All rights belong to Rick Riordan

Chapter 66

I Have Some Time to Think

(Marina)

I stand corrected my dad could get worse apparently.

As I stood behind the strange women covered in my uncle's blood nervously watching the guy she had claimed was also my uncle. He would have looked quite cool, what with the wings and things but judging by my companions pale complexion something was not right. She almost looked like she was truly terrified of him however neither had moved since she had spoken to him. How bad could it be that someone who recently been seemingly shot to death without a problem was now frozen in place.

'Percy please calm down.' The 'goddess' asked slowly and calmly.

'And why would we want to do that, it has been forever since we were last unleashed and now here we are twice in one day. Though we agree he has so much more potential than you ever did.' He replied though his voice seemed broken as if multiple people were speaking at the same time which didn't seem natural then again he had 5 pairs of golden wings.

Slowly he lifted the sword he held lazily in one hand before regarding the blade with a cruel smile and for some reason I couldn't help but shiver at the sight of the blade. It just seemed so wrong the way it caught the light making it look as if it was different colours.

'But this, this is definitely something we can have a lot of fun with much better than that silly bow of yours. Though maybe this will work better for a true reaper of souls.' He explained before the spear he held collapsed upon itself which he placed in a pocket much to my surprise of how that was possible before I watched the sword grow longer and more curved until he was holding a massive scythe easily before giving it a lazy swing towards the ground where to my surprise the blade cut through the concrete like it was butter.

'You need to run.' The girl said quietly and I had to assume she was talking to me though she refused to break eye contact. I wanted to ask her about where I could exactly go when the man suddenly leapt forward towards us swinging the scythe in an overhead strike.

Fortunately my companion was able to leap back just in time pushing me backwards along with her though I was pushed to the floor painfully by the sudden shove. Up close and personal the blade looked a lot worse after all the weapon was as long as I was tall and just seemed to radiate evil causing my skin to crawl.

'I said get out of here, that thing will kill anything it can get its hand on until its bloodlust is sated so run away already.' She shouted to me and I noticed a large pair of knives appear in her hand seemingly out of nowhere. Though compared to the scythe they looked like little more than butter knives.

A quick glance back at the figure casually pulling the blade out of solid concrete made up my mind as I scrambled backwards before getting to my feet and running away as fast as my feet could carry me. I may have had nowhere to go now but anything was better than being near whatever or whoever that thing was.

It was only when I heard someone shout to watch out that I realized the threat I was under. Instinctly I turned around only to catch a glint of metal fast approaching me. All I had time to do was stand still and watch it close the distance.

'Father.'

(Artemis)

The moment the girl had begun to move I knew I had made a mistake as I saw 'Percy's' eyes shift from mine to her before a vicious smirk crossed his face. There was no way I was letting him touch her I thought to myself as I leapt at him hoping to get his attention.

There was one slight problem with my plan, who I was throwing myself at. Not just because of my personal feelings but simply the fact he was one of the most unpredictable fighters known combined with a soul destroying blade of mass destruction and a curse of indestructibility. Regardless I had one advantage over him agility as his current form was not exactly built for flexibility that and I did not have to worry about hurting him, permanently.

However my initial thoughts on what was going to happen fell to pieces as soon as I engaged him. I had been expecting him to parry with Maelstrom/Backbiter (whatever it was currently called). However I was surprised when a sheet of black metal suddenly enveloped his left forearm catching my blades point on.

Much to my shock I watched the Celestial Bronze blades begin to quiver before bending completely and shearing of at the hilt leaving me unarmed except for a pair of handles. I was lucky the force of the strike the force did not snap my wrists along with the weapons.

'We will get back to you in a second, after we deal with the early leaver.' It remarked with a cruel grin before collapsing the shield and reaching up Percy's other forearm and grabbing the twin blades stored there. Still holding the scythe one-handed in my direction.

Suddenly he turned to his left and looked straight at the fleeing daughter of Triton.

Despite my horror at what he was about to do I used the opportunity to grab the necklace around my throat watching as it expanded outwards. It was a race against time as both of us prepared our weapons I did not have the time to draw my own arrow as I simply created one from the bow itself. The question was would be able to release first?

Unfortunately I was racing the almost literal personification of time even in a weaker state like that at the moment he still held the advantage as he released the blades just as I sighted on him causing me to shift aim at the flying projectiles themselves.

'Watch out.' I shouted at the fleeing figure while maintaining tracking the knives flight.

Thankfully several millennia of practice meant that such a shot would normally be a simple affair… on a single target. Never mind two with only a short distance between them and the target.

Regardless my first arrow flew straight and true impacting the throwing knife and causing both projectiles to veer off erratically. In a fraction of a second the second arrow was already on its way.

Even so I knew it was not enough as I watched as the two projectiles came towards each other. At the exact point the girl was standing. Now not only would she also be hit by the knife but also my arrow. Why is it when you tell people to watch out for something they have to stand still and do it?

However just as the projectiles hit I was left dumbfounded as seemingly the girl turned transparent and the projectiles passed clean through her. I almost thought she had disappeared completely were it not for the fact there was still a discernible outline where she was standing before shifting back into color revealing a wide eyed girl who looked as confused as I felt.

Turning away from the seeming miracle I focused back on the possessed Titan Lord who seemed equally confused as to what had just occurred judging by the blank look on his face and the scythe held low to his side.

Clearly the Eidolons had not estimated for its gambit to fail. Using the brief break in his movement I shifted aim to him hoping to hades that this was gonna work as I drew forth another arrow and released it at point back into his side watching as the silver shaft plunged into the flesh on his leg. Sure enough he was tough but I remained aware that in his current form he was mortal when it came to injuries. I had been worried that the arrow would simply bounce off due to the curse but it seemed the fates were in a good mood for once.

It took a fraction of a second for the effect to kick in which was more than enough time for Percy to turn towards me and raise the scythe into a striking position before his arms went slack and the weapon clattered onto the ground before freezing looking me in the eyes. They almost seemed to glow with hatred before turning dim as the rest of his face contorted into a grimace before finally collapsing at my feet, convulsing jerkily.

I was about to offer a silent prayer to Iris to contact Apollo when I remembered the fact that I had got my account locked earlier.

Fortunately or rather unfortunately it was at that point someone else decided to join the fray. I was still focused on the disabled Titan when his neck was suddenly pinned to the concrete between the points of a trident causing me to look up at the newcomer.

'That is enough brother.' Triton said in a neutral tone before looking at me directly his sea green eyes pale.

'Care to explain what the hell that was all about?' He asked with a small edge of hostility. I wanted to complain that how come I was getting the inquisition I was trying to save his daughter, but then again they were quite literally my own personal demons inside Percy now.

'He needs help.' I answered with a tone of urgency noticing Percy had stopped moving as the arrows effect took full control. I also noticed his skin was rapidly turning off color

'He will be fine; his little magic trick will be wearing off anytime soon, besides I have already contacted your brother just in case. In the mean time he is not going anywhere.' He said emotionlessly letting go of the trident.

'Percy got possessed and things went downhill from there.' I said simply.

'I TOLD YOU TO RESCUE HER NOT TERRIFY AND TRY TO KILL HER, AT THIS COST I MIGHT AS WELL HAVE DONE IT MYSELF AND TOOK THE BLAME FOR WHAT HAS HAPPENED!' He shouted angrily.

'Do you not think we tried to do that, things kind of go out of control when mortals start shooting people with machine guns and by people I mean me. So how about you get of your high horse. No one could have predicted this was going to happen. They were determined to kill your daughter no matter what and so far as I can see she is still alive and they are not.' I argued back defensively I was not used to taking criticism from minor gods. The only reason he was still talking was because he was Percy's brother and he had a right to be angry.

'Only because I claimed her so she was not hit by the pair of you!'

'I saved her life more than once; I warned her she was in danger. You try fighting your psycho possessed boyfriend who is trying to kill you and see how easy it is to multitask!' I shouted back before clamping my hand over my mouth wishing to take back the whole sentence.

'There is no point I already knew have done for months, ever since you came to our palace. Father is a gossip when alone even Delphin knows and he spends most of his time out chasing fish and playing with tourist boats. He is just waiting for the day when he can rub it in to Hades that one of his sons convinced one of the maiden goddesses to break there oath and win the wager between them.' Triton said in a surprisingly calm tone considering his anger only a moment ago.

'Wait they have a wager on me, Athena and Hestia?' I said my eyes going wide as I didn't know whether to be shocked or angry. That may have accounted for all the male children of the big three throwing themselves at us in the past. Suddenly Orion and a few other incidents were making a lot more sense.

'Well more you and Athena, they gave up on Hestia millennia ago. Besides this way they can laugh at your father when it eventually happens.'

'Well I guess your father is going to be laughing as his son gets fried then.' I commented sarcastically.

'Maybe or maybe not. The more interesting question is whether your father can fry him. That bolt of his isn't as great as he likes to think it is. Electricity has some major weaknesses after all even the mortals know that. Water on the other hand is a lot more multipurpose.' He said cryptically conjuring a sphere of water to hand before letting it lose cohesion and fall through his fingers.

I was about to reply about his sudden lack of fear regarding my father when someone I both wanted to be hear and yet wanted on the other side of the planet as far away from me decided to flash behind Triton.

'What's up cousin...oh.' Apollo said cheerfully before looking down at the unconscious subdued Titan. He was dressed like he expected to go to a beach party evidently Triton had just him to come to Miami and he had jumped to a conclusion.

'I will let you explain milady I have someone to talk too.' Triton said briskly before walking off in the direction of his daughter. Come to think of it I still didn't even know her name.

'Err sis what the hell is this all about.' He said gesturing to the impaled trident before noticing the Scythe just outside arms reach.

'Long story and not his fault so how about you heal him and then get lost?' I told my twin eager to get him away from me.

'Jeez what is with the mood swing, this is why you should stick to your child form you don't get that time of the month th…' He muttered before I had enough and drew an arrow on Percy's bow and aimed at him.

'Shut up and help or the next one getting shot is you. Difference is I can just tell mom that my hand slipped.' I threatened before letting the string go slack and removing the arrow and tossing the silver shaft to him.

'Sis why have you got his bow? How can you even use it and better yet why do you have it?' I didn't bother to reply to the first two points of his question then last I simply reached into a pocket and drew forth the hand grip from my ruined bow. Apollo took one look at the gold color wood before putting two and two together. He was one of the few who were aware of the bow's 'issues'.

'Sis are you crazy what the hell possessed you to try it! I am going to guess he is the reason you are not trying to destroy everything in sight. Are they gone at least?' Apollo asked calmly after his brief outburst. All I had to do was point at Percy for the few remaining pieces to click into place.

'Oh Fu..' He began to say before we were bathed in light.

(Marina)

I was still trying to get over the shock of what had just happened.

The girl/goddess had shouted for me to watch out and of course instead I simply froze in fear as I watched the two flashes streak towards me. I suddenly knew how a deer felt in the headlights. Which looking back on it now seemed kind of apt if my limited knowledge of myths and legends was anything to go by didn't Artemis have something to do with deer's and hunting?

Instead however I had merely flinched as the projectiles had gone to hit me. It was at this point that I was unsure if I had turned insane or this was a really strange dream. They had hit me of that I was sure, I felt a slight sting as the first hit my throat and a split second later the second struck my stomach. It was only when I looked down expecting to see blood well my own that at least that I got the shock. I couldn't see them sticking out of me in fact I couldn't see myself at all.

Well no that was not strictly true I could see where I was supposed to be but it was like someone had made me see-through. I raised a hand hesitatingly and covered my eyes and sure enough except for a little distortion I could see through it. It was like looking through a glass of water and then it hit me. I had turned to water just as I was about to freak out over my new liquid state I began to shift back until I was looking at my hand in its normal color and I began to frantically pat myself down to make sure I was definitely solid.

I was about to take Artemis advise and run like hell when I spotted the fact she was the only one still standing as the other one was on the floor while she stood over him with a bow at her side. What caused me not to ignore the pair was the arrival of a third adult. And by arrival I mean appeared out of fin air directly beside her before lifting a strange three pointed spear thing and thrusting it down on the laying down figures throat.

Was there any of these people who wasn't trying to kill everyone else. Regardless I took it as a cue that I really didn't want to be around when they eventually remembered I was here. Besides the police should be here soon if I could just hide until they got here I would be fine.

Besides the last time I tried to open run away things didn't go as planned. I thought as I ducked between a pair of dumpsters cradling my knees to my chest, in an attempt to make myself as small as possible. Hopefully they would not be able to find me.

(Artemis)

As the light faded I was able to uncover my eyes and immediately we were able to spot the difference.

Well the good news was that Percy was still bound to the floor by the trident. The uncertain news was that he had changed back. the bad news was that he seemed to be waking up judging by the slight movement in his fingers and the flutter of his eyelids.

'Sis step away from him.' Apollo said firmly and I was shocked to suddenly notice the fact he had summoned his bow and was holding it notched in Percy's direction.

'Apollo what in uncle's name are you doing?' I shouted back at him.

'Until I know those things are not in control I am being responsible. He would be too dangerous to release. Besides he would not die anyway he would just need to reform in Tartarus for a while. Father would agree with me so stand aside.'

'Like hell I will if you were so worried about them then how come you never tried to do the same when I was under their influence? You and I both know they prey on insecurities and anger he just needs to calm down. Besides forget what father thinks what will you tell the Titans better yet what will you uncle?' I challenged him holding my bow in his direction.

'Sis you don't know what you are talking about. Sure you were dangerous but we knew how to deal with you. This is Percy even as a demigod he was nigh unstoppable. Now he could become a walking apocalypse if he wanted to. No one could single handedly stop him. It would not even require his powers to do it his weapons and skill would be enough.' He argued back and though he had a point it had a major flaw.

'Oh and sending him to Tartarus would do wonders to stop him would it? Because that is the best place to calm down and relax. Chances are he would just break through the doors of death and I would be the first in line to point him at the idiot who thought it was for the greater good. Maybe then he could beat some sense into you, so how about you calm down and wait and see, he is not going anywhere after all.'

(Percy)

As I lay there and listened to my girlfriend argue with her brother I actually found myself agreeing with him. He was right I was dangerous and the eidolons had only served to prove that fact. that they could use my anger and use it to take control of me was a worrying concept in itself but the feeling of helplessness I had felt when they had made me attempt to hurt Artemis was terrifying. It had taken all of my resistance to cause them not to attack her and instead I had shifted them onto a innocent young girl.

I had been glad when she shot me; I had been more concerned it would not be enough as it had raised my hand to strike at her before I had fallen slack just in time. Thankfully it appeared the eidolons own willingness to overpower my body controls had caused it to take the brunt of the weapons damage. Sure it was physically my body but the arrows effect had to attack something and they had volunteered themselves to my benefit.

So even before I had felt my form change back I had time to reflect on 'my' actions.

No, that was not entirely true. I had killed that mortal. I had made a presumption that he had actually managed to kill or seriously injure Diana and I had allowed rage to take control of me. I had essentially toyed with him before cold blooded murdering the guy. Sure he was not exactly a saint quite the opposite I was sure but it was no excuse for me to cut the guys legs of before setting him ablaze. As I had stared at the blazing wreck I had felt happy to have done it and that was what had sickened me.

I had sunk to his level I killed him merely to show that I had the power over his life and death. I had made myself judge, jury and executioner. Sure it was not the first time I had killed but in killing monsters you were essentially treated as a hero and patted on the back for it. In modern mortal society it doesn't matter the circumstance people who have killed others are generally shunned for what they have done.

From soldiers returning from wars in distant lands only heard about on the news to a cop who shot an armed robber. There is always someone who hates them for what they have become. He who slays monsters becomes a monster, which was feeling awfully adept right now.

If had not been for Artemis and our child I would almost happily accept some time in Tartarus. I wanted to feel like I was being punished because the truth of the matter was I knew what was going to happen. Once I opened my eyes and confirmed it was really me and not a group of psycho possessive spirits. I would be helped up and sent on my way with a metaphorical smile and a wave. The whole incident would eventually be forgotten, except I would always remember it.

As much as I could try to forget it I would always remember this. This was not one of those kill or be killed situations like I had been in the wars or a quest or a battle. The guy had been absolutely no threat to me and yet I had taken pleasure in killing him in the most painful way possible. I had become sadistical since I had become more powerful. First I had done it to the Minotaur intentionally prolonging its suffering to humiliate it because of past offenses to me and other demigods. Only knowledge of the repercussion had stayed my hand regarding Aphrodite but even then it was only at the last moment I stayed my blade and had only nicked the flesh but a little. Now I had done the same to a mortal.

Why did the same actions gather different responses based on the victim?

That was the real question I finally concluded and yet I had no answer to it. Who had the right to make the call over someone's death. Because I sure as hell didn't like it being me. Sure a monster was exactly that a monster but even then they were not all mindless destroyers. Take Nemea or Mrs. O'Leary for example. But a mortal I had to draw the line it was not my call to make. Sure if necessary I could do it with regret but I would not be the one to pull the trigger so to speak.

Yet nor was I anyone's personal attack dog to do what they couldn't or wouldn't do.

The ancient laws were beginning to actually make sense in context they were not to protect mortals from divine actions. They were to protect the divine from itself. If gods were able to get involved in every situation that displeased them they would end up changing everything for the worse.

For the last 1800 years or so they had remained generally out sight to the common mortal yet western civilization was at the greatest it had ever been. Sure actions were controversial sometimes but they always resolved themselves for the better in the long run. Even wars had their benefits in that they promoted technological change.

I was in a unique position much like a demigod I could easily affect both world by changing forms but the simple questions was did I want too? If I resolved every problem what would others have to strive for? I could single handedly remove every issue a demigod faced but then that removed the basic premise of being a demigod it was a struggle but at least it had a reward in being remembered in the long run. Without that they may as well have been gifted mortals but forgotten by everyone else.

Regardless that was a question for someone a lot smarter than me to answer. My immediate concern needed to be the archer duo who I knew were currently standing over me as I slowly opened my eyes.

(Marina)

I was surprised to suddenly hear a gentle tapping sound coming from my immediate right as if from the other side of the dumpster. Ignoring it I hoped it was simply an animal perhaps a rat. However after a brief pause it started again and the timing was far regular to be natural.

Against my better judgment I decided to risk a glance besides if it was someone knocking they already knew I was here.

Slowly raising my head above the level of the dumpster I caught sight of my visitor and one quick glance at familiar black hair. Told me enough as I ducked back down. Great the psycho one had found me.

'Marina please come out I would never hurt you.' I heard him say calmly which was strange. First how did he know my name and didn't he have that creepy multiple voice thing before.

'How do you know my name? Who are you people?' I called out from my hiding spot.

'Why Marina I have always known who you were, just as I have always been keeping an eye on you. As for who we are you have already met Lady Artemis my cousin, Perseus my brother and I am Triton Messenger of the seas and Lord of the deep…Your father.'

'No you're not my dad fell overboard and drowned my mum said so.' I said weakly, there was no way this guy was my father.

'You see drowning for me is a little hard to accomplish, I believe you are familiar with that problem.' He said with a chuckle.

'If you knew about that then why didn't you save me then? Where have you been all my life? Where were you when my mum died? WHERE WERE YOU?' I shouted rising out of my cover and looking at him directly.

'At home and unable to do anything about it but watch as much as it pained my heart.' He said sadly and I got the feeling he was actually being honest. Not that it was good enough to me.

'Well thanks for nothing then. You are a crappy father. I was almost murdered and all you could do was watch?' I told him bitterly.

'We gods are not allowed to get involved in our children's daily lives. Even when they are in trouble. That was why I had to ask Perseus to help you.'

'You mean the psycho big guy with a freaking scythe that tried to kill me? Yeah great job with that. I hadn't had enough uncles doing that today.'

'He used to deal with that on a daily basis for years. But no what just happened was not his fault. Normally he is the most laid back guy I have ever met. Except when provoked in which case nothing can get in his way. Regardless those actions were not his own something else was controlling him which hopefully is now gone. For everyone's sake.' He explained pointing behind him and I noticed there was now two figures standing over the unconscious one.

'Is he dead?'

'Not through lack of attempts though I may change that in the near future. But the truth is we cannot die. Well not in the permanent sense at least. We come back after a while. Still hurts though… a lot.'

'So you are like Jesus then three days later poof and your back.'

'He was not actually real though. Well sure there was a guy called Jesus but he was just a ordinary mortal who just happened to hang around with a group of unclaimed demigods called the apostles. And between them they came up with the idea for him to take the credit for supposedly creating miracles.' He explained simply. Well that proved every concept of Christianity wrong in the space of a sentence or two.

'So what the only real religion is the Ancient Greek god one?'

'No we are not alone just the most prominent at least. The Egyptians are still around in one way or another we think they are in Brooklyn. The Norse gods are reclusive and on the decline, no one has seen or heard from them in a few centuries. They never reached our level of importance. The Hindu's keep to themselves over in Asia which is fine by us. And I suppose you could count the Roman gods but for the most part they are the same as the us but with albeit slight differences here and there.'

'And no one knows you exist? The way you just described it you can't go five blocks without tripping over a god or goddess.' I said skeptically trying to get my head around the information overload.

'Sure people notice but most chalk it up as miracles or as unexplained. Besides most famous or important people are like you our children or a legacy at least.'

'So what you got a load more children just like me?'

'No just you. I have only ever had two children. You and I believe you already know about your sister after all they made a movie or two about her. Sure they took some liberties with people's importance I became king of the ocean. Your grandfather will not let me live it down.'

'Wait my grandfather who is he?' I asked suddenly. The prospect of having more family exciting me.

'Poseidon and my mother is Amphitrite in case you were wondering.' He added for extra information

'Anyone else, like uncles and aunts?' I asked excitedly maybe my family was not as lame as I thought it always was.

'How much time do you have?' He replied with a grin I got the feeling this was gonna take a long time.

AN. Sorry about the delay life caught up with me majorly. though good news is I have a lot more time to write now. when I am in the mood at least.

My god Percy can get philosophical the end is nigh. though he raised an excellent point he is capable of dealing with almost every problem but what gives him the right too?

Also I made him take moral responsibility for killing a mortal. sure the guy was a dick but regardless he still killed him painfully. In most Fan fiction he seems to gloss over this point as having first done it off page during some point of moral quandary or he simply doesn't care about his actions in regards to what he kills.

Regarding Marina would you like to see her join the hunt straight away or would you like her to go with Triton at first. by the way the little mermaid is canon with a few artistic licenses here and there by Disney.

Also as much as it pains me to ask I do need suggestions for what you want to see in the long run of this story because admittedly it has no long term final enemy to face and no over arching conflict other than Artemis's spousal abuse. However I don't want the usual Kronos comes back or enemies teaming up. People I have written as dead are dead. Which generally means any and all victims of Maelstrom. If you do make a suggestion please give a reason for the conflict rather than just for the evulz.

So as always please read and review