Hidden Identity
*First Person Point of View ~ Artemis's Guardian*
As I watched over Lady Artemis' camp, I couldn't help but let my mind wander back to my training in the Guardians Guild.
As my thoughts clouded my vision, I allowed my senses to stretch, which was a skill that I had learned when I first entered the Guild. It allowed me to survey my surroundings to the very best of my abilities, as well as sense all other life forms, no matter how shielded or how insignificant.
I remembered the training very clearly. It was painfully difficult, but I'd dedicated my life to the cause. The Great One had warned me of the difficulties before I'd accepted, but I knew that I would never be able to clear my past name otherwise. He kept his word of course, and put me through countless exercises to test my strength, loyalty, and bravery.
Some of his training sessions even tested my trust and faith in my superiors. Many times, he had asked me to do things that I'd never consciously do otherwise.
Every time, though, I followed orders, no matter how much danger said orders put me in. For I was merely a pawn, I knew that. I had been a pawn all my life. Knowing that I was a pawn for good, and not evil－that was what kept me going. And knowing that even as a pawn, I was respected, and not merely cast aside－it allowed me to feel pride.
I was broken out of my musings as I felt a presence approach me. Looking down, I saw Lady Artemis, standing all alone, staring up at me.
"Guardian, come down here. I wish to speak to you," she said.
I nodded, realizing that I was still sitting in a tree. I jumped down, landing squarely on my feet, bending my knees slightly to allow the jolt travel through my body, releasing the tension into the air around me.
Lady Artemis was watching me closely, assessing my skills.
"Very impressive. I still cannot find any flaws in you," she told me.
"I was trained to be a perfect match for you Milady. I must match your skills, as well as made up for your minimal weaknesses. It is my only purpose. I am meant to keep you in perfect condition, which means your physical health, but your mental and emotional health as well," I replied.
Artemis frowned, as if she still wasn't used to the idea of having a Guardian. Of course, I didn't expect her to.
"Anyways, I wanted to talk to you about something," she said.
"Of course. What is it that you need?" I asked.
"I wish to know your identity."
I paused. I was not expecting that. I began to contemplate whether or not to tell her. Telling wouldn't break any rules, but I didn't know what would happen if I did tell her. Would she shun me? Did the gods still believe that I was a traitor? Artemis may have been one of the gods who pleaded my case, but who's to say that she hasn't changed her mind about me. She was, of course, a man-hating goddess, and I was, after all, a man.
"I apologize Milady. I do not believe that it is the right time to reveal myself to you."
Artemis frowned once more, causing me to flinch. I did not like it when she frowned. It meant that I was not doing my job as her guardian correctly.
"Very well," she decided after a few moments. She was about to walk away when I called out to her. She turned, curious. I chose my next words carefully before elaborating as she turned.
"Please, Milady, I need you to understand. I wish to tell you my identity, but if I did so now, I believe your reaction would be unpleasant. I do plan to tell you…someday. Until then, though, I'm afraid you must wait."
Artemis only sighed in return. "Yes, I do understand. I only wish that I knew, because you remind so much of someone that I used to know. And I miss him very much," she told me as she turned to walk back to her tent.
I had a feeling that I wasn't supposed to hear the last part, as she lowered her voice, but with my advanced hearing, I did. I watched her go, feeling a strange emotion bubbling in my chest as she did. As she walked further away, the bubbling emotion grew stronger. I knew right away what it was, and tried to force it down. It was forbidden for a Guardian to feel that way for their charge. It was against the very code of the Guardians' Guild.
I finally managed to stamp out the feeling as she pulled back the flap of her tent and disappeared.
*First Person Point of View ~ Artemis*
As I walked into my tent after speaking with my Guardian, I had a lot on my mind. I was still getting used to the fact that the Guardians still existed. And on top of that, I had one! I had to tell the Council about the new development, but that meant that I would have to see them.
I still hadn't forgiven most of them for what they had done to young Perseus all those years ago. He had been the only male that I had approved of, and－dare I say it－respected. Yes. I, Phoebe Artemis, respected a male. Orion never counted, for I had not respected him, I respected his skills. But Perseus… he had broken the rules of the camp to save the Annabeth girl, and he had also saved me from the sky, taking the immense burden from me, all because he accepted the fact that he was not powerful enough to battle Atlas.
He was the perfect example of a male who possessed the traits that I believed all males lacked. He was humble, caring, gentle, and treated women the way we should be treated. And, as much as I hated to admit it, I had begun to develope feelings for the boy.
For the next few hours, I pondered, merely remembering Perseus as he was. Suddenly realizing that I had yet to inform the Council about my Guardian, I shook my head clear, and teleported to Olympus.
As I arrived I saw that the whole Council was there, as silent as stones. It seemed that they were waiting for something to break the grueling silence.
Sitting in my throne, I addressed my father stoically, drawing the entire Council's attention, "Father, I have something I wish to report."
"Well daughter what is it?" he asked.
I glared at him, still quite angry at him, but I could tell that he too wished for something interesting to happen. Each and every one of them looked like they were bored out of their minds.
"Well, I have recently found out that the Guardian's Guild is still alive and active," I informed them. That ought to perk their interest.
I was right, of course, as they all jerked up in their seats. They all had looks of excitement spread across their faces at the thought of the Guardian's Guild still being around.
At first I wondered why, but then I realized that they were probably having the same thoughts as I had when I'd first found out. Maybe Perseus would be brought back if we summoned our guardians. The problem with that was figuring out whom Percy had chosen. Of course, he'd have to choose a goddess, and he'd probably choose either me or Hestia, as we were the only ones who attempted to put an end to his wrongful execution.
Another issue was that I already had a guardian, and I wasn't sure how long he'd last, or if Perseus was waiting in a very long line to be summoned. Gods could only summon one guardian at a time, and it would be wrong if they tried to get rid of their previous guardian just to summon another. If that happened, the all powerful being would probably not allow that god to summon any more guardians, and the plan would completely backfire on itself.
I was ripped out of my rambling thoughts as Zeus called the Council to silence. He turned to address me, "Daughter, I know this question may seem obvious, and I know that you do not wish to talk to me right now, but I must ask: how is it that you have come by this knowledge?"
I was quite shocked by the way he formed his question. I guess he has decided to change his ways since Perseus' death. And since I have been actively avoiding him for the past fifteen years, I haven't noticed.
Responding to his question, I said, "Earlier, my hunters and I stumbled upon a monster's encampment, and we found that their sheer numbers would be too much for us alone. I took a risk, and performed the summoning ritual. Sure enough, someone appeared and saved us from the threat. Now, he is guarding my camp, in case any danger is to befall them."
As I finished speaking, I met my father directly in the eyes, and a silent agreement was exchanged. If Percy was ever summoned, Zeus would try to right his wrongs, not only with Percy, but with everyone who cared for Percy.
I nodded subtly to my father's silent plea, and didn't miss how his eyes lit up with joy. My gaze wandered around the room, and I saw that the other four who had defended Percy all had the same knowing look in their eyes, and I immediately knew that they'd made the same deal with the others.
"Well," Zeus cleared his throat, "I say we make an agreement not to summon the Guardians unless we are in great mortal peril, as Artemis did. All those in favor?" he asked.
Every hand was raised. Father nodded in approval.
"Okay, all of us are in favor. I now call this meeting to a close."
Without waiting another second, I flashed back to my hunters' camp. Once I arrived, I saw that my Guardian and my hunters were all cozied up around the campfire. Getting closer, I could hear my Guardian speaking. He was telling the story of how my brother, Apollo, and I, had defeated the mighty Python. I guess that they couldn't sleep.
Word Count: 1747
CSP2708
Dylan Walts