One second, Percy was awkwardly holding his sword, staring into the mist in front of him, waiting for something to happen. The next, a dragon, yep, a dragon was charging at him, teeth bared, with a sinister grin that made Percy go, 'uh oh.' Its loud war echoed through the arena and as it charged, its scales glinted menacingly in the sunlight.
"Okay, that's new," Percy muttered, barely dodging a jet of fire. He rolled to the side, feeling the heat singe the tips of his hair. Standing up, Percy ran to the dragon, but it was just too big, swatting him away with its paw. Percy was sent flying backwards, his mind a blur. When he finally stopped, everything was spinning. He knew he needed more than just his sword skills for this fight; it was time to test his metamorphosism… if that was even a word…
With a thought, he transformed, his body reshaping into that of a swift cheetah. Speed was his advantage now. He darted around the dragon, its large head swivelling clumsily to keep track of him.
"Ever tried a high-speed chase, big guy?" Percy taunted, though it must've come out as a growl if anything. The dragon, unamused, responded by morphing into a giant eagle, its talons sharp as swords. The sky was its domain now. Percy, not missing a beat, shifted into a hawk, soaring upwards. The two clashed in the air, talons and beaks snapping.
"Birds of a feather fight together?" Percy quipped, even as he dodged a deadly swipe.
The battle descended back to the earth, and the dragon, now a lion, lunged with a mighty roar. Percy became a panther, matching its strength, their roars intertwining as they tumbled across the arena. In a whirl of fur and claws, Percy thought, "This is like the world's worst cat fight."
Abruptly, the creature shifted again, now a giant serpent, slithering swiftly towards him stealthily. Percy decided on a more unconventional approach. Let's see how you handle a mongoose, he thought wryly, transforming. His smaller size gave him agility, darting in and out, avoiding the serpent's strikes with ease. However, only now was Percy starting to realise just how tiring metamorphosis could be. He could feel himself slipping between the mongoose and himself. The exhaustion was seeping into every muscle, his form flickering. He struggled to maintain the mongoose's lithe form, his vision blurring as he weaved unsteadily. The serpent watched with an amused glint in its eyes. It seemed to understand Percy's predicament, yet there was no mercy in its gaze. With a flick of its tail, it slithered closer, its movements smooth and calculated.
Reluctantly, Percy felt the mongoose form being forced from his grasp. He collapsed onto the ground, his breath ragged, every inch of him screaming for rest. The serpent loomed over him, its tongue flickering in and out, tasting the air, as if deciding whether to strike. Percy lay there, his chest heaving, knowing it was all over. He closed his eyes briefly, welcoming the idea of just drifting into sleep right there. But then, a guttural roar jolted him back to reality.
Percy didn't want to, but he opened his eyes to see a grizzly bear rearing up menacingly.
"Oh, come on," Percy groaned, pushing himself to his feet. "Can't a guy get a nap around here?" He stumbled up, yawning dramatically. The bear, however, didn't care about his tiredness, instead getting ready to charge.
"Bear with me," Percy quipped, and he could have sworn he saw the bear roll its eyes.
Transforming into a tiger, with all the energy he had left, Percy charged. The bear met his attack head-on, their forms a blur of fur and claws. Each swipe from the bear was met with a counterstrike, their growls echoing through the arena, but Percy's energy was waning fast. Each movement felt heavier, each breath harder to catch. Then, with a burst of magic, the bear transformed into a towering dragon, its scales shimmering dangerously.
Percy stood there, panting, feeling like he was running on fumes.
"Here goes nothing," he whispered, and with the last of his strength, he imagined himself growing taller, with scales glistening on his arms, a long tail, wings to fly into the sky, and a scary snarl. When he opened his eyes, Percy had for the first time successfully metamorphosed into a dragon. His form wobbled, struggling to hold, but still he managed to keep it for twenty seconds. The other dragon, seeing his effort, smiled.
Then, as suddenly as it had all begun, it was over. Percy felt the dragon leaving him, and he was forced back into his human form, collapsing onto the ground, utterly spent. The other dragon seemed to nod slowly, before transforming into Frank, who clapped enthusiastically as he made his way to Percy.
"Well done, Percy!" Frank exclaimed. "I mean the panther was impressive, but a dragon. Really? I'm honestly speechless." Sitting up, Percy managed a tired grin, his breathing still heavy.
"Yeah, but next time, can we skip the whole 'turning into a bird'' part? I'm more of a ground creature." Frank laughed, offering a hand to help him up.
"You did great, Percy. Honestly, I'm surprised you're doing so well in your metamorphosis. It isn't easy and definitely took me quite some time getting used to." Percy snorted.
"Took you a few weeks if my memory serves me correct," he said, to which Frank just smiled.
As Percy got to his feet, leaning heavily on Frank, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride mixed with his exhaustion. He'd faced dragons, bears, serpents, and more, all in one training session. He was tired, sure, but it was the kind of tired that felt good, the kind that came from pushing yourself and coming out on top.
"So what now?" Frank asked as the two exited the arena.
"Right now I need a nice, long nap, and maybe a glass of nectar as well," Percy sighed, already imagining the sweet drink tingling down his throat. Frank chuckled as they walked out of the arena.
"You've earned it, Percy. You've definitely earned it. Hazel and a few others have cleaned up the Neptune house, so why don't you sleep there for a bit? I'll wake you up in a few hours."
Percy's eyebrows knitted together in suspicion as they stepped out of the arena.
"Neptune's house? But I've got a place with Aphrodite, Nico, and the others. Why there?" Frank took a deep breath, an almost apologetic look crossing his face.
"Okay, don't blame me, but as soon as Reyna caught whiff you're coming back, she demanded you stay for dinner. Can't really say no to her, can I?" Percy groaned, rubbing the back of his neck.
"This happened last time as well, remember?" Percy muttered. "And the time before… And the time before… Frank, why did you even tell her I was coming back today?" The son of Mars shrugged helplessly.
"I had to tell someone, Percy. Otherwise, they'd all come running to the arena, wondering why we have flying eagles and bear roars echoing around. It's just easier this way." Percy paused, considering.
"It's just one meal, and they really want to catch up," Frank pressed on. "They want to hear about this war, your training... you know how it is. No one's heard from you in ages." Percy sighed. It was just one meal; what harm could it really bring?
But with Artemis, it was 'just one meal' as well…
He shook his head, trying to dispel the uneasy feeling. Artemis has an explanation, Percy knew it. Betraying someone she cared about wasn't her style, and Percy genuinely believed she cared for him. She probably hasn't found the time to leave and talk to him because Athena probably has some rule or another.
"Fine," Percy gave in. "One meal only. And that's it." Frank's grin widened.
"I knew you'd give in. Relax, it won't be that bad, Percy. And as much as you won't admit it, you need this to relax and destress."
"Alright, but I'm taking that nap first," Percy insisted, already dreaming of his bed. "And I'm holding you personally responsible if this turns into more than just a meal. If I get flying doves or random gods turning up, it's on you."
"You have my word, Percy," Frank promised, clapping him on the back. "Just a meal. Nothing more."
As they strolled towards Neptune's house, Percy felt the tension from the training session slowly ebb away. He was pretty proud of his progress, especially with changing into a dragon. Aphrodite had been telling him to practise his domains so he'd be of use in the battles. Honestly, Percy was still clinging onto the hope that Aphrodite's mirror could resurface and the war could stop. Sure, he could fight Athena on the battlefield, but what if he was face to face with Apollo, or even worse, Artemis.
"So, how are things going with Hazel?" Percy asked, determined to stop his thoughts. Frank's face immediately lit up, a broad smile spreading across his features.
"Oh, man, Percy, she's amazing. You know how she is—just brilliant. We've been planning this little trip to Florida, believe it or not. Apparently Hazel has this thing for the Keys. "
"That sounds... interesting," Percy said, chuckling at the thought. "Florida Keys, huh? Watch out for the bull sharks."
"Bull sharks?" Frank frowned. "Maybe it's best to stick to land for this trip… Besides, I think it's more about the fact that this is our first proper holiday together. And I'm just happy to be with her, you know? She makes everything better," Frank said, his eyes twinkling with affection. Percy nodded, though he couldn't help but feel a pang of something akin to sadness. Frank's happiness was infectious, but it also heightened his own sense of loss. Where was Artemis these days? He missed her more than he cared to admit. His mind wandered to their last encounter and how he'd left her there with Athena, all alone in the restaurant. Perhaps if he'd just given her a moment to speak first…
They reached the main road, and Frank suddenly paused by a florist on the corner.
"Hey, I've been needing to buy Hazel some flowers. Do you mind if I make a quick stop? You know the way back, right?" Percy forced a smile, pushing his thoughts about Artemis aside.
"Yeah, I know the way. Go ahead, I'll head back and catch you guys for dinner."
"Great, thanks, Percy. I'll see you then," Frank said, already heading towards the shop, his enthusiasm evident.
Now alone, Percy walked towards the Neptune house, his mind still a whirlwind of thoughts about the war, Artemis, and their complicated relationship. After a few minutes of walking on autopilot, he entered the place, barely noticing its grandeur or the sea-themed decorations adorning its walls. Without a glance at the ornate surroundings, Percy found the nearest bed and collapsed onto it. The soft mattress welcomed him, offering a brief escape from the complexities of his life. He didn't bother changing out of his clothes; exhaustion made even the smallest tasks feel overwhelming. As his head sank into the pillow, sleep overtook him almost immediately. His worries about the gods, the impending war, and his unresolved feelings for Artemis faded into the background.
And in their place came the dreams.
In the depths of sleep, Percy found himself standing beside a river, its dark waters churning ominously. He blinked, disoriented, and then realised – he was at the River Styx in the Underworld. The realisation sent a shiver down his spine, despite knowing this was just a dream.
As he gazed at the river, a figure emerged from the shadows, walking along the riverbank. It was Styx, the goddess of the river, wearing an obsidian-black bathrobe. Her wet hair clung to the back of her neck and she had water droplets dripping as she walked. Most likely she'd just gone for a swim in her river and was now drying up.
Percy watched, hidden from view, as she approached a man waiting by the river's edge. The man seemed out of place in the Underworld – his attire was a blend of modern elegance and the underworld's timeless mystique. He wore a sleek, charcoal-grey suit tailored to perfection, the jacket hanging gracefully over his broad shoulders. The crisp white shirt beneath it, unbuttoned at the collar, hinted at both formality and casual confidence. His pants, a shade darker than the jacket, tapered elegantly down his legs, meeting polished black shoes. He looked strangely mortal, yet, there was something about him that suggested a deeper connection to this realm. His eyes held a fiery intensity, and the air around him seemed to shimmer with heat.
"Hello, my love," the man greeted Styx, a playful tone in his voice.
"Do you have to call me that?" Styx retorted, but her lips curled into a reluctant smile.
"Only because it makes you smile," he replied, his gaze softening. "So, how was your day, my love?" he asked, leaning against a moss-covered rock. Styx rolled her eyes.
"As delightful as one can expect in this realm. And you? Did you frighten any mortals today? Burn down a village?" He chuckled, a low, rumbling sound.
"Not today. I've actually been trying to bring a touch of modernity to the Underworld, one stylish outfit at a time. If I can get an army of stylishly dressed people, perhaps I can finally convince Hades to change the dress code here." Styx laughed, a sound both melodious and uneasy. It was something Percy never would've expected to come from the eldest Oceanid, much less the goddess of hatred herself.
"And how's that working out for you?" she asked.
"Well, everyone here is quite resistant to fashion, but I keep trying," he chuckled. "Take this suit, for example. It's made out of silk infused with strands of wool and linen, and looks classy." Styx just snorted, and the two seemed to stand in a comfortable, warm silence.
"Any plans for dinner?" the man asked, his tone still playful. Percy watched as they talked. There was an undeniable chemistry between them, a strange kind of fluff in the midst of the Underworld's gloom.
"Hmm, I was thinking about something spicy tonight," she quipped, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Sounds like my type of cuisine," the man winked, causing Styx to… blush? Confused was an understatement for how Percy was feeling. In the space of five minutes he'd seen Styx not only laugh, but now blush. All of this was a first for him, and he was curious to find out who this man was that could make hateful Styx blush.
The two continued exchanging a few small, everyday jets, before eventually, the man's expression turned serious.
"Alright now, Styx, tell me what's happening with the war?" he asked. Styx's face darkened, and all the humour in her eyes was replaced by her usual hatred.
"I'm angry at Aphrodite. She broke an oath on my river," she said, her voice cold. Percy's heart skipped a beat. What oath? He wondered, confusion swirling in his mind. Aphrodite was a lot of things, but she'd never lied to him since he became her protégé. Unless this was something from before?
"Aphrodite, huh?" the man mused. "And here I thought you preferred staying neutral in this war." Styx scoffed.
"There is no such thing as neutral. Anyone who claims to be is lying to themselves."
The man leaned forward, his interest piqued.
"So, what are you going to do about it?" he asked, his tone serious yet tinged with curiosity. Styx was silent for a moment, her gaze fixed on the dark waters of her river. Percy watched intently.
"Nothing," Styx finally said, her voice betraying a hint of reluctance.
"Come on, Styx. You're not one to sit back, especially when an oath on your river is involved," he pressed, his eyes locking onto hers. Styx sighed, a sound that seemed to carry the weight of centuries.
"I have no love for Athena, but if helping her means Aphrodite gets what she deserves, then so be it." Percy's mind raced. Why was Styx so set against Aphrodite? And why did she mention Athena?
"And what about the boy?" the man asked. "Poseidon's son. The god of rivers. He's with her, isn't he?" Styx's expression softened ever so slightly.
"Yes, he is. And he has potential, a great deal of it. But he's too loyal to Aphrodite. The boy doesn't understand that loyalty will bite him later on."
Percy felt a chill run down his spine. Why was he important in all this? He had washed away Styx's powers from himself, hadn't he? Why did she still care about what happened to him?
"He seems to be more than just another god," the man mused. "Minor or not, he's been through a lot. Survived things most wouldn't."
"That's true," Styx admitted. "But it's not just about survival. It's about choices, and his choices concern me."
"Like your choice to back Athena?" the man asked innocently. Immediately, Styx shot him a sharp look.
"If you have something to say, just say it," she glared.
"All I'm saying," the man began, raising his hands in mock surrender, "is you might be rushing this. Aphrodite might not be the best at keeping oaths, but she did help you and me with our relationship didn't she?" Styx nodded ever so slowly. "And don't forget, this war is far greater than just Aphrodite and Athena."
Just then, the river Styx started to blur, the two figures becoming indistinct. Percy reached out, desperate to hold onto the dream, to understand who else was involved in this war, but it was too late. The dream was changing, slipping away from the river and the conversation that held answers he needed. As the underworld faded, Percy was thrust into a different, brighter room, his mind still racing with the questions from Styx and the other man.
When he opened his eyes, Percy found himself in a strikingly modern palace room, a stark contrast to the dim underworld he had just left in his dream. The room was spacious, with high ceilings and opulent décor, blending ancient Greek elements with contemporary style. Marble floors gleamed under ornate chandeliers, and the walls were adorned with both classical frescoes and modern art.
From outside, he heard voices talking. Curious, Percy followed the sound, moving through the corridors towards a large, open door on the other side of the palace. Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the room and was met by an unusual sight. For starters, Athena was fully dressed in her body armour and paced up and down the room. Her eyes were focused, her expression intense and calculating.
"Okay, so we'll draw Ares out using Apollo as bait," she declared with a strategic tone.
Apollo, lounging in a corner, was dressed in a casual T-shirt and jogging bottoms.
"Why am I always the bait?" he grumbled, clearly not thrilled with the plan. Athena continued, unfazed by his complaint.
"Then Hermes and Hephaestus go in first. Destroy everything you see. After that, me and the minor gods will follow." She paused, her gaze sharp.
"Nico will be in the Olympus market so we don't need to worry about him."
"And Perseus?" Apollo asked uneasily, causing the goddess to grin widely.
"Why, Percy will be distracted by Artemis," Athena smirked. "She did it so beautifully last time. I mean, tricking him to go on a date. Genius! Even I didn't think of that."
"I'm not doing that again," a voice suddenly interrupted, firm and resolute. Immediately, Percy jerked his head up and his eyes widened as he noticed Artemis, the moon goddess, his love, sitting quietly on a plush sofa. She was dressed in attire that echoed ancient Greece, a flowing chiton that seemed both timeless and elegant. Her auburn hair was styled simply, falling in natural waves around her shoulders. However, despite her regal appearance, Percy noticed the weariness in her eyes all too well; it looked like she hadn't slept well in ages.
Percy's heart ached at the sight of her. He wanted to reach out, to understand what was weighing her down, but he seemed to be frozen in his dream. Apollo, his expression softening, turned to Artemis.
"Artemis…" he began, his tone warning, but she cut him off, her voice tinged with frustration.
"No, Apollo, why do I need to hurt Percy? He's not a bad guy. He doesn't deserve to be manipulated like this." Athena, who had been listening intently, interjected sharply.
"He's on Aphrodite's side, Artemis. In this war, that's what matters. We need every advantage we can get." Artemis's face hardened.
"And since when do we resort to deception and emotional manipulation, Athena? We're supposed to be better than this."
"Maybe there's another way we can—" Apollo tried, but both goddesses ignored him.
"This isn't about what's noble, Artemis," Athena snapped. "It's about strategy. Percy is a key player, and if he's distracted, it's to our advantage."
"You talk about strategy," Artemis shot back, "but what about honour? About integrity? We're gods, Athena. Our actions set examples."
"Honour?" Athena scoffed. "This is a war, sister. And in war, we do what we must to win. Percy chose his side. It's time you chose yours."
"As I said before, I've chosen your side," Artemis reminded her. "But Percy isn't just a pawn in your game, Athena. He's a person, with feelings and a life. We can't just use him for our own ends." All of a sudden, Athena's eyes narrowed.
"You seem to care a lot about Perseus, don't you, Artemis? What has he done for you? If I didn't know better, I'd say you're in love with him."
Artemis laughed, a bitter, hollow sound that made Percy's heart sink deeper than he'd admit.
"In love with him?" the moon goddess sneered. "How could I ever be in love with someone like him? I just don't see the need to use dark manipulation tactics and cause anymore collateral damage."
Percy felt as if he'd been punched in the gut. The words echoed in his mind, each syllable a sharp, painful reminder. The Artemis he knew, the one he had feelings for, couldn't possibly mean that. Surely she was just saying that to protect their relationship, and to stop Athena from suspecting anything. But the conviction in her voice, the sneer on her face—it felt all too real.
Percy woke up with a start, his heart pounding in his chest. He lay there, staring at the ceiling of the Neptune house, the remnants of the dream still vivid in his mind. He felt heartbroken, the words of dream Artemis echoing painfully in his ears.
His heart still heavy, Percy forced himself out of the bed, stepping out of the cabin and into the cool night air. Gazing up at the darkened sky spangled with stars, he knew he was late and quickened his pace, trying to shake off his lingering feelings.
As he neared the mess hall, the sounds of laughter and chatter reached his ears, along with tantalising smells of roast meat. Turning into the mess hall, Percy was met with Frank and Hazel, their hands intertwined, smiles adorning their faces like a shared secret. He felt a fleeting pang of jealousy but quickly waved it away.
"Hey, Percy," Frank greeted him with a warm smile. "We were just about to find you. You're halfway through dinner already."
"Mental note," Hazel chimed in playfully. "Don't expect Percy to wake up by himself on time." Percy laughed, though it was tinged with a hint of sadness.
"Sorry, guys. Morpheus didn't exactly want me to leave the cabin, but I'm here now and I'm ready for food! Where's Reyna?"
"She's inside. You'll see her," Frank replied, his eyes sparkling in the dim light. The couple led the way into the mess hall. Percy followed them, his gaze sweeping over the familiar faces and lively atmosphere. The mess hall itself was a feast for the eyes. Long tables stretched across the room, covered in a colourful array of dishes. Plates piled high with steaming food were arranged in a mouthwatering display. There were platters of succulent roasted meats, still glistening with savoury juices, and bowls filled with vegetables cooked to tender perfection. The chefs had definitely outdone themselves this time.
"Oh, and by the way, your friend Chloe is here," Hazel added casually. Percy frowned, a bit confused. "I don't have a friend called—" Before he could finish, Reyna interrupted him.
"Percy! About time!" She stood up from her seat, grinning broadly. Reyna was dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit, a light tunic that suited her commanding presence. As Percy approached the praetor, she hugged him in a friendly manner. Percy returned the hug, feeling a bit more at ease
"Talk about being late," Reyna snorted. "We're almost all finished. Come sit." Noticing an empty space between Hazel and another girl with beautiful brunette hair, he took a seat, trying to put his dream to the side for the meal.
"What's to eat?" he asked, trying to sound cheerful. Reyna handed him a plate piled with roast chicken and potatoes.
"Here, dig in. You look like you need it." Reyna was right on that. The earlier fight with Frank had absolutely finished him. He'd rested, but now he needed to fill up and prepare for whatever tomorrow would bring.
"So, Percy, how was your nap?" Frank asked, a teasing glint in his eye.
"More like a deep dive into dreamland," Percy replied, his voice light but his mind still on the dream. "Had quite the adventure in my sleep."
"A dream?" an oddly familiar voice asked from his right. "Do tell!"
Ever so slowly, Percy turned his head to find the brunette next to him was none other than Harmonia, the goddess of harmony, who was surprisingly wearing a Camp Half-Blood shirt that was clearly two sizes too big for her. Percy raised an eyebrow, his surprise evident. Harmonia responded with a wink.
"Come on, Percy. Tell me about the dream." Percy, still reeling from the unexpected encounter, asked bluntly, "What are you doing here?" Harmonia leaned back, her demeanour casual yet mystifying.
"I've got a message for you, which I'll tell you in due time. But first, the dream!" Percy sighed, feeling the oddity of discussing his dreams with a goddess, especially one who'd come all this way for him, even putting on a Camp Half-Blood shirt and reducing her age to match his.
"Well it involved Styx, the goddess, and what seemed like her... boyfriend." Frank, who had been mid-sip, spat out his water in shock, dousing the table. Reyna grimaced, dropping her fork onto her plate.
"Well, there goes my appetite," she muttered.
"Sorry," Frank apologised sheepishly, still in disbelief. "But what!? Styx has a love life?" Harmonia chuckled.
"Oh, you don't know the half of it. She moved all the way to the Underworld for this person." Hazel looked stunned, her mouth slightly agape. Percy, who's shock had already come and gone, focused back on his meal, but Harmonia had other days.
"Percy! What else happened in the dream?" the undercover goddess asked. Realising he had no way out of this, Percy let out a reluctant sigh.
"In another scene, Athena was in her palace with Apollo, Hermes, Artemis, and a few others," Percy continued, somewhat reluctantly. Harmonia's eyebrow arched in interest.
"And what were they talking about?" she asked. Percy hesitated, his voice dropping a notch.
"Distractions," he mumbled quietly.
There was a moment of silence as everyone at the table processed this. To Reyna and the others, this meant nothing, but Harmonia seemed to pick up on Percy's discomfort. Wordlessly, she reached under the table and held his hand. It was a warm, friendly gesture that, although strange, made him feel surprisingly better inside.
"We'll talk about your dream later," Harmonia murmured in his ear and Percy subtly nodded, turning his attention back on his meal and wolfing down another potato.
"So, Frank, how did the rest of your day go after I… uh, took my unscheduled nap?" Percy asked, changing the topic away from his dreams. Frank grinned.
"Well, Percy, after your detour to dreamland, Hazel gave me a run for my money with some sword practice. I can't even begin to explain how good she's become."
Hazel, with a modest yet proud smile, added, "I've been putting in extra hours. It's always good to be prepared, right?"
"At this rate, Hazel, you'll be outdoing all of us soon," Reyna chimed in. "Seriously, Percy. Before, she was good, but now I feel like she could genuinely stand up against you."
"Maybe we need to test that out then," Percy challenged, never one to back down. Hazel shrugged, sipping on her glass of water.
"Next Saturday at noon," she decided. "Don't be late. I'll make you regret challenging me."
"It's done," Percy said, shaking her hand. A little bit of friendly sparring never hurt anybody now, did it?
Midway through the dinner, Reyna's gaze shifted to Harmonia.
"So Chloe," she began. "Tell me, what brings you to Camp Jupiter?" Harmonia, maintaining her disguise as Chloe, responded with a casual air.
"Oh, nothing much. My mother sent me here to get Percy, and I couldn't resist the temptation to see what your camp life is like."
"Oh, interesting," Reyna said. "Who's your mother?"
"Lady Aphrodite," Harmonia smiled warmly. It was funny to Percy how, despite pretending to be a demigod, everything Harmonia was saying was true.
"Okay, and what about you, Chloe? Tell us about yourself," Reyna inquired. Harmonia laughed lightly.
"Well, there's not much to say, really. I'm a daughter of Aphrodite helping out in the war. Percy's a good friend of mine and that's why I was sent to get him. As for myself, I'm just someone who enjoys the simpler things in life. Love a good sunrise, a peaceful afternoon, that sort of thing."
"Any hobbies or special interests?" Reyna asked, leaning in. Percy too leaned in, intrigued by the question.
"Painting, actually," Harmonia replied. "I love playing with colours, capturing different moods and moments. There's something about the idea of blending all these colours and techniques to create a realistic picture that's just fascinating."
"That sounds wonderful," Hazel commented, passing a dish to Percy. "I'm an art enthusiast too, though I prefer drawing. Maybe you could show us some of your work while you're here?"
"Better yet, you two should have an art competition," Frank mused. "That would certainly be interesting."
"True," Chole agreed. "And under normal circumstances, I'd be delighted, but my mother wants me and Percy back now." Percy helped himself to some more potatoes, nodding in agreement.
"She's right. Aphrodite can be really particular about punctuality," he said casually as he forked a potato. A brief silence fell over the table as Percy ate. When he looked up, he found Harmonia gazing at him intently.
"What?" he mumbled, his mouth still full. Harmonia rolled her eyes at his antics.
"Now means now, Percy. You just said Aphrodite is fussy about being on time, and we're already running late."
"Just hang on one more minute," Percy protested, but Harmonia was already pulling him to his feet.
"Hurry up, fish boy," she mumbled. Percy gently removed her hand from his arm.
"Can't even eat dinner in peace," he muttered under his breath. "At least let me say my goodbyes properly," he said, turning to his friends.
He approached Reyna first, giving her a friendly hug.
"Thanks for the dinner, Reyna. It was great catching up, even if it was short." Reyna smiled.
"Anytime, Percy. Take care of yourself, okay? I've only heard rumours, but this civil war isn't sounding good." Flashing her a grin, he turned to Hazel.
"Keep up the good work with your sword practice, Hazel. You're doing awesome." Hazel grinned.
"Don't forget about our duel next Saturday. I've told you plenty of time in advance, so no excuses."
"Relax, I'll be there," he assured her before finally turning to face Frank.
"And you, try not to demolish the entire camp with your training sessions, alright?" Frank laughed.
"No promises, but I'll try," the boy grinned.
"Wait, Percy. How are you guys getting back?" Reyna asked. "I thought you still can't flash because of the true form thing?"
"Oh don't worry about that," Harmonia answered confidently. "I have my ways."
They started walking away, and Harmonia called out a cheerful "Bye!" to the group.
"Bye!" came the chorus of replies.
"Nice to meet you, Chloe," Reyna added.
"You too!" Harmonia responded with a bright smile, before her and Percy walked out of the mess hall and towards the Little Tiber.
As soon as they were out of earshot and view of the mess hall, Harmonia snapped her fingers. Her clothes transformed seamlessly into a more regal, deep purple gown with gold embroidery, giving her an air of beauty. She turned to Percy with an expectant look.
"Spill," she commanded, her voice as soft as a feather. Percy didn't resist; he sighed deeply, the weight of the dream still heavy on him.
"Well I already talked about Styx with the other person, but afterwards, my dream shifted into a modern, palace-like room. Athena was there, planning something with Apollo, Hermes, and... Artemis." Percy hesitated, the memory of the dream bringing a fresh wave of pain. "They were talking about getting Artemis to distract me again, only she didn't want to do it. Eventually, Athena, as a joke, said it looked like Artemis liked me, and Artemis said something about me... She… She said she could never love someone like me."
Harmonia's expression softened with empathy.
"Okay, I know what it looks like, and I feel for you, Percy, but please don't take it to heart," she advised calmly. "To me, it looked like Artemis was trying to protect both you and the secrecy of your relationship, and that's really sweet." Percy looked down, kicking a small stone on the path.
"I know, but it felt so real, Harmonia. It's hard to shake off. You don't understand. The sneer on her face… the harshness in her words… the mockery in her laugh. I don't know what to do anymore. I haven't been able to speak to her since that night and all I can think about is where her feelings for me truly lie." Harmonia placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Have faith, Percy," she said. "I understand what you're feeling, but don't give up so easily. There's stuff even I don't know, and we need to wait it out. Aphrodite may not agree, but I'm sure Artemis has reasons for everything she's said and done. Believe me, she's not the type of goddess to let her loved one go so easily. When this war is over, I promise I'll do everything I can to make sure you two have the best relationship ever… and in return…"
"Yes?" Percy asked, motioning for her to continue. The goddess grinned, a cheeky, mischievous one.
"And in return, I get to be your 'woman of honour' in the wedding." Percy managed a weak smile.
"Thanks Harmonia," he murmured, shoving his hands into his pocket and walking onwards.
"So, how are we getting to Aphrodite?" Percy asked. "We've been walking for far too long now. Is there some pegasus waiting for us or something?" Harmonia grinned mischievously.
"Oh, we're flashing. I just wanted to find out what happened to you in the dream before." Percy frowned slightly.
"And we couldn't do that after because...?"
"Curiosity, Percy. A goddess has her ways," she replied with a smirk.
Without asking, Harmonia took Percy's hand, her grip firm yet gentle, and gave him a wink, which only added to his confusion.
"Ready for a little flash trip?"
Before Percy could respond, there was a sudden whoosh of air, and the scenery around them blurred into a whirl of colours. In an instant, Percy and Harmonia were standing in a large open area, surrounded by various gods. The atmosphere was charged, a mix of tension and excitement hanging in the air. Percy was still adjusting to the sudden shift when he heard a familiar voice.
"First Artemis," Ares bellowed, his voice filled with annoyance. "Now my daughter? Stop making lovey-dovey faces with immortals and get focused!" Percy quickly let go of Harmonia's hand, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. He had momentarily forgotten that Harmonia was not only Aphrodite's daughter but also Ares's. Harmonia, unfazed, simply winked at him.
"Ignore my father," Harmonia said softly once Ares had turned away. "He's just… well he's annoyed at you, so that's why he's acting like that."
Before Percy could respond, Aphrodite hurried over to them, her expression a blend of relief and urgency.
"Well done, you actually brought him," she said to Harmonia.
"Yeah, it was easy," she smiled. "He's been having some Artemis trouble, but we've managed to temporarily fix it." Aphrodite nodded, before looking directly at Percy.
"Tell me, Percy, are you ready for a fight?" the goddess asked.
Percy thought of Athena's plan to use Artemis to distract him, a plan he had overheard in his dream. He nodded firmly. Right now, a fight was exactly what he needed.
"Yeah, who am I training against?" Aphrodite exchanged a glance with Harmonia, who was smirking slightly.
"You didn't tell him?" Aphrodite asked her. Harmonia's smirk widened.
"Oh no, I saved the news for you to reveal." The love goddess rolled her eyes, before her expression turned serious again.
"Percy," she began. "Me and Ares have been discussing things while you were away. It's very last minute, but we're launching an attack. Tomorrow, once dawn strikes, we attack Athena, and bring her down once and for all."
Percy's eyes widened in shock.
"An all-out attack on Athena?" he asked, trying to process the information. "I mean, I'm all for taking her down, but the consequences—" Aphrodite held up her hand.
"We've thought it through, Percy. Athena's attacked us, and it's time for revenge. Besides, I've already told everyone to leave your little moon goddess, so no need to worry about that."
Percy looked between Harmonia and Aphrodite, the weight of their words sinking in. He knew that participating in such a battle would change everything, drawing lines that couldn't be undone, but Aphrodite was right. Athena had used him, hurt him, hurt Nico, and hurt his mentor. She'd stolen from them and was mercilessly attacking them. He knew it was time to flip the tides, to end this war, and to get back with Artemis.
"A fight to finally take down Athena and turn things back to how they were before?" he finally said, his voice steady. A slow grin creeped up the corners of this mouth.
"Count me in."
Apologies for the delay in updating, but it's here! Hopefully you enjoyed this! Very soon, you'll see where everything... Well I won't spoil, but stuff's about to go down, metaphorically and literally.
Also, I got a new fic I'm hoping to post very soon! Here's a small teaser because why not? : )
Turning her back on the Fates, Styx's eyes fell upon the turbulent waters of her river. This wasn't just a stream; it was the essence of her power… the power to punish all Oathbreakers. A power the Fates had restrained, claiming it would disrupt the overworld battles. But now, both the Titanomachy and Gigantomachy were history, and nothing would hold back Styx's vengeance any longer.
"What are you going to do?" one of the Fates asked. Styx turned to them, a dark smile creeping across her face.
"I shall do what I've been long denied," she replied with a chilling calm. "What I should've done in the first place. I'll resurrect the punishment they once feared." The Fates sighed, a gesture of disappointment, or perhaps it was just pity.
"Banishment," they muttered. Styx nodded, her eyes alight with a dark eagerness.
"Yes, my dear sisters. A decade of exile. Immortals have taken liberties, lying on my river, forgetting who I am. Now, they'll remember the price of their deceit. Let's see who dares break an oath of my river after this." The eldest Fate sighed.
"Haven't they already been punished enough?" Styx clicked her tongue in disdain.
"Not nearly. The boy faced his fate, but the gods... they've escaped justice. My leniency ends now. They will face my wrath, and they'll learn the true power of Styx."
The Fates just stared at her, their eyes boring into Styx's soul. She frowned, a flicker of doubt in her eyes.
"You… you know the outcome of this already, don't you?" Their expressions remained stoic.
"We have an idea," the youngest one said slowly. "When the gods find out what you did, a civil war is inevitable. You know that already. In fact, I know you are probably counting on it." Styx didn't bother to deny it. "But in the end, there will be one person left at the top." Styx's gaze faltered.
"And who is it?" she asked. "It's the boy, isn't it?" Their silent nod was all the confirmation she needed.
"Farewell, sister," the youngest one said. "May you find peace in your actions." All three Fates turned around, walking away from her into the thick mist of the Underworld.
Hope you like it, and hope to update soon!