The Wolves of Artemis (Percy Jackson Fanfiction)

Chapter Twenty Three

Alright, my lovely readers! All I got left for today is a quiz on five chapters and a comment if my only other classmate would respond. So while I take a break from my regular life struggles, I believe it is time to make good on my commitment! And since I am forcing myself to relax with one of my only coping mechanisms, I have at least 3 more hours of time. After a long, long wait...enjoy! 

Chapter Twenty Three: Unbelievable/Friend and Lord of the Stars/The Gentle Giant Stirs

Point of View: Ebony

"Yes, I made sure they knew the moment they appeared above my head," I respond and he pulls me to my feet before crushing me in the biggest hug I think I have ever received. 

"Thank you," Bob murmurs. 

I reluctantly pull away and spot Damasen. "Did I get everyone?" 

"Yes, we are all here," Kronos answers. "Well, Hestia is finding all the neutral Titans. That leaves out Atlas." 

"Atlas..." Artemis mutters but even my hearing cannot pick up the rest of her sentence. It must be something to do with Zoë. 

"How to find a replacement for the sky?" Phoebe muses. 

"Only a Titan can be forced beneath the weight of the sky, but any immortal can hold it for an eternity," Hyperion inputs. 

"Well, it would be contradictory to put one of you under the sky in exchange for Atlas, even if he is one of the better fighters," Thalia chimes in. 

I smirk as an idea comes to me. 

"What idea is in your head now?" Aroen inquires. 

"We could...coerce Heracles to take the weight," I suggest. 

"Ugh. That pig?" Atalanta scoffs. 

"I approve," Krios says and shrugs. "Old hero, out of date, rude, and not liked by many anymore." 

"But how to make him take the sky on his shoulders?" Artemis questions. 

"Oh, I have a plan. Like Zoë once said, he is too arrogant. Let's see if he is up for a challenge," I riposte. 

"What kind of challenge? You don't plan on fighting him, do you?" Phoebe demands. 

I snort and she smiles slightly despite herself. "No way. I have no interest in fighting him. I prefer staying away from him. He just needs to be provoked and we need to get him alone first. There's a bounty out on our mistress, surely he will want the reward." 

"Act as bait?" Artemis raises an eyebrow. 

"In a way. You're clever, milady, I am positive you can find a way to convince him," I tell her. 

"Like telling him there is no way he could ever lift the heaviest burden in the world?" Thalia wonders. 

"Perfect," Artemis says and wears the biggest, most threatening grin I have ever seen. 

"And what shall we do in the meantime?" Damasen speaks up. 

I frown before replying, "The problem is this: the gods and Gaea are not on our side. We are on our own, rogue. We have the least amount in forces and most of our group is low on power as it is. We need to decide whether we infiltrate Gaea's ranks in whatever way we can, have you convince her, or stay on our own and fight on both sides when the war has finally built up." 

"I doubt we could convince mother," Bob sighs sadly. "She is still plotting like she used to. And, no offense, the only reason the others fight on your side is because they do not dare attack the man who brought them back." 

"Tell me, boy, tell me all that has transpired. How did this mess start? I want to know everything up until this point," Damasen rumbles and moves closer to sit down in front of me. 

So, I end up giving Damasen a run down of everything after Tartarus defeated him and Bob. He is scowling deeply by the end and broods for the longest time before he breathes deeply. 

"Your best option is to infiltrate mother's ranks and the easiest, and most disturbing way, is to go to Polybotes and beg for his forgiveness. My brother is extremely interested in you, but you can keep his wants at bay as long as the war is on. He will not force your limits too far until you do not have to fight and mother will have you like she has always wanted, keeping you on the front lines more often than not," Damasen advises. 

I am about to protest when several thoughts hit me at once. Damasen is the Bane of Ares and Mars, a peaceful war general. He can strategize with a perspective nobody else has. Not only that, Damasen is the only Giant who has not been warped by Gaea and has not received the new and improved body. He's still over thirty feet tall and slower than his brothers. 

I take a moment to calm down, knowing he is trying to aid in the effort. "Then tell me what I need to know about the Bane of the Sea," I give in. 

Damasen does not comment on my acceptance and Phoebe looks absolutely disgusted. But she remains quiet as Damasen begins informing me on Polybotes, "My brother wants you as his...partner. He will treasure you and keep the closest watch on you. He enjoys beautiful things and it is obvious he likes looking at you. He is a typical, simple-minded creature when it comes to these things and if you compliment him, then he will accept you. Of course, the more you do so, the more possessive he becomes. You can use this against the other Giants if you so please or let it build and convince the entirety of them. I suggest the latter." 

"I'm not going to enjoy this, am I?" I question as nausea starts settling in my stomach just thinking about it. 

"No," he says simply. "He will make it very difficult after your last encounter." 

"What about us? Who shall we convince? The gods? Or mother? And where will the Hunt go?" Kronos interrupts. 

"Yes, convince the gods. Lady Hestia is working with us on that. The Hunt should stay here and let the gods and Gaea believe that Artemis has to store up power after having it taken away. With the blessing returned, they will know she has her godly abilities back. Let them think the Hunt is out of the fight. I do not want to put the rest of you in harm's way," I reply. 

"What about Lycaon and the Pack?" Dad inquires. 

"What do you mean?" Thalia asks. 

"We have a truce with them now," I agree, though hesitantly. 

"Lycaon is a troublemaker," Artemis comments. 

"Better than nothing," Phoebe sighs. 

"Can you handle it?" I look to Aroen. 

"I'll play nice," he consents. "We will search for him." 

"Everyone has their jobs. Looks like I have to do mine first to give you the chance, grandfather," I state. 

"And when this is all done? What then?" he responds. 

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there," I dismiss the thought. 

"Or burn it," Thalia mutters under her breath. 

Kinda short, I know, but do not worry, my lovely readers! See ya soon!