Why so serious?

It took a lot of time for the animals to settle down and for me to speak. I assured the Romans that they will not attack any of my allies and in turn not to harm them on purpose. I also warned them not to kill for food as they had been doing so, for the past few days. Octavian was about to spout some bullshit when he was promptly shut up with a glare from Reyna.

"It's time." Jason came to my tent to inform me, his demeanour serious and grave. "Why so serious?" I nodded and asked playfully. But inside, I had a pit in my stomach. Getting struck by lightning is no joke, especially if it was more times powerful than normal lightning. Even more so if it attacks your soul.

That was what had happened to me, damnit. Fück, I feel so irritated with that guy. I mean come on man, we are on the same side... atleast it was, before you fucked everything up. [A/N: San Andreas Vibes! Ah... those were the days!] And don't think I forgot about you Hecate. One day imma shove Leviathan up your @ss so far, your future kids will have to śhìt axes.

I got out of the tent and made my way to the Goddess, All the animals bowed down, noticing my mood and somehow the situation. Honestly, it was a scene straight out of 'The Lion King'. My heart was beating loudly. It was not fear of the weight of the skies, no- if Percy and Annabeth could, then I could too. It was being powerless not able to do anything while literally having the skies on my shoulders.

I had never really relied on anybody but myself, so putting my trust on these guys who I met just days ago is quite daunting. Having my furry and feathered friends near, reassures me a bit.

"3..... 2" I took a deep breath and took a knee, near Artemis. ".....1!"

"HHHHNNNNNGGGGGHHH!!!!" I literally rammed into the side of the goddess pushing her out of the way and immediately something landed on my shoulder and back, I felt blood rush to my face, flushing it with a red tint, my body locking into place as if it was shackled. I made myself as comfortable as possible, which was quite literally impossible, as it was meant to be so. I heaved and grunted with effort for a bit and then, all was silent.

"Maximus.... are you alright?"

"You tell me. Am I alright?"

Artemis, now used to my sarcasm, was relieved to hear that. She was about to say something when thunder boomed in the distance. The words she spoke next filled everyone with dread, including Max. "Zeus calls me back to Olympus."

The adopted daughters of Artemis all had their usual stoic faces, but one could see rage in their eyes. This blatant betrayal of humanity was disgusting and immoral even in the most coldest of eyes.

Artemis was still for a second and started to glow a faint silver. Wisps of greyish smoke, lights similar to a short circuit flickering all around her. A cold wind had passed through the area, a feeling of melancholy washed over everyone present. Artemis opened her eyes, now pupil-less. Her whites now flowed like liquid silver, akin to mercury.

The wind died down and a sad smile now adorned the face of the goddess. I felt so frustrated and sad myself, as if I wanted to seek justice for her. My mind mind and heart immediately seeked Thalia image. A sense of unease was gripping my heart. "Zuzu..."

Gods, I love her! I always knew our relationship was built on unsteady blocks. Like people always say, 'Love born during intense situations do not last long." [A/N: Sandra Bullock from the movie Speed]. But I could never imagine me in love with another woman.

My thoughts were broken by Artemis coming back to her normal state. She looked to her daughters and said, "I am no longer of Olympia." her adopted daughters just nodded their head, fully understanding the gravity of her words while Shock ran through all those who were present.

Lightning and Thunder crackled the skies. Zeus was furious, extremely so.

"Okay so.... you just gonna stand around or are you going to start for the Camp?" I just had to ruin the mood. The mood being a depressive aura around the area. Artemis gave a quick nod, as hunting garbs materialised on her with a bow in her hand and a full quiver on her back, she jumped down the cliff with "WHOOP!" followed by her entourage with..... skin suits??? Where in Tartarus did they get those??

There was a silence after she left, occasionally disturbed by one of Ladon's grunts and snorts.