DISCLAIMER:All rights belong to Rick Riordan, as well as the characters.

This is just a fanfiction. If you haven´t at least read Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Heroes of Olympus, you probably won´t understand half of the story.

The story will be written focusing on different characters every so often (Heroes of Olympus style).

This is my first time. Also, English is not my native language and I would like if you pointed out any mistakes in the reviews.

I appreciate any reviews and ideas.

Now, on with the story.

Chapter Twenty-Four

ARTEMIS

The Moon Goddess was feeling several things at the same time. Irritation, pride, mild anger and severe annoyance. Irritation because that satyr friend of Percy managed to find her daughter's scent, thus forcing her to be brought to Camp, were she faced the danger of exposure; pride in her daughter, so young and already so strong (she was aware Percy was majorly holding back, but he was still a full-powered God, and an Olympian at that, and Zoe was only one year old); mild anger directed at Percy for hitting their daughter that hard (again, she was aware it was a spar and it could've been worse, and Percy would never, ever, in a million years, hurt their daughter beyond the occasional spar… but she was a mother); and annoyance at the whole being-forced-to-hide-the-truth situation in general.

All of her motherly instincts screamed at her to go and hug her daughter, but she had to maintain their story. She couldn't let Zeus find out about Zoe. Chaos knew what he would do to her.

-I'm honoured for the offer, Milady, but I'm afraid I must refuse, at least for now. I have just gotten to Camp, and I'd like to see more of it. Besides, I am still unclaimed.
-None of that is a problem. But I won't force you to join. You must chose it of your own free will. I will be waiting if you ever decide to change your mind. – Artemis patted Zoe's shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze. Though this action didn't go unnoticed by a couple of eyes.

-I'll be taking my Hunters to the archery range, now. Percy, wanna come?
-Sorry, love, but I have some business to deal with in my office, with Chiron's help. I'll see you at dinner, or maybe sooner if I manage to get rid of… that.
-What's that?
-Paperwork, Laurel. He dreads it. Come along, now, and leave your brother to his misery.
-My Lady, if I may ask you a favour?
-What is it, nephew?
Will smiled at her aunt:
-I have an archery class to teach right about now. You wouldn't mind leaving a few targets free, would you?
-Not at all. – The Goddess of the Hunt took on a pensive look – Yes, this might be a good opportunity to test your prowess with the bow. Archery is one of the most important combat skills, after all.

Form the corner of her eye, Zoe could see her dad rolling his eyes and using his hand to imitate Artemis talking. The girl made a huge effort not to laugh, but her mother caught him anyway.
-I saw that, fish brain!
-Yeah, yeah, love you too. See you later, Moonbeam! Oh, and, Zoe… Keep the sword.

Artemis huffed at his sudden exit but Zoe could see her mother was more amused than annoyed. The two women looked eyes and Artemis mouthed "Kelp for brains!" which caused the younger of the two to let out an undignified snort, covering it up with a sudden fit of the coughs.
Will, who was watching the two, once more narrowed his eyes, a suspicion forming in his mind.

After assuring everyone she was fine, Zoe followed both campers and hunters to the archery range. Zoe was proficient with a bow, her mom had made sure of that. But she couldn't really show it to everyone. Her and her dad's earlier stunt with the spar had surely raised some suspicion already. She couldn't everyone seeing just how natural she was with the bow too.

-Alright, everyone, grab a bow! – shouted the son of Apollo.
Zoe proceeded to get the bow that felt worse in her hand. Hopefully that would allow her to make it seem she had no idea what she was doing.

Will spent about an hour showing them the basic stance for holding the bow and calling them up one by one for a couple of shots. Zoe deliberately missed most of hers, confident no one noticed she was doing it on purpose.
-You're not completely hopeless, - said Will – Your bow is not right for you at all. With a bit of training, I think will make a great archer out of you, someday.
-You have a keen eye, Will. – Confirmed the Goddess of Archery – I'd wager if she had the right bow, she wouldn't even miss the target at all.
-I wouldn't go as far as that, Lady Artemis. She is still untrained.
-How about a wager, then? You against her. Two minutes. Most arrows on the centre of the target win.
-I don't think that's a good idea. – said Will.
-I'll sweeten the deal. If you win… - Artemis started to whisper on her nephew's ear. By the end of it, his face was tinted red and Artemis had a smirk on her face.
-Ok. – agreed the son of Apollo.

Zoe focused on the mental connection she had with her parents
"MOM!" she screamed in her head "What are you thinking!?"
"Come on Zoe, just think on the look on everyone's faces when you win!"
"Win what?" inquired Percy's voice in both of their heads, to which Artemis proceeded to explain the whole ordeal.
"Oh, I'm so going there to see it!"
"Percy, no! You have paperwork to finish."
"But Artyyyyy…"
"No is no."
"Fiiiine."

-Zoe, give me your sword. – Artemis took the sword from her hand and a bright light covered it. Its shape started to change. The light died down and in her hands was a bow with the same colour scheme of the sword. Zoe felt nothing around her neck and realised it was her bow. – This bow should be perfect for you. Now, to your places. The competition is about to start.

Zoe and Will both got on their positions. When Artemis gave the sign, they started to fire. Zoe was purposely missing the centre of the target. But when she saw Will on the lead, her competiveness took over and she started to shoot for real.
-Time's up! – shouted the Moon Goddess. Both competitors stopped firing.
Zoe made a quick count of the arrows and her only thought was "Oh crap!"
-It's… a tie! – exclaimed Will, amazed.
"Crap! Crap! Crap!" kept ringing on Zoe's head.
-No, it's your victory, Will. – Proclaimed Artemis – I may have helped young Zoe a little after the one minute mark. The look on your face, though…

Artemis broke down laughing then and there. She quickly calmed herself down, her laughter reduced to giggles:
-My apologies. It seems as if my husband is rubbing off on me. Of course, you will get your prize, Will.
-Thank you, milady. – was his answer. He was still a bit stunned. – I'm afraid that's all the time we have for today. You're free to go back to your Cabins. I'll see you all at dinner.

"Zoe…" her mother's voice sounded in her head "Meet me and your father by the beach after curfew."
"But the Harpies…"
"Wouldn't dare lay a single feather on you." interrupted Percy "You smell like a Goddess. They would be afraid to even be in your presence."
"If you say so. I'll see you at the pavilion, mom and dad."
"See you soon, sweetie. We're very proud of you." finished Artemis.

Zoe followed Amanda, Zack, Cody and Layla back to their Cabin. There, she spent an hour making small talk with everyone and playing some card games until the conch horn sounded. Unlike the rest of the Cabins, which lined up by seniority, the dwellers of Cabin Fifteen just randomly got in place. Layla was the one who ended up front.

They got to the Pavilion and went to the line so they could sacrifice to the Gods. When Layla dumped half a burger in the fire, a holographic symbol appeared above her head: a pair of crossed torches, violet in colour, like her eyes.
-Hail Layla Crooke, daughter of Hecate. The Goddess of Magic and the Mist, the Lady of Crossroads! – Chiron kneeled, which everyone, bar the two (known) Gods, imitated.

The Centaur rose and got back to his seat, next to Percy.
-Another demigod who leaves your cabin, Perseus.
-I've already told you five times to call me Percy. And that was in the last four hours! – Percy jested – I'm happy for her. I may be a God now, but it's barely been a year. I still remember quite freshly what it's like to be on the other side. I actually had to remember Hecate about her. She has been quite busy with her folk on the other side of the Ocean.
-And what about the newest addition to your cabin? Your adopted sister, at that.
The Trainer of Heroes said it in a tone that yelled "Something smells fishy here and I know you know what it is".
-You know there's nothing I can tell you, Chiron. A demigod's claiming is to be left up to the parent. I am obliged by my domain of Heroes to tell you nothing.
-And yet you still intervened.
-You know my mom is clear sighted. I merely confirmed what she already suspected, and convinced her to sign Zoe up for some classes that might help her out when she inevitably ended up here. – The God of Time lied easily. He had practiced many times before in the mirror.
Chiron merely hummed. The Centaur allowed the pause to extend for a while longer before he said:
-She is turning thirteen next week. If she's not claimed by then, I will have to bring this matter up to the council, in accord to the oath you made them swear to.
Percy merely nodded. That was the last they talked for the remainder of the meal.

Meanwhile, at the Hades table, Will was pleading with Nico:
-Come on, pleeeeeaaaaaase?
-No.
-Nico, I know you want to do it too!
-No I don't.
-Liar.
Nico visibly furrowed his brow.
-I hate that you can do that.
-Perks of being a son of the God of Truth. Now, will you do it or not?
-I'm not sure that is a good idea.
-No one will notice! Consider it your payment for the way I helped you out today.
The son of Hades remained silent.
-Doctor's orders?
More silence.
-I'll allow twice the amount of monthly visits to McDonald's.
-Deal. Meat me at my Cabin.
-Do I have to?
-This was your idea, Solace.
-Fine. See you then!
With a quick peck on the cheek, Will got back to his table, leaving a grumbling Nico behind.

Later that night, when everyone was asleep. Zoe made full use of the stealth skill her mother taught her and sneaked out to the beach, where she met with Percy and Artemis.
The Goddess of the Moon wasted no time in nearly hugging her daughter to death, provoking a lot of pained gasps from said daughter. When she was finally released, she sighed in relief, though it was short as her father quickly took her mother's place.
-I was so worried! – exclaimed the Goddess of the Hunt – I thought we wouldn't have to go through this so soon.
-I'm fine, Mom. You guys trained me for this. I'll be kicking ass in no time.
-I'm proud of you, baby. You did very well today. I had to get serious during our spar. – joked Percy. Then, his tone turned serious – Chiron suspects something. But I'm not sure what he knows. But he was dead serious when he said he would bring this matter to the council if Zoe isn't claimed by her birthday.
There was a pregnant pause after that.
-What are you planning to do about that? – inquired the young immortal.
The older God and Goddess shared a private look.
-We'll cross that bridge when we get there. – declared Artemis – For now, let's just enjoy each other's company before you have to go to bed and we have to play pretend for another day.

The family of three hugged under the light of the Full Moon and next to the High Tide, blissfully unaware of the figures hiding in the shadows of the forest.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm SO sorry. University is a time stealer. But I'm on vacation now, so let's see how it goes.