Percy Jackson and his Lady of the Moon

by NobilBright

Percy Jackson, poisoned with Chaos by Nyx is now slowly fading, he must face the threat of the rising Primordials. After breaking up with Annabeth, he develops unexpected feelings for Artemis. Just as they begin to accept their bond, a war erupts, forcing Percy to storm Tartarus to save the world from destruction.

2. Part 1 (Ch-1-5)

Chapter 1: The Minotaur Returns (Percy's POV):

My heart pounded as I sprinted through the dense woods, the familiar roar of the Minotaur echoing behind me. The beast was relentless, crashing through trees and underbrush with brute force. But I was no longer the inexperienced demigod I once was. Twelve long years of constant battles had honed my skills, turning me into a demon on the battlefield. Most monsters avoided me now, too fearful of a quick trip down below, but Mr. Horns had a personal grudge to settle with me.

As I dodged a swipe from the Minotaur's massive hand, my thoughts wandered. This was supposed to be a simple journey home, a brief respite to celebrate my birthday with my family and friends. I was returning from the West Coast, where I had been assisting Satyrs in their missions to find, protect, and escort demigods to Camp Half-Blood. I had just escorted three demigods to camp. I had been looking forward to resting and celebrating with my family and friends, a rare moment of peace amidst the chaos of my life.

I spun around, slashing Riptide across the Minotaur's leg. The beast howled in pain, swatting at me with supernatural speed, but I barely flinched. I simply sidestepped before lunging once more, clipping the beast's horn and severing it. My mind drifted back to the past seven years. After the defeat of Python and the temporary peace that followed Annabeth and I tried to build a normal life. But the gods had other plans.

No matter how many times I saved the world, the Olympians always had another quest for me, each one more dangerous than the last. Each quest had pulled me further away from Annabeth, straining our relationship to the breaking point. Annabeth eventually moved to Mount Olympus, taking on a prestigious position as an architect, while I had adopted a nomadic lifestyle, always on the move, always fighting.

The Minotaur charged again, and I sidestepped, thrusting Riptide into its side. The beast roared and collapsed, disappearing in a cloud of golden dust. I stood there, panting, staring at the spot where the Minotaur had been. Even now, I couldn't escape the monsters, couldn't escape the call to be a hero.

I sheathed Riptide and continued my journey home, my thoughts melancholic. Despite everything, I still felt a deep sense of duty, a need to protect the world, even if it cost me my everything.

-
Flashback: The Last Seven Years:
My thoughts drifted back to the days after the defeat of Python. For a brief time, it seemed like we might have peace. Annabeth and I moved into a small apartment in New Rome, trying to live like normal people. But the gods were never far away, and they wouldn't let me rest.

Post-Apollo Peace:
The first year had been the easiest. We had enjoyed the quiet, spending time with friends and family, especially with my mother, Sally, and her new family. Estelle had been born, and I adored my little sister. Life was almost normal. Even Zeus, in recognition of all I had done, allowed me to enter his domain. Flying in peace for the first time in my life.
But then the calls began. Zeus needed me to deal with a rogue giant in Canada. My father Poseidon requested my help in the Pacific Ocean to try and calm down Pontus, who had grown tired of his oceans growing dirtier and dirtier. Each request came with dire warnings about what might happen if I refused. Annabeth had been supportive at first, understanding my sense of duty, but as the years went on, the constant danger wore on us both.
Every quest took a piece of me, and every return home felt shorter. Annabeth watched me leave time after time, each departure more painful than the last. She had her own dreams and ambitions, but it seemed like the gods always demanded more from me.
Then, the offer from Mount Olympus came. Annabeth was to design new structures that blended ancient and modern styles. It was her dream job, but it meant living on Olympus and accepting the gift of immortality. Already drifting away from me, she took it without even consulting me, as I was on yet another mission. While I supported her upon my return, the physical distance between us mirrored the emotional gap that had grown over the years. I would never admit it, but the betrayal I felt for her choosing the life I had given up to be with her had begun to eat at me as well.

The Breakup:
Eventually, the strain became too much. We had a long, tearful conversation, realizing that we were on different paths.
"Percy, I don't know how much longer I can do this," Annabeth said, her voice breaking. "Every time you leave, I'm terrified you won't come back."
I looked down, trying to find the right words. "Annabeth, I can't just ignore the calls for help. You know that."
"I know," she whispered, wiping away a tear. "But we can't keep pretending everything is okay when it's not. We are on two different paths, and I'm not sure if they'll ever converge again." So elegant, I thought, I couldn't help but smile. "You always see what others can't wise girl," defeat creeping into my tone.
I tried one last time, I had to but deep down I knew I'd have to let her go, she deserved to follow her dreams. "We've been through so much together," I said, my own voice cracking. "I thought we could get through this too."
She shook her head. "We love each other, Percy, but love isn't enough, not this time. I have dreams too, and I need to follow them."
"And your dream is on Olympus," I said, a hint of bitterness creeping into my voice.
"It's not just about Olympus," she replied softly. "It's about my passions. I need to build something lasting, its who I am, I have to leave for Olympus for the same reason you couldn't stop being a hero, it's who we are, our nature."
We sat in silence for a moment, the weight of our words hanging heavily in the air.
"So, this is it?" I finally asked, my heart aching.
She nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I think it has to be."
We embraced one last time, knowing that this was the end of our journey together. Annabeth moved to Olympus, and I started my nomadic life, taking on quests that no one else could handle, giving up the home we had built together and the dreams we had created.
My thoughts returned to the present as I approached my mom's apartment. It was my birthday, and I was determined to enjoy it, even if just for a moment.
As I knocked on the door, it swung open almost immediately. "Percy!" Sally exclaimed, wrapping me in a warm hug. "Happy birthday, sweetheart!"
"Thanks, Mom," I said, feeling a rare smile spread across my face. For a little while, the weight on my shoulders lifted.
We walked inside, and the familiar smell of homemade blue cookies filled the air. "I've got your favorite," she said, gesturing to the kitchen table.
"You didn't have to go all out," I said, but I was grateful.
"Of course I did. It's not every day my son turns—" she paused, counting in her head, "—twenty-four!"
I chuckled. "Yeah, getting old, huh?"
She laughed, and for a moment, everything felt normal. "Come on, tell me about your latest adventure. I want to hear everything."
I hesitated, not wanting to burden her with the details. But her encouraging smile made me relent. "Well, it started with a call from Chiron, he had told me about some missing Satyrs who were watching some suspected demigods..." I began, and as I spoke, the warmth of home and family enveloped me, if only for a brief time.

Poseidon's Visit:
As the evening went on, a familiar shimmer appeared in the air, and the smell of the sea filled the room as Poseidon materialized in the living room.
"Happy birthday, Percy," my father said, smiling. He handed me a wrapped gift, which turned out to be a beautifully crafted shield made of celestial bronze with driftwood inlays. "For protection, and a reminder that you're never alone."
I smiled, grateful for the gesture. As I grabbed the handle, I could feel the connection instantly. It was more than a simple shield, but I couldn't figure out how. I could feel the ocean resonating through it as if it was a conduit for the ocean. Poseidon smiled with a knowing look on his face.
"Push the button," he suggested.
As I touched the button, the shield morphed into a ring with a trident seal on its head. I smiled, "I love it!" I said happily. "Thank you, Dad."
He nodded, his eyes twinkling. "I thought you might. It's made from the finest materials in the sea. I managed to convince Amphitrite and Triton to bless it along with my blessing, of course, it took some convincing but after you helped with Pontus it wasn't as hard as I feared. It's a symbol that you'll always be welcome in Atlantis." I smiled and hugged him, surprise was evident on his face, but he smiled broadly and chuckled. We sat down, and I couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia. "Do you remember that time I convinced you to save Bessie?" I asked.
Poseidon chuckled. "How could I forget? You were fearless, my boy. I was proud of you then, and I'm proud of you now."
I looked at him, feeling a mix of pride and sorrow. "I miss those simpler times."
He sighed, his expression softening. "We all do. But you've grown stronger with every challenge. The sea is vast and unpredictable, and it seems you've inherited my restlessness. I only hope you learn to slow down, you don't have to be the one to save the world every time."
I sighed and looked him in his eyes, "If it isn't me, then who? The last time I tried to neglect my duties and leave it to someone else, Jason died. I should've been there, I should've gone with Apollo. I didn't, and someone else paid the price."

Poseidon sighed and looked away, giving up for now, he changed the subject.
We talked about the sea, family, and old times. "How's your kingdom?" I asked.
"Well," Poseidon replied. "Peaceful, having Pontus wake, seemed at first to spell the end of my rein over the Seas, but with your help, he's joined with me, I've never been more powerful, my control over the Oceans is absolute, even Oceanus's kingdom has bent the knee, I thought I understood the Sea's, I believed my control and connection was total, Pontus has humbled me, he's been teaching me many things, I feel a new understanding, I don't just command the Seven sea's, I'm becoming them. I think that's his plan, I believe he's looking to sleep, like Gaia and Ouranos, and he wishes to truly leave someone to take his place. "
I nodded. "Could you become a primordial? Would it change you?" I asked worried.
"No, nothing so severe, he's merely teaching me secrets he's kept to himself since the beginning of time, he's showing me how to truly connect to my domain, rather than merely command it. I'd almost look at it as him recognizing me as his heir, giving me more control over…. Well him. I'm the God of the Seas Percy, but he…. Well, he is the Sea. When you swim, you are swimming through my kingdom but you are quite literally swimming through him"
I shuddered remembering Tartarus. "I understand, I saw through the mist once while me and Annabeth were in…. You know" Poseidon's face changed from contemplative to worried, "You've never spoken about your time down, there, I didn't know you truly saw his true form."
"I saw both, him as Tartarus the place and the body he built for himself. Iapetus and Damasen distracted him so we could escape. I took a sip of my drink, deep in thought. Poseidon reached out, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Remember, you are never alone. The sea, your family, we are always with you."
As the night drew to a close, I knew this moment of peace was fleeting. The next morning, a message would come, another quest, another threat. But for now, I allowed myself to enjoy the warmth of my family, a brief respite in my endless journey.
"Take care of yourself, Percy," Poseidon said, his voice filled with fatherly concern. "And remember, this shield – it's not just a gift. It's a promise. You will always have my protection and where you walk so too does Atlantis."
"Thank you, Dad," I said, my heart full. "For everything."
With a final embrace, Poseidon shimmered and disappeared, leaving behind the comforting scent of the sea. I looked at the ring on my finger, feeling the connection to my father and the ocean. For now, in this fleeting moment of peace, I felt… whole.

Chapter 2: The Summoning:
The Summons came that night in my dreams. Lightning flashed as a booming voice spoke. "Perseus Jackson, you are needed. Make your way to Mount Olympus with haste."
As ever, I decided to keep them waiting. The next day, I took Estelle to the zoo. Only after that did I head to the Empire State Building.
Making my way towards the elevator that would take me to Olympus, the guard barely glanced my way, already used to my frequent ventures there. It had been two days since my birthday, and the weight of Zeus's summons was heavy on my mind. I knew I had kept the gods waiting, a deliberate act of defiance born from frustration and weariness. As I made my way towards the throne room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at having made them wait, a small act of rebellion against their constant demands.
Upon entering the throne room, I was met with a mixture of expressions from the assembled gods—some displaying thinly veiled annoyance, while others wore expressions of curiosity or concern. I ignored the judgmental stares and focused instead on the imposing figure of Zeus, seated regally upon his throne.
"Percy Jackson," Zeus boomed, his voice echoing throughout the chamber. "You grace us with your presence at last."
I met Zeus's gaze head-on, refusing to back down in the face of the god's imposing presence. "Apologies for the delay, Lord Zeus," I replied evenly, my tone betraying none of the frustration that churned within me.
Zeus's expression remained impassive, though I could sense the simmering tension that lingered beneath the surface. "Your tardiness is noted," Zeus said, his voice clipped. "But we have more pressing matters to attend to."
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at Zeus's thinly veiled reprimand. Instead, I squared my shoulders and prepared myself for whatever task the gods had deemed necessary for me.
"Two days ago, you celebrated your birth, an important moment for our world," Zeus began, his tone grave. "But today, we have a matter of grave importance to discuss."
My stomach clenched as I braced myself for the revelation of my next quest. I knew that whatever task lay ahead would not be easy, but I was determined to face it head-on, regardless of the consequences.
"Nyx, the primordial goddess of night, has begun to stir once more," Zeus continued, his voice echoing with the weight of the news. "Her resurgence threatens to plunge both mortal and divine realms into darkness."
My mind raced as I absorbed the gravity of the situation. Not Tartarus, I thought, anywhere but there. But instead, I said, "If I am to go back there I don't know if I will return. It was pure luck that Annabeth and I made it out last time. I'd have to consult Nico and Uncle H first. Even then I'm doubtful, Nyx is not to be taken lightly; her power immense and her motives inscrutable."
Zeus ever so slightly paled. Even he, as an Elder god and one of the big three, did not enter the pit lightly.
Just then a voice, cold and yet warm, spoke. "Consult me now, Nephew, but not about that. The Council would never send anyone there, especially a mortal." I looked at my uncle and smiled weakly, only now letting fear take me as I no longer needed to be brave. "Good, I am grateful. I feared that would be the request. Anything other than that will be simple in comparison." Hades smiled slightly, imperceptible to all but the few who knew him or his children well enough. And I knew Nico far too well to miss it.
"What would you have me do, Lord Zeus?" I asked, my voice steady despite the turmoil within.
"You are to seek out any information regarding Nyx's resurgence," Zeus commanded, his tone brooking no argument. "Gather what allies you can, for this task will not be easy."
I nodded in understanding, my resolve hardening with each passing moment. I may have kept the gods waiting, but I was determined to make up for lost time by throwing myself wholeheartedly into the task ahead.
But before I could turn to leave, my father spoke.
"So yet again you deem to send my son into danger, nay not just danger but certain death. Over and over again you do this. He has given enough to Olympus. Let him rest, brother."
I hadn't expected this, nor did I expect the sincerity in my father's voice or the anger in his eyes. But before I could speak, Hades beat him to it, raising his hand and looking up from his throne.
"Brother peace, Zeus has come to me. To my very palace. He has taken counsel with me about your request. We have both agreed that your desire is in the best interest of Olympus. The three stand united in purpose not seen since the first war against our father. Your request is to be granted."
Poseidon looked shocked. "Truly?"
Zeus answered him this time, and whatever I expected, it was not what was said next. "You were right Poseidon, I was on the verge of agreeing with you two years prior but for political reasons I rejected your request. Hades has helped me see the truth, after all he has done for us, for Olympus, yes, I agree, he has earned it."
Poseidon smiled. "Very well. It's settled then."
"What is settled?" I asked.
"Not yet, son. Finish this last quest and all will be revealed."
With that, I knew better than to press it. The meeting was done.
As I turned to leave, I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I turned to see Poseidon standing behind me, his expression a mixture of pride and sadness. "You will do us proud, Percy," Poseidon said, his voice soft but tinged with emotion.
I searched my father's eyes for answers, but Poseidon simply offered me a reassuring smile before turning away. With a heavy heart, I exited the throne room. As I made my way down back towards the mortal realm, I heard my name.
"Percy!" cried Apollo.
"Lester!" I called back, and then I saw her. Artemis was scowling at me, but even with her annoyance, I couldn't help staring into her striking silver eyes.
"Why do you call him that? It's disrespectful," Artemis said with disdain.
"Sorry," I muttered. Most gods I'd give a rude retort or even roll my eyes at, but Artemis was different. Artemis was one of the few gods I genuinely respected, alongside my father, Hestia, and Apollo. Unlike most gods, she was actively involved in the world of mortals, and she had been a friend to Zoë.
"Be nice, Arty. It's a compliment. It means I've not become the jerk I was and most gods still are. You okay, Perce? You look sad," asked Apollo.
"I'm fine, just a memory of an old friend," I answered.
"Who?" Apollo inquired.
"Someone I should think about more often. It's strange what time does to you as it passes…"
Artemis looked uncomfortable, and Apollo looked angry. "See, this is what I was talking about, Arty. They have no concern for anyone but themselves. Heroes like Percy lose and lose, and what is their reward? More loss!"

"Apollo," Artemis said exasperatedly, "I just got you back. Please shut your mouth before they turn you into something worse than Lester."

"I liked Lester," I said.

Artemis scowled. "Of course you did," she replied. "And I understand your anger, Apollo, but Percy chooses this life. He wants to save others. It isn't fair, but so many people are alive today because of him."

"He chooses this life? What choice did we give him? Hey, Percy, do this suicidal quest or we'll have to give it to one of your friends or, worse, one of the new generation of demigods—you know, the ones you found, saved, and trained. Thanks! We should do this again soon! How about next week?"
Artemis grew visibly uncomfortable. I could tell, and I felt bad for her. "Hey, Apollo, it's cool, really. I don't want you and Artemis fighting on my account."
"And what if he dies?" Apollo continued, his frustration evident. "His mother, his friends, and Olympus help me, but I'm his friend as well. I won't lose anyone else, not like Jason. Why do they have to take from everyone? It isn't fair. He lost Annabeth and a chance at true happiness because we can't just leave him alone!"
Artemis scowled at her brother's last remark, her anger matching his. Yet, beneath her facade of irritation, there was a subtle hint of vulnerability. A faint blush, as if touched by the warm glow of the sun, tinged her cheeks with a soft, golden hue, betraying emotions she struggled to conceal.
"Hey, guys, I'm still here," I interjected, trying to remind them it's rude to dredge up my personal life. "But honestly, I gave up minding a long time ago. I'm content with my fate," I said sadly before waving goodbye and leaving.

Outside, the grandeur of Mount Olympus seemed to mock me, a stark reminder of the weight of my responsibilities as both a demigod and a son of Poseidon. The towering peaks and majestic clouds whispered ancient secrets, their silent presence a testament to the enduring power of the gods.
But I squared my shoulders and set my jaw, determined to face whatever dangers lay ahead with determination. The echoes of past battles and lost friends resonated within me, fueling my resolve as I prepared to embark on yet another perilous journey.

Chapter 3 - (POV) Artemis:
"Sorry," Percy had muttered, an unusual deference in his voice. Most gods would have received a rude retort or an eye roll from him, but not Artemis; Percy respected her, one of the few gods besides his father. I found myself inexplicably giddy at his show of respect, a feeling that left me both bewildered and confused.
"Be nice, Arty," Apollo had said, attempting to lighten the mood. "It's a compliment.
Apollo looked at Percy. "You okay, Perce? You look sad."
"I'm fine, just a memory of an old friend," Percy had answered, his voice tinged with melancholy.
"Who?" Apollo inquired.
"Someone I should think about more often. Strange what time does to you as it passes…." Percy's voice trailed off, and I felt a pang of discomfort. Apollo's expression had shifted to one of anger.
"See, this is what I was talking about, Arty. They have no concern for anyone but themselves. Heroes like Percy lose and lose, and what is their reward? More loss!"
"Apollo," I said exasperatedly, "I just got you back. Please shut your mouth before they turn you into something worse than Lester."
"I liked Lester," Percy said.
I scowled. "Of course you did," I said. "And I understand your anger, Apollo, but Percy chooses this life. He wants to save others. It isn't fair, but so many people are alive today because of Percy."
"He chooses this life? What choice did we give him? Hey, Percy, do this suicidal quest or we'll have to give it to one of your friends or, worse, one of the new generation of demigods—you know, the ones you found, saved, and trained. Thanks! We should do this again soon! How about next week?"
I felt uncomfortable, feeling a pang of regret. I cared deeply for Perseus, though I wasn't sure if he knew that or not. I had been confused about him ever since he helped Zoe free me from my prison under the sky, he had befriended her, and that both intrigued and impressed me. Now that he's broken up with Annabeth that confusion has only grown. I had been actively avoiding him since his breakup, unsure of how to handle these foreign feelings. I had been one of his loudest advocates on the council, and I wondered if he had noticed my coldness lately.
"Hey, Apollo, it's cool, really. I don't want you and Artemis fighting on my account." Why must he be like this? He hasn't changed. He's the same wonderful person he was when he took the weight of the sky from me.
"And what if he dies?" continued Apollo. "His mother, his friends, and Olympus help me, but I'm his friend as well. I won't lose anyone else, not like Jason. Why do they have to take from everyone? It isn't fair. He lost Annabeth and a chance at true happiness because we can't just leave him alone!"
I scowled at my brother's last remark. For some reason, the mention of the daughter of Athena aggravated me, both I and Apollo were starting to get angry when Percy defused the situation.
"Hey, guys, I'm still here," Percy said, "But honestly, I gave up minding a long time ago. I'm content with my fate," I noticed how sad his eyes were when he spoke, he then waved goodbye and left me and my twin alone.
As I watched Percy's retreating figure I remembered that perfect day after he defeated Kronos and freed my mother and I couldn't help but notice how the grandeur of Mount Olympus stood in stark contrast to the lone figure descending back into the mortal world. I sighed, a rare sound from me, and turned my gaze to Apollo.
"See," I said, attempting to reassure myself more than my brother. "He's fine."
"You know, sister, it used to be me who was deaf to others' feelings. Looks like we traded places." Apollo teleported away, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
As Apollo left, I tried not to think of the troubles we had added for Perseus to shoulder..
My mind wandered back to our conversation and then further back to the first time I had met Percy. He had been a brash young demigod, full of energy and hope. His sea-green eyes had sparkled with mischief and determination. His black hair had been short and unruly, matching his carefree spirit. He had asked me who I thought I was, and Zoe had been offended for my sake.
Zoe... She had formed an unexpected friendship with Percy, even receiving her blessing to wield her old sword. Though I would never admit it, I harbored intense feelings for Percy that both confused and frightened me. I couldn't forget how he had freed my mother and the other peaceful Titans after the war with the Titans, using his wish selflessly. He had been adamant that the gods needed to see his wish through, he ensured their release. I still remember seeing my mother again for the first time in many years, and the first time where my mother was free. I struggled with my emotions. I had tried to keep my distance from Percy, to ignore what he had done. I was confused and angry at Apollo for putting me in such an awkward position. But my mother had scolded me. I smiled at the memory. Leto forced me to go with her and Apollo to dinner with Perseus near her new home in Florida to thank the Son of Poseidon properly. I was not happy with my mother, but in the end, it became one of the fondest memories of my entire immortal life. He, like always, handled the situation with humility. He impressed my mother greatly, and I have had to suffer through many a family dinner hearing my mother go on and on about the humble and dashing Perseus Jackson.
Now, years after that war, Percy had changed a lot. Gone was the young man who sailed to Greece with the Seven. I had looked him over while he was reporting to the council for his new quest, noticing the changes he'd undergone. His hair was long, often tied into a bun, and he sported a thick beard. His eyes still held their characteristic brightness, but they were tinged with a weariness and sadness that spoke of countless battles and losses. The boy I had first met was now a man, a hero burdened by the weight of the world.
Apollo's words echoed in my mind. "Heroes like Percy lose and lose, and what is their reward? More loss!" I couldn't deny the truth in my brother's words. Percy had sacrificed so much, and we gods continued to demand more from him.
I sighed again. I admired Percy's resilience, but I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. I had always believed in the greater good, in the necessity of sacrifice for the survival of many. Yet, maybe I was being a hypocrite. Seeing Percy struggle so much made me wish to pawn the quests off on some other hero, one I cared nothing for. I wondered if we were asking too much from him, from all demigods.
I respected Percy deeply, not just for his deeds but for who he was as a person, and as a man. He was one of the rare mortals who had earned my genuine respect, and the list that had earned my respect who were also men was well short. But respect did not ease the burden of my role or the guilt that gnawed at me when I saw the toll our demands took on him. Could Apollo be right? Were we forcing Percy to help us? Were we taking advantage of his fatal flaw? Was I complicit in the destruction of the greatest hero Olympus has ever seen? Were we tricking him? I didn't know. I hadn't accepted my feelings. How could I judge my kin?
I glanced around the throne room, my gaze landing on the empty thrones of my fellow Olympians. I knew we all had our reasons, our justifications for why Percy was the one to face Nyx. But as I stood there, alone with my thoughts, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were all complicit in the suffering of a hero who had already given so much.
With a heavy heart, I left the throne room, my mind filled with thoughts of Percy Jackson and the unfair life he had lived. I vowed to myself that I would do everything in my power to ensure that this quest would not break him. Because heroes like Percy deserved more than just loss; they deserved a chance at happiness and peace.

Chapter 4: Gathering the Seven:

Percy stood at the edge of the woods, looking out over Camp Half-Blood. The familiar sights and sounds filled me with a bittersweet sense of nostalgia. It had been six days since my birthday, four days since I had made the gods wait for me on Mount Olympus. Now, I had a new quest, a daunting task that weighed heavily on my mind. But first, I needed to gather my friends—the Seven, the ones who had fought by my side in the most challenging battles.
The camp was bustling with activity as demigods trained and prepared for their daily routines. I made my way toward the Big House, where I knew Chiron would be. As I approached, I spotted Nico di Angelo standing by the porch, his usual dark attire making him stand out among the campers.
"Nico!" I called out, waving.
Nico turned and gave a rare smile. "Percy, it's good to see you."
I clasped Nico's hand in a firm handshake, pulling him into a brief hug. "You too. We've got a lot to talk about."
We walked together into the Big House, where Chiron greeted us with a warm smile. After a brief catch-up, I explained my new quest and the need to gather our old friends.
"Are you sure about this, Percy?" Chiron asked, his voice tinged with concern. "It's been a long time since the Seven have been together. Their circumstances have all changed, they all live very different lives, and they may not come."
"No, they will come. They won't abandon each other, not after all we've been through," I replied, determination in my eyes. No one said anything about Annabeth and how she couldn't come even if she wished to. They didn't want to hurt me any more than I was already.
Nico nodded in agreement. "I'll contact the others. They'll want to know what's going on."
We spent the next few hours reaching out to our friends. Piper McLean and her boyfriend, Jason Grace, had once been part of the Seven, but Jason had tragically died in battle. Piper was now living a quieter life, trying to find peace away from the chaos. Hazel Levesque and Frank Zhang were in New Rome, helping rebuild the Roman demigod community. Leo Valdez and Calypso were traveling the world, exploring new places and finding adventure.
One by one, they responded, each expressing their willingness to join me on this new quest. However, there was a noticeable absence—Annabeth Chase. She had chosen the immortal life on Mount Olympus, trading the life of a hero for a different kind of responsibility. I respected her decision, but it still hurt to think about her being so far away, living a life I couldn't be a part of.
As we waited for the others to arrive, Nico and I walked around the camp, reminiscing about old times. It was a bittersweet walk down memory lane, filled with laughter and moments of silence as we remembered friends we had lost along the way.
Two days later, the Seven were reunited. Hazel and Frank arrived from New Rome, their presence bringing a sense of strength and stability. Piper showed up with a quiet determination, her eyes reflecting the pain of losing Jason but also the resolve to keep fighting. Leo and Calypso appeared last, their arrival marked by a burst of laughter and a flurry of hugs.
"Looks like the gang's all here," Leo said, grinning widely. "Well, almost."
I nodded. "Almost. Annabeth won't be joining us. She's got her own responsibilities now."
There was a moment of silence as everyone absorbed this news. Annabeth had been a crucial part of our team, and her absence was deeply felt. But we understood her decision and respected it. Calypso looked at me, both sadness and anger in her eyes. She remembered our time spent on her island and all I had given up to be reunited with the daughter of Athena. I and the others may not hold a grudge against her, but Calypso did—Leo as well, he came to see her point of view once he realized her feelings came from a place of friendship and nothing more. After their many talks during their worldwide adventure, he began to feel bad for me and grew rather protective.
"We've got some new faces to help us out," I said, breaking the silence. "Clarisse La Rue and Will Solace will be joining us. They're strong fighters, and we're going to need all the strength we can get."
Clarisse, the headstrong daughter of Ares, and Will, the skilled healer and son of Apollo, stepped forward. They had been friends and allies in many battles, and their addition to the group brought a renewed sense of purpose.
"Alright, let's do this," Clarisse said, her voice filled with determination. "We've got a world to save."
Will nodded. "And I'll be here to patch you all up when you get hurt."
I smiled, feeling a surge of hope. Despite the losses and the challenges ahead, I had my friends by my side. Together, we had faced unimaginable dangers and emerged victorious. This time would be no different.
We spent the rest of the day planning and preparing, each of us contributing our unique skills and knowledge. As the sun set over Camp Half-Blood, we gathered around the campfire, sharing stories and strengthening our bonds.
"So, Nico, any rumblings from the land down under?" I asked. Nico smirked at my nickname for his father's kingdom. "Sadly, no. But also, perhaps that is good. No mass monster breakout. No rebellions. The Underworld is a realm of order at the moment."
I stroked my beard. "I'd like to say that is good, but perhaps Nyx learned from Gaia, maybe she's working from the shadows."
Clarisse groaned. "Really, seaweed brain?"
I laughed. "Nico and Will should lead this quest. They have the most experience dealing with Nyx."
Nico sighed. "We have the most experience running from Nyx, but if that is what you want, Perce, we've got your back, brother."
I smiled and looked around at my friends, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. They were more than just allies; they were family. And no matter what lay ahead, I knew we would face it together.

Chapter 5: Seeking Answers:

The Seven, now reunited and bolstered by the addition of Clarisse and Will, spent the next few days at Camp Half-Blood. Their initial joy at being together again was quickly tempered by the seriousness of their mission. They dove into research, scouring ancient texts and consulting the camp's wisest inhabitants to uncover any clues about the rising threat of Nyx.
We huddled in the Big House library, poring over dusty tomes and scrolls. Nico di Angelo, always a figure of mystery and determination, seemed particularly driven. He had an idea that might lead us to answers.
"Nico, you seem to have something on your mind," Hazel said, looking up from a thick book of prophecies.
Nico nodded. "I think it's time we called on someone who might have inside information. I'm going to try to get Nemesis's attention."
"Nemesis? The goddess of revenge?" Frank asked, his eyebrows rising. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
Nico shrugged. "We need answers, and she might have them. Besides, she has a unique perspective on the balance of power among the gods and titans. If anyone knows about Nyx's plans, it could be her."
I glanced around at my friends. They were all tired but determined. "Alright, Nico. Let's give it a shot."
We made our way to a secluded spot by the camp's lake. Nico stood at the water's edge, concentrating. He pulled out a gold drachma and raised it high.
"O Iris, goddess of the rainbow, accept my offering," Nico intoned, then tossed the coin into the lake. A shimmering rainbow appeared, and Nico called out, "Nemesis, we seek your wisdom. Please, show yourself."
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the water rippled, and the image of Nemesis appeared. Her stern face and piercing eyes sent a shiver through the group.
"Nico di Angelo," she said, her voice echoing with power. "Why do you call on me?"
"We need information," Nico replied. "Nyx is rising, and we need to know what she's planning. Specifically, we need to know about her first strike."
Nemesis's eyes narrowed. "Nyx's plans are dark and far-reaching. But I will tell you this: her first target will be Iapetus, the traitorous titan. You must seek him out."
"Iapetus?" I asked, surprised. "Why him?"
"He betrayed his own kind to help the Olympians," Nemesis said. "Nyx considers him a threat to her power. Find him, and you may find the answers you seek."
"Thank you, Nemesis," Nico said, bowing his head slightly. The goddess's image faded, leaving us with more questions than answers.
"Who's Iapetus?" Clarisse asked, looking confused.
"He's a titan who sided with us during the last major conflict," I explained. "He lost his memory and was known as Bob for a while. But he regained his memory and decided to help us anyway."
"We need to find him," Piper said. "If Nyx is targeting him, he might be in danger—and he might have crucial information."
We quickly agreed and began making plans to locate Iapetus. Nico used his connections to the underworld to track the titan's whereabouts. After a few hours of intense concentration and consulting with spirits, Nico found a lead.
"He's on the West Coast, near San Francisco."
A murmur of surprise went through the group. San Francisco was familiar territory, but it still posed its own set of challenges.
"Then that's where we'll go," I said, my voice steady.
The others nodded, their resolve hardening. We spent the next few hours gathering supplies and preparing for the journey. As the sun set over Camp Half-Blood, we stood together, ready to face the unknown once more.
With a final glance around the camp, I led my friends toward the entrance to the mortal world. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but we were determined to find Iapetus and uncover Nyx's plans. Our journey was just beginning, and we knew we would need every ounce of courage and strength to succeed.