This story will mainly be told from Artemis' perspective, however every once in a while I'll use someone else's perspective to present different views of the same situation. Like I did with Percy here. As always, I don't own PJO.
Percy
"Get in," a stern eyed Artemis ordered. "You need to heal."
Sorely tempted to push the goddess, Percy almost refused. It's not worth it, he thought. She'd probably just blast me in anyway.
Striding forward with extreme caution so as not to jostle his bruised ribs. Not really broken, but she doesn't need to know that. Percy entered the water. He turned and faced the goddess before sitting down. Relief from the pain was nearly instant. Bone and damaged tissue knitted back together more slowly, however, so he remained where he was. How the hell did they find me? He thought as he studied the goddess. Not wanting her to think him forward he said the first thing that came to his mind. "You look older," he said, and barely concealed a wince. Damn you're an idiot Percy. That was the last thing you should have said! He told himself. I want to die, not be turned into a jackalope!
"So do you," she responded calmly, eyes never breaking their study of him. Much to his surprise, the corner of her mouth twitched up in what was dangerously close to a smile. I can't be going crazy again, he thought. A sliver of fear worked its way up his spine. He didn't remember much of those dark days after he left Camp Half-Blood. Months had passed before he was himself again. He didn't want to go back to that place.
Grunting to dispel that line of thinking, he responded. "I'm mortal. Well, kind of, so I'm supposed to get older." He reasoned. "You're not."
"I'm a goddess," she said, calm as ever. "I can look whatever age I want. For now, I want to look like a mortal 20 year-old."
A pretty damn fine mortal 20 year-old, he thought and froze. Ooh Poseidon help me, I need to get out of here now! This is Artemis! She'd banish me to a fate worse than death if she even suspected that thought crossed my mind! Fighting down panic, he studied the goddess before him. That she was beautiful there was no doubt. Long auburn hair, pinned out of her face, fell in waves down her back. Tight jeans and form fitting silver t-shirt showed off a long lithe figure. A runners figure. It was her slim, perfectly proportioned face, however, that held her true beauty. Those eyes. Shining silver orbs, filled with sleeping power. NO! He screamed internally at himself. I will not think of another woman. I will not betray Anna… He stopped that thought, the pain cutting deep. I will not betray her like that, he finished. Forcing down the turmoil within, he responded calmly. "That makes sense I guess." He looked away, desperate for an excuse to break eye contact. Something was missing he noticed. Where are her hunters? he wondered. If there was one thing she knew of Artemis, it was that she was never far from her immortal group of bad tempered, preteen girls. Something she said earlier came back to him. A self-imposed outcast? Why would an Olympian be an outcast? "You're alone aren't you?" He asked finally. Turning back to face the goddess he continued. "Where are your hun-"
Artemis stumbled as if struck. The naked pain that etched across her perfect features brought Percy up short. In an instant he was on his feet, eyes darting from shadow to shadow, searching for enemies. A soft sound behind him spun him back around. Artemis was on her knees, face contorted in agony, arms wrapped tightly around herself. Of all the things he thought to see in his life, this was the last. The overly proud Goddess of the Hunt on her knees whimpering in pain. The sight left him stunned, unable to think or act. The attack lasted a few seconds longer, before departing as quickly as it came. Artemis fell forward, face to the ground.
Leaving the water, Percy felt a twinge in his side. Ignoring the semi-healed ribs, he knelt beside the fallen goddess. "Artemis, what's happening? Are you under attack? Artemis! Speak to me dammit!" She rolled onto her back, looking at him dumbly, breath coming in short sobbing gasps. She doesn't know what I'm saying he realized. Gods that pain must have been absolute if it left her mind this foggy. Her body stiffened. Where pain had shown on her face before, terror now shone through. A cry torn from her lips. A cry of the raw emotion; of rage, sorrow, pain, and above all, despair. Percy covered his ears and looked away, unable to watch or listen any longer.
The cry stopped suddenly, as if cut off by a blade. When Percy looked back, the goddess was unconscious, lying limply on the stony ground. He swore out loud. "What in Hades' name was that?!" The body at his feet stiffened once more, and he braced himself. Nothing happened. He looked down at her. She's blacked out from the pain, he realized. Gods, what on Earth could do this to an Olympian? he thought, glancing around nervously. Whatever it was, he didn't want to meet it. Even as he watched, her body relaxed again. Now's my chance to leave, he thought, but discarded the idea instantly. He didn't know what he could do, but he knew he couldn't leave her alone in this state. Zeus only knew how long it would last. Self-imposed exile he might be, but he was still loyal to Olympus. It was his duty to help her if he could. That damned loyalty will get you killed one day, he told himself. Athena herself said as much. Ooh well, in many ways, death would be a relief.
"What the hell," he muttered, "might as well? Maybe being a jackalope won't be so bad." Mind made up, he bent to pick up the goddess at his feet. Tall and slim, she was light enough to carry without difficulty. Spying a tall spruce across the clearing, he walked toward it. Her body stiffened and relaxed in his arms twice as he crossed the clearing. Trying to ignore the feel of her body pressed against his chest, he walked quickly, and laid her gently down on a bed of spruce needles at the base of the tree. Standing, he looked toward the mountain peak to get his bearings, and was surprised at what he saw. His camp was only a few hundred yards away. Bending back down to Artemis he whispered, "I'll be back soon," before setting off around the lake.
As he walked his mind raced. How did she find me? Was she looking for me? Did Zeus or my father send her? Was this just a chance meeting? If so where are her hunters? Shaking his head he muttered, "It's no use guessing, I'll just have to wait till she wakes up." Reaching his camp at the top of the cliff gave him a welcome surprise. The manticore had left his gear alone after throwing him off the precipice. Ignoring the camping equipment and his duffle in favor of chasing its prey. That was nice of him, Percy thought wryly. Gathering his possessions quickly, he set off back toward the clearing. When he reached the tree, Artemis was still on the bed of spruce needles where he'd placed her, but the waves of pain had stopped it seemed. She lay limply, unmoving. Dropping his bags beside her, he set about gathering wood for a fire, and by the time he had it lit, a soft moan had escaped the goddesses lips. She's coming to, he realized. Seating himself across the fire from her, he waited. When she finally opened her eyes, sorrow danced in their depths. A sorrow he knew well. It had been his constant companion for five years. She's lost someone, he realized.
Artemis
Awareness returned slowly. A fire crackled beside her and she could feel it's warmth on her face. Perseus remains then, she thought, mildly surprised. Reaching out with her senses, she searched for the moon. Just past 9 o'clock. Hades, it feels like an eternity has past. Stifling a moan, she sat up and looked around, ignoring the gaping hole in her soul. Still in the clearing, though he must have carried me up from the lake. Given her reputation, that was brave of him.
She looked toward him then. Seated across the fire from her, Percy studied her with a curious intensity before recognition flashed in his eyes. From the duffle at his side he pulled a small bottle of Nectar, and tossed it to her with a raised eyebrow. "Who was it?" he asked.
She caught the bottle and looked away. The silent forest around them was slowly returning to normal. When the pain had come, it had spilled over into her domains as well. At least the wilderness is recovering quickly. Not wanting to answer his question, she deflected. "I don't know what you mean." Uncorking the bottle she drank deep. The healing elixir worked its magic, stilling her trembling muscles. Washing away all traces of the physical pain. It can't fix everything though. Only time will do that.
Percy was silent for a long moment, as if pondering if he should go on. Finally he spoke. "I know the look of loss, My Lady. I see it every time I look into the mirror." His voice cracked, clearing his throat he went on. "You've lost someone tonight, haven't you?"
Grimacing she turned back to the man, but she was to weary to summon her usual anger. Sighing, but still unwilling to answer, she deflected again. "Here name was Annabeth, wasn't it? The daughter of Athena who gave her life to defeat Kronos?" He stiffened and Artemis cursed herself for her cruelty. "Forgive me," she said with a sigh. "I do not mean to bring up painful memories, but you should know. A memorial dedicated to her memory stands in the very Hall of the Gods on Olympus, and Hades made a one-time exception for her. She's on the Isles of the Blest Perseus, after only living one life. She's happy."
She watched as tension slowly went out of Perseus, and he looked at her strangely. Probably surprised to hear me apologize to a man.
"Thank you, My Lady." He said after a moment. "I did not know that." Reaching back into his duffle he pulled out a granola bar, unwrapping it slowly. "You still did not answer my question though. From your reaction I'd assume it was one of your hunters. Please just tell me, is Thalia ok?"
She dropped her eyes, staring into the flames. I might as well tell him, the whole world will know soon enough. Sighing again, she began to speak. "You're right. It was my hunters. All of them, one after another. They live, but they no longer belong to me. The pain was the bond we share forcibly being broken. Someone has taken them from me."
Looking up to gauge his reaction, Artemis saw for the first time since their meeting, his stoic mask fall away. The emotion that had been dancing in his eyes written plainly on his face. Eyes wide, mouth hanging open, Perseus was shocked to silence. Sputtering after a moment, he finally forced out, "Who in the name of all things holy could do that to an Olympian?"
She chuckled humorlessly. "Another, more powerful Olympian. Hestia I'd imagine."
His eyes narrowed and his voice rose. "Hestia!? Is Olympus at war with itself then? No! You must be toying with me Artemis?!" He paled when she raised an eyebrow at him. Quickly he amended, "Forgive me My Lady. I spoke out of turn."
"You did indeed," she agreed. "You attacked me without warning. Your blade has tasted my blood," she said, hand reaching to the nearly healed scratch on her cheek. "You were openly defiant, intentionally disrespectful, and you obviously carried me here from the lake, laying hands on my body." As she spoke, she allowed her power, normally kept under tight wraps, to shine through. Moonlight wrapped itself around her, and her eyes burned with silver fire. Her voice was distant and menacing. "I've banished men to fates worse than death for far less."
Perseus never flinched. Green gaze never wavering. "I'm sure you have," he said. "But after the life I've led whatever you do would probably be an improvement."
Forcing her power back down, she regarded him silently. Finally, she gave him a small smile. "It takes either an incredibly brave or an incredibly stupid man to stand up to me. You have nothing to fear from me, Perseus. Twice you've saved my life. I do not forget my debts." She glanced down at the bottle in her hand before finished off the Nectar. "This stuff must be hard for a lone demigod to come by, I'll replace it once I'm recovered. "
He grunted, "Stupid most likely, but thank you My Lady for your offer and your mercy." Finally taking a bite of the granola bar in his hand he asked, "Seriously though, Hestia? Why would she do that? From what I remember of her she was peaceful, caring nothing for power."
"You really don't know do you?" she asked him disbelievingly. "When was the last time you spoke to someone from the Greek world?" There's no way, the whole world knows of the prophecy by now.
Pain danced in his eyes again. Though somewhat less than before, she thought. Suddenly somber, he replied. "You should know My Lady. You were there. That day on Olympus, when Ann…when Kronos fell. I turned down Zeus's offer for godhood, returned to Camp for my things, then left. Since then the only contact I've had with the Greek world are the monsters I hunt, and who hunt me."
"That was five years ago today," she murmured. A line of the last great prophecy came back to her then. "Happy birthday by the way." For the second time that night, open shock showed on his face. She chose to ignore it. "If you had waited a week you would know what's going on. Another great prophecy was given, this time about me. My father gave me 15 years to figure things out on my own before I have to return. I left the same day and haven't been back. You've had more contact with the Greek world than me since then. Monsters don't attack me, and I haven't gone looking for them."
What little bit of relaxation there had been in his posture vanished. Eyes locked on hers, he asked in a low, flat voice, "There's another war coming?" Not bothering to wait for confirmation he went on, "Who?"
Gods, she thought, pushing down a shudder at his cold, dead tone, this man would give Ares pause. For the first time since meeting him, she actually studied Perseus Jackson. He'd grown. It was hard to judge his height sitting, but he was tall. He's got to be at least 6'2" she thought. Long arms and legs were heavily muscled, without being bulky. Through his ripped shirt she saw toned abs and a hard chest, dusted with black hair. His face was hard and angular, a days' growth of beard shadowing his jaw. His hair was as unruly as she remembered and fell to just above his eyes. He was undeniably handsome in a rugged sort of way. A swimmer's body, she realized. And not someone I would want to cross blades with again. He fought past my defenses with broken ribs. He'd be unstoppable at full health. "Gaea," she said finally, matching his tone.
The name that had left the Olympian council trembling rolled off of Perseus like water on oiled cloth. His eyes, still locked on hers, never wavered. "How long," was all he asked?
"Thirty years, give or take a few." She said. "Apollo isn't sure."
His rage filled swearing filled the clearing. Surging to his feet, he paced back and forth. Closer to 6'3", she thought. "Too long, that's too long!" he said between curses. "I won't make it that long!"
"Perseus!" she reprimanded, voice filling once more with godly authority.
His eyes swung to her, green orbs burning with anger that vanished suddenly. Blood drained from his face as he seemed to remember who he was speaking with. Bowing his head he spoke in a calmer tone. "I must beg your forgiveness again, My Lady. I've been too long from civilized company."
For a long minute, she let him feel the power of her godly gaze. "Very well," she said finally, withdrawing her power once more. "But do not try my patience again." She reached over to the pile of firewood he'd collected, and added more sticks to the fire. "What do you mean by too long?" she asked, deciding to continue the conversation.
"Thank you again My Lady," he murmured. "I would not be so foolish as to test you a third time." Bending down, he reached into his duffle and pulled out a new shirt, then walked to the far side of the tree.
Smart, she thought with a grin, playing it safe.
From the far side of the tree she heard his muffled answer. "If Olympus goes to war My Lady I want to be there. In thirty years I'll be in my 50s and next to useless, if this battered body of mine even makes it that long." He returned from around the tree, and threw the old shirt into the fire.
He wants to fight? Artemis though shocked. "Why in Hades' name would you want to fight another war after losing so much in the last one?" she asked without thinking, but Perseus never faltered.
Settling back to the ground, he looked at her once more through the growing flames. "I'm still a loyal soldier of Olympus," he said seriously. "Anna…" He paused, took a deep breath to collect himself, and continued. "Annabeth gave her life to defend it. I will not have that sacrifice be in vain."
Loyalty, she thought. A trait of all Poseidon's children. So often it led them to pain and suffering. Ooh Perseus, do you really know what you're doing? If you're smart, you'll turn around right now and run away. I wouldn't chase you. I'd let you go. You've already given enough to our cause. Instead she whispered softly, "If you're sure you want to fight you could talk to my father. As far as I know the offer of godhood still stands."
"I don't want godhood. I want to die in battle," he said shaking his head. "Maybe Gaea will be strong enough to overcome this damned curse."
"If you want death so badly you could have it easily," she said harshly, anger rising. You're not the only one who's lost people Perseus, we all have. The rest of us are just strong enough to pick up the pieces and carry on. "Tell someone where your Achilles spot is and be done with it!"
"That would be suicide," he responded calmly, "and I will not take my own life. When I die it will be a worthy death."
That's admirable at least, she thought grudgingly. Still, his eagerness at the idea grated her nerves.
"You still haven't answered me," he said into the silence. "Why would Hestia take your hunters from you?"
The distraction of the conversation fell away, and the memory of her loss came crashing down. Pain flooded back. Fighting to keep it from showing on her face, and biting back a sob, she spoke slowly eyes focused on the fire. "Because I asked her to. I'm no longer the patron of maidens. On the day I left, that title passed to Hestia. Rather than let the hunters dissolve she offered to be their new patron, but agreed to wait long enough for them to adjust to the idea. I guess enough time has finally passed." Long minutes passed in silence as she stared into the flames. Perseus, she noted, barely dared to breathe. Finally she looked up at him. "It's not what you think. I haven't broken my oath." Yet, she thought. "It's part of the prophesy."
"I see," he said softly. After a moment he added, "I'm sorry My Lady, for your loss." They sat in silence then for a long time. Both staring into the flames. Both lost in their own thoughts, until finally Perseus shook himself and grinned ruefully. "An unlikely pair we make. In all honestly My Lady you're the last person I expected to share a fire with tonight."
Shock flung all other thoughts from Artemis's mind. The forest around them fell silent. Perseus noticed, looking around warily, murmuring something. She didn't hear him. Three words echoed in her mind. An unlikely pair. No, she thought, it can't be that simple. I've been looking for five years! There's no way! It can't be him! Then again, what was more unlikely that meeting the invulnerable Hero of Olympus in the wilderness five years after he disappeared and hundreds of miles from where she last saw him. It does make sense, she thought. He's the first man I've come to respect in thousands of years. If there was a chance she could come to love any man, she knew it would probably be him. There's a long step between respect and love, but still, it's the best chance I have right now. Why didn't I think of this before?! It was so obvious now. It's worth a try, at least.
"…Lady! Artemis! Are you ok?" the voice broke into her thoughts. Her eyes focused on what was before her. Perseus had risen to one knee across the fire, looking at her with concern in his eyes.
"What?" she asked, confused. "Ooh, yes. I was thinking about something."
Concern vanished as he sat back down. "I thought the pain had returned," he muttered.
Shaking her head, she said, "No, the pain is gone. For good I believe." The hole it left behind is still there though. Maybe one day that will be gone too.
"That's good My Lady," he responded levelly. "It was a horrible thing to watch." Picking up a stick he stoked the fire.
"It was worse to experience, I assure you," she responded just as levelly. Wondering about the time she looked up at the moon. 11 o'clock, she thought, time to get home. Looking toward Perseus she said, "I'm going home now. You'll be coming with me."
Wide green eyes met hers. "What!? Why!?" he asked in alarm, suspicion tinging his voice.
"I gave you my word. I owe you a bottle of Nectar," she explained reasonably. "At the moment I am to weary to summon one. With a day's rest I should be able to manage it, but I don't want to have to track you down to give it to you. You're staying with me till our debt is settled." It was a lie. She could summon Nectar by the gallon from her personal store, but Perseus didn't need to know that. He was her best chance, she couldn't let him leave. He stared at her suspiciously long enough for her to add, "That wasn't a request Perseus. I'm not going to waste days tracking down a demigod who doesn't want to be found."
"Will I still be human by the end of tomorrow?" he asked sarcastically.
"With a tone like that? Probably not," she told him. "Gather you things. Let's go." He rose, grumbling under his breath all the while. Smiling inwardly, she said nothing. Floating a ball of water from the lake, he put out the fire, lifted his bags, and then turned to her.
"Where do you live?" he asked, obviously struggling to keep his sarcasm under control. Hiding her amusement she raised an eyebrow at him. Belatedly he grumbled, "My Lady."
"Call me by my name, no need to be formal, we're far from Olympus," she said. "Not far from here. In Boulder actually. Come, take my hand." He eyed the extended hand warily. She could see the internal debate in his eyes. Finally deciding against disobedience, he took it. She immediately flashed them to Evelyn's living room.
Perseus looked around at the décor with a grin of wry amusement. "When did the great Goddess of the Hunt become a grandmother?" he asked.
"I'm older than your grandmother's grandmother Perseus," she told him. "Perhaps I like older styles. My bedroom is at the end of the hall, since you're too tall for the couch I'll sleep here. You take the room, but you better take a shower before getting into my bed."
The look of utter confusing he gave her nearly made her laugh out loud. Instead of responding he just muttered, "Call me Percy. I hate my full name," before striding down the hall. Grinning with genuine amusement, Artemis looked down at herself. She was filthy, but had no desire to wait for Perseus to finish his shower so she could take another one. Snapping her fingers, the dirt and grime disappeared. That's better she thought before lying down on the couch. Just before drifting off to sleep, she heard Percy making his way down the hall to her bedroom. Smiling she closed her eyes.
So Artemis believes Percy is her future husband and slyly uses a promise to get him to come home with her. A very different Artemis than we're used to for sure, but don't worry, I'll be addressing that in later chapters. She seems to be acting out of character now, but the past five years have changed her in ways that will be explored throughout the story. Also, Percy. The boys obviously not in his right mind. Suicidal one minute, and paling in fear at an arched eyebrow the next. He has no idea whether he wants life or death. It should be interesting to see how he develops as well. Another thing I want to point out. Both Artemis and Percy have a lot going on in their heads, but if you notice it never shows on their faces. Both wear stoic mask to hide their thoughts. Only their eyes betray their emotions. As always, leave a review to let me know what you think! Thanks for reading!