The Legendary Demigod

Chapter 19 – A Growing Bond

The days at Camp Half-Blood were uneventful, at least compared to recent events. After the missions and meetings on Olympus, Percy began to settle into his new routine as an instructor. He found renewed purpose in teaching the younger demigods, sharing his vast experience in combat and espionage.

And Artemis, to the surprise of many including herself seemed to spend more time with Percy.

It was a sunny afternoon as Percy finished a hand-to-hand combat lesson. He stood, wiping the sweat from his brow as the campers thanked him for the lesson and dispersed.

Artemis, who had been watching from afar, approached.

"You have a way with them," she commented, crossing her arms and watching the young men walk away.

Percy looked at her with a carefree smile.

"I'm just trying to do what I wish someone had done for me when I was younger."

Artemis nodded, intrigued by the sincerity in his voice. "Got some time? Would you like a walk in the woods?"

Percy raised an eyebrow. "Walk?"

"Yeah, or would you rather keep sweating in the arena?" Artemis teased, the corner of her mouth curving into a slight smile.

"Walk sounds good."

They walked into the woods together, the sounds of nature filling the air. Along the way, Percy noticed something curious: Artemis seemed more relaxed, less restrained.

"You really love this place, don't you?" he asked, watching her gaze up at the trees with reverence.

"Yes," she replied. "Nature is my home. Here, I am at peace."

"You must hate being so close to a… human like me, then." Percy laughed, but there was a hint of truth in his voice. Artemis stopped and looked at him, her silver eyes fixed on Percy's green ones.

"You're not like the others."

There was an intensity in her voice that made Percy look away, feeling strangely exposed.

"That's what you always say. I hope it's a compliment."

Artemis gave a small smile before continuing on her way.

A few days later, Artemis did something that surprised all the campers. During the communal dinner, she didn't sit with her Hunters, but next to Percy at the Poseidon table. The buzz was instant.

"Are you sure you want to sit here?" Percy asked quietly, feeling everyone's eyes on them.

"Why not?" Artemis replied, unconcerned. "You seem like good company."

Percy didn't know how to react. He was used to leading armies and fighting monsters, but the attention of a goddess like Artemis was something completely different.

"So, how did you like today's training?" — he asked, trying to break the ice.

"Impressive. You're a good teacher, Percy." There was a lightness in her voice, but also something deeper.

As they talked, Percy could tell that Artemis was genuinely interested in his stories. She asked questions about her time in Black Squadron, the CIA, and even about the challenges she faced as a leader of the demigods.

"It seems like you've carried a huge weight on your shoulders your whole life," she commented.

"I guess it's part of who I am," Percy replied, shrugging.

Artemis stared at him for a long moment before speaking.

"You're not just strong, Percy. You're resilient. And that's rare, even among gods."

He was speechless, just nodding as the stares around continued.

The next morning, Artemis surprised Percy again. He was adjusting swords in the arena when she appeared, dressed for training.

"I thought we could train together today," she suggested, her expression neutral, though Percy noticed a glint of challenge in her eyes.

"You want to train with me?" he asked, incredulous.

"Yes. Do you think you can't keep up?"

Percy laughed, picking up his sword.

"Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you."

The training started with simple strikes, but soon evolved into something more intense. Artemis was incredibly agile, her movements fluid as water, while Percy trusted in his strength and strategy.

"You're improving, Percy," she commented, deftly dodging a blow.

"I have a good teacher today," he retorted, managing to block her in one swift movement.

The training ended with both of them panting, but satisfied.

"You're a formidable opponent, Percy," Artemis said, grabbing her cloak as she prepared to leave.

"And you're… impressive," Percy replied, sincerely.

Artemis hesitated for a moment before giving a small smile.

"See you tomorrow, then?"

"See you tomorrow."

As the days passed, Artemis and Percy continued to spend more time together. Whether it was walking in the woods, training, or just talking, there was a growing ease between them.

To Artemis, this was disconcerting. Percy wasn't just a mortal; he was someone who she admired deeply.

For Percy, being around Artemis was something new and exciting. He knew he shouldn't get his hopes up she was a goddess, after all but he couldn't ignore the connection he felt.

One night, while they were alone by a campfire in the woods, Percy finally broke the silence.

"Artemis, why did you start spending so much time with me?"

She stared into the fire, thinking for a moment before answering.

"Maybe because, for the first time in centuries, I've met someone who makes me question what I've always believed."

"Is that good?"

She turned to him, a small smile on her lips.

"I'm still figuring it out."

Percy laughed softly.

"Well, so am I."

They both fell silent, the sound of the crackling fire filling the air. Though no words were spoken, they both knew something was changing—something neither of them could ignore.

Chapter 20 – Advice by the Fireside

The soft glow of the central hearth on Olympus illuminated the empty hall. Hestia sat, as always, in the center of the room, her serene gaze fixed on the flames dancing before her. Although she rarely involved herself in the conflicts and debates of the Olympian Council, her presence was constant, a symbol of stability and warmth at the heart of the divine abode.

Artemis entered the hall with silent steps, hesitating for a moment before approaching. Hestia looked up, her lips curving into a welcoming smile.

"Artemis, it is rare for you to come to me. What brings you here?"

The goddess of the hunt stood beside the hearth, staring into the fire with a distant gaze.

"I need advice, Hestia," Artemis replied, her voice calm but filled with an emotion she tried to hide.

Hestia inclined her head slightly, gesturing for Artemis to sit beside her.

"Of course, my dear." Tell me what's weighing on your heart.

Artemis sat up slowly, her eyes fixed on the fire as if trying to find the right words in the dancing flames.

"It's about Percy Jackson," she began, her voice low, almost as if she were admitting something forbidden.

Hestia remained silent, waiting for Artemis to continue.

"Since he returned to Camp, something has changed. He's no longer the mortal boy who faced monsters and won unlikely victories. He's… different. A man now, with strength, honor, and a depth few possess."

Hestia nodded slightly.

"He's been through many trials, grown in ways few mortals or immortals could possibly understand."

Artemis sighed, her shoulders relaxing a little.

"I find myself thinking about him more than I should. When I'm around him, I feel… something. It's not discomfort, but it's also unfamiliar to me." It's like a part of me is being challenged, but in a way that doesn't scare me.

Hestia smiled gently.

"It seems you're allowing yourself to feel something you've long avoided, Artemis."

The goddess shook her head in frustration.

"I am a virgin goddess, Hestia. I swore to stay away from these... complications. My mission has always been to protect young women and hunt down those who abuse their power. Men have always been a source of conflict and suffering."

Hestia leaned forward, studying Artemis carefully.

"And is Percy like those men you despise?"

Artemis was silent for a moment before answering, "No. He is different. He is... honorable. Loyal. And his strength is not used to dominate, but to protect. That's what confuses me. He defies everything I thought I knew about men."

"Perhaps he is the exception your heart has always hoped to find," Hestia suggested, her words filled with wisdom and kindness.

Artemis stood still, processing what she had just heard.

After a moment, Hestia spoke again, her voice soft as the warmth of the hearth.

"Artemis, I understand your dilemma. You have a duty, an oath that defines your existence. But remember, even we gods are not immutable. We have lived for millennia, but that does not mean we cannot grow and change."

Artemis turned to Hestia, her silver eyes filled with doubt.

"Do you think I should… follow this feeling?"

Hestia smiled, reaching out to take Artemis's hand.

"I am not telling you what you should or should not do. But I believe that sometimes the greatest challenges we face are not external, but internal. Percy Jackson is a rare soul. If he's awakening something in you, perhaps it's worth exploring what that means."

Artemis closed her eyes for a moment, letting Hestia's words echo in her mind.

"What if I regret it?" she asked, barely above a whisper.

"Regrets come from both actions and inactions," Hestia replied. "But what you feel now is genuine. Don't let fear or pride keep you from finding something that can bring meaning to your existence."

Artemis stood slowly, still absorbing what Hestia had said.

"Thank you, Hestia. I needed to hear that."

The goddess of the hearth smiled warmly.

"I will always be here, Artemis. The hearth is a place of comfort and reflection. Come back whenever you need."

Artemis bowed her head in respect before turning to leave. But as she reached the door, she stopped, looking over her shoulder.

— Percy... he's not like anyone I've ever met.

Hestia just smiled.

— Maybe that's exactly why you feel the way you do.

With those words echoing in her mind, Artemis left the hall, her heart still in turmoil, but now filled with a new perspective.

As she walked through the lands of Olympus, Artemis looked up at the starry sky above. Hestia's words stayed with her, sparking a a storm of emotions that she still didn't know how to control.

Percy Jackson was, indeed, different. And maybe, just maybe, he was the first man she was willing to allow to break down the barriers she had built for millennia.

For now, though, she knew she would need time and courage to decide what to do with this unexpected feeling.

Chapter 21 – On the Edge of the Oath

Day was breaking on Olympus, bathing the golden hills and towering temples in a soft light. Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, walked silently through the marble halls, her heart heavy with doubts and inner conflicts.

After talks with Hestia and nights of reflection, she knew that there was only one entity left to whom she could turn: Styx, the personification of the river of the unbreakable oath.

The goddess knew that an encounter with Styx was not something to be entered into lightly. The consequences of broken or undone oaths were unknown even to the gods themselves, but Artemis needed answers.

Artemis summoned a silver chariot drawn by winged deer, setting off for the domain of the goddess of the oath. The portal that led to the river was in a remote valley, surrounded by dark mountains and an eternally cloudy sky.

Upon arriving, she stepped down from the carriage, her eyes fixed on a narrow opening between the rocks, from which a black mist was pouring out. Taking a deep breath, Artemis entered, the sound of turbulent waters echoing in the distance.

In the heart of the cave, Styx appeared. A tall, shadowed female figure, her eyes shone with an intensity that seemed to pierce the soul.

"Artemis, daughter of Zeus," Styx said, her voice reverberating like thunder. "What reason dares you bring her to my domain?"

Artemis approached slowly, maintaining her posture firm, although her heart was racing.

"Styx, I have come to seek your wisdom. Centuries ago, I swore an oath before you: that I would remain a virgin and free from the bonds of mortal feelings. That oath defined me, shaped my existence."

Styx crossed her arms, watching the goddess with an unreadable expression.

"And now, do you wish to undo the oath? Why?" Artemis hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully.

"My mission has always been to protect and guide those in need. But lately, something has changed. There is someone… Percy Jackson. He is unlike anything I have ever encountered. It is not just who he is, but what he represents. He challenges me to rethink what it means to be strong, honorable, and loyal."

Styx arched an eyebrow, the shadow around her curling like smoke.

"Do you believe that breaking your oath is an act of loyalty to yourself?"

Artemis took a deep breath.

"I do not know. But I do know that this oath no longer represents who I am today."

Styx's figure moved in a slow circle around Artemis, like a serpent watching its prey.

"Breaking an oath made to me is not simple, Artemis. Oaths are the foundation of the gods. Breaking them, even when consented to, can have unpredictable consequences.

Artemis stood her ground.

"I am willing to face them."

Styx paused, looking at her intently.

"Then I will test you. I will temporarily revoke your oath. For one lunar cycle, you will be free to explore whatever you desire. At the end of that time, you will return to me and tell me if you wish it to be permanently undone."

Artemis blinked in surprise.

"And if I choose not to return?"

Styx smiled slightly, a rare and almost menacing gesture.

"Do not underestimate me, young goddess. The oath is still bound to your essence. If you do not return, the weight of your choice will be evident."

Artemis nodded, her resolve unwavering.

"I accept the test."

Styx held out her hand, and a small thread of silver light emerged from Artemis's chest, floating down into the entity's palm. The feeling was instantaneous: a weight she had never noticed before seemed to lift from her shoulders.

"You are free now, temporarily. Use this freedom wisely, Artemis. What you decide at the end of the lunar cycle will be final."

With that, Styx disappeared, the shadows around him dissipating.

Artemis returned to her chariot, her heart still racing. As the winged deer carried her back to Olympus, she felt something different inside her: a mix of relief and anxiety. For the first time in millennia, she was free of an oath that had shaped her entire existence.

As she landed on Olympus, the goddess realized that now was her opportunity to explore her feelings for Percy. But at the same time, she knew that the weight of the final decision was yet to come.

The sky above Olympus was brightening, and Artemis watched the stars slowly disappear. She knew that the lunar cycle Styx had granted her would be a time of self-discovery and difficult choices.

As she walked toward her temple, a single question echoed in her mind: what would it mean for an immortal goddess to allow herself to love?

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