Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson
Discord channels you can find me at:
Emerald Library: Is so big you can google it
Writer's Block: wttJDs62Dy
LAST TIME:
"Because… Because… I- I like you so much, you big dolt. I have for years, I simply can't get you out of my head. Every time I hear that you did something dangerous my heart drops and I can't sleep properly for a few days. Every time I see you my heart does cartwheels. I know you have Zoe and your kids and I know you are loved by someone else but I still can't help but feel these things! It's like my mind is tearing itself apart when I think of how I could hurt you if I tried to go after you."
"When your energy was in so much turmoil because of that medicine, I was so worried I could barely think straight! Even after escaping the island, my mind was in a haze wondering if you were okay. When you finally showed up I had to stop myself from jumping on you and crying. When you were cooking us dinner I cried in happiness in the bathroom. I- I- I-." Annabeth's tears were finally in full stream as she poured out all of her emotions. Her whole body trembled violently as she sucked in breaths of fresh air to combat her crying.
With such a sight in front of him, Percy couldn't help but pull the girl into a hug as she struggled against him for a moment, only to give in as she began to ball against his shirt with all her might. In that moment he finally felt it, a connection that had been there but never presented itself to him that caused his heart to tingle in joy and love. It looked like Percy was right after all, Annabeth was one of his soulmates.
LINEBREAK:
Percy gently handed the sniffling demigoddess a tissue from his pocket as Annabeth took it from his hand and blew her runny nose. Glancing at Percy with her puffy red eyes, Annabeth gave another sniffle and wiped her nose again. A moment later another tissue was presented to her. Annabeth took it but simply held it in her hands. She couldn't help but stare at the tissue in her hands for a bit before turning to Percy who was sitting next to her.
After crying her heart out while clinging to Percy with all her might she expected him to reject her, yet he didn't reject her and instead comforted her. Patting and rubbing her back as he held her tight, it was so comforting she couldn't help but pour out all her bottled-up emotions. In the end, the two of them were left sitting on the rocking boat, just listening to the waves. Nobody said anything as Percy quietly watched over her, providing her with tissues to help clean up any remaining tears or snot.
"So… what now?" Annabeth couldn't handle the silence anymore and asked Percy in a slightly scratchy voice which quickly caused her to blush and clear her throat a little as Percy gave a soft laugh at her reaction.
"Don't laugh! It's a serious question!" She quickly snapped at Percy as her eyes teared up a bit more in slight anger.
"Sorry, my bad. You are cute when you're nervous. I couldn't help myself." Percy admitted as Annabeth couldn't help but let a blush rush to her face from his words, causing her to quickly turn her head away to hide it. Seeing her reaction Percy gave a soft smile at the scene before taking a deep breath and letting it out.
"I accept your feelings Annabeth," Percy spoke in such a casual manner that Annabeth nearly missed it as she whipped her head around and stared at him. She blinked her eyes a couple of times, as she began to try to understand what he just said.
"W- Wait, you can't just accept them." She said as Percy raised an eyebrow at her.
"Why's that?" He asked as Annabeth opened her mouth only to close it a moment later as her eyes were filled with confusion. Yet in all of it, she seemed to find the information she was looking for as her gaze hardened.
"Because of Zoe and your children! That would be cheating! You don't just go on accepting women's confessions… even if we want you to." Annabeth started strong as her logic proved to be on point, yet as she spoke her drive seemed to fall flat and her voice grew soft. Her arms quickly hugged her legs as Percy stared at her for a bit.
"Actually… My love life is more complicated than you think. Also, you don't need to worry about Zoe." Percy admitted with an awkward face as Annabeth turned her eyes toward Percy with a questioning gaze. Her gaze burrowed into him as if it was trying to drag out more information.
"Are you and Zoe… in an open relationship or something?" She carefully questioned as Percy nearly had a coughing fit from her question. Calming down his heart he decided to squish any more possible ideas the daughter of Athena was trying to come up with before she did.
"Of course not! Zoe is mine and I am hers till the end of my life and the next, but that still doesn't change the fact I accept your feelings. Like I said my love life is complicated, let me explain it all before you come up with any more silly ideas." Percy quickly told her as Annabeth puffed up her cheeks a bit as her ideas were called silly. Still, she remained silent as Percy gave a small sigh as he tried to think about where to start. There was simply too much to go over and honestly… he was exhausted and wanted to go to bed.
'Welp… good luck boss. You can sleep in tomorrow, how about that? In the meantime, me and Barb are going to hit the hay.' Alpha told him as Percy inwardly let out a huge groan but managed to retain a thinking face on the outside.
"Let's see… I guess the beginning is the best place to start. You up for my life story?" Percy asked as Annabeth's eyes seemed to twinkle at the information.
"How does it pertain to this?" She questioned as Percy tilted his head side to side while thinking about the shortest answer.
"My lineage is super special and is directly tied to my love life." He explained as Annabeth raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Very well… proceed with your explanation." She said with a small wave of her hand as he laughed at her action. It seemed that Annabeth was regaining her normal spunk which was good, for the most part.
"Well, first things first. I need you to swear on your own essence to never speak of this to others unless they already know or if I say it is okay." Percy started with his normal beginning to his life story as Annabeth stared at him for a few moments before nodding. She had known Percy for several years now and he had only shown the best of intentions for her.
"I, Annabeth Chase swear on my essence to never reveal any of the information Percy Jackson is about to reveal to me to anybody unless they already know or if he states otherwise," Annabeth said with a firm tone before her body began to glow for a few moments as Percy's did the same. Percy could feel the oath take place and plant itself in his soul as he gave a nod, a moment later the glow disappeared as the two shared a gaze.
"I, Percy Jackson swear on my essence everything I tell Annabeth Chase about myself on this night is truthful." Percy suddenly said as Annabeth's eyes widened, not expecting Percy to double down at the moment. Yet, as he did Annabeth felt her heart lighten a bit as a small smile graced her lips. A moment later Percy's oath took place and he glowed yet again as Percy seemed to test the water he opened his mouth only to find himself unable to speak as he gave a grin and nodded.
"So… don't freak out or overthink it. But, I am the true son of Chaos, the creator of the universe. Also, Order, the master of energy systems, souls, and immortality, is my adoptive father. Poseidon is also my adoptive father, my real one is a legacy demigod as well. That is a child of a demigod and a mortal, though it was explained to me that he was just a sperm donor, nothing more." Percy explained in one smooth motion with a thoughtful look on his face, Annabeth on the other hand, was dead silent as her eyes swirled faster and faster until finally Percy saw a poof of steam come from her head.
"You good?" Percy couldn't help but ask as Annabeth shook her head before placing it in both hands.
"My head hurts," Annabeth admitted in a pain-filled voice as Percy couldn't help but give a small sigh.
He more or less expected this, with her ability to process information quickly and deeply he was sure she would get herself into what he liked to call, 'A Never-ending Neurological Assault of Brain Endangering Thoughts and Henceforth Clinical Health Assistance is Strongly Encouraged' or A.n.n.a.b.e.t.h C.h.a.s.e for short. To say the least, said demigoddess did not enjoy the acronym Percy had created just for her. What made her even angrier about it was that it only took him an hour to come up with it.
"Want me to help?" He offered as Annabeth gave a soft nod as her nose suddenly began to bleed, Percy quickly pulled out another tissue and handed it to her. Annabeth gratefully took it and stuck it up her bleeding nostril before Percy reached over and placed his hand on Annabeth's head. A moment later Percy's hand began to show signs of frost growing on it as the water vapor in the air froze.
"One supercomputer cooling coming right up," Percy said with a chuckle as Percy easily created an ice layer around his hand. In a few moments, the ice cooled off Annabeth's head as a bit more steam seemed to slowly float away. Annabeth seemed to enjoy the moment as she let out a large sigh as her eyes slowly opened revealing swirling pools of gray. Her thoughts had gained some traction instead of going around and around leading her nowhere.
"Please don't call it that, I'm not a supercomputer," Annabeth said with a small smile as Percy gave her a small grin. Each time Annabeth had herself a… A.n.n.a.b.e.t.h C.h.a.s.e he had always helped her through it. Along with the acronym, the nickname supercomputer had also come to light.
"Whatever you say, Super C," Percy said with a smile before pulling away his defrosting hand as Annabeth gave him a look of annoyance. A moment later that look was quickly replaced with a face that held a billion questions behind a curious look. Seeing such a dazzlingly curious look Percy smiled at her and gave a laugh, this daughter of Athena was adorable when she was curious.
"Go ahead and ask away, I will answer them the best I can."
"Okay, the first question, did Chaos like… do it with a mortal male?"
"... Does Athena?"
"No, she is a virgin goddess."
"You have my answer then."
"Fair point, okay next one. Does that make you Jesus but for Greek mythology instead?"
"I mean... yes… maybe… I don't know. What are these dumb questions? I'm going to bed if you're not going to get serious."
"I was joking! Jeez, I just wanted to brighten the mood a bit. Anyways, next question… Why is your love life so complicated like you mentioned?"
"Now we are getting somewhere, so it involves something called the River of Love…"
LINEBREAK:
Artemis stared at the man of her dreams as he snored and drooled all over the cot he was lying in, seeing such a funny look on his sleeping face Artemis couldn't help but chuckle as she scooted closer in her kneeling position. Even with the excessive amount of drool and funny look his wavy black hair and handsome features were not diluted in the least. Artemis was sure he had somehow grown even more handsome since the last time she looked at him.
After last night's kiss, Artemis found her mind drifting constantly to it, her heart skipping a beat each time she thought about it as a blush rushed across her face. It was so tender and perfect it was everything she could have asked for and more. She couldn't help but scold herself several times for waiting so long to kiss him, yet she knew why she held back. The idea that she could do it tomorrow or the next day, the thought that Percy would be by her side forever.
But seeing him fight through that tribulation planted a seed of doubt in her heart, seeing his body burn to a crisp before healing itself moments later terrified her. Seeing him struggle with all his might to stay conscious as he was fried inside and out. After seeing him going through that the seed grew into worry and that worry grew into panic. She was so scared that he would be gone before she could show him how much he truly meant to her.
"I'm sorry I made you wait so long," Artemis whispered to Percy as he continued to drool without worrying. Seeing the exhaustion consume him from everything and finally catch up with him pulled at her heartstrings. Not wanting to wake him, Artemis simply continued to silently kneel next to his bed as she occasionally reached over and moved his bangs. The goddess couldn't help but smile at Percy's adorable appearance as she continued to play with his hair a bit as the peaceful moment continued.
"Percy, are you awake?" A quiet voice came from the other side of the door as if to not wake him if he was asleep. Hearing the voice Artemis faced the door as she waited, with the goddess' senses, she long knew about the demigoddess on the other side of the door. Artemis couldn't help but purse her lips together a bit as she stayed put, she wasn't so sure about this daughter of Athena yet. After a long night of Percy explaining everything Annabeth was fully caught up in the details of his life and just about everything to do with him.
From his upbringing in the hunt to his powers. The river of love and how it knitted together everyone into a web of soulmates. The primordial domains he was going to inherit. The fact that Cally was both Sally and Chaos. The interesting topic of Athena going on dates with Cally. She even found out about that sociopath Abyss… who was still on his way here. Even thinking the name made Artemis' aura fluctuate and her eyes shimmer in a dangerous light.
After all of that the two demigods separated for the night, both needed their sleep and Annabeth needed time to think. Yet after that Artemis, who was peeking at them from the crow's nest the entire time, felt their connection or at least the framework of it. She still needed time to warm up to the demigoddess. She could have Annabeth join the hunt for a bit. That would help quite a bit… no she couldn't do that, the girl had a place at Camp Half Bood.
"Percy?" The voice questioned again a bit louder but Percy still didn't move. Seeming to sense that there wasn't any movement inside Annabeth quietly walked away to let him rest more. Sensing it, Artemis turned back to Percy to find his eyes halfway open and looking right at her as she nearly jumped in surprise.
"Hmmm?" Percy groaned in half-awake confusion as he looked over Artemis for a bit, his half-lidded eyes not even blinking. A moment later Artemis found a hand reaching out to her but she easily dodged to the side as Percy let out a groan.
"Come back to bed," Percy managed to mumble as he turned his face into his pillow but his hand kept trying to grab Artemis. Seeing such a sight Artemis couldn't help but blush a bit, she had only snuggled with Percy but never actively joined him in a bed. Her mind raced as she tried to figure out what to do but Percy's hand managed to grab her shirt as he began to tug on her.
'Oh come on, it's just a little snuggling. Where is the harm in it?' Diana teased Artemis as the Greek goddess' face burned brighter than ever. What was with Roman gods always being so forward about such things?
'W- We just kissed! I can't snuggle in the same bed with him! That's simply too much, my heart would burst!' Artemis internally yelled at her other half as Diana scoffed at her.
"Don't you lie to me, I know all about your daydreams. From the soft and tender ones of you laying on his chest while he sleeps in bed. To the spicy ones of Zoe and Percy both getting all handsy with you as you snuggle-.'
'I- I- I get it! You do not need to bring it up! Also, I know you enjoyed them just as much as I did!' Diana's words made Artemis feel so embarrassed she wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear. If she did she was going to bring Diana with her, part of the ship, part of the crew!
'So you admit you enjoyed them? How spicy.' Diana retorted with a grin in her mind as Artemis felt like she was going to explode.
'You're one to talk! Now shut up or I'm going to ignore you for a month!' Artemis said as she intently focused on Diana, the Roman goddess grew quiet for a few moments before a chuckle escaped her lips.
'And miss out on him snuggling us? No way! Also, you haven't been paying attention so I moved your body for you.'
"What?" Artemis questioned out loud before suddenly finding herself being pulled by two large arms onto the bed. Her mind froze as she felt Percy hug her tight and then in one swift motion roll the both of them over.
"Huh?" Artemis questioned again in a squeak of embarrassment as she found herself with one arm underneath her neck while another reached over her and held her stomach. With a small shuffle, Percy pulled her right up against his chest and even managed to sneak a pillow underneath her head the arm didn't reach allowing for maximum comfort.
"Mmm… night love," Percy mumbled one last time in his half-awake state before putting his nose into Artemis' hair and began to gently inhale and exhale. Artemis on the other hand looked like one of Hera's golden apples as her face burned in embarrassment. Her heart was currently racing in her chest as her crossed arms tightened against her chest. After a few moments to calm herself, the goddess couldn't help but let a small smile grace her lips as she lay there.
'Told you it would be nice. Also… you should switch out. I want to feel it first hand.' Diana whispered in her mind in an embarrassed but happy voice as Artemis' smile turned into a happy grin.
'... Maybe next time.' A quiet reply forced the Roman goddess to silence as she gave up.
Artemis on the other hand was busy trying to calm her heart down as she closed her eyes and tried to focus. With Percy's warm breaths against the back of her head and his calm heartbeat against her back calming down proved to be difficult. She simply didn't know what to do as she lay there, she could easily break free and escape but… she didn't want to. As if sensing her inward panic Percy pulled her a bit closer and even managed to sneak his hand into hers before planting a small kiss on her head.
Artemis melted into his touch at that moment, maybe because her brain simply couldn't process the embarrassment or because of his smooth actions, she didn't know. With one long exhale Artemis gave up on thinking and simply felt his warmth and body in all its glory. Letting her body relax into his and letting him do as he pleased she felt her heart finally calm down. Their heartbeats eventually synced with one another and their fingers further intertwined.
The time ticked by as the two lay together in complete peace and serenity. Artemis had even managed to doze off in his embrace as her cute snores filled the room. Unannounced to the two their connection through the river of love grew even more, a milestone in their relationship had been passed as barriers crumbled apart. As if sensing the change the two unconscious figures began to shuffle until Artemis had managed to completely turn herself around as her face buried itself into Percy's chest.
Their legs entwined with one another and Percy's arms lighting cocooned the goddess in a ball of warmth and love. Like this, the two simply continued to sleep the day away, Percy recovered from his exhaustion and Artemis enjoyed simply cuddling with the one she loved. Occasionally the moon goddess would awaken for a few moments just to stare at Percy's handsome sleeping face as a fresh wave of embarrassment flooded her. It didn't stay for long though as she couldn't help but admire the man before her.
Finding the courage in those moments Artemis sneakily gave him a light kiss on the lips before burying her burning face into his chest and falling asleep again. Unknown to her 4 sets of pondering eyes were all looking south after sensing their connection to the river of love grow in a certain way. Though among them one certain huntress and Roman goddess were putting on pouty faces for a moment after having missed the said drama that entailed the river's growth.
"Hmm?" After a 28-hour nap, Percy was finally awake. After such an amazing rest his body finally seemed to finish recharging and ready to go. Unfortunately for him, a certain moon goddess was currently clinging to his shirt as she continued to nap. Her once fierce and wild expression was now like that of a docile fawn and Percy was at ground zero for the cute attack.
He couldn't help but freeze as the sudden realization that Artemis and him were sharing a bed and cuddling dawned on him. His mind raced momentarily but then stopped as he threw away any unnecessary thoughts or worries. If Artemis didn't want this, she could have easily left the bed of her own free will. After his worries were cast aside he turned his attention to the adorable goddess before him.
"Artemis, it's time to wake up," Percy whispered as the goddess' brows furrowed together as her grip on him tightened.
"Mmm." With a groan of disapproval, Artemis buried her head into his chest again and didn't move as Percy couldn't help but smile at her. He had heard many stories of a tired Artemis waking up from Zoe but had never seen it himself, it was as cute as she said it was.
"Don't make me kiss you awake," Percy whispered with a mischievous grin as Artemis shuffled a bit before tilting her head to face him. A very sleepy-looking Artemis greeted Percy with half-lidded eyes.
"Promise?" As a half-awake voice found its way out of Artemis, Percy couldn't help but blush a bit himself before grinning. A moment later the tired goddess' lips were stolen by his own and a soft and loving morning wakeup kiss was shared by the two. The loving and tender kiss worked its magic as Artemis' cheeks gradually turned golden and after a dozen and a half moments later she couldn't help but push Percy away to catch her breath.
"Good morning love. I didn't expect to find you here upon waking up." Percy said with a happy smile as a light blush tinted his cheeks, a now fully awake and embarrassed Artemis blushed more as she turned her head away from him but made zero effort to move as she glanced at him after a moment.
"G- Good morning love, also you don't go thinking about anything naughty. I simply joined you after seeing how comfy you were, nothing else happened." Artemis managed to tell a small white lie as Percy raised an eyebrow before grinning
"Hmm… So how was your first overnight cuddling session with me? I hear that I am a great cuddler." Percy told her in a playful tone which earned him a hit, as the goddess couldn't help but playfully hit his chest as he teased her.
"Must you be so embarrassing all the time?" She pouted in a tone so adorable Percy couldn't help but lean in as for another kiss. Seeing him lean in for another kiss Artemis unconsciously leaned her head back and prepared herself for another kiss.
BANG!!
"Rise and shine brother! The sun is setting already, no more sleep-!"
ZAAAP!
"AHH!"
"..."
"Artemis… what was that?"
Percy couldn't help but question as he stared at an adorable white-furred rabbit with elk antlers on the top of its head. This very mythical creature was present where a rambunctious son of Poseidon recently just stood a moment before. Taking his eyes off the confused animal Percy faced the goddess responsible. Her face looked just like a child who was caught doing something bad as she shyly looked up at Percy
"It was a magical trap… I set it out of habit when I fell asleep." Her words nearly made Percy want to facepalm but he managed to hold back as he took a deep breath and let it out.
"Can you… change him back?" Percy asked as Artemis was about to speak when the running of another person could be heard coming their way.
"I heard something! Is everyone alright…" Yet another addition to the party showed up as Annabeth ran into the room looking ready for battle. She then witnessed something never before seen. A beautiful jackalope was currently lightly hopping across the ground, an embarrassed goddess of the hunt, and finally Percy, who was giving Annabeth an apologetic look. It didn't take her but a moment to piece together this puzzle as her eyes widened immensely and slowly landed on the jackalope.
"Is that…" Annabeth didn't even need to fully ask the question before Percy nodded causing Annabeth to pale at his movement. Her eyes started trembling for a moment as she looked at the mystical creature. At the same time, she felt a huge wave of Deja Vu as she remembered the small furry creature Nick had been turned into less than 2 days ago.
"I can change him back… it's just going to take an hour," Artemis quickly said in a quiet voice, causing Annabeth to look at the goddess who looked like she wanted to hide in a hole. Annabeth on the other hand seemed to finally notice that Artemis, the goddess, was actually on the bed with Percy. A few moments went by before her gaze fell on them.
"Why is…" Annabeth once again tried to speak but couldn't manage to get anything out as her mind raced while Percy gave her an awkward smile.
"It's… complicated, let's get Nick locked up before he runs off.'" Percy suggested as Annabeth gave in and nodded before finding herself leaning against the doorway as her thoughts overloaded once again.
After Percy had explained the whole river of love to her, he told her who his current soulmates were. After she found out who they were she nearly fainted on the spot. Finding out that she and Percy were soulmates with two virgin goddesses, the queen of the gods, one mysterious goddess, and finally a mysterious demigoddess was too much. Even after hours of thinking about it she still couldn't wrap her head around it fully, she just hoped with time she would come to understand it better.
She prided herself in understanding things perfectly yet part of her was still hesitant about this. She never thought she would share the man she loved with so many others. Was there going to be time for him to love her? Would she be able to love the others? She had so many concerns lingering in her heart and she didn't know who to talk to. All she could do was pray that with time came the answers she was looking for.
She just didn't expect to see one the very next day as she would officially meet her first soulmate besides Percy, Artemis the goddess of the moon. She felt her dark thoughts start to cloud her mind as she felt equally dark emotions begin to grow in her. She couldn't help but glance at the goddess, the instant she did the dark clouds in her mind were blown away.
Stunning silvery yellow eyes that were like a cool winter stared at her while Annabeth felt a light zap deep down inside her, just like the one last night with Percy, She couldn't help but stare at the breathtaking wild, and adventurous beauty before her, yet the icing on this beautiful cake was the embarrassed look on her face that was so adorable Annabeth felt her heart skip a beat and a blush flushed across her face.
'Do you enjoy staring?' A quiet voice echoed in her mind as she realized it was the goddess before her speaking directly into her mind. Quickly turning her head away and walking off she felt her cheeks burn in embarrassment, she didn't want to admit it but… Artemis was stupidly super hot and totally her type that she never knew she even had before.
'That daughter of Athena… given some time she will become quite the beauty won't she?' Diana questioned the goddess who remained on the bed as Artemis felt her cheeks grow hot. Annabeth hadn't noticed but she wasn't the only one staring. Even though she had seen the girl before, this was the first time she had gotten a good look at her. The young demigoddess indeed had the makings of outshining even her mother.
'Given time… perhaps.' Artemis couldn't help but reply as she felt the lingering zap from the river of love inside her heart.
LINEBREAK:
"Ughhh… my head hurts." A voice complained as Nick slowly walked onto the sunny deck of the ship. Somehow the son of Poseidon looked seasick as he walked across the deck toward Annabeth and Percy as the two turned toward him. The two of them both had their mouths full of chicken pot pie at the moment, seeing Nick finally awake both of their eyes brightened immensely.
"Hey, you're finally up!" Percy said after rapidly chewing through a huge mouthful of food as he motioned Nick to his side. The body sluggishly wobbled over and finally took a seat before an untouched pot pie. Staring at the pie for several moments Nick couldn't find the motivation to dig into it as he looked up at Percy and Annabeth as they couldn't help but stare at him.
"Do either of you know what happened to me? Everything for the past bit of time is… fuzzy." He said as the two exchanged a glance.
"You don't remember? At all?" Annabeth asked in a curious but serious tone as Nick furrowed his eyebrows together a bit but shook his head in the end.
"Well, it's not that surprising after what happened last night. You decided to listen to the sirens when the ship passed their rocks, we had to strap you to the mast and everything." Percy told him while motioning to the mast that had thick ropes lying around it, Nick's eyes widened drastically as he appeared flabbergasted by the sight.
"I- I did? There is no way… I wouldn't. I'm not even a bit curious about hearing them." He murmured to himself as Percy and Annabeth both shook their heads.
"You were dead set on listening. Something about telling someone about what they sounded like." Annabeth said with a bit of side-eye before taking another bite, Nick's brows furrowed again as he tried to dig up any memories he could muster.
"It was Katie Gardener if I remember right… Good luck buddy. I didn't know you were into the kind and patient types." Percy added with a small wink as Nick blushed profusely upon hearing the name. The boy couldn't even look at Percy as he focused on his pot pie and started to rapidly eat. Seeing his reaction both Percy and Annabeth shared a glance before turning back to their pies.
"Still…" Nick tried to talk with a mouth full of food but failed. With a large swallow, he was good as new as he stared at his pie.
"Why do I have this nagging feeling that something else happened?" He asked as the two of them paused for a moment before turning his way.
"What do you mean?" Percy asked as Nick glanced at him and then Annabeth as he seemed to grow wary of them.
"You two… are hiding something. What happened to me?" Nick asked them in a stern tone as Annabeth couldn't meet his gaze, Percy on the other hand gave a reluctant sigh before turning to him.
"I didn't want to tell you this but… you escaped the bindings and nearly jumped into the water. I was forced to knock you unconscious with my shield. I used some healing items to get rid of the welts but it seems the headache is still present." Percy said in a sad voice as Nick stared at him in disbelief for a moment. Yet in the end, he couldn't help but succumb to the truth as he nodded reluctantly and turned back to his pie.
"I'm sorry I put you two through so much." He apologized in a downcast voice causing Annabeth to nearly jump out of her chair.
"Don't worry about it Nick, we all make mistakes! You don't need to feel sorry about this at all, we should have done more to stop you so we are also at fault here. Besides if it wasn't you who was tied to that mast it was going to be me and who knows how that would have turned out. Thankfully Percy decided to help out or we both would have been in trouble." Annabeth quickly assured the son of Poseidon, Nick stared at her as he felt his eyes grow a bit moist.
"You mean it?" He asked in a small voice Annabeth nodded, her eyes filled with apologies. Nick couldn't help but then turn to Percy who had a knowing look on his face.
"I told you in the beginning it was a bad idea, and it was. But I'm glad you are safe in the end even if I had to rough you up a bit. I just wish you would have remembered their singing for your special someone." Percy said like a father scolding his children, yet at the end he couldn't help but shoot another grin at Nick as the boy blushed.
"I get it jeez." He mumbled but this time in a much better tone and continued to eat as Percy nodded. The three of them continued with their meal as they polished off their food.
"That was delicious, but I think I might need some more food," Nick said before reaching over to a plate of vegetables and grabbing a large carrot off the plate. In a moment he began to devour the vegetable with vigor as Percy and Annabeth forced themselves to not laugh at the sight. With his puffed-up cheeks of carrot, it was all too familiar to his earlier form.
"W-Well I am going below deck to get ready for tomorrow. Percy says that we should be reaching Grover by then." Annabeth quickly excused herself from the table as Percy was left with the carrot-hungry boy.
"I also need to get a few things done in preparation. If you need any help just holler." Percy said hurriedly before disappearing before Nick could even turn his head and nod. He didn't seem phased in the least though and continued munching away. In the meantime, both Annabeth and Percy met with a certain goddess in Percy's room as her curious silver eyes seemed to demand info.
"That was close," Annabeth said with a huge sigh of relief as Percy couldn't help but nod in agreement.
"He didn't remember anything," Percy told Artemis as the goddess showed the two a proud look.
"I told you my memory manipulation magic is fantastic. How do you think hunters who have left the hunt can't find their way back?" Artemis told them in a matter-of-fact tone with a smug expression as Percy and Annabeth both stared at the goddess with stone-like expressions.
"You were the one who got us into this mess, need I remind you," Annabeth said to Artemis as the goddess' smug expression faltered a little as she stared at Annabeth. The demigoddess wasn't wrong in the least… but her tone was somewhat snooty like a certain wisdom goddess which irked the goddess.
"Okay enough you two." Percy chastised them as he easily caught onto their tension, the two of them turned their gazes away from one another and towards him as he let out a sigh.
"Also does your transformation magic have any side effects by chance?" Percy couldn't help but ask as Artemis put on a thoughtful expression before shrugging, much to Percy's displeasure.
"I'm not sure, sometimes there are and other times there aren't. But the boy has already been through one magical transformation of being turned into a guinea pig this week. I would not be surprised if he has lingering… habits from both for a bit. Transformations like those are not something a mortal mind can keep up with so regularly." Artemis explained as both Annabeth and Percy couldn't help but think back to Nick devouring the carrot so readily.
"We can only hope for the best it seems," Percy mumbled as all three of them nodded together, operation gaslight Nick was a success and all they had to do was keep quiet for a bit.
"I've been meaning to ask though, how are you feeling Annabeth?" Artemis suddenly asked the girl before her, causing Annabeth to lightly blush a bit as she rubbed a hidden welt in her hair.
"I am better, thank you for the save last night. I didn't expect to escape from the bindings last night. If it wasn't for you I would have been fish food." The demigoddess said in an embarrassed tone as Artemis softly smiled.
"It is of no concern I am simply surprised you managed to hide a knife so well, even I did not find it while patting you down," Artemis said as Annabeth blushed further and rubbed her head as the goddess smiled.
"Still it would have been dangerous if I had not stepped in. Take better care of yourself if you can, I would not want such a promising young maiden to fall before she blossoms into a fine warrior." Artemis said with such smoothness that Annabeth didn't know what to think as her blush simply grew until she looked like an apple. Percy on the other hand was staring at the two having their back and forth with a knowing gaze until Artemis turned to him.
"You on the other hand… how is it that you could listen to their music as if it was nothing? You showed no signs of struggling like she did." Artemis asked with a questioning gaze as Annabeth also gave him an inquisitive look, curiosity overriding her embarrassment. Percy on the other hand surprisingly gave a small shrug.
"I mean I don't honestly know either, I expected to fight against the chains you sealed me in but when I heard their singing I didn't have a single vision. All I heard was the sweet and stunning song that nearly made me tear up in happiness. Other than that… I didn't feel anything." Percy admitted in total honesty as Artemis and Annabeth both gave him questioning looks.
"Still your mind is that of a… mortal… wait." Artemis started to explain before stopping herself as eyes began to scan over Percy before landing on his multi-colored eyes. In a single moment, her eyes widened as she realized Percy's eyes were no longer the same as they were before. Before they were black with swirls of white, a ring of blue around the iris, and hidden flicks of purple.
But now they were no longer swirls but rather calmly spinning galaxies with multiple colored stars dancing about in the black parts. White stars took up the majority while blue, red, purple, and finally gold stars filled the rest, the amount of each color shrinking each time. His eyes now showed a uniformity that she had never seen before, with that uniformity came a calmness and power she didn't realize she possessed until now.
"Stand up for a moment so I can look at you." She commanded Percy, to which he raised an eyebrow but did as he was told. He even held his arms out and spun around for the goddess as her eyes squinted more.
"Your body has changed over the last few days and I can't believe I just now noticed. You are even taller now and your muscle structure seems different." She calmly explained with glowing silver eyes as they tried to take in every detail. Percy on the other hand slowly blinked before suddenly pulling off his shirt.
EEEK! x2
"Percy what are you doing!" Annabeth and Artemis yelled simultaneously as they covered their eyes quickly. Their faces burned hot as the image of the half-naked Percy pulling off his shirt planted itself in their head. Even as they covered their eyes Percy didn't seem to care as he waved his hand as a screen of water appeared before him before showing him his reflection.
"No way…" Percy whispered to himself as he observed himself in the mirror. His body was once like that of a seasoned warrior neither lanky nor extremely bulky. Each muscle was perfectly proportioned and seemed to be sculpted from the highest quality marble. Like Hestia, Vesta, and Zoe had said before it was like he was a god yet somehow it was even beyond it.
It was different now, his height had taken another jump and he stood at a solid 6 foot 4 now while his physique didn't change a whole lot it was still noticeable to a point. If he were to put it into words the only thing he could think of would be perfection. Each muscle was presented in an awe-inspiring way as if a casual flex or movement could move mountains. Yet at the same time, he was not so bulky to lose any flexibility like his previous seasoned warrior build.
His body was no longer somewhat godly but had taken a step into the realm of godhood entirely. The scars on his stomach had merged into his skin flawlessly, no longer were there any weird wrinkled spots but seamless and smooth skin. Each left a tinted area from where the rugged skin once existed while his skin glimmered with an even more perfect mild tan. He also noticed that the scar around his bicep from his childhood with Gabe was completely gone as well. The very last reminder he had of that man was finally gone which brought him great joy.
Even with these tiny changes in his skin and muscles, it was enough to finally push him past the barrier his body was stuck at. His facial features also seemed to get an upgrade, his once 18-year-old appearance was gone and replaced with a 20-year-old one. This more mature appearance was much to his liking as he observed it for a bit longer before looking up at his now even more perfect hair. Though it was messy and in need of a haircut it was still its normal Obsidian black yet somehow more… perfect.
After a bit, he couldn't help but start rubbing his sculpted chin in delight as he took in his new extremely handsome appearance. He was more than sure the girls would be very welcome to the change at home, though he was a bit worried Zora and Ryder would not recognize him. But he was sure both of them would be fine, after a bit he flashed himself a smile and even started flexing. He nearly even pulled out his wings but stopped himself after he realized he was still in the small room.
"Oh, man. I am so freaking hot, it's like a deity descended into mortal flesh and reshaped it. I swear I even look like a more evolved species of human. This is so awesome!" Percy happily said out loud while striking a few more poses, observing each muscle move majestically each time he did.
"Sure! Just put a shirt back on! Please!" Suddenly a voice woke him up from his thoughts. He turned to see both Artemis and Annabeth poorly hiding their peeking eyes. Inwardly laughing at the two he simply grinned and put back on his shirt once again and dispersed the water mirror.
"I am decent now," Percy said, yet he knew the two already knew with their peeking eyes as he grinned at them.
"Please warn us next time. You can't just go…" Annabeth tried to tell him off but her face turned even more red as she remembered his figure.
"You can't just go stripping. Women, both goddess and mortal, will attack you." Artemis finished explaining with a poorly hidden golden blush on her cheeks.
"Well that would be problematic wouldn't it…" Percy decided to agree with her for now. He already experienced the issues with his handsomeness in the past and with this upgrade… he was sure to experience far more.
"Do you suggest I make myself uglier somehow? Maybe dumb it down a bit-."
"No! I mean… such things are not necessary. You should be fine with just a baseball cap or mask, you may be super handsome but… never mind." Annabeth suddenly yelled but quickly explained before realizing what she just said and shut her mouth as she blushed and quickly turned away from him. He was so handsome he even made the daughters of Athena forget to think, oh he was going to have fun with his ladies for sure.
"I don't know what you're thinking but stop your perverse thoughts," Artemis unfortunately caught on quickly as Percy glanced at her and stuck out his tongue as the goddess rolled her eyes a bit.
LINEBREAK:
"So this is Polyphemus' island… it's nice." Percy admitted as sat on the railing of the ship and observed the island that was close by. The rich and green fields have had thick and green grass as well as sturdy and fruit-filled trees. Other than rocky sides and a few cliffs the place looked like a small paradise.
"Indeed… I can even sense the life energy of the golden fleece from here." The invisible Artemis admitted from his side as the two observed the lush island.
"Oh! Look guys, sheep! And the golden fleece!" Annabeth exclaimed happily as everyone turned to see huge fluffy sheep parading around the island. On one part of the island were several larger sheep by a huge tree with the very golden fleece gently hanging from its branches.
"Perfect! Let's get up there and grab it! Those cute sheep don't look like they would hurt a fly-." Nick started but quickly cut off as a deer suddenly entered a part of their habitat, the sheep suddenly swarmed the small creature. In a matter of seconds under the gaze of horror from everyone on the ship the deer was ripped apart and soon only a pile of shiny bones could be seen.
"So… new plan. Avoid the killer sheep if possible. I suggest rescuing Grover first," Percy suggested as everyone nodded in agreement, even Artemis did as she seemed to now hold a grudge against those sheep. Percy was sure if the goddess could, she would burn them all to a crisp for eating a deer.
"Circle the island for a spot to park this boat, then go rescue Grover. In the meantime, I am going to check out the rest of the island for anything dangerous." Percy while standing up on the guard rail of the ship and stretching as Annabeth and Nick's faces flashed with worry.
"I thought you were coming with us," Nick said as Percy glanced at him and shook his head.
"This is your quest, I have no part in it after all. I am but a Ranger of Olympus, all I can do is observe and make sure you two don't die. Normally you wouldn't even know I am here at all, what is a quest without a bit of danger? Also if you think about it, you two made it this far without my help." Percy said as Nick's face fell a bit along with Annabeth's before their gazes hardened before the two nodded, what he said was true. They had made it this far on their power, not his.
"Be safe and don't turn into sheep food," Nick said as Percy laughed and nodded, he then noticed Annabeth eyeing him as she pursed her lips, her stormy gray eyes seemed to burn his image into them, and with that, she gave him a firm nod. Even without words, Percy understood as he smiled at her and nodded back before launching himself off the railing and taking to the sky. Large blue wings burst from his back as he flew to the island with an invisible Artemis in tow.
It didn't take long for Percy and her to reach the sandy island shore as they quietly landed to not disturb the locals. As they did Percy couldn't help but admire the soft sand and lush greenery around it as he felt obliged to look at it. Artemis seemed to focus on the energy of the golden fleece as she took a large breath of air before letting it out.
"Ahh, it's been forever since I've smelled such a scent of the wild. It truly takes me back in time, back before the earth was so full of machines and concrete buildings. I can see why satyrs rush here, it is like Pan himself is here." Artemis in a joyful tone before her words took a dark turn, even growing deep at the mention of Pan.
"I've heard rumors he has been missing," Percy mentioned as Artemis gave a soft nod before letting out a long sigh.
"With so few places of the wilds left… it is tough to say how that old satyr is doing. Perhaps if he is found I will ask him to join me on a hunt, for old times sake." She responded before growing quiet Percy stared at Artemis' back as it seemed to grow small. The goddess seemed even smaller than usual at the mention of Pan, clearly it was a sensitive topic for her. He couldn't help but reach forward and grab her hand as the goddess' hand quickly tightened around his hand.
"I am sure with time we will find him if he's anything like satyrs then I will make sure to bring a feast of tin cans and grapes." He said as Artemis let out a light laugh before turning to him with a small sad smile on her lips.
"You best make sure it's ravioli cans, the last I heard he was a big fan of them." She joked back as the two smiled at one another before taking a moment. As they did, a sudden unfamiliar presence descended on them as the two whipped their heads around towards the sea. The presence grew but did not put any pressure on them as they came closer and closer until a figure finally broke the surface of the water.
The first thing Percy saw was two bull horns on the top of a head of green hair that soon revealed the handsome face of a muscular man with a green beard and glowing green eyes. Percy and Artemis didn't move a muscle as they stared intently at the man as the rest of him climbed out of the water. Eventually, he stood on the beach in all his glory as he towered at 8 feet tall, in one hand he had a large net full of fish and in the other, he had a small blue sea serpent that wrapped itself around his arm. Thankfully he was not naked and had a pair of swimming trunks on that had crawfish dotting them.
"Oh? So this is what I sensed." The figure spoke in a calm deep voice as he set down the fishing net as Percy tried to identify the figure before him.
"Oceanus, what a pleasant surprise." Artemis greeted the titan in a nearly emotionless tone as Percy's eyes widened before looking at the man currently digging through the net.
"You need not be wary, Artemis, I come here on my own time. Not my brothers, much to his dismay." He grumbled as the goddess' eyes narrowed for a moment before slowly relaxing as Percy remained on edge.
"Why are you here then? I don't think this is what you can call a coincidence." Percy said as the titan seemed to find the fish he was looking for before pulling out a swordfish as he threw it to the ground. A moment later he walked towards a tree and tied a rope that was also tied to the stuffed fishing net, with a quick toss the net sailed into the ocean before crashing down into the sea. After tying off his catch Oceanus nodded before turning to Percy as his glowing green eyes focused on him.
"A coincidence perhaps what you might call it young one, I sensed an interesting mix of energies a few days ago and decided to follow it. This led me to you at a point and time that doesn't seem the most convenient. I guess you can say… our choices have led us to a fateful place." He continued in a calm and deep tone that seemed to sound like crashing waves. Percy on the other hand narrowed his eyes.
"You make no sense Oceanus." Artemis chastised the titan as he reached up and rubbed his head a bit as if figuring out what to say. This titan was not used to talking to people, to say the least.
"I am here to test the boy." He continued as Artemis' aura flared as did Percy's yet the titan seemed unphased by this as he glanced at the goddess.
"You young ones are so quick to violence. I am not here to kill the boy, you have my word." He spoke in a slightly displeased tone, after a few dozen moments Artemis slowly pulled back her aura as Percy glanced at the goddess.
"You can trust him. Oceanus is not one to break his word, unlike his brothers and sisters." She told him as Percy glanced at the titan before nodding at her.
"What kind of test is it?" Percy questioned as Oceanus picked up the swordfish before tossing it before Percy as he looked down at it confused.
"It is a test to see if you qualify for the protection placed on you." He spoke firmly as Percy looked up at him even more confused as Artemis joined him. Seeing their expressions Oceanus put on a curious face.
"Could neither of you tell?" He asked them as they just stared at him as the titan blinked several times.
"It is about my adoptive daughter's blessing, Hera, queen of the gods. It is cleverly buried deep inside your aura but I can sense her protection placed upon you. One so great that even I have only seen it placed on one other being. That being was Hebe, Hera's beloved daughter, which begs the question… who are you to her?" He spoke in a firm and somehow knowing tone as both their eyes widened.
"Now, pick up the fish and accept my challenge. I wish to see what kind of man you are, Perseus Jackson, inheritor of the primordial domains of the sea."
A/N: We're back baby! Hope you all enjoy this stellar chapter as well as the fluff I added along the way. From Annabeth finding out everything to Artemis just being cute and lovely. But be prepared for a wait till the next chapter. I am planning to do 2 chapters of Akashic after this unfortunately so you will have to wait to see the big papa Oceanus test he has for little old Percy haha. Also, I will explain in more detail about Oceanus and Hera's relationship next chapter. Please leave a review! Thank you!
E/N: DAMN 3 chapters in one day AND I even did some productive shit in real life? I did great today! Anyway, this chapter is fantastic and I love the ideas he has brewed up for everything, from Oceanus to lemons and such! I hope you all enjoyed and review you nerds! - Sidus