A/N: Hope you are all ready for some build up! Also if you want to please join the discord! The link can be found in my profile or previous chapters!
POLL: Should one of the girls be a yandere? If so, who and why? Right now I'm thinking Bianca hehe, anyway vote!
LAST TIME:
"I know I know, he is a python not a snake. It seems the bigger he gets the more sensitive he gets as well." Percy said as he flopped to the ground as the god kneeled beside him and began to apply magic to him to see what was wrong. Seeing nothing except exhaustion the god sighed.
"HIIIIIIISSSSSSS." Spike grumbled again.
"He says you're gonna get squished next if you keep up with the jokes." Asclepius said as Percy just smiled.
"He loves my jokes. Also Asclepius as designated prisoner I'm gonna have to ask you to get me to New York, as long as we get to camp half blood I will be good." Percy said as the god laughed.
"You never stop joking do you."
"No I can't, so long as there's air in my lungs."
"HISSSSSS."
"Spikes says he can fix that."
NOW:
LOCATION: New York
TIME: June, 2003
THIRD PERSON POV:
"Hey did you hear that a demigod was seen being carried by a god into camp?"
"What? No way. Did a Ares camper hit you too hard during Capture the Flag yesterday? Also there is no way a god would do such a thing, maybe an immortal at best."
"No… well maybe. But I'm being serious, some unclaimed from the Hermes cabin saw it with their own two eyes and said his aura was just like Mr. D's. Cabin chores for a week say I'm right."
"Hmmm… did they say what god?"
"They didn't know, but they did say he had a staff with a snake on it. So bet or not?"
"What type of snake?" Suddenly a curious voice asked as both campers turned to see a curious girl. Her hair in a ponytail keeping her blonde princess curls back as her curious stormy gray eyes staring at the two.
"Umm… he said it was green, that is all."
"Only one snake right?" She asked again as he nodded as she paused and seemed to think as the two glanced at one another.
"So what does the genius of our cabin think?" One asked as she still seemed to think and tapped her chin as her eyes seemed to light up.
"There is a big chance it was either Hermes, but George and Martha aren't green and never leave each other. Unless they were in disguise, but my best guess is that it is Asclepius, the god of medicine." She said as they nodded as if taking her word as truth.
"Looks like you get to take my cabin chores for a week. HA!"
"I didn't even take you up on it. Annabeth, you tell him." He said turning to the 10 year old girl but she was already jogging out the door as he frowned.
"Good luck with cleaning the showers, I hear that it is supposed to rain a lot this week, so lots of mud." The one said hopping off the bed as the left was left agape.
"I didn't agree to anything!"
But as the two argued, the girl genius was jogging towards the big house with gray flames of curiosity in her eyes. It was not every day they saw a god… well besides Mr. D. But the grouchy god didn't really hold godly appearances due to his probation at the moment. After passing by several campers by the volleyball fields she came to the big house.
"It seems you owe me some dramachas Chiron. It seems Annie Bell caught wind very fast." Said a grouchy voice as Annabeth frowned as she turned to see Mr. D sipping on a diet coke. His atire currently a cheap looking tiger striped shirt and plain shorts. His blue watery bloodshot eyes glanced down at her.
"I don't remember making a bet like that." Chiron said while flipping through a newspaper with different mythical events on it. In turn the pudgy red nose god just clicked his tongue and polished off his can of diet coke. He then ran through his curly black hair and seemed to think for a second.
"Then how about we make a bet next time." He suggested as a pair of intense brown eyes peeked over the paper and glanced at the god.
"Perhaps I should talk to Zeus about your gambling habits as well." Chiron said as the god frowned and waved him off.
"Fine fine, the old man is in a pissy mood as of late." He said with a sigh as he waved his hand and his can refilled itself as he took a few large gulps. But then his eyes drifted to Annabeth who was still standing in silence as he made a 'go away' motion with his hand.
"Chiron is the rumor true?" She asked ignoring the god as Chiron gave a sigh and put down the paper as he revealed the face of a middle-aged man with thinning brown hair, bushy eyebrows, and a scruffy beard, but his lower half was that of a white stallion. Currently it was laying on the porch as he seemed to be relaxing.
"Indeed it is. A demigod was brought here last night." He said as her eyes sparkled with intrigue as Chiron inwardly groaned. The never ending curiosity of Annabeth was sometimes a bit too much even for him.
"But I heard a god brought him." She said as Chiron glanced as Mr. D as the god just shrugged in a not caring fashion.
"Yes this is true."
"Can I meet him?"
"It would be best if you didn't. He is providing treatment to the demigod as we speak." Chiron said as Annabeth seemed to deflate a little. But she didn't seem to give up as she quickly walked to the step and sat down on the last one. Her message was clear of wanting to see the god when he came out.
"Don't you have better things to do?" Mr. D said as he waved his hand in another 'go away' motion.
"I want to see him one way or another, it is not every day you get to meet a god… I mean another god." She said as Mr. D just rolled his eyes and ignored her as Chiron gave a small chuckle.
"Well be prepared to wait for a long time, who knows how long-."
"I said I'm fine Asclepius, I just need to get some fresh air. I promise I will recover faster outside this musty cabin." Suddenly the front door of the cabin was flung open revealing a young man with obsidian black hair, currently he was in without a shirt and only pants. Only white bandages were on his body as they wrapped around his abdomen and several other areas around his body were also covered with gauze.
But the second he took a step his forehead slammed into the door frame as everyone made a 'ooh' face as the young man tumbled forward clutching his head. He then suddenly tripped over an mysterious empty diet coke can as he was sent tumbling further. In the next second he fell down the front stairs and landed on his back with a small poof of dust as he let out a groan.
*Sigh*
"Percy you need more rest my boy, your injuries are far from healed." Asclepius said as he slowly walked out the front door, in one hand he had his staff as Spike seemed to be laughing with several hisses. The god in normal doctor attire at the moment as Charon, Mr. D, and Annabeth all looked at Percy as he laid silently on the ground.
"I ain't staying in that cabin, something is in there that makes my skin crawl." Percy said as he slowly rubbed his head and opened his eyes. In the next second his eyes landed on a befuddled girl in front of him. In a second his swirling galaxy eyes landed on her stormy gray ones, as they did Percy suddenly felt a sense of deja vu as he just stared at her.
"U-Um… hello." Annabeth said with a slight blush on her cheeks. Now getting a better look at the demigod in front of her she found him very handsome, extremely so. Even though a big white patch of gauze was on his cheek his looks were still enough to stun her for a minute.
"Hello…" Percy replied as he tried to find the source of his deja vu but his mind was not able to at the moment.
"Asclepius it is good to see you again." Charon said as the god smiled at the centaur and gave him a friendly hug.
"I am sorry for not being able to see you until now. This idiot's treatment took priority, he was in worse shape than I originally thought." He said motioning to Percy who looked up from his staring contest with Annabeth. The girl took a second to compose herself and try to get her flushed cheeks to go away as she put on a thinking face.
"I am fine. I can walk, that is all that matters." Percy said as he slowly went to his knees and tried to stand up. But then he was met with an outstretched hand, without hesitation he took it to find it a lot smaller than his as the person helped him stand up. Due to the height and weight difference Annabeth was nearly pulled off her feet. But was able to grab onto the railing as Percy reached his full height.
"Thank you…"
"Annabeth."
"Thank you, Annabeth. Wait… Annabeth, Annabeth… the three stooges!" Percy said pointing at her with surprise written all over his face as Annabeth was taken aback as her face scrunched up.
"Who are you calling the three stooges! You're a stooge!" Annabeth retorted in anger as the two gods and centaur watched in curiosity as the scene unfolded in front of them.
"What? At most I am a jester not a stooge, I have the privilege and everything."
"Jester's privilege? What are you talking about? Did you hit your head too hard when you fell?"
"It is so a thing! I can make all the fun I want about people and go unpunished, it is pretty great."
"...That's stupid." (-_-)
"You just don't understand, it is fantastic. But that is besides the point. You distracted me."
"I think hitting your head did the distracting."
"You… You are feisty, you know that?"
"Ah it seems you do have a concussion, you might want to get that looked at."
"..."
"You done? Or did the concussion get to you?"
"I remember you being less… this back then."
"What?"
"Snow storm 3 years ago, cabin in the woods."
"What are you talki-." She froze as her eyes widened in surprise as she looked at the young man before her as she scanned him up and down but then her gaze landed on his eyes. She then remembered, her memory of the night filling her mind.
"P-Percy Jackson? But you…" She tried to find words to say as Percy gave a small smile as the others all listed with intrigue. God or immortal drama was drama and worth the listen.
"I got stuck in something called a time trap as Asclepius calls it. Kind of… aged me up a bit. It is good to see you again Annabeth." Percy said as Annabeth was filled with even more surprise but nodded as she tried to find words.
"It is also good to see you. I never thought I would see you again." She said with a small smile as he returned one to her. He then reached out and patted her head as she frowned.
"But just because you look older doesn't mean anything! You and I are still the same age! Stop patting my head!" Annabeth said as a blush filled her cheeks and swatted his hand away as Percy just laughed.
"Percy, you know Annabeth?" Asclepius asked as Percy nodded as Annabeth fixed her hair.
"Indeed I do, it happened a few years ago. She and two demigods were caught up in a snowstorm and got rescued by me and my mom. Though we only knew each other for less than a week it was a good few days spent with one another. Speaking of which is Luke or Thalia here? I want to say hello." Percy said as Annabeth suddenly frowned as her face was filled with sadness.
"Luke is in his cabin, Thalia is… it would be better if I showed you." Annabeth said as sadness filled her voice as she suddenly walked away as Percy blinked in confusion. He then turned to the three as Chiron showed a saddened face and Mr. D just turned away. Without thinking Percy turned and began to follow Annabeth only for something to hit him in the back of the head as he reached up to find his Hoodie. After giving a thankful nod to the medicine god he quickly followed behind.
"That is the boy who pissed off father?" Mr. D asked as Asclepius gave a small nod as the wine god took a small sip of his drink.
"Hmm… well this Peter Johnson has my support, seems like an okay brat." He said as Chiron and Asclepius looked in surprise.
"You just wish to get back at your father for your punishment don't you?" Chiron said as Mr. D didn't say another word as the mythical trainer sighed and looked towards Asclepius.
"Do you think it is worth all the trouble?" Chiron asked as the god didn't show any reaction as his eyes followed Percy and Annabeth as she led him through the camp.
"I am not sure what to say honestly. He puts on a funny exterior self but the boy has a mind of a snake and is as smart as a child of Athena. This plan of his is tricky and convoluted but it shows promise, he has worked around Zeus's command to the extreme. That is the only reason he hasn't been blown up yet, well that and maybe other things. All he wants is his family back and healthy, he will go to any length to do so. Speaking of which. I don't sense any hunters here." Asclepius said as Chiron nodded with a sigh.
"Zeus's command, no godly help for Artemis and the hunters. Since Mr. D is in the camp and is protecting it. We cannot house them. They are in town and with Artemis as we speak. Once Percy finishes here, take him to them. Once that is completed, get ready to visit Olympus" Chiron said as Asclepius nodded as Mr. D stayed quiet and continued reading the very magazine Chiron was reading.
LINEBREAK:
As the two made their way through camp Percy was the center of attention as many demigods couldn't help but stare at the extremely handsome 6 foot tall young man. Some women swooned in their hearts and blushed at the sight of him. Even several male demigods did the same as them as they were all frozen as he passed by. Some in training and getting a dull sword to the gut and others a volleyball to the face, one unlucky demigod even slipped and fell into faun poop.
But Percy was oblivious to the chaos that followed him as he followed his 4 foot 10 tour guide with haste. Annabeth was however silent the whole walk as Percy easily picked up on her saddened mood. A few minutes later they arrived at a small hill on the edge of camp that had a massive pine tree on it. The tree was so large that a grown man couldn't wrap its arms around it fully as Percy gazed upon it. After gazing at the tree for a minute Annabeth finally spoke.
"This is where Thalia saved me and Luke. Sacrificing her own life to make sure we made it here safely. Her father took pity on her and used magic to turn her into this pine tree you are seeing right now. It now serves as a magical barrier for the camp." She said as Percy was taken aback by the knowledge as he looked at Annabeth to find her gaze full of sadness.
"I… I'm sorry for your loss." Percy said slowly as he turned to the tree as his eyes shimmered a bit. Even though they had known each other for only a moment it still made Percy sad, Thalia was an eccentric and funny girl. Percy still remembered how she cried when they celebrated her birthday.
"Thank you for protecting them." Percy whispered as he laid a hand on the tree and closed his eyes as if thanking Thalia herself. Annabeth just stared at Percy with a small smile as she quickly wiped a tear from her eye. The tree even rustled a little in the wind in response as the two stayed silent.
"So this is the new kid." Said a new voice shaking the two from their silence as they turned to see a familiar 17 year old male walking their way. The familiar short cropped blonde hair, blue eyes, sharp nose, and sneaky look on his face. But now the tall and handsome boy had a large red scab running up the side of his face up to his eye. A grievous wound that made Percy think of his own scars on his body.
"Luke! How is your injury?" Annabeth asked as she ran to him as Luke just gave a soft smile to her and ruffled her hair as she just groaned a little.
"It is healing nicely, no need to worry."
"Why do all tall people do this?" She grumbled a complaint as she quickly fixed her hair as Luke chuckled and then turned to Percy with a curious look on his face.
"So you're the one Annie was showing around. Not every day our resident genius of the camp does such a thing." Luke said as Annabeth blushed at the nickname and punched Luke in the side lightly.
"Quit embarrassing me. Also you should know him, it is Percy from way back in the snow storm." She said as Luke gazed at Percy with a thoughtful look.
"I mean… I see it. But wasn't Percy your age?" Luke asked with a raised eyebrow as Annabeth nodded.
"I technically am her age, but I was stuck in what Asclepius calls a time trap for several years. But I am indeed Percy Jackson, son of Sally jackson." Percy said as Luke's eyes went wide.
"Right! The milf…" Luke said as he froze suddenly as the two just stared at him in confusion.
"What does milf mean?" Annabeth asked as Luke started to sweat profusely as.
"I-It isn't anything, ignore what I said." He said quickly as Percy was just as confused as Annabeth.
"It doesn't sound like a word." Percy said as Luke shot a look over to him as Annabeth put on a thinking face and nodded.
"It isn't a word. Maybe an acronym?" She said as Luke seemed to be ready to tackle one of the two.
"But what would it stand for? Man… I like frogs?" Percy said with a semi thoughtful face as Luke's eyes went wide.
"Absolutely! Man, I like frogs! Hahaha! " Luke said quickly as Annabeth eyed him, not looking convinced at all. Thankfully something was coming their way giving Luke the lifeline he needed.
"Percy!" Yelled a happy voice as Percy quickly turned with a brilliant smile on his face. Quickly making their way up the hill were a few women, leading the pack was Zoë and following her were Tracy and Phoebe. Seeing the hunters Luke and Annabeth got a confused look on their faces.
"Zoë!" Percy yelled happily as he caught the women in his arms as she jumped into them. Percy just held onto her as her feet dangled from the ground as the two silently hugged one another.
"I missed you so much, I'm glad you made it here safe." Percy said with a smile as he set her down on the ground.
"You better have missed me." Zoë said with a smile as she quickly gave him a kiss on the lips as Percy wanted to continue the kiss. But there were several people watching at the moment.
"Are you okay though? I had a nightmare about you facing a windstorm for some reason." Zoë said looking over Percy as she pulled up his hoodie without a word revealing his bandaged stomach. Her eyes instantly filled with concern as Percy quickly calmed her down with a reassuring smile and a kiss to her forehead.
"I'm fine I promise, Asclepius patched me up really good and I'll receive more healing later as well. Just ran into a certain individual…" Percy said as Zoë understood he couldn't reveal who at the moment.
"Okay, I'm just happy you are here and are safe." Zoë blinked away a few tears that threatened to fall.
"Sorry to interrupt you two love birds, but I think you killed those two." Phoebe said, throwing her thumb over to Luke and Annabeth who both were pale and confused beyond belief. Somehow steam even seemed to be coming out of Annabeth's ears from overthinking.
"This is gonna take a while to explain."
LINEBREAK:
"So… you're dating the lieutenant of the hunters of Artemis?"
"Yes."
"The very man hating goddess who has castrated men for peeking at her?"
"Well, not so much men hating goddess, more… untrusting of men goddess? Anyways, yes."
"Not only that… you two are having a kid?"
"Yes! Exciting isn't it?"
"Percy, you're not helping the situation. But yes we are."
"Sorry sorry, yes we are having a child. Does that answer your questions?"
"How are you… alive?"
"That my good sir Luke… is an excellent question. I kinda grew up with the hunt from way young, they more or less got used to me and then stuff happened and boom me and Zoë are dating."
"He was to dumb to kill if your wondering."
"Hey!"
"Sorry sorry I meant pathetic and scrawny. Plus he was a pretty good kid who go along with everyone."
"Aww I never knew you cared Phoebe."
"I will break you in half Percy."
"Hey sis reign in your GF."
"..." *smack*
"Ow!"
"All of you shut up please, you're hurting my head." Said a displeased wine god as everyone turned to Mr. D as he rubbed his head.
"Are we allowed to tell him?" Percy asked Zoë as she nodded.
"Dionysus is a trustworthy god, even though he doesn't seem like it. Also everyone already swore on the Styx not to tell so no worries." She said as Mr. D frowned at Zoë.
"Miss. Night Lamp I would appreciate it if you called me Mr. D while you reside here." He said as Zoë frowned at the nickname.
"Anyways, are we all good? All your questions answered? Because I have to get Asclepius to Artemis." Percy said as Luke looked at him in confusion as Annabeth seemed to still be digesting the information given to her.
"Why does Artemis need Asclepius?" He asked as Percy paused as he suddenly found himself unsure what to say. Was his goal a secret to them?
"Several hunters, Tracy included, were injured in a large monster raid and are in need of serious medical attention. Thus my help is needed." Asclepius covered for Percy as Luke gave a nod of understanding.
"Must have been rough." He said as Phoebe and Tracy glanced at him as Phoebe gave a frown.
"We lost several sisters in the battle." Phoebe said as Luke gave a small nod.
"My condolences for your losses." He said as his eyes met hers as Phoebe just stared at him and gave a small nod then turned to face Tracy and talk with her.
"Anyways my brain is fried from all of this, Percy it was good seeing you again after so long. Whenever you're done with helping the hunters or whatever just come find me. I'm the head of the Hermes cabin and if you're staying at camp more than likely stay with me." He said as he reached out his hand as Percy shook it, however Percy felt an edge to his tone as well that made him almost seem unhappy. But with that Luke departed leaving only Annabeth as she slowly looked at everyone.
"C-Congratulations by the way." Annabeth said as Zoë gave a small smile and a nod in return.
"Thank you, Annabeth." Zoë said as Annabeth nodded quickly.
"We should get going, Artemis awaits your return." Phoebe said as Tracy nodded along with her.
"Yes please, all of you leave, get out of my house." Mr. D said as everyone glanced at the grumpy god as Asclepius gave a small chuckle along with Chiron as everyone exited the big house.
"Do you have everything?" Zoë asked as Percy held out his hand as a backpack appeared in his hand instantly. Annabeth's eyes went wide at the site as Percy casually slung the back on his back and nodded.
"I do now." He said with a smile as Asclepius followed behind the 3 hunters and Percy as Annabeth was left along with Chiron on the porch.
"Percy!" Suddenly she yelled as Percy stopped and turned to her as Annabeth seemed a little flustered, unsure what to say next.
"N-Next time you're here, let me show you around properly!" She yelled as he just gave her a small grin and nodded.
"You got it, little genius!" He said with a chuckle as Annabeth's cheeks flared red in anger and embarrassment of the nickname. But the trio of women just stared at Percy with a sidelong glance as they walked out of the camp bringing with them many stares of curious campers.
"Sooo… How do you know her?" Zoë asked as Percy gave an explanation of the events that unfolded several years in the past and the ones they had missed today as well.
"Isn't that when you tried to convince Thalia to join the hunt? Saying Luke would disappoint her like Hercules did you?" Phoebe asked as Zoë blushed deeply at the mention of her past love interest.
"P-Perhaps, also Hercules did disappoint me to a massive degree. Also, I'm different nowt." Zoë as she glanced at Percy with a blush and a cough as Percy just smiled at her cute antics.
"This is true, you are more beautiful and stunning each time I see you." Percy said as Zoë blushed a little but rolled her eyes along with Phoebe and Tracy at his cheesy compliment.
"Still… Annabeth seemed to be caught in a roller coaster of emotions over you." Zoë said in a knowing tone as Percy stayed silent as he seemed to think.
"She is just a kid, she acted the same way with Luke. She doesn't know what she wants yet. I thought nothing of it, to me she is someone I share fond memories with. Same with Thalia and Luke." He said as Phoebe nodded at his explanation.
"That Luke kid rubs me the wrong way anyways, his eyes lack any sincerity and seem buried in thoughts and dark feelings." She said as Percy glanced at the giant of a lady and gave a small nod.
"Maybe he is that way because of his past, we are not one to judge someone like that. Besides, it seems like he failed a quest not too long ago and he is down in the dumps about it." Percy said as Phoebe seemed to think and give a small nod as Tracy looked up at the thinking giant.
"..." Tracy just grabbed her shirt and gave it two tugs as Phoebe seemed to fall out of her thoughts and smile at Tracy.
"Sorry sorry I know, sometimes I just think too much." Phoebe said, rubbing her head, now it was Zoë and Percy's turn to see what two love birds caught in their own world looked like as Phoebe reached down and held Tracy's hand as the two smiled and walked together. But as they left camp with Asclepius in tow they stopped at Thalia's tree as Percy put his hand on it and closed his eyes.
"What are you doing?" Zoë asked as Percy opened one eye and glanced at her.
"Praying for the tree's protection to stay strong and Thalia's wellbeing. Wishing she makes it to reincarnation or Elysium properly." Percy said as Zoë nodded slowly as she slowly approached the tree and did the same, not wanting to be left out Tracy and Phoebe did the same as Asclepius watched them.
Unknowingly a dozen demigods were watching the scene, seeing this they all seemed to feel something meaningful rise up in their hearts from the scene. Soon a new tradition was born from this, every time a camper would leave camp they would put a hand on Thalia's tree and pray not for their safety and the camps.
LINEBREAK:
"This is more… more modern than I expected." Percy said looking at the apartment door before then as Phoebe fumbled around for a key to unlock the door.
"Artemis made several dozen places like this for hunters to sleep if needed. This one is for if we come to New York and are only staying for a minute, no need to go through all the steps of unpacking and packing with Camp half blood. Seeing as we are more or less banished from there temporarily, it is the only place we can go." Zoë said as Percy nodded in understanding.
"Makes sense… will Artemis get in trouble again if Zeus finds these as well?" Percy asked as Zoë shook her head.
"It isn't a permanent residence, more like a campsite for the inner city." She said as Percy nodded in understanding, Phoebe finally got the right key and opened it up revealing an interesting site. Inside was a massive living room, much larger than the apartment was supposed to be.
"There is a size increase magic on the apartment. Can't exactly house 30 to 50 hunters in one apartment you know." Phoebe chuckled as Percy briefly imagined the site and how dirty it was, shivering a little at the thought he followed the three only to instantly meet two goddesses.
At the site of Artemis Percy felt his heart clench and emotions rise, even Zoë felt the same as the two only wanted to run over to her and comfort her. Currently one arm was in a cast and one leg as well. Her eye's had bags under them giving her a look of extreme sleep deprivation. Her clothes currently were loose fitting and comfy looking, giving the goddess a very casual look contrary to her stern and proud look Percy was very used to. But currently the feisty look on her face gave the two a slight sigh of relief.
The feisty look was actually directed towards the second goddess who was forcing Artemis to sit back down. Hestia was in what appeared to be normal house clothes and an apron that said 'kiss the cook' but her face was stern and did not seem to take no for an answer. While wielding a deadly ladle in one hand and fluffing a pillow in the other for ARtemis. The goddess was in full mom mode as she took care of the injured goddess in front of her.
"Artemis, sit back down this instant, your leg isn't even close to healed."
"Hestia, I'm fine! Just let me move around please, I feel antsy just sitting here doing nothing."
"No you're not, now do as I say! Also didn't the hunters give you some video games to keep yourself entertained, what happened to those?"
"I already beat all of them… Anyways please, I beg of you. Just let one of the girls help me move around pleassseee."
"No and that is final, you can wait a little bit longer for Asclepius to heal you and then you can walk around."
"Aunt Hestia."
"Don't you Aunt Hestia me and don't give me those doe eyes. Now sit down and wait, they should be here any minute."
"What are doe eyes?" Percy asked as both goddesses quickly snapped their heads to the entrance as Artemis suddenly blushed and Hestia gave a brilliant smile.
"You made it back!" Hestia said happily as she walked over and gave Percy a surprise hug. The 20 something goddess's head buried itself in his chest. Everyone present also gave a slightly surprised look, Percy just stood arms up a bit but not touching Hestia as he didn't know what to do.
"She was worried about you also Percy." Zoë said with a side glance at her confused boyfriend as Percy nodded and slowly reciprocated the hug. Hesita continued her hug for a minute as she gave a small sigh and pulled back as she wiped her eyes a little. Her cinder like eyes looking up at Percy's as he gave her a small smile.
"Sorry sorry, I had a vision of an extreme danger on your path. I was worried sick." Hestia said as Percy blinked in surprise.
"Zoë said the same thing." He said as Hestia and Zoë met eyes as the demi titan nodded. Both women then turned to Percy as he felt both their worried gazes as he gave a nervous smile.
"Eh hem!" However an injured goddess in the room cut into the silence as everyone turned to see a rough around the edges Artemis.
"I am sorry to interrupt but I just wanted to say something. Percy, Zoë, I am happy you two made it back safely from your quest. I am especially grateful you two went through so much to get help for me and the others. Percy even more so, going so far as to challenge Zeus's command for me and the hunters. I just wanted to say thank you." Artemis said as everyone smiled a little as the Auburn hair goddess gave a small smile and then her eyes locked onto Zoë.
"Now that the thank you is out of the way… you two have some explaining to do. Your two's relationship was not this developed when I last saw you. Also Percy, why are you suddenly 18 years old?" Artemis said with a silver fire in her eyes as Percy and Zoë began to sweat a little.
"Well that is kind of a long story." Percy said with a chuckle to lighten the mood but the moon goddess didn't budge from her mood. She just continued to stare them down waiting for her explanation.
"We will explain, I promise, but first Asclepius, can you take a look at Artemis and Tracy? Start healing if you can." Percy said as the god nodded and approached the goddess as Everyone took a seat and began explaining what happened. Percy and Zoë explain the time difference with the Nest and how their relationship developed. Everything excluding the river of love and Chaos they explained.
"So in turn I love him milady. Although he is silly, stupid, dumb, and sometimes just a idiot I love him. My feelings are pure and unwavering for him." Zoë said as she held Percy's hand as the two smiled at one another.
"Me as well Artemis, my love for Zoë is unwavering. Though sometimes she is scary and mean to me I love her to death." Percy said, earning an eye roll from Zoë but her hand gave his hand a light squeeze as Artemis just stared at the two in silence, after a minute she gave a small nod.
"Very well, I see that you two are truly in love with one another and I sense nothing wrong in your relationship. As your goddess I give my approval of your relationship, Zoë you may rejoin the hunt if you so wish and we can redo your oath as well." Artemis said as the two gave a large smile to Artemis at first as Zoë nodded several times.
"Absolutely milady, I would love that." She said as Artemis gave a large smile as her eyes danced in happiness.
"However this does not explain the child you two have conceived. My anti- pregnancy magic should have been still working on you Zoë, also I assume you two took the proper precautions." She said as the two quickly nodded but Percy paused as Artemis saw this and stared at him.
"It happened when we were in Camp Jupiter but… Venus paid us a visit." Percy said as Artemis's eye lit aflame in fury as he tried to stand up in anger but Asclepius held her down as he looked at her leg at the moment. However the medicine god also showed a look of surprise at the statement.
"She… more or less used magic on us and made a show of us. Your magic must have been dispelled when it happened." Zoë said in anger as Artemis was raging in her seat, her hair even began to float a little as silver sparks jumped in her hair. But then Hestia put a hand on her shoulder as Artemis was shaken out of her anger.
"I have already taken care of it, it was my fault she was involved in the quest regardless." Hestia said in a shame filled tone as Artemis stared up at her as her feelings clashed in her head.
"A-Although I am not pleased that she was involved. I am happy you made up for the mistake. Thank you Hestia. Venus is always looking for an opportunity to mess with me and my hunters, it is infuriating sometimes." Artemis said as Hestia gave a small node, seemingly still saddened by her mistake.
"What did you do to Venus?" Percy suddenly asked as Hestia just opened her hand revealing a ball of fire and an evil smile on her face. But she didn't say anything as she closed her hand and the fire was put out, but the devilish smile on her face remained as Percy gulped a little. No words were needed with Hestia's example.
"So what is your plan with the baby?" Artemis asked as Zoë perked up.
"We plan to keep it. Asclepius has even agreed to be our doctor for the entire pregnancy." Zoë said with a smile as Artemis gave a small smile of her own. Asclepius himself gave a happy grin as the glow from his hands spread to Artemis's leg.
"That is good, I am happy for you two. It is rare for a hunter to find love and even more so to have a child in turn. I just hope you two are ready. Children are a lot of work." Artemis said as the two nodded in agreement.
"Well they have plenty of time to get the necessary items and proper plans as well. Also I'm sure the girls will love to put together a baby shower for Zoë to help provide certain items.. After the council meeting and all this smooths over of course." Hestia said as Artemis gave a groan and slumped back into her chair.
"I forgot about that, Asclepius, how long till I can walk?" Artemis asked as the god of medicine seemed to think for a minute.
"Give or take an hour or two." He said as Artemis nodded as she turned back to Zoë and Percy.
"Also you mentioned a dream and extreme danger?" Artemis asked as Zoë and Hestia nodded as they focused on Percy as he gave a sigh.
"I am fine, just so you know. Just a bit banged up is all." Percy said, revealing his bandaged torso as Zoë and Hestia frowned at the site. Even Artemis had a look of concern on her face as Percy lowered back down his hoodie hiding the wounds.
"I was going to save it until the meeting but…" Percy reached down for his backpack and pulled out a linen bag that had blood on the bottom of it as all three women stared at it curiously. Percy then set it on the table and undid the bag and suddenly revealed the head of the titan as all three instantly gasped in shock.
"Asclepius was the one who killed him." Percy said as the said god just snorted.
"Please give yourself some credit, you held him back with that fancy form of yours while me and Spike got free and had a chance to get ready. You also injured him so severely that all I had to do was capture him and cut off his head. Though I admit we were lucky he was without his daggers and only had his bow, if he had them I am afraid we wouldn't have had the chance to subdue him." Asclepius said as Percy nodded in agreement, it seemed fate played on their side on that night.
"Also about your form you took, don't worry. My mouth is sealed, but once this is all over an explanation would be nice. You seem to be more than just a son of Poseidon." He said as Percy just paused as everyone stared at the medicine god. Artemis gave a curious look towards Percy, she never knew he had a transformation ability.
"Still for Lelantos to be back means that war truly is coming to Olympus." Hestia said she bit on her nail as her mind seemed to be working as fast as it could.
"I suspect other titans are also reforming or planning to escape their prisons as we speak." Asclepius said as the two goddess nodded as Zoë just stared at Titan's decapitated head.
"But how does this help you?" She asked as Percy smiled and wrapped back up the head and put it away.
"It gives Zeus even more of a reason to undo what he did. The threat to Olympus is here right and now, he can't afford to be fighting his own gods at the same time. The best plan is to show Zeus how much he fucked up, have him fix it, and at the same time not blow me up." Percy said as all three women frowned at the last part.
"I won't allow that idiot to do such a thing." Hestia huffed angrily as Artemis looked surprised at her aunt, the Hestia she knew was quiet and never spoke in any meeting. Honestly she never even partook in them anyways, but for her to stand against Zeus for Percy… was surprising and made the curiosity in Artemis grow.
"Anyways, I have a plan. I am at least 90% sure that Zeus will accept my proposal and everything will be resolved. Although I may be under Olympus's thumb for a bit afterwards." Percy said with a sigh as everyone except Asclepius looked at him in confusion.
"What do you mean?" Artemis asked with a raised eyebrow as Percy gave her a grin.
"Have you ever heard of a Ranger before?"
LINEBREAK:
LOCATION: OLYMPUS
PERCY POV:
"You know I knew Olympus was in New York but never knew it was the empire state building itself." I said as I stepped out of the elevator and began to walk behind the now 12 foot tall Artemis and Hestia as the two led the way. Artemis wore a simple silver toga that had designs of a moon on it, but her aura had completely changed from the tire and worn Artemis to a proud and somewhat angry goddess. Her eyes no longer tired but now housing a stern gaze with anger buried deep in it.
Hestia on the other hand was covered in a large brown shawl that covered her head and her figure completely, even her hair was hidden in the shawl. Unlike Artemis who was full of fury, Hestia appeared to be calm like an ocean. But deep inside her twoo lively cinder eyes was an emotion I had a hard time discerning. Like the calm ocean would soon turn to a storm if threatened.
Asclepius however appeared in his normal human form but was now free of any fake or real restraints on his body. He just walked beside me, matching my stride as we quicked our pace to follow the two goddesses.
'I don't know what it is about taller women who are ready to defend their man… but I like it.' Eros suddenly spoke in my head as I blushed. It was like he read my mind, sure I had feelings for Artemis and she was one of my soulmate candidates but nothing had developed between us. Hestia on the other hand, I wasn't sure but as of late our past relationship seemed to grow into something and I wasn't sure what it was. Also wasn't I the one defending Artemis?
"Percy, are you with us?" ARtemis suddenly asked as I was kicked out of inner thoughts as I met the two silver eyes of her as I quickly nodded.
"S-Sorry I was just directed by the beauty of Olympus." I said motioning around me, truly the place was like a paradise, with golden palaces, parks, and streets bustling with minor gods, godlings, nature spirits and demigods. Alongside the gods seemed to be hundreds of other creatures and beings that lived here as well. It was truly amazing.
"Hmm… You get used to it after a while." Artemis said as Hestia and Asclepius nodded as I raised an eyebrow. This place was stunning, how would I get used to it?
"Time is the answer you're looking for. When you're immortal… everything seems to lose its luster after a while. Especially Olympus that never seems to change. Humans on the other hand are the one constant change gods never seem to grow tired of." Asclepius suddenly said as if reading my thoughts, but then I suddenly understood a bit better about the gods. After a thousand years of unchanging scenery I would grow bored of it as well.
"Hush we are here." Artemis said as she approached two massive doors to a huge building I suspected to be the throne room as I took a deep breath.
"Also I've been wondering, why are we going to Zeus? Nobody told him that we were doing this." I said as Hestia gave a soft sigh.
"Zeus is the lord of the skies, he sees almost everything under it. He more or less knew of your quest the instant you kidnapped Asclepius. But he didn't act because he knew he was in the wrong, my original plan was correct." Hestia said as I nodded, she was the one who gave us the quest in the first place.
"But you continued to stay in the lines. Using your Roman side to circumvent any punishment. But we still must confront him about it, kidnapping a god aside no rules were broken. This meeting is to confront his actions and he knows this, your quest was like one giant counter argument to his decision about me. Now it is time to explain our reasoning in a sense." Artemis said as I nodded slowly, more or less understanding to a point. If only Zoë was here, she was better at this stuff than me.
'What you mean to say is you're better at scheming while she is good at planning.' Suddenly Hemera said as I heard mom smack her in what I assumed was embarrassment.
'You will be fine Percy, just continue with what you planned out.' Mom reassured me in my head as I gave a small nod.
"I'm ready." I said as Artemis nodded as pushed open the door revealing a massive throne room as my eyes darted across the room. All but one throne was filled, the throne being Artemis's. But every Olympian present looked our way as I felt a pressure fall on me as they did. But I kept my back tall as I walked into the room and scanned over the Olympians.
I recognized each of them from the explanation from Hestia in the past, each having their own aura that did not mingle with the others in the room. Ares, Hermes, Athena, Dionysus, Demeter, Hephestus appeared indifferent to us. In fact most went back to looking at the interesting site that was present in the throne room. Following their gaze I spotted Aphrodite as I raised an eyebrow, the goddess currently lazily leaned on one hand in her throne. But currently her head was as bald and as shiny as could, even her eyebrows were long gone as I blinked in confusion.
Sure she still looked stunning but thankfully after what happened last time my anger seemed to develop a small resistance to her charm. But the baldness just completely threw me through a loop. But then Aphrodite's eyes landed on Hestia as the hearth goddess just gave a polite smile as the love goddess seemed to shake a little and began to sweat and then looked away. Hestia just kept her polite smile on her face as I finally understood how Hestia took care of Aphrodite.
Sensing my gaze Hestia gave me a glance and a small wink as I just gave an awkward smile in return. Apollo though appeared to be more concerned about Artemis as he quickly walked up to her as she exchanged a quick whisper with him as Apollo glanced my way as I met the eyes of the sun god. They shined like the sun, just like Hemera's but hers were much more brilliant. After the short glance he nodded as he helped Artemis to her throne as she shooed him away as he just nodded and returned to his seat.
But as Artemis returned to her seat I suddenly felt a curious gaze on me that made me feel a little strange. Like it was trying to figure me out, following the gaze I met the eyes of the queen of the gods herself as I was stunned. While all goddesses were stunning it was a different type of beauty, Artemis's was a wild and adventurous type, Zoë's was a warrior/adventuress princess type, Hestia's was a soft and loving type, and Hera's was noble and regal type. But Hera just kept her curious eyes on me as her face remained emotionless.
"Son." Suddenly a voice spoke to me as I snapped out of my staring match with the queen of the gods as my eyes found… my father. He remained seated in his throne trident in hand as two sea green eyes looked down at me. His hair was wild and messy black hair like my own, his beard nice and trimmed, his skin was kissed by the sun giving it a very smooth tan. Seeing him for the first time brought a torrent of emotions inside me.
So much happened in my past, that I didn't know what to say. Mom said he provided me and mom protection against monsters but in a sense he let a real monster in as well. Just the thought of Gabe made my blood boil with disgust and rage, I wanted to know if he knew. Why didn't he act if he did? If he didn't, why didn't he check in? Why did he let me and mom go through so much? What… What did we mean to him?
To this day I think mom still sent him IM messages but all were either ignored or she left a message. I honestly didn't have much feelings for Poseidon, I never knew him. I was raised by both Chaos and Sally along with the hunters and the Primordials. I had plenty of people in my life who loved me, I knew that I didn't need his love to survive. But something deep down inside me still wanted it, something to show that I mattered to him. Him and mother loved each other for a long time. I was a product of that love, his true blessing ran through me. But did his love still exist for me and her?
"F-Father." I said with a small bow as Poseidon gave me a warm fatherly smile and a small nod. Knowing was not the time to start a conversation between the two of us. I turned to face the last set of eyes in the room that stared at me with two brilliant electric blue eyes. They seemed to contain storms within themselves that could be unleashed at any second. Zeus wore a simple suit and had black hair and a gray-and-black neatly trimmed beard.
But the aura coming off of him was like that of a storm about to hit land. His gaze was like dark rain clouds that were about to dump rain on me. Small bolts of lighting jumped between his fingers as he slowly made a fist and then let it go. The king of the gods was not what I imagined in the least. I pictured a self entitled prick that always had a 'I will kill you face' on at all times. Though the dark gaze was close it was not the same, it showed anger but not rage. Also I expected him to be more flashy but honestly he seemed like some sort of tired CEO.
But more than all he actually put off the air of a ruler and not just a tyrant, though Artemis and Hestia had said many times he was a tyrant and barely a ruler sometimes. But I knew that from my teaching with Hemera and Hestia that Zeus did all for the sake of Olympus. So let us play on that weakness shall we?
"Percy Jackson, adopted son of Poseidon and Sally Jackson and blood child of a legacy of Neptune, greets his majesty Zeus, king of Olympus." I said as I bowed to Zeus and the rest of the council suddenly seemed to experience a shift as all their forms shifted from their roman to the greek several times in an instant. Even Zeus was not left out as he held his hand up to his temple in pain as their forms all slowly stopped shifting until they rested on the Greek ones. Several gods were now wide eyed at my statement.
"He tells the truth." Apollo said as the council broke out into words excluding Artemis who was being rapidly questioned by Apollo. Poseidon however was at a loss as his eyes were wide as he gazed down at me.
"Silence all of you." Zeus said as everyone quieted down at his gaze which was now full of interest landed on me once again.
"Percy Jackson, child of two pantheons. Explain yourself and your reasoning as to why you went against my commands I put in place for Artemis and her hunt after Artemis broke the rules we have in place on Olympus. If we find our reasoning lacking then do expect punishment of death." He said in a deep tone as I couldn't help a hades worthy grin to appear on my face. Thankfully I was still bowing so my face was facing the floor.
"Of course, I understand that much. To start I would like to make a statement." I said as Zeus nodded I then stood up, a smile plastered on my face and pointed right at Zeus as he raised an eyebrow.
"You sir, are a complete and absolutely fucking idiot."
A/N: W-What did he just say? But I mean… is he wrong? Ehhhh we will find out next time on the bizarre adventures of Percy Jackson! Wait i mean the true child of chaos! Hope you all enjoyed the chapter! Please leave a review for the poll :)