Perseus Jackson: Champion of Thanatos

                                                   Prologue

The Goddess of the Hunt rode on her nightly chariot leaving a trail of silvery light as she went on her way. The moon at its fullest, rose high like a mourning banner. She, like on every one of her chariot rides, was immersed in a deep pool of dreary memories. The God and Titan War was a frequent matter in her brain. The King of Titans had been defeated by the greatest hero to have ever lived, in her opinion. Not at a price however, for in the final battle, Kronos had taken his revenge on that young hero. To this day Artemis felt the pain he had felt that dreadful night. Annabeth, daughter of wisdom, had died in that war. The war stole her as abruptly as she had stolen his heart. Artemis always felt an unfamiliar feeling when thinking of this. She assumed it was like when she lost hunter; one of her daughters, and it only felt odd because it was a boy, no a man, she owed him that much. Yet she knew it was not the same emotion. She could've sworn it was something unfamiliar to her. Longing. Why she would feel that for this man was unknown to her, yet the Moon Goddess was not known for being in tune with her emotions. It made her uncomfortable to think of the Hero of Olympus. Odd emotions she had no name for would spring like the unshed tears she harbored for him. Why these tears lurked in her she hadn't the foggiest. She supposed it was the tragedy of the entire story, full of enough sorrow to make a Maiden Goddess weep. After the hero's loss, he denied immortality, yet there was a goddess who was not pleased by this outcome. Athena was filled with unbridled rage at the loss of her daughter.

She demanded revenge for her sad loss. She felt that the sea spawn was responsible for her daughter's death. As they were together and she felt it necessary to protect him from the dangers that always plagued him. Though her anger almost felt unreal, as Athena was generally quite rational and did not allow her emotions to take control. No one seemed to notice this somewhat fabricated anger, and I myself still doubt that I ever saw it. They subdued Athena and let the child be on his way, to grieve with whatever thoughts he had. However he did not return to camp, and people began to grow worried. As if to confirm people's suspicion a meeting of the Olympians was called. The air was thick with sorrow and anger as Hades stood at the epicenter of this maelstrom of emotions. Artemis took her seat with the others as Hades stood solemnly, preparing to speak. "Let us hear it brother, what is your news?" Poseidon asked politely. Hades merely grimaced at this and averted everyone's gaze. It had been three months since Poseidon's son had been seen. And Nico had been searching for the better part of it. "My child Nico has found our hero, in a poor state." The Olympians glanced nervously at each other. "You mean he is harmed?" I asked, concerned for one of the only honorable men on the planet. "He resides in a dangerous place at this moment of time." Hades said rather vaguely. "Well where in the Gods name is he?" Zeus bellowed, growing impatient. "He rests in Tartarus at this point." Hades said rather quickly. The group of Gods all gasped in unison, except Athena who merely raised an eyebrow looking somewhat pleased. The outraged voice of the Olympians all started blathering on together. The angry or sorrowful shouts were all encompassing in the throne room. "Enough!" Zeus said, raising his Master Bolt. The voices slowly went to murmurs and then died. "We will free our hero no matter what it takes." Zeus said matter-of-factly. Poseidon's care worn face looked at his brother gratefully. "Oh, no you won't." A determined voice broke into the discussion. Athena glared at both of them with her piercing gray eyes. "Ancient Law clearly states that you shall not interfere with the likes of mortal affairs, or the dead." Everyone looked at Zeus nervously. "I will save the Hero of Olympus, Ancient Laws be damned." It would not be the first time he's stretched the Olympians Laws, Artemis thought. "If you attempt to save that good-for-nothing demi-god, I will declare war upon you." A collective gasp was heard in the throne room at this bold threat. Artemis didn't think she had just heard that. Athena declaring war on the Gods? Zeus appeared unfazed by this crazy threat. "And how do you propose, you would hope to defeat all of us." Some of the Gods, such as Apollo, laughed nervously. I had no reaction, I did not wish to be pulled into this conflict. Then another God voiced their side. "She will stand a good chance because I will ally with her." Said the God of War. "The sea will pull both of you away!" Poseidon said, summoning a glowing trident. Hestia slowly raised her hand. "You do not need to raise your hand to speak in here Hestia." I said nicely. "Thank you Artemis, what I wish to say is, that it does not matter who would win in such a war, as both sides would be severely weakened." She quietly cleared her throat and reddened, as everyone was now giving her full attention. "If our enemies learn we are at war, then they will surely come and take our thrones." Everyone seemed to pale at this. "Well then what do you propose?" Poseidon grumbled. "If we could simply come to an agreement I think that would be beneficial." Hestia said humorlessly. I didn't like where this was going, as Athena was surely hoping to gain something from this, and not truly wanting to go to war. "I think that would be fair." Athena said smarmily. "What is it that you want?" Zeus said warily. "Oh, I think you know." Athena responded. Zeus looked frustrated and quite upset, and Poseidon mirrored his expression. "We will not condemn our savior to an eternity of suffering." I said, and everyone looked at me with surprise. "Well as interesting as I find Artemis' new acceptance of men, this one must stay where he is." Athena retorted. Poseidon looked ready for war, but then Zeus spoke up. "I cannot simply defy our laws in front of my family, so let us make a deal."

So it was decreed no one shall attempt to contact or rescue the condemned man or they will face an Olympian trial. At that time I was furious at this, but I understood the reasoning of it. It was to protect our Olympian family from being overthrown, and that no demi-god was worth a civil war. Yet, now with my new-found emotions and my longing, it does not seem like such a necessity. As the night draws to a close, I bring my chariot towards the ground, and as my brother lifts the sun to the air, the moon carries my thoughts of that man away. So that I may live to hunt another day.