Read some reviews and it honestly really helped me want to continue writing the story. I never really expected it to take off like it did, my grammar is terrible and rereading it makes me cringe haha. In any other case, thank you for the constant support on the book. It means a lot to me. Finally have a chapter thats been beta read lol, thank you Gonzalj for not only being a supporter of my stories but also helpin me out with a beta (:
Percy grumbled as he shifted in the tent, he had been lended. He could already hear the girls of the hunt walking around going about their day. In his humble, male opinion it was much too early for all this nonsense, and he buried himself deeper into the fur blankets hoping to scope out the warmth they provided. He couldn't stop himself from the wondering thoughts of his overactive brain. Yesterday had finished off fairly simple, he had spent the day hanging out and getting to know the members of the hunt. They all ranged from about 11-17 and they seemed incredibly happy to be back in contact with Artemis who also seemed just as happy to be in contact with her girls.
They had filled the evening with stories of past feats, hunts and memories of fallen hunters. Artemis had talked about the time of Ancient Greece, where the Gods freely walked the country. Percy sat there around that campfire and watched something that probably hadn't been experienced by anyone else but the girls of the hunt for years. He couldn't help but find it comforting. He was reminded of all those years he had spent around the Camp's fire. The Campers singing songs and telling stories. He had looked over at Artemis and watched her speak to her hunters, her silver eyes shining with the moonlight.
Percy hadn't wanted it to end so he spent most of the night up with them, of course the younger girls left for bed around ten pm, but the older ones stayed and continued hanging out. Percy included his own stories that weren't mentioned in the tale of his quests but rather small things he had done. A game of Capture the Flag, Calypso's island, the monsters he had seen when he was simply a child. When the moon had hit its peak long ago, Artemis called it in for the night, promising to have more conversation with the girls in the morrow.
He had walked the Goddess to her tent, hoping to spend as much time with her as possible. It was only a few yards away, but it took them at least fifteen minutes to reach it.
Artemis had stared at him with her bright silver eyes, he couldn't help himself but to lean down and kiss her on the forehead. She had looked at him in total exasperation and if he guessed correctly mild disappointment. He raised an eyebrow at her in curiosity.
"Really? My forehead." She deadpanned. "Not even like my cheek or something?"
Percy coughed in embarrassment before rubbing that back of his neck, "Well, I am hoping to make it home this month."
She rolled her eyes, "If I was going to kill you, it probably would have happened when Apollo teased me about it." With that said she grabbed Percy's shirt and pulled him down.
Percy winked at her mischievously before cupping her cheeks and kissing her. It was brief, a simple chaste kiss but a kiss, nonetheless. When they pulled away Artemis was blushing bright red and she immediately ran into her tent, Percy watching her go with a shit eating grin on his face.
And that's how Percy found himself here, at 9 in the morning tired as can be but so very content with himself. The girls continued about their day, practicing archery and talking amongst each other. He slowly sat up and turned to look at a box that had been delivered to him courtesy of a wounded Hermes yesterday. Yawning as he stretched, He made quick work of making his way to the box and pulling out Riptide. The pen springing into sword form with a flick of the cap.
Cutting open into the box he was greeted with the site of a handwritten note. Placing the pen cap on the tip of Riptide, it shrank back to its pen form. Twirling it between his fingers, he picked up the letter and started to read it.
"Dear Percy,
I know this thing is sort of out of the blue. Just wanted to let you know Zeus has decided NOT to zap you for putting the hots on Artemis. Can you believe it? I was certain I was going to have to go to war for you Son. Anyways, here you'll find a couple gifts from Atlantis. If you're going to date her, at least give her gifts. She's an Olympian Goddess, well she was, and she'll want to be- oh what do you mortals call it now? Wined and Dined? Netflix and Chill? Anyways, Give her gifts boy. I expect a full-blown wedding within the next two years, oooh I'm so excited. My favorite son immortal and my favorite niece has settled down!
Sea you later my boy!"
Percy shuddered at both the immortal part and remembering family relations. Inside the box was a necklace, just a simple leather string, but what really caught his eye was the sand dollar that was attached to it. Percy stared at it in shock, his father had given him a sand dollar to give Artemis?
"Hopefully the New York rivers don't see it." He mused.
Slipping the necklace into his pocket he closed the box and decided to keep the other gifts as a surprise for both him and Artemis. Sliding it under his bed and folding the note up he finished getting ready before stepping outside and narrowing his eyes at the incredibly bright sun. Glancing around the clearing, he looked out for Thalia. He was hoping to catch up with her, seeing as they hadn't had a full conversation in a couple of months. The youngest Daughter of Zeus was sitting amongst the older hunters talking about different hunting techniques.
He wasn't sure if he should go over there, not wanting to invade their space, but Thalia seemed to notice his plight and waved him over. He crossed the distance between them and practically dropped himself in the grass next to his cousin. The grass poked his back as he stared upwards at the clouds, the tree positioned just so that the sun didn't shine down on him. He took a deep breath and let it out, leaning on his hands and taking in the feeling of being out in the open.
Thalia dropped down next to him, taking much of the same position as he just had. "What are you looking at Kelp Head?"
"The clouds? The green sky? The crow that's currently drifting on a wind spirit?" Percy mused raising an eyebrow at her.
"Green sky? Are you colorblind Kelp Head. The sky is blue."
"Nah, fairly sure it's green."
Thalia elbowed him much to his distress but they both laid there looking at the sky. What he wasn't expecting was Atlanta to lay back with them as well, staring at the sky. Pretty soon the whole group of hunters laid on their backs and watched the sky. The younger hunters still bustled around, and he could hear Artemis giving Archery lessons. He looked up to the sky and noticed one that was oddly shaped, almost like a deformed centaur. Now he couldn't keep that a secret, so he hit Thalia with his elbow before pointing upwards to the sky.
"Look, Pinecone Face. It's a deformed centaur!"
"Percy, maybe you need glasses because that is clearly a cyclops." Thalia deadpanned, tracing out the shape.
"Well, you're both blind because that is in fact Abraham Lincoln." Kassi pointed out which caused the cousins to fall silent before Atlanta let out a loud, "HUH?"
"Ladies, Ladies that's my decapitated father. See? That's his head, his slumped body." Phoebe said.
"You all need therapy." Cleo said, shaking her head.
"No, you need to lighten up." Kassi cried out.
"I still think it's a Centaur."
"Shut up Percy." The girls all said together.
"Whatever losers." He grumped out.
They laid in the grass for a while longer, talking to each other and pointing out different clouds. It came to an end when Phoebe threatened to strangle Percy and Artemis chastised them. Now he was casually dozing off, his slightly sleep addled brain not aware of the little girl currently stalking towards him. Phoebe had paid Anne 5 drachma's to scare the living shit out of him by jumping on him.
Anne slowly creeped up to him while the other hunters fell silent, which didn't go unnoticed by Percy who tensed at the sudden silence. Before he could open his eyes Anne jumped on him causing the mighty hero of Olympus to scream like a little girl which caused the girls to burst into laughter. Percy had sat up and was taking quick gasps of air as he stared in shock at Anne who was giggling like crazy.
"Oh that's it, I'm going to get you back for that!" Percy cried out as he started to poke the young girl in her ribs causing her to squeal and squirm out of his grasp, running away from him. "Oh no you don't!" He called out as he stood up, running after her.
Anne ran behind Phoebe who was twirling her dagger mischievously. "Why, Hello Perscilla! You haven't taken your initiation oath yet so unfortunately we can't let you any further into our camp."
He huffed and turned around, "Fine, I'll remember this. Mark my words you'll rue the day you turned Perscilla Jackson away!"
The hunters burst out into laughter as he turned back around amusement in his eyes. Artemis was standing a couple feet away, a certain twinkle in her eye as she watched Percy interact with her hunters. Percy winked at her before squatting down and holding his arms out to Anne. She bounded into his arms and he hugged her, his own grin on his face.
From what he had learned, Isabelle and Anne were the youngest hunters. Both of them were the age of 11, while their bodies would stay that of an 11 year old eventually their minds would mature enough but they were the newest additions to the hunt. Respectfully children in their own right and Percy couldn't help the protective feeling that bubbled in his chest as he picked up Isabelle who didn't like being left out from her best friend.
"Alright girls, let Percy go. Him and I are going to go cook lunch for everyone." Artemis said, her voice strict but not mean.
Percy set the two girls down and ruffled their hairs much to their distress, "see you guys in the underworld, something tells me Artemis is going to poison us."
"What was that?" Artemis called over her shoulder as she walked to the dining tent.
"Coming dear!" Percy shouted as he ran to catch up with her.
Percy stepped into the tent and watched as Artemis washed her hands quickly before she started walking around the kitchen grabbing ingredients. Percy was quick to follow her lead, washing his hands and sitting back. Letting her grab whatever sort of cooking material she needed. There was a certain grace to the way she walked around doing her thing.
The peaceful moment came to an end when he heard a snort and the voice of his very ungrateful cousin, "Gods above, Perce you are smitten."
He huffed, his cheeks tinged pink. "I don't know what you're on about."
"Thalia leave the deer, I'll handle them. Thank you." Artemis said, amusement tripping from her tone as she grabbed a couple of knives. She casually slung a deer up onto the table and Percy let out a low whistle.
"Oi-" She said turning around and pointing the knife at him, "Vegetables. Start chopping. We're having a simple lunch of Venison, Carrots, Broccoli and Mashed Potatoes. I trust you can handle the latter three, hmm?"
With his hands up in surrender he nodded, a grin on his face as he turned around and started to wash the listed ingredients.
He started looking around for a potato peeler before rounding on Artemis.
"Potato peeler?"
"Percy. Use a knife."
He let out a sigh but grabbed a knife and started the excruciating long process of peeling a bag and a half of potatoes before washing them and dropping them into a pan of water. Setting it to boil he turned around and started on the carrots and broccoli. He hummed as he put some water into a pan, a very large pan might he add, and used his control over the water to bring it to a boil. He set a streamer on top of the pan before dumping in the broccoli and carrots, hoping to steam them. He turned around to watch the goddess finishing prepping the venison and getting ready to start the process of grilling the meat.
Artemis had wiped the leftover blood off her hands before turning to face Percy, nodding slightly as she looked at his handy work. "Not too bad, Water Boy."
Percy watched her step forward to the sink to finish washing the blood off of her before grabbing the bag being used for disposing of the parts she wouldn't use of the deer.
"I'll be back, just flip the meat in five minutes. Again, in another five if I'm not back." She turned to walk out before calling out, "And Percy? If you mess anything up, you will be sleeping outside."
"Yes ma'am!" He laughed out, nodding his head before turning his focus on the potatoes which still had some time.
After 10 minutes Artemis came back and examined the grill to make sure the meat hadn't gone terrible. There were at least 30 slices, one for each girl, Percy and Artemis herself. He squeezed her shoulder gently before turning around and got ready to finish up the mashed potatoes. Percy glanced at Artemis and noticed her otherwise preoccupied so he started hunting through the cabinets as silent as possible. When he found what he was looking for he almost cried out in joy but kept himself composed.
He turned around and finished mashing the potatoes before he grabbed a spoon and stuck it into the pot, turning the heat off the other pan. He took out the blue food coloring he hand found only for Artemis lean over his shoulder.
"What is that?"
He let out a shout and squeezed the bottle getting blue dye all over both Artemis and him. He turned to look at her in shock as she was staring at him with her own eyes wide. He tried to apologize but all he could do was burst out laughing as the dye slowly dripped down her cheek.
"Percy." She said slowly, "Is this food coloring?"
"Uhm... maybe?"
Artemis slowly walked to the cabinet closest to her before grabbing a thing from the floor and tossing a handful at him before scrambling out the tent entrance.
Percy gaped at the entrance before setting the blue dye down and grabbing green and red. He bound out the open entrance and got a face full of flour again, much to his chagrin but he wasn't one to let that go so he quickly sprayed her with one of his dyes before dancing away.
The hunters watched the two of them prance around each other with their own exasperated faces.
Thalia snorted, "Phoebe, Atlanta come on let's go finish lunch."
It took another 30 minutes for Percy and Artemis to finally calm down. They were both coated head to toe in food coloring and flour, sheepish grins on their faces as a group of angry naiads yelled at them. The hunters were all sitting down and already eating, almost done with their food.
"Well! Look who finally joined us." Kassi cried out causing the hunters to laugh again.
Percy huffed, "She started it."
"I did not! You squirted me with the dye first!"
"Yeah, because you scared me!"
"Ladies, you're both pretty. Sit down and eat." Thalia commanded.
They both sat down and much to Percy's excitement, the Mashed Potatoes were blue. The hunters looked at him weirdly as he chowed down on them without a second thought. Thalia snorted but shook her head.
"So, Lady Artemis." Thalia said slowly.
Artemis turned to her with a raised eyebrow, "Yes Thalia?"
"We need to move soon, do you have any clue where you might want to go?"
Artemis got a thoughtful look on her face, trying to decide what options might be available for them.
Percy cleared his throat, "I'll travel with you guys as much as I can before we split off. I want to get to Camp before summer ends."
Artemis frowned at that but before she could speak Phoebe beat her to it, "Who said you were invited, boy?"
"W-well! I mean! I don't want to intrude!" Percy stuttered out.
Atlanta kicked Phoebe and they all tried to stifle their laughter as she cried out. "She's just teasing you Percy, of course you're free to travel with us."
He let out a sigh of relief, a blush on his face.
"We could always head to Camp with you." Artemis suggested, "Our latest trip to Camp has been put off because I've become a mortal but it wouldn't hurt to go. I can join you guys in Capture the Flag too since I'm not at full power right now."
The hunters started to nod eagerly but Percy was staring at Artemis. His heart warmed as he realized they wouldn't have to separate any time soon.
"So where are we stopping to camp out on our journey? It'll take us roughly 4 days to make the trip because Artemis doesn't have her powers."
"Four days?? It's a four day drive. What are you guys, machines?" Percy cried out.
"No Percy, It's Artemis's blessing." Cleo stated with a shake of her head.
"Oh. Well, I think I know a place we can stay on the edge of New York if you guys want." Percy stated, "I just need permission from the owner and we should be good."
The hunt nodded and started planning where else to rest during their journey as Percy started to scarf down his food, hoping to catch the owner of the residence before they went to bed.
After ten minutes he was stood in the forest, he had washed some of the dye off his face as best he could trying to look presentable at the very least.
"Fleecy do me a solid and show me Sally Jackson, Long Island New York."
It took a second, but the mist suddenly formed into an image of a very tired woman rocking a young girl on her hip as a man made a bottle in the background.
"Mom!" Percy shouted, causing Sally to turn to him.
"Oh Percy!" Sally cried out happily before narrowing her eyes at him, "Is that a forest? And why are you blue? Don't tell me that's poison or something Percy."
"What? No, of course not. I have a question and It's okay if you say no."
"Tell me what's going on with your location and then I will." Sally said carefully.
Percy snorted and smiled at his mom, "Pretty much Zeus got mad that Artemis and Apollo interacted with the Seven during the Giant War, so he turned them mortal as punishment. I've brought Artemis back to her hunters, Apollo is still in San Diego with Annabeth, Mark, Jason and Eren."
"Eren? She knows about the gods?"
"Not intentionally, it's just a long story." Percy said.
"Oh okay, well what's up? What did you need." Paul had come to take baby Estelle from Sally so she could have a conversation with Percy. Paul waved at Percy before stepping down from the hall and into Estelle's room.
Percy watched them walk away before looking at his Mom. "So, you know how you got that new house? It's pretty big and everything right?"
An hour later Percy was walking back into the camp and headed to Thalia's tent. He knocked on the post and watched her open the entrance and raise an eyebrow at him.
"I secured the house in New York. Have we worked out everything else about the trip?"
"Yeah, Kelp Head, we do this all the time so you don't have to worry so much." Thalia teased him.
He shrugged, "Anything else?"
"No Aquaman, We're good. I'll call you if you're needed." Thalia said before shutting the flap.
He chuckled in exasperation before turning around and heading to the training area. He wouldn't mind keeping up some of his training making sure to stay in shape. And that's how Percy spent the next three hours, working out his sword skills that were just slightly rustier than he would have liked. He didn't realize that the sun had started to dip down until he turned around and saw Artemis sitting there, watching him. She smirked at him as he panted heavily, exhausted from the three hour long drills he had run himself through.
She tossed him the water bottle and waited until he had finished it all before dipping her head in the direction of the forest, before walking off the same way. Percy scrambled after her because obviously she wanted to speak with him. He quickly caught up and they walked side by side, his hand intertwining into hers as she led him deeper into the forest. She eventually led him to a clearing that had a clear view of the sky, the constellations shining brightly in the sky. He watched as she sat down, tugging his hand so he would do the same. Artemis laid backwards and just stared at the sky, Percy doing the same. He found it amusing how he had found himself staring at the sky twice today.
He could tell she was deep in thought, so he sat silently. Tracing the shapes of constellations curiously, naming them softly, his lips moving but no sound forming. The sky was beautiful, Percy wished that it wasn't so dull though.
"It's the only thing I miss about being a Goddess." Artemis admitted causing him to turn his head to face her. "Being up in the sky. Being closer to the stars. Back when I was still young, a fresh godling. Apollo and I were still living on Delos, not aware that there was a giant responsibility about to burden us. I would lay on my back and stare at the sky. I always preferred the night sky and Apollo the day but I guess our domains make sense for that."
She fell silent again, only briefly this time though. "They were brighter than, the stars. The moon, all of it. It was much brighter and not full of pollution. When I have my powers again, I'll show you." She murmured, her voice soft.
"I'd like that, a lot." He whispered to her.
"The world used to be so beautiful, it's sad to see what it's become. Hopefully one day you mortals pull your heads out of your asses and appreciate it." Artemis had turned to look at him, an amused smile gracing her lips.
"Hey! I take offense to that, you know." Percy grumbled out although it was hard to be serious with the smile that was slowly gracing his lips.
Artemis looked back at the sky, prompting Percy to do the same thing. His own eyes located Zoe's constellation easily, having done it hundreds of times before.
"What's your favorite constellation, Percy."
"The huntress." He replied solemnly. "I still feel like I failed Zoe every once and awhile. An awful feeling but I've slowly come to accept her sacrifice and understand she was at peace when she passed."
Artemis squeezed his hand that she still hadn't let go, "Zoe was my best friend, she has been with me the longest than any other hunter. I was sad to see her go but I've never seen her so content then she was. I did. the best I could in honoring her memory."
"You did wonderful Artemis, her constellation is beautiful." Percy shifted slightly, sucking in a deep breath. "When Annabeth and I were in... When we were in Tartarus and on the verge of dying, trying to close the doors of death Bob held the button for us so that we might both escape."
"Bob?"
"Iapetus"
"Atlas's Father?" Artemis asked curiously.
"Yeah, Zoe's grandpa." Percy mused, "he told us to tell the stars hello for him so… Maybe he was referring to Zoe?"
Artemis sat there thoughtfully. "How'd you get him to help you guys?"
Percy laughed, "Nico, Thalia and I gave him a little bath in the Lethe River. Persephone turned him into a janitor with the name Bob. Him and Damasen are the only reason Annabeth and I escaped."
Artemis scooted closer, resting her head on his shoulder. She examined The Huntress constellation some more before whispering, "Bob says hello."
Percy squeezed Artemis tighter ever so softly before letting out a deep sigh. Artemis fidgeted against his chest, obviously curious about something. Percy waited for her to speak her mind rather than asking her. It seemed to help her gather her full thoughts.
"What are we Perseus?"
"Uh oh. My full name." Percy gulped before glancing down at her. "I'm not sure, Arty. What are we?"
"If I knew, I wouldn't have asked you idiot." She deadpanned.
He blushed brightly and glanced around some more before digging in his pocket for the necklace. He held it out towards her, "I'm not really sure how this will work out, I'm mortal and you'll be immortal here soon but..." He trailed off before locking eyes with her, "I'm willing to give it a shot, if my mom likes you."
Artemis raised an eyebrow at him and he chuckled, "I'm only kind of kidding, if my mom doesn't like you that be miserable but I think she'll like you. Will she? Maybe. I hope so, man that wou--mpfh"
Artemis had gotten tired of his rant and planted a kiss on his lips, longer than the chaste peck earlier that had his heart running laps. Cupping her cheeks, he tilted his head ever so slightly and kissed her deeper. He could practically feel the heat in her cheeks, but she matched his pace. After a minute they pulled away, both ever so slightly breathless. Artemis was practically bright red while Percy had a huge grin on his face.
"You talk too much." She grumped.
"Yeah, but you like me." He gloated out, running his knuckles down the span of her cheek.
"Shut up and put the necklace on me idiot."
"The necklace? OH, THE NECKLACE" Percy cried out as he immediately started glancing around. To his horror he realized he couldn't find it. He looked at her with wide eyes only to see her smirking at him.
"Fine, you put it on yourself." He pouted.
Artemis tilted her head back and laughed, "Come on Water Boy, let's get back to camp."
She went to stand up but not before Percy had grabbed the necklace back. She rolled her eyes but otherwise turned around, moving her hair out of the way. Percy tightened the cord around her neck before placing a brief kiss on the junction between her neck and shoulder. What he hadn't expected was the swat to the face he got.
"HEY!"
"THAT WAS YOU? I THOUGHT IT WAS A BUG"
"WHY WOULD A BUG BE SO BIG??"
"THAT'S WHY I SWATTED AT IT IDIOT!"
Before they could keep on fighting, they heard giggling. Looking around they saw the same group of naiads from earlier now whispering and pointing at the two.
Artemis groaned and stood up, tugging him with her.
"This moment will be known by the whole Greek World tomorrow, you mark my words." Artemis practically growled out before starting the journey back off to camp. "Come on sushi, let's go to camp."
"Sushi?!?!"
Howdy friends, thank you for reading the newest chapter of accepting mortality. I've made a commitment to myself for however many chapters are left, each chapter needs 5000 words at the very least so that although there might be distance between chapters you guys will actually have something to read. Hope this chapter lives up to your guys standards. I'm trying to get the relationship budding, plant some seeds and all that jazz. As always any criticism and is welcome and encouraged. Have an idea? Swing it by me and I'll see if i just might use it haha. Anyways, thanks again Gonzalj for proof reading. Happy Holidays friends, until next time.
