Pairing: Percy/Artemis
Eventually
''Ad astra, per aspera"
A rough road leads to the stars
Chapter 2: Isolation
Timestamp: 5 years after the Battle of Gaia
( Five days after the prophecy being unveiled )
The winds were howling into the night, the lakeside air was humid like any other day in the height of summer. Though, it wasn't the howling winds that caused the trees to brush against the windows, nor the humidity of the night that awoke its only occupant. He was much too used to the restlessness of the nights here and the humidity, while some might balk at the notion it just reminded him of those days in Montauk. When life had yet begun and was much more simple. He could still hear her laugh as she would bake those cookies that could bring peace to even the most weary. It would seem neither they nor he would ever get any rest.
It had been years since he'd gotten any proper sleep, Tartarus and its constituents, along with the day of his undoing, made sure of that. He could still hear the blade, and feel the water particles in the air of that day, his senses were on high alert the night Mother Earth fell once again after her arrival. It was the day he lost her after all, one seldom forgets the day their love is ripped from the vestiges of mortality. If only he could have been faster, stronger, perhaps…
Tossing and turning the rest of the night, Percy got little rest before dawn broke and Apollo's sun chariot made its way into the sky. There was a light pitter patter against the hardwood floors of his refuge from the world. Meroow-, Percy looked over and saw his only companion. Lux, a cat unlike his namesake, black as a pit from nose to tail, only his sharp yellow eyes could be seen as he sauntered from the shadows and leapt up onto Percy's bed.
Meroow… "Alright, Alright, I get it Lux. You're hungry." He pushed himself up, the years haven't been kind but Lux had provided steadfast companionship since he found him out by the Lakeside one afternoon a few years back. "Let's go get you some food." Percy said as he turned to the cat. Maneuvering himself through the long corridor and down the stairs, he made his way to the kitchen, Lux pittering behind him as he knew his human would finally be doing his proper duties. The dew in the air shifted, Percy froze.
He could feel it, something changed, he felt something that he thought he'd never feel again. He had long since done away with that part of the world in his hermitage. A favor owed from the goddess Hecate made sure of that. She had blanketed this cabin and even half of the lake with the mist, disrupting anyone who wished to impede upon his isolation. Knock, Knock, Knock. He could feel a headache coming on as he heard the banging at his cabin door. Subtly he began walking slowly to the door, feeling a presence appear in his pocket, he calmed. If it came to a fight, a fight shall be had, he thought. The particles in the air bent to his wishes, almost eager to abide by the son of the seas commands as it once did long ago.
Knock, Knock, Knock
"Go away! I don't want anything you're soliciting, and my religion is my own."
Percy called out to the door.
"I am your religion" a male voice with a playful tinge called out, not hearing any answer it continued. Percy immediately knew his trespasser. "Listen, I know you're in there Percy. The fates mentioned as much" Percy groaned at the thought of the fates, haven't the Morai done enough? "I've got pizza! It's getting cold though so you should let me in." Bribery? Of course he'd be eating pizza at this time, the Sun never did wait for anyone.
"Fine. But you're feeding my cat too." Percy said in exasperation. Knowing nothing would get rid of his pesky intruder, he was feeling a bit too groggy, and far too rusty to be a match for this overly bright god.
As Percy began to open the door, through the cracks there was a radiant light and as the door swung open his headache intensified. A 6'2 man with blonde hair and muscle culture that could only be described as inhuman, did little to subtract from the Leonardo's Pizza box in his hand. If it wasn't for the ADHD, he would have almost missed the fact that Apollo had decided to relieve some boy of his Pizza Delivery uniform. They locked eyes, and then Percy slammed the door shut.
"Oh come on, don't be like that Perce, I feel a haiku coming on….." Apollo exasperated In a last ditch attempt to get the recluse demigod to reply.
" Don't Apollo, What makes you think I want to be bothered? "
" It's coming….."
"Don't. "
"You asked for it!" The immature god inhaled, and Percy baited his breath. Why is he even contemplating letting him in?
Fucking hell, he's going to do it
" Solitary grump,
Friend extends hand, seeks his heart,
Recluse's warmth wa-" Percy rips the door open if only to put an end to this terrible scheme. Apollo never got over his haiku phase. "You said pizza?" The god's eyes lit up. Percy snatched the pizza from his hands and moved to the living room, Leaving the door open in his wake. "Close the fucking door." he grumbled.
The living room wasn't much but it had a TV, Hecate went all out after she'd put the protections on this place. Got it hooked up to Hephaestus TV, not that he ever used it much. It was his chair that he was after, on one of the few visits he made into the world he had gotten it, in hopes for better sleep. It didn't help much but, damn was it comfortable. As he sat down and began to eat, Apollo had made his way to the living room as well, standing just behind Perseus. Lingering, shining light across the dark oaken room, casting shadows against the small coffee table the pizza box was resting on.
It was then Apollo who spoke"You look like shit, when was the last time you left this place? You know isolation won't bring them back. And I didn't get that pizza for you to eat it all."
The Percy Apollo saw was a stark contrast to what he remembered, you could see the lines on his face beginning to form, an errant stray grey hair making its way through his otherwise jett black hair. It was worse than Apollo could have imagined, there was no longer that free flowing humor that once made up the demigod, just depressive overtones. Isolation hadn't done him any favors. Apollo mused.
" My house, my rules. Are you just going to stand there? " Percy said, as he made a hand for Apollo to take a seat on the lone couch that was perpendicular to his chair. Still, the headache persisted. It had been a long time since he had spoken to anyone, other than his father on occasion.
"Why are you here Apollo? I'm done with what the council wants, I've lost enough, paid my dues more than any other." As Percy finally addressed the elephant in the room, he could see the Sun God lose a bit of his shine as he grimaced.
"Percy, while you may think you're done with Olympus, the fates have intervened." Apollo let the words linger as he made himself comfortable in the couch that was offered, taking a slice of the offering he brought for Percy, he could see his compatriot's face darken. "There has been stirrings in the deep and you will again be called upon, but that is not the entire reason I came. You need help, Percy, look at yourself. We all lost much in the war with Earth, but your toll alongside my dearest little sister's was the highest. She lost most of her Hunt that day. It wasn't supposed to end as it had, but in the face of the protogenoi, the Morai's strings become in flux. There is a debt to be paid to you, and it is the will of those higher than I that bring me here today."
As Apollo's words finished, Percy glanced over to the mirror by the mantle of the fireplace. As he soaked in his disheveled appearance for the first time in ages truly. Gaunt face, sunken eyes, the shine on his eyes long since gone.. Apollo was right, he did look like shit. He hadn't thought about Artemis' loss in his grief. Pushing past the darker thoughts, he could see their faces, Annabeth, Will, Jason, Reyna….His mother, Paul, and little Estelle. The latter three passed after a few laestrygonians decided to enact a murder in vengeance of his actions on the day Gaia fell, as if he hadn't lost enough. A thousand thoughts raced through his mind, of the fallen-
Apollo broke him out of his depressive musings. "I know that look, you're not at fault. They fought for the same ideals you did, for the greater good of mankind, and the price they paid, you are spitting on it by living a half life."
"WHAT DO YOU KNOW? Percy snapped and then continued in an eerie whisper. " I lost many that day, and my family was MURDERED a few months later, what do I have left? How can I even move forward? Those that counted on me I let them down, and those I loved the most, I wasn't fast enough, or good enough to save them." At this point a lone tear made his way down his face. Not expecting the conversation to go as it had. Apollo moved closer, placing a hand on Percy's shoulder. "They were my family too," he calmly said. " When Will died, my heart weeped, bound by the ancient laws. I couldn't have done anything, if it weren't for Hestia, I doubt the sun would have been able to rise."
Hestia….Percy remembered the kind goddess, she had always been kind to him, even now when he roasted the fires to cook his latest hunt, he could feel her presence mournfully there but reassuring him. "I hadn't thought-"Percy started.
"You didn't, you shoved everyone away, what of Thalia? Nico? Artemis, who lost most of the hunt? What of them? Loss is hard but this? Is not the way, I'd hate to see you continue down this path, Percy and what would those in Elysium think? " Apollo finished.
Percy was stubborn, but Apollo was hoping he'd see reason. He needed to, ill plots were afoot, his divinity could feel the strings of fate changing, something was stirring but that he did not know. His hand still on Percy's shoulder, he channeled a bit of his divinity, as Healing was a domain of his own, and if anyone needed it, the malnutrition plagued demigod did.
Filling up with Apollo's healing energies, for the first time in a long while, he felt light as the energy entered him from his shoulder, spreading through his body, shining and fixing some of the damage that had been done. He was shaken from his depressive thoughts, seeing some sense in his godly compatriots words.
Taking a deep breath for a moment, he starts. "I think, I needed to hear that." As if on cue, Lux' tiny paws pattered across the hardwood floor, making a bound up into Percy's lap. Purring, comforting the demigod, and for a moment,. For the first time in a long time, he could see beyond the Hells of his mind.
Sensing his companions uplifted mood, Apollo pulls out a controller. "You ever played Mario Cart? " Hoping to distract the demigod, not waiting for an answer starts to hook up the console to the TV. "Wha-, No? Why?" Confused, Percy after going through a rollercoaster of emotions, he just let the god continue. " Because, I came here to cheer you up, Perce. Hence the pizza and…" Snapping his fingers, a case of beer appears.
" You are finally old enough right? Mahh, doesn't matter. Nothing beats beer and pizza. Other than me of course. " Winking at Percy, he goes back to setting up the console.
Percy, bewildered by the quick progression of things, reached carefully over to Lux, not looking to turn away free beer. He was old enough, thank you very much. Stupid god. Grabs it, cracking it open, composing himself as the amber liquid goes down his throat. "Alright, but I'm first player, my house ,my rules."
Looking over at Percy playfully, " First you eat my pizza, now you drink my beer and have the gall to say " Imitating Percy " my house, my rules ," continuing, "Alright fishboy, you're going down, I was going to go easy on you but you've asked for it."
Time: 6:00 PM, same day
Time flew by, Apollo had absolutely destroyed Percy in the first few games. As the drinks flowed and the pizza box got lighter, laughs were traded and eventually Percy was able to win a few games. Percy hadn't laughed like that in so long. Apollo really lived up to being the God of the Sun, being able to lighten the dark mood Percy had been stuck in for so long. It was getting late and he was sobering up getting a feeling the god had put a lot of his responsibilities aside for this. "Apollo, who's driving the sun chariot?" he mused aloud.
Lazily looking over Apollo shrugged, "The beauty of having a roman counterpart, double the awesome, double the fun." Apollo countered back laying on the couch. " Trying to get rid of me? No wonder you never have any girls Percy, you're a terrible host"
Spluttering in indignation Percy returned with " Oi, I was just wondering, jeez. And I'll have you know I could get plenty of girls, just haven't found the right one."
Apollo smirked, " Oh? And how are you going to do that Mr. Tall-dark-and-broody. Not like you haven't had anyone over. I had to force my way in, it's understandable, not many can withstand my radiance."
Percy looked at the god with exasperation. "Really? 'Tall-dark-and-broody' I could hear the hyphens, and I'm not broody."
Apollo laughed at that. "You know, denial is a river in Egypt. It's not a good look, well, some girls are really into that internal angst, but you're the textbook definition of broody. Seriously bro, we gotta get you back out there, it's not healthy. I'd know I'm the God of Healing." At that, Percy's face falls.
Apollo grinned mischievously, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. "You know what, Percy? I think it's about time we expand our gaming circle. How about joining me, Hermes, Artemis and Triton for our next game night? We could use some of that demigod prowess of yours."
Percy raised an eyebrow, considering the invitation. "Game night, huh? Well, as long as I don't have to witness another one of Hermes' pranks, I'm in. But Apollo, just make sure your sister, Artemis, doesn't crash the party and start shooting at everything that moves. I've had enough encounters with her and her Hunters for a lifetime."
Apollo chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Ah, Artemis and her love for the hunt. Don't worry, Percy, I'll do my best to keep her focused on the game and not on turning us into moving targets. Besides, I think it'll be good for her to see you again. She's missed you more than she lets on."
Percy's expression softened at the mention of Artemis. He remembered their brief encounters during their quests and the deep connection they had formed. "Yeah, I've missed her too. It'll be good to catch up and maybe beat her at a few games."
Lux, sensing the shift in atmosphere, stretched lazily on Percy's lap, as if in agreement with his decision to join the game night.
As they continued discussing the upcoming gathering, a sense of anticipation and excitement filled the room. Percy felt a glimmer of hope that reconnecting with Artemis and sharing laughter and games with the gods could help heal the wounds that had plagued him for so long.
And so, with a renewed sense of purpose and a playful sparkle in his eyes, Percy eagerly accepted Apollo's invitation, ready to face the challenges of game night and perhaps rediscover a bond with Artemis that had been lost amidst the chaos of their lives.
Timestamp:
Location: Outside Artemis' Temple
POV: Apollo
Before Apollo set off to Artemis' temple, he took a moment to gather his thoughts. He understood the weight of the pain both Percy and Artemis carried, and he couldn't stand idly by while they suffered in silence. With the ramifications of the prophecy and the conversation he had with Poseidon previously running through his mind.
Getting Percy out of his shell was a trying experience, keeping the knowledge he had of the prophecy to himself as he witnessed Percy at his lowest was murdersome. As a god of Truth, he loathed to lie. Bending the truth as he did went against the fiber of his being and now he had to do the same for his baby sister.
Her not being at the Council meeting did him a favor in this regard, her isolation allowed him to coax the healing process. Adding the weight of a prophecy that she is directly connected to, with percy no less, would certainly not help any of her current woes.
This would need to be handled very carefully…
As the sun god contemplated his next steps, he couldn't help but recall the moments he had witnessed between the demigod son of Poseidon and his sister, Artemis. He had observed the deep respect they held for one another, the unspoken connection that seemed to transcend words. Apollo believed that their shared experiences could provide solace and support in their time of grief.
Apollo knew that Percy's resilience and unwavering determination could inspire Artemis, encouraging her to find strength within herself. Likewise, Artemis's stoic nature and commitment to her sacred duties could remind Percy of the importance of pressing forward despite the weight of his losses. They had both experienced profound tragedies, and he hoped that together, they could work through their grief, even if it meant just being there for each other.
While he did not seek to play the role of a matchmaker, Apollo believed in the power of connection and the healing it could bring. He hoped that by bringing Percy and Artemis together in a more relaxed setting, they could begin to find solace in one another's company and gradually navigate the complexities of their shared pain. Perhaps that is the true meaning of the prophecy. It spoke of hope to those bruised and battered. Perseus and Artemis lost the most in the last war, 'the Tides, the moon' mentioned, perhaps they could find that hope between each other. Why else would the ancient laws that have been instilled for generations be struck away, if not for unity in a perilous situation.
With his mind set on his goal, Apollo made his way to Artemis' temple. He knew that it would be a delicate journey, as both Percy and Artemis were fiercely independent individuals. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling that they needed each other's presence, a reminder that they were not alone in their suffering.
As he approached the temple, Apollo braced himself for Artemis' initial resistance, knowing that breaking through her walls would require patience and understanding. But he was determined to bring them both the healing they deserved, even if it meant gently guiding them towards one another, step by careful step.
Artemis stood within the confines of her temple, the once pristine halls now in disarray. Her usually immaculate surroundings reflected the turmoil within her heart. She had sought solace in the solitude of her temple, finding comfort in the stillness of the night and the company of her loyal hounds.
As the door creaked open, Artemis's anger flared. "Apollo! What are you doing here? This is my sacred space, and I demand to be left alone!" Her voice held a sharp edge, laced with frustration and grief.
Apollo, undeterred by his sister's initial outburst, approached her with a calm determination. His radiant presence illuminated the dimness of the temple, casting a warm glow on the broken artifacts and fallen tapestries.
"Artemis, I know you're hurting," Apollo began, his voice filled with empathy. "But isolating yourself in this darkness won't bring back what we've lost. We need to find a way to heal, to reconnect with one another and find joy in our immortal lives once more."
Artemis's silver eyes flashed with a mix of anger, sadness, and guilt. "And what do you propose we do, Apollo? The damage has been done. The loss of my Hunt, the warriors who fought valiantly by my side... I even shut out Thalia, my own lieutenant, unable to bear the weight of their pain. It feels insurmountable. How can we ever find solace in the face of such devastation?"
Apollo's expression softened, his eyes reflecting genuine concern. "Artemis, I understand the weight of your responsibilities and the depth of your grief. But shutting out those who care about you only adds to your burden. We can find strength in each other, in the bonds that make us family. That's why I propose we have a game night, to reconnect and share laughter, just the two of us and Percy, and perhaps a few others who have experienced loss and understand the weight of our grief."
Artemis's brow furrowed further, the guilt within her intensifying. "Thalia... I have shut her out, denied her the solace and support she needs in this time of pain. How can I face her after my failure as a leader?"
Apollo's voice took on a gentle tone. "Artemis, it's important to recognize that you can't shoulder all the blame and grief alone. Thalia, as your lieutenant, understands the burdens you carry. She wants to be there for you, just as you have been there for her. By opening yourself up to the support of others, including Thalia, you allow them to share the weight and find healing together."
Artemis's gaze shifted, her conflicted emotions laid bare. She had always prided herself on her strength and independence, but now she realized that strength did not mean carrying the weight of the world alone.
Taking a deep breath, she looked at Apollo with a mixture of resolve and vulnerability. "Very well, Apollo. I will trust your judgment. Let us have this game night, and I will reach out to Thalia, to mend the bond I have neglected. It won't be easy, but together, we can navigate the complexities of our grief and find solace in each other's company."
Apollo's eyes sparkled with gratitude and relief. "Thank you, Artemis. Your willingness to open up and seek support is a courageous step forward. Together, we will heal, and together, we will find a way to honor the memories of those we have lost." Keeping up this ruse in front of his twin was becoming tiresome, mentioning her trust sent a pang through his heart that he buried.
As they stepped out of the disarrayed temple, Artemis felt a mixture of trepidation and hope. The path toward healing would not be easy, but with Apollo by her side and the possibility of reconnecting with Thalia, she knew she was not alone. The journey would require strength, vulnerability, and the acceptance that even the eternal maiden could lean on others in times of need.
Timestamp: That Night
Location: Unknown
Artemis stood atop her moon chariot, a celestial vessel that gracefully traversed the night sky. The stars shimmered above her, casting a gentle glow upon her silver form. Her thoughts were heavy as she reflected on the recent conversation with Apollo and the decisions she had made.
As the cool breeze caressed her face, Artemis's mind turned to Thalia, her loyal lieutenant and sister-in-arms. She couldn't help but feel the weight of her absence and the pain of their severed connection. The realization of how she had shut out Thalia, denying her the solace and support she needed, weighed heavily on Artemis's heart. She knew that she had to rectify her actions and mend the bond they had shared.
Thalia had experienced loss and grief too, perhaps even more deeply than Artemis could fathom. They had fought side by side, their lives intertwined through battles and victories. Now, in the aftermath of tragedy, Artemis understood the importance of reaching out, of allowing the strength of their sisterhood to guide them through the darkest times.
But it wasn't just Thalia on Artemis's mind. Her thoughts also drifted to Percy, the demigod son of Poseidon, whose losses mirrored their own. Percy had faced unimaginable challenges, enduring the pain of sacrifice and the weight of responsibility.
His resilience and unwavering determination had earned Artemis's respect, even though she had rarely let him see it. The bond they shared, the unspoken connection between them, had always intrigued her.
As Artemis guided her moon chariot across the night sky, she couldn't help but feel a mix of sorrow and hope. Sorrow for the losses they had all endured, the pain that seemed insurmountable. But hope, too, that through connection and shared understanding, they could find solace and strength.
In that moment, Artemis made a silent vow to herself. She would reach out to Thalia, to mend the broken bond between them and offer her support in the face of their shared grief. And she would not let her own fears and restraints hold her back from forging a deeper connection with Percy, someone who had proven his worth and resilience time and time again.
As her moon chariot continued its celestial journey, Artemis found a glimmer of light within the darkness. The road to healing would be long and challenging, but she knew that together, they could navigate the complexities of their grief. And with each step forward, she hoped that the bonds they forged would become a source of strength and solace, reminding them that they were never alone in their pain.
Timestamp: Midnight
Location: The lake by Percy's lodge
Percy dove into the depths of the lake, his body descending into the cool embrace of the water. The world above faded away as he swam deeper, surrounded by the gentle murmur of the aquatic ecosystem. The bass and brim darted around him, their sleek bodies maneuvering effortlessly through the currents.
As he settled at the bottom of the lake, Percy found himself in a place of solitude. The water enveloped him, cocooning him in a serene sanctuary. His mind turned to Thalia, his dear friend and sister-in-arms, her presence echoing in his thoughts. He recalled the fierce spirit and unwavering loyalty she possessed, her determination a guiding light in the darkness of their shared battles.
Amidst the tranquility of the underwater world, Percy allowed himself to be captivated by the dance of the wildlife around him. The vibrant hues of the fish, like streaks of liquid sunlight, added splashes of color to the otherwise muted blue surroundings. They swam in synchronized patterns, moving with an innate grace that spoke of their harmonious existence within this watery realm.
The croaking of frogs resonated through the water, creating a chorus of nature's symphony. Their melodic voices blended with the gentle swaying of aquatic plants, creating a mesmerizing rhythm that reverberated through Percy's being. It was a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living creatures, a harmony that extended beyond the surface world.
As Percy swam through the depths, he felt a deep sense of peace and serenity settle within him. The weight of his grief and the burdens he carried seemed to melt away in the watery embrace. He closed his eyes, allowing the currents to guide him, as he surrendered himself to the meditative trance that the lake offered.
In this moment of clarity, Percy's thoughts drifted to Artemis, the maiden goddess who had captured his admiration and, at times, his uncertainty. He wondered about the depths of her emotions, the intricacies of her character. While her man-hating tendencies were known, he couldn't help but sense a layer of complexity beneath her stoic exterior.
As the wildlife continued their elegant ballet around him, Percy couldn't shake the feeling of both fascination and caution when it came to Artemis. The delicate balance between fondness and wariness danced within his heart, mirroring the delicate dance of the fish and plants in the lake.
As Percy remained in the depths of the lake, the water embraced him like a second skin. His thoughts drifted to Apollo's recent visit, their conversation playing out in his mind. The Sun God's words had stirred a range of emotions within him, leaving him in a bittersweet state of contemplation.
Apollo's presence had brought a newfound clarity, shedding light on the depths of Percy's grief and isolation. Through their interaction, Percy had glimpsed the possibility of healing and connection, but he couldn't help but feel a tinge of apprehension. The wounds of the past were still fresh, and the uncertainties of the future loomed large.
The dance of the underwater world mirrored Percy's internal struggle. The fish moved with grace and confidence, their synchronized movements speaking of a harmonious existence. Yet, amidst the tranquility, there was an underlying current of caution, a reminder that the depths held their own mysteries and dangers.
Percy's thoughts returned to Artemis, the enigmatic goddess who had intrigued him for so long. He reflected on her man-hating tendencies, her fierce independence, and the potential challenges that lay in bridging the gap between them. It was a delicate dance, and he couldn't predict the outcome, but the flicker of fondness he felt couldn't be ignored.
As he continued to meditate in the depths, Percy allowed himself to dwell in the bitter-sweetness of his emotions. The lake's embrace provided a sanctuary where he could grapple with his uncertainties, where the ebb and flow of the water mirrored the ebb and flow of his own journey.
In this underwater haven, Percy acknowledged that the future held both challenges and opportunities. The wounds of the past may never fully heal, but he was determined to find a way forward. A newfound sense of determination welled up within him, mingling with the gentle tranquility of the lake.
With the weight of his reflections and the renewed resolve coursing through his veins, Percy began his ascent from the depths. He broke through the surface of the water, emerging into the world above with a mix of trepidation and determination. The lake had granted him a moment of clarity, reminding him of the interconnectedness of all things and the power of forging connections even in the face of uncertainty.
As he swam back towards the wooden dock, the chorus of frogs and the rustle of the cypress trees greeted him. The night air was alive with the vibrant energy of the Florida wildlife. Percy stepped onto the dock, a subtle smile gracing his lips as he carried the bitter-sweetness of his reflections with him.
The future, although uncertain, the Morai spun their yarn and as they did. Percy felt a sense of calm overtake him. Perhaps, it wouldn't be all that bad.
