Third POV:
As soon as the boy hit the water, Artemis teleported back to shore. Waiting. The huntresses stood at the ready, surrounding the pond. Bows drawn, looking for any sign of movement. That little punk was not gonna make a mockery of the Hunters of Artemis. Five seconds went by, then twenty, to a full minute, to five. This kid had some big lungs the majority of them thought. Reaching the ten minute mark Artemis grew impatient. "This is getting ridiculous! My Lady some one should go in and check it out." One of the huntresses suggested.
"I agree. Go right ahead Phoebe." The said huntress nodded and took off most of her gear. Leaving her clothes on and dove straight in. Phoebe checked every square inch of the pond. Yet nothing. So she doubled back and checked again. And again. Agitated beyond belief she broke the surface of the water.
"He isn't here Milady. I checked three times and nothing has come up. Almost like he just vanished." The words she spoke were hard to get out. They hated disappointing their mistress and even more so when it involved a boy. And that never happened.
"Are you saying a boy managed to trick us? Check again!" The lieutenant of the hunt shot back.
"She won't find him Zoe. He isn't there anymore." Artemis calmly deduced. Putting on a strong face, but on the inside seething. A boy, a child nonetheless slipped through her fingers. Her. A goddess, known for not letting her prey ever get away. Out done by a little boy. How is that even possible?
"What are you saying Milady?" Zoe asked. Did she know something?
"When I flashed directly above the boy I told him, "There won't be a next time" and as he touched the water he told me "Yea right." Right away I knew something was off. I felt something at work. Something godly." Artemis told her hunters. This greatly alarmed the group of man-hating preteens and teens. What could possibly do that?
"A demigod? No, a mere demigod wouldn't be able to escape us. Especially a boy." Some one said, "Remember the last time at camp? We whooped them good."
"True. But when we chased him he had a strong aura. Maybe a god? But it wasn't nearly as strong as a god's." Some one else chimed in.
"No. This was a demigod. A very powerful one at that. I have a suspicion of who's it is. Zoe, you know what to do." Artemis ordered and flashed away to Olympus. Once alone Zoe ordered them to make camp and secure a perimeter. Every one was going to be doing shifts. So nothing like what that boy pulled, would happen again. This child just kept nagging away at them. They will find him. It doesn't matter when or where. It will be done.
Olympus
Artemis flashed directly onto her throne in her twelve or thirteen year old form. She had a face of such beauty, cold and bright eyes as silvery yellow as the winter, and auburn hair gathered back in a ponytail. High above, the open ceiling can be seen glittering with constellations, even during the day. The Thrones of the gods stand in a U around the hearth. From Zeus and Poseidon's thrones the goddesses sit on the left side of the hearth and the other gods sit on the right side. Zeus had a simple throne made out of solid platinum, with lightning designs on the sides which was in the center. It has the picture of a willow and peacocks on it. It is made of ivory and adamantine. It is on the left hand side of Zeus' throne. It has a molded black seal leather seat which was attached to a swivel pedestal, and with a built-in holster for a fishing pole. Instead of a pole, the holster was meant to hold a bronze trident. Basically, it looked like a chair on a deep-sea boat, that you would sit in it if you want to hunt shark or marlin or sea monsters.
Demeter's throne was woven of apple-tree branches, wheat stalks, and dried grass. It has a small yellow seat cushion to sit on. Are's throne was made of leather and chrome with large human skulls built into the arms. Athena's throne is silver with golden basket work on the back and sides. There is a crown of violets above. Hephaestus' Throne looks like a huge mechanical La-Z-Boy type chair covered with bronze and silver gears. When struck into defense mode, it will whir and hum with secret mechanism and can shoot out tendrils of electricity in all directions. Apollo had a simple solid gold throne. Artemis's is a silver throne. It has two date palms on the back, full moons above, she sits on a wolf-skin cushion. The goddess of beauty had a silver throne and inlaid with aquamarines, beryls and other precious stones. The back is shaped like a large seashell and the seat is made from soft swan's-down. Hermes sat on a throne made of gray rock. It has ram's heads on the arms and he sits on a cushion of goatskin. Dionysus grew his throne out of grape vines and sits on a leopard skin cushion.
Grabbing her very own silver bow, she shot a signal high into sky. Calling the Olympians in for a meeting. One by one they flashed in. "Why have you called a meeting Artemis?" Zeus's voice boomed as held onto his master bolt. He is very tall, imposing, and very muscular, with shoulder-length black hair and a gray-and-black neatly trimmed beard. He has brilliant electrically-blue eyes with a serious and proud, but very handsome face.
"We may have a problem father. A demigod to be precise." Artemis began.
"Why would that be a problem little sis?" Apollo smirked. He was an extremely handsome god, being as tall and muscular and bronzed as a Baywatch lifeguard, with long golden hair tied back in a "man bun" and eyes that shone like the sun. Ironic, isn't it?
"Because I believe someone swore an oath... But it seems that whoever it was couldn't keep it in their pants any longer. A very powerful demigod who has an affiliation with water." The not so suppressed hint nearly caused every one's breath to hitch. Their faces and glares shot towards the only god who has power of the sea.
"What!" Zeus's voice rang through the hall, "How could this possibly happen?"
"We deduced that who ever it was, wasn't a nature spirit or a spirit of any kind. His aura suggested a strong connection to the sea and nature. By appearance he was about ten years old, but he was extremely fit and may have been younger. The boy was shirtless and carried two wooden daggers strapped to his ankles, ripped shorts, bottle of water made out of a leaves and vines, and a flute enhanced with magic."
"That doesn't sound like any child of Poseidon's. How could he have a connection to the sea and nature? Poseidon's children have never been able to do that." Athena jumped in, racking her brain for anything that could hint at this is truly Poseidon's son. Athena wears a long white sleeveless dress, and held a spear and rectangular shield in her hands, with both items glowing with magic. Her stormy grey eyes are bright and full of fierce energy.
"His aura was a lot stronger than any demigod I've ever met. Unless someone has been keeping something hidden from the rest of us, there is no doubt in my mind on who's child this is. Though they should no the ancient laws don't allow such an action to take place." Artemis said eyeing her father and Poseidon.
"I swear as King, that if you have been planning to dethrone me, you will have to personally deal with me! This outrage will not stand!" Zeus shouted nearly jumping out of his throne. Gripping his bolt so hard his knuckles turned white. "Poseidon! What do you have to say for yourself?!" Glaring daggers at his brother who looked indifferent. Zeus was as paranoid as ever.
"Nothing. My son was killed eight years ago along with his mother. I have no connection with who ever it might be. My son and love are dead. That I'm sure of." Poseidon stated. Since their deaths, he hasn't been the same. For the first few months storms raged across the earth and the oceans were in constant turmoil. Most of the time he would stay in his palace and tend to the problems of the seas. Only willing showing up to meetings. He's always been like that with his children. Which is why it is rare to see a son of sea.
Poseidon has black hair, a neatly trimmed black beard, a deep tan, and sea-green eyes that were surrounded by sun-crinkles that told one he was prone to smiling. His hands are also scarred like an old-time fisherman's. When casual, he wore Birkenstocks, khaki Bermuda shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, and a cap decorated with fishing lures which says "Neptune's Lucky Fishing Hat."
"Don't lie to me brother! I know your intentions! I want this boy found and brought to me, I will deal with this outrage personally! Meeting adjourned!" Disappearing in a clap lightning. Followed by the rest of the Olympians. Zeus still being as paranoid as ever. Poseidon didn't care because he has no reason to fret over it. His son and his most recent love are dead. There is no denying that.
Percy's POV:
I Walked out of a running stream completely dry, scaring the living hell out of a couple of bucks.
I can't believe that on my first day out, I had a run in with the goddess of the hunt and her merry crew. And lived to tell the tale! But from what I know, I bet I'll be hunted to the ends of the earth for some sort of pay back. At least I got an arrow from them, now I can start killing monsters properly. Should I learn how to shoot a bow? Last time I tried... I nearly killed myself. I don't even know how.
But I can't use the arrow to stab them like a dagger. What would be the point in that? I need to start practicing again. And create my own bow. It would do me a lot of good if I can hit a monster from a distance. And if they notice the silver arrow, the monsters could freak out. Giving me the advantage to come in close and wipe them out. Sweet, now I have a plan.
Perhaps I should see if a frozen sword could kill a monster. It is enhanced by godly powers so it should work. I wouldn't want some monsters getting away when I play a tune or if I miss. Also it would be pretty badass. Who knew life could get so hard?
Looking around for some strong, flexible wood along the shore of the stream. I ran into a maple tree. Growing up with nature spirits taught me a lot about carving and creating my own anything. The maple would be strong and flexible as long as I take care of it. Adding a little of my own powers and some things Asea taught me, would make my bow something to be trifled with. For the most part.
Rushing up the tree I hacked off a thick branch then trimmed the length down to about four feet in length. Once it's bent and tied together, it should be about three or so feet. Perfect for me. Small enough to carry and strong enough to do some damage. Once I carved the wood into a stick, I worked on the notches on both ends. What about the string? Vines would work, but wear down easily. What about water? I mean, I was taught to suspend water in a certain state and water is a lot stronger than people give it credit. I love conversations with myself.
Jumping down, I commanded the water to wrap around the ends of my bow. Feeling the tug in my gut like always. Bending the wood until I was sure the pull back strength would be strong to enough kill a monster. Not so hard. Now I just need to maintain the bow and take care of my arrow.
Since it was already dark and my adrenaline was pumping. I began carving a design into my bow and singing a little song. Singing always calms me down, my moms would sing to me all the time and I sorta picked up on it. They had some of the most beautiful voices. I think rivalling the sirens.
Oh, Father tell me, do we get what we deserve?
Whoa, we get what we deserve
And way down we go
Way down we go
Say way down we go
Way down we go
You let your feet run wild
Time has come as we all, oh, go down
Yeah but for the fall, ooh, my
Do you dare to look him right in the eyes? Yeah
Oh, 'cause they will run you down, down 'til the dark
Yes and they will run you down, down 'til you fall
And they will run you down, down 'til you go
Yeah, so you can't crawl no more
And way down we go
Way down we go
Say way down we go
Oh, 'cause they will run you down, down 'til you fall
Way down we go
Oh baby, yeah
Oh, baby
Baby
Way down we go
Yeah
And way down we go
Way down we go
Say way down we go, ooh
Way down we go
Once I stopped singing, I noticed the design I carved. An intricate swerve of lines, grasping the entirety of the bow. An absolute beauty, too bad I can't use it right now. The starry night above was better than any thing I ever saw. There were lighter patches, clusters of faint and bold light, the constellations altered according to the time of year. These were the same stars that greeted the ancients, the same ones that would be there in millions of years. I sat back against the cool wood of the maple tree. What was a few minutes in untold reams of time? Damn, who knew I could get so philosophical.
"You have a beautiful voice." A girl said.
"Aaahhh! Wh-where the hades did you come from?" She scared my soul right out of me. Like she popped up from out of no where. I must be losing my edge. She looked to be about seven years old? I can't even tell someone's age, it is impossible. I watch her eyes set right on my scar. Is that what people notice first? That was a stupid question. Of course it is.
"Uhm from no where. I was sitting over there by the stream." She pointed a little down stream, "Did you seriously not notice?"
"Nope. I was probably too lost in my thoughts to notice anything. Sorry if I disturbed you."
"You didn't. I was just out here relaxing. Then I here someone singing with the most amazing voice I have ever heard!" I blushed at here compliment. Not everyday you here something like that. Especially out in the wilderness where most, if not all, nature spirits have a great voice. It was definitely nice to hear.
"If you don't mind my asking. Where am I? I kinda got lost and now have no clue where I am." It won't hurt to ask at least.
"We're in the woods silly." Like I didn't know that.
"I know that, but where are these woods located?" I swear if she gives me another stupid answer I will-
"California." Uhm what? Th-that is on the opposite side of the country! How in the hell did I end up here?! My water travel should have left me some where in the east still. What in the hades is going on?! I know I was scared, but who wouldn't when a goddess is breathing down your neck. Did I over jump? How in the hell did I over jump to other side of America!? This shouldn't be possible!
"Oh ok." Keeping up a calm demeaner was a lot harder than I thought. I am seriously freaking the hell out! "I need to go." Getting up quickly and grabbing my things, I was stopped by her little hand. What now?
"Wait! Please don't go. I-I don't have any friends and..." She had nothing left to say her voicing growing quitter with each word spoken. I could see the desperation in her eyes. Kaleidoscope eyes. Never staying one color for too long. They were quite mesmerizing.
"I-I'm sorry, but I really do have to go. Trust me, you wouldn't want me to stay here. I bring trouble wherever I go and I don't want you to get hurt." She drooped her head and slowly nodded. "But that doesn't mean we can't be friends." Her mood brightened up instantaneously. Man am I good with kids or what! Hold up, I'm a kid!
"Really!?"
"Really. I'll start, my name is Percy and I grew up in the woods. I have four moms and a best friend named Phoebe. The scar you were looking at happened when I was very little." I can tell her that much. It's not like she can see through the mist or anything like that.
"What happened?" She asked with worry laced in her voice.
"Wellllll I was attacked by a viscous animal and almost died. So nothing I couldn't handle." It just flowed right out of me. Good thing I didn't mention anything myth related. Or she would seriously think I'm nuts. For the first time I began to notice what she looked like. She was a girl of Native American descent, with chocolate-brown hair that was cut choppy and unevenly, and had thin strands braided down on the sides. Her eyes seemed to change color like a kaleidoscope, going from brown to blue to green, and she was dressed in a fleece snowboarding jacket, faded jeans, and hiking boots. Though she wore no makeup, she was still very pretty. For a seven year old. Woah, that sounded creepy.
"Oh... My dad is super famous, but he doesn't spend much time with me. So I spend time with my grandpa and he tells me a lot of stories. My house is just up the stream and is huuuuge. And my name is Piper Mclean."