Artemis

The boy intrigued me. First when he unknowingly was taking a rest beside one of my hideouts, then when I had followed a trail of more than a hundred earthborne to find a manticore standing over his dead body.

I quickly realised this was the stranger that the prophecy my dear brother had given me said I would come across.

Westwards moon goddess shall find an unlikely ally

Gold and purple will he be

If absent Olympus shall tremble

Two shall slay the gigantes king

And fortuna shall seal their fate

In a land curses hate

I still did not understand the last two stanzas, but I was hoping to get some information out of my new roman companion.

And yet…

Initially I had thought him to be naïve, but after some more interactions, he made me more suspicious of him.

I often caught him off on his own, simply staring off in the distance, or glancing at me with distrust.

Admittedly, the feeling was mutual. Despite our first couple of interactions being quite civil, our distrust in each other had grown considerably, especially on Percy's part, as apparently my mere existence as a Greek was an affront to him.

As we sat in our camp, I realised we would have to go out to hunt again tomorrow. I groaned internally as I realised that meant I was going to have to drag him along.

If there's a wasp in the room, better to be able to see it.

XIXI

Percy

The leaves rustled as a soft wind brushed past the thick foliage of the forest. I slowly ambled my way past them as I mulled over what might be happening in New Rome.

I was still thinking about New Rome days later. What had Michael, Reyna and Leila meant with all of their comments?

Despite my doubts about Reyna and Leila, it was my semi-argument with Michael that had shaken me the most.

Did so many people really doubt my abilities? Prefer the son of Jupiter?

I punched a tree in frustration. Wasn't I good enough for them? I'm actually trying to do something, trying to improve our society. And they choose an oblivious son of Jupiter over me simply because he is the son of Jupiter?

'Welcome to Rome.' Michael had said to me. I scoffed. No. Rome was an adaptable, ambitious empire which changed the history of the world. This… abomination which I called home was the physical incarnation of everything bad about Rome and its society.

Corruption, arrogance, greed, selfishness.

Did I really want to be a part of that? Throw away my life trying to fix this mess of a system?

'You know, there is life outside of servitude to Rome.' The voice of Michael called out in my head.

I shook my head clear. I couldn't be having these thoughts. Not now. Not when I was so close to achieving what I had spent the better part of my life working towards.

And anyways, even if I did turn my back on service to the state, what else did I really have?

XIXI

Percy

I groaned as I yet again stepped on a twig, causing Artemis to round on me, murderous intent in her eyes. I sighed in acceptance for the verbal smackdown that was about to take place.

'Stop doing that!' She shouted indignantly.

'Doing what?' I returned tiredly, even though I knew the answer already. We had been through this a million times.

'Making noise! Every time we get anywhere near an animal, you scare it away.' She stomped her foot on the ground petulantly.

I threw up my arms tiredly. 'Then leave me at camp- there it is again.' I finished as soon as Artemis started shaking her head violently. 'What's your deal with me staying back at the campsite?'

Artemis turned away and muttered something under her breath. I caught the words "stupid" and "male" and "untrustworthy". I leaned against a nearby tree.

'You know, trust goes both ways. You still haven't told me anything about that prophecy of yours.' I pointed out. Was I antagonising a supposedly man-hating goddess? Yes. But hell, since when have I ever known what's good for me?

'Because the prophecy was given to me.' She gestured towards me. 'And anyways, it's like you said. You're a roman.' She spat out the last word as if it had purposefully offended her.

In fairness, knowing us Romans, we probably had.

I suspired in relief. So that's what this is about. 'I don't actually have anything against Greeks, you know, I was just pointing out that there is an existing rivalry.'

Artemis narrowed her eyes. 'How could you say that? You haven't trusted me. All your talk about how Greeks and Romans are mortal enemies.'

I held up my hands placatingly. 'Can you really blame me for thinking like that? It's all I've ever known. And anyways, you've kept me completely in the dark as to what the plan is.'

Artemis threw up her hands. 'Maybe I don't know! Maybe I just got a dumb prophecy, which told me I was going to kill a giant made specifically to kill my father, I found out I have to work with a roman, of all people, and haven't been given any other guidance, just dumped out here alone, where nothing is familiar, no one is familiar, and frankly, I don't know if the next person to try and stab me is a Cyclops, or you.' She shouted at me pointing at me menacingly.

I took a step back, unprepared for this outburst. Artemis seemed to realise her mistake as she saw the look on my face.

Still not having said anything, Artemis turned and started to make her way back from where we had travelled.

'I do trust you.' I said. I wasn't sure what gave me the compulsion to speak up. 'Not despite the fact that you're Greek.' I smiled wanly. 'I didn't agree to go on a quest with a Greek. I chose to join Artemis's quest.'

Artemis had paused at my words. Now she turned back and kept walking. I sighed. Worth a try. Obviously there was something else bugging her, but it was probably prudent not to push her.

Enough excitement for one day. I followed Artemis lethargically. The argument and subsequent attack had affected me more deeply than I had first thought.

XIXI

Percy

I stared at the fire as I reminisced over the events that had taken place previously. Had I really been that bad about it?

It had gotten dark, the shadows giving the small camp an ominous cast as the two of us sat down in silence near the fire.

Either way, it obviously matters more to Artemis than it does to me, so for the sake of cooperation, I might as well apologise.

I looked up, determined to make things right.

That's when I saw the first eye.

At first I thought it must be a trick of the light, my mind trying to trick me. Then I saw more. Glowing yellow eyes, all slowly lumbering towards… Artemis.

I quickly stood up, summoning my trident. The glowing eyes seemed to have noticed something was wrong, as they started lumbering much quicker, getting increasingly close to Artemis, who had been playing with what seemed like moonlight.

Artemis looked up confused when she saw I had summoned my trident. There was no time to explain. The first… Cyclops? Started raising its club, and as Artemis turned around, all she saw was gold dust as my trident pierced its eye.

I smiled in triumph, before remembering the other Cyclops, quickly summoning my trident back to me using the particles of water in the air.

The camp had exploded in a flurry of activity. Cyclopes with varying qualities of armours and weapons had surrounded the camp, slowly closing in.

I bashed in the head of one with the butt of my trident who was trying to sneak up from behind me, watching him explode into dust moments later.

I made my way through many more, the release for the anger and frustration I had felt liberating.

I realised with a jolt of guilt that I hadn't checked on Artemis.

Turns out, I shouldn't have worried.

Artemis was fighting off five Cyclopes at once, and making it look like child's play at that. I focused back on my crowd of Cyclopes as I mowed through them, making quick work. Skewering the last one on my trident, I turned around in horror to see a Cyclops sneaking up behind Artemis with a sword.

Mustering every bit of energy I had left, I jumped up, bounding and jumping on to the Cyclops, pulling it to the ground, wrestling for control. Suddenly, I felt a warm feeling from my stomach. I looked down to see the Cyclop's sword protruding from my stomach. An arrow went through the Cyclop's eye as I felt my vision begin to fade.

I smiled as I saw Artemis's face come into view.

'Damn Cyclops beat me to it.' I choked out before I finally blacked out.

XIXI

Artemis

I felt my heart hammering in my chest as I felt Percy go limp in my arms.

Trying not to panic, I tried to ascertain the best course of action.

I need to… to heal Percy! But I am not very good at healing anything beyond minor wounds… Apollo!

I called in my mind to my insufferable brother. Apollo!

Suddenly, I saw a bright flash beside me, and I turned to see my brother Apollo looking at me expectantly, that irritating grin on his face.

'Hey lil' Sis!' He greeted me cheerfully.

I wasn't having any of it. I'd let him get away with calling me "Lil' Sis" this once. 'Brother, I need you to save him.' I pointed at the subconscious form of Percy on the ground, the pool of blood getting bigger by the second.

Apollo's entire demeanour changed completely as he quickly made his way over to Perseus, squatting to assess his injuries.

He looked more peaceful, his eyes closed, his chest rising slowly, too slowly for my liking. Even then, though, he still seemed troubled, his eyebrows furrowed as he outwardly appeared to be frowning.

Apollo cursed as his hands hovered over the roman demigod, glowing a bright gold akin to the sun.

'He's not looking too good right now sis, you got anything on him that might help?' Apollo looked at me, worry evident in his cerulean irises.

I wracked my brain for anything that might help, thinking back to his heritage, son of Neptune, the ocean, liquids, water, Water! That's right! Poseidon's children could heal using water!

Was it guaranteed to be the same with Neptune's children? Perhaps, but from what Apollo was saying, it doesn't seem likely that Percy will survive otherwise.

Apollo nodded, quickly flashing both me and Percy to a beach. I spied a large red bridge in the distance. San Francisco.

Apollo gingerly lowered Percy into the water, the ocean seemingly calling to Percy as it rose, quickly covering him.

The blood that had been trailing after Percy seemed to disappear, flowing back into his wounds, as those slowly closed up.

After a couple of minutes, I could barely even tell there had been a stab wound in the first place.

Apollo turned to me once he had ascertained that Percy would be okay.

'So…' He began, shooting me a meaningful look. 'Is this Percy who I think it is?'

I nodded. 'The unlikely ally.'

Apollo nodded seriously. 'Son of Neptune. Not bad. Is he trained?'

I nod. 'I found him originally by following a trail of over a hundred dead earthborns.'

Apollo whistled appreciatively. 'Take care of him… He seems like a good one, but he's been through quite a bit.'

I look at Apollo in surprise. I've never seen him in this light before. 'What do you mean?'

Apollo points towards Percy, still floating in the water. 'When I was scanning him before to establish his injuries, I detected large amounts of scar tissue along his back and torso.' Apollo took a deep breath, balling his fists. 'I suspect he was abused as a child.'

My mind temporarily shorted out. 'Abuse?' I hissed worriedly, stealing a glance at Percy's calm countenance in the water.

Apollo nodded gravely. 'I think so, although of course this is purely hypothetical. Either way, he must have gone through one hell of a bit of trauma to receive scar tissue like that.'

Apollo checked his watch. 'Shit! Well sis, I wish you all the best, it's not like the fate of Olympus depends on it!' He laughed nervously. 'I should probably get going before dad comes after me.'

I surprised myself and Apollo by throwing my arms around him, pulling him into a hug. 'Thank you so much brother.' I whispered as we pulled apart, smiling sadly, before grinning sadistically. 'And we both know I'm older.'

Apollo simply smiled back as he flashed out. 'I can neither confirm nor deny such blasphemous allegations.'

I smiled absentmindedly at the spot Apollo had just vacated. I had isolated myself more than usual the last century, I forgot how much I enjoyed my brothers presence at times, when we could joke together like we had in Delos with mother.

I looked over at Percy. Even in sleep, he seemed troubled, his face marred with worry lines as he frowned in his sleep.

He had impressed me, the roman. I know he didn't trust me, and yet, he still sacrificed himself to protect me.

My heart warmed slightly at the realisation. Perhaps this could work after all.

XIXI

Percy

The first thing I noticed when I woke up was the gentle lapping of the waves.

My eyes shot wide open immediately. I remembered being stabbed, Artemis's face and then BAM here I am. I groaned as the side effects of wrestling a Cyclops started registering.

'And the sleeping beauty awakes.' A voice commented drily from beside me.

I slowly pushed myself up, finding I had been laying down on sand.

'Only for you.' I replied easily as I tried unsuccessfully to get up.

This continued for a few more moments until Artemis let out an exasperated huff as I felt her hands on my own, and I suddenly found myself standing up, staring into Artemis's mesmerising silver eyes…

I pushed away these annoying invasive thoughts as I turned back to Artemis, who was staring at me with a strange look on her face.

'I got my brother to heal you, he brought us here. She gestured to the beach.

It was only then I noticed the massive red bridge in the distance. San Francisco. Something in the back of my mind registered idly. As I tried to make out more I was able to recognise a significant part of the San Francisco skyline in the distance.

I let out a groan and sat back down.

I saw Artemis set herself down tentatively beside me.

'Percy…' She began hesitantly, 'I… believe I should apologise to you.'

My head snapped towards her so quickly I was sure I had gotten whiplash.

Artemis cracked a wan smile. 'I… shouldn't have doubted you as much as I did.'

I shook my head. 'In fairness, I am a roman.'

'No.' Artemis denied. 'A wise man once told me that you aren't defined by your origins, only what you do with them.'

I felt a spark of warmth as I realised she was quoting me.

She smiled warmly. 'You coming?'

I grinned at that. Perhaps… Perhaps this could work. 'Sure.'

AN:

Edit numero dos: Even after going over this chapter and adding some extra things to it, I just can't bring myself to like it. I know now for a fact that I hate writing Artemis. It just feels super alien to me. Not only writing a goddess, but like a girl. I just don't know how to make that feel natural. I just feel like I'm substituting a male thought process with a female name.

Or maybe I'm just completely overthinking it. That's also a possibility. lmk.

I was not planning to upload the second chapter anywhere near as soon as this, but honestly the reception for the first chapter was way better than I expected.

Originally, I was planning to completely skip any conflict with Arty and Perce, but looking back that was an idiotic decision. So really, this isn't really a proper chapter per say, as it's only around 1500 words, but it gives context, didn't fit with any other chapter, so I'm uploading it as it is.

Now, Reviews

Lmfao180: Thanks man, I'm just tired of the guardian subplot, hope the story lives up to your expectations.

q1234567: I'm actually really glad you mentioned that, I thought I was driving myself insane obsessing with the pacing. If you actually read this, do you think I should add more to the original first chapter, or add another entirely?

Darth Kyuubi kurama: I actually still don't have that fully fleshed out, but the general idea is that some religions that are similar kinda bleed into each other. I did this mainly for the sake of not having weird schizophrenic gods, and instead two pantheons that could interact with each other. (Mainly for the benefit of the story with Percy and Arty)

And that's it. I have most of chapter 3 typed up already, so that'll probably show up soon if everything goes to plan.

Edit: I keep noticing I'm switching accidentally between first and third person. I fixed it here, but if ya'll see any of it please let me know I promise if I know about it I'll fix it.

Numero dos edit: I added some more lore, and a prophecy for Artemis (wohoo)!

Frankly, I'll probably keep adding on more to earlier chapters, as I've expanded my idea for this story and Percy's character arc in general a lot since I wrote the first three chapters.

Murph, out.