Drowning in the Siren's Song

Chapter 18

Artemis's feet moved even before her mind did, grabbing the child in a gentle embrace. Another second late and he would've hit the ground. He had already passed out, but just in case, Artemis sent him a beam of light to calm him down. 

She clasped his shoulders to hold his unconscious body, but decided to just carry him, surprised when he was much lighter than she would've imagined. It was no wonder he could balance and jump on those nimble branches without breaking them. 

But he was more than just light. He was thin, painfully so. She could feel his bones through his clothes, all sharp angles pressing against her. She frowned, disturbed by how much the simple thought of him being so underweight unsettled her. 

His story shouldn't have been enough to move her, and yet here she was, worrying over him. What was it that awakened her instincts which were dormant till now? Was it his pain? Or the fact that he had been subjected to the same abuse she was fighting against? 

No...she had met several children in similar situations. She was the protector of children and felt a sense of responsibility for them, but in all her years she had never been so affected. 

She remembered his eyes. When he'd looked directly at her after avoiding her gaze for so long, she'd almost lost her composure. They were gorgeous, bright green swirling with blue, even prettier than Poseidon's. But more than their appearance, they seemed to pierce right through her, filled with so much of pain and loneliness. Those feeling weren't hers, yet she could feel them like she was the one who experiencing his horror. 

In that moment, her maternal instincts had screamed. She needed to protect Percy. She needed to protect this child who was bleeding inside. 

Even Zoe seemed affected, though it was more because of his demonstration of power. Seeing him in the hurricane while the ground shook must've been frightening for her. He'd really seemed like a child of nature then. Surrounded by the wrath of the forest, he wasn't affect even a bit. The wind and water would've cut an intruders face while it caressed him. Except for where he stood, the earth rumbled, ready to form endless ditches to punish those who hurt their master. 

If Artemis wouldn't have contained his powers, Zoe could have gotten seriously injured, flown back by the force. Not to mention, the absolute murderous intent the animals were sending her.  Even Zoe must've felt it; the creeping presence of several beasts hidden in the shadows of the trees, just waiting for their master's call. 

But it was alright now. The child had exhausted himself crying and was now asleep, curled up quite innocently in her lap, breathing softly. If she'd seen him like this elsewhere, not in her wildest dreams would she have guessed that he could possess so much of power and authority. It was a bit intimidating to her as well, though she didn't want to admit it. 

She could see Zoe's confusion and apprehension, but she'd known her for years now and was able to see the underlying emotions the child was battling quite clearly. His pain had affected her deeply as well. It was only her pride which was preventing her from stroking his hair like she was doing. 

Zoe herself had a horrible past. She knew what it felt to be left all alone, nothing to rely on except her powers. Being betrayed by a man who was supposed to help her. An old past, but still the past which made her who she is.  And so very similar to Percy's life. 

She could see herself in him, and Artemis knew that. Though she acted rough outside to maintain her image, Zoe had softened considerably. 

Artemis laughed to herself. If anyone looked, they wouldn't have know that these two women hated males with a furious passion. 

She hugged him closer, still a bit awkward. She wasn't very used to showing affection. She expected to feel repulsed by touching him, since it was a common feeling she'd get when she touched the opposite gender, but instead of a shiver down her hand, all she felt was rough skin. 

She hadn't noticed before, but the places where his shirt had ripped, she could see old scars marring his skin. They started right where his shirt left him, covering his shoulders and back. Small and big, none of them were recent. 

"Zoe..." She trailed off, heartbroken. No child should suffer like this. 

"Yes, my lady." Zoe nodded, understanding. She had been looking at him over her shoulder and had noticed the signs of his abuse as well. She clenched her jaw, digging her nails into her palms. 

"Why is he different?" Artemis wondered aloud. No matter how painful his past was, or how powerful he was, or how impressed she was, it wasn't enough to persuade her to care for a boy this way. 

Zoe simply smiled in answer, a new glint in her eyes which mocked Artemis. It was as if she knew something she didn't. 
"He just is, My lady."