Artemis (Two weeks later. Still June 2023)

Artemis stepped out of the Evelyn's Bakery into the late afternoon light. Pausing for a moment to lock the door, she turned and hurried across the street. Tonight, for the first time in weeks, she and Percy would finally be able to have one of what used to be their weekly training sessions. And I'll be damned if I waste one second of alone time with him, she thought to herself as she looked around, contemplated if she could get away with just flashing straight into the apartment. With all the people on the street it was pointless however, and with a sigh she resigned herself to the short walk.

As Artemis walked her thoughts drifted to Evelyn. In the two years since the old woman's death, Artemis had kept the bakery open as often as she could, but with the Giant threat still looming and no one with any idea where they might be, that was getting more and more difficult to do. She was reduced now to opening the doors only a few times a month for Evelyn's most loyal customers. I should just ask a satyr or a nymph to work the place for me, Artemis thought for what had to be the millionth time, but immediately discarded the idea. The satyrs and nymphs adored her she knew, and would do anything in the world she asked of them, but to pass the bakery off to someone else felt like a betrayal of Evelyn's memory. She sighed to herself again as she approached the front door of the apartment she shared with Percy and Ava. I'll just have to continue to do what I'm doing, she told herself. When I have time I'll work the bakery. Though she knew in the coming years time would be scarce.

As she approached the door, Artemis felt her pensiveness evaporate in a wave of excitement, and she smiled as she opened the door. Dropping her shoulder bag, she made her way into the living area to find the now nearly thirteen year old Ava standing and trying to look over a sitting Athena's shoulder. Artemis smiled again to herself. Even approaching her teenage years Percy's little sister had yet to hit a growth spurt, and Artemis was beginning to doubt she ever would. "I swear Sister," Artemis said still smiling as she approached the pair, "you spend more time here than Percy and I do." Athena, engrossed in whatever she was working on, didn't even look up, but Ava spun and ran to Artemis. Bending down she pulled Ava into a warm hug. The girl hugged her back and Artemis asked her, "Hello honey, how was your day?"

Ava pulled back and grinned up at her. "Great!," Ava said in her excited way. "Aunt Athena is letting me help her design a new project for Olympus!" The girls face fell slightly and she continued, "Though I think she might have forgotten I'm here. She does that sometimes when she's concentrating."

Artemis laughed. "She's been doing that to all the gods and goddesses for millennia Ava," she told the girl. "Try not to take it too personally." As she finished Artemis let her power pulse slightly within her. Athena's head shot up, and she spun, only to relax when she saw Artemis standing there with Ava.

"Ohh," Athena said relaxing again. "I did not hear you enter Sister."

"I see that," Artemis said. "Ava says you're letting her help design something for Olympus. What are you working on?" she asked curiously.

Athena's brows lowered slightly, and her displeasure showed plainly on her face. "Ava should know better than to speak to others about projects before they are completed." Ava shrank back against Artemis.

"Peace, Sister," Artemis said. "She's just excited, and she told me nothing. Besides, there's no telling how long you were sitting there ignoring the poor girl. She needed someone to talk to."

Athena rolled he eyes and closed the sketch pad before Artemis could get a good look at what she'd been drawing. Artemis grinned to herself. Athena always was so secretive when it came to her pet projects. "You and Percy are still planning on training tonight I assume," she asked as she rose. When Artemis nodded she continued, "Very well. I need to go to Olympus to put some things in order, I'll be back for Ava before you leave. Be ready child, we have much to do tonight." With that she flashed away in before either of them could respond.

"Must be some project," Artemis muttered with a slight glance toward Ava. The girl was trying her best to pretend she did not hear the comment. Artemis grinned again, "Come with me," she said. "I need to change before your brother gets home, and maybe I can pick your brain as to what my sister is planning." Grabbing Ava's hand, she pulled her up the stairs.

Ava squeaked as she was pulled along. "I can't tell you anything!" she pleaded. "Aunt Athena would get mad at me!"

Artemis just laughed. Gods I love this girl, she thought to herself. She'd always loved Ava because of what she meant to Percy, but in the past two years since Evelyn's death Artemis and Ava had been spending more and time together than they had before. She'd truly begun to think of Percy's sister as a daughter; more so than she used to think of even her former hunters as such. With Ava, she found herself acting more like Hestia than she ever had in her life, and she found herself enjoying the role more than she would have thought possible. "Fine," she said. "Fine, I'll let you have your secrets, but at least help me pick something out to wear." Artemis for one did not care what her clothes looked like so long as they were practical, but Ava seemed to be growing a fashion sense as she grew so Artemis played this game with her regularly now.

Ava threw herself on the bed in a huff, but Artemis could see delight in her eyes. Ava had grown to love their time together as much as Artemis had. "You're going training again aren't you?" she asked. "Why don't you wear your hunter's outfit like always?" She paused and cocked her head, "And when are you two finally going to take me with you? I want to learn about more than just architecture sometime. I may need to know how to fight too you know."

Artemis smiled as she pulled her shirt off over her head. "Yes we are, but I don't want our Percy to start thinking I'm becoming predictable. I need to keep some of the mystery alive." She looked over her shoulder at Ava as she pulled a few training shirts out of the drawer to try on. "And once you turn thirteen in a few months I'm sure I'll be able to convince that stubborn brother of yours you're ready to begin learning. You know how he is, he's just being over protective right now."

Ava snorted a quiet laugh and rolled her eyes. "Over protective is an understatement," she muttered. "I'm being raised by two of the greatest fighters who have ever lived, and I don't even know how to hold a dagger without cutting myself."

Again Artemis found herself smiling. "You're time will come," she said. "Now which one," she asked spinning around and holding two different colored training shirts.

Ava sighed, and shook her head, which only amused Artemis even more. "You really are helpless when it comes to picking out cute clothes, aren't you?" she asked. "It's a good think you're pretty enough to stop hearts, or you'd be truly hopeless."

Artemis smirked. "One of the perks of being a maiden goddess," she said. "I've never really had to try to look good, though I've never really cared if I did or not either." She shrugged and threw the two shirts on the bed before turning and pulling two more out. Ava sighed and shook her head again. "But," she continued, "I do have to say I like looking good for Percy." Wow, she thought to herself. Even after all this time hearing myself say that is still strange.

Ava laughed. "The way he feels about you, you could show up in rags and he's be speechless. My brother is head over heels in love with you Artemis." Artemis smiled, and turned back to rummaging through her clothes. "So are you really?" Ava asked after a moments pause.

Artemis looked back and quirked an eyebrow at her. "Really what?" Artemis asked.

"Still a maiden goddess," Ava said as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

Artemis felt her eyes widen with shock and she spun to face the girl. "Ava!" she was finally able to sputter out. "You're twelve years old! What do you know of such things?"

"What?" Ava asked with a small shrug, though she did have the grace to look slightly embarrassed. "Aunt Athena taught me the basics of biology, so I know what sex is, and kids at school are starting to talk about that kind of stuff." Ava finally looked down and blushed. "Most of what they say is wrong according to Aunt Athena, but she won't answer my questions, so I thought I'd ask you. Asking Percy would be too weird."

If anything, that shocked Artemis more. "You're not thinking of having sex are you? Ava you are entirely too young for that!" Artemis asked already dreading the conversation she'd have to have with Percy, not to mention the conversation she was about to have with Ava.

"What!? No!" Ava nearly shrieked pushing herself up from the bed. "I just hate not knowing how things work."

"Thank the Fates," Artemis breathed as she crossed the room and sat down on the bed next to Ava. "You nearly gave me a heart attack." She thought for a moment, then groaned and laid back on the bed. It's best she learns this from me, Artemis told herself. No telling what she'll learn from those kids at school. "So what do you want to know," Artemis asked. "I guess you're old enough now for these questions to be normal. You just caught me off guard."

"Could you put a shirt on?" Ava asked still seeming somewhat embarrassed. "I know you're basically my mom now, but as pretty as you are talking to you when you're only wearing a bra is distracting." Artemis arched an eyebrow at her. What's that about, she wondered silently? But she grabbed one of the discarded training shirts and pulled it on. Ava let out a long breath. "Thanks," she muttered.

"Ava," Artemis asked slowly, dissociated comments over the past few months coming together and clicking in her mind. "Are you attracted to girls instead of boys?"

Ava threw up her hands, and flung herself back onto the bed and groaned. "I don't know Artemis." She sighed and covered her eyes with a forearm. "I still think boys are cute, but I think some girls are too." She shook her head and peaked at Artemis, "That's not what I'm asking about anyway. When I figure out if I like boys or girls you'll be the first to know, I promise. I wanted to know if you were really still a maiden."

Artemis did her best to keep her face neutral. This is not something I should be talking about with my twelve year old foster daughter, she told herself. "Why do you want to know that?" she asked slowly.

"I guess I just want to know what makes it so special," Ava asked finally. "Why'd you wait so long? Don't get me wrong, it's not something I want to do, but I may someday and I just need to know."

Artemis sighed, I'm not cut out for this. "I think it's different for everyone," she said after a time. "I could lie and tell you I was waiting on the right person, but I really wasn't, or at least not entirely. I wouldn't have given my maidenhood to a man I didn't love, but that wasn't why I shunned men." She felt her eyes glaze over and her thoughts went back to millennia past. "I think I just valued my independence too much when I made my oath all those years ago. Over time it grew into a point of pride for me. As more time passed my reputation grew, and I embraced it. I founded the Hunters and the rest is history. " Artemis shrugged and focused on Ava, meeting her gaze. "Even after meeting Percy it took me years to come to terms with the fact that I would eventually have to sleep with him." Ava blushed and Artemis smirked. "Hey," she told the girl, "you asked. Thankfully now though it's not something I have to do, it's something I get to look forward to, because he's the man I love."

"Wait," Ava said after a moment. "So you really are still a maiden?" she asked slightly disbelievingly. "You've been sleeping together for years though."

"I am," Artemis said. "Percy and I decided to wait until we are married. Though if I'm being honest I'm starting to get impatient."

"Why though," Ava asked looking for all the world like Athena trying to figure out a confusing problem.

Artemis shrugged. "It's just something we decided," she said. "Look, Ava, I'd love nothing more than to tell you to swear off romance and sex all together, hell I spent millennia telling girls your age just that, but I can't in good conscious tell you to do that anymore after feeling the way I do about your brother." She smiled and pulled the younger girl into a tight hug. "The best advice I can give you is wait for someone you love, not someone you lust after, but someone you truly love like Percy and I love each other. If you do that it won't be a puzzle you have to figure out, it'll be the next step you get to take in your lives together. And trust me, you won't regret it."

Ava frowned. "That's not a very satisfying answer," she muttered.

Artemis laughed. "You've been spending too much not with Athena," she said. "Not everything in life can be quantified Ava. Athena has a bad habit of forgetting that sometimes, but don't let the same thing happen to you. Somethings you just have to accept as truth until you experience them yourself."

Ava sighed and laid back on the bed again. "If you say so," she said.

Artemis smiled fondly and rose. She snapped her fingers and her typical hunters outfit appeared taking the place of the clothes she'd been wearing. Ava scoffed and rolled her eyes, but smiled. Downstairs the front door to the apartment opened and Percy's voice floated up the stairs. "You know," Artemis said conversationally, "I think I may start trying to convince your brother to let you come with us. Tonight."

Ava shot up excitedly. "Really?!"

Percy

The flash of light faded to reveal the clearing he'd met Artemis in all those years ago. The same place they'd been training nearly every week for years. Their place. Fitting that we've come full circle, Percy mused. He looked down and smiled at his young sister, so excited to finally be outfitted in a mirror of Artemis's hunter's garb. And fitting that she should be here to witness it. Percy wasn't really sure if Artemis was suspicious or not that he'd agreed to allow Ava to come so easily. The truth was he'd been wracking his brain the past two weeks trying to come up with an excuse to get her here without raising suspicion. He was still half convinced the Fates had intervened when Artemis had brought up bringing Ava herself. Maybe they're trying to make up for all the crap they've put me through over my life, Percy thought wryly. Well however it happened, having to teach his sister the basics of sparring was a small price to pay to have her present for one of the most important moments of his life.

"So this is where this whole thing started," Ava said quietly. She looked up to meet his eyes and smirked. "I thought it'd be grander."

Artemis's quiet crystalline laughter filled the small meadow. Percy's heightened demigod senses picked up the slight increase in background noise from the surrounding trees. The night birds calling from the trees were just a touch more proud, and the fox barking in the distance seemed to yip happily with Artemis's laughter. An elk on the downhill side of the lake stepped from the trees and glanced their way before beginning to graze along the tree-line. This wilderness knew its mistress well it seemed.

"Yes," Artemis said, standing there looking more beautiful than he'd ever seen her. Artemis was breathtakingly beautiful all the time, but standing here beneath the light of the full moon surrounded by the wilderness she so loved she made even Aphrodite pale in comparison. Maybe I'm just waxing poetic, Percy though, but gods I love this woman. "This is where it all started for us. Fates alone know how we both ended up here of all places on the same night all those years ago." She turned her smile on him then. "I guess it was just meant to be."

Percy found himself smiling in return. "I guess it was," he murmured softly.

Ava sighed loudly. "Will you two save the staring into each other's eyes for the bedroom?" she asked. "I thought we were here to train."

Percy found himself laughing at his eager little sister, as he broke his gaze away from Artemis to look at his siter. She has no idea what she's getting into. "Are you sure you want to do this Ava?" he asked. "Artemis is a harsh mistress to train under, she's not going to let you slack just because she likes you." He smirked at her and said, "And neither will I. If we train you, we're going to do it right."

Ava rolled her eyes. "Have I ever slacked off at anything in my life, Percy?" she asked. "I can take whatever you throw at me."

Percy laughed again. "We'll see," was all he said. Then in his best imitation of Chiron, a voice he used regularly with the swim team, ordered "Get stretched, then give me 25 laps around the meadow. We need to get you into shape before we do any real training."

Ava gaped at him for a moment, then her expression grew hard. Determined. Good, Percy thought, you'll need that if you want to keep up. Ava didn't complain. Instead she walked off a short distance and began a series of stretches he'd taught her when she was younger. Percy followed suit, not wanting to pull a muscle once they started the serious training. "She's a good kid," Artemis murmured quietly as she crouched beside him. As always she didn't even bothered stretching. "A bit snarky and sarcastic sometimes, but with you as a big brother she didn't really have a chance avoiding that."

Percy glanced at her and grinned. "You say that almost like you don't love me for my sarcasm." As he bent over to touch his toes, he felt to make sure the small box was still in his pants pocket. I should be more nervous than I am, he thought to himself.

"Ohh, I do," Artemis said lightly, then grinned. "Most of the time anyway." Before he could respond she continued. "Ava and I had an interesting conversation today," she said quietly.

Percy sighed and shook his head as he tried to work a knot out of his left shoulder. "Do I even want to know?" he asked.

Artemis shrugged, and her eyes followed Ava as she began her first lap around the clearing. "Probably not," she murmured, "but you need to anyway. She asked me about sex."

Percy, balancing on one leg as he tried to stretch a quad, nearly fell over in shock. He was only just able to catch himself, and hissed, "What?! Artemis she's twelve years old!"

Artemis smirked slightly, but her eyes never left Ava. "Nothing like that Percy," she said softly. "I made sure of it. She just had some questions. To be honest I think it was purely academic. She didn't seem interest personally, more like it was a puzzle she was trying to figure out. It was almost like being questioned by Athena."

Percy sighed with relief. That was on problem he was glad he didn't have to deal with yet. "What did she want to know?" he asked finally.

"Nothing about the act itself," Artemis said. "Just what made it so special." She laughed lightly then, "Gods know I'm in no way qualified to answer that, but I did my best."

Artemis made as if to say something else, then bit her lip and remained silent. "What else?" Percy asked, already dreading the answer.

Artemis sighed. "It really should be her telling you this, but I don't think she'll mind." She finally turned to look at him, "I think Ava might be bisexual."

Percy felt his brow crinkle. "Why do you say that?" he asked incredulously. "I thought you said she wasn't interested in sex?"

"Because," Artemis said with a somewhat embarrassed look, "she's most definitely attracted to me. I've never even thought of the possibility, and I've been changing in front of her for years. She's going through puberty now though, and things have changed. Teenage hormones and all that goes with them. Not really a problem I had to deal with much in the hunt."

Percy couldn't really help it. He laughed, and sat down in the grass beside where Artemis was crouching. "Well at least she has good tastes," he finally said. "And as long as she's not wanting to have sex at twelve years old, I don't care who she's attracted to."

Artemis laughed, and nudged him softly in the ribs with an elbow. "I knew you wouldn't be, but as oblivious as you were with Nico I thought you might be walking her down the aisle to her future wife before you figured out she liked girls. I can't have my future husband looking too much like a fool, so I thought I'd better tell you now." She stood, then reached down to pull him to his feet. "Come on," she said. "Let's get a bout or two in before we need to start teaching Ava."

Percy grinned. "After you, My Lady," he said with a slight bow.

Artemis

Hours later Artemis sat on a small boulder on the side of the lake watching Percy in the water as he rinsed off following their training session. Ava had wandered off to gather firewood, and left the two of them alone for the moment. The girl had done well for a first training session. Her lack of godly blood held her back of course, but by mortal standards Ava would be a remarkable warrior given time. Artemis grinned to herself thinking back to the last bout where she and Percy had finally cut loose, and, for the first time, they'd shown Ava just what they were truly capable of. Artemis's heart still raced remembering the sparing. They'd been twin whirlwinds of silver and Bronze clashing back and forth across the meadow, moving faster than mortal eyes could follow. The girl had been shocked to say the least, and much to Percy's dismay, Artemis had finally come out the victor, if only just.

Artemis's eyes found Percy again and she leaned back on her hands atop the boulder content. I haven't been this happy in centuries, she thought to herself. Millennia even. Just a few years ago she'd have been too prideful and embarrassed to so openly watch him, or any man, shirtless in the water. Now she just enjoyed the sight of the man she loved. He really needs to propose soon, she thought as he turned and waded toward her. I'm getting tired of waiting. When he stepped from the water, he was already dry in the way of children of Poseidon. He bent to pull on a pair of old faded blue jeans over his shorts, and then put on an old black t-shirt. Now, wearing those clothes, he looked much like the way he did that first night they'd spent here after fighting the Manticore together. He patted his front pockets, then made his way over to where she was sitting.

"Ava's got a fire going up there it looks like," he said smiling.

Artemis glanced over her shoulder to where Ava sat tending a fire under the tall spruce tree a short distance up the hill. The girl smiled and waved, then went back to feeding the fledgling blaze twigs to keep it burning. Artemis smiled and rose, pulling Percy close. "We can join her in a moment," she murmured into his chest as he wrapped his arms around her. She felt him grin as he kissed the top of her head.

"You're unusually affectionate today," he said after a while.

Artemis looked up and grinned. Then she kissed him, long and deep. "It's because I love you, Percy," she said when she finally broke the kiss.

Percy smiled and let one hand drop to his side. "I love you too," he said. "You know that right?"

Artemis quirked an eyebrow at him. "Of course I know that," she said. "Do you really even have to ask?"

Percy's smile turned somewhat nervous, and he ran a hand through his unruly hair. What's going on, Artemis thought to herself? Why's he so nervous all of a sudden? "No," he said. "I don't, but it's still nice to hear you say that." He took a deep breath then continued. "We've been together for what? Seven, seven and a half years now?" he asked.

Ohh...

"…and I'm sorry I'm not very good at romantic speeches and what not…"

Ohh my gods this is really happening…

"…but I think we're both finally ready for this." Percy held up a small box as he dropped to one knee. "And I know we both want this," he said as he opened the lid. Inside was a simple, thin polished platinum band with a single flawless stone that seemed to shine with a faint, silvery inner-light set in the center. It was beautiful.

This is finally happening.

"Artemis," Percy asked. "Will you marry me?"

Artemis couldn't keep the smile from her lips. She threw herself at Percy, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him for all she was worth. "Yes," she breathed when she finally broke the kiss. "Finally, Percy," she said. "Yes, I will."

Artemis (Three weeks later. July 15, 2023)

Artemis sat rigidly in her personal palace on Olympus and waved Aphrodite's hand away, and tired to adjust her veil herself. Eyeing the other goddess in the silver framed mirror, she warned "I'm thankful for what you've done to make this wedding happen, but if you shove that hand in my face again I'll break it off."

Aphrodite rolled her eyes. "You could at least try to be excited for your wedding day, Artemis," she said sarcastically. "I'm almost done anyway." The love goddess adjusted a few more strands of hair, blatantly ignoring Artemis's threat, then flicked the veil lightly to let it settle naturally. "There," she exclaimed. "You're absolutely perfect! Now seriously, look in that mirror and tell me you aren't glad you let me talk you into this. I mean really, do you think you could have done this yourself?" she asked gesturing at the mirror.

Artemis eyed herself in the mirror. She had to admit the Goddess of Beauty knew what she was doing when it came to makeovers. Artemis knew she was always beautiful by just about any standard, but she almost didn't recognize the absolutely dazzling woman staring back at her from the mirror. I wonder what Percy will think when he sees me like this, she thought with a grin.

"There's that smile!" Aphrodite exclaimed with a small clap. "I knew you had it in you!"

"Yeah, yeah," Artemis said with a dismissive wave, but she couldn't seem to wipe the smile from her face. "Don't you have a wedding to coordinate or something?"

"Ahhh," Aphrodite exclaimed again, bouncing up and down on her toes and clapping her hands. "I'm just so excited! I've been planning this day for over three thousand years, and it's finally here!" Aphrodite smiled at Artemis in the mirror. "One down, only two more to go! Ok, I'm going now. I have a few more things to take care of before the ceremony. Mainly tracking down that brother of yours and Hermes to make sure they don't ruin all my planning. You're bridesmaids should be here in a few minutes to help you into your dress, I have a few of my daughters working on them now. I need to go track Percy and the groomsmen down to make sure they're presentable. And I'm babbling again. Ok now, bye!" With that Aphrodite spun and left the room, shutting the door with a loud thump.

Artemis blinked at the onslaught. "That woman," she muttered after a moment, shaking her head the now closed door. She turned back to the mirror to examine Aphrodite's work. Gods that woman is good, Artemis thought. I'm gorgeous. I can't wait for Percy to see me looking like this. The makeup wasn't flashy like she'd feared it would be after agreeing to let Aphrodite do it for her, but instead seemed to accent the natural lines of her face. Her hair fell in long ringlets, framing her face, and cascading down her back. The auburn locks were pinned back over each ear to keep them out of her face, but other than that were left to flow freely. Aphrodite had taken her natural beauty and enhanced it instead of trying to make something new.

Suddenly Artemis felt nervous. This is really happening, she thought. After all this time this is really happening. She took a deep breath to calm herself, and smiled in the mirror as Ava and Thalia poked their heads in the door behind her. Both of them were still wearing robes that matched Artemis's, and both were looking as beautiful as she'd ever seen them. "Ohh," Thalia murmured when her eyes fell on Artemis. "Ohh wow…"

Percy

Percy looked at himself in the floor length silvered mirror, before adjusting his tie. Again. His father laughed and stood. "You've pulled it crooked again, Son," Poseidon said, as he walked over. "Come here boy. Let me fix it for you." Percy sighed and turned away from the mirror as his father approached. He tried not to fidget too much as Poseidon straightened his tie, then brushed off the shoulder of his jacket. "Now sit still," his father said. "That's the third time I've had to fix that for you." Percy nodded his thanks then started walking, again. Fifteen steps, he thought. The rug is fifteen steps long. Maybe fifteen and a quarter. He made another lap just to be sure.

From his place on the couch in the main parlor of Poseidon's palace, Apollo laughed. "He's too full of energy Uncle," he said. "He'll have a path worn through that rug before the ceremony even begins with all this pacing."

Percy glanced up and glared at his soon to be brother in law. "I'm just ready to get on with it," he muttered quietly, causing both Apollo and Poseidon to laugh again. Percy got back to counting steps.

"Looking forward to tonight that much?" Poseidon asked slyly. Percy, tried to ignore the comment, it wasn't the first of its kind today, but felt his cheeks blush crimson.

"Hey," Apollo cried indignantly, which only made Poseidon laugh harder. "That's my sister Uncle P! I don't want to have to think about what Percy's going to be doing to her tonight. Not cool man. Not cool."

"I know she is Nephew," Poseidon said through his chuckles. "And, pardon me for this Son, but Percy is one hell of a lucky man."

Percy scoffed and rolled his eyes, finally giving into the prodding. "I'm not talking to you two about this," he said, never breaking stride.

Apollo chuckled and rose, throwing an arm around Percy's shoulders. Percy had to squint his eyes at the brightness of the god's smile. "Hey man," he said. "We're just trying to chill you out a little. Besides, what's a wedding without a few dirty jokes, huh?"

Before Percy could answer the door flew open and Aphrodite appeared like a whirlwind. "Groom and groomsman?" she asked. "Ahh, yes, and already dressed too. Good. Good." She licked a finger, reached up to Percy's head, and flicked a piece of hair slightly before nodding to herself. "Artemis is ready, she's with her bridesmaids now. The Hall is decorated, the band is playing, the guest are arriving. We need to be going. Straighten that tie Percy. It's time."

Percy groaned and ran back to the mirror as Apollo and Poseidon's laughter echoed through the Poseidon's palace.

Artemis

Artemis stood outside the tall bronze doors to the Hall of the Gods flanked by Ava and Thalia, and took a deep breath. I'm ready for this, she told herself as she tried to fight down the butterflies in her stomach. I am. Off to the side Aphrodite was flipping through an itinerary, and not paying attention to any of them.

"You know," Ava mused as she slightly shifted her corner of the bridal train, "our relationship just keeps getting more and more confusing as time goes by."

Artemis glanced over her shoulder at two of the three girls she'd been closest to in all her long life. I wish Zoe could have been her, she thought with a quick glance skyward. I wonder what she'd think of all of this... She'd be ok with it so long as I'm happy, Artemis decided after a moment. At least she's with me in spirit, she thought finding the constellation that made up her best friends form. "Hunt well, Huntress," Artemis murmured too low for the others to hear. "And know I miss you."

Artemis shifted her gaze back down to Ava and Thalia; a soon to be sister in law she thought of as a daughter, and an actual half-sister she saw as a friend. Artemis smiled. "Welcome to the world of gods and goddesses Ava," she said. "It's only going stranger from here on out."

"You never really get used to it," Thalia said with a smile for Ava, "but hey, at least it keeps life interesting." She turned her smile on Artemis. "Are you ready, My Lady?"

Artemis gave a fake groan and a nervous laugh. Gods, she thought, what is wrong with me? I've never been this worked up about anything before. "Today of all days Thalia, please," she said, "Just call me Artemis." A thought occurred to her then, and she smiled at her former lieutenant. "Or better yet, call me Sister." She turned as much as the dress and train would allow, and took each of their free hands in her own. "I love you girls so much," she said, forcing her eyes to stay dry so her makeup didn't run. "Thank you both for being here with me today." She dropped their hands and hugged them both as best she could.

"No, no, no!" Aphrodite snapped, startling all three of them. "Do that after the ceremony," she said. "I don't have enough time to start fixing hair, clothes, and makeup if you smudge something, so hands off until the reception." She twirled a hand, and a small watch materialized out of nothingness. Aphrodite checked the time and smiled. A truer smile than Artemis had ever seen on the woman, warm and full of joy at was about to happen. "You're my masterpiece," she said to Artemis, "you realize that right? Of all the loves I've helped forge over the millennia, you and Percy are the two I'm most proud of." The smile grew. "A modern day Helen and Paris."

Artemis raised an eyebrow at the other goddess. "You do remember that Helen and Paris ended in tragedy, do you not? You were there I seem to recall. The whole war was basically your fault."

Aphrodite waved a dismissive hand. "Ahh but their love was grand while it lasted was it not?" The love goddess smirked, "Let's just hope for a happier ending this time around." The smirk faded, and Aphrodite's face grew serious. "Really though Artemis," she said in a more subdued tone that Artemis was used to hearing from her. "I know you don't think highly of me, so it probably doesn't mean much coming from me, but I want you to know that I'm proud of you for how willing you've been to opening yourself to love. This relationship you've forged in a few short years will be an inspiration to couples for thousands of years to come. You're my gold standard. You're what I'm trying to create every time I meddle in the love lives of others." The shock she felt must have shown on Artemis's face because Aphrodite smirked again. "I know," she said with a small laugh. "I'm as surprised as anyone that I'm saying these words to you of all people, but they're true!" She glanced down at her watch again. "It's time," she said.

Artemis blinked at the sudden change of topic. It's time… She took a deep breath to steady her nerves. "Thank you Aphrodite," she said after a moment. "For everything." The other goddess nodded, then moved to the doors. Thalia and Ava moved back to their positions holding her train.

"Are you ready, Sister," Thalia asked?

Artemis felt herself smile. "I am," she said. "I finally am." Ava smiled up at her and gave an enthusiastic nod. Thalia just smiled back. She took one more deep breath before turning to face the doors herself. "Let's go get me married," she said. The Bronze doors swung opened and Artemis stepped forward.

Absently, Artemis noted the transformation Aphrodite and Athena had worked on the Hall of the Gods as she began he march. The two goddesses knew what they were doing when it came to design and ornamentation. The entire Hall had been repurposed for the occasion. The white marble columns along the edges of the hall were draped in even whiter cloth with flowers of various kinds adoring their lengths. Red and pink rose pedals lined the aisle between rows of pristine white chairs, and pedestals of marble held arrangements of flowers at intervals along the aisle, staggered with their counterparts on the outside of the rows of seating. A gazebo of white marble and stone lattice work carved to look like leaves blowing in the breeze had been raised around the Hearth. Regal yet conservative. Just how she'd imagined it.

All of this Artemis noted with only a passing glance. Her attention was focused on the man in the simple black and white tux waiting for her at the Hearth. As she stepped through the Bronze doors into the Hall of the Gods, everyone stood, and the band began the wedding march, perfectly in time with her steps. Artemis barely heard them. The look on Percy's face when he saw her swept all other thoughts from her mind. The joy that transformed his features was enough to make her want to run down the aisle, but she held herself back, barely, and walked in time with the music.

Artemis locked eyes with Percy and smiled. He smiled back and took her hands as she reached him. Together they stood facing each other before her father as he began the ceremony, still staring into each other's eyes. Artemis didn't hear a word Zeus said. "You look so beautiful," Percy breathed at one point, his eyes alight with desire. Artemis just smiled wider.

After what felt like an eternity, Zeus finally seemed to wind down and asked, "Who has the rings." Artemis nearly jumped as Poseidon stepped forward, startled out of her nearly trance like state. Her only consolation to the slight embarrassment was Percy flinched too and blushed.

Poseidon, grinning widely handed each of them a ring. "Congratulations," he said quietly. "You both deserve this," then retreated.

"Do you," Zeus asked loudly once Poseidon had returned to his place behind Percy, "Artemis Agrotera take this man, Perseus Jackson, to be your wedded husband?"

Out of the corner of her eye Artemis saw her father pause and look up, waiting for a reply. Artemis didn't acknowledge him. Her entire focus was on the man standing before her. "I do," she said firmly, confidently, and slipped the simple platinum band onto Percy's ring finger.

"And do you," Zeus continued, the smile evident in his voice, "Perseus Jackson take this woman, Artemis Agrotera, to be your wedded wife."

"I do," Percy said without hesitation. His strong voice echoing through the quiet Hall. His eyes never leaving hers, Percy slipped the thin wedding band, a twin to the engagement ring's band, onto her finger.

"Then," Zeus said, voice booming through the Hall. "By the power vested in my as King of this Olympian Council, I know pronounce you man and wife!" He clapped both of them on the shoulder and laughed. "I never thought I'd be saying this about Artemis, but Nephew, kiss your bride!"

The hall echoed with claps, shouts, whistles, and cheers as Percy leaned in to kiss her, a smile splitting his face nearly from ear to ear. Behind Percy, Artemis heard Apollo's voice raised above the din screaming "Let's party!" Artemis didn't care about the noise or commotion surrounding them, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed Percy back for all she was worth.

Percy

Percy sat at the head table at the reception holding the hand of his bride. She was turned away from him whispering something into Thalia's ear. He thought he caught Zoe's name mentioned. Whatever it was, made Thalia laugh. We're married, he told himself, still stunned that it was over. We're actually married. His heart still raced as he thought about the first look he'd had of her when she stepped into the Hall. He'd had to force himself to remember to breath. Percy couldn't remember a single time since he'd known her where he didn't think Artemis was breathtakingly beautiful, but words just failed to describe how perfect she looked tonight.

Percy felt his pulse quicken, and he shook his head to clear it. Leaning over he whispered in Artemis's ear. "So how long before it's acceptable for us to sneak out of here?"

Artemis turned from Thalia, who rose to join a group of Guardians nearby, and smiled, an amused twinkle in her eye. "Be patient Husband," she told him quietly. "The reception just stared. We've waited this long, we can wait a few more hours." The twinkle turned lustful and her voice roughed slightly. "You can have all of me before too long."

Percy shifted uncomfortably in his seat trying to readjust himself without attracting too much notice. Artemis smirked in an extremely self-satisfied way. "This is going to take forever," he muttered impatiently, trying to change the subject. "People are still bringing gifts." He gestured with his free hand toward a large table on the side of the Hall already overladen with gifts from guest. "I have no idea what we're going to do with most of this. My father gave me a baby Pegasus, and what'd your father give you? A pair of hunting wolves?"

Artemis's smile deepened, and she nodded. "Plus two falcons. I'm not sure what it is about our family and our fascination with exotic pets."

"And those are just two out of hundreds," Percy muttered. "I don't want to offend anyone, but I have no idea what to do with half this stuff."

Artemis's quiet laughter rolled over him and Percy found himself smiling. "It isn't often an Olympian gets married Percy," she told him. "And there are certain expectation for those of us who presume to rule. You're consort to an Olympian now. We must give the people their due and let them have us right now. We'll have each other tonight. I promise."

"Fine," Percy sighed, but not even having to wait a little longer for the wedding night could spoil his good mood. He nodded across the dance floor, where several guest, including his father and step mother, were already dancing, to where his sister stood on the far side. "Ava seems to be enjoying herself," Percy said with a grin.

Artemis followed his gaze and smirked. "I guess its girls tonight then," she murmured. "And a naiad at that. Impressive work Ava." The freshwater spirit appeared as a teenage girl maybe a year or two older than Ava with long, shimmering brown hair, and a faint green tint to her skin. She was pretty in the way of all nymphs. She bent down and whispered something in Ava's ear that made the girl blush and look down, but she finally nodded.

Artemis chuckled as the naiad led Ava out onto the dance floor, and waved Thalia back over. "Have a few of your girls keep an eye on Ava tonight," she told the Guardian Lieutenant quietly. "Don't spoil her fun, but don't let her get herself in a situation she might regret later. Naiads aren't known for their subtlety."

Thalia glanced toward the dance floor questioningly, then smirk and nodded before moving off to do as asked.

Percy rolled his eyes. "And you say I'm the over-protective one," Percy said, nudging Artemis lightly in the ribs. She just shrugged, smiled and then rose.

"Why don't you go get us some drinks at the bar," she said. "I want to have a word with Hestia."

Percy rose with her and kissed her hand before dropping it. "Well if we're stuck here for a few hours we might as well have a good time right?" He smiled then kissed her lightly on the cheek. "See you in a bit love."

Percy turned and made his way across the room to the bar, greeting people he'd never met and shaking the hands of gods and goddesses he barely knew the whole way. Finally, after what seemed like forever, he made it to the bar and had the bartender pour him a beer and a glass of wine for Artemis.

Turning to leave, Percy noticed for the first time who was standing at the bar beside him, nursing her own drink that smelled strongly of gin. "Lady Athena," he said nodding his head in respect, and then smiling to himself as he followed Athena's gaze. Apollo had broken into Ava and the young naiad's dance, and judging by his gesturing he seemed to be trying, and mostly failing, to question the spirit regarding her intentions toward Ava. His sister looked mortified at what was happening. "I swear," Percy said with a chuckle, "with the number of Olympians looking after that girl I could disappear and she'd never know the difference."

The corner of Athena's mouth twitched upward, and she finally turned her gaze on Percy. "Congratulations, Brother," she said with a small smile. "However, don't ever question how much you mean to Ava," she continued after a moment, as her smile faded. "What the rest of us do in aggregate is nothing compared to what you do for her by simply being her big brother. You and Artemis have done well raising her."

Percy grunted. "You've been as much a part of raising her as either of us," he told her. "Don't sell yourself short either." Athena's small smile returned and shifted back to Ava as she took a sip of her wine. "If I may, My Lady," he said after a moment. "Can I ask you a question?" He waited for her faint nod before continuing. "Why?" he asked.

Athena seemed to take his meaning without need of further explanation, but she didn't answer immediately. Instead she seemed to think over her answer carefully. "I owe it to her father," she said solemnly after a moment.

Paul? What in the world does she owe to Paul? Percy opened his mouth to ask but Athena cut him off before he could. "Paul was a teacher," she said softly. "A fount of wisdom for the next generation. He was one of mine, Percy, and that's a responsibility I take seriously. I made a promise to protect him, as well as your mother and Ava, and I failed." She turned to meet his eyes, and Percy could see the unshed tears shining in those bottomless grey eyes. Percy couldn't blame her. He had to swallow around a lump in his own throat and blink away sudden tears. "I made a promise to one of my own, Percy, and I broke it. You're not a patron god yet, though I suspect you may become one someday, so you can't know just what that means to one of us. There's a reason we gods and goddesses don't make promises to those we patron often. It cost us dearly should we fail them." Athena sighed and looked away. "Paul made me promise before accepting my help to take care of Ava if anything should happen to him or your mother. I broke one promise to him already. I will not break another."

Percy stood, still as stone for a long moment, watching Athena watch Ava. "Thank you," he said after a moment, "for sharing that with me."

Athena smile faintly, and waved at him in a shooing motion. "Go Percy," she said. "Enjoy your wedding. Don't let one depressed goddess bring you down on today of all days. I just thought it was finally time to tell you the truth."

Percy bowed his head again and retreated. He'd made it barely halfway back to their table when Will grabbed his arm and nodded in the direction away from the crowded portion of the Hall. Percy followed him without question.

When they were out of earshot of any would be listeners Will stopped. "Nico wanted me to give you this," he murmured softly, pulling out a folded sheet of paper and slipping it into Percy's coat pocket.

"What!?" Percy hissed, nearly spilling his drink. "Nico is here?" he asked looking around. Gods Nico don't come here, as much as I want to see you don't come here of all places.

Will shook his head. "No," he continued just as softly. "He sent it to me to give to you, but I'm leaving to join him for good." He looked around at the Hall and its decorations. "All of this just makes me miss him that much more."

Percy relaxed slightly and looked back to Will. "When are you leaving?" he asked after a moment.

Will sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "Now," he said in a voice much more confident that he looked. "This is farewell."

Percy set the glasses he was carrying down on a chair and pulled Will into a hug. "Farewell then, friend," he said. "And tell Nico I miss him."

"I will," Will said, and with that he was gone, blending back into the crowd.

Percy picked up and drained what was left of his beer. Too many revelations tonight, he told himself. I need something stronger. Leaving the empty glass where it was he made his way back to the bar.

Artemis

Artemis turned from talking to Hestia to find Hades standing behind her, and nearly did herself the indignity of jumping. "Forgive me, Artemis," Hades said in his deep sonorous voice, and turned. "Walk with me if you will."

"Of course, Uncle," she said, wondering what it was Hades of all people wanted with her at her wedding reception. She stepped to follow him "What is it you want to talk about?"

"Not to talk," Hades said when they reached an empty part of the Hall. "I have something to give you."

"You've already given both Percy and I a gift," Artemis said, growing even more curious. A pair of Stygian Iron daggers for each of them, a much more practical gift than most of the ones they'd received, but Hades was always one of the most practical of gods.

"Gift or curse is for you to decide," Hades explained, and pulled two sealed letters from a pocket. "I only promised to deliver them because of what Percy did for me in returning my throne. The first is addressed to you and is from Annabeth Chase. The second is to Percy and is from his mother and step-father. I trust you will be able to deliver it." With that he placed the letters on the empty table beside them, nodded, and turned away, leaving a thoroughly stunned Artemis standing alone.

Hesitantly, Artemis reached out and picked up the top letter. She studied her name written on the outside for a moment before breaking the seal and unfolding the paper. It read:

Lady Artemis,

I know I'm probably one of the last people you want to hear from on you wedding day, so I apologize for this. I should have sent this letter sooner, but Lord Hades has promised to deliver this letter to you for me. I trust you to decide if Percy should know about me writing you or not.

I wanted to congratulate both you and Percy on your marriage. I don't get much news down here, but what I do get has convinced me you two truly love each other, and as much as it hurts I am more grateful for that than you'll ever know. After all he's been through he deserves to be happy. Take care of him My Lady, please. For both of us.

Annabeth Chase

Artemis sighed, folded the letter, and willed the tears in her eyes away. With a wave, both disappeared to a safe place in her palace. Where is Percy with that drink, she thought, and went to search for him.

Several hours later, as the party wound down, Artemis and Percy walked from the Hall of Gods hand in hand to the cheers of Olympus. When they reached the bottom of the long staircase that lead to the tall Bronze doors Artemis flashed them away. They reappeared a moment later, and Percy looked around, frowning slightly. "What are we doing here," he asked. "I thought we were staying at your palace tonight."

Artemis smiled and pulled his face down into a long passionate kiss. "I thought this would be more appropriate," she murmured, when she pulled away. Twirling her hand slightly, a small silver box with a button on one side appeared in her palm. She pressed the button and threw it onto the grass at their feet. A large, silver, silken tent sprung up immediately. "Come on," she said, voice rough, as she pulled him toward the tent. "We've waited long enough."

Percy

Percy awoke to sunlight peeking through the slit in the far wall that served as a door to the tent. He reached out with an arm searching for Artemis, but found himself alone in the bed. Sitting up, he stretched slowly. She always was an early riser, he thought, and I seem to have slept late. He smirked to himself thinking about just why he happened to be so tired last night. Definitely worth the wait, he told himself. That's for sure.

Percy stretched again then rose, pulling a sheet from the bed and wrapping it around his waist. He looked around the tent appreciatively. Fully furnished, and large enough for an entire family, it reminded him of simpler days when he and Artemis were alone in the South hunting Giants together. Shaking his head fondly at the memories, Percy stepped out into the early morning sunlight.

Artemis stood alone with her back to the tent, facing the rising sun. Standing out in the shallows of the lake, she was no more than a dozen feet from the spot he'd proposed a few weeks ago, the water reached up to the middle of her thighs. She was idly trailing the tips of fingers through the water as she watched the sunrise. The rings on her left hand was the only thing she wore. It caught the sunlight and flashed momentarily as she turned to face him. The sun shone off her pale, naked body as she stood there in the lake looking up at him through her lashes. Still trailing the tips of her fingers through the water, she examined him just as openly as he did her. A faint breeze rustled her long auburn hair, and she seemed shiver slightly despite its warm touch. Slowly, her lips turned up into an inviting smile.

Percy felt himself smile in return. He let the sheet drop as he stepped forward to join her.

Well it took forever, but here's the next chapter! Hope you guys and gals liked it. Lots of stuff happening in this one for sure so I'll just start at the beginning and try to work my way through.

If you didn't catch it at the beginning, Athena was designing the gazebo that was used a the wedding when Artemis walked into the apartment. That's why she was so secretive about the project.

On Ava. She's 12, almost 13, so it's definitely time for the sex talk, probably a little late to be honest, but having Artemis be the one she asks about sex was just to good of an opportunity to pass up. Also the bisexual thing was just something I thought of when writing the scene for the reception and went with it. I don't know if I'll actually give Ava a love interest or not, so it probably won't be a large plot point, but it seemed to work well with where I want to go with her character so we'll see.

The scene between Athena and Percy at the reception where they're talking about Paul was actually the scene I was most looking forward to writing in this chapter. I've had it in the back of my mind since nearly the beginning of the story, and the whole idea of it costing patrons dearly when they break a direct promise to those they patron will be a plot point later. Remember it. Also it helped explain Athena's actions recently, so that was a plus as well.

Annabeth's letter is probably the last we'll see of her. I wanted an appropriate send off for her in the story. Kind of passing the torch to Artemis if you will.

On the overall tone of this chapter, Percy and Artemis were definitely more affectionate than they have been in the past. That will fade with time. Blame it on them both knowing that an engagement/wedding was coming soon, and then it being their actual wedding day. Don't get me wrong though, they'll always be madly in love, they just won't be all googly eyed at each other all the time.

Nico's still in hiding which sucks, but keep an eye out for him.

You may notice that the pacing sped up significantly once the wedding actually started. That was done intentionally. Any of you who are married and have gone through a wedding day yourselves will know what I'm talking about when I say that's exactly what it feels like in reality. From the beginning of the ceremony to the end of the night just kind of blurs together into a haze of happiness.

And finally the last scene. I just loved the imagery of Artemis standing in the water (Percy's domain), naked (holding nothing back), and facing the rising sun (looking forward to whats to come) too much not to put it in there. It really summarized her entire character arc so far.

That's it for now! As always I don't own PJO and never claimed to. Please let me know what you think! Questions, comments, critisizims, and/or praise is all welcome, so please leave a review to let me know what you think!

Until next time.