LoSP Ch.62: The Ashes Settle Pt. 2

PERCY POV

The sun set slowly, drifting toward the blue waves, coloring them a brilliant orange. The salty tang of the ocean tasted on my lips as the gale ruffled through my shirt. 

I shook my head, fiddling with the bracelet on my wrist, clasping and unclasping it with every wave that brushed my toes. I had been sitting there for the past hour, staring aimlessly at the waves, feeling the tussle churn in my gut—the tussle between my heart and my mind. 

A part of me didn’t want to believe Alexander and Annabeth about the prophecy not being over. Another told me that they were correct and the consequences of not following the prophecy would only be worse. And there was a third which was terrified.

Terrified of taking the wrong decision. Terrified of putting my friends in danger. Terrified of the possibility of losing one of them to the machinations of the Titans.

In the distance, a loud horn rang, breaking me out of my thoughts with a start. I looked to the sky and saw the moon rise as dusk fell over the horizon. My heart lurched, as the silver light fell on the waves, shining across the ocean, glimmering across my chest.

“You know, I had hoped you’d call me when you woke up. I was very worried.”

I twisted on the spot and saw Artemis standing behind me, her silver parka fluttering in the wind as moonlight crowned her head. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach and the anxiety that had been churning vanished like water down a drain.

Before I knew it, I was pulling her into a tight hug, drawing a slight squeak from her. 

“Percy? Are you okay?” She asked, wrapping her arms around my waist as I held her tightly. “What’s the matter?”

“I don’t know,” I whispered, closing my eyes and breathing in the faint smell of cinnamon and vanilla, mixed with the smell of wild berries. “Just…”

“I’m here,” she murmured. “I’m here, Percy.”

The breeze fluttered through her auburn hair which tingled against my nose as I held her close, feeling her heart beat alongside mine. 

“Talk to me in your own time,” she whispered, rubbing circles on my back. 

I buried my face in her neck as I felt the tension ebb away from my limbs, a flame warming my chest. A few moments later, I broke away from the hug and she offered me a small smile.

“What’s happening, Percy?” She led me back to the waves, the salt water washing over our feet, splashing onto Artemis’ parka. “Talking helps. You can talk to me.”

“It’s just that… that I—I—” I took a deep breath. “I’m scared.”

She tensed slightly, her silver eyes sharpening. “Of what?”

“Of losing my friends to this stupid prophecy. Of… having them killed for this idiotic quest.” I stomped my foot, and the waves surged, brushing against our knees.

The bracelet vibrated against my wrist, warming up in warning. With a growl, I ripped it apart and hurled it into the ocean. Power and frustration bubbled through my veins, and thunder rolled in the sky above as the wind picked up, sending Artemis’ hair flying wildly.

“I see,” Artemis said, and I whirled around toward her. She stood in the knee-high waves, unmoving as waves burst and splashed onto her dress, soaking it. “I know how you feel. I am scared for every one of my girls whenever I go out on a hunt. This? This is the hunt of gods. Monsters can be dangerous, but they cannot do anything near to what Titans or gods could.” She paused, meeting my eyes through the splatter of droplets and the buffeting winds. “But you and your friends have done admirably on this quest. Why the sudden fear?”

“Because I almost lost them,” I snapped. The sky darkened, thunder rumbling in the distance. The wind tore through the waves, sending Artemis stumbling slightly.

It broke me out of it, and I took deep breaths, willing the waves to recede and squashed the storm building in my chest. 

“I’m sorry,” I muttered as Artemis righted herself, wiping the water from her face. I drifted closer and touched her shoulder, willing the water to evaporate away. Steam billowed from her parka, and she let out a little sigh. “I shouldn’t lose control like that.”

Her lips quirked slightly. “A wise man once told me that the sea cannot be restrained.” Her smile faded and she waddled closer putting an arm around my waist. “Let it out, Percy. Tell me what happened there.”

And I did. The words tumbled out of my mouth as I narrated all that had happened in Salem. The illusions, the desperation, everything. And Artemis listened, her silver eyes growing worried with every event. The waves around us rose and fell, a strong breeze ruffling through our clothes as I spoke.

Eventually, the story ended, and Artemis squeezed my shoulder, placing a kiss on my cheek.

“I’m sorry you had to go through all of that alone. Even if you were aware that it was an illusion, seeing such things so vividly can be… disconcerting.” She shuddered slightly. “I had an idea that whatever was happening made you desperate enough to call for absolute divine intervention. But this? This is horrible.” Artemis bit her lip. “Hecate was probably eating them inside out or planning to break them before she had her friends kill them.”

“What’s worse is that she nearly succeeded.” I sighed. “Had it not…” The image of my sword piercing through Artemis’ heart flashed in my mind. “Had it not been for me recognizing that they were hiding amongst the illusions, I wouldn’t have found a way out.”

“But you did,” Artemis said softly. “I learned the hard way that there is no use dwelling on what-ifs, Percy. You got your friends and yourself out. You fought impossible odds. You sacrificed a god. No one’s done that in history. What you did… it shook the Greek World.”

“Yes, another astounding achievement that came by putting my friends in danger and having them nearly killed.” I snorted bitterly. “I am not in it for the achievements, Artemis. I just want to keep my friends safe. Ensure that my family… that you are safe.”

“I know. But I’m not talking about the achievement.” Artemis’ silver eyes gleamed in the moonlight. “What you did that day, Percy… the whole world felt it. Every god, every monster, everything remotely divine. In Olympus and in my camp, I saw the Hearth flare up. And I felt the power of the gods. The power of Olympians rang through the mortal world as it had only done once before in my lifetime.”

I raised an eyebrow, and Artemis closed her eyes letting out a breath.

“Last time was when the Earth Mother had risen from her slumber. The gods— all of us poured our powers to strengthen the world. To ensure it wasn’t torn apart as a mere consequence.” 

“You conjured the golden flames? I thought it was Hestia’s power.”

“Not exactly. What you did was a physical manifestation of the power because you sacrificed to Hestia. As you know, she holds Olympus as its last stand. Till she lives, Olympus does too. Your sacrifice of a goddess, no less, flowed through her and was channeled in the only way possible.” She looked up to the sky. “The power of Olympus.” 

“What is that?” I frowned. “I mean, beyond the obvious anyway.” 

“It’s the force that keeps our world intact. The Mist, our influence—it’s all tied to it. When you made that sacrifice, you didn’t just tip the scales. You sent a shockwave through everything divine. And the power manifested for you in the form of fire. One which killed gods with a touch. But it was more than that. Across Manhattan and Long Island, every single monster perished. Heck, the wave was powerful enough to cause an earthquake at Mount Tamalpais.”

I tensed. “Othrys was affected too?”

“Our sources say that Othrys shook when the wave was unleashed, and parts of the castle broke.” She paused. “That wasn’t all. In Atlantis, an army of Oceanus burned to ashes in the blink of an eye. Poseidon reported that Oceanus called a swift retreat to most of his forces after that.” 

“That’s good, right?” I asked.

“It is.” Artemis nodded. “Athena even has had us taking advantage of it. My hunt moved in clearing the remaining monsters in and around New York. Even the Satyrs were mobilized to bring in demigods. Word is that they found six new, young demigods within the first couple of days.” She paused, eyeing me. “Athena believes that the power being unleashed gave a few demigods a kickstart, so to speak. Brought their heritage out earlier.”

My head whipped around to her. “Wait, what?”

“It is nothing much yet. But all of us gods felt our powers flare. Athena theorizes that our children would have felt the same. Satyrs have been mobilized to keep an eye on most of them. A couple of cases proved slightly more powerful to be ignored, like Lesley— she’s a daughter of Demeter whom I recruited.”

“Oh,” I whispered. “So… all of that power. It just didn’t help me defeat my… immediate enemies. It… caused a lot more.”

“Yes. A lot of good things,” Artemis said. “The point is, what you did matters. Not what could have happened. There’s no use dwelling on it nor will anything come out of beating yourself up about it.”

“I know, I know.” I sighed. “But… it is not what happened that I’m beating myself up on. In fact, if the part I want to be right turns out to be so, I’d be glad it happened.”

“What turns out to be right?” Artemis raised an eyebrow.

“The prophecy coming to pass when we were in Salem. I mean, I summoned the ‘Chosen’s Blaze’ and burned those gods, at the end. That’s for sure. Discord, fear, and rage shall be consumed by the Chosen’s blaze.” I took a deep breath. “It came true. But I think so did the rest of the lines.” 

She frowned. “How?” 

“Each of Hecate’s illusions corresponded to a line of the prophecy,” I answered. “I saw Triton die in the ichor-riddled— golden-colored water. I summoned a storm multiple times. Hecate, in the form of Zeus, attacked me with lightning, powerful enough to shake her illusionary world. And Atlantis fell in the illusions because I chose not to believe in it.” I met her silver eyes. “I saw every line happen.”

“But you’re not certain if the prophecy is complete,” Artemis said. “You want it to be complete because you’re dreading the fourth line. By the golden waters, a brother shall fall.”

“How is it that everyone guesses that?”

“Because I know you. Anyone who does knows that you put your friends and family ahead of anything else in the world. You’d stand against anything and anyone to defend any of us. What’s a prophecy in front of that?”

I smiled briefly and Artemis squeezed my shoulder. 

“Al—Annabeth and Clarisse said that it couldn’t be complete. Four lines, which is two-thirds of the prophecy being completed in one event, is simply impossible. And if I want it to be complete, which I do, I may be just… tempting fate. Or in their words, challenging it.”

“Which isn’t a great idea,” Artemis agreed, biting her lip. “But if you go for it anyway, you’ll put your friends in danger by, well, undertaking a hunt of gods and Titans. Which would mean, facing the prophecy in reality and not in an illusion.”

“That’s not all either,” I added. “I had a dream earlier today. Before I woke up.”

“Demigod dream?” Artemis asked sharply and I nodded.

“It was about Kronos. He… he was discussing with Hecate about laying a trap. Praising her, despite her plan failing, and telling her that they’ll be ready the next time we come to kill Titans.”

“The enemy shall heed the call,” Artemis whispered. “Which is why you’re scared. You know that if you go out there, you’ll be walking into a probable trap. And if you don’t, and turn out to be wrong, fate would guide all of you into something worse. You’re between a rock and a hard place.”

I closed my eyes and nodded, listening to Artemis’ soft breaths and the crash of the waves, waiting for my girlfriend to join in with Alexander and convince me of the decision. 

“It is a fair dilemma,” Artemis’ voice broke through the silence, and I looked up at her in surprise. “If there’s the tiniest of possibilities that you’re correct, you’d regret going on with a completed quest for the rest of your life. Because fate works both ways. While not doing is defiance, doing something unneeded can be seen as defiance too for them.”

I looked into her eyes, feeling my heart drum against my chest, before pulling her into a long kiss, mashing my lips against her, the faint taste of fig running on my tongue.

“What was that for?” Artemis breathed as we separated. “Not that I’m complaining, but…”

“For understanding me,” I whispered, a fierce flame burning in my gut. “You didn’t dismiss it. You… You understood.”

Artemis smiled before pecking me softly on my lips. “I know what it is to lose someone in the lust of the hunt, Percy. To chew on something bigger than I could because I felt that I needed to and had no other option.”

“So, what should I do?”

Artemis’ mouth closed with an audible click and a moment later, sorrow filled her eyes. 

“I… I’m sorry, Percy.” She grimaced. “Even if I could help, I wouldn’t be of much use. My opinion would be just that. An opinion, not a confirmation.” She sighed. “And my hands are tied tighter by fate than yours are.”

“Oh.” The fluttering happiness dimmed until I caught her words. “But I could confirm, right?”

“I couldn’t confirm what is right and what isn't. The power to dictate and change or understand prophecies lies with only two on our council. I’m not one. And from them, only one can talk to you, bending the Fates rules more than us others can.”

“Your brother is the god of prophecies, but he's tied by the same laws that you are. As they stop you, they'll stop him too. But... they couldn't stop Zeus, can they? All quests are taken in his name.” I smiled widely and pulled her into a kiss again. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Artemis grinned against my lips. “I didn’t do anything. You figured it out, not me.”

“Yes, yes. Of course, I did. But that doesn’t mean I cannot thank you for helping me brainstorm.”

Her grin widened. “Well, how could I refuse? After all, you’ve to even apologize for worrying me. Which, I feel you’ll be doing a lot more often than not.”

“Well, then, I should be thanking and apologizing at the same time.” I pulled her closer, feeling her breath hitch against my lips. “This may take a while. I hope you have the moon on autopilot.”

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The city of gods rose in front of me, sitting atop the clouds like the jewel of the Earth. The palaces gleamed, the hushed chatter of the city sweeping past me as I strode down the street. Satyrs and nymphs hurried on their way while armored Cyclopes and Harpies patrolled through the streets, some bowing as I passed.

I glanced at Artemis’ palace as I passed, and extended my senses, searching for her presence but found none of her familiarity. With a sigh, I continued, climbing up the golden stairs of the throne room and pushing the doors open.

The humongous thrones glittered in the light of the Hearth, where a lone figure sat, tending to the flame that rose higher as she glanced at me.

“Percy.” Hestia stood from the Hearth and smiled, aging in front of me, turning from a little girl to my mother’s age in the blink of an eye. “Come, have a seat.”

“Aunt Hestia,” I embraced her, before sitting next to her by the flames, which, I noticed, had a few sparks of gold amongst the orange.

“I see you’ve taken notice. Yes, it happened after you sacrificed to me.” Hestia ran a hand through the flames, like petting a dog and the flames seemed to enjoy it as they shaped beneath her hand. “Thankfully, this is the only flame it reflects in. The Hearth of Olympus.”

I glanced at her, my heart twisting as her eyes burned with orange flames, like the embers of the hearth, instead of her usual brown. “I heard it caused a rather… profound effect. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

She glanced at me in surprise before shaking her head vigorously.

“No, Percy, you didn’t hurt me. Surprised me, yes. But you didn't hurt me in the slightest.” She gave me a slight smile. “If anything, I should thank you for what my siblings call the greatest sacrifice the gods have ever been given. Between us, I think they’re even slightly jealous, especially my younger brothers, given you chose to sacrifice to me than them.”

“Wait. My dad too?” I blinked. “He’s upset?”

“Your father isn’t upset. Now, had it been your uncle you had turned to, he would’ve been. But he understands why you chose me over him.”

“I thought that personal intervention by one of the Big Three would take a bigger god, especially since my father is bound by the Fates cause, well, I am his son. Also, he has a war to fight.” I winced. “Zeus on the other hand, is the King of Olympus and Hades could’ve been busy too. Or their ego might have gotten in their way.” 

“Well, you weren’t wrong, nephew.” She smiled. “And I am glad I could help. Now, why have you chosen to visit Olympus?” She gave me a severe look and I squirmed. “Last I heard, you have been told to rest, not take trips across the city by yourself. Am I correct?”

“I didn’t come. Hermes told me this morning that Zeus wishes to talk to me as soon as I can. So, I am here to meet him.”

Hestia cast an angry look at Zeus’ empty throne. “I’m certain my brother could’ve waited until you had sufficiently recovered from the ordeal.”

“Best not risk it,” I muttered. “If you could let him know I was here, Aunt Hestia…”

Hestia raised a finger, and a ball of flames bounced onto Zeus' throne, hoovering there until thunder rumbled in the sky.

“Avert your eyes.”

I screwed my eyes shut just as the hair on my arms stood up, followed by a flash of blue that seared my eyelids. The crack of thunder rang in my ears in an echo, and I winced, wiggling a finger in my ear.

“Son of Poseidon,” Zeus boomed, and I opened my eyes, blinking as I saw Zeus sitting across from me on an armchair, while Hestia was nowhere to be seen. We were no longer in the throne room either, but an elaborate living room. “Do you know why I called you here?”

“I… suppose it is to discuss the prophecy. And whether it has been fulfilled or not.”

“It hasn’t,” Zeus said bluntly. “The prophecy still clings to you, much like the great prophecy does. It’ll be inadvisable to run from either.”

“Are you sure?” I asked. “Because I did see it in Hecate’s illusion. Each line.”

“I was told. If anything, I’ll say that Hecate creating those specific illusions is far more worrying. It suggests that she knew each of the lines.”

“Enyo could’ve told her. She knew the lines, right?”

“She wasn’t informed of the lines, rather their gist.” Zeus' blue eyes sparked in a way that Thalia’s did when she was absolutely pissed. “It means we have another spy amongst our ranks. Either at your camp or on the council. The latter of which is far more worrying.”

“He did use Ares before to do his binding,” I said. “Perhaps something of that sort?”

“I would hope not. Yet, it is a discussion for another time, with someone else,” Zeus rumbled.

“Right.” I sighed, feeling waves chop across my heart. “So, the prophecy isn’t over?”

“Not yet, son of Poseidon. You and your companions must continue your journey. Might I suggest Pittsburgh to be visited next?”

“I… see. Sir, if I could, can I now, say, continue this quest with limited members or perhaps… Artemis and Athena? Your point has been made.”

“You cannot. Not for the lack of my permission but for the presence of a prophecy. They do not work that way.” His blue eyes bore into me, and I felt the weight of his power press onto me. “You’ll do as told. Now, I suggest you start preparing. May Nike and Tyche be in your favor, son of Poseidon.”

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AND… DONE! Hope you all liked the chapter! 

So, yes. Percy is unfortunately wrong about the Prophecy being over. He wanted it desperately, but he cannot do anything against fate. Yet, he fought as much as he could. And Artemis was there along the way to be with him and help him. 

Rather cute for them, no?

Anyhow, onto other matters, I am sorry for the delay in the update. Or well, absence of the RoLP update. I am slightly burnt out on it, but my original plan had been to do RoLP before LoSP. It didn't work out as I intended to. (To be clear, this was the extra update I put out a poll for a few days back.)

I may update it next, if I can, or start with Black Dawn's next chapter. I do wish to write the chapter, but landing such a huge fic is a task. 

A huge thanks to Tulayb for betaing this chapter!

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Stay Happy! Stay Safe! Keep Smiling! Keep Reading!

HPfanfictioner66