fair warning to all, there will be gore. im making this into more of a mystery romance now because i don't want it to be seriously cliche. get ready for the really slow burn and angst. im like that. also dont expect much more because i might quit AGAIN... honestly what am i doing :)


The sunlight shone through the covers of Perseus' tent, his hands were grimy, and he refused to sweep them through his hair. His hair probably looked much worse. Forcing his eyes upon, he rose. The morning was bright, he made the trek over to the river silently. He washed his hands in almost a ritualistic fashion. He moved onto his hair, then his arms. Amiably, he smiled at a passing deer who was perched just on the other side of the river.

As the sun rose, the forest began to teem with life. Perseus had thought oddly of retrieving his sword in order to train, but he'd traveled too far in his wandering thoughts to make a round trip back before his sessions with Artemis. Slowly, he began his trek back to the huntress' camp. The sun was nearing its peak and Perseus considered himself foolish for wasting half a day purely walking when he could've been preparing for sparring.

He cracked his knuckles as he hummed Pomp and Circumstance, which he oddly knew. His knees began to ache fairly on, not a good sign at all. He severely regretted all that he had done the past morning.

Perseus heard the bustle of the camp as smoke billowed into the air. He recognized the faint outline of Artemis' daggers as they were sheathed on her hips.

He smiled, although rather bedraggled. "Lovely to see you."

Artemis didn't return the affection, "You're late. About an hour late."

Perseus raised his hands innocently, "I couldn't keep time, you know. It's been so long since I was trapped in paradise."

Artemis grit her teeth, standing up. "Through Zeus' providence may I hold my temper."

Perseus flipped his blade up as he followed Artemis into the brush. They went to the usual clearing, its beauty still gave Perseus chills. The boy was quite sure that he'd never seen anything so eerily serene yet so calamitous at the same time. Seemingly, Artemis was out for blood today. As soon as the pair began their session, Artemis tore though the shrub, disappearing into the folds of the forest. Perseus heard scurrying through the trees, but he couldn't pinpoint the noise.

"Hone in your senses, Perseus. Allow your soul to guide you."

He grit his teeth, his hand clenched the blade even tighter than before. He swung blindly, slicing a branch off a tree before regaining his posture just as quickly.

In a flash, he was disarmed, his sword skittering into the forage. He cried out as pain coursed up his arm, racking his nerves. His mind went blank as Artemis' fist raced towards his face, powerfully striking him and knocking him senseless.

Perseus collapsed, he could taste the bitterness of iron on the inside of his cheek as his vision went unclear. He regained some semblance of his dignity as he swiped out towards the figure standing above him. She easily pinned him down, raising a dagger to his trachea.

Eyes wide with fear, he mumbled, "I give up."

Artemis released Perseus, giving him a hand to raise him to his feet. He choked, sputtering. His mood and attitude towards these sessions had dramatically shifted in the last few months, as he didn't blame Artemis as much for his own mistakes. She was teaching him, no matter if it was the hard or easy way, he would have to learn, and he'd rather learn the hard way with Artemis than with a monster.

Just as Perseus recovered, his vision coming back into focus, a huntress jumped into the clearing.

"My Lady," she heaved, out of breath. Tears were running down her eyes, dripping onto her silver clothing. Blood stained her hands as she choked out a sob, "It's urgent, you must come."

Artemis glanced at Perseus, giving him a look that clearly stated, 'we're finished, for now.'

"Stay here, Perseus. I'll send for you once I can."

Perseus didn't get a chance to object before the two raced off into the forest, the only trace of the pair ever being there was the blood that blemished the emerald fields of the forest. Somehow, he knew this was only the beginning.