Artemis

"You don't have to come with me," Percy said as he pressed the button for the lobby. "You should be resting and recovering your strength." The elevator plunged downward.

"I've been resting for four days," Artemis said with a roll of her eyes. "If I'd have had to stay in that damn palace for another minute I'd have gone crazy." She still felt weak, but over the past few days her power had slowly been returning. Apollo had finally given her permission to leave her palace, and when Percy had mentioned his errand, Artemis decided to join him. "Besides," she said, "we'll be spending the next few years together. You should probably get used to me being around."

"If you say so," Percy said absently as the elevator doors opened to the lobby of the Empire State Building. The time he'd spend with Thalia, Nico, and his father had brought back most of the Percy she'd spent the day with in Boulder all those months ago. He was harder than before; where before pain and then anger had nearly overwhelmed him, cold determination now shone through. That would be needed in the years to come. "So have you talked to Mrs. Evelyn since you've been here?" he asked.

Walking across the lobby, Artemis answered. "I called her and let her know what was going on," she said. "We'll have to stop by and see her before we go hunting Giants though. She'll never forgive me if I leave without saying goodbye." She and Percy stepped out into the cold night air of the street. She glanced at him, considering for a moment as they turned walked down the sidewalk. "You may be in for a little surprise when we get there," she said.

Percy looked at her and raised a questioning eyebrow. "Nico said the same thing," he said, breath clouding in front of his face. "What are you two hiding?"

"You'll see," Artemis said quietly. The rest of the walk through the city passed in silence. The streets were uncharacteristically empty. A side effect of the holiday, she thought. Most mortals were at home with their families.

Finally, Percy stopped on the sidewalk in front of an apartment building. "This is it," he said. Artemis waited silently beside him. He stared up at the building for a long time. "It's been five and a half years since I've been here," he said after a moment. "Nico said she hasn't moved though."

He's nervous, Artemis realized. "She'll want to see you Percy," she said quietly. "Let's go up."

Percy stood a moment longer before nodding. "You're right," he said. He looked at her then, "Why don't put your sunglasses on until I introduce you. Mom will probably recognize your eyes for what they are, and I don't want to freak her or Paul out right when we get there."

Artemis grinned at his inwardly at his trepidation, but nodded materialized the sunglasses. Together they strode into the building and entered the elevator. On the ride up, she studied Percy out the corner of his eye. On the surface he looked normal. He wore jeans and a dark flannel shirt underneath a heavy jacket with a knitted wool cap on his head, black hair peeking out from underneath. He could have passed for just another young man on the street. There was a tightness to the set of his shoulders though. The way he held himself betrayed barely concealed tension. The thought of seeing his mother again terrifies him, Artemis realized.

The elevator door opened and Artemis followed Percy out into the hallway. He walked slowly, the tension in the set of his shoulders increasing with each step, until he finally stopped before one of the many doors. A wreath hung on the door, and a small flashing sign blinked out "Merry Christmas!" Percy stood staring. A woman's laugh sounded faintly from the other side. Finally, Artemis reached around him and knocked softly on the door. Percy stiffened and looked at her sharply, but the opening door swung him back around before he could say anything. A little girl, looking no more than three years old, stood in the doorway. "Hello," she said in with oddly perfect pronunciation for a child so young. "I'm Ava." The little girl looked back and forth between the two of them for a moment before asking, "Who are you?"

Artemis smiled and knelt down beside a dumbstruck Percy. "Hello Ava," she said. "We're old friends of your mother's. You wouldn't mind going to get her for me would you?" She reached out and patted the young girl on the arm. "We'll wait right here till you get back."

Ava hesitated for a moment, curious eyes studying Percy. "Umm, okay," she said slowly. She turned back toward the apartment and stopped. "Do I know you?" she asked Percy. Percy, still unable to speak, shook his head. Ava shrugged and darted back into the apartment. Her voice drifted out into the hallway. "Mom! There's two people who want to see you!"

Artemis stood. "I told you you'd be in for a little surprise," she whispered.

"A baby sister is a little surprise to you?!" Percy hissed back.

"Well," Artemis shrugged, "she is small." Before Percy could reply, a woman rounded the corner down the hallway walking toward the door.

She was looking back, calling something Artemis couldn't make out over her shoulder. Her head turned toward the door, eyes sweeping over Percy to Artemis before jerking back with sudden recognition. Whatever she had been saying cut off mid-sentence, as she froze mid-stride. "Per…Percy?" Sally asked in a barely audible whisper. Unshed tears shone in her brown eyes. "Is that you?"

Paul appeared behind Sally. "Is something wrong honey?" he asked worriedly before he too froze, eyes falling on Percy.

Beside her, Percy took a deep breath. "Hi Mom. Paul," he said with a weak smile. "It's been a long time."

Sally closed the distance in a blur. One second she was standing frozen just inside the apartment, and the next she was in the hall with her arms wrapped around Percy. A moment later she'd taken a step back, examining her son from head to toe. "You're ok," she smiled through the tears on her face. "I've been so worried." Again she threw her arms around him, "Where have you been? No, never mind. It doesn't matter. You're home now."

Percy hugged her back. "Yes Mom," he whispered into her hair, blinking through his own tears. "I'm home. I missed you so much."

Suddenly Sally laughed, loud and pure and full of relief. "Come in! You had perfect timing! We were about to eat Christmas dinner! Join us, both of you." She pulled back from the hug, and took Percy's hand in both of her own. Raising an eyebrow and grinning slyly she asked. "Who's your friend Percy?"

Percy grinned down at his mother. Wiping away a tear with his free hand, he answered. "She's the one who brought me home mom. Let go inside. I don't want to explain here in the hall were anyone can hear." Extending his free hand toward his step-father he said with a smile, "It's good to see you again Paul."

Paul grabbed the extended hand and pulled Percy into a hug. "It's good to see you too Percy," he said. "Come on. There's someone you should meet." Artemis followed as Sally, still refusing to release Percy's hand, drug him into the apartment. Behind her she heard Paul close the door.

"Ava," Sally called. "Come here honey, I have someone I want to introduce you to." Sally dragged Percy into the living room where Ava sat on the floor playing with newly unwrapped toys. Artemis studied the young girl as Sally and Percy settled on the floor in front of her. Ava was the spitting image of her mother. Brown hair fell in soft curls down her back, and large brown eyes studied Percy as their mother explained his identity to her. Intelligent, Artemis thought. And calculating, but small for her age.

"She's taking this well for one so young," Artemis said to Paul when he stopped beside her.

She heard the smile in his voice when he replied. "She takes after her mother," Paul said. "She's strong, and she looks younger than she is. She's actually…"

"Four," Artemis cut in. "Yes I know. Turned four last month if I remember correctly." She turned to look at Paul then. He was watching her, a curious look on his face, but no alarm. "The 25th right?" She raised an eyebrow at him when he simply nodded, thought the effect was somewhat ruined by the glasses she still wore. "You don't seem surprised that a stranger knows so much about your daughter. Why is that?"

Paul shrugged and turned back to his family. "I've learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to the Greek World. A stranger knowing one little girl's birthday is hardly the most surprising thing I've seen." He chuckled then and turned back toward her, "I'm sorry, where are my manners, we haven't been introduced." He held out his hand, "I'm Paul Blofis. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Artemis grinned back. I like him, she thought. Polite yet with a strength of character most mortals lack. Mind made up, she spoke. "I believe you'll be able to handle my identity, so I'll tell you who I am. Do not react, Percy wants to tell his mother himself." She reached up and removed her glasses before clasping his hand in her own. "I am Artemis," she said. "And the pleasure is mine."

Paul's eyes widened when they met hers, but to his credit he held her gaze and did not flinch. "Well," he said after a moment, "I did not expect that. Even so, welcome My Lady, to our home."

Artemis released his hand, but held his gaze. "Just Artemis," she said. "And I believe you are mistaken Paul, much of your daughter's strength comes from you as well. There are few men in history who have reacted so calmly to learning my identity. It says much about you."

Paul smiled again. "Thank you My Lady," he said, still using the honorific. He's careful too, Artemis thought. The two of them turned back to Sally, Percy and Ava at the center of the room. "Truth be told, I've had some practice with Olympians before. I met Poseidon a few years back, and I saw Hades during the Battle after Percy woke Sally and I up, so you aren't the first I've encountered." That surprised Artemis. She hadn't known that these two mortals had fought in the Battle. They must be special indeed to have survived that, she thought.

Artemis watched beside Paul as Ava rose and awkwardly hugged the kneeling Percy. That will pass with time, Artemis thought. I'll have to make sure he sees her regularly after our hunt begins though. The young girl should know her legendary older brother, and it would do Percy well.

Sally rose and turned, a smile bright enough to shame even Apollo's splitting her face. Her eyes met Artemis's, and though her brow crinkled in a thoughtful expression, she gave no sign of recognition. Instead of commenting, she crossed the room and pulled Artemis into a tight hug. "Thank you," she whispered, "for bringing my son home."

Artemis returned the hug, before replying. "I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to find him," she said. "If you want to thank someone, thank Nico."

Sally pulled back, still smiling and murmured, "I'll be sure to do that." The thoughtful expression returned. "I've known a number of demigods in my day, and none of them have had eyes like yours." She paused before continuing, "You're a goddess aren't you My Lady?" Well, Artemis thought, the cat's out of the bag now. Though she probably takes me for some minor goddess. Before she could respond, Percy cleared his throat.

Artemis and Sally turned together toward Percy. He stood in the center of the room with Ava by his side, her small hand clasped in his larger one, and he was smiling down at her. He's cute when he smiles, Artemis thought before her mind recoiled. Old instincts tried to fling the thought away. No! she screamed internally. No! This is progress. Accept it. "Ava wants to be introduced," he said, breaking through her tumultuous thoughts, and then looked up. "I think she likes you." Yes, Artemis thought. Young maidens. My place of stability.

Artemis smiled wryly, more at herself than anything, as she stepped forward to crouch before Ava. "Of course she likes me," she said. "I've spent over three millennia in the company of girls her age." She extended a hand toward Ava and said, "Hello Ava. I'm Artemis."

A soft surprised gasp from behind, and then murmuring from Paul, told her Sally had heard the name. Ava's only reaction was to look up at Percy questioningly, who smiled reassuringly, before her gaze fell back to Artemis. "You're the goddess?" Ava asked.

"I am," Artemis replied, hand still extended. Ava continued her study for a moment, before seeming to make a decision, and nodding. She took Artemis's hand and shook it.

"It's nice to meet you Ms. Artemis," Ava said shyly, eyes falling to the ground, her young age finally showing. Artemis grinned, before gathering Ava in her arms and rising.

"To you, Ava," she whispered in the young girl's ear, "I'm just Artemis." Ava grinned widely. Lifting her eyes to Sally and Paul she said, "That goes for you two as well. No need for titles, I am a guest in your home..." She trailed off when she saw Sally's face. Dammit, she swore silently.

Sally was staring wide-eyed at Artemis, shock evident across her features, and a silent battle raging behind her eyes. "I told you not to reveal yourself," Percy hissed. If possible, Sally's eyes widened further at Percy's blatant disregard for her status. The sudden, unexpected return of her son, and the revelation of Artemis's identity was too much for her process together. I'm surprised Percy's return alone wasn't enough to send her into shock, Artemis thought. Maternal instinct could be a powerful thing. I didn't think this through.

Finally, Sally spoke slowly, in a dazed, far-away voice. "I recognized you for a goddess My Lady," she said, "but I don't think I would have ever been able to guess your identity."

Make light of the situation, Artemis thought. Break the tension before this woman has a stroke. She gave a resigned sigh, and glanced toward Percy. I hope he picks up on this. "Why does everyone we meet say that about me?" she asked innocently, trying to silently convey her intent.

Percy's eyebrow arced slightly, before he gave her an almost imperceptible nod. "Well I'm a man who's spoken with you more than once, and as far as I know I don't have floppy ears or horns yet. Kind of makes me a rarity." Ava giggled in her arms at his description.

Artemis snorted and rolled her eyes. Leaning toward Sally and speaking in a whisper that could be heard across the room she said, "Typical Percy. Making everything about him."

Percy's indignant "Hey!" finally drew a startled laugh from Sally, and she relaxed. The tension was broken.

A relieved looking Paul spoke up then, "I believe you two have quite the tale to tell. Why don't we hear it over dinner?"

Artemis watched Percy over the rim of her glass. Dinner had gone well. Both Percy and Sally had gradually relaxed as the meal when on, though the tale about the Giant had rattled Sally a bit. She was still on occasion reaching across the table to touch him as if to convince herself he was really there. When she'd finished eating, Ava had crawled into Percy's lap. Now she sat, idly poking the portion of his forearm exposed when he'd rolled up his sleeves. "So," Paul said, break through Artemis's thoughts, "I've been wanting to ask all night. Why would a Greek goddess celebrate Christmas?"

Sally laughed beside him. "Really?" she asked. "Of all the things you could learn from someone like Lady Artemis, that's what you choose to ask?"

Paul smiled at the good-natured teasing from his wife. "It's the curse of a curious soul," he said, turning back to Artemis. "Once I think of a question I have to know the answer."

Artemis shrugged. "Each of us is the physical manifestation of certain aspect of Western Civilization," she said. "We change with the people of the West. If most of you mortals celebrate a holiday, then so do we." She smiled knowingly, "Even if it's not always for the same reasons."

"Fascinating," Paul said, looking for all the world like Athena when something caught her interest. He made to continue until Ava interrupted him.

"So are you really indestructible?" she asked, looking up to meet Percy's eyes.

Percy looked down at her with a smile. "More invulnerable than indestructible," he said. "I can still be hurt, but it takes a lot." A twinkle came in to his eye and his grin turned mischievous. "Do you wanna see?" he asked.

"Percy," Sally warned. He looked up. "I'm not so sure that's a good idea," she said.

He waved her off. "It'll be fine Mom," he said cheerily. Cheery, Artemis thought. He's cheery. I should have brought him here months ago. Though she knew it would have been next to impossible to get him to come. He looked back down at Ava. "Won't it sis?" She was staring back up at him, eyes alight with excitement, and nodding. Oh yes, Artemis thought, she's Percy's sister alright.

"Please Mom?!" Ava begged. Sally sighed, and settled back into her chair. After a moment she nodded. Percy shifted Ava on his lap and reached down to pull a dagger from the hidden sheath on his ankle.

Laying the dagger down on the table, Percy moved Ava to her own chair. "You're a little young to be playing with weapons," he said, "so I'm going to let Artemis do it." He turned to her then. "Care to do the honors?" he asked.

Artemis felt her face split into an evil grin. Across the table she saw Paul and Sally flinch back. She ignored them. "I still owe you for that scratch you gave me the night we met," she said. "I'll gladly do it." Moving in a blur, she swept the dagger up, and drove the point into his chest with all her strength. It won't hurt him, she though, but at least it will be fun. Stabbing him was like striking stone. The knife, unable to pierce his skin, turned in her grasp and slid down across his abdomen. Her arm went numb from the force of the blow. Percy toppled backward out of his chair and struck the wall behind him with a sickening crunch. Ok, she winced, not so fun after all. Artemis let the dagger fall from limp fingers and swore. "What in Hades name are you made of!?"

"What the hell was that?!" Percy roared, pushing himself to his knees. "You didn't even ask if that's where my weak spot was! You could have killed me!" His shirt was in tatters, there was a hole in the wall where he'd struck, and she was pretty sure his chair was broken too. With a wave of her good hand the damage to the apartment disappeared. She left his shirt the way it was. He deserved that much at least.

Artemis took a deep, calming breath, forcing herself to ignore his disrespect, before answering. "I had faith enough in you to assume you weren't so stupid as to put your Achilles spot in the center of your chest," she told him levelly. She turned to Sally and Paul, both looked on silently. "I'm sorry for that," she said. "What Percy didn't tell you earlier is he attacked me without warning the night we met. I thought I'd try to get him back." She raised her numb hand and began trying to rub the feeling back into it. "It appears he's tougher than I thought he was."

Paul, still slightly wide-eyed, slowly shook his head. "No harm no foul," he said after a moment. "I'm sure I speak for both of us when I say we'll both feel better knowing Percy is out there fighting after seeing just how strong that curse is." Sally looked at her husband, then to Percy who was just pushing himself to his feet, before nodding.

Ava giggled at that. "Percy," she said excitedly. "Let me see where she stabbed you!" His eyes darted to his sister and softened. A small grin tugged at the corner of his mouth as pulled apart his shirt to show her his unmarked chest.

"See," Percy said, "there's nothing there." The awed look on her face made him break into a smile.

"That is so cool!" Ava almost shrieked.

A/N First of all I want to apologize for the delay in getting this chapter out. A combination of school and writer's block has left me with little time to work on my stories. Hopefully that's in the past now.

Percy has a sister you guys! Like I said, there would be new characters, and I hope you like this one. A little more Percy/Artemis interaction, and we got to see Sally and Paul again. As much as I like this chapter, it was a difficult one to write with trying to nail all the personalities. I took some liberties with Paul. He's a teacher in the books, and he's a nice guy as well, but I wanted to try and develop him a little more that Rick did. I tried to make him level headed and cool under pressure. Again, both of which he was to an extent in the books, but to me he seemed kind of shallow. I wanted to go deeper, show his curiosity about the world, his passion for learning, things like that. Sally and Ava were easier. Sally at this point is only a worried mother, we'll delve into he character deeper later. I'm not going to say anything about Ava other than she's important for reasons that may not be readily apparent.

In one of the next two chapters we'll be off to hunt Giants. I haven't really decided yet because there is one more scene I want to write on Olympus, but I'm not sure exactly how to make it fit yet. I'll think of something, and we'll see where the story goes together I guess! As always, I don't own PJO, only the characters unique to this story. Which as of right now are only Evelyn and Ava.

Leave a review and let me know what you think! Questions, comments, criticisms, and praise(hopefully) are all welcome. They're what give me the incentive to write, but remember that I can't reply to guest reviews. Thanks for reading!