So this chapter covers almost has much time as the prologue and previous chapters combined. There are three separate time jumps, each a significant amount of time, and it was kind of difficult to make everything work out the way I wanted to. I had to rewrite large sections multiple times, and I've been adding and taking away for the past few days. This one is a lot longer than normal, over 13,000 words were my average is around 6,000, and focuses more on Artemis and Percy's relationship, and their daily life, than anything else. There are numerous small details spread throughout that will be important later on, as well as some that won't be that I added just to maintain some mystery. Never fear, there is some action! And even a few new characters.
As always I don't own PJO. Enjoy!
Artemis (Nine months later, September 2016)
"I just don't know what to do anymore Mrs. Evelyn," Artemis said as they cleaned the bakery for the night. "The first few weeks we were here I thought he would heal, but now I'm not so sure. I think the nightmares are finally getting to him."
Evelyn looked up from her counting at the cash register and quirked an eyebrow. "Just Evy dear," she said, "and what do you mean? Every time I see Percy and Ava they seem fine." Evelyn paused for a moment then continued. "Well, he still seems to be grieving, but its only been a year my dear. That's to be expected on some level."
Artemis sighed as she replaced the lids on several canisters of flour and then wiped her hands on her apron. "That's just it," she muttered. "When he's with Ava he's his normal self, doing everything he can for her, but when she's not around he just sort of goes…catatonic I guess. It's like she's his only reason for living, and when she's not around he stops caring. And if the days are bad the nights are even worse." With a muffled oath Artemis tore her apron off and fell into a small wicker chair meant for waiting customers. Burying her head in her hands she squeezed her eyes shut. She wanted to pull her hair out, to vent her frustration in some way, but that wouldn't do anything to help Percy. She needed to think. I have to figure this out!
"Artemis," Evelyn said carefully. "Despite all your years you don't have much experience with this type of thing do you?" Artemis looked up and met Evelyn's eyes. Finally she shook her head. "I thought not," Evelyn mused. "Depression is a very human condition." The elderly woman sighed and rounded the corner to sit in the chair next to Artemis. Reaching over she patted Artemis's knee absently as she spoke. "I'm no shrink mind you," Evelyn said. "But it seems to me Percy could benefit from having a purpose."
"What do you mean?" Artemis asked, more to be polite than out of any real curiosity.
"Well," Evelyn continued. "You said, and I've seen for myself, that Percy is at his best emotionally when he's with Ava. When there's someone that needs him. When she's not around he's adrift and has nothing to do. Idleness will kill him. You need to find a way to keep him busy."
"You mean," Artemis asked incredulously, "I should find him a job?"
Evelyn shrugged and rose. Moving to continue her cleaning she said, "Maybe. If that's what it takes. Or maybe you need to stop coming here every day and spend your days with him. Since Ava's started school he's alone too much of the day for one in his condition."
Artemis nodded slowly then shook her head. "My being with him won't help," she muttered. "I don't needed him the way Ava does." Artemis actively ignored Evelyn's knowing look and smile. "Yes. Yes this could work." Rising Artemis made her way to the door. Calling over her should and waving she said, "Thank you Mrs. Evelyn. I might not be in tomorrow, I'll call you later to let you know."
Evelyn smiled warmly. "My dear, take all the time you need."
The next day found Artemis dropping Ava off at school with Percy, the same routine they'd followed each day since Ava had started school. When Ava disappeared through the doors, Artemis turned to study Percy. If he felt her gaze he gave no sign of it, he just continued to stare at the school building. Finally, after long moments he turned to her. "I guess I'll see you tonight then?" he asked in a near emotionless voice. Gods he so good at hiding his emotions. Even from me. Even after all this time.
"I thought I'd take the day off," Artemis said in what she hoped was a bright voice. "You and I haven't gotten much alone time these past few months. I thought we could fix that."
Percy quirked an eyebrow slightly, a small chink in his stoic mask, and Artemis internally rejoiced. At least he's not completely closed off today. I can use that. Percy shrugged and replied simply. "If that's what you want."
Artemis felt her smile falter slightly, but she forced it back into place. "Only if it's what you want to Percy. I won't force you to if you'd rather be alone."
Percy shook his head slightly but immediately. "I don't like being alone," he muttered. "What'd you have in mind?"
Artemis very nearly forgot herself enough to sigh in relief. She stopped herself just in time. Trying to sound nonchalant she said, "The high school has a swimming arena that's open to the public this time of year," she said. A lie, but a small one. It had taken some Mist manipulation to open the arena, and it was only open to the two of them, but Percy didn't need to know that. "I was thinking we could go for a swim."
A small spark of curiosity flashed in Percy's eyes. A flash that died instantly, but it had been there. Percy shrugged. "Sounds good," he said. Hefting her shoulder bag, Artemis and Percy set off down the street.
"You sure we're allowed to be here?" Percy asked, as he watched the rows of students swimming back and forth across the main pool. "Looks like the swim team is practicing."
Artemis nodded to the only adult in the arena, a middle-aged greying woman, a woman Artemis had visited last night, and said, "Let's ask her." Percy made no protest, and together they approached the woman. "Excuse me Ma'am," Artemis said. "Are you the swim team's coach?"
The woman gaze rose from the papers she was reading and met Artemis's. "What?" she asked. "Ohh no, I'm the principal. The team doesn't have a coach." One of the woman's eyebrows rose suspiciously. "Who might you be?"
"I'm Zoe," Artemis said and nodded toward Percy, who was still watching the swimmers. "This is Percy. We heard the pool was open to the public so we came for a swim, has that changed?"
The principal grunted and looked back down at her papers. "Old man Williams used to be the swim team's coach, and he let people in for a small fee. His way of fundraising I guess. Well now he's gone and I'm stuck here until I can find a replacement." She gestured at the stack of papers she was reading. "Applications," she muttered. "And not one of them qualified to fill the position." The woman nodded to the pool the students were in. "That one's taken," she said absently. "But if you want to use one of the others have at it."
"If the team doesn't have a coach I'm sure Percy could show them a thing or two," Artemis said. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Percy's head whip around. That finally got his attention. "He used to be something of a professional swimmer."
The Principal looked up at that. "Did he now?" Not bothering to wait for an answer she shrugged. "Well if you want to, and can get them to listen to you, have at it. Two more pairs of eyes in here might let me get some actual work done."
"Thank you Mrs…" Artemis said."
"Jones," the woman muttered again. "Lisa Jones."
"Thank you Mrs. Jones." Artemis said. Turning to Percy she raised an eyebrow, "Shall we get changed?"
Together they walked toward the restrooms near the entrance of the arena. They made it about half way before Percy asked, "What are you doing?" His voice was neither accusatory nor curious. It was just…flat.
Artemis shrugged noncommittally. "I thought it might be fun," she said. "If you don't want to we can keep to ourselves."
Percy stopped in front of the men's room, and nodded to her bag. "Do you have some swimming trunks in there for me?" Artemis smiled and produced them. "Thank you," he said, and vanished through the door.
Artemis sat on the side of the pool still in her street clothes with her feet dangling in the water and watched Percy glide across the surface. There was no other word for it. In the water he was as graceful as she was on the hunt. Without seeming to try, care, or notice, Percy lapped the student swimmers time and time again, and he hadn't stopped since entering the pool. When he'd come out in his swimming trunks, she lead him to the last lane in the main pool the students were practicing in. He'd dove right in and began making laps, and the students were finally beginning to notice. Percy touched the wall beside Artemis's feet, and in a blur of movement was headed away again. He'd barely made the water ripple.
"Miss?" came a hesitant voice from behind Artemis. She felt herself genuinely smile as she turned to find a nervous looking girl who looked to be about sixteen or seventeen.
"Call me Zoe," Artemis said gesturing for the young woman to sit beside her. "What can I do for you?"
"I…umm…we were wondering," the girls said gesturing toward the knot of swimmers treading water a few lanes over. "Could you maybe ask your friend to show us a few things? I've never seen anyone swim like him. Ever."
Artemis smiled at the young woman as she took a seat. "I'll ask him," she said smiling. "I'm sure he'd be happy to. What's your name?"
"I'm Sarah," she said sadly. "I used to be the swim team captain when we still had a team."
"I heard your coach got sick a few weeks ago," Artemis said. "I'm sorry."
"Yeah," Sarah said looking down at her feet and kicking the water. "Early retirement. Unless Mrs. Jones finds someone soon, we won't be able to compete this season, but we're staying in practice just in case." Sarah looked up as Percy approached with inhuman speed. This time, instead of turning he stopped and lifted his head warily, eyeing both her and Sarah.
"Percy," Artemis said warmly. "This is Sarah. She's the swim team's captain and wanted to know if you'd like to be their coach for the rest of the day." Percy met her eyes, and she prayed silently. Please do this Percy. You need it.
In the end his helpful nature won out. After along moment he shrugged. "Sure," he said. "Tell your friends to come over here."
Artemis smiled and stepped back as the students crowded around Percy. "First thing we need to work on is your form. I was watching you earlier and all of could use some work," he was saying. Blunt as always, she thought rolling her eyes. Artemis stopped listening and glanced back toward the principal. She as watching. Artemis felt herself smile again. This particular job was as good as filled.
Artemis (A year and a half later; early March 2018)
Artemis stepped out of their apartment into a light rain and turned to hold the door for Ava. "Put your coat on Ava," she told the little seven year old, as she followed her own advice. She had no need of it, but a mortal walking around in this weather with exposed skin would be noted. "There's a chill in the air this morning."
"Yes Miss Zoe," came the slightly annoyed reply as the girl tried unsuccessfully to hold her school bag in one hand and put her coat on at the same time.
Percy appeared in the door behind her pulling on a dark beanie over his unruly black hair. "Here Ava," he said with a slight grin. "Let me hold that for you." He reached over her shoulder and took the bag from her hand, and she gave him a grateful grin, annoyance from a moment before suddenly gone. Looking up at the clouds Percy grimaced and reached back inside the door. "Here," he said, hold out a pair of umbrellas. "Both of you take these. I have a feeling you'll need them today." Artemis rolled her eyes but accepted the proffered umbrella. Ava did as well after enduring Percy helping her into her school bag. Percy crouched down beside Ava and kissed her cheek, "I'll see you this afternoon okay? Love you."
Ava kissed him back impatiently and said, "Love you too Percy," before turning to Artemis. "Can we go now? I want to play with Hailey and Aiden before Mrs. Alice starts teaching." Percy ruffled her hair, and laughed at her indignant "Hey!" as he stood.
"You'll grow out of that eagerness," he said as he turned to Artemis. "Are we still on for tonight?" he asked.
Artemis reached out and grabbed his hand, giving it a little squeeze. "Aren't we always?" she asked. He smiled at her, and in his eyes she saw none of the pain that had been his near constant companion for over eight years. He still had his bouts of melancholy on occasion, the nightmares still troubled him more nights than not, and the last two years had been rough for all of them, but the deep rooted depression had finally passed for the most part. The past few months she'd seen more and more of the old humor Thalia described from before the war. He still wore his stoic mask hiding his emotions when around people other than she and Ava, but she though it was more out of habit now than anything. Except with those he felt closest to, Artemis didn't believe Percy would ever be a very open person emotionally.
"I guess we are," Percy said as she released his hand. "Practice may run a little over today, I want to make sure the team is ready for the meet next week, so don't worry if I'm a little late." With a final wave he turned and made his way down the street.
Artemis turned to Ava, "Okay," she said. "Let's go." Taking Ava's hand they made their way down the street in the opposite direction Percy had gone. As they walked, Artemis listened to Ava's excited prattling with only half an ear. Instead she let her mind wander, and unsurprisingly her thoughts found their way to Percy. A little manipulation of the Mist and a handful of carefully forged papers by Hermes had landed Percy the job at a local high school as a gym teacher and swim team coach. At Evelyn's, and eventually Apollo's, insistence Artemis had suggested the idea to Percy after that first day at the pool, and to her surprise he'd actually liked it. He genuinely seemed to enjoy the job and from what she could tell was good at it. Maybe Evelyn was right. Maybe all he needed was something meaningful to do, she mused. When we were hunting he was doing well then too. Thanks to her Mist manipulation his students, and the whole mortal world for that matter, now saw "Mr. Jackson" as his true 24 year old self, despite the fact he'd stopped aging over three years ago. Artemis had allowed her body to age with his appearance to forestall and suspicion from mortals who did not know the truth.
Artemis broke from her revere as she and Ava reached the school. "I'll be here to pick you up when school lets out," she said as she bent down to straighten Ava's coat. "I'll see you then okay?"
"Okay!" Ava said impatiently, and then turned to run for the school building. "Bye Miss Zoe!" she called over her shoulder after a moment as she ran. Artemis waved and waited for Ava to reach the doors.
"You look a little young to have a daughter that age," a woman's voice said off to Artemis's right in a tone of self-righteous importance. She turned to find a heavyset woman she did not recognize, one who looked to be in her early thirties, studying her.
Why are some humans so nosy? Artemis thought as she put on a fake grin. A decade ago I'd have killed you for speaking to me like that. Now I have to place nice. Sometimes this pretending to be mortal thing was annoying. Artemis met the woman's gaze, and let her power surge slightly. The woman's eyes widened in sudden alarm, and she took an involuntary step back. "She's not mine," Artemis said sweetly, voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm only helping out a friend." With that she spun, and walked away, leaving the now heavily breathing woman behind.
By the time Artemis reached Evelyn's her good mood had returned. Reaching up to turn on the "Open" sign as she entered, Artemis smiled and said, "Good morning Mrs. Evelyn."
Evelyn looked up from her stool behind the counter and smiled. "Are you every going to just call me Evy my dear?" she asked as Artemis took off her coat and hung it on a coat rack in the corner. Not bothering to wait for an answer Evelyn continued. "Why don't you take the front today Artemis? I'm not so sure I'm feeling up to it today."
Artemis felt the corner of her mouth turn down in a frown. More and more often lately Evelyn's age was beginning to show. Eighty odd years did not sit lightly on a moral frame, and every attempt Artemis had made to get Evelyn to retire and rest had been either rebuffed good-naturedly or ignored. Artemis made a mental note to talk to Apollo and see if there was anything he could do. "Of course," she said, and then asked, "What do we have to do for today?" as she moved to place her own stool in front of Evelyn's soon to be work station. No need for her to be dragging that thing around if she doesn't have to, Artemis thought.
"Thank you my dear," Evelyn said with a smile and turned back to the small stack of papers before her. "The usual to keep the store stocked," she said as she sat. "Plus a number of birthday cakes we'll need to have done for this afternoon. I believe I left the orders by the register. Why don't you get started on those?"
Artemis nodded and moved to do just that. The day, as usual, passed quickly, with Evelyn's constant mindless chattering broken only occasionally when Artemis needed to take care of a customer. By the time mid-afternoon had come and Evelyn was ready to close up shop, Artemis had completed the special orders and the customers had come by to pick them up. She helped the older woman upstairs, made her promise to get some food and rest, and then left to pick up Ava.
Artemis arrived at Ava's school a few minutes early and sat on a bench to wait. After a moment another woman, one Artemis had come to recognize over the past year sat down beside her, and parked a double stroller beside the bench. "Hello Zoe," she said with a smile as she adjusted the blanket covering one of the sleeping twin boys in the stroller.
Artemis met the woman's eyes and smiled herself, noting the tired expression she wore. "Hello Jessica, how are you today?" she asked in genuine concern. "You look tired." The other woman, short and petite with short blonde hair and hazel eyes did not spare Artemis's own silver eyes a second glance.
"Doing well," Jessica said with a tired grin. "Three kids, and two still in diapers is enough to wear anyone out though. No Percy today?"
A bell rang as Artemis shook her head and turned toward the school. "He said he'd try to meet me here," she told Jessica, "but that he thought practice might run long today. He wants the team ready for their meet next week."
Jessica nodded and bent over to pick up one of the twins that had woken up. "My brother was telling me about that," she mused. "From what I can tell, he and the other kids seem to like Percy. A lot."
Artemis grinned, "It's hard not to," she said as Ava ran up dragging a friend behind her.
"Miss Zoe," Ava exclaimed, trying to catch her breath. "Can Hailey come home with us to play? Please?" Hailey, one of Ava's best friends, was nearly twice Ava's size but still only slightly above average for her age. Ava would always be a small girl. Tall, slightly plump, and shy, the blonde haired girl followed excitedly everywhere Ava lead, which was normally into some form of mischief. Ava had taken after her brother in that regard, and Artemis was sure Apollo's frequent visits didn't help.
Jessica laughed. "What about Aiden?" she asked. "The three of you are normally inseparable. Where is he?"
Ava tossed her hair back over her shoulder in what could almost be described as a dismissive way. If Ava could be said to have picked one thing up from Percy, it was definitely flirting with the line of what was proper and what was not. "Mrs. Alice said he was sick today," she said absently. "Can she?" she asked again.
Artemis smiled down at her. "Not today," she said. "Your Aunt is coming to visit remember?" That turned the beginnings of a pout back into a smile. "But if you want she can tomorrow," Artemis said with a questioning glance toward Jessica as Hailey and Ava both nodded vigorously. "Percy and I can pick them both up after school tomorrow if you don't mind."
Jessica shrugged, "If they want to play together that's fine with me." She stood and put the now happily cooing baby boy back into the stroller. "Come on Hailey," she told her daughter. Side by side the seven year old was already nearly as tall as her mother. "It's time for us to go home." She turned to Artemis, "We'll all have to get together one night without the kids, just the four of us. It's been too long."
"I'll be looking forward to it," Artemis said, and with that Jessica and her three kids were walking down the street. Hailey turned to look back and waved goodbye to Ava, and then they too were walking home. As they walked, Ava talked about her day, and Artemis asked questions at the appropriate times, smiling to herself at the girls enthusiasm. In a few short minutes they'd reached their apartment, Ava nearly bouncing with excitement. The second Artemis had the door unlocked the girl bolted through, pausing only to hang her coat up.
"Aunt Athena," Artemis heard Ava scream as she shut the door. "I'm home!" A surge of power and a flash of light told Artemis of the other goddess's arrival. She removed her own coat and smiled at Ava's delighted shriek, entering the living room just as Athena was pulling back from the little girls hug.
"Go gather your things," Athena told Ava and nodded her head in Artemis's direction with a small smile on her face, as Ava ran to do as told. "Sister," she said in way of greeting. "Where is Percy?"
"On his way," Artemis replied. She leaned against the multi-leveled marble bar that separated the kitchen from the living room, and grinned at Ava as she ascended the stairs, trying, and mostly failing, to take them two at a time. "Have anything special planned for our Ava today?"
Athena, always one to be serious when it came to academics, nodded firmly. "I thought we'd start working on her algebra today," she said. "If I'm ever going to turn her into an architect one day she'll need a firm grasp of mathematics."
Artemis's eyes widened and she turned to her sister, "Athena she's seven. Surely you can't be serious." The determination on Athena's face proved she was. I should have known. She never was one to waste time as she sees it.
"I have faith in her," was all Athena said.
After a moment Artemis shrugged. "You'd know better than me," she said. "When Percy gets here tell him I'm in the shower will you?"
Athena arched an eyebrow, and Artemis could see amusement dancing in her grey eyes. "A shower?" she asked. "Sister if you're not careful you'll be turning mortal on us soon. And before training no less."
"I've grown to find them comforting," Artemis muttered as she walked toward the stairs. "Just tell him will you?"
Percy
Percy walked through the front door, removed his coat, and made his way into the living room to find Athena and Ava hard at work. The goddess was standing behind Ava as she sat bent over a small desk, a look of concentration on her face. "Done!" Ava said excitedly, and held her paper up to show Athena. The goddess looked over it quickly then smiled.
"Right again, Ava," she said. "You're doing well. Now…" she cut off as she noticed Percy. "Hello Percy," she said in a decidedly neutral voice. He could swear he caught a twinkle in her eye that would have done Apollo proud, but it vanished in a heartbeat.
Percy bowed his head slightly in respect, and felt his face grow still. He still wasn't very good at showing emotion around people he wasn't sure of, and Athena definitely fit that category. His father may have made peace with her, and she may have taken Ava under her wing, but Annabeth's mother still made him uneasy on occasion. He suspected she knew it and toyed with him on purpose. "Hello My Lady. Ava," he said with another nod for his sister.
The corners of Athena's mouth turned up in a small smile. "Always so careful," she mused. "My sister has trained you well." Ohh yes, that was a twinkle in her eye alright. She laughed then, clear and pure, and smiling said, "Relax Percy. I swear you're always so tense it'd be rude not to poke fun at you." Athena snapped her fingers and the books before Ava disappeared. In their place was a plate holding a hamburger and French fries.
Percy forced himself to relax. "I swear every time you do that around her my heart skips a beat," he muttered.
Athena waved a dismissive hand. "My blessing protects her, and such small displays of power couldn't hurt a babe," she said. "Artemis asked me to tell you to meet her upstairs when you got in." Was that twinkle back again?
"Thank you My Lady," he said. He bent down to kiss the top of Ava's head, a gesture she thoroughly ignored in favor of the food before her, and made his way up the stairs.
As he made his way down the short hallway, he eagerly began to unbutton his shirt. Since Athena had taken an interest in Ava a few months ago, once a week she would come to tutor her little protégé in a number of various subjects. An arrangement that Ava certainly enjoyed even if it baffled Percy. He'd never been that good a student, but thank the gods his sister seemed to take after her father instead of him in that. Not wanting to let their alone time go to waste, Percy and Artemis began their weekly training sessions. The swordplay, physical exercise, and one on one time with Artemis were the highlights of his week. As he reached the door of their shared bedroom he pulled off his shirt, threw the door open, walked in, and then froze in shock.
Artemis stood there with her back to him, flawless pale skin shining with faint silver light, long, wet auburn hair tied loosely at the base of her neck, and wearing not a stitch of clothing. His eyes drank in the sight of her long firm legs, and exposed backside. Gods, he thought, she's perfect. Suddenly, as if she'd just become aware of his presence, she spun in a blur to face him. Her silver eyes widened as far as he'd ever seen them, and she bent over trying to cover herself with her hands. An instant later a robe materialized around her. She straitened slowly, eyes on fire, and face aflame with what he hoped was embarrassment.
"I…uhh…" he began dumbly, then had to stop and clear his throat. "Athena said…" he cut off studying her face again, and a sliver of fear sent a tingle down his spine. "I'll just wait downstairs," he said quickly and slammed the door behind him.
Pulling his shirt back on, but not bothering to button it he stalked down the stairs. Athena looked up, face a stoic mask, but eyes alight with amusement. "Is the full Moon exposed tonight?" she asked in a neutral voice. "I never did pay enough attention to lunar cycles to know for sure."
"That," Percy growled at her, "was not funny!"
Athena shrugged eyeing him up and down, eyes lingering on the skin exposed by his unbuttoned shirt. "Depends on your perspective," she murmured. "My my you are a handsome one," she said after a moment. "I doubt I'll ever feel the desire myself, but I do believe I understand what Artemis sees in you." She snapped her fingers and a change of clothes appeared in his hands. A male version of a hunter's uniform. "You'll probably want to avoid your own room for a few minutes," she said with a smile.
Cursing under his breathe, low enough so his sister couldn't hear, he turned and stalked to Ava's bathroom to change. Athena's crystalline laughter followed him up the stairs.
Artemis
Artemis sat down slowly onto the edge of the bed fuming. It wasn't his fault, she told herself. Athena tricked him. It wasn't his fault. Slowly, bit by bit, she forced her fury down. Ava's just downstairs. Contain yourself! She quivered with the effort of holding her power in check. Gods, the way she was feeling if she let this much power go it could kill even Percy despite his godly blood. She trembled on the edge of being emotionally forced into her divine form. After long minutes, she'd regained enough control of herself to rise and finish dressing in her hunting outfit. Turning and reaching for the door she paused, took a deep breathe, and then left the room.
Percy was sitting at the bottom of the stairs with his back to her, and though she could see him stiffen as she descended, he didn't turn. Athena did turn from the blackboard she'd brought and smirked as Artemis appeared. I thought you could use some encouragement, Athena said mentally.
You're a maiden goddess same as me! Artemis snapped back. What do you know of such things?
Admittedly nothing Athena said. Perhaps I'll ask Aphrodite for advice next time, but if nothing else this was certainly entertaining.
You're as bad as Apollo, Artemis said as she reached Percy. Placing a hand on his shoulder she flashed them away without a word. They appeared in their clearing with in a burst of silver light. Percy, who suddenly found himself sitting on nothing but air, hit the ground hard. Artemis winced. "Percy," she said. "I'm sorry. I should have thought about that before taking us here."
Percy grunted as he pushed himself to his feet. "I'm the one who should be apologizing," he muttered. "I should have knocked."
"Don't," Artemis said firmly, and then pulled him into a hug, resting her head on his chest and breathing in the scent of him. Even here, landlocked as they were he smelled of the sea. "That was Athena's fault not yours." Releasing him, but taking his had she pulled him up the hill. "Come," she said. "I'm not in the mood for training. Let's just relax and talk." She pushed him down against the same spruce tree they'd talked under the night they'd first met in these woods, and then she sat down before him, leaning back and resting her head against his chest. His arms wound around her waist, holding her close, and they sat in a comfortable silence for a long time.
"I've missed this," Percy breathed against the back of her neck. "Being alone with you. It's nice." Artemis grinned slightly and then felt it fade. She wrestled with herself for a few moments before finally coming to a decision. We need to have this talk, she thought. Especially after tonight. She sat up, and turned to face him on her knees.
"Percy," she began, "I'm old."
He quirked an eyebrow at her and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly. "I thought you weren't supposed to talk to a lady about her age?" he said.
Artemis ignored him. "Very old," she said, her eyes fell and she began playing with one of the buttons on his shirt. "Well over three thousand years old." His small smile faded and she took a deep breath before continuing. "In all my years I've never told any man what I'm about to tell you." She looked up then and met his eyes. "I love you, Percy." He stared at her for a moment, face expressionless, and then opened his mouth. She put a finger over his mouth to silence him. "I love you," she repeated, "but for nearly thirty-five hundred years I've been a sworn maiden. I'm sorry for the way I reacted when you walked in on me, but you have to realize just how long that is. I panicked." She took another deep breath and tried to finish calmly, "I'll get to the point where we can be intimate. I promise you I will, but please be patient okay?"
Percy's eyes crinkled in concern and Artemis removed her finger. "Artemis," he said hurriedly, "if I've ever made you feel pressured I'm sorry. I never meant to."
Artemis waved his concern off and forced a light tone. "You haven't," she told him. "But I see the way you look at me." She paused, and then shook her head. "I'm just not ready yet."
She winced as his eyes narrowed in something very close to anger. "We men aren't just mindless sex addicts Artemis," he said sternly. "I thought you'd gotten past that particular prejudice."
"That came out wrong," she muttered shaking her head. "That's not what I meant." She sighed. "What I meant to say is I know it's something you want, and if you have half a brain in that thick skull of yours you know I want it too." That last part hurt to the portion of her that still hung on to the past, but she forced it out anyway. Percy deserved the truth. "I'm just not ready yet."
"Well," Percy said after a moment. "Sex or no sex, I'm not going anywhere so don't worry. I'd be lying if I said I'd never thought of it, but that's not why I'm with you." He looked her straight in the eye and said in his deep clear voice, "I love you too, Artemis."
On impulse Artemis leaned forward and kissed Percy for the first time. It wasn't a long kiss or a deep one, at most it was a light brushing of their lips, but Artemis would have sworn her stomach was full of butterflies at that moment. She pulled away and he smiled at her. "Well," he muttered after a moment, grin turning sly, "if that's what walking in on you leads to I'll be sure to do it more often." She laughed and swatted his arm. "Plus," he continued in a musing sort of way, "I have to say seeing you naked wasn't so bad either." This time she tackled him, and they rolled away from the tree, wrestling, and laughing, all the while. After a number of twist and turns, she finally had him pinned beneath her. Percy smiled up at her, "I love you Artemis."
"I love you too, Percy." Artemis kissed him again. This one lasted much longer than the first.
Artemis (Two years later, June 2020)
Artemis wiped the flour on her hands off on her apron as she walked to the front of the store to turn off the Open sign. "Well," Evelyn said behind her in a jovial tone, "that was certainly a productive day. I almost feel 75 again!"
Artemis flipped the sign off and turned to smile at the old woman. Apollo's secret attentions had lessened the weight of age for Evelyn. She was still ageing, not without openly flouting the ancient laws and bringing her father's fury down on both their heads could Artemis stop that, but at least now Evelyn was comfortable in her old age. A few more years at most is all I have with her, Artemis thought. Such short lives these mortals lead. Best to enjoy the time while it's here. Artemis put on a broad smile, "And I feel barely two thousand!" She narrowed her eyes in mock severity, "Did you put something in the coffee this morning?"
Evelyn laughed as she wiped down a counter top with a wet rag. "Ohh no my dear," she said still chuckling. "Maybe at one time but the 60s were a long time ago." She glanced over her shoulder and grinned, "Well, relatively speaking that is."
Artemis moved to the sink and began washing the various utensils they'd used during the day. "Seems like just yesterday to me," she mused after a moment and then grinned. "Though my hunters and I did try to stay as far away from civilization as possible for a decade or two there."
Again Evelyn laughed, and moved to one of the stand mixers that was in need of cleaning. "Probably for the best," she said. "Many bad decisions were made," she glanced up at Artemis with a twinkle in her eye. "I can even remember one or two of them."
As they worked they talked and laughed and before long the bakery was cleaned for the night. "What are your plans tonight my dear?" Evelyn asked as they finished.
"Do you remember Jessica and her husband Daniel?" Artemis asked.
"Ava's friend's parents?" Evelyn said. "What was her name, Hailey wasn't it?"
Artemis nodded, "That's them." She pulled her apron off over hear head and hung it from a peg on the wall. "Percy and I invited them over for dinner last week, so they'll coming over tonight. He's seemed to get along well with Daniel the few times we've all gotten together, and with Nico gone and the rest of his demigod friends patrolling for Giants I thought it wise to encourage some new friendships."
Evelyn quirked an eyebrow, "Wise indeed," she murmured with a smile. "You've been spending some time with Athena I take it."
Artemis felt her cheeks redden slightly. That unfortunate incident from a couple of years ago still made her blush, but not nearly so bad as it had in the beginning. "She decided to be Ava's patron," Artemis muttered. "Though I've never heard of such a thing for a mortal. She's going to be around whether I like it or not, so there's no use holding a grudge." Artemis smiled then. "Though I did make it clear that if she tries that again I'll personally pull down every stone that's ever been dedicated to her and throw her into Tartarus myself." Artemis shrugged nonchalantly. "After we worked that little tangle out her advice became rather helpful."
Evelyn laughed again. "Sometimes I wonder how you all have made it so long without killing each other."
"So do I," Artemis mumbled.
"Well," Evelyn said leaning forward to pat Artemis's arm. "I'm going to go upstairs and relax for the rest of the day. You and Percy have fun tonight. I'll see you bright and early Monday morning!"
"Goodbye Mrs. Evelyn," Artemis said as she made her way to the front door. "Have a good weekend." Stepping out into the street, she turned to lock the door behind her, and felt a hand on her shoulder. She glanced back to see Percy.
"Hey beautiful," he said with a small smile. "How was your day?"
Leaving the keys in the door, Artemis turned, rose up on her toes and kissed him lightly on the lips. "It was good," she murmured with a smile as she let her heels touch the sidewalk once more, and turned to finish locking the door. "Just got a lot better though. Yours?" With that she turned to face him, and took his hand. Together they began walking slowly toward their apartment. The Mist showed a man in his mid-twenties, if anything more handsome than his true 21 year old body. He'd filled out in ways she couldn't really describe. She could still see that body when she focused, but lately she'd been allowing herself to see what mortals would see. Maybe it's just that he's finally happy, she thought. Aside from the occasional nightmare, the pain that had been his constant companion for over a decade was finally gone. With that weight finally lifted, his depression had vanished completely. She'd continued to allow her body to age with his. Together, walking hand in hand, they looked no different than any other mortal young-adult couple, if significantly more attractive than most.
"It was good," Percy said as they began walking. "This was just informal summer practice, but I think with this team we might be able to take the division this year." He glanced down at his watch. "Only three hours until Daniel and Jessica arrive," he said. "What do want to do for dinner?"
Artemis roller her eyes. Percy truly was helpless in the kitchen, the more he tried to help the more he got in the way. "You," she said sternly, eyeing him up and down, "will be taking a shower before you do anything. I will not have you dressing in a ratty, sleeveless t-shirt and swimming shorts when our company arrives." She sniffed, "Plus you smell like chlorine. After that, you will stay out of my way unless I ask you for help. Understand?"
Percy gave a mock bow as they walked, and his smile returned. "As always My Lady," he said. "I am yours to command." Artemis smiled back and they walked in silence for a few steps, "Do you know where Athena has taken Ava this time?"
Now that, Artemis thought, is something I never would have believed possible. Athena had agreed to pick Ava up from her summer school classes at noon, and to babysit for the rest of the evening. The idea that a nine year old girl would ask to attend class during the summer was strange enough, but Athena babysitting a mortal child was beyond imagining. It was something in all of Artemis's long life she'd never thought she'd see, but today was not the first of the strange duo's excursions across the world. Artemis had a sneaking suspicion Athena was grooming Ava to take the position of chief architect of Olympus one day. As to why Artemis could not say, but it was an honor rarely granted to anyone other than Athena herself and never to a mortal. Artemis shrugged, "Barcelona I think." Percy's mouth turned down in a slight frown. "I wouldn't worry too much," Artemis continued quickly. "Athena would pull the entire city down around them if Ava so much as stumped her toe. She'll be fine Percy. You know how she feels about the girl."
Percy's frown disappeared. "I do," he nodded. "I just wish I knew why. The whole situation is just too strange for me to understand." He released her hand as they reached their front door to pull out his keys, and glanced at her. "Do you want to shower and change first so you can start dinner earlier?"
As Percy opened the door and they walked in, Artemis arched an eyebrow at him. "Really Percy?" She pushed the door shut with a toe and snapped her fingers. In an instant she was wearing a fine loose fitting, silver-silk blouse, and tight fitting black pants. Every strand of her hair was perfectly placed, and held back from her face by a pair of silver pins over each ear. "I hardly a need for a shower, don't you think?"
Percy gave her a good natured scowl. "I never can tell with you," he grumbled. "Sometimes you act so human I forget what you actually are, and other times I get this," he said gesturing to her outfit. After a moment the corner of his mouth turned up slightly, and he snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her close. "Not that I'm complaining or anything." Leaning down, he kissed her.
After a moment that felt like an eternity, Artemis pushed him away reluctantly. "Enough of that for now," she said somewhat breathlessly. "Go get dressed for dinner, and I'll start cooking."
Smirking in an extremely self-satisfied way that brought a flush of mild indignation to Artemis's cheeks, Percy obeyed. Finally alone, she moved to the kitchen to prepare dinner. A Greek inspired dinner party was what she had in mind. Spetsofai, a savory stew normally made with sausage, though Artemis preferred rabbit, prepared with pearl onions, wine, and cinnamon, for the main dish. A simple Greek salad and lentil soup would do for the appetizer, and a variety of pastries she'd made at Evelyn's earlier in the day for desert. Artemis smiled to herself as she worked. Until meeting Evelyn, cooking her own meals, or meals for others for that matter, had never been high on her list of interest, but the more time she'd spent in Evelyn's bakery doing just that the more she found she enjoyed it. As in all things, once she put her mind to a task she excelled at it. At least Percy and Ava have never complained, she mused.
Percy, of course, insisted they share the task. Artemis thought she finally had him convinced of his helplessness in the kitchen however, and for Ava's sake had made him promise to leave the cooking to her. If it doesn't come in a box with the instructions printed clearly on the side he'll find a way to mess it up, she thought fondly.
As if the thought had summoned him, Percy appeared at the top of the stairs, buttoning his dark green shirt on the way down. Making his way to the kitchen, he paused to kiss her on the neck from behind, and then started tucking the tail of his shirt into his black pants. "What can I do?" he asked when he'd finished.
Artemis gave him a fond smile. "You can pour me a glass of wine," she said, "but other than that you can stay over there. No attempting to cook for you tonight." She smiled at him again to take the sting out of her words.
"As you say My Lady," Percy said with a grin and a mocking bow. He did as she asked, setting the glass beside the stove and moving to take a seat at the bar. From the corner of her eye Artemis could see Percy studying her, sea-green eyes following her every movement. She smiled to herself and continued working. "Why do you go through all this?" he asked suddenly. "You could wiggle your little finger and have a fully prepared meal. Why go through the trouble of cooking?"
Artemis paused in tasting the lentil soup. "Five and a half years together and you're just asking me this now?" she asked incredulously.
Percy shrugged uncomfortably. "I just never thought of it before," he muttered. "Why though? Seems like a lot of trouble for nothing."
Artemis laid the spoon down and moved to the cutting board in front of Percy to begin the salad. She looked up at him while she worked, watching him closely. He's still so good at hiding his emotions when he wants to be. Finally she answered, "As you'll find soon enough, immortality gets boring after the first thousand or so years," she told him flatly. "When you can have anything in the world you want in the blink of an eye, the process of creation becomes the most important part of anything you do. Sure I could summon a perfect meal in an instant, but I won't get any satisfaction out of it." She gestured with her knife around the kitchen. "Doing things this way I do. I believe it's part of what drew me to Evelyn in the first place."
Percy continued his silent study, face blank, and then he gave her a small, self-conscious smile. "Gods," he said softly, "sometimes I forget just how old you really are. I must seem like nothing more than an insect from your perspective. All humans must."
Artemis placed the knife down on the cutting board, and made her way around the counter. Taking Percy's head between her hands, she kissed him as thoroughly as she could. When she finally pulled back he was breathing heavily. "An insect I happen to be in love with," she said in a voice a touch breathless herself. The doorbell rang and she released him. "Go get the door will you?" she said. "I'll just finish up in here."
Percy
Percy opened the door to find a tall, slender, brown haired man with an arm around a short, petite, blonde haired woman. Daniel raised his free hand, which was holding a six pack of some type of beer. "I brought drinks!" he said in his merry way.
Percy opened the door wider with a smile. "Come on in," he said bending to hug Jessica, and shaking Daniel's hand. "Zoe is in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on dinner." Percy took the six pack from Daniel and led them through the foyer into the kitchen.
Daniel whistled as he looked around. "Nice place," he muttered. "How the hell do you two afford this?"
Jessica swatted his arm, and whispered fiercely, "Daniel!"
Artemis laughed as she turned from the cutting board. "Don't worry Jessica," she said. "Percy could teach even Daniel a thing or two about bluntness. I'm used to it." Wiping her hands she crossed the room to great their guest Percy. Not for the first time Percy noted the precision of each of Artemis's movements. She was perfection in motion; efficiency personified. She was beautiful. Over the years he'd become used to her gracefulness, and now he only noticed it when she was near mortals. Jessica and Daniel were not clumsy people, but by comparison they were toddlers just learning to walk. Shaking himself from his revere, he heard the end of what Artemis was saying. "…thinking we could eat out on the balcony. What do you all think?"
"Sounds good to me," Percy said moving to the refrigerator to store the drinks. "We don't use it enough anyway." Looking over his shoulder he caught Daniel's eye. "Want one?" he asked.
The other man laughed. "Well I didn't bring them all for you," he said. Percy found himself grinning. He liked Daniel. He was several years older than Percy was, but the man's child-like playfulness was contagious.
Grabbing a bottle opener, Percy popped two tops before quirking an eyebrow toward Jessica. "How about you?"
Jessica faked a grimace. "You two can have that swill," she said as she moved to pour herself a glass of wine from the open bottle on the counter. "Zoe and I have more refined taste."
Artemis smiled and turned to Percy. "Percy," she said. "Why don't you and Daniel go up and set the table. The dishes are already up there, Jessica and I will follow in a few minutes with the food."
Percy nodded, and together he and Daniel made their way up the stairs, past he and Artemis's room, and onto the second floor balcony that looked out over Pearl Street. There wasn't much to do in setting the table, so before too long they found themselves leaning against railing, sipping their beers, and talking.
"Where's Ava tonight?" Daniel asked in way of small talk.
Percy shrugged. "Honestly I'm not sure," he muttered. "Zoe's sister is babysitting and the woman loves to mess with me. I'm never sure if I can believe anything she tells me, but she'd move heaven and Earth for Ava so I try not to worry."
Daniel grunted good-naturedly and clapped Percy on the back. "In-laws," he laughed before growing more serious. "You and Zoe have made the most of a bad situation," he said. Percy felt his face grow still, and turned to look at the older man. His playfulness was gone now, and he looked his full age and then some. "I don't know the details of what happened, and I don't want to, but I've picked up some things over the past few years. You've done well Percy."
Percy looked down at his bottle, and absently scratched the label wracking his brain for a reply. "If it hadn't been for Zoe," he said finally, "I'd never have been able to make it."
Again Daniel grunted and smiled. "Zoe's a good woman," he said. "Not many people would have stuck around as long as she has, or done what she's done." His smile turned sly, and his playfulness returned. He nudged Percy in the ribs with an elbow and said, "You better marry that girl before she wises up. I'm pretty sure you'll never be able to do any better." The balcony doors open and Daniel spun with a grin. "Speak of the devil and he appears!" he exclaimed as Jessica and Artemis placed the food on the table.
Jessica arched an eyebrow, "And just which of us is the devil dear?"
Daniel raised his hands innocently. "Can I plead the fifth?" he asked hopefully.
Artemis laughed. "We better eat while the food is still warm," she said.
Artemis
Artemis watched Percy and Daniel talking over the rim of her glass. Dinner had gone well, and the two men were now talking about some football team that Artemis had no interest in. She'd never really liked any sport but archery. Still, it was nice to see Percy socializing. "This was nice," Jessica said beside her. Apparently she had no interest in football either. "I needed a break from being a mother for just a night."
Artemis smiled at the other woman. "I'm glad Percy and I could give you that break," she said. "I can only imagine how stressful taking care of young twin boys can be. Not to mention Hailey with all the trouble Ava gets her into."
Jessica smiled and sipped her wine. "You may not be Ava's mother," she said softly after a moment. "But you're more of a mother to her than many other women I know are to their actual children. I think you understand more than most."
Artemis quickly glanced at Percy. He and Daniel were arguing loudly about some player Artemis didn't know. He wasn't paying attention to her or Jessica at all. "I hope so," she said just as softly. "I'm all she's got left now."
Jessica was silent for a moment before asking carefully. "If you don't mind my asking," she said. "How did you get involved in all this? Were you and Percy together at the time?"
Artemis grinned thinking back to the days when all she and Percy had to worry about was hunting Giants. It was a simpler time then. "Percy and I had been traveling together for nearly a year," she said. "As friends at first, though at the end I think feelings did start to develop." Artemis shrugged and took a sip of her wine. "When he needed me the thought of leaving him never crossed my mind."
Jessica grinned knowingly. "You're head over heels in love with that boy," she teased, and Artemis blushed. "You have been for years! Why in the world haven't you married him yet?"
Again Artemis shrugged. "We've talked about it," she told Jessica with a small smile. "We will one day, but neither of us is ready for that yet. Ava is our number one priority right now."
A bell rang downstairs. Three quick burst, a pause, and then three more. Artemis's eyes widened in alarm, and her gaze met Percy's. He'd heard it too if his sudden worried frown was anything to go by. The monster early warning system, she thought. One of the many special security features Apollo had added to the constructions plans. "Percy," Artemis said rising and trying to keep her voice light. "Do you mind if I borrow you pen? I've been giving customers our number so they don't bother Evelyn this late. It must be someone calling with an order."
"Sure," Percy said slowly. He pulled Anaklusmos from his pocket and passed it to her before beginning to rise himself.
"No," Artemis said quickly. "This should be over quickly, keep our guest company." Stay here and protect them, Artemis screamed at him mentally. Whether he heard the silent plea or not, he nodded and settled back down. Nothing short of a Giant or Titan was any real danger to her, and Jessica and Daniel needed protecting. Artemis nodded and turned toward the door. Cursing under her breath and wishing for her bow, she made her way back inside. This has to be purely physical, she told herself. Keep your power under control. She reached the bottom of the stairs and made her way to the front door. A quick sweep around the perimeter and she might be able to kill whatever it was before Jessica and Daniel even knew what was going one. Entering the foyer she uncapped the sword, and reached for the door knob. When her fingers made contact with the shining metal, the entire front wall exploded inward.
The next thing Artemis knew she was picking herself up at the bottom of the stair case. So much for subtly, she thought wryly, and then felt her anger blossom. Whatever you are, now you've pissed me of. Rising, she looked down at the sword still clutched in her right hand, and then recapped it and shoved it into her pocket. "No mercy now," she growled at the shadow that was slowly forming through the dust. "You have no idea who you're messing with." The Minotaur appeared in the hole that had once been the front wall, twirling it's enormous ax in its hands. "Hello Asterion," Artemis hissed. "Nice to see you again."
With a bellowed roar, the monster charged and Artemis leapt forward. They closed the distance in an instant. Artemis easily slid under the monster's lightning fast swing, and jabbed the outside of his knee with the heel of her palm as she passed. With a snap and a howl of pain the Minotaur's knee buckled inward, and he hit the ground hard enough to shake the building. Artemis was on him a moment later with an arm twisted around behind his back. If he tried to move the arm would break. As much pressure as she was using, even a deep breath could do it. "I'm going to ask you a few questions," Artemis told the monster calmly, ignoring his quick, panting breaths. "And then I'm going to kill you. If I don't like one of your answers, I'm going to make your death painful. Think carefully on what you want to say to me." She paused a moment to let the threat sink in. "Who sent you?"
"Go to Tartarus," the Asterion gasped with a tongue that was never meant for human speech. Artemis sharply increased the pressure on his arm, and was rewarded with the satisfying sound of bone cracking. In an instant she had his other arm in the same hold, and the howl of pain cut off with sudden gasp of breath.
"Who sent you?" Artemis repeated.
"Porphyrion," Asterion hissed through grated teeth.
"Thank you," Artemis said flatly. In a flurry of motion, she had Riptide drawn again and drove it through the monsters back. He disintegrated beneath her into golden dust. Climbing to her feet, Artemis dusted the Minotaur's remains from her blouse, and looked up toward the balcony windows. Jessica and Daniel stood there staring down, wide-eyed, and Percy was leaning against the wall at the top of the stairs with his arms crossed surveying the scene calmly. Artemis started back up the stairs. The damage would have to wait until their guest were gone. "Do you have any idea what they saw?" she asked as she reached him.
Percy shook his head. "When I heard the explosion I came here," he said. "Thought I could use the stairs a choke point if there was more than one monster. I haven't talked to them yet." Pushing himself from the wall, Percy bent down to re-sheath Annabeth's dagger at his ankle. "If I had to guess I'd probably say a bear, though how we'll explain you beating a grizzly up I don't know."
"Well think of something," Artemis sighed. "Let's go, we have some explaining to do." Together, hand in hand, they walked out on the balcony.
"Zoe…" Daniel said hesitantly. He paused to swallow. "Umm…why are you holding a sword?" His voice picked up intensity with each word. "Why does it look like you're both glowing silver? Why does Percy suddenly look five years younger? And what the hell was that!?" He practically screamed the last question as he pointed frantically to where the Minotaur had fallen. "What the hell is going on!?"
Artemis felt her shock rising with each word. Impossible, she thought. I'd have noticed before now, and both of them? No, it's impossible. She looked between Daniel and Jessica, both were clearly terrified, and both were clearly trying to hide it. She glanced down at Riptide, and hefted the sword slightly. Both Jessica and Daniel flinched. "Jessica," she said slowly. "What am I holding in my hand?"
The other woman licked her lips, and looked nervously between Percy and Artemis. "Is this a trick question?" she demanded. "Zoe that's a sword. Made of bronze or brass or something. I pretty sure I just watched you fight a half-man half-bull monster with your bare hands and then stab it in the back with that sword. Please tell me, what's going on?"
Artemis swore in ancient Greek and capped Riptide. Both Daniel and Jessica jumped again as the sword disappeared, but she ignored them and handed the pen back to Percy. "That shouldn't be possible," Percy protested, and she spun to face him. "I've never heard of anyone developing clear sight like this, and for them both to at the same time? This shouldn't be possible."
"Hecate," Artemis growled, making the name a curse. "This is her work. Apollo and I made enemies of her that night on Olympus, and she's been waiting all this while to strike back at me." Again Artemis swore in ancient Greek, cursing the other goddess in every way she knew how. "I expected something, but not this."
"Who's Hecate?" Daniel asked. Artemis nearly did herself the indignity of jumping out of her skin, with all of her attention focused on Hecate she'd nearly forgotten the two mortals were there. No, she chided herself. They're your friends, not the two mortals. She turned to face them. Daniel's face was a picture of confusion, but Jessica wore an expression of horrified realization.
"Olympus? And Apollo?" she asked in an unsteady voice. "As in the Olympus, and the Apollo?" Without waiting for an answer, she looked down through the windows. "And the Minotaur," she breathed. With a sigh she fell into her chair and grabbed a half-full wine bottle. "I need a drink," she muttered.
"Will someone please tell me what the hell is going on!?" Daniel demanded.
Percy looked at Artemis questioningly, and she shrugged. "Might as well," she muttered, and then fell in her own chair beside Jessica. The other woman flinched slightly, but handed over the bottle readily enough when Artemis gestured for it.
"Daniel," Percy said slowly. "How much do you know of Greek mythology?"
"I never liked being referred to as a myth," Artemis muttered under her breath. Judging from her reaction, she thought Jessica might have heard.
"So just how powerful are you?" Daniel asked. The conversation had not lasted as long as Artemis thought it might have, and Daniel and Jessica, after recovering from their initial shock, were taking the influx of information well. "Like, if you chose to could you destroy the entire city?"
Artemis laughed. "If he wanted to Percy could probably destroy the city," she said. "Summoning and earthquake or a hurricane should do that much, and he's only a demigod."
Daniel and Jessica both looked to Percy. He shrugged. "It'd be close," he said. "I've never been very good with earthquakes, but I might be able to do it. Artemis could wipe the city from the map by wiggling her nose if she wanted to."
Jessica blinked. "But," she paused, "you seem so normal. Aside from the eyes and the aura you could almost be human."
Artemis frowned, and noticing Jessica's slight flinch cursed herself for it. "Jessica please don't be afraid of me," she said. "I'm still the person you made friends with, you just know a little bit more about me now." Sighing, she rose and looked down through the windows onto the damaged apartment. Absently she waved her hand and the damage disappeared. Daniel whistled appreciatively. "I'm just trying to find a way to explain something not even many demigods understand," Artemis continued. Making up her mind she turned to Percy and asked, "Percy, do you remember the time you were brought to Olympus after that Atlas fiasco? That was one of the first times you saw me in anything resembling my godly power. What do you remember of it?"
"I was terrified," Percy said simply. "The entire council towering over us all, filled to the brim with power, and focused solely on me. I'm surprised the mountain didn't crumble around us there was so much power concentrated in one place."
"Exactly," Artemis said. "We Olympians are powerful, extremely so, but all of our power is not normally concentrated in one place. I'm the Goddess of the Moon, the Wilderness, and the Hunt, among other things, and that means that a large portion of my power is distributed throughout my domains. I could call it all back, but that would mean taking on my divine form and the effects would be…unpleasant for everyone anywhere near me."
Daniel sat back and took a sip of his beer looking slightly impressed. "So what about my question?" he finally asked. "If you chose to what could you do?"
"If I took on my divine form and released all my power at once?" Artemis asked. "It's happened a few times before, in the First Titan War when my father threw down Kronos, though it almost always kills whoever does it. Scatters their essence to such an extent so that they're never able to reform. After that war the Earth was a burnt out husk. No forms of life, not even bacteria, remained." Artemis paused and thought for a moment, before continuing. "If I did something similar I could probably take everything west of the Mississippi with me into oblivion. If my father or one of my aunts or uncles tried they'd probably take the entire continent with them." Daniel's slightly impressed look became one of wide-eyed wonder, and Jessica stared in open mouthed amazement. Even Percy glanced at her in surprise. Artemis shrugged uncomfortably. "The Moon is a powerful domain," she muttered. "Only the Sun is more powerful among the second generation gods, and few are my equal." She sharpened her gaze and glanced toward Percy. "If you tell Apollo I said that I'll make you regret it."
Percy laughed, successfully cutting the tension on the balcony. Daniel and Jessica relaxed slightly, and Percy raised his hands in mock surrender. "Hey," he said. "I'm on your side remember?" His smile faded as he continued, and he let his hands fall to his lap. "I've met all the other Olympians," he said seriously, "and you can say what you want about their power levels, but Aphrodite scares me more than even your father." He shook his head as if to clear it, and Artemis felt a sudden pang of jealousy. Don't be ridiculous, she told herself. He loves you not her. "Zeus will kill you if you displease him," Percy muttered. "Aphrodite can make you a willing slave on a whim. Of the two, I'd choose death."
Artemis nodded her agreement after a moment. "She is a daughter of Ouranos," she said. "She's definitely powerful. But none of that matters right now. Some of us have seen the world destroyed before, and no one wants to see it again. That's why we keep our power contained and work through demigods these days." Artemis sighed and retook her seat, nodding toward Percy. "Some of us, myself included, do work actively in the world, but in a very limited capacity. And that," she said finally, addressing Daniel and Jessica, "is all there is to know about the roles of the Olympian gods in the modern world."
"That's a lot to take in," Daniel muttered, and Jessica nodded he agreement.
Percy laughed again, this time somewhat bitterly. "Try being a demigod," he said. "I didn't find out what I was until monsters started randomly attacking me fifteen years ago, and then overnight I was cast into a war between gods and Titans and expected to lead the forces of Olympus to victory." He picked up his bottle from the table and took a drink. "It's a wonder any of us survived that mess," he said softly, a far-away look in his eyes.
Artemis felt her eyes narrow, and she spoke in a stern voice. "Percy, you saved us all," she said. "Don't you forget that."
"Not all of us," he whispered, before continuing in a stronger voice. "But there's no use dwelling on the past. The Fates decide our paths, all that's left to us is to make the most of what they give us." Well that's the truth if I've ever heard it, Artemis thought.
A small surge of power made Artemis's reply die on her tongue. Instead she said, "Ava's home." Together, the four of them rose and made their way into the apartment and down the stairs. The front door opened and Athena walked in holding Ava's hand. Artemis nodded in greeting and said, "Sister."
Athena's eyes shot past her to study Jessica and Daniel as they made their way down the stairs. "You told them," Athena said in a neutral voice.
"Hecate granted them clear sight at an inconvenient moment," Artemis replied. "After that I could hardly hide the truth."
Athena nodded in understanding as Ava ran past and jumped into Percy arms. "Percy," she said excitedly, "guess what Aunt Athena showed me today!"
Percy ruffled her hair and smiled down at her. "You can tell me all about it," he said fondly, "but only after your bath. Go on upstairs and get cleaned up. Miss Zoe and I will tell everyone goodbye then come upstairs to hear about what you saw."
Ava huffed in mild disappointment that disappeared in a flash. "Okay!" she said excitedly, and then was scrambling up the stairs. "Bye everyone!" she said, waving as she reached the top, and then was gone.
"She doesn't need to know what happened," Percy muttered under his breath, before turning to Athena and nodding his head in respect. More for Daniel and Jessica's benefit that anything else Artemis assumed. "My Lady," he murmured. The other two quickly followed his lead. Athena ignored them all.
"You were attacked?" Athena asked, looking around the apartment curiously.
"Yes," Artemis said, "and I need you to carry a message to Father." Athena's penetrating grey gaze snapped to Artemis's face. "The Giant King has risen," she said softly. "Hera is in danger."
Well there it is! That was a long one compared to what I normally write for a chapter, and this is only half of the content I actually wanted to put into this chapter, but this seemed like a good point to end so that's what I did.. The other half will be chapter 16, and while still using the format of time skips and slice-of-life sections, it will definitely have the bulk of the plot progression.
So let's talk about Percy. In this chapter he goes from depression in the beginning to finally being truly happy four years later. I did not want Percy getting over his pain overnight like so many other fanfics have him doing, as that would not be realistic, but I also did not want to drag out the plot line as I thought that would be needlessly melodramatic. Hence, the use of time jumps to give the plot line its needed weight, but not forcing the reader to endure four years of what is essentially whining for drama's sake. That's part of the reason I gave myself such a large amount of time to work with in the beginning of the story, I knew time jumps would be inevitable. Percy is making new friends, which is nice, but I also dropped in there that Nico is still in hiding and the other demigods are still on the patrol for Giants. Given what happened at the end there it will be interesting to see what he and Artemis do.
As for Artemis. She is clearly in love with Percy, and just as clearly a part of her is very uncomfortable with that fact, but she's slowly working past that. We'll have to see where that goes.
As for the Ava/Athena relationship. I have a few ideas for that might turn it into something bigger, or I may just let it continue to be what it is right now; Athena doing something nice for Paul Blofis's daughter because she was not able to keep her promise to protect him and Sally. Let me know what you think. I'm leaning toward letting it remain what it is. In my opinion it humanizes another of the Olympians, and that's an idea that I like.
As for Daniels questions about power levels and the resulting conversation, don't expect anything to come from that. I just tried to put myself in his shoes, and the question "if you really tried how much could you destroy" would almost certainly be the first question I asked. It seemed to fit his personality so I put it in there, but don't expect any deities in this story to be going nuclear so to speak.
Well I think that's it. I rewrote and proofread this chapter so many times I hope everything is clear, and I hope you guys liked it! As always let me know what you think by leaving a review. Questions, critiques, criticisms, suggestions, and/or praise are all welcome, so please review!
Until next time.