So this story is taking place in August 2014 right now (prologue was in August 2009), and I know the movie came out in 2013 but I don't care. I had an idea and liked it, so for the sake of this story, pretend it came out last year.
Artemis
Percy followed Artemis out into the late afternoon warmth. "Wait," he said beside her. "So Thor was real?" Leaving the movie theater behind, they walked side by side down the street. "And you met him?"
Grinning inwardly she quirked an eyebrow at him. "You of all people should know all legends are true in one way or another. Yes he was real, and as arrogant as Heracles." Artemis grimacing, remembering the man. "He was a demigod of Zeus. There were a few decades long ago when the gods decided they liked Norse women. Most were minor gods, but my father is not one to be outdone. A century after their death's the myths you have today grew up around them, and a new pantheon was born." She paused then thinking, before turning toward Percy. "Who knows, maybe you had a Norse god as a brother or sister? I tried to avoid the whole mess as much as I could, so I wouldn't know, but I did run into Thor once with my hunters." Smiling as she remembered the experience she continued. "My father only let me keep him as a pet wolf for a few weeks before making me turn him back."
Without warning, Percy laughed. Artemis stopped and looked at him questioningly. "It's nothing," he said. "Just thinking that Thor is my cousin. The more I learn about our family, the more screwed up it seems."
"You should try having to live it," she muttered. "Our family tree gives even Athena a headache." Above them, the orange sky had started fading to black. "Come," she told him. "Evelyn will be waiting for us, we should head back."
Still chuckling under his breath and shaking his head, he answered. "You're right, let's go."
As they walked, they talked. Of nothing in particular import, just small talk. Keep him talking, Artemis thought. He has to stop seeing the goddess and start seeing me as a woman. The day, despite Percy's earlier suspicion, had gone well. His original wariness, though still there to some degree, had faded as he began to believe she really meant it when she made her promise not to hurt him. Artemis even thought he was beginning to enjoy himself. Gods, she thought, he's been alone for five years. Even my company must be a relief after living in solitude for so long.
As they neared the bakery he asked innocently, "So how did you know where I was last night? Did you know I was in the area or was it just coincidence?"
She paused, hand on the door, and looked at him. She could sense the deeper meaning in his question. Is Olympus looking for me? "I'm sure your father, and probably the others as well, want to know if you're safe. We were all worried when you disappeared, but I do not know if they're searching." Shaking her head she added, "I, at least, am not part of any attempt. Our meeting was pure chance."
Percy considered that a while, studying his reflection in the bakery window, before nodding. "Good," he said. "I will return one day, but I'm not ready yet."
That surprised her. She had assumed he planned continuing going his own way until the war came. Letting her hand fall from the door, she asked. "So you do plan on returning to the Greek world? You're past camping age, what will you do instead?"
"Well, I don't know," he said. "Until today I planned on never going back, but after spending some time with you I've realized I missed it." His eyes met hers and he smiled a small embarrassed smile. "So thanks for that I guess." Shrugging he continued, "A normal life is out of the question. Maybe, I'll swear to my father or one of the other Olympians. That's probably the best chance I have of making it to the war. I don't know, I'll have to think about it."
Fates, she thought, it can't be that easy. No, don't move to fast. Wait and make the offer later. He's still wounded and skittish. You'll scare him away. Instead she said, "Well if you don't want to make the trip alone, let me know. I miss Olympus as well. Me taking you there will be much faster than you walking across the country."
He looked at her again then, a confused look on his face, but the morning's suspicions was gone. "You'd take me? Why? I thought it was another decade before you could return?"
"Another decade till the others can come looking for me," she reminded him. "I can return whenever I want. Plus, I owe you for today. It was nice to finally be Artemis again after so long. Living a lie is tiresome."
"You may have had me calling you by that name today, but you're hardly the Artemis I remember," he said bluntly.
She raised an eyebrow at him. To his credit, he didn't even blink. "Well well well, I guess you took that promise to heart. Good, I meant it. You have nothing to fear from me."
He grunted a laugh. "Well I figured if you didn't kill me for staring you wouldn't kill me for being blunt. But seriously, you've changed. More than just the prophecy can explain for. What happened?"
She grinned in return. "If I killed every mortal man who stared at me I wouldn't have time for anything else. I'm a maiden goddess, I'm supposed to be attractive."
Percy blushed and looked away. "Confident too it seems," he murmured.
Ignoring that she continued. "But to answer your question, the world has changed, and I have to change with it. I've spent more time in the company of humans these past five years than I have in centuries. I've seen women take advantage of men just as much as I've seen men take advantage of women, but I've also seen men and women do great things for each other. I guess I finally decided to judge each person separately. I'm not fond of men, I took an oath of virginity after all, but I no longer hate them on principle."
"Wow," he said. "Never thought I'd hear that from you, but I'm glad. Makes me feel safer," he said with a laugh. "Now let's go in, I'm hungry."
Opening the door, they walked through the bakery and up the stairs. "There's no telling what Evelyn has made for us, she wasn't lying when she said she likes to feed people," she told Percy. "I hope you meant it when you said you're hungry."
He chuckled at that, "I'm 21 years old; I'm always hungry. Whatever it is, it smells great." She opened the door and he followed her into the apartment.
From the kitchen came Evelyn's chipper voice. "Zoe, is that you my dear? Just in time! I'm setting the table now." She appeared in the doorway, and scurried over to them. "Come you two," she said, ushering them toward the kitchen. "It's time to eat! Sit, let me serve your plates, now my dears, tell me of your day."
Sharing a look with Percy, his exasperated face from breakfast had returned, she answered, "It was lovely, Mrs. Evelyn. I spent the morning showing Percy around the city. After lunch we went to see a movie, and then came home." Leaning close to Percy she whispered, "You're just going to have to let her take care of you. She's not going to let you do it yourself." He rolled his eyes but nodded.
"Well that does sound lovely," Evelyn said as she pulled a turkey large enough for 10 people from the oven. "Since you just turned 21 Percy, I went out and bought a bottle of wine for us to share with dinner. Why don't you pour us some glasses Zoe my dear? Make yourself one as well, I won't tell if you don't," she finished, turning around to wink conspiratorially.
Artemis grinned inwardly, she had been there the day Dionysus had invented wine, but got up and did as Evelyn asked. She opened the bottle, before gathering three glasses and returning to the table. Pouring the first one, she handed it to Percy. "I don't even know if I like wine," he muttered under his breath.
"It's an acquired taste for some," she murmured back, "but I enjoy the occasional glass myself. Just don't learn to like it too much." Pouring herself a glass, she took a sip. Good vintage. Nodding toward Percy, she motioned for him to try it. He took a small sip and made a face. Artemis laughed. "Like I said, an acquired taste."
Evelyn spoke from the stove, "I figured that since this was a sort of family reunion, we'd have Thanksgiving dinner early this year. Most families gather on Thanksgiving anyway, so turkey and stuffing it is!" Turning, she carried two heaping plates of food to the table, and set on in front of both Artemis and Percy. Returning to the stove, she retrieved her own and took a seat. Pouring herself a glass of wine, she exclaimed, "Dig in!"
While they ate, Evelyn talked with only minor input from Percy or Artemis, usually in response to a question. Percy, Artemis noticed, finished off the wine in his glass, but did not reach for the bottle to pour himself another. Good, she thought, he shows moderation, or maybe he just doesn't like the stuff. Grabbing the bottle, she refilled her and Evelyn's glasses before turning a questioning look on Percy. After a moment he nodded, "Just a little," he said. Moderation then. Artemis poured what little remained in the bottle in his glass.
When the meal was finished, Artemis rose to wash the dishes. Percy stood with her, "I'll help," he said. "I've had two meals here and haven't done anything yet, tell me what to do."
Pleased with his offer, Artemis said, "You wash, and I'll dry and put away." Turning to Evelyn she said warmly, "And you stay where you are. You cooked, let us clean up."
Evelyn laughed a warm laugh, "Whatever you say my dear, I know better than to argue with you about this." As Percy began to wash, Evelyn asked from the table. "So Percy, how long will you be staying with us?" A good question, Artemis thought, and one I've been wanting to ask all day.
The brush in his hand stopped its slow rotation, and Percy was silent for a moment before answering. "I planned on leaving right after dinner," he said with a glance at Artemis. "But I can stay a few more hours if I need to." If I need more time to recover he means, Artemis thought.
"Nonsense!" Evelyn exclaimed. "You can't leave in the middle of the night. Stay tonight and you can leave in the morning," she offered. "That way you can spend some more time with your cousin, and I'll have more time to satisfy my curiosity!"
Keeping his head turned down toward the dishes, Percy eyes moved toward Artemis. She gave him a small, almost imperceptible nod. Turning toward Evelyn, he said, "That would be wonderful, Mrs. Evelyn. Thank you."
"Of course my dear," she said. "Any friend of Zoe's is always welcome here." While Artemis and Percy finished doing the dishes, and putting away the uneaten food, Evelyn was uncharacteristically quiet. When the job was done, she rose, "Join me in the living room will you? We can sit and talk for a while before I go to bed."
Odd, Artemis thought. Evelyn was rarely this serious. Shrugging off Percy's questioning look, she followed the old woman into the living room. Beside Evelyn's usual chair, was a stack of old books that looked like they hadn't been used in a while. Artemis sat on one end of the couch, Percy sat on the other. "So," Evelyn said conversationally after settling herself in, "your story this morning got me thinking. Your departures of New York seem to coincide perfectly with all those odd reports unexplained destruction around the city five years ago." Her gaze sharpened then, "Your leaving wouldn't have had anything to do with that would it?" She knows, Artemis thought. How long has she know?
To her side, she heard Percy mirror her sigh and lean back. "When exactly did your husband pass again?" he asked.
"Two years ago," Artemis answered for Evelyn.
She felt, more than saw him nod. "So you know," he said. It was not a question.
"That you're demigods?" Evelyn asked. "Of course I know. My husband was a son of Athena, they don't tend to marry fools. I've had my suspicions about Zoe for a while, but when you showed up I was convinced." So she doesn't know who I am, Artemis thought.
Percy grunted. "I know one who might have." Evelyn ignored the comment.
Studying Percy she continued. "Judging from your skin, hair, and eyes I'd guess a son of Poseidon? Though that shouldn't be possible. Richard told me of the prophecy and the oath; which means you were the child of the prophecy. I'm guessing you saved Olympus on your sixteenth birthday five years ago and paid dearly for it."
Percy's voice was thick with emotion when he answered, "I saved nothing. I was just the hand wielding the knife. The real heroes died that day."
Evelyn's eyes softened, "A loyal solider through and through," she murmured. "I'm sorry for your loss Percy. No one so young should have to watch their friends die." Leaving Percy to his thoughts, Evelyn turned toward Artemis. "That would make you a daughter of Zeus or Hades I assume, since you said your fathers were brothers. I must admit, I wouldn't have been able to place you if you hadn't said that."
"I am indeed a daughter of Zeus," Artemis replied levelly. I shouldn't be angry she lied to me, I've been lying to her after all. I'm still lying to her. "How long have you known?"
"Since I saw your eyes, my dear," she said. "I knew they were supernatural from the beginning. They hold more hidden power than even Percy's, and he's the child of the prophecy. I guess that's from your father being the king of the gods?"
"I'm sure that has something to do with it," Artemis said. "Who'd you think I was before today?" This should be interesting at least. At the far end of the couch, she felt Percy perk up at the question.
"To be honest, I didn't know." Laughing Evelyn added, "From your eye color I had a crazy theory that you were a runaway Huntress of Artemis, but after a little research," she said pointing toward the books beside her, "I figured out that couldn't be the case. That particular goddess isn't known for her kindness toward oath breakers." Ok, Artemis thought as Percy burst out laughing, maybe a little anger is justified.
Percy's outburst startled Evelyn. He struggled to compose himself, but when Artemis turned her glare on him, he fell into another fit of laughter. "You're really making me regret that promise Perseus," she snapped. His laughter just got louder. Ok, she thought, maybe if he'd have kept a little of his fear of me it wouldn't have been such a bad thing.
Finally he composed himself, "I'm sorry Mrs. Evelyn," he said. "It's just that Zoe, was Artemis's best friend. The look on her face when you said that was priceless." Evidently finding his own joke funny, he started laughing quietly again.
"Ooh," Evelyn said. "I'm sorry Zoe, I meant no insult to your friend. I'm just repeating what my husband's books said."
Sighing, Artemis said, "It's quite alright, Mrs. Evelyn. Artemis was known for her cruelty toward oath breakers for a long time."
Percy, still laughing, muttered, "That's an understatement. She used to turn hunters who broke their oaths into animals!"
Again Artemis turned an angry glare on him. "I have never wanted to break a promise as much as I do now," she told him.
"I believe you," he said, still chuckling. "Annabeth always said I could annoy a stone." Huh, she thought, most of her anger vanishing. He said her name without pain. That's progress. "But you won't," he continued. "You place too much value on promises."
Looking away from her, Percy turned to a very confused Evelyn. "Our Zoe here used to have certain…reputation. Before I came home with her last night she promised not to hurt me. I've saved her life twice over the years, and I think she feel indebted to me. I believe I'm making her regret that promise now."
Throwing up her hands, Artemis said, "No. I don't regret it, but Annabeth was right. You're annoying when you want to be." That's twice her name has been said and he didn't react, she noted.
"Who's Annabeth?" Evelyn asked. His smile vanished. Dammit, Artemis swore silently.
Percy looked down, and Artemis could see the pain dancing in his eyes again. Though it wasn't as bad as it had been the night before. I guess learning she's happy has finally allowed him to start healing, she thought. "A daughter of Athena," she answered. "She died five years ago facing Kronos in the Hall of the Gods itself. Her sacrifice allowed Percy to land the killing blow, ending the war. Other than Percy here, no other demigod in history has been more highly honored by the gods. Her spirit was sent to the Isles of the Blest, and Percy was offered godhood. Had he wished it, I believe my father would have made him an Olympian out of gratitude." That broke through to him. He looked at her, eyes wide. This is the first time he's heard that, she realized. It's true Percy. He never said it, but I know my father.
"You're a god!?" Evelyn asked in disbelief, half rising as if prepared to bow.
"What?" Percy asked surprised. "Ooh, no. I turned him down. I didn't want to live forever without Annabeth. Ar…" he cut off, coughing into his hand. "Excuse me. Zoe just told me last night she's on the Isles of the Blest. I wonder if he'll send me there instead of making me a god."
"I'm not even sure my father could overcome the curse of Achilles Percy," she told him. And he wouldn't even if he could after he figures out you're to be my husband. Shrugging she continued, "But after what the manticore did last night I guess he could throw you around till you break something inside. That would be painful though."
Percy blushed. Is he embarrassed? "Yeah, about that," he said. "My ribs weren't broken. Just some bad bruising. I'm not really used to pain anymore, so when it happens it surprises me." When he finished she stared at him for the span of a few heartbeats. Then it was her turn to laugh, and laugh she did. Every bit as hard as he had before.
"Ooh this is great," she gasped through her laughter. "Wait till I tell Apollo! He'll love this! The great Percy Jackson whining about a little bruise!" Clutching her stomach she fell back against the couch, shaking with laughter.
"Anyway," he said, trying to ignore her. It made her laugh harder. Shaking his head he went on, "I wasn't serious anyway. I want to see Annabeth again, but not right now. Not before the war. I have to fight."
Finally getting her laughter under control, Artemis said, "You will Percy. If I have to face down Hades and drag your soul from the Underworld myself, you'll be there." Of course, she thought, it's just not for the reasons you might think.
That seemed to take him back, as if he was surprised by her offer. After a moment he murmured, "Thank you."
"Wait," Evelyn said. Both of them turned to her. She looked thoroughly confused to Artemis. "So you," she said pointing to Percy, "were offered a seat on Olympus and turned it down? You also bear the curse of Achilles? As in you're invulnerable?" Not bothering to wait for his answer she turned to Artemis. "And you. You know Apollo well enough to joke with him? And are willing to face down the Lord of the Dead himself to help your cousin?"
"I didn't know it was a seat on Olympus I was turning down," Percy said, "but I would have turned it down anyway. And yes, I've bathed in the Styx. It sucked."
Artemis shrugged her shoulders. "The gods aren't as distant from their children as they used to be, thanks to Percy here, and I can play daddy's little girl when I need something. I can convince him of anything. If I asked, he'd help Percy." Especially after I tell him who you will be.
Evelyn looked shocked. Finally after a long moment she spoke. "So basically what you're telling me is that I'm sitting in a room with two of the most powerful mortals on Earth?"
Artemis grinned knowingly, "Percy takes that title Mrs. Evelyn. The most powerful demigod to ever live. He beat Ares in a duel when he was only 12, took the weight of the sky from Artemis so she could fight Atlas, bested Hyperion in battle, and lead the defense of Olympus that culminated in his slaying of the Titan Lord; and those are just a few of his more notable achievements."
Percy, turned a glare at her before blushing and looking at the floor. After a moment Evelyn spoke, "Well, that offer makes a little more sense now." Rising she smoothed the front of her shirt. "Well, I'm honored to have both of you in my home. I just thought it was about time for a little more honesty around here." Smiling then she waved, "I'll be going to bed now. I'll you see you both in the morning. Goodnight!"
Evelyn left the room without a backwards glance. Artemis sat in silence for a while, studying Percy out of the corner of her eye. He still studied the floor, brow scrunched as if thinking. Finally, she waved a hand, and materialized two large bottles of Nectar. Enough to last a lone demigod months. "Here," she said. Extending the bottles toward him.
His head lifted and his eyes focused on the offered bottles. "Artemis," he said, shaking his head. "That's much more than I gave you. I'd be in your debt."
"Consider it another thank you for saving my life then," she told him. Still he hesitated. After a moment of consideration, she went on. "There is no debt between us, this is me doing a favor for a friend." Please don't spurn this offer Perseus, she though. We need to be friends before we can be anything else.
His eyes widened slightly at that, but his face remained stoic. "A friend huh?" he murmured. "I guess I could do that." Smiling, he took the bottles from her. Thank the gods, she thought. After staring down at the bottles in his hands for a moment he said, "I'll sleep out here tonight, I want to get an early start and I don't want to wake you up in the morning."
She nodded at that. "Where will you go?"
"North," he said without hesitation. "I've heard rumors of monsters gathering up there. I want to check it out." Sighing he leaned back against the couch and closed his eyes. Time to see how far this friendship thing goes, she thought. I have to be able to find him.
"Well if you come up on something that might be a good fight, here," she said holding out a newly materialized phone. "Give me a call, I love a good fight."
He opened his eyes and looked at her. When he saw what she held he grinned, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're going to miss me." He reach out and took the phone. No hesitation. That's good.
Leaning back against the couch and grinning slightly she said, "Well you're not completely unbearable. Plus I'd like to see what you can do when you don't have a little bruise on your side."
Chuckling quietly and leaning back again he said, "High praise coming from you."
"It is," she agreed. Sighing she rose, "Well I'm going to take a shower. You'll probably be gone in the morning when I wake up, won't you?" He nodded. "I thought as much. Don't throw that phone away. Use it. Goodnight and farewell for now Perseus."
His eyes never opened, but he grinned. "Goodnight Artemis, see you soon."
She walked from the room. Gathering some clean clothes she moved toward the bathroom. She hardly noticed the hot water falling down her bare body. Her mind was full of the events of the past day. She'd found the prophesied one, she'd made a connection, and she'd made plans to continue the relationship. In light of that even the pain of her lost hunters had faded to the background. If she thought about it, it returned, but not nearly with the intensity of before. I guess Percy is good for me in that way at least, she thought. I hope I can help him with his pain as well. Shaking herself, she finished her shower and dressed. When she left the bathroom she glanced through the living room door. Percy was already gone.
So, there we go. They're first meeting is done, and all things considered it went well. Also Evelyn turn out to be much more perceptive than she lets on. Shouldn't be too surprising after finding out she was married to a son of Athena. Unfortunately this will be my last update for about five days or so. I'm in Louisiana and its Mardi Gras, so I don't plan on being sober till next Wednesday. Don't drink and write kids, bad, if hilarious, things will happen. Expect an update before next weekend though! As always, I don't own PJO characters or anything to do with the series. Leave a review and let me know what you think!