Chapter 7: Gilded Shackles
"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart."
- Marcus Aurelius
Location: New York City, some dingy bar
Timestamp: Three weeks after the Prophecy
In the days that followed the game night, Apollo and Poseidon found themselves drawn together once again, this time in a private setting away from the prying eyes of Olympus. They settled in the same dive bar, seeking solace in the company of mortals as they discussed the events that had transpired.
Apollo's eyes held a sense of wonder as he recounted the scene from the game night, where Perseus and Artemis had found a moment of unity in their shared pain. "It was a sight to behold," he said, swirling his drink in thought. "The way they connected, even if it was just for a fleeting moment, was powerful. It's as if they understood each other's struggles without exchanging a single word."
Poseidon nodded, a mix of pride and concern in his eyes. "Ah, they have?" Apollo asked, intrigued.
Poseidon smiled warmly. "Yes, after the game night, Triton told me that Artemis and Perseus left together. It seemed to offer them some comfort amidst the chaos of their own emotions."
Apollo's expression softened, understanding the significance of such moments. "That's a positive sign, then," he remarked. "Perhaps they will find solace in each other as they navigate the challenges that lie ahead."
In the days that followed the game night, Apollo and Poseidon found themselves drawn together once again, this time in a private setting away from the prying eyes of Olympus. They settled in the same dive bar, seeking solace in the company of mortals as they discussed the events that had transpired.
Apollo's eyes held a sense of wonder as he recounted the scene from the game night, where Perseus and Artemis had found a moment of unity in their shared pain. "It was a sight to behold," he said, swirling his drink in thought. "The way they connected, even if it was just for a fleeting moment, was powerful. It's as if they understood each other's struggles without exchanging a single word."
Poseidon nodded, a mix of pride and concern in his eyes. "Ah, they have?" Apollo asked, intrigued.
Poseidon smiled warmly. "Yes, after the game night, Triton told me that Artemis and Perseus left together. It seemed to offer them some comfort amidst the chaos of their own emotions."
Apollo's expression softened, understanding the significance of such moments. "That's a positive sign, then," he remarked. "Perhaps they will find solace in each other as they navigate the challenges that lie ahead."
Poseidon leaned back on his barstool, taking a moment to study his nephew. "You seem pleased with this development," he remarked with a hint of curiosity. "Considering your overprotective-brother-past, I find it odd that you're happy about them finding solace together."
Apollo chuckled softly, a wistful smile crossing his lips. "Ah, well, I suppose even the mighty Apollo can change. Artemis is hurting, and I just want her to find healing from her grief. If Perseus can bring her some comfort, then I'll support it."
Poseidon's eyes softened as he regarded Apollo. "It's a new side of you, Nephew, and a welcome one. Family is complicated, but we must learn to trust in the choices they make for themselves."
Apollo nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it's about time we stop trying to control every aspect of their lives. They are their own beings with their own destinies."
The topic then shifted to Perseus, and Apollo's gaze turned serious. "Speaking of Perseus, have you noticed that he's not in the shape he was during the height of the gigantomachy?" he asked.
Poseidon's expression grew thoughtful. "Yes, I have. The battles have taken a toll on him, both physically and emotionally. He's been living in isolation, and I fear he needs guidance and training once again."
"I couldn't agree more," Apollo said. "He'll need retraining to regain his strength and skills. He's been through so much, and I think a bit of training and bonding with you could do him a world of good."
Poseidon nodded, his resolve firm. "You're right, Apollo. However my duties pull me elsewhere, I'll have to think on this. Perhaps, I'll have Triton assist me." He said wryly.
As the conversation settled into a comfortable rhythm, Apollo and Poseidon continued to discuss their plans to aid Perseus and Artemis in their journey of healing and self-discovery. They knew the road ahead would be challenging, but they were committed to standing by their children's side as they faced the prophecy and whatever challenges awaited them.
As the night wore on, the two gods decided to lighten the mood, and Apollo challenged Poseidon to a game of billiards. Laughter filled the air as they competed in good spirits, enjoying each other's company and cherishing the newfound connection they were forging as family.
—-
Location: Perseus' Lodge
Timestamp: 25 days since the Prophecy was first uttered
The sun beat down on the lake as Perseus ran along its circumference, his footsteps echoing in the tranquil surroundings. The rhythmic sound of his breath and the rustling of leaves provided a sense of grounding amid the chaotic thoughts swirling in his mind. He had taken Helios' advice to heart, seeking moments of respite and connection to find strength in the face of Tartarus' rising.
As Perseus continued his run, he focused on his breathing and the movement of his body. His muscles protested from the lack of exercise during his isolation, but he was determined to regain his stamina. With each step, he felt a sense of release, as if the weight of the world was momentarily lifted.
As he reached the clearing near the edge of the lake, he paused to catch his breath. The serene water glistened under the midday sun, inviting him to take a moment to rest. He lowered himself to the ground and performed a series of calisthenic exercises, working his muscles and feeling a renewed sense of vitality.
In the midst of his workout, Triton emerged from the lake with a splash, his muscular form cutting through the water effortlessly. Perseus regarded his entrance with suspicion, his guard still up from his past encounters with Triton and the other gods.
"Well, well, well, look who it is," Triton said, a smirk playing on his lips. "Amphitrite was pretty pissed when she heard about you, you know."
Perseus tensed at the mention of Amphitrite, the sea goddess and Triton's mother. He knew his birth had caused a great deal of strife among the gods, but he wasn't going to let Triton's words provoke him.
"I don't care what Amphitrite thinks," Perseus replied coolly, continuing his exercises as if unaffected by the sea god's taunts.
Triton seemed to revel in Perseus' stoic response, but he eventually changed the subject. "So, I heard you've got yourself a new toy," he said, eyeing the trident strapped to Perseus' back. "Reconciliation, dear old Dad called it. Fancy name for a weapon, don't you think?"
Perseus glanced at the trident, his hand instinctively tightening around its hilt. "It's not a toy," he replied evenly. "And I prefer to call it 'Accord.'"
Triton chuckled. "Accord, Reconciliation, it's all the same. But tell me, do you really think Father would have given you a weapon without anyone to teach you how to use it?" he teased.
Perseus paused, his mind going back to the conversation he had with Poseidon about the trident. He had been hesitant to accept the weapon, unsure if he could wield its power effectively. But Poseidon had reassured him, believing that Perseus had the strength and determination to master it.
"It's not about the weapon itself," Perseus said, looking directly at Triton. "It's about what it represents. A chance for reconciliation, for unity among the gods and their children. Something we all need right now. "
Triton's playful demeanor faltered for a moment as he regarded Perseus with surprise. It seemed his words had struck a chord with the sea god, making him reevaluate his opinion of the demigod.
"You know," Triton said, his voice slightly softer. "I teamed up with you and Artemis during the game night. I saw something in you that made me reconsider my assumptions. Maybe you're not just a pawn in all of this."
Perseus raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Triton's change in tone. "And what did you see?" he asked.
Triton hesitated for a moment before replying, "Strength, conviction, and resilience against the ties that we're all a victim to. It's admirable, even if we don't see eye to eye on everything."
Perseus nodded, appreciating the rare moment of honesty from Triton. Perhaps there was more to the sea god than he had initially thought. They might not be friends, but finding common ground in the chaos of Olympus was a step in the right direction.
"Thanks," Perseus said simply, acknowledging Triton's words.
Triton nodded back, his playful smirk returning. " Don't mention it, seriously– can't have people thinking I've gone soft. " he said. "Don't let it go to your head, until dear ol' daddio can set his duties aside, I'll be in charge of whipping you back into fighting shape."
Perseus smiled, the tension between them now seemingly eased. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you," he replied.
With that, Triton's demeanor shifted once more, and he took on a more serious tone. "Alright, then. Let's start with some basic katas to get your movements with the trident more fluid."
For the rest of the day, Triton put Perseus through rigorous training. They practiced various stances, strikes, and defenses with the trident. Triton's instruction was relentless, pushing Perseus to the limits of his endurance. At times, Perseus stumbled and struggled to keep up, but he refused to back down.
As the sun began to set, Perseus and Triton moved from the katas to sparring. Triton's movements were swift and precise, his attacks coming from unexpected angles. Perseus did his best to defend himself, using the skills he had learned throughout the day.
The battle was intense, and Perseus found himself growing tired. His body ached, and his muscles screamed for respite. But every time he felt like giving up, he thought about the ill stirrings of Tartarus and Helios' words of wisdom. He drew strength from the moments of connection he had experienced, and with renewed determination, he pressed on.
Triton noticed Perseus' perseverance and couldn't help but feel a grudging respect for the demigod. He intensified his attacks, testing Perseus' limits further. The sea god's training was tough, but it pushed Perseus beyond what he thought he was capable of.
As the stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky, Perseus and Triton finally called a truce. They were both battered and exhausted, but there was a newfound sense of camaraderie between them.
"You did well today," Triton said, surprising Perseus with the compliment. "You've got potential, and I suppose you're not entirely useless."
Perseus chuckled, realizing that Triton's teasing remarks were his way of showing approval.
With that, Triton disappeared into the lake, leaving Perseus to reflect on the day's events. He felt sore and tired, but also stronger and more determined than ever. As he looked up to the stars, he knew that things would likely get worse, before they got better. It was only as his gaze shifted to the moon that pulled his mind from those depressive thoughts. A warm feeling enveloped him, not unlike what he felt the other day with Artemis as they talked on the couch.
Barely making it through the door of his humble abode, Lux reminded him of his presence with a large " Meooow." Realizing that he had forgotten to feed his steadfast companion, grumbling slightly at the weight of his tired body he made his way to keep the little devil of furr satisfied.
If he were to have gazed out of the window at the bright crescent moon in the sky. He would have seen its luminance shine brighter for a moment.
—-
POV: Artemis
Location: Moon Chariot
It was up in the clouds, she felt the calmest, looking down at the mortal realm below, she could take appreciation in their simple lives. Up here it was as if nothing else mattered, just the sky, and the moon. The tides would move as she swept across the skies, following her, yielding unto her as she made her move from sunset to sunrise. The feeling was something she could never fully put into words, Zoe on many occasions would ask her of it…..Putting those thoughts aside, she once again turned down to the world below. Seeing the demigod who has impacted her so recently, she senses his emotions and sends a warm feeling to him, a gesture of support and encouragement.
In the wake of Perseus' progress with Triton and his display of resilience, Artemis feels a renewed sense of hope in her own mission with the Hunt. Seeing Perseus face his own grief and find strength in it inspires her to confront her own pain and seek reconciliation with her companions. She realizes that healing is possible, even after facing immense loss, and she is grateful for the guidance that led her to this point.
In this moment, Artemis finds solace in her connection to the celestial realm, represented by the moon and the stars. The moon's presence reminds her of her divine power and her duty to protect and empower those in need. With the support of her companions and the demigods of Camp Half-Blood, she feels confident in facing the challenges ahead.
As she whispers her thanks to the stars, Artemis also holds a special appreciation for Perseus, the mortal who unknowingly became a source of hope and healing in her immortal life. His progress with Triton and his resilience inspire her, and she recognizes that their paths are intertwined in ways they both may not fully comprehend. As the moonlight bathes the world below, Artemis feels a sense of peace and contentment–a momentary respite from her desolation.
—-
Like everything in the cosmos, the Moirai's strings weigh upon them all, it was in this passing moment. It wasn't like many believed, where fate was in absolute value of what was to come. The fates of the realms often came down to the choices of the few, the actions of the brave, the scandalous, the good and the evil. It was their actions that allowed the Moirai to manipulate the strings. Guiding the path of the future to something of stability. Order against the all of Mother Chaos, a hefty deed set by the creator, but a burden they bore since their inception.
Recent stirrings of the Protogenoi in the past few decades had the Fates working on overtime, and with Tartarus throwing his hand into the play, their burden weighed as heavy as the burdens they set upon the masses. But, as things stood, it seemed as though everything was going according to plan. One may never know, one idle decision could ruin even the prettiest of tapestries. Arachne knew of such weakness.
The Moirai felt a sense of contentment, the crossing of Artemis' and Perseus' strings was one of chance. They knew with the right urgings, the two of them could face the darkness that was to come, and perhaps save the Olympians from their extinction. Only time would tell if their meticulous workings would pay off. Perhaps a bit more urging might increase the chances of success…
—-
Location: Aphrodite's Temple, Mount Olympus
Timestamp: The day after Perseus had begun his training with triton.
Weeks had passed since the Great Prophecy was given, and the celestial realm buzzed with intrigue and anticipation. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and desire, found herself drawn to the intertwining destinies of Artemis and Perseus. As she sat gracefully in her opulent temple on Mount Olympus, she couldn't help but contemplate the hushed tones she had overheard between Apollo and Hestia regarding the two mortal souls.
Aphrodite's intuition, honed by millennia of tending to the hearts of gods and mortals alike, sensed a connection that went beyond mere coincidence. The Moirai's strings were ever-present, weaving their intricate patterns, but the goddess knew that the actions of individuals held the power to sway the course of fate.
In this delicate moment, Aphrodite weighed her influence carefully. She understood that Artemis, as a goddess, cherished her independence and had sworn vows of celibacy. To interfere too directly in such matters would risk invoking the wrath of the Huntress. Thus, the goddess of love chose a more subtle approach.
With a gentle touch, Aphrodite sought to lessen Artemis' animosity towards men, particularly Perseus. She recognized that the demigod had already impacted Artemis in ways she might not fully comprehend. The goddess of love saw the budding affections between them, hidden beneath layers of divine stoicism and mortal resilience.
Fanning the flames of affection, Aphrodite aimed to remove any potential roadblocks that might prevent a deeper connection between Artemis and Perseus. She hoped that their mutual experiences and emotions would draw them closer together, offering a chance for healing and understanding in the face of the impending darkness.
Aphrodite's actions were guided by an intuitive sense, a feeling that the Moirai had granted her permission to gently influence the paths of these two souls. It was a delicate dance, one that required finesse and care. The balance of the cosmos rested on the choices of mortals and gods, and the goddess of love vowed to act responsibly, aware of the potential consequences her influence might bring. The goddess of the Hunt had a vengeful wrath that she did not wish to be subject to by any means. It was her hope that she would never even notice her manipulations. It was for the greater good of Olympus she did this, she thought to convince herself.
As she sat in her temple surrounded by the essence of love and beauty, Aphrodite sent her subtle influence into the world. She knew that her actions were but one thread in the vast tapestry of fate. The ultimate outcome would be determined by the choices, actions, and hearts of those involved.
In the end, it was a dance between love, fate, and the old ways. Aphrodite hoped that her nudging would contribute to the preservation of balance and the salvation of the realms. Only time would reveal the true impact of her actions, and she awaited the unfolding of events with a mix of hope and trepidation.
—-
Location: Open country, Wyoming
Timestamp, just before Aphrodite's meddlings
The night was illuminated by the silvery glow of the moon as the remaining hunters, Abigail, Shay, and Thalia, fought valiantly against the Manticore. The beast roared in fury, but the hunters were relentless in their pursuit, their arrows finding their mark with deadly accuracy. With a final, well-coordinated strike, they brought the creature down.
As the adrenaline from the battle still coursed through their veins, a shrill scream pierced the night, coming from a nearby farmhouse. Artemis and Thalia exchanged a glance, their instincts urging them to investigate. Leaving Abigail and Shay to keep watch, they stealthily made their way towards the source of the scream.
What they found inside the small farmhouse was appalling. A vile man of repugnant appearance was subjecting a young woman, Serena, to his disgusting desires. Artemis' blood boiled with rage at the sight. She couldn't bear to see the innocent suffer at the hands of such a monster.
In a swift and decisive act, Artemis used her divine powers granted by the moon to send throwing knives imbued with luminance soaring towards the man. The blades struck him with deadly precision, putting an end to his vile existence. The room fell silent, save for Serena's inconsolable grief.
Artemis approached the young woman with a mixture of sympathy and anger. "You're safe now," she said gently, placing a comforting hand on Serena's shoulder.
The woman looked up at the goddess, her eyes filled with tears and fear. "He... he forced me into this marriage," Serena stammered, her voice shaking. "He knew about my heritage, and he blackmailed me."
Artemis felt her anger grow at the revelation. This innocent woman had suffered under the manipulation of a despicable man. "You don't have to endure this any longer," she assured Serena. "Come with us. There is a place in my Hunt where you will be safe, and you will never have to face such horrors again."
Serena hesitated, but the desperation for a way out was evident in her eyes. "I... I will come with you," she finally said, her voice filled with a mix of relief and uncertainty.
Artemis nodded, understanding Serena's hesitation. The young woman had been through a traumatic experience, and trust would take time to rebuild. But the goddess was determined to provide her with the sanctuary she deserved.
In that moment, Artemis couldn't help but think of Perseus and wonder how he would have handled this situation. She knew he had faced his own share of darkness and challenges, and his actions had inspired her to confront her own pain.
Her thoughts momentarily drifted to him, and she found a sense of solace in the memory of their brief encounter. It was as if the connection they shared, however fleeting, continued to influence her actions and decisions. Wait, why was she thinking of a man… This woman had been through so much, and she thinks of him?
Pushing those thoughts aside for the moment, Artemis focused on Serena, guiding her gently towards Abigail and Shay, who were waiting nearby. The remaining hunters offered the young woman reassuring smiles, understanding the weight of her pain.
As the group prepared to leave the farmhouse, Artemis couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of determination. There was still darkness in the world, but she had the power to protect those in need. The bonds between her and her huntresses were stronger than ever, and together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
In the midst of darkness and despair, the Moon and the Huntress would be a beacon of hope for those who had lost their way. As they ventured back towards their camp, Artemis silently vowed to honor the memories of the fallen and to protect those who sought refuge in her domain. It might not bring them back, but Chiron's advice came back to her. This was the reason, her duty was her bond. Without it, she was nothing–gazing over to the remnants of the hunt as they welcomed in their new sister–without them, everything was meaningless.
Perseus... Her mind kept drifting back to the demigod, contemplating his simple acts of kindness that seemed like a beacon of light in the darkness of the world she witnessed today. The contrast between his compassion and the vile actions of the man she had just encountered was stark, and it left her with conflicting emotions.
As she continued to ponder, an idea began to take shape in Artemis' mind. Perhaps she should pay Perseus a visit and inform him about the fate of the repugnant man. Not that she believed Perseus would ever stoop to such despicable acts, but she reasoned that a subtle reminder of the darkness lurking in the mortal realm might be a cautionary message for his own well-being. It was for his sake, after all, she would tell herself.
Artemis smirked slightly, feeling a hint of amusement at the notion of gracing Perseus with her presence. She couldn't deny that his presence had left a mark on her, and despite her initial reservations about getting involved with him, she couldn't help but feel a certain connection.
In the end, her conflicting emotions didn't fully settle, but she knew that there were answers she sought, and perhaps she would find them during her visit to the demigod by the little lake he frequented.
With determination in her heart, Artemis decided that it was time to seek out Perseus. She would pay him a visit and, in the process, maybe gain further insight into her own feelings and the tangled threads of fate that seemed to connect them.
