**The Son of Artemis**
Prompt: Percy Jackson fanfiction Joe Donavan is a new camper at camp halfblood there are rumors that he is the son of Artemis these rumors are not confirmed until Joe after a swim in the lake comes out of it and suddenly is surrounded by deers, and bears and Artemis’s voice comes down from the skies saying “this is my beloved son who with I am well pleased”
Joe Donovan stood at the edge of Camp Half-Blood, the echoes of laughter and the smell of pine filling the air. A feeling of disbelief washed over him; only days ago, he was just a regular kid living in Manhattan, and now he was surrounded by demigods, mythologies, and the world of ancient Greek gods. Despite the excitement, a nagging thought tugged at the back of his mind—who was he in this chaotic world?
Whispers fluttered through the camp like leaves caught in a gentle breeze. Some campers speculated about his lineage; rumors spread that he might be the son of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, and this idea consumed his thoughts. Yet, Joe was not sure how to take it. One minute, he felt like he could maybe embrace this new identity, and the next, he was terrified at the weight of expectation that came with it.
After a long day of training and archery lessons, Joe made his way to the lake. The water sparkled under the sun, inviting and calm. Something about its surface beckoned him; maybe it was the need to escape, or perhaps the anticipation of a refreshing plunge. Without a second thought, he stripped off his camp T-shirt and dove into the crystal-clear depths.
As he swam, the cool water invigorated him, washing away his worries and filling him with a sense of belonging he hadn’t felt since arriving at camp. Every stroke propelled him further into a blissful state, and he lost track of time. Eventually, he surfaced, gasping for breath, and looked around. The sun was starting to dip below the treetops, painting the sky with strokes of orange and pink.
The tranquility didn’t last long. As he coughed and shook water from his hair, he noticed movement on the shore. A small herd of deer emerged from the surrounding thickets, their eyes bright and curious, as if they had been waiting just for him. His heart raced. More deer appeared, followed by a lone bear that seemed unbothered by its presence beside the delicate creatures. Joe blinked, convinced he was still underwater, dreaming.
"Joe…," a voice floated over the gentle lapping of the lake. It was a sound tinged with authority and care. It resonated deep within him, causing his skin to prickle as he looked up. The campers had gathered at the edge of the trees, watching him with wide eyes. It felt as if time had stopped, the world frozen in a moment of anticipation.
Suddenly, the sky darkened, and a beam of light broke through the clouds. It illuminated the lake, surrounding Joe with a radiant glow. “This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased,” boomed a voice that echoed through the heavens, vibrant and clear.
A wave of awe washed over the crowd, and the animals moved closer to Joe, unafraid and protective. He felt an inexplicable connection to them as if he belonged within their ranks. Tentatively, he raised a hand, and to his surprise, they all seemed to lean closer, drawn to him by some unseen force.
“Joe!” Artemis’s voice rang out again, this time softer and gentler, enveloping him like a warm embrace. The campers whispered among themselves, their astonishment reverberating through the trees. He felt a rush of joy, confusion, and pride swell within him all at once. Could he really be the son of Artemis? Would he inherit her prowess in the arts of the hunt and nature?
As if sensing his turmoil, a doe stepped forward, nudging him gently. Joe knelt, feeling the warmth radiating from the animal. A smile spread across his face, and he could almost hear the forest coming alive, each leaf and creature acknowledging him as one of their own.
But just as the euphoria peaked, doubt crept back in. What would this mean for him? His head swirled with questions. Would he be forever known as “Artemis’s son,” or would he be relegated to living in her shadow? Mere moments ago, he was just a newcomer, trying to find his way. Now, the very cosmos seemed to demand that he fulfill some destiny unraveling before him.
“Joe, you are more than just a name,” Artemis continued, her voice intertwining with the whispers of the wind. “You carry within you the spirit of nature, the strength of the wild—embrace it. Your journey has just begun.”
He looked around at the campers with newfound courage. They weren’t just scared, confused kids like himself; they were allies, friends honing their skills. He could forge a path alongside them, learning and growing in this surreal world.
He stood, brushing off the remnants of water, his heart racing with purpose. “I accept this,” he declared, his voice steady. “I will heed your call, and I will learn how to honor your legacy.” A collective gasp of surprise rippled among the spectators, and pride surged within him.
The animals stepped back as the light began to dim, but they didn’t fully leave. Instead, they formed a semi-circle, creating a protective barrier that made Joe feel empowered. He realized in that moment that being the son of Artemis didn’t merely signify lineage; it meant being a guardian of nature, an ambassador of the wild. He could lead, inspire, and protect, just like his legendary mother.
The murmurs of astonishment quieted, replaced by a sense of awe and respect amongst his peers. Joe shared an understanding glance with the campers—he was one of them now, and they would learn together. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the lake, Joe smiled, feeling the gentle brush of the wind whispering promises of adventure and resilience.
This was only the beginning, and he was ready for whatever destiny awaited. As he took his place among the other campers, he understood in his heart: he was not just Joe Donovan anymore. He was a demigod, a child of Artemis, and he was prepared to embrace his fate to become more than he had ever dreamed.
