Hey! My name is princessofthescoundrels, shortened to Princess, POTS or scoundrel ()! If you're new to this couple I'd like to welcome you to Ares/Artemis! (cheers!) They are just a couple that reminded me of Han and Leia from Star Wars (my obsession) so I decided to take a shot. My other story, Unexpected, takes place directly after this. The time period of this story is right after the Battle at the Labyrinth. Not entirely sure how this is going to end, but right now I'm giving you the first chapter to kind of get a feel for how people like this idea. Since this story takes place right before the 'kiss' (Ooh) there won't be too much romancing. It's like A New Hope, a giant tease.
For all the old readers… welcome back.
Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians, but I like to think I have a partial ownership of the couple Ares/ Artemis.
Enjoy!
***Zeus' Office, Olympus
Mount Olympus was the land of the gods. The columns and structures seemed to bow to the main meeting room of the Olympians. The flowers were blooming all year around, rustling from the wind high above the Empire State Building in Manhattan.
New York, beautiful, beautiful New York, was in turmoil. Actually, since the return of Kronos almost everywhere had been in disarray. Even Mount Everest seemed to be sinking back into the ground, cowering before the Titan lord. The Grand Canyon's edges became steeper and as did the Gods' tempers.
You see, at first glance of the peaceful scenery at Mount Olympus, you would assume that nothing was wrong in the world. That the Titans were growing restless, evil spirits were stirring, and all around were preparing for war.
A single golden bird flew through the skies, oblivious to the Gods' discomfort. He rests his wings against a nearby Olive tree and places his head between his wings and is at peace. A single scream coming from a certain purity goddess startled him from his rest. He puffed his wings indignantly and flew away to find a new perch.
Actually, gods and goddesses all over Olympus, training, resting or just doing godly duties were startled. Tennis rackets, egg pans and golden arrows were dropped to the ground and if you saw this from the sky you would think it funny how everyone put their hands to their ears and crunched over in synchronization.
Anyone who new Artemis would have to know that something must have really made her mad for her to lose her temper like she did to make such a noise. They would be right. You see, right now the young looking goddess was in Zeus office, brown hair in disarray and looking as though a child would during a tantrum.
"But why do I need to go with him?" she spat as if in disgust. Artemis crossed her arms over her chest and lifted her head, looking at her father with her most regal position. Zeus was not impressed.
"You have to because you two are the only ones that are up to this particular challenge!" Zeus leaned back in his leather chair attached to his desk and closed his eyes already bored.
"Well, I wouldn't have had signed up if I had known that he would too!" Artemis explained slowly, not unraveling her arms.
"I would have made you go anyway, despite whether or not you put your name on that list willingly or not."
"Then why did it say, 'optional?'"
"It was common courtesy. You're too easy; I knew that you would have signed up. Besides who wants to put their name to a list that says 'NOT optional?'" Zeus rubbed his head tiredly. It takes a lot of energy being the lead god and it can get to be very stressful at times, especially with clashing gods.
"Well, you could have at least warned me! You're not the boss of me!" Artemis was almost screaming now, she never let herself be this un- composed. But this situation was completely ridiculous and embarrassing.
Zeus cocked an eyebrow. "All right, maybe a little," she admitted. "But I still would have appreciated you telling me!"
Zeus sighed. "You and Ares are the only ones up to the job. Take it willingly, or I will force you."
"Does Ares know about this?" Artemis asked stubbornly.
"Yes, and he already accepted without half of the persuasion that you apparently require," Zeus said pointedly and looked at her with eyes that gave her a challenge. Artemis seemed to ponder it over for a minute or two.
"No."
"Do you want me to bring Apollo in? You can arrow the hell out of one another for all I care. Or shall I bring out the master bolt? I hear that it hurts like hell on gods. Ares got the bolt once and he couldn't walk for a whole week."
"Yes, well, you need me to leave tomorrow so it would be counterproductive to not be able to sit down for a week."
"Who said you needed to sit?"
Artemis slouched, defeated. "Fine. You win. Can I at least get some more, erm, solid information before I commit?"
"Sure. You and Ares will be going into the forgotten island of Pirates Cove in the Indian Ocean to destroy a hidden base of Kronos. Well, not so hidden anymore. Hermes found activity brewing over the island one day and now several storms have been occurring all over India that have nothing to do with me. The Winds are rebelling. We believe that the more bases that we take down, the easier the war next year will be."
"What will we use to destroy it?" Artemis asked curiously, and then was angry with herself for letting down her indifferent passive attitude.
"You will use skill, cunning and a whole lot of explosives. And Duct tape. And celestial bronze. We have an undercover spy, but his identity is strictly confidential, so that's the other part of your job. Save the spy before blowing up anything."
"Did you tell that to Ares?" she muttered. "And by confidential you mean that you don't even know?"
Zeus smiled at his daughter's barely concealed fury. He nodded. Artemis muttered a sarcastic, "Great!" under her breath and began to storm out.
Zeus called out after her. "Be ready by eight tomorrow, okay?" Artemis waved a hand over her head to show that she understood and Zeus went back to his work, chuckling silently to himself. "Kids…" he muttered and grinned over his papers.
***Hunters Tents, edge of Olympus
"I cannot believe this! That pighead never thinks of anyone other than himself! 'You two are the only ones up to the job!'" she imitated. "Oh brother Apollo, that man is nuts!"
"Maybe he meant to flatter you," suggested the newly appointed lead Hunter, Thalia. Thalia was the daughter of Zeus and wasn't all too fond of him either. She had recently participated in the Titan's curse exactly one year ago with her friends and was still getting the hand of Hunting after the last lead Hunter Zoë. Zoë died at the hands of her father and is now amongst the stars. "I mean, you are the best archer next to Apollo. Eros is just jealous."
"Then why couldn't he just get Apollo?" Artemis asked and stuffed another Hunting outfit in a carry- on backpack. The backpack was made so that it could hold any amount of items, so it came in handy during godly quests. The goddess packed a lot of weapons in one of the front flaps so if you were a half blood or god, if you stuck your hand in there, it would hurt. A lot.
Thalia handed Artemis her hairbrush and plopped down on Artemis' bed. Artemis raised an eyebrow at Thalia's boldness but did not intervene. "Apollo is busy every day. You know the sun? Zeus knows that you could just ask one of us to do the moon for you, Apollo has no one."
"Don't I know it? Why doesn't he just apologize to Eros so he can get a girlfriend? He's getting really lonely. And you know what? He always goes to ME! 'You're my twin, keep me company blah blah blah'," she mimicked in her anger.
"Come ON Artemis. You're being childish. What's the worst that can happen?"
Artemis halted her progress and turned to Thalia, holding up her index finger to Thalia's face. "Don't say that. Anything can happen. Remember last year? With the Labyrinth? Pan died. PAN."
"Pan was old," pointed out Thalia and Artemis removed her finger only to run her hand through her hair nervously.
"I haven't gone on a mission in a long time! What if I screw up? What if HE pisses me off and I do something stupid!"
"Don't live in the past. Plus he owes you from that one time you saved him from that jar thing. You know, with the giants?"
Artemis waved her arms distractingly. "Yes, yes, I remember. But I left him in the jar until we got to Olympus, he's still mad at me for that."
"But he still owes you." Thalia was insistent.
"Maybe so, but that doesn't rule out that he is going to annoy me to tears! Geez, he is the most insufferable man I have ever met."
Thalia gave her leader an exasperated look. Artemis defended herself. "But he is! He never gives anyone a break and is always looking for trouble! I can't stand the nerve of him!"
"Yes, I'm sure. But you're just going to have to deal with it! You are going to go on this mission whether you like it or not, if you pardon my boldness, and needless to say, you've been in tighter spots." Thalia had a knack of giving people information that they really didn't need at that time. Right now, the last thing Artemis needed was a lesson in real life.
"I suppose you're right. I mean, what's the worst that can possibly happen?" Artemis at this point was just trying to be optimistic, but only succeeded in fueling her worries with unwanted possibilities. She furrowed her eyebrows and then shook sense into herself. "Oh gods I just feel like I've sealed my own fate, or destruction or whatever. When will I ever learn to not use foreshadowing in a sentence?"
"We all make mistakes," Thalia smirked and the goddess glared.
Artemis made a show of walking to an animal skinned pillow and brushing out her long chocolate tresses. As goddesses could change their appearances at the slightest thought, many of her peers thought it was pointless to leave their hair long for days on end. Artemis believed that her long hair was symbolic for something, and only shortened it when necessary.
Sometimes it was vital to a mission for changed appearances, and although the goddess disliked the sensation it wasn't often her decision. Usually the leader of the mission decided what was to be done. The way that the Olympians settled leadership feuds was that whoever was in charge would ultimately decide what they were to do, even if the others gave helpful suggestions.
"Did my darling Daddy mention who was in charge?"
"He didn't say. He made it seem as though we were the only two going so I would assume it's a joint mission. I heard those were always fun when Ares was involved. The last time someone went on a joint with Ares, Mount Kilauea erupted. He was in Italy and a volcano in Hawaii erupted," Artemis said while beginning to twist long strands of hair into a complicated braid.
"Everyone knows that he doesn't work well with Athena. Besides he can't very well hurt a woman, I personally think its funny how he can actually blow his top when angry enough."
"Hilarious," Artemis replied coolly, now with both hands behind her head twisting away.
"Listen Artemis, you know I love you," Thalia began seriously, standing up and moving her backpack to the front of the tent for easier access in the morning. "But I think everything is going to be fine. As you said, what's the worst that can happen?"
Artemis finished her braid. "Please, don't ever say that, ever again."
Thalia grinned. "I'll be in the neighboring tent if you need me." Artemis nodded and sighed when Thalia left. Thalia brought a new attitude to the Hunters, one that was quite new to Artemis and the others. Artemis found herself enjoying the warrior that could converse and tell her exactly what was on her mind even though she was talking to a major goddess. Artemis wasn't surprised how fast she gained the others devotion and respect, with her wit and fighting skills.
The hard blow on the loss of Zoë saddened the group, but with the new addition of Thalia it made the pain a lot duller. They all found they were able to relax a lot more than they used to. More campfire sing- alongs, that sort of thing. They were all still the tough girls that they always were, only now more relaxed.
Artemis took another deep soothing breath and got off the floor to go to the bed. Today another senior Hunter was taking over the job of the moon, as she would the rest of the time Artemis was off to do the mission.
Getting ready for bed was always a strange thing for Artemis, since she was most awake at night. It's like being told you have to go to sleep after a sugar rush. Her nightdress, like all her other clothes, were white and seemed to make her glow. With her brown hair it gave the effect of an angel. Artemis was often referred to as being just as beautiful as Aphrodite. But not in the same way. Artemis was sort of a natural beauty, the kind you think of a princess. Aphrodite was a Hollywood beauty, but they always seemed to be the kind most adored.
Not that Artemis minded much. After all, she was the Goddess of Maidens and wasn't allowed to be adored by men. Besides, it made her feel awkward. Another reason that she chose to look like a young teenager was because most men do not want to get involved with a girl many years younger than themselves, or at least don't want to get involved with a child.
Well, she looked like a child anyway. She was actually thousands of years old. Artemis liked to think of her immortality as a responsibility, but some gods think it's funny to misuse their privilege.
When she settled into bed a sense of foreshadowing passed over her.
I've got a bad feeling about this…
***Ares house, Olympus
'I've got a bad feeling about this…' thought a certain war god as he settled in bed alone, thinking. Aphrodite had been a bit distant lately, and although they tried to cover up that anything was abnormal he could tell that something big was going to happen between them. He found that he didn't mind sleeping alone much; it gave him a chance to take a break from all the drama. Plus, he had the whole bed to himself, a definite good factor.
Ares was unaware that at the edge of Olympus the leader of the Hunters was thinking the very same thing about their mission. Ares often said that thinking was dangerous, and he proved himself right because every time he began to think something went wrong. He was thinking about this mission a LOT so he was concerned more than usual.
It's not that he wasn't excited, he was. He was finally getting a chance to go on another mission after that stupid Kilauea accident. He didn't mean it! Strategic battle just made him so mad. Sometimes even war gods needed to let out a little steam.
The problem that kept coming up in his brain against his will was in the form of a girl. An Artemis girl to be exact! He couldn't see what the big deal was that he had to with her. He figured that he mind as well just go along with it, he needed to save up all his fighting for next year and the war. Zeus was saying that a bunch of monsters that haven't been seen in years were gathering and planning to make some serious destruction soon. Too soon.
And to make matters worse, they hadn't been able to make contact with Poseidon for weeks. His oceans were under attack and he was unavailable. This really didn't worry Ares much though. If it was a fight those stupid titans wanted, that's what they were going to get!
Ares also had a legendary ego to match his temper. The latest burn on his pride was his defeat with the stupid demigod Percy Jackson four years ago. His fellow gods still wouldn't let that go. Though there was one person who never made fun of him.
Artemis.
Well, actually, she never talked much to him to begin with. He smirked in bed thinking about all the passes he made just to try to get her to open up. They had all been in good fun, since he was going with Aphrodite, but he couldn't help but mean a few of them. She was just too cold for her own good.
Then when he thought carefully about it, he realized she never talked much to anybody. Well, except Apollo, but even he was a special case. They were probably as different as twins could be. She was strange, always pretending not to like people. He felt somewhat honored to be the second god she talked most to, even if it was mostly yelling.
He found her very interesting. She was always dressed as though she was having some weird fairy party or something; she looked like a kid, acted like an old sergeant and always yelled at everybody.
But she was pretty, he would give her that. She could probably rival Aphrodite if she wasn't always walking around with a pussy face all day. Maybe this trip was a chance to loosen her up.
'Or maybe get her to stop talking to me permanently.' Ares rolled his eyes as he thought. 'You better not screw this up man, or you'll find yourself with another immortal enemy.'
That was probably the last thing he needed right now. He was going to be in demand pretty soon with the war and didn't need any extra grudges.
He was running out of allies, and fast. Because of his hot- headedness and violent personality he didn't have very many friends. They were usually either his enemies or just didn't care one way or another. He liked to think he had made a friend in Artemis and Apollo but you never know.
He had been acting like a major ass ever since Artemis had saved him from those giants over a thousand years ago. But you know, live and learn. And Apollo could be really annoying with all of his poetry that no one ever wants to hear. The recent Haiku phase was ending and everyone was afraid that he was going to discover rap.
With a start he realized that he didn't pack yet. He swore and jumped out of bed to start packing. Men usually don't need to pack many clothes, just an extra pair of underwear, but when you're Ares you need all the weapons you can carry. Ares didn't have a magical backpack like Artemis (no one had liked him enough to make him one) so he always had to come armed with weapons in just about the stupidest places. He put a small pile of weapons in a corner near his clothes to be dealt with in the morning.
When content with his somewhat pathetic packing, he settled back into bed and fell into an uneasy haze of unconsciousness.
*** Zeus' Bedroom, Olympus
"Dear, are you sure you know what you're getting into?" Hera asked of her husband.
"I'm positive. They really are the best for the job."
"Don't take this the wrong way but Artemis has never been along with a man on a mission before, she might be tempted," Hera pushed, unclear why she was defending Artemis. Since Artemis and Apollo were not her kids she always was trying to make trouble for them. One time she had even smacked Artemis and hit her with her own bow.
"I know what I'm doing," Zeus said grumpily as he settled in for bed. "Are you trying to get me to change my mind? You know we don't have time for that, they are leaving in the morning."
"Of course not honey," Hera assured Zeus. "I'm just a little nervous."
"Aren't we all? It is a very important mission." Zeus slid into the covers and Hera began to sit in next to him. They always slept with a lining of pillows between them, to separate.
"Couldn't you have sent Athena?" Hera persisted.
"No, do you want them to beat each other up again? Remember the volcano? We don't need gods maiming each other right before the big war! Typhon is getting stronger and I fear that he may attack within the month. And without Poseidon he will be even more deadly to fight against."
"I know honey; I'm just trying to think logically. What is he gets distracted?" Hera pushed herself all the way in the covers and now was pounding her peacock feathered pillow into shape.
"He always gets distracted no matter who is on the mission with him. I mean really Hera, what's the worst that can happen?"
"Don't ever say that. Besides, I've got a really bad feeling about this."
"I hate to admit it Hera, but so do I. But they'll come through, they always do. C'mon let's get some sleep. I'm grumpy and tired. Being lead god takes a lot out of you." Zeus flicked off the light and they settled in to sleep.
"I still don't like it."
"Hera… shut up."
***Ares motorcycle, edge of Olympus.
"Are you all packed and ready?" Ares asked once Artemis was in hearing range and he didn't have to shout.
"Yes. How about you?" Artemis asked to be polite; she really didn't care much if he brought a pack of toothpicks.
"Yeah." He eyed her backpack, the only thing in sight. "Is that all you're bringing?"
"Is that all you're bringing?" she said pointedly gesturing to the backpack attached to his motorcycle.
"Fair point. All right… you can sit in the sidecar."
"Wait hold on a second," Artemis protested and held up a hand. "Why can't we use my chariot?"
"Okay, first, it's way too big. Second, don't your Hunters need to use it for the moon? Duh." Ares had woken up way too early for his liking and was already tired of the banter. "How about we just leave?"
"Do you know where you're going?" Artemis persisted, still not getting into the sidecar. She shifted the bag on her shoulders and her brown eyes brooded into his, making him uncomfortable.
"Yeah, course. Hidden island in the Indian Ocean." He shifted his feet around a little and stared back, trying to keep his rep.
Artemis only sighed and looked away to her feet. "Do you even know what it's called?" she looked exasperated.
Ares began to get mad and the fire in his eyes burned brighter seeming to suck the air from around them. "Of course I do! Something to do with pirates!"
"Pirates cove," Artemis interjected and Ares felt as though he wanted to strangle something.
'Calm down or else you'll make this trip a lot more difficult than it needs to be!' Ares thought to himself and he calmed himself so the fire died down. Throughout the entire time his eyes were burning Artemis kept in contact with them, hers never leaving his. He always admired her bravery, many people quivered when his eyes burned. Artemis just stood tall, never fading or backing down. Ares never admired many things but one thing he always admired was bravery.
"Now, let's try this again. Could you please get in the sidecar so we can leave?" Ares asked again trying to keep a poker face.
"Certainly. Thank you for asking nicely," Artemis smirked as she climbed in the sidecar, leaving Ares mumbling about bossy maiden goddesses. The motorbike's engine rumbled and they streaked off into the clouds, leaving a trail of smoke behind them.
The way they were flying wasn't in the least scientific; they zoomed about like an airplane would although they had no wings or nose. Above the clouds they soared and although Artemis was far from comfortable, she thought to herself how cool it was to be over the clouds. She dared a small smile and moved her hand out of the vehicle. Even though they were moving very fast her hand moved about the sky as if there were no forces against it.
Ares watched her out of the corner of his eye as the girl weaved her hands in and out of the clouds. Not many people were able to touch clouds, and even gods barely had time themselves to explore the world that they created. Artemis almost giggled as she wiggled her fingers through the puffy clouds.
"Do you like thrill rides?" Ares asked calmly, not needing to shout through the air for some reason.
"Erm, yes I suppose I do." Artemis replied slowly, as if wondering why he would ask such a thing.
She soon found her answer though when he did a random loop- the- loop through the sky and then a corkscrew. When she recovered from the shock she found herself laughing and abruptly stopped when she saw Ares grinning at her.
They passed the hours in a comfortable silence, surprisingly. Artemis could have sworn they could have been there sooner, a lot sooner, but Ares made the excuse about wind resistance. Truth be told, he sort of enjoyed the quiet. It was a sort of before- the- fight quiet that he liked.
When they neared the Indian Ocean, Ares began to slowly dip down. When they reached the end of the clouds they began to look around for an island unnoticed by human eyes.
Suddenly out of nowhere a pack of creatures that looked like flying women, and were lead by the monster Lamia on a dreadful gray chariot. Lamia used to be a beautiful woman and was loved by Zeus. Every time she gave birth to Zeus' child Hera would destroy it so Lamia became insane. She often snuck into houses to steal and eat children and became what people now refer to as Ogres or the bogey man. She was now ugly, much like Medusa, and could take out her eyes whenever she wanted.
The flying women were called Harpies and there was said to only be two.
"Looks like they multiplied," Ares muttered before yelling. "Hold on, it's going to be a long way down!" Artemis nodded her understanding and grabbed hold of the bar in front. Ares grabbed hold of the steering and gave it a jerk so they took a sharp turn.
"After them! Kronos says after them!" Lamia croaked in a raspy voice, matted hair barely flying in the wind, it was caked with so much human blood. A skeletal horse flew the chariot and it might just have been an abused Pegasus, but it looked like the kind of horses you only see in Sleepy Hallow.
Ares made another sharp turn downward so two Harpies crashed into one another and fell into the water, dazed. Ares tossed Artemis a two barrel gun from the holster on his leg. "Shoot at them! Unlimited Ammo!"
"That's a relief!" Artemis shouted and rolled her eyes, but nevertheless began to shoot behind her. One celestial bronze bullet only grazed a Harpies arm, but another shot it full in the chest and it fell, turning into dust.
Another three shots were fired and all of them missed, mostly due to the fact that Ares made a unexpected turn up. "Shoot! Don't just sit there and miss!" Ares yelled.
"It's hard to hit a moving target!" Artemis defended and fired, this time hitting two. Lamia screamed in frustration and sent the last ten soaring to them. "Oh crap!" Artemis swore and fired again, sending three down.
"Hold on!" Ares said again and before she knew it they were heading straight at them.
"Don't go at them!" Artemis screeched.
"Trust me! Just shoot!" yelled Ares and focused on his driving.
It was a lot easier to aim while in front but they were still gaining and Artemis knew she wouldn't be able to hit seven at a time. So she fumbled around in her bag and pulled out three small blades made of bronze and threw them spiraling to spate enemies.
Artemis was a good shot for spending centuries with a bow. Each hit their victim, leaving four behind. Artemis took another shot with the gun and hit one in the leg, and another in the face. Now, with only two remaining, Ares gained speed and bulldozed them, hitting a button on his dashboard that activated Greek fire which disintegrated the rest from behind.
Now with only Lamia left and the island in sight they corkscrewed down to try and hit Lamia. She wielding a sword and tried to bust a tire on their way down. When Ares steadied, he used his godly powers to bring fire in his hand, Artemis doing the same only with ice. They both threw them like balls to the crazy creature and she maneuvered to miss all of them. Then it seemed to hit Lamia that she was the only one left and outnumbered.
She smiled and waved. "You thought this was easy! Just wait until you get to the island!" she cackled and led her chariot down to the dark island resting below. The water was restless and the gods could tell that Poseidon's war had just begun. The island was in the shape of the Jolly Roger, the flag of pirates, and it was clouded with trees.
"Shall we go?" Artemis said, trying to lighten the mood.
"Yeah…" Ares trailed off and revved his engine, pointing the motorcycle down so it could land on the outskirts of the island.
*** Pirates Cove, Indian Ocean
The surface was a lot worse then it looked from a hundred feet in the air. Thick vines hung everywhere and the beach was polluted and brown. It seemed as though all the oil spills in the world ended up here. Dead fish bones lied everywhere, and if there was any life at all, it seemed to have vanished.
"This place sure could use a Golden Fleece," Artemis commented as she and Ares climbed out of the bike in a somewhat clean area.
"That's for sure," Ares agreed and began looking around. Artemis started to fumble around a little in her bag and brought out a large sack and a small device. She turned on the electronic square and waved it around a bit.
"What is that?" Ares asked, trying to sound bored.
"This is a scanner. I don't think we're being filmed where was are now, but we can never be too sure. I think we should take shifts while the other rests."
"We're gods, we don't need to sleep!" Ares exclaimed, starting to get quite annoyed at himself for not suggesting it first.
"We are going to need to recharge before tomorrow. Now help me set up this tent." She put away the scanner and began to tug at the fastenings on the sack that held the tent.
"You had room to pack a tent?" asked Ares, trying not to sound impressed or confused.
"Yes, I have a special bag. I also have the entire Harry Potter series, half my wardrobe and a six pack of root beer somewhere." Artemis said coolly, taking out poles and setting them out on the ground.
"Well, take out a root beer for me and let's get cracking," Ares rubbed his hands together and kneeled down to help. "After all, tomorrow's going to be a real exciting day."
*** END PART ONE
So, as usual, tell me what you think. Love it, hate it, just not sure yet. Its eleven pages so I would have to say that I am very proud of myself. I might finish Tatooine Shadows before I even think about updating this but yeah, you know the drill. Tell me what you think and I'll love you forever.
I think I'm going to do this in three parts. The next one is going to be the longest part, the whole mission, and then the last one is the trip and the part where they get back.
*Hint* *hint*, I like suggestions.