All rights belong to Rick Riordan

Chapter 80

Resisting Urges

(Percy)

'I did not agree to this!' Perseus complained and I frankly couldn't blame him. As much as I understood Artemis's reasoning behind it as to avoid conflict unnecessarily, I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable and wish there was an easier way.

'It is an abomination.' Zoe remarked cringing.

'It is like a nightmare come true.' Thalia said trying not to laugh.

'Kill it with fire.' Tania called out from the group and I half expected her to sprout a pitchfork and incite the others to get me as well.

'IT has a name you know.' I said wearily looking down at myself in disgust.

'It can talk? It hurts my ears, shut it up.' Someone called from inside the greater huddle of hunters.

'I don't know girls, I like to think of it as an improvement. Isn't that right Persee?' Diana said smugly from her position on a nearby tree stump.

'Why the hell did I agree to this again?' I asked turning to look at her.

'The Romans think you are dead, they don't know about the hunt having a guardian and I like to think this gives you the benefit of the surprise… That and I find it hilarious, now hurry up and get changed and stop complaining.' She said pointing at a pile of silver clothes.

First she makes me cross-gender now I have to cross dress; she was going to owe me big after this. I thought to myself as I grabbed the bundle and began to walk away from them to get some privacy.

'Don't forget to put on the bra and no funny business with that body.' Diana added as I grit my teeth and carried on walking.

'MUST. RESIST. URGE. TO. DESTROY. ALL. HUNTERS.' Perseus said slowly obviously even less impressed with the situation than I was.

'Forget that how do you even put on a bra?' I asked in complete confusion. This was gonna take a while.

(Diana)

'This is gonna be amazing, get a camera quick.' Artemis asked inside my head.

'I would rather not, I can tell that Perseus is already at his limit of how far this is going already. Besides he has been almost fifteen minutes already, gonna have to send a search party soon.'

'Your not going anywhere, last time he took that form you ended up going all Bi-Curious on me.'

'That's not fair he tricked me.' I protested weakly.

'You got tricked by the biggest idiot for forty miles.'

'He is our idiot though.' I pointed out before a rustling of dead leaves caught my attention just in time to see 'Persee' walk out from behind a tree looking complete disheveled.

'Good enough?' He asked wearily before everyone broke out into laughter at the sight in front of us. I was too busy trying to stay seated that I did not notice the change of eye color or the outraged expression appear on his/her face.

'I WILL KILL YOU ALL IN YOUR SLEEP!' Perseus announced threateningly Maelstrom appearing in his hand, bringing a sudden end to everyone's laughter. Just as quickly he swapped back revealing a very wide eyed Percy who was looking at the hunters fearfully before turning around and running off leaving the hunters in stunned silence.

'Well that isn't good, we need to go after her/him… whatever.' Artemis told me breaking the silence.

'Zoe, Thalia explain what you know about the whole Percy/Perseus thing.' I asked to keep the hunters occupied while I went after the gender bent guardian. Perseus from what I had seen of him so far was far too volatile around insults, no matter how petty. The problem was he had an ego the size of the moon and the power to back it up. That combined with the alarming ability for him to forcibly take control of the Titan Lords body was not good for anyone who upset him.

The only good news was the fact he appeared to be moving about as stealthy as a bull in a china shop. For once I was glad that my pregnancy had interrupted our regular training schedule. As it was it did not take me long to overtake him.

'Percy stop running.' I told him firmly standing in front of him.

'What is the point, he just went and threatened to kill them all and the worst bit was he is being serious. Besides how can the hunters trust me after this?' He asked somberly stepping back a few feet until his back collided with a tree trunk and he slid down it.

'Please you forget everyone in this family tries to kill each other every time they meet. Besides I asked Thalia and Zoe to explain about him, I guess neither of you is exactly happy about the whole dressing up thing. I should have guessed both of you would react badly and nor should I have left you alone.'

'Skirts are like the worst invention ever.' He remarked softly and I noticed him holding the article of clothing down.

'You don't complain about me wearing one.' I pointed out putting my hands on my hips.

'You're a girl, I am a very confused guy in a girl's body while simultaneously being the greatest cosplay champion ever.'

'Not quite you are wearing it all wrong, now stand up and let's make a real hunter out of you.' I told him before practically dragging him to his feet. In the state he was in it would just be easier to start again from scratch I thought as I yanked his parka off in an effort to rearrange the mess underneath.

'So are you this forceful with all the girls or do you just want to see me naked?' He asked glibly as I resisted the urge to slap him. Instead I focused on the task at hand. Amazingly it seemed he had managed to actually put the bra on correctly it just seemed to be everything above it that was all over the place. However I couldn't help but notice one thing as straightened out his shirt.

'You didn't have to copy my body with such attention to detail, your literally a few color changes short of being my identical twin.'

'You just said change form into a female one, not my fault I just happen to look like you. After all imitation is the greatest form of flattery.' He said smiling causing me to shake my head in amusement.

'As long as you don't use this opportunity to get up to no good, I won't have to break your fingers.'

'I don't even want to think about this in too much detail let alone try anything like that. You have no idea how uncomfortable this makes me feel. I am not staying like this longer than necessary not that Perseus will let me of course.'

'It could be worse if you were still a demigod I could purposefully have changed your gender permanently. Wouldn't be the first time after all.' Transmutation was always a fun way to punish annoying males in the past. I should have done it to Heracles as he was dying then it would have permanently affected him. Then again in hindsight Orion would have been a rodent rather than in the stars.

'I don't know whether I should consider myself lucky or not. My only solace at the moment is the fact I know I can change back. Even so please don't make me do this often.'

'As much as making you uncomfortable amuses me, I prefer to think of my future husband as being of the opposite sex.'

'Exactly so why again did you kiss HER?' Artemis pointed out sarcastically.

'So does this mean no sneaking off to make out?' He asked fluttering his eyelids.

'Stop being an idiot, this is for a few hours at most. Even if we are there a few days you can change back at night or if… no correct that when you give yourself away.'

'Oh ye of little faith. They would never be able to tell who I really am, after all the new Praetor went to such efforts to convince them all I am dead. Be hilarious to see his face if he finds out who I am now.' He said grinning considering the prospect though I couldn't resist to burst his bubble.

'Oh yeah he will probably find it hilarious to see the great Percy Jackson is now a fairly attractive teenage girl.'

'Won't stop me kicking his ass, he should consider himself lucky that I have a smaller shoe size in this form. Besides if I look like you I must be jaw dropping amazing.'

'Compliments will get you everywhere but I think you will have to fight for the right to kick it first, his fellow Praetor has probably already reserved it. Now come on lets finish sorting you out so we can get this over and done with.'

(Thalia)

As Lady Diana and the Titan(ess?) returned I could tell most of my fellow hunters were resisting the urge to laugh. Sure me and Zoe had explained what we knew about his slightly psychotic alternate personality but it still didn't stop the hilarity of the situation.

The strangest thing was seeing the two side by side highlighted the curious similarities in appearance between the two which was far too similar to be a coincidence.

'Do we have to do this? Can I just stay here?' Reyna asked wearily, she was the only person who really did not want to visit the Roman's city. The rest of us were excited for a number of reasons. I was personally curious to see the city where my little brother grew up. Phoebe wanted to play some not so friendly pranks on its senate something the newer hunters had expressed an interest in doing.

'Of course we have to. Ever since I was told I can't use Percy as a punching bag I have needed another one. This Steven guy sounds like he will make a fine replacement. Besides Lady Artemis rarely allows a hunter go off on their own.' I said grinning cracking my knuckles in anticipation.

'I was hoping you wouldn't say that. In that case I am not announcing my return, if they find out I am back they will try and get me involved for better or worse. I guess me and Percy are in the same boat though which one of us Steven hates more, I couldn't say. He thinks Percy was a traitor spy who murdered his predecessor, I broke his nose on the way out the door.' She explained wrapping her cloak around her so that the purple inside was hidden before pulling her hood up.

'Girls are you all ready?' Diana asked looking around the group of us while Percy tried to remain as incognito as possible behind her.

'Why do we even have to take that thing with us? Surely it would save us all so much trouble if we left him behind, It is the problem so what is the point of making an abomination out of it.' Tania asked angrily holding her spear tightly.

'He is coming because I decided he is, Do not forget the last time the hunters got involved in Roman affairs the unimaginable happened, I am not taking that chance again. Your safety is my greater concern than your petty hatred Tania, he is here to stay for the foreseeable future and he has given me no problems, unlike a certain hunters prejudice and stupidity. Were it not for him after all you would be dead or worse at this point and you would do well to remember it.' Diana said coldly staring down the daughter of Ares.

'No Problems? He threatened to kill us all fifteen minutes ago! And apparently he has an alter ego that is a complete psychopath just to make it even better.'

'How would you react if I suddenly decided to turn you into a male? You would act resentful and confused over the experience, He is no difference and our ridiculing him only escalated matters. As for Perseus he is not evil, he is just far less forgiving of ridiculing and prone to rash action.'

'Tell me this hunter. Would you not be a little irritated if in the last twenty-four hours you had been kidnapped against your will, interrogated, accused, attacked, almost killed, attacked again, smashed through a few walls. Thanks for that Zoe by the way. Now just to end things off I have had to humiliate myself further by this abominable transformation. If you have a problem with me, say it to my face and stop hiding behind your fellow hunters and Lady Artemis. Oh wait I forgot you prefer to hide in the shadows and strike when your targets back is turned. You really are daddies little girl after all. Make no mistake girl if you try one of your little stunts again and I will personally escort you straight to Tartarus before kicking your stupid ass into the pit myself.' Percy said coldly his features shifting to more masculine in nature as his eyes changed to gold. His damaged wings appearing on his back, the gold contrasting heavily with the silver outfit he wore.

'Perseus enough! You have made your point now change back. Tania for your sake I hope you take note of what he said because make no mistake, if he does attack you neither I or anyone else will be able to stop him. If you value your life please let your hatred go because it will not end well if you don't.' Diana exclaimed stepping between the angry Titan and the hunter who had turned white. After a few seconds Tania nervously nodded and the tension in the air seemed to lift suddenly as the Titan shifted back to a more feminine appearance and his eyes returned to normal.

'Can we please stop calling me an IT, I have a name.' Percy remarked playfully in complete contrast to how Perseus had spoken.

'Girls I would like to introduce you to Persee. Please refer to him as such while we are in Rome.'

'For someone who is going to such great efforts to hide his identity, you keep your name practically the same. Seems counter-productive if you ask me.' Phoebe said in amusement.

'It is called hiding in plain sight, They generally think I am dead so who would suspect little old me.' Percy replied putting his hands on his hips and standing suggestively fluttering his eyelids before Diana slapped the back of his head.

'Little? You are still taller than the rest of us.' Jacqueline asked in confusion, not yet old enough to understand his posturing. Sure she had been in the hunt for more than a year at this point but she was still naïve about some things.

'Forget that, If we do any archery practice while we are there he is not allowed to join us.' Phoebe declared and I and the rest of the hunters had to merit the sentiment as we laughed at the blushing Man/girl. Except Zoe who was confused, not having experience with his archery.

'I don't get it. How bad can he be?' She asked.

'I shot Lady Artemis. In the face' He added in embarrassment.

'And yet your still alive, impressive.' Zoe conceded as if I would struck him down on the spot. We may not have been dating at the time but I still held a little feeling for him.

'To elaborate I was a hundred meters behind him inside my tent. And yes he won't be practicing with you. He would only drag down the rest of your reputation and probably kill someone who happened to be walking past. But enough about Persee let's get going.' Diana said commandingly her bow appearing on her shoulder completing the public image of the goddess as the rest of hurriedly got to our feet and grabbed our equipment.

'Let's go visit the Romans.' Diana said with a grin as we hurriedly grabbed a hold of each other in preparation for the journey.

(Percy)

'Lady Diana this is a surprise to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?' Jason asked the goddess nervously. Behind him Hazel, Frank and Nico and someone I didn't recognize dressed in elaborate armor and wearing a purple cape that signified his rank.

We were all located on the field of Mars a few hundred meters outside the city on the opposite side to the legion camp.

'I wanted to allow the hunters to spend the Christmas period in a safe area for them, I may prefer to keep them isolated at times but I think this will be good for them. I trust it will not be a problem.'

'Where exactly are your huntresses expecting to stay, the city is full. We already have the Greeks taking up half the barracks.' The armored figure demanded as if Diana was seriously going to consider that her problem, in the past she would probably just have killed him and carried on talking. Artemis probably still would especially in her current mood swing,

'Can we just kill him and go?' Reyna whispered wishfully beside me as I stood in the centre of the hunters to avoid detection, not that I was entirely certain I was incognito by the way Nico was staring at me knowingly. That and the fact he seemed to be struggling to hold a straight face.

'No but I could always throw Nemea at him and watch her tear him to bits.' I whispered back as the cub in question struggled within my grasp. She had not been too happy about the forced change back, but I doubted the Romans would be happy to have an overpowered, oversized feline monster running around.

'From what I understand Praetor that is not my problem, and you should remember who you are talking to. Otherwise you could have an unavoidable accident like your predecessor. As for where we will be staying Praetors have their own accommodation do they not. And is your second Praetor not missing, therefore you have an empty building.' Diana addressed him directly and coldly not even bothering to hide her threat.

'You would dare threat-' He spat angrily only to be silenced as a tendril of darkness covered his mouth. While Nico tried to look innocent.

'That would be fine Lady Diana, I am sure Reyna would have no problem with you using her residence in her absence. If you have any problems or queries during your stay do not hesitate to contact one of us. Though I am sorry to say the hunters will have to disarm themselves as per the cities rules.' Jason said getting back to the matter in hand.

'That is not going to happen; I think you can understand my concerns on the matter. If Terminus has a problem with it he can speak to me himself.' Diana told him causing the minor god to sag in resignation as he wearily nodded. It did not help that Thalia was giving him evils from just beside the goddess.

'As long as there is no incident we will allow the hunters to bear arms.' Frank confirmed causing the Praetor to look at the two of them in outrage before angrily stomping off.

'Lady Diana if I may be curious where is your guardian?' Jason asked looking around for me.

'He couldn't come for obvious reasons. We agreed it would cause… problems if the Romans were reintroduced to him.'

'Oh don't worry about Percy I am sure he will turn up sooner than later.' Nico said with such a high amount of sarcasm I am surprised Jason didn't look around there and then and put two and two together.

'Most likely knowing him. One more thing Lady Artemis. We have a war game scheduled for new year's eve we can arrange for the hunter's to be part of it if you will. Though immortals are not allowed to play I am afraid.'

'Says the god who got his ass kicked by his non-god sister.' Thalia said causing the rest of the hunters to laugh while I pretended to go along with it.

'Now now girls it was a little unfair odds after all, they only outnumbered us three to one or so. It was hardly surprising to end in such a result. As for your answer I will think about it. And keep your dog on a leash or it will get bitten.'

'What Steven, unfortunately his position means he is free to act as representative of the legion without consequence. We only have the authority to veto his more outlandish ideas. The only person who could effectively deal with him on an even playing field is hiding behind you.' Frank said addressing the incognito Praetor beside me.

'I left this city for a reason I am not getting involved in its bullshit anymore. You made this monster you fix it. If I had my way I would not be within fifty miles of this place ever again.' Reyna addressed the Roman gods angrily flipping back her hood.

'Unfortunately I have to agree, he seemed different but he swiftly turned into Octavian 2.0 and I think we can all agree on why you had enough and left. But even so remember if you want to do something about things you are the one with the authority to fight against him.' Hazel explained.

'Or I could just shoot him and leave it at that. You may not have the authority but I do.' Diana mused unhelpfully much to the hunter's amusement.

'As much as it appeals to me sometimes, assassination is not the answer to this problem. Give it time and his mouth will be his downfall. I can trust you can find your way to your accommodation. So I will go an inform Terminus of our agreement.' Jason explained in resignation before flashing away in a gust of wind. Hazel and Frank both bowed slightly to the Olympian before linking hands and likewise disappearing leaving Nico on his own.

'Can I help you son of Hades?' Diana said asking the smiling god.

'Yeah I was just wondering how you got him in a dress, though he does look like he is enjoying the experience.' He asked before breaking down into crying laughter.

'I am going to kill you Nico, I know where you live.' I said in indignation.

'He did it out of his own free choice.' Thalia said cheerfully causing a bout of laughter.

'Can we go already? I have had enough of these annoying males already.' I said in my best hunter impression.

'That's the spirit; we will make a real hunter out of you yet.' Diana joked.

'Not with his lack of skill with a bow Milady.' Zoe stated simply only for the god to freeze as he recognized her.

'You should be dead.'

'But she is not and nor is this up for debate. Come on girls.' Diana said hurriedly beginning to walk off and effectively ending the conversation before he could say anything further on the subject. As the rest of the hunter followed suit I brought up the rear releasing hold of Nemea who chased after the rest of the group before jumping on Jacqueline's shoulder and draping her body around the girl's neck. Making her the most dangerous scarf in existence.

'How is that even possible?' Nico asked walking up beside me pointing at the former Hesperide demi-Titan.

'Long story and some extreme odds. Been a bit hectic lately around here.' I said simply.

'Oh I am sure it has, been hearing some really strange rumors since yesterday. Heard you made a surprise appearance at the solstice meeting.' He said smiling causing me to break step momentarily.

'I don't know whose dad is worse for keeping secrets mine or yours. What do you know?' I asked with a sigh.

'This and that. Judging by my dad's announcement that someone had the balls to deck the bastard shortly after speaking about a certain lightning god. And something about a bet with Poseidon he narrowly avoided having to pay up on. And something major Aphrodite did wrong. Any of that make sense to you.'

'I have no idea what you are talking about. You must have me confused with someone else.' I said whistling innocently.

'What like a real girl? I hope Leo doesn't see you like this. You would only break his heart when he found out the truth.'

'Don't tempt me. Besides according to him you have a certain someone.' I asked curiously only for him to turn whiter than should have been conceivably possible.

'Got to go, I er… need to speak with Melinoe about some haunting.' He said hurriedly before disappearing into shadows, leaving me more curious than ever. Gods I was turning into Thalia, I though with a shudder before running to catch up with the others.

(Diana)

'Listen here fool, it was agreed that the hunters could carry their weapons inside the city limits so why are you stopping us.' I said raising my voice at the stupid living statue bust that kept appearing in front of us.

'Indeed I was informed of such negotiation much to my disproval. However not all of your present company is a hunter and indeed one is not as she seems at all. Therefore she must disarm or I will not permit you to enter.' Terminus said in an annoying tone of a cocky jobsworth bureaucrat.

'What's to stop me just blowing you apart or simpler flashing past you?' I said in annoyance.

'The fact I can use one of my other bodies to inform everyone in this city that she is really a he and he is considered an enemy of the Legion. The only reason I haven't done so already is because of the bit of respect I earned for helping him defeat Polybotes. Also I am pretty sure Titans are not allowed into this city no matter who they are.'

'Listen here you idiotic statue, he has equal rights to an Olympian god as agreed by Lord Jupiter himself so how about you get off your high horse and stop being a nuisance. Besides you know as well as I do the fact that you could not move his weapons even if you did have arms of your own.'

'Diana it is fine. There is no point arguing about it. Here you go Terminus though if there is one scratch on any of them I will find you. you might want to put that tray on the ground.' Percy told the little girl who was holding it out expectantly. Though she remained stalwart and continued to hold it as Percy started off simply laying his pen on it before reaching up his sleeve and retrieving the throwing knife located there. The next was his silver pen which as soon as it left his hand and landed on the tray it fell out of her hands and landed on the ground before she hastily tried to unsuccessfully retrieve it.

'Exactly this is the point idiot, the only person who can even hold them is him and he can summon them back to him anytime he wants so what is the point? Persee grab your stuff and Terminus you would do well to keep your mouth quiet about who he is otherwise your only boundary will be around the rest rooms.' I threatened impatiently before walking past the pedestal who for a disembodied stone head somehow managed to visibly gulp and nod. Allowing Percy to retrieve his weapons off the fallen tray which the girl hurriedly grabbed noting the pen sized dent in the centre with a frown.

'What about the monster, there is no way you can justify letting it in.'

'She is not a monster but a sacred animal therefore your argument is invalid.' I told him firmly he was starting to get on my nerves.

'Whose? I was not made aware of such an occurrence.'

'Mine any more problems or are you going to let us past?' Percy said in annoyance and I noted his eyes shifting between normal and gold dangerously. Clearly the only thing stopping the boundary god being blown into next week was Percy restraining his counterpart.

'Any problems and I will have you and it thrown out without a seconds thought. Now go.' Terminus conceded causing Percy to laugh at the threat.

'You are more than welcome to try.' He joked patting the statue on the head before walking past the boundary line leaving the statue with a look of outrage before the rest of us hurriedly caught up with him.

'I call dibs on the bed.' Thalia exclaimed the second we had walked through the door of the three story building in the heart of the city. The flat top roof likely giving a good view of the immediate surrounding area.

'Last I checked this was my house.' Reyna muttered under her breath.

'Doesn't matter you left it unoccupied so I am calling dibs, besides squatters rights.' Thalia defended throwing her pack on the floor.

'I'll be on the roof if you need me.' Percy said before moving towards the stairs in the corner.

'Wait, take this.' I told him before summoning a bow and tossing it to him. Causing some of the hunters to duck behind the furniture in panic.

'Very funny, I have not even got any arrows. Why do I need this?' He asked skeptically.

'How many of my hunters do you see without one, besides you cannot be seen walking around with Olympian level weapons, it would kind of give the game away that you were more than you seemed.' I explained causing him to nod in agreement before his feminine form disappeared upstairs.

'Right then girls make yourselves comfortable, Nemea if that annoying Praetor comes within fifty foot of that door you have permission to eat him.' I explained opening a nearby window that faced out onto the street allowing the cub onto the window sill so she could see outside. The hunters all too their cue and vanished up to the second storey in an effort to get the best spots.

In the past I would have swiftly commandeered a room for myself but I did not expect to be in the building at night, besides the walls were far too thin. Even for our rather limited range of interaction.

Even so I had to at least make it appear I was going to be around most of the time. Yes I planned to tell them the news while I was here but not yet and the last thing I needed was them finding out because within five minutes I had disappeared to go spend time with our 'guardian'. Besides I was sure Perseus would keep him entertained for the time being.

(Percy)

'Go on you know you want to, give them a squeeze.'

'Not happening.'

'Just think about it as practice for the real deal, after all they are exactly the same.'

'What part of no don't you understand? Anyway I thought you hated the idea of this form?' I challenged.

'I do doesn't mean I can't have a little fun with it. Besides I could come up with a whole lot worse ideas if you want.' He explained and my own brain swiftly thought up what he was on about making me wish I had some brain bleach on hand.

'You have some serious issues.'

'Technically we have some issues, I am a part of you.' He defended.

'Yeah but my issues are the mundane things like how to tell my girlfriends hunters about our relationship and my impending parenthood. You want to feel up our current form and cause World War Three. Our priorities are very different.'

'Pleeeease I don't want World War Three, that would mean other people get to join in the fun and take credit for doing stuff. I just want it to be like the good old days, of a fight a day keeps Kronos away things like that. Now everything is too easy and political and besides you spend all day waiting until it is evening so you can disappear and have secret make out sessions. Face it your life is boring now. You are practically married already.'

'Oh I am sorry I kinda like it where I don't have some super powered asshole trying to kill me 24/7. I think I earned a bit of time to relax. Besides we had a fight this morning. You fought the Olympians yesterday. You are seriously worse than Ares for looking for a fight and that is quite a feat. And what are you on about married already?'

'Why thank you. Let's see you spend all your time arguing before making up. You do everything she says and asks, case in point our current appearance and last but most importantly you aint getting laid. Classic signs of marriage.' He explained trying to sound smug.

'You are the most unbearable asshole I have ever met.'

'First technically we have never met, I am in your head after all and second did you not see that prick earlier. He would make Tania seem nice if you had to spend time with both of them.'

'Ok he did seem like a bit of a jerk, I can't exactly just go and punch him with provocation now can I? We are not here to pick a fight with the legion and he is unfortunately their leader for the moment. Not that I would stop Reyna if she wanted to of course. For once this is a fight we are not involved with.'

'Correct me if I am wrong but weren't you the current Praetor when shit hit the fan?' Ok he had a slight point there I had to concede.

'Yeah but so was Jason and now we are both in the same boat neither of us can get involved in mortals affairs directly. Besides I doubt half the legion has forgiven me for putting them on their asses single handedly and then essentially killing their leader, no matter how much of a murderous asshole he was.'

'Essentially killed him, you hacked his soul apart with a blade meant to kill immortals. I've never been so proud.' He said faking wiping a sniveling nose.

'I'm pretty sure that is not a good thing. Your approval fills me with shame.' I said sarcastically remembering the saying relevant to the topic.

'So it is true then.' A voice said from behind me breaking me out of my mental debate as I hurriedly turned about and found myself face to face with Hazel who had appeared behind me and was looking at my form out of curiosity.

'Err- hi Hazel, how can I help?' I asked nervously as the dark skinned goddess to simply look at me.

'Oh I was just curious to see if Nico was telling the truth, we all thought he was making this up. I guess I owe him a bar of gold.' She said simply stepping back and stopping her scrutinisation.

'Hold on you bet to see if he was telling the truth? I take it he told all of you then. And why didn't all of you come to point and laugh?'

'The last one is easy because none of the boys were brave enough to come near the hunters and Lady Diana, second Leo and Piper are at Camp Half-Blood so they are unaware until probably tonight and of course we bet on it, it is not as if I stand any chance of running out of money. Between me and An- Athena we have practically sorted out all of my father's logistical problems in the space of a few months.' She explained causing me to twitch as she quickly corrected herself. Something was going on with the two children of the Underworld and it was grating against my curiosity. However now was not the time as I spotted a auburn haired head poke up out of the trap door to the rear of the roof behind her.

'It's alright for some I have to work a full time job to make ends meet. Not to mention the hours are ridiculously long for TERRIBLE pay.' I said sarcastically loud enough for the newcomer to hear.

'You don't get paid you volunteered remember, your payment is being allowed to live in my presence.' Diana said in amusement as the rest of her body appeared up the ladder.

'Oh how generous of you Milady.' I replied sarcastically doing a mock curtsy.

'It's a shame we could not change you sarcastic personality then you would make a good hunter.' Diana said pretending to daydream placing her thumb and forefinger under her chin.

'Pleease if personality was a test how did Tania make it in, let alone Thalia. Besides I take it by you being up here they are all sorted downstairs?' I asked quickly checking my own internal body clock to find my internal argument had taken up almost an hour.

'Almost you need to fix the banister on the second storey stairs as Zoe accidentally ripped it out of the wall.'

'Is that Zoe the same one that…' Hazel asked trailing off into curiosity.

'Yes.' We both replied at once.

'Oh.' She said simply, I was pretty sure Hazel by this point knew the full story of what happened to Bianca and the quest to rescue Artemis. So she must have guessed that both Zoe's were one and the same.

'Anyway I should be off I have to feed Arion before he eats his way through his stable. Again. Pleasure to see you Milady, Percy?' She said bowing politely to the two of us before hesitating on what to call me.

'It's Persee while were here.' Diana corrected causing the minor goddess to consider the idea before nodding her head in affirmation and disappearing into shadows.

'I see you have been keeping yourself entertained without me.' Diana said looking at me.

'I wouldn't go that far, you ever have to deal with this annoying voice in your head that wants to do the complete opposite of what you want to do?' I asked rhetorically.

'Hey I am not annoying, I am just… different. Besides by the way you are checking her out we are both thinking the same thing at the moment.' Perseus said in amusement as I shook my head to clear my thoughts, here we were standing on a roof in the middle of a demigod city and I was thinking about making out with a supposedly virgin goddess.

'To answer your question I know exactly what you mean, that little voice that tells you, you cannot do what you really want to do.' She whispered seductively in my ear as she stepped past me and looked over the edge of the building. For once I was physically glad to be in a girl's body as the only sign of my reaction was the blood/ichor running to my face and not somewhere else.

'Stupid Artemis and her stupid rule, I would do some unspeakable things to her right now if it wasn't for that.' Perseus growled through his teeth and I almost had to agree with him.

'Aren't you supposed to be looking out there for signs of trouble and not at me.' Diana said with a smirk as she walked back past me gently brushing a hand across my face and pushing a strand of hair over my ear before moving towards the ladder. Just to be even more of a tease she seemed to be purposefully shaking her hip more than normal. It took all my resistance to not stare at her ass before willpower crumpled and she turned with a smirk on her face.

'Have fun.' She called back playfully before sliding down the ladder.

As soon as she disappeared Perseus seemed to wrestle control of me, though thankfully leaving our appearance unchanged yet to my surprise all he seemed to want to do was blink repeatedly in shock as if to make sure what he had seen was correct before turning control back to me.

'This is going to be the longest four and a half months ever. Fucking Pregnancy.' He complained whining and I couldn't help but agree. To have an insanely hot girlfriend or two technically knowingly flaunting it and being absolutely unable to do anything about it other than kissing and hugging was unbearable..

'Maybe we are not so different after all.' I conceded trying to turn my attention back to my current task in hand.

As if that was going to happen.

AN. Sorry about the late update but i kept getting distracted... a lot beside i decided to catch up on a massive amount of backreading of Fanfiction of my own.

Considering i said Perseus would not turn up often he seems to be turning up all the damned time, meh he is fun to write and adds an unpredictable aspect to percy's character. much like Artemis's moodswings though a hell of a lot more difficult to deal with.

And yeah Persee is back because why not, as much as i would like Percy to literally drop out of the sky on a supersized metalized pegasus and land on the praetor it would not be feasible. besides i would much rather have Perseus deal with that jackass, show him just how insignificant his position really is.

And damn Diana knows how tease him.

And finally happy birthday to me, doubt i will be able to double update today unlike last year unfortunately wont stop me trying.

Don't forget to leave any ideas of what you want to happen in Rome in the reviews. until next time