**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” Artemis then descends and embraces Joe
The sun hung high above Camp Half-Blood, casting a golden glow over the familiar landscape of training grounds, cabins, and the sprawling woods that bordered the lake. Excited voices echoed as campers prepared for another sun-drenched day of training and camaraderie. Among them was a newcomer, Joe Donovan, whose arrival had stirred whispers and speculation. Most notably, there were persistent rumors that he was the son of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt.
Joe was tall for his age, with tousled brown hair and hazel eyes that seemed to flicker with hints of green, reminiscent of the forest. He was a bit of an enigma, joining camp just after the beginning of the summer, and many campers found him intriguing. Yet Joe was a shy boy, often avoiding the spotlight, preferring the quiet sanctuary of the trees rather than the raucous games of capture the flag.
The rumors began on the first night he arrived, when he accidentally caught a glimpse of a deer while walking to the dining pavilion. The creature had locked eyes with him for a fleeting moment before disappearing into the brush. Some campers claimed to have seen Joe conversing with woodland animals, while others insisted he could mimic the calls of birds. They attributed these peculiarities to his possible divine lineage.
As the weeks passed, Joe embraced camp life, albeit hesitantly. He learned to shoot an arrow, deftly striking targets at the archery range, much to the surprise of his peers. Yet, he often felt like he was on the periphery of the lively group, unsure of his place within this ancient mythos.
One warm afternoon, the other campers decided to take a break from their training and enjoy the shimmering lake. Joe, preferring solitude, wandered toward the water’s edge. The sun glittered on the surface, inviting him to take a dip. With a deep breath, he peeled off his camp t-shirt and waded into the cool water, feeling every bit as alive as the rippling waves around him.
As he swam, he lost track of time, completely absorbed in the tranquility of the moment. But slowly, something strange began to happen. A feeling of energy bubbled within him, a connection to something greater than himself. It was as if the essence of the woods, the whispers of the wind, and the gentle ripples of the water were joining together in a symphony, pulling him into the heart of nature.
After an invigorating swim, Joe emerged from the lake, droplets cascading down his body as he climbed onto the sun-warmed rocks. It was then that everything changed. He noticed movement in the treeline, and his heart raced as he saw the silhouettes of deer and bears inching closer, their eyes fixed on him. They were not acting with the usual fear that wild animals possessed; rather, they appeared entranced, approaching him like an audience before a performer.
Just as the campers began to notice, a majestic voice resonated from above, ethereal and commanding. “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” Though it was not spoken aloud, the words echoed in his mind as though they were a declaration meant exclusively for him.
The campers fell silent, their eyes wide in awe. As they turned their gaze skyward, the sky split open with the shimmer of light descending. The silhouette of a tall figure glided down—an ethereal goddess, radiant and fierce, with a silver bow slung across her shoulder and moonlight weaving through her midnight hair.
It was Artemis, the goddess who ruled the wild and all its creatures. Joe’s heart raced, and he felt a profound recognition deep within him. She landed lightly by his side, and the animals reverently parted, creating a sacred circle around them.
“Joe Donovan,” Artemis continued, her voice as soft as a breeze yet as powerful as a thunderclap. “Do not shy away from who you are. The world needs hunters, not just of beasts, but hunters of knowledge and truth. You possess the spirit of the wilderness within you.”
With a grace that seemed to transcend time, she stepped forward, enveloping him in an embrace that felt both warm and exhilarating. For a moment, he was lost, wrapped in her divine presence, filled with an unexplainable sense of belonging.
When she finally released him, he looked into her eyes, shimmering like starlit lakes, and saw not only the goddess of the hunt but a mother figure who had longed to envelop him in her love.
The campers around them burst into whispers, disbelief and wonder mingling in the air. Joe felt their stares, the mixture of fear and admiration flickering in their expressions. Yet, in that moment, none of it mattered. He looked at Artemis, and the smile that broke across his face was filled with understanding—the rumors were true, and finally, he could embrace his identity.
Artemis raised her hands, and the surrounding animals began to retreat, sensing the energy shift. “You shall come to understand your powers, Joe. Each challenge will sharpen your skills, and each day will deepen your connection to nature and its mysteries,” she promised before stepping back, the light surrounding her beginning to fade.
As she began to rise into the sky, he felt a sense of longing build within him. “Wait!” he whispered, his voice barely carrying over the gentle wind. “I want to learn! I want to be like you!”
Her eyes twinkled with amusement. “Then learn, my son. Embrace your destiny, and the wild shall reveal itself to you. Your journey has only just begun.”
With that, she ascended into the clouds, leaving behind the lingering warmth of her presence. The campers erupted into applause, their spirits lifted by the miraculous encounter. Joe stood there, breathless and dazed, filled with a newfound purpose and clarity.
“Did you see that?” one of the campers shouted. “He’s really the son of Artemis!”
Joe felt a smile bloom on his face. For the first time in a long time, he was not just a newcomer at Camp Half-Blood. He was something more—he belonged, and he was ready to embrace the legacy of the hunt. With a heart full of determination, he turned to face his fellow campers, ready to embark on this adventure together.
