Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Artemisias

Chapter One

It had been five years since the battle against Kronos and his army. Everything was peaceful once more with the help of young Percy Jackson, Luke Castellan and their friends. Without them, Artemis and everyone knew, the Olympians would've faded until they were no more and Kronos, the Titan Lord of Time, would've completely destroyed over Olympus . The Greek deities would be forever in debt with the demigods, especially the son of Poseidon—the child of the prophecy—and Luke Castellan—the hero who had given up his life to stop Kronos.

Artemis smiled slightly at that; she knew they would have to reward Percy for all his efforts, but the deities had already offered him immortality, and he had refused. Instead, Percy had asked for the deities to recognise their children; claim them early so that they wouldn't feel insecure and side with the villains; and to make a place at Camp Half-Blood for Hades and all the children of the minor gods. It benefited everyone, and that made Artemis quite glad for the hero wasn't selfish and wanted all the children of the gods feel welcome. However, she thought that they still have to repay him one way or another.

Artemis stepped out of her cosy tent, nodding when her Hunters greeted her as she passed by. She had told them that they would be setting camp for the night at a forest near New York after chasing and eradicating a couple of hellhounds that seemed to be appearing out of nowhere, witch couldn't be right. Artemis had a bad feeling about this, but she didn't dare tell her Hunters; she didn't need to worry them any further. Artemis could sense that they're slowly realising something out of place, but just couldn't tell what it was. The wary glances they were shooting her screamed that they demanded confirmation from her.

A hand touched her shoulder, startling the goddess, but she didn't show it. Artemis turned around deliberately, careful not to give anything away. Her lips twitched at the corner of her mouth, a small smile forming as she said in recognition, "Thalia, is there something you need from me?" The aforementioned girl hesitantly nodded, motioning for Artemis to follow her deep in the forest. Artemis told Thalia to wait and that she would inform the Hunters first before following her. After that, Artemis trailed after Thalia who was nervously touching the mace canister in the pocket of her silver parka.

The sky above was clear and pure blue; stars were shining brightly as they accompanied the beautiful, glowing full moon in heaven. Constellations such as the Auriga, Andromeda and the newest addition, The Huntress, to honour the deceased lieutenant of Artemis, Zoë Nightshade, was gleaming majestically; decorating the sky with their delicate forms. The trees and long grasses below looked dazzling under the moonlight; swaying in harmony when a soft gust of warm wind blew by. They seemed to embrace Thalia and Artemis as though protecting them from any harm that may befall them.

When they were far enough from camp and out of the Hunters hearing range, Thalia stopped on her tracks and faced Artemis; she immediately thought that she wouldn't like what her dear lieutenant had to say. She certainly hoped it wasn't because of that that Thalia was acting this way. It couldn't be; there must be another reason for her unusual actions.

They stood there for a while, the wind making their hair dance in a steady rhythm. Somewhere in the forest, birds were signing gracious songs, relaxing Artemis' every nerve. She wasn't sure if she had enough patience to stand there and worry her Hunters; Artemis was about to voice her thoughts when Thalia began, "I—I'm sorry."

The Goddess of the Hunt remained impassive, studying her lieutenant and half-sister in silence. Finally, she spoke in a gentle voice, "Sorry, for what? Thalia, there is nothing to be forgiven; you did not do anything wrong, I assure you." Artemis noted how her half-sister looked so fragile at the moment; how Thalia's lips were pulled down at the sides to a frown, her eyebrows meeting together with a crease on her forehead, her pale her complexion was under the ray of the moon as if she was facing her doom, and how her electric blue eyes seemed so lost as her dark hair flowed against the wind. Thalia appeared to be a child awaiting punishment.