For the third night in a row, Percy collapsed onto his bed. For the past several days, Artemis had been working him like an old pack mule and it was finally taking a toll. At the moment, he couldn't even think about what he'd done in the past two hours. She'd been hellish when they'd worked together during the joint Hunt and Camp quests, but nothing like this. He woke up sore and went to bed numb. He smiled despite that though. He was having fun. It was a nice change of pace. The goddess certainly was energetic, if nothing else. How she had enough energy to bounce around from place to place with no break in between was beyond him, but she was a god to be fair.

He cracked his neck a bit as he laid back. He could hardly feel his legs from the amount of walking they'd done. Regardless though, it was certainly a nice distraction, and more importantly, he'd been promised a day of rest if he cooperated without complaining. Of course, that didn't stop him from grumbling playfully about it, but the goddess had made good on her promise. She'd simply nodded and the two had gone back to their work. He stretched a little before pulling his light blanket up. On the bright side, his body was too tired to have woken up at any point through the night, one of the few benefits of his torment.

Unluckily, Artemis apparently didn't understand what "day off" meant as she'd shown up at the crack of dawn, ready to depart. As per the days prior, she'd lugged him out of bed and practically thrown him into the bathroom to get ready. His eyes drooped even as he brushed his teeth. Thankfully, that was rectified quickly enough during his shower, the water sending a rush of wakefulness through him. After dressing, the two were off with Percy being promised food when they got to their destination.

It was hard not to notice the way his eyes lit up as they walked. They'd arrived at their destination nearly an hour ago, well before any of the visitors and even many of the staff would arrive. She'd had to call in a favor with her uncle, but it seemed to be well worth it. She'd initially been worried that the sea god wouldn't have taken kindly to her request, but he'd been all too happy to oblige. Anything for his son as he'd said. She was brought back from her musings by Percy basically running off to make it to another enclosure. Many of the creatures seemed happy to see the son of the sea god, not to mention one of their patrons.

She observed the way he spoke animatedly with many of the creatures that inhabited the various exhibits, bouncing around energetically in an effort to visit all of them. It was a surprise that he hadn't gotten into the enclosures and began swimming around with them, but from the looks of it, he wasn't far off from doing it. Some of the creatures had been asleep when they'd gotten there but many had woken as the two had progressed. For all intents and purposes, the aquarium was operating at full speed, likely thanks to the Earthshaker. It was, after all, one of his own personal projects and at the forefront of many of his conservation efforts.

It was one of the things that made their relationship more amicable than the other gods. Both Poseidon and Artemis shared a love for the natural world and both took many steps to ensure its safety. Many of the larger aquariums were operated by Poseidon in some capacity, something that he took great pride in. Monterey Bay was one of his favorites, and as such, was where they were today. It had been hard to ignore the way that the young man's eyes had lit up when she'd spoken about their destination. He'd all but forgotten his hunger as soon as he'd stepped foot inside. Currently, the son of the sea was chatting idly with a few sea otters, something that she hadn't realized he had the capacity to do.

It seemed that his father's abilities ran as deeply in his blood as it did in many of the gods. Rare was it for a demigod to express their parent's traits so strongly, something that made Perseus all the more special.

"The otters want to play," Percy's voice was almost giddy as he called out to the goddess, snapping her out of her thoughts once more, "Can I?"

The goddess stopped herself from rolling her eyes, but humor edged its way into her voice, "This belongs to you more than it does to me."

Percy nodded before practically disappearing. The goddess of the hunt heard a few doors swing open as she made her way to a nearby bench placed in front of the enclosure. She busied herself by checking in on her hunters. Though Thalia was a more than adequate leader, she did try to keep up with them. Currently, they were trekking through Seattle, hunting a small band of monsters that had been roaming around. From the looks of it, they'd encountered a small amount of resistance during their initial trek, but had made it the rest of the way without a hitch. She'd expected as much. Many of the monsters had calmed down since the last war. That wasn't to say they'd disappeared entirely, but they rarely formed groups or traveled together. Many times, they'd travel many miles only to dispatch a dozen monsters. While the goddess wasn't complaining, it'd left her and the hunt with a lot of free time. As such, they'd been spending more time at Camp Halfblood and in New Olympus.

On a similar note, she wondered how Lupa and her pack were doing. Diana had been insistent that they visit at some point. Perhaps it would be wise to do so while they were in California. She mulled over the thought for a bit before deciding to stow the thought for later. Perhaps it would be a task best left for later. After all, her roman counterpart could be a bit much though, even if they were quite similar in many ways. It was something she tried to avoid thinking about. Perseus might have described her counterpart as having many of the characteristics of a puppy. Apollo had certainly said something similarly. Speaking of Perseus though, he seemed to be playing with several of the aquarium's inhabitants.

Currently, he was floating around in their habitat, occasionally brushing away any stipes of kelp in his way. From the way he was moving his arms and head, it seemed as though he was having an animated conversation even if his mouth wasn't moving. Curious. The goddess observed the action with mild interest, noting the way he'd float up a bit during particularly lively parts of the conversation. She also noted the way that several of the smaller pups seemed to be playing around him, often using him as an obstacle as they chased each other around. At one point, a particularly spirited chase broke out, causing one of the pups to use his face as a board to propel themselves.

Percy himself was pushed back a bit deeper into the water and with his body being tilted at an odd angle. She was sure that he was laughing, even if she couldn't hear it, playfully swiping at the offending pup. After a moment, he started to right himself so that he would once again be lying on his back. He paused for a moment before shifting again, attempting to find his comfortable position once more. He shuffled around for a little longer before finally shaking his head and righting himself fully. He wore a large smile as a few of his newfound friends swam through his legs and up towards the surface. He spun around once more, making exaggerated attempts to grab them.

A quick turn later and the goddess watched as the son of the sea came face to face with the glass of the enclosure, and subsequently, with her as well. His eyes widened for a moment as he took the sight in front of him but the look of surprise passed quickly. His eyes darted around for a moment before coming to rest on her person. She was surprised to see his grin get wider as he swam closer. He waved quickly before darting off. Most of the lodge followed after him, leaving the huntress in front of a mostly empty enclosure.

The goddess wasn't entirely sure what she was expecting, but it certainly was not Percy running out followed by a flood of small mammals. She'd initially heard his footfalls and while not loud by any means, she wasn't the goddess of the hunt for nothing. What surprised her more was the patter of several small feet as his new found friends chased after him.

He grinned as he came to a halt, his small posse sliding to a stop quickly after, "I didn't think you'd want to get in so I brought them here."

Artemis said nothing for a moment. Honestly, the goddess wasn't entirely sure what to say, "I did say that this was more yours than mine, but I did not intend for you to steal the wildlife."

"It's not stealing," Percy said happily as he crouched down, "Think of it like a playdate."

Artemis pinched the bridge of her nose, "I did not have this in mind when I offered to bring you here."

"Happy accident."

"Or an unintended consequence."

Percy rolled his eyes playfully, "Enjoy it while it lasts M'lady. We can get in trouble later, but we should live a little right now."

Artemis sighed. Hopefully her uncle had a better sense of humor than her father did, "How exactly did this occur?"

One of the otters chirped in response and Percy nodded sagely, "What he said. Besides, how often do you get to cut loose and have a good time? I'm sure being a goddess must be pretty stifling."

"There is a difference between disrespecting an Olympian and cutting loose," Artemis said dryly, "And I'd prefer to avoid upsetting your father."

"He'll be fine with it," Percy said, scratching one of the pups behind the ears, "Besides, he'd do the same thing."

"I am not so sure," Artemis sighed, kneeling to pet an otter that had walked up. To her surprise, it walked past her. Percy just grinned as they locked eyes.

"I am," Percy said casually, leaning back and allowing the pups to play around him once more. He looked past the goddess and his smile grew. Artemis took a breath before sitting down. She was practically mobbed as she did so, though she didn't mind. At this point, her fate was sealed regardless of what she did. Of course, she didn't realize why until she felt the presence next to her. She didn't need to turn to recognize the aura of power.

"He's right," his laugh sounded like waves crashing against the shore, strong and powerful, yet equally peaceful, "I was worried that you might never sit down."

Artemis didn't quite stumble over her words, but they came out slightly faster than she would have liked, "I was unsure if you would take offense, Uncle."

Poseidon waved her off as he sat down, forming a little triangle. She recognized the pup that had marched past her laying contently in his lap. His laugh was content, but strong nonetheless. While he didn't often speak during meetings, when he did, others were sure to listen. It was no wonder though as he carried the power of the seas in his voice, "Why should I be upset when you have done so much for my son?"

Percy just grinned, "Didn't expect you to back me up on it."

Poseidon smiled, "To be truthful, it is only a benefit of my appearance here."

"Did something happen?" Percy asked curiously. His busy hands stopped for a moment, causing several of his furry friends to make small noises.

"Nothing to be concerned about," Poseidon gently ran his hand along the fur of one of the closer otters, "There are matters on Olympus that I think you should be aware of."

Artemis spoke up, "Do you refer to the recent… vote?"

Poseidon nodded while Percy looked confused, "What vote?"

"The council has been in talks of adding another Olympian. Many are tired of the last vote coming down to my brother."

Percy nodded in understanding. With an even number, Zeus often got two votes as the king of the gods, "That's cool. What's the consensus."

"Likely that we will be adding another god or goddess," Artemis's voice was careful as if she was unsure how much to say, "Many think that it would make sense given Hestia and Hades' recent inclusions onto the council."

"Who's in the running?" Percy asked curiously.

Poseidon gazed at Artemis for a moment before speaking, "You are."

Percy blinked before he laughed, "I thought I turned that down already when I was first granted immortality."

"True," Artemis spoke this time, "But many have expressed their support for you once more. In the time since, many have been impressed by your continued deeds."

Poseidon nodded, "At the moment, you are at the forefront of many of the council's minds. Even my brother is considering it."

Percy blinked, "But what about someone like Hecate or Lady Persephone? I'm not cut out to be an Olympian."

Artemis remained silent while Poseidon spoke once more, "None have done more than you have in recent times. Hecate's loyalty was in doubt not long ago, and many of the council are hesitant to give Hades another vote."

"That's stupid," Percy said, "Lady Persephone is a good person."

"But many are not willing to look past her marriage to Hades, even if he hasn't done anything wrong," Artemis's voice was quiet, "For what it is worth, Perseus, I agree that you would make a good Olympian."

Percy's head whipped to face her. For a moment he made no sound, "There have to be better options. There has to be someone that you'd take over me."

"My father has put for Heracles' name," Artemis didn't quite shudder, but Percy understood well enough.

"Percy," his father's voice was slow, as if deliberating what to say, "You do not have to agree. You are young, still a child in the eyes of godhood, but you cannot deny that you have done more than anyone in recent memory."

"That doesn't make me a good candidate," Percy stressed, "I'm unworthy."

Artemis shook her head, "I disagree. Your insistence at being unworthy demonstrates something that few others have. It is rare for people with your deeds to be so humble."

"It's not being humble," Percy groaned, "I'm really not cut out for it."

" I understand your hesitation," Poseidon paused for a moment before speaking once more, "You do not have to respond now, or even think about it. I simply wished for you to know."

Percy nodded slowly, "It's a lot to take in."

The Earthshaker nodded before rubbing his head sheepishly, "I did spring it on you rather suddenly. You are taking it better than I thought."

"There's not much to say," Percy said slowly. Some of the tension had left his shoulders, but it was painfully apparent that he was still tense, "How did my name even get brought up?"

Poseidon's eyes flicked to the goddess of the hunt for a moment though Percy didn't notice. She supposed it was her turn to explain, "My father was outvoted on the topic almost unanimously so he asked everyone to put forth a candidate."

Percy turned to his dad, "And I was yours?"

Poseidon shifted on the floor for a moment before speaking, "Among others."

"Who else?" he asked curiously. Even the members of the aquarium appeared to take an interest as they stopped chittering and turned to look at their patron. He wasn't surprised that his dad would put his name out. If anything, he was more surprised that others had agreed or brought him up on their own.

"You were the first option for Hestia and Demeter and Hades agreed since Nico wouldn't want it anyway," Poseidon said, recalling the conversation, "Hermes and Apollo were quick to agree as well."

"I as well put your name forth," Artemis's voice was even, though there was something indiscernible underneath. Percy's head whipped towards the goddess, eyes wide.

His mouth opened and closed for a moment before he found the words, "I'm honored."

"I'm sure the rest of the council was just as surprised as you are," Poseidon laughed, somewhat breaking up Percy's awkward display, "I certainly was."

"You are a better option than Heracles," Artemis said simply, causing Percy to laugh.

"Such high praise," he grinned as he spoke. Some of the tension left his shoulders once more, "What about Thalia though?"

"I'd prefer to keep my Lieutenant," Artemis paused for a moment, "Though I admittedly considered it, I don't think that she is ready."

Percy was floored for a moment, as evidenced by the way his eyes widened and his jaw dropped momentarily. He quickly shut it, but the surprise was evident on his face nonetheless. Poseidon looked thoughtful, but Percy was currently too dumbfounded to notice. It didn't slip him past that the goddess implied he was ready.

"Even if my lieutenant was ready, you are my first option," Artemis spoke once more, "You are hard pressed to find someone who would disagree."

Poseidon nodded, "You've managed to sway even my sister."

Percy blinked for a moment, "I thought Hestia was the one who recommended me."

"He refers to Lady Hera."

Percy leaned back for a moment and let out a long whistle, "How'd I do that?"

Poseidon shrugged. He was equally as lost. Not many could insult the goddess and get away with it, "My sister is fickle, but it would seem she does value you above the other gods."

Percy was speechless once more. Artemis spoke in his stead, "You may not think that you are worthy, but your actions say otherwise. No one, be they demigod or god, has proven themselves more than you have. Your insistence that you are not ready is telling you that you would be the wisest choice."

"That sounds counterintuitive. If I'm not ready, I'm not ready," Percy grumbled, "That doesn't make much sense."

"In some cases, I would agree. In the case of my lieutenant, you could make that argument," Artemis paused for a moment before speaking once more, "It is your sense of duty and humility that make you the best candidate. You think you are not ready because of your previous shortcomings, but it is what drives you to be the best. It is both inspiring, and infuriating."

"Artemis is correct," Poseidon added with a smile, "In both cases. You drive yourself more than anybody else, but you are harsher on yourself than anyone else could ever hope to, by several magnitudes."

Percy sighed, only to be interrupted by the chittering of one of his new friends. He was going to choose to ignore that statement, but then another spoke up. He grumbled as he stared at the offending mammal, "Who asked you anyway?"

"It seems that even they can see it," Artemis smiled softly as she observed the way they chatted back and forth.

"Perseus," His father broke him out of the now rather heated discussion, causing the younger man to look up, "I would not have told you if I did not have the utmost confidence in you. Your peers are the same. The only person who disagrees is yourself. I will not force you, nor will I press you about it, but do understand that there is nobody who could do a better job."

Artemis seconded that thought with a nod. Percy rolled his eyes, "I guess that's fair. I'm your kid after all."

Poseidon laughed as he stood, "An excellent point."

And with that, he was gone, likely attending to some business or another. Percy sighed as he leaned back to lay on the floor. He suddenly felt several small animals crawl onto his chest and sit down. It really was too bad they didn't get to carry phones. He'd have loved to get a picture of this. He sat in silence for a bit before deciding to speak. He couldn't see the goddess, but he could feel her presence. She seemed as peaceful as ever.

"You know," Percy said slowly, "This wasn't really what I had in mind for today."

"In regards to what?" Artemis's voice was content. She sounded relaxed, even if he couldn't see what she was doing.

"All of it I guess," Percy would have shrugged, but he was currently being used as a couch for a veritable horde of now sleepy pups, "How long ago did this vote become a thing?"

Artemis took a moment to respond, "It has been of some deliberation for the past year but it often came up in the past. With the addition of new members, there was no reason not to go ahead with it."

"Seems kinda weird to just appoint a new god," Percy's voice was tinged with drowsiness.

"New gods are not uncommon. Many of the gods have children often."

"Yeah but this feels a bit life changing. The rest of the gods on the council have been around for a long time, at least compared to me."

He could hear the huntress shift slightly as she spoke, "A fair point. You are but an infant even when compared to the younger gods."

Percy smiled lightly, "What's it like living for this long?"

Artemis didn't speak for a moment. He could hear a short intake of breath before she began speaking, "I have nothing to compare to. I have been a goddess since I was born. Living is natural, as I imagine it would be for all life."

"I guess that makes sense," Percy mused, "You don't really have to worry about aging or anything like that. Is that ever weird?"

"You'll find out yourself in time," the goddess laughed, "It is sometimes sad to see those I care for pass on, but it is the natural course of their lives."

Percy hummed for a moment, "Have you ever been jealous?"

"You will have to be more specific, Perseus," Artemis said. Percy opened his eyes and slowly began to push himself up to look at the goddess, "Jealousy is broad."

Percy let his arms fan out behind him slightly to support himself as he sat up, "I mean of mortals."

Artemis stared at the young man in front of her for a moment before speaking once more, "Sometimes."

Percy nodded thoughtfully. He knew better than to push the goddess for more, "Would you like to get something to eat?"

Her expression was unreadable for a moment before her eyes softened, "What do you have in mind?"

Percy let his head loll backwards as he thought, "What's today?"
"Friday," Artemis said after a moment, "Did you have plans?"

"Sort of. Apollo and Hermes wanted to do something today but we haven't really talked about it," Percy half-shrugged as he sat, "We should get something to eat before then."

Artemis nodded in understanding, "My brother has often spoken about your outings."

Percy sucked in a breath from one side of his mouth, "What did he tell you?"

Artemis didn't perk up, per se, but something changed in her demeanor, "Nothing of note, but it sounds like there is a story?"

Percy groaned, "Just them getting me drunk off my ass."

"There is more to be said," Artemis wasn't going to let him get away with it.

"I, uh," Percy rubbed his head sheepishly before taking a deep breath, "I stole someone's dog."

Artemis blinked, barely suppressing the look of curiosity that wanted to shoot across her face, "And?"

"Tried to run away from your brother and nearly cracked my skull open by running into a wall."

Artemis hummed, "My brother has done worse."

"Believe me," Percy grinned, "I know he has."
"What compelled you to steal a dog?"

Percy let out a long whistle, "Oh you know."

Well that's another chapter down. Bit of a feel-good chapter after the last ones but I thought it was needed. A little jumpy but