**The Chosen 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 glinted off the surface of the lake at Camp Half-Blood, casting a shimmering glow on the water and illuminating the vibrant foliage surrounding its banks. Joe Donavan, a new camper, stood at the water's edge, taking in the atmosphere of the camp. The scent of pine trees and the distant sounds of laughter filled the air, a stark contrast to his previous life filled with city noise and constant distractions. Today, he felt an itch of nervous excitement in his chest.
Whispers had followed Joe since he arrived. Rumors floated through the camp like autumn leaves in the wind—some said he was destined for greatness, while others speculated more tantalizing tales. Most haunting of all was the belief that he was the son of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. Those ideas seemed ridiculous to him. How could he, just Joe, a kid from a broken home in New York, be tied to such a powerful figure?
But curiosity gnawed at him. The other campers tried to welcome him, albeit warily. His presence seemed to stir something in the air—a strange energy that made some uneasy while others looked on with intrigue. By the time he climbed into his bunk for the night, he had decided to take a swim in the lake to clear his mind and shake off the day's uncertainties.
As he plunged into the cool water, his worries washed away like sandcastles in the tide. He swam deeper, the sunlight filtering through the waves as he twisted and turned, breathing in the serenity of the moment. For the first time since arriving at Camp Half-Blood, he felt free.
Emerging from the water, droplets cascading down his skin, Joe looked around. Suddenly, the forest seemed to come alive. At first, he thought it was a mere trick of his imagination—spirits of the place, perhaps. But then, he noticed it was the true woods coming to greet him.
A soft rustling caught his attention, and before he could blink, he was surrounded by a gentle procession of deer. Their eyes were bright and curious, yet calm, the perfect symbol of grace in the wild. But it wasn't just the deer; there were bears too, large and powerful, guarding the perimeter with an air of solemnity. Their presence filled him with awe and bewilderment.
The air felt thick with anticipation—almost electric. As he stood there, bewildered and bewildering, a voice like music, haunting and celestial, pierced through the atmosphere.
"This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased."
The words echoed from the heavens, a celestial proclamation that sent shivers down his spine. The mountain had answered. Looking up, he saw a shimmering light descending through the treetops, growing closer until it materialized in the radiant form of Artemis herself. She wore a flowing gown that danced around her like moonlight on water, her hair gleaming like silken threads spun from the stars.
In disbelief, Joe felt every muscle tense and relax in unison as she approached. The creatures surrounding him bowed their heads, as if honoring her presence. Artemis smiled warmly at Joe, and to his astonishment, she reached out her arms to embrace him.
"Mother?" Joe stammered, disbelief mingling with wonder. It was a question filled with uncertainty but also a pulse of hope that he couldn’t quite comprehend.
“Yes,” she replied softly, pulling him into an embrace that felt both foreign and comforting. “You, Joe Donavan, are my son. I have watched over you from afar, guiding you through trials and tribulations. You have shown strength in your struggle, and now it is time for you to understand your purpose.”
He pulled back slightly, searching her eyes for answers. “Why me? I don’t even know how this is possible.”
“Your spirit is wild, untamed like the forest, unyielding like the river. It is no accident that you find yourself here; the world needs guardians. My children are not bound by blood alone, but by the choices they make and the hearts they hold dear. There is a legacy waiting for you, Joe.”
The realization struck him, and suddenly all the rumors and whispers made a kind of sense. It felt overwhelming—but also exhilarating. “But what does it mean? I’m just a kid. I don’t know how to be... a son of a goddess.”
Artemis smiled, a look of understanding etched on her face. “And you will learn. Each journey begins with a single step. You will train with the other campers, discover your skills, your strengths. You are a bridge between this world and that of the divine. Together, we will protect the balance of nature and stand against those who wish to disrupt it.”
Around them, the deer began to move closer, and the bears stood guard like mountains of muscle. It wasn’t just an embrace from his mother; it was the call of something greater, an invitation to embrace his destiny.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the lake, Joe felt as if a piece of him had awakened. He was no longer just a kid who stumbled into camp; he was part of a lineage, woven into the tapestry of gods and heroes.
“Your journey begins now, beloved son,” Artemis said, the soft glow from her figure illuminating the clearing. “Embrace your gifts, learn from your companions, and together we shall defend our world.”
He took a deep breath, standing taller than he ever had. “I will, Mother. I’ll make you proud.”
With those words, the forest echoed with a new beginning, and from that day on, Joe Donavan was no longer just a mere camper at Camp Half-Blood. He was Artemis's son, destined to rise and face a world that awaited his courage and heart. The sun set, but for Joe, the dawn of an extraordinary adventure had only just begun.