Authors Note:- Well...hehehe. Funny story really, regarding yesterday's no chapter. Okay, it's really embarrassing, and I'm definitely sure some people got a real kick out of it (looking at you Pertemis Community) I, have no excuses, really. Nothing bad happened, it wasn't writers block or anything like that. Just a, detour happened. Yeah, detour. If you count a hundred-word essay on Samus Aran a detour... . Anyway, enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 27: All aboard the S.S. Umbra!

"Okay, this is now absurd. We have been searching for them for an hour, and the wedding is already winding down. Where is my son?!" Hestia cried.

"Chill aunt Hestia. I doubt e got kidnapped. He probably went somewhere with Artemis since she's nowhere to be found either." Athena said. "Now if only my half-brother can understand that will I only rest."

"Where is my sister!" Apollo shrieked as he drunkenly scrambled around the room, checking under the tablecloths on the tables spread over. "I better not find her doing hanky-panky with Perseus, or else-"

"Oh grow up Apollo, and stop whining like a baby." Athena shouted. "And whatever Perseus and Artemis do is none of your concern."

"It is! Cause I'm...I'm...Apollo!"

"I'm sure the two of them are fine. They are adults, but gods as well, they couldn't have been kidnapped." Poseidon said, bringing Apollo to his feet. "Anyway, what did I tell you all about the gifts? I was perfectly fine with not getting any."

"Does that mean I can take my gift back?" Athena asked, hiding the bottle behind her and slowly backed away. Only to suddenly stop on seeing Hestia's glare. "Ugh, here you go Bar- Poseidon." Athena said, placing the bottle in Poseidon's hands.

"Why thank you Athena." Poseidon said, subtly winking at Hestia. "I always thought that I would never see the day I would receive a gift from you, let alone your finest olive oil as a gift."

"And I never thought I would see the day where I would give you one." Athena muttered. "Enjoy it while it lasts, don't come back to me for more."

Suddenly, Apollo yelled as he scrambled back from a table. Athena stared at him quizzically, and then at the table. To her surprise and slight horror, Hermes slowly crawled out from the underneath of the table, a bottle in one hand and his clothes ripped

"Oww, my head." Hermes groaned, as he climbed to his feet "I'm never drinking an Olympian bottle hic! Again. Though I think I had a really good time with a feisty lady. Was wearing all grey, had a weird laugh too..." as soon as Hermes finished speaking, a disgruntled dolphin emerged from the same table Hermes came from, gave an indignant snort on seeing Hermes, and then swam away. "Maybe that was a dream." Hermes said slowly as he stared at the retreating dolphin.

"Oh hell no." Athena exclaimed, the gods soon groaning and laughing as they realized the possible implications. "Seriously Hermes, underneath the table?!"

"It could have been a dream! Jeez Hecate, get your mind out of the gutter!"

Poseidon cleared his throat. "That's not the worst place I can think of. My little brother is really creative when it comes to places-"

"Now is not the time Poseidon!"

"Sorry..."

Hestia sighed. "Hecate, Aphrodite. Help me find the incapacitated gods and goddesses. Poseidon, you go and be with your wife, we'll handle damage control here."

"I can send some people to help. But since you didn't need my help...bye!" Poseidon said, immediately dissolving into seawater. After sometime, when the sober gods finally found the other drunk gods (though they decided to leave Ares stuck on the ceiling), it was only then Perseus and Artemis made their reappearance, holding hands, with both of them somewhat glowing and with smiles that threatened to split their faces.

"Well look at that, the missing couple returns." Hestia said, her hands on her hips. "And where were you two, hmm? You missed the games, fireworks, dinner. And, made most of us worried."

"Uh, we were just, taking a walk. Party was getting a bit too loud for us." Perseus said with an embarrassed grin on his face. "And we caught the fireworks, since it was out in the open. A bit hard to miss when you are outside."

Artemis nodded. "Yep, and it's good thing we went out really. Because I don't even want to know how Ares got up there." she said, glancing up.

"Ares flirted with me. Hephaestus got mad. Sent him up on the wall." Aphrodite said simply. "Should I thank him? I didn't ask for help there..."

"Don't try to change the subject you two." Hestia warned. "You can't just leave, and expect everything to..."

And the rant went on for some time, leaving Perseus and Artemis to stand there awkwardly. Artemis tried to leave, but it was clear the conversation was for her too. Hecate smirked as she passed a drink to Athena who took it gratefully as they watched the show. On seeing that his sister was alright, Apollo then regaled his tragic love poem to Hermes, who was still trying to find a suitable explanation for how he ended up, possibly, with a dolphin. Meanwhile, Aphrodite was vehemently trying to grab Perseus's attention. When she finally caught his eye, Aphrodite pointed at him and Artemis, and then made a heart shape with her fingers. Perseus sighed, and the nodded quickly. Aphrodite's eyes then lit up and then pointed at him and Artemis again, this time making kissing and groping gestures. Perseus ignored her this time.

"I want both of you to go straight home, and no funny business either. Skipping a major event, with the two of you as Olympian gods as well is something that shouldn't be taken lightly."

"Yes ma'am." "Yes mom."

"Good. You know, maybe I could make you both stay back and help-"

"Actually, we're quite tired really, and we would still be tired from the party anyways if we stayed. So, we'll be just going home now, bye mom!" Perseus said, grabbing Artemis's hand and flashing away with her. Hestia rolled her eyes at their antics, but nonetheless smiled. One look at their faces really confirmed everything, and Hestia was happy for them. Though she could have eased up a bit on the lecture.

Perseus and Artemis then turned up at the bottom of Olympic hill, where everyone's palaces were situated, and made their way upwards. The two descended into a comfortable silence, as they subtly tried to sneak glances at each other, which failed in the end, resulting in laughter. The pair finally reached Artemis's palace, though they still remained outside with their hands firmly lapsed together.

"I really don't want this night to end." Artemis whispered. "Maybe we can go for a ate night hunt, or another walk on the beach..."

"That honestly sounds amazing, but I have a feeling that my mom may be for real this time." Perseus said, smirking a bit. "I don't want her to bring the full parent/uncle/aunt squad and come looking for us."

"That sounds hilarious and annoying both at the same time." Artemis said resting her head on Perseus's chest. "Imagine, them barging in with banners and keras's."

"Maybe we can arrange something in due time." Perseus suggested.

"Oh?" Artemis said, grinning coyly. "Are you asking me out on a date Perseus?"

"Maybe. Ah chuck it, not maybe, definitely. Let's just hope we aren't to wrapped up with our duties or anything." Perseus said, slight nervousness in his eyes. "That is of course, you agree to it, and will go-"

"Of course, Perseus." Artemis said, giving him a soft kiss on the lips, and effectively shut him up. "Thank you for walking me home. See you tomorrow, and don't oversleep or else I'll come and wake you up."

"I kinda like the thought of you waking me up." Perseus said with a wink. "It would really be the perfect way to start my day. Though I wonder how you will do it..."

"By flipping your mattress over with you on it." Artemis said with a deadpanned voice as she swatted his arm. "Like your mother said, no funny business."

"Dammit mom, you aren't making this easy at all." Perseus muttered. "Anyways, goodnight, Artemis."

"Goodnight, Percy." Artemis replied, giving him a hug. Perseus then let go, only to lean forward again, and then stop as he blushed golden. He gave a nervous chuckle and then kissed Artemis's cheek, leaning back slowly. Artemis gave a light giggle as she walked to her palace, only to turn around and give a wink at Perseus and then retreated back. "See you tomorrow." she called out.

"Ahhhh. That woman..." Perseus muttered as he let out a dreamy sigh. "Though a bit unexpected...not complaining though!" Perseus thought as he trudged down with a light skip in his step.

"Percyyy."

"Mhm."

"Wake up. It's bright and sunny outside."

"Five more minutes..."

"Aw, you look so cute when you're sleeping. You even drool in your sleep, that is so adorable."

"Huh...Artemis?"

"No silly. It's me, your sister. Frothy remember?"

"...Frot...GAH!"

Perseus immediately jumped up, as he scrambled to the far end of his bed, taking his covers with him. He then stared at Aphrodite, who was resting on his bed with her hands on her chin, smiling at him. "Your bed hair looks like an actual nest. And yes, I know what a nest is."

Perseus sputtered. "Why were you staring at me while I was asleep?! And how did you even get in my house, the door is locked!"

Aphrodite shrugged. "I just blasted the doors open."

"Bl-Blasted." Perseus stammered as he sank into his sheets. "You could have at least knocked!"

Aphrodite wrinkled her nose. "That's so mundane. It doesn't have flare. What I did, that had flare and style. I looked like some kind of heroine."

"Get out of my room at least, I need to get changed." Perseus muttered as he dragged Aphrodite outside. Five minutes later, Perseus climbed downstairs, only to find Aphrodite bouncing up and down on the sofa.

"These. Things. Are. So. Bouncy!" Aphrodite yelled out every word with a bounce.

"Stop jumping and yelling, I just got up." Perseus muttered, as he trudged to the kitchen. "Tea or nectar?"

"I never tried tea before...so tea it is." Aphrodite said, as she did a backflip and then joined Perseus at the table. "Oh, it's hot? I thought drinks were supposed to be cold, and food was supposed to be hot."

"It can be switched, but only in some cases. I'll explain later." Perseus said with a sigh. "Because I want to know why you came here to see me, without any prior warning?"

"Because I want to know everything that happened last night with you and Artemis. AHHHHH! I still can't believe my first couple got together! Even Sebastianos is excited by the news. Say hi." Aphrodite said, pointing at the crab that immediately scuttled on her shoulder. Perseus raised an eyebrow on seeing the crab wave at him.

"You actually kept him? And we aren't together!" Perseus exclaimed. "Not yet anyways." he then muttered.

"Eh? Explain then everything after you two left, top to bottom, no details left out!"

"Well, we walked for a while. Did a dolphin race. Then I took her to one of the terraces, a really good spot mind you. We talked for a while, then danced. And then we...kissed. As the fireworks went off, but that's not really important." Perseus said, and then let out a giddy laugh. "Holy shit...we actually kissed last night. I still can't really believe it...that it did happen. Like...wow!"

Aphrodite struggled to contain herself, but then let out a squeal as she surged forward to hug Perseus. "Oh, I am so happy for you! And did you say fireworks during the kiss? Oh, my heart, I feel it melting! That is so romantic. AHHH, I can't contain myself; I think I'm going to blow!"

"I think you will if you don't calm down now." Perseus nervously said as he stared at the slowly pink glowing Aphrodite.

"Ah, sorry. Too much excitement." Aphrodite sheepishly apologized. "But...is that it? Did you guys do anything else? Something...very interesting, hmm?"

Perseus groaned and then rolled his eyes. "No, we didn't do anything like that. And why are you asking me these questions, I really expected Apollo and Hermes to barge into my house and clamor for details."

Aphrodite giggled on hearing this. "Actually, they were going to do just that. But I beat them to it, wasn't hard either. And the only reason I'm asking is because you're my brother and I don't want anything bad happening to you in the love department. But in general also, but mostly in the love department so you won't really screw up."

Perseus blinked. "So you're actually serious about this." he said, smiling slightly. "Thank you."

"Eh, no problem, Percy." Aphrodite said, draining her cup dry. "Mhm, I'm almost positive that this tastes better than nectar. But nothing can beat wet sand, that's for sure."

Perseus smirked. "You want to test that theory? Cause I can prepare a batch of eggs if you want, and I can safely say that they will taste better than sand."

"You're on little brother, let's go!"

"Spread your feet a bit, you don't have to stand so straight. And hold the sword with one hand, otherwise where would you put your shield?" Perseus stated as he moved around Clio, correcting her posture. "Grip the handle tightly, hold it steady...now swing!"

CLANG

"Not bad, movement was a bit slow but we can improve on that. Your strike was perfect though, good job on that." Perseus told Clio, ruffling her hair.

"Don't do that, I don't want to end up with your hairstyle." Clio said with a grin.

"Hey, my hairstyle is an all-natural, sleek, lovely crop of-"

"Grass patch." Phoebe chimed in, eliciting small laughs from the hunters.

Perseus pouted. "Artemis, my hair looks great right?"

Artemis looked up from where she was helping the boys with the knives and scoffed. "As much as I lo...ike you, you should really do something about that hair. It literally looks like a nest."

"This is preposterous! I said you looked cute when you come out of the bed, but for me it's different?!"

"Oh hush, you can't say anything bad about me."

"Of course I can. You...can't even hunt down that deer before it escaped out of Delphi!"

"..."

"That's counted right? Cause I'm not- Artemis? Artemis stop, stop, STOP!"

"Loos like you were right Celyn, this is definitely going to be a recurring occurrence." Ajax said as he watched Artemis chase Perseus left and right, bow out.

"That, and regular lovey dovey moments. Mark my words." Celyn said with a smirk, making the boys wrinkle their noses and the girls to swoon.

"Alright hunters, it's time to show us your melee prowess on those automatons. They are crash dummies, so don't worry about them retaliating, but they will dodge your strikes. So be vigilant." Artemis said.

"Yeah, and don't worry if you break them. Our friend would love to make more." Perseus said with a groan as he massaged his backside.

The hunters then started their training on the automatons, most of them faring quite well. Perseus was surprised to note that Arius was actually quite adept with knives, as he hacked and slashed his way through the robot. Ajax and Celyn were having a bit of difficulty when handling the weapons. Otherwise, it seemed that mostly everyone was faring well.

"You two need more coverage when it comes to close range combat." Perseus said. "But you manage to make it up with your long-range capabilities. Who knows, you might be quite proficient with javelins and lances."

Ajax sighed. "Perseus sir, I just managed to not hit stray shots with a bow. I think a javelin will be a bit too much."

"Let's agree to disagree." Perseus said, ruffling his hair. "I have faith. And let's pray I'm not wrong."

"...Can gods pray?" Arius suddenly asked.

Perseus smirked. "We pray that Zeus wouldn't find out about us gods escapades and what not. So, I'll say yes."

"Huh. ...Do you guys have red blood, or blue blood."

"Neither actually. We have this golden colored thing called ichor that flows through are veins." Artemis answered, frowning slightly. "What's up with all these questions?"

"Just curious." Arius muttered, his eyes lighting up. "Is it true that there's no chance you can survive once you fall from the great cliff?"

"What's the great cliff?" Perseus asked.

"The great cliff is a cliff." Acantha said. "I mean, you guys would probably know about it right? Since the earth is flat and all."

"The earth is what now?!" Perseus and Artemis said together.

"Flat. That's why there is the great cliff right at the end of the earth." Phoebe explained.

Perseus and Artemis were staring at the hunters now, both of them slowly glancing at each other with slight worry and exasperation. "Okay...who over here believes that the earth is flat?" Artemis asked.

All six of the hunters raised their hands.

"This is going to be a problem." Perseus muttered. "Look, the earth is round, not flat."

"So it's a flat disk, since its round?" Celyn asked.

"No! It's a globe. It's a... ball, you guys know what a ball is?" Perseus asked, summoning one, and threw it to Artemis who caught it.

"The earth is a ball?!" Clio asked.

"Yeah, its ball shaped. And it has all your landmasses, water bodies on it."

"But then...how are we not falling off or slipping if the earth is a ball? I mean, the possible explanation is that it's flat. That's what the adults told us." Ajax said.

"Because there is this thing called gravity and- oh don't tell me we have to now teach you guys all this." Perseus said with a groan.

"Then again, they probably didn't have teachers." Artemis said.

"I had a teacher." Phoebe said.

"A horrible one then." Perseus muttered. "Alright then. Everyone, finish up with the automatons and gather around the table. Me and Artemis are going to teach science, math, and whatever stuff your brains can handle before they blow."

"What?!" Artemis and the hunters cried out together, the latter immediately groaning. Studies was definitely not what they signed up for. And neither was teaching.

After a bit of a slow-paced day about gravity and apples, Perseus was just going to ask Artemis if she would like to go out with him later when a dryad slowly approached their camp, her eyes nervously switching between Perseus and the ground.

"Oh, hello there." Perseus said, approaching the dryad. "Is there something you need."

"Um...uh...I...um..." The dryad muttered.

Perseus sighed. "There's no reason to act embarrassed around me. Just, tell me what you're here for."

"Um...my name is Penelope. And my father wants to talk to you. He's over there." The dryad said, pointing at the mountain range in the distance.

"How come your father is all the way over there on that mountain?" Perseus asked, confused.

"He isn't there on the mountain. My father is the mountain." Penelope explained.

Perseus frowned, until realization hit him. "Ah, he's an Ourae. Well this is perfect timing actually, was just thinking of meeting him."

"He's the leader of the range in Arcadia." Penelope said. "He wanted to meet you because of your domain."

"Understandable. I'll meet him now I guess." Perseus replied. After giving his farewells to the hunt and Artemis, Perseus then made his way to the mountain range. As he drew closer, he noticed a group of giant figures, about twenty feet tall, huddled in a group. All of them wore simple white tunics, with their skin as rough and dark as basalt, and extremely muscular, kinda like bodybuilders. Scratch bodybuilders, they looked like bodybuilding hermits. The one at the front had a flowing white beard that actually reached to the ground in a pile, scraggly grey hair and piercing brown eyes. He seemed to clearly be the leader, judging from the crown of leaves on his head.

"The great Olympian Perseus. It is an honor to finally meet you." the ourae stated as he bowed, his companions soon following suite. Perseus returned the bow as well. "My name is Dryopos, the craggy one. And this is my brood of fellow mountain spirits. And of course, you already met my daughter Penelope."

"The craggy one?" Perseus said in a deadpanned voice.

"Yes, I take great pride in that title. That is what my wife calls me." Dryopos said proudly.

"He may be craggy, but he's old 'Oak-Face' to us." another Ourae said, eliciting laughter from the group.

"Not in front of the god!" Dryopos hissed. "Please ignore them, and don't ask how the name came to be."

Perseus blinked, and then glanced at the group. "How did he get the name 'Oak-Face'?"

"Oh it's a hilarious tale great Perseus. You see, Dryopos was madly in love with Penelope's mother, a dryad from an oak tree. She promised craggy over here that she would marry him, only if he was able to catch her. And that leaves us with five years of old craggy chasing his love left and right, and when he was close, poof! She would disappear, and Dryopos would run face first into an oak tree. Hence, 'Oak-Face'!"

"That's actually funny, not going to lie." Perseus said, as he watched the mountain god give a seething glare at the others.

"Ahem, enough jokes. Great Olympian Perseus, as you may already know, you have been given the domain of mountains by the high one. Which means, that in a way, we fall under your command." Dryopos stated.

"That's right." Perseus said. "But I don't-"

"However, we believe that we shouldn't just blatantly follow you, just because you're our god. We believe, in...tradition."

Perseus nodded slowly. "I feel the same, you all are free beings. But, tradition? Please don't tell me I have to do some kind of dance or sacrifice thingy cause that's really not up my alley."

"None of those Olympian, none of those." Dryopos boomed. "Our tradition is...negotiation. You give us a good reason for us to follow you, and we will. If you don't, we'll remain neutral to you, or an enemy. Which will depend on what our mother wants."

"Your mother? Do you mean Gaia?"

"Yes. Many say she is sleeping, but that's far from the truth now. She's dozing, on the brink of awakening."

"WHAT?!"

"She may come to us, sooner or later, and will enlist our help in whatever schemes she may be planning. One of them could affect Olympus too. But even though she has many Ourae children, we are the first of our kind. We will basically be an indirect influence to the others. Which is why I'm giving you the opportunity to give us a reason to fight alongside you. So...are you up for it Perseus?"

Perseus gulped. Having the Ourae as an ally is a definite plus, seeing that a threat from Gaia may rise. But he had to negotiate, something which Perseus never really did before. If only Hermes was here...

"I understand your terms, and agree to it." Perseus said. "Okay. If you work for me, you would be an ally to Olympus. And while Zeus is not really that good of a king, he's still a fair ruler, and would probably not target you for any unreasonable decisions with me around. Plus, Gaia is also really not much of a goody two-shoes either."

Dryopos nodded. "True, but Gaia helped the gods defeat the titans. The only reason she is mad with them is because Zeus isn't ruling the world properly. So, what about that."

Perseus let out a heavy breath as he tapped his foot on the ground.

"Gaia will anyways give us a free reign, we don't hav to worry about enslavement, rules-"

"Do you guys have free reign now?" Perseus asked.

"Of course. But we're honestly frowned upon by the other nature spirits. We are hardly known at all."

"Ironic since we are like giants." an Ourae muttered.

"Then tell me. Who is the most popular god right now." Perseus said, knowing quite well what the answer would be.

"That would be you Lord Perseus."

Perseus then grinned. "Imagine the relatively unknown Ourae, reaching peak popularity for not only aiding the Olympians, but aiding the god they so love."

Dryopos stilled, as a thoughtful look came on his face. "Go on."

"Look, I agree that Gaia will give more leeway to you guys, but what happens if Zeus wins? He won't be happy to know that people went against him at all. Even during the aftermath of the titan war, peaceful titans like Calypso were wrongly imprisoned just because they supported their families. And as much as I hate it...i really can't do anything about it at all. Maybe I can pull something off for you guys, god of mountains and all, but there will be rules and regulation in place. And you guys would definitely hate it, due to being literal free spirits. The argument can be taken back and forth honestly, and I doubt Gaia is going to do anything bad to her children if you all go against her. She will be a hypocrite then, and believe me, no one likes to be called that."

A round of silence descended on the group as they shuffled among themselves. Dryopos hung his head down, only to throw it back to give out a booming laugh that shook the ground.

"Not the negotiation I was expecting great Olympian, but I am impressed." Dryopos said. "Me and my brood will discuss yours and our points thoroughly, and will come to a decision. But I can safely say, you might win this one, Milord."

"Thank you for having me, Dryopos. It was an honor to meet the leader of the Arcadia range myself." Perseus said.

"Honestly, we could have finished this sooner with a marriage contract." an Ourae muttered. "Perseus and Penelope. Isn't that how marriage works anyways."

"Derilos! Sorry about my nephew, he can be quite outspoken, but rude, most of the time." Dryopos said apologetically.

"It's alright, though I would have refused for a number of reasons. The main one being I like someone else." Perseus said.

"Ah, the moon goddess. The nymphs always gossip about your escapades with her. They would not just shut up, especially that one time where you and her went star gazing. You two do make an amazing couple." an Ourae said.

"Oh, um, thanks I guess?" Perseus said.

"Godspeed great Perseus, we shall meet again for sure. Until then, please keep the killer rabbits out of the forests. They are a real pain when it comes to the nymphs." Dryopos said with a wink, and he and the rest of the ourae trudged back to the mountains, instantly melting to the ground as they made contact with it.

"I have eyes on the target, hiding behind the dialapated carriage." Artemis announced, leaning against her chariot. "Where are you, I can't see you at all?"

"Behind you actually." Perseus said, as he watched Artemis almost fall over her chariot as she tumbled backwards, a knife in her hand.

"Don't scare me like that night monkey. What are you doing up here?"

"I thought I'll check in to see how you're doing, since you're alone and probably bored." Perseus said, sitting on a seat.

"I'm fine up here. I have the...horses for company." Artemis said, receiving a 'neigh' in response. "I am not giving you another carrot! I want my deer"

"Relax, we'll get to it hopefully. So, a new target has been spotted huh. What do you think it's after this time?" Perseus asked.

"Seeing that another carriage is approaching, flanked by guards, I'll say it's probably someone important in it. And will soon get ambushed."

"Now that's not nice." Perseus said, straightening his coat. And then he leaned over at the back of the chariot.

"Don't tell me you're going to try and fly from here?" Artemis incredulously asked.

"Nope. I'm going to fall, in style." Perseus said, doing a backflip as he launched himself to the ground. While this was happening, the bandits had emerged with their swords out, and made their way to stop the carriage. They couldn't get further however, due to the incoming living projectile. Perseus literally crash-landed into the ground, startling the horses, bandits, and the guards. They all stared at the dust blown crater, here Perseus slowly emerged, covered head to toe with dirt and dust.

"Never doing that again." Perseus said with a cough, as he glanced at the stupefied people. "Oh yeah, bad guys. Do you want to do this the painful way, or the easy way?"

"...RAAAAGHHH!"

"KILL HIM!"

Perseus sighed. "Easy way it is then."

Perseus then formed a claymore out of his braces, and began swinging around with it, catching his targets straight at their chests and either launched them into the air, or cut them in half.

"Okay but seriously, how stupid can you guys be? You guys are not wearing any insignia that would let people know which city you all come from. That's literally going to put someone into a suspicion overdrive, especially when you all are 'supposed' to guard the chariot" Perseus muttered, knocking the down the guards that were with the chariot. After sending the last one crashing into the tree, Perseus stared at the supposed ambushers, who were looking at him with awe.

"H-How did you know that we were rescuing our general?" one of them asked. "I thought the armor would have fooled everyone."

Perseus snorted. "Come on, I'm a god. I just know. Plus, it's easy to recognize weapons used by the army of Sparta."

The man nodded. "Thank you, milord. We shall whip the men you made unconscious bloody in your name, as a thank you for the good fortune you have bestowed upon us."

Perseus sighed. "Black currants on a fire is fine, really. Please don't go overboard, at all." he said, slipping into a shadow. After moving through the shadow plane for some time, Perseus finally emerged back in Artemis's chariot, where she was waiting for him in the front seat."

"You done for today?" she asked.

"Probably. I think an hour is left until dawn, but I doubt anything will happen until then." Perseus replied, joining her at the front.

"How did you know the guards were the real bandits. That actually took me off-guard for a second." Artemis asked.

"I just read their minds. Mortals can't help but project their thoughts out loud, they are like an open book." Perseus simply said, resting his head on Artemis's shoulder. "Today was tame. I probably freaked current and future criminals and robbers with my escapades. A shame, how are we going to have our late-night chariot rides now." Perseus lamented.

"Excuse me? You were the one who wanted to go on a late-night chariot ride, but then turned it into a 'Protect people' night." Artemis said, shoving Perseus away, only for him to come back on the same spot.

"I'm tired, let me rest." Perseus whined, sighing with content when he felt Artemis also lean against him. "Much better."

"Yeah, this is nice." Artemis whispered, as she slowly made the chariot move above the clouds, where the slowly approaching sunrise would be much clearer. But before that could happen, a small lightning bolt hit the chariot, making the two gods jump with fright.

"Holy Hera. Was that a lightning bolt." Perseus gasped.

"...For my father's sake, this better be an accident and not something purposefully done." Artemis said through clenched teeth.

"I think that was a summoning bolt. But I'm not sure if it was for you or me since there was already one." Perseus noted.

Artemis then let out a heavy sigh. "It better be a good reason for calling you or me over." she muttered as she clenched the reigns tightly. A silver glow passed through it, the chariot still moving steadily when Artemis left it."

"That should do it for now, but I have to be there for parking." Artemis murmured, holding out her hand. "Shall e go Perseus?'

"We shall Artemis." Perseus replied, taking her hand. The two then flashed just outside the doors of the throne room, which were weirdly closed. They then went inside the throne room, where they found Zeus studying the globe in the center of the room.

"Perseus, welcome. Artemis dear, would you mind waiting outside of the room until I'm done with Perseus. I will talk to you later." Zeus said, glancing up.

"Of course, father." Artemis replied. Giving Perseus's hand a squeeze, she then left the room.

"Step forward Perseus." Zeus said, his lightning blue eyes piercing down at him.

Perseus slowly shuffled forward, his palms feeling a bit sweaty. "Welp, here comes the big 'You're dating my daughter' speech. Even though that hasn't happened. Yet." Perseus thought.

"What is it that you need Lord Zeus." Perseus replied.

"Don't stand so still, I'm not going to yell. The reason I called you was because I have a hunting task for you. I need you to track an important monster, a being that can spell doom for Olympus if not handled properly. I'm surprised that it popped up again, we aren't even facing any threats."

Perseus's mind immediately went to the conversation with the Ourae, the one where Gaia was mentioned. "Actually, I think-"

"Anyways, like I said, I want you to track the monster for me." Zeus said, leaning forward. "Its name, is the Ophiotaurus."

Perseus cocked his head to the side. "Serpent-bull?" he translated.

"Precisely. With the head of a bull, and the body of the snake, the Ophiotaurus was born during the Titan war. A prophecy was also issued alongside its birth, which stated that whoever would slay the beast and sacrifice its entrails into a fire, will receive the power to defeat us Olympians. A titan ally had killed the beast, but before the entrails could be sacrificed, I had sent an eagle to retrieve them. Thus, saving my family and people." Zeus said, looking a bit smug.

Perseus ignored the look. "So I'm guessing the Ophiotaurus has been reborn? And I have to find it and kill it."

"NO!" Zeus shouted, but then cleared his throat. "Just...bring it back alive. I would properly dispose of the beast then, with no way of anyone acquiring the entrails. I can't stress this enough Perseus, but I need the Ophiotaurus brought back to me alive. I do not want to even see it injured." Zeus stated in a threatening tone.

Perseus scoffed. "Relax uncle, I have enough power as it is. Enough to already make you watch me like I'm some kind of time-bomb. I will bring the Ophiotaurus to you, safe and sound.

Zeus continued to glare at Perseus, but then nodded stiffly. "My wind spirits have told me that the Ophiotaurus has been last spotted far in the west, just at the entrance of this vast sea. The strait, to be precise."

"Understood. So me and Artemis will find this-"

"Actually, this is a solo job for you. Artemis will receive another assignment from me while you do yours." Zeus said.

Perseus's eyes widened. "What, no! Me and Artemis are a team, a duo. You can't just like not make us go do our own separate-"

"I can, and I will." Zeus thundered. "I need the Ophiotaurus to be dealt quickly and silently, and two gods going after something outside of Greece will raise lots of suspicion. Not to mention, the monster you two dealt with back then on the base of Mt Olympus has returned, and is terrorizing an area that is to be conquered by Greeks. I can't allow any obstacles to take place."

"The Manticore?!" Perseus asked, receiving a nod in response. Perseus gritted his teeth as he clenched his fists, but then sighed. "Very well, me and Artemis will hunt our respective monsters separately."

"I'm glad you see reason nephew." Zeus said with a sigh. "But a bit of caution. The further you move from Greece, the weaker you actually become since our power lies in this spiritual and metaphorical flame tied to these lands. Do not stray too far from Greece, because if you go far beyond, you will be out of our reach and powerless. Reduced to a mere mortal."

Perseus nodded slowly. "Understood... . How far exactly I can go?"

"Just don't go beyond this island that looks like an inverted upsilon." Zeus said, making an inverted 'Y' with his finger. "And you should be fine. You have till dawn to prepare. May the Fates and Chaos be with you."

"What did he say?"

"He's. Not. Budging!" Artemis cried, plopping just beside Perseus. "I tried every tactic, even that puppy dog eye look you taught me last minute. Nothing can sway my father."

Perseus sighed. "It's already dawn, no use trying now."

"But I want to go with you." Artemis whined. "Or at least you come with me. One of the two. But no, my father has to be a ******* ****** *******!"

"..."

"Sorry, I went a bit overboard."

"Good thing my mom isn't here, she wouldn't hesitate to shove a bar of soap down your throat." Perseus said.

"Yep, definitely a good thing." Artemis said. "How are you going to be going again?"

"Hermes. He's going to use his speed to drop me at least till the strait. Then I'm on my own."

"Sorry Perce for being late." Hermes said, zooming in instantly. "Was taking a jog at the beach."

"A jog on the beach huh, dolphin whisperer?" Perseus said with a grin. Artemis snorted.

"That never happened!" Hermes yelled. "Don't tease me Percy, otherwise I'll drop you down on the sea."

"Okay, sorry." Perseus muttered, rolling his eyes. "I'll see you by evening hopefully."

"Me too. You take care now." Artemis said, giving Perseus a hug. And a quick kiss on the cheek before she bounded down the street.

"Ah, love. Never had the chance to experience it, but I hope to rectify that someday. But let me tell you, if I have to listen to another poem of heartbreak from Apollo, or dolphin noises, I'm flipping tables for sure." Hermes said seriously, as he held the back of Perseus's neck.

"Yeah..." Perseus said with a dumb smile on his face. "Wait, what are you doing?"

"I'm holding your neck so you won't get whiplash."

"What?"

"Whhiip-laassh."

A few seconds later, the two flashed away, only to appear at a countryside, and immediately zoomed ahead, knocking down a bunch of travelers in the process. The two continued to run across Greece, and soon they were out of the mainland, into the water by running on it, and back on another different landmass. This kept on continuing, with Hermes visibly slowing down as the two gods moved further and further away from Greece. Perseus also felt his power weakening bit by bit. An hour of running later, the two gods finally reached the strait, where the default entrance to the Mediterranean Sea was.

"Haggh, haggh. That...was quite a run, huh cuz." Hermes gasped out loud.

"Yeah, didn't help with our power going." Perseus said, groaning a bit as he got up. He can still do his normal tricks and aces, but it did take some time to control them. Hellfire was drawing a bit of sweat from him as well when used.

"You need some ambrosia or nectar? I packed quite a lot due to anticipating this."

"Nah, you keep it. You never know what you'll run into out there. You're literally going to the land beyond the gods." Hermes muttered as he got up. "I don't know what father was thinking sending you out here alone, though nothing bad has happened. But still, this is crazy man."

"I'll be fine, I just have to not cross that inverted upsilon island, and I'll be fine." Perseus said. "You sure you don't want any godly food? You're sweating quite a bit."

"...Maybe a swig of nectar won't hurt." Hermes muttered.

A while later, after Hermes left, Perseus then trudged forward as he took in his surroundings. He was at a coast, the choppy waves crashing periodically against the large cliff he was standing on. Perseus let out a shuddering breath as he felt the wind against him. It was quite cold here than in Greece.

"Zeus could have at least compensated some kind of transportation, but no! I'm going to that place which will render me almost powerless completely unprepared. This is starting to suck."

Perseus then walked to the edge of the coast, and looked down at the water. "Maybe there is someone who can help..." Perseus thought, as he dived into the water. Even though his first choice may have been Poseidon, Perseus realized that the sea god really wouldn't be able to hear him all the way here. And that left the next best option, the only option.

"Pontus! Grandpa P, I uh, I'm not sure if you can hear me, but since you're like the god of every water body, I figured you might. Listen, I really need your help with transporting me to like up north. I don't care how, sea animal, water bubble, I just need something to get me across the waters."

Just moments later, bubbles erupted around Perseus while he was swimming on the water, and a large water tendril emerged from the surface, with Perseus on it. The tendril then began to change shape and color, and soon enough, Perseus was on the back of a giant pink sea serpent.

"...I'm not going to complain, I'm not going to complain, I'm not going to complain." Perseus chanted, frowning when he heard walrus like laughter in his head. "This is really getting overboard."

The sea serpent snorted, steam coming out of its nostrils.

"Alright, snake. I need to find this mythical creature that has the head of a bull and a body of a snake. You think you're up for it?" Perseus asked, receiving a large hiss in response. Perseus then spent the next two hours, combing the entire strait area, but with no luck in finding the Ophiotaurus. Perseus then made the serpent go more further, thinking that the little creature might have changed location. Hours went by, and Perseus was nowhere near in finding the Ophiotaurus, and before he knew it, he was way up ahead in the water. Which meant that his powers have definitely weakened greatly.

"Ow, my head." Perseus groaned lightly, as he tried to summon hellfire, only for it to flicker unsteadily in his palm. Great, just when he almost got the hang of it. He didn't try using his terrakinesis due to the seafloor being way below, and here was hardly anything to make a shadow wisp out of. In other words, he was weak and bored.

"This is so stupid, literally a waste of time." Perseus muttered as he rested on the back of the serpent. A school of fish swam next to the serpent, and immediately swam away when the serpent bared its teeth.

"Huh, never saw those kinds of fish before." Perseus said aloud.

"Flounder, a flatfish from the sea fish species. Flounders weigh an average of 1.56Kg or more. Flounders are also known as Fluke's."

Perseus and the serpent immediately whipped their heads to the source of the sound, and to their surprise, found an orca staring at them, with a grin on its face. Wait, can orca's smile?

But Perseus immediately noticed something different about the orca. It looked normal enough, but its tail was four long thingies, two on either side instead of the regular two fin. It had glowing blue patterns on its weirdly really large fins with a stylized alpha symbol, an 'A' on them. A similar on was on the center of its head, and its white spots also had a light blue glow in the center of it. The orca had glowing yellow eyes and instead of one fin on the top, it had two on its sides. It was an orca, but it also wasn't.

"I love flounders actually, delicious little buggers." the orca said, its head bobbing up and down. Perseus blinked twice, and then slapped himself.

"Why did you slap yourself you weirdo?"

Yep, he wasn't hallucinating. The orca was speaking to him.

"Um, you can talk?" Perseus asked.

"Of course I can, my creator did it so. She was worried about you, since you were going so far. Didn't want her son to land in any danger." the orca said, in a distint female voice which Perseus noted.

"Wait, son? She?" Perseus said out loud. "Do you mean Nyx?!"

"Yeah, Nyx. My creator. Said to watch over you, didn't really trust seaweed-belly's serpent over here." the orca nonchalantly replied.

The sea serpent then let out a series of hisses, and then flipped its body back, sending Perseus into the air. Perseus then crashed into the frigid water, and immediately started shivering when he felt the cold kick in.

"C-C-Cold. C-Cold." Perseus sputtered.

"Whoa, easy there my creator's offspring." the orca said, diving into the water. Perseus then felt a slippery surface beneath him, and was soon out of the water, but on the orca's back. The sea serpent gave one final glare, before it dived into the water, never to be seen again.

"Thanks...orca." Perseus gasped. "That was kinda shocking."

"No biggie. Sea serpents, very prideful creatures, blegh. No sense of dignity. Anyway, since he's gone, I'm going to take care of you. What's your dilemma?"

"I think I'm lost."

"Hi Lost, I'm orca."

"No, I'm Perseus. And your name is really orca?"

"I don't know, you gave me that name."

"I...that's not your name."

"Hmm, then I'm going by Lost."

"You can't go by Lost."

"Why not, you're not using that name."

"Because Lost is a stupid name."

"Oh, then what do you want to call me?"

"...Alpha?"

"No."

"Kyogre?'

"That's dumb."

"Umbra?"

"..."

"..."

"I love it! I'm going to be Umbra!"

"Umbra it is then." Perseus said with a chuckle, scratching the surface of the orca lightly, making it shiver. He didn't know why, but he felt some strange connection to the killer whale. Maybe it was because Nyx had created it, to look out for him. That...that was nice of her.

"Oh yessss. That hit's the spot right there Perseus." Umbra said with a content sigh.

"So Umbra. I need help in finding this creature called the Ophiotaurus. Do you have any idea on that and where it could be?' Perseus asked.

"Hmm, Nyx mentioned to watch out for big sea monsters. But she also said that mythological sea monsters tend to hang around the big ones. I think we have to find a big one Perseus."

"Probably. But wait, you're not going to shorten my name?"

"Why would I?"

"...I love you already now."

"Heh, thanks Perseus."

Perseus and Umbra then made their way forward, zipping through the waters at a large speed. Perseus's apprehension was growing by the minute as he moved further along, due to the fact he could feel his power slowly decreasing. According to the map, Perseus was slowly approaching the inverted 'Y' island, which didn't bode well for him. Large icebergs that obstructed the view were scattered everywhere as Perseus approached the area.

"Hey Umbra. You found anything yet?" Perseus asked.

"No, not yet." she replied. "But I can smell some really ancient stuff around here. It smells Greek to. Maybe the monster you're looking for is nearby."

"Or the big one." Perseus muttered. Moments later, a large resounding crash was heard close by, like something large hit the water, making the waters move around for a bit. Perseus would have probably chalked it up to natural occurrences, if not for what he heard next.

"CRRRRAAAWWWWGGGHHH"

"That's...a big one I think." Umbra said nervously. "Or maybe just the wind?'

"We have to investigate. You said you could smell the Greek, so come on." Perseus said. Umbra then swam slowly to the source of the sound, where the crashing noises kept on continuing, and getting louder and louder. Perseus and Umbra then left the view of an ice berg, and were greeted with a massive sight. For swimming in the waters was a large towering monster, with spikes jutting everywhere and a large number of tentacles on either side of its body. It had a large slit at the center, with yellowish brown teeth jutting out of its mouth. Large orange eyes stared down at the numerous sea creatures surrounding it, most of them dead.

"That's a big one Perseus." Umbra whimpered.

"Not just any big one." Perseus muttered, audibly gulping. He knew this creature anywhere, after seeing it numerous times on Poseidon's murals, its stories. "That's the biggest one of all. The Kraken."

Another large roar was heard, as soon as Perseus said its name."

"We can't turn back now." Perseus said, his voice cracking a bit. "We have to see if the Ophiotaurus is there."

"Um Perseus? The big one probably would have-"

"No, we need to check, I have to." Perseus shouted.

Umbra didn't say anything, but could feel Perseus's distress. She silently swam ahead, making sure there was enough distance to pull back if the Kraken had any funny ideas. Perseus leaned a bit forward, trying to see if the Ophiotaurus was still there. His godly vision may not be that great right now, but it was still miles better than that of a mortal. The two had already completed half a round around the Kraken, when Perseus spotted something among a pile of dead Hippocampi. Something uncommon.

"No way." Perseus said with a strangled laugh. "It's actually there, its actually here!"

"What's here?!" Umbra demanded.

"The Ophiotaurus! The Kraken did not eat it!" Perseus yelled. "Swim a bit closer to it Umbra."

"Got it." she said, moving ahead. Perseus can distinctly see the Ophiotaurus now, and true to its name, it was a serpent bull after all. Bull head and snake body, check.

"Okay Perseus, this is honestly as far as I can go, unless you want to get sucked into that." Umbra said, pointing at the small whirlpool that was growing bigger and bigger.

"Come on Umbra, just a little further. I can't call out to the little guy from here." Perseus said.

"That's impossible, unless you're fine with being indigested. But I'm not. I don't want to literally die on my first day of being alive!" Umbra exclaimed.

Perseus sighed, as he stared at the Ophiotaurus that was crying out for help presumably. He then stared at his vambrace as s thought occurred to him. What if...but can it make one? Well, he can make a bow out of them which has string, but the string was some weird energy thingy. But it acted as one. What if the same could be put here as well...

"Perseus? Are you thinking of something? Cause im telling you now, I suck at thinking so..."

"I need something like that arrow I used that time. The one with the rope attached to me." Perseus thought as he stared at his vambrace. "Something more versatile than that, something more adaptive, something..."

The vambrace then glowed blue, as the particles mix and matched together for some time. A few moments later, Perseus was staring at some large metal spike, with multiple hooks attached to either side of it, attached to his vambrace. Perseus then let out a sigh, and aimed his hand a few meters where the Ophiotaurus was, and pulled the trigger beneath his fingers. The metal spike shot out of the brace, spiraling towards its targets, its hooks also coming out as it launched in the air. Perseus watched with bated breath as the hook stuck itself on to a dead hippocampus, the hook automatically securing itself tightly.

"Di immortals, it actually worked." Perseus whispered, staring at his brace with wonder. "Oh I love you as well."

"What is that anyways. And what is that weird glowy blue string?" Umbra asked.

"Not sure about that, but let's see if this now works." Perseus muttered, tugging his hand back. He immediately shot off from Umbra's back, and soon landed next to the Ophiotaurus. As well as the dead Hippocampi.

"Oh...no." Perseus gagged.

"Moooo?"

"Oh, hey there little buddy, I'm here to rescue you." Perseus said with a smile. "You want to get out of the way from the big bad monster right?"

"Moo!"

"Excellent. Now just, climb in my arms." Perseus said, extending an arm. The Ophiotaurus slithered up to him, and wrapped itself around his shoulders, waist, and neck.

"A bit heavy, but manageable." Perseus grunted, taking out the hook. "Umbra! I'm going to launch this into the water, you catch it!" Perseus called out. He received a cry of affirmation in return. Perseus glanced back to see the Kraken staring down at him, its orange eyes staring down at him. "Have to move fast" Perseus thought, and launched the hook at Umbra. Umbra then jumped out of the water and caught the hook mid-air in its teeth, dived back into the water, and then emerged out with a grin on its face. Perseus sighed but shook his head fondly as he tugged his arm back, making him launch into the air once again, this time with the Ophiotaurus in tow.

"Did you see me jump Perseus? Aren't I a cool Umbra?" Umbra asked with pride evident in her voice.

"Yeah, you're a cool Umbra." Perseus said with a chuckle as he made himself comfortable. "Now, we just have to-"

"CRRRRAAAWWWWGGGHHH"

"I don't think the Kraken is happy." Umbra said, as she slowly backed away. Only to realize she was still in the same position, due to the opposite flowing current keeping her still.

"Perseus, I think we have a problem. I- I can't-"

"Just keep on swimming, i just need to set the Ophi- WOAH!" Perseus cried, as he fell forward, Ophiotaurus in his arms. But as he landed, he suddenly felt his hands grab air, as if nothing was in them. Percy immediately bolted upright, as he stared in horror at the Ophiotaurus, which was quickly dissolving into red mist. In no time, there was nothing left of the creature.

"What...how...it-" Perseus sputtered.

"Perseus!" Umbra yelled as she lost momentum, and fell back with the current. Perseus fell to his knees, and looked back to see the once small whirlpool now overtaking everything, the center of the pool right at the edge of the Kraken's mouth. Perseus stared open mouthed at the numerous beings being sucked into the center, and momentarily glanced up to see the shining eyes of the terror of the seas. And if krakens can smile, then this one definitely was.

"CRRRRAAAWWWWGGGHHH"

Alright, that was chapter 27. More or less speaking, stuff happened in this one, and we're definitely heading into more plot driven category now. if you guys haven't realized, the inverted Y island is actually the UK lol. Oh and Mark Andrew, let me just say that thank you so much for being one of my constant supporters. To answer your question, yes, this will be an AU hunt. That's all I can say cause the rest will be spoilery. can't have that.

So, about Umbra. If you guys haven't guessed, she's based on an Orca, more importantly, Kyogre! (Pokemon fans will know this XD) Just search up Kyogre, imagine it with my description, and you have Umbra. But the idea of Umbra actually came from a really great author, LostHouse. Has a bunch of pjo stories in ffn as well so check them out (And I am definitely sure you forgot about this suggestion because you forgot about it the first time and I'm still mad at you. Hope the vampires suck you dry!) Ahem. Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, please don't ask about yesterday T_T, and I'll see you guys in the next update. Bye!...\/