Months had passed since the battle with Nyx, but the memory of it remained vivid in Percy's mind. Life had returned to a relative calm, though Percy had learned enough by now to know that peace was never permanent in her world. Still, she embraced the moments of quiet, cherishing the time to breathe, heal, and reflect.

She stood on a secluded beach, the ocean stretching endlessly before her. The waves lapped gently at the shore, their rhythm soothing and familiar. The sky above was a deep indigo, speckled with stars that twinkled like scattered diamonds. The moon hung low on the horizon, its silver light casting a serene glow over the water.

This was her favorite place to be—a space where she felt connected to her father, to her powers, and to herself. She dug her toes into the cool sand, letting the sea breeze tousle her hair as she closed her eyes and listened to the symphony of the waves.

"You seem at peace."

The familiar voice made her smile even before she opened her eyes. She turned to see Artemis standing a few feet away, her silver hair glinting in the moonlight, her expression calm and steady.

"I try to be," Percy replied, gesturing to the waves. "It's easier when I'm here. The ocean... it's like it understands me."

Artemis nodded, stepping closer. "The sea is a part of you, Percy. It always will be."

"And what about you?" Percy asked, tilting her head. "What brings the goddess of the hunt to a quiet beach like this?"

Artemis smiled softly. "I wanted to see you."

The words were simple, but they made Percy's heart flutter.

"I've been keeping busy," Artemis continued, her gaze shifting to the horizon. "The hunters have had their share of challenges, but nothing like what we faced together." She paused, then glanced back at Percy. "And you? How have you been?"

Percy hesitated, considering the question. "It's been... different. The quiet is nice, but sometimes I feel like I should be doing more. Like there's always another battle just waiting to find me."

"There will always be battles," Artemis said gently. "But that doesn't mean you have to seek them out. It's okay to rest, Percy. To take time for yourself."

Percy smiled faintly. "That's easier said than done."

"Perhaps," Artemis admitted. "But you're stronger than you know. And you don't have to face what's ahead alone."

The two stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the sound of the waves filling the space between them.

"Do you ever wonder what comes next?" Percy asked suddenly, her voice quiet.

Artemis tilted her head, considering the question. "The future is uncertain, even for gods. But I know this: whatever comes, we face it together."

Percy looked at her, the weight of the words settling over her like a warm blanket. She didn't have all the answers. She didn't know what the future held. But she had Artemis, and that was enough.

The moon climbed higher into the sky, its light illuminating the beach as the two stood side by side. Percy felt a sense of calm she hadn't known she needed.

The battles were far from over, but for now, she allowed herself to simply be.

Together, under the silver moon, they faced the horizon—and whatever lay beyond it.

authors note: hi tell me if u would like more stories around this version of Percy Jackson or any other story ideas and any thoughts on this story. please don't be a silent reader.