LAST TIME:

A moment later, there was a brilliant flash of golden light from under the waves. A moment later, the waves dropped and the sea subsided, to reveal my Lieutenant in a brilliant blue chiton with a hair clip on her braided hair, with a faint glow around her. She looked about fifteen years old and she was radiating power. Suddenly the glow subsided and she walked forward out of the ocean, with her normal grace.

Without even thinking, I rushed forward and enveloped her in a rib-crushing hug.

"Zoe..."

"My Lady."

I released her and looked at her with teary eyes. "You're alive... you're safe."

"All thanks to Percy, my Lady." She said softly, glancing at the boy behind me. I turned and saw Percy smile softly at her. His Trident was out and he was leaning on it rather heavily and swaying. I walked towards him and pulled him into a hug, surprising even myself.

"Thank you, Percy," I said.

"She is my friend too, Artemis." He whispered back. His voice was fading. I went to break the hug before it got awkward, but suddenly his weight increased. I held him only due to my strength as a goddess. I heard his trident fall behind me. I caught him properly and looked at his face. He had passed out in my arms.

I laid a hand on his forehead and found him burning up. He also had several broken and cracked bones along with bruises. I needed to get him to my brother to be treated as feeding Ambrosia or Nectar while he was already burning up due to power overuse was a bad idea.

I lifted him in a fireman's hold before running to my Chariot.

Ch.20 The Council of Gods

Artemis POV

I laid Percy gently in my chariot as Zoe and the others quickly climbed aboard, before readying my reindeers for the journey. I looked over my shoulder to confirm that everyone was there before spurring the chariot into flight. My chariot launched, glowing silver as it rode across the sky before vanishing from mortal eyes in a ray of moonlight.

I set course for Olympus and put the chariot on auto-pilot, making a mental note to reset it to normal once we were there. The chariot was a rather sensitive piece of technology... if you could say that, and it would be disastrous if I forgot. It happened once... Centuries ago and Hecate still reminded me of that incident whenever we got into a fight. She had to do powerful mist manipulation to cover up my little mistake... I had just forgotten to reset it after an emergency journey to save three of my huntresses who were badly injured while we were hunting Echidna.

Talking of Echidna, I turned my attention back to her most recent slayer, Perseus Jackson, who was lying on the floor of my chariot with Thalia, Phoebe, and Zoe leaning next to him while Bianca tended to Athena's girl, Annabeth. The satyr, Grover, was playing a soft tune on his reed pipes, which I recognized as a song that aided in healing.

Believe it or not, musical healing was a very powerful thing, and being Apollo's sister, I could attest to that well. I had seen my brother play a couple of songs on his Lyre and completely heal nearly a hundred people with varying injuries at once.

"He is burning up," Thalia stated, checking on Percy.

"Severe overuse of power," Zoe stated. "I am surprised that he could even stay awake, let alone travel and heal me..."

"He has always been a wonder boy," The daughter of Athena chuckled. "And believe me when I say that walking despite severe exhaustion isn't the most impressive thing I have seen him do."

"You should've seen him on this quest," Grover said as his song finished. "He killed the Nemean in like five seconds and that was barely a minute after he leveled a whole building on Luke and his cronies."

"Yes, all that is okay, but what should we do?" Thalia asked exasperatedly. "He is burning up and has several injuries!"

"Do nothing!" I ordered and they all snapped their attention towards me. "You will just worsen his condition. We are going straight to my brother."

Zoe and Phoebe nodded immediately but Thalia was reluctant.

"Worry not, Thalia. He is in no mortal danger. But if we try something to heal him, we may put him in that condition." I said, trying to placate her. As another daughter of Zeus, I knew just how stubborn we all could be.

"Alright," She said but didn't move.

"Lady Artemis, Percy heals with water... like if you can just put him in a tub of water, he'll start healing..." Annabeth said.

"I don't know... that healing may take power... and Percy is suffering from overuse of power. I may be a goddess but healing isn't one of my domains. I only know normal things and I am unfamiliar with water healing. We may end up harming him even more, Annabeth. Even giving him Ambrosia or nectar could be fatal with how much "

"No, it will work," Zoe said. "The water heals him, Artemis. He doesn't use the water to heal himself. I am sure of it."

I blinked. "Well, if you are sure..."

"Remove his armor, I'll dump water on him," Zoe declared.

"Err... how do I remove the armor? Percy doesn't wear it. It just appears on him. There is no place to remove it." Thalia said.

I shook my head and kneeled next to her before putting my hand on his armor and feeling its magic before tracing a pattern on it. A few seconds later, the armor turned back into a necklace around Percy's neck.

I felt my breath hitch. The T-shirt he had been wearing was burnt and charred in several places, giving a glimpse of his Torso underneath... which was badly bruised. Blood was already clotting at several spots on his chiseled body.

What? I may be a goddess of maidens but I could admire a warrior when I saw one.

I snapped my fingers and a tub materialized next to me. I immediately lifted Percy, ignoring him being half-naked, and the feeling of his soft skin, and placed him in the tub.

I turned to my Lieutenant. "Zoe, do what you need to."

She nodded and closed her eyes before jabbing her palm at the tub. Somehow, water... seawater shot from her hands into the tub and started to fill it up rapidly.

I blinked. I never knew Zoe had the power to do that... even before her banishment. She was the daughter of Pleione, a minor sea deity. I had no idea that Zoe had inherited powers over water from her mother.

"It worked..." She wheezed, breathing heavily once the tub was filled. "I still can't believe it still... works."

"You can shoot water like Percy?" Bianca breathed in awe.

"I can... My mother is Pleione, the firstborn of Oceanus and Tethys. I did inherit her powers. But, they are limited to water manipulation in its most basic form. I can't do things like Percy. Technically, I am now a minor sea deity myself like my mother. A nymph of sunset, hunting, and sea."

I turned around at her, gaping.

"When did this happen!?" I half-shrieked. If she was immortal now... she would have to leave the hunt due to the ancient laws. I couldn't bear her leaving. It was better than losing her forever… but still.

"When Percy returned my immortal essence to me," She said, bringing forth a celestial bronze sword and caressing it. "Along with the apple of immortality, I am an immortal again. But, along with my old powers... I have hunting as a part of my domains as well. Something I received from you, Lady Artemis."

"So, you are a goddess now?" Thalia asked.

"An immortal nymph with domains instead of a life source." She answered.

I frowned. I had never heard of such a thing. I would've to ask Athena... or my brother. They were the only ones who could answer this.

"So, can you still be a part of the hunt or not?" I asked.

"I don't know, my lady. I don't know." Zoe replied. "But, I will always be there for you all."

"Well, I think she can," The daughter of Athena declared. "She said she has hunting as one of her domains much like you, Lady Artemis. So, she can hunt with the hunt."

I shook my head. "That is not how it works. I had gotten special permission from the fates to form and lead the hunt. My uncle Letanos didn't have it despite being the titan of hunting."

"Oh," Annabeth deflated.

"Anyways, what is coming will come, and we will meet it when it does," I said before turning to the reins and checking our location.

"We'll be at Olympus in a few minutes. Zoe, lead everyone to my palace and freshen up there. The winter solstice is a few hours away and I will like it if you all attend it. I will meanwhile take Percy to Apollo." I declared before taking the reins in my hand.

A minute later, we landed on the landing pad meant for my moon chariot. Zoe and Phoebe helped everyone out as I reset the normal moon course on the chariot before moving to Percy and picking him out of the water. His bruises had faded. He was cooler than before, but still burning up. His Minor hair-line fractures were healed but several bones were still broken. Also, he was completely dry.

I marveled at how well he had healed by just being in the water. I was sure that if I just kept him in the water, he would be as light as rain in a couple of days. But I wasn't going to risk it. I carefully jumped off my chariot, making sure to keep Percy stable so that his broken bones didn't damage him in any way or form.

"Go in, girls. I will be back after getting Perseus to Apollo... Grover, you too," I told the party who was still waiting. The instructions are given, I began jogging towards Apollo's palace, which thankfully, wasn't far from mine. I would've just teleported had it not been for Percy in my arms. I didn't know if godly teleportation was the best idea while he was so vulnerable.

"Apollo! Come here, NOW!" I yelled as I kicked open the golden doors of his golden palace and entered.

"APOLLO!" I yelled again.

There was a flash and my brother appeared. His eyes lit up like the sun as soon as he saw me before glancing at Percy. He closed the distance between us and laid two fingers on Percy's forehead. His eyes widened.

"This way." He said before leading me to a nearby room. As expected, the room was a complete medical wing with everything that any doctor could possibly need.

"Lay him there," Apollo said, pointing to a bed as he flashed into his Doctor's attire before disappearing behind a curtain.

I did as he had told and laid Percy on the bed as I heard some water running from where he had gone. A moment later, he emerged wearing medical gloves.

"I will take it from here Sis. And... it is good to see you." He said.

I smiled at my brother, knowing he would have been dead worried for me for the last few days. "It is good to see you too, Apollo. Now, tend to the boy. We'll talk later."

"Lunch with me at The Godly Diner tomorrow?" He asked, hurrying towards the boy.

"No, my palace. I'll cook." I declared wanting to have some private time with my brother instead of being in a public place, even if it was the poshest restaurant in the whole of Olympus. "Now, tend to Percy or you will have a pissed Poseidon on your ass."

"Yep," He said with a megawatt grin before he turned back to Percy and started moving various devices over Percy. I smiled and flashed out knowing Percy was in safe hands.

Percy POV

I groggily opened my eyes before instantly squeezing them shut and groaning as bright light bombarded my eyes. A second later, I heard a shout of "He's awake!" before I felt a hand touch my forehead.

"Percy, Percy... Can you hear me?" A voice asked, which I recognized as my father's.

I grunted in response. My mouth felt too dry to speak properly. I was still seeing spots with my closed eyes.

"Easy there," Another voice said, which was familiar but I couldn't exactly place it.

The next thing I felt was that I was in the water. Seawater to be precise. And something sticky was wrapped around my Torso. I brought my hand to my eyes to shade them before slowly opening them.

A moment later, my vision cleared and I saw Apollo standing over me on my right side and my father on the left.

"Drink this," Apollo ordered, bringing a glass full of a purple liquid to my lips. I opened my mouth and drank a sip of it before gagging at the horrible taste.

"I know it tastes bad but it is the best alternative to Nectar and Ambrosia," Apollo said. "Drink it up."

I pinched my nose and downed it in one go before gagging again at the aftertaste as I felt an energy rush throughout my body.

"Now, how are you feeling, Percy?" Apollo asked.

"My chest and hands hurt... I have a headache and am feeling feverish... and I think I cannot control the water... or anything. They have been rendered inaccessible to me somehow!" I said as I felt my core and couldn't access the powers I had known to have my whole life.

"Of course, you can't. It is a side-effect of overusing your powers. Demigods aren't meant to use such high levels of power in such a short period. You will be able to access them again in about twenty-four to thirty hours. But, I have to forbid you from using any of those for at least till this year ends."

I did a quick calculation in my head. When we entered the garden of Hesperides, it was the evening of 20th December. We weren't up there for long... a couple of hours at the maximum, so the latest it could be right now would be the winter solstice... 21st December. And I had been forbidden from using my powers till the new year... which means ten days.

"As for your chest and hands hurting, you had eleven broken ribs, and all the bones in your hands were broken. A mortal healer would've never been able to put them back, but you were with me! I just regrew the bones in your hand and mended the ribs. The mending was simple, but unfortunately, you'll be sore for a couple of days. I'll be giving you a few medicines to take for the next three days, take them before Lunch and after dinner without fail."

"Okay. What about my headache and fever?" I asked.

"Side-effects of overuse of power," Apollo replied.

"Oh. Okay. How are the rest of my friends?"

"They're alright, as far as I know. None have come to me to get checked. I think you'll meet them in the throne room."

"Speaking of which, we will need to go soon. The council meeting will start in like ten minutes." Poseidon said. "And Percy should be with us."

"I can give him another energy potion so that he can walk to the throne room and stay upright for a few hours. After that, bed rest is recommended."

"I'll take him to Atlantis for a few days if needed," Poseidon declared. "At least till he is back in form. Then he can go back to the camp or Sally's place... If Percy doesn't have a problem with it, that is."

I shook my head indicating I had no problem and Poseidon beamed at me before looking at Apollo. "Well, I'll take your leave now. I've to go and get something important to bring to Olympus. I'll see Percy and you there." saying so, he disappeared in sea mist, leaving the scent of the sea in the whole room.

"Percy, drink this," Apollo ordered, giving me another potion... the purple one I had a few minutes ago.

"I am feeling good enough," I protested.

"That is because you are in the water, kid. Water's giving you energy. The moment you get out, you will fall on your face. Drink this, come on." Apollo said.

I sighed and took the small glass from him before pinching my nose and downing it in one go.

"That's a good kid. You can have this now to wash the taste." He said, giving me a glass full of what looked like orange juice. I gave it a suspicious look.

"It is legit orange juice, kid," Apollo said, rolling his eyes. "I swear."

I nodded and tentatively tasted it, and found it was indeed orange juice before slowly drinking it. Once I finished it, I handed it back to Apollo who took it before snapping his fingers.

A pile of clothes, topped with a pair of sunglasses and all my belongings materialized on the side table beside me.

"Get ready, kid. The council meeting is going to start soon and you need to be there. Athena, Artemis, Ares, Hestia, and Hera have already visited to check on you once. Well, Athena and Artemis have barged in thrice, every two hours and Aunt Hestia has been here every half an hour. I don't want them on my asses."

"How long was I out?"

"Seven hours approximately if you consider it from the time you passed out," Apollo replied. "Now, if you need anything, ring that bell. One of my assistants will come and aid you. I got to go, bye!" Saying so, he ran out of the room.

I shook my head at his antics before closing my eyes.

'Alexander? ALEXANDER?' I called but there was no response. I immediately went into my mind-house and searched for him, only to find him passed out on a bed. I tried to shake him awake but he was unresponsive so, I let him be and went back to the real world.

I opened my eyes and slowly climbed out of the tub. As soon as I left the water, I felt a wave of tiredness hit me and stumbled before catching myself.

Suddenly, thunder rumbled loudly in the sky and I knew that the council of gods had been called. So, I started to get ready.

This time, if it was possible, Olympus amazed me even more.

In the early-morning darkness, torches and fires made the mountainside palaces glow twenty different colors, from bloodred to indigo. Apparently, no one ever slept on Olympus. The twisting streets were full of demigods and nature spirits and minor godlings bustling about, riding chariots or sedan chairs carried by Cyclopes. Winter didn't seem to exist here. I caught the scent of the gardens in full bloom, jasmine and roses, and even sweeter things I couldn't name. Music drifted up from many windows, the soft sounds of lyres and reed pipes.

Towering at the peak of the mountain was the greatest palace of all, the glowing white hall of the gods.

As I came to the silver gates of the throne room, they opened by themselves, admitting me in.

Twelve enormous thrones made a U around a central hearth, just like the placement of the cabins at camp. The ceiling above glittered with constellations. All of the seats were occupied. Each god and goddess was about fifteen feet tall.

That's when I noticed Bessie and my friends. A sphere of water was hovering in the center of the room, next to the hearth fire. Bessie was swimming happily around, swishing his serpent tail and poking his head out the sides and bottom of the sphere. He seemed to be enjoying the novelty of swimming in a magic bubble. All my friends were sitting at the bottom of a god's throne. Annabeth was at Athena's. Zoe, Phoebe, and Bianca at Artemis's, Thalia at the foot of Zeus's throne, talking with him and being glared at by Hera. Finally, Grover was at the foot of Dionysus's throne, eating an apple.

The hearth fire crackled and Hestia waved at me from the flames, relief evident on her face.

As I entered, every eye in the hall turned to me.

Zeus in his dark pin-striped suit, his black beard neatly trimmed, and his eyes sparkling with energy. Next to him sat a beautiful woman with silver hair braided over one shoulder and a dress that shimmered colors like peacock feathers. The Lady Hera.

On Zeus's right, my father Poseidon. Next to him, was a huge lump of a man with a leg in a steel brace, a misshapen head, and a wild brown beard, fire flickering through his whiskers. The Lord of the Forges, Hephaestus. Hermes winked at me. He was wearing a business suit today, checking messages on his caduceus mobile phone. Apollo leaned back on his golden throne with his shades on. He had iPod headphones on, so I wasn't sure he was even listening, but he gave me a thumbs-up. Dionysus looked bored, twirling a grapevine between his fingers. And Ares, well, he sat on his chrome-and-leather throne, looking at me while he sharpened a knife.

On the ladies' side of the throne room, a dark-haired goddess in green robes sat next to Hera on a throne woven of apple-tree branches. Demeter, Goddess of the Harvest. Next to her sat a beautiful gray-eyed woman in an elegant white dress who gave me a nod. Athena, of course, but in a completely different attire than I had ever expected to see her in as I was pretty sure that not even she could fight properly in the dress she was wearing.

Then there was Aphrodite, who was wearing such an elaborately beautiful gown that shimmered with diamonds and rubies that they threatened to burn my eyes with its sheer beauty. She smiled at me seductively and winked but I ignored it, knowing she would take it as permission to come after me if I blushed. Alexander had given me special instructions when I was to deal with her.

My friends, on the other hand, saw me and instantly rushed towards me. Thalia and Annabeth engulfed me in a hug while the huntresses asked if I was alright.

"Yes, yes, I am okay. Now, I think we are interrupting them," I said, pointing to the gods who were waiting for us. "We should let them continue."

"Well, this is certainly more entertaining than the council meeting, I did say." Dionysus drawled but the remark was largely ignored, signifying he likely did it every time.

"Percy, you have to convince them! They can't do it!" Grover whispered, grasping my arm.

"Do what?" I asked.

"Heroes," Artemis called. The goddess slid down from her throne and turned to human size, a young auburn-haired teenage girl, perfectly at ease amid the giant Olympians. She walked toward us, her silver robes shimmering. There was no emotion on her face. She seemed to walk in a column of moonlight, making her look more beautiful than I had ever thought was possible.

"The Council has been informed of your deeds," Artemis told us. "They know that Mount Othrys is rising in the West. They know of Atlas's attempt for freedom and the gathering armies of Kronos. We have voted to act."

There was some mumbling and shuffling among the gods as if they weren't all happy with this plan, but nobody protested.

"At my Lord Zeus's command." Artemis said, "my brother Apollo and I shall hunt the most powerful monsters, seeking to strike them down before they can join the Titans' cause. Lady Athena shall personally check on the other Titans to make sure they do not escape their various prisons. Lord Poseidon has been permitted to unleash his full fury on the cruise ship Princess Andromeda and send it to the bottom of the sea. And as for you, my heroes..."

She turned to face the other immortals. "These half-bloods have done Olympus a great service. Would anyone here deny that?" She looked around at the assembled gods, meeting their faces individually.

"I gotta say"—Apollo broke the silence—"these kids did okay." He cleared his throat and began to recite: "Heroes win laurels—"

"Um, yes, first-class." Hermes interrupted like he was anxious to avoid Apollo's poetry. "All in favor of not disintegrating them?"

"We are not disintegrating any of them! Not as long as my Hearth burns." Hestia declared, rising from the hearth with flames burning in her eyes. She was still in her eight-year-old form, but her glare was sufficient enough to put any god into line on the council.

"I agree." Poseidon boomed, "they are worthy heroes. We will not blast my son to bits."

"Nor my daughter," Zeus grumbled. "She has done well."

Thalia blushed. She studied the floor.

Athena cleared her throat and sat forward. "I am proud of my daughter as well and the heroes. But, the council cannot ignore the fact that there is a security risk here with the other two, especially, Thalia Grace."

"Mother!" Annabeth said. "How can you—"

Athena cut her off with a calm but firm look. "It is unfortunate that my father, Zeus, and my uncle, Poseidon, chose to break their oath not to have more children. Only Hades kept his word, a fact that I find ironic. As we know from the Great Prophecy, children of the three elder gods... such as Thalia… and Percy… are dangerous. Especially Thalia. Many here can vouch for Percy, but none can for Thalia. She turns sixteen in a couple of days and has nearly faltered and defected due to her fatal flaw and her friendship with the Castellan boy."

I cleared my throat. "Athena, as much as I respect you, you will be meeting my blade if you try to harm a hair on Thalia's head. She has proven to be worthy and kicked the same Castellan boy you are talking about off a cliff." I said firmly.

Athena gave me an unimpressed look, "As you have just fought and won against two titans and held the sky, I will let this go. As my student, I expected you to see your cousin's risk to Olympus by her mere presence. Your character and good decision-making skills can be vouched for even if you were about to make a stupid one right now by facing me in your current condition. On the other hand, Thalia poses a risk, mainly because she is a day away from sixteen and her fatal flaw is lust for power."

I narrowed my eyes. Even though Athena was completely right, I was going to have none of it.

"I will not have them punished." Artemis thundered before I could speak. "I will have them rewarded. If we destroy heroes who do us a great favor, then we are no better than the Titans. If this is Olympian justice, I will have none of it."

"Calm down, sis," Apollo said. "Jeez, you need to lighten up."

"Don't call me sis! I will reward them." Artemis insisted.

"Well," Zeus grumbled. "Perhaps. But the monster at least must be destroyed. We have an agreement on that?"

A lot of nodding heads. It took me a second to realize what they were saying. Then my heart turned to lead. "Bessie? You want to destroy Bessie?"

"Mooooooo!" Bessie protested.

My father frowned. "You have named the Ophiotaurus Bessie?"

"Ophiotaurus is a long name." I shrugged. "But my point stands. You cannot destroy the Ophiotaurus. He's just a sea creature. A nice, innocent sea creature. You can't destroy him."

Poseidon shifted uncomfortably. "Percy, the monster's power is considerable. If the Titans were to steal it, or—"

"You can't," I insisted. I then looked at Zeus and stared him in the eye. "Controlling the prophecies never works. Isn't that true? Besides, the Ophiotaurus is innocent. Killing something like that is wrong. It's just as wrong as Kronos eating his children, just because of something they might do."

Zeus seemed to consider this. His eyes drifted to his daughter Thalia. "And what of the risk? Kronos knows full well, if one of you were to sacrifice the beast's entrails, you would have the power to destroy us. Do you think we can let that possibility remain? You, my daughter, will turn sixteen on the morrow, just as the prophecy says."

"You have to trust them," Annabeth spoke up. "Sir, you have to trust them."

Zeus scowled. "Trust a hero?"

"Believe me, Lord Zeus, if it had not been for Heroes, Olympus would've fallen long ago," I said firmly, staring at Zeus. "Am I wrong?"

"Percy is right. This is why I must first make a reward." Artemis declared. "My faithful companion, Zoe Nightshade, being made immortal now is as bound to the ancient laws as I am. She cannot lead the hunt without restrictions like before. So, I need a new demigoddess in command. But first, Father Zeus, I must speak to you privately."

Zeus beckoned Artemis forward. He leaned down and listened as she spoke in his ear. A few moments later, she turned back to us. "I shall have a new lieutenant," she announced. "If she will accept it. Thalia Grace, Daughter of Zeus, will you join the Hunt as the new Lieutenant?"

Stunned silence filled the room. I turned to look at Thalia to see what her decision was. Annabeth smiled. She squeezed Thalia's hand and let it go as if she'd been expecting this all along.

"I will," Thalia said firmly.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Zoe and Phoebe beam at her.

Zeus rose, his eyes full of concern. "My daughter, consider well—"

"Father," she said. "I will not turn sixteen tomorrow. I will never turn sixteen. I won't let this prophecy be mine. I stand with my sister Artemis. Kronos will never tempt me again." She knelt before the goddess and began the words I remembered from Bianca's oath, what seemed like so long ago. "I pledge myself to the goddess Artemis. I turn my back on the company of men..."

Afterward, Thalia did something that surprised me completely. She came over to me, smiled, and gave me a big hug in front of the whole assembly. I hugged her back. When she pulled away and gripped my shoulders, I said with amusement, "Aren't you supposed to not do that anymore? Hug boys, I mean?"

"I'm honoring a friend." she corrected. "I must join the Hunt, Percy. I haven't known peace since... since Half-Blood Hill. I finally feel like I have a home. But you're a hero. You will be the one of the prophecy."

I nodded. It was my fate.

"I'm proud to be your friend." She hugged Annabeth, who was trying hard not to cry. Then she even hugged Grover, who looked ready to pass out, as somebody had just given him an all-you-can-eat enchilada coupon.

Thalia kneeled again. "And join the hunt." She completed the oath.

"The oath is binding if my lady, Artemis accepts," Zoe declared.

"I do," Artemis said, and a silver glow surrounded Thalia. Then Thalia went to stand by Artemis's side with Zoe, Phoebe, and Bianca.

"I offer a position in the hunt to Annabeth Chase as well." She declared a few moments later.

Annabeth looked at Artemis in shock before looking at me for guidance.

"What? It is your call, Annabeth. Even if you join the hunt, you will all still be my sisters. All of you girls will be." I said. "I'll come whenever you call me."

Annabeth looked at Artemis and nodded. "I will join the hunt, Lady Artemis."

Artemis beamed at her before Zoe stepped forward to conduct the oath. A few moments later, Annabeth glowed silver before standing next to Phoebe.

"Now for the Ophiotaurus," Artemis said.

"This boy is still dangerous," Dionysus warned, pointing at me with his Thyrsus. "The beast is a temptation to great pow—" He stopped short as he dove away from the Trident that Poseidon had thrown at him across the hall. As Dionysus rolled on the ground, his pants suddenly caught fire, which Dionysus hastily put out, using his godly powers.

"ENOUGH!" Zeus thundered. "We are gods and not pesky kids to be fighting like this! Go back to your seats!"

Once everyone was settled, Athena said, "Many here can vouch for Percy including me. He is fit to be the hero of the prophecy. But, as for the beast, it is still a great danger. It would be a wise course of action."

"Or," I interrupted. "We can protect the Ophiotaurus. My dad can hide him under the sea somewhere, or keep him in an aquarium here in Olympus."

My father stood. "I will not have a sea creature destroyed if I can help it. And I can help it."

He held out his hand, and his trident reappeared in it: a twenty-foot-long bronze shaft with three spear tips that shimmered with blue, watery light. "I will vouch for the Perseus and the safety of the Ophiotaurus."

"You won't take it under the sea!" Zeus stood suddenly. "I won't have that kind of bargaining chip in your possession."

"Brother, please." Poseidon sighed.

Zeus's lightning bolt appeared in his hand, a shaft of electricity that filled the whole room with the smell of ozone.

"Fine," Poseidon said. "I will build an aquarium for the creature here. Hephaestus can help me. The creature will be safe. We shall protect it with all our powers. The boy will not betray us. I vouch for this on my honor."

"So can I!" Hestia declared from the hearth.

"Same here," Ares grunted.

Zeus thought about this. "All in favor?" To my surprise, all the hands went up.

"We have a majority." Zeus decreed. "And so, since we will not be destroying these heroes… I imagine we should honor them. Now, we have rewarded all heroes except Perseus, who didn't only fight two titans but also successfully killed Coeus. Now, while we can't give him immortality or such a thing, we can give him something material like a chariot for him to ride in battles."

"Why specifically a chariot?" Demeter asked.

"The boy already has good armor and some great weapons provided to him. He also acquired one of the best shields ever forged through conquest a few hours ago. So, a chariot was the only viable option I saw."

"A wise gift," Athena agreed. "A great warrior needs a great chariot to ride in battle. It is vital sometimes. Also, it will give him a good means of transport."

"Thank you, daughter. So, Perseus Jackson, my son, Hephaestus will give you the chariot on behalf of the Olympian council."

"Come to my forge, lad. I'll give you a chariot from my collection." the forge god said.

"Thank you, Lord Zeus, Lord Hephaestus," I said. A chariot sounded cool enough

"Excellent!" Zeus boomed. "Now, as everything is sorted, let—"

"Wait a moment, Lord Zeus." Aphrodite interrupted. Besides me, Artemis rolled her eyes. "We should discuss Percy's training. With the Titan Lord rising, he will surely face several Titans and chaos knows what monsters from the depths of the pits in the coming years."

"If you must know, Ares and I are already training Percy in combat. You do not need to worry about that." Athena said with narrowed eyes.

"Of course, I know that Ares and you are training Percy, but here I am talking about fieldwork. You may teach him sword techniques and book stuff, but we need someone to perfect his already good skills. Learning in a controlled environment where you spar, only to disarm is one thing, and being out there and fighting monsters, being stealthy, and working in a team is another. Also, you don't let him use his powers while sparring and he has nothing to learn from Ares now..."

"Well, I have to agree with her," Ares grumbled. "Jackson has surpassed me in mortal form and there are a few things I can teach him now. Owl head here still has a shit ton of things to teach him but that is too much nerdy stuff. Also, yes, sparring and real learning are two different things. The punk is good but there is no limit to excellence."

"Well, hot-head isn't wrong... but what more can someone teach him that I can't?" Athena asked.

"Of course, it is not only teaching but undertaking missions that you won't be able to accompany him with. As for what he can learn; stealth, marksmanship, teamwork, and implementing what you have taught him. You can teach him all war tactics but he needs experience in using them. Experience to lead armies and fight armies. That, only one group can provide." Aphrodite declared. "Or one goddess, specifically."

I narrowed my eyes at the goddess of love and so did many in the council, including Artemis. I had a feeling that she was messing with me... or the crush I had on Artemis.

"Where are you going with this, Aphrodite?" My father asked.

"I am simply suggesting that Percy teams up with someone who could be his teacher and battlefield companion if needed. Someone who can watch his back." Aphrodite said.

"And whom do you suggest for this?" Zeus asked.

"Artemis, of course. She has the most leeway with ancient laws and she has the most experience amongst any of us as far as fighting monsters and stuff is concerned. She and Percy will be a perfect pair."

"Excuse me?" Artemis said sharply.

"Oh, I meant in battle. I don't always mean love, you know?" Aphrodite said with a winning smile but Artemis was unfazed by it.

"Somehow, I find that a little hard to believe," Artemis said dryly.

"I missed the part where it was my problem… So anyway, my suggestion was that Percy, while continuing his regular training with Ares, Athena, and spending time with his mother as he does, he should include visiting the hunt as well… Say once a week for two consecutive days. During that time, Artemis can be his sparring partner and they can hunt any powerful monsters when needed. They'll be an unbeatable pair. The greatest Archer in the world and the best swordsman to walk on Earth in the last two millennia."

"The idea does have merit." Zeus mused.

"Father, I think I am perfectly capable of giving him training," Athena said. "I can even make a stimulator to create a proper battlefield with monsters and everything possible to fight on!"

"Why are you being so insistent on having him all to yourself, Athena?" Aphrodite asked her sweetly and the goddess glared at her. "And you can't go to slay real monsters with him, can you? Artemis and Percy can cause damage to the Titan forces together as Artemis has a lot of leeway with the ancient laws as the goddess of the hunt. Hunting monsters is her domain."

"But, Artemis has to agree to it, doesn't she? We all know that the Hunt hates males on principle regardless of whether it is someone as honorable as Percy." Athena retorted. "And so does Percy." She added.

Every eye in the hall turned to Artemis and Percy who awkwardly shared a look.

I understood the situation Aphrodite had made for Artemis. If she rejected teaching me on the principle that I was a male, she would be offending several gods and goddesses on the council who had put their confidence in my character in some way. On the other hand, she might not like me being near her hunt.

"Well," Artemis said, turning back to the council. "Aphrodite, as much as I hate to admit it, does have a good suggestion," Artemis replied, causing many to raise their eyebrows. "I have no problem with Percy. He is a good man and an excellent warrior. He saved my Lieutenant and freed me from the sky. I have seen him fight. Him with my hunt would be a force of destruction. Also, my most senior hunters trust him."

"So do you consent to Aphrodite's idea, daughter?" Zeus asked.

Artemis looked at Zoe and they had a silent conversation. "A two or three days a week shouldn't be a problem," Artemis declared. "As I can see, two of Percy's best friends and protege are in my hunt now. If he comes, he could even brush up on their training and train interested hunters in sword-fighting as well."

"Excellent!" Aphrodite squealed.

"What about you, Percy?" Athena asked. "Do you wish to go and train with the hunters?"

"Err… if Artemis doesn't have a problem, I am okay with it." I replied knowing it was a good opportunity. Artemis was the best fighter in mortal form among the gods as she had thousands of years of practice fighting in her mortal form. Me teaming up with her would be phenomenally deadly to the Titan forces. And I would even get to meet my friends if I did it. Thalia and Annabeth were good fighters but they had a lot of room to be better. Especially Thalia. Also, now there was Bianca, the daughter of Hades.

Three children of the Big Three… four if one considered Nico. We would be a force of utter destruction when teamed up.

Athena pursed her lips before silently sitting down on her throne. As much as I knew her, she was definitely irritated. She didn't want me to go and train with Artemis…. Amphitrite had told me that Athena had a crush on me… but unfortunately, I didn't see her that way. She was like… an older sister/ young aunt to me. I loved her but not in a romantic way.

"Then it is decided… As Aphrodite suggested, Artemis and young Perseus would team up and go on missions to eradicate monster groups or forces of the Titan Lord along with the hunt as and when needed. Artemis, you will also train Perseus wherever necessary. Make sure he will prevail against any enemy he faces." Zeus boomed. "Now, let the triumph celebration begin!"

There are parties, and then there are huge, major, blowout parties. And then there are Olympian parties. If you ever get a choice, go for the Olympian. The Nine Muses cranked up the tunes, and I realized the music was whatever you wanted it to be: the gods could listen to classical and the younger demigods heard hip-hop or whatever, and it was all the same soundtrack. No arguments. No fights to change the radio station. Just requests to crank it up.

Dionysus went around growing refreshment stands out of the ground, and a beautiful woman walked with him arm in arm—his wife, Ariadne. Dionysus looked happy for the first time. Nectar and ambrosia overflowed from golden fountains, and platters of mortal snack food crowded the banquet tables. Golden goblets filled with whatever drink you wanted. Grover trotted around with a full plate of tin cans and enchiladas, and his goblet was full of double-espresso latte, which he kept muttering over like an incantation: "Pan! Pan!"

Gods kept coming over to congratulate me on my victory over Coeus and Atlas. Thankfully, they had reduced themselves to human size, so they didn't accidentally trample partygoers under their feet.

Hermes started chatting with me, and he was so cheerful I hated to tell him what had happened to his son, Luke, but before I could even get up the courage, Hermes got a call on his caduceus and walked away.

Apollo told me I could drive his sun chariot any time, and if I ever wanted archery lessons—

"Thanks," I told him. "But seriously, I'm no good at archery. My arrows shoot backward defying the laws of Physics."

"Ah, nonsense," he said. "Target practice from the chariot as we fly over the U.S.? Best fun there is!"

I made some excuses and waded through the dancing crowds in the palace courtyards, searching for my friends.

"Percy." My dad called from behind and I turned.

"Hey, Dad." I greeted.

"Hello, Percy. You've done well… I am very proud of you. Killing Ceus and punching the General himself off a mountain. Your list of accomplishments just continues to grow by the day."

I smiled in response. "Thanks."

"You know, you are very famous in Atlantis," Poseidon said. "You are a celebrity."

I groaned and my dad chuckled in response.

"You know, Amphitrite misses you already. She has taken a liking to you… something very rare. I think she'll be ecstatic to have you over for the week until you recover completely. You are coming, aren't you?"

"I am. I'll just contact my mom before coming over though. And talk with my friends."

"Of course, of course. There is no hurry. Also, you need to visit Hephaestus to get your gift."

"Yes, it was quite a surprise," I stated.

"Not really. Many know you are Olympus's hope. You are the greatest hero the Greek world has seen, child. There has been no hero in history who has defeated and killed Titans. You, my son, underestimate the things you have accomplished."

I blushed at the praise.

"What of the Titan forces dad? Do you know what is happening with them?" I asked, changing the topic.

Poseidon sighed. "Your friend Luke, still sails in his ship despite the losses. His boat sails from San Francisco with the remains of Kronos even now. He will retreat and regroup before assaulting you again. I will do my best to destroy his boat with storms, but as you know, he has made alliances with my enemies, the older spirits of the ocean. They fight to protect him and his ship."

I frowned. "How can he be alive?" I asked. "That fall should've killed him. Thalia kicked him off a cliff which was several meters high!"

Poseidon looked troubled. "I don't know, Percy, but beware of him. He is more dangerous than ever. And the golden coffin is still with him, still growing in strength."

I think he wanted to say more, but just then, Bessie started mooing from across the courtyard. Some demigods were playing with his water sphere, joyously pushing it back and forth over the top of the crowd, "I'd better take care of that." Poseidon grumbled. "We can't have the Ophiotaurus tossed around like a beach ball. Be good, my son. Take this pearl. We'll talk more in Atlantis."

He handed me the pearl before rushing towards the Ophiotaurus. I was about to keep searching the crowd when another voice spoke. "You are not angry with me, are you?"

I turned and saw Athena standing near me. She was still in the elegant white dress.

"Why would I be angry?" I asked.

"Because of my statement against your friend and saying she is a danger," She replied.

I pursed my lips again. "I am not angry, merely irritated. Forgive me if I do not approve of my friends being killed."

She smiled dryly. "Do not judge me too harshly, Percy. Wise counsel is not always popular, but I spoke the truth. She was dangerous and to an extent, so are you as I have said before. But, one thing that is assured in your case is that your loyalty would never waver… which is both a good thing and a bad thing."

"Every coin has two sides. And, don't tell me you never take risks."

"I do," She conceded. "And I am. We could delay the prophecy, but we are not. It is a risk in itself, Percy. My only advice is and will be, that you should beware of your fatal flaw. Your fatal flaw is personal loyalty, Percy. You do not know when it is time to cut your losses. To save a friend, you would sacrifice the world."

I smiled. "You've told that to me before. And my answer remains the same. My loyalty is my strength and not my weakness. You are indeed right to say that I would do anything if it means that my loved ones would stay happy and safe. I am nothing if my loyalty towards my family wavers. A man, however successful, is always defined by family. A family is a person's greatest wealth and strength. It is my drive to protect those I love which keeps me going."

Athena smiled.

"Percy!" Annabeth said, running through the crowd. She stopped short when she saw who I was talking to. "Oh… Mom."

"Hello, daughter. I'll talk to you in a moment." She said before turning back to me. "I'll say you did well and I am proud to call you my student. Also, I'll expect you at the regular time next week."

"Actually, don't," I said. "Doctor's orders. No training till the new year. I am going to be in Atlantis till then."

"Very well." She sighed. "Then as soon as possible. Now, give me a moment with Annabeth." She said.

I nodded at the two of them before trudging ahead. In the distance I saw Thalia sitting with the other huntresses, including Artemis, eating various foods. So, I decided to walk over to them.

"Hello, everyone." I greeted and everyone greeted me back before Thalia gestured to an empty seat next to her for me to sit. The problem was, if I sat there, I would be right next to the goddess of the hunt.

Artemis seemed to understand and nodded at me. So, I went and sat right beside her.

"How are you feeling, Kelp Head? You passed out pretty solid." Thalia grinned.

"Yeah, yeah. I had. But I have news. Luke's alive."

Thalia's face turned to stone at the name. "How?"

"Don't know. My dad told me."

"It doesn't matter," Phoebe said. "What matters is that the quest was a massive success. No one died. A titan was killed and my lady was freed. We'll just kill the boy permanently when we come across him next time."

"I agree. And, first and foremost, I want to thank you, Percy. For saving my life." Zoe said softly.

I waved her off. "That's what friends do. No big deal."

"Then I am honored to call you my friend, a brother in all but blood, Perseus Jackson."

"Wait, wait. No brother stuff. You are the world's greatest grandma, Zoe." I said with a grin and everyone including Artemis laughed while the girl in question scowled before punching my shoulder lightly.

"So, you are going to be visiting us," Artemis said.

"You approved," I replied.

"That I did. Don't make me regret my decision, boy."

"You wound me, Artemis," I said in a mock hurt tone. "Now I won't show you my card tricks."

"Card tricks?"

"Percy does magic… like those card tricks mortal magicians do," Thalia said. "It is fun."

"Well, nonetheless, I'll pick you up when you have to come. But come prepared. I look forward to sparring with you."

"So do I. Where is the hunt going first?"

"I don't know. First, we'll go to the camp to collect the hunt. Then, I'll decide where to go."

"Then, leave Bianca at the camp. I'll collect her before coming. She needs to spend time with her brother."

"If she agrees, I will," Artemis replied before looking at the daughter of Hades.

"I would like to. Nico is upset with me. I'll hopefully mend our relationship before coming back." She answered.

"Good."

"What about you, Percy?" Thalia asked.

"I am going to Atlantis till the new year. Apollo has forbidden me to train or use my powers till then. So, dad thinks I'll be the safest in Atlantis instead of the mortal world."

"And you better listen to my brother. He may be an annoying little shit but his knowledge and expertise are unmatched."

"How nice of you sis!" Apollo's voice sounded from behind and Artemis groaned.

"I'll see you all later. Come, Apollo, we'll talk in private. Let them eat and party in peace," Artemis said before pulling Apollo away and leaving the demigods by themselves.

Half an hour later, Artemis came back to where we were sitting and relaxing. "Girls, Grover, Percy. I think it is getting late now. I wish to make it to the camp before evening and meet with the other girls and inform them of what took place. So it would be best if we leave now."

I looked at my watch and saw that it was already afternoon.

"I am sorry, but I won't be accompanying you all. I have to meet Lord Hephaestus and then I'll be going directly to Atlantis."

"Ah, fair enough. Should I accompany you to his forge, Percy?" Artemis asked.

"Err…" I trailed off lamely as I had no idea where the god of the Forges lived. "Yes, please, Lady Artemis. I don't know where exactly to go."

"Cool. I'll meet the rest of you in the lobby." She said to my friends before gesturing for me to follow. I got up from my seat and walked with her, out of the Throne room, into the streets of Olympus.

We were walking side by side in companionable silence.

"How are you feeling Percy?" Artemis asked, breaking the silence.

"Whatever Apollo gave me is wearing off… so I am sore and tired. But it is nothing a good sleep won't correct."

"That is good to hear." Artemis smiled. "Also, thank you, Percy, for freeing me from under the sky and letting me get some revenge on Atlas… And saving Zoe. I owe you a lot."

"No problem, Lady Artemis. And you owe me nothing. But, I won't mind a nice pizza."

Artemis grinned before nodding. "Pizza it is. And, you can drop the Lady stuff. You don't have to be formal with me, especially after the favor you've done for me by saving me as well as my lieutenant."

I smirked mischievously. "Sure thing, Arty."

She whirled around at me, with an irate expression on her face. "Don't. Call. Me. Arty." She said, poking my chest with each word.

"Alright, Moonbeam." I grinned in response.

"Ughhh… I shouldn't have said anything." She groaned. "Call me Artemis. Nothing else. Artemis."

"Sad," I said in a mock hurt tone. "Artemis it is."

"Good. Why do you and Apollo insist on calling by nicknames? So does Hermes and a lot of others." She asked.

"It lightens the conversation." I shrugged. "Makes a conversation informal and friendlier."

Artemis didn't say anything and continued to walk.

"So…" she began after a few moments of walking in silence. "You are going to go to Atlantis."

"Yep," I replied. "It is an awesome place. Have you been there?"

"Yes… years ago. It was some occasion Poseidon had invited us for. It is magnificent." She agreed. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," I replied.

"How are you so good?"

"... Excuse me?" I asked with bewilderment at the out-of-the-blue question that had been posed.

"How are you so good? You know, fighting and stuff. You legit killed a Titan and after that punched the General of all beings off a cliff and broke his jaw. And you are more powerful than any half-blood I have encountered before in my life. Your power would easily rival that of a minor god… and you are fourteen." She explained. "It took me nearly a century to get near the fighting prowess I have today in close combat and have only improved it since. And you were introduced to the godly world… a couple of years ago?"

"No… well, to the godly world, yes. But to fight… I've learned to fight with swords since I was nine. So, five years."

"And five years is not a long time… and I think you could probably defeat me in melee combat despite more than my four millennia of experience. I wish to know how you progressed so much in such a short time?"

I shrugged. "Practice."

"Bullshit. Even I practice every day. And I am a fucking goddess. By your theory, I should be able to beat you with my eyes closed and hands tied behind my back. But, I know that I can't. I would need to go all out to face you. I saw you fight, boy. So, don't bullshit me." Artemis snapped.

"Really… but if you want a theory… I am a demigod. We are different, aren't we? Our lives are in constant danger from monsters. We undertake quests. So, we must progress fast. We have battlefield reflexes inbuilt in us which comes out as ADHD… something which gods don't have or need. We are also twice as vulnerable. So… to strike a balance, we progress faster. I theorize that our power can grow to limitless proportions. Since I have begun training my powers they have only grown and I am yet to reach a block or threshold." I replied.

"So, you are saying that it is fate that makes heroes so important and powerful." She said thoughtfully.

"No, it is fate that gives a hero unlimited potential. It is on the person to practice and train if they wish to survive and protect their loved ones."

"That is… deep. So, why aren't my hunters super powerful then?" She asked again. "By your theory, Zoe and my older huntresses should rival at least Olympians in terms of power."

"Hmmm… likely because of partial immortality. As I said, balance. You give them power and partial immortality, stopping their aging and thus, their power grows. I am theorizing. Athena will likely give you a better answer."

"Fair enough. Here we are." She said, gesturing ahead. I looked and saw that we were standing in front of a huge forge palace. It was a palace and a forge in one. I hadn't noticed that we had arrived while talking to Artemis.

"Thank you for dropping me here," I said.

"No problem. See you soon, Percy. Bring Bianca with you when you visit the hunt."

"Of course, Artemis," I replied with a nod. Artemis smiled at me before jogging away.

I turned to the palace in front of me before walking ahead and pressing the doorbell that was installed. A second later, a mechanical voice sounded. "Identify yourself and state your purpose!"

"Perseus Jackson, son of Poseidon. Here to meet Lord Hephasteus for my chariot."

The voice didn't answer, but the door opened a second later, and an Automaton stood there. "Follow me, Perseus Jackson." It said before turning and walking in.

I shrugged and followed the machine. It led me to a huge workplace where the god of the forges was tinkering with some machine that I couldn't make heads or tails of.

He looked at me. "Poseidon's kid, eh. Are you here for your chariot?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good, follow me then," He said before getting up from his bench and lumbering towards a wall where he pressed something… an eta symbol. The wall slid open and I followed him in.

As soon as I entered, I gaped in shock.

The place was a huge showroom full of chariots and vehicles, no two of them the same. And there were more than ten thousand of them. Greek chariots, modern cars, bikes, race cars, fighter jets, boats… there was every vehicle one could imagine.

"You like the collection, Half-blood? My full transport collection. You can choose one of these."

"Any?" I asked, my mouth dry.

"Of course. It is a gift from the council. They have given me the responsibility to give you this. So, choose."

"Err…"

"You want me to make it a little easier? Tell me what sort of a chariot you need? I'll direct you to it."

"Something I can go with in a battle… without a rider."

"These are my creations, half-blood. None of them need to rely on a human rider." Hephaestus growled. "And most of them are made for battle. You need to be more specific."

"All terrains working," I said. "Land, sky, water, underwater… and something I can use easily in the mortal world if needed."

"Ah, now you are narrowing it down. A convertible battle chariot. But I have more than a thousand varieties of those as well, a little modern you say… well, still more than six hundred." He said, stroking his beard, which was emitting sparks.

"Err… with missiles, guns, and stuff. With AI." I said, dwelling into sci-fi.

"Hardly narrows it down." The god grumbled.

"Err… which is the best one you've got in that category?"

He looked at me with a dry look. "You think they are anything less than the best, demigod?"

"Of course not, sir," I said hastily. "I was just asking which one would you take if you had to choose?"

"Hmmm… come with me." The god said before lumbering off. I jogged after him to keep up. He led me to a corner of the huge room where twelve beautiful chariots stood in a line.

"These," Hephaesteus grunted. "They are all similar with a little variance here or there. All can work underwater, on land, and fly. They have two forms. The chariot as you can see and a car… like the ones mortals use. Top speed is 2.5 mach in air, 500 miles per hour on land, 300 knots above water, and 100 knots underwater."

My jaw dropped again. The speeds were insane.

"Cool, I know. Now take one so I can go back to my work."

"Err, what about the weapons, sir?"

"Best weaponry is fitted on each. Things that will make the mortal armed forces jealous. Of course, all are of the godly variety though." Hephaestus said. "Now, choose one of them."

"Thank you, sir," I said before walking forward to examine the chariots. It was impossible to choose from the options the god had given me. I wanted all of them. I finally went on my gut instinct which said that I would love this one and chose the chariot.

"I'll take this one, sir," I said.

"Excellent." He said before lumbering forward and pressing a hand to the chariot. A second later, he lifted the hand and pressed it to my forehead. Suddenly, I knew how exactly to operate the beauty and knew all its features including what weapons it had. The eta symbol on the chariot glowed before changing to a crossed sword and trident with a shield in between engraved with the symbol of Hestia in the middle of the shield.

"Connected to you now. You can name the AI as you wish. It will control your chariot and improve on its own. It has a more sophisticated AI system than what the mortal world will see in the next century. So, you are in safe hands."

"Thank you, Lord Hephaestus. It is a great honor to get such an impressive piece of work from you."

The god smiled before snapping his fingers. The wall near the chariot opened to reveal a helipad open on all sides. Beyond that, the streets of Olympus could be seen.

"You know how to operate it. Go, take it out for a spin." The god of the forges said. I eagerly got into the chariot and activated it with a touch of my hand.

A screen displayed,

ENTER NAME OF AI_

A touch screen keyboard was displayed below it. I bit my lip before typing, PHOENIX.

"Welcome, Perseus." A female voice sounded a moment later.

"Set destination to Atlantis," I said in a clear voice.

"As you wish, sir. Destination set. Ready to roll."

"Go!" I said and the chariot started. It automatically went to the helipad before launching itself in the air. A couple of seconds later, we were flying at incredible speeds and the streets of Olympus zoomed below me.

A few seconds later, the AI sounded again, "Entering Stealth mode."

I couldn't see the difference but I could guess that the chariot was invisible and undetectable as it entered the mortal world.

The high rises of New York looked tiny at such a height. It was a mesmerizing sight as I flew towards the ocean at an incredible speed of half mach. The chariot could go much faster but I had to order it to do so. At the moment, I was content with how fast I was going.

Soon, we were flying above the ocean. That was when I realized a problem. Dad had given me a pearl to come to Atlantis. Also, I had no idea where to land a chariot of all things in Atlantis. I could probably land it anywhere given the impossible hugeness of the whole place but I didn't want to risk it.

"Phoenix, halt!" A second later the chariot stopped flying and lazily hovered in the air. "Land on the water," I added and the chariot descended at a moderate place before landing on the water. The structure had automatically changed when the AI had declared that they were entering boat mode.

I jumped into the water before ordering, "Pocket mode."

The chariot shrunk into a small box before appearing in my pocket. Lord Hephaestus had indeed given me an awesome chariot that had a shit ton of functions.

I smiled before removing the pearl my father had given me and crushing it.

I was enveloped in a bubble and I disappeared in sea mist before reappearing in the throne room of Atlantis.

The magnificent throne room was empty at the moment. No soul was there. A second later, I felt a presence approaching, and true to my instinct, Triton appeared in his mermen form, his two tails swishing in the water and his trident glowing.

"Oh, it's you," He said in relief before lowering his trident.

I raised an eyebrow. "What had you so riled up, brother?"

"As the heir of Atlantis, the responsibility of protecting the city and the palace falls to me in my father's absence. So, I got alerted to a new presence in the throne room, which I didn't recognize, I thought the throne room was under attack. You do know why this room is so important, don't you?"

"It has your thrones… your symbols of authority as the rulers of the sea. I understand."

"Good, brat. Your room has been prepared. A servant will lead you there. Father told us what you did. So, rest. A medic will come to check on you soon." He said. "And so will my mother… as soon as she returns."

I smiled. "Alright."

"The tales of your achievements ring the streets of Atlantis, Perseus. Making sure you are alright is my responsibility as the heir and as an older brother. Go, kid. I'll meet you soon."

I nodded as a merman swam next to me and bowed before leading me to my quarters where I crashed on the bed immediately, the tiredness of the day catching up with me as I saw the soft bed in the room.

AND... DONE!

I promised a chapter in April, but I decided to give you all a treat cause my exams went loads better than I expected. Hope you like the chapter.

A huge thanks to Old man of the mountain for beta-ing this chapter.

.

Ermac18: Gracias. Utilicé Google Translate para leer su reseña y escribir este comentario.

Dat Grammar Snob: Please join my discord and suggest this stuff in the editorial. It is tough to keep up with the reviews here. I always love when peeps review and also like to know where I can improve.

Alexander Graham Bell: I promise I won't abandon it.

Guest: I know that one! I am not gonna nerf Percy. Don't worry.

lrbrenneke: Percy has a gun... guns. Read carefully.

.

It is my immense pleasure to announce that I have launched my very own Discord Server: House of HPfanfictioner66.

I have created it with the help of my two very good friends. I really hope to see you all there and have fun with you all. There, you can communicate with me, ask me questions regarding my fics, give your own theories, and even... wait, why should I tell you everything here? Come over and check it all out yourself!

Discord Server Invite Link: discord . gg / 4qfP3fxdQ4 [Remove the spaces please]

I will love it if you guys come on my server and interact with me there. If you have some of your own theory or wish to see something in this fic as the journey progresses, you can tell it to me on the discord server.

(If you are wondering if I am going to post this message in every story, I am. I want as many of you there so we all can interact with one another.)

.

Also, I have my own channel on the discord server known as Emerald Library. I recommend that you join the server and there, you won't only have access to me, but several other big authors who have their channels on the Emerald Library.

Discord Server Invite Link: discord . gg / jtAxRnH6Tk [Remove the spaces please]

.

Do check out my other two fics as well from my profile. One is a Haphne one-shot and the other is a good length PJO fic which is also a WIP.

.

Stay Happy! Stay Safe! Keep Smiling! Keep reading!

HPfanfictioner66