Disclaimer: I do not own the Percy Jackson and the Olympians or Heroes of Olympus series. This chapter also has text pertaining to the Sword of Truth series, which I also don't own.
Day's Celebrations
Perseus awoke softly on the cool baby smooth white sand, under the dazzling moon making her way past the horizon. The gentle rhythmic beating of the waves lapping onto the shore could be heard relaxing his ever unrestrained thoughts. The forever intoxicating smells of the sea entering his lungs, as he breathed in the sweet aroma. Although mixed delicately into the scent of the sea, was the gentle aroma of the forest. He sensed warmth pressed against his right side and chest contradicting the coolness of the sand.
Perseus tilted his head ever so gently to see the pressure on his bare chest and stomach in the open of the night. Looking down upon his chest, his eyes were met by a messy array of beautiful lush auburn hair. A smile crossed his lips as he realized both Artemis and him silently feel asleep in the peacefulness of their confessions.
To not wake the beautiful goddess before him, Perseus lifted her up silently using magic he obtained as a god. Artemis floated silently into the air a few feet off the ground, enabling Perseus to stand up. Perseus gently placed his arms under the floating woman and took the load with his arms. The lean muscled woman was delicately placed in his arms, so Perseus teleported to Artemis' palace.
Once at the entrance of the palace, the doors seemed to sense the goddess and they opened of their own accord. Perseus was glad, since he would be able to do what he came for, had the doors stayed closed to him since he was at her palace he'd have a lot of explaining to do come mourning. Seeing as he would have placed the woman in his bedchamber.
Perseus was able to find Artemis' bedchamber with relative ease since her palace looked similar to his; simple and elegant. But like him, her palace clearly showed her domain, instead of having sand, Artemis seemed to have her vary own forest.
Perseus delicately placed her in bed, a bed fit for ten people, but a bed nevertheless. Gently to an extant were it looked like he was packaging something extremely fragile, which could break to pieces with a single touch, he tucked the goddess in. The woman in the huge bed and in the colossal bedchamber slightly shifted to the side, her body putting her automatically in a more comfortable position.
The god of Tides smiled slightly at the sight before him, before taking his leave. Perseus leaned forward over the goddess and pressed his lips lightly to her brows. The light kiss to his delight was enough to cause a grin to spread on the goddess' flawless face within her slumber. With that magnificent sight being seared into his mind, he dissolved in a sea breeze, slightly tinting the aroma of the trees and forest with a slight smell of the sea.
Perseus appeared on the beach he had fallen asleep on. His small shining smile soon turned into his famous crooked grin by seeing the moon. Even if the moon had a few hours before the sky was taken over by Apollo for the day, the moon shone so brightly it seemed capable of giving him moonburn. The domains of the gods and goddess' were reflected greatly on the god or goddess' emotions, seeing the moon shine so brightly he knew Artemis was happier than she'd been in years.
Perseus sat their on the sand for approximately two hours before the sky turned a dark blue, and the horizon was a beautiful purplish pink. Artemis should be about to wake up, since it would be six o'clock in just under an hour. She was always an early riser. Appraising the magnificent sunrise, Perseus' thoughts drifted to Artemis.
"Hello Perseus, up and early I see." Perseus turned toward the god of Messengers.
"Hello Hermes, it appears that I don't need as much sleep," Perseus smiled. "You probably have a message for me, not stopping off for a friendly visit."
"Unfortunately I can't watch the sunrise with you," Hermes smiled apologetically.
Perseus breathed a sigh, "I was hoping for the latter, so what is this message?"
"Zeus wants to speak with you; I believe he asked for you this early to send you here before the kids rise. Don't think he knows you've been here for a little over two weeks."
"Alright thanks Hermes," Hermes nodded in acknowledgement and they both teleported elsewhere. Perseus in front of the throne room, Hermes probably anywhere from sending a message to playing a prank.
Perseus dissolved into a sea breeze, heading off towards the throne room, where he would find the king of the gods sitting on his throne awaiting for him. Arriving at the doors to the throne room, he opened one of the well kept doors, as not even a little squeak from the hinges could be heard. The first thing he saw slipping into the throne room was the back of his own throne, made of the purest marble.
Continuing on his way, Perseus arrived in the center of the throne room bowed to Lord Zeus and sat on his own throne.
"Ah, Perseus, I presume your training with my son and daughter is complete?" Zeus asked albeit Perseus already knew where this was heading.
"No Lord Zeus, I have yet to complete in my archery training with Artemis. I took control of Dionysus' position at camp over two weeks ago, staying in my palace or getting ambushed by goddess' while on Olympus doing nothing grew tiresome. "
"Oh... What happened to Apollo?" Zeus asked realizing Perseus hadn't mentioned the sun god.
"Apollo's shenanigans where pleasant at first, but with everything there are always new problems, the two hottest gods as Aphrodite stats, in a bar at the same day of the week and hour attracts quite a few goddesses' and women. Apollo is fun and loving, but he had no say in my training as he took no part in it." Perseus stated matter-of-factly.
With that said Perseus turned to Zeus, nodding to him in leave. Before he could take his leave, Dionysus appeared in the middle of the throne room.
"Father, I've come with a proposition. With Perseus as a god, an Olympian no less, I'd like to test his skills and to properly congratulate him, with this." Dionysus made a flourish of his right hand and a pamphlet appeared in Zeus' hands. Zeus examined the pamphlet briefly and looked back up to his son.
"We could also hold a party afterwards to relieve the other gods of stress; I know most goddesses will attend if Perseus we're to accept." Dionysus added quickly. Zeus being dramatic lifted the pamphlet out of his hands with the air and made it float towards Dionysus. Zeus watched his son's expression who was promptly watching the slowly lingering pamphlet before him.
After the unbearable unease, Zeus continued the pamphlets track over Dionysus heading towards Perseus who still sat on his throne, who'd quietly listened to what Dionysus had to say. Dionysus hadn't noticed Perseus in his throne, but following the pamphlet over his head and behind him, caused him to turn around for his sight to fall upon Perseus.
Once Dionysus saw Perseus had been there the whole time, Perseus gave him an amused grin. "I could simply marvel at the thought of relaxation and partying with family," Perseus said sarcastically. "But what is this test?"
The pamphlet descended into Perseus' lap and the bold letters of the title rang through his mind: International Surfing Competition. "How's a surfing competition supposed to test my skills?" Perseus asked baffled.
"Well Perseus you are the god of Tides and well surfing is part of your domain, plus I haven't done a party on the beach in quite some time, it would make your godhood more official, seeing as it's close to your domain." Dionysus said with a pleading look wanting badly to party, officially for the first time without having to go back to Camp Half-Blood.
"Well I would personally love to compete in this," Perseus held up the pamphlet shaking it. "And of course party afterwards, but I must ask of you two things." Dionysus nodded his head acceptingly, waiting for the two favours.
"First I need you to get me into the competition, since I don't have the time and it's today." Perseus' expression turned to one of amusement before continuing. "Also if Apollo gets upset, it's your fault not mine."
Zeus' suspicion got the better of him, "Why would Apollo be upset."
"Please Zeus even you know your son is a man whore and well look at me, I'll be shirtless all day." Perseus said jokingly even if it was curtain that Apollo would not get every available girl surrounding him all day. Perseus was not giving himself the notice he would get later that day at the competition, albeit he didn't know that.
With that Perseus evaporated in a salty sea breeze, returning to the beach for the few minutes to relax and recuperate. Artemis arrived a few minutes later, snuggling up by his side to watch the sunrise. Giving his body that comforting warmth he'd gotten that morning when he awoke.
Once Artemis was well installed by his side, "Perseus may I ask you a question?" She asked with sparkling eyes which he'd never seen until then.
Perseus nodding for her to continue, "When I woke, I woke in my bed with a grin plastered on my face and your scent on me and in my room. D-did anything o-occur between u-us l-last night?" She stuttered the end not sure of the answer.
Perseus smiled reassuringly before wrapping his arms around her, pulling her head to his firm chest. "Only what we said to each other last night, we fell asleep on the beach. I woke early with your warmth against me," Artemis blushed knowing what he was implying. "Picking you up I transported both of us to your palace and tucked you in, before slipping away I kissed you brows, which to my delight placed a grin on you till you awoke." Perseus answered honestly to the beautiful woman in his arms.
Instead of replying the young woman with auburn hair and silver eyes, just pressed her head harder to his chest, making his upper body slowly descend to the sand. Once his back was on the sand, Artemis removed her hands from behind his back, resting the left on his right shoulder and her right hand over his heart. Wrapping her right leg under his right thigh and yawning, Perseus suddenly understood what she was doing.
Before he new it Artemis was back to sleep in his arms, deciding it was alright to let her sleep. Perseus lifted his head and kissed the top of her head, wrapping his arms protectively and comfortingly. He lay back down absorbing the moment for two hours before he felt her stir, one hour before breakfast.
Artemis raised her head, her eyes dreamily looking at the man who had his arms around her. Sighing contently with happiness in having the best rest of her life, Artemis stretched her arms and legs. With her stretching complete, Artemis coiled her arms behind the small of his back, simply enjoying Perseus' presence.
With Artemis finally awake and campers soon to arise for breakfast, Perseus was able to lift Artemis and him self off the ground, since his thigh was free. Artemis though did not intend on letting him go. Since her head was still pressed to his chest, her arms coiled around his stomach and lower back and her feet dragging the ground resisting him.
Knowing he'd never make in to the pavilion since he'd have to drag her up, with her feet promptly trying to slow him down. His poor grip on her would be a nightmare to get to the pavilion. Quickly he boosted her up, with his right forearm under her bum.
Soon after her surprise, Artemis placed her arms around his neck and lowered her head into her own arms. Making Perseus' job easier in his efforts to walk toward the pavilion, Artemis also wrapped her legs around his lower back.
Just before entering the pavilion Artemis detached herself from Perseus, allowing him to lower her to the ground before they entered the pavilion. The rest of the day was uneventful, until noon once Dionysus appeared taking Perseus and Artemis to the throne room.
Artemis was suspicious as to why Dionysus was the one to take them to Olympus. Nonetheless she let Dionysus take her to the throne room, she of all the other gods and goddesses was the only one with no idea to what was happening. Perseus had just forgotten to bring it up to her.
Her suspicion peaked when they arrived in the throne room and not just the Olympians were there, but all the gods and goddesses.
"What's going on?" Artemis asked suspiciously.
Zeus looked at her bewildered, "You've been with Perseus all morning and he hasn't told you?"
"I forgot," Perseus said when she regarded him with a raised eyebrow.
Zeus thankfully saved Perseus from the hot water overflowing, "Dionysus has asked to celebrate the god of Tides correctly, even if I'm still pretty sure that the main reason for this is his early retirement of Camp Half-Blood."
"Oh, and what has Dionysus proposed?"
Without responding to his daughter, Zeus transported everyone to the surfing competition. Once they arrived on the beach, Perseus knew the competition had already begun.
Perseus watched the boy of sixteen or seventeen surf a wave. Even without touching a surfboard in his life, as Perseus watched the young man pull off stunts, he knew everything like a second skin. Watching the young man pull off his tricks, he realized part of his mind analyzing and calculating the young surfer. Observing the boy, he could sense the faulting in his footing, the impatience of his stunts, the stunts themselves, and multiple other things applied with the boy's task.
The wave arrived at the beach shore signalling the end of the kid's attempt, turning around Perseus realized he'd been in a trance. All the other gods had left, examining the perimeter, Perseus spotted Artemis playing beach volley ball.
Albeit as he approached her, his pace slowed as his sight became extremely accurate like a digital camera, to imprint the sight forever in his memory. For the first and probably last time in his life, Perseus saw Artemis in a bikini, a beautifully crafted silver two piece bikini. Taking his pulsing eyes off her to not seem a pervert, Perseus looked at the people playing with and against her.
Zeus was to her left, and having the stress depleted from his system, he actually looked playful and happy. Perseus soon understood his playfulness and happiness, when Aphrodite (to the right of Artemis) called the score before serving the ball.
The score was 12-7 for them, so naturally Zeus beating Poseidon at something would make him happy. Approaching them he asked if he could join.
"Of course Perseus, you can take my spot." Artemis said signalling over to her.
"No need Artemis," he replied passing next to her. "With the teams unbalanced I'll join my father and Apollo."
"Unbalanced..." She said bewildered until she saw the mortal, on the other team turn and leave without a word. She looked back at Perseus with slanted eyebrows.
"Nice bikini by the way, Artemis." Perseus said nonchalantly trying to direct her back to the game. Knowing she wanted to leave and hide, his making the mortal leave made her attempt at departure harder.
Perseus saw Artemis turn a deep shade of red before he stepped under the net and went beside Apollo. Once in position Apollo threw Perseus' the volley ball to continue the game. Placing his left foot forward, his right foot back, Perseus threw the volley ball straight up with his left hand.
Unfortunately before he could swing his right arm forward to make his serve, Aphrodite shrieked. "Perseus you can't serve that ball now, you're not decent!" She yelled aghast.
Zeus and Poseidon both groaned. Realization dawned on Perseus, "Ah so that's how Artemis got in that outfit."
Artemis groaned in response. "Okay then Aphrodite what would you have me wear?"
Apollo gasped, looking highly shocked, "Your g-going to a-agree with h-her?"
"Why not, I know I'll have to in the end and it'll stop her from pestering me."
Everyone nodded in kind realizing the logic of the sentiment. Aphrodite squealed excitedly and an outstanding blue-green swim trunk popped into Perseus' hand. Perseus zapped the shorts onto him self, but kept his white shirt on.
"Perseus your shirt?" Aphrodite question and demanded.
"Now what would be the fun in that Aphrodite, if I'm to undress before you?" Perseus paused dramatically, smiling in triumph at the expression Aphrodite adapted after what he said. "I'll at least have the pleasure to score a point in the process."
Artemis and Aphrodite's eyes bulged outward, staring at Perseus. Apollo started laughing, once he saw the ladies' faces' after they saw Perseus slowly start to raise his white muscle shirt over his head.
After only a few seconds, which to Aphrodite seemed like several excruciating minutes she began whimpering wanting the teasing to stop. Laughter erupted from Zeus and Poseidon after hearing her whimper. Perseus, pleased with his performance, flexed all the while pulling the shirt completely off and tossing it to the side.
After three clean swift serves, Zeus called for a break. Since his team was composed of himself, Artemis and Aphrodite were still stunned from Perseus' small performance.
Perseus slightly worried called to them, "Artemis, Aphrodite are you both alright."
Both nodded absentmindedly and said together maybe a break would be good. Perseus sighed in relief before, hearing his name clearly announced. "Well that's must be my cue." Perseus told them as a surfboard popped by his side.
"You're in the competition?" Aphrodite said gleefully before pulling Artemis with her. "Dionysus didn't tell us that, we'll go find the goddesses to inform them." Aphrodite said eyes shining once she saw the bemused look Perseus gave her before running off, with Artemis painfully following behind.
Perseus made his way toward the judges and the ocean, with every female's eye's never leaving him. He arrived at the judges and they nodded apprehensively noting that he was here and that he could begin.
Perseus placed his board in the water and started to paddle pulling himself further from the shore. While on the board, Perseus felt the upcoming task was completely natural. It felt like breathing and eating, the hard wooden board against his torso felt like one of his organs. It just belonged, his mind wandered to making the perfect wave to ride and making the best tricks to show the people now crowding the beach.
Perseus faintly remembered only the end of his run, he was surfing a huge wave. For his final trick he went into the wave tunnel and the wave acted like giant jaws. The wave closed around him eating him whole. Once Perseus was completely hidden inside the wave, he bent forward gripping both sides of his board.
Using his powers, Perseus shot himself upward out of the wave, at the last moment just before resurfacing. Perseus gave his board tail a small twist, so as he was propelled out of the wave his twist continued fulfilling three full revolutions, before he landed on the crumbling wave.
Perseus continued to ride the ever breaking down wave until he was fully on the beach. Not a sound could be heard from all the probing gazes as they stared at the god of Tides. Albeit most didn't know that, since they were mortal.
Perseus cleared his throat out of discomfort. He stepped off the surfboard and picked it up in his right arm. Everyone seemed to come out of their trance after Aphrodite quietly said, "wow." With that said everyone burst into screams and applauses.
Perseus decided to give the second best surfer at the competition a prize of his own. Perseus made his way to the judges table and plucked a black water proof marker. Before he made it back to the center where he previously landed, Perseus inspected his scores. 11-11-11, Perseus smiled happily since the highest you could get was a 10.
Perseus signed his board, and stabbed it into the sand so it would hold itself up. Before he could announce what he was doing the sun blazed blinding everyone on the beach. Once the sun's rays reduced and people could see again, the signed surfboard was gone.
Perseus turned to the bewildered crowd, "Sorry, it was supposed to be a prize for the second best competitor, but my board's gone." he gestured to the empty area where the board was.
In the end Perseus signed the second best competitor's board, and not at all to his surprise, had Apollo strolled in soon after. Dionysus afterwards held this huge party on the beach and let the mortals attend, at around eleven Perseus decided he should probably leave.
Unfortunately Artemis followed him, before he could transport himself to his palace and fall asleep on his bed. Artemis grabbed his arm from behind and transported both to her personally archery range. Perseus groaned.
"What's wrong Perseus," Artemis asked worriedly.
"Do we have to train today?" Perseus replied, pouting childishly.
Artemis let lose a soft, good-natured laugh, "Of course, we have yet to train today." Perseus sighed in defeat. "You have yet to prove proper concentration, now here." She motioned for him to take the bow, which just appeared in her hand.
Perseus took the bow and lined up towards the target. He was about to notched an arrow, until he heard Artemis mutter, "This is going to be a long night."
"Just because my footing and aim is terrible doesn't mean my concentration is. You probably need just as much concentration with a sword, as you do with a bow. You can personally try to your hearts contempt to distract me. Just know that I won't budge at all."
Before she could speak, Perseus notched an arrow, drew back, aimed and fired. She let him shoot several arrows, to let him warm up. In almost a month with Artemis' training, Perseus hit the target a lot more regularly.
She decided it was time to put his skills to the test. Artemis stepped up close behind him. Once he had the bowstring drawn, Artemis attacked his ribs and stomach. He didn't even flinch: he shot just like before (not very well). Only after did the arrow leave the bow did Perseus laugh and squirm. Perseus continued to shot arrow after arrow, all the while Artemis tried to distract him. She kept trying as he shot, but every time was unsuccessful in distracting him from shooting his bow. She became more determined. If tickling wouldn't work, she would just have to try something else. No matter what it took, she would end up distracting him at one point.
Artemis pressed up harder against his back as he concentrated on aiming and smoothly unbuttoned the top three buttons of his shirt. She quickly ran her hand over his chest. His yielding skin was taut over his firm, hard muscles.
She unbuttoned more buttons to better extend her reach. She ran one hand over his chest, while the other roamed his stomach freely. Perseus kept on shooting. Artemis started to forget distracting him, as she let a trail of soft kisses on the back of his neck. He giggled and hunched his shoulders after the arrow was away. He notched another arrow. Finally Artemis had fully undone all the buttons and was feeling Perseus' entire torso, all the way to his shorts. She ran both hands on his front, one high and one low. She couldn't break his concentration. He kept on shooting.
She decided she was going to win this game. She smiled as she pressed harder against his still form and reached farther.
"Artemis!" He gasped. "Artemis... That's not fair." He still had the bowstring drawn, but his aim was beginning to wander.
She gently drew his earlobe in between her teeth and seductively kissed his ear. "You said I had no chance in distracting you that you would not budge. That you could shot no matter what was happening." She whispered as she pushed her hand farther.
"Artemis..." His voice was high and strained. "That's not fair... That's cheating!"
"Nothing would distract you. That's what you told me, and I had told you need to be able to shot under pressure." She ran her tongue inside his ear. "Can you make the shot?"
"Artemis..." Perseus panted. "You're cheating..."
She gave a throaty laugh and squeezed. Perseus gasped and released the bowstring. By its flight she knew it would be pointless to look for that arrow.
"I think you missed." She breathed in his ear.
Dropping his bow, he twisted around to face her. His face was beet red as he enclosed her in his arms. He kissed her ear. The touch of his lips on her ear made her gasp. She held on tight as he pulled the hair away and put his mouth to her neck. She hunched her shoulders against his face as she half moaned, half laughed as the world began to tilt, soon after she found herself on the ground under Perseus.
She wrapped her around his neck as his lips finally covered hers. Just as she began to wonder when his hands were going to get even for what she'd done. Perseus leapt to his feet and uncapped his pen in a rush. The pen elongated, until the famous sword riptide shone in his hand. His shirt left open in the soft breeze.
The passion in his eyes, were soon replaced by readiness and caution. Bemused Artemis pushed herself on her elbows. "What's wrong, Perseus?"
He cautiously scanned the area before responding. "Something is coming." Just as he said this, the area near them started to darken. The presence Perseus could sense was ancient and very powerful. All he didn't know was who this presence belonged too.