Chapter 15

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters, etc. are the property of JK. Rowling and Rick Riordan. The OC characters and storyline are purely my imagination running wild. My story is for entertainment only and is not part of any official storylines. I do not have any association with J. K. Rowling or Rick Riordan even though I wish I had. No copyright infringement is intended.

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Skye slowly woke up to the sound of soft murmuring in the background. Opening her eyes, young Skye squinted her eyes ever so slightly as she took in the surrounding sound. Skye quickly concluded that she was lying on a soft bench in what appeared to be a big carriage of some sort, from what Skye could see. The decoration for the carriage was simple yet very elegant. It was large enough to allow the passengers to sit or, in her case, lay rather comfortably.

Looking around, Skye quickly saw the relief on Zoe's and Lyra's faces before turning to see Percy, Thalia, and Annabeth, who all wore somber faces for some odd reason. Feeling the light presence of another Skye slowly turned to the person behind her.

"Ah, Skye. It's good to see you awake, my dear." Artemis murmured as their eyes met.

"Milady!? Are you okay? What happened? I can't recall anything that happened after Atlas struck me with his spear."

"A lot happened when you fell, cub," Lyra murmured. "You were dying of a fatal wound. Your Lady and I arrived just in time to save you. Lady Artemis fed you all the healing potions that I had. This helped to kick start your slow healing process, while I used all the healing magic that I knew to close your wounds and bring you away from death. We were lucky that your unique nature kept you alive long enough for us to heal you after we dealt with Atlas."

Skye was not entirely sure what her godmother meant by her 'unique nature' but decided to have that conversation another time. She did not want the campers in this particular discussion.

"What happened to Atlas? Is he back under the sky? " Skye asked before turning to Artemis. "Milady, are you truly okay?"

The silence that followed was rather thick as both Lyra and Artemis gazed off into the distance, trying to gather their thoughts before answering Skye's questions. Skye looked over at Zoe in confusion, only to receive a shrug and a pained smile.

"I am okay, little one," Artemis answered after what felt like an eternity. "I am a little bit weaker than I normally am, but I will be fine after a good night's rest."

Lyra knew she had to explain her part in the ordeal of returning Atlas to his rightful place. She only wished that she could have explained it when the campers weren't around. With a pained sigh, Lyra began her tale. "First things first, Atlas has been returned to his rightful place under the sky, so please do not worry about that. Second, I may have lost my temper when that bastard attacked you with his spear. When you fell, it caused a domino effect in my family bloodline. I was already close to triggering the Black family curse before you fell, but it fully activated once my godparent bond with you was threatened. Zoe quickly went over to your fallen form, while your Lady and I dealt with Atlas. The battle was fast and brutal but, in the end, we were able to push him back and free Percy from the burden of the sky. Moments after the battle, Artemis and I quickly went over to your fallen form to kick start the unique healing ability you've got."

"That tells me so much, yet nothing at all." Skye sighed, annoyed.

"I know, and I am sorry. It's difficult to explain the battle fully, but I will show you the memory once I retrieved the family pensive from the family vault." Lyra said with an understanding smile. "However, I will only explain to you what the Black family curse is once your companions have returned to their daily lives. There are secrets to our bloodlines that are meant for family ears only. With that, I meant Potter and Black. I will also start teaching you what it means to be a Potter-Black, but this is something your companions cannot be involved with, I will allow Artemis and Zoe to join in with the family history after all they are now part of your new family."

Hearing those words but not quite comprehending them, Skye's thoughts went to the idea of what a family truly is. For the first time in her entire life, Skye could finally learn who her family is and what it means to be a Potter. As the thought of family finally entered her comprehension, Skye quickly realized that she finally found what she was looking for all along. With tears in her eyes, she looked up as a comforting hand settled on her shoulder.

"I know you had a very hard life, by not finding a place to belong," Artemis said as she squeezed her young huntress's shoulder. "But you finally found something, someplace and someone to belong to. We're your family, and we will do everything in our power to keep our family whole."

With a watery laugh, Skye responded once she gained some of her composure. "Of course, Milady. Thank you."

Lyra gave a sad smile as she watched the interaction between the moon goddess and her goddaughter. Lyra hated seeing the pain and sadness within Skye's eyes, but seeing the interaction between her goddaughter and the goddess helped Lyra's own soul heal ever so slightly.

"Where are we heading to, anyway? Also, how long was I out?" Skye asked as she settled down on the comfortable seat once again.

"You were out for just about 30 minutes. I believe your unique nature sped your awakening up," Artemis said as she returned to her post in front of the chariot. "Our current destination is Mount Olympus, New York."

It didn't take them long to get to Mount Olympus. Skye could see the City of the Gods in all its glory once Lyra indicated to her to look outside. The city held huge buildings and statues of the various heroes and gods of the age, towering up into the sky.

Artemis quickly steered her chariot to her palace here on Olympus. The palace held various statues of deer; the goddesses' own sacred animal. There was also other wildlife as well as the moonlight radiating from the silver engravings on the portal, leading inside.

"From here on out, we will need to go on foot," Artemis said as the group disembarked from the chariot before following the goddess to the throne room.

To see Olympus from above was a totally different experience than walking through the streets with Lady Artemis by their sides, no less. The minor gods and goddesses, nymphs, and satyrs alike parted, allowing the moon goddess to move freely without interruption as they made their way to the council meeting that had just begun. There were whispers and murmurs as the group passed the residents of Olympus. This only indicated that the news of Artemis's rescue would be known by everybody currently in the city very soon.

When the group reached the gate that led to the throne room, Artemis stopped before turning to the young Demi-gods. "Now when we go inside, you will need to bow to Zeus and then your respective parents. After that, you will take a seat at their feet. You mustn't offend Zeus. Do you all understand?" Seeing the nod, Artemis quickly looked over at Skye and Lyra. "This is all the more important for you. The both of you do not have any parents on the council. However, I will take that place for the meeting, meaning you will take your seat in front of my throne."

With that being said, Artemis turned back and opened the huge door with a graceful wave of her hand before walking in with proud steps with the group of questers following close behind.

The throne room was a sight to behold, something most would find difficult to comprehend. There were twelve enormous thrones in a U shape around the central hearth. None of the thrones were the same as the other. All twelve were unique to the gods' personal domains, yet each still gave off the feeling of awe and power. There above them was a dome-like ceiling glittering with all the constellations created by the gods through the ages.

Every seat in the chamber was occupied, indicating the importance of this meeting. In the center of the circle, facing the entrance, was the throne of Lord Zeus, King of the Skies. Zeus wore an expensive business suit as he sat on his throne with a look of arrogance as he looked straight ahead at the group. Next to him, to his right, sat his wife, Lady Hera. She had black hair with brown eyes and had a permanent frown etched upon her face. She was also wearing a Greek-style tunic. Beside her sat Lady Demeter. She was wearing a green tunic and next to her sat Lady Athena, the grey-eyed black-haired goddess. Then there's Ares, the god of war. He was wearing leather and bronze armor with a highly bored expression. After Ares was Hermes, he was wearing something a mailman would wear, as well as his famous winged sneakers. On the final chair on the right side sat Dionysus, wearing his leopard-skin tracksuit while reading a wine magazine. On the left of Zeus sat Lord Poseidon, Lord of the Sea. He was wearing a simple beach shirt with sandals. Next to him sat Aphrodite. She looked the same as when Skye had last seen her. Next to the love goddess sat her husband, Hephaestus. He was a large and burly man. Next to him was Apollo, who sat on a shining gold throne, and finally next to him was the elegant silver throne of Lady Artemis, the workmanship of the throne had delicate details of the most dangerous and worthy beasts the goddess of the hunted in the past.

The eleven gods and goddesses all turned the moment they heard the door to the throne room open, wondering who dared to interrupt such an important meeting. However, the moment the gods and goddesses saw Artemis amongst the group, their irritation and indignation quickly morphed into relief and happiness.

"Ah, my dear daughter! Wonderful, I am glad you found your way back to us and just in time for the winter solstice meeting, too." Zeus's voice rumbled much like that of a thunderstorm.

"Father, it's good to be free from such a burden. However, if it wasn't for these brave heroes, I wouldn't be here tonight." Artemis acknowledged as she stepped forward and grew in height to join the other deities.

"Yes, yes… Welcome heroes," Zeus said with a slightly dismissive wave.

"Moo!"

That was when the group noticed Bianca with the Ophiotaurus floating in a hovering sphere of water which was hovering in the center of the room, next to the hearth fire. Bianca stood in front of Lord Zeus's throne in the process of reporting the quest from her perspective.

"Lord Zeus, may I join my quest companions?" Bianca asked, looking for the needed permission to rejoin her sisters.

"Go on," Zeus said dismissively. Zeus was hardly paying any attention to the young huntress. No, his eyes were staring intently at Thalia.

With a nod, Bianca quickly pounced upon Zoe and Skye, needing to see if her sisters were truly safe and healthy after the separation. "Oh, thank the gods you guys made it! Are you okay? Zoe? Skye? Lyra? You weren't harmed in any way, were you?"

"Calm, young Bianca," Lyra murmured. "We are all safe, but a lot has happened since our separation. However, we need to greet our hosts and report everything that has happened in the last few days."

With that thought in mind, the group of Demi-gods and magicals stepped forward and bowed to Lord Zeus before turning and bowing to their parents or patron. However, Lyra decided the council needed some chaos and chose to bow to Lady Hera instead, throwing many gods off kilter.

"Welcome to Olympus, Heroes." The sky god rumbled before turning towards Lyra and Skye. "And why, young hero, did you decide to bow to my wife? Second, why is this filth here upon Olympus, in my throne room no less?!"

"Well, my lord, she is the Queen of Olympus, is she not?" Lyra said mischievously as she stepped in front of her goddaughter ever so slightly. "Since your gods are supposed to represent the civilization you reside in, it would probably be okay if I just bow to her. However, I rather play it safe and bow to you as well, my lord."

"Oh, and why do you say that? Also, I still need answers about the filth you are trying to hide," Zeus stated sternly.

"Not hide, Lord Zeus, protect. It is my duty as her oath-sworn godmother to protect her. I have been unable to do just that until recently, and your disgust and dismissal will not stop me from doing just that." Lyra stated with conviction before continuing. "Also, you gods follow the American civilization as such. If Lady Hera is anything like the average American wife, then she's got you by the balls."

That dumbfounded expression on Zeus's face was priceless. While the goddesses all broke down in chuckles or giggles, this was exactly what Lyra intended. Lyra needed to shock these powerful deities in order to keep Skye safe and the gods off-kilter.

"Yes, erm, well," Zeus stumbled over his words as he tried to regain his composure. "Congratulations demigods on a successful quest and a job well done. However, we still have a problem or two. First, I still want to know why this half-breed is in my throne room and second, the great prophecy speaks of a choice made by a child of the big three on their sixteenth birthday, and Thalia you turn sixteen on the morrow."

"Skye is one of my hunters and she was a key part of the group that freed me from my burden, Father," Artemis states with confidence as she moves to her young hybrid and Lyra. "And as a hunter, she is part of my domain."

Zeus did not look happy at the response he received from his daughter or that of Lyra, but it was clear that he wanted to move on to Thalia's issue as well as the result of the quest. "Very well, daughter, let's move on. We still have the problem regarding Thalia and the great prophecy that is connected to her."

"Well then, let's just kill the little girl and be done with it." Ares offered, receiving many glares in return for even suggesting that. Unfortunately, this did not phase the god of war one bit.

"We will not kill her!" Artemis exclaimed, looking revolted at the mere thought of the death of a young maiden. This statement caused Thalia to stare intently at a spot on the floor, afraid to draw any more attention to herself. "However, I do have a suggestion that can delay the great prophecy, but I will need to speak to you alone first, Father?" Receiving a nod, the two deities flashed out of the room, leaving the others in great suspense.

Meanwhile, the group that endured so much together quickly moved closer toward Thalia hoping to give her a semblance of support, after all, there isn't much the group can do within the throne room of the gods but at least they can give her the support she needs.

It wasn't long for the two deities to return with a flash, having finished with their conversation. "My daughter," Zeus spoke, looking towards his youngest Demi-god. "Artemis has devised a way for you to stay the decision of prophecy. Artemis, will you please?"

"Thalia Grace, you have shown great courage throughout this quest, you never once wavered from the path or the gods. I offer you a place among the hunt to serve with me, Zoe, Bianca, and Skye. I offer you immortality, to never age another day if you take my oath." The goddess of the hunt explained to her half-sister.

"You want me to join the hunt?" Thalia asked, looking shocked yet hopeful. Here was her chance to be rid of all the burdens pertaining to the prophecy that were unfairly placed upon her shoulders at an early age. Perhaps now she would be able to find a place to belong. Even though she was accepted within the camp, there was still a lot of staring and pointing involved that, to this day, still unnerved her. Being a daughter of Zeus, she was often looked at as a symbol more than a person, with her joining the hunt, would finally give her the chance to be herself and not a leader or a symbol.

"I would gladly accept this honor," Thalia said with a slight smile.

Zoe, Skye, and Lyra all smiled at Thalia and her choice while Annabeth was sad at the idea of Thalia joining the hunt, but she knew what Thalia felt in the camp. With a smile, Artemis spoke up once again. "Then speak the oath and become a true sister of the hunt."

"I pledge myself to the goddess Artemis. I turn my back on the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood, and join the hunt," Thalia murmured with a nervous smile.

"I accept your oath," Artemis said happily before continuing. "Welcome sister to the Hunt."

"Congratulations Thalia. Now, Artemis, let's discuss the matter at hand, your capture, and who was behind it."

In the next hour, every member of the team was fully questioned about their experiences and opinions on the quest.

"So, what you are saying is that the Titans are rising again? That my father is rising again!?" Zeus asked in disbelief and denial.

"Father, I heard Atlas as he spoke of the war preparations the enemy is going through. We have all noticed the gathering of monsters. The Titans are rising to challenge Olympus' powers. We have to be ready, we have to be ready, we have to gather our forces and prepare the Demi-gods." Artemis said firmly, trying to convince the god of the sky.

There was some mumbling and shuffling among the gods, as if they were unhappy with the knowledge of the Titans rising to power once again.

"Thank you, daughter," Zeus acknowledged, looking thoughtful. "Artemis, I want you and Apollo to go and hunt the most powerful monsters, and strike them down before they can join the Titan's cause. Athena, I want you to go out personally and check on the other Titans and make sure that they do not escape their various prisons. Poseidon, I want you to unleash your full fury on the cruise ship Princess Andromeda and send it to the bottom of the sea."

Artemis nodded to her father before she turned to the other immortals. "These half-bloods have done Olympus a great service. Would anyone here deny that?"

"Yes, they were brave and strong when they took on the threat. They had no real chance of defeating all in the name of Olympus, for that, they deserve a reward! Step forward, daughter. What would you ask for as a reward?"

Thalia looked up at her father, before looking to the ground once more. "Father, I already received the reward I truly wanted. I will no longer be the child of the prophecy and for that, I am grateful. I never once wanted that burden to be placed on my shoulders, to begin with, and I know I am the cause for it to be placed on my cousins' shoulders instead, however, I knew from the get-go that I would never be strong enough to bear that burden."

Zeus looked at his daughter sadly. "I didn't know you felt like that, child."

"It's fine, Father," Thalia said, waving her father's concerns off. "I never actually got the chance to acknowledge my emotions, so no one knew how I felt."

"Well, in that case, let's move on," Poseidon intervened before Zeus could speak up. "Perseus, my son, step forward. What would you like as a reward?"

"Father, Lords, and Ladies," Percy began hesitantly. "All I ask is for you to spare the Ophiotaurus. My dad can hide it under the sea somewhere, or you could keep it in an aquarium here in Olympus. I know that this creature can cause your downfall, but you have to protect it. After all, it is an innocent creature."

"You are still a danger to Olympus, boy," Dionysus warned. "And with the beast still alive, the temptation could be too great for you to resist."

"I will swear on the Styx to never betray Olympus or the gods if and only if you all swear to leave the creature alive here on Olympus or in my father's oceans," Percy said, looking at every god in the eye.

"Young hero, swearing on the Styx can be your downfall," Hera said. "Are you willing to risk it?"

"Yes, milady," Percy said strongly. "I might only be fourteen, and I might be the child of the prophecy. We still have two years to be sure, but I will never willingly side with Kronos. Doing so will cause thousands if not millions of innocent deaths, and that is something I cannot condone. However, swearing an oath to never betray Olympus or the gods is a sign from me to you to show you all that you can trust me with this burden and responsibility."

"That is two years for Kronos to mislead or deceive you," Athena stated. "Much can change in two years, young son of the sea."

"Mother!" Annabeth exclaimed in exasperation.

"I am only stating the truth, my dear daughter. It is a bad strategy to keep the beast alive or the boy, even if he swears on the Styx."

Poseidon stood to address all the gods and heroes within the council chamber. "I will not have an innocent sea creature destroyed if I can help it. And in this case, I can help it."

The god of the seas held out his hand, and seconds later a trident appeared within. The trident was a twenty-foot-long bronze shaft with three spear tips that shimmered with a greenish-blue watery light.

"In front of you all, I will vouch for my son and the safety of this sea creature. I do not believe that Perseus would need to swear on the Styx." The god said, looking at each council member as he spoke.

"You will not take the creature under the sea!" Zeus exclaimed as he suddenly stood. "I won't have that kind of bargaining chip in your possessions, brother."

"Brother, please," Poseidon sighed, exasperated at his younger brother's paranoia.

Zeus called forth his lightning bolt and a shaft of electricity quickly filled the whole chamber with the smell of ozone.

"Fine, little brother," Poseidon said, exasperated. "I will build an aquarium for the creature here in the throne room. Hephaestus can help me. This will ensure that the beast is safe, and we all shall protect it with all our power whenever it is threatened. Furthermore, my son will not betray us. I will vouch for this on my honor."

Zeus took a moment to think about this. "All in favor of Poseidon's suggestion?"

Every hand of the council went up, shocking Skye and the rest of her companions. After all, they all thought that the gods and goddesses would give some resistance, especially with Percy's life and connection to the prophecy.

"Well then, we are all in agreement," Zeus decreed. "We are also in agreement in not destroying these heroes, as they did us a great service. I believe that we need to honor them for their service and sacrifices, so let the triumph celebrations begin!"

The gods quickly flash out to arrange one of the best parties the Olympians ever created. One that will honor the young Demi-gods as well as celebrate Lady Artemis's freedom.

The Nine Muses cranked up the tunes for all to enjoy. Skye quickly realized that the Nine Muses weaved magic that allowed every god and Demi-god to listen to their own specialized preference, be it classical hip-hop or hard rock.

Dionysus was growing all sorts of refreshment stands for all to enjoy before moving off to walk around with a beautiful woman by his side. There was nectar and ambrosia for all the gods as well as snacks for mortals to enjoy. Next to the food were golden goblets filled with whatever drink you wished to drink.

Gods were coming over to congratulate Percy and Annabeth while ignoring Zoe, Lyra, Bianca, Skye, and Thalia, deeming the huntress a non-important entity, however, three deities did not as they each approached the huntresses separately.

The first god to arrive was Apollo, their Lady's twin brother. He had a pair of shades on that hid his piercing blue eyes as well as a pair of iPod headphones, which he quickly removed once he arrived in front of his sisters' huntresses.

"Well, hello there, girls," Apollo said cheerfully before becoming more serious. "Thank you for what you all did. My sister is safe and free to be her true self, and that is because you all placed your life in danger to save her, so thank you."

"You do not need to thank us, Lord Apollo," Zoe said, answering for the group of girls. "She is our mistress, and it is our duty to help her when she needs it."

"Maybe so, but I am still very grateful," Apollo said, looking over at his twin, who was speaking with Lady Hestia. "She might not believe that I care for her, but I do, and seeing her in pain is something I cannot bear even if I hide it. Skye, you are probably the only one who can feel what my sister truly feels. Is she okay?"

"H… h… how do you know that, my lord?" Skye stuttered, shocked.

"I am the god of truth, young one. I can see everything that is truthful and what are lies. I can see the bond you have with my sister. It is a soulmate bond, but it is at the very beginning stage, it hasn't had a chance to fully settle yet," Apollo explained to the young hybrid what he could see.

"I don't think it's wise for Skye to tell you what Lady Artemis is feeling," Lyra said, being the first one to notice the moon goddess behind her brother. "Trust is important for a soul-bonded pair and blabbing about her mates' emotions to someone not in the bond will be the quickest way to lose all the trust they have between them."

"Of course, and I don't want that," Apollo stated. "I just want to know if she needs any medical attention. I know my sister, and she will never willingly tell me if she needs any medical attention."

"We do understand that, Lord Apollo," Skye acknowledges with a slight tilled of her head. "However, I will say this. Lady Artemis is fine after everything she's been through, and we will be there for her if she needs it."

"Brother, I do hope you are not flirting with my girls," Artemis murmured, hoping to distract him from this current conversation.

"What, no of course not, little sis. I was just congratulating your girls on a job well done," Apollo said, slightly panicked.

Lyra gave an exasperated sigh. "He wasn't flirting with the girls, Artemis. Lord Apollo, it was wonderful to speak to you, but unfortunately, other gods and goddesses want to speak to us."

Apollo gave a slight nod as he saw his stepmother, the queen of the gods, approach the group of girls. Gazing one last time towards his sister before moving away to speak to the son of the sea god.

Artemis quickly moved next to Skye, sensing the slight discomfort Lady Hera's approach was causing her young hybrid.

The queen came to rest in front of the group of girls before staring at both Skye and Lyra intently. This, of course, caused Skye to feel like a bug that was moments away from being stomped on. "You and your goddaughter are much better than my brother's kids. You'll do fine." Hera said before vanishing.

Hades was the last god to approach the girls, the god of death had a slight smile on his face, which was really off-putting, to say the least. "Hello, girls, Artemis. I want to thank you for keeping my daughter safe and giving her a place to belong. I did not want to meet my daughter sooner than her time, so you have my gratitude for keeping Bianca alive."

"Bianca, is your daughter, Uncle?" Artemis asked, shocked.

"Yes, dear niece. Both Bianca and her brother Nico are mine, however, both were born before the oath my brothers forced me to take." Hades explained to his niece.

"Are you going to claim Nico, Lord Hades?" Thalia asked the god of the dead.

"Of course, he is my son and I have already asked my brother Poseidon if Nico can bunk with Perseus in cabin 3. I would not have any of my children living in an overcrowded cabin if I could help it." The god explained.

"Finally, Skye Potter, you have the gratitude of the dead for informing us of the soul of Tom Riddle and when the time comes, you will need to deal with him as a final quest as he is part of your destiny," Hades stated, before giving Bianca a soft look and flashing away leaving a group of confused girls in its wake.

"It would seem that the gods have finally finished with us, Lady Artemis," Lyra stated wearily, slowly calming down from all the unnecessary excitement.

"It would seem so," Artemis sighed. "Come on, girls, let's gather up the rest of the campers. We need to pick up the rest of the hunt from camp. It is time for us to return to our daily routine."

"Yes, Milady," The group of huntresses and one magical chorused together before Thalia went over to gather Percy and Annabeth.

Once everyone was gathered, Artemis slowly summoned some of her godly power before flashing the group back down to Camp Half-Blood during the campfire sing-along, leaving a joyous impression for all to see.

"Welcome back, my lady," Chiron said as he trotted over.

Thank you, Chiron, and thank you for looking after my girls. Girls, we will be leaving tomorrow. We have a new hunt to plan."

"Very well, my lady. And who might this be?" Chiron said, looking over towards Lyra.

"Lady Lyra Sirius Black at your service," Lyra said with a slight bow. "I am Skye's godmother and protector."

"Ah, so you are the one the old fellow in the Big house was looking for. You might want to see him before you all leave for your hunt."

"I'm already here, Chiron. There is no need for Lyra to come up to the Big House," a gentle grandfatherly voice said.

"Professor Dumbledore, what are you doing here? And how did you find me? I don't recall ever mentioning anything regarding the Greek Gods and Skye's connection to it," Lyra said, moving in front of her goddaughter and the other girls. "You know I don't plan on coming back. My life is here teaching Skye everything about being a Potter-Black as well as being a well-rounded prankster. She needs it after the life you left her to."

The huntresses and their goddesses all took on a defensive stance at Lyra's words, not liking the idea of losing Lyra or knowing that this man was one of the few people who caused such misery to one so young.

"Not to worry, young Lyra, not to worry. I have no plans of forcing you back or taking you away from your goddaughter, but there are a few things that I would like to discuss with you. If I could have a few moments of your time alone."

"Very well," Lyra sighed softly before moving off towards the Big House with Dumbledore following close behind, leaving the moon goddess and her girls alone in hopes of catching each other up on what had happened these last few days.