A/N: Sorry I haven't updated in a while, but I have been extremely busy moving and working. I wish I could say I could update more regularly but I can't. I had a very tough night but since there is nothing I can do to change it I decided a little writing therapy could help. So please review or leave any words of wisdom, because I could sure use it.

Chapter 6

Artemis POV

I awoke in a bubble above the ground. Everything looked wavy but there was no mistaking the very angry faces on my hunters' faces. I looked to see where their glares were pointed below me to see the dark haired boy only looking slightly nervous. His eyes were trained on me though. I rolled over in the bubble and my hunters finally broke their glare and had looks of relief.

"Mi lady. We were so worried." Zoe stepped forward then pointed her hunting knife to Percy, "Get her out of that bubble!"

Only then did he take his eyes off of me. He sent a glare her direction.

"If you didn't notice princess, this bubble is helping heal her."

She reared back her hand to throw the knife.

"Stop!" I didn't realize the voice was mine but only my voice had the power to stop the attack.

"I am fine. I should have been injured a lot worse, so this bubble has some healing properties. But I am perfectly healed now so let me down."

He seemed reluctant but slowly lowered me and when the bubble popped he immediately started checking for any damage. His thumb was on my cheek and I instinctively pulled away. No matter what act of kindness he had, I couldn't forget the hurt that I felt the last time I saw him. His eyes had a flash of hurt before he pulled away too. Once he did the hunt swarmed me with hugs.

"I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry! I should have been quicker." Rene was in tears.

"Stop the blubbering. It would have been irresponsible of me not to protect everyone of you."

She wiped away her tears and joined the group hug. Behind us I heard some one clear their throat. Percy was looking sheepishly at the ground.

"If I have your permission, may I steal you away for a moment?"

"I am grateful for you kindness and your help in the battle, but I have duties here. I must make sure everyone is healed."

"Apollo already stopped by to fix all of their scrapes. Please Lady Artemis. I think I have some explaining to do."

I saw the grief in his eyes. It couldn't hurt to at least hear him out. I'll go in with an open mind but a guarded heart.

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We walked in silence for what seemed like hours. We finally reached a small shaded spot on the shore covered in palm trees. Both of our comfort places. He sat down on a rock and ran a hand through his hair. He was as nervous as I was. I found my finger fiddling with the end of my hair mindlessly. I didn't know who would talk first and I wasn't even sure if I wanted to hear his excuses. I was wrestling with my thoughts until the silence was finally broken.

"I didn't know I was getting married." He tore his eyes from the sea to look at me.

"How do you not know?"

"It was arranged. The night of your induction Poseidon sat me and Triton down and he announced that I would be next in line. But in order for that to happen I have to get married to Tessaria." Of course it was arranged. That explains that but I still felt a pang of anger in my gut.

"Then why did you agree to still be with me the next day? Why didn't you just tell me right away instead of leading me on?" I felt the tears behind my eyes but I forced them not to spill. I was too angry and hurt for that. His head dropped.

"I don't know. You're my bestfriend and I just wanted to see you. I didn't want to lead you on and I was planning on telling you but you were so happy."

"Of course I was happy. But it was all a lie. That whole day wasn't true." I felt myself sinking onto a tree stump. My eyes closed trying to hold back the tears and I felt warm hands around mine.

"You can't say that. That's not fair. It was real to me and it still is. We can still see each other." His eyes were pleading with me, but I've seen too many women hurt because of arrangements like this.

"None of it mattered Percy. You're getting married and I will not have you be like Aphrodite. And I will not have Tessaria hurting anymore than she is now."

His hands were still firmly grasped in mine. He didn't want to let go and I knew the feeling. We had to do what was right though. He sank beside me and rested his head on my shoulder just like when we were little. If only Apollo was there leaning on my feet it would be like old times. Too much has changed for that though.

"I'm glad that you explained what happened, it is a bit of a relief, but there isn't anything we can do." He sighed and his arm dropped from his lap and brushed against my leg. I tried to pretend I didn't feel a spark anymore. I had to burry it deep inside so no one else would get hurt.

"I don't want to lose you as a friend."

"You won't. I just need time to figure things out. I have six girls to look after now."

"Yeah…I meant to ask you about that. What's with the chick army?"

"They just need someone to protect them. They've been hurt and I think I can help them."

"So you're still going to keep them?"

"I may have started it from my emotions but I think it will do a lot of good things. For them and all the townspeople we saved today."

"You almost got yourself extremely hurt in the process." I waved away his worries.

"They're still new to the whole warrior game. But we always could use some allies." I raised my eyebrow at him. I might not be able to be friends now but that doesn't mean I would ignore him completely.

"You really helped us with that monster today. We could always use the help if you're around."

He got off the stump and bowed before me.

"At your service my lady." I had to laugh at his antics.

He stuck his hand out for me to shake.

"Allies?" I gladly jumped up from the stump. I could be allies with him, that would be safe and it is always good to have a sea god on your side. I shook his hand firmly.

"Allies."

He gave me a ear to ear grin and pulled me to him to give me a hug. I hugged him back. Hugs are friendly right? He started his way toward the water and turned when he reached the first waves.

"I'll be around when you need me." He gave a smirk before creating a huge wave that reached our little stump. It was about to engulf me when Percy sprung out and kissed my cheek before receding back to the sea.

My cheek was still warm and I held it on my way back to the hunt. Cheek kisses are friendly right?