Shadows of the Forgotten

Chapter 1: Shadows in the Woods

The air in the forest was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. The deep woods, miles from any human settlement, had become Percy Jackson's sanctuary. Nestled in the heart of these ancient trees stood a modest log cabin, his refuge from the battles, quests, and burdens of the past. Here, he had found peace—or at least, as close as a demigod could come to it.

Percy ran his fingers along the smooth, polished wood of his cabin door as he stepped out, taking a moment to appreciate the quiet. Living alone was an adjustment, but it was one he'd willingly embraced. After years of endless noise, both from the world and within himself, silence had become his closest companion—alongside someone else he'd never expected.

A shadow shifted nearby, almost as if called by his thoughts. It was subtle, a flicker in the corner of his vision, but he felt its comforting presence wrap around him. Nyx had promised him this gift, a small sliver of her darkness to bend to his will whenever he desired. Their bond was beyond words, a blend of friendship, partnership, and something deeper that had come to mean everything to Percy.

She stepped forward, emerging from the darker edge of the woods with a serene grace. Her skin seemed to absorb the shadows, her form blurring the line between night and dawn. Her voice was low and smooth, carrying a timeless quality, as though she spoke from the heart of the world itself.

"You're troubled," she murmured, sensing his unease.

Percy smiled, tilting his head toward her. "Just... expecting company."

Her eyes narrowed, a glimmer of worry and curiosity. "The hunters?"

He nodded. "Yeah, Artemis and her crew are stopping by. It's been a while since they checked in, and knowing Artemis, she's probably worried that I've forgotten how to take care of myself."

Nyx's lips curved into a slight smirk. "Well, at least she'll be reassured when she sees you still breathing. Shall I hide myself away?"

Percy chuckled, shaking his head. "They don't know about us, and maybe it's best if it stays that way. For now, at least."

Nyx inclined her head, understanding. Her form wavered, then vanished, blending into the shadows so completely that not even Percy could feel her presence. Yet he knew she was there, close enough to protect him but far enough to stay hidden.

The sun had only just begun to rise when he heard the telltale crunch of footsteps on the forest floor. Artemis was near—he could sense her, just as he'd learned to over years of navigating life as a demigod.

Artemis emerged from the treeline with her Hunters in tow, each one of them dressed in simple silver tunics, eyes sharp and watchful. When she caught sight of Percy, her stern expression softened, just slightly, into a smile. Artemis was more than a goddess to him; she had become a friend, and her visits brought an unexpected joy to his quiet life.

"Percy," she greeted, her voice carrying a hint of warmth beneath her usual formality. "Living the hermit life, I see. I half-expected to find you wrapped in ivy by now."

He laughed, gesturing to the cabin. "Still me, no ivy just yet. Though, considering my luck, it's probably a matter of time."

One of the Hunters—a young girl with sharp eyes and a confident stance—whispered something to another girl beside her, both of them casting curious glances Percy's way. Artemis waved her hand dismissively at them, redirecting her attention to Percy.

"How's the quiet life treating you?" she asked, her tone friendlier than usual. "I'm surprised you haven't gone mad out here all alone."

Percy shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's... peaceful. Different, but I like it. Sometimes the silence is what you need."

Artemis's eyes studied him carefully. She knew Percy better than most, enough to understand that there was more to his words than he let on. "There's peace in solitude, true. But even peace can grow stale without something to keep it alive."

Percy's gaze flicked to the shadows that stretched behind him, knowing Nyx lingered close by, listening to every word. He felt a rush of warmth, knowing she was near.

"I'm managing," he replied with a faint grin. "But you didn't come all this way to check on my peace of mind, did you?"

Artemis arched an eyebrow. "I suppose not. The council wanted reassurance. They don't exactly trust that you're keeping out of trouble, considering your track record. I volunteered to make the visit." Her voice lowered, almost fond. "Just to make sure you haven't stirred up any new catastrophes."

"Glad to know you think so highly of me," Percy teased. But he sensed the underlying concern and added more seriously, "No trouble here, I promise. Just trees, birds, and a whole lot of quiet."

One of the Hunters—a girl with a striking red braid—stepped forward, studying him intently. "Are you sure, Jackson? I'd think someone like you wouldn't just... fade into the background like this."

Percy met her gaze, the familiar mischief twinkling in his eyes. "Maybe that's exactly why I chose it."

Artemis rolled her eyes, exasperation mingling with amusement. "There's no changing you, is there?" She hesitated for a brief moment, as though deciding something. "I wanted to check on you personally, Percy. We've been through enough together for me to feel... well, more than just responsible. I consider you a friend."

He softened at her words, feeling the warmth of their bond. Artemis was more than a deity or a warrior to him; she was family, one who had stood by him through countless challenges.

"Right back at you," he replied quietly, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "It means a lot, Artemis. Really."

They stood in companionable silence, the forest around them humming with life. Somewhere, Nyx was likely smiling at the scene, unseen yet always present. Percy felt a slight tug within him, a reminder that he was part of both worlds: the primal and the divine, the solitary and the eternal.

For a brief moment, he imagined what might happen if Artemis discovered his relationship with Nyx, the goddess of night herself. But he dismissed the thought, savoring the peace of the morning.

"Come on," he said, nodding toward his cabin. "I made some tea. Even recluses know how to be hospitable."

As the Hunters followed him, he felt Nyx's shadows embrace him from afar, a comforting reminder of the life he'd chosen—and the secrets he still held close.