. Chapter 14 .

Epilogue: Only The Beginning

18 years later

TPOV

I rushed down the corridor my light blue dress fluttering around me. I had my shoes clasped in my hand as I looked around for the door. I soon spotted it and grinned before slowly opening it.

I was greeted with smiles from Violet, Annabeth, and Percy. I rushed over to Annabeth and hugged her. When I pulled back I saw the happy tears in her eyes. I laughed and then hugged Percy also. "Well, are you guys ready?" I asked quietly. Violet laughed and nodded excitedly.

"Not in the least bit," Percy chuckled. I rolled my eyes at him but smiled after.

After the fight with Artemis, Violet and I had made up. We were back to being the best of friends. Throughout the years Apollo, Alex, and I visited camp more and more. We also went up to Olympus every year until Alex was thirteen. That's when they decided if he kept his powers under control he'd be fine.

I had always pondered why Zeus let us go so easily. One year when I questioned Aphrodite about it she had smiled and winked at me. "I might have used a little charmspeak," she had told me. She also said she had gotten in trouble for it later on but she lived through it. She adored Alex to much.

We had only seen Artemis once in the eighteen years since the fight. When we had went up to Olympus after Alex had turned ten she was there that year. I had been scared but Zeus had made sure she tried nothing funny. She just ended up glaring at us the whole time we were there.

I was scared out of my thoughts by the door opening from behind me. I turned to find Apollo walking in holding hands with a little girl. I smiled at how pretty she looked.

"Ahh there's the beautiful Melody," I heard Violet say with a smile on her face. Melody smiled when she spotted me. She walked over and gave me a hug. I smiled and kissed the top of her head.

She giggled and looked up at me. "You look pretty mommy," she said in her musical voice. I smiled and looked up at Apollo who was gazing lovingly at his daughter. She was definetley a daddy's little girl.

Melody was born nine years after the fight with Artemis. Alex had been twelve at the time. When I had found out I was pregnant with her I had had a breakdown yelling and screaming about how she wouldn't be safe. Every thought had left my mind. Apollo had to remind me that Artemis was under close watch. Nobody would harm her.

It had taken a while to feel safe while I was pregnant with her. I just kept thinking about everything that had happened to me in the time I had been with Apollo. Artemis had wanted revenge. Parker had come and almost destroyed everything. Ryan had known everything ever since I was with Luke and Annabeth.

Melody was almost the complete opposite of Alex. She was more of me then Apollo this time around. She had the dark hair that went to her shoulder blades. She had my nose and mouth and talked almost exactly like me. She wasn't as loud and wild as Alex was and was shy around strangers. The only trace of Apollo was the striking green eyes and the sun kissed blonde highlights in her dark hair.

Of course, she was immortal like Alex. We had brought her to Olympus when Alex was thirteen on his yearly visit and she was only a year old. That was the year Zeus decided Alex wasn't harmful. He had just decided to let Melody go because they had observed Alex for so long.

And now Melody was nine years old and Alex was twenty-one. Throughout the years Alex was so protective of his little sister. When she was three and he was fifteen he wouldn't let her out of his sight. Alex was her best friend. He always played with her when she wanted to. Whenever she'd have a bad dream he'd already be there in her room comforting her by the time I walked in.

My favorite memory of them was when Melody was five and Alex was seventeen. Melody had asked her brother to play princess dress up with her. He had reluctantly agreed. An hour later I had walked into Melody's room to find Alex dressed in a tutu, makeup smeared across his face, a sparkling crown donned on his head, and a giggling Melody standing there.

Another favorite memory of mine had happened when Melody was seven and Alex was nineteen. Melody had begged and begged Apollo and I so she could play soccer. We had finally agreed. On a Saturday during one of her games Melody had been tripped by a girl on the other team. She had landed wrong on her right ankle and it had been broken. Alex was out on the field in a millisecond swinging his crying sister into his arms and rushing over to us talking about getting to the hospital.

I shook my head free of the memories and got a good look at Melody. She was wearing a light blue dress that was almost identical to mine except smaller for her nine year old frame. Her hair was piled on the top of her head with curls hanging free and she had a basket of flower pedals in her hand.

She was the cutest flower girl I'd ever seen.

That's when it struck me. I looked around the room but didn't find the girl I was looking for. "Where's Dani?" I asked Annabeth and she pointed to the door at the back of the room leading to the bathroom. "Nerves?" I asked and Percy chuckled and nodded.

Just then the door opened and Dani walked out. When she looked up she smiled at me happy tears in her eyes. Dani had certainly grown up. She was now twenty-one. Her black hair had lightened a few shades but her sea green eyes were the exact same they were eighteen years ago. Full of love and laughter.

My eyes trailed down to her elegant dress. It was a white strapless gown and had a layer of lace over the body. It was normal length and didn't have a long train. Her hair was styled almost the same as Melody's and her veil was pushed back for now.

I walked over to her and hugged her tightly. I could feel her hug me back with a smile on her face. When I pulled back I looked her in the eyes and winked "You deserve him just as much as he deserves you."

She nodded and laughed as a knock sounded on the door. I turned to see Seth walk into the room. About a few months after the fight Seth had been let go and he went back to camp. Seth was now a handsome twenty-two year old man. His blonde hair had grown darker and his green eyes had grown a couple shades darker.

I heard Melody squeal and run over and hug Seth. Melody had always loved Seth almost as another brother although nobody could replace her love for Alex. Seth laughed and patted her head before looking up at Dani. His eyes softened and Dani laughed and walked over to him adjusting his tie.

"Where's Cassidy?" Cassidy was Seth's girlfriend. She had arrived to camp a few years after.

He smiled at the mention of her. "Already in her seat. Which reminds me, I was sent to tell you it's time," he told Dani and gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek before walking out of the room. Seth had become one of Dani and Alex's best friends through the years so naturally he was the best man.

And that's when it struck me.

My baby boy was getting married today.

I turned to Apollo and gave him a sad smile. He seemed to know what I was thinking immediately and wrapped his strong arms around me. I put my head against his chest and listened to his steady heart beat.

"This is all just so surreal," I whispered as I looked around at everybody in the small room. I gasped and smiled as I realized I had said those exact words twenty-four years ago on my wedding day.

Apollo chuckled and kissed my forehead before releasing me from his arms and intertwining his fingers with mine. "Well, let's get this ball rolling shall we?"

We all filed out of the room with Dani in the back. When we reached the doors of the church I quickly kissed Melody's forehead and walked in with Apollo. When we reached our seats I immediately looked up at the alter to see my son standing there.

Alex's hair had grown a shade darker and his electric blue eyes stayed the same. He fidgeted with his fingers as he looked at the back doors. He glanced at me and I gave him a smile. He nervously smiled back as the music started.

After all the bridesmaides walked down the aisle it was Melody's turn. As soon as Alex saw her he smiled so wide I thought his face would split open. She was giggling as she threw flower pedals on the floor. Everybody was "awwing". I leaned my head against Apollo's shoulder as Dani came walking through the doors with Percy right next to her.

I looked back to find Alex staring straight at Dani. His eyes were filled with adoration and he was grinning. When she finally reached him Percy put her hand in his before smiling at Alex. One Percy took his seat Alex and Dani turned to the minister.

They went through all the normal procedures and when they finally reached the vows I realized the tears were rolling down my cheeks now. "I do," Dani said her voice breaking slightly. I smiled at her. She really was a beautiful girl.

"I do," Alex repeated his voice loud and ringing through the church. I smiled when they were pronounced husband and wife. Alex leaned down and captured Dani's lips with his own. Everybody stood up applauding them.

Soon enough everybody was outside of the church hugging one another, congratulating Dani and Alex. I walked through the crowd and finally reached Alex. When he saw me he smiled and wrapped his arms around me. "I love you Alex and I'm so happy for you. You'll always be my little boy."

He laughed and smiled as I kissed his cheek. "I love you too mom."

A few moments later I spotted Melody struggling to get through the crowd. When she finally broke through all the people she smiled when she saw Alex. Alex turned and saw her and crouched down to the ground holding his arms open. She ran into them giggling. I smiled at the moment. It was absolutely precious.

I felt a tug on my hand and I looked up to see Apollo beckoning for me to follow him. I looked back at Melody and Alex once more before I followed him. He led me around the church until we reached a beautiful meadow of flowers and trees. My feet were throbbing from wearing my heels for so long so I climbed up a branch in one of the trees and sat down.

My feet dangled a couple feet away from the ground. Apollo leaned up against the trunk of the tree and I reached forward and started to massage his shoulders. He let out a moan of pleasure and I smirked.

As I continued rubbing Apollo's shoulders I thought about everything that had happened in the past thirty years.

I remembered that fateful afternoon that Artemis asked me to go up to Olympus with her. I remembered that one single question asked by Apollo that sent my mind into haywire. I remembered my acceptance and that day spent with him was pure bliss.

Then came the problems with Artemis. I remembered her confession. I remembered her telling me to choose. I remembered taking Violet's advice. I remembered Apollo and I's first kiss. I remembered him confessing his love for me. And most importantly I remembered choosing him over the Hunters.

Five years had passed since then and then came the problems with Parker. I recalled meeting him on my birthday. I remembered playing twenty questions with him. I remembered those beautiful piercing blue eyes. I remembered Apollo's skepticism and jealousy.

I also remembered Parker trying to kiss me and Annabeth and Violet saving my butt. I remembered Christmas night when he had caught me under the misteltoe. I remembered the days I spent worrying about telling Apollo. I remembered the locket Apollo gave me which I still wore.

Then came the night I overheard Parker talking to Ryan on the phone. I remembered the horrible dream. I remembered telling Apollo the truth.

Then the best moment in my life: Apollo proposing to me. I remembered Ryan and Parker ruining it. I remembered that horrible fight. I remembered the horrible feeling as I pierced Parker's chest with the blade. I remembered realized I loved him as a brother. And I more importantly remembered Apollo and I's wedding.

I then started thinking about the memories from eighteen years ago which were more recent. I remembered how I felt when Alex was born. I remembered going back to camp. I remembered meeting little Seth. I remembered finding out somebody had it out for Alex.

I then remembered Dani's kidnap. I remembered finding out it was Artemis all along. I remembered Seth's warning. I remembered the fight with Artemis that I almost lost my life to if it wasn't for Apollo. I remembered Artemis trying to strangle Alex and I remembered our compromise with Zeus.

And now Melody was here and Alex was married. Time really does fly.

Apollo sighed in contentment as I finished rubbing his shoulders. He smiled and bent down to retrieve a sharp edged rock from the ground. I watched him as he looked up and winked at me before setting the sharp edge to the tree.

I rested my hand on his shoulder as he carved. After a few minuted he stepped back and I looked to see the writing right below my feet.

Apollo+Thalia

Forever and Always.

I looked up at Apollo with a grin on my face. He smiled as I jumped down from the tree and wrapped my arms around him. My forehead rested against his as I looked into his eyes. Years of stress we went through and here we were stronger than ever.

Apollo gasped and his face lit up. I raised my eyebrows and he chuckled at me. "Today is April 16th, right?" When I nodded his smile grew wider. "Don't you realize Thalia? Today is the day you said yes to going out with me. We've been together for exactly thirty years."

I gasped and smiled at him. He chuckled before I pulled the front of his shirt letting his lips collide with mine. I smiled into the kiss as I felt him press my back up against the trunk of the tree. My hands tangled in his blonde hair as he kissed me more fiercely.

When I pulled away an inch I laughed. "We've been through so much together."

"And it's only the beginning."

I giggled and kissed his nose before saying one more important thing that I would never stop feeling or thinking. "I love you so much Apollo."

He chuckled. "I will never get tired of hearing that. I love you too Thalia."

And as he leaned down and kissed me again I smiled. This was only one moment in our forever. This was only one moment in the time we'd always have together.

But it was the best of them all.

* The End *

Shine Bright series May 18th, 2010 - December 20, 2010

And this is where our 8 month journey ends.

I honestly don't know what to say or do right now. It's like I'm almost in shock we got this far. The whole series is 32 chapters in all. And I never knew I'd get this kind of attention I do for these three stories. 339+ reviews or 30+ chapters might not be a lot for you guys but that's AMAZING to me and it means the world to me.

l;alsakdjfldskfj I'M SO AMAZED RIGHT NOW I WANT TO CRY. Ahem, I'm done now :')

Anyways, I will always love each and every one of you for taking the time to read the stories. And a special thanks to the readers that have stuck with me since Shine Bright was published :) Now I would like to list everybody that followed Who Knew (I already listed everybody that followed FFL and SB in their last ANs)

Thanks to: k8e429, catapilla1, TOTALYinuyashafan101, Gummy Rocks, Athenagirl3, Alice1995, EMPG22HoPe, Shadow- Chan 4, waterpoloplayer, alfread, andy, ilovemybestfriends, Pwetty Lovesick Genius, PJO-Fan-Of-The-Year, Neon . Green . Girl, Mady, thalia and apollo, Akatsuki Child, ThaliaG, Creative Central, NotSorry, PercyJackson-PeetaM-Fang-Fan11, Sarra Salmalin, ILove2Write13, biblioholic, neoncherries, Kate, Harryfan94, pip3454848, maxiecastillo13, tridentbonez313, Belle- Owl, mbfJennifer, Furionknight, Emily harley, I Love You, MindBender10, WhatTheFnick xFang and Iggyx, DaughterofApollo13, AJ, RWBRyan, Hopee2, smileylol, ApollosFavoriteDaughter3927, thalico, Thalico 4 evah, marianne, Asian Shadowhuntress on Fire, AHumanRobot, MeganLeBlanc, Pixie97, Alicecullen1995, daughterofapolloandaphrodite, the ghost king, CaitlinGo'sRawrr, Procrastination Fairy, 1sunfun, greecelvr, Thalia Grace-Pinecone Face, littledreamowl, SunlightWriter, AlwaysHasAPlan, Akheilos, amber'eyes'countress, arashikaze, CharlyeMage018, davidl2381, emmettlover343, Flyingflower66'-'666, GuitarChick1996, halo62, iluvwritingxoxo, keladry1, Lee Kira, Melbel10, MiraSaya16, MissVioletSelene, nvmdp, OwlsofWisdom, PercabethFax97, polishgirl1504, Princess Of Souls, PROCRASTINATOR TOMORROW, SaraThalia Kathleen Porter, Soonersgirl86, Suvali66, taypay, thapallo lover, TheJazzyDolphin, wisegirlx17, Acque, AgentDoubleOGrace, artermis15, catlover123456789, DaughterOfTheNight426, Exa Melanie Lethe, fred weasley is the best, IsabelKabra . Lucian, MaliHoward, Percy Jackson Rulez, PunkRose95, SophiaAnglesofWisdom, toygirl800, XxLilyFlowerxX, and xXxILOVEJACExXx.

Special Thanks To:

ILove2Write13: I bet you're getting tired of these, huh? Anyways, thanks for sticking by my side through everything. You're an amazing writer and when (I'm sure it will happen) you get a book published I will read it :) Thanks x1000000000! I don't where'd I be without your stories, support, and nice comments. Some reviewer even told me we should collab ;D Anyways, thanks so much!

Gummy Rocks: Without your idea this story wouldn't be here! You basically made up the plot! Thank you so much!

ApollosFavoriteDaughter3927: I always look forward to your reviews :) For every story I write I always have one or two people that are my favorite reviewers and you are one of my favorites for this story :) You seem like a nice person and I bet we could be good friends. Thank you for supporting me through this story :)

CaitlinGo'sRawrr: I know I already dedicated a chapter to you but I felt like I should have given you a special shoutout :) Even though you've only reviewed a few times you are my other favorite reviewer for this story :) You seem nice and I'm sure we could be great friends. Thanks for all your support!

Anyways, even if you guys didn't get a special thanks I really wish I could thank every one of you individually. You all mean the world to me!

Now I have come up with an idea with having an ongoing story with deleted scenes from the series? For example, the scene where Melody was born and stuff like that. Tell me if you'd want it in a review!

And did any of you like Melody? I think she's absolutely adorable! I will probably be making a one-shot about her so look out for that. I hope you all liked my idea of putting Alex and Dani's wedding in there. We all knew they'd end up together. And this chapter is long like I promised :)

I look forward to seeing all of you when I publish Between The Lines which will be VERY soon so put me on alert!

Also, if nobody saw these are the covers I made to the stories.

Shine Bright: www . twitpic 2bon9o

Fighting For Love: www . twitpic 2boz33

Who Knew: www . twitpic 2bpov0

Disclaimers: I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians and anything else mentioned in this series. I only own Alex, Melody, Violet, Cassidy, Parker, and Ryan :)

Well, it looks like this is the end *CRYING FOREVER* Thanks to everybody again! Please review one last time on Who Knew :)

As I say on all the stories: Thalia and Apollo FTW!

Lots of love and Merry Christmas and Happy New Years! I will probably be posting Between The Lines the day after Christmas or somewhere close to that! I will get it up before New Years though :)

-Taylor(: