sup guys its been like over a year since last update and i hella bored so i do this now. i deleted the old chapters 2-5 because i thought it was really bad im sorry. what am i doing idk. prob gonna be percy/artemis, not sure if I should continue because I haven't planned anything out per usual n I'm js winging it rn
Perseus came to the conclusion that he was cursed. The utter chance that he would be forced into godhood and mentored by the goddess of chastity herself was astoundingly horrific. He could not look Artemis in the eye, let alone train under her tutelage to unleash his full potential. Neither did he really want to discover his true potential.
He was the true pawn of Zeus. As soon as he awoke from his slumber in the deep forests, he felt a mental bond form between him and Artemis. One that would only be broken through the dissipation of either soul. And even then, the other would discover immeasurable pain. The link grew stronger with each passing moment they were in each other's presence.
The disparity of the situation was almost comical. Here he sat, on the doorstep of the Artemis' camp, waiting to be called for dinner. His shelter was already set up. The Hunters were preparing to dine whilst he sat sentry. He flicked a twig in between his fingers, passing time excruciatingly slowly. His eyes wandered, if this was what the rest of his life looked like, he did not look forward to it. The manipulation of Zeus was already too far. Perseus drew his blade as he began to sharpen it once again, allowing his thoughts to travel.
"Greetings," someone sat down next to him, unexpectedly. "You look down."
Perseus scoffed, "An intellectual. First one I've met since becoming a god."
The girl laughed at that and Perseus smiled softly. His eyes traveled to her face. The huntress had dark hair that ran down past her shoulders, her features were sharp but beautiful. Perseus relaxed.
"I'm Perseus, under the guidance of Artemis, I am here only to be guided."
"I know," She responded. "I am Zoe, Artemis' lieutenant. It is a pleasure meeting you, former hero."
Perseus smiled softly, "Yeah, whatever my antics were back in the day. I'm sure they were impressive."
Zoe laughed, with mirth. "Rather, likely not."
He flicked his sword up, it seemed as though his talent in swordsmanship was nonexistent. He hadn't found anything he was prominent in.
Weeks had passed since the bond had been formed. He had only started training with Artemis a few months ago. Everything they had done was unsuccessful. He hated training, she hated training him.
"Perseus!" Artemis called, walking up to him. "Are you prepared?"
He nodded, although rather meekly. The leaves cracked as the autumn wind breezed through the bare forest. The air was bitter, with a tint of chill and perhaps a trace of euphoria stuck in the air from the partying last night.
Artemis swung suddenly, Perseus parried. The reverberation sent shivers up his body. He immediately almost lost feeling in his left arm as Artemis slashed at him again. He yelped as she pierced his clothing, drawing blood from his bicep. The hilt of her blade came crashing down onto Perseus' chest. The weight of the strike sent him sprawling, gasping for air as his lungs compressed. His eyes watered.
"You are weak," Artemis commented. "Still very weak."
He tried for a laugh, maybe a tip of the head. He couldn't move.
"You still need much training, perhaps swordsmanship isn't your forte."
Perseus finally slid back up onto his feet, "Nah, I got this one. Next round is mine."
Their blades clashed once again, the echoes of not only their swords but their souls crashing against each other. Fighting for dominance.
Once again, Perseus was sent sprawling. Artemis smiled, perhaps it was because it was the first time Perseus was showing a willingness to improve. This time, she corrected his stance.
Little by little, Perseus began making minor adjustments. He fought harder, but when Artemis dueled him once again, all the previous teachings had washed away.
The sun began to set and Perseus was tiring. Artemis called the session off. The argent setting sun allowed Perseus to absorb a few minutes of rest. His muscles ached and tore away at his bones. His chest burned from being repeatedly beaten.
For the first time under the guidance of Artemis, Perseus dined with the Hunters.
He smiled awkwardly as they feasted. Conversations flew in the air easily but Perseus only listened. He observed. Of course, he had harbored resentment for the Hunters in the beginning, and he probably still did. He didn't laugh as they did, and nor did he converse as freely. But eating at the same table was a step of its own, no matter how small.
As the night faded, the food was swept off the table and cleaned off. Perseus retraced his steps to his tent and entered morosely, flopping onto his makeshift bed. He loved the aches of the muscle, the strain of his mind, and the feeling of fresh adrenaline coursing through his veins. Now all of that was gone now.
He desired more.
The next morning, Artemis was standing at the foot of his bed. He squinted, although rather lazily. "Lady Artemis," he greeted.
She smiled, rather coldly though.
They met up at the training circle, a wide stretch of almost 30 feet that encircled the two largest trees in the middle of the encampment. On regular occasions, the Hunters would gather to watch their Patron beat the shit out of another godling.
"Give me all you've got," Perseus challenged, assuming a defensive position.
Artemis laughed, "You're all bloody and scrapped up from yesterday. Why don't we take it slow for today?"
Perseus smiled. "You think too much of me. I think I'll be fine."
"You cannot even duel with as much efficiency as a worm." Artemis scoffed, mirth finally appearing in her eyes. Perseus felt elation rise in his chest, although he pushed it back down. He gulped, his chest rather tender from the nights before.
Perseus braved his pain as he swept forward, dashing and aiming for Artemis' legs. She leaped backward as her hilt struck Perseus' back with a deafening thud. He groaned as his world tilted. Artemis lept on top of him, holding him to the ground. His breaths became ragged.
Perseus tapped her leg, stupidly. "Stop tapping me!" She exclaimed as kicked him down. She finally stepped backward as she leaned against a tree. Perseus shuddered and coughed, rage engulfing his senses.
"You know you were killing me, right?" Perseus said, tripping. His senses were still nullified, although not completely.
"Yes, but the sense of euphoria overcame me." She replied, nonchalantly.
His eyes narrowed, "Wow. You are so conceited, I will deliver your pain soon enough."
Artemis laughed, waving the threat off. "Likely that'll ever happen, Perseus. Only thing you'll be harming soon is a snail that you'll be falling on."
