Aphrodite was left stunned, her half finished cocktail still in her hand. Her mouth was in an 'O' shape, like the kind she made when… She was shocked to say the least. Literally two minutes ago she had been laughing and joking with Percy. Now, he was like a fleeting shadow, vanished into the night. She could still hear the pain, the hurt in his voice as he ran away from the bar.
Aphrodite wasn't proud of what she'd done, but in her heart, she had genuinely believed that Annabeth and Percy weren't meant for the long haul. Their love story lacked the complexity that fueled relationships: the fiery arguments, the silent sulks, the desperate make-ups. It was just... too perfect. And perfection, well, that rarely survived the test of time. Still, she'd wanted them to break up by themselves, not with the help of a godly force. It's just when Athena came up to her, demanding Aphrodite to return a favour, she was forced to. She guessed that's probably why they tell you not to swear on the Styx unless necessary. She never wanted to hurt Percy, but she'd literally had no choice. Besides, he'd moved on from her, so why was he still so upset?
"Did I ruin your date?" Athena giggled. "Oopsie." Aphrodite, however, wasn't having any of it. The realisation of what just happened had immediately sobered her up.
"Oh yes you did," Aphrodite snarled, her tone dripping with an acidic disdain that matched the sinking feeling in her chest. "What was that for?" The wisdom goddess, drunk and defiant, decided to ignore her, a bad idea. Her anger rising, Aphrodite grabbed Athena's glass and jerked it up, causing all the liquid to fall onto her face. Ah, now she was listening.
"You listen," Athena growled, wiping the drink off her face. "I did what I did because I knew it was right. I don't want any of my daughters dating sons of Poseidons, because it just doesn't work."
"And who are you to decide that-"
"Don't act all innocent here." Athena's retort was scathing, her voice laced with a simmering resentment. "Standing there, acting so high and mighty… It sickens me. You didn't oppose the idea at all. In fact, you welcomed it-"
"After you convinced me," she interjected. Athena only sneered.
"Then blame yourself for being convinced. I didn't charmspeak you the same way you've done to me so many times. I simply listed my reasons."
"Ohh, so what, this is revenge?" Athena ignored her, instead fumbling around for her jacket and slipping it on. In her drunk state, she accidentally wore it inside out. Oblivious, the goddess tossed a couple of drachmas at the bartender, before sizing up Aphrodite.
"Revenge?" Her chuckle was bitter, like coffee left to grow cold on a winter morning. "I'm not petty like you. It was true, this was an honest mistake. I was drunk, and I didn't realise what I said. But don't expect me to fall on my knees and beg for your forgiveness when your hands are just as dirty as mine. You're honestly lucky I'm drunk. My mind works okay, but my movements… well I won't deny I'm wasted, and they're slow. I do not want to risk fighting you, but make no mistake, you ever hit me again and I will show you the reason I am stronger than you."
"Stronger!? Are you hearing yourself? I'm far more powerful than you, older than you-"
"Yeah, yeah, for the sake of your ego sure, and a lot of good that's done for you," Athena yawned. "Goodnight Aphrodite, and good luck making amends with Percy." Aphrodite watched as Athena staggered towards the exit, her steps unsteady, like a ship lost in a storm, barely making it out of the bar in one piece.
Aphrodite's head hung low, her golden hair tumbling like a cascade of silk, obscuring her face. The weight of her actions pressed down on her, an anchor dragging her down into the depths of remorse. The stars above twinkled like distant echoes of laughter, taunting her with their brilliance as if mocking her faltering steps.
Ashamed. That was the word that echoed in the hollow chambers of her mind. She was ashamed that she'd not only gone along with Athena's plan, but lied to Percy's face. She had lied to Percy's kind, witty face, with a smile on her's. Not once could she have imagined the damage… the destruction it could've caused. Destruction not in the physical world, but the mental one. Destruction of hearts. She didn't know if Percy could ever trust her again, or even if he'd speak to her. Zeus had decreed that Aphrodite was his mentor, but now, that decree felt like chains that bound her to a responsibility she had portrayed. Besides, she wasn't even sure if Zeus could force this anymore. Poseidon had already been so reluctant, and now, he must be raging. She'd broken his trust, and she didn't know if she'd get it back…
…But she needed to try.
"Come in." Normally, Thalia would've made some witty comment, but not this time. She took one look at his face and immediately opened the tent door, letting him in. In his times with the hunt, Percy had never been inside Artemis's tent. The place was 'forbidden unless necessary' as Phoebe had said. The interior was actually quite spacious, its design simple yet elegant. The floor was covered in lush furs and woven grass mats, giving the impression of a comfortable wilderness. Tapestries depicting huntresses adorned the walls, capturing the trials they had all been through. The air carries a faint scent of pine and earth, as if the very essence of the forest had been brought indoors. A hearth's gentle fire provided warmth from the other side, while a celestial canopy draped over her low-sung bed spoke of her dominion over the moon. All around him, the mutated glow of moonlight filtered through the delicate fabric of the tent walls, casting a gentle luminance that danced across the space.
The bed itself, a haven of silk and furs, seemed to cradle the room, like a resting woodland creature. On it, Artemis sat cross-legged, looking at him with a hint of curiosity and concern. Flanking her were Phoebe and Thalia, both perched on stools, neither saying a word. Phoebe was absentmindedly crunching on a pack of crackers, the noise breaking the otherwise silent tent.
Thalia, with a swift gesture, pulled out another stool beside her, inviting Percy to join them. He moved as if on autopilot, sinking into the offered seat, and gazing into Artemis's silver eyes.
"What happened?"
After seeing his face, Artemis too could tell something was wrong. She looked genuinely concerned for him cutting straight to the chase.
"Aphrodite," Percy uttered, and the single word carried an entire narrative of distress. Thalia's reaction was as swift and fiery as expected, her voice rising as she shot up from her stool.
"I knew it!" Thalia yelled, suddenly standing up. "Oh, don't you worry Percy. The second I see that goddess, she's feeling a spear through her deceitful heart, and nothing else."
"Thalia, sit down and stop being silly," Artemis ordered, before turning back to him. "What did she do?"
"She…" he began hoarsely. "She lied. To my face. And never bothered telling the truth."
"What did she lie about?" Thalia asked gently. Percy's face hardened, and he took a deep breath. The anger had all left him, and now he was just full of hurt, pain from the deception.
"About what happened between me and Annabeth?" It was now Phoebe's turn to frown.
"But I thought you two broke up," she said quizzically, tilting her head. He subtly nodded.
"They did," Artemis murmured almost to herself. "Which means Aphrodite was involved. Tell me, Percy, did she break the two of you?" Another subtle nod. That was all the goddess needed to see.
"Phoebe, go and prepare a tent for Percy," Artemis ordered.
"But-" Phoebe tried to interject, but Artemis was faster, cutting her off with a glare. Grumbling about how much she hated grunt work, the hunter got up and found her way out of the tent.
"As for you, Thalia, get Atalanta up. The two of you are on border patrol for the night." Thalia too, looked like she wanted to hand it over to someone else, but Artemis's tone made it clear that it wasn't up for discussion. As she left the room, only Percy and Artemis remained, both remaining silent.
Now, Percy wasn't a fan of making things weird, but he couldn't help but notice that it had been a very long time since he'd last been left alone in a room with another girl, with the exception of Aphrodite's palace. It got even weirder when the other girl was none other than Artemis, goddess of the hunt, and even weirder when he was in her tent.
"Percy," she began quietly, her eyes boring into his like black holes. "I know you moved on from Annabeth a while ago. Tell me the true reason you're so angry with Aphrodite, because it certainly isn't about something that happened months ago."
"It's not," he admitted. "It's about how she lied straight to my face, just so that her life would be easier. She didn't care how it would affect me when I found out the real truth. Perhaps if she'd been straight up with me from the start, we wouldn't be in this position." He let out a bitter chuckle. Such a fragile thing, trust is. One tremor of doubt, and the entire glass sculpture comes crumbling down.
"Get some rest," Artemis decided after a while.
"But-"
"No buts," she said firmly, leaving no room for negotiations. "Phoebe has seen to your tent. You can sleep here until things are sorted between you and Aphrodite." The goddess's gaze dropped, and Percy knew what she was thinking. If things were ever sorted between him and Aphrodite, because things weren't looking good right now.
He sighed, standing up and putting his stool back.
"Thank you, Artemis," he whispered softly, before leaving her tent and closing the zip behind him. Phoebe was just outside, leaning next to a tree.
"Perseus," she said when she saw him, jerking towards a tiny tent. "It's not much, but between you and me, I can't be asked to put up a bigger tent. It's way too late for this." He nodded.
"Thank you," he murmured. The huntress looked at him, almost in pity.
"It's fine," she sighed. "Get some rest. Artemis will probably have a vague plan ready by tomorrow. I'll even try making those pancakes you like so much, though no promises if I can't be asked like last time." He nodded, thankful for Phoebe's kindness. He supposed even the most vicious, brutal huntress could show a softer side of herself every once in a while.
"Goodnight, Phoebe," Percy murmured. The girl smiled.
"Goodnight, Percy. Get some rest." Percy would've loved to say that he'd jumped into his tent bed and gone straight to sleep. Unfortunately instead, he lay rolling in his bed, eyes unable to close, begging for Hypnos to take him to his realm.
"We need to talk." Artemis barely looked up as Thalia stormed into her tent.
"Later, Thalia," she responded, her voice a quiet plea for respite. "I'm too tired for this right now."
"No, not later!" Thalia insisted. "There's something going on with you, and I'm getting to the bottom of it today." The goddess raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued as she regarded Thalia with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
"Are you defying my orders?" Artemis raised an eyebrow, a wry smile touching her lips. Thalia's reaction was swift, a scoff accompanied by an eye roll.
"Oh, please don't play that card," she grumbled. "We both know my intentions are pure. When have I not just wanted what's best for you?" Artemis leaned back, her gaze lifting from the book she'd just been reading. She studied Thalia's determined expression, recognising the concern in her friend's eyes.
"Alright, Thalia," Artemis sighed, relenting, "What do you want to talk about?"
Thalia's voice dropped to a quiet whisper, almost conspiratorial.
"I need to talk about you and Percy Jackson." Yet again, Artemis raised an eyebrow curiously.
"Percy? What about him?" Thalia took a deep breath, her gaze unwavering.
"Ever since fighting Cetus, you and Percy seem to be getting cosy. Like, really cosy. More than just your usual 'let's get some tasks done' type of cosy." The goddess shrugged.
"We're friends. He's nice to me. So what? You've always told me to try talking more with males. Maybe I just took your advice?" Thalia sighed.
"Artemis, we both know you don't take my advice that easily. And it's not every man you're treating like this, it's just Percy. You're treating him very, very well, which is of course good, but I can't help but think you have ulterior motives. You even took him for a picnic, something you never did with Orion or any of the others." Artemis felt her cheeks grow slightly warm, but she quickly brushed off the notion.
"It's not what you think, Thalia. We've just been working together on some tasks, nothing more." Thalia leaned in, her voice gentle yet firm.
"Artemis, I know you better than that. There's something different when you're around him. I can see it in your eyes. Look, you're more than welcome to deny it, but I know something's going on, whether you wanna admit it or not. All I'll say is your heart knows best, and I'll support your decision no matter what. Just don't do what you always do…"
"And what's that?" she asked, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
"Live in denial," Thalia said, shaking her head and walking out of the tent.
As Thalia's retreating footsteps faded into the background, Artemis found herself alone in the confines of her tent. The air seemed charged with a mix of emotions: curiosity, longing, and a tinge of apprehension. She couldn't deny the truth that Thalia had spoken. There was something about Percy Jackson, something that stirred her heart in a way she had never experienced before. Even with Orion, it had been nothing close to this. Artemis walked over to the open flap of her tent and gazed out at the moonlit landscape, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. She had always been open in her commitment to her eternal oath as a maiden goddess, a vow that had shaped her identity and defined her purpose for centuries. Yet, the presence of Percy had awakened feelings she had thought herself immune to. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she thought about their interactions… The way he met challenges head-on with unwavering determination, his wit that could match her own, and the genuine kindness he showed to both mortals and immortals alike. And his eyes - those sea-green eyes that seemed to hold a world of mysteries and adventures. However, with those thoughts came the weight of her responsibilities, the weight of her oath. She had sworn to never love a mortal, to never let herself be swayed by the tangled web of human emotions. And yet, here she was, standing on the precipice of a choice that seemed to defy her very nature.
Artemis's fingers absently traced the edge of her bow, a gesture that had always brought her solace in times of uncertainty. She knew that the path she was contemplating was fraught with challenges and complexities. It wasn't just about her own desire, it was about everything she stood for, as well as the hunt and the possible consequences of her actions on both the mortal and divine realms.
Her thoughts were interrupted by some yelling. At first she just assumed Atalanta and Thalia were bickering as usual, and that it'd be sorted out soon. However, the argument was only growing louder and louder, with someone repeatedly telling the other to 'go away.' Artemis growled. Only one person would come at this time of day to interrogate them, and it was someone the hunt wasn't particularly happy with.
Aphrodite.
Percy was kind, loyal, humble, and amusing. He was also predictable… incredibly so. Aphrodite already knew exactly where he was. Percy wouldn't go running off to Poseidon; the sea god would have waged a war against her and Athena. He was overprotective, but then again so would've Aphrodite been if Percy was her first son in almost a century. No, Percy had gone to the hunt, more specifically to Artemis. He felt safe there, and he probably was. No one would dare to cross into the hunt's camp. It was like signing your own death sentence, unless you were also a god.
Quietly, Aphrodite walked through the forest. At night, it had a different type of eeriness to it. It was like everything was watching her silently, waiting to see what she'd do. Well, she had one goal, and one goal only. She needed to right a wrong. Percy didn't deserve to be lied to, and maybe, if she showed him this, he might decide to come back with her. It was worth a shot at least…
"Who's there?" A voice cut through the silence. "Identify yourself now!"
"And why should I-"
"NOW!" the voice repeated. There was a distinct sound of tension in the air - the drawn bowstring and the unsheathed knife were unmistakable. With a sigh, Aphrodite stepped into the pale moonlight, letting her divine aura cast a gentle glow around her. She raised her hands slightly in a gesture of surrender, her eyes locking onto the silhouette of the huntress before her.
"Easy there," she spoke, her voice carrying a soothing cadence. "I come in peace." A beat passed, and then two hunters, Thalia and Atalanta, emerged from the shadows, armed with bows, but the arrow notched slightly relaxed. Suspicion mixed with curiosity danced in her silver eyes.
"Lady Aphrodite," Thalia's tone held a mix of surprise and disbelief. "What brings the goddess of love to this camp at this hour?" Aphrodite cleared her throat, her gaze unwavering.
"Ah, the goddess of love, paying us a visit," Atalanta's tone dripped with sarcasm. Aphrodite's gaze shifted between the two huntresses.
"I can understand your reservations, but I need to speak with Percy." Thalia crossed her arms, the dim moonlight playing on the tattoos that adorned them.
"You hurt him, Aphrodite."
"And you expect us to let you waltz in and mend things?" Atalanta's voice was as unwavering as her stance. Aphrodite let out a sigh, frustration intertwining with her determination. "I know I messed up, but I want a chance to explain, to apologise."
"You want to explain?" Thalia's voice was edged with incredulity. "Do you think words will magically heal the wounds you caused?"
"I didn't mean for things to turn out this way," Aphrodite pleaded, her voice softening. "I need you to understand that." Atalanta stepped closer, her eyes locked onto Aphrodite's.
"You need to leave." Aphrodite's gaze didn't waver, her resolve like a fortress.
"Please, just give me a chance."
"No!" Thalia yelled. "You know, this could've all been avoided if you'd been up front and honest with him in the first place, and told him the real reason he and Annabeth broke up."
"I know but-"
"But you lied," Thalia interjected." And now, you're the last person he probably wants to see."
As the tension simmered and words hung in the air, Aphrodite noticed another figure walking towards them. Of course. Artemis. It was her hunt after all.
"What's the commotion about?" the goddess asked, narrowing her eyes at the Olympians. Thalia turned towards their leader, her expression conflicted.
"Aphrodite is here. She wants to speak to Percy." Artemis nodded slowly.
"And did you tell her no?" Thalia scoffed, her tone laced with irritation.
"Of course, I did. I told her the only way she's seeing Percy in our camp is if she builds a time machine, travels back, and makes sure Percy didn't feel so betrayed in the first place."
"No… you didn't say that…" Aphrodite frowned, her eyebrows creasing.
"Well I mean it," the hunter grumbled, rolling her eyes.
Artemis turned her gaze towards Aphrodite, her silver eyes cold and calculating.
"Aphrodite, this is my camp and my hunt. Leave before I have to make you." Aphrodite squared her shoulders, a mixture of determination and remorse in her eyes.
"Artemis, I know I've made mistakes, and I understand your concern. But please, just let me speak to Percy. I need to make this right." Artemis's expression remained stern, her voice a mix of impatience and warning.
"You have no place here, Aphrodite. Your presence only brings chaos." Aphrodite's voice held a hint of desperation.
"I promise, I just want to talk to Percy, explain things. I-I feel guilty, Artemis." Atalanta snorted.
"As if guilt would solve anything." Aphrodite chose to ignore her, still speaking to the moon goddess.
"My time with Percy has been amazing, and I really, really, don't want it to end just because I made a mistake. Come on, even you have to admit that he's been really happy recently around me. He even had a picnic with you last I heard-"
"Aphrodite," Artemis said sternly. "Leave now, or I will not hesitate to make you." Aphrodite's jaw clenched, her frustration mingling with her determination.
"Oh yeah, and what are you gonna do? Fight me?" The moon goddess gritted her teeth.
"If need be."
"Well bring it on, Artemis!" she yelled. "I may be a love goddess, but that doesn't mean I can't handle a fight." The air seemed to crackle with the tension between the two goddesses, the darkness of the forest intensifying their confrontation.
"You might be able to handle a fight," Artemis sneered. "But don't act like you can handle my hunters, let alone me."
Just as it felt like the situation was about to spiral into chaos, a voice, raw with emotion, cut through the heavy atmosphere.
"Who is it?" Percy's voice rang out, both curious and cautious.
Artemis and Aphrodite both turned towards the source of the voice, their confrontation momentarily forgotten in the wake of Percy's unexpected arrival. The moonlight painted his figure with a silver glow, his expression a mixture of surprise and concern, tiredness and sadness. Thalia's gaze flickered between Percy and the two goddesses, her tone a blend of disbelief and frustration.
"Well, this just got more complicated," she muttered.
Aphrodite's gaze softened as she looked at Percy. There was a mixture of relief and happiness in her expression as she saw him, as if his presence alone brought a semblance of solace to her. Gathering her courage, she took a step forward, her heart aching at the sight of his misery.
"Percy," she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of her emotions, "I need to talk to you." His eyes met hers, a storm of emotions brewing within them. He took a step back, his voice a bitter mutter.
"Talk? Is that what you call it? All I got were lies, Aphrodite." Aphrodite winced as his words struck her. She hadn't expected him to welcome her with open arms, but the sting of his accusation still cut deep. She looked at him with sorrowful eyes, the regret in her gaze almost tangible.
"Percy, please," she implored, her voice tinged with sadness, "let me explain. It wasn't my intention to hurt you. It was a mistake, a terrible one. I... I want to make things right." Percy's expression remained guarded, his pain evident in the lines etched upon his forehead. He looked away from her, struggling to contain his conflicting emotions. Aphrodite's presence evoked a whirlwind of feelings within him, a tumultuous mix of anger, betrayal, and an undeniable longing for understanding.
Amidst the heavy silence, Artemis stepped forward. Her voice was firm yet gentle as she spoke.
"Aphrodite, I think it's best if you go. You've caused enough disruption here." Aphrodite's gaze flickered to Artemis, a mixture of resignation and frustration in her eyes.
"I know, I know," she muttered, her shoulders slumping momentarily under the weight of defeat. She pushed Artemis's hand off her shoulder, her movements abrupt and determined as she began to turn away.
However, just as she started to storm off, a single word from Percy froze her in her tracks.
"Wait."
Aphrodite turned slowly, her heart pounding in her chest as she faced Percy once again. His voice held a hint of vulnerability, a plea for understanding that mirrored her own desire for redemption. She saw his eyes searching hers, as if seeking a glimmer of sincerity amidst the chaos of emotions.
Taking a hesitant step towards her, Percy's voice wavered, carrying a mix of pain and longing.
"Explain. Just... just tell me why, Aphrodite." She let out a deep, thoughtful sigh.
"What do you want me to say, Percy? I lied to you. I know I did, and as I've said about a hundred times now, I am sorry. Even us immortals can make mistakes, we're not perfect. I'm not trying to justify what I did was right, because I know it isn't. All I want is for you to come back to my palace, get some rest, and then maybe tomorrow we can talk some more about it. Percy, it's not something too big you know. I lied, but that's it. And don't act like you haven't lied to me before, even though I don't make a big deal of it." Another long sigh. "All relationships have ups and downs. Our's has taken a dip, sure, and I should never have lied to you, but what's done is done, my friend. Let's move on from this drama now."
The goddess frowned, before turning around to walk back to her palace…
…Only this time, she wasn't alone.
And the happy duo are back. I didn't want them to spend too much time hating each other because Percy would forgive her pretty quick. The main thing is they're getting really close now, and we're reaching some important points. The worldbuilding is slowing down, and the actual prophecy is gonna come into place soon. Until then, read, review, and happy August 18th!