"Beats me. Probably to be with the times. Unlike you."

Zoë scowled. "From what I remembered back in the hunt, thou were quite pleasant company to be with. Until thee open thy mouth."

"I'm glad you feel that way princess."

"Stop calling me that!"

"Zoë." Phoebe called out, with Celyn close by. The two approached her and Arius, the latter raising an eyebrow on seeing them.

"Hullo, what do I owe the pleasure now."

"Arius." Celyn asked. "Where have you been for all these years?"

"Germany! Didn't you guys realize that?"

"For a thousand years? Are you daft?" Phoebe exclaimed.

The ex-hunter shrugged in response. "I stopped counting after year two hundred and fifty-seven."

"And you ceased contact with us on top of that. What in your pea sized man brain did you think that was a logical thing to do?!"

"I wanted to be by myself. Can't a man have a break?"

"But why would you want to do that?" Celyn asked softly.

"For a new perspective. I mean it sounded thrilling to me." Arius replied with a grin. "I went into the Black Forest, with hope and all. But then I got tired. I felt so lost, that I went mad! But then I got bored of being mad, and became smart instead. And now, I'm plopped here."

"So it was easier to just walk away?" Phoebe asked angrily.

"Yes." Arius replied brightly, but his face didn't show it as it slowly morphed into something unreadable. "Yes it was…"

Arius looked forlornly past them, like he was lost in thought. Phoebe looked confused and glanced at Zoë who had a calculative look on her face, while Celyn pursued her lips.

"You don't need to go and be by yourself now you know." She said softly.

"Hmm? Oh, yeah, I suppose. Wait, I don't know what you mean by that." Arius muttered, stretching his arms. "We used to use the forest itself for challenges remember? Clio always hated it, because the branches would smack her in the face."

"We still use the forest for training. These courses are for specific purposes only." Zoë answered.

"Ohhh, can I try it?"

"No." all three hunters said, making Arius chuckle.


"Faster, faster!"

"Thalia, if we go any faster, we're going to unknowingly crash into mortals." Artemis said. "You're lucky the waters are empty today."

"True, but this like a jet-ski!" Percy yelled, shouting excitedly along with Thalia.

"Why am I always surrounded by children." Artemis sighed, a small smile on her face.

The trio continued their ride across the lake, soon coming across a large expanse of water as they entered the greater water body of Lake Marion. Umbra continued to speed up as she zoomed around, randomly jumping up in the air and landing down in the water, which were followed by excited shouts and yells from its occupants.

"Di immortals, at least give a warning next time." Percy gasped out, while Artemis was laughing along with Thalia, the latter trying to control her sneezes.

"Are you cold bug?"

"No, not really."

"Okay, though I don't really have anything on me to warm you with."

"But you do make fire though from your hands?" Thalia asked, looking confused.

"That's hellfire little one." Artemis explained, why Percy's fingers curled with the silver flame. "It doesn't emit any heat."

"It's cold though. Cold enough to burn."

"Can I touch?"

"Thalia." Percy said, extinguishing the flame. "Asking me many times is not going to change the answer."

"Percy, look there." Artemis said, pointing to the shore. "You see that abandoned looking kiln? Apparently, it's what's left that's visible of a ghost town which is now underwater. Pretty interesting right?"

Percy slowly paled. "There's a ghost town… beneath us right now?"

"From what I have heard, yes. It would be something if we could explore it."

"Yeah… not today though." Percy said weakly, patting Umbra's side. "Please don't take us near any ghost town remains."

"Got it master."

"What are you going to do now, with yourself really." Artemis asked Percy telepathically. "Are you going to roam the country again, or will you take your place back at Olympus?"

"I'm not sure about that latter part. Your father mentioned something along the lines of the enemy won't expect it. But like I said before, he will make us possibly search titans, so that may keep me busy."

"And what about Thalia?"

"That… I honestly do not know." Percy said with a sigh, watching as Thalia leaned to her side, running her hand across the water. "I may have to say goodbye sooner than I thought."

"You will still always see her Percy. And I doubt the ancient laws will stop you, they never did before."

"I don't know about this time though." Percy replied. "I honestly have a bad feeling about this."

As if it was on cue, the sky above them began to darken as a faint rumbling was heard. Two steaks of lightning struck the surface of the lake, next to Artemis and Percy, causing Umbra to stop with everyone else jolt around.

"Shit! What was that?" Percy exclaimed.

"That… that was fathers summoning bolt." Artemis whispered. "A council summon. But there were two that came down. So if one is for me…"

"…The other was probably meant for me too." Percy finished, exhaling deeply. "I guess that is finally happening huh."

"What is, meeting the other gods? Are you even ready for that?"

Percy slowly smiled, a devious look on his face. "Nope. But let's give the council hell, shall we?"


Well, and that is it for now. To be honest, I was seriously contemplating whether I should continue the chapter, but then I figured it won't flow well with what I have planned in the next one _. And what I have written here is pretty good as it is, with it revolving around Arius so I believe it will be good to end off here. But as always, thank you so much for reading, and for sticking around with this story. And just a request, I would like if you guys reviewed more XD. I have no idea really what people are thinking of the story now, so reviews do help with that, and I kinda live off of them lol. So please do it if you can, it will really mean a lot. But thank you again for reading, and I will see you guys in the next update. Bye!...\/