"What side quests are you trying to complete?" Nico groaned. "Last I checked, you were learning illusions with Hecate. I leave you alone for a few months, and you've somehow started a civil war, taken Aphrodite's side, and fallen in love with a mysterious woman whose name you still won't tell me. What's next, you're taking a trip to Tartarus to see how Hyperion and Koios are doing? Gonna give them some flowers while you're at it? Become BFFs with Nyx and Erebus?"
Yep, filling Nico in was a big mistake Percy was realising way too late.
"Nico," Percy sighed. "Firstly, I didn't start the war. I simply contributed to it." He scoffed.
"That's almost as bad."
"Okay, I didn't contribute to it," he agreed. "But if I'd done things a little differently, for example if I didn't overreact when Athena told me the real reason my relationship ended, then this war might've not happened."
"And how does that work?" Nico frowned. I sighed inwardly. Nico was a smart, funny guy, but sometimes he just didn't get it.
"If I didn't overreact, Aphrodite never would've slapped Athena, and therefore Athena wouldn't have had a reason to steal the mirror which is how the war started in the first place." Nico snorted, but chose to remain silent.
"Anyway," Percy muttered. "What's done is done. Now we need to figure out how to stop this war."
"Stop?" Nico asked. "Surely you mean win, right? We'll win this war easily, get Aphrodite's mirror back, and boom! Problem solved."
"We?" Percy raised an eyebrow, causing Nico to grin mischievously.
"Oh come on, you didn't think I'd be leaving you to dry, did you?"
"I didn't think you'd join in at all," Percy muttered darkly. "Nico, this isn't your average war. It's a full blown civil war between arguably some of the most powerful gods and goddesses."
"And what? Percy, don't worry, I'll keep myself safe. I'll mainly work in the background and help with the planning and stuff." Percy grumbled, still unsatisfied.
"Promise me you're not gonna fight on the front lines?" Nico rolled his eyes, but not before nodding.
"Fine," he sighed. "Relax, Percy, I'll stay safe. Ares might be a good fighter, but let's face it, his only strategy is kill, kill, kill."
Percy chuckled. The son of Hades had a point. After yesterday's meeting, Demeter had filled him in and said it took all three goddesses to force Ares to develop a good plan. Percy wasn't one for brains, but Nico was. Percy was better when it came to planning in the heat of the moment. Usually, it was Annabeth who'd help make a plan, except there was no Annabeth this time. The responsibility fell to the rest of them.
"Okay, so tell Aphrodite I'll help her with the planning," Nico said. "Trust me, there's no way we're losing this war! Together, Athena's side will fall to the ground." Percy bit his lip gently. He didn't want to burst Nico's bubble, but the guy was looking at this the wrong way.
"Nico," Percy began, "the aim here isn't to win." The son of Hades frowned, confusion knitting his brows.
"Why? Isn't winning the goal? We need to make sure Athena's side crumbles so Aphrodite gets her mirror back and all is well."
"In war, there are no winners, only losses," Percy explained. "I don't want that. Don't tell anyone, but my plan is to get Aphrodite and Athena to make up, give the mirror back, and only then is all well." Nico considered Percy's words.
"That's a... different approach," he said after a while. "But what if Athena genuinely doesn't have the mirror?" Percy's brow furrowed.
"Then who has it?" Nico shrugged, leaning against the wall.
"I don't know, but I'm just throwing ideas out there, man. We need to be ready for any scenario. Athena said someone took the mirror, and Aphrodite said it wasn't her…" Percy raised an eyebrow.
"You think someone else is involved?"
"I don't know," Nico admitted. "But you should know we need to be prepared for anything, including the fact that someone might be pulling the strings from the shadows." All of a sudden, a bell rang in Percy's head.
"In treacherous lands, violence takes its stage, as the puppeteer orchestrates their rampage," he whispered gently.
"What's that?" Percy sighed.
"Just a line from the prophecy. It talks about a puppeteer, someone pulling the strings, just like you were saying, only it talks about a treacherous land." As the two exchanged a look, a sense of foreboding swept over them.
"Tartarus," they whispered together. Percy and Nico had both been one of the few people to ever walk through Tartarus and make it out alive. They both knew just how dark and dangerous it was. If there was every any sort of treacherous land, it had to be Tartarus. The land without laws, where it was a free for all. The land home to some of the most deadly and vicious gods. The land where Percy, Nico and Annabeth had nearly died about five hundred times each.
"Don't worry, Percy," Nico said gently. "I doubt we're getting any Tartarus action for a long time." Percy sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"I just hope this war doesn't escalate further," he muttered. "We need a resolution, not more chaos." Nico nodded in agreement.
"True, but with gods involved, you can never predict how things will unfold. We've got to be prepared for anything. Still, as long as we're careful, nothing too bad should happen." Percy nodded, though he couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that hung in the air.
"Careful," he repeated, though it came off as more of a question. "Nico, we don't know what we're dealing with here, and gods or not, this war is going to be ruthless. Careful is too much to hope for. How about just staying alive?" The son of Hades smirked.
"I'll do my best," he grinned. Percy raised an eyebrow. "Okay, okay, I'll stay alive!"
"And that means you stay five miles away from the front lines at all times, okay? Again, remember we're not just dealing with gods; we're dealing with a tangled web of emotions, pride, and ancient grudges. If we're unfortunately correct about Tartarus, then this goes beyond Olympus, and we need to navigate carefully." The son of Hades sighed.
"You always find yourself in the middle of these things, don't you?" Percy chuckled, a wry smile on his face.
"Seems like it's my fate. But hey, at least I've got people like you to help me through it." Nico smirked.
"People like me or your personal babysitters?"
"Maybe a bit of both," Percy conceded. "Regardless, let's just hope we can find a way to end this madness without more casualties."
Nico nodded and the two of them sat down on the plush, pink sofas. Aphrodite was out on some kind of date so Percy had invited Nico over for a bit. He wanted to talk to the son of Hades yesterday, but after what happened with Artemis and then Ares, his mood had been… foul was putting it lightly.
"So, what's our first move?" Nico inquired, his expression serious. Percy leaned back, contemplating their next steps.
"For now, nothing too drastic. The war has just begun, and according to Aphrodite, there's still plenty of time before any actual fighting begins. Negotiations, peace talks, maybe some small pranks or traps to keep them on their toes. There's a formal ordeal to go around this. Aphrodite estimates about five months, but with Ares being Ares, I'll give it three." Nico raised an eyebrow.
"Three months? Why so long?"
"Because gods are immortal," Percy explained. "They don't perceive time the way we do. Three months is like the blink of an eye for them. In the meantime, we should try using this extra time to our advantage. We need to play the long game, plan meticulously, and exploit the other side. There's plenty of information to gather, and many minor gods to talk to. Rushing into battle would be suicide." Nico sighed, running a hand through his dark hair.
"Fair enough. So which minor gods do we need to talk to? Who's standing with who right now?" Percy leaned forward, his gaze intense.
"That's what we need to figure out. Who can we trust, and who might switch sides as the tides of war ebb and flow? Aphrodite, Ares, Hera, and Demeter are on our side, but that doesn't mean the rest of Olympus is against us. As for minor gods, Aphrodite has Harmonia, Antheia, Peithos, Pothos, Anteros, Hemeros, Eros-"
"This is just a list of love gods," Nico groaned. "Does Aphrodite have any minor gods that aren't just symbols of love?"
"Love gods aren't a bad thing," Percy said. "They're still gods, and gods are powerful in many ways, not just with their domains. But yeah, she has many others. Eunomia, Hebe, Deimos, Phobos, Enyalius, Enyo, and I'm sure there's more."
"Wow," Nico breathed. "Talk about networking." Percy rolled his eyes.
"As impressive as it sounds, Athena has the same amount, if not more. Now, Aphrodite's given me the task of getting some more people on our side, most likely just because I'm the hero of Olympus and she wants to use that title. Anyway, we have to be diplomatic and sway opinions to give us a boost in this war. Every minor god counts."
Nico nodded, absorbing the gravity of the situation.
"And you're sure this plan of Aphrodite's will work? It sounds like a lot of political manoeuvring." Percy grinned, his sea-green eyes glinting with determination.
"Well, I'm not exactly known for my political prowess, but we adapt. We play to our strengths. I've faced Titans, Giants, and gods before. Now, it's just politics. We've always found a way, and this won't be any different." Nico smirked.
"Optimistic as always, Percy. But I like the confidence. So, where do we start?"
"First things first," Percy said, "we gather information. We need to know where each god stands, their motivations, and any vulnerabilities we can exploit. I'll handle the diplomatic side, and you, my friend, you'll be our eyes and ears in the shadows. Deal?" Nico chuckled, offering a nod.
"Deal. Just promise me you won't get yourself killed in the process. Some of these minor gods aren't to be messed with, even if you're Poseidon's son. They'll screw you over in the blink of an eye." Percy saluted jokingly.
"Cross my heart and hope to—well, you know the rest." Now it was Nico's turn to jokingly roll his eyes.
As they continued their strategic discussions, Percy's stomach decided to add its own contribution to the conversation with a loud, rumbling growl. He grinned sheepishly at Nico.
"All this thinking is making me hungry," Percy admitted, rubbing his stomach as if to appease it. Nico chuckled.
"Yeah, I could use a break too. Got anything to eat?"
You bet," Percy grinned, eagerly standing up and dragging Nico with him. They made their way to the kitchen, and Percy opened the fridge scanning the shelves with a hint of hope. Sure enough and to his delight, there was a container of trifle from dinner a few days ago. He called out to Nico, who was standing in the room awkwardly, as if he didn't belong there.
"Nico, you're in luck. Aphrodite left us some trifle. Dessert before dinner, I say." Nico raised an eyebrow but grinned.
"You think she'd mind?" Percy shrugged.
"Nah, she's probably forgotten about it. Besides, she's got a soft spot for me. One of the perks of being super awesome like I am."
Nico looked hesitant but eventually relented.
"Alright, I'll trust you on this one. But if she comes after us with a vengeance, it's on you." Snorting, Percy scooped generous portions of the trifle into bowls, grabbing them a couple of spoons. They made their way to the living room, navigating the maze-like palace. Nico couldn't help but express his bewilderment.
"How do you even remember the layout of this place? It's like a labyrinth." Percy chuckled.
"You get used to it. After a while, it becomes second nature. Aphrodite's palace might be a maze, but it's a cosy maze. Definitely not as bad as the other labyrinth…" Percy and Nico both shuddered, vividly remembering the cold, dark maze of despair they'd spent so long in.
As they settled into the living room, Percy kicked his legs up onto the coffee table without a second thought, leaning back and letting out a loud sigh. Nico began to follow suit, putting his legs on the table, but Percy almost jumped up in horror.
"Whoa, you can't do that! If Aphrodite sees, she'll go crazy," Percy warned. Nico grumbled and reluctantly removed his legs.
"How do you get away with it, then?" Percy grinned.
"Easy. I'm Aphrodite's favourite. Another perk of being super awesome. She's chill if I do it, but if anyone else dares try it, she'll likely go bananas. Speaking of bananas, this trifle is amazing!"
Nico took a bite, looking pensive for a moment.
"Well?" Percy asked. Slowly, the son of Hades nodded.
"It's pretty good," he admitted. "What's the secret?"
"Secret?" Percy asked. "What do you mean?" Nico simply rolled his eyes.
"Come on, Percy. I know this isn't normal, mortal food. Spill the beans. What did Aphrodite add?" Percy winked.
"Nectar. Just a sprinkle, but it completely changes the flavour to the most amazing stuff." Nico raised an eyebrow.
"Nectar? Seriously?" Percy nodded.
"Seriously. Try some more; it gets better." Nico shrugged and continued indulging in the delicious trifle.
It wasn't much longer before Percy heard the door creak open. Sure enough, a few minutes later, Aphrodite's melodic voice floated in.
"Hello, boys," the goddess greeted, stepping into the living room. She was wearing a tight, white dress that went up to her thighs and had her hair in a pony which dangled way past her neck. Nico seemed lost, looking at Aphrodite with a mix of awe and bewilderment. He offered a distracted hello, causing Aphrodite to giggle. She then turned to Percy and immediately frowned.
"Take your legs down, Percy. That's just inappropriate."
"Uhhh, next millennium," Percy replied with a mischievous grin, shovelling another spoonful of trifle into his mouth. "And how are you talking to me about inappropriate?" Aphrodite grumbled but decided not to press the matter. She kicked her shoes off, causing Nico to duck instinctively, before flopping onto Percy's sofa and accidentally kicking him. He grumbled as Aphrodite wiggled next to him, getting a little too close for comfort.
"Is that trifle?" she asked, catching a whiff of the delicious dessert. Percy nodded.
"Yeah, yesterday's leftovers. Good stuff." Aphrodite grinned and playfully poked Percy's cheek.
"Mmm, give me a bite, Percy." He frowned, booking down at his appetising bowl. It's not like he was against the idea of sharing, but sharing with a hyper Aphrodite didn't exactly appeal to him.
Percy rolled his eyes at Nico, who gasped dramatically. Percy and Aphrodite turned to him, eyebrows raised.
"What's going on, Nico?" Percy asked, amused.
"She…She's the girl?" Nico stammered. "Percy, I get you're a good looking dude and all, but her… I'm speechless…" Aphrodite frowned.
"I'm confused. What has trifle got to do with Percy's looks. Am I missing something?" Percy sighed, realising the misunderstanding.
"This is proof you're way too touchy-feely with everyone," he grumbled. "Something I've been saying for way too long." Now she was really confused.
"What do you mean, Percy?" the goddess sighed. Percy ruffled his hair.
"Nico thinks you're the mysterious girl I'm dating," Percy said flatly. Aphrodite snorted.
"And what's that got to do with me being touchy-feely?"
"Because random people don't snuggle up with each other and ask to be spoon fed trifle! Even if they are mentors and mentees!"
"Perfectly normal," she waved away, turning back to Nico. "And no, sweetie, trust me I am way hotter than Percy's mysterious girl," she declared, tossing her hair with a playful smirk. She turned to Percy with a charming smile.
"Another bite, Percy?" Percy grumbled, realising his appetite was gone, and handed the entire bowl to her.
"Here, knock yourself out. I've got a date to go to." Aphrodite frowned, a hint of concern flashing in her eyes.
"Percy…" she began, her tone low. He shook his head.
"Nu uh, no way you're talking me out of this. I'll date who I want to when I want to." Aphrodite leaned in, her tone low.
"Percy, you have a war to prepare for. This isn't the time for romantic escapades. You're needed here, strategizing. Besides, you saw how they acted towards me. At least choose someone more kind and respectful who's actually willing to show you love." Percy crossed his arms, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.
"I can do both, Aph. Besides, a little break from all this godly drama won't hurt. I need some normalcy. And she's amazing to me. She's only rude to you when you're rude back, and this whole war is annoying her as well, so give it a break!"
Nico, who had been listening quietly, finally piped up.
"What are you guys talking about? Why can't Percy go on a date?" Aphrodite sighed.
"I'm just looking out for him. The timing is terrible, and he needs to focus on the impending war. And like I said, I really don't like his girl." Percy chuckled.
"Aph, I appreciate the concern, but I can handle my personal life. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date."
"Nicknames as well?" Nico muttered under his breath.
"I'm only saying this for you," the goddess said, ignoring him. "Just think about it." Percy mocked a salute.
"Got it, Mom." As Percy headed toward the door, he glanced back at Aphrodite. "By the way, how do I look?" She studied him carefully.
"Like you just woke up," she admitted. He grinned.
"Perfect."
With that, he slipped on a jacket, said, "Later, Nico," and jogged out, leaving Nico to endure what would surely be an uncomfortable, awkward conversation with a hyper, touchy-feely Aphrodite.
What could go wrong?
Artemis was waiting just off the side of Aphrodite's palace a good thirty minutes before he was meant to leave. Perhaps it was paranoia, perhaps it was nerves, perhaps it was even both, but she just felt the need to come here early.
As she stood waiting in the shadows, Artemis began to linger in her musings. She thought of yesterday, specifically what she'd said to the love goddess and wondered if her loyalty to Athena was the right course of action. Of course, she didn't want to jump to any conclusions, but Aphrodite wasn't one to lie about losing a mirror only to declare a war, let alone a war against Athena. She was far too passive for that. Besides, there was still the issue that Athena had stolen the mirror in the first place, even if Aphrodite might've taken it back. Artemis let out a long, deep sigh. Whatever it was, this war wasn't a good thing for her relationship with Percy, and it certainly wasn't a good thing for Perseus.
The sound of a door slamming shut interrupted her mind as a strikingly handsome Percy emerged from Aphrodite's palace. He had dark blue jeans matched with a polo top and a long, black trench coat that suited him much more than she'd admit. Trying to cast aside the heaviness of her thoughts, she summoned a smile and approached him. In a moment of impulsiveness, Artemis ran up to him, surprising Percy with an awkward but genuine hug. At first he was slightly alarmed, whipping around to see who was hugging him. However, as he realised it was only Artemis, his surprise melted into a smile as he reciprocated the gesture.
As they stepped back, Percy couldn't help but express his admiration.
"Whoa, you look beautiful!" he exclaimed. "The moon has nothing on your beauty." Artemis chuckled.
"Well, I am the moon," she teased, eliciting a grin from Percy. In all seriousness, she was happy he liked her outfit. She'd never admit it, but it'd taken her almost an hour, and the advice of three different hunters to pick something good enough for him. Artemis was dressed in a simple yet elegant knee-length white dress that flowed gracefully around her. The modest neckline accentuated her features, and the subtle silver embroidery resembled the moon's glow on a clear night. A silver circlet adorned her hair, enhancing her ethereal appearance. The attire was a careful blend of cute, modest, and alluring, mirroring Artemis's timeless grace.
As they began their walk, Percy tried to lighten the mood.
"So, where are we headed, my moonlit goddess?" Artemis rolled her eyes playfully. "Somewhere befitting the company of two gods, I suppose."
"And where is that?" he asked. "I thought you didn't want us to be seen together in public?" She nodded.
"I don't. And I talked to Thalia for a bit which is why I'm taking you to a classic NYC burger restaurant!" From his reaction, Percy seemed shocked.
"You… Really? You really want to leave godly food for a day and come to have a normal burger at a normal, mortal restaurant?" She shrugged.
"For you, anything," she grinned. However, even as the words left her mouth, a voice in her head seemed to say, 'well, anything aside from my oath.' The words made her wince, as she thought of what Aphrodite had said to her just yesterday.
"Wow, thank you so much!" Percy exclaimed. It probably wasn't much to him, but still, he was reacting like this just for her, and that thought made her happy.
"It's fine," she replied happily. "This way we can do whatever a regular couple would do on a date, and I'll use mist to control what the mortals see. Plus, no gods, so it's a win-win for both of us!"
Happy, the couple strolled through the divine gardens, the celestial beauty of the surroundings complementing Artemis's radiance. At this time, no one was outside, leaving Percy and Artemis to fool around as much as they wanted to without any consequences.
"How are your domains?" Artemis grinned, playfully pushing him. "Metamorphosis and illusions? Big domains, oooh."
"They're good," he chuckled. "Better than archery and Santa's sleigh." Artemis stepped back, raising an eyebrow with a mix of irritants and amusement.
"Perseus Jackson, is that a challenge? Because if so, you're more than welcome to spar me, domains included, and I'll guarantee you will lose." His face reddened.
"Uhhh, maybe next time," he mumbled under his breath, causing the moon goddess to let out a melodious laugh.
As they neared a secluded spot, Artemis looked around, making sure no one was here. Satisfied with the privacy, she slipped her hand into Percy's, the warmth of their connection filling her with euphoria.
"I could pin you against the wall right now and make out with you," she giggled into his ear, causing the young god to blush… hard.
"A-Ar-tem-A." The boy was speechless. Knowing she'd done this to him only made Artemis happier.
"Thalia told me to say it," she explained, laughing it off. "She wanted to see your reaction." He nodded.
"And?" A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"It was certainly worth seeing," she replied. "Come on now, Lover Boy. Let's get something to eat." With a glint in her eye, Artemis wordlessly flashed them out of Olympus and into the bustling streets of Manhattan.
They emerged in the midst of the city's vibrant energy, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of mortal life. Still holding his hand, the goddess knew exactly where she was going, leading an absent-minded Percy through the crowded streets. They didn't even have time to gaze at the massive billboards or flashy shops; before long, they arrived at a classy, upscale restaurant which looked packed. Artemis approached the entrance with Percy in tow.
"Table for two, please," she requested, her voice carrying the regality befitting a goddess. The hostess, a mortal woman with a poise of her own, nodded in acknowledgment and led them to a well-appointed table.
As they settled into their seats, Artemis noticed Percy glancing around, taking in the posh surroundings.
"I have to say, you really know how to pick a place, Artemis. This is fancier than any date I've ever been on." Artemis offered a modest smile. "Do tell me," he continued, "was this Thalia's idea or Phoebe's?" Her smile ever so slightly faltered. "Surely it was Thalia's. I mean, since when has Phoebe had any knowledge on restaurants?" Again, Artemis's smile flickered for a moment at Percy's mention of Thalia and Phoebe. The subtle change in her expression didn't go unnoticed by Percy, who quickly picked up on the shift in the atmosphere.
"Everything alright, Artemis?" he gently probed. The goddess sighed, her gaze momentarily distant.
"I…I must admit, I had no idea where to take you. Mortal entertainment is not precisely within my domain. It's not like I wanted to ask Thalia and Phoebe, but I wanted this to be special for you and didn't have any other options…" Her voice trailed off. Percy reached across the table, his warm hand covering hers.
"Hey, you don't need to worry. This is amazing. Besides, I was just teasing about Thalia and Phoebe. I'm grateful you wanted to treat me to something special." She frowned, though her eyes did brighten up a bit.
"You truly find it satisfactory?" Percy chuckled.
"Satisfactory? Artemis, this is more than I could've asked for. It's perfect." He leaned in slightly, his tone teasing. "I might even say it's godly." Artemis blushed at his words, her usual composed demeanour momentarily disrupted. She didn't like blushing; it made her feel mortal, but somehow, it felt different with Percy. It felt almost special, like it was meant to be.
"Can I kiss you, Artemis?" Percy asked coyly, his smile mischievous. Artemis's eyes sparkled with happiness, and she chuckled softly.
"You need not ask permission for a simple kiss, Percy. We're in the mortal world. There's no one here to tell on us. It's fine. In fact, I'd be honoured." He shrugged, his grin widening.
"Old habits die hard, I guess." Without further ado, Percy leaned in, and Artemis met him halfway. The kiss was gentle, a tender exchange of warmth and affection that made her feel all warm and fuzzy at the same time. Time seemed to pause, allowing the goddess and the god to savour the simplicity and beauty of the moment.
As they pulled away, Artemis couldn't help but be captivated by the genuine smile on Percy's face. A smile of joy, something she'd brought to him.
"See?" he said, a playful glint in his eyes. "Perfect." Artemis, her composure gracefully restored, chuckled.
"Perfect indeed."
Just then, the waiter arrived with two plates, setting the steaming dishes down before the couple. Percy frowned, looking at the food.
"We didn't order anything," he pointed out. Artemis simply winked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"I did. Trust me on this one, Percy. I have a feeling you'd appreciate a classic NYC cheeseburger." Percy's skeptical expression melted into a bemused smile.
"What!? How?" Artemis shrugged with a smirk.
"Call it a hunch." She didn't mention that she'd observed enough of mortal life to know that a classic New York City cheeseburger was a quintessential part of the experience. Well, that and the fact that Thalia told her it was Percy's weakness…
Percy was just about to devour his masterpiece of a burger before Artemis immediately made a sound, shaking her head at him. The goddess reached into her bag and pulled out a small vial. Percy raised an eyebrow inquisitively. Artemis mouthed the word 'nectar' to him, holding the vial up discreetly before sprinkling a few drops over both their plates.
Percy grinned, understanding her gesture. He lifted his burger, taking a thoughtful bite. Artemis followed, at first taking a nibble, but soon enough found herself devouring it as fast as she could. The flavours seemed to dance along her tongue. Nectar had that effect.
"You really do know how to make an ordinary moment extraordinary," Percy said between bites. Artemis smiled.
"It's the least I can do."
Leaning back in her chair, Artemis smiled, feeling a sense of contentment she hadn't experienced in a long while. Percy's company had a way of easing the weight that came with being an immortal goddess embroiled in divine conflicts.
"Thank you," she said, her eyes softening as she looked at Percy. He raised an eyebrow in confusion. "For still talking to me," she clarified. Percy shrugged, his expression easy going.
"No need for a war to get in the way of our relationship, right?" She nodded, appreciating the simplicity of his perspective and taking his hand in hers. And that's when everything was ruined.
All of a sudden, the door burst open, and Athena strode into the restaurant with an air of purpose. Artemis abruptly let go of Percy's hand, her demeanour shifting to one of formality. Straightening up, she asked, "Athena, why are you here?" a hint of wariness in her tone. Athena glanced at Percy before frowning and addressing Artemis.
"I thought Apollo was distracting Percy. Never mind, brilliant idea to use you instead." Percy stood up, concern furrowing his brow.
"Distract me from what?" he asked coldly. Athena only smirked, her gaze fixed on Artemis.
"From the war," she declared.
"I thought we were in negotiations?" he asked. The battle goddess shook her head.
"No negotiations, only attacks. You think after what Aphrodite openly accused me of, I'm sitting in a room and negotiating? Nu uh. Besides, I've just launched the first attack. Silly goddess. She should've thought before declaring war on me. Well, at least it'll be the shortest war in godly history." Percy's eyes narrowed.
"What did you do?" he demanded, his tone tinged with anger. Athena, however, chose to ignore him, instead giving Artemis a meaningful look.
Artemis felt a sudden pang of regret and sorrow. She knew what Athena had done. And she knew when he found out, Percy would immediately blame her.
"What did you do?" Percy repeated, his frustration growing. Athena finally relented, turning her attention to Percy.
"I did what I said I'd do. I attacked Aphrodite, and to do so, I needed you gone. Your illusions can be potent, Percy Jackson. I didn't want them interfering with my plans. I asked Apollo to take care of it and it seems like he pawned it off to Artemis." Artemis winced, feeling the weight of the decision she had unwittingly become a part of.
"Actually, that's not what happened," Artemis began. Athena scoffed.
"Sister, don't tell me you're gonna pretend you were actually dating him. Just leave him. If it hurts his fragile heart to know you don't actually like him and were toying with him, then so be it."
"But I wasn't toying with him." Percy's expression shifted from anger to determination.
"I need to get back to Olympus," he stated, urgency in his voice.
"Let me take you," Artemis offered, rushing out of her seat. Percy didn't even acknowledge her.
Giving her one last look of pure hurt, he took off, running out of the restaurant, leaving Artemis wrapped in a curtain of guilt… And Anger at Apollo.
Things are finally kicking off. There's gonna be a bit of explanation in the next chap. Sorry for the delay, every time I've sat own to write I keep falling asleep XD. Anyways, hope you enjoyed, do leave a review, and as always, I'll see you guys next week (or this week if I can try update Friday lol.)