Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians. All the characters, dialogues and such belong to its author, Rick Riordan.

Now, this story was originally meant to be a very long one-shot, but with how it's going I decided to break it into chapters. The only downside being that the first three chapters will essentially cover canon (almost as it is).

This story is Artemis-centric, and will mostly (or completely) be from her POV. This is a romance story, so don't go about hating on it simply for being one. Other forms of feedback or criticism will be appreciated.

"Let me go! Who do you think you are?" the son of Poseidon lashed out at Artemis, while she attempted to stop him from making a foolish mistake.

She was put off by the sheer dedication the young teen had to save the daughter of Athena. His eyes were wild, in genuine protectiveness, in anger at being stopped from going after her into danger himself. It was rare to find people who were loyal to a fault. Especially among heroes.

If there was one thing Artemis had understood in her millenia leading the Hunt, punishing an innocent person for speaking his mind only allowed more of the perverse men to stand out and take control. And Perseus here seemed to be on his way to being the opposite. She could not make a cruel, unjust decision just to satisfy herself, her pride.

Her reputation aided her in avoiding any such decisions frequently, but it came at the cost of guilt. Yes, gods had a very long experience of ignoring it, but it was always there, in the back of their minds. Diverting their minds, haunting them, unsettling them whenever placed in situations like this.

Zoë, she knew, wouldn't think twice about Percy Jackson. Her hatred for men had come too far for her to empathise with anyone of the opposite gender. But Artemis, she would never be able to forgive herself for harming an innocent soul when she could have stopped. And worst of all, she had no one to confide in whenever such times came.

"No," Artemis ordered. "I sense no disrespect, Zoë. He is simply distraught. He does not understand."

Artemis gave him a cold, neutral look which she used on the average male. "I am Artemis," she said. "Goddess of the Hunt"

"Um… okay" was the very… underwhelming reply from the son of Poseidon. Artemis didn't know whether to feel offended or amused.

The satyr next to him gasped and knelt down, "Thank you, Lady Artemis! You're so… you're so… Wow!"

Amused it is. This particular satyr seemed harmless and innocent, not the kind that leered at her. These satyrs were only a source of amusement to her. Not to mention incredibly useful at the right moments.

It took them some time to explain to the siblings about their origins. These children seemed very powerful, and growing more powerful as they learned about themselves. Danger. There was something odd about them. Artemis couldn't place what exactly was wrong with them.

At the moment her half-sister was doing the explaining "Bianca, I know it's hard to believe. But the gods are still around. Trust me. They're immortal. And whenever they have kids with regular humans, kids like us, well… Our lives are dangerous".

"Dangerous," Bianca said, "like the girl who fell".

Thalia turned away. Artemis understood the pain of these young children. A majority of her recruits were demigods, all of whom had difficult lives. Especially the newer ones that find it difficult to adjust to the modern world. Did the gods do anything to help them? Not really. Her father was picky about such matters. Ever since the Fall of Rome, Zeus had become stricter regarding godly interference in mortal affairs.

"Do not despair for Annabeth," Artemis said in an attempt to calm all parties "She was a brave maiden. If she can be found, I shall find her". And she wasn't lying. She knew the girl was having thoughts about joining her Hunt. Not to mention, all maidens fell under Artemis' protection, and if she couldn't at least find one lost on her watch, what sort of goddess was she?

"Then why won't you let us go and look for her?" Perseus asked. Artemis sighed internally. The foolish boy is far too impulsive for his own good. But I can appreciate the loyalty. Artemis suspected his loyalty wasn't simply out of friendship, but something more. I can see what holds the girl back.

"She is gone. Can't you sense it, Son of Poseidon? Some magic is at work. I do not know exactly how or why, but your friend has vanished. You do not need to endanger yourself when there is no chance of success".

From his mannerisms, Artemis could see he still wanted to jump off the cliff. But fortunately he understood. If the future of the gods lie in his hands, he better.

'Oo!' Nico raised his hand. "What about Dr Thorn? That was awesome how you shot him with arrows! Is he dead?"

Ah. Immature boy. His sister seems so mature in comparison. She would make a fine addition to the Hunt.

"He was a manticore," Artemis replied "Hopefully, he is destroyed for now, but monsters never truly die. They reform over and over again, and they must be hunted whenever they reappear".

"Or they'll hunt us" Thalia said. Well said sister. Artemis was still clinging to the hope that Thalia Grace would accept her offers at some point. It wasn't too late. The boy she had denied joining the Hunt for turned out to be a traitorous bastard. That should be enough to change her mind. Artemis always appreciated the company of her half-sisters or nieces. Gave her a feeling of being around family.

The siblings seemed to slowly come out of their denial and accept their new reality. The foolish satyr's antics managed to freak them out though.

"We've burdened these children enough," Artemis announced after a short but heated debate about where the children will go, Artemis ordered her hunters to set up camp to treat the demigods. "Zoë, we will rest here for a few hours. Raise the tents. Treat the wounded. Retrieve our guests' belongings from the school".

"Yes, my lady".

"And, Bianca, come with me. I would like to speak with you".

'What about me?' Nico asked.

Artemis considered the boy. She smiled internally "Perhaps you can show Grover how to play that card game you enjoy. I'm sure Grover would be happy to entertain you for a while… as a favour to me?"

Grover almost tripped over himself getting up. "You bet! Come on, Nico!" Artemis laughed to herself as he took Nico to the woods. She loved these innocent satyrs; willing to please her, expecting nothing in return. Was she taking advantage of them? Yes. There was nothing wrong with a little harmless manipulation. It's not like she was placing them in harm's way, was she? Just asking Grover to endure the ramblings of a little boy. It wasn't much.

She led the new girl, Bianca, to her tent. They had a small discussion, regarding the rather dangerous things she had heard, though it was clear she didn't understand a lot. A better source was needed. It just happened to be a boy. Artemis asked Zoë to bring him to the tent. She did not seem particularly happy, but went without protest.

While she had gone to retrieve him, Artemis took her chance and gave the young girl a chance to join the Hunt. The girl seemed very willing. It was clear that she was tired of taking care of that enthusiastic and impressionable child. He would have to make do without her if Bianca accepted. The girl didn't deserve the torture of taking care of an idiot.

The goddess rarely felt guilty for taking girls away from their brothers, their family. The maiden always had a new family to live with. Was it better that she die later on in life instead of being immortal, performing feats of heroism that changed the lives of many? Artemis didn't think so. Besides, why would the girl need such an annoying little boy?

At times like these, the image of her own idiot brother sprung up. Apollo, with his goofy smile, carefree, always ready to amuse her in some way. She was reminded of the happier times when they used to fool around in the wilderness, prancing about like children. Artemis pushed them away, like always.

Percy Jackson entered the tent, looking about it before settling his eyes on her.

"Join us, Percy Jackson" the goddess said.

She studied the boy as he sat down in front of her. He was still in a state of puberty. There were faint traces of muscle and athleticism, but overall his physique was quite unimpressive for a boy who defeated a war god aged twelve. Still, Artemis could see this boy growing up to be one of those "lady-killers" Aphrodite or Apollo loved to gossip about. He had the face, a developing body and she supposed an innocent charm that many girls, including her own hunters would swoon over if given the opportunity.

She noticed his discomfort at her staring. She understood the problem immediately.

"Are you surprised by my age?" she asked.

"Uh… a little".

"I could appear as a grown woman, or a blazing fire, or anything else I want, but this is what I prefer. This is the average age of my Hunters, and all young maidens for whom I am patron".

Zoë sat down to Artemis's right. She glared at Percy. Artemis did relish seeing the boy squirm. It helped to maintain a reputation early on. Although she did pity him as well. Being on the end of Zoë's glares was not easy.

"You must forgive my Hunters if they do not welcome you" Artemis said without any real remorse for him "It is very rare that we would have boys in this camp. Boys are usually forbidden to have any contact with the Hunters. The last one to see this camp…" She looked at Zoë. "Which one was it?"

Of course she remembered the disrespectful boy who tried flirting with her of all people. That too very crudely.

"That boy in Colorado," Zoë said. "You turned him into a jackalope".

"Ah, yes". Artemis nodded, continuing her part. "I enjoy making jackalopes. At any rate, Percy, I've asked you here so that you might tell me more of the manticore. Bianca has reported some of the… mmm, disturbing things the monster said. But she may not have understood them. I'd like to hear them from you".

By the time Percy was done, Artemis put her hand thoughtfully on her silver bow. She knew exactly what she was hunting, with almost complete confirmation. "I feared this was the answer", she said quietly.

Zoë sat forward. "The scent, my lady?'

"Yes".

"What scent?"

"Things are stirring that I have not hunted in millennia," Artemis said. "Prey so old I have nearly forgotten. Or in this case, never seen with my eyes" she mumbled the last part to herself. After quickly composing herself, she looked at the boy intently "We came here tonight sensing the manticore, but he was not the one I seek. Tell me again, exactly what Dr Thorn said".

"Um, 'I hate middle school dances' ".

"No, no. After that". She said without missing a beat. Mentally Artemis facepalmed, and really applauded herself for not showing even an ounce of annoyance at the boy's idiocy. How dumb must one be to focus on that? Or is he too distracted? She recalled him catching his breath when he saw her. That wasn't a good sign… but it wasn't a bad one either. Goddesses were beautiful. It was not like she wasn't proud of her pure, virginal beauty, and to be reminded of it did have a pleasing effect from time to time. Like now. She knew the difference between innocence and lewdness though, and Artemis certainly wasn't going to hold the boy accountable as long as he stayed within his boundaries. He was useful after all.

"He said somebody called the General was going to explain things to me". Zoë's face paled. She turned to Artemis and started to say something, but Artemis raised her hand.

"Go on, Percy," the goddess said.

"Well, then Thorn was talking about the Great Stir Pot –"

"Stirring," Bianca corrected. *Another mental facepalm*. A completely inexperienced maiden correcting a two-quest veteran. And I thought his insight would be useful…

"Yeah. And he said, 'Soon we shall have the most important monster of all – the one that shall bring about the downfall of Olympus' ". Artemis went rigid, as still as a statue. Her father was an idiot for delaying this for so long. Percy seemed to notice her tense posture. "Maybe he was lying".

She shook her head. "No. He was not. I've been too slow to see the signs. I must hunt this monster".

Zoë was obviously terrified, but she nodded with no hesitation. "We will leave right away, my lady". Like the brave huntress she is.

"No, Zoë. I must do this alone".

"But, Artemis –"

"This task is too dangerous even for the Hunters. You know where I must start my search. You cannot go there with me".

She looked reluctant, but understood. "As… as you wish, my lady".

"I will find this creature," Artemis vowed. "And I shall bring it back to Olympus by the winter solstice. It will be all the proof I need to convince the Council of the Gods of how much danger we are in".

"You know what the monster is?" I asked.

Artemis gripped her bow tightly. "Let us pray I am wrong". Unfortunately, she doubted she would be. Her instincts rarely betrayed her, and there were too many coincidences involved.

"Can goddesses pray?" the boy asked.

Despite the situation, a flicker of a smile played across Artemis' lips. She didn't answer the question. Best to keep them doubting. "Before I go, Percy Jackson, I have a small task for you".

"Does it involve getting turned into a jackalope?" She considered turning him into one just for a few minutes, but honestly she found his sense of humour too cute and amusing to get on with it. The hero needed a filter though, since most gods weren't as forgiving of mortals as her.

"Sadly, no. I want you to escort the Hunters back to Camp Half-Blood. They can stay there in safety until I return".

Zoë was absolutely livid at the suggestion, but Artemis calmed her down. The following few minutes consisted of the girls convincing Bianca to join the Hunt, while Perseus protested as expected. The mention of Bianca's brother brought up another image of Apollo, but Artemis easily distracted herself.

Finally, the girl relented " 'I pledge myself to the goddess Artemis, to abide by her will, to be a maiden for all eternity and join the Hunt'. "

Artemis could feel a stronger bond with the girl as she blessed her. Immediately, she noticed how powerful she was. What really caught her attention though, was the feeling of the Underworld, and the feeling of the girl being far older than she should be. She connected the dots.

If memory served right, there was a huge scandal back in the days the Oath was taken. Could these children be…? If Artemis was correct, then it was a good thing she took the girl's oath immediately. The less people involved in the Great Prophecy the better. The boy also needed to be watched.

As her attention returned to her surroundings, she noticed Perseus. He looked defeated, but also quite judgemental of Bianca. Maybe he found the young maiden to be quite selfish. Artemis wasn't dense. She could understand how this must look to others. But Artemis was also the patron of young maidens. She understood them better, and she could certainly understand the girl's feelings. And she definitely could agree with her judgement regarding her brother. He was in safe hands. And in the perfect position to grow up to be his own man.

"Do not despair, Percy Jackson," Artemis said. "You will still get to show the di Angelos your camp. And if Nico so chooses, he can stay there'.

"Great," he said, trying to hide his negative view of the whole scene. The goddess could admit he did a decent job. Although the sarcastic comment didn't go unnoticed. "How are we supposed to get there?"

Artemis closed her eyes, calling Apollo. "Dawn is approaching. Zoë, break camp. You must get to Long Island quickly and safely. I shall summon a ride from my brother".

Zoë departed with Bianca, though, Bianca paused in front of the boy and said something to him. She looked quite apologetic, so Artemis assumed she was talking about her decision.

"So," Percy said, approaching her after a while "We're going to get a ride from your brother, huh?"

Artemis' eyes gleamed at the mention of her brother. "Yes, boy. You see, Bianca di Angelo is not the only one with an annoying brother. It's time for you to meet my irresponsible twin, Apollo".

Artemis found herself next to the young hero again as the sky began to lighten. She muttered, in an attempt to ease him around herself. "About time. He's sooo lazy during the winter". She didn't need to do it, but she did it anyway. So far, Perseus proved to be somewhat pleasant company. For a male, that is. It was also wise for the gods to be on a hero's good side, or at least, leave them without a bad impression. Especially powerful and potentially influential heroes like Perseus Jackson. Something other gods seemed to forget.

"You're, um, waiting for sunrise?" he asked, awkwardly.

"For my brother. Yes".

She could tell what he was thinking. Millenia of living and observing mortals gave the gods the ability to "read their minds". It wasn't some supernatural power, as the more dramatic among them (*cough* Apollo) liked to pretend. But, as always, she preferred to keep mortals in the dark regarding the true extent of a god's abilities.

"It's not exactly as you think".

"Oh, okay" he started to relax. "So, it's not like he'll be pulling up in a –"

There was a sudden burst of light on the horizon. A blast of warmth.

Here he comes. Showoff. They didn't want people disintegrating for no reason.

"Don't look," Artemis advised. "Not until he parks". Everyone averted their eyes, although the confusion on the newcomers, including Percy was easily noticeable.

As it became safer for the demigods to look, she noticed a few oddities. First, her half-sister, Thalia, was staring at Apollo very… appreciatively. I hope she doesn't become too enamoured. Perseus also had the same look in his eyes, but instead of Apollo, he was staring at his… sports car. She couldn't decide which scene was more disturbing. She decided on Perseus. Their world was weird enough as it is thanks to the very imaginative and creative mating techniques invented by the gods. She shook her head at the revolting image that had made its way into her mind.

"Wow," Artemis could hear Thalia mutter "Apollo is hot".

"He's the sun god" she could hear Perseus, who sounded a bit dazed from staring at the car. Are you kidding me?

"That's not what I meant".

For the love of- It would be a nightmare to observe these two together on a regular basis.

Apollo was smiling in his typical fashion which won him over many girls, such as Thalia here. She could remember a time when she herself was attracted to it. He was her brother, so what? They were gods. Everyone was related. Such trivial details never mattered to them. The two shared a very close bond that no other pair of gods shared. It was natural to be attracted. It was a little weird thinking about it now that she truly saw him as a brother, but back then? Definitely not.

"Little sister!" Apollo called, "What's up? You never call. You never write. I was getting worried!"

Artemis sighed. Here he is with those childish antics again. "I'm fine, Apollo. And I am not your little sister".

"Hey, I was born first. Besides," he said, looking at the demigods, picking out Nico and grinning "who looks older?"

"You do!" he replied enthusiastically. Apollo gave her a smug look.

She was now frustrated. Apollo always managed to annoy her somehow. There's a reason I take this fifteen year-old form, not because I'm actually younger!

"We're twins! How many millennia do we have to argue –"

"So what's up?" he interrupted. "Got the girls with you, I see. You all need some tips on archery?"

Artemis gritted her teeth. "I need a favour. I have some hunting to do, alone. I need you to take my companions to Camp Half-Blood".

"Sure, sis!" Then he raised his hands in a stop everything gesture. "I feel a haiku coming on".

All her Hunters groaned, rightfully so. Apollo's haiku phase was just terrible.

He cleared his throat and held up one hand dramatically.

Green grass breaks through snow.

Artemis pleads for my help.

I am so cool.

Worse than I expected… Not even a proper one.

"That last line was only four syllables" Artemis deadpanned.

Apollo frowned. "Was it?" Is he being serious right now?!

"Yes. What about 'I am so big-headed'?"

"No, no, that's six syllables. Hmm" He started muttering to himself.

Zoë turned to the new arrivals. "Lord Apollo has been going through this haiku phase ever since he visited Japan. 'Tis not as bad as the time he visited Limerick. If I'd had to hear one more poem that started with, There once was a goddess from Sparta –"

"I've got it!" Apollo announced. "I am so awesome. That's five syllables"' He bowed, looking very pleased with himself. Artemis wished he was just trying to annoy them. "And now, sis. Transportation for the Hunters, you say? Good timing. I was just about ready to roll".

"These demigods will also need a ride," Artemis said, pointing towards said people. "Some of Chiron's campers".

"No problem!" Apollo said, looking at the kids. ""Let's see… Thalia, right? I've heard all about you".

Thalia blushed. "Hi, Lord Apollo". Dear Chaos. Please do not make a move on her.

"Zeus's girl, yes? Makes you my half-sister. Used to be a tree, didn't you? Glad you're back. I hate it when pretty girls turn into trees. Man, I remember one time –"

There he is with Daphne again. She knew Apollo's feelings regarding the incident. Talking about it always hurt him, as much as he tried to hide it with his playboy personality.

"Brother," Artemis said. "You should get going".

"Oh, right". Then he looked at Perseus, and his eyes narrowed. "Percy Jackson?"

"Yeah. I mean… yes, sir"

While Artemis snorted at the notion of calling Apollo "sir", she had to admit he was looking at Perseus rather weirdly. Is it suspicion? Is it prophecy? She narrowed her eyes. Is he just checking him out? No. Artemis could tell when Apollo was attracted to someone, and this wasn't it.

After realising (thanks to the kids) that the car wasn't big enough to transport everyone, Apollo changed it into a regular school bus. He seemed pretty disappointed at having to do so. So did Perseus and Nico. Boys.

He approached Zoë who was picking up her camping pack, and said "Here, sweetheart. Let me get that".

She was visibly annoyed. Angry. Murderous would be a perfect description.

"Brother," Artemis chided him, "You do not help my Hunters. You do not look at, talk to, or flirt with my Hunters. And you do not call them sweetheart". She knew this was just part of his act, but it was seriously annoying to see him flirt with Zoë of all people. One day she would attack him, and Artemis would have to break the fight and clean up whatever ichor flowed out of him. Again. Can he not see she isn't interested? When will he learn his lesson? It was the same with her old friend, Britomartis. She would abuse Apollo again and again, but he would still follow her whenever she flirted with him. If she wasn't a goddess herself, Artemis would have just made her stop. But the idiot can use his brain, can't he?

Apollo raised his hands in a motion that said 'calm down'. "Sorry. I forgot" he paused a while. "Where are you off to anyway, sis?"

"Hunting. Not your business".

"Suurre. I'll find out sis. You know that".

She sighed "Just do your job Apollo".

After giving everyone appropriate instructions, she departed towards her destination. Mt. Tamalpais, where the Earth meets the sky.

Next chapter is published simultaneously, so you should be able to continue reading unless there's network issues.