Disclaimer:
I Do Not Own Percy Jackson & the Olympians
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Arcanum Revelatum
Artemis
''This isn't a good idea.''
''Yes, it is.''
''No, it's not.''
''You're overacting, everything is going to be fine.''
''You don't believe that.'' Silence. Ignoring the soft cold breeze wafting into the half-open window that was adorned with dark silk curtains, letting in a chill that hinted of icy snow-white petals covering the mortal plane and frigid weather that would send most animals into hibernation, Artemis glared out the window; her eyes honing in on the sun that was rising up over the horizon, sending fiery orange streaks across the azure blue sky.
Her brother was beginning his duties as the sovereign of the sun.
Tsking, she angrily grabbed the dark curtains and roughly closed them. It would be bad, scratch that severely frightening, had that idiot realized where she currently was. What she was currently doing. Even him being slightly curious of her actions filled her with feelings of dread, rage, and indignation.
The latter because she was not a child, no matter how much he tried to treat her like one.
The fool even dared to proclaim that he was older than her! Her! The, older, sister who watched over him as he practiced with the weapons their mother fashioned for both of them from the trees on Delos, who delegated her time in sparring with him while hunting for suitable prey for them to eat, and who treated his wounds as they traveled with their mother all across Greece in an attempt to ward off Hera's misguided wrath.
No matter how many centuries passed her brother was an insufferable idiot who made her constantly want to shoot him with an arrow where his domain didn't shine.
''Should it matter what I believe? We both agreed to do this before the previous summer solstice passed and we failed.'' Artemis's luminescent silver-grey eyes flashed and she tightly grasped the curtains clutched within her hands, a dark expression beginning to cover her face. ''Now we both have to do this at the winter solstice.''
''The winter solstice is a time where evil is at its highest and dark magic is at its strongest.''
''We waited long enough. If we keep on delaying this, then there's a definite possibility of our secret blowing up in our faces.''
''Are you saying that there is a chance that I could be caught?'' More silence. Eyes narrowing Artemis turned away from the window and glared at the object of her irritation who was seated in a black office chair, his attention sorely focused on a plethora of papers strewn across his navy blue desk. ''Answer me, Perseus Jackson. Now.''
Perseus Jackson looked up from the papers on his desk and stared into her eyes. Meeting his gaze the moon goddess silently waited for his reply, hoping that it wouldn't make her want to kill him. Yet she wouldn't be surprised if it did. After all, he was infamously known throughout the Greek pantheon for his temperament in disrespecting deities who were older and more powerful than he was.
Many would have chalked his personality as a distinct trait known only to his father, Poseidon the Olympian God of Seas, Storms, Earthquakes, Droughts, Floods, and Horses.
They would have been wrong.
Though Perseus certainly had his father's looks, i.e... raven dark hair that was unkempt, eyes that were as green as an emerald, and a face that was more Roman than Greek, which Artemis found extremely ironic, his personality was sorely his. It was a personality that she found, to this day, utterly confusing. Considering his achievements in fearlessly facing other demigods, demons, gods, titans, and even participating in two wars, one which pitted them against giants and the earth primordial herself five years ago, the moon goddess fully expected his ego to have rapidly inflated to the size of Mount Olympus.
Yet it didn't.
''You know that's not what I meant, you're the best hunter in the Greek Pantheon.''
''...Flattery will not work on me.'' She replied, yet a small measure of her rage cooled. Leaning against the wall that was the shade of forest green, while crossing her arms over her chest, she watched as Perseus frowned. ''You should know that by now, right?''
Many arrogant males, from mortals to immortals, had attempted to win her hand ever since she stepped foot on Olympus with her brother. Some tried flattery, others tried a façade of kindness while the dastardly ones pursued more violent actions. Suffice to say she brutally dished out punishment to the ones who dared to attempt to take her by force and coldly rejected the others who tried to court her, within a short few centuries she attained the moniker that was as synonymous as the domains she presided over.
The Man Hating Goddess.
''Right.'' Percy awkwardly mumbled, his gaze returning to the papers on his desk. ''Of course.''
A few minutes passed as Artemis continued to watch Perseus, the only thing that she could hear was the distinct scratching of his pencil against the papers below him. After a few more minutes elapsed, she tilted her head and began to mentally countdown.
Five...
Four...
Three...
Two...
One...
''We both agreed to this Artemis.''
She nearly smirked.
''Yes, we did, but don't you think that telling the others of our relationship during one of the most inauspicious time is practically asking for disaster to happen?''
Perseus paused, a second later his emerald gaze landed on her again. The Goddess of the Moon felt her stomach clench as they stared at each other. Yes, she was, secretly, dating Perseus Jackson. Even though it had been nearly a year since they confessed their feelings for each other, Artemis still couldn't believe that she had decided to be in a relationship with a man.
It disrupted everything that she stood for.
It jeopardized all the people she cared for and who looked to her for protection.
It was a relationship that was doomed to fail from the start.
''Even so, we can't just keep putting this off.'' Percy said, rising from his chair while setting his pen down. ''Each time we do we're opening the risk of us getting caught. Even now it's dangerous for us to be together.''
''I know. Yet I'm worried that you don't understand how terrifying the other Olympians can be, how terrifying my father and brother can be...I don't want you to get hurt.'' It was no secret that both Zeus and Apollo were immensely dangerous individually, history can attest to that. Yet pair them together while adding in an unexpected situation that concerned her, that would make their opinion meaningless, and one would fully see the fearful might of the Wrath of the Sun and the Ambient Omnipotent Ferocity of the Sky.
''I'm not scared of them.'' Of course, an idiotic reply. Sighing, Artemis removed her gaze from the demigod and instead stared at a picture of a smiling dark-haired green-eyed young girl on his desk.
''How's Estelle?''
Artemis saw Perseus narrow his emerald green eyes at the obvious change in topic, nonetheless, he replied. ''She's doing fine, though I haven't seen that much because this job is keeping me busy.'' He glanced in distaste at the various papers scattered below him. ''I never thought being a marine biologist would be so...dull.''
''Dull?''
''Yeah. Ever since I recently started this job the only thing I've been doing is paperwork. Paperwork. Also, more paperwork.''
Artemis laughed. ''They have the son of Poseidon, the Olympian god of the Sea, and the life that resides within it, doing administration duties?''
''Not funny.'' Perseus dryly replied and she shot him an amused look.
''If that's the case then why haven't you showcased your skill to them then? I'm pretty sure once they see it they would be showering you with accolades and promotions.'' An unreadable expression crossed Perseus's face. Maneuvering around his desk, the demigod walked forward until he was a few feet away from her.
Her heart began to beat furiously.
Striving to ignore the effect he had on her, the Goddess of the Moon retained a calm expression while raising an eyebrow. Though they were secretly dating, she wasn't exactly comfortable with exploring her intimacy, so suffice to say she hasn't exactly explored the more intimate side of her relationship with Perseus Jackson. However, vice versa Percy didn't seem keen on exploring the intimacy between them either. The main reason, to which she suspected, being that he was still guilty of entering a new relationship while having the knowledge of seeing the love of his life die as a sacrifice to the revival of the earth primordial during the second war with the giants.
''-so I won't.''
''What?'' Artemis focused herself back into reality and saw Perseus staring at her, his face holding an expression that she didn't like. ''What did you say?''
''I said that's the problem. If I decide to show my skills, then it's going to draw unnecessary attention to myself, which I don't want. I'd rather just lay low and quietly do whatever work they assign me.''
Artemis mentally frowned. Lifting herself off of the wall she closed the distance between them and hesitantly laid a hand on his cheek. ''Though I see the logic in your idea, I'm against it. Your skills are something that is an inevitable part of you, they are something that have remained with you since you were born. Denying them is like denying yourself.''
Perseus shrugged.
A withdrawn uncomfortable silence descended between them. Body thrumming with some sort of unknown emotion that she had never felt before entering a relationship with Perseus Jackson Artemis stepped back while removing her hand from his cheek.
''I need to go.''
''...Alright.'' Perseus replied, his emerald orbs continuing to stare at her with that damn expression. ''I guess I'll see you in a week, at the winter solstice, right?''
She silently nodded.
Closing her eyes Artemis mentally reached out for her powers. Instantly a familiar rush of immortal energy, blistering cold yet soothing like the ethereal glow of moonlight, surged through her veins. When she opened her eyes, the Goddess of the Moon knew her luminescent silvery grey eyes was glowing with power. ''Before I leave I want to remind, to warn, you that my father and brother are dangerous people who think they know what is good for me. They will attempt to destroy anything and anybody who they think poses a threat to me without question or remorse.''
The idiot stared at her, a lopsided smirk forming on his face.
''I know...and I'm not scared.''
xXx
''-and I must say I'm feeling quite bored. Father, how about we bring out some wine and-''
''Hey! I still want answers on who trashed my weapons temple! When I find out who did it, I swear I'm going to kil-''
''Ugg, enough Ares. Yes, we know you're going to kill them. What else is new? Quiet George! Martha, I don't care who sent Aeolus a bag full of Sterquilinus's shi-''
''All you guys are too tense, may I recommend a new brand of cereal that I discovered? It's called Raisin-''
''-have any of you seen the keys to the sun chariot around here? I could have sworn I left them in my-''
Useless chatter resounded around the Goddess of the Moon as she watched the usual antics of the other Olympians play out within the Hall of the Gods. Dressed in her usual attire, which consisted of simple black leggings along with a silver tunic, Artemis retained a cold expression as she tapped her finger against the silver armrest of her throne while continuing to watch the other Olympians argue with each other.
'Though I see your the logic in your idea, I'm against it. Your skills are something that is an inevitable part of you, they are something that have remained with you since you were born. Denying them is like denying yourself.'
She frowned.
Though she had made sure to stay active to forestall any negative thoughts on the upcoming reveal of her relationship with Perseus at the Winter Solstice, such as spending various amounts of time with her hunters tracking prey or visiting her mother who usually resided at Delos, her mind always returned to the conversation she had with him a week ago.
'If I decide to show my skills then it's going to draw unnecessary attention to myself, which I don't want. I'd rather just lay low and quietly do whatever work they assign me.'
He was an idiot.
Yet she loved him.
A flash of unpleasantness mixed with that unknown emotion that she felt when they had that conversation in his apartment raced through her.
Those words still felt so...so...strange when she used them and she had no idea why. She had never felt this confused, never felt this uncertain, never felt these feelings since she irrationally decided to enter a relationship with the demigod.
The Goddess of the Moon sighed and then leaned to her left to rest her cheek on her hand.
''Somebody is stealing weapons from my temples dammit! I want some fucking answers! Now! Hermes, I swear if this is one of your pranks again-''
''Ares, does it look like I have time to waste on you? Look, Martha, I don't care who did it, tell Aeolus if he wants to return package to sender he's going to pay extra drachma.''
''Father, would it be okay if I have just a smidge of wine? Dealing with those...those pests- t- to which I mean campers, of course, have utterly exhausted-''
''Hephaestus, have you thought over my suggestion? There are plenty of advantages to joining my Cereal for All club! If you accept my invitation before the week ends, you receive one free gift basket of cereal!''
''-alright! Since I can't find my keys, don't blame me if the eastern hemisphere goes dark.''
A sudden chuckle from her left made Artemis's eyes narrow, a second later she removed her head from her hand and turned to her left. What she saw was a golden-haired, amber-eyed, woman who was covering her mouth with her perfectly manicured hand; an amused expression on her enchanting face.
''Is there something wrong Aphrodite? I hope you wouldn't be laughing at the current state of the other Olympians.''
''Why of course not Artemis, how childish do you think I am?'' Aphrodite replied, her voice pitched at just the right tone to catch the attention of any man. It was merely one of the many assets the Goddess of the Moon knew the Goddess of Love used to her full advantage. ''I'm merely amused because this meeting seems to be lasting longer than I thought.''
Artemis's eyes glanced at her father. It was his job to keep order within the council, to halt inappropriate behavior, yet what was he doing? Receiving an earful from Hera about, from what she suspected, his latest fling. It was a good thing that, unlike the summer solstice, the meetings during the winter solstice were usually held in private to thwart any nefarious activities from happening.
''If you are upset about the longevity of the meeting Aphrodite, why don't you do something? In fact, why don't you control your boyfriend? He is the one barking the loudest.'' Artemis felt satisfaction rise within her as she saw ire flash through the Goddess of Love's amber orbs.
''Ares is a big boy.'' Aphrodite replied, shrugging her shoulders as she set her hand on her lap. In distaste Artemis looked at the Goddess of Love's attire was consisted of a provocative, nearly transparent, satin red dress that clung to her ample body, showing her clearly defined feminine curves. ''His behavior is not my concern nor job to control.''
This was one of the many reasons why she never got along with Aphrodite. The love goddess was just too unwilling, or prideful, to take responsibility when it was needed. She would rather send her servants, ignore, or like now, place the responsibility onto someone else.
Intentionally turning away Artemis gazed at the other Olympians with an irritated expression.
''I wouldn't if I were you.'' Artemis's slivery grey eyes landed on the brunette-haired woman to her right whose stormy gray eyes were directed to a book that was merely a few inches away from her face. Her attire consisted of a pure white toga under a dark amber leather vest, filled with intricate designs, along with a stunning ruby red cape.
''What?''
''I said I wouldn't try to reign those idiots in if I were you.'' The woman quickly replied, never taking her eyes off her book. ''It would be best if they're scolded by Zeus once Hera's finished with him. At least then, they'll have the opportunity to relearn some important lessons. One namely being not to cause disturbances during a meeting.''
''Athena, don't you think your words to me would have more meaning if you looked me in the eye?''
The Goddess of Wisdom frowned, a second later she placed a bookmark in the shape of an owl on the page she was at and then, with a regretful expression, closed the book. ''Sorry about that, just got busy on my pre-investigation on a report to Olympus news about the virtues of the-''
''No need to explain. Always doing a report to satisfy your curiosity, right?''
Athena smirked.
''What about you? Last I recall you seemed pretty fired up when Father gave you that search and capture mission some time ago.''
Artemis shrugged.
A year and a half ago Zeus had given her and her hunters the mission of capturing the rogue gods who had secretly joined the earth primordial's side during the second war with the giants.
That was how she and Perseus had met.
One of the rogue gods on the list was a water elemental from Poseidon's court who was hiding out in the outskirts of San Francisco California. Artemis remembered that she was particularly vengeful with this god as she searched for his hideout because he had severely injured most of her hunters in a widespread attack during their last battle.
Once she had finally found the rogue god, to her surprise, she saw that he was battling Perseus Jackson. When the battle was finished, in the demigod's victory, she had revealed herself and demanded answers for why he was here and why he had taken her prey. The reply that she was given was that, under the agreement of Zeus, Poseidon had sent him to capture the rogue god and return him to Atlantis so that the traitor could face judgment.
She was forced to let the rogue god go.
After that humiliating day, she had began to notice Perseus more and more as he began to individually hunt the rogue gods that Zeus had assigned her and her hunters. In a fit of rage she had sent her hunters to Camp Half-Blood for a repose and soloed the rest of the mission in an effort to undermine Perseus along with, to what she suspected, his goal of destroying the reputation of her and her hunters.
It wasn't until later, until she and Perseus had come to an understanding and had begun to develop their relationship more, that she realized his intention for intruding upon her mission.
''True, yet we all know that-''
''-You consider your work top priority above anything else.'' Aphrodite interrupted, injecting herself into conversation. ''Which is a shame considering how loved you are throughout Olympus.''
Athena's long brunette hair spilled out in front of her as she leaned forward to look at the Goddess of Love. ''Of course, though I prefer being admired to being loved, Aphrodite.''
''Aren't they the same thing?''
''No.'' Artemis said. ''They're not. Though I suspect the reasons for why would still elude you.''
''Would you like to explain the differences to me then Artemis?'' Aphrodite asked and Artemis could see the Goddess of Love's amber eyes burning with irritation. ''It would be interesting to see how your definition differs from mine.''
''Being admired, verb, is the state in which one looks upon an object, quality, or person with approval. Respect. It is usually in relation to trust and dignity.'' Artemis and Aphrodite turned to look at Athena whose stormy grey eyes were bright with zeal as she spoke. ''Being loved, verb, on the other hand, is the state in which one person has deep affection for the other. Those affections are usually intertwined with feelings of lust, happiness, rage, sadness, pleasure, nervousness, etc... If one were to interpret the relation between the two and the other various factors then I think that we could investigate how-''
''In short.'' Artemis interrupted while giving the Goddess of Wisdom an apologetic look. Athena winced, a second later she began to involuntarily tap her fingers against the book that was on her lap. ''Being admired does not involve the domains that you control. It is something that one can freely choose and exercise if there are no unexpected circumstances.''
''I see.'' Aphrodite replied, her voice holding traces of what the Goddess of the Moon suspected to be the beginnings of anger, she could even practically see a small crack on Aphrodite's carefully formed façade that she kept properly secured at all times. ''Yet I wonder if your strict views on my domain would change if you had the experience, the opportunity, to fall in love.''
Artemis's heart pounded.
A sudden flash of an electric hue, followed by the encompassing sound of thunder, interrupted their conversation. Turning to her father Artemis saw that he was staring at them in dismay, beside him Hera had a bitter expression on her face.
''Enough of this nonsense.'' He angrily grumbled, a dark scowl on his face while small sparks of electricity danced across his beard. ''I'm calling this meeting back to order. Athena, where did we leave off?''
''...Father, I believe it was with Hermes reporting the list of all current eligible prisoners who are scheduled for parole or at least resentencing.''
''Hermes.''
''Ah...yes. Right. Well, for starters, there's-'' The winter solstice meeting continued. Each topic, from the possible whereabouts and the current locations of various titans to the use of construction materials that were being used to build various temples on Olympus, was discussed and, if needed to, voted upon. Keeping silent the Goddess of the Moon again rested her cheek against her hand while listening to Zeus as he continued on with the meeting, giving her advice when the situation called for it.
After all, what she should be focused on was not now but later, that was when Perseus was supposed to arrive.
There was a sudden movement near the doors of the Hall of the Gods, turning her head Artemis saw that they were opening.
Letting in Perseus Jackson.
Artemis froze, a second later her heart began to thump wildly at the sight of him as approached the middle of the throne room. From his navy blue shirt, black pants, and black jacket the demigod was a bizarre sight among the various shades of gold and white. Unnaturally sitting straight in her chair, while tightly gripping the edges of her armrest, she watched as his emerald green eyes landed on her for a brief moment before focusing on the King of the Gods.
What was that idiot doing here? Fear and rage were a maelstrom throughout Artemis's body, intending to tear her into pieces. She was sure she had told him yesterday night, through an iris message, that to arrive at the latest possible time. Mentally reaching out for her domain she saw that it was nearly time to begin her duties as the Mistress of the Moon.
Which was baffling to Artemis because they had begun the winter solstice meeting at ten o clock am.
''Percy Jackson.'' Zeus grumbled and Artemis saw her father glaring at Poseidon in suspicion as the demigod kneeled in front of him. ''What are you doing here? You are interrupting a meeting that is reserved for the Olympians.'' Percy lifted his head and stared into the King of Olympus's electric blue orbs, the expression on his face reminding the Goddess of the Moon of the gravity of the current situation and Percy's penchant for annoying immortal deities stronger than him.
In a flash she disappeared from her throne in a silvery hue and appeared right next to him, her godly form now replaced with a human size as she also respectfully kneeled in front of her father.
''I'm sorry Father for the unexpected guest, and for disrupting the meeting, yet I asked him to come.'' Keeping her head down, while ignoring the way her auburn hair slipped past her shoulders and hung into the air, the Goddess of the Moon silently waited for her father's reply; all the while keenly aware of the various stares aimed at her.
''...Rise.'' Artemis rose to her feet. When she met the eyes of her father, she saw her father staring at her, an expression of pure shock on his face.
That expression mirrored many of the other Olympians' faces.
''Artemis, for what reason did you call this demigod to Olympus?''
''Yeah.'' Apollo said, his face still holding an expression of shock yet there was now a tinge of confusion mixed in. ''What exactly is going on? Hey Perseus, did my little sister curse you or something like that? If she did then can you forgive her for me? I keep telling her that it isn't right to lay curses on every man who accidentally disrespects her. Yet she just goes on and does it. I mean take a look at Sipriotes, did you actually think that he wanted to be transformed into a girl just because he accidentally-''
''Enough brother.'' Artemis interrupted, glaring at Apollo who was wearing a pure white toga with a golden sash. ''If I had wanted to curse Perseus do you think I would have brought him to Olympus?''
''Oh, so then did you guys get in a disagreement?''
''Could be, but I don't think so. Artemis usually doesn't get involved with a man-''
''Isn't it different though? It's Percy. So there must be a reason.''
''I agree. There's no reason why she would hang out with the punk who thinks he's so better than-''
''Ares, stop being so disgraceful. With the way you're acting, I would think that you're still angry at him because he beat you during his first quest. If so, get over it. In fact, you should be thanking him. You became a superstar with all the views that I got, they practically flooded in overnight.''
''MOTHERFUC-''
''Calm down Ares, Hephaestus is just joking with you. You always lose your temper so quickly.''
''Can somebody please just hand me a bottle of Chateau Latour Pauillac? I just want a teensy sip for-'' The air shifted, a second later the smell of rain mixed with the feeling of electricity surged throughout the Hall of the Gods.
Artemis turned her silver-grey eyes back to her father and saw that his scowl had deepened while a warning look was plastered on his face.
''If one more outburst, If one more disrespectful act, happens within this council I will hand out punishment.'' His behest was met with silence. ''Good. Now Artemis, for some reason you brought this demigod here. I expect to hear a proper explanation.''
Artemis hesitated, the words stuck in her throat. This was the moment, the moment where she would tell the council of her breaking her vow. Glancing at Perseus Artemis saw that he was looking at her with that idiotic lopsided grin that she hated. That unknown emotion coursed through her veins, and for some strange reason, giving her strength. Inhaling, the Goddess of the Moon looked right into her father's eyes and then spoke the words that she had never thought she would have said in her immortal life.
''Father, the reason why I invited Percy to Olympus during this meeting, is because we...I...have decided to pursue a relationship with each other.''
Silence.
Deathly.
Deathly.
Silence.
Since she was watching her father, Artemis could see emotions upon emotions flashing through his face. It was a scary sight. There was a sudden snap that eerily resounded throughout the Hall of the Gods. Eyes moving in the direction of the sound Artemis saw her brother staring at her, his bronzed face holding an expression that she had never seen him make before.
From behind her the unnaturally loud crackle, pop, and snap of the hearth was a constant reminder to the Moon Goddess that time had not stopped. That she was not put under an illusion spell by Hecate, or that reality had not fractured into millions of pieces. Leaving her forever a mute stagnant observer in this moment, unable to witness what happens next after her proclamation.
A second later reality came crashing. Fast. The Hall of the Gods erupted into a cascade of yells, screeches, and complete chaos.
Her father...her father was so incensed. Countless of electric sparks jumped off his beard and landed on the ground, causing various golden tiles to be destroyed and replaced with craters. Before she could say anything heat, scorching, untempered, and potent, flowed through the air. Gaze going to her brother she saw harsh luminescent amber gold light covering his form, like he was having difficulty in stopping himself from turning into his true form.
Both of their gazes were trained on Perseus and there was so...so..so much fury in their eyes. As one they both stood up from their thrones, dark unbridled expressions on their faces.
''Wait! Father! Brother! Don't do this! Just listen to me and-'' Her plea fell on deaf ears. Maybe it was because there was still so much noise in the throne room, Artemis was pretty sure the gods and Goddess on the other side of Olympus could hear them, or maybe it was because of the various amounts of reverberating thunder strikes that she knew filled the sky at the moment.
All Artemis knew was that she lost hope in communicating when a glaring electric blue and golden hue covered her father and brother respectively. When the light disappeared her father and brother were dressed in full battle regalia.
Zeus's master bolt crackled and hummed with nearly unmeasurable power while Apollo's bow and arrow shined with a ferocity akin to this domain.
Both of them pointed their weapon at Perseus.
Everything began to slow down as if her grandfather was in the throne room and was using his powers. She could see herself quickly stepping forward while mentally reaching out to her domain to erect a silver barrier between her and Perseus, the nearly blinding light as her father and brother fired their weapons, and lastly, her barrier shattering under the pure combined power of the Sky and the Sun. The last thing that she felt before she succumbed to the unyielding force of unconsciousness, besides the all-consuming blistering pain that traveled throughout her body, was a pair of arms wrapping around her in protection.
End Of Chapter
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