Gee, thanks so much for all your reviews and for reading my first 3 chapters. I really appreciate it.

So this is the third chapter (technically 4th, but you know), I would have updated sooner but I got pressured by M3RCURI4L's review, so I had to rethink and rethink about my next chapters. I do hope I could make it different from the other stories.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the PJO series. (^_^)

Chapter 3: Artemis' Past

Artemis POV

The moment Perseus held my face I got more afraid especially after he said that he'll help me.

I was not afraid of being caught with him by the other gods, but I was afraid that he was slowly being like the other men – overconfident, showoff, would take advantage of a girl or a girl's kindness and worse – he might do it on me.

I held his hands on my face and looked at him. I tried my best to look as confident as I really am.

"Never mind, Perseus. I'll just see you tomorrow." I replied trying my best smile on at that moment.

I tried to run off after that to attend to my duties, and to be able to keep my mind off of things, but he suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me into a tight hug, he then placed his chin on top of my head. And that action triggered an old memory: my friend Orion.

When Perseus was hugging me, I remembered Orion – the times we spent together hunting in the forest and the good friendship that we had. It was such a pity that he died.

Without realizing it, I was hugging Perseus as tightly back, maybe because I miss Orion and regret his death. I only realized that I was hugging him when we heard someone coming our way.

I immediately broke the hug and turned around just in time to see who it was.

"Artemis, there you are!" he was coming near me then he stopped when he saw Perseus behind me. "And I see our new god is here as well."

"What is it that you need, Hermes?" I asked quickly to avoid any questionings.

"Apollo has been looking for you. Apparently you have forgotten your duties for the first time in ages." Hermes replied.

It was only then that I realized that I did forget my duties. I blushed at this embarrassment but quickly regained my composure.

"Thank you for reminding me, Hermes. I must be off then." I said nodding to Perseus and Hermes before running off to find my idiotic brother. And as I was running, I couldn't help but be angry at myself for allowing that hug to happen. And yet, I couldn't help but wonder as to why he even hugged me in the first place.

Hermes POV

I watched as Artemis run off to the direction I came from. When I looked back at Percy, I saw him looking at the slowly disappearing figure of Artemis with his eyes full of … what? Concern? But why?

"Is something wrong, Percy?" I asked him.

He snapped out of looking at Artemis figure. He shook his head and looked at me, "H-huh? W-What do you m-mean? Nothing's wrong" he stuttered.

"Then why were you looking at Artemis with concern? Did something happen when the two of you were alone?" I asked him curiously.

"Nothing!" he answered too quickly. "I mean there was but nothing personal or anything. We just had a few rounds of sword training and chatted for a while, that's all."

"Okay?" I responded. He seemed nervous somehow. "Is there anything you want to ask me, Percy?" I inquired.

He looked at me and after a minute said, "Why do Artemis despise men?"

I laughed at this. "Honestly, Percy, didn't Chiron teach you this before or were you just not listening to him."

He just shrugged and asked me to go on. I sighed before starting, "I don't really know the exact reason but maybe because a lot of women are get hurt because of men. She just hates them I guess, mortal or immortal."

"Then what about Orion? He became Artemis' friend, right?" he asked.

"He was, because he was able to match up to Artemis' hunting skills – the first and maybe the only one. They became friends immediately. It would've lasted long but … you know what happened."

I was about to say something but he again asked another question, "How did Orion really die?"

This question absolutely came as a shock to me. "I don't know if I should answer that. As you know, there have been many accounts on mythology about that. Some says Artemis shot him as planned by Apollo, and some says a scorpion killed him sent by Apollo and some by Artemis herself. One thing is for sure though, Artemis really cared for Orion."

Awkward air filled us. He seemed to understand everything I said. So I spoke to break the ice.

"Anyway," I continued, "your father would like to see you at the throne room now, and Chiron has been notified that you'll be staying here for a while."

He nodded after I said it. "I guess I better get going then." He told me.

Before he walked away I stopped him. "Percy," I started. He turned around to face me, "Yes?"

"Word of the wise: never try to touch Artemis in any way or form, or even stare at her unless if you two are in battle or if it is a life or death situation or even her hunters."

He then looked at me questioningly, "Why?" he asked.

I shrugged and replied, "Haven't you ever heard of Acteon? The guy who looked at her and when she saw it, turned him to a stag and got killed by his own dogs. And as for the hunters, you won't be the only one punished but as well as the hunter, ever heard of the Ursa Major? She was one of her company who broke the vow and was turned to a bear. So, no reason, unless you want to be the first god to die."

He looked terrified by it. "Who are you interested in, Percy? Your half brother Orion, or Artemis herself?"

"What?" he asked shocked. But I just smiled and teleported away.

Percy POV

When Hermes left, I made my way to the throne room. I needed some time to think so I decided not to teleport.

As I was walking, I couldn't help but remember what Hermes has told me. I really pity Artemis about her past; I wish I could've done something. But who was I really concerned for? Orion or Artemis? I really didn't know so I just shrugged it off.

When I was walking, I remembered Hermes' last words. "never try to touch Artemis in any way or form" , and "unless if you two are in battle or if it is a life or death situation" . Shoot!

I just violated those two. But hey, she hugged me, too! Oh gods, I just hope that she'll take pity on me… Orion, wherever you may be, please protect me from Artemis' wrath.

Sorry for the wait! Hope that you enjoyed this chapter.

As always, I am open for Comments, Suggestions, and Questions! They are all highly appreciated. Tell me what you think. (^_^)

oh, and thank you for those who subscribed to alert, who faved, and reviewed this story, and to those who added me to their favorite authors and author update. Thanks a lot!

I would've replied to all the reviews, but I don't have much time (or either I was lazy, I'm not sure... sorry)

and for 003keyblader, I was thinking about either Aphrodite or Apollo, too. But then again, it would've been to obvious. But I do hope that Hermes would be okay. =)

Always,

kheilynn, D.N.