God of night

Chapter 4

Zoe couldn't imagine what it must have been like for Perseus after he was banished. She wished to help but wasn't sure how she could.
"But I don't remember him. I've spent thousands of years hating men; I don't think I can change now." She explained.
Hestia smiled, "You simply don't remember yet. You will and you will understand then. You two were in true love and the heart never forgets that no matter how many years the brain has forgotten."
Zoe nodded her head slowly, "But what do I do now? I don't remember Perseus yet and he didn't seem too interested in being around me. I would rather not be around Artemis either." She asked.
Hestia nodded, "Well perhaps you and I should visit Perseus together. I think it has been far too long since I've spoken with my favorite nephew."
Zoe looked at Hestia surprised but smiled, "Okay, thank you Lady Hestia."
Hestia smiled warmly at her as she stood up and grabbed Zoe's shoulder as the two disappeared in a column of fire.
Hestia and Zoe reappeared on a beautiful beach that didn't have a single soul on it.
"Where are we?" Zoe asked confused.
"The Island of Delos; this is where Perseus still lives. I thought this might be better than just popping in unannounced." Hestia explained.
Zoe's eyes widened as she looked around, "This place is beautiful."
Hestia looked around at the beach they were on before slowly shaking her head, "Perhaps at first but I highly doubt Perseus sees much beauty in his mother's prison." She explained.
Zoe frowned, "Why does he still live here then?"
"He lived here for many centuries with his mother and this is all he has left to remember her by. He loved his mother very much which is partly why he almost faded himself when she did. She was all he had left after everything else was taken from him." Hestia said softly as she led Zoe down the beach until she paused when they could hear the sound of swords clashing in the distance.
Zoe's eyes widened as she looked at Hestia who was just smiling softly as she continued to walk down the beach at an even slower pace. After a couple of minutes, they reached a part of the beach that was mostly secluded. They saw Perseus sparing with two familiar looking children about ten yards away.
They watched as Perseus defended himself against the two young demigods, taking his time and giving pointers as they worked on their skills with a sword. Perseus blocked the young boy before he spun and froze when he laid eyes on Hestia and Zoe. The young girl didn't notice his change and brought her sword across his arm drawing a deep gash that began to leak golden ichor.
"Percy!" The girl cried worriedly, "I'm so sorry I didn't mean to...." She began before Perseus turned back to the girl and smiled.
"Relax Bianca, it was my fault, I got distracted. But well done, you are getting better." He said to her as the boy lowered his sword and looked in Zoe and Hestia's direction before his eyes widened and he ran to his sister and dragged her behind Percy nervously.
"What are you doing Nico?" She said annoyed until he pointed towards Zoe and Hestia. Bianca pulled her brother closer as Perseus smiled at them.
"Relax guys, I told you no one would ever get to you when you're with me. But I'm afraid I need to send you back to your father until I deal with them. Tomorrow I will start to show you guys how to shadow travel." Perseus said before he snapped his fingers and a shadow engulfed the two demigods as they vanished.
Perseus turned back to his two visitors with an expression that was devoid of any emotion. Zoe slowly followed Hestia as she walked closer to Perseus.
"Of all the people on Olympus, I did not expect this from you Aunt Hestia." Perseus said a bit angrily.
Hestia frowned, "Expect what? For me to come and visit my favorite nephew because I have missed him since we last spoke."
Perseus shook his head, "No. To come see me as Zeus' little messenger trying to convince me to help out the Olympians, something I would rather die than do."
Hestia' face darkened as her body shifted into one of a woman in her early forty's as she walked over to Perseus silently. When she reached him, her hand quickly reached up and grabbed his ear drawing a pained yelp from the much larger god.
"How dare you think I would ever do that to you? I love you like a son and you treat me like a stranger." Hestia yelled.
"Ouch. Damn it Aunt Hestia, I'm sorry." Perseus whined making Zoe bite back a laugh at his look. He looked like a little boy being scolded by his grandmother.
"Don't you use that language with me Perseus. I have never had anything but your best interests at heart and you still think me that low?" Hestia growled.
Perseus winced as she continued to tug on his ear and dragged him back towards Zoe.
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry." Perseus said quickly.
Hestia paused and looked back at Perseus as if trying to determine if his apology was sincere. After a few more seconds she released his ear, "Apology accepted but don't you dare accuse me of something like that again." She warned.
Perseus frowned, "Fine but I hope you're going to explain why you're here."
Hestia nodded, "Yes but this old goddess would like to sit down; perhaps we could do this inside?"
Perseus sighed and dissolved in shadows making Hestia smile as she made her way over to Zoe who frowned, "Lady Hestia, maybe this isn't a good idea. He doesn't seem very pleased to see us."
Hestia waved her hand dismissively, "He is just cautious. He's scared to let anyone back into his life as he thinks they will hurt him. I know my nephew; he is happy you're here but doesn't know how to react yet."
Zoe frowned again but nodded as Hestia grabbed her shoulder as they teleported to Perseus' palace on the island. They reappeared inside his living room where Perseus was already seated in a chair. When they arrived he stood up and gestured to the couch for them to sit down before sitting back down himself. His expression was a combination of agitated and nervous despite trying not to show it.
Hestia smiled at him, "I see you've taken a liking to Hades' children."
Perseus shrugged, "Uncles Hades was always there for me and they are good kids, they're family. They need to be ready for whatever comes after the downfall of Olympus. I don't expect Kronos to keep his word about leaving the mortals and those of us who were neutral in peace."
Zoe's eyes widened, "What do you mean after the downfall of Olympus? You think the Titans will win?"
"I don' think, I know." Perseus said in a casual, seemingly carefree tone.
"And you're okay with that? With all the gods being destroyed?" She asked in disbelief.
Perseus frowned, "Why would I care? I offered the ones who I care about a chance to leave the rest and join me. In the end, it's not my problem though."
Hestia shook her head at Zoe before she could reply making the angry huntress bite her tongue.
"We did not come to talk about the war Perseus. I brought Zoe here because I won't let you pretend you don't care anymore. You try to hide it but I see it clear as day." Hestia said seriously. "You are not made of stone. No matter what kind of face you put on for the world I will always see the truth in you."
"Don't. I'm not going there Aunt Hestia. That life is over and I have a new life and a new family now." Perseus said coldly.
Hestia frowned, "And what happens when Zoe remembers everything that happened? Will you turn your back on her like your father and siblings did to you?" She asked.
Perseus scowled but shook his head, "I'm not like them," he growled. "I would never do what they did to me to her."
Hestia smiled, "Good. Then you can bring her back to Olympus later. I will let you two spend a few hours catching up."
Perseus eyes widened but before he could protest Hestia disappeared into a column of fire. Perseus scowled at the spot she vanished from before he looked over at Zoe who was also glaring at the spot where Hestia had been, obviously not knowing Hestia had planned to leave her there.
Perseus sighed, "I'm sorry about all of this."
Zoe looked at him confused, "You obviously didn't know she would do that, I'm sorry gods keep leaving me her when you don't want them to."
Perseus frowned, "It's not that I don't want to talk to you.... It's just not easy after so long. And you don't even know me so that just makes it kind of weird."
Zoe nodded, "I do remember when you knocked out Heracles," she said trying to ease the tension as she smirked. "That was pleasant memory to get back."
Perseus scowled, "I should have killed him then and there while he was still a demigod. I knew he was useless."
Zoe smiled before looking at Perseus curiously, "Why were you there anyway? I mean what I remember is that you just kind of walked out of the woods and confronted him." She asked.
"Zeus asked me to watch over him on his labors behind Hera's back. As God of Heroes it was technically my responsibility even if he hardly qualifies for the title of hero." Perseus said bitterly. "But when I saw what he did to you, I couldn't just sit back and not do anything."
Zoe gave him a small smile, "Thank you. I'm not sure what would have happened to me if you weren't there. You saved me that day."
Perseus looked at his strangely before he chuckled, "No I didn't. If there is one thing I know about you it's that you can take care of yourself. You would have found your own way; I just gave you an easier option." He said seriously.
Zoe looked at him surprised but smiled at his words. Then her expression turned serious, "Were we really best friends?"
Perseus' eyes widened before he nodded, "You were the best friend I've ever had."
"But what about Art..." She began but stopped when she saw Perseus tense up. "Sorry."
Perseus nodded but stayed a little tensed up as he thought about his sister.
"Perseus, Hestia told me we used to....." She said nervously before looking at Perseus' red face as her eyes widened, "How long?"
Perseus looked away, "A couple of centuries," he said sadly. "But that was a very long time ago."
Zoe nodded but she couldn't shake the feeling of sadness at his words.
"How did it happen? I mean I was a hunter and you were a god. Why didn't you just marry a goddess, or have a bunch of demigods like every other god does?" Zoe asked.
Perseus continued to look away, "Does it matter?"
Zoe frowned, "It does to me. I may not remember it but if I loved you then I want to know why."
Perseus shrugged, "I just didn't want to. I was the God of Heroes and I watched how much it hurt demigods to not know their parents. How could I do that to them? Besides, that was a long time ago, how do you know I haven't had demigods since then?"
Zoe glared at him, "I listened to your conversation with Ares and Athena. He said you've never dated anyone since it happened."
Perseus glared back at her but before he could respond, a golden light appeared in Perseus' living room making Zoe shield her eyes.
Before she opened her eyes she heard Perseus growl loudly, "How dare you show your face here?"
Zoe opened her eyes and was shocked to find Apollo standing in the middle of the room with his arms up, "Look Percy...." He started before Perseus tackled him to the ground.
Before Apollo could react Perseus threw a few heavy handed punches into Apollo's face, his face will filled with rage.
"You're going to regret showing your face here you son of a bitch." Perseus growled as he continued to punch Apollo.
Zoe was frozen as she watched Perseus attack his brother but after a few more punches, Perseus was sent flying when a blast of golden energy hit him in the chest.
"Perseus!" Zoe cried as he went flying into the wall making a huge crater in it.
He was already on his feet when Zoe reached his side, "Go outside Zoe. Apollo is about to die." Perseus growled, his body already starting to glow a bit as he struggled to contain his true form.
Zoe's eyes widened as she backed away but Apollo yelled before she could leave.
"Wait! I didn't come to fight you. I need to speak to Zoe." Apollo pleaded as he looked at his brother fearfully.
Zoe looked at Apollo confused. She looked back at Perseus and saw him struggling to control his anger. She looked at him pleadingly, "Perseus, please just let him say what he has to. You can kill him after I really don't care but let him speak first, please."
Perseus' eyes finally left Apollo as he looked down at Zoe, "Fine," he growled. "But he better be gone in the next two minutes." He said as his eyes turned back to his brother with a look that promised death.
Apollo's face was filled with pain as he looked at Perseus before Zoe snapped her fingers in front of his face angrily, "This better be important Apollo."
He looked down at Zoe as his face became panicked, "Artemis has been captured. I need you to lead the quest to find her. You must go to Camp Half-Blood and ask my oracle how to find her." He pleaded.
"What happened?" Zoe asked quickly.
"We think she was captured by the Titan's forces." He said nervously.
Zoe glanced back at Perseus with apologetic look, "Fine I will go Apollo."
Apollo nodded before looking at Perseus, "This would be easier if you just got Nemesis or Morpheus to tell us where they have her."
"I would never betray my siblings." Perseus growled, "Your time is up Phoebus Apollo. Get the fuck out of my house."
Apollo just looked at Perseus sadly before vanishing in a flash of golden light.
Zoe looked back at Perseus trying to read his emotions but he kept up an emotionless façade.
"I'm sorry but I can't leave her to suffer if I know I can help." Zoe explained expecting him to be upset but instead he just smiled, "I know. I will send you back to Camp Half-Blood now."
"I'm sorry we didn't get to talk more. Maybe after we find her we can talk again." Zoe said tentatively.
Perseus nodded, "That would be nice."
"Um, how would I find you?" Zoe asked confused.
Perseus smiled, "I'm always around Zoe, even when you don't think I am."
Zoe raised an eyebrow and gave him a confused look.
"I am the night Zoe. Over all these centuries whenever she would leave to drive her moon chariot, I always watched over you and the hunters, you just didn't know it." He explained quietly.
Zoe's eyes widened, "Why?"
"Because you, Phoebe, Diana, and Victoria meant a lot to me. Even if you didn't remember me it didn't mean I forgot about you." He said sadly.
Zoe looked at him in shock, "You've been there for thousands of years and never said anything?"
Perseus laughed a humorless laugh, "Say what? Hey girls, you don't remember me but we used to be friends before my bitch of a sister stabbed me in the back and my asshole father forced his wife to steal half of a millennium worth of your memories but I miss you guys?" He asked sarcastically.
Zoe looked at him sadly but before she could speak he just smiled sadly, "It's all in the past now. Maybe I'll get to see you again sometime in the next two thousand years." He said as he waved his hand was Zoe was engulfed by a shadow.
Zoe cursed when she reappeared in front of the big house at Camp Half-Blood. Her time spent with Perseus had not ended well. She didn't know why it bothered her so much considering she hardly remembered anything about him but the thought of not seeing him again for thousands of years worried her.
She shook her head of those thoughts as she had to worry about rescuing Artemis now. Even if at the moment she wanted nothing to do with her, she believed Hestia when she said there had to be a reason for Artemis betraying Perseus, especially if it was over that scumbag Heracles.
Zoe walked into the big house as Chiron met her at the door.
"Apollo explained why you are here Zoe. The hunters are already inside your cabin waiting for you to seek a prophecy from the oracle." Chiron explained.
Zoe nodded and made her way to the attic where she paused when she laid eyes on the mummified corpse of the oracle. She steeled her nerves as she approached, "How do I rescue Lady Artemis?" She asked as confidently as she could.
At first the oracle was silent making Zoe think that there was no quest to save her but the oracle suddenly tensed and her eyes began to glow. She opened her mouth a green smoke began to pour out and she spoke but it sounded like multiple voices speaking at once,
"Five shall go west to the goddess in chains,
One shall be lost in land without rain,
The betrayed Olympian shows the trail,
Campers and Hunters combined prevail,
Returned to hunters the memories taken
Or hope of rescue shall be forsaken"
The oracle said before her body relaxed. The green smoke dissipated and her eyes dimmed as she became just as lifeless as when Zoe first walked into the room.
Zoe's mind was racing at the words of the prophecy; someone was going to die and it would need to be a quest of both hunters and campers.
It was clear they needed the help of Perseus who she doubted was likely to be willing to do anything to help Artemis be rescued. She slowly made her way down from the attic and back to Chiron where she was surprised to find Apollo looking pale white along with Dionysus who had his usual uncaring expression on his face.
"I know what the prophecy said," Apollo explained as he looked at Zoe pleadingly, "You have to convince him to help you."
Zoe narrowed her eyes at the sun god, "What do you expect me to do? He won't listen to me."
"Yes he will, you two were going to...ughh...." Apollo began before a shadow appeared in front of him, an arm wrapped around his throat as it slowly solidified into the body of Perseus who was looking at Apollo with barely controlled rage.
"Say another word and I swear on the Styx it will be the last you ever speak." He growled in scarily angry tone. Thunder rumbled over head as he continued to hold his brother by the throat.
"O... O... Okay." Apollo chocked out before Perseus shoved him back and released him.
"You can't be here. This is my camp and my domain." Dionysus said indignantly as he set his wine magazine down.
Perseus turned and walked toward Dionysus until he was only a foot away before he took a quick like step like he was about to attack the wine god making Dionysus flinch and topple over backwards in his chair.
"Your domain is at the bottom of a bottle of booze; I suggest you shut your mouth and let the adults talk." Perseus spat.
Dionysus climbed to his feet as his eyes burst in purple flames but stopped when thunder rumbled loudly overhead. He glared at Perseus was vanished in a flash of purple light.
Perseus turned to Chiron who was looking at him nervously. Perseus glared at the old centaur, "Don't just stand there, get that old horse's ass of yours over here and give an old friend a hug." Perseus said with a smile.
Chiron's wariness vanished before he smiled and embraced Perseus in a tight hug, "It's been far too long my old friend."
Perseus smiled, "I have missed you over the years Chiron."
Zoe cleared her throat making Perseus and Chiron look at her, "Why are you here Perseus?" She asked confused.
"I am still God of Heroes and hunters are still heroes; I know all prophecies they receive. I am here to inform Phoebus Apollo here to go look for his sister himself as I have no interest in showing the quest any trail anywhere to find his sister." Perseus explained seriously.
"Zeus requests and audience with you on Olympus," Apollo said nervously. "He promises to not try to attack you."
Perseus looked at Apollo in shock before he burst out laughing, "That's funny actually. Does he really think I would even consider helping him or you or her? Go back to Olympus and tell Zeus to shove his invitation right where his favorite son doesn't shine."
"Perseus.... Please." Apollo begged but Perseus just glared at him before Apollo vanished into a golden light.
Perseus turned back to Chiron, "I am sorry we couldn't catch up but I believe I've overstayed my welcome in Olympian territory and I have a feeling drama queen might throw a temper tantrum any second now."
Chiron shook his head sadly before two more flashes of light appeared beside them as Ares and Athena flashed into the big house.
"The answer was no to Apollo and it won't change just because I like the two of you." Perseus said seriously.
"Just come to Olympus. No one is trying to make you do anything but just hear him out." Ares said pleadingly.
Perseus glared at him before he shrugged, "You know what? I will. I think it will be nice to listen to him plead for my help before I tell him to sit on his bolt."
Without warning, the three gods vanished from the big house leaving Zoe looking at Chiron with a confused expression.
Chiron smiled at her, "Don't worry my dear, he will help."
"What do you mean? No he won't." Zoe replied.
Chiron chuckled, "He will because it involves you. We will have a meeting here in thirty minutes for the quest so you should bring a few of the hunters with you as you will need to pick your companions."