Chapter 10.
As Percy stepped into the tent, he couldn't help but be impressed by its size, enchanted to accommodate more space within. Artemis sat atop a fur rug, a silver furred deer resting its head in her lap, while Zoe occupied a chair beside her, offering a welcoming smile to Percy.
Approaching them, Percy settled down across from Artemis. "So, Percy, who are you?" Artemis inquired, her gaze curious. Percy returned her smile before answering, "My name is Perseus, though I prefer Percy. I am the son of Nyx and Erebus, and the prince of the Void."
Artemis's eyes widened before she stammered out, "You're a primordial?" Percy laughed before replying, "Technically I'm a demi-primordial as I'm adopted and don't have domains but by all accounts, yes, I'm a primordial."
Artemis nodded slowly, processing Percy's words. "Why would a primordial go out of his way to help a mortal girl?" she questioned, referring to Zoe. Percy's smile remained warm as he glanced at Zoe before responding, "Because my mother knew Zoe would play a crucial role in the impending Titan war. So she tasked me with saving her and bringing her to you, ensuring she would be prepared when the time came."
Artemis's eyes widened in astonishment. "Nyx knew the Titans would return thousands of years ago and said nothing?" she echoed, disbelief evident in her voice.
Percy shrugged nonchalantly. "My mother doesn't meddle in the affairs of the gods. However, she understood the potential consequences if the Olympians were defeated, which could trigger a primordial war—something my parents had no interest in."
Artemis nodded thoughtfully, digesting Percy's explanation. "So you've been aiding from the shadows for millennia to ensure our victory?" Percy affirmed with a nod. "Pretty much. I shadowed the quest to recover Zeus's bolt, and I actively participated in the quest for the fleece last year."
Artemis's astonishment was evident as she processed Percy's words. "How did the gods not notice you participating during the quests?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued. Percy chuckled before responding, "Well, for one, I'm shrouded from their vision, and two, because of this." With a swift motion, Percy enveloped himself in shadows, seamlessly transforming into his fifteen-year-old form.
Artemis's eyes widened in awe at both his explanation and his transformation. "Why were you here today then, Percy?" she pressed further.
"Because Hades didn't want his children brought to camp, so he asked me to rescue them and bring them back to the Underworld," Percy explained succinctly.
"The two demigods are children of Hades?" Zoe interjected, her shock evident in her voice.
Percy nodded solemnly. "Yes, they are. They were born before the oath was made and were kept in the Lotus Hotel. I found them there and took them to the Underworld to be trained in safety," he explained, his tone carrying a hint of sadness.
Artemis nodded as he explained his reasoning. "Also, I would like to apologize for earlier, Artemis. I don't like most of the gods due to their selfish and cruel natures, and I wasn't sure how you would take my presence. So the easiest way for me to get my point across was by using force," Percy finished apologetically.
Artemis nodded in understanding as Percy explained his perspective. "I understand," she replied, her expression softening. "Apology accepted, Percy. It's no secret that the gods have their flaws." She offered him a reassuring smile, acknowledging his point about the gods' natures.
Percy's smile widened as he glanced at Zoe, her soft smile warming his heart. "Bringing you to Artemis was definitely the right choice," he remarked, his tone reflecting his satisfaction.
Zoe laughed softly before nodding in agreement. "Yes, I love the hunt. Being part of this family has been amazing," she added with genuine warmth.
Percy returned her smile before turning back to Artemis, who was looking at them both with a warm expression. He felt a sense of contentment settle over him, grateful for the bonds Zoe had found in the hunt.
Percy's expression turned serious as he addressed Artemis. "Artemis, what's the plan with the war effort?" he inquired, his tone laden with concern.
Artemis's smile faded as she considered the question. "It's not going well," she admitted somberly. "The campers are training diligently, but Kronos grows stronger with each passing year. Father isn't taking action; he's too arrogant to acknowledge the danger we're facing. My hunters and I are doing what we can, hunting down groups of monsters, but it's not enough."
Percy nodded, his anger simmering at the mention of Zeus's attitude. "My mother and I will support you in any way we can. If Zeus won't lend his aid to protect you, then I will," Percy declared firmly, his resolve unwavering.
Artemis's smile widened gratefully, appreciating Percy's promised support in the face of the looming war. Turning to Zoe, she noticed the admiration shining in her eyes as she glanced at Percy.
"Zoe, why don't you catch up with Percy while I plan our next move?" Artemis suggested warmly, sensing the bond between the two.
Zoe's expression softened with gratitude as she nodded in agreement. Rising from her chair, she made her way out of the tent, Percy following closely behind.
Percy offered a nod of acknowledgment to Artemis as he stepped out of the tent. Once outside, Zoe turned to him eagerly, her eyes shining with curiosity. "Tell me everything," she urged.
Percy chuckled, about to launch into an explanation when he spotted his friends congregating at the edge of the camp. "Follow me," he said to Zoe, gesturing for her to join him as he headed towards the group.
Annabeth was the first to notice his approach, her face lighting up with joy as she jumped up and rushed over to greet him. "Percy, it's so good to see you!" she exclaimed, enveloping him in a warm hug.
"Hi, Annabeth. How are you guys?" Percy greeted, casting a friendly glance at the others. Theo grinned in response. "Doing good, Percy, thanks," he replied. Grover nodded in agreement, though he was preoccupied with munching on a can.
Percy turned his attention to the last demigod, whom he didn't recognize. "Who are you?" he asked kindly. The girl smiled before extending her hand, which Percy shook firmly. "Thalia Grace, daughter of Zeus," she introduced herself with a hint of pride in her voice.
Percy's expression shifted to one of shock upon hearing Thalia's last name and her claim of being a daughter of Zeus. The coincidence of her sharing Jason's last name and father was too striking to ignore. He quickly shook off his surprise before responding, "I'm Percy, Son of Nyx and Erebus."
The other demigods' faces mirrored Percy's initial shock, their expressions a mix of confusion and
surprise. Percy's confusion deepened until he realized his slip-up—aside from Zoe, he hadn't disclosed his parentage to anyone else. He mentally cursed himself for the oversight. Oops.
"Well, we can catch up more at camp. I'm gonna go hang out with my friend Zoe. Bye!" Percy announced cheerfully, swiftly grabbing Zoe's hand and sprinting away before the others could respond to his revelation.
Zoe laughed as she was pulled along, enjoying the spontaneity of the moment. Percy pulled them into a shadow, and they reappeared on top of the school. Percy made his way to the edge and sat down, his legs dangling over the side. Zoe quickly joined him, mirroring his posture with a smile.
"So, Percy, what was it like being raised in the Void?" Zoe inquired curiously. Percy's smile widened as he reminisced. "It was quite the experience. Either I was spoiled by my parents or used as a punching bag while they trained me," he chuckled.
Zoe laughed along with him as he elaborated, "But time moves differently in the Void, so technically, I'm older than most of the second-generation Olympians. As for strength, well, I don't know if I'm stronger than the first-generation Olympians, but after training with Nyx and Erebus for so long, I wouldn't be surprised." Percy's tone carried a hint of confidence laced with humility.
Zoe nodded thoughtfully before posing another question, her curiosity piqued. "I noticed you use a scythe. Why is that?"
Percy smiled before extending his arm, summoning his scythe into his hand. "Because Thanatos was the first god I saw with a weapon, so when my mom asked me what I wanted, I asked for a scythe," he explained simply as he waved it away. 'You know, I never thought I would potentially fight Titans in my lifetime. I know I'm semi-immortal, but still," Zoe commented, looking at the camp.
"Yeah, I understand that. I promised my friends I would make sure they all survived this war, and that includes you," Percy replied, his smile warm and reassuring. Zoe looked at him with wide eyes, her expression a mixture of gratitude and relief, before she pulled him into a tight hug. Percy gladly returned the embrace.
They broke apart, their eyes turning to the hunters as they broke down camp and gathered in a circle, with Artemis at the center. Percy and Zoe observed Artemis, who appeared older and closer in form to Percy, as she counted heads before looking around, realizing Zoe was missing.
Percy smiled mischievously before turning to Zoe. "You want to confuse the heck out of Artemis?" he suggested, laughter bubbling in his voice. Zoe nodded eagerly, excitement dancing in her eyes. "Absolutely! Let's have some fun," she agreed.
Percy stood up and enveloped himself in shadow, transforming into his stag form. He then settled back down, allowing Zoe to climb onto his back.
Zoe's eyes widened in excitement as she eagerly climbed onto Percy's back. Once settled, Percy turned and walked into a nearby shadow, reappearing at the edge of the forest. Stepping back a few paces, he then broke into a slow sprint, charging through the dense foliage with Zoe clinging tightly to his back. They made a beeline for Artemis, Zoe's laughter echoing through the forest as they approached the surprised goddess in their unexpected stag form.
Artemis's eyes widened as the hunters scattered, and she quickly dove to the side to avoid the charging stag. Percy continued his charge, his playful determination evident, before turning around and charging again. They engaged in this playful dance for a few more minutes until Percy slowed down and trotted over to Artemis.
As Percy settled down, Zoe slipped off his back, her laughter still bubbling over. Percy watched with amusement as Zoe collapsed onto the ground, overcome with laughter. Artemis, though initially surprised, couldn't help but smile at her Lieutenant.
Percy settled down and shifted back to his human form, joining Zoe in rolling around with laughter. "Oh my gods, that was hilarious," Zoe managed to say between breaths. Percy nodded in agreement, still chuckling as he tried to regain his composure.
Artemis, though initially reserved, couldn't resist the infectious laughter. She shyly smiled before striding over to Percy's side. Without warning, she kicked him square in the chest, sending him flying off the cliffside. Percy flailed in the air in surprise before instinctively pulling shadows to him, allowing him to shadow-travel back to the group in a burst of darkness.
When Percy reappeared, the hunters were rolling in laughter, thoroughly amused by the spectacle. Zoe, however, wore a mix of worry and surprise on her face as she looked over the cliffside.
"That was uncalled for," Percy complained as he walked back to the group, his tone tinged with mild annoyance. Zoe turned around to look at him, visibly relieved as Percy turned to see Artemis laughing along with the hunters.
Artemis, her laughter still evident, chimed in confidently and humorously, "That's what you get for charging at me as a stag."
Percy's expression softened into a playful grin, though he replied with a hint of mock seriousness, "You're lucky you're basically Zoe's adopted mother, or you would have been going off the side with me." Despite his initial cold tone, Percy couldn't help but join in the laughter that followed.
Artemis's eyes widened in surprise at Percy's bold words, her expression turning serious as she met his gaze. "You wouldn't dare," she challenged, her tone edged with defiance.
Percy stopped laughing, his own eyes narrowing in response. "You wanna test me, Artemis?" he retorted, his voice carrying a hint of determination.
Artemis glared back at him, her resolve unwavering as she strode forward. However, she was caught off guard as Percy suddenly vanished before reappearing behind her at the cliff's edge. Before she could react, Percy utilized his control over shadows to pull her towards him, effectively immobilizing her.
With Artemis now within his grasp, Percy wrapped his arms around her, pinning her own arms to her body. Without hesitation, he stepped backward off the cliff, taking both of them plunging into the abyss below.
