Diamond Eyes Chapter 3 Location: Percy's Apartment
Six months of having Artemis in his life has passed quickly for Percy. College work, his demigod job, and his normal job made sure of that. The 6 months had went by even quicker with the addition that he had to help Artemis through everything. Early on things were tense and awkward, conversations were rare, a good homemade meal was uncommon with how little time he had, his usual solace's gone in favour of not creating issues with Artemis, and he was always tired. Eventually as them progressed however the awkwardness began to die, they talked more and had seemingly accepted the situation at hand. They also became chattier, no longer restricting themselves to small talk, but instead discussing experiences they had in life.
Artemis eventually found a hobby she liked and found peace doing and that was by painting the hours away. It was a common sight to see her around the apartment wearing a pair of jeans and flannel shirt speckled with paint. For her the acceptance of everything was tough. Remaining out of detection from the Olympian radar was even tougher. She had to go out to different coastal areas of the US often as to make it look as though she was working the job hunting the Cetus and bearing a child made it much more uncomfortable and painful. Despite staying under the same roof as him Artemis never knew what he was doing. As she was a goddess and didn't have to sleep Artemis knew Percy was awake until the late hours of the night and awake in the early hours of the morning.
She also knew that every morning he would go for a run, return and have a breakfasted some kind. After which he would go to university for the day which usually meant he was busy until 5. A few days after university he would work but usually had a meal prepare to eat, and at the weekend he was either studying or cooking. Friday was the only night she they were really together and Artemis looked forward to them. Chinese had become her favourite meal where they would watch a movie and talk about their lives. She spend hours talking about her hunts and journeys with Percy and she enjoyed doing so. She had ended up developing some kind of feelings for him and at the same time he had developed feelings for her.
Their Friday night had began as usual, Percy had finished up university and dropped his things off at his flat and had a quick conversation with Artemis. He eventually had to leave to go to his therapy session with Sylvia and Artemis laid on a couch reading one of the few books in the apartment.
Percy Point of ViewLocation: Sylvia's Therapy Clinic, New York.
"So Percy. I'm sure you can guess what I want to talk about tonight?" Sylvia started.
"I can indeed." Percy replied promptly.
"Well then let's get started. It's been 9 months roughly since the conception, how are you doing?" Sylvia asked.
"I am very stressed and very tired. Things are quite tough at the moment but I was expecting that, could just do with a few extra hours of sleep however." Percy joked.
"And how much sleep are you getting then?" Sylvia pressed.
"On an average night, perhaps three hours. Some nights four or five if I'm lucky." Percy answered.
"I thought you were working towards increasing your hours of sleep, not decreasing them." Sylvia sighed.
Percy looked down with a nervous shame.
"There's one thing we can begin discussing in more detail, is the mother of my child. She allowed me to speak more openly as long as I do not reveal her name."
"What's she like?" Sylvia began.
"She's fiercely independent. But at the same time she's creative, and fun to be around. If I hadn't known better I would say I'm even beginning to fall for her." Percy answered.
"And is falling for her a good or bad thing?" Sylvia questioned.
"I think it's possibly both. It's a good thing, because it means I'm moving on from my past heartbreak and that I can therefore do so again in the future. It's bad because the feelings I'm developing are intense. Much more intense than any other feelings I've had for others in the past, and these are feelings for someone who will never love me back." Percy replied glumly.
"I think I understand. You've fallen in love with someone who can never love you back and you're scared." Sylvia spoke out.
Before Sylvia could speak out a ringing rang out from Percy pocket. The demigod fumbled around before pulling it out and his complexioned paled st the realisation of who called him.
"I need to take this if that okay. It's her…" Percy started.
"Of course Percy, please do." Sylvia replied.
"Hey is everything okay A?" Percy asked knowing that something was in fact wrong.
"I'm giving birth Perseus!" The voice over the phone screeched through heavy breathing.
"We're gonna have to cut this short Sylvia looks like I'm about to be a dad." Percy replied half joking bad half scared.
"Before you leave Perseus I have been trained in midwifery. I can help assist in the birthing process, and even swear an oath not to speak of tonight, "
"Did you hear that, A?" Percy asked and the screeching came through quick once again,
"Just or her come and help for God's sake Perseus. I'm going to flash yous here right now so close your eyes."
As the voice finished a silver light blinded them and they ended up in an apartment familiar to Percy.
Artemis' Point of View
Location: Percy's House.
Artemis was in extreme agony, her abdomen felt as if it were ripping apart and right now it may as well have been. Her nerves felt an intense white hot pain as if there were a million knives and arrows tearing into her. Every second a writhing pain took over her and she arched in misery.
"Artemis we're here, where are you?" Percy shouted.
"In, the, dining room. Fuck." Artemis cried out.
"Lady Artemis, I'm Percy's therapist and I'm here to help you through this all okay?" Sylvia asked.
"Just help please." Artemis screamed as waves of pain attacked once again. She gripped Percy's hand who was looking at her with worry.
"Right, just breathe and keep a grip on Percy's hand. Any pain you feel just grip tight. We're here for you."
"You're going to do fine Artemis, just think of it as a little bump in the road -" Percy started.
"How about you take that little bump analogy and shove it up your rear Perseus because i'm in agony here." Artemis replied in fury.
- - -
Artemis had been in the process of giving birth for nearly eleven hours. Ever part of her was exhausted, and she felt nothing pain or numb all over. She was so tired she could feel herself drifting in and out of unconsciousness and had a strange desire to sleep. Faintly she could her Percy's voice speaking to her, telling her that the child was a girl gave her a feeling of fuzziness. A feeling that she couldn't quite understand or explain.
"It's a girl Artemis, we have a girl." Percy spoke out excitedly, looking at the newborn with loving eyes. Artemis knew exactly what was going through his head. How the newborn was his daughter , and already that he had promised himself he was going to do everything in his power to care for her and give her the best life possible.
"I think, I want to sleep-" Artemis spoke out wearily.
"I completely understand Milady but we should head to hospital and get a birth certificate organised. I understand how exhausted you must be but it's important for you to be there." Sylvia spoke out carefully.
"How long do you think it'll take?" Percy asked.
"Usually it would take the day but I know a few string I can pull and have it done in a few hours. I understand Artemis that you don't want anything to do with the child so when it comes to the birth certificate if you refuse to sign it you relinquish all parental rights. Is that understood?" Sylvia informed them.
"It is understood Sylvia. Thank you for your help, I don't think I could've done this without you." Artemis spoke out with a tired smile.
"Go have a shower Artemis, and then we can get ready to go." Percy said.
"Do yous have any idea for a name." Sylvia asked and Artemis answered first.
"I don't no, I thought I would leave that formality to Percy."
Percy gave a disappointed look to Artemis that had went unnoticed. "I was thinking Zoe Diana Jackson." He said whilst turning his attention to the baby girl in his hands.
"That name is beautiful Perseus. It's perfect." Artemis said before finally getting herself up and leaving the room towards the bathroom.
Percy continued to cradle his daughter in silence as Sylvia retired herself to the kitchen to brew a pot of coffee. Percy began to reminisce over the past few months. He wouldn't say it or admit it but he was going to miss Artemis, he had begun to fall for her during their time together and became accustomed to her presence. He enjoyed her sarcastic replies and their Friday nights together. His smile wavered for the slightest of seconds and as if on queue Zoe began to cry.
"Oh Zoe, Zoe, it's going to be okay little one. You're okay." Percy hushed as he stood up and began to rock her.
He moved his way into the kitchen where Sylvia watched him with a smile. He began to make a bottle of formula following the instructions strictly until he was comfortable that it was perfect. He continued to whisper some warm words to her before beginning to feed her.
"Here here little one, you're doing fine see?" Percy whispered to Zoe.
Zoe had eventually hushed down and eventually snuggled into Percy's warm chest. Percy froze, doing everything he could not to move as to not bother his daughter. Sylvia smiled at the sight before exiting the kitchen to give him some peace.
"Percy, where are you." Artemis called.
"I'm in the kitchen, but be quiet Zoe's asleep." Percy hushed.
Artemis walked into the kitchen as quiet as she would as if she were on a hunt. "Is it okay if I hold her?" Artemis asked, not knowing what came over her.
"Of course, if you just put your arms like this-" Percy demonstrated as he gingerly handed Zoe to her.
"She likes it if you rock her side to side slowly." Percy mentioned with an smile.
"She has your hair…" Artemis whispered.
"She opened her eyes earlier, they're an incredible silvery blue like yours." Percy replied just as quietly.
They both looked at their daughter with smiles gracing their faces. Percy stared adoringly whereas Artemis had a pained smile. Artemis wasn't too accepting of the situation but felt a strange obligation to try and be there for Zoe and Perseus.
"Hey guys I hate to interrupt but I think we should consider heading towards the hospital soon." Sylvia spoke out.
"And once you sign the birth certificate here I can then file the documentation to get a social security number and have her registered as a citizen." The doctor spoke out.
"I'm not going to be signing it." Artemis started, a hitch catching her throat. " I will be relinquishing my parental rights to Percy." Artemis finished with tears in her eyes, and her beginning to wonder if losing her only child was worth it over an oath.
"Now Diane I have to ask, are you completely sure about this?" The Doctor asked.
"Yes I'm sure." Artemis snapped. "Just give me whatever form it is I need to sign and I'll sign it."
"Of course, my apologies." The doctor replied quickly before handing over several forms.
Artemis read through them before signing the and Percy focused on signing the birth certificate.
"Congratulation Mr Jackson that is you now officially a father, I will have my secretary organise copies of the forms for you to keep in your own records." The doctor congratulated.
Once they were outside the office Artemis ended up breaking out in tears. She wasn't too sure what had overcame her. The entire time she was pregnant she was keeping herself distant from the idea of having a child and was more than prepared to cut all ties with Percy but now she wasn't too sure.
"I'm sorry Percy, I shouldn't be crying. I should be-"
"It's okay Artemis it's okay." Percy said as he pulled her into a hug. "It'll be tough I know but she'll grow to understand that you had no choice but to leave." Percy replied quickly.
"I just have a bad feeling Percy, that's all." Artemis excused as she pulled herself away from the hug.
- - -
Artemis' Point of View. Location: Throne Room of Olympus.
"So Artemis, how goes the hunt with the Ketos Aithiopios. Zeus asked in a booming voice,
The hunt has reached yet another dead end despite the helps from Poseidon and his kingdom so I have decided that it is best to give the job away to Perseus Jackson. I was unable to keep a solid lead on the beast and passed the information on to him, knowing him I wouldn't be surprised to find out if it was subdued by now." Artemis answered using Percy's story the created.
"I understand my daughter. Now that the matter of the Cetus has been settled are there any issues to discuss?" Zeus asked and the throne room fell into chaos.
Artemis' mind began to wonder whilst voices echoed through the halls. She began to think about the earlier half of the day when she left Percy alone with Zoe, and ended up giving him a kiss on the cheek. An act that was completely out of character for her yet she couldn't understand why. She took a quick browse around the room hoping nobody had noticed her lack of input and noticed Aphrodite fiddling around with her nails. What Artemis had not known was that Aphrodite had known everything that had conspired over the last nine months.
Poseidon getting tired of the arguments that had broken out decided to speak up. "Does anyone have anything else they wish to discuss?"
"Yes." Artemis spoke out.
"When speaking to Perseus ear,ire today he informed me that once he has handled the Cetus he will be taking s break from his hunting duties to focus in university and plans to reduce the time he spends focused on his demigod life.
"Did he mention how he was doing at the university?" Poseidon asked.
"From what I understand he recently earned a full scholarship based off of his grades and progression in class." Athena answered much to everyone's surprise.
"And pray tell Athena how you know that?" Poseidon asked dangerously.
"One of my daughters is the rector of the university. Was impressed enough to extend the information to me." Athena answered carefully.
"You should be doing your best to be staying out of my sons affairs Athena." Poseidon warned,
"How's he been Artemis? It seems as though you're the only person who has spoken to him." Aphrodite asked.
"Based off of our conversation it seems that his life is dedicated around school and work." Artemis replied carefully.
"Anyone else wanting to speak. I have a manicure in like ten minutes and this is boring now." Aphrodite spoke offhandedly.
"Everyone's dismisses, you mah leave." Zeus spoke out.
"Artemis, a quick word?" Zeus asked whilst everyone flashed away leaving the pair.
"Of course father." Artemis replied.
"Is everything okay. You seemed off during the meeting." Zeus enquired.
"Yes I am fine father. To be frank I am just annoyed that I have failed a hunt, and not only that, but that I've had to pass it off to my male competition." Artemis replied spitting the word male as if it were poison. "And Aphrodites attempt of suggestion was ridiculous."
"I see. I am sure the future cases will go better than this one. But until then it would be best for you to check up on your hunters, I believe they've been at camp more times in this last six month than what they had in these last six years." Zeus spoke out in his powerful voice.
"Of course father. I shall do that right away." Artemis replied before flashing away in a silvery light, looking forward to go hunting once again.
*Three Years Later* Percy Point of View. Location: ?
"Story time, story time" The little three year old spoke out. It was nearing her bedtime and it was tradition to read a story before bed every night,
"And what story do you want Zo?" Percy asked with a small smile.
The great demigod seemed aged. His hair was unkempt and long, his eyes seemed wearied and tired but still held the same happy glint as always. He was rough shaven and had several day old stubble coring his face. But nonetheless despite his circumstances he was incredibly happy.
"I want a new story?" Zoe asked with a giddy smile.
"A new story?" Percy asked and Zoe nodded excitedly.
"Let me tell you he story of the great huntress. You see, a long long time ago there was a goddess who hunted animals and monsters. She travelled far and wide going from tropical islands, to harsh desert lands, and frozen mountain passes."
"If there was a hunt then you find her nearby. One day her father, the king of the land asked her to go on a hunt to find a gorgeous deer with antlers the colour of moonlight and she began to track the magnificent beast down."
"For seven days and eight nights she tracked it down eventually finding it next to a gorgeous stream in the cold land of Northern Europe. But upon witnessing the creature she could bring herself to kill the animal, and instead blessing it to be immortal, a creature this upon witnessing it were to grand you immense luck in future conquest." Percy was ready to continue when he noticed Zoe's breathing had become steady as she had fallen asleep.
"I love you my little diamond eyes. Sleep tight my little one." Percy whispered before kissing his daughter on the forehead. He turned the bedside lamp off and closed the door behind him as he left, letting out a yawn of tiredness as he done so.
"Just one last thing to do before an early night I suppose." Percy said to himself. He moved his way to his study and grabbed a black house phone off of the desk. He clicked one of the buttons and a voicemail notification went off.
"You have no new messages." The metallic voice rang out.
Percy was angry and upset with Artemis. From Zoe's birth until her first birthdays she constantly sent him mixed signals about being more involved and then eventually cut all contact of with him. He looked around the room and found himself fixated on a painting down by Artemis. A forest scene in autumn with great walls of fog snaking around the trunks. He found himself being lost in the details of the painting when his phone vibrated.
He quickly picked the phone up and checked what the notification was. It wasn't Artemis unfortunately but instead a text from his friend who worked at the same bar as him when they were at university. He studied geology whilst Percy had studied writing.
"Hey Percy, you mentioned a few weeks back that you were struggling to make ends meet and were even looking at moving away and getting a new job. I have an opportunity out in Oregon where a company is looking to hire a couple prospectors. I can teach you the ropes and get you in the industry if you're interested man."
Percy looked at the text in silence. He was unsure of the future but knew he was unable to continue caring and providing for Zoe here and that moving was the only option. As moments passed Percy made his mind up.
"Hey dude, yeah I'll definitely take it. I'll call you in the morning and we can work out the plans. Thank you."