The Child of Artemis

Chapter 20

"WELCOME TO THE ANNUAL VICTORY CELEBRATION!"

The mixed-demigod crowd cheered as the Seven, Luna, Calypso, and Chiron made their way to the stage. All of Camp Half-Blood, Camp Jupiter, the Huntresses, and the Amazons had come for the celebration. They had had to move a lot of chairs and tables around, but there was just enough space for the crowd. There would be complaints from the nymphs and naiads later, but for now it was worth it. Jason grinned when he saw his sister, Thalia, sitting with several Hunters. He waved, and she waved back.

Argus handed Chiron a mic. He tapped it twice before speaking.

"Hello, honored demigods." Another cheer. "We are gathered here tonight to celebrate our defeat of Gaea and the Giants, and the courage and help of our infamous Seven. A round of applause please." Clapping, cheering and whistles echoed across the valley. "And now, we will hear the Seven speak."

Chiron passed the mic to Percy, who took it. He grinned. "I would like to propose a toast," he said, raising his glass of blue coke. "To friends and allies,"

He handed the mic to Annabeth. "To courage and bravery."

She passed it off to Leo. "To those we lost, who we honor."

And off to Hazel. "And to those who we have gained, who we love."

She handed it to her husband. "To the children and descendants of the gods." He passed it to Jason.

"And lastly, to love. The most important thing we could ever have. Which reminds me," he passed his glass to Frank. Heart pounding, he pulled the velvet box out of his pocket, and knelt down in front of Piper. The crowds fell silent quickly, but Jason ignored them. All that mattered was Piper. Her eyes widened when she saw the box.

"Piper, you are amazing on and off the battlefield. Your are smart, brave, and caring. Every moment I'm not with you, I miss you so much." He opened the ring box. The ring sparkled under the bright lights. The crowd seemed to hold its breath, anxious to see how this would end.

"Piper McClean, will you marry me?"

"Awwww." A few in the crowd sighed. Jason bit his lip and watched Piper's expression carefully, which was hard to do. Her hands covered her mouth, her eyes wide with surprise.

For one horrible moment, Jason thought she would say no.

Then, she dropped her hands and smiled. Her beautiful, heart-stopping smile.

"Jason," she whispered, though it was quiet everyone heard her anyway.

"Jason... YES!"

The crowd exploded into cheers and whistles as Jason slid the ring onto her finger. He barely had time to stand up before Piper hugged him. He hugged her back, placing a kiss on top of her head.

"I love you, Pipes." He whispered in her ear.

"And I love you, Jason." She smiled as he kissed her, not caring who saw.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leo watched his friends happily. He was glad they had finally gotten engaged. He wrapped an arm around Cal's waist and pulled her closer toward him. She smiled and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Psst. Leo!" He looked up and saw Chiron gesturing to him. "It's time!"

"Oh, right. Good idea." He handed his glass to Calypso, who had Sammy balanced on her hip. "Love you. Be right back." He kissed her on the cheek, then jumped off the stage and ran for the woods, dodging campers and counselors, and one rouge black Pegasus. He disappeared into the foliage, rubbing his hands excitedly.

The two camps were still cheering when Festus took flight. They soared into the night sky, shadows against the stars.

"You ready, amigo?" Leo asked. Festus creaked in reply. "Good. 'Cause there's no turning back now!" Festus opened his mouth, but instead of the usual flames, rockets flew out. With a tremendous BANG, the night sky was suddenly decorated with fireworks.

But these weren't just any fireworks. They exploded into the shapes of the signs of the Greek and Roman gods. From Vulcan's fiery hammer, to Athena's owl. There was even a silver bow and a crescent moon, which earned an extra-loud cheer from the Hunters.

Leo and Festus landed back in the woods, with plenty of cheers. Leo grinned and waved as he ran back onstage. "Thank you, thanks. Oh thank you."

Chiron waited until he was done before introducing Luna.

"Gathered demigods. May I present to you, Luna, daughter of Atlas and Artemis."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That got their attention. The cheers
and whistles immediately fell silent. Luna stepped forward and nervously accepted the mic. Hundreds on eyes watched her, wondering if she was who she claimed to be.

Luna searched the crowd, looking for the Phoenix. Instead, her eyes alighted upon someone much different.

Artemis.

She was standing at the very back of the crowd, but Luna knew it was her. The goddess gave her a small smile, and nodded her head.

Time to tell them.

Luna took a deep breath.

"Hi. I'm Luna. And yes, I am the daughter of Artemis."

Gasps from the crowd. She heard a thud, and wondered if someone had fainted. No matter. Just keep talking.

"It's not what you think. I can explain." And she did. She told them about Prometheus, and how she had been born. She told them about the Phoenix, and how they had taken her into the wild for nine years. Lastly, she talked about the prophecy, and how they had defeated Prometheus and saved Artemis.

While she was talking, she searched the crowd again. Finally, she found the Phoenix. They were off to the side, watching her. Looks of pride and joy were written on their faces. Azura gave her a smile, Pyron a thumbs up.

"And now, I have a decision to make. I have to choose where I will go: Camp Half-Blood, Camp Jupiter, with the Amazons, or with the Hunters. And it wasn't an easy decision, but I have my choice. I choose..." she paused for effect.

"All of them."

Silence settles over the camp like a heavy blanket.
"Uhh, Luna? That's not how it works." Leo stage whispered to her. She nodded to him. "Thanks, But I know what I'm doing."

She turned back to the now-confused crowd. "Allow me to explain."

"I choose all of them, because I can't choose just one. I want to be a demigod ambassador. I will travel between the groups, spending some time with each, and will bring news and information to the others." She smiled. "And perhaps one day, I will find where I belong. But for now, this is my choice." She took a bow, a bit surprised at all the cheers. Chiron took the mic and smiled at her. "Thank you, Luna. I couldn't have thought of a better solution myself. Another round of applause for our new demigod ambassador!" Yet again, the crowd clapped.

"Now then. Let's get this celebration started!" Everyone jumped up and began to dance as some Apollo kids played music.

Yes. This what what Luna had always wanted. Happiness, laughter, and smiles. She had never felt so excited in all her life. She couldn't wait for her first trip as ambassador.
~~~
Hey guys!

Hope your day is going well.

Any thoughts/ideas/comments in the chapter?

Don't forget to vote and follow.

Thanks!

Peace ✌️

-SilverQuillsandRoses