The hard truth is, you lost them the moment they decided to leave, but the real challenge is dealing with the void they left behind.
In the twilight of an evening filled with bittersweet memories, Jason Grace sat at Zeus's table, his uneaten meal now cold in front of him. The golden glow of the fading sun bathed the dining pavilion in a serene light, casting long shadows across the bustling demigods gathered for their dinner. Laughter and chatter filled the air, yet Jason's heart remained heavy, burdened by the nostalgia of the day. Even the aroma of the sumptuous food failed to entice his appetite, his thoughts consumed by a presence he missed and yearned to feel once more.
"Jason," Piper said in a singsong voice, smiling slightly. "Why are you paying with your food?" He paused, looking down to see his fork mashing up a mushroom. Wearily, Jason sighed.
"I thought…" he began, his voice trailing off uncertainty.
"You thought what?" Piper asked with a curious tone. "Aw come on, don't tell me that you thought by some godly intervention, your appetite would miraculously return." Her frown deepened, before slowly softening. "At least try and say something romantic." Weakly, he smiled at her antics, wrapping his arm around her.
"I suppose we can pretend that the real reason I'm struggling to eat is because my girlfriend's beauty keeps distracting me." A smug smirk played upon Piper's lips as she nuzzled her face into the warmth of Jason's neck.
"That's more like it," she teased, before turning back to her food and eagerly devouring another spoonful of soup. Jason would never outright say it, but he didn't understand how someone could hate meat so much. Piper may be the most gorgeous girl he had ever laid eyes on, but her taste in food sucked. Then again, looking down at his own plate, he questioned his own taste. Reluctantly, he brought a spoon of mashed potatoes to his face, gingerly taking a sniff. When the scent didn't put him off, he swallowed it. His appetite may be diminished, but Jason didn't need a degree in biology to know that he needed food to stay energised.
"Do you want to do anything after dinner?" Piper asked with a hint of enthusiasm as she cleaned her plate. Her taste in food may be horrific, but at least she never wasted any.
"Piper, I don't feel like doing anything today, I'm sorry." A fleeting moment passed where it seemed she might protest his decision, but instead, she chose to respond with a warm smile, intertwining her fingers with his in a comforting gesture.
"It's my fault for asking," she said sheepishly. "I just don't want to spend the whole day reminiscing about what could've been." Slowly, Jason nodded.
"I understand, but can we truly forget about everything that has happened? Do you think she'll forget?"
"She isn't going to be here," Piper reminded Jason gently. Letting out a long sigh, the son of Jupiter lightly shook his head.
"And that, my dear Piper," he murmured, "is where you're mistaken." Standing up, he stretched his limbs, extending a hand to help her up from the table..
"The conch horn blows," he uttered, his voice filled with a quiet intensity. "It seems the hunt has come to visit."
At first, when the enchanting sound of the conch horn resonated through Camp Half-Blood, a hush fell over the dining pavilion. Demigods turned their heads, their eyes wide with curiosity and confusion. The arrival of the Hunters of Artemis was a rare occasion, and it certainly never happened at this ungodly hour. At a discrete nod from Chiron, Jason told the campers to finish off their meals while he checked in on the hunt. Intertwining fingers, him and Piper walked hand in hand towards the camp's borders. As the camp director, it was his duty to formally greet the hunt. Of course, Piper went with him, causing a smile to tug at the corners of his lips. She followed him everywhere, and vice versa. Their shared experiences, escaping the clutches of death on multiple occasions, had forged an unbreakable bond, rendering them inseparable. They had become each other's anchors, willing to traverse the very edges of the world if it meant safeguarding their love and the safety of their fellow demigods.
As they neared Thalia's tree, Jason could recognise the hunter's silver parkas from far away, and for a moment he seemed taken back. It looks like they'd almost doubled their numbers since the last time he'd met them. From the gasp next to him, it seems like Piper was also shocked at their rapid growth.
"Thalia?" he asked a hunter wearing a silver tiara as he got closer. A wild grin illuminated the girl's face as she recognized her younger brother, her expression a mosaic of surprise and pure delight. Without hesitation, she enveloped Jason in a bear hug, squeezing him tightly.
"Jason? It's so good to see you!" Thalia exclaimed, her voice brimming with genuine warmth. "Oh my days it feels like years since we last met. I hope life's been treating you well?" A bittersweet smile graced Jason's lips as he looked at just how much his sister had changed since they'd last met. Her once cropped hair was now pouring down her shoulders in dark waves, striking a contract against her shimmering silver attire. There was a sense of joy etched in her features. As they lingered in each other's embrace, a whirlwind of emotions surged through him. The unbreakable ties of brotherhood, the love that had lasted all these years, and a profound sense of kinship enveloped him. The last time he had seen Thalia was almost three years ago, and it was comforting to know she was still alive and well.
"Life is not too bad these days," Jason responded, breaking their hug. "Just doing my best to make the camp feel more alive, you know?" A chuckle escaped Thalia's lips.
"Well whatever you're doing, it can't be worse than the good old days when Dionysus was in charge, can it?" The trio laughed at that, fondly remembering just how torturous some days at camp were back when you'd get on the bad side of 'The Wine Dude.'
As the laughter died down, a regal figure emerged from the ranks of the Hunters.
"Jason Grace, it is good to see you once more," a young voice called out. Looking past his sister, Jason's gaze fell on a nineteen year old girl of ethereal beauty. Her lush, auburn hair cascaded like a fiery waterfall down her shoulders, framing her face. Moonlit eyes, ancient and wise, peered out from beneath gracefully arched eyebrows, their depths holding a delicate balance of sorrow and hidden strength. A wistful smile graced her lips, one adorned with mournfulness.
"It's nice to see you as well, Artemis," he greeted, nodding his head in respect. Before, her nineteen year old form used to catch him off guard as opposed to her usual, twelve year old one, but now he had learned to accept it.
"How are the campers doing?" she asked, genuinely interested in their wellbeing.
"They're doing fine, just having dinner, that's all. Would you care to join us? There's plenty to go around, even for your abnormally large group of hunters." The goddess chuckled at that, before waving her hand in dismissal.
"We're not here for food, but thank you for your kind hospitality," Artemis smiled. "Most of us have already eaten actually. There was a rather tender herd of cows a few miles back." The goddess began walking towards the dining pavilion, her hunters following closely behind.
"Even if you've already eaten, it would be an honour to have you at the table," Jason persisted. Artemis inclined her head gracefully.
"Thank you for the kind offer, but perhaps another time. For now, I need to introduce Chiron to someone." Jason nodded.
"Of course," he said. "If there's anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable, please let me know." Seizing the opportunity, Jason asked a question that had tugged at his curiosity ever since he'd heard the conch horn.
"If I may ask," Jason began, struggling to keep up with her pace. "What brings you here?" Artemis's gaze lingered on the dining pavilion ahead as they walked, her tone thoughtful.
"We found a new demigod who needed to be dropped off. Luckily, we weren't too far from here, and Phoebe was… adamant to visit camp." A couple of hunter's snorted.
"Adamant… she was about to throw a temper tantrum," one snickered, causing an uproar of laughter.
Next to him, the joyful banter between Thalia and Piper filled the air. He couldn't make out what they were saying, but it seems like Thalia was teasing his girlfriend, and judging from Piper's blush, it had something to do with him.
"I presume the camper is a boy then?" Jason asked, ignoring the laughter around him. Surprisingly, Artemis shook her head.
"A girl actually, one that disliked the idea of the hunt for some reason, although girl is probably the wrong word," she mused. "She's nearly eighteen." Jason nearly coughed on the air.
"Eighteen, did the gods seriously forget how to claim their kids or something?" She shrugged.
"You'll have to ask whoever her godly parent is. All I know is she has a strong aura, yet nothing like the big three. Perhaps a daughter of Hecate… Only time will tell." Jason nodded, and the rest of the walk was in silence.
When they reached the dining pavilion, every demigod stared in shock at the goddess. In an instinctive act of respect, they dropped to their knees, their foreheads almost touching the ground. Artemis cast them a sly smirk, impressed by the weight of their devotion and respect.
"Rise," she commanded, walking towards Chiron. The centaur gave her a small, sad smile, as if he knew the true reason behind why she was here.
"Hello Chiron, I hope all is well?" Artemis greeted him kindly. His response, however, veered away from common pleasantries, causing the goddess to shift uncomfortably on her feet.
"Can all truly be well on a day like today?" he asked, his tone carrying a touch of wistfulness. His words seemed to penetrate Artemis's neutral expression, causing her to avert her gaze, eyes fixed on the ground.
"I suppose not," she finally replied, her voice barely above a whisper. There was a heavy silence between them, as it looked like Artemis wrestled with her emotions.
"Artemis, I didn't want to sadden you," Chiron said in his calm tone, "but you of all people should understand that some of us won't be able to find happiness today." She gave a small, hasty nod.
"I know Chiron," she murmured softly, "but I'll worry about that later. For now, I have a new camper to introduce."
From the group of hunters, Artemis guided a nervous looking girl towards the front of the dining pavilion, where Chiron was. The girl was tall, her height matching Jason's, and her vibrant red hair flowed like flames down her back. Despite her anxious expression, her charming smile persisted, illuminating her face. Her eyes, a captivating shade of light green, sparkled with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. The only thing that ruined it was her clothes. They seemed to be tattered, ripped apart, as if they'd seen the depths of Tartarus. Faint scars peeked through the fabric of her shirt, which raised some questions for Jason, but he temporarily put them to the side.
"Campers, this is Vivienne Monroe!" Artemis announced. The campers responded kindly, clapping and cheering loudly for her.
"Parentage?" A voice called out. To the surprise of many, Artemis's response carried a hint of uncertainty.
"None yet," the goddess replied. At this, a ripple of unease spread through the campers, with whispers and murmurs intermingling like a hushed symphony of confusion. Like Jason, they couldn't help but wonder why no one had claimed her yet.
"Now, let's not start muttering shall we?" Jason quickly said, sensing the tension in the air. "In due time, Vivienne will find her rightful place among her siblings. Until then, I hope all of you will be treating her like your own, and make sure she feels welcomed." They nodded their heads. Satisfied, Chiron decided to seize the moment.
"Now that we've dealt with our latest arrival, let us proceed to wash our hands," he wisely decided. Following his lead, the campers dispersed, heading towards the nearest sinks.
"And don't forget about today's campfire event!" Jason exclaimed with a mischievous grin. "I managed to persuade the Hermes cabin to 'borrow' some marshmallows from that convenience story you all love!"
"You did what?" Chiron suddenly interjected, his voice tinged with a mixture of irritation and surprise. Caught with his hand in the cookie jar, Jason's face paled, a sheepish expression crossing his face.
"Would it help if I said I told them to leave some mortal money on the counter?" he asked the unamused centaur.
"Busted," Thalia snickered playfully into his ear as the hunt also decided to wash the dirt and grime from their hands.
As everyone else, Piper included, went to wash their hands, Artemis lingered behind, something Jason wasn't oblivious to. Sensing her inner turmoil, he approached her with genuine concern.
"Artemis, is there something you want to say to me?" Jason asked politely. The goddess hesitated, as if unsure whether or not to ask. He couldn't help but notice how her expression reflected a perfect balance between longing and uncertainty.
"Jason, I don't mean to annoy you," Artemis began, her voice trailing off. "But I just… I couldn't help but wonder if…" Her words dissipated into the air, leaving an unspoken question hanging between them.
"Whether or not he's come back?" he finished for her. Artemis nodded, a mixture of hope and apprehension etched upon her features.
"I know it's probably a really dumb question, but I just had to ask." Jason nodded his head.
"Honestly, I would love nothing more than to tell you everything is how it was before," he admitted, " but I just can't." A sad smile graces his face. "Look above Artemis and tell me what do you see?" Artemis followed his gaze, her eyes scanning the horizon.
"A storm?" she asked.
"Thunderclouds," Jason corrected gently. "You see a storm brewing in the distance, but where's the rain." Defeated, Artemis let loose a long sigh, her shoulders slumping in acknowledgement.
"I'm sorry Jason, but I don't think I'd be able to sleep properly if I didn't ask." Lightly touching his shoulder, the goddess of the moon began walking alongside the other demigods, leaving him to tend to his own thoughts...
"I don't think any of us are sleeping properly tonight, regardless," Jason murmured softly to the quiet, whistling wind, before turning around and following her.
By the time he reached the campfire, most of the campers and hunters had already begun to settle down, taking seats amongst each other. He noticed that the new camper, Vivienne, had sat in between Thalia and Artemis in the corner. Jason couldn't blame her. She'd most likely only found out about the Greek world a few days ago, and he was surprised she was holding up so well. Thalia, ever the welcoming presence, leaned in to whisper something to Vivienne, most likely an inside joke. Artemis, sitting regalled beside them, exuded an air of serenity and wisdom. Her moonlight eyes, tinged with a hint of sorrow, surveyed the campfire. It was a rare sight to see the goddess in her nineteen-year-old-form, but he didn't want to say anything now, turning his gaze away from her. Almost automatically, Jason caught Piper's eye amongst the crowd. She was sitting with her siblings, listening to them joke around. Catching sight of Jason, she locked eyes with him, her gaze filled with warmth and affection. Quickly, she flashed him a cheeky smile, one that made his heart flutter, before turning her attention to two bickering campers behind her.
As he took his place beside Artemis, Jason watched Chiron walk (or rather trot) up to the front of the crackling campfire, its warm glow casting dancing shadows on the faces of the campers and hunters.
"Unfortunately, it appears we've run out of marshmallows," the centaur sighed, "and frankly neither I, nor Jason have the time to go and get some more."
A collective murmur of disappointment rose from the crowd, punctuated by a few impassioned protests, but the majority of campers behaved, giving an understanding nod..
"Guys," Jason began. "Let's remember the real reason why we gather around these campfires. It's not just for marshmallows, but for the opportunity to connect with one another, to share stories, and to find peace and comfort in the company of our fellow demigods." His words hung in the air, and the campers gradually fell silent, eyes turning towards him. "Come on, they're just sweets. Yes, they may be juicy, sweet white sugar balls that are incredibly addictive, but there is better stuff in this world. Just for one light, let's all wind down, sing some songs, and just have a blast, because that's what me and Chiron want for you." Silence engulfed them again, as his words sunk in.
"Thank you, Jason," Chiron said, his voice carrying a note of gratitude. "I can assure you all that for the next campfire, we'll have double the marshmallows, deal?" A ring of approval ran throughout the campers, some even licking their lips in anticipation.
With the atmosphere rekindled, Chiron motioned to the children of Apollo, who stood ready at the forefront of the stage. Eager to uplift the spirits of their fellow campers, they launched straight into the campers familiar tunes. Their melodic voices soared through the night air, blending harmoniously with the crackling of the fire and the hushed whispers of the wind. As the songs resonated around the campfire, a feeling of serenity swept through the gathering. One by one, all the other campers joined in, their voices mingling in a chorus of shared joy and enthusiasm. Smiles adorned the faces of every demigod, their worries momentarily set aside as they surrendered to the power of music and community. Even Artemis and Vivienne were joining in, slight smiles tugging at the corners of their lips. In that magical moment, the campfire transformed into a haven of solace and inspiration. The flames danced and flickered, casting a warm and inviting glow that mirrored the sparks of connection and friendship that ignited within the hearts of those gathered. Here they were, demigods of Olympus, standing strong and unwavering beneath the star-studded sky, singing songs together in a moment of peace and unity.
Unfortunately, like all good things, it had to come to an end. As the flames danced higher and high, reaching new peaks, Chiron slowly raised a hand, signalling for the singing to stop. The harmonies faded, and a murmur of disappointment rippled through the crowd. Jason sighed. He knew the campers wanted to keep the campfire going, but even he was starting to get sleepy. Besides, today just wasn't the right day. Not after what happened before.
"Campers," Chiron began, his voice carrying a blend of authority and weariness. "As fun as tonight has been, I think it's time to bid the songs farewell and get some sleep." The murmurs grew louder.
"But Chiron," one of the campers protested, "please can't we stay a bit longer? The night feels so… alive when we sing, and everyone enjoys it." Jason could sense the hesitation in Chiron's gaze, torn between granting their request and the responsibility of ensuring everyone got a good rest. Chiron sighed, his expression full of exhaustion.
"I understand your desire, young ones," he replied, his voice tinged with regret. "But I'm too tired to keep watch over everyone. And, I'm sure Jason could use some sleep as well, especially on a night like today." A couple more murmurs rang across the campers as they exchanged disappointed glances, their earlier joy and excitement waning.
"Chiron," one camper suddenly spoke up, addressing the centaur with determination. "What if Lady Artemis stayed with us, just for a little while longer? She can supervise us, and we promise to keep calm and on our best behaviour." Chiron looked at the camper uncertainty. All eyes turned to Artemis, the goddess who had been observing the scene quietly from aside. As her gaze met Chiron's, a silent understanding passed between them. A gentle smile tugged at her lips, conveying her willingness to extend her watchful gaze upon the campers.
"Very well," Chiron relented. "Artemis has volunteered to keep watch over you for a bit longer, but remember, it is a privilege. Behave responsibly and listen to her guidance. When she says it is time for bed, it means you must all head back to your cabins without any further arguments." A chorus of cheers erupted from the campers, their disappointment quickly replaced with renewed excitement. The centaur chuckled lightly, before turning back to the goddess.
"Thank you, Artemis," he said kindly. "Just make sure they don't stay up too long." The goddess nodded.
"It's what he would've done," she smiled. Chiron pursed his lips, but didn't say anything.
"Very well then. Goodnight, my dear campers, and may your dreams be filled with hope and strength." Bidding the campers farewell, Jason watched as the centaur retreated towards his own quarters, his hoof steps fading into the night.
With the centaur gone, everyone turned to Artemis. Jason didn't blame them. She was supervising them, and even if she had softened up over the years, everyone still knew better than to agitate a goddess by not following their instructions to a T.
"Artemis," Jason began with a sigh, "the campers want to know what to do. You're in charge now." She jolted out of her daze. A thoughtful pause ensued as Artemis contemplated the options they had.
"Well what do you all want to do?" the goddess asked the crowd. "I mean I was thinking that everyone just wanted to continue singing, but judging from the expressions on your faces, you're all tired now. Perhaps it's better just to call it a day and go to bed." Just as the order to disperse seemed imminent, a tiny hand pierced through the sea of faces, rising against the night's blackness. Artemis, almost overlooking the gesture amidst the multitude, caught sight of the young boy, no more than eight years old, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes denoting his divine lineage as a child of Hermes.
Curiosity piqued, the goddess leaned in, her voice laced with genuine warmth.
"Yes?" she asked kindly. Caught off guard by her unexpected gentleness, the young camper hesitated for a moment, then found his voice.
"Before bed," he began, his words filled with innocence and hope, "please can you tell us a bedtime story?" The question hung in the air, invoking a sense of childlike wonder and anticipation. Jason, glancing at Piper, couldn't help but sport a wry smile. The irony of the situation wasn't lost on them. After all, it wasn't every night where the goddess of the hunt was asked to tell a bedtime story.
"A… a story?" Artemis asked uneasily. The boy nodded eagerly, before quickly being hushed by his fellow siblings. One of his elder sisters stepped forward.
"Forgive him, milady," she implored. "He just finds it hard to sleep without one. You don't need to do it, I'll tell him one when we get back to our cabin." The goddess frowned.
"Why are you apologising for him?" she asked. "The boy asked a genuine question." The sister, hesitating for a moment, mustered the courage to express her honest thoughts.
"Most gods, if we may be frank, do not extend their time or attention to us demigods, much less tell us a bedtime story." Jason silently agreed with her. It wasn't like his father, or any of their parents ever tried to take notice in their lives. Well, at least until The Fourth Decree of Cataclysm.
"I was like most gods," Artemis admitted, "but I changed. Someone helped me understand mortals and males better." She attempted a smile, a flicker or warmth gracing her lips. "I suppose I can give you a story, although I must warn you, it might be a bit dark." The boy leapt up in glee.
"Awesome, I love violent stories! Thank you so, so, so much, Lady Artemis." The goddess waved it off nonchalantly.
With a graceful motion, Artemis beckoned the campers to gather closer, forming a semicircle around the fading campfire. The night air, laden with anticipation, seemed to hold its breath, as if sensing the pain and nostalgia behind Artemis's tale.
"I don't think I've ever really told this story before to anyone," she began, her voice as soft as the gentle wind. "Some of my elder hunters know, but everyone else has either never heard of it, or just pieced it together themselves." Looking around, Jason noticed the grave faces of some of Artemis's hunters, a gravity that weighed heavily upon their shoulders. A sinking feeling enveloped him, as he suddenly realised what her story was about.
"I don't like talking about what happened that day" the goddess confessed, locking eyes with Jason, as if she could read his thoughts. "But tonight, above all nights, I fear that if I do not share this, it'll gnaw on my mind the entire night."
"Artemis," Piper interjected softly. "You don't need to say this-"
"No, I do," she said firmly, before turning to face the campers, determination etched on her features.
"See, today is a very special day. This very day, five hundred years ago, was the last time I ever saw the only male I truly cared about, the only man who, without hesitation, I could call my love." She paused for a moment, wiping something from her eye.
"It was the last time I saw Percy Jackson."
Okay, so that's the first chapter done! How is it? It took forever to plan, because I was trying to go for a story idea that no one had really done before. The main ship will be Pertemis to say in advance, but there's a lot of plot building, explaining, flashbacks, and other stuff to go through as well. Hope you stick around for the story, and please do leave a review if you enjoyed it!