Chapter 1

(4 years later)

(Percy's Perspective)

So, here we are. Four years have passed since that incident, and Zoe is now fifteen in mortal years. It feels a bit odd being a twenty-two-year-old with a fifteen-year-old daughter, but in the world of Greek mythology, who am I to judge?

Zoe is a striking mix of Lady Artemis and me. Her hair is black with auburn highlights, and her eyes mirror her mother's. Surprisingly, she has some control over my powers – she can breathe underwater and speak to horses. It's puzzling, considering she's not a direct descendant of Poseidon, but we shrugged it off. When she taps into my abilities, her pupils even change to sea green.

She also inherited some impressive skills from her mother; Zoe is quite proficient with a bow, a trait definitely not from me. Initially, Mom hesitated to reveal Zoe's existence to the gods, following Artemis's instructions, but she relented when I brought Nico into the picture.

Nico was astonished when he found out but didn't press me for details, understanding my memory lapse. He introduced his boyfriend, Will Solace, to us, a welcome addition as he became Zoe's archery and basic first aid instructor.

Zoe unofficially adopted Nico and Will as her uncles, even though they were still 18. It turns out that all the heroes from the war were granted partial immortality or minor godhood. Will may not have played a major role, but Nico insisted on the gift for both of them, and Hades agreed.

"Zoe, are you ready for camp?" I asked the enthusiastic girl. She nodded eagerly. "Yes, Dad, I'm so excited. I can't wait to meet my mother. I know you said she hasn't been able to come around, but I'm still thrilled nonetheless!"

Percy laughed, and so did Nico and Will. Sally, whom Zoe called Grandma, smiled warmly from the kitchen.

"Before we go, Zoe, take this." I handed her Riptide, my sword concealed as a pen. Zoe's eyes widened. "But, Dad, that's your weapon. What will you use if you're attacked?"

I chuckled, ruffling her hair. "I have weapons scattered all over the place. I'll be okay." She smiled, hugging me. "Thank you, Dad. I'll make you proud." Smiling down at her, I replied, "I know you will. You always have."

After hugging Mom and for Zoe to do the same, we joined Nico, who grinned before shadow-traveling out of the living room. As we emerged on the hill overlooking camp, Nico said, "Welcome home, Percy." I smiled sadly. This was my home for a long time, but it felt like a distant memory now.

With that in mind, we descended the hill. Approaching the Big House, we encountered Chiron, a familiar centaur.

(Chiron's Perspective)

Is that Percy with Nico and Will? We haven't seen him since the giant war ended, and now he's accompanied by a younger girl. It's good to see him again. The immortal campers have been different without him for the last four years. I wonder about the story behind the girl.

(Percy's Perspective)

Chiron galloped over, crushing me in a hug. "My dear boy, it's so good to see you again. We didn't know what had happened to you after the war, and the gods weren't keen on sharing, even if they knew."

"Yeah, the gods didn't know. I was with my mom, just working and looking after this one." I gestured toward Zoe. "Chiron, meet my daughter, Zoe Jackson."

Chiron's face registered surprise before he cleared his throat, looking down at Zoe. His eyes widened as he noticed her black and auburn hair and silver eyes. I could tell he was processing the information before the realization hit him. He turned to me with a shocked expression.

"Chiron, before you ask questions, let's go to the Big House. I don't want eavesdroppers." Chiron nodded swiftly, leading the way to the house. Turning to Nico and Will, I focused on them. "Can you guys show Zoe around while I talk to Chiron? He probably has questions I don't want Zoe to hear."

Zoe grumbled but didn't argue, waving at me as they led her away. Turning back, I headed into the Big House.

Once settled, I explained to Chiron what I knew about that night during the awards ceremony and Zoe's arrival at my door nine months later. I shared the note, her accelerated growth, her powers, and my suspicions about her mother. Chiron swiftly agreed.

"Why would Lady Artemis have a child with you, especially while drunk? And the gods should have been notified if she broke her oath." I shrugged. "I have no idea. The note said to bring her to camp when she's fifteen, and Artemis would show up and explain everything. So, here we are."

Chiron nodded, taking in my side of events. "Well, I guess we'll find out. Lady Artemis sent a message a few days ago, saying she and the hunters would arrive at camp today. Also, be warned, the immortal heroes are all here, except Leo, who is with his father."

I groaned, putting my face in my hands. Now, I had to deal with Annabeth again, with my daughter in tow, and the other heroes. I wasn't entirely against it; I had missed them, but I would have a lot of explaining to do.

"Well, thank you for telling me. I'm going to find Zoe and then prepare for the inevitable." Chiron smiled sadly, dismissing me from the house.

Exiting, I glanced around before using a new power I had developed while caring for Zoe. I dissolved into mist, zooming around the camp, searching for the trio. Eventually, I found them at my favorite spot, the beach. Zoe was demonstrating her water powers to Nico and Will, creating tentacles of water and smashing them playfully.

I zoomed by Zoe before reforming next to her, grabbing her with a water tentacle. I swung her around, and we laughed while the boys watched from the beach. After a few minutes, I put her down, and we spent the better part of an hour splashing around, with the boys eventually joining in.

Finally, we heard the familiar hunting horn across the valley, signaling the arrival of the hunters. Sighing, I stepped out of the water, dried the boys off, and myself, as Zoe dried herself. Turning to Nico and Will, I looked at them solemnly. "Showtime, I guess." The boys nodded tentatively, while Zoe looked at me in concern, sensing my mood shift. She took my hand, giving me a reassuring nod, and we set off to meet everyone.