Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson
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Emerald Library: Is so big you can google it
Writer's Block: wttJDs62Dy
LAST TIME:
The instant Hera locked eyes with the girl as she stood hand in hand with Artemis as the two painted a picture that tugged at her heart strings. Multiple feelings arose deep inside her, as her heart went crazy. Millions of emotions filled her mind at the same time as she felt something inside her connect with the girl. Her domain of family suddenly jolted as if it had missed something incredibly important, yet it didn't seem to know what as it filled her with even more anxiety. Seeing Hera's face begin to fill with confusion, Artemis gave her a soft smile as she brought Mayleen in front of her, silvery yellow eyes met Hera's confused brown ones.
"This is Mayleen… Percy and I met her for the first time last month. The first time I met her I knew she was different. Even if she is Percy's child, that is not what I felt, I felt no… discovered something I did not recognize until I finally realized my Love for Percy, Zoe, Hestia… and you." Artemis said as a blush filled her face as Mayleen's mischievous smile turned into one of excitement and knowingness. While everyone else remained silent as new information filled their minds.
"Hera, I would like you to meet Mayleen, our daughter that was born from the union of you, me, and Percy."
NOW:
THIRD PERSON POV:
"W-What? Daughter? T-That's impossible. None of us ever…" Hera barely managed to say anything as her heart seemed to go crazy and her mind was overtaken with confusion by all the sudden information. All she could do was stare at the happy little girl who was her daughter, one that she never remembered having. Her domain of family seemingly went crazy as her confusion continued to grow. Her eyes then darted between Percy and Artemis as her emotions twisted around themselves.
Simply the fact that Mayleen was born from a union of Herself, Artemis, and… Percy was outrageous. The thought alone sent her thoughts haywire, sure with magic it was technically possible but… that's beside the point! Just then a thought suddenly penetrated her mind as she imagined Artemis, Herself, and Percy in such a scenario that nearly caused her face to flush gold. All she could do was shake her head and discard the thought as she tried to focus.
"I know it's confusing and it doesn't make any sense, but I promise you that everything I have said is the truth. My love for you as well as Hestia, Zoe, and Percy and that Mayleen is our daughter. I promise everything will be explained, the best way to do that is for you to feel the connection you have with Mayleen. It will all fall into place after that." Artemis said as she and Mayleen walked forward and then stopped right in front of the extremely flustered and confused goddess.
Mayleen then extended her hand her smile seemed to brighten 4 folds as Hera swallowed a bit of saliva in her mouth. Confusion suddenly turned into nervousness as she looked at the small hand extended towards her. Hera felt her heart squeeze at the sight, this was a child's hand that was reaching out for their mothers. How… long had it been since Hera had held her own child's hand? The thought scared her as she realized she didn't have an answer to such a question.
"It's okay Mommy," Mayleen said as she continued to hold out her hand for Hera to grab the goddess felt her whole body shiver at the word mommy. A term she had not heard herself be called in several millennia. The instant she heard Mayleen say it, a part of her emotions and dreams she had sealed away so long ago began to resurface.
"I-I…" Hera tried to speak but simply couldn't find the words to say as she stared into Mayleen's sparkling eyes. Then she looked up to see Artemis giving her a soft look that made her breath hitch, those yellowy silver eyes so full of love and trust that Hera didn't know what to do. It had been so long since someone had looked at her like that, her buried emotions rose even faster as her whole body shook.
"..." Hera opened her mouth to try something again but she just couldn't, her hand then ever so slowly extended out towards Mayleen's. Artemis, Hestia, Percy, and Zoe all watched in silence as Hera's shaky hand reached out until it was a quarter inch away from Mayleen's when it suddenly froze. Hera's soft brown eyes were frozen as everyone saw a fear of the unknown expressed in them.
"Hera… everything will be alright. Trust Artemis." Percy's soothing voice filled the air as Hera glanced up at him as he now stood beside Artemis and Mayleen as he gave her a small smile. His galaxy-like eyes slowly twirled as Hera somehow felt a sense of relief in his words. At the same time, Artemis shot Percy a small grateful smile before turning to Hera and giving her a nod.
"Come on Mommy, my arm is getting tired." Mayleen seemed to give a small whine and pout as Hera had a tiny bit of her confusion dissipate as a bit of confidence replaced it. She then clasped her hand once before finally reaching out and grabbing Mayleen's small hand in her own.
Everything suddenly went quiet as everyone watched with a bit of curiosity as Hera's eyes began to leak crystal clear tears suddenly A feeling she had long forgotten coursed through her as her domain of familiar love seemed to explode inside her. Ares, Hebe, and Hephaestus were all grown adults so the feeling of having a young child once again brought back many happy memories and feelings. A faint lavender-purple aura even started covering her skin as more delicate tears fell from her softening brown eyes. She finally understood what Artemis meant, she could truly feel her connection with Mayleen.
She could even feel the connection she shared with Artemis and even Percy through Mayleen. Be it her domain of familiar bonds or simply motherly instinct she knew could feel them all. She could even tell that Mayleen was born from the love and essence of all three of them, not a single tint of ugly emotion seemed bound to her essence which made her happy. The worries she held seemed to simply dissolve into the wind, her love for Artemis soared and she also couldn't help but even look at Percy in a new light.
"Do you understand now Mommy?" Mayleen asked as Hera delicately grasped Mayleen's hand, not wanting to let go as if she would disappear the instant she did. Her eyes continued to leak tears as a smile blossomed on her face, if Mayleen was the representation of her future with Artemis and Percy… no with everyone maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all.
"You sweet thing, come to your mother," Hera said as Mayleen happily giggled as she jumped into Hera's arms as the goddess hugged the small child. Happy tears ran down Hera's face as Mayleen seemed to snuggle into the hug as Artemis and Percy watched with widening smiles. Even Artemis couldn't help but blink away a few tears gathering in her eyes at the joyous scene. After a bit, Hera released Mayleen from her hug but kept her in her lap as she examined every little detail of the girl.
"I can see it now, you have my cheekbones, Artemis' nose, while your eyes are clearly Percy's. Oh what a stunning beauty you will grow up to be, I can't help but worry." Hera commented as Mayleen seemed to grow proud of herself as she happily wiggled in her spot.
"You always say that," Mayleen said with a giggle as Hera blinked in confusion.
"I do?" She asked curiously as Mayleen paused for a second before her confusion seemed to grow a bit. Percy couldn't help but laugh at the scene of mother and daughter as he drew both their gazes.
"I don't think it was properly explained if you haven't guessed already, Mayleen comes from the future. We don't know when exactly but I assume it is probably in the next decade or so. She has the domain of time which allows us to see her in such a way." Percy said as Hera seemed to cast aside some of her confusion as surprise and shock also joined in. She had already guessed as much based on the situation but she would never have thought she was right.
"To have such a powerful domain is dangerous," Hera said, slightly concerned as she grasped Mayleen's hand a bit tighter as the girl smiled at her.
"Daddy and all my mommies have given me lots and lots of training on how to control my powers! But I can do big jumps like this on a full moon night when my strength is at its peak, it's dumb." Mayleen said happily before deflating a bit with a small sigh.
"""Language.""" Suddenly Zoe, Percy, Hestia, Artemis, and even Hera all said at the same time as Mayleen grimaced a bit from their joint scolding. Yet all of them couldn't help but glance at one another before all laughing as the mood began to lift.
"So you're the infamous Mayleen, it is nice to meet you," Zoe said happily she and Hestia finally walked forwards as Mayleen hopped off Hera's lap, much to the goddess's displeasure, as she ran towards the two.
"Mommy!" She happily said as she instantly went in for a hug Zoe and Hestia both happily hugged the young girl as she giggled in their embraces. Seeing such a sight made Hera sigh the tiniest amount before her gaze slowly wanted to Artemis as the goddess of the hunt stared at her daughter with a happy smile.
"Thank you… for everything." Hera said as Artemis turned to her after hearing the words and smiled.
"Thank you for trusting me with your love," Artemis said as Hera blushed a bit, like this, the two goddesses shared a moment of silence as a flowery aura seemed to cover the two. Percy watched the scene with a bit of curiosity as he couldn't help but clear his throat causing the both of them to turn to him.
"I hate to interrupt but I think we all still need a little bit of explanation on what is going on. Honestly, the truth bomb about Mayleen being Hera's daughter as well as ours is news to me. Also, the fact you said that you love her, I can't help but ask but did something happen between you two previously?" Percy asked as Artemis and Hera suddenly blushed pure gold, earning a raised eyebrow from Percy. Still, Artemis managed to collect enough of herself to speak.
"Right, I forgot to explain everything and kinda just jumped right into Mayleen's existence. I think we should start from the beginning and explain everything to Hera, I will then get into our story."
LINEBREAK:
The night began to pass by as the 5 talked with each other, with an oath on Hera's essence to keep it a secret. Things were once again explained in greater detail about Percy's true past, the soulmates, and the river of love to the goddess of marriage. Hera was shocked to say the least, even to the point she had to take several minutes to recollect herself. Sure the gods had their rumors ever since Percy said Order was his father and his incredible powers but nothing had been confirmed.
Percy could only continue explaining everything from the primordials as well as Chaos and Order passing away, even about Abyss making his way to Earth, everything was revealed. Once everything was said Hera couldn't see Percy as the same demigod he was before, instead he almost seemed like an entirely new godly being. Which wasn't far from the truth seeing as he was a demi-creator at the moment.
Then the river of love became the topic as Percy personally explained how it worked and what the soulmates were and how he more or less sat in the middle of it all. Once this was revealed to Hera as she suddenly realized her love for Artemis was seemingly the start of several others. Since Hera knew the rest about the river from their conversation a while back when she found out Hestia was falling in love with Percy. So it was glossed over for the time being, then the topic of the current circumstances came into play.
Since Hera's connection with Artemis was solidified and the ones she had with the others were still forming they didn't quite know what to do. Normally Percy was the one who felt the connection with someone and brought them into the group. Since he was more or less the center of his Harem it was easy to work in a way. Since it was Artemis this time it led to a bit of confusion on what to do. They didn't want to jump the gun, to say the least, and let things flow naturally like they always did. That seemed to spark the topic of how to progress from here. Hestia's idea was the best as she suggested a group date every other week to help build their bonds.
The idea took off like wildfire as everyone began to suggest locations and fun events to go to. Hera even suggested a few things as she seemed to be enjoying herself, even Mayleen managed to get them to agree to a few places on the nights she came. What surprised everyone the most was how accepting of everything Hera was, even though she explained she was still nervous and needed a bit of time. Though she admits the main factor that helped her accept everything so well was the small time traveler in her lap, who had passed out at some point and was now snoring away.
Hera said Mayleen represented a future that she would have never imagined in the past, one where she was with people who cared about her and loved her. To say the least, everyone grew emotional after hearing her say such a sad thing as the goddess was soon buried in a group hug. Though she was incredibly embarrassed by the action she never actually resisted the hug and even seemed to relax into it. With this, the big topics were taken care of and now it was time for Artemis and Hera to explain what happened between them.
Zoe was the most eager to learn as she pestered both goddesses for all the details as the two seemed to fumble their way through their story. All the alcohol they drank during that time seemed to mess with their memories of that night. They both managed to make a whole story together until they came to the explicit part. To say the least, both blushed so hard they almost appeared to be golden statues. Both goddesses simply said the topic was too explicit for Mayleen's precious ears, even if she was asleep, and would explain at a later date.
"Mmmm." Zoe pouted a bit as she glanced at Hera, she felt a tinge of jealousy as she did, she couldn't help but wonder how far they had gotten. Her mind couldn't help but imagine several scenarios in her mind as she nibbled on her lip a little, nervousness and even fear sprouted in her mind.
"Zoe, you don't need to be worried. I still love you and everyone else the same, Hera and I may have… skipped a few steps, but that doesn't change how I feel." Artemis said, seeing right through the demi titan as Zoe met Artemis' silver eyes as they bored into her, Zoe only gave a soft sigh and nodded.
"I know… still though," Zoe murmured as a blush touched her cheeks Artemis herself started to blush a little as well as the two shared a short gaze at one another. After that tone of the area seemed to grow a bit awkward as the topic had shifted too much. Thankfully Percy saved the day as he spoke.
"So Hera do you have any questions?" He asked as Hera gave a soft laugh as she looked at him.
"I have several questions but I feel like I need to digest the information for now, though I have a question for you and everyone else," Hera said glancing at everyone as Percy nodded.
"Who do you plan to marry first?" She asked as Percy blinked at the sudden curveball of questions. Though he should have expected this question from the goddess of marriage.
"Umm… I honestly haven't thought of it yet."
"Really?"
"I mean… maybe a little."
"Oh? So who did you think of?" Hera asked in a curious tone as all eyes continued to stare holes into him, Percy felt a cold sweat begin to grow on his back as they did.
"W-Why does it matter?" He couldn't help but ask as Hera gave a soft smile that almost seemed a bit evil to him.
"It matters because of several reasons of course. The main one is the fact you are at odd ends with Zeus and from what I can tell you don't see Olympus in a positive light either. I understand your frustrations fairly well even though I admit I am part of the problem as much as Hestia and Artemis are." Hera said as Percy felt his body tense a little as he looked at the two goddesses who shared a bit of a worried look on their faces. As much as Percy hated to admit it, Hera was right.
"I didn't want to say anything… but it was hard not to after seeing that you are planning something after everything we talked about," Hera added as Percy locked eyes with the goddess as he nodded.
"I have an idea in mind if things continue as they are, I haven't spoken about it though," Percy admitted as the air grew a bit tense Hera gave a nod of understanding as she looked at everyone as they seemed to hold a bit of nervousness.
"Is that why you seemed so lost in thought lately?" Hestia asked as Percy looked over to her as he put on a sad face and nodded as Hestia pursed her lips together a little.
"I was trying to find a time to talk with you all but I never found it. I guess tonight is better than never though." Percy said a bit as he hung his head in his hands, a well of unease seemed to spring up in his heart.
"Is that why you went to meet Chiron? To get advice from him?" Zoe followed up with another question as Percy nodded with his head still hung low.
"I did, he gave me some solid advice I will admit. It helped change my perspective but it doesn't change the fact I still think something needs to be done. I am… sorry." Percy suddenly apologized as he looked up to suddenly find the three goddesses with a turbid look on their faces.
"You don't need to be the one seeking forgiveness, it is us who need to be seeking it," Artemis said with a sigh as Hestia and Hera nodded. All of them were just as aware of the issue as Percy as he felt his heart clench seeing their faces.
"Our actions have affected millions of people if not billions. Yet the past is the past and there is nothing that can be done now. We must live with our choices and try to seek forgiveness for what we have done." Hestia whispered as Hera looked at her elder sister as her brown eyes blinked a few times. She then also glanced at Artemis as well as she seemed to put together a few invisible lines as she couldn't help but look toward Percy.
"It seems having you in their lives has changed them for the better, I wonder if I can expect the same in myself as time goes on," Hera said with a soft sigh as Percy blinked a bit in surprise at the goddess' words as Artemis and Hestia suddenly blushed at her words.
"D-Don't say such embarrassing things." Hestia managed to get out her cheeks turned golden as Artemis blushed even fiercer than she did. Seeing the two of them react in such a way made Percy's worries seem to melt away for the moment and let out a small laugh even. His worries were seemingly lost to the wind as he started to think maybe his choice wasn't a bad one.
"Regardless back to the main reason I brought up this topic, when Percy eventually acts and Olympus experiences the change it needs a new council is more than likely going to be selected. With the blood of Chaos inside him and his powers and future domains to back it up Percy will more than likely be selected as the new king. Thus leading to the necessity of a queen." Hera wasn't the queen of Olympus for nothing, she used the momentum of the rising mood to shift the conversation perfectly.
"So… Do you have anyone in mind?" Hera asked curiously Percy once again felt 3 sets of eyes land on him as he didn't know what to do.
"Umm… I would like to get married to everyone I love. I can't just say one or the other, you all matter the most to me." Percy admitted with a light blush as Zoe, Hestia, and Artemis also blushed at his words, even Hera felt her heart move just a bit hearing his words as she coughed lightly.
"That isn't an answer to my question though, If you had to pick one to sit with you as the Queen of the new Olympus who would it be?" Hera continued to pester as Percy felt his mouth dry out a little, he had no idea what Hera wanted to get out of him talking about this. He simply felt if he took one wrong step he was a goner.
"If I could only pick out one… then I would simply have each of you be the queen one day or meeting at the time. Simply just rotate who is sitting at my side each time, or open up more seats for more queens. I don't want anyone left, that simply wouldn't be fair." Percy said with genuine feelings as Hera felt her heart move a bit more as her pursed lips slowly spread into a smile.
"I figured you would say that. You truly are one of a kind Perseus Jackson." Hera said with a soft sigh of relief as her smile grew a bit as he grinned.
"Percy, aren't we technically married?" Zoe suddenly asked as the room froze as all eyes turned to a slightly grinning Zoe. Artemis, Hera, and even Hestia blinked in confusion as they looked at her. Percy however was frozen by the statement as he wracked his brain until he finally figured out what she meant.
"Yes, but we did that for convenience's sake because of Ryder and Zora. We didn't have a ceremony or anything, we just went to a courthouse and filled out the paperwork." Percy said as Zoe's grin grew more confident as if showing off to the others as Hestia and Artemis began to get a bit flustered.
"T-Then I want to do it too! F-For the children of course!" Hestia suddenly blurted out as everyone turned to the quickly blushing goddess, steam even began to rise off her head as her cinder eyes were filled with embarrassment.
"Hestia we didn't even have a ceremony, when we all get married I want it all to be special. Not a piece of paper." Percy said as he grew a bit flustered.
"T-Then does our marriage mean nothing to you?" Zoe asked in a fake taken aback tone as her honey-brown eyes twinkled with mischief.
"N-No I'm not saying that at all! I'm happy we are married! I would still like to have a proper marriage ceremony and everything with you as well Zoe." Percy said quickly as he tried to regain some ground underneath him.
"Hmm… it seems you can't even take care of one wife, who is to say you can take care of 5 or even 8?" Artemis suddenly said in a serious tone as her silver eyes filled themselves with just as much mischief as Zoe's. Percy was at a complete loss for words after seeing Artemis join in. Seeing Percy so distraught by their teasing, Hera couldn't help but laugh at the sight as she decided to feed into the chaos.
"You know… I happen to have a few marriage forms you can sign if you're interested. I can even make them official…" Hera offhandedly mentioned with a small smile on her face as the embarrassed Hestia and the grinning Artemis both froze at her words. Both goddesses felt suddenly nervous at the mention of said documents as they shot Hera a look saying she was not helping. The goddess however blinked in such a way that suggested she didn't know what they were even talking about.
"Y-You do?" Zoe asked curiously with a tinge of excitement in her voice, she couldn't help but glance between Artemis and Hestia as both goddesses blushed a bit.
"Of course," Hera said waving her hand as several forms appeared in her hand as all the women and even Percy felt a tension suddenly form in the air. Hera couldn't help but enjoy the scene a little as she felt her heart rate increase a bit, though the form was a superficial document that gods didn't need. It was still a symbol of love between two or more people, even Hera couldn't help but glance at the nervous Artemis as the goddess swallowed down a bit of saliva in her mouth.
"D-Do you happen to have one that can marry 3 or more people?" Hestia nervously asked as the whole area went quiet. Sensing the air around herself her cinder eyes began darting around as she looked at everyone. Percy and Zoe were both now blushing profusely at her words and even Hera and Artemis were mildly blushing now. Seeing their faces a fresh plume of steam erupted from Hestia's head as she made a series of embarrassed noises before managing to speak.
"I-I just wanted to glance at it, I swear!"
A/N: Oh Hestia lol
LINEBREAK:
"Are you sure you can't stay the night?" Percy asked as Hera sighed and shook her head. In his arms was a sleeping Mayleen as she continually drooled on him much to everyone's amusement.
"I wish I could, however, I have several things I must attend tomorrow. Normally I am quite busy so clearing out my schedule for today already backed me up a little." Hera said as Percy nodded in understanding as his eyes showed a hint of worry. If she was this busy then how would they spend time together besides the dates?
"Don't work yourself too hard Hera," Artemis said her silver eyes filled with the same amount of worry as Percy's. Seeing the two looking at her with such eyes Hera felt her heart beat a bit faster as she gave them a soft smile.
"I won't, I promise, though I think I should lessen my workload here soon. I haven't had to worry about a relationship in a millennia, I only ever buried myself in work and never left any time for myself or others." Hera said with a sigh as she closed her eyes for a second, just then a small hand reached forward and grasped hers, Hera opened her eyes to find Artemis looking up at her as her silver eyes filled with more worry.
"I am fine I promise, it might take a few weeks or even months but I will get things sorted out. Maybe by then… I might even get residence over by where you all live. Hestia mentioned there were a few nice apartments over where you all live." Hera said with a smile as Artemis couldn't help but blush before turning her head away and nodding. Seeing such a sight made both Hera and Percy want to swoon over the short goddess but both managed to withhold themselves.
"Sounds like a plan to me. Also, do take care of yourself, Hera. I can tell when people overwork themselves pretty well. Mainly because I am one of those said, people. If you need anything please let me know though. I am the ranger of Olympus after all, I have a duty I must fulfill." Percy suddenly said in a joking voice before changing to a calm one as Hera blinked in surprise before looking his way. His eyes filled with worry for her as she couldn't help but let her smile grow.
"I think… I will take you up on that offer. I hope you don't mind me stealing him for a few things." Hera said, addressing everyone as Zoe gave a soft chuckle as Hestia gave a soft smile.
"As long as it isn't too long. The nights get lonely without him to cuddle at night, isn't that right little flame." Zoe said with a soft sigh before nudging the hearth goddess she couldn't help but blush before glancing at Zoe.
"I-It does get lonely, though I don't mind just cuddling you beautiful." Hestia managed to say as she eyed Zoe, it was Zoe's turn to blush profusely at the goddess's statement. Hestia rarely ever used that nickname which only made Zoe's heart race more.
"You two… geez." Artemis couldn't help but be affected by the atmosphere as her face flushed at the scene.
"You can always join in if you want milady. I don't think Hestia would mind, she always wanted someone to be her small spoon." Zoe suddenly said with a brilliant smile on her face as she looked right at Artemis and watched the goddess's face turn pure gold.
"W-Why did you tell her that? You meanie." Hestia couldn't help but complain to Zoe as she gently pinched the demi titan her face turning pure golden just like Artemis's.
*Cough*
"I will make sure to keep his missions short so all of you can have as much time with him as you want," Hera said with lightly golden cheeks as she watched the scene before her. Hearing her words Artemis, Zoe, and Hestia couldn't help but nod before looking at Percy. He only had a small grin on his face and also appeared to be blushing as well as he continued to grin.
"Thanks, I owe you one." Percy couldn't help but say as he shot Hera a wink in thanks as the goddess felt her heart tingle a bit as embarrassing thoughts began to pollute her mind.
"A-Anyways I must get going. If Mayleen wakes up before she leaves, tell her I love her and I can't wait to see her next time." Hera said, pushing the thoughts away as she approached Percy before leaning forward and planning a quick kiss on her daughter's forehead. Her brown eyes softened greatly as she seemed to soak in the image of her.
"I will let her know. Have a good day tomorrow." Percy said as he suddenly reached out his free arm, Hera grew a bit confused by his action. Seeing her face Percy couldn't help but chuckle as the goddess eyed him.
"It's a goodbye hug, figured you wouldn't mind… right?" Percy explained as Hera blinked a few times before smiling as she wrapped her arms around Percy and Mayleen and hugged the two. Soon another pair of arms encased the two as Percy and Hera turned to see Artemis joining them as she didn't open her eyes to meet their gazes.
"Don't forget about us now," Hestia said before she and Zoe also joined in on the group hug as Hera couldn't help but smile. She had been hugged more times in the past year than she had in the past hundred.
"Thank you all," Hera whispered as she relished in the sensation of the hug as her domain of familiar bonds did the same. Soon the hug had ended as Hera stepped back and checked all her things before looking at everyone and smiling.
"I hope I can see you all again soon. Also, I can't wait for our first date." She said with a smile as they all did the same. With that, her eyes landed on Artemis and her smile widened a bit before scanning everyone else.
"Again… thank you all." She finally said a flash of light brightened the night and Hera was gone leaving everyone staring at the place she was just a second ago.
"Well… that was an eventful night," Percy said with a long sigh as everyone nodded in agreement.
"Didn't know you had it in you Artemis," Percy said with a light smile on his face as Artemis blushed as she looked at him.
"I-I didn't plan for it to happen in the beginning, but it just did. In the end, I had to be truthful to myself and you all. I didn't want to lie to you all, though if you're upset I hid it for so long I can understand." Artemis said, a bit embarrassed as Percy chuckled a little.
"I'm not upset in the least, love is mysterious and works in many ways. The connection I felt with Hera is indeed there, it just needs time to blossom into what I already have with all of you." Percy said, reaching out his hand as Artemis couldn't help but gingerly take it.
"Though I think Zoe is a bit jealous though," Percy said, glancing at Zoe as the demi titan blushed and glanced at Artemis as she met her silver eyes. Suddenly a small scene of turmoil grew in Zoe's eyes as she nibbled her lips a bit.
"I-I'm going to go lay down Mayleen with Zora and Ryder, she needs a proper bed to sleep in," Zoe said as she avoided the topic entirely, in a split second she had already scooped up the sleeping girl from Percy's arms and was walking away. Seeing her walking away so swiftly Artemis felt her heart clench a bit, suddenly her hand was released as well as Artemis turned to see Percy looking down at her.
"Go after her," Percy said with a small nod in Zoe's direction as Artemis couldn't help but clench her fists a little. Her turmoil grew as she watched Zoe's reaction, she simply didn't know what to even say to Zoe.
"I… do-." Before Artemis could say anything suddenly her hair was pushed back and a kiss was gently planted on her forehead as she froze. Percy then leaned upwards from his kiss as he gave her a confident smile.
"We all love you Artemis. Don't think, just go." He said before a small hand suddenly pushed Artemis forward as Hestia appeared behind her with a warm smile. Artemis stumbled a few steps before looking back towards them and shooting them a thankful look. With that she began to quicken her pace as she went after Zoe as Hestia and Percy were left behind, they could only watch the goddess disappear into the night in silence.
Percy then felt a new hand slip into his, he could help but instantly gave it three squeezes as Hestia did the same. Yet as she did Percy noticed her tempo was a bit off, just that tiny difference was enough for him to look over at the goddess. Her cinder eyes were seemingly lost as her lips pursed themselves just the tiniest bit.
"You know you can always talk to me if you're worried about something, I will always be here to listen to your worries and concerns. I don't want you pulling a Percy and stewing in your emotions without talking to anyone." Percy with a loving tone before throwing in a small joke as Hestia flickering cinder eyes looked up at him. Her hand only squeezed his a bit harder as the two looked at one another, her body seeming to shrink a bit as her mind seemed to storm.
"Can we talk inside?" Hestia asked in a timid voice as Percy looked into her flickering cinder eyes that displayed a storm of emotions. Seeing the look on her Percy put on a worried face and nodded as the Goddess instantly began to pull him towards their cabin.
Before a full minute passed the two were already back inside their cabin as Hestia brought Percy to the master bedroom and closed the door. Percy was then suddenly knocked backward onto the bed by the small goddess as surprise overtook him. He didn't even have time to say anything before Hestia crawled on top of him and laid her head on his chest.
"Hestia…"
"J-Just give me a little."
"...Okay."
With that, the room went quiet as Percy reached up and hugged the hearth goddess, one hand on her back and the other on her head. His hands slowly petted her as she closed her eyes and simply listened to his heartbeat. The sound calmed her nerves a bit as his scent worked its way into her nose as well, everything about Percy always seemed to calm her down when she was stressed. Yet right now she still felt stressed as she took a deep breath and exhaled before slowly opening her worried eyes.
"I-I'm just worried about a bunch of dumb things. I know it's stupid to even think about it, yet…" Hestia said as her eyes glistened with tears even more as Percy squeezed her a bit tighter.
"It's alright," Percy said to her as Hestia nibbled her lip a bit as her emotions peaked.
"I-I'm just worried that I'm going to be… left behind," Hestia said with a struggle in her voice as suddenly she felt Percy's heart begin to quicken. In the next instant, Percy's arms squeezed her even tighter.
"Why would you think that? I love you Hestia, I would never leave you behind.." He said to her in a worried tone as Hestia's eyes finally began to leak tears that dripped onto his chest as her body shook a bit.
"I know… but after seeing you, Artemis, and Hera interact with Mayleen and everything. I felt so… slow. I felt like I would miss my chance at something like that because of the way I am with all of this stuff. Like I was going to be left behind." Her voice cracked the smallest amount and hot tears began to stream down her face as Percy's arms trembled a bit.
Just then his hand gently tilted her head upwards as Hestia's crying face was revealed to Percy. She then saw the loving and worried look on his face as he managed to scoot her up a bit before resting his head on hers as he looked into her eyes. Their eyes remained locked with one another as Hestia felt her soul tremble a bit.
"Hestia I love you, I love everything about you. I don't care how long it takes for us to take that next step, I just want you to be happy. I would never, ever leave you behind, I am sure the others would feel the same as well. So take your time and when you're ready-." Suddenly Percy's lips were sealed by Hestia as she kissed him.
A torrent of emotions filled the kiss as Hestia poured everything she felt into it, worry, love, wants, needs, etc. Percy could feel her pour everything she could into it as their lips tangled in a tantalizing dance. Sometimes it was as soft as the lightest kiss, even going so far as simply rubbing their lips together as if teasing each other. Other times Hestia couldn't help but stick her tongue into Percy's mouth as he responded in tandem.
Every emotion that Hestia sent his way he responded with his own as her tears slowly stopped. The two lovers connected in a way words never could express as she felt her worried heart calm down, yet as the kiss slowly developed into a makeout Hestia felt something else inside her begin to build up. Her whole body started to even raise a few degrees as she continued to kiss Percy as her power seemed to lose control.
Soon she couldn't take the lack of air anymore she had to pull back as she gasped for breath, small puffs of steam left her and Percy's mouths as the two caught their breath. Hestia's mind seemed to finally be free of her worries as her breaths softened as she slowly stopped and rested her head on Percy's. Her whole body was burning like a furnace as she continued to lay on Percy, though shivers seemed to run through her as the feelings inside her continued to build.
"I-I'm ready Percy." She tenderly whispered to Percy with a flushed and eager face as Percy stared into her cinder eyes as they danced with emotions. Her words sent a shiver down Percy's back as he nearly moved right then but managed to stop himself, a part of him recognized those flames in her eyes.
"You might be Vesta, but Hestia still isn't," Percy whispered as the cinder eyes spiraled into themselves like real fires. One eye suddenly took on the fierce flames while the other took on much softer ones. Both eyes looked at Percy as a look of frustration crossed Hestia's face.
"You said you wouldn't do anything, Vesta," Hestia said to herself as she winced in pain a bit as she was forced to sit up and hold her head.
"You want him Hestia, we want him! Just be a good girl and sit back while I take charge." She suddenly spoke again as the goddess form seemed to flicker a bit as she couldn't help but groan in pain. Percy's eyes widened drastically as Hestia gripped her head in pain as her form continued to shift back and forth.
"N-Not like this, I just can't yet." She managed to say as her form stabilized on Hestia for a second before shifting again.
"You can't keep hesitating Hestia, how many years or even decades can you keep waiting? I can feel everything you feel, I know your worries. Let me relieve you of them, let me do this for us." Vesta managed to say as Hestia shook her head as her face continued to show pain. Percy could only watch with wide eyes filled with worry as Hestia and Vesta struggled against one another. Suddenly cracks that let out an orange light began to spread across her skin as worry turned into panic.
"Stop, you're falling apart!" Percy yelled in a panic as the goddess took a painful groan as the cracks only continued to spread. Both goddesses not giving an inch as their shared body took the toll of their struggle. Percy's eyes swirled as his mind raced, he had to put a stop to this. He had to do something! He quickly reached forward and grabbed her shoulders and moved her to the bed as the goddess continued to struggle.
"No!" Vesta/Hestia screamed as two voices seemed to inter lap one another as they came out of her mouth her cinder eyes seemed to turn into full-on infernos. Seeing the sight of Hestia struggling so much made Percy's mind short-circuit as multiple feelings began to overlap with one another. Normally he was able to handle everything that came his way but this time he couldn't do anything.
'Think Percy, think of anything!' Percy mentally screamed at himself as he continued to watch Hestia fall apart as her skin cracked more and more revealing the godly energy beneath it. Just then his mind seemed to have ice-cold water poured over it as an eerie calmness filled his mind. In a single instant, his eyes shifted as they turned completely white, and his aura surged as its color shifted to pure white instead of its usual black.
"This may hurt, I'm sorry," Percy said as the goddess beneath him slowly looked at him in confusion as his hands landed on her shoulders. Each hand gripped her shoulders as his aura surged yet again it instantly invaded the goddess like a dry sponge to water. Then Percy pulled both of his arms away from each other as an unbelievable scene took place. A brilliant orange light filled the room instantly and after a few seconds, it began to dim just as quickly as it arrived.
Percy kneeled on the bed as his aura slowly receded into him as he took several deep breaths. His energy had drained from him so quickly he was worried he might have been sucked dry, thankfully he managed to hold onto half of it. All he could do was continue to breathe as a strange scene unfolded in front of him.
"W-What?"
"Huh?"
Two familiar yet slightly different voices filled the room, a slightly fierce set of cinder eyes stared at a much calmer pair of eyes. Sitting on the bed before Percy were two goddesses, both sharing an equally confused look on their faces as they stared at one another. Percy only stared at them as Vesta sat to his left with Hestia to his right, the two had the same looking body and even the same swimsuit.
Thankfully there were small differences between the two, Vesta's mousy brown hair was up in a ponytail that came down to her mid back and a much more confident and fierce look was on her face. Hestia on the other hand retained the same features and hair she always had. The two could only blink at one another in a trance, ever so slowly both of them brought up a hand to their faces. Then in sync, the two pinched their cheeks as they both winced at the same time.
"Ouch."
"Owie."
"Well… this is interesting," Vesta said in a surprised tone as she rubbed her cheek as Hestia did the same. Hestia's face then suddenly turned into a glare that was directed at Vesta as she pounced on the goddess before her. Percy didn't even have time to move before the two goddesses were in a wrestling match as Hestia attacked her other half.
"Y-You BITCH! Why do you have to make everything so complicated!? Why can't you let me go at my own pace!?" Hestia angrily screamed at the Roman goddess as she pulled at her hair. Vesta could only let out a cry of pain as anger filled her eyes, she moved quickly as she managed the roll of the two of them as she managed to pin Hestia under her.
"I make things complicated!? Have you looked in the mirror lately? If I hadn't helped, you still wouldn't have even kissed him yet!" Vesta yelled as she pulled at Hestia's hair as the two continued to fight. Each of them continued to yell at one another and pull at each other's hair and even bite one another as Percy managed to snap out of his trance and finally move.
"Enough you two!" He yelled as he managed to break apart the two goddesses he held one in each arm as they continued to act like feisty cats. He even swore he heard one of them hiss at the other as their hands swatted at one another.
"She started it!" They both yelled in sync as their fiery eyes glowed with anger at one another. Percy couldn't help but sigh as his idea seemed to backfire on him almost instantly.
"Well, I'm ending it, so enough." Percy huffed as he kept a tight hold on each goddess as they struggled in his arms. Each tried to reach the other as Percy managed to hold them far enough apart only their hands slapped at one another. Seeing them continuing Percy felt a bit of anger flare in him as his hand holding them suddenly began to move as he tickled them. It didn't take but a few seconds for their hands to stop slapping one another as laughs began to pour out of their mouths.
"P-Percy please!" Hestia begged as she couldn't help but continue to laugh as Vesta didn't even have the chance to speak. Soon tears began to run down their faces because they were laughing so hard as Percy felt it was enough and relented. With that, both goddesses hung from his arms like limp cats as they gasped for air. Seeing them finally giving up Percy rested the two on the bed as they caught their breath.
"You done?" Percy asked Hestia simply nodded as she continued to catch her breath as Vesta did the same as she glanced at Hestia and Percy.
"Yes, sirrrr." She purred with a hint of mischievousness in her tone that sent a small shiver up Percy's back.
"S-Shut up." Hestia managed to say as her cheeks flushed gold in embarrassment.
"Why not? I just said what you were thinking." Vesta said as she propped herself onto her elbows and looked down at the blushing Hesita. She even glanced up at Percy who was also blushing lightly as her eyes sparkled a bit.
"Y-You…" Hestia complained while glancing at her other half as Vesta smiled a bit. Percy could only glance at Hestia as her blush grew as he realized Vesta told the truth.
"It seems you two are done fighting… I think. I'm happy you two are okay, I was worried you might explode." Percy said with a sigh as ran his hand through his hair and seemed to relax. Seeing his reaction both goddesses shared a look of guilt and then looked at one another, the two seemed to communicate with each other before they turned back to Percy.
"We're sorry, we didn't… mean for it to get out of hand like that and worry you. It's just…" Hestia apologized as her voice grew quiet before she stopped talking and looked at Vesta.
"We don't quite agree on the pace we should be taking in our relationship with you." Vesta finished with a soft sigh before looking around the room curious and then down at her body a bit, seeming to admire herself a little. Though it was the same body she always had it was different since she was the only one in it.
"I figured that from all the yelling, still you two didn't need to argue so much you nearly released your true form," Percy said as he sat down on the bed and tried to calm his mind, soon a figure scooted over to him and grabbed one of his arms as he turned to see Hestia snuggling against his side.
"I'm sorry." She whispered to him, Percy felt his heart clench a bit, yet he just revealed a small smile before leaning over and kissing her on the lips before pulling away after a few seconds. The goddess was left longing for more as she couldn't help but lean forward to recapture his lips only for him to move out of her range.
"You don't need to apologize, like I have said in the past, take your time. I am willing to wait until the end of time for you to be ready. I love you." Percy said to her as Hestia looked up at him and nodded before she blinked away a few tears and then sniffled a bit
"I'm sorry too." A new voice joined in as Percy's other arm was quickly snatched up as Vesta scooted beside him. Her fierce cinder eyes softened as she looked up at Percy as he stared down at the Roman goddess. He couldn't help but pause as he looked at her apologetic face that looked at him like a sad puppy. Something in him seemed to stop as he suddenly realized he was looking at Vesta and not Hestia, seeming to sense his long pause Hestia squeezed his arm a little.
"It's fine Percy," Hestia said as Percy, ever so slowly kissed the Roman goddesses awaiting lips. The kiss was tender and soft as the goddess softened into the kiss, emotions and love spilled from their lips as the seconds passed. Vesta's grip on his arm only tightened as they continued to kiss until Percy slowly pulled back, just like Hestia, Vesta chased after Percy's lips only to find nothing.
"You need to be nicer to Hestia and stop pushing her so hard, compromise with her, and find a balance. You don't need to apologize either, I am willing to wait until the end of time for her… and you. There isn't a need to rush until you're both ready." Percy whispered to her as Vesta's body trembled against his as her grip on his arm tightened, her cinder eyes seemed to ignite in a new type of fire as she couldn't take off him.
"Yes sir," Vesta whispered right back to him as a shiver ran through Percy's spine. His whole body tensed as he held himself back as her words rolled around in his mind. She was literally asking for it, her eyes, her tone. Everything about her screamed she wanted more. Suddenly the grip on his arm that Hestia was holding tightened.
"V-Vesta!" Hestia sputtered out as Vesta gave a small sigh and then stared at the other goddess. Their cinder eyes locked with each other. It seemed the two goddesses were exchanging words without even saying them. Suddenly Hestia's face seemed to blush a bit more as she began to nibble on her lower lip. Her eyes glanced up at Percy before looking back at Vesta to see the goddess giving her a devilish look.
"Like always?" Vesta asked her as Hestia's blush grew and her body began to fidget a bit more.
"L-Like always." Hestia agreed as both goddesses turned to Percy in sync. One that was blushing up to her forehead with a shy look on her face while the other gave him a devilish smile. Percy was then pushed back onto the bed by them both as the two of them leaned over him as he felt his blood start to pump. It was like looking at two succubi ready to eat him alive, not that he was complaining at the moment.
"Hestia and I agreed to keep each other in check tonight like we always do. We won't do anything to make us lose our virginity tonight but that doesn't mean we can't play around. So let us take care of you tonight… master." Vesta purred before the both of them bent down and started to kiss him.
A/N: Yes I just did that! See chapter 29.5 for you know what! Also I hope you all enjoyed yet another drama episode, I hope it helps you understand the harem a bit better while also giving you refills of the feels you want. Also how do you all enjoy the Hestia separation? I might leave it in the story or take it out, what yall think? Also I'm hoping to get Artemis and Zoe's part done in the next chapter and then move toward the Sea of Monsters book.
E/N: Oh.. my.. God.. Yes, the separation. We only recently talked about this and I was not expecting you to INSTANTLY make me crave it to be forever in the story. I think I talk for the readers here Nuts, KEEP THEM BOTH!!! Hehe all horn-knee aside, pretty neat chapter, love the introduction of Hera to the harem, I don't think it was too fillery (after all she is included in the harem for a reason). So I think you did good man! Also for the discord stuff he posted at the beginning, all I ask is please do not try to force him to write/work on only one story, I kind of explained this in the discord already but I wanna be safe, he can not force ideas, as it would make the stories worse, and I am SURE we all want the top notch Nutsofthechest stories right? Thank you!! - Sol