Recap:

It has come to my attention that the story as of late has been confusing. I apologize about that. I do have a plan about the direction of the plot and I'm trying to build up to something big. What with different gods added into the mix, different character relationships, and all that jazz. I also don't want to make the story too short. So as sort of a small reveal, after this arc I'm going to dive into a whole new storyline that happens between the third and fourth book. During that time the scattered plots will no longer be scattered. This first story is gonna end with the fifth book. Later I plan on making a continuation with the seven. I hope this will make up for my mess-ups or confusion.

Anyway, the recap. Starting right before the third book starts.

After Percy gets shot by the hunters old memories resurface with the help of Psyche and Percy doesn't know how to cope. He tries everything that comes to mind and nothing manages to cut it. Not being alone, not being with family, not talking about, nor risking his life. Percy's mood swings drastically because he is trying to overcome all the hurt, but he can't. His heroic flaw is loyally and when it breaks or is lost it affects Percy to such a degree it forms a scar that'll take forever to heal. His mind is trying to find the best way to heal, but because he doesn't have some closure it can't do that properly. His best coping mechanism is sarcasm, humor, and fighting. He constantly goes back to it when other's fail. But he can't fight at the moment s it's piling up. That isn't good. I'm showing that Percy isn't perfect. He is still a child and human after-all.

When Percy has his alone time, Atlas gives Percy an ultimatum; take the sky or have your family killed. So of course Percy attempts to distance himself from everything because he doesn't want either to happen. Yet, Atlas is relentless and uses his trump card. He knows where his family of nature spirits lives, if you haven't guesses by now, and shows Percy that he isn't playing. So given a time table Percy agrees to his terms, only if he swears to leave his family alone. Atlas agrees. It was purely coincidence that the other demigods were there when the final decision was made.

He takes the sky and Artemis shows up about a day later captured as well. Atlas wants payback, but Percy reminded Atlas of his oath. So, he left her alone to do his own thing with his freedom. The two get to talking because what else are they to do? Oh and as a present, that is what the last line means. Percy shares regrets and parts of his life while attempting to free Artemis. Does, but she won't go because she feels responsible. So she starts telling him parts of her life. Thus the vision Bianca saw.

During all of this Annabeth, Thalia, Triton, Grover, Zoe, and Bianca have their quest to save them. They can hardly work together. Each have their own goals and means to attain them. Triton only cares about Percy after trying and failing to please the other's. Annabeth and Thalia need to prove something. Bianca needs experience. Grover is paying back Percy. And Zoe only cares for Artemis. The last chapter was a start at them working together focusing on trusting the others to accomplish their parts of the plan.

Now the curse Percy is baring is a strange one. Only an immortal can hold the sky for extended periods of time and still come out relatively normal. Percy isn't immortal, but the curse needs someone to hold it until it's taken over. His godly side is fighting his mortal body so he can live, but his body can only take so much before giving out. And with the passage of time it's wearing him out. Cue the saving of the moon goddess and it's wearing him out faster. If they can't save him sooner rather than later his body will give out completely.

I hope this helps.

Now... Story time!

Third Person POV:

"Come on Percy; stay awake, come on." Artemis verbally demanded from her not much of a prison, prison.

"I... don't... want... Desert...Ma..." Percy outright giggled causing the water in his pool to shift. Things have been getting a lot worse ever since yesterday. He was coherent then and as stable as can be. Now he can barely stay awake even though the water has been constantly demanding him to push further. His thoughts are skewed and his vision has gone blank.

"Has our boy finally gone delusional? How marvelous!" Atlas's voice boomed across the mountain top. "I've been patiently waiting and now the time has finally come. Luke! How much longer?" Atlas demanded shouted over his shoulder to where the demigod sat, casually. He looked like he wasn't paying attention the way he was picking at an ordinary apple with his sword. Actually, he appeared to be out of himself.

"Like I've said before, they are on schedule all will be hear by tomorrow night. We still have nearly two days." Luke's attention never wavered from the fruit. His leg dangled off the side of the rock he perched on swinging back and forth.

"Luke?..." It sounded like Percy was trying to figure out who exactly that was. It left a bad taste in his mouth, yet it also brought a feeling of familiarity. "Nice..." It came out as a adjective. It was said with such sincerity it in no way came out as a joke. As if all his past crimes never occurred in the first place.

Five seconds of solid silence echoed. Suddenly Atlas's laughter roared throughout. His sheer voice caused rocks to rumble. "AHHAHA I BROKE HIM! I! BROKE! YOUR! HERO! ME! HAHAHAH! This is perfect!" Atlas continued to throw his accomplishment around. He tossed insults and curses at dear Percy as he began to approach him. He was taking his time enjoying every second with a high. Only a broken hero would have the audacity to call their enemy nice and actually mean it. Even go so far as smile.

Artemis's breath hitched when Atlas knelt in front of Poseidon's son. Atlas yanked back his hair. He wanted for Percy to see the one who broke him. He wanted Percy to know who it was that broke, shattered, and ground his mind into the earth by the heels. The Titan spat in his face before taking the chance to palm his nose leaving it broken, leaking, and bent out of shape. "A little gift for being such a pain in the ass. The King sends his regards." Atlas hissed letting go of Percy's head. The water immediately gathered in an instinctual pact to heal.

Luke had the gall to look away ashamed.

While Atlas took his leave in higher spirits then he ever has before.

Artemis wouldn't dare shut her eyes. Nor her mouth. She was still shocked that Atlas would dare trample over someone who was already beaten. It took every ounce of willpower not to jump in and protect the boy. Artemis had little doubt she could take Atlas, but her concern was still Percy. If she went after the Titan what would they do to him? Or if she went to defend Percy, there is no telling what would happen. They planned out far too much. They were smart. She just can't risk it at the moment. All it would take is one lucky shot. No. She needs to wait so the odds are in her favor. In their favor.

"Not... Broken..." Percy mumbled; head swaying, a small smile gracing his lips, teeth bloody. Perhaps he was still somewhat coherent after all.

"Percy. Percy listen to me carefully. I need to you give me the burden. Not forever just for a moment. Your friends and family need you. You can't help them if you're stuck here." Artemis spoke slowly.

"He also can't help if he's dead." Luke intercepted. He was still here eyeing the two of them. Artemis could take him. Perhaps even throw him under the sky and flee with Percy. That seems probable. Yet for some ungodly reason, she has a sense that if she does do something, things will end up far worse. She never doubted her instincts. Maybe it has something to do with being the sister to the god of prophecies. She's not sure. What she does know is that there is a quest set to have them rescued.

"You're wrong. That man is a stubborn fool with no sense of giving up. He'll survive this." Artemis made her point. Percy was as stubborn as they come. If not more.

"That, I have little doubt about. But here and now you're in the wrong. The moment the sky is lifted off his shoulders we kill him. Orders from the big man himself. Do you want to know why?" Artemis didn't respond so Luke continued, "One, he is far too unpredictable to be of any use. Two, he knows too much. And three, he has influence." Luke smirked. Influence over what?

Oh, Artemis could definitely get them both out of here. So why won't she dare move? Because she needs to know more. This wasn't some half assed plan thrown together last second. No, Luke is very cocky and Atlas is downright neglectful. There is a reason for that. As much as Artemis hates to admit it, they are not stupid. They managed to capture her and another very serious threat. That in itself doesn't come lightly. Of course she had to fall for the ruse that a girl was in trouble. All of that and the fact that ancient laws forbid her from acting in such a manor.

The Olympians need to know what is going on and prepare. This means she needs to be smart over how to handle it. Sorry Perseus. If there was anything that could be done she would already have done it. But, she can't involve herself until she has been acted upon. Stupid? Definitely.

"Then why go through all the trouble?" Artemis asked.

"Do you have any idea what he has been up to since he left camp after the quest in the Sea of Monsters? Or during that time after showing up at camp for a single day?" Luke sat up from his lax position and stared directly at Artemis. She did nothing to coerce a response other than a blank face, "Of course you don't. Maybe when he's dead, he'd be more willing to share. Until then, it will do us best to keep him out of commission."

"All of this for a mere demigod? Maybe the Titans aren't as powerful as they made themselves out to be." Artemis teased looking unimpressed.

Luke launched from his seat and pointed the tip of Backbiter at her, "There is nothing mere about that demigod! After all that alone time with him, I'm sure you understand." Luke scoffed before sheathing his sword. Leaving the two prisoners be. "If you Olympians don't remove your head out of your asses, he'll be an even bigger threat to you. Out if everyone, it seems that only Lord Kronos isn't making the mistake of underestimating him." The atmosphere chilled with a dark shadow creeping by.

"...Lava... Soup..." Percy mumbled causing the goddess to sigh and relax her posture. His moment of clarity has come and gone with nothing to show for it. Artemis doesn't like waiting, yet there isn't much else she can do. Not liking and being capable of it are two very different things. So they wait. Waiting is easier for Artemis than Percy. She's had all the practice with her immortal life. To him a day is a long time, a week even more. Her concept of time is so different, she sits, lets her mind empty and recall ways thing could have gone differently. He is constantly fidgeting, forcing time to slow. Though that may just be the sky talking. Waiting on her own is simple, with him in tow it's exhausting just watching or hearing him struggle.

She had the full intention of interrogating information out him about his whereabouts and knowledge. Yet, as the minutes turned to hours, to days she grew more and more intrigued by his own story. It was, putting it simply, a ying yang experience. Every good had a tinge of bad that was mirrored by the bad with a tinge of good in it. Artemis isn't even sure why he began telling her so much, it just happened... For Percy on the other hand, it built up so much over his young life that the damn burst. Once he started he couldn't stop. It happened the same way with Psyche too. Yet, even Percy managed to filter out certain aspects that he deemed to personal.

So upon hearing his request to tell him about her life, she hesitantly did so. This man knows more about her than nearly any other being out there. It freaked her out while bringing an aura of relief. It shouldn't. Yet, it does. Who knew?

It's sad knowing that the only reason they have this bond is because of a terrible experience. Anywhere else, they wouldn't dare be so open. But people do the damnest things when their lives are on the line. Or in this case, when somebody else's lives are on the line and they simply want to protect them.

A heroes tale is never a happy one. Artemis truly feels sorry for her fellow prisoner. Perhaps there is still a chance for him to live through this.

Hopefully.

Hope. The last thing to die.

Thalia's POV:

When we arrived at the dam I honestly believed that we were gonna have to search a little harder for whatever the Hades we were supposed to find. And I definitely wasn't expecting it to be two deities frolicking about all kissy face with each other. Most certainly not here of all places. I mean who would dare choose to have a date at the Hoover Dam of all places when their is literally the entire world for them? I am never going to understand gods or goddesses.

It was clear that this wasn't a coincidence because there is no such thing in our line of work, but just in case we approached cautiously. From in front so they can definitely see us coming. I felt weird doing this though. Not bad because gods didn't deserve that. But in a way that made me wonder what a date would be like... Yeah, I bet that's what Aphrodite is making me feel. I hate it. Screw her. I hate her. I'm angry and want to fight... And there is the Ares aura.

Gods, what's the matter with me!? Just get over it! We're doing this in order to save our comrade. So come on! Get your head on straight and do what you have to Thalia.

They were across the courtyard sitting in a shaded spot. Of course that's not all. It was clean, like unbelievably so. Completely spotless with brand new benches still shining. Ares wore simple biker gang attire with a leather jacket, sunglasses, black combat boots, and ripped jeans. All of which he filled out, tightly. So this is the bastard Percy fought, according to Grover and Annabeth. Crazy bastard.

Aphrodite wore a seamless white dress that stopped just below her thighs. Her hair was down and flowing in the light breeze. So all in all, I despised every bit of it. Hair? Perfect. Shoes? Fancy. Dress? Overdone. Makeup? Gag worthy. It was not my type of fashion.

"Finally! I was beginning to wonder if you were ever gonna show up." Aphrodite cheered with a perfect smile. It irked me. How can one person annoy me this much just from appearance? Ugh, I'd rather be a Hunter of Artemis than deal with this.

"So it's true then? The problem child isn't here?" Ares cut in before anyone of us got the chance to respond. "What I wouldn't give to knock some sense into that brat." Ares smirked. From my left side I heard Triton growl in response. "But I guess his punishment fits the crime as of now." Triton drew his weapon while glaring down the Olympian. Ares responded by dragging out his own sword.

"What do you say beef for brains, care to try against the brats brother?" Triton insulted. I wouldn't say that was a good idea, but who am I to stop two gods going at it?

"We shan't have any of that." Aphrodite ordered giving a glare of her own. So miss pretty actually does have a dark side? That is interesting. Ares obliged followed closely by our own comrade. In the blink of an eye her demeanor changed back to princessie and regal. "Now you boys have fun while I have a lovely chat with these young ladies." Aphrodite prodded with her dazzling smile. Ugh, again.

Grover looked like he was about to have a heart attack. I definitely wouldn't want to be him right now... Actually considering the company, I would rather be in his shoes. Sitting about with a cup of tea and mindless chatter isn't really for me.

The two gods scoffed dragging goat boy with them. Honestly, can they really keep it together? They wanted to murder each other at first glance just now. "Don't worry about the brutes. They know better. Oh where are my manners? Please sit. Have some delicious sandwiches and a cup of tea while we talk." Aphrodite waved her hand forming a picnic basket, cups, utensils, and pillows for us to sit on. It just now occurred to me that she wasn't actually sitting down on the bench. Even if it was spotless. It must be beneath her or some garbage like that.

"Talk about what exactly?" Zoe asked with a tinge of uncomfortableness in her tone. Oh, I might just enjoy this.

"Why you're on this quest of yours of course!" Aphrodite chirped while managing to touch up her lipstick. Suddenly a whirlwind of thoughts floated around my mind on exactly why I was here. Yea, I didn't want to exactly share that. Sooo, I just decided to remain silent. Like my compatriots.

Until Bianca spoke up, "Isn't it obvious? We trying to save the world here." Bianca vaguely gestured around her. Aphrodite looked at her with distaste that was almost palpable.

"Oh dear, do you really believe that?" Bianca's statement had caused the beauty queen to lower her cup to her lap.

"Of course! Artemis is in peril and without her things will no doubt go from bad to worse. Do you understand that?" Zoe spat. Clearly they have some sort of feud... Oh, right. One swore off men and the other is whore. Never mind it totally makes sense.

"Of course that's what you believe, but wouldn't it be more cinematic if it was I in her spot? No? Honestly I pity those who have to deal with her vision... Anyway that's not why you're here. I'm more interested in these to lovestruck birds here." She pointed at us and giggled.

"That's not- w-we're not- what do-" Not my finest moment stuttering helplessly in front of her. Annabeth wasn't faring any better. And no doubt Zoe was getting a kick out of this. Maybe even Bianca too.

"Oh? Is that denial? Oh heavens, that just won't do!" She took a gentle sip of her tea or whatever. I don't know where she is going with this, but I'm beginning to not like it.

"We have to put a stop to whatever the Titans are planning; monsters, evil, the whole shabang." Annabeth answered collecting herself.

"Really? It has nothing to do with the devilishly handsome boy also held prisoner?" Aphrodite asked wiggling her eyebrows in a flirty manner. Ew.

"Of course we're also trying to save him. He's our friend!" Annabeth and I both answered. Yet, we still managed to slightly hiccup at the term friend. Are we really friends? I mean, I was an ass and caused him to leave camp. I also don't know much about him.

"But why?" Aphrodite tilted her head to the side. Okay, I wasn't really expecting to be interviewed at the Hoover Damn over this.

"We care. That's why." I answered crossing my arms over my chest. I glanced over and saw that Annabeth nodded her head in agreement, slowly. Somehow the words just oozed from my mouth pulling out more information than intended. And it seems that Zoe and Bianca caught on as well. I mentally cursed myself.

"And there lies the problem." Aphrodite tsked. My heart rate rose slightly.

"What?"

"Hmm?"

"Huh?"

"What?" The fours of us asked dumbly.

"Oh don't get me wrong! I am all for a quest about rescuing for love. After all love conquers all and this would have just been perfect for a tragic love story," She squealed in her seat, "It would have been one for the history book! Ugh, it would have been the most fun I had in ages... But you see, Percy is a special case." She winked before lifting up a hand mirror to check if her lipstick smeared.

"What do you mean?" I asked barely above a whisper.

"As sad as it may be, don't do it out of whatever this is. Love is more than that. Love is sweet, yet more as fresh fruit than candy or confectionary. Love is colorful, yet more as summer blooms than the neon lights of frenetic city streets. Love is steady and forgiving, yet more as the wise mother than the servant in chains. Love hears and speaks with the wisdom of the heart, with a sense of the soul of the other. In love we have our "forever home" and it gives us the ability to fly so freely, joyfully returning when each heart calls for the other's touch." Aphrodite sighed sadly, she didn't even answer her question. Yet, somehow I knew that she was enjoying it. If her kids were anything to go by, heartbreak was akin to winning a gold medal.

"...Does he..." Annabeth left her question unfinished, but it was obvious where she was going with it.

"Love someone else? No." Hearing it out loud forced my heart to jump, "He did, once." The goddess of love reminisced.

"What do you mean he's special?" This time Zoe jumped in. It's clear she doesn't care for him. So why would she be curious about him at all? It seems that even Aphrodite was surprised.

"...That boy is cursed." She replied. I thought she was gonna dodge the question or answer as any god ever does; cryptically. Something crashed behind us, but I didn't care. "That's my cue..." She left it at that, dissipating in a sprite of some expensive perfume.

"What in the hell was that!?" A girl shouted.

This heartbreak feels cold. It feels like concrete drying in my chest. This heartbreak was unexpected, as they always are - top of the world one minute and cut down the next. Why is that? Is there part of the universe that dislikes to see me happy when bringing tragedy is far more appealing? Do they know it physically hurts when it happens, right? Why did I ever try to work for such a thing? Perhaps this is their way of forcing me to return to the feelings I am most comfortable with, my chance to dwell in pain and pessimism once more. Yet I don't want that, I can't let that happen. But, what am I supposed to do when the literal goddess of love tell me to let it go? There are only so many times one can break this heart - one day it'll heal all wrong, heal with no one on the inside. I don't want to. But...

Nothing around me registered as the heartbreak I endure is no less than a hurricane. The devastation was absolute, my emotional home levelled, torn apart. It feels like there is nothing for me to return to. We stand together and alone. When I reach inside of myself I find that what is left is raw but solid, a strong foundation to build a new life upon, a peaceful one. I have a chance to only allow in those that are kindred to my spirit, that nurture and love. I'm wiser; I know for whom the doors must always be locked. It is a chance for change and renewal, an opportunity to grow and learn. Though the thought of him only brings a fluttering feeling, the truth smashes it to pieces with a sledge hammer. I can see the light of the new day, but turn around and see that behind me is an abyss. I don't know what to do. I thought that maybe just maybe... but how can that possibly happen now? The personification of love said I have no chance so why even try? I should fight. I'm good at that. But... the truth hurts. This hurts.

It never should have hurt this much. "Love hurts" is the biggest lie out there. Love heals, love makes people whole again and love fills them with the goodness they need to be as kind and loving as love was intended to be. What hurts is betrayal, thoughtlessness, uncaring attitudes and careless gossip. What hurts is people being unfriendly, not welcoming a new person to neighborhood or making "exclusive" cliques that are defined by who is "not welcome." What hurts is bullying, harassment, selfishness and greed. What hurts is not love, but broken love.

Love on the other hand is the greatest gift mankind ever received, a gift that lives on within us all. Love is a gift that needs nurturing - it is the truth within us that knows life cannot be given a price tag. Love knows to be kind and never to hurt or kill. Love knows to treat your neighbor as yourself. Love is what we crave from birth, a craving that must be met by our new and loving earth-bound family. Love knows that a life is worth more than a pair or new shoes or designer makeup. Love is what can save us, make us fully human again and raise us up in the eyes of those that surrounds us.

But... Love itself doesn't hurt. What hurts is when that love is out of reach, broken, torn, and spit out. Not being able to love is what hurts because love is glorious.

Young love is stupid.

This love is stupid.

As was I.

I never thought it would go as far as love, but here am I moping in heartache over a boy. It was a crush, just a crush. Yet, my fantasy grew into something unachievable. How stupid. It was never meant to come this far, but how else am I going to describe what I'm feeling right now? If it was a crush, I would move on. If it was anything else, it'd be easier. But it's not. It hurts. I don't want to hurt.