We weren't siblings by birth, but we knew from the start... Fate brought us to be siblings by heart.

"Percy, are you going to say anything?" The unexpected sound of his name pulled Percy from the depths of his contemplation and he raised his gaze, meeting Thalia's curious eyes.

"What is there to talk about?" he shrugged, his voice low.

"Anything," she replied. "Seriously though, what's gotten into you this time? At the start of the quest, you were so quiet. Then, during the hunt, you opened up. And now, you're going quiet again. Why?" Percy gazed at her for a moment before turning his attention back to the path ahead.

"I'm just lost in thought, Thalia… Lost in my musings." Whether this explanation satisfied Thalia or not, she chose to remain silent, and they continued their journey in a contemplative quiet.

"In thought about what?" Artemis's voice took Percy by surprise. He'd almost forgotten the moon goddess was walking besides him as well. She had that ability to blend into the whispers of the night, making her virtually unnoticeable. Artemis was wearing a simple, Greek dress which looked nice on her. Her auburn hair cascaded like a waterfall down her back, and her silvery eyes held a mystique that could bewitch even the bravest of men. Percy met her gaze confidently.

"Life, I guess?" he replied cryptically.

"Anything in particular?" the goddess pressed, to which Percy shook his head.

"Not really," he admitted. "Just thinking about the usual. Food, bed, clothes, Camp, my friends… Did I mention food?" Artemis nodded slowly, though Percy didn't believe for a second she wasn't doubting him.

"Thalia, go and tell Chiron we're back," the goddess suddenly ordered, her voice like the rustling leaves in the breeze.

"What, why?" Thalia groaned. "He'll know when we get there-"

"Which will be before me and Perseus get there. I want to make sure whoever's working on Atalanta is ready to give me an update, and, of course, I'd assume Percy's friends want to be ready to see him."
"Why can't Phoebe go then?" she protested. "It's always me."
"You sound like a 5 year old," Percy snorted, earning a glare from her. Artemis, however, raised an eyebrow, a subtle challenge in her expression.

"Okay then," she decided after a thoughtful pause. "Thalia and Phoebe, both of you can go and tell Chiron."

Phoebe shot Thalia a look of mock gratitude and muttered, "Thanks a lot, Thalia." She gave Percy a curious look before they both jogged away, disappearing over the rise of the hill.

Left alone with Artemis, Percy could feel the goddess observing him silently. Bored out of his mind, Percy kicked a rock, watching it soar through the air and land a considerable distance away. The goddess sighed, as if his childish actions amused her.

"How are your domains, Percy?" He blinked, taken slightly aback by the question. "My what?" Artemis rolled her eyes.

"Your domains, Perseus. Did I stutter?"

"No," he replied, still processing the unexpected conversation. "I'm just surprised, that's all. I didn't think you remembered, let alone cared." Artemis regarded him with a thoughtful gaze.
"It's not every day that someone who saved Olympus becomes a god," she remarked, her tone carrying a mix of acknowledgment and amusement. "Besides, your domains are…"

"A regrettable mistake?" Percy finished for her with a wry grin. A smile briefly flickered across her face, something she rarely did since losing her hunt.
"I was going to use the word unique," she countered, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of mirth and something deeper. "Regrettable is just your mortal perspective catching up with you." Percy arched an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Unique? What do you mean?"

"You'll see soon enough," she replied. Now it was her turn to be cryptic. "What I'll say though is you won't hate your domains forever." Percy's frown deepened.

"Do you… do you really know what my domains are?" She nodded.

"We all do. And trust me, there will be a day where you'll come to love and nurture your domains." Again, he snorted. Percy was tempted to bet her on it, but at the moment he wasn't in the mood. Plus he didn't want to admit it, but Percy's funds had been running low (he'd woken up one day with the hunt and miraculously half his drachmas had… despawned.)

"Whatever you say, Artemis," Percy murmured. The moon goddess only sighed, as if she didn't want to push him anymore.

"How's your social life, Percy?" she asked, regarding him with a measured gaze. "Are you having fun with your friends?" Almost playfully, she added, "I hope you're not locking yourself away from everyone." Percy sighed, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Okay, who told you?" he asked. Artemis attempted to deflect, raising an eyebrow innocently.

"Told me what?" she shot back smoothly. He wasn't buying it.
"Who told you about how I've been acting at camp? Because there's no way you knew about me locking myself away without someone saying, and for a matter of fact, I haven't been locking myself out. I've just… Uh… Been revising, yeah." She raised an eyebrow.

"Revising what? Ten ways to stop talking to people?"

"No, I've been revising International Law actually, which is surprisingly interesting, and you didn't answer my question. Who told you?" Artemis let out a resigned sigh.

"Fine. Aphrodite informed me." Percy grumbled under his breath.
"Of course. Why else would someone like you be talking to me?" He didn't mean to sound bitter, but when people started treating him like he had an illness and needed help, he didn't take it well.

"Percy," Artemis began, her expression softening. "It's been quite some time since the Giant War, and people change. I would be talking to you regardless of what Aphrodite said. Zoe held you in high regard, and you took the sky from me. You spoke with me when I lost my hunt after the war. The least I could do is make sure you're mentally stable and feeling okay. Aphrodite only informed me; the rest is genuine concern." Percy sighed, realising that his assumptions might have been hasty. He nodded in acknowledgment.

"So, that's why you're so willing to let me tag along in your hunt?" he mused. Once again, the goddess nodded.

"Well, that and you were helpful with those sea creatures. And yeah, Aphrodite asked me to."

Percy absorbed this information silently. As Artemis began walking up the hill, she continued the conversation, her voice a quiet murmur

"Are you going to answer my question now, Percy?" He thought for a moment, falling into step beside her.

"It's not that I'm intentionally isolating myself. It's just... I've been trying to figure out my godhood, my domains. It's a lot to process, and sometimes, it's easier to do that in solitude."

"You're lying," she said softly, her perceptive gaze fixed on him. Percy, caught off guard, attempted to defend himself.

"Artemis, come on-"
"No, Percy," she interjected gently. "Believe me, my childhood was spent play-fighting with Hermes and Apollo. I know very well when someone's lying, especially someone as easy to read as you."
"Hey," he protested. "I'm not that easy to read." Artemis lamely raised an eyebrow.

"Percy, just tell me why. Either you tell me, or I'll make you tell me, and that's gonna involve some stuff you won't like. Regardless, I'm not going back to Aphrodite without an answer." He sighed, a reluctant sound escaping his lips.

"Alright, fine," he muttered. "I'm embarrassed." Artemis seemed almost taken aback by the answer.

"Percy…?" she asked uncertainly. "Embarrassed about what? Is this about Athena's daughter breaking up with you?"
"Yes. I mean no. Ugh, it's complicated." He rubbed his temples lightly. Artemis, however, only seemed more curious and concerned.

"Percy, what do you mean?" He sighed, drawing in a deep breath.

"You were there when the Fates gave me my domains. Do you remember what they said before?" The goddess frowned.

"About if you wanted to accept godhood? Or was it about the palaces?" Percy shook his head and leaned in, lowering his voice.

"About… The Pit," he whispered, afraid it would hear him. The goddess formed an 'O' with her mouth.

"That was just the Fates pulling your leg, no?" she suggested, hoping for a simpler explanation. Percy, however, let out a bitter chuckle.

"You think? As much as I'd love to agree, this is the Fates we're talking about. Since when do they have a sense of humour?"

"Percy," Artemis began softly. "It doesn't matter if the Fates are pulling your legs or not. The god rules his domains, not the other way round. Maybe the Fates were serious, but that's no reason to be embarrassed. Everyone already knows the things you went through, and I'm sure your friends would be leaping to help you. All you need to do is… ask." He gave an honest shrug. Perhaps they would, but Percy didn't understand why Artemis was telling him this? His only thought was Aphrodite must've called in a mega big chit.

As they reached the crest of the hill, the camp came into view, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. The pavilion was still a few minutes away, but he could already make out a few of his friends talking with Thalia and waving over to him. Percy realised that perhaps, just maybe in this world, he wasn't alone. And that realisation washed over him like a sunbeam breaking through storm clouds, filling his soul with warmth and joy, as if a thousand butterflies had taken flight in his heart.

"I believe this is where our journey ends," the goddess remarked with a hint of finality. "It's been a fun month, Perseus, but I have some godly duties on Olympus to tend to. Don't tell Thalia or Phoebe yet, but they'll be staying here for the next few months. You guys can have plenty of bonding time, and they'll make sure you don't stay shut in your room. If need be, they can break in and drag you out." He tried laughing it off, but Artemis was dead serious.

"Wow," he chuckled. "Annabeth doesn't care about me, but hey, at least Artemis does." A sad look seemed to flash between her eyes.
"Speak as you wish, but deep down, I believe you know that severing ties with you was one of the most challenging things that girl ever had to do." He sighed softly. Annabeth ending it had been harder, but Artemis was right; the hardest part was acknowledging that breaking up with her truly was the best thing for her.

"And watch your words," she said, her tone light-hearted but serious. "I certainly wouldn't go as far as to say I care for you. I'm just doing a favour Aphrodite gave me." Percy raised an eyebrow.

"Now who's lying?" he smirked, his first, genuine smirk in a while. "What you're doing extends way past a favour." She shrugged.

"Well you did hold the sky up for me, and you did help me with this hunt. Plus, I suppose it wouldn't look too good if Olympus catches word that its favourite hero has become…"
"Lost in musings?" A wry smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she shook her head.
"I was going for 'lost in solitude', but whatever you want. But seriously, that's it, Perseus." He nodded.

"I know," he admitted. "It was just a joke. You'd never be caught caring for a man." Artemis looked like she wanted to say something in response, but in front of her, Nico, Thalia and Phoebe were walking towards them… together.

"Percy!" Nico cheered, causing many heads nearby to turn. "Guys!" he yelled to the demigods behind. "Percy's back! Spread the word!" Immediately, he heard the clanking of metal as demigods stood up and hurriedly ran towards whoever was near them. Nico chuckled, before leaning in and hugging Percy.

"Good to see you man," he grinned and Percy felt the warmth of camaraderie, something he'd missed for a while.

"Nice to be back. Tell me, did anything interesting happen while I was gone?" Nico's eyes lit up.

"Oh, boy, you're gonna regret missing out on the past month." He rubbed his hands together.

"Get some of this." Nervously, he glanced around, making sure no one was listening. "So I heard from Katie, who heard from Travis, who heard from Clarisse, who heard from Drew, who heard from Annabeth, who heard from-"
"Get to the point," he groaned. "You're already making me wish I never asked." Nico raised his hands apologetically, though that didn't disguise his devilish grin.

"Jason and Piper had a super intense make-out session. Trust me, from what I've heard, it was golden! They were in the dining hall and got caught kissing by Chiron!"
"Ouch," Percy winced. Thalia, on the other hand, just laughed.

"Really?" she snickered. "Wow, Jason needs to find better ways to be romantic. This is terrible! I mean the dining pavilion, really? What happened to the beach, or the cabins?" Everyone chuckled, even Artemis.

"Young love," she said, though he could've sworn her voice held a hint of sadness. "I have to go now, Percy." The goddess turned to Phoebe and Thalia. "Thalia, what did Chiron say about Atalanta?"

"She's still in the medical centre. Will said she's been recovering, but the process is slow. Whatever Orion had done to her really hurt. She only woke up a few months ago, and isn't awake for more than a couple of hours a day." Artemis nodded, before quickly excusing herself and jogging towards the big house. Percy watched her hair flaunt up and down, until she was nothing more than a spec in the horizon.

"What about you?" Nico asked. "Artemis asking you on a hunt is a big thing, though we were pretty sad you couldn't tell us yourself. Seriously, like I get not telling Annabeth, but what did me and Jason do to deserve the silent treatment?" Percy smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry," he admitted. "I've just had a lot on my mind these days, and forgot to tell everyone."

"You forgot to tell them?" Thalia frowned, a puzzled look on her face. "Hang on a second, but you told me and Artemis that you'd intentionally left them out."
"Uhh, I think you're mixing me up with someone else," Percy stammered. "Because I'd never do that." If anything, her frown deepened.

"No, I definitely remember you telling us. You said something along the lines of-"

"Relax, Percy," Nico chuckled. "With how you've been distancing yourself from us recently, I was hardly surprised. But seriously, how much longer is this gonna go for, because staying locked up in your room is hardly healthy."
"I'm sorry," he admitted, "but I really needed that time. Hopefully, I can try getting out a bit more."
"You better," Nico muttered darkly, "or I'll make you."
"Oooh, is that a threat?" Percy teased. The son of Hades only grinned in response.

"Just promise me you'll make an effort to socialise more." He nodded.
"That I can do."

Bidding farewell to the hunters, Nico and Percy started walking towards the dining pavilion. Say what you wanted to, he was starving, especially with how long Artemis's walks were. The dining pavilion was the best place to eat, catch up, and replenish his energy.

"Okay, Nico," he said, his mouth full. "Fill me up, but keep it to the important stuff." The son of Hades nodded.

"Alright. Dionysus has been complaining recently about the lack of grapes in the strawberry field-"
"Nico," Percy groaned. "I said important stuff. And what does he expect? I'd be pretty worried if we had grapes in the strawberry field as well."
"Either way, Dionysus seemed pretty annoyed about it, so do what you will. Hmm, what else? Will wants more funding for some medicine, but honestly, I don't know the specifics. He lives in the medical centre these days, and I've been… banned would be putting it lightly. No one wants me within a five mile radius of that place. Anyway, the Ares cabin and Hermes cabin got into a fight, and there's still bad blood which needs sorting out. Jason had something urgent to tell you three weeks ago and Annabeth needs to talk to you about building you a statue in Olympus as an apology." Percy internally winced as her name was brought up again.
"She really does regret what happened," Nico admitted, "but she still feels it was the best way to move forwards. The only issue is she's moving forwards, but we all know you're still stuck in the past. Honestly, at this point, I'm thinking of counselling sessions with Aphrodite, Oizys and maybe Hedone?"
"No way!" Percy protested.

"I'll take that as a yes," Nico said happily, taking a notebook out of his pocket and scribbling something down. Percy's eyes narrowed as he watched the son of Hades with great detail.

"Nico," he said quietly.

"Percy," the boy replied, a hint of mischief and rebellion radiating from him.

"No therapy," Percy insisted. Nico only waved it away. Snapping his notebook, he tucked it away before facing the new god.

"Here's the deal, Perce. Everyone here is pretty worried about you. We all know of your domains, and we know you're not a fan of them, but they're starting to control you, and domains controlling gods is bad bad. The first option is therapy-"
"Pass," Percy said firmly.

"Well if you don't want therapy, then I expect to see you hanging out with someone for at least two hours every day, understand?"

"Nico, you're here to help me, not make deals." He shrugged.

"What's wrong with both? And I promise you, Percy, Aphrodite is getting a letter from me in the next hour if you don't comply." Too tired to argue, Percy nodded, and just in time as well because from behind Nico, a figure made their way towards them, becoming more visible by the second.

"So the rumours are true," Jason Grace smirked, clapping Percy on the back. "Percy Jackson is finally back from his hunt with Artemis?"

"Maybe," he admitted. "And what about the rumours that Piper snuck into your cabin a few nights ago and stayed there with you… alone." Jason blushed a golden colour, and even Nico laughed, muttering, 'busted,' under his breath.

"Just rumours, I promise," he said, though his voice sounded faint and unconvincing. Standing up, Percy laughed, wrapping Jason in a big hug. The action took him by surprise, perhaps because Percy hadn't done anything more than the occasional handshake over the last few months. Either way, he returned the hug, and when they broke up, Jason was grinning.

"Wow, what's gotten into you?" he chuckled. "A joke and a hug, all in one night? I think you need to go on more of these hunts with Artemis, because she definitely said something to change you, alright." Percy chuckled, and Jason sat down opposite him.

"Nico, if you don't mind, I need to talk to Percy about something," Jason said softly. The son of Hades nodded.
"Yeah, go ahead, don't mind me chilling in the background." When Nico didn't budge, Jason added, "I meant in private." Nico looked between them before saying, "Yeah, that's fine. Don't mind me being excluded like always." It came off as a joke, but Percy couldn't help but feel bad for him. The poor boy had gone through so much pain and trouble bringing the Athena Parthenos back here, and all the gods had given him was a pat on the back. No godhood, no monument, no reward… It was pretty rude. And then there was Percy on the complete other side of the spectrum, having done lots for them, and having been given domains he'd never have wanted.

"Jason," Percy sighed, pushing his plate to the side. "I really hope you have a good reason for telling Nico to leave. You know he still feels like an outsider, even after all the stuff he's done." Jason nodded.

"That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about. Percy, what if we could change this all? What if we could make Nico feel like one of us?" The god frowned.

"Are you saying…?"

"Yep," Jason replied, a wide grin plastered on his face.

"I think I've figured out how to make Nico and Reyna immortal."

By the time she reached the shore, Percy and Eris were already waiting for her. Her boat glided smoothly onto the shore, and she stepped out with an air of familiarity. She had an easy grace about her, and Percy observed, she wasn't wearing any socks. At first, it struck him as odd, but his curiosity was quickly satisfied as she retrieved a pair from her rowing boat and casually put them on.

"Percy!" she yelled I've missed you! Where have you been?" she exclaimed. The women came up to him, giving him a friendly, warm hug.

"The same place I was last time you sat me," he grumbled. Percy couldn't help but feel a little exasperated; Eris's visits were usually pretty chaotic, but his other sister's visits were a mix of affection, bribery, and unpredictability… Mainly unpredictability.

"What are you doing here?" he asked with a frown. "I highly doubt this is a random visit."

"Do I need a reason to visit my favourite brother?" she asked slyly. Taking a step back, Percy sized her up, evaluating his options.

"If only that's what you were here for," he muttered under his breath.

Just then, before his sister could respond, a new voice cut through the air

"Hello, sister," Eris interrupted, her grin wide and sinister. Percy sighed inwardly, knowing that Eris's presence always meant an extra layer of trouble, be it a fight, or something worse. The newcomer smiled politely at Eris.

"It's been a while, hasn't it? Hope you are well?"

"I'm tired," she smirked. "Haven't had a good fight in ages. Wanna change that?"

"Not today," she said nicely. "And if you remember, the last time we fought…"

"Mother banned us from ever fighting, I know, but who here is gonna tell her?" The sister shrugged.

"I don't want to fight in front of Percy," she began, but Eris interrupted her.

"Well I do. And I'm more than ready."

"Eris," Percy sighed, "I know what you're doing. Don't try to start trouble." The goddess feigned innocence.

"Who, me? Trouble? Never." She turned back to the newcomer. "But seriously, sister, how about a little friendly competition? A small skirmish to keep things interesting." The sister sighed.

"Eris, we don't need to fight. Let's just enjoy our time together peacefully." Eris laughed mockingly.
"Peacefully? Where's the fun in that? Percy, don't you miss the good old days of battling monsters and gods?" He shook his head.
"Not particularly." Ignoring Percy's response, Eris continued needling.

"Aww, why not, sis? A little excitement won't hurt. Unless you're scared, of course." Her tone carried a hint of bloodlust.

"Oh my days, enough!" Percy yelled, his voice rising. "Eris, she's not here for a fight. Now this is my island, and we do things my way, which means no violence." Eris's eyes blazed with a sinister gleam, but Percy's stern expression reigned her in. She reluctantly took a step back, her gaze still fixed on her sister.

"I can't say it's good to see you," Percy said, addressing the newcomer, "but it's nice to know you haven't entirely forgotten about me. The sister nodded appreciatively.

"Thanks." Percy sighed, acknowledging the inevitable.
"I suppose I've got to let you come in now, right? Otherwise, you'll tell everyone I'm playing favourites with Eris." She shrugged nonchalantly.
"True. But everyone already knows Eris is your favourite."

"Maybe because she's the only one that understands me," he muttered under his breath. With a gesture towards his cottage, Percy invited the new goddess inside.

"Come on then, Hemera," he sighed, leading his way to the house. The goddess of strife and goddess of day followed behind. "I've still got some leftover steaks if you're hungry."

Yes, we have Hemera now as well! (And trust me, she's very important.) I don't think I'm gonna focus on Percy's other sisters too much now. Maybe one brother, but that's it. Regardless, I promised a flashback, and inδeed I delivered. Let me know how it was! Artemis is obviously gonna be a tiny bit different because she's lost her entire hunt, asides from two hunters and one who's recovering.