Chapter Text
Choice: 12 years before The Lightning Thief
Artemis awoke in her tent. It was a lovely space and she felt completely comfortable here. True, here could be anywhere, but the tent always felt the same. Warm. Safe. Home. Her hunters could come and go as needed, but they knew to be respectful in her space. Usually her lieutenant was the only one who dared enter while she slept. Of course her sister was more daring than smart.
Artemis sat up, glaring daggers at Aphrodite. The love goddess hadn't noticed her awaken and was pacing quietly, chewing on her lip and wringing her hands. Artemis sat cross legged and analyzed the intruder's agitated state. Something was definitely wrong.
"Well, don't keep me in suspense." Aphrodite jumped at Artemis's words.
"Oh! You're awake…" She looked like a rabbit that just realized it had run into a corner while trying to escape a fox. Artemis waited. "I didn't want to alert your huntresses. But I didn't want to wake you. But I didn't want them to wonder why I was coming to see you. So I'm sorry to intrude, I just…" she sighed heavily and slumped her shoulders.
With a furrowed brow Artemis approached the distressed goddess and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong?" she whispered.
"I-" Aphrodite's voice caught and she tried again. "I know you don't think I respect you and Athena's decision. But I do."
"I know. You just see love everywhere. I can respect that about you too." Artemis was uncertain where this was going. They'd never really spoken about their obvious differences except in jest around the rest of the Olympians. Respect was palpable between them, but they couldn't spend much quality time together without the atmosphere becoming awkward.
"I do! I do see love!" Tears sprang to her eyes as she locked gazes with Artemis. "And I ignore it so often, because I think that's what the respectful thing to do is. But what if it's not? What if letting someone choose love is better?"
"It is," Artemis stated simply.
"It is?"
"Of course." Artemis couldn't see what was causing Aphrodite so much distress. Usually she loved playing with the affairs of mortals and demigods. And they'd just spoken on how much she respected Artemis and Athena's decisions, their choices. Leaning down Aphrodite seemed to grab something off the ground, though Artemis didn't catch what it was.
"You see," she began, "I've sat back twice. Watching the passing of ships in the night. Never knowing the other. But this is his third incarnation. This is his last before reaching the Isles of the Blest. So I've been fretting for a while trying to decide what is right . But I must offer the choice !" She looked to Artemis with such joy, presumably because the right course was laid in front of her. Artemis was still trying to catch up to her though.
"So, he has an immortal soulmate?" she spoke slowly. Aphrodite's tension melted as she looked down to her hand. She was holding a single red thread...that led to Artemis's finger.
She felt her jaw go slack as all intelligible thought fell from her mind. "Nuh-nuh-no!" she shouted with a stutter. This could not be true.
"It's your decision to follow the string. But I wanted you to know," Aphrodite whispered. Her joy had faded and she looked sad, maybe a little regretful even. Finally, Artemis understood Aphrodite’s dilemma. Artemis had already made her choice, but the fates set another choice in front of her. She nodded, but didn't try for a smile, afraid it would become a grimace.
"Thank you," she said slowly. She meant it too. She had already made her decision, but she knew it must have taken all of Aphrodite's self control to leave such things alone the first two times and she saw how badly the love goddess wanted to do good this time.
"You don't have to tell me anything, but if you want to you can come to me with anything."
Artemis smiled sadly. "Your care is appreciated, but I-" she didn't know how to put it into words and simply shook her head. Aphrodite shared her sad smile and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Will he suffer from my choice?"
"I'll make sure he doesn't." They shared one last smile before Aphrodite departed.
Artemis slumped onto her furs and held the red string, loosely pooling it in her palms. She stared at it dumbly, wondering what kind of a man could possibly lay on the other side. It didn't matter, but it was like an enigmatic puzzle calling to her mind. She didn't even realize Zoë had entered her tent until the lieutenant cleared her throat, startling Artemis out of her musing thoughts.
Vision: 10 years before The Lightning Thief
Two years passed before Aphrodite heard a knock at her palace’s door.
“I need you to hide this from my sight, Aphrodite.” Artemis spoke without preamble.
“What?”
“Sorry. The string. It’s distracting.” Artemis scowled and began pooling the string in her hands. “I was with my hunters and noticed it tangling around a juniper and was distracted. One of my girls...she took a hit that would have sent me flying. She should survive, but…”
Aphrodite nodded. She knew how much Artemis loved her hunters. And the few of her children that could see the strings were often distracted by them. She was used to it. They’d been a part of her life for a few thousand years after all. Her children that noticed them often only saw some, not all.
Of course, not everyone had a string. Some people simply did not have a soulmate. If someone’s soulmate died their string would cease to exist. Some soulmates did not live at the same time.
That’s how she knew this was Perseus Jackson’s third time being reincarnated; it was the third time the string appeared on Artemis’s finger.
Aphrodite wished that Artemis had found his last incarnation. She was a brave young girl, who would never back down from a challenge. She would have made a good huntress and a good confident for Artemis. Of course, her fatal flaw was loyalty; that was something that wouldn’t change no matter what body and life a soul resided in.
Not all soulmates were romantically involved. Some were simply the best of friends. Their lives were enhanced and better for knowing their other halves. That’s what Naia could have been for Artemis several centuries ago.
“Alright. Here.” Aphrodite placed her finger on the tie of the string around Artemis’s finger. She saw no difference, but Artemis would likely be watching as the cord retreated to her finger until only a ring remained. Concentrating, she made that ring appear to be solid ruby to any observer.
“What’s this?”
“When he passes it will fade. In case that was something you would want to know. It’s essentially more condensed now, so others will be able to view it, but it can simply pass as a gaudy piece of jewelry that your most beloved sister gifted you.” The goddesses shared a smile. Artemis surprised her as she left by throwing her arms around Aphrodite in a hug.
“Thank you, sister,” she whispered before returning to the Hunt.
Defense: End of The Titan's Curse
It was a somber meeting. She knew that. The rise of Kronos was confirmed at Artemis’s capture and the tale of her trials was despicable to listen to. Aphrodite’s heart felt broken. Such a threat made her entire being feel leaden. The circumstances she watched over the past several days only saddens her further.
She had been doing so well pulling Percy and Annabeth together. They were a good match and had an obvious bond. She watched them dance, so young and unsure. Then, he saw Artemis. His gasp at her appearance was audible to her even as chaos swirled around them. If only Artemis would appreciate his awe. Then, he was torn apart by Annabeth’s fall. Perhaps that was a good thing; it would make him focus on the attainable girl, rather than the goddess he just met. It was odd watching Artemis defend him to her Hunters and smirk at his bluntness. She was drawn to him even without knowing why.
She had watched these things play out, and then she turned her back in fury as Artemis decided to hunt alone. If she states something is too dangerous, then she should take personal precautions as well! Aphrodite’s brooding needed to wait, however. The trio of demigods was about to enter the chamber. Of course, Artemis was the first to speak.
“Welcome, heroes.”
She watched the proceedings with interest. Any decisions made today would have severe consequences. And this was the first time she was able to watch Artemis interact with her soulmate in person. The atmosphere left her as the one leading the proceedings.
When Apollo made the motion to not disintegrate them she was the first to raise her hand, comforted by Demeter joining her. The rest of the gods either did not agree or did not wish to vote at Apollo’s command. Ares made it clear what his stance was. As Athena talked through strategy, Artemis decided to speak up and make her own opinions known as well.
“I will not have them punished. I will have them rewarded. If we destroy heroes who do us a great favor, then we are no better than the Titans. If this is Olympian justice, I will have none of it.”
Aphrodite had to agree with her, but she wasn’t quite fearless enough to voice that opinion so boldly. She watched as they argued over right and wrong and the killing of the monster. She watched as Artemis spoke privately with Zeus about a plan only she knew. She watched as Percy fought desperately to keep Annabeth as a friend.
Truly, Aphrodite was stunned when Artemis claimed Thalia as her new lieutenant. It was a good temporary fix to the problem of the prophecy, but that left Percy as the hero. He had enough strife in the past week, let alone continuing forward as the tipping point of Olympus’s future. She was also surprised when he convinced Poseidon the creature needed to live. Zeus’s reaction was less surprising.
The outcome was bittersweet, watching the soulmates dance around each other while fighting for the same things. Hopefully she could keep her promise, and continue cultivating a romance between Percy and Annabeth.
Immortals: End of The Last Olympian
Aphrodite was at the edge of her seat watching how things were playing out. She intended to keep her promise to Artemis about his happiness, but he kept stalling things. True, he was only 16, but if he was comfortable supporting the daughter of Athena while she was passed out in his arms surely he could ask her on a date. Placing Rachel Elizabeth Dare in his path was to work as either another option than this relationship, or a kickstart to it. They seemed to be favoring the latter. She loved seeing them in person, not just from afar. It was obvious how much they depended on each other’s presence.
At the mention of statues she pulled herself out of her analysis and chimed in that she wanted many as well. Percy’s encouragement for Annabeth only warmed Aphrodite’s heart. She wished he could support Artemis, but they could both be happy without such a future.
Of course, that line of thought took a downward spiral when her father and uncle began speaking of immortality and godhood. Aphrodite was panicking, unsure if she should vote for him to be granted a seat and left to torment her with his unchosen fate that only she knew, or if she should vote he remain a hero and incur the wrath of Posiedon. Both options were cruel and heartbreaking. He and Artemis were so close to finding one another.
“No,” he said. She blinked, pulled from her panic.
“No?” Zeus said. “You are… turning down our generous gift?”
“I’m honored and everything,” answered Percy. “Don’t get me wrong. It’s just… I’ve got a lot of life left to live. I’d hate to peak in my sophomore year.”
When he continued, she agreed to the request to swear on the River Styx as she curiously waited to hear what required such a vow. She fought a smile as she heard his arguments; it was easy to see why he was Artemis’s soulmate.
Strings: Aboard Argo II during Mark of Athena
“Don’t mention the strings.” Piper shook her head, scowling. She’d had a headache all day and kept imagining a voice. It would repeat the same thing over and over again: Don’t mention the strings. She wanted to go to Annabeth about it, but everyone seemed a little too stressed out at the moment. Fighting companions to the death in Kansas at the command of ghosts possessing you was a bit difficult to bounce back from. Deciding she needed to preserve her sanity she found Annabeth in the galley anyway.
“Hey,” she greeted lightly, grabbing the jelly toast Annabeth had been about to take a bite out of. Annabeth teasingly stuck out her tongue as she started making more toast. “I wanted to ask you about something,” she spoke around a mouthful.
“What’s up?” she asked as she finished adding double the jelly to the toast she planned to keep.
“So, I’m about 98% sure all the ghosts are gone, but I wanted a second opinion.”
“All the strange little warning signs about them are gone, so I’d assume so, yes. Why?”
“Between us?”
“Of course.”
“I keep hearing a voice.”
“That’s...odd. But not unheard of.”
“It’s always a female voice, and it always says the same thing, but it doesn’t sound the same every time.”
“Could be your mom.”
“Was that a bad joke?” Piper scowled. It was unusual to hear such a lame joke from Annabeth and even more unusual to hear her say something inappropriate about a god or goddess.
“Nope. I’ve heard my mom on occasion. Percy’s dad is the one who got us out of the Lotus hotel on our first quest.”
“Oh.” Piper decided this made sense, especially considering how her mother’s form shifted so easily. She just needed to figure out what she meant by the “strings.” “By the way,” Piper perked up, ready to get her mind off her headache, “what’s your story with Percy?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you’re totally crazy searching for him for like-what?-8 months? Then find him and give him the mother of all bear hugs in front of everyone -”
“Need I remind you how your mother chose to claim you?”
Piper ignored her interruption. “ Then , you judo flip him and threaten him to never leave you again. I mean girl ! It would seem you’ve got it bad.” Surprisingly, Annabeth smirked at that.
“Yeah, it would seem that way. But it’s not. Not really.” Piper just raised her eyebrow in question. “I had a crush on him since we were like 12. And I think he liked me too. But, I don’t know, that’s just not us. We have each other’s back, no matter what. I even took a blade for him, not even realizing it saved his life. And he literally traveled across the country on a quest he was not supposed to be a part of and held the sky for me. What I feel for him is really intense, and it is love, but not romantic. I can’t picture a future with him different from what we are now. We’ve kissed before-once when I thought he was going to get himself killed, and a couple times after the Titan War-but it just didn’t feel right. We never really defined our relationship then, and we just kind of let that part of it die by silent mutual agreement.” Annabeth shrugged, but her face said she was really analyzing everything she said. Piper knew she was being honest, and that she was likely hoping to use Piper’s parentage to help analyze the situation.
“It’s amazing that you can have that strong of a relationship with someone. I’m happy for you. Even if I think you’d make an adorable couple.” They dissolved into giggles as Hazel walked in the door.
“What’s so funny?”
“Annabeth’s lack of a love life,” Piper stated as she looked up. Her jaw fell as she noticed something trailing behind Hazel, tied to her finger.
“‘Lack of a love life?’ You’ve got to be kidding. You were the only memory Percy had . And he was clinging to that memory tight .”
Annabeth laughed at her incredulousness, while Piper stayed in her own little world. Aphrodite had warned her not to mention the strings; was this the string she meant?
Observations: Approaching Delos during Blood of Olympus
It was nice to seemingly have a day off. Relax and eat some gelato. It also gave her a moment to ponder her silent conversation with her mother when the three girls had seen her so long ago. Was it really only three weeks since they picnicked with her?
Taking a deep breath Piper looked at the strings. They were distracting, but she figured she’d get used to them. Aphrodite explained that some of her more powerful children could see them, but they were never to be mentioned. The fates were difficult to appease. Should Piper choose to pursue someone with a string in the future, it was okay, as long as she did not interfere with that individual’s relationship to the other end of the string. Also, while she was forbidden from mentioning the strings to people she must know that that included her siblings. The strings usually became visible to demigods as they became close to people, though that wasn’t an exact rule, and not everyone had them. So, Piper could assume Hazel, Frank, and Percy were the only members of the crew to have soulmates, but Drew might see a string around Leo’s finger that she was never aware of. If they were to swap information a lot of menacing could be achieved and that was considered a big no-no.
It hurt Piper’s head to try to think about everything that had to go right in order for soul mates to actually find each other. They had to be born around the same time for one thing. Frank and Hazel had somehow cheated that requirement. They also had to live somewhere they may cross paths. And countless other necessities. Looking at her own hand she was glad she saw no string-that seemed easier. She supposed all the intricacies involved in making such a match was why her mother enjoyed it so much. She and her siblings couldn’t see the whole tapestry and could unravel it far too easily.
She took a seat on the upper deck and watched the crew as they made for Delos. Leo, Hazel, and Frank planned to fly/ride over once they got close enough. For now Piper was fascinated watching the string between Hazel and Frank shrink and grow as they walked about the deck. Percy’s seemed to stay constant. It ran up to the front of the ship. She’d seen it shift as the ship turned one way or the other, but it seemed to be holding steady with their heading at the moment. She idly wondered what that could mean.
When they finally anchored so that the questers could leave she watched as they seemed to follow his string as far as she could see.
Accountable: End of Blood of Olympus
Piper couldn’t believe her eyes. She had other things to worry about, of course, (Jason being blown to ozone smelling bits was pretty high on that list) but after over a month of wondering who Percy’s soulmate could be she finally saw the other end of his string. She had assumed she’d never know who his destiny entailed. She’d come to terms with the fact that most people didn’t have a string she could see, and those she did probably didn’t have close enough contact with the other end. But right in front of her, she watched as the goddess of maidenhood argued for her boyfriend’s life with a little red string tied around her finger.
Zeus had doubts when Perseus originally refused immortality. He understood, of course it was difficult to watch mortals pass away who had claimed a piece of one's heart, especially when his fatal flaw was personal loyalty, but there was an obvious problem that needed addressed on Olympus, and Perseus Jackson was the perfect person to address it.
The boy had made a habit of calling the gods out on broken promises and poor decisions. Any lesser being would have been killed ages ago for the disrespect he often showed. Perseus, however, continued to stand up for those around him and would wave away the idea of rewarding himself when he sees others so obviously in need.
Zeus had made many poor decisions in his lifetimes, but he never intended to forget his children. He never intended to make them suffer. He wanted someone to hold him, and all the other gods, accountable. Even as just a demigod Perseus rose to that challenge.
Would it be so bad to accept immortality? Would he truly hate the domains of accountability and loyalty?
The choice would be the boy's, but he needed the chance to make it. That's why Zeus was meeting his brothers only a day into the reconstruction efforts after the war with Gaea.
"What is it?" Poseidon sighed as he arrived at the arranged area.
"We have to wait for Hades."
"I'm here," replied the disembodied voice of his older brother. Zeus rolled his eyes; he hated that helm.
"I have an idea, and I would need your blessing," he nodded to Poseidon, "and your help," he nodded to Hades, "to bring it to fruition."
Both brothers stared at him, waiting for him to continue. Neither had much patience with everything going on in all the kingdoms.
"Well," Zeus huffed, reigning in his temper, "it's about Perseus."
This elicited a glare from Poseidon.
"He has brought to my attention that we are doing a pretty poor job attending to all of our duties. Ignoring Calypso was cruel, shutting Olympus's doors was disastrous, and our disrespect towards the minor gods has yet to be corrected." His audience of two shifted, but their expressions remained unreadable as he laid out the reasoning for his gift.
"We've already established that Olympus is willing to host another god, and I've thought their domains could include accountability and loyalty. And I still believe Perseus would fill this role nicely."
"I agree," started Poseidon, "but he has already declined when we offered last year. You will not force this upon him." His glare was menacing as hidden threats were laced in his statement.
"I wish to gift him a pendant that when he dies, naturally I might add, he does not ferry off to the underworld. Instead he will enter a council of three, us, and be offered the choice of godhood once more."
"I could make such a pendant, but I warn you, when he considers the offer I want him to be fully informed," stated Hades.
"What do you mean?" asked Poseidon.
"This is his third incarnation. If he accepts, he will be passing on the Isle of the Blest. It would not be fair to not inform him."
Zeus nodded gravely. That complicated things. Either way, the choice would be Perseus's.
"As long as Percy is allowed an informed choice, I will grant my blessing," said Poseidon.
"Will you pass on the pendant as well?" asked Zeus. He doubted the hero would accept it from him.
"Of course."
"Well, Hades? Shall we begin?"
Moments later, a small silver pendant was placed on a leather cord. One side depicted the Isles of the Blest in black etchings, while the other showed Olympus in golden carving.
Zeus watched from afar as Poseidon asked Perseus to never take it off. The boy offered a lopsided grin, "Thanks Dad." Zeus smiled at the exchange and turned to look over his own son, Apollo.
This would not be the first time Apollo was cast from Olympus. He wanted his son to truly learn what devastation his oracles caused. Accountability… Apollo needed to know it too. But in what way would Zeus need to show accountability for the actions he was about to take?
Relief: End of Trials of Apollo
Artemis was every shade of angry. Her father had cast out her brother. Again! What would happen if he died in that state? Would Hades return him to Olympus? Would Zeus interfere? Would he shed his mortality and return to his godly state? She didn't know. Zeus wouldn't answer. Could he...actually die? Where would he end up?
The others were betting on him! And speaking of eleven Olympian gods ! As if he’d already failed and died.
She would be alone!
Taking a deep breath she reminded herself he had survived this fate in the past. Though he wasn't quite as...human those times.
Feeling her heart race again she took another breath. This time reminding herself that she was not alone. She had her huntresses as well as a select few Olympians she could count as confidants if she needed them.
As her brother descended the stairs of Nero’s tower she could bear to watch no longer. She left the throne room to find comfort with her own furs and hearth in her tent.
Plopping down and hugging her knees she shed a few tears. All the people in the world couldn't replace her brother. Her twin. Her equal and opposite. He may be exasperating, but he was hers . He embodied everything she hated about males, but he always showed that even on his worst day he could respect her and her hunters in the end. It gave her hope for mankind. If her brother could overcome his own crudeness surely they could too.
Thalia entered while she was weeping. She wished she felt embarrassed, but over the past few months this had become commonplace between the two. None of the other hunters saw her outside of when she offered aid in New Rome, only Thalia. Her faithful lieutenant.
At first Artemis wasn't sure if Thalia would be a good huntress, let alone lieutenant. But Thalia had more than proven herself. She wasn’t offended by the presence of men, which made her a good ambassador. But she didn't need a man to feel complete, which made her faithful. Artemis was beginning to understand some of her hunters' choices to leave the Hunt. She never denied them love if they found it, and was glad two of her previous hunters had helped her brother. It was still hard though. The idea of love tying you to something. She didn't quite understand it, but she also knew it wouldn't take her long to understand if she let herself.
She hadn't though. Not yet at any rate. With her brother masquerading as ‘Lester,’ the temptation to simply leave Olympus was palpable. The red ring on her finger would be a lovely excuse, and then she could stand by Apollo-even while he was mortal. Another tear rolled down her face. Oh what it would be like to leave the gods and their cruelty.
Sighing, she wiped her face and looked up at the daughter of Zeus, her sister. She didn't try to speak, knowing her voice would come out ragged and raspy. Thalia gave her a weak smile and handed her a note. The tears in the huntress's eyes made Artemis fear the worst, but she forced herself to read.
Finally, after six long months she breathed a sigh of relief. Her brother was okay. Apollo was home. She sputtered a laugh and looked up to Thalia.
The look on the girl's face was easy enough to read. She was glad, happy for Artemis's suffering to be over and Apollo to be okay. But she was also grieving, remembering her own brother who she would never speak to again.
Artemis wrapped her in a hug and they both cried. Tears of relief. Tears of anguish. Tears of what could have been. And not for the first time, Artemis wondered if Thalia would have joined her ranks if she'd known Jason was alive...and how the Titan war would have progressed had she refused.
Frustration: 5 Years after Trials of Apollo
To say Percy was annoyed would be putting it lightly.
He was 22 and had just spent the evening congratulating his best friend on her engagement. Annabeth had finally found someone who had a mind as puzzling as her own and Percy was happy for her. He'd never tell her Ryan had asked him permission before both asking her out and asking to marry her.
His jubilation died quickly when he walked into his home to find a goddess sitting on his couch.
What was even more infuriating was the scowl she wore.
He hardly did quests anymore, so she'd need to find someone else to do her dirty work. Percy enjoyed training the younger demigods to stay alive and holding the gods accountable for their children, but when a god singled him out like this it never went well. Only his friends could convince him to assist on a quest and that was not leading one.
"No," he spoke, not even letting her ask for a ‘favor.’
Her scowl deepened.
"Perseus Jackson, son of Poseidon, do you know how difficult you are?!"
He blinked, surprised.
Standing, her shimmering form closed in on him as he realized which goddess had invaded his space.
"How many times?!" she shrieked. "How many times have I tried? And you! You just… refuse !"
Percy took on a more relaxed stance, but was still ready to move if she became threatening.
"Why are you here Aphrodite?"
"Because you keep throwing everything back in my face! Not Annabeth! She was your best friend . Not Rachel! She was an Oracle. I wish I'd known that first," she scowled. "Not Reyna! Not Thalia! Not Calypso! Even if that wasn't my idea. Even little Nico in case I read you wrong! Of course I didn't read you wrong though." She seemed to be talking to herself more than anything, as she paced and threw her arms around. Every now and then she'd throw an angry gesture towards him, but he couldn't figure out what she was talking about. "I even contemplated Piper ! But she could see your-." She cut herself turning to face him again. “Besides, she’s-” She waved her hand around vaguely again.
"Aphrodite?" Percy was a little concerned about the goddess's mental state.
"And those are only the important ones." She sank onto the couch. "The mortals! Oh! I can't count the mortals…"
"Aphrodite." He tried to make his voice firm to pull her out of whatever downwards spiral this was. "What's going on?"
"I'm just trying to keep a promise," she sighed. "You're making it difficult. I'd hoped you'd grow more with Annabeth. I understand platonic love, it's still love of course. But I wanted you to find what you were destined for, even if it wasn't…" she sighed again dropping her explanation and her head.
"You tried to make me love those people?"
"I can't make you. But yes. I manipulated some of your surroundings and events to make it more likely. You just fought me at every turn." She leaned back, gently banging her head on the back ledge of his couch.
"Because you made a promise?" She turned to him with tired eyes, only offering a slow blink as a response. "To who?" he asked, incredulous. Poseidon wouldn't have elicited such a promise; he understood that Percy didn't want interference in his life. Most of the other Olympians only tolerated him since he mainly refused quests since the second war. Who would care about such things?
"I apologize, Perseus. I shouldn't have come. I just wanted to vent for a moment, and you seemed to be the cause of my problems so I came here."
"Aphrodite, whoever you made the promise to...I don't want it. You're right. Platonic love is still love-and I have plenty of that in my life. I'm happy with it, and grateful for it." She smiled at him, it was a sad smile. This entire encounter had been bizarrely out of character for the love goddess.
"I know Percy. But you could be more." With a sigh she dissolved, leaving a faint scent of roses and a very confused Percy.