Wildest Dreams
"Staring at the stars and enjoying the warm summer breeze. Artemis subconsciously laid her head on his shoulder, a genuine smile on her face."
- FromThe Forbidden Land
Short Summary
Artemis Elmer wanted nothing more in life but to become a Olympian. But life have another idea and maybe it was still worth it. Mortal AU.
The cheers from the crowd were heard as twenty-six years old Artemis walked into the field, her finger clung tightly around her silver bow, a quiver of arrows strapped across her back. She smiled at the crowd, hoping it looked more real than she felt. Every step she took was harder than she remembered it to be.
"Go, sis!" Artemis turned her head to the crowd, her light grey eyes seeking out her annoying twin brother, Apollo, standing in the front with her sister, Athena, who was reading a book, glancing up every now and then. Artemis scanned the crowd once more, feeling disappointed when she didn't see her mother or father. But she should have expected that.
"Next up, we have Artemis Elmer, three times winner of the annual archery competition," the announcer called out. Artemis waved with her right hand, smiling brightly when the camera landed on her.
Artemis walked toward the spot marked twenty feets away from the target before notching an arrow. She took a calming breath before pulling the string back to her cheek, lining her feet up. She closed her left eye, lining up her aim. This was it, the moment that'll decide whether or not she could move on to the Olympics next year.
The roaring of the crowds went dead to her ears but her brother and sister's encouragement echoed in her mind.
"You got this!"
"I got this," Artemis whispered quietly to herself, taking one last breath, she released the arrow. The crowd went wild as the arrow found the target. She released the breath she didn't realize she was holding when it hit the bull eye.
"An amazing shot from Artemis!" The announcer exclaimed. "It might just be what gets her to the Olympics next year."
Artemis was rushed into the front seats as Apollo wrapped her in a hug and Athena handed her water. "You were great out there, lil sis!"
"How many times do I have to tell you that I'm older?" Artemis rolled her eyes as she hugged her brother back. "Athena can be my waitress."
Athena chuckled, hugging Artemis as well. "Hate to break it to you Apollo, but Artemis here is older."
Apollo fake hurt, putting his hand on top of his heart. "You wound me. I thought I'm your favorite brother!"
"You're my only brother," Athena deadpanned. Artemis laid her head on her sister's shoulder, staring at him teasingly.
"Though who's your favorite sister?"
Apollo looked between his older sister, staring at him with one of her intense looks, and then to his twin sister, who was fingering her bow. He sputtered. "Umm… you two are both my favorite."
"Awww," Artemis smirked, ruffling his hair. "You're afraid of us."
"N-no?"
"I'll take that as a yes," Artemis decided, high fiving her older sister, who was laughing. The three of them settle down on the bench, watching the rest of the competition. Artemis kept glancing at the entrance every now and then, hoping to see her parents.
Her father, Zeus Elmer, was a wealthy businessman who barely made time for his children, only sending them money, more than they needed. While their step-mother, Hera Blake, now Elmer, is a famous actress who only cared about fame. Artemis never liked her, they got into many heated arguments. If the two of them are in the same room, it's likely that an argument will break out at any moment.
But they're still the only parents she'd ever known and even though her family isn't perfect, she still wishes for their presence. For them to act like they at least care for their children, to maybe pay a little attention to them.
Artemis was brought out of her thoughts when Athena nudged her gently. "They're announcing the winner!"
"I bet you'll win," Apollo grinned. Artemis just smiled in thanks at them. Her palm started to sweat but she wiped it on her pants. Her mind were racing and her heartbeat started picking up. This was the moment of truth.
"... and in first place, we have Artemis Olympus!" The announcer called out. Artemis stood in her seat, a look of shock soon changed into a look of pure joy.
"THAT'S MY SISTER!" Apollo shouted. Artemis laughed, wrapping both Athena and Apollo in a tight hug as the camera zoomed in on them.
"I won!" She exclaimed in disbelief. Athena chuckled and lightly pushed her toward the announcer.
"Yes you did, now get up there!"
Artemis had never smiled so brightly in her life. It was the moment she'd been waiting for. It was what she'd been working toward since she's a little girl. It was her dream ever since she shot her first arrow. And now everything in her life is coming into place.
With a bright smile, she took the final step into her bright future.
"Come on!" Artemis called out to Athena, who rolled her eyes, shoving one last book into her backpack. "I don't want to be late!"
"The Olympics are still two weeks away," Athena sighed. "Even if we're slightly late, we'll make it on time."
Artemis gasped, leaning against the door frame of her older sister's room, staring suspiciously at Athena. For all the years Artemis has known her sister, she's always one time and never once were she late to a single event. "Who are you and what have you done to my older sister?"
"I'm still me," Athena chuckled, pulling her hair back into a ponytail as she shouldered her backpack and rolled out her suitcase. "Just trying to stall the long trip we'll be having with you babbling about how excited you are."
Artemis glared at her sister playfully. "That sentence just made you lose the spot of my favorite sister. And I'll be eating your chocolate chip cookie!"
"NOT MY COOKIE!" Athena gasped as she ran after her younger sister, who was running toward the kitchen. Apollo was sitting on the sofa, scrolling through his phone, ignoring the noise being made around him. He had his earphones in and his feet were tapping against the carpet.
The sibling's laughter rang through the kitchen, all unaware of their parents walking through the front door. Hera wrinkled her nose in disgust when she saw the cookie crumbs on the floor. Zeus had a look of disappointment in his eyes as he scanned the house his children shared.
"What is going on here?" Hera exclaimed. As if time suddenly stopped, Artemis and Athena turned over to their stepmother, Apollo dropped his phone, taking out his earphones and staring at his parents with slight fear in his eyes. Athena quickly straightened out her clothes, her carefree expression now replied with a blank one. Artemis dusted off her white blouse and dark jeans, standing up straighter.
Hera shook her head disapprovingly and Zeus let a heavy sigh escaped his lips. Artemis bite back the urge to yell at them, disappearing for months without a single call or 'I love yous'. But they're still their parents and there could only be one reason they will come visit them. Artemis crossed her fingers behind her back.
'Don't say it, don't say it.'
But it seems like her prayers aren't heard or the fates aren't on her side. "Get dressed, we are attending a social event."
"But mother-" Artemis spoked up, trying to tell them about the Olympic she was supposed to go to, but Hera shushed her, her eyes holding no trace of warmth.
"Do not argue with your mother. It is improper for a lady to start unneeded arguments," Zeus scolded before pointing to the hall where their rooms are located. "You have twenty minutes."
"Understand father, I am sorry mother," Artemis forced a sincere smile on her face before lowering her head and walking toward her room across from Athena's. She could hear the sighs of her parents and her brother's suitcase falling to the ground in the room next to hers.
Artemis stared at the floor length mirror in her closet. A lone tear slid down her cheek but it was quickly wiped off her face. Her job in social events was always to smile, nod, wave, and be polite, strike conversation with others and see if they can help their parents make a worthwhile deal.
Those events were never her thing, she preferred the outdoors, to run free, going camping, hiking, fishing. Once upon time, Artemis remembered those things. But when her birth mom, Leto, died of cancer sixteen years ago, their life changed forever. Her father was around less and less frequently and one day he just brought home her step-mother and introduced her as his girlfriend.
Of course Artemis knows Hera Blake, she was one of the most successful actress in Hollywood and at one time in her life was her idol. But getting to know the actress personally changed her view on her. Sure, there are times when it's cool being the step-daughter of a famous actress, they had been introduced to other celebrities as well, but Artemis would trade everything in her life to be able to hug her mom again.
With a sigh, Artemis slipped on a dark blue dress that reached below her knees and went toward her make-up table. She doesn't really like using make-up, those are for popular girls who love caking their face. But on rare accession like this one, she applied light and natural make up. Her eyes wandered around the table until it landed on the curling iron. Pulling a strand of her dark brown hair and slowly curling it. Hera said that the looks fit her and she'll 'attract more boys' that way. Not like she ever cared about what the boys thought of her in events like this.
Her only goal was to survive the night and get out of there are quickly as possible. But the goal this time is to hope for the best and possibly sneak out of the event so she could arrive at the Olympic arena earlier to get some training in.
Artemis stared at her reflection, forcing a polite smile on her face before grabbing her duffle bag and luggage, heading toward the living room once more.
"I will take that, miss," their driver, Brandon, smiled as Artemis handed him her bags. There was no arguing with him.
"Thank you," Artemis replied quietly as she slipped a fifty dollar bill into his hand. He did too much but her parents never really paid enough attention to him. Brandon tried to hand in back but Artemis closed his hand, a small smile on her face as she whispered. "Take it, you deserve it."
Brandon nodded in thanks as he pocketed the money and headed toward the car with Artemis' bags in hand.
"I saw that," Apollo whispered in her ears, making Artemis jumped up in surprise.
"Don't scare me like that," Artemis glared at him, crossing her arms.
"Don't use contraction," Apollo warned, looking behind his shoulder at their parents who were chatting with Athena.
"You just used one," Artemis pointed out. "But yeah, I know. I hate to see Athena so formal, it is just so unlike her it hurts to watch."
Apollo glanced sadly at their older sister, wearing that fake smile Artemis had seen more time than she would have wanted, talking formally to their parents. Artemis knew from many midnight talks that Athena wished they would love her for her and not just because of the college she graduated from or becoming a lawyer.
"I don't even know why they don't think being a doctor is an 'important' job," Apollo complained, earning a warning glare from his twin sister. He quickly correct his speech. "I do not even know why they do not think being a doctor is an important job."
Artemis frowned. "Now that sentence just does not really add up."
But if being a doctor isn't 'good' enough for their parents, Artemis is just their disappointment. She graduated from Hardford's law school, following her sister's footstep but the second she got the chance, she went and embraced on her journey to become an Olympian.
Apollo voiced his agreement as the two of them walked toward the living room. The second their parents spotted them, they were up and pointing toward the door. "We don't want to be late." Zeus said simply before strolling through the door. Athena quickly followed behind and gesture for Apollo to come as well.
Artemis glanced wearily at her step-mother, who was looking over her. "Nice outfit, I see you finally take my advice on curling your hair."
"Yes, mother," Artemis replied, earning a half smile from Hera.
"Good," Hera said fondly. "You are almost thirty, I think a husband will do you and your father's company some good."
Artemis tried not to let the disgust shown but a husband? She always pictured herself being single for the rest of her life, maybe be a cool aunt to her niece and nephew, never once had she thought that she'll be the one having the baby. "Mother-"
"I know the perfect guy," Hera interrupted as she pulled Artemis toward the car. "Great background, strong relation, rich, handsome, you will do just fine, my dear."
"What-"
Before another word could be uttered out of her mouth, the car door was slammed shut and Hera got in beside her father. Artemis sat in between Athena and Apollo, trying to comprehend everything Hera just said.
Athena was already married, to a wealthy and handsome company owner that Artemis never bothered learning the name of. But her sister spent more time away from him than with him, it was an arranged marriage that made both side equally pleased. Athena had always voiced her complaint when the siblings are alone but never once had she spoken up about it to her parents.
Apollo had only ever dated one girl, Daphne, who tragically died in a car accident. She was a normal girl but her parents loved her as if she was their own. He never dated anyone after that.
"A penny of your thought?" Athena shook her slightly. Artemis just smiled and shook her head.
"Just a lot of my mind," she admitted, staring out the window. "And mentally preparing myself for the crowd that will surely be awaiting us at the airport."
Athena laughed slightly. "That have always been my least favorite part about flying."
"May the odds be ever in your favor," Artemis joked, imitating Effie. Athena shook her head amusingly, staring out the window after that.
Here we go again, Artemis thought to herself as the car slowly came to a stop. She could see the crowds through the black tinted windows, paparazzis awaiting them with cameras. Hera puts on her sunglasses before Brandon opened the door for them, her security team already clearing a path through the crowd.
"Walk quickly with your heads down," Hera turned to them. "We do not want more pictures than necessary."
"Got it," Apollo whispered quietly, he always had a small fear of crowds. Artemis squeezed his hand reassuringly before stepping out of the car, ignoring the cameras being shoved in her face and the flashing light that threatened to blind her. Her father had his arms wrapped tightly around Hera and Athena was walking by her and Apollo's side.
Questions were shouted as the paparazzis try to get a better shot at them. "Where are you going?"
Sure, we'll tell a stranger where we're going so you can stalk us.
"Can we have a picture?"
You want a picture of Hera? I think you'll be better off without one.
"The whole family is out, are you guys attending something important?"
Fuck off, we're not telling you anything. And stop pointing the camera in my eyes, I need them to see the bull's eye.
A sigh of relief escaped her mouth as Artemis slumped against the seat in their private jet. She looked out the window at the airport which was becoming smaller and smaller. She couldn't help but imagine that she's on a plane to Japan right now to compete for the Olympic medal, not on a private jet to a even in London.
'Walls of insincerity, shifting eyes and vacancy. Vanished when I saw your face, all I can say is "it was, enchanting to meet you"'
Artemis hid her AirPod in her hair, walking through the party and smiling politely at others dressed in black suits and ties and girls wearing expensive dresses. She had a small glass of wine in her hand but she doubts she'll drink any by the end of the night.
There were so many strangers she felt like she's drowning. Spotting an open spot near the door, Artemis quickly speed walks to it, shifting her glances and making sure her mother isn't anywhere in sight. She had bolted the second she said she'd introduce her to a guy named Orion. No way in hell is she marrying a guy named Orion. It'll probably make her look stupid if she had to call a guy name 'oh, Ryan'.
She closed her eyes and leaned against the wall, hoping the music could help her forget about where she was and she could peacefully imagine that she was in her hotel room at Japan.
'Your eyes whispered "have we met", across the room your silhouette starts to make its way to me. The playful conversation starts, countered all your quick remarks like, passing note in secrecy.'
Artemis' eyes widened when she spotted Hera's familiar hairstyle, leaving her cup there, she bolted from the room. She could make out a boy following her, and no way in hell is she going to marry him.
She ran through the hallway, flinching at the click, clak her high heels made. She cursed under her breath when she turned a corner and saw her step-mother there.
How the heck did she move that fast?
"Running from someone?" A voice asked, scaring the shit out of her.
"Who the hell are you?" Artemis exclaimed before clearing her throat. "Who are you and what are you doing here?"
The guy in front of her raised his eyebrow. Artemis found herself mesmerized by his sea-green eyes that seems to drawn her in. She cleared her throat awkwardly when she noticed he was staring at her face. "Did you parents ever taught you that staring is rude?"
"Sorry," he quickly apologized, shifting his gaze away from her. Artemis glanced down the hallway again, seeing her step mother coming closer. The guy looked over her shoulder. "Need somewhere to hide? I know the perfect place."
Artemis knows she shouldn't trust a stranger, for all she knows he could be a kidnapper, but she would take the chance. Plus, something about him just told her to trust him. "Come on!"
She ran through the hall with him, turning the corner as the fresh air hits her skin. She took a deep breath, inhaling the refreshing smile of the wild.
'The lingering questions kept me up, two a.m. who do you love? I wonder till I'm wild awake. Now I'm pacing-'
"Are you listening to music?"
Artemis was shaken out of her thought as she flushed in embarrassment and pulled out her AirPod, pocketing it. "Kind of…? I do not really do well in social events."
"Neither do I," he admitted. Artemis couldn't help but noticed the way his raven black hair flowed against the wind, and the way the light from inside seems to illuminate his eyes more. He held out a hand. "I'm Perseus by the way, but everyone just calls me Percy."
Artemis gasped, her eyes widening. "Percy? As in Percy Jackson, the swimmer who won two olympics medals in a row?"
Percy smiled sheepishly. "That's me."
"I did not know you attend parties like this," Artemis gestured toward the party going on indoor. Even through a door, the noise inside could still be heard.
"I don't," he rubbed the back of his neck. "But my father said that an old friend of his is here and he wanted to meet them."
Artemis nodded in understanding, staring out into the woods. The house they are in is located near the beach, one side was the wood, the other is the ocean. Percy suddenly spoke up, breaking the comfortable silence the two of them falls into. "Wait… you're Artemis Elmer? Like the daughter of Hera Elmer?"
"I would not call her my mother," Artemis frowned. "But yeah, kind of."
"Aren't you also the girl who's competing in the Olympics this year? Archery, right?"
"Yep, that is me," Artemis laughed silently. "Should I be scared or something? You seems to know awfully lots about me."
"Like you're any different," Percy shot back. Artemis shrugged. "Point taken."
"What are you doing here then? The Olympics is in two weeks," Percy pointed out.
Artemis shrugged. "Got dragged here before I could board the plane to Tokyo. How about you? Are you not going to be in the Olympics this year?"
Percy stared at her weirdly, making Artemis wondered if she said something wrong. "Is there something on my face or…"
"Why are you speaking without contractions? Is it like a, rule in your house or something?"
"Or something," Artemis nodded, turning away. "I don't like speaking in contractions, but my parents are really strict about it."
Percy chuckled, pointing out her mistake. "You just used don't."
Artemis shrugged amusingly. "They can fuck off if they have any problem with that."
"Language, moonbeam, any rules about cursing?" Artemis blushed at his word, glad that it was night time and not morning.
"There are no fucking rules about cursing," she shrugged. "And why moonbeam?"
"One, you just cursed, should I tell you parents?" He asked, giving her a crooked grin. "And two, because your eyes look just like the moon when the moonlight hits your face."
"One, don't you dare," Artemis glared at him threatenly, making him gulp. "And I won't even answer your second statement."
Percy stared at her with concern. "Did I overstep your boundaries?"
Artemis shook her head. "I'm just not used to nicknames, no one ever gave me one." 'And I liked it a little too much'
"No one ever give you nicknames?" Percy gasped in surprise. "I would trade all of my nicknames for yours."
"Which is none…" Artemis pointed out.
"Exactly!"
Artemis stared at him, never once had she met a boy like him. In school, it was always boys who have manners, who never joke around, who wear suits and have expensive watches. But Percy Jackson was something different. And even if it doesn't last, maybe she should enjoy his company for just this night. "Care to tell me some of the nicknames?"
"No way!" Percy exclaimed. "I don't need more embarrassment than I already get."
Artemis laughed, pinching his cheek teasingly. "Whatever you say, Kelp head."
He groaned. "Why are all of my nicknames sea related? I mean I like to swim, but seriously?"
"I'm 113% serious," Artemis grinned, earning an amused chuckle from Percy. They fell into a comfortable silence after that. Staring at the stars and enjoying the warm summer breeze. Artemis subconsciously laid her head on his shoulder, a genuine smile on her face.
Hey everyone! Sorry for the lack of updates on well… everything. I swear I'm working on botw (breath of the wilderness) right now though, so keep a look out for that. Hope you guys enjoy this chapter! Not sure if I should write a part 2 or not…
- Kathy