All rights belong to Rick Riordan

Chapter 35

Confessions and Judgments

(Artemis)

It was with extreme trepidation that I flashed into the Olympian throne room fearing what was going to happen. I appeared in my throne and my attention was immediately focused on the Trident buried with the prongs hidden in the centre of the throne room floor.

Nervously I turned my head and looked at my uncle and saw him alternatively focusing on the symbol of his power and my own throne as if wondering if one should meet the other.

Fortunately for me, the god remained in his throne as we awaited the arrival of the other Olympians.

Hermes was the first to arrive muttering loudly about how it was such a pain to have another council meeting only a few weeks after the solstice. However he went silent when he noticed the imbedded weapon.

Finally with the arrival of Hestia, Demeter and my useless brother Dionysius who I noted with pleasure had a bandage around his head from his not so impressive resistance against the Titans attack, the council was all here. The majority of them eyed the angry god nervously fearful of what could have enraged him enough to take it out on Olympus itself.

However one throne remained empty. The black throne of Hades remained vacant which meant one of two things: either he was avoiding the meeting which would not have been surprising after 3000 years of not being invited, or he knew already what had happened and was busy doing something about it. A grim possibility hit me as I thought of the fact I suspected that Tania was in the underworld being held, I had suspected she was being held by the son of Hades not perhaps by his father.

Percy had done much for most of the council and most of them at least grudgingly respected him. Hades did not like the children of his brothers but due to Percy restoring his throne. It was clear the Lord of the dead genuinely liked the young man and would not appreciate any act against his nephew and there was far more he could do to my huntress than simply kill her, I though with a shudder.

As if to confirm my suspicion a cloud of black shadows appeared on the throne before fading away revealing the olive skinned god who held a grim look on his face as he removed his helm from his head. If it were not for the situation I might have actually been genuinely concerned for Tania but I was brought back to the situation at hand when the sound of thunder boomed overhead and highlighted the fact I would be lucky to get out of this situation myself.

'We are here to discuss the attack on the Greek demigod's camp by the two renegade Titans as well as the unfortunate situation that occurred afterwards.' My father explained to those who were unaware before throwing a nervous glance at his brother who was still focused on the entrenched Trident ignoring the looks that were aimed at him.

'For those who were unaware, CampHalf-Blood was attacked this morning by Oceanus and Tethys and a legion of Telkhines from the sea and they were able to breach the camps barriers. After a struggle the few remaining campers and Chiron were captured alongside Dionysius who was unfortunately incapacitated.' He explained and the sound of snickering could be heard from Ares and Hermes as they looked at their wounded brother.

'SILENCE!' Poseidon bellowed finally talking at last, luckily for me he had found someone else to focus his anger on, as the two stunned gods immediately quieted down and looked at our uncle nervously as he ground his fingers into his thrones arms.

'As I was saying the camp was captured despite a valiant defense before word could get out. Fortunately my daughter Artemis was returning to the camp and was able to detect the presence of the two Titans. With the help of the gods of heroes, Perseus and the hunters they were able to rescue the campers, Chiron and Dionysius as well beat back the attackers. Oceanus and the Telkhines were sent back to Tartarus and Tethys retreated into the ocean.' Father explained simply.

'Ok so what is so important that we need a council meeting?' Ares asked confused, which was unsurprising of my idiot half-brother.

'The problem was what happened afterwards. Artemis was defeated and captured by Tethys while Perseus incapacitated Oceanus before my daughter Thalia, killed the Titan. Perseus then fought the Titaness and caused her to retreat when the minor gods also arrived against her.'

'Aww poor Arty got captured again.' Aphrodite giggled before suddenly stopping when the throne room began to shake and everyone's head was once again focused on the frustrated sea god. The love goddess paled as he stared at her viciously.

'For once just listen, don't talk any of you. As you can see my brother is not in the best of moods, so shut up and don't speak unless asked to.' Hades said calmly before nodding to my father to continue.

'Thank you brother, after Perseus returned he freed Artemis and then proceeded to heal her but then there was as far I am aware a misunderstanding occurred concerning one of her hunters. Perseus was attacked by the hunter with one of his own arrows, fortunately with the combined efforts of Artemis and Apollo they were able to save the young Titan but nevertheless he remains in a coma regrettably.' He explained sounding saddened.

'Doesn't sound so bad to me, Jackson getting attacked by a girl. Whose kid was she anywa-?' my idiot brother began before being silenced as he was pinned against his throne by the throat with the prongs of a trident on either side of his neck.

The moment Ares had started talking; Poseidon had surged forward from his throne ripping the weapon out of the marble floor without breaking stride before thrusting the weapon at the god of war. The points of the weapon were imbedded in his throne and he was now sporting to long cuts that were slowly producing ichor which contrasted deeply with the pale look he had taken.

Fortunately for my brother the fates must have been smiling on him today as my father and uncle both flashed from their thrones and grabbed their sibling by an arm each and struggled to pull the furious sea god away before he finally relented in his struggles and continued to glare.

'You would be wise to shut your mouth before you join your daughter in my domain.' Hades threatened coldly and if anything Ares paled even further past the weapon that was still binding him to the chair.

After they were certain their brother had finally calmed down enough the two gods released him and the trio returned to their thrones. My uncle made no attempt to retrieve weapon before he sat on his throne and remained brooding on it staring at my brother.

'To answer my sons question before he was justifiably silenced, the attacker was Tania, daughter of Ares who is currently enjoying some time alone in my brothers domain. Apollo explain what the current situation is with Perseus.' Father asked.

'Externally he only has a few broken wings from when he collapsed. Unfortunately for those who are unaware Percy has a bow that belonged to the Titan Lelantos that affect the target significantly with only the slightest touch of the arrow. The only known survivors of it are Percy when he received an arrow during a duel with the Titan and Artemis when Percy accidentally shot her.' Apollo explained to those unaware.

'It is an arrow wound not rocket science Apollo, you are supposed to be the god of medicine, heal him already.' Aphrodite asked confused. It was quite a surprise to see the goddess actually have a valid argument even if it was easier said than done. Perhaps there was a chance she was more than simply looks and no brains but I doubted it.

'Hey if it was that easy we would not be having this meeting and idiot over there would not be pinned to his throne.' Apollo protested and indicated towards the trapped god who was futilely trying to pull the trident out.

'You would be wise to leave that there before it is more than your neck that is stuck to that throne.' Hades threatened laying his black sword across his lap threateningly. Ares pulled his hands away so quickly he ended up denting his own throne.

'Now as I was saying before beauty queen interrupted, the problem is not the wound but what inflicted it. The arrow only has one cure and that requires me to have another arrow to work with. The problem with that is only Percy can use the bow and that creates the arrows and because of his no offense uncle, awful ability with one. Spare arrows are non-existent as far as I am aware. The only arrow I had to work with was the damaged one that inflicted the wound and even then it had already been used twice to inflict injuries as it was the same one that was used to injure Artemis. I was only able to use it to save his life but it could not purge the arrows effect.' My brother explained surprisingly mature for once.

'So what are we supposed to do about it and for that matter has anyone informed them.' Demeter asked. No prizes for who they were.

'Orthrys remains unaware beyond that Tethys and Oceanus were sighted, however we cannot hide the fact for much longer. They must be made aware after all Perseus is a Titan Lord now and they must be told of Oceanus's defeat and Tethys disappearance again. They may also be able to help with Perseus's situation.' Father explained.

'I call dibs on not telling them.' Hermes joked.

'That's okay because your not passing that message, Artemis is.' Father explained and Hermes pumped an arm in celebration before a look from Poseidon forced him to pretend he was stretching.

The statement threw me of as for the first time everyone focused on me, I went to complain but there was little I could say in protest at the order. After all it was my hunter who had caused the situation and I was the most aware of what happened at the camp. I looker around the faces and saw intense relief on several faces at not having been picked with the exception of the indifferent face of Hestia and Hades and my fathers expectant look. Their brother simply looked at me coldly as if waiting for me to protest but I wisely kept quiet and simply nodded.

'Artemis remain, the rest of you may go but keep on the lookout for Tethys. She has proven that she is capable of acting under our noses and attack a secure location without us even knowing about it.' Father commanded and the majority of the council suddenly flashed away not keen on remaining near the angry sea god longer than necessary.

Finally all that remained were my father, Poseidon, Hades, myself and Ares who was unable to move still.

'Brother let him go, he is not to blame for his daughters actions.' Hades said calmly which surprised me as for millennia he had always spoken bitterly whenever he was forced to talk with his siblings.

Poseidon sat brooding for a while before rising from his throne and striding across the throne room and grabbing the trident. Rather than pull it out as expected he push it further in so the cross bar was against Ares throat and choking him.

'Listen to me carefully, if anything should happen to him again or if we cannot help him. You will regret the fact you were ever born. For the moment your daughter lives but that only depends on my son's condition. If he dies, so will she and it will be repaid with interest on you as well. You had better hope he recovers and quickly as well otherwise you may end up suffering a terrible case of hydrophobia.' He threatened before yanking the weapon out forcefully enough to pull the war god out of his throne and sprawling onto the floor.

He was about to say something before he was obscured by black shadows and disappeared from view. All eyes turned towards Hades who shrugged innocently.

'He would have said something that would have damaged this room further and I actually like the décor here as it, without bits of him splattered over the place. If I wanted that, I would go home.' He explained jokingly.

I now found myself alone with all three members of the big three all looking at me.

'Artemis, you requested help which Perseus freely gave and now because of one of your hunters he was almost killed while helping to save you no less.' Zeus said disappointingly.

'What was I supposed to do about it father? I was not even conscious when he was attacked and the last thing I knew the hunters were on the other side of the camp.' I protested feebly.

'Nevertheless you knew the girl did not like Perseus which is understandable. I will not be hypocritical and say I was Perseus greatest fan when he was younger but he proved he was worthy of respect and was worthy to talk with this council as an equal rather than a subordinate. But it was a failing of yours to not keep an eye on the girl, she is petty and vindictive like her father and it should have been obvious that she would try something like this. Although she was not alone in her deception. The daughter of Hermes was the one who stole the weapon and she simply stole it from her possessions' Hades explained.

Clearly he had spent some time with the captured hunter and had personally interrogated her. I was shocked by the revelation that Jacqueline was involved with the initial disappearance of the arrow but it made sense considering which god her father was. The two also shared a tent so it was easy for Tania to take it from her possessions.

'This is becoming a habit around you Huntress, every son of mine that spends time near you seems to keep suffering 'accidents'. This time I will give you the benefit of the doubt as there was little you could to stop this happening. Orion was certainly nothing like Percy in temperament and was no angel by any stretch but he was still my son and you killed him. I did not even know Perseus was helping you as I was not informed by my son of his decision. However if I do find out your hunters have caused him problems beyond this incident your brother will not be the only one to feel the wrath of the sea.' Poseidon threatened and I let out a breath knowing that for the moment he would not act against me.

'Yes uncle.' I let out politely bowing slightly.

'You will not be going alone to Orthrys, you may take one hunter who I would suggest was the daughter of Bellona and my son will be accompanying you as well as he know the most about what Orthrys politics from his time with Perseus as well as him being his best friend.' Hades informed me.

'Why, Reyna of all them. Why not Thalia?' I asked surprised my father would not want another daughter on the quest.

'Because I will not leave your hunters without a leader at this time, besides the former Praetor know what Perseus is and as you are aware Thalia is extremely inquisitive and the only person who knows anything about the situation is her. The hunters are currently being kept in isolation at the camp under supervision. Until we know how this situation resolves they will not be told of anything. Which is why I suggest separating Bellona's daughter from your lieutenant.' Father explained actually having a rational answer for once rather than an extravagant one.

'Very well then father, uncles. I will leave as soon as I collect them' I replied and the three nodded in acknowledgement before there was a flash of light.

When it was gone however, one of them still remained.

'Now that we are alone, I want you to tell me everything that has happened with Percy while he has been with your hunt. I want to know if he has had any problems with you or your hunters and speak truthfully. Despite Orion you are the favourite of my sibling's children but that can change just as quickly as the tides.' He asked with a warning.

He listened silently as I recounted everything from my plea to my father about needing help and Percy offering assistance in place of Heracles. I explained Percy's rocky introduction to the hunters due to Phoebe almost shooting Nemea and Percy being forced to tackle and control her.

The god grew a frown at the explanation of his son throwing himself into a wrestling match with the dangerous lioness, especially as it was a hunters fault but remained silent nevertheless.

I explained the origins of Tania's dislike as being that first contest which Percy beat her at. Next I recounted the events of the first night when he had tackled me forcing myself not to blush as it brought back memories of his physique.

I explained the disastrous event of the next morning with Percy's utter failure and the effect it caused when he had shot me because of the hunters refusal to help him learn to shoot.

I was sure the god would have commented on the hunters actions were it not for the fact it was me who had been injured.

I explained what I knew of what transpired while I was unconscious including Tania's threat and the subsequent act of assault Percy inflicted on her.

Over the next hour I recounted the rest of the activities that had happened hiding little except for my feeling for the god's son as I explained up until my own incapacitation by Tethys and subsequent restoration from my icy prison which lead to Percy's attack.

'I always knew that Tethys was a cold hearted bitch from when I met her at mine and Amphitrite's wedding.' He muttered loud enough for me to hear. And I felt a sense of amusement at the pun despite what had happened to me. As far I was aware that was the last time anyone on Olympus had seen the pair of Titans before the second Titan war.

'That is everything uncle.' I stated when I was finished.

'Thank you for being honest, I am glad I did not act irrationally with you and jump to a conclusion because make no doubts I would have pulled this city down if I knew you had condoned this action. Your hunter is lucky it is my brother with her, for the moment I will reserve judgment for Percy alone unless something happens to him.' He cautioned sternly.

'I won't let anything happen to him.' I said a little too quickly it appeared when he lifted his head to look me in the eyes studiously.

'There is something that was bugging me during your story. Twice you recounted how you accidentally caught him in a state of undress and yet unlike normal conception you took no action against him. Wisely for you or we would not be having this civil conversation. But the most confusing thing is you said you beat him when you had the duel by distracting him with a kiss. You don't kiss anyone, as far as I am aware even your father is not shown that much affection by you and he dotes upon you.

So tell me then Artemis, why would you freely kiss my son?' He asked his sea green eyes staring into mine almost identical to Percy's but for the Iris color.

I did not know what to say as I stood under his scrutiny aware of the fact he would know if I was lying. What was I supposed to say. Hey Uncle Poseidon by the way I am secretly in love with your favourite son. Like my dimwitted siblings would have probably done.

As it was I ended up sounding a lot more retarded by simply standing there with a vacant expression and my mouth open as I tried to form words but all that came out was a series of urghs and other incoherent sounds. The god looked at me confused.

'Well, why would you do something like that Artemis?'

'becaus—because i—I lik—I like him' I stuttered out finally.

The sea god eyes grew as he comprehended the ramblings I just admitted to.

'You like Perseus? You don't like any male the only reason you talk to anyone that was here is because we are your family unfortunately considering half the council. So do you mean you like him as a friend or –' He said flabbergasted before I cut him off with a shameful nodding of my head as I did not want him to say the word Love especially when we were still standing in the middle of the throne room careful of eavesdroppers.

The god staggered backwards before coming to a stop leaning against his throne as he stared at me with wide eyes.

'I knew my son had the ability to change Olympus but this seems beyond reality. Sure he had a talent for making the impossible possible but I cannot comprehend the fact he managed to change you, next thing I know I will have your sister throwing herself at me.' He stated in shock. Fortunately there was no sign that Athena felt anything more than rivalry for him as far I was aware even if they did get along better thanks to Percy's previous relationship.

'I cannot help it every time I spend time around him, I want to feel loved by him. It only gets worse when I am Diana.' I admitted changing aspect.

(Diana)

'Well I can why you don't change aspects around men much.' He praised after quickly looking me over which would have been weird were it not for the fact he knew I liked his son now.

'Unlike my brothers I don't seek relationships with my siblings….children.' He reassured with a delay after all Arion was his son with Demeter.

'So now you know why I was so desperate to save Percy's life.' I explained and he nodded in acknowledgement.

'Well it certainly highlights the difference between Percy and Orion when you made no effort to save his brother when it was within your power. So does anyone know of your situation?' He asked curiously.

'Aphrodite.' I stated simply.

'Understandable. Was this her work or Eros's?' He asked and I shook my head simply.

'What does my son think about you?'

'I don't know, I think he likes me but every time I want confront him about it, I lose my confidence and try to distance myself but all that accomplishes is hurting me instead. The only time I ever had the confidence to do it by the time I got to him he was asleep and I didn't want to wake him.'

'You lied then, something happened.' He detected. After several millennia of listening to my father he must have known when someone was lying.

'I kissed him again.' I admitted.

'I appreciate your honesty; I understand this must be awkward for you to admit. Know this then, I approve of the pair of you should anything happen in time. However know that there will be those who will stand against you including my brother and your own hunters.' He warned.

'That is a big IF, Percy remains in a coma with no way of being healed and what would happen to my hunters in any case, I don't know what to do about any of this. This was never supposed to happen.' I protested before collapsing in tears as I struggled with my situation.

As I remained oblivious of the situation I failed to hear him walk across the throne room.

I was broken out of my self pity when he lightly placed a hand under my chin and lifted my head up and looked into my eyes.

'Welcome to the life of my son where all known conventions are thrown out the window. As I said, he makes the impossible, possible. Focus on what need to be done first and then take things one step at a time. First find a way to heal him then do something about your problem.' He said reassuringly.

'Yes Uncle.' I said wiping a sleeve across my face as I felt relief cross me for passing the approval test and I now felt a sense of purpose on what to do first.

'He has had a hard life, he deserves happiness for once and if that is with you what can I do to stop the Fates. Your father may be full of himself and have an ego the size of Gaia but you are truly worthy of my son, I look forward to seeing how this works out. Now go save my son, Niece.' He said before flashing away leaving me alone in the throne room and I could feel nothing but relief about how the situation had turned around.

When I entered I had sat in quiet fear of the sea god's wrath and now I had his blessing after opening my heart up to him. But I also had a task and one I was personally invested in beyond the usual find and kill monsters that usually accompanied a council meeting this.

Find a way of saving the one I loved.

While avoiding reprisal from his fellow Titans.

AN. it is a lot harder to write these chapters without Percy being in them at all. there are less sources of humor I can use without the idiot hero being there although it does give me a chance for character development.

The good new for all of you is I have now finished GTA V (great game).

As always Read and Review. I have over 100,000 views and 500 reviews and now lets make it 200,000 views and 1000 reviews. to think I would was overjoyed on the first day when I got 36 views and 2 reviews. you guys are all awesome.