Disclaimer: All characters belong to Rick Riordan and antiquity


Chapter 1

Artemis stopped behind a tree, chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. The monster she was hunting was worthy prey; she couldn't remember the last time a hunt demanded this much of her. She heard a branch snap to her left and immediately whirled out of the way. A huge claw raked through the space where she had been a split second earlier, the tree shattering beneath the blow. Artemis grinned. Switching from her bow to her silver hunting knives, she charged the beast, its defiant roar echoing among the forested mountains.

The Hunters were scattered around the country, having been given two weeks leave by Artemis as she hunted her current prey alone. Monsters were starting to appear more and more frequently, and while the hunt was efficient as a group, Artemis knew more threats would be eliminated by splitting up for a short while.

What was more worrying than the monsters were the rumors of old enemies returning, whispers from monsters in the shadows about a new plan to eliminate the gods. Such schemes weren't uncommon, but this one felt different. The Great Prophesy hung over Olympus like a shroud, shadowing every action the gods took with apprehension. Artemis knew it was only a matter of time before one of the Big Three broke their oath.

Apparently, the monsters did too.

Some time later, Artemis stood amidst the trees, covered with scratches and golden dust, victorious in her hunt once again. The moon shone brightly overhead. She grinned, the adrenaline from the hunt fueling her good mood.

What to hunt next? she thought, cleaning her weapons with a glance. This was the biggest prey to show its face in the last month. My hunters are getting bored. As she wandered through the forest she came upon a clearing with a small lake. She stopped at the shore and watched the moon's reflection, thinking.

I suppose I could ask for permission to take them to the old lands for a while, she mused. There's certain to be something worthy of our time there. And if not, I could always –

Artemis narrowed her eyes as the lake rippled. She felt a sudden pull in her gut and a sense of – she wasn't sure what she felt. Joy, grief, contentment, anger, all jumbled together. She grabbed her head and groaned as the sensation grew stronger. Suddenly, it stopped, leaving behind a feeling of great importance and a buzzing in the back of her head pointing towards… something.

She shook her head, hoping the feeling would pass like the others, but it didn't. Frowning, Artemis focused on the buzzing. As a location came to her, her frown deepened. What does a random hospital in New York have to do with me? After a moment of deliberation, she gathered her thoughts and flashed to the location in her mind.


Artemis slunk through the halls of the hospital, using her hunting skills and a bit of the Mist to hide her presence from the mortals milling about. She was less confused about the buzzing leading her to the childbirth ward than why she was getting the feeling in the first place.

As she drew near to the room at the end of the hall, Artemis froze. Quickly hiding her godly power, she hid around a corner as a man in khaki shorts and a Hawaiian shirt exited the room she was about to enter accompanied by a woman cradling a child. An aura of power radiated from the man, and the smell of the sea wafted down the hall.

It can't be, Artemis thought, eyes widening in surprise. She peeked another look as the couple passed her. It is! Leaving her hiding place, she followed the couple outside of the hospital. As they stopped to talk, Artemis snuck closer in curiosity.

"…I'll be fine! You have things you need to take care of upstairs," the woman said. Artemis raised an eyebrow at the emphasis she gave "upstairs".

"But if you come with me I can protect you and him! Up here you're in danger," The man argued.

"I'd love to see your domain, but you know I can't. I'll find a way to make it by myself."

"But –"

"No buts." The woman smiled. "I'll be alright, I promise." They kissed briefly.

"Be safe, little one," The man said to the child, leaning down to kiss its forehead. With one last, sad smile, the woman walked away, heading downtown, the man looking longingly after her. He sighed and was about to leave when Artemis impulsively spoke out.

"You know, Father will be furious with you." The man whirled and Artemis found a trident at her throat.

"What are you doing here?" he growled, sea-green eyes blazing with fury. Only a trained eye could detect the hint of fear also present in his glare.

"Honestly, Poseidon? I'm not sure myself."

The Lord of Seas blinked in confusion and lowered his weapon. "What do you mean, you don't know?"

Artemis grimaced and explained her story as best she could. "I don't know why I felt this pull," she finished. "I've never experienced anything like it."

Poseidon stared into the distance, lost in thought. Seeming to come to a decision, he turned his focus back to her. "Well, assuming you're not going to turn me in, I have a favor to ask." Artemis raised her eyebrow, intrigued. "I can't watch over Sally or our son myself, as that would attract a lot of unwanted attention, and since you appear to have some sort of connection with them…" he trailed off, looking at her hopefully.

"You want me to babysit them?" Artemis asked. She was unsure whether she should feel more affronted or honored.

Poseidon winced. "I wouldn't phrase it quite like that, but essentially."

Artemis thought for a moment. I can't explain what this… thing is, and staying near these two might help me figure out what's going on. It also puts Poseidon in my debt… She nodded and Poseidon relaxed, relief clear on his face. "What's the boy's name?" she asked, apprehension suddenly gripping her.

"Perseus. Perseus Jackson."


A/N Yes, another Pertemis fanfic, but hopefully one that actually keeps them in character(ish). I know I'm working on the other one too, and I'll do my best to update both of them as regularly as possible. Any helpful criticism is more than appreciated!