Ch.14
I apologize for the delayed chapter, I've been caught up in a project. Updates will be slow until I finish that, so bear with me -Rift
All rights belong to Riordan
While the girls prepared for bed, Percy sat on the balcony, gazing out at the sprawling city of Olympus. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice Artemis's approach until she wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her chin on the top of his head.
"Hello, Arty," he greeted warmly.
"Hi, Percy. What are you doing out here?" she inquired.
"Just trying to make sense of everything," he replied pensively. "Who knows if Leo will even attempt anything again. I don't want the Hunters and you confined to Olympus indefinitely until Zeus decides it's safe for you to leave."
Percy felt Artemis nod her head in understanding before he continued, "If Reyna is correct and Leo isn't acting of his own accord, I doubt he'd target you. It seems he's solely focused on me, if Annabeth's confession is any indication."
They sat in silence for a few moments until Artemis finally spoke, her voice gentle, "What do you suggest we do then?"
Percy sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping with the weight of his decision. "I think it's best if I remain on Olympus while you and the others resume your normal hunting routine with Zoe. I won't risk her safety before she becomes immortal like us. If Leo's vendetta is solely against me, then Zoe would be safe with you and the hunters."
Artemis's eyes widened in disbelief before she released Percy and settled down in front of him. "You believe it's best for us to keep our distance until we unravel what's happening with Leo?" she asked, her astonishment evident in her voice.
Percy nodded with a heavy heart. "From a tactical perspective, it seems the safest course of action. Zoe's safety is my top priority. I won't jeopardize that for the sake of our eternal lives."
Artemis regarded him with a mix of shock and determination, leaning forward to gently guide Percy's head closer until their foreheads touched.
"We're not leaving you," she asserted firmly. "We'll face this together. We've already lost four years of Zoe's life; we won't sacrifice another three until she's immortal."
Percy nodded silently, finding solace in Artemis's comforting presence as they remained in that position for a few moments.
Finally, Artemis withdrew, taking Percy's hand in hers. "Come on, let's get some rest," she said softly. Percy acquiesced with a nod, allowing himself to be led back into the room after one last glance at the city below.
The next morning, Percy awoke to find a tangle of auburn hair splayed across his chest. Artemis was sleeping peacefully, her arms encircling him. He smiled softly as he watched her serene face until a knock on the door interrupted the peaceful silence. Percy waved his hand, causing the door to creak open slowly, and Zoe peeked her head inside.
Zoe's eyes widened upon seeing her mother still asleep, prompting her to tiptoe over to Percy so she could whisper. "Dad, we have a visitor," she said quietly. Percy furrowed his brow in confusion before asking, "Who's here?"
"Grandpa Poseidon is here with news about Leo," Zoe replied quickly. Percy's eyes widened in surprise, and he nodded. "I'll be right out." Zoe smiled and left the room. Percy gently nuzzled Artemis's ear before carefully moving her off him until she was comfortably settled on the bed. Standing up, he changed his clothes and freshened up with a wave of his hand before slipping out of the room.
Poseidon stood in the hallway a few feet from the door, a smile gracing his features as he saw Percy approach. "Good morning, Percy."
"Morning, Dad. What's the situation?" Percy inquired, noticing the slight falter in Poseidon's smile, replaced by a serious expression.
"Leo is on Calypso's old island in self-isolation," Poseidon began, his tone grave. "According to Hermes, who found him last night while scouring the world, Leo doesn't remember anything that happened between the day you arrived and the day he found out you died. All he knew was that he was responsible."
Percy furrowed his brow in confusion. "I suppose it's possible. It's not the first time one of us has been possessed. But to do that to a god? That's concerning," he remarked, exchanging a worried glance with Poseidon.
Poseidon nodded in agreement. "Leo said he is staying there until he's sure he won't be a harm to anyone else. And that he's sorry for what he did."
"Is he aware that I'm alive and immortal?" Percy inquired. Poseidon shook his head. "Hermes didn't inform him in case whatever possessed him takes control again to try and attack you."
Before Percy could respond, a soft voice interrupted them. "Percy?" Percy turned around to see Artemis standing in her bedroom doorway, still in her nightgown and half asleep. "What's going on?" she asked, rubbing her eyes sleepily.
Percy smiled warmly as Artemis approached them, and he instinctively moved behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her head. "They found Leo in self-isolation on Calypso's old island. He doesn't remember anything, but he's staying there until he feels he's not a threat anymore," Percy explained softly.
Artemis nodded, leaning back against him. "Morning, Uncle P," she greeted, her voice still laced with sleepiness as she rubbed her eyes.
Poseidon returned the smile, his gaze fond as he looked at the pair. "Good morning, my dear. How did you sleep?"
Artemis smiled softly before replying, "Good. Percy makes a good pillow."
Poseidon chuckled before responding, "Well, I'll take my leave then. Zeus requests your presence at a meeting later today to discuss what to do with Annabeth."
Percy's expression shifted to one of confusion. "What about Annabeth?" he asked.
Poseidon's expression turned grim as he looked at Percy. "Lord Zeus still believes she should face some form of punishment for her involvement in your murder."
Percy's eyes widened in realization before he nodded solemnly. "We'll be there," he affirmed.
Poseidon smiled before nodding and disappearing in a sea-green mist.
Percy looked down at Artemis, who let out another sleepy yawn before gazing up at him with her soft silver eyes, brimming with love and affection.
Returning her gaze, Percy smiled softly before leaning down to kiss Artemis gently. They lingered in the soft kiss for a few moments before Percy pulled away, still smiling.
"Good morning, Arty," he said softly.
"Good morning, Percy," Artemis replied, her smile warm.
"We should find the hunters before they drain your kitchen of everything edible," Percy said, chuckling.
Artemis nodded in agreement, taking Percy's hand as she led him towards the kitchen area. As they arrived, they were surprised to see the hunters all sitting around a table, with a buffet spread out before them.
The hunters turned as they heard the door open, smiling warmly as Percy and Artemis entered. "Good morning, girls," Percy greeted.
"Morning, Kelp Head," Thalia replied with a teasing grin.
Artemis smiled before taking her seat next to Zoe, with Percy settling in on Zoe's other side. As the group filled their plates and began to eat, Thalia spoke up. "So, what news did Kelp Head's dad bring?"
Percy's smile faded as he turned to face her. "Leo was found on Calypso's old island. Apparently, he's in self-isolation until he figures out what happened. He doesn't remember anything other than the fact he killed me."
The girls exchanged surprised and suspicious glances. "We've seen people get possessed before, but a god? That's a bit concerning," Thalia remarked.
"I agree, but as he's no longer a threat, we'll deal with that later. For now though, Zeus wants me and Artemis to attend a meeting today, as he believes Annabeth should face some sort of consequence for her part in the attack, even though she didn't know what was going to happen," Percy replied.
"Well, hopefully she doesn't receive too harsh a punishment considering the circumstances," Reyna said.
"Yeah, I hope so, but we'll find out soon enough," Percy responded.
With their day planned out, the group returned to their breakfast. Once they had finished and cleaned up, Percy had an idea. He quickly flashed to the throne room, walking inside and waiting at Zeus's throne. A few seconds later, a bolt of lightning struck the throne, and Zeus appeared.
"Percy, what can I do for you?" Zeus asked, surprised.
"Lord Zeus, are the hero gods attending the meeting about Annabeth?" Percy inquired.
Zeus looked thoughtful before he replied, "If you want them to be here, then we will call for them."
Percy grinned, realizing his idea might be possible after all. "I have a request then, Lord Zeus," he said.
Zeus looked surprised, but nodded. Percy grew to his godly height before whispering in Zeus's ear.
Zeus appeared confused at first, but then his eyes widened, and he smirked. Pulling away, Percy shrunk back down to his normal height. "It shall be done, Percy," Zeus said, laughing.
"Thank you, Lord Zeus," Percy said gratefully before flashing back to Artemis's home.
When he arrived, he appeared on her balcony, the same place he was the night before. As he walked inside, he was not expecting Zoe to come barreling inside, with Artemis chasing her.
Seeing Percy, Zoe turned and sprinted behind him, seeking refuge from her mom. Artemis grinned as she walked in front of Percy. "Percy, give me Zoe," she said sweetly.
Percy looked down at Zoe, who was gazing up at him with a pleading expression in her silver eyes. Grinning mischievously, Percy turned back to Artemis. "No, I don't think I will," he said playfully.
Artemis's shock quickly turned into a glare directed at Percy. "Fine, then you can sleep on the couch tonight," she retorted before turning to walk away.
Percy's eyes widened in surprise at her response. He exchanged a glance with Zoe, who mirrored his astonishment. Then, with a mischievous grin, Percy darted after Artemis, catching her by surprise. He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the ground before turning his head and calling out, "ZOE, RUN!"
Without hesitation, Zoe bolted from the room while Artemis struggled against Percy's hold. "Let me go, Percy," she demanded, squirming in his arms.
"Sorry, Arty, had to give Zoe time to escape," Percy said with a grin, thoroughly enjoying the playful chase.
She squirmed for a few moments before he released her to which she turned and glared at him playfully before turning and sprinting from the room after Zoe. Percy laughed, watching them go, before walking back onto the balcony, looking over the city.
Looking down, he noticed that Reyna was sitting outside, petting a small deer. Turning himself into mist, he floated down to her before reforming next to her.
"What are you doing out here?" he asked. Reyna jumped, startled by his appearance, before turning back to the deer.
"Just thinking about life," She responded. Percy nodded in response. "What are you thinking about?" he asked. Reyna turned to look at him before replying,"Life."
Percy laughed before he replied,"I should have seen that coming." Reyna smiled as she replied, "Yes you should have. Same old Percy."
Percy chuckled at her response before settling down beside her, enjoying the peaceful moment together. He watched as Reyna continued to stroke the deer, her expression thoughtful.
After a moment of silence, Percy spoke up. "You know, I'm always here if you want to talk about anything," he said gently.
Reyna glanced at him, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I know, Percy. And I appreciate that more than you know," she replied gratefully.
They sat together in companionable silence for a while longer, enjoying each other's presence and the tranquil atmosphere of the morning.
After a while, the two glanced toward the house as they caught the sound of yelling. "What's going on?" Reyna asked, her concern evident in her voice.
Percy grinned before responding, "I think Artemis finally caught Zoe."
Reyna looked surprised for a moment before bursting into laughter and nodding in agreement.
Standing up, Percy offered his hand to Reyna, who accepted it as he helped her up, then they vanished together to investigate the source of the commotion.
As they entered the house, Percy's assumption proved correct. Artemis had Zoe pinned to the floor and was tickling her relentlessly, while the other hunters looked on, thoroughly entertained by the spectacle.
"Mom, stop! I surrender," Zoe exclaimed between fits of laughter.
Reyna and Percy watched the spectacle with amusement as they approached. When they arrived, Artemis finally relented, allowing Zoe to sit up, still laughing.
"Having fun?" Percy said, grinning. Artemis nodded, laughter still bubbling from her.
"You had quite the chase, Lady Artemis," Reyna chimed in, her own grin widening.
"I did, but you can't outrun me forever, even with your father's help," Artemis replied, casting a playful glance at Zoe. Zoe laughed and then jumped up, darting over to Percy and hiding behind his legs.
Percy chuckled as he grew in height, easily lifting Zoe up, eliciting delighted giggles from her. The group shared a moment of laughter before Percy turned to address Artemis.
"We should get ready for the meeting. It's almost time," Percy said, his tone becoming more serious.
Artemis's expression shifted to match his seriousness as she replied, "Alright."
Turning back to the hunters, Percy continued, "The hero gods will be there as well, so if you all can promise to be quiet, we'll take you so you can watch."
The girls looked surprised but nodded eagerly, thrilled at the opportunity to witness the meeting. With that, they dispersed, heading to their respective rooms to prepare, while Artemis and Percy returned to their bedroom, Zoe still in Percy's arms.
Upon reaching the room, Percy shrank back to his normal size and gently lowered Zoe to the ground before they all entered. Zoe wasted no time in darting towards the bed, throwing herself onto it with joy, much to the amusement of her parents.
"I'm going to reveal myself to the hero gods today, Arty," Percy declared. Artemis turned to him, surprise flickering across her features before concern clouded her expression. "Are you sure that's a good idea? We don't know if Annabeth will try to hurt you like Leo did."
Percy sighed, his gaze steady as he replied, "I'm immortal now, Arty. The worst she can do is cause me to have to reform. She can't kill me permanently." Artemis nodded, though Percy could sense her apprehension.
Once everyone was ready, they made their way to the throne room. However, upon arrival, the hunters were met with confusion. For one, there was another throne beside Artemis's, and Percy was nowhere to be seen.
Once the gods had assembled, Hermes swiftly departed to fetch Annabeth. Upon her arrival, Zeus gestured, conjuring a seat for her in the center of the throne room. As she settled into the seat, Zeus cleared his throat, preparing to address the gathering.
"This meeting is now in session. Due to an external request, the presence of the hero gods has been requested. Hermes, please go and retrieve them."
With a nod, Hermes vanished in a flash. When he returned, the hero gods looked around the throne room, their confusion evident as their gazes fell upon the newly appeared throne.
"Heroes, your presence has been requested for this meeting. Please take your seats," Zeus stated, motioning towards the thrones. The heroes nodded in acknowledgment, settling into their respective seats. Hazel and Nico, however, chose to sit with Hestia at the hearth.
"Now that everyone is here, let us begin," Zeus continued. "Annabeth, you confessed to aiding in Percy's murder but also claimed ignorance regarding Leo's true intentions. So tell us, what did Leo tell you?"
Annabeth drew in a deep breath before responding, "Leo told me that he wanted to surprise Percy at the premiere as a welcome-back gesture. Knowing Leo's penchant for pranks, I had no reason to doubt him. Sometimes, I even think he's a Hermes kid."
Hermes grinned at her comment as she continued, "As I helped design the theater, I knew what kind of area Leo had to work with within their rooms. So I did help with this attack, but I had no idea what he was going to do. I swear on the Styx."
Thunder boomed overhead, and after a tense moment of silence, Zeus nodded his head. "Very well, Annabeth. Because you were unaware, you won't be punished harshly. However, since it was Artemis's room that Leo targeted and her companion he killed, you shall do whatever she tells you until she is satisfied. Is that clear?"
Annabeth nodded solemnly in response. "Good. Now, Annabeth, please go sit with your mother," Zeus instructed. Annabeth stood up, bowing respectfully before making her way over to Athena's throne and taking her seat beside her mother.
"Now, is there anything else to discuss?" Zeus inquired, scanning the assembly. Jason raised his hand. "What's with the throne next to Artemis?" he queried, drawing the attention of the gods, who turned to observe the new addition, visibly startled by its presence.
Before anyone could respond, the throne room began to tremble. Concern etched across their faces, the gods watched as a hole opened beside the new throne, and a trident shot out, landing firmly in a holder attached to the throne.
Moments later, a wave of water materialized over the throne, solidifying into form, revealing Percy seated upon it, his expression calm as he regarded the hero gods below.
The hero gods were frozen in shock, struggling to process the revelation that their friend, whom they believed to be dead, was not only alive but also a god.
"That throne belongs to Percy, god of tides, loyalty, and heroes," Poseidon announced proudly, his voice resonating with paternal pride.