**The Arrival of Joe Donovan**

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” Artemis then descends and embraces Joe remarking how he still has the cowlick he had when he was an infant

Joe Donovan stepped onto the sun-kissed grounds of Camp Half-Blood, his heart racing with both excitement and trepidation. He had heard all the stories about this magical place, full of demigods and mythological creatures. As he walked through the archway, inhaling the scent of pine and saltwater, he felt a strange connection to the camp. It was as if the very air hummed with the essence of adventure and power. Rumors swirled around camp about Joe. Whispers flickered like leaves in the breeze, suggesting he was the long-lost son of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. Hadn’t he always been drawn to the wild? The feeling of home when he roamed through forests had been palpable for him since he was a child. But so far, he hadn’t revealed much about his parentage. He was still trying to find his footing, to fit in among the seasoned campers who were already boasting about their own abilities and accomplishments. During orientation, he’d mostly nodded along, barely grasping the frantic lectures on monster attacks and the intricacies of celestial navigation that his new companions zealously discussed. When the sun hung high in the sky, Joe took a chance and headed to the lake for a swim. The water was cool and refreshing, washing away his self-doubt and the heaviness of whispered expectations. As he splashed and dove beneath the shimmering surface, he found solace, free from the nagging whispers of who he might—or might not—be. But when he surfaced, shaking water from his hair, everything changed. All at once, the forest around him erupted in life. Curious deer emerged from the trees, their soft eyes fixed on him, while majestic bears ambled nearby, their presence both awe-inspiring and intimidating. Joe prided himself on being cool under pressure, but he couldn’t help but feel like a fish out of water—quite literally. He edged closer to the shore, but before he could comprehend what was happening, he heard it—a melodic voice resonating around him, descending like a gentle breeze. “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” The voice felt heavenly, but it sent shivers down his spine. He turned, heart pounding, and couldn’t believe his eyes. Before him stood Artemis, radiant and timeless, her silver bow glinting against the sunlight. The goddess appeared ethereal, with an aura that radiated strength and comfort. As she approached, the animals made way, as if parting for royalty. “Joe Donovan,” she said, her gaze piercing yet gentle. “I have been watching you since the day you were born.” He felt an overwhelming sense of recognition, though he had never seen her before in his life. As she drew near, her arms enveloped him in a warm embrace. It was a feeling like none other; a sense of belonging washed over him. “You still have that cowlick, just as you did when you were an infant,” Artemis said, laughing lightly. Her laughter rang like bells, resonating deep within him. Joe chuckled nervously, feeling slightly embarrassed. “I suppose some things never change?” “You carry more than just the legacy of your father in your hair, my son.” She stepped back to regard him. “You have a spirit that reflects the wilderness, a heart that beats in rhythm with the land and its creatures. You are meant to be a part of this world.” Joe’s mind swirled with questions. “I’m… your son? But I thought you only had daughters.” Artemis shook her head. “The heart of a goddess knows no bounds. I have always seen a part of myself in you, Joe. You are truly my child, and you have much to learn.” Suddenly, the sounds of the camp grew closer. A couple of campers had meandered toward the lake, curious about the commotion. Joe felt embarrassment wash over him; he wasn’t prepared to confront the rumors so openly. But then he glanced at his mother, who beamed with pride. “Fear not, my son,” she said, her voice like a soothing balm. “Let them see you as you are—who you’ve always been.” With a determined nod, Joe straightened his shoulders as the campers arrived. Their eyes widened at the spectacle before them. Whispering grew amongst them like the rustling leaves of the trees. “Is that…?” “No way, really? The son of Artemis?” Artemis gestured toward them, and the wild animals around them melted away, authorities lifted with each grace-filled step. “Stand tall, Joe. They will look up to you now.” As Artemis introduced him, the campers listened intently. It felt surreal to be in the spotlight; his new identity began to mesh with who he had been all along. He could see respect and curiosity in their expressions rather than the disdain he had feared. Where whispers of skepticism had once existed, support now flourished. After the goddess finished recounting his story—everything from his childhood wanderings to the bond they shared—a wave of camaraderie unfolded among the campers. Joe felt a surge of confidence. He wasn’t just the random newbie anymore; he was part of something much larger, something wonderful. “Welcome, Joe Donovan,” a camper said, holding out a hand. “We’ve got your back.” He shook the hand, feeling warmth radiate through him. The more they stood together, the more the rumors transformed from whispers of suspicion to declarations of unity. As twilight shrouded the camp in hues of purple and gold, Joe stood with his new friends around a cozy fire. His mother stood at a distance, watching with a satisfied smile on her face. Joe felt truly at home, no longer defined by mere speculation but by the legacy that awaited him. And in that moment, with laughter bubbling around him, he knew he was ready for whatever adventures lay ahead.