A/N: Olympian verbal debate! 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 yandere? If so, who and why? Right now I'm thinking Bianca hehe, anyway vote!
LAST TIME:
"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."
NOW:
PERCY POV:
You could hear a pin drop as the throne room went silent, all the Olympians were all staring at me like I was crazy. Artemis just face palmed in her throne as the throne room remained silent as Zeus just sat there. Suddenly sparks of electricity began to dance in his hair and beard as the aura around him turned violent and the whole throne room shook. His face was like a turbulent storm as I continued to point right at Zeus.
"You dare insult me boy!" Zeus roared as a golden aura exploded out of him and shot across the throne room right towards me. The hearth behind me seemed to roar to life as the flames grew in height and Artemis also seemed ready to jump out of her throne. But both goddesses were stopped as the shadows in the room suddenly moved, the shadows moved faster than the golden aura as they gathered in front of me.
*RUMBLE*
The throne room shook at the aura that planned to crush me into dust, met the immovable wall of shadow in front of me as. The wall protected me completely as I just smiled wider and wider as the rumble came to a stop, as it did the protective shadow wall fell it revealed an even more stunned council.
"You certainly have a talent for pissing off gods don't you boy. Also I didn't realize you would need my help so soon." Said a familiar voice as Hades slowly rose from the shadows by the hearth as the Olympians including Artemis and Hestia looked at him stunned. Both goddesses were unaware of me getting the god of the underworld's help.
"Hades, what are you doing on Olympus? I do not remember giving your permission to be here." Zeus said to the pale god who was dressed in black shadow like robes.
"I'm here to help the boy from your… thunderous personality. I made a deal and I am here to hold up my end of it. Also the last time I checked, I did not need your or anyone's permission to come to Olympus." Hades said in an almost deadly tone as the shadows shifted in the throne room as Zeus narrowed his eyes, the two gods glaring at one another.
"Enough both of you." Suddenly Hestia's warm voice said as both brothers looked at their eldest sibling. Her cinder eyes now full of flames as she remained seated by the hearth, but her face was now stern unlike her normal small smile. The flames beside her flickering like a cat's tail simulating her emotions. The whole situation was off the rails by one simple statement from me. I just continued to grin as the tension in the room began to lessen with Hestia's involvement.
"Indeed, enough both of you. Boy, your words were not necessary." Hera suddenly said as she chastised me Zeus finally broke his stare with Hades as the god of the underworld just gave a small grin and sat down in a small throne that was made of shadows.
"I beg to differ." I said as Zeus's eyebrow twitched. But I cleared my throat and focused on the king of the gods.
"I feel my words are the truth, so they are necessary! Zeus, what you did to Artemis was too much!" I started as everyone just eyed me as Zeus just gave me a frown.
"My punishment was in line with our rules on Olympus. Artemis broke our rules by establishing a permanent hunters camp without permission from the council. As such she was punished for it." He said as I shook my head.
"Indeed this is true but your way of going about it was all wrong. You call yourself a leader yet you missed the most important part! Artemis has been loyal to Olympus since her placement on the council! Her merits far outweigh anything that deserves such a punishment! Yet you seemed to brush everything aside to make an example of her! All to-."
"Enough!" Zeus yelled as I narrowed my eyes.
"Let him speak brother." Poseidon suddenly said as Zeus glanced at the lord of the sea.
"This does not involve you, Poseidon." Zeus said as father seemed to grow angry as his aura darkened and blue sparks of power bounced off of him.
"It involves the council, so it involves me and everyone else. This is a debate! Let him speak!" Father said as the room filled with pressure once again. Were all council meetings like this? Is that why Artemis always seemed stressed out when she returned from them? But with fathers words everyone nodded as Zeus gave an unhappy face.
"Thank you father." I said as Poseidon gave me a small smile and a nod as it turned back to Zeus.
"All to make an example of her! To show nobody is safe if they break the rules." I finished as Zeus remained quiet.
"But you yourself fail to follow the rules you set!" I finished as Zeus's eyebrows furrowed.
"I have done no such thing." He said with a grumble of anger as I just stared at him as slowly a grin spread on my face as he just stared at me. But then a light of realization seemed to flash in his eyes, but before he could speak I spoke first.
"Thalia and Jason Grace, children of Zeus and Jupiter respectively. You broke the pact you had with Poseidon and Hades! You claim to abide by the rules yet you break them of your own free will and do nothing in turn! You have no right to push punishment on others when you yourself cannot follow the rules. Especially someone who has dedicated so much to Olympus." I finished as everyone just watched Zeus, everyone already well aware of the topic of Zeus's children. However none but Hera had ever brought it up to him.
"That was but a pact! What was broken were the rules! If something had happened Olympus would be put in danger-."
"You put Olympus in more danger than Artemis ever has! You punished her and even her hunters for a permanent camp, who cares if it wasn't approved by Olympus!? The hunt's loyalty and devotion to Artemis and Olympus has never wavered, I have lived with them for several years and never saw such a thing! If anything you put Olympus in more peril than the hunters and Artemis ever have with your breaking of your pact!" I roared as silence ruled the throne room as Zeus's anger grew.
"Well said boy." Hades said as Zeus seemed to spark with more anger as the throne room rumbled.
"Silence son of Poseidon! For all we know you are the one to destroy Olympus!" Zeus roared as thunder filled the room as Zeus stood from his throne revealing his true 14 foot height. In one hand his master bolt came alive as lightning danced around him. His hair and eyes exploded in lighting as the Olympians put up barriers to protect themselves. His hand clenching the literal bolt of lighting seemed to only clench it harder. I felt all the hair on my body stand up as my spine tingled and a feeling of death covered me. But my eyes never left the king of the gods as I kept my ground against him. But then I felt a boiling heat erupt behind me as a massive flame filled the throne room.
"SIT DOWN ZEUS!"
Hestia's voice shook the room as everyone went wide eyes as Hestia herself stood angrily in the center of the throne room Hades, Poseidon, and even Zeus now stood stunned. Hestia stood now 16 feet tall, her brown shawl long gone. Her hair now appeared made of flame as it danced in the air in anger. Her cinder eyes now red glowing fires as well. Even her outfit was now a dress made of orange and red flames. I just looked in stunned silence as Hestia faced her younger brother in her full fury.
"H-Hestia." Hades was at a loss of words as he barely got her name as Hestia brought up her hand as a fire poker appeared in it. The weapon that was normally plain and only white on the tip began to morph as the entire body of it began to turn white hot. Then a blue flame began to cover the fire poker as the heat only increased in the room. But as Hestia stood in her full fury ready to strike down her brother I felt my heart palpate, but not in excitement but… affection.
"I said… SIT DOWN!" Hestia said in a deadly voice as the two powered up gods faced one another in silence. If they unleashed their auras I had a feeling the throne room would not come out unscathed and me along with it. However Zeus's eyes quivered as the eldest Olympian faced him down.
"Brother… Sister…" Poseidon tried but his words did not get through to the two but his words seemed lost to the room.
"Zues, do not let your anger control you. If you do, you are no better than our father." Hestia suddenly said Zeus's lighting suddenly seemed to go wild as Hades had to protect me from a few stray bolts. But after a second Zeus's lighting suddenly calmed down and soon it disappeared as he stood silently in front of his throne. Even his master bolt looked calm as Hesita's flames died down revealing her in an elegant fire orange toga.
"I lost my composure, the boy's words…" Zeus said but did not continue his sentence as the rest of the council just stared at him as he remained silent.
"Percy, you have made your point. Zeus, do you understand what Percy was trying to say?" Hestia asked as Zeus just met her eyes and nodded.
"Indeed he has made his point, I understand his logic." He said as he sat down in his throne as Hestia shrunk down and returned to her previous outfit of a brown shawl.
"Also I am not the one to bring Olympus to ruin. I am 18 years old." I suddenly said as the gods just looked at me as suddenly Hermes started laughing.
"Hahaha! A-After all that! A-All you can say is your 18 years old? HAHAHA!" Hermes had tears running down his face as his laughter filled the room as suddenly Apollo snickered a little and even a few of the other gods snickered as well.
"The balls on this kid!" Areas suddenly yelled and laughed Zeus remained quiet and frowned.
"Enough all of you." Hera said as everyone calmed down as Zeus finally decided to speak again.
"Your point has been made son of Poseidon. I understand my… shortcomings in dealing with Artemis's punishment." He said as I smiled as did several other gods. Artemis also seemed to have a wave of relief wash over her as she gave me an incredibly grateful look as I shot her a grin.
'Seems like Zeus at least learned something.' Order suddenly said in my head.
'I don't know if 'learned' is the correct term. More likely understood that the council and other gods did not approve of his ruling. Also Percy, do keep your flirting to a minimum.' Mother suddenly said as I inwardly blushed and nodded.
"Artemis's punishment is hereby lifted as of this moment and the one on her hunters as well. However… what you have done to circumvent the rules for Artemis's punishment and even kidnapping a god is something else entirely." Zeus said as suddenly as I froze, I forgot about this part.
"Lord Zeus, I do not wish for Percy to be punished for my kidnapping. His intentions were only for me to help Artemis and the other hunters who were hurt. Since I could not do so of my own 'free will' without punishment." Asclepius suddenly said but Zeus took a long look at him and shook his head.
"Though I… understand his intentions and even though he 'forced' you to provide treatment to circumvent any punishment it does not mean that what he did is forgiven. A demigod that not only kidnaped a god successfully, but he made it across the entire USA while escaping pursuit from several teams of demigods. He even managed to get several other gods to help him and defend him against me." Zeus said as everyone looked towards me as I nodded much to their surprise.
"I prefer the term, crafty." I joked but then I met Zeus's stern gaze, but then I realized his gaze was different from before. Instead of a young and foolish demigod I was now a threat, a person who could be trifled with. Seeing the shift in his attitude as well as several other gods I realized it was no longer a debate but a trial.
"Before we get into that, I have something to present to the council." I said as everyone raised their eyebrows.
"What is it?" Zeus asked as I walked over to where Hestia sat as the linen bag with my 'trophy' had been sitting with her the entire time.
"Proof of a true threat." I said throwing the bag forward as the head of Lelantos tumbled out of the bag as everyone's eyes went wide. Everyone stared at the head as silence ruled the throne room.
"Lelantos attacked me and Asclepius on our journey here. We were lucky and barely survived. We had to work together to kill him, I used all my power and I was nearly killed, even Asclepius was almost captured as well. The threat you felt in the shifting of destiny was correct, the titans… are returning." I said as the throne room remained silent.
"Athena." Zeus said as the goddess stepped forwards and picked up the head as she eyed it and nodded. Everyone then broke out into a frenzy as I remained standing as I glanced to see Hades giving me a deep gaze. I don't know what it was about gods and their gazes that always wanted to look through me.
"Silence!" Zeus said as everyone quieted down as Zeus's eyes landed on me once more.
"Boy… what is your plan? It seems you knew exactly what we would think of you. This head is even more proof." Zeus asked me as I fought back the urge to grin as I gave a straight face and nodded.
"My plan or my thoughts are simple. Olympus is facing a threat, I am an overwhelmingly strong demigod who can fight alongside a god and kill a titan. Let me help Olympus, let me fight and keep my family and friends safe! Don't let my actions of kidnapping Asclepius fool you, I am willing to serve Olympus." I said as Zeus's eyes unwaveringly stared me down.
"I trust the kid." Suddenly Dionysus said as everyone turned to him as the wine god just stared at a goblet filled with what I assumed was diet coke.
"He has grown up in the presence of the hunt and has been raised by a loving mother. I can vouch for him as well. He just wants safety for… me and the hunt and the ones he loves. Though he has a silver tongue he is a good person." Artemis said, though when she mentioned her and the hunt she paused just for a second, but as Hestia nodded as well agreeing with her.
"The titans are returning Zeus, now is not the time to diminish our forces or have any more… infighting. Artemis's punishment has been lifted and now we must prepare." Said Poseidon as several other gods nodded as well.
"Hmmm…" Zeus closed his eyes and began to think.
"I know you do not trust me Zeus." I said making the thinking king slowly open his eyes.
"Indeed you are correct, your past actions are something that cannot be forgiven easily. Your strength is also immense for a demigod." He said as several annoyed sets of eyes landed on him but he did not waver under them.
'Such a tyrant.' Mother said in my head as I couldn't help but agree. This man's fear for people that may threaten him was seemingly infinite, though I couldn't say I don't blame him. After what he did to MY goddess… I wouldn't trust me either.
"Then allow me to swear an oath." I said as Zeus's eyebrows were raised upwards as Artemis's eyes also showed great surprise.
"An Oath for what?" He asked as everyone seemed to have the same question.
"An Oath to Olympus, to serve and protect it for the next 5 years. Obviously with my own safety in mind." I said as Zeus just stared at me in silence.
"Why only 5 years?" Athena suddenly asked me as I smiled.
"I am only a mortal after all. 5 years is a long time for me. I will be 23 years old by then, that is a quarter of my life." I said as she nodded and looked towards Zeus.
"Hmm… a demigod of your power will live far longer than normal humans. Life expectancies average around 150 years to 200 years." Zeus said in a matter of fact tone as other gods slowly nodded, Artemis just scowled a little and so did my father as I inwardly smiled.
"Then… 10 years, I will serve Olympus for a full 10 years. I will take on missions and tasks given to me by greek or roman gods and goddesses, obviously my safety comes first. I will have the opportunity to accept or deny missions." I said as Zeus seemed to think Hestia's cinder eyes glared at Zeus a little as he seemed to think.
"Each god may specially request one mission from you every 6 months that you cannot deny." Zeus said as he seemed to be bargaining with me as I frowned, he was asking for too much.
"Balance is key, father, a proper price must be paid in turn for an undeniable request." Athena suddenly said as Zeus glanced at her.
"A favor from said god is appropriate I feel." Hera added in as others also began to nod.
"A bit much isn't it. Favors of a god are not cheap." Aphrodite said as did Ares.
"A life is not cheap either Aphrodite, a single reasonable favor is a good price for a forceful request." Hermes chipped in as the bald goddess shot the god a small glace.
"Very well a favor for a forced request. All other terms Percy suggested are accepted as well." Zeus said seeing all the gods around him agree, though it appeared Zeus was not pleased with this.
"I would like to have a clause though." I added as the gods all turned to me.
"Should any gods or Olympus betray me and try to harm me or my loved ones, the oath is then void and my service to Olympus is over. Obviously I can't have double standards. If I try to kill a god I shall serve Olympus for the entirety of my life." I said as all eyes turned to me and silence filled the room.
"Does the council agree?" Zeus suddenly asked as his eyes stayed on mine the entire time, obviously my clause angering him slightly but he hid it very well. Soon hands began to raise and I had 6 votes. I only needed one more for the majority.
"Boy, I have a question." Demeter suddenly asked me as I nodded towards her.
"Why is it you sided yourself with… him?" She asked motioning to Hades as I glanced at the god of the underworld who appeared to be trying to hide from Demeter's gaze.
"I needed a powerful backer. One who is not on the best of terms with Zeus and cannot be swayed by an argument and strong enough to guard me. Besides, I needed at least 2 of the eldest Olympians on my side for me to live." I said as Demeter nodded as Zeus snorted in turn from my explanation.
"Then may I ask you another question?" She asked as I nodded.
"Do you dislike winter?" She asked as I stopped to think.
"I am not sure. Winter is full of interesting things. Though nature seems to wilt and die and the cold seems to suck the life out of everything. But I also believe it has its perks. People stay indoors with their loved ones, families staying warm together and building bonds with each other. Even going outside to play in the snow and make memories. If you ask me all seasons have their ups and downs so I do not like or dislike any of them. It just depends on the memories I am having with the people I am with each one." I said everyone eyes the goddess as she seemed to think.
"Very well you have my vote Percy." Demeter said as she raised her hand as the Styx seemed to be waiting as thunder shook the room as I felt something latch itself to my soul. Every god also had an almost see through silvery aura land on them as the oath was placed on them as well.
"With this the oath is in place and Percy Jackson is now… what should we call him?" Zeus suddenly asked as Artemis coughed as everyone turned to him.
"How about the Ranger of Olympus? He was trained by my hunters and has the skills necessary to be one. Also he will be traversing the USA regularly, a fitting title no?" She suggested as everyone nodded.
"Then let us welcome Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, legacy of Neptune, and now the Ranger of Olympus."
LINEBREAK:
THIRD PERSON POV:
TIME: May 2005 (Two years later) (6 years until Percy's body starts aging again)
"So do you have the package?" Asked an irritated voice of a man in white tank top shirt as he lit the last cigarette of his package. He faced down another man and stood quietly in nothing but a trench coat and facemask. But by his side was a suitcase that seemed to have something moving inside it.
"I have it here, what about your end of the deal?" He asked the suitcase as it stopped moving the instant he did.
"Of course I have it, but I should be kicking your ass right now for being so late!" The frustrated man growled but didn't move as he took a long drag of his cigarette and then exhaled just as hard.
"My apologies, I got caught up in personal matters. You will find something in the case for your troubles." The man said as the grouchy man paused and gave a smile revealing a mouth full of yellow teeth.
"Well if you said that first then I wouldn't have yelled. Anyways here." He said as he reached into the bed of his truck he was leaving again and tossed the man a much smaller briefcase. The man in the trench coat caught it out of the air and then opened it. Inside it revealed several dozen bundles of hundred dollar bills.
"The other half is in a different location. I need to check on the merchandise before you get it." He said as the man nodded. Quickly the man set down the money and then proceeded to open his own briefcase leaning it on its back. As the bag opened it revealed the startling sight of two 7 year old children bound in rope and duct tape, their eyes covered black fabric, and their ears with headphones. Upon feeling the fresh air the two children seemed to start struggling again as the man gave a smile.
"Very nice! Seems like you pulled through on your end of the bargain!" The man said with a smile as he wrote something down on a piece of paper and then handed it to the man in the trench coat.
"The other half is here, I'll take these two and get out of here-."
*BOOM*
Something massive fell from the sky and landed directly on the pickup truck crushing it, all four tires exploded and the entire cab of the truck was crushed beyond repair. Both of the men and the children were thrown back as dust and debris exploded outwards. As the dust settled the two men just stared in shock as a massive black paw came out from the dust and slammed onto the ground shaking it a little.
"GRRR."
"You're the one tracking their smell Orthos, you should be the one to tell me if they are the right people."
Soon the dust cleared revealing a garbage truck sized black hound that looked like it had stepped out of hell itself. But instead of one head the beast had two massive heads with white fangs that looked like they could tear through metal with ease. Each head also had slightly blood red eyes that seemed to stare into the very souls of the two men. Just meeting the beast's eye caused the men to freeze in fear as it slowly walked over to them.
"GRRR."
"Yes yes, your nose never lies." Hearing another voice the two men watched as a person suddenly jumped off the back of the beast and landed silently. Covering the figure was a vantablack cloak that seemed to absorb even the tiniest amount of light around him. But a distinct red omega rested on his cloak over his heart like a beacon. But a second item seemed to also be present on the cloak as well. A silver leaf brooch that held the cloak together, its design was simple but very elegant.
"Who-." The disgusting man tried to speak but suddenly there was a simple flash of red and in an instant a blood red spear tip was pressing up against his throat. The man in the trench coat shook violently as he just stared at the cloaked man.
"Shut up before I kill you. Now names give them." The cloaked man said said as a glint of his eyes peeked through his hood.
"I-I-I-I-I'm-."
"Not yours you fucking idiot. The children, give me their names-."
*BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG* *BANG*
The man in the trench coat had pulled out a revolver and fired every bullet in the gun at the man holding the spear. However as he emptied it he kept trying to fire more and more but the clicks of the gun signaled it was long emptied. But the man in the cloak stood there silently as he slowly turned to the man.
"...Really?" He asked as he appeared completely unharmed from the bullets. But with that one word the spear in his hand moved like lightning, stabbing into the disgusting man's throat and then cutting out one side of it. With a spray of blood and surprised gurgles from the man he reached up to his throat as he slumped to the ground as the cloaked individual then turned and faced the one who was still trying to shoot him.
"So… you must be their father." He said as he spun the spear as the blood on the tip of the spear was flung off. With that he stopped right in front of the man.
"Names." He said as the man suddenly shook violently in fear as the other man struggled less and less. His blood covered the ground and slowly moved towards him.
"H-Haley and B-Brittany." The man sputtered out as he tried to meet the hooded figure's eyes but all he met was darkness and an aura that pressed down on him.
"That checks out… so let me ask you something, why did you do it?" He asked the terrified man, but as he did the figure frowned.
"W-Wouldn't you? They are monsters in human form! They have brought me nothing but nightmares and trouble! I have lost 3 houses to these monsters! If I had known any of this would have happened I would have never slept with that woman!" He yelled as it seemed his emotions finally hit a breaking point, however the man with the spear just stared at him in silence.
"It seems Tyche was right, you turned out to be a rotten apple in the end, so greedy and yet asking for more and more without stop. To sell your children… you are a true disappointment of a father. May hades find a special spot for your soul." The man tried to speak again but was ignored as the cloaked man simply turned around and walked towards the two children who were still tied up.
"Orthos, if you would." He said as the giant hellhound seemed to smile and then turned to the man as pure fear consumed him and piss started to fill his pants.
"N-No!" But in an instant the giant hound was on top of him and began tearing him apart. His screams filled the air as blood, guts, and limbs began to fly as the two heads fought over bits and pieces of him. However the man didn't seem to care at all as he began to work on their restraints.
"Must you be such a barbarian Orthos?" Suddenly a female's voice filled the air as a new animal joined the two. It was a truck size… dog? No it wasn't a dog, it appeared to be a large fox, its fur as white as freshly fallen snow with only small red markings on its face that gave it a nobel appearance. Three tails danced behind it in an almost hypnotic motion as the beast slowly walked over to the man and sat down. Her two golden eyes glanced back at Orthos as he finished his meal and then moved over to the dead man and starting to eat him as well.
"So inelegant, wouldn't you say Perseus?" She spoke in a soothing voice as the man stopped for a second and glanced at her.
"Tia you shouldn't be one to talk about such things, don't you remember when I found you? Also please just call me Percy." Percy said as Tia's tails swished back and forth rapidly as you could see her embarrassment come through.
"T-That was different. I only had 2 tails I did not know any better."
"Grrr." Orthos gave a quiet growl as Tia seemed to be more flustered.
"Hush you! Saying such things is embarrassing. Also, are you so inelegant you can't speak to me in words?" She said in a fake angry tone as Orthors raised up his head and bloody mouths as he quickly licked them clean.
"Words… unnecessary." A surprisingly normal but deep voice came out of his mouth as he walked over and sat down. But at his words Tia's tails betrayed her mood as they swished about happily.
"Can you two go flirt somewhere else? We have a job to do." Percy asked as Tia froze as Orthos gave a small snort.
"I am not flirting!" Tia said in an embarrassed voice as she looked away from him and Orthos and put up dignified airs.
"Sureeee." Percy said as he finished untying the two passed out children. As he did he pulled out photos from his cloak and compared them to the children in front of him as he gave another nod.
"These are them. Tia, come and help me with these two, we need to get them back to camp." Percy said as Tia nodded and quickly came over as he quickly put both passed out demigods on her back and secured them in her ever so soft fur. But as he did suddenly the air shimmered beside him as he quickly turned to it just in time for an IM to appear on it.
"You have one message waiting to be answered, It is from your ever so wonderful girlfriend." Said Iris as Percy blushed.
"Thank you Iris, I am able to take her call." Percy said as Iris laughed.
"Also thank you for helping Emily last week." She said as Percy just shrugged as he looked at the colorful goddess.
"It is the least I could do, thankfully she is in camp half blood safe now." Percy said as Iris gave him a big smile.
"Regardless, thank you it means a lot. Also here is your girlfriend." She said as the image switched over revealing a now 20 year old Zoë as she gave Percy a slightly sorry look.
"I know you're on a mission right now but I needed to call." She said as Percy just smiled and shook his head.
"It's fine, I just found the girls and took care of the issues surrounding them. I will be taking them to my camp here in a bit. What can I do for you, beautiful?" Percy said with a wink at the end as Zoë gave a small blush and rolled her eyes.
"Well… you are needed in New York. Your daughter got in trouble again, she bit another kid today." Zoë said as Percy's smile faltered and a sigh escaped his lips.
"Again? Was it that andrew kid or whatever his name is? Also why is it she is my daughter when she is in trouble and your princess when she is good?" Percy asked as Zoë chuckled.
"It was him again. Also yes she is, I keep telling you, she inherited your sassy side." She said as Percy just sighed again and nodded, completely agreeing with her.
"So I'm guessing a family meeting with the teachers this time?" He asked as Zoë gave a nod.
"In an hour." She said as Percy paused,
"Looks like I need to hurry up. Change of plans, Tia, take the girls into the Nest instead of camp and settle them in. Orthos, looks like you're giving me a ride." Percy said as the two massive animals nodded.
"Still I'm sorry to drag you away from your mission." Said Zoë with a slight frown as Percy shook his head.
"Don't be Zoë, I was done anyways. See you in an hour." Percy said, blowing her a kiss as Zoë gave a kind smile and then the IM dissipated as Percy turned to the two large beasts.
"Alright you two let's get moving. I got some stuff to take care of." Percy said as he flipped down the hood to his cloak revealing his 18 year old face. Not a day older than he was 2 years ago. But quickly he pulled out chalk from his pocket and then began drawing a large door on the cement below him. In a minute a giant 12 foot tall door was completed and Percy pulled out the key to the nest and inserted it into the lock that was shown on the ground.
Suddenly the giant fake door transformed into a white granite one, with ease Percy reached down and lifted up the massive door revealing a white screen. Tia gleaned at the two on her back and gave a nod and then into the giant screen and disappeared from view. A second later the door slammed shut and then the massive white marble door disappeared, leaving only Percy and his massive two headed hellhound alone next to a destroyed truck.
"So… you and Tia huh?" Percy asked as one of Orthos's heads turned to meet Percy's curious gaze as it gave a huff.
"She… interesting." He said as Percy gave a large grin but seeing the deadly look in the hellhounds eyes decided to leave it alone. Without a word he jumped onto Orthos's back and then the shadows around them melded together and the two seemed to melt into the shadows themselves.
LINEBREAK:
"Miss. Nightshade you said he would be here in an hour." Said a woman who was tapping on her watch as Zoë gave her a frustrated smile. The annoying looking looking complete in office clothes as her husband appeared the same. Zoë was in simple regular jeans and a simple shirt as they two eyed her down and seemed to judge as low class.
"Well life is life Mrs. Heckles. He will be here as soon as he can." Zoë said in a polite tone but you could almost see her blonde feelings on her head made an angry symbol.
"Very well… so remind me what was it you two do for work again?" She asked in contempt as Zoë held her smile on her face and somehow her composure.
"I am a wildlife surveyor and he is a freelance handyman." Zoë said as the women seemed to think for a minute.
"It sounds like you two must have it hard in this economy. Maybe some stability in our household would be good for you four." The women said with an almost concerned tone as Zoë nearly lost her composure and punched the women. But two sets of small hands pulled at her shirt as she quickly turned to them.
"Mommy can Me and Ryder have a snack?" Asked the adorable voice of a wide-eyed child. Her eyes just like her mothers and hints of her fathers as they appeared to be made of pure honey with a ring of onyx around the edge. Her hair took after her fathers completely as it was obsidian black small streaks of silver and white tangled in it. But her features were like her mothers as she appeared like a small persian princess. Complete with her small blue dress she really did look like a small princess at the moment.
"Remember Zora, it is Ryder and I." Corrected Zoë as the child nodded quickly.
"Can Ryder and I have a snack please?" She asked again as Zoë smiled and reached into her bag revealing two small bags of goldfish as Zora's eyes lit up.
"Thank you!" She after receiving the two bags and then handed the other to Ryder who stood by her side. Unlike his sister the much quieter of the two gave a happy node and opened the bag and started to eat away. Ryder, unlike his sister did not have black hair but instead had completely ice blue hair, this caused the boy to be constantly stared at but he didn't seem to mind. But two sea blue eyes made homes for themselves in his own, giving the child an almost intense look.
Though the twins were technically only 1.5 years the two had aged considerably faster than any child Percy and Zoë had ever seen. Reaching the physical age and mental age of 5 before they reached their first birthday. But as soon as they hit 5 the two stopped growing as fast and went back to a normal pace. According to their family physician Asclepius this could occur in demigods who had an abnormal amount of godly blood in them. Thus giving Percy and Zoë two 5 year old twins only 1 year after they were born.
"Really goldfish? So unhealthy don't you know? I always give Andrew apple slices." Said the other woman as she in turn turned to her own 5 year old son who was nursing a bandage on his arm.
"Would you like a snack honey?" She asked with a smile as Zoë restrained herself from going ballistic. Who did this woman think she was? Why were some mortal women so… so… snobbish? However as Zoë thought of a way to get back at the women the door burst open as everyone turned to see Percy running with an apologetic face. His attire a simple black polo with a small logo of Chaos Industries followed by the greek symbol for Chaos itself.
"Sorry I'm late honey, traffic was a nightmare." Percy said as Zoë gave him a very thankful look as the two shared a quick kiss.
"Mommy and daddy are flirting." Ryder suddenly said as Zoë and Percy gave an embarrassed face.
"Where did you learn that word?" Percy asked as he leaned down and ruffled Ryder's own wavy.
"Daddy!" He grumbled as Percy had a large smile and then turned to the culprit of tonight's meeting as Zora was looking down at the ground as she slowly nibbled on her goldfish.
'Ah! Mr. Jackson you have finally made it, now we can begin." But before Percy could say anything a teacher walked out of their room and motioned for everyone to join them in their rooms. Quickly everyone went inside and sat in some normal chairs that were provided for them.
"So Mr. Jackson and Miss. Nightshade are you both aware that this is the third time Zora has bit another student?" Asked the teacher as both of them gave small nods as Zora seemed to deflate in her small chair like a popped balloon.
"We are very aware ma'am. We have been trying to work on anger control methods with her and they seemed to be working but…" Zoë couldn't finish as she looked down at her daughter who tried to make herself even smaller.
"Do we know what caused the incident?" Percy asked as the teacher nodded.
"Apparently Andrew had been teasing Ryder to the point he was almost crying. Zora, seeing this, took action and began to argue with Andrew. Several names were exchanged but in the end Zora bit him yet again. This time even drawing blood." The teacher said as Mrs. Heckles gave an angry look towards the teacher.
"I demand immediate expulsion for the two. They have already attacked my son several other times. They are too dangerous to be left in this school." She said as Zoë gave a face of fury but Zora beat her two the punch.
"I bit him because he was being mean to Ryder! Mommy said people shouldn't be mean!" She yelled as she pointed at Andrew and glared at him as Andrew gave her a small glare back. The two were obviously at ends with one another.
"Zora… you're not wrong but you shouldn't bite someone when you're mad." Percy said as Zora just continued to glare at Andrew from her chair.
"Mr. Jackson, I'm sorry to say it but Zora has reached the requirements for expulsion. We just can't have her running around and biting someone whenever she gets mad." The teacher said as Percy froze, obviously displeased by the decision.
"So… what now?" Zoë was clearly concerned about her daughter.
"Your best decision is to transfer schools, however know that Zora's record will keep these incidents on them." She said as Zoë also frowned.
"B-But my friends!" Zora said as the teacher gave a long sigh as she looked at her.
"You can just make new ones honey." Said the teacher as Zora seemed to tear up at the idea. She didn't want to leave this place, she wanted to stay where her friends and her brother were. But in and instant Zora's eyes seemed to be filled with anger as she turned to Andrew.
"This is your fault!" Zora suddenly yelled as she lunged at Andrew and brought him to the floor in a flurry of punches and kicks as all the adults scrambled into action. Quickly Zora was torn off a screaming Andrew as Percy lifted her up the now crying girl as she fought against him. But Percy just held her to her chest as Zora clung to his shirt and began to cry. Ryder seeing this also began to cry as well, Zoë just gave a sad look and picked him up as well.
"See! That animal shouldn't be allowed in this school!" Andrew's mother shouted as she took care of her baby boy as Percy froze in place as he gritted his teeth.
"Take it back." He suddenly said as the teacher and both the other parents turned to him in confusion.
"Zora is not an animal, if anything your boy is an animal. Teasing another because he simply looks different, you should work on your parenting skills a bit more." He said as the father glared at him and stepped forward. Like the children both Percy and the father also did not see eye to eye after so many interactions.
"You gonna do something?" Percy asked as he stood a solid 6 inches taller than the other man. However with a crying Zora in his hands Percy also seemed even more deadly. Like a lion ready to tear apart another to protect his child. Just the aura alone was enough to make the mortal male shiver a little.
"Percy enough." Zoë reached out to him and gripped his shoulder as Perc looked back into her eyes, her eyes filled with emotions of care and concern as Percy gave a small smile and seemed to calm down.
"Whatever, we will take our leave. From today onwards Zora and Ryder will no longer be a part of this place." Percy said to the teacher as he quickly left the room with Zoë and Ryder. Leaving a semi pale male and a struggling woman who was trying to look over her son. A minute later the family of four was outside the building as they sat on a bench.
*Sigh*
"What do we do now?" Asked Percy in a whisper, this was the second school that had kicked out Ryder and Zora for fighting and with Zora's record it didn't seem like many others would take them in.
"I'm sorry for being a bad girl." Zora whispered in his shoulder as Percy had a small look of concern on his face as he kissed the top of her head.
"You're not a bad girl, you were just defending your brother. Just no biting." Percy said as Zoë just stared at the two with a loving face.
"We could talk to Artemis." Zoë suggested as Percy frowned a little.
"I know the hunt is a good place to learn but I wanted something different for them. They need friends their age be it mortal or demigod. I'm still struggling with social cues and how to act around mortals sometimes." Percy said as Zoë gave a small nod.
"Maybe Chiron might have a solution? I heard he took up teaching recently." Zoë said as Percy paused and seemed to think for a minute.
"That sounds like a decent Idea, hopefully he can help us out. Also Zora, I have a question." Percy said as Zora looked up from his shoulder all teary eyes and a snot filled nose as she nodded. Quickly wiping her face clean, Percy nodded.
"Did you use your teeth on the boy?" He asked Zora with her small sad face paused and gave the tiniest of nodes as she looked down.
"Did the boy see them?" He asked a different question but got the same response from her.
"Zoë, can you contact the hunters, we need a few mortals to be wiped by the mist." Percy said as Zoë gave a small nod.
"I'm sorry." Zora said again as Percy just sighed and gave her a hug.
"I know it is hard to control your transformation when you get angry honey. Now let's go home okay." Percy said as he picked her up as Zoë followed behind. But as the two were leaving Percy stopped and turned to Zoë as she gave him a curious glance after seeing a slightly evil smile on his face.
"Which car is theirs?" He asked as Zoë's eyes widened but a similarly evil smile cross her face as she motioned to a huge BMW awkwardly parked across the street.
'Orthos if you would kindly crush that car.' Percy asked Orthos with his telepathic connection. Suddenly a large foot exited the shadows above the car and smashed down on it. Suddenly it's car alarm went off but it was too late as the entire front of the car was smashed in and both tires popped a well. Just like that the giant paw disappeared into the shadows leaving a smashed car with its alarms blaring.
"Oh my, Mr. Jackson should we call someone." Zoë said in a playful voice as Percy had a hard time keeping a straight face.
"I don't think we should Miss. Nightshade, I don't see anything that could have caused such an accident so it is not our job to report it." Percy said back as Zoë seemed on the verge of laughing.
"Mommy and daddy are weird." Ryder suddenly said as both Percy and Zoë burst out laughing and then quickly hurried away.
LINEBREAK:
"You're finally back!" Said a happy voice as Zoë and Percy entered an apartment revealing a happy Hestia who was in loose house clothes and her hair up in a lazy ponytail and a large smile on her face. But then Hestia saw Percy, a look of surprise crossed her face and a mild blush also did the same.
"P-Percy, I wasn't expecting you to be home today. E-Excuse my attire." Hestia said, trying to fix her hair quickly and her relaxed attire as Zoë and Percy set down Zora and Ryder. Percy just gave a smile to the flustered goddess.
"I needed to come home to help with Zora. She bit someone again." Percy said as Hestia gave a look of shock and then sadness as she looked down at Zora who was pouting a little.
"Oh my little princess, we talked about this." Hestia said as she kneeled down and opened her arms and wrapped Zora in a hug. Zora quickly hugged her back as Hestia patted her head.
"You must have been angry huh?" Hesita asked as Zora nodded as Hestia pulled out of her hug and gave her a small kiss on the forehead.
"We will keep working on it okay,." Zoë said with a smile as she ruffled Zora's hair as Zora gave a small nod.
"Now I'm sure you are all uncomfy in the form, go ahead and go back to normal." Hestia said as Zora nodded as she seemed to shake a bit and then suddenly a silver small shark tail appeared from under her dress and began to wag happily. Then mouth then opened revealing several pointy shark teeth as she gave an adorable smile. Her pupils even slanted a little giving a more predatory gaze.
"Better?" Asked Percy as Zora nodded happily showing off her shark teeth. But then he noticed one of her teeth was missing as he frowned a little.
"Zora, when you bit him, did you lose a tooth?" He asked as Zora seemed frozen by the question as she shakily reached into a pocket in her dress revealing a small shark tooth in the palm of her hand.
"Oh my." Hestia said as she slowly reached over and picked up the tooth from the flustered 5 year old.
"Well let us put this in the jar for the tooth fairy okay!" Zoë quickly butted in as Hestia gave her the tooth as Zora's eyes lit up and then quickly followed her mother to her room leaving Ryder and Percy with Hestia as they both turned to the small quiet boy.
"Ryder, are you okay? The boy was picking on you after all." Percy asked as Ryder just nodded as Hestia gave a small concerned face.
"Ryder, tell the truth." Hestia said as she looked directly at the boy, but he couldn't meet her gaze as Hestia gave a sad look.
"My hair isn't weird." Ryder suddenly said as he clenched his fist together as Percy nodded as he leaned down and gave him a hug.
"We know that, it isn't weird in the slightest." Percy said as Ryder just continued to hug him.
"Oh Ryder." Hestia said as she quickly joined in the hug as the three sat quietly in the doorway.
"Stuffy." Ryder said after a minute as Percy and Hestia smiled and let go of the little man as he sighed in relief.
"Well it is time for bed, Hestia can you help Ryder. Also did his new grips come in?" Percy asked as Hestia gave a smile and then reached to the side revealing a package. Ryder's eyes lit up as he quickly opened the box revealing two adjustable exercise grips.
"Thank you!" Ryder said happily to the two as he quickly turned up the grips to a high setting and began squeezing and opening his hands as Percy and Hestia just smiled. He then ran off to the bedroom leaving Percy and Hestia alone.
"He is just like his mother, it surprises me how strong he gets with each passing day." Percy said as Hestia nodded.
"Their powers developed super early, this is for sure. I have never seen such a thing before." Hestia added in as Percy smiled.
"It's probably because I'm awesome." Percy said smugly, causing Hestia to giggle.
"Absolutely, for sure." Hestia said as the two now were left standing in the walkway as they listened to start to run a bath for the two.
"Welcome back by the way." Hesita said with a mild blush on her face.
"It is good to be back." Percy said with a smile as he paused. He then took a step closer to Hestia as the goddess continued to blush, but with an unpaused motion he leaned down and suddenly kissed the goddess on the lips. The shorter goddess seemed to melt into the kiss as they continued for a minute. After finally separating Hestia appeared lost in her own world, as Percy gave a gentle smile.
"Eh hem." Suddenly a voice interrupted the two as the both jolted as they turned to Zoë who was staring at the two with a playful face.
"Where is my kiss?" Zoë asked as Hestia continued to blush but smiled as she quickly approached her and planted a kiss on her lips as Zoë happily obliged and continued to kiss the goddess.
"Mommy and Hestia are flirting." Suddenly a voice startled the two women as Ryder appeared wrapped in a towel and freshly bathed.
"R-Ryder, go get dressed for bed." Hesita said quickly as the two women blushed as Ryder just stared at the two and nodded. Quickly he ran back to his room as both women smiled as Percy grinned.
"Seems you two had fun while I was away." He said both women glanced at him.
"Maybe. It's a secret." Zoë said, putting a finger to her mouth as Percy raised his eyebrows as Hestia was red from her forehead down to her neck.
"Daddy! Tell us a story!" Zora yelled from her room as Percy glanced at the embarrassed goddess and Zoë as he gave them a small smirk.
"It looks like duty calls. I'll find out the secret later." Percy said shooting the two a wink as Zoë just put on a seductive smile as Hestia just covered her face in embarrassment. With that he left the two women and appeared in the twins room. Half the room was complete with fish and shark decorations, sheets, and plushes. The other half of the room was decorated with pictures of mountains, the sea, and dinosaurs. Seeing the theme side versus the normal kid side made Percy inwardly chuckle a little.
"So my little angels, what do you want to hear tonight?" Percy asked with a chuckle as he sat down in a recliner in the room as both Zora and Ryder quickly joined him while sitting on his knees.
"From last time." Ryder said as Zora nodded quickly.
"Last time…" Percy said, rubbing his chin and playing along as Zora impatiently kicked her feet.
"Big thunder head was being mean to papa! But then mommy Hestai turned into a big fire lady and you got a job as a power ranger!" Zora said happily as Percy chuckled a little. But then a sad smile crossed his face. At the same time he caressed both their heads.
"Then I guess it is time to tell you a story about grandma and the rest of my brothers and sisters and their final and bravest last moments."