After posting the prologue last week, I had some pretty positive feedback and decided to continue! So here's chapter one. To the very few of you who may be reading my other story, Perseus: The Creator's Curator, don't worry, I'm still writing that one to and will be updating soon. As always, I don't own these characters, except the ones unique to this story, and claim no ownership to anything affiliated to the Percy Jackson series. Without further ado, to the story!
Artemis (5 years later)
Artemis stepped out of the small café into the late summer warmth of Boulder, Colorado. Checking to make sure her sunglasses were in place, she crossed the street. No luck again this morning. Maybe my standards are too high, she thought to herself. Only three dates in five years. How do the mortals do this? The first had been a young man in Virginia, who, though appropriately respectful, drank too much for her liking. The second was currently a jackalope somewhere in the wilderness of Minnesota.
Passing a boutique, Artemis looked into the window. Rack upon rack of colorful sundresses filled the small shop. She shook her head and kept walking. That was Aphrodite's style, not hers. Jeans, a tank top, and a light denim jacket were her usual garb.
The young man she was leaving behind at the café was one her landlord had set her up with. A kindly old widow that reminded her of Hestia. The grandson of a friend. Not willing to risk the old woman's feelings, she'd finally agreed. The boy was nice enough, but Artemis had felt no attraction to him. In 3,000 years I've only been attracted to one man, she thought. And he turned out to be a liar. This is impossible. When his eyes momentarily slipped to the waitresses back side she'd made an excuse to leave.
Artemis shook herself, focusing instead on the familiar sights around her. Of all the placed she'd stayed in the past five years, Boulder was her favorite, and of all the places in Boulder, Pearl Street was where she spent most of her time. Not only did she live here, in a spare room above the elderly woman's bakery, but it had a historical type of beauty that she found calmed her, reminding her of the days long past when she and her hunters roamed these lands.
Artemis smiled to herself as she reached her destination. Evelyn had forgotten to turn on the "Open" sign again. Through the windows, she could see the plump little old lady bustling around behind the counter, oblivious to the lack of customers. Artemis opened the door and walked in, reaching up to turn the sign on as she passed. "Good morning Mrs. Evelyn," she said loudly.
Evelyn looked up, surprised at no longer being alone Artemis suspected. "Ooh! Zoe my dear, good morning, child. And I've told you, just call me Evy, please," she said distractedly. "Now where did I put that vanilla," she murmured, looking around. Evelyn wore old jeans, dusted with flour, and a floral blouse that had probably gone out of style 30 years ago. Above her clothes was wrapped an old worn apron with multiple pockets.
Still smiling, Artemis stepped around the counter, wiggling a finger when Evelyn wasn't looking to summon the small brown bottle in question. "Here it is, Mrs. Evelyn."
"Ooh Zoe! You're a life saver!" Evelyn exclaimed, beaming up at her. "What would I do without you?" she asked. "I'll tell you, I'd be out of business in a week. This old mind isn't what it used to be, that's for sure." Reaching to for the bottle, Evelyn patted Artemis' arm. "Now take off those sunglasses, my dear. I won't have you straining your eyes by wearing them indoors on my watch." Turning, the old woman walked to the counter and began mixing a batter. Artemis noted with another smile that she didn't even use the vanilla. "You'll be glad you took care of your eyes once you reach my age. I can barely see to read a recipe anymore! It's a good thing I've been doing this so long I know them by heart, isn't it? "
Artemis laughed silently. She remembered 1937, the year Evelyn was born, like it was yesterday. "Yes ma'am," was all she said as she removed the glasses. Nine months ago, when she'd first seen Artemis' shining silver eyes, Evelyn had been mesmerized, same as all mortals looking into a goddesses' eyes. Now that she thought them the result of a rare medical condition, she barely spared them a second glance. "What would you like me to do?" Artemis asked.
Pointing to a bowl, Evelyn said, "Would you knead that dough, my dear? If I try to do it these old hands will be aching for hours."
"Of course," Artemis replied. Taking off her jacket, she hung it on the coat rack in beside the counter. Opening a canister, she grabbed a handful of flour and lightly coated the counter top. Taking the dough, she began to knead.
"So tell me, how was coffee with Michael?" Evelyn asked as she measured out a cup of butter for icing, before adding a few drops of vanilla. So she needed the vanilla after all.
Artemis grimaced before she could stop herself. If there was one bad quality Evelyn had, it was her love of gossip.
"Ooh no. That bad, honey?" Evelyn asked, pausing her mixing to look at Artemis with genuine sympathy.
"No," Artemis said quickly, resuming her kneading. "It went well. I just think I'm looking for something a little more serious than he is right now."
Evelyn nodded knowingly. "That's the problem with boys your age, my dear. They don't know what they want, and they don't know a good thing when they see it. Though Janice did tell me that grandson of hers was mature for his age. I'll have to talk to her about that!" Turning back to her mixing she said, "Ahh well. You put yourself out there Zoe, and that's what matters. I remember dating when I was your age. Had to wade through a sea of boys before I found my Richard, gods rest his soul, but it was worth it, I tell you. More than worth it." The doorbell rang at the front of the store, announcing a customer. Turning Evelyn said, "That's enough kneading, dear. Why don't you go put these cupcakes in the oven? 23 minutes mind you! And bring another sack of flour from the store room. We're running low." With that she went to greet the customer. An elderly regular named Robert who came in three times a week for bread.
Artemis smiled at the old familiar routine. Believing her self-conscious about her eyes, Evelyn always found an excuse for her to avoid customers. Picking up the tray of cupcakes, Artemis walked to the kitchen.
The day, like all her days since coming to Boulder, passed quickly for Artemis. The arrangement she and Evelyn shared was one of mutual benefit. In exchange for helping in the bakery, Evelyn had given Artemis the spare room in her apartment above the shop. She had no need of it, but she enjoyed Evelyn's company. Evelyn's mostly mindless prattle throughout the day was a desperately needed distraction, and the old woman enjoyed just having someone to talk to since the death of her husband. I need to talk to Hades and make sure he's in Elysium, Artemis thought for the thousandth time as she helped Evelyn wipe the counters after closing.
"You go and wash up, child," Evelyn said, breaking Artemis from her reverie. "I'll finish up down here then we can have some supper. I made your favorite!"
"Ok," Artemis replied with a small smile. "See you upstairs." She moved toward the coat rack to retrieve her jacket, then walked through the kitchen and up the stairs in the back. Opening the unlocked door at the top of the stairs, she stepped into Evelyn's apartment. Old, well-worn furniture filled the living room whose décor, Artemis swore, hadn't been updated in decades. An old, box of a television with tuning knobs sat across from twin, well-padded rocking chairs, a coffee table stacked with old Home & Garden magazines between them. A large plump couch sat against the far wall. Various end tables, small shelves, and bookshelves held a lifetime's supply of knick-knacks and memories. Artemis found the small apartment oddly homey.
Crossing to the hall way, Artemis moved past the bathroom to her bedroom. The small room shared its décor with the living room. An old iron framed bed dominated the space. Pictures telling the story of Evelyn and Richard's life together hung on the walls. An end table beside the bed held a book she was reading. Peeling off her dirty clothes, she opened the closet, grabbed a clean outfit, drew on her robe, and walked to the bathroom, intent on taking a long hot shower.
As the water washed over her body, Artemis let her mind wander. Five years ago today the war had ended. In one week, a third of her 15 years would be gone, and she was no closer to finding a lover than she was when she started. Three dates in five years, she thought. Even with 3,000 years to hone my dislike for men, I should be doing better than that. One decade is all that's left. One decade before father chooses a man for me, and we all pray to the Fates I can come to love him in time. She shook herself, and started bathing. No good came from that line of thinking. She'd do what she had to do. She always did.
Stepping from the shower, Artemis dried and dressed. Jeans with a fitted light grey, almost silver, t-shirt. Evelyn was already setting the table when she walked into the kitchen. She looked up when Artemis entered. "I'll never understand how you always look perfect without even trying," Evelyn murmured. Louder she asked, "Feeling clean, my dear? Good, then. Let's eat! Like I said, I made your favorite, roasted wild rabbit with potatoes and carrots. Robert's son is a hunter you see, and I've mentioned to him before how much you like rabbit, so this morning he gave us a couple when he picked up his order!"
Artemis smiled at the woman's enthusiasm. Her body had no need of mortal food, but Evelyn was an excellent cook and she really did like wild rabbit. "It smell's delicious Mrs. Evelyn. Thank you."
"Evy, my dear," Evelyn said automatically. "Sit! Eat!"
Evelyn continued to talk throughout supper about nothing in particular, with only the occasional input from Artemis. When they finished eating, Artemis rose to clear the dishes. "Since you cooked, you have to allow me to do the dishes Mrs. Evelyn," she said when the old woman rose to help her.
Smiling Evelyn sat back down. "Same routine every evening, isn't it? Very well, I surrender," she said smiling fondly. Artemis walked to the sink with the dishes. She turned the water on, and waited for it to heat up. "So, any plans tonight, my dear?" Evelyn asked innocently behind her.
Artemis smiled ruefully as she began washing the dishes. Evelyn does like her gossip, she thought. "Nothing special. I think I might go for a walk, the moon is beautiful tonight."
"I remember being your age," Evelyn said. Voice soft and distant, lost in some long past memory. "I was a night owl then too. Could function with next to no sleep for days on end." Coming back to herself after her moment lost in thought, she continued in her usual chipper tone. "Those days are long gone now though, you'll have to forgive an old lady for leaving you alone at night. I do need my sleep." Rising, she walked over to Artemis, lifting a hand she pattered her on the shoulder. "Well Zoe, I'm off to a shower and then to bed. I'll see you in the morning, my dear. Goodnight!"
Artemis paused in drying the dishes and looked at the old woman. "Goodnight Mrs. Evelyn. Sleep well." Evelyn left the room, and a few moments later Artemis heard her turn the shower on. Moving about the kitchen silently, Artemis stowed the now clean dishes, before moving toward hallway. Pausing outside the bathroom a moment to make sure Evelyn was in the shower, she continued on toward her bedroom, grabbed her jacket, and then flashed out of the apartment.
She reappeared in a mountain clearing far to the northwest of Boulder, deep in the heart of the Rocky Mountain National Park. A pair of cow elk lifted their heads from grazing on the mountain grass to look her way. She extended a hand, palm up, toward the pair, and the older of the two stepped forward nuzzling against her palm. Smiling, she reached up with her free hand to stroke its neck. A waning quarter moon shone overhead, reflecting off the small lake on the downhill side of the clearing. "Walk with me," she murmured to the pair, and started walking slowly down toward the lake. Reaching the water's edge, she bent to remover her boots and roll up her jeans. Climbing onto a small boulder, she let her feet dangle down into the water. The elk continued past her, wading into the shallows in search of tender water plants. Laying back, she gazed into the night sky, thinking about her situation. No matter what she had tried these past five years, nothing worked. She snorted a humorless laugh. The elk looked up at her. Stop lying to yourself, she thought, you haven't tried. Though if you want to have some say in who you marry, you better get off your ass and start actually looking.
A high-pitched roar shattered the silence, splintering her thoughts. In an instant, she was on her feet, bow appearing in her hand. The elk had vanished. She didn't even spare them a thought, mind focused on the hunt. There, she thought, down the mountain to the left. Half a mile. Skirting the lake with inhuman speed, she plunged into the forest. Covering the distance in less than a minute, she came upon a rocky cliff face. A battle was already in progress at its base.
A tall man was trading blows with what looked to be an upright, oversized lion sporting a long tail. The beast turned, spinning outside of the man's sword reach and into the moonlight. Artemis saw it for what it was then. Manticore, she thought, looking down at the monster. Durable, fast, agile and poisonous. Avoid the tail. Dropping to one knee, she drew and fired, thinking at the last moment to disguise her arrows. The Bronze arrow struck the beast just below the arm with enough force to stagger it. Artemis had another arrow knocked and ready to fly in an instant, but the man faster. Seizing the opportunity, he closed on the beast with blinding speed. Bronze blade spinning into a series of blows fast enough to make Ares jealous. The beast's right arm fell away at the shoulder with a spurt of black blood. Its roar of pain filled the night. Artemis released then. The second arrow took the monster in upper chest, throwing him from his feet. The man followed before the beast even struck the ground, blade raised. The manticore spun in midair, striking his pursuer with his tail before landing heavily on the rocky ground. The man crashed into the cliff face with enough force to crack stone.
"No!" Artemis screamed, striding forward, releasing arrows with every step. Rage filled her. She'd seen enough demigods die in the past decade, man or no, she would avenge this one. The third arrow struck the monster in the lower back. The sixth pinned him to the cliff face. The eleventh pierced his throat, silencing his pained moans. By the time she reached him, seventeen arrows protruded from his broken body. Drawing the eighteenth, she took aim and released. It struck him between the eyes. The monster crumbled to dust.
"Impressive," came a pained murmur from behind her. She spun with a startled gasp to see the man she thought was dead brushing crumbled stone from his torn black t-shirt. He looked to be about the same age as the body she now wore. At the last moment she thought to materialize her glasses. He looked at her then, piercing green eyes studying her face. "Thanks," he grumbled.
"What are you?" she demanded, finally finding her voice. She could sense the godly blood in him, so he had to be a demigod. Impossible, she though. He'd be dead. "That blow would have injured most gods!"
A bitter laugh escaped him. "Damned," he muttered, bending down to retrieve his sword. Her eyes fell to it, and her breath caught. A vanished champion. She knew that sword. Her best friend had owned it once.
"Anaklusmos," she breathed. She looked up, eyes widening when they landed on his face. Recognition crashed down on her.
The man's reaction was instantaneous. The distance between them vanished in a blink. Twin Bronze long knives appeared in her hands, stopping the sword blade fractions of an inch from her face. Dancing back she blocked and parried, never bothering to attack. Not that it would do any good against him anyway, she thought. I wouldn't be able to attack even if I wanted to. Gods he's good. Back and forth they fought, until finally, the tip of his blade made it past her guard. Barely scratching her high cheekbone, the blade caught the corner of her glasses. Ripping them from her face. Expecting resistance where there was none, the man over extended. Screaming with pain, he fell to his knees, sword falling from limp fingers.
"What happened," she demanded, genuinely concerned. This man had saved her life twice, had saved the lives of all the gods, he'd earned her respect.
"Broken ribs," he grunted through clenched teeth, forehead pressed against the ground.
She stood looking at him a moment, debating with herself before asking, "I thought you were invulnerable?"
A pained, bitter laugh turned into a groan. "So you did recognize me. It's only skin deep, hit me hard enough and the insides can still be broken." He took several quick breaths, before continuing. "Dammit, can't you see I don't want to be found? Leave me alone."
Still considering the demigod before her, Artemis bent down to pick up her glasses. She looked down at them for a long moment, before tossing them to the side. "I'm going to help you stand. I will not allow you of all people to die writhing in the dirt from a punctured lung. Be still." She bent down to grab his arm, ignoring his annoyed cursing, and pulled it around her shoulders before standing. The cursing cut off with a grunt of pain, as she pulled him to his feet.
"Dammit, woman. Just let me die in peace. It's better than I deserve. Who do you think you are anyway?" he growled, refusing to look at her.
Ok that's it, she thought. "Look at me Perseus," she demanded, filling her voice with godly authority. He stiffened, recognizing the tone. He knows I'm a goddess now at least, she thought. Still though, he refuses to look. That alone was impressive. It was a rare demigod who had to courage to defy a goddess's direct order. However this is Perseus Jackson. "I said look at me Perseus," she repeated, filling her voice with more power.
He held out just long enough to tell her he wasn't doing it because she told him to before muttering, "What the hell," and turning. When his sea-green eyes met her silver ones, they widened with fear. Stumbling back, he fell to one knee. Bowing his head he whispered, "Agrotera."
Ancient, long forgotten memories came flooding back to Artemis. Memories of a time long before Olympus, long before she was called Artemis. When she'd wandered the wilderness alone, before the Moon came into her possession. Memories of a simpler time when she was simply known as Agrotera, the huntress. "Where did you learn that name," she whispered hoarsely, mind clouded by emotion.
"Ann…umm. She used to like reading," he replied just as hoarsely, eyes still fixed on the ground before him. "I never did. I read now to remind me of her. I've learned a few things."
Annabeth, she thought. The daughter of Athena who died in the Hall of the Gods facing Kronos. He still grieves for his lost love. "It's better than I deserve," he said. He blames himself, she realized. "Rise Perseus," she said, trying to keep the pity from her voice. That would only make matters worse. "You have nothing to fear from me. I'm as much of self-imposed outcast as you seem to be." When he didn't move, she stepped forward and helped him to his feet again. She stooped to pick up his sword before flashing them both back up the mountain to the lake. "Get in," she ordered. "You need to heal."
This time he hesitated only a moment before obeying. Walking carefully out into the shallows. He turned to face her, then sat with a splash, leaving only his head above water. A relieved sigh escaped his lips as he settled in. Green eyes studied her for a moment, alight with curiosity. "You look older," he said after a moment.
"So do you," she responded, grinning inwardly. As blunt as Thalia told me he was, she thought.
He grunted. "I'm mortal," he said. "Well, kind of, so I'm supposed to get older. You're not."
"I'm a goddess," she explained. "I can look whatever age I want. For now, I want to look like a mortal 20 year-old."
Perseus studied her for another long moment, face blank, but eyes still burning with curiosity. He nodded. "That makes sense I guess." Pausing he looked around, "You're alone aren't you? Where are your hun-." She never heard the end of his question.
Pain. Blinding, white-hot pain engulfed her, obliterating everything, overwhelming all of her sense. Pain intense enough to force her to her knees whimpering. As soon as it came it was gone. The world slowly came back into focus. Perseus was kneeling over her speaking, but the words were gibberish. She couldn't makes sense of his intense questioning. She rolled onto her back, trying desperately to catch her breath. The pain hit her again. This time she knew what it was, and a wave of desperate fear rose up in her. Fighting through the agony she tried to force herself to her knees, struggling to maintain her composure. She failed. Sobs began to wrack her body. She heard someone screaming, and realized with a shock that it was her. A mind numbing scream of agony, sorrow, and rage. The world fell away then. Only despair remained.
So there we have it. Percy is alive. I had a few reviewers asking how Percy would be coming back from the dead, but if you read the prologue carefully, I never said he was dead. I said Poseidon grieved for him, and later Hestia spoke of a vanished champion. Poseidon is grieving because Percy is missing. Well now he's been found, and he's not in a good place. Definitely depressed, angry, and violent; he may also be slightly…shall we say, unhinged? Suffice it to say he's a much darker person than he was before. All of this and now Artemis is under an unknown attack. Let's see what happens next! As always, please leave a review to let me know what you think!