Mother: Artemis

Chapter 2: Ending of a story

Summary: Artemis met Orion...

Thanks to Mr. Riordan for creating these freaking story and characters. I only own the baby, and to all the reviewers. Go on!

Zoë's POV

A light from nowhere. White, both familiar and out of place. A white shining enlightening my entire tent.

I was not sleeping. I can't sleep anymore since Lady Artemis is acting… like she is. I rushed outside.

The fire seemed to have no light anymore, alone in the middle of the moon crescent our tents made. Nobody, the Huntresses were all sleeping in peace.

That's when I saw her. At the edge of the cliff. Standing. Lady Artemis. The cool light seemed attracted by her body.

She had her eyes pointing at the sky. By the way, I noticed a look of determination on her face I was used to, even if I hadn't seen it for a dozen of days. Since the time I first noticed that something was happening.

She was now at the middle of a cloud from nowhere, bright and thick. These particles kept coming from the sky. By looking at it, I realized it was from one star in particular. Orion.

And suddenly I understood everything.

Artemis's POV

"I am ready, Orion… Those days were not vain. This child will be ours."

"Do it, Orion. I await you!"

The little auburn-haired girl stood up. Light poured from the sky and covered every bit of her body.

She couldn't hear anything other than blood at her ears. She didn't care. All her mind was turn to one point. One little, shining point lost in the sky.

……………….

Zoë's POV

When I saw the light leaving, and the body laying on its back on the floor, I immediately ran to it.

Lady Artemis looked asleep. Asleep and in peace. After two weeks of worry. My heart filled up with emotion.

The first cry made me notice the little shape on her breast. The second made me understand how difficult the baby's life would be.

I crouched at the same time Lady Artemis opened her eyes.

Artemis's POV

Zoë's face when opening my eyes was not the first thing I would have expected, if I had expected anything…

I looked at the little baby laying on my breast. So tiny. I could not imagine the life he would have to live.

I raised my head, in order to thank Orion a last time, but couldn't see the star. Any star. Sun had raised, but I couldn't have slept that much.

"Zoë, what is up with the sky?"

"I don't know my lady. Night faded earlier than it should. As soon as thee were being enveloped by these…"

"I hoped he would not notice that fast," she muttered. "I will have to go there today. He must be furious. And Dad even more. Zoë, I have to leave. Lead the Hunt during my missing. Take care of… her; so she is a girl…"

"But my Lady, thee don't…"

"Zoë. You understand the danger this baby is facing. My brother must be mad at me right now, and I can't imagine how Lord Zeus is feeling. They won't intervene before I talk to them. The Olympian Council is starting at this moment. I must go there. Look after her, Zoë."

I knew Apollo had always cared a lot about his sister. Even if he wouldn't always admit it. He was, for instance, responsible of Orion's death, just because Lady Artemis had fallen in love with him.

I knew what this little girl represented to her. Her child. First, and only.

I knew her life would be difficult. Dangerous. But I would be there. She would grow among us. Protected by loyal sisters, and a loving mother.

I could almost understand what Lady Artemis was feeling. This feeling, love, she has forbidden us to have….

I would look after her.

"My Lady?"

She was on the verge of leaving. She slowly turned her head. I could see a new light in her eyes. As if a star had entered them.

"Yes?"

"How will you call her?"

She smiled. Closed her eyes; breathed deeply. When she opened her eyes, she said, in a whisper : "Selene."

Done for the second chapter. Still a little slow, but serious stuff has started. Thanks for the reviews, I still need more. Please.