Chapter 4. I have dinner with the Goddess of Maidens
Firstly, to anonymous reviewer mike: 'Really nice story but I think you like sad ending story. Don't kill Percy may be you can relived him in the end.' Well after mind-editing you review, I can tell you that with 100% certainty that this story will not be a character death (unless I really develop a hate for a character). I don't believe I tagged this story angst either, so just hold on until I get back to the 3 month point in the story (should be around chapter 10) and you will see what truly happened. It was a teaser of sorts to get people reading.
ToOrlok Tsubodai Bahadur and Fallen 121:Here is that next chapter , hope it feeds your addiction.
To ADHD-Kid2811: I would feel guilty not doing a shout out, I consider it a must to acknowledge anyone involved in the making of this story. Oh and look at this, it's another update o_O.
Disclaimer:Don't own PJO, never will.
Previous Chapter Summary
"Because we can remain best friend's Wisegirl, I've been through too much with you to just throw away our friendship. I'll also talk to dad about the curse, because honestly Annabeth, you look terrible." Percy joked.
"How many arrows do you think you can deflect when not prepared for them" Phoebe questioned innocently.
"Well that would depend on…" Percy began but was interrupted by Phoebe's scream.
"FIRE!"
Percy had proceeded to make friends with most of the Hunters in the past week but some were still hesitant around him, not completely trusting him. Now they shared stories of their previous adventures as they sat around the fire roasting marshmallows, sitting on logs, each talking about some epic Hunt.
"Dinner, you and me in one week." Perseus stated.
"Very well, pick me up at 6pm in a week's time. No earlier and definitely no later." She ordered.
Back to the story
Percy awoke to someone entering his tent, which wasn't too large. It was a deep sea green color that contained a single bed with a bed sheet much the same as his time staying with Poseidon, and a desk carved from greenstone with golden engravings of his various adventures. Perseus turned his attention to the person entering the tent.
"Ahh, I see you're awake." Hermes greeted.
"I am now," The young sea god said, yawning. "What is it Hermes?"
"Zeus has called a meeting, and we all have to attend." Hermes explained.
"What could be so important that we all must attend, and when is it that we must be there?" Percy questioned.
"Believe it or not, it is the six thousandth wedding anniversary of Lord Zeus and Lady Hera." The God of Thieves continued.
"Oh, great. What must we bring?" Perseus asked sarcastically.
"A gift should suffice; Dionysus will be supplying the drinks. He is actually looking forward to the celebration as Zeus is in a good mood and has allowed him to drink for the occasion. Just be there in five days." The messenger finished.
"Well, guess I haven't got a choice. I'll be there," the young god said, resigning himself to the situation.
"Good, I will see you there." Hermes said, as he bid adieu to Percy.
"Sure thing" Percy agreed as the messenger god let himself out.
Now what the Hades was he supposed to get the king of the Gods, while still planning dinner with Artemis. The fates sure seem to have it in for me recently, he sighed but an idea began to form in his head. Perhaps his gift could work in the benefit of all gods. With that he was off to see his brother Tyson down in Poseidon's undersea forges.
Percy made his was out of the tent to go wash up in a nearby lake before he began his day but while deep in thought, he forgot something incredibly important that would lead to a very uncomfortable situation. The god arrived at the lake, quickly diving in. After submerging fully in the water, he stripped off his dirty clothing and proceeded to wash himself.
After Perseus had finished, he swam circles around the lake getting his muscles warmed up for the day ahead. Feeling fresh and clean, Percy made his way out of the water to stop when he realized something. He had forgotten to grab a change of clothes and could not remember for the life of him where he placed his boxers. Fantastic! How am I going to get back to my tent without anyone seeing me?
Then realization hit him: he was a god, he could teleport into his tent knowing that no one in the Hunt ever went in anyway. Percy focused on the image of his tent and when he opened his eyes there he stood, a quick glance in front of him told him no one was in the tent. The god turned around, his eyes going wide in shock.
A few minutes earlier
Artemis had decided to visit Perseus shortly after Hermes had left to ask him what he planned on getting the couple for their anniversary. Upon her arrival at his tent, she noticed that he wasn't there and was about to leave when her curiosity got the better of her and she decided to look around the tent to see how this man lived.
The goddess proceeded to move a stack of Percy's clothing only for the underwear on top to drop to the floor. She bent over to pick it up and as she began to rise with said underwear now in her hand, she got the surprise of her life. Perseus Jackson was standing with his back to her, completely nude and she couldn't help but stare, her cheeks reddening with the blood rush.
Then the god turned around while she was looking down and let's just say, she thought he was well endowed. Artemis looked up and her eyes met with Perseus'.
"Uh, I uh… Herm… Gif…" Artemis gave up in frustration, blushing profusely as she quickly made her way out of the tent.
Percy couldn't believe what had just happened, the Goddess of Virginity had just seen him naked and she was at a loss for words. He didn't know whether to take that as a complement or to start planning his suicide. But knowing it was probably better to forget about the incident for now, he got dressed and went outside to find Artemis.
It was a little difficult to track down the goddess of the Hunt.
She really must not want to be found, Perseus thought. After what seemed like an hour's searching, he found her, hiding at the top of a tree.
"Uhh…Hey Artemis, would you mind coming down here please?" Percy asked.
Silence was the reply and so the god began climbing the tree. It took several attempts before he managed to get a footing and began climbing, but just as he was about to reach the top, the branch he was standing on snapped sending him plummeting to the ground. He landed with a crack and his vision became slightly hazy.
Artemis saw Perseus fall and quickly made her way down to the ground to try and heal him. She quickly brought out some ambrosia and fed it to the young god, and watched as he healed before her very eyes.
"Well I won't be climbing trees again anytime soon," Percy stated, a bit dizzy.
"I don't think the wood nymphs will let you once this news gets out" Artemis laughed as she looked over at a small green girl glaring at Percy for breaking one of her branches.
"My bad," Percy chuckled.
Percy took this chance to grab Artemis' wrists to make sure she wasn't going to escape. He leaned in close to her leaving only millimetres between their faces, and looked into her eyes. This whole action left Artemis flustered. She didn't know how to act. Was Percy merely teasing her or was it something deeper than that? The goddess inwardly damned the creator of hormones. They were far too confusing.
"Now Artemis, is there anything you want to talk about? Maybe something you were about to say earlier?" Perseus questioned, never breaking eye contact.
"I…I don't know what you are talking about," Artemis said, blushing profusely.
"Come now Artemis, must I really spell it out? Don't make this more uncomfortable then it already is" Percy bargained.
"Fine" Artemis sighed, pausing to think of how to reply.
"Well?" The god asked.
"Look, I was curious, okay? Hermes told me that we needed to go to Olympus in five days for the celebration, and I was wondering what you planned to get as a gift. I was hoping we could combine a present perhaps. Then when I entered your tent and found it empty… well I wanted to see how a bo- a man lived." Artemis explained, getting out everything she had to say like her house was on fire.
"Oh" was Perseus' simple reply as he released her and they both sat up quietly for a minute.
Now it was Artemis' turn to question the god.
"So what do you plan on getting Zeus?" Artemis almost begged being at a complete loss of what to get her father this year.
"Well I was thinking of getting him another Master-Bolt but when I give it to him, I'm thinking of proposing a new Olympian law," Percy answered.
"A new law? What could we possibly need a new law for, there are far too many as it is." Artemis replied.
"You, like all the rest, will see when it is time." The god teased.
"Very well, but how do you plan on getting another Master-Bolt?" Artemis asked.
"Well I'm sure you know the General of the Cyclops army, my brother Tyson." Percy explained, earning a nod to continue from the goddess.
"He should be able to make the item rather easily if the entire Cyclops crew pitches in." Perseus finished, getting up.
Artemis had to agree with him. Another Master-Bolt could be built, but in five days? That would be cutting it close.
"Well you better get going then, and don't forget to include my name on the card" Artemis said, bidding farewell to the god.
"Haha! I'll be back soon and then all my attention will be focused on our dinner planning… Arty," Percy taunted, once again using the nickname from her brother.
Artemis could only blush at his words and pondered over the conversation they just had. Perseus had taken it surprisingly well considering she confessed to snooping around his tent, but she guessed he really was different to every other man. Noticing the heat still occupying her face she became annoyed, she blushed far too much these days and that couldn't be good for her reputation.
*line break*
Percy had just left the woods before he teleported into the forges he had seen his brother at many times. But what now stood before him was a huge muscled mass admiring a piece of work that must have just been finished.
"Hey there buddy, could you tell me where Tyson is?" Perseus questioned the Cyclops before him.
"Tyson? I Tyson. Who there?" Tyson asked.
"It's me, Percy!" The god replied as he looked up into the cow eye of his brother.
Tyson picked Perseus up in a bone crushing hug. Were Percy not a god, he would be in a great deal of pain right now.
"I made something for you!" Tyson squealed excitedly and held up the sword he had previously been admiring.
Percy watched as the sword turned into a pen.
"That looks like Riptide, except that it has a click top." Percy noticed.
"Yes, it is an exact copy of Riptide. Dad said you were a god now and I thought you might need another sword," Tyson spoke with a cheesy smile.
Percy grabbed the pen and clicked it watching it grow to its full size. He then proceeded to pop the lid off Riptide. The god spun both blades in his hand testing the weight, and he had to admit, they were perfect.
"It's a shame the Riptide isn't a click top as well, that would really help if I needed to draw them both quickly." Perseus observed.
"I can do that for you brother. Just leave it here and I will give it back to you when we go to uncle Zeus and aunty Hera's anniversary" Tyson offered.
"Thanks bro, but that brings me back to why I am here. I want you to get all the other Cyclopes and build another Master-Bolt, okay? But make sure to keep it a secret. I don't want anyone else knowing until the big day," Percy requested.
"Hmmm five days to make a big boomer… should be plenty of time!" Tyson stated cheerfully.
"Thanks buddy. You have no idea how much this means to me. Now I must really be going. I have a date to plan," the god mentioned, excitement evident in his voice.
"With Anniebeth?" Tyson questioned.
Percy froze. Through all that had been happening recently, he had forgotten to inform Tyson of the news. He initially had hoped Poseidon would tell the Cyclops but it was to no avail.
"No buddy, Annabeth and I broke up. She wanted to pursue her career as an architect and ended our relationship," Perseus spoke, surprisingly not feeling much pain at the memory anymore. He guessed the Hunt had really been helping him get over it.
"Then who are you going with big brother?" The Cyclops questioned.
"Artemis," Percy replied dreamily.
"The goddess? Way to go brother! You are moving up in the world," Tyson hugged him again.
"Thanks buddy, but I must really be going now. So thanks for everything, and I will see you later." Percy said in farewell.
"Bye brother!" Tyson exclaimed as he began gathering his fellow Cyclops to build Percy's order.
My brother, dating a Goddess! Tyson thought gleefully.
Percy appeared on Olympus for a visit to one particular goddess he was not looking forward to seeing but unfortunately, he needed her help. He made his way to Aphrodite's palace; it wasn't easy to miss either. Pink marble walls, pink carpet, and pink columns, there was far too much pink and it was making the sea god nauseous. Perseus knocked on the door and waited for the Goddess to answer. The door slowly opened and there stood Mrs. Love Herself.
"Well well Percy, this is an unexpected visit. To whom do I owe the pleasure?" Aphrodite greeted, with emphasis on pleasure.
"As much as it pains me to ask, I need help preparing a date," Perseus replied, clearly uncomfortable having to ask this Goddess for help.
"Oh and who would be the lucky lady?" Aphrodite questioned, teasing Percy at every change she got.
"Artemis," The god spoke, happiness seeping into his voice.
The Goddess of Love gasped. How had she missed this? It was the biggest relationship in the last 3000 years. This made the battle of Troy seem like a minor scuffle. It was a relationship forbidden to happen.
"Oh I'll help you alright!" Aphrodite squealed as she dragged Percy into her palace.
Five days later
Artemis was worried at what it could be that Percy has been planning as she had barely seen him around the Hunt. Each night he would return late and leave early before she got a chance to question him. The goddess began to think that maybe he had found another relationship and the thought made her recoil.
It can't be that! Perseus would tell me for sure, Artemis prayed, hoping she was wrong.
The Huntress found that she had been idlingtowards Percy's tent and decided to allow her body to take her there, knowing that Perseus would be here getting ready for the anniversary.
"Hey Perseus, can I come in?" Artemis prompted.
"Yeah, sure" came Percy's muffled reply.
The goddess came into the room and quickly averted her eyes as she saw the sea god's chest. But she noticed that he was having trouble getting his shirt on and couldn't see Artemis and so the Huntress took her chance to rake her eyes over his abs. She began drooling slightly as her mouth hung agape, but quickly stiffened as Percy's head rose to make eye contact with her.
Seeing her startled expression caused Perseus to give her a smug grin as she quickly composed herself. The goddess glared at Percy, she was not happy that he took pleasure in her discomfort. As Artemis seemed lost in her thoughts for the moment, the god took the chance to see what it was she was wearing to the anniversary. To say he was speechless was an understatement.
The Huntress stood before him in an emerald green dress that billowed out; the dress seemed to have endless folds as it flowed down her body. Her auburn hair was curled and fell to shoulder height framing her face perfectly. She wore little to no makeup deciding to go for a more natural route, and small emerald earrings added to the perfection before him. She looked every part the goddess she was.
Artemis began to call for Percy's attention but he was long gone, day dreaming of nights spent cuddling with the beauty before him. Just to be there for her would allow him to be completely satisfied with his immortal life. He had found the something Poseidon mentioned, the something that made life worth living.
"Perseus!" Artemis yelled, immediately snapping the god out of his stupor.
"Wha-oh sorry… I…" Percy began.
"Don't worry about it, let's just get going. We wouldn't want to be late, father would be most displeased," Artemis spoke smugly, pleased that her appearance left Percy in such a state.
They teleported together and arrived just outside the throne room, all the other guests waiting to enter. Percy spotted Tyson who, to his surprise, was wearing a tux. Now that was nothing less than a miracle.
"Hey there, bro!" The God greeted.
"Peeeerrrrrccyyy!" came the reply of the Cyclops as he hugged Percy, surprisingly not ripping his tux in the process.
"Hey man, how are those things I asked you to make coming along?" Percy questioned, hoping they were done.
"Oh, they are right here," Tyson replied, happy to help as he handed Percy the upgraded riptide and a packaged Master-Bolt.
"Thanks Tyson, you don't know how much this means…" Percy began but was interrupted by the door to the throne room opening.
*line break*
"Enter," Zeus' voice thundered, (Would I really put this if I wasn't intending a pun?) silencing the entire crowd as everyone began to enter.
Perseus was amazed at the change in the throne room. The major gods sat in the respective thrones while everyone else milled about. Dionysus was already chugging back the wine, making the most of his chance at drinking again, while most of the party goers found seats at tables scattered around the room. The entirety of Camp Half-Blood was here as well as the Hunt. Several minor gods and goddess were milling around making sure everything was going perfectly.
Artemis looked at Percy and smiled, then made her way over to her throne. Perseus began looking for a place to sit when his father appeared beside him.
"Now now son, you will sit with the Olympians. Zeus, while in his happy mood decided to allow you to join the Council," Poseidon explained.
Percy looked around and sure enough there was a throne made of greenstone (for those of you who don't know what it is, google it. Its texture is really cool) that was covered in golden engravings depicting his adventures.
"Thanks Dad," the young sea god said as he quickly made his was over to where his throne was, which to his surprise, was placed between Artemis and Apollo.
Perseus wondered why Artemis wasn't at her throne but figured she had stopped to talk to a friend. Little did he know, there was a blonde watching him enter and her jealously flared when she saw the look that Artemis and Percy shared before they separated. Annabeth had chosen to have a little 'talk' with Artemis.
"Why hello there, Artemis." Annabeth greeted, venom seeping into her voice.
"Annabeth," Artemis acknowledged sourly.
"Don't think I didn't notice the look you gave Percy before splitting ways." Annabeth interrogated.
"I honestly have no idea what you are talking about" came the truthful reply of the goddess.
"Look, deny it all you want. But know that I know what I saw, and if you hurt Percy like I did, I will hunt you down and make you fade just like Percy did to Oceanus," Annabeth threatened.
Artemis was shocked by the threat. That was the last thing she expected the daughter of Athena to say. All the goddess could do was nod numbly and drop the conversation making her way over to her throne.
Did I really give Perseus a look? Am I that easy to read now? Those were the thoughts that were running rampant in Artemis' brain that she didn't even register who sat beside her when she took her seat.
"Hey, what's the matter Artemis? Up there with the stars huh?" Percy joked.
Artemis was shocked to hear his voice, she quickly turned and noticed him sitting in his throne that looked absolutely magnificent having grown to his fifteen feet tall form to sit on said throne.
"What are you doing up here? When did you get a throne?" Artemis questioned hastily.
"Zeus was in a good mood so my dad saw fit to take advantage and ask that I have a seat in the Council." Perseus replied, completely ecstatic for his new ranking ending the current conversation.
The two looked around at the people gathered below them. Percy couldn't get over how small everyone looked now that he stood in his god height. The young sea god saw many of his old friends looking up at him; there was Grover, Travis, Connor, Nico, Clarisse, Jason, Leo, Piper, Reyna and Annabeth. He was happy that the gods had allowed both camps to try and live together peacefully. He put it down to the fact that many relationships were now 'bridging the gap', be it Piper and Jason or Reyna and Leo.
Zeus cleared his throat and everybody fell silent.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, goddesses and gods, good evening and welcome to our six thousandth year anniversary" Zeus said while smiling at Hera, earning an even brighter one back from her.
"As many of you know, the relationship has been anything but smooth but it seems that we have finally worked it out. And we have each and every one of you to thank for that. If it were not for you valiant efforts against the Giants, I may have lost my beloved wife to Gaia." Zeus spoke sadly. (Hopefully I'm not making him too OOC but he has got to be nice sometimes…. Right?)
"But that is now all in the past and now there is only peace ahead. So with that said, who would like to give us the first present." The king of the Gods asked.
"Oooh OOO OO OO OOO MEEE!" Aphrodite squealed as she took out two amazing crowns practically covered with jewels.
"These are to replace the old crowns, they are positively magnificent!" Aphrodite proceeded to bow to the King and Queen and then ran up and handed each their new Crown.
"Thanks…I think," they said together, mumbling the last part.
Several minutes later
It's finally my turn, Percy thought as he and Artemis stood together. The young sea god smirked to himself, the Moon goddess must've been really bad at presents if she wished to work with him on this.
"Lord Zeus, Lady Hera," Percy began.
"We would like to present you with this gift and a proposition" Artemis continued as Perseus moved towards Zeus and hands him the wrapped Master-Bolt.
Zeus unwraps the present and is shocked at what he is holding, it was a perfect replica of his Master-Bolt.
"What is the meaning of this!" Zeus demanded, shocked that this weapon was created without his consent.
"Now Lord Zeus please hear out the proposition" Artemis begged.
"Very well…" Zeus sighed. Artemis looks at Percy and gives him 'the nod'.
"Well Lord Zeus, shortly after Hermes informed me of the anniversary I had an idea. And that idea was a new law that could be voted on right now." Perseus explained.
"Go on," Zeus said, intrigued.
"Well how about if a god and a goddess get married, they must share domains. That means they share powers, for example, Lord Hades and Lady Persephone would have access to each other's powers. She could command the dead, and he could make plants grow rather than just die and what better way to trust the one you love. Plus the underworld will look a lot better." Percy finished.
Zeus began to ponder over the idea and looked at Hera who nodded viciously.
"Very well, we shall leave it to a vote. I, for one, am in for this law." Zeus stated.
Every other Olympian agreed and it was decided, domains would be shared as part of the marriage contract. Zeus looked at the new Master-Bolt, then to Percy and Artemis, then to Hera and she smiled happily.
"Here my love, I believe this was for you," Zeus whispered as he handed the new Master-Bolt to Hera.
"Thank you so much Artemis and Percy, this idea will help build understanding in relationships and Zeus, thanks for the bolt. I love you," Hera spoke, completely happy.
"You're welcome Lady Hera, Lord Zeus. God and goddess of the sky," Percy and Artemis said together.
"Okay, let the feast commence." Zeus ordered as he raised his arms, food appearing on the tables.
After the feast, the party followed and eventually died down until everyone had left in an intoxicated mess. Percy and Artemis had left rather early not wanting to drink and so they both went to their separate beds for some sleep.
The next morning
Percy was finally able to relax the day before he was taking Artemis out to dinner, he had managed to get everything planned down to the smallest detail with Aphrodite only too willing to help. Now all he had to do was wait until tomorrow night, and hope everything went off without a hitch. The Hunt did not know about the dinner, Percy made sure of that. To him it was a matter of personal safety, he did not want them as an enemy again.
The sea God slept in and once he got up, he caught the prying eyes of Artemis watching him several times, hoping for any indication or what he might be planning. But he made sure that there wasn't even a crumb to chew on. Everything would be a surprise, whether she liked surprises or not.
The day passed quickly with nothing major happening, and Percy once again returned to bed. But little did he know, there was something major happening right now up on Olympus. A meeting of the big three.
"Are you sure?" Zeus asked.
"Positive brother, the underworld has been shaking with the awakenings," Hades replied.
"May the Fates be with us." Poseidon grumbled.
The next day, 5pm
One hour, that's how long he had before the Moon goddess expected to be picked up. Percy materialised outside Aphrodite's palace for what seemed like the hundredth time this week and entered. After the first few visits she told him to just come in rather than waiting for her to answer the door. He found the Love goddess on her couch, watching one of those stupid reality TV shows. Shaking his head disapprovingly he sat down beside her and asked the question she had been waiting for.
"So what am I going to be wearing?" The young sea god questioned hesitantly, praying for something that wasn't pink.
"Oh, I have just the thing." Aphrodite smirked at what she had picked out. He would look completely 'dashing'.
"Yay, can we get to it? I have 50 minutes before I need to be back." Percy replied with partially fake excitement.
Aphrodite proceeded to drag him away to her changing room and told him the suit was in the stall. She then sat on a nearby stool squirming with excitement, waiting for him to emerge. The curtain drew back and there stood the young sea god. She was momentarily stunned, she knew he looked good, but this good!
Curse you Artemis for catching this man's gaze. Aphrodite silently fumed as she stared at Perseus.
He wore a suit made of the darkest black with the front open revealing a deep sea green undershirt that contrasted with said suit perfectly. He wore heavily polished black shoes that shone with such brightness even Apollo would be jealous. And to top it off, he wore black and green shades (glasses) that had the two colours swirling around it magnificently.
"Yep, I think you are ready." The Love Goddess said sadly.
"Thanks Aphrodite, I owe you one. If I ever get married, I'll give the job of wedding planning to you." Percy mentioned while smiling at himself in the mirror.
"REALLY! THAAANNKKKS" Aphrodite squealed, the mention of wedding brightening her mood considerably. "Now go get her!"
Perseus nodded before vanishing, having teleported back to the Hunt, more specifically, right outside Artemis' tent.
"Knock Knock!" Percy asked.
"Who's there?" Artemis questioned.
"C'mon, are we really going to play this game?" Percy sighed.
"Depends, do you want to?" Artemis giggled and then paused. She NEVER giggles.
Percy looked her over and was once again breath taken. She wore a deep royal blue dress that reached her ankles which then led to blue high heels that sparkled, matching the colour of the dress. Her auburn hair was straightened this time and flowed smoothly stopping about mid-back with sapphire earrings, on either side bringing out her silver eyes.
Luckily for Percy, Artemis didn't notice him staring as she was lost in her own thoughts as she too looked him over.
He tidies up nice… for a man she thought. His usually untameable hair was neatly spiked and spread around, giving it that pretty-boy look. (And I have already described what he was wearing. If you forgot, I suggest you go back and re-read that scene.) Percy was the first to break out of his trance.
"Shall we?" The god questioned as he held out his arm waiting for it.
"We shall." Artemis replied taking his arm and teleported to wherever it was he was taking them.
Opening her eyes, Artemis saw what looked to be a normal restaurant. Albeit an extremely expensive one, she wondered why he had picked here. Percy led them inside and stopped in front of the receptionist.
"Last name?" The receptionist asked.
"Jackson" Perseus replied.
"Uh yes, the V.I.P room is just this way." He spoke as he began to lead them upstairs.
Artemis was shocked. He just had to go and get the V.I.P table didn't he? She thought. The receptionist stopped by a table overlooking the ocean, the view was amazing and the sun was setting.
"Here is you table Sir, Madame." The receptionist spoke.
"Thanks," Percy said as he handed the man a generous tip.
They sat down at the table with Perseus being the perfect gentleman. He even pulled her chair out for her.
"Thanks," She mumbled.
"Not a problem," Percy replied smugly.
The waiter arrived asking what they would be having this evening. In the end Artemis chose a garden salad claiming she didn't eat meat when Percy looked at her. The young sea god chose the super saucy ribs (Anyone ever been to a restaurant with those?... Ribs are amazing) choosing a dozen. The waiter left shortly after leaving the couple alone.
"So, no meat huh? What brought that up?" Perseus questioned.
"Well to be honest, I never tried meat. Being Goddess of the Hunt, it was always expected of me to hunt monsters and kill them with the assistance of animals. To me, it would be a betrayal of a relationship I have worked so hard to build." Artemis explained.
"Well, I guess that makes sense." The God agreed.
An uncomfortable silence fell between the couple and they redirected their attention to the ocean, watching the last of the sun slip away.
"Well looks like brother has finally gone to bed." Artemis thought out loud.
Perseus smirked. The relationship between Artemis and her brother Apollo was strange at best but he guessed all families were like that. Though being an only sibling made him miss a lot. Percy decided to strike up a conversation.
"So, what did you think of the new law I proposed to Zeus?" The young god began.
"It was sweet, perfect for the occasion, too. I just wonder how long it will take father to realise that he is now God of marriage. He will no longer be able to sleep with mortal women." Artemis laughed.
"Well, that does explain why Hera seemed extra happy at the mention of the law," Percy mentioned.
"Sure does," Artemis said smiling at Perseus only to be interrupted by their meals arriving.
They ate their meals, talking about life with the Hunt and various adventures they had been on.
"That was satisfying" Percy said, leaning back in his chair getting comfortable.
"It most certainly was, now what have you planned next Mr. Jackson?" Artemis prompted him.
"Come with me and find out." He said as they arose from the table and paid for their meal before proceeding to walk down towards the pier.
They came to a stop by a paddle boat and without a word Percy jumped in. He looked up at Artemis and held out his hand, which she took and eased her way onto the small boat. She was uncomfortable going into Poseidon's domain but if it was with Perseus she could make an exception. To the goddess' surprise, Percy started rowing the boat rather than using his powers to make it move.
He really is going all out, she thought but that wasn't even the half of it.
Percy rowed until they were a decent ways away from the pier and closer to the beach. Percy positioned the boat so that they were looking out to the ocean with the moon high in the sky. Artemis gasped at the view, it was beautiful, the moon reflected off the water creating what looking like a silver ocean.
"Can you feel it? The tides, I mean. You, the moon pushes and pulls the tides. And I, the tides rock trying to get closer to you." Percy spoke softly.
I can't believe he planned all this… This truly is amazing. Artemis thought
"The moon and the sea,
They were always meant to be." The God of Tides spoke trying to mimic the voice of the oracle.
Without knowing they moved closer to each other as if there really was a pull struggling to get them together. Then something Artemis wasn't expecting happened, fireworks lit the starry sky and she rested her head on Percy's shoulder. Perseus looked down at her and she looked back at him slowly inching closer until their lips met.
In that second, everything Percy knew in his world was gone, the only thing that mattered to him was the goddess right beside him. He would live, breath, fight and should she require it, die for her. He knew now that he loved her and he knew nothing could change that, he had to have her and if he couldn't, it would kill him.
A gasp broke the couple apart, they stared into each other's eyes for a moment before they looked in the direction of the gasp and then the god's life turned upside down. He looked back to where Artemis was but noticed she had vanished, lifting his head to look up he saw a sea of silver arrows flowing towards him.
Percy quickly pulls out both his swords, Riptide and the one he know knew what to name, MoonChaser. He spun both blades deflecting all the arrows and paused once the firing ceased, looking Phoebe in the eye.
"And that is how many arrows I can deflect when I am not prepared!" He yelled before diving into the ocean and swam for the nearest forest where he knew she would be.
He had to get away from those girls… again. Why can't anything ever just work perfectly? He sighed. Percy quickly ran through the forest knowing that the Hunt won't be far behind. He began to stress, he needed to find her quickly. As the silence echoed around Perseus, he heard the sound of a stream flowing and it relaxed him, he followed the sound and found Artemis sitting on a rock watching the river flow, unaware that he was behind her.
"Artemis what have you done? You went and kissed a male. You, the Goddess of Maidens and Virginity, are not supposed to feel this way!" She scolded herself.
"Artemis, just because they are what you represent doesn't mean that you need to follow it so strictly," Percy began.
"Look, Percy. I need some time to think, okay? A lot has just happened and I need to think a lot about my life." Artemis requested after recovering from her shock that he had found her.
Percy felt his heart break a little, but he would give her anything. If she needed time, he would give it to her.
"Very well. I will be in Poseidon's palace should you be looking for me." Perseus said in farewell as he disappeared, leaving behind a soft sea breeze.
A.N. Oh Artemis, just what have you gotten yourself into? I KNOW MWAHAHAHAHAAAA… Well everyone, tell me what you think. This chapter was trying to form a romantic scene of sorts. I hope I achieved the correct 'mood' for the situation as a lovey-dovey scene like this was difficult to plan out, let alone write. So if yall could leave me a review on what you thought, it would be greatly appreciated. Now, as I begin to update each weekend, don't forget that I live in New Zealand and so the chapter will probably be up late Saturday to early Sunday for most of you. So don't forget to check regularly around that time for said update. Now if you like Pertemis stories, I suggest reading one of the following, "The Broken Oath by Two Eyed Cyclops", "Tides and Moon by ADHD-Kid2811" and "Lord Perseus, God of Heroes by AsomeM". They are all great authors and I know them well so leave a review for them too would ya. Now with that out of the way, I bid thee farewell, and hope you have a good week/end.