Artie found himself in a state of pure relaxing bliss. He had decided to head down to the beach while everyone gathered for the chariot race. He thought it would be better to enjoy the silence as he went for a swim. So when everyone made their way to the chariot track, he headed for for the beach. He made sure to take two beach towels, a good amount pieces of jerky venison he had cured, and large canteen filled with iced coffee. Artie found it amusing that he was always dressed for the beach, unless it was winter. You could always catch him in a pair of comfortable shorts and leather sandals. He might wear a tank top, but for the most part he forgoed shirts of any kind. The only difference today were his newly completed moonsilver gauntlets and bracers. He had only sacrificed his dinner to finish putting both together. He would have finished sooner, but the gauntlets required a slight modification. It took him longer than he wanted, but he succeeded in removing the fingers. While his fingers might be more susceptible to harm, it was necessary to properly grip his bow and use his claws in a pinch.

While not a child of the sea god, he enjoyed the salty scent of the ocean and the rough texture of the sand. It reminded him of Rio, and all the time he spent there. He rolled out a towel and laid on top of it. He then set down his canteen so it stood up in the sand next to hs head and inhaled an entire strip of jerky. He had learned from a young age about swimming after eating so he decided to just soak up the sunshine and relax. He folded his arms behind his head and closed his eyes. With the sky was cloudlessly clear and picture perfect shade of blue. The waves gently crashing and call of gulls overhead making the only noise within earshot. The sun gently warming his skin and everything around him, it was little surprise Artie drifted off to sleep. Like before, he was aware of everything around him. The sound of crashing waves faded into the background as well as the sound of the gulls overhead. His face stretched into a lazy grin as he sighed in pure bliss. It was as if all his troubles and the world itself had melted away, leaving him with only with peace and bliss. And warmth, just the right amount of heat. Not enough to make him feel unduly hot and not enough to make him wish for more. All that existed was him, the warm sun, and the gentle bed of sand he laid on. He was so lost in pure bliss, he was unaware of how much time had passed, until he heard Appolonia walk up to him

For some reason, she sounded far off. Like she was yelling from several yards away. "Is this where you've been all day? Artie? Can you hear me?"

"Hrmrmrm . . .?"

Appolonia could have sworn Artie made sound where between a cat's meow and a grunt. "Well, Percy and Annabeth won the chariot race."

Artie didn't respond, no doubt he fell asleep again. Appolonia went to shake him a wake, but then she heard something that was definitely strange. Unless someone was trying to start a motorboat somewhere far off, Artie was purring like kitten. She shook her head at the idea, laid down next to him, and cuddled close. She rested her head on his protruding elbow. Then she frowned as she heard the purring sound again, she got closer and found it was coming from Artie's throat.

She placed a hand on his shoulder and gently shook, "Artie? Are you alright?"

Artie's eyes remained closed and he still wore that lazy blissful smile as he rubbed his cheek against her wrist. The purring sound grew louder in Artie's throat he took her hand and put it to his face, still blissfully rubbing his cheek against it. He then pulled her closer and rested his head on her shoulder. The purring was like small waterfall in Appolonia's ear as Artie continued rubbing his cheek against hers.

"Artie, what are you do — "

Artie cut her off as he kissed her. She was so surprised by that she almost didn't notice feel him go down her face and began nuzzling her neck. To her surprise, she began giggling and playfully tried to push Artie away.

"Artie . . . stop it . . . that tickles." she stopped giggling long enough to say. "I missed you too, Okay?"

She was about to consider reciprocating, when Artie bit down on her neck. "Ow! Artie, take it easy."

But he continued chewing on her neck as his hand came up the side of her thigh, "Okay, Romeo, enough of that."

Artie ignored her, bringing his hand farther and farther up her leg, and the purring was now closer to a gentle, but thick, growl. He began to pull her closer, ignoring her attempts to push him away. That was when she saw the canteen, grabbed it, and threw a pint of ice coffee in Artie's face. Artie coughed and sputtered, suddenly out his blissful trance. He locked eyes with Appolonia who looked concerned. He then looked down where his hands were and saw he was almost on top of her.

"A-Artie?" she began to ask. "What was that abo — "

Artie disappeared in a blink of an eye. Appolonia sat up to where he had gone, when she heard a loud splash. She looked and found Artie walking out of the surf. She got up and walked to him as he shook himself dry. He instinctively took a step back as she approached. Before she could speak, he snatched the now empty canteen, and splashed himself in the face with seawater several times.

"What are you doing?" she asked, looking concerned.

Artie splashed more water in his face, "Trying to cooling off."

"Something you wanna tell me?" she asked, half demanding. "Is it the . . . er . . . um . . . scent thing?"

Artie looked away, embarrassed. A week into moving in with Appolonia, he had it slip that she gave off an scent that he found intoxicating. It was a little awkward for them both at first, but they agreed there was nothing either of them could do and eventually forgot the issue entirely. At least Appolonia did, which Artie was glad for since he wasn't sure how her mother, or her grandmother for that matter, would react.

"No," said Artie still refusing to meet her gaze. "This was different. I knew what I was doing, but I . . . I couldn't . . . I couldn't stop myself. It was almost if I didn't . . ."

"Didn't?" she made a go on gesture."Didn't what?"

"Want to stop." he finished, his voice barely a whisper. "I couldn't stop because I didn't want to."

She gazed at him up and down as she considered his words. "Not that I'm flattered in some weird way, but I think there's something wrong with you."

Artie just sighed and rubbed his face, looking utterly defeated. "Why can't I just catch the chickenpox like any normal person. I'd even settle for mono."

"Let's go see Chiron," she suggested leading him toward the Big House. "Maybe its nothing serious."

Artie flashed to his mental journey on Circe's Isle, "Knowing my luck, I really don't think so."

(AN HOUR LATER)

Appolonia swatted Artie's hand, "Stopping scratching it."

"I'm not the one who suggested testing my blood." he complained as he rubbed a bandage on his arm. "Plus it itches."

"I swear you can be such a baby." she pouted. "You practically fainted when you saw that needle."

"Oh well, excuse me for wanting my blood to stay in its original container." he snapped. "Maybe I'm just old fashioned that way."

Chiron cleared his throat, "I must say, Artie. I never suspected you had Aichmophobia."

"Is that whats wrong with me?" asked Artie.

"I'm afraid not." said Chiron. "Aichmophobia is simply the scientific term for a fear of needles. Its quite common I hear."

"So what is wrong with him?" Appolonia asked, obviously concerned.

Chiron went over his notes. "Its not a disease nor is it a virus, at least none that I am aware of. Neither is it poison or anything of that nature. When I added nectar to your blood, it gave off no steam which would indicate something was present when it shouldn't be." Chiron turned over a sheet of notes. "As far as I can tell, Artie, you're the epitome of health."

Artie cocked his head, "Really?"

Chiron handed him his notes, "I also ran all the test one would receive at an average physician. You're cholesterol level is normal, a little low in fact. The electrolytes are in perfect range for someone in your age group. Even you're blood pressure is optimal. Most mortals strive for this level of health.

Artie felt smile tug at his lips, "Maybe those vaccinations are just for peace of mind after all."

Appolonia did a double take, "You never got shots?"

Artie shook his head, "We couldn't afford it and there weren't exactly giving them out on the street."

"Por qué no lo dijiste a nadie?" Appolonia shook her head. "Do you have any idea how vulnerable you left yourself? "

Artie felt annoyed. "You're the one who wants to be a doctor. Why don't you tell me?"

Appolonia was becoming annoyed as well. " Have you even heard about Hepatitis B? What about Haemophilus influenza or Polio? You catch even one of those and that perfect picture of health isn't worth squat."

Artie shrugged, "Unless those can't be cured with nectar and ambrosia, I don't see the big deal."

Chiron stepped in before Appolonia could continue "I'm afraid she is right, Artie. But let us put this matter to the side for now and focus on the more pressing issue."

"Fine by me." said Artie, eager to get away from the possibility of more needles.

"Yeah." Appolonia agreed.

Chiron turned a fresh sheet of paper. "As far as symptoms go, what's wrong?"

"Well, I think I having cravings." Artie offered.

"Cravings?" Chiron asked. "Like for strange foods?"

Artie shook his head, "Not really, I just always seem to be hungry."

"Especially when it comes to meat." added Appolonia. "I helped him cure an entire deer yesterday and it was all gone."

"An entire deer?" Chiron gave Artie a befuddled look.

She nodded. "He finished the rest on the walk over here."

"You know, most would take that as a compliment that you're a good cook." Artie defended.

"You did most of the work." she reminded him. "I just handed you herbs and spices."

"Oh no, a guy who can cook? Call the CDC." Artie feigned panic. "Chiron, I want this written on my headstone. The first ingredient should always be love."

"Would it kill you to be serious?"

"Until we know for sure, I'm not risking it."

Chiron took a deep breath, "Anything else?"

"Violent mood swings." said Appolonia.

"You're gonna have to explain how you came up with that." Artie told her.

"You broke Clarisse's nose." Chiron pointed out. "In all your time here, you've never been one for violence."

"She was being an idiot." Artie said firmly. "Plus, she started it. Not me."

"What about Gene?" Appolonia demanded.

"What about him?" Artie challenged.

"You nearly slammed him through a table and threatened to rip him open and read his entrails." She said flatly.

Artie shrugged. "He's had it coming for years now and he finally caught me on a bad day."

Chiron jotted down a note. "Violent mood swings."

"You want violent?" Artie raised his hand.

"Freeze, Artie!" Appolonia pointed to his hands. "Look at your hands and then tell us we;re wrong."

Artie did as she said and saw his the claws on his raised hand had sprouted. He then looks down and saw that so had the others as they pricked through his shorts and threatened to do the same to his skin. He retracted them and considered the possibility that they may be right about his mood swings.

"Okay, so I've been a little irritable lately." he admitted. "So I have increased appetite and violent mood swings. What does that mean?"

"Is that all the symptoms?" Chiron asked.

"Well, there was the beach an hour ago." Appolonia remembered. "Kinda the whole point we came here."

"What happened?" Chiron asked, ready to write on his notepad.

Artie looked away, refusing to answer as he tried to hide his blushing.

Appolonia waited for over a minute and sighed. "Increased libido."

Chiron dropped his pen, "I -I -I beg your pardon."

"In - crea - sed lib - did - o. " she repeated slowly.

"You might wanna speak up," Artie said flatly. "I don't think all of Olympus heard you."

Chiron accepted his pen from Appolonia, "How do I put it? . . . er . . . I mean, are you sure its a symptom?"

Appolonia pulled the collar of her shirt, revealing a large hickey at the base of her neck. "I'm sure."

"I see." Chiron flipped through his notes. "I think I know what all these symptoms mean."

"Really?" asked Artie

Chiron nodded, "But I'm afraid there is no cure or even a treatment for it."

"No deje que sea el cáncer. Por el amor del Olimpo, por favor, no dejes que sea el cáncer." Appolonia prayed in Spanish to herself.

"It's puberty." Chiron smiled.

Artie let it sink in for a moment. "Not funny Chiron. Not one bit."

Chiron chuckled. "I'm sorry, but its true."

Appolonia out her haNds on her hips, "Care to explain it to me?"

Chiron scratched his beard, "I'm surprised you haven't already covered the subject in school."

"Its a private catholic school." said Artie.

"Oh, right. said Chiron. "Well, I could explain it to you."

"No thanks." she blushed.

"Really, its no trouble at all." Chiron assured. "I've had to explain this countless time over the years. i could have Artie leave the room if you wish."

"Thanks, Chiron, but I get the talk every other day from my grandmother back home. There isn't you can say that I haven't already heard."

"She's not kidding." said Artie. "She won't hesitate to bring up all her past mistakes so she won't do the same."

"Plus, you're wrong Chiron. Its not just his hormones. There's something more to it."

Appolonia walked to Artie and yanked him in close by his shirt for a kiss. Instantly Artie returned the kiss and deepened it. He put his hand on the back of her neck and lower back, claws sprouting his brought her in closer. Appolonia broke the contact, but Artie continued and went down the side of her neck. Like before, the purring in Artie's throat become a thick growl.

Appolonia looked back at Chiron, "This is what I mean."

She slipped her hands between them and pushed away only to be overwintered by Artie, "He just loses control."

Chiron looked uncomfortable, but asked, "Er . . . alright, I believe you're correct. So how exactly did you . . . snap him out of it?"

She grabbed the canteen on Artie's belt, fiddled with the cap, and splashed him in the face. Artie coughed and sputtered as he wiped seawater from his face. He had a befuddled look on his face as he looked around and saw the look of concern on Chiron and Appolonia's face.

"It happened again." he realized. "Didn't?"

Chiron jotted down on a notepad and handed it to Appolonia. "I'm afraid I'm going to run more tests. Be dear and go and fetch these for me. I need to speak with Artie alone."

She gave the list a quick study, "Um, Chiron? Some of these are — "

"I assure you, it'll make sense when you return. Please hurry. The sooner you return the sooner I can diagnose Artie."

Artie watched her go until Chiron said. "Annabeth spoke to me about what occurred on Circe's Isle. I could be wrong, but I think all this might be a side effect of the magic that was used on you."

"Makes sense." Artie admitted. "Now that I think about it, you might be right."

"Annabeth offered some interesting theories, but she wasn't there when you and Percy were changed. I need to you to start from the beginning. Maybe you experienced something Annabeth may have missed or wasn't present for."

From there Artie began told Chiron the events over the past few days. He told him being mistaken for a member of Luke's forces while returning from a hunting trip. Faking his death and changing his appearance to assume a new identity. Dividing his time between finding a way off the ship and gathering important information., only to stop when he helped Percy, Annabeth, and Tyson escape the Princess Andromeda. He only glanced over them to reach the meat of matter, Circe's Isle. He explained how he was persuaded to drink the magical mixture they used to turn the men. All throughout, Chiron said and asked little, preferring to jot down notes. His head barely lifted when Artie reached the part about finding himself in the Amazon. Artie did not lie nor did he omit any details, save for Leonidas and who he really was. He was sure that, even in the world of gods and monsters, seeing people who weren't really there was a clear sign of insanity. Artie barely finished his story when Appolonia returned, totting a large leather medicine bag.

She hefted it on a stool next to Chiron's wheelchair. "Sorry it took so long. Some of the stuff was kinda hard to find."

"Thank you, Appolonia." said Chiron as he dug around in the bag.

"So, do you know what's wrong with him." she asked.

Chiron continued searching through the bag's contents. "I have a theory, but I need to run a few simple tests. AHA!" Chiron pulled a small greenish brown ball the size of a walnut.

"Silena wants that back when we're done." Appolonia told him.

"Of course." Chiron turned Artie. "Now I'm going to hand you this. All I want you to do is sniff it and give it back."

"That's it?" he asked.

"That's it." Chiron assured.

Artie took the ball and stared at it for a moment. It was polished smooth and saw little green bits of a plant embedded throughout its surface. He shrugged and brought it to his nose. He instantly was entranced by the ball's intoxicating musky aroma. Without knowing, he began rubbing it under his nose. As he continued sniffing and rubbing the ball.

"What was that?" Appolonia leaned in and whispered

"A ball of catnip." answered Chiron just as quietly.

Chiron jotted down a note before holding a hand and coughed to get Artie's attention. "Artie? Can you please hand it back?"

Artie ignored him.

Appolonia handed Chiron a spray bottle, "Here."

"Thank you."

Chiron proceeded to spray Artie with several blast of mist. Artie dropped the ball as he threw up his hands to shield his face from the irritating mist of water. Chiron continued to spray, ignoring Artie's coughing as he swatted blindly at the bottle. Appolonia stayed back as Artie had enough and succeeded in deeply scratching Chiron's hand to knock the bottle out of his hand.

"BASTA!" he shouted. "Eu estou ficando cansado de você . . ."

Artie's voice trailed off as he saw the three deep gashes on the back of Chiron's hand. Each gash bleed profusely as the blood ran down and begun to drip onto the floor. Appolonia rushed to clean the wound with nectar while Chiron struggled to write notes with his free hand. He finished just as Appolonia finished wrapping a bandage around Chiron's hand.

"Oh meu deus, Chiron." Artie said as he began ramblings. "I . . . just . . . I'm sorry . . . I don't . . . I couldn't . . ."

Chiron waved him off gently, "Its not your fault child. But that little outburst just confirmed what I needed to know."

"Which is?" Artie leaned closer, eager to know.

"Your symptoms are the result of what occurred on Circe's Isle." Chiron explained.

"You mean like a side effect?" Appolonia asked.

Chiron shook his head, "I'm afraid not. Annabeth mentioned that Circe and her helpers used some sort of drink mix packets, but they refrained from using a specific kind."

"Yeah," said Artie, suddenly remembering what Circe had said. "Each person has an inner animal, usually one that matches one's personality."

Chiron nodded. "Exactly. The magic is overriding your inhibition, leaving you unable to control the baser instincts of your inner animal. In this case, a jaguar."

Appolonia asked "So the increased appetite?"

Chiron reviewed his notes, "While I doubt you could if you wanted, I recall reading that a jaguar tends to eat two to five kilograms of food a day. I assume in your altered state, you're subconsciously trying to do the human equivalent."

"And the mood swings?" Artie asked.

"Well, in the case of your spout with Gene," Chiron scratched his beard. "You were simply unable to keep you're anger in check and Gene simply picked the wrong day."

"Maybe, there's something to this after all." Artie pondered.

Appolonia folded her arms and stared daggers.

"So, Chiron?" Artie said in an attempt to avoid her eyes. "Let me guess, I have to go on another potentially life endangering quest to find some exotic plant that can only be found in some long forgotten ruin. Tell me now so I can make sure to pack a bullwhip and brown fedora."

"Nice to see you're taking this well." Chiron remarked. "I'm afraid there's good news and bad news."

"A little cliche, don't you think?" Artie shrugged. "You know I like my dessert first."

"You'll be happy to know you won't have to risk your life to find a cure."

"Give me the veggies."

"Because there isn't one."

Artie got up from his chair and began walking toward the door.

"Where are you going?" asked Appolonia asked

Artie looked back, "What I always do when I need to get my mind off of things. I'm gonna pop in Disney's version of Hercules and have a good laugh."

(ONE DISNEY MUSICAL LATER)

Artie was deep in thought as he stood in front of his movie shelf, trying to decide what he watch. He had just finished Disney's Hercules which left him in a mood another musical, but something with a little old fashioned class. It took him a couple of minutes, but he managed to narrow it down to a choice between a Fred Astaire classic and a Ratpack classic. He switched his gaze between Robin and the Seven Hoods in his left hand and Blue Skies in his right.

Artie looked back at Tobias who was perched over the fireplace. "My Kind of Town or Puttin' On The Ritz?"

Tobias screeched.

"Yes, I know I've seen them both. Just pick one."

Tobias was spared the choice when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in." Artie shouted as he went back to his film dilemma. "Maybe I should just flip a coin."

"Flip a coin for what?"

Artie turned to see Appolonia, already packed for the trip home. "Oh nothing important."

She looked around at the lack of bags, "Why aren't you packed? There isn't much time before — "

"I'm not going." he explained. "I'm staying here."

"What? Why?"

"You know why."

"If I did, would I ask?"

"You heard Chiron. I can't control myself, especially around you." he said, placing Blue Skies back on the shelf. "There's not always a bottle of water around. What's to stop me from hurting you or worst? That's just something I'm not willing to risk."

"Don't I have a say?" she asked. "What if I'm willing to risk it?"

"No to the first and I don't care to the second." he answered.

"So that's it? You're giving up just like that?" she accused. "You're not even going to bother fighting it?"

Artie replaced Robin and the Seven Hoods and took out Easter Parade. "Its not that simple."

"Try me."

"Fine!" he snapped. "You think I can just ignore my instincts? Those same instincts that have kept me alive long enough for me to stand here and argue with you? You're basically asking me to forget and ignore everything I've learned to stay alive."

"What do you mean?

Artie sighed. "When I was in the wild, I didn't have the luxury of learning like everyone else did. Quietly and safely reading books in school. I didn't have teachers or other people to help me. I learned the only way I could, honing and relying on my instincts. I've been doing that all my life and now your asking me to just stop? I don't want this either, but its the only answer."

"I still you think you should try."

"You say that now, but what about when I try to rip your throat out?"

"We both know you couldn't hurt me, even if you wanted to."

"I'd like to see you prove that." Artie frowned at and replaced Easter Parade back on the shelf.

"Challenge accepted."

"That wasn't — "

Artie ducked as a copy of First Blood flew overhead. He managed to see it crash into another collection of film, only to be followed by its sequel Rambo : First Blood Part II. Artie caught Appolonia's hand just as she was ready to throw Rambo III.

"That isn't — "

Appolonia silenced him as she headbutted him in the face. "How about that?" She then stomped on his bare foot and followed up with a strong right hook to his jaw. "What was that about ripping my throat out?

"Come on, show me the big bad wolf." she taunted and pushed him, sending him hard on the floor. "What's stopping you from hurting me? Try the other way around."

Appolonia miscalculated how much it would take her new punching bag to break. Artie grabbed both her ankles with a feral snarl, claws puncturing her skin like needles, and yanked them out from under her. She yelped as she landed on the hardwood floor, banging her head on the floor. She only dwelled on the pain for a moment when she felt Artie on top of her. Artie's eyes were not their usual unnerving shade of silver, now they glowed pure red. She had only enough time to notice before he struck down with a clawed hand. Reflexively she closed her eyes. Appolonia knew she had gone too far, but when no pain came she opened her eyes.

Artie's claws were quivering a hairsbreadth from her noes.

She smiled weakly, "See? You can fight it."

Artie helped her to her feet, "I could have killed you."

Appolonia rubbed the back of her head "But you didn't. Which means you can control yourself. You just need to try a little more than you used to. So did I make my point? Or do I need to kick your butt again for it to really sink in?"

Artie reluctantly chuckled. "Alright, but if even the smallest thing happens, I'm hopping on the first flight here."

Appolonia hugged him tightly, "Deal."

She then gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and left him to pack. Artie gazed around at the mess of movie strewn across the floor. He half smiled as he begun to clean them off the floor, often matching disc to case and making sure they hadn't been scratched in the scuffle. While he did, Tobias picked up a disc and placed it in the portable DVD player Artie used to watch the countless pieces of his collection. Artie paused as he recognized the song from It's Always Fair Weather. He walked over and watched Gene Kelly sing and dance while roller skates. He could help hum along with the music and Kelly sang one of his many hits from the countless films he stared in, I Like Myself.

Why am I feeling so good? Why am I feeling so strong?

Why am I feeling when things could look black,

that nothing could possibly go wrong?

This has been a most unusual day.

Love has made me see things in a different way.

Can it be, I like myself?

She likes me, so I like myself.

If someone as wonderful as she is can think I'm wonderful

I must be, quite a guy.

Feeling so, unlike myself. Always used to, dislike myself.

But now my love has got me riding high.

She likes me, so so do I

Tobias then hit the pause button and stared at Artie.

Artie simply smiled, "You always know what to say."

A/N - Sorry for the long wait. This chapter turned out a lot longer than I first thought, but here it is. I'm going to be take a small break before I get started on, my favorite of PJO series, Titan's Curse. There you see know everything about Artie. His life before Camp Half Blood, the events of his quest, and his quest for revenge.