Hey everyone,

Sorry this is legitimately so late, I really didn't want it to be this long but I have had literally no inspiration to write and writing dialogue truly is my weakness. On the plus side university is going great. Without further delays (because I know I've kept you all waiting long enough), here is the next chapter to Natural Laws of Attraction

Disclaimer: All rights and royalties belong to Rick Riordan. I'm just playing with the characters.

Chapter 8: Moonlight's Revelation

Percy POV

As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel discouraged; this was only the first day on the job and my life had already been in danger. What a great start. With a sigh, I managed to make my way over to the little lake by the camp. Sitting under a tree near the water, I felt the sweeping feeling of dread; I seriously screwed up making this choice. To make matters worse, the moon and stars seemed to be sparkling even brighter, as if mockingly looking down on me. Without thinking, my hands started to play with the chain around my neck as I sat in thought. Life would be so much easier for everyone if I were gone: the hunters would lose the boy, Artemis would be free of me, and I would be able to see mom and Paul again. As my fingers went to the clasp, an arrow impacted right above my head.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." I heard the voice of the goddess from ahead. "Talking helps. I can't have my guardian leaving after only a few hours. What's wrong?"

Resigning to fate, I began to explain everything on my mind, from the heartbreak to mom and Paul to the hunters' immediate dislike and mistrust in me. "They hate me and will never accept me. I am the embodiment of everything they despise," I paused, refusing to look her in the eyes, "I don't think that I should be here or anywhere for that matter. Everything would be so much better off and easier without me."

Tears started welling in her eyes as she stepped forward and promptly slapped me in the face. "Don't ever say that again Percy. I may be the 'man-hating goddess' but there certainly are men like you that break the standard. You earned my respect numerous times over. Honestly, even if you weren't my guardian, I don't know what I would do without you. So live Percy, because I can guarantee that things will improve and that life will get better."

I tilted my head to the side.

"What do you mean that you wouldn't know what to do without me?"

Artemis POV

Crap! I'm saying too much! Everything is going to unwravel if I'm not careful; I need to think of something fast. "You see, I uh, was asked by the other gods to assist you in the training of your powers," I said, trying to convince even myself of the lie. A range of emotions played across his face, notably confusion and doubt, eventually settling on resigned.

"If that's what needs to be done so be it," he said with a tone of finality, much to my relief. I doubt that he fully bought it but I was safe for the time being. "Why are you here Artemis?" I hear him ask. I figured we might be here for a while so I took a seat as well.

"The Moon is like the Sun, both are chariots and can see everything below them. In conjunction to you being the guardian, I can get a sense of your emotions much like I can sense extreme emotions from the hunters," I explain in a tone that I intended to be soothing. I watched him nod and slouch further down the tree. "I wasn't kidding when I said that talking helps. I can't begin to count how many problems within the hunters have been fixed simply by voicing their issues."

"I just feel so out of place. I wish I could just be accepted but I highly doubt things are going to change at the snap of fingers," Percy eventually replied, sounding even more mournful than I thought possible. My heart started to break as he talked, and completely shattered as I watched him start to shake. To think that the twice saviour of Olympus could be brought to such extremes in such a short period of time; how dare that Athena-spawn mess with him! Without thinking, I moved forward to embrace and comfort the catatonic demigod. At first he flinched and tried to shy away, but he slowly began to inch forward and reciprocate the embrace. I started to feel a warmth spread through me, much like when I held his hand in Apollo's temple.

"It's going to be alright Percy, I will do what I can about the hunters but it's going to take some time," I said as I ran my hand across his back. A little while later, the shaking began to calm and his breathing became more regular. Even though I am the goddess of the moon, I completely lost track of time as I consoled Percy; ironically I felt no regrets as I held him close to me. Funny how over the course of a few days my whole world could change. Is this just how fate and destiny could mess with someone, or could I actually be falling for him?

"This is nice," I hear him murmur in an almost inaudible whisper, like he was afraid of voicing his thoughts. My heart melted further as he continued, "it's nice to finally have somewhat of a purpose that's not just killing monsters day in and day out. Sometimes I wondered if I was even going to see the next day or not and to be frank, there were quite a few times where death would have been the preferred option."

"Don't worry," I tried to tell him convincingly but failing even to convince myself. He opened his mouth and was about to protest but I cut him off, "I swear that I'll do everything within my power to make sure this can be a home for you."

"I don't know if that is possible Arty, the last time I thought I could call a place home I," and then he stopped and froze. All of a sudden he clammed up and went extremely pale. He pulled back, removing the warmth I didn't know was quite so potent and quickly blurted out "I'm so sorry Artemis, I swear it won't happen again." I looked at him with confusion on my face until realization dawned on me that he called me Arty by mistake. I lowered my voice so that not even the naiads could hear what I was about to say.

"Percy," I whisper as I took his hand in mine, feeling the warmth surge through me once more; my eyes gazing into the depths of his alluring sea green ones. "You are the only one who can call me that. When you say it, you aren't teasing and ridiculing me like Apollo does. And to be honest with you, I rather like it when you say it; it sounds natural and comforting in comparison to that of my brother." If I wasn't blushing before, I certainly was now; I just hope he couldn't see it.

He let out a sigh and looked down, giving me the chance to release the breath I didn't know I was holding. "I think more than anything, I'm scared," he confessed, looking ashamed and embarrassed. He tried to remove his hand from mine but I held on. I wasn't about to let him go when it seemed like the time he needed to talk most. He gave up the attempt and continued in a dejected tone, "they know more of my faults and flaws than I do, not to mention we are against darkness and wisdom, a highly deadly combo."

"Believe in yourself Percy. There is always a bright side, trust me when I tell you that everything will work out and we will win," I told him sounding more confident in myself than I actually was. In complete honesty, I was terrified with the impending war as much as Percy but this time wasn't about me. The uneasy demigod before me needed help more. With my courage peaked, I decided I should tell him about the first prophecy. "Percy, there is something you should know. Many years ago…" I managed to say before he jumped up in alarm, drawing his sword with speed so fast I barely had time to register what was going on.

"Whoever is there, show yourself!" he called out, standing protectively in front of me. My heart skipped a beat and my blush grew further. The tension in the air was cut as a girl that looked about eight years old materialized from the bushes near Percy and me. A small smile played across my face as my favourite aunt walked towards us-of course Hestia would interrupt at this moment, shattering all confidence I had been working up.

Hestia POV

"Good evening you two," I say with a small smile dancing across my face. I notice Percy was still standing sword in hand looking uneasy. Realizing his hesitation at who was approaching, I spread my hands and flickered my eyes back and forth to fireballs to signal who I was. "Rest easy my champion, I came to talk." That seemed to do the trick and he recapped his sword and looked sheepish at his actions.

"Apologies milady," he said trying to sound as sincere as possible which was the scariest thing I've ever seen. Here before me is the most sarcastic demigod to ever come along all of a sudden acting with manners equal to those of that Roman augur a little while back. Either the hunters have gotten to him already or reality is catching up with the unlucky man. "I sensed an immortal's presence and thought it could be a trap."

"All is forgiven. May I have a few words with Artemis?" I ask seeing confusion in his eyes, "it's nothing that you would find enjoyable; just Olympus drama I was asked to pass on. I'll talk with you separately before I leave."

With a sort of half bow-salute combo, Percy left without a word. Artemis turned and looked at me questioningly. "What happened now? Did Apollo super glue Ares to his throne again?" She asked with a chuckle in her voice.

"No. Although, it would be even funnier the second time," I reply with a spreading smile. After a moment of reminiscing, I looked at her seriously and continued. "There actually isn't any Olympus drama. This visit is about Percy. Whether or not you know, I can feel his emotions and see what he is thinking. Imagine my surprise this evening as I felt fear, anger, pain, and loneliness to name a few of the emotions present. On top of that I saw him nearly get run through by a hunter. What the hell is going on?!" I said, anger and fury growing as fast as the ashamed goddess was shrinking backwards into the tree.

"I had no idea that Phoebe was going to react that negatively," she tried to say but that only made me angrier.

"Then you should have taken better precaution and had your hunters better adaptable to a particular situation like this." I ranted as she finally gave up and fell with her face in her hands in utmost shame. "You are supposed to be leading a group that protects all, not just their own gender."

"It wasn't supposed to be this way." Artemis lamented, tears streaming down her face. I felt horrible saying all these things to her, but she had to learn and go forward. She hiccuped and continued, "it's actually started. I don't know how but I'm falling for him and I'm already terrified about it."

"If you don't change the path that you're on, there won't be a chance for you to act on those feelings. You need to fix these problems within the hunt or he will leave. I watched him play with that chain. What do you think your father would say, let alone Poseidon about Percy's treatment?" I held my breath and hoped she wouldn't call my bluff. While I certainly was unhappy with Percy's treatment within the hunt thus far, I was not going to meddle with both prophecy and her attempt at love. I exhaled as I heard her wailing intensify.

"Please, you can't," she begged and then I realized the gravity of the situation; Artemis has never begged in human history. The fact that she was this scared gave me the idea that she really cares for Percy and doesn't want to lose him. "I'll do anything. If Zeus or uncle Poseidon found out about today's events, the hunt would be disbanded in an instant. I'd lose everything including Percy."

"Then listen closely as I won't be this lenient again," I told her and she perked up. Clearly that got her attention as she seemed ready to latch onto any suggestion available. Thankfully she didn't see through that bluff either as I had her rampant and undivided attention. "You're going to have to slowly integrate him into the hunt as I'm sure you don't want a repeat of what happened at dinner. Work with him one on one and slowly incorporate the girls."

"But what if the girls ask why I'm spending so much time with Percy? What should I say?" she rambled off, highly uncertain of herself.

"I have two things to say to that. One, you are an Olympian goddess and should be treated as such. Secondly, you can tell them it's directly ordered by Zeus that you train him seeing as you're on the ground more than anyone," I explain, feeling even more guilty that I was coercing her like this. As much as Olympians deserve respect, everyone truly does. "The question becomes how do you deal with everything? If you have feelings for him, are you going to tell him or are you going going to ignore it all?"

"I… I don't know honestly. I've never felt these things before and it's scaring me," she said even more unsure of herself. I felt bad that her whole world was changing in the span of a week.

"Well, I'll leave you to figure that one out on your own. I do believe that I've kept my champion too long," I said as I turned and began to walk away. With one last thought I said in a deadpan voice, "treat him right. If you hurt him, you would wish it were your father and uncle going after you." I didn't have to look back to know the goddess in question had just turned whiter than a ghost. It seemed my work with her was done; maybe I should try Vegas after I'm done here… see if my bluffing can hold up a little while longer.

Percy POV

As I waited for Hestia to return, I couldn't help but think over the events of this evening. Everything seemed so surreal and not possible but everything between myself and the goddess seemed so natural, so perfect. A shiver ran down my spine as I sat in my tent and I was confused; these tents are kept at the perfect temperature year round. I don't remember feeling this chill when I was with Artemis so something must be going on.

A feeling of dread swept over me, like Artemis was scared or upset. I leapt to my feet to go investigate but the sensation of dread weakened. Perplexed, I continued towards the flap of my tent but stopped when I heard the bushes near my tent rustle. I strode forwards and opened the door to reveal a smiling Hestia looking at me.

"Good evening again Percy," she said with her hands spread bare, "is something the matter? You look rather disorientated and out of sorts."

"Good evening to you as well Lady Hestia," I replied while doing my genuflect-salute greeting. I figured there was no harm in telling my patron what was bothering me, "something feels wrong, like Artemis is in distress."

With a sad smile, she said "it seems the news I told her just didn't sit well. You have no reason to be worried though; I'm sure she will cope given a little time. In the meantime, I want to talk about you. How are you fairing?"

I sighed and retreated to my bed. Sitting down, I sighed again and began, "I don't know how I am. On the one hand I feel highly discouraged that the hunters won't accept me. No matter what I do, they are going to hate me because I'm a male. I also feel highly confused; as deplorable as it is here, I also feel comforted by Artemis. Maybe it's because she's the leader but something feels different. I came back here and was absolutely freezing which doesn't make sense because I was extremely warm when I had my heart to heart with Artemis."

"It's probably just because she's a goddess and can do small things like that," Hestia replied. I saw her smile widen for a brief moment. Dismissing it, I motioned for her to continue. "When it comes to the hunters you just have to be patient. Remember how long it took the daughter of Ares to warm up to you? Or what about that son of Hades? Everything takes time Percy, you just have to believe me."

"Thank you, it actually means a lot. Maybe you're right and they will change but as of right now, I'm not holding my breath," I told her. "What would the point be in getting my hopes up for nothing?"

"I suppose that's only fair but please remember to keep an open mind. We need everyone together if we are to stand a chance against Erebus," she replied in a motherly tone as if she knew something I didn't. "Before I leave, there's something I want to give you and don't even bother trying to refuse," she held out her hand and a pendant of sorts appeared. It was amazingly crafted: it had a sapphire cut at the bottom in the shape of waves with a ruby in the shape of a fire all set on a polished piece of silver.

"This is amazing but my question is why?" I asked, barely able to look away from the pendant.

"It's because you are my champion. If you press your thumb into the ruby and think of me, I will be able to speak with you. The same properties work with the sapphire and your father. He has missed so much of your growing up that he also wants the chance to be able to talk more and be able to help assist your water training," Hestia explained.

"I thought demigods could only pray for assistance, not direct communications," I said, remembering the few encounters with dad as well as what Annabeth told me. "Doesn't it break the ancient laws?"

Hestia snapped her fingers and the pendant appeared on my chain. "It's perfectly acceptable for me to communicate with you at any moment because you are my champion. As much as your father will be breaking the ancient laws, it is probably for the best as he will be able to help progress your powers so that we may stand a chance at winning this war."

"I don't know what to say other than thank you," I said as I moved forward to give her a hug. As I wrapped my arms around her, I felt a warmth encompass me but it didn't have the same feeling as the one that Artemis exuded. This felt more like a motherly embrace than some unexplainable warmth from the man-hating goddess. Hestia pulled away and moved towards the door of the tent.

"Thank you for the time Percy, but it's late. You should get some rest as I'm sure Artemis has a thing or two planned for tomorrow," she said exactly as a mother would. With mock defeat written across my face, I bade her good night and crawled under my covers. I felt Hestia leave and I swear I heard her say something about cards and slots. I closed my eyes and for some reason started thinking of Artemis and I back under that tree. With that in mind, I forgot all about the horrors of today and gently drifted to sleep, not worrying or thinking about tomorrow in the slightest.

What a bad idea that was.

So there is another chapter! Sorry it took so long but I hate writing dialogue as it absolutely kills me each time. I swear that my uploads should be more regular now but please don't hold me to it. If you like it, leave me a review and fingers crossed it should encourage me to write faster! Until next time, this is Scribe signing out.