Author's Note: Romantic structure is inspired by redditor Eros_Bittersweet. Check out their work too!

Perseus' aura continues the unexpected love story of him and Medusa.

<3 <3 <3 <3

Birds chirping woke up the young demigod. His nostrils are penetrated by bread cooking in the oven. The chains rattled from him covering his mouth from a yawn.

"Morning, Perseus. You woke up in time for breakfast."

"Is that bread?"

"Your nose never deceives you. It should be ready soon. I want to try something with you." She walked over and unlocked his cuffs. "You can get up now."

He stood up slowly using his hands against the stone wall.

"I don't want to chain you up anymore. Unless you like that."

Although Perseus was young, he questioned if it was a slip of the tongue or if it was more than that. Even then, his face turned beet red.

"I am so sorry. I don't know what came over me," her voice flustered.

She cleared her throat. "You can walk around freely in and outside the house."

"But how? Your eyes would turn me to stone if I even glanced at them."

"For now, we will let each other know when we are in the same area. If I'm out of the house, I will tell you when it's safe. Let's try that." Her footsteps went towards the door. Open. Close. "It's safe!"

Perseus felt uneasy as if this was a trap, but he decided to trust her. He slowly lifted his blindfold. His vision was a bit blurry before becoming clear.

Sunlight poured through the windows to reveal the house. The stone oven baking the bread was close to the sink that had the leftover fish scraps. Off to the side, a table with chairs already pushed in. To his right, an unmade bed where Medusa had slept on with some books nearby.

To his left, a small closet where there are towels and women's clothing. He scanned for Athena's weapons, but they weren't there. He didn't blame her for hiding them.

"Do you like the place? Probably not the same as the king's palace. I saw the insignia," Medusa mentioned from outside.

"It's nice. Everything that is useful is in its place."

"My sisters built it for me."

"They have done a good job. Medusa, thanks for letting me out."

"I don't want you to feel like a prisoner anymore. You can read my books if you want."

"Thanks." He looked down under his shirt to check his former chest wound. "My wound has healed up nicely because of you. Thanks for that."

"You're welcome."

He could hear her smile behind those words. Blood began rushing down. He whispers to himself to calm down.

"Did you say something?"

"Nothing! I didn't say anything."

After checking the bread, he used the oven mitts to place it on the table. He sliced it into generous portions for him and his host. After sitting down at the table with his blindfold on...."You can come in."

The door creaked open. Her snakes "gasped" in surprise.

"I didn't want to eat without the host. Would you like to sit down?"

"Maybe another time. You go ahead and eat."

The bite of bread sends him moaning from the earthly flavors. "Where did you learn to cook like this?"

"I picked it up from those books. Some recipes I already knew because of school."

"Let me guess. You were the number one student in your class?"

"You can say that," her tone shifted to sadness.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything bad by it," he sighed. "I like your cooking, Medusa."

He slowly reached out to her while she pulled away. He was able to touch a part of her sharp, metallic fingers.

"Ow!"

"Hold still!" She and her snakes expressed concern.

Before she could use her healing blood, the cut on his finger closed up from his demigod ability.

"You can't touch me," she warns him. "You will hurt yourself."

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to comfort you. I will be careful next time."

Next time?

"Just..... be careful. You don't know what I really look like."

"Can you describe to me what you look like? They said you had a snake's tail, but I hear two feet."

"You mean the monster that everyone talks about?"

"That's not what I mean. You're not a monster."

"That would all change if you ever saw my form."

"I wouldn't," he spoke confidently.

"Why?"

"Your voice is lovely to my ears," he blurted out.

The hissing of her snakes went silent.

He realized what came out of his mouth "I-I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me."

"I'm going to go for a walk. I will be back." She left in a hurry before he could say anything. "It's safe!"

Perseus took off his blindfold and pondered over what he just said. He felt he made things worse for her.

After cleaning the table, he stared at the unmade bed where she slept. He couldn't get out of his mind her night terror. He made her bed and fluffed her pillows so she could sleep better. He used the remainder of his time to practice Pankration.

He imagined an opponent in front of him and lunged forward as if to grab him. He pretended his opponent threw a front kick and side steps. He "grabbed" the heel and forced "him" back and throws air punches on the grounded person.....beads of sweat hit the stone floor.

"I'm back!" Medusa called out.

"Just a minute," before throwing on his blindfold and sandals. "I'm ready now!"

Medusa entered the house to find a sweaty Perseus. "Were you just exercising?"

"Just doing some Pankration," he breathed heavily.

"Oh, I know of that sport. Never seen it but read about it. Never knew you were into that."

"Picked it up at the king's palace. My coach, Kostos, taught me."

"Were you any good?"

"His words were: lots of potential, but room for improvement," he deepened his voice to imitate Kostos.

The Gorgon's laughter was like honey to his ears.

"It's funny now that you mention it."

"What is he like?"

He explained that Kostos was captain of the king's guards. Someone who is respected by almost everyone out of his integrity and good nature. Although he's a hard teacher, he gave credit to Perseus for his progress.

"I also think that he loves my mother," he continued.

"He does?"

He recounted the late night that he overheard a hushed conversation in the garden. Kostos and Danae stared at each other. Her almond eyes lit up in a way that she never expressed to the king. He almost brushed her cheek, but he turned away to Perseus' confusion.

After reading, he figured they were in love with each other. "I would have been happy if he was the one that married her."

"Maybe it can still happen."

"Maybe. Oh, I saw there was no bath in here."

Her footsteps approached the closet. "I will give you some bathing oils for the lake nearby. Hands out."

Perseus felt something soft drop in his hands along with the vials.

"I dried out some clothes from the wreck. Also, I want to let you know something. Remember that I said some "heroes" tried to attack me?"

"Yes. Why?"

"You will see their statue bodies out by the lake. I defended myself when they attacked me. I don't want you to be too scared when you see them."

Perseus silently processed the information. ".....You don't have to feel bad about what you did. If only they got to know you like I am right now."

Medusa almost bit her lip.

Perseus could sense that she needed some time alone. "Can you lead me to the door?"

"Go ahead. You're good. Just a little to the right," she directed.

Perseus hit his right toe against a chair. "Ow! You did that on purpose!"

Medusa couldn't help but laugh. "You're right. I'm serious now. Go to the left and the door is right in front of you. It's unlocked and watch your step."

Perseus felt the door latch and pulled the door open. As soon as his feet touched rocky ground, the door closed behind him.

"It's safe!"

Perseus lowered his blindfold. Miles away from the house are tumultuous waves that crash onto the rocky shore along the beach. Black sand stretches as far as his eyes could see.

"Follow the pathway to the lake," her voice mentioned.

He saw it and followed it down.......

His feet stumbled upon what The Gorgon had warned about.

All of the statues expressed their last emotion. Some in the middle of their final battle shout. Wide eyes of fear. Fang marks decorated their necks and faces, Stone limbs scattered around. Broken arrows littered the ground. He could have ended up like any of them.

He stopped his body from shuddering that things have changed for the better. Something peaceful caught his attention.

On the other side of the lake, a stag stared at him. The creature was wearing a large belt with three notches in it. Echo and Takashi instantly recognize the creature as Orion.

Perseus leaked out some demigod aura to understand the weird creature. But the aura inside the stag refused to reveal anything. The creature ran away into the deep woods.

He shrugged it off and disrobed for his bath.....

After returning to the house, he placed back on his blindfold. The aroma of a sizzling rabbit on the table makes his mouth water. "I'm back!"

"Come in!"

He entered and made his way to the table.

"Lunch is ready if you're hungry."

Perseus brought up the stag with the belt that he saw. Medusa explained it was Orion, a friend of Artemis. His raised eyebrows reflected his confusion. The Gorgon explained that it was an accident over a private argument the two had. Since that time, the two have worked together to protect her from harm.

"That has to be painful. I also saw the statues that you mentioned."

"How do you feel about what you saw?" Cautious words flowed from her lips.

"I believe you when you said it was self-defense. I could only imagine what it feels like to know that people want to hurt you. I'm just glad to be here."

Medusa was speechless.

"Uhm. Thanks for the clothes, Medusa."

"You're welcome. I'm sorry about how I acted earlier. You were trying- no being- nice to me."

"It's fine. I accept your apology regardless. Let's eat."

"You go ahead and eat. I'm going to take a nap. Did....you happen to make my bed?"

"I did. I wanted to help you out in any way I can."

Ba-dump. Ba-dump. "T-thanks. You didn't have to do that."

"Can we talk more when you wake up? I like talking with you."

"Sure."

He heard her go to her bed followed by the ruffling of a blanket. She watched him eat and slowly closed her eyes with her venomous snakes on guard. Upon waking up, she found Perseus snoring on the floor. So peaceful. He's-

"Medusa?" His yawn interrupted her thoughts.

"Did I wake you?"

"No. That lunch was really good. Slept like a god."

"Thank you."

"Can I tell you something? I'm glad you came back. I thought I insulted you with my words."

"I didn't expect that," she whispered to herself.

"You didn't expect what?"

Ba-dump. "Wait, you can hear me clearly when I whisper?"

He heard Medusa's heart skip a beat. Erratic breaths escaped her mouth. Tears collided to the floor. Shame that he heard her night terror.

He sat up. "You don't have to tell me your story. Just know that I'm sorry for what happened to you."

She got up to run away and clear her head.

"I won't judge you, Medusa. Stay with me! Don't leave. Let me help you."

He heard her sit back on the bed.

"It's not your fault, Perseus. I don't deserve to hear those words from you. Only a couple of people felt sorry for me."

"You don't have to tell me now. When I have earned your trust, you can tell me then."

A comfortable silence rested between them as darkness enters the house.

"Good night, Medusa. I hope you sleep well."

"Good night."

She then felt some of his divine aura which felt like an extra blanket. Medusa felt things between them have gotten better, but she questioned their future.

----

Weeks pass by. Medusa and Perseus had their routine perfected whenever one of them would leave/enter the house. Perseus went out to hunt one day for rabbit and fish near the lake. Medusa loaned him her bow and arrows.

"Are you sure?"

"I am. I know you won't hurt me," she stated with confidence that made him grin.

He made his way to the lake. Since he had no experience with archery, he used an arrow like a knife. He stabbed a fish and threw it back to the land to repeat the process.

He saw he had a good haul for Medusa and--

A suspicious sound stopped him in his tracks.

He summoned his divine aura to intimidate whatever was out there. Quick, light footsteps approach him from behind. Before he could defend himself, he got slammed to the ground with a knife to his throat. A petite woman with piercing emerald eyes was responsible. He couldn't even fight out of her grasp.

He noticed a similar golden aura that almost matched his own. Heracles, Echo, and Taki are surprised to see that Artemis knew Perseus at that time.

"Don't move a single muscle or you will die," she threatened.

"Wait. Are you Artemis?"

She pushed her knife against his throat. "That will be the last time you will say my name."

"I'm not here to hurt Medusa."

With a whiff, her eyes explode in anger. "Athena sent you to kill her just like the others you see around you."

"Medusa isn't the monster that people say she is. I don't want to hurt her."

The huntress got off of him, but still held the knife in her hand. He remained on the ground so he wouldn't be considered a threat.

"What are your feelings towards her?"

He decided to confess. "It feels like we have a good friendship. I like her voice and personality. I like hearing her smile and laugh. It's so confusing. I don't know what to make of it."

She sheathed her knife and offered her hand to help him up. She picked him up like he was a feather. His sky-blue eyes questioned why she hadn't killed him at first sight. She explained that the golden aura made her hesitate. The aura they received from their father, Zeus.

The Huntress received a surprising hug from Perseus. Usually, she wouldn't let another man hold her like this, but it wasn't with ill intent.

"Athena didn't tell me about my other siblings." He gently pushed back with eyes of wonder. "Could you tell me about father? What is he like? Athena told me a few things about him. My mom didn't talk about him as much."

"Sure. What did she tell you?"

"That he is King of the Olympians. He can throw lightning bolts and he's the most powerful god in all of Gaia. What else is he like?"

"I'm fortunate to have spent time with him. He's protective to a fault. He wouldn't even let me touch a real arrow until I was fully ready. He's playful with a soothing presence. His voice booms like thunder, but it's not scary."

"Can I meet him one day?"

Her smile rested flat. "I'm afraid not. He's a busy god who has to maintain order amongst the other gods of Olympus. He has to keep them in line if one of them acts up."

"Is there a way I can talk with him? To hear his voice?"

"I can't risk Medusa's location. If he talked with Athena..."

The young son of Zeus sadly nods before changing the topic. "How many siblings do we share?"

"As numerous as the stars."

Perseus was amazed until.... "Our dad slept around a lot."

Artemis chuckled briefly. "Not his best quality, but he tries to stay faithful to Hera. Keyword being try."

"Can you tell me more about our family? Do I have any uncles or aunts?"

She gave him a small history of his aunts and uncles. However, she warned him never to contact nor mention Poseidon's name. The severity of it made him swear to secrecy.

"Is it possible for you to send a message to my mom? Just to let her know that I'm safe?"

"I can't risk that. You need to play as if you are dead."

His pupils wavered. His mother's heart may not handle it. A bitter pill to swallow and accept.

Artemis squeezed his hand gently to comfort him.

Another question is on his mind. "Wouldn't Athena send more people after Medusa if I'm playing dead?"

The deity picked up a random stone head that was on the ground. She measured it to Perseus' head and chucked it away. She found one that's the best fit and plucked some hair off of his head.

"Ow!"

The golden-brown hairs landed on the head. With a wave of her glowing hand, the face changed to Perseus' face. Stone changed to flesh matching every detail of his face.

"I will tell her that both of you died during your fight. She will believe me once I provided a false head of Medusa's. Where are the weapons she gave you?"

"She hid them from me. I have no idea where they are."

Artemis went over the plan. After Medusa's "death", she threw the weapons into the waters out of anger. Taking advantage of Athena and Poseidon's mutual hatred. She would inform his mother of his death to keep up the ruse. The Huntress would tell Medusa's sisters that it wasn't true but omitting him.

He let out a sigh. At least Medusa will be safe from now on.

"Now that the war is over, I have spare time to be around here more. Medusa would like that. I'm going to go now."

"Wait! Could you train me please in mastering my aura?"

"Why?"

"I know Medusa can defend herself, but I don't want her to. I want her to be able to sleep without worrying for her life. So please, train me. Help me be her shield."

"Alright. I will."

"Yes!" He exclaimed with a smile.

"It seems that Athena told you just the basics for the original task. I will come here tomorrow to start your training. I will come by the house and knock on the door."

"And I will be ready. Thanks, sister."

Artemis vanished within a blink of an eye.

He took the fish he collected and returned to the house. He wore his blindfold on and knocked. "I'm back!"

"It's safe."

"You won't believe what just happened," while opening the door.

Medusa's snakes recognized a familiar scent with their tongues. "You met Artemis? Did she hurt you?"

"My sister had me on the ground, but it's all water under the bridge. I understand her role as your protector. We talked and she agreed to train me tomorrow."

Medusa is surprised by his casual nature. "That's.......amazing. Why is she training you? You know how to fight."

He told he wanted to be her shield of peace. Ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump

"Are you okay, Medusa?"

"I-I'm fine. I appreciate your help, Perseus. Just want to let you know that she won't go easy on you."

"I know. I'm excited for it."

"You're very optimistic about this."

"I got that from my mother. She usually finds a silver lining in anything."

"I'm glad you have that quality of hers. You give me hope that way."

Perseus was almost speechless from her genuine compliment. He turned away to hide his blushing face. He cleared his throat. "Let's have dinner. Sorry about the rabbit."

"It's okay. I will cook. Lay on the floor until I call you."

They had dinner that night and Perseus was too excited to sleep. He imagined how much stronger he will be from his sister's help.

I will be your protector, friend. Or maybe that word won't suffice. I think we're best friends or...it doesn't matter. I will protect you, Medusa.

He lulled her to sleep with his relaxing aura....

Knock, knock.

Perseus sat up and used his aura to sense Artemis at the door. Medusa was startled from hearing the noise.

"It's okay, Medusa. It's Artemis."

The forked tongues of her snakes recognize her scent. She caught her breath. "My gaze won't affect her, but still I was a little scared of who it could be."

"I will let her know to use another method. Sorry about that."

"I....will be okay. Have fun with your training."

"I will. I need to tell you something. Artemis' plan for us."

He told her how Artemis would deceive everyone so no one else will come after them. He waited for her response.

"But your mother will get hurt by this lie," she argued.

"I know, but I won't let you get hurt because of what I want. It's better this way that we both play dead. You deserve peace, Medusa."

She had nothing to say as he made his way to the door.

He removed his blindfold to see the goddess of the hunt. He adjusted his vision as daylight poked through the foggy mist.

"Hi, brother. I'm sorry about waking up Medusa like that."

"You heard all of that?"

"Gods like me have better senses. Plus, hearing you calm her down reassured me that she's in good hands."

"Let's get started."

Artemis took him back to the lake. He found two recently dug graves which confused him.

"I told Athena about your deaths, and she believed me after I showed her the proof."

"Wait. Isn't there a god of death she could talk to?"

"Yes, but Thanatos dislikes Athena to his core. He cooperated with me to "confirm" the deaths. I made Athena promise to only tell the people in Athens while I talked with your mother."

"H-How is she?"

She gripped his shoulder. "She broke down in front of me. I'm sorry."

His legs buckled underneath him. Imagining his mother in the deepest pain of her life made him clutch his chest.

His sister embraced him. "After that, I gave permission for Athena to spread the news. I also forbade others from going to her grave using death as a punishment."

He wished that his mother was given a secret way of knowing that he's still alive. But Athena would have been suspicious if she talked with her. The lies would have unraveled from that point. The goddess would surely kill him for his treason. After calming down a bit, he's determined to get stronger.

"Show me what you can do with your aura. I know you used it to sense me out, for intimidation, and to help Medusa sleep peacefully."

"You know about that part?"

"I felt a calm positivity from the energy you covered Medusa with. I can tell she appreciates that."

Perseus couldn't help but smile when she said that.

"Now, let's focus. Sit down and show me the depth of your energy. I will mask it."

She summoned the majority of her aura which astonished him. The weight of it reassured him.

He closed his eyes and thought of his loved ones. An image of his mother, Danae, appeared strongly in his mind. Artemis and Kostos as well. Although he never saw her true form, Medusa's voice popped in his mind.

"Open your eyes," she instructed.

Perseus opened his eyes to see the divine aura he brought out. It wasn't as large as he thought it was going to be. "Is this good?"

"We will see. Draw it back in."

Thanks to Athena's lessons, it was easy for him.

"Now attack me with it."

He threw out a divine energy jab....Artemis didn't even move a half step back.

"Am I that weak?"

"It's not that. I see your aura can be a good attack because of your Pankration skills, but I think it would be better used in a different way."

"What other way?"

"In Pankration, what is one of the things they teach you besides attacking?"

"There are movements, timing, strategy, and defense."

"Let's try defense. Cloak yourself with energy like a shield."

Perseus covered his whole body with aura like a heavy robe.

Artemis' light punch to the stomach made him step back. However, his aura didn't give way to it. Vanishing footsteps. A swift kick to his back had him crouch forward. His aura almost gave out, but he maintained it while standing back up.

A hook to the ribs made golden crimson escape his mouth. His aura shielding disappeared. Artemis stopped out of concern.

"Don't stop," he winced as he summoned his aura again. "Keep breaking my defenses.... I will make something that no one can break."

Artemis liked his confidence and resumed. She landed several big hits that knock Perseus down to the ground, but he fought to get himself back up each time. The last big hit floored him, so she healed him.

Perseus felt himself getting restored from the pain. After some time passed, he tried again to form a stronger shield around himself. But something was holding him back and Artemis knew why.

"Let's stop for now. We will continue tomorrow."

The deity put on his blindfold and helped him back to the house. She took Perseus' hand to knock on the door.

"I'm back," he weakly exhaled.

"Perseus? It's safe," her voice gave away her concern.

Artemis opened the door.

Medusa's steps stormed to the entrance. "Did you go too rough on him?"

"He asked me to go tough on him. I healed him so he just needs rest."

"I just don't want him to get hurt or worse."

"I can take the pain. I will go through it so I can bring you peace one day," while flashing his smile.

"Lay him on the bed, please," her tone calmed down.

The bed almost swallowed him. "I won't stay on it too long."

"Take as much time as you need. I'm going to talk with Artemis and catch up for a bit."

"No eavesdropping," she warned.

They stepped outside with concealing aura to hide their conversation. After waking up from a nap, the trio enjoyed dinner together. The goddess noticed how the two were getting along better than friends. It reminded her of her relationship with Orion.

The next several days, Perseus' training continued to improve his shielding. Orion grazed on grass while the demigod landed on his back.

Artemis rushed towards him. "Sorry about that. It must-"

"Whew!" He yelled out.

Her eyebrows shot up.

His pearly whites flashed at her. "I made it last longer than the previous times."

Artemis smiled from his enthusiasm. "That's what I like to hear! Let's take a break for now."

Perseus got up and grabbed some edible berries. He offered them to Orion who sniffed before grazing. He rubbed his head. "Sis, can you tell me a little about Orion? What was he like before this?"

She relayed what she could. Their rivalry as hunters that formed a close bond before and during the war. He felt that there was more to it than that, but he didn't push it. She brought up his goal without mentioning the prize. To capture without hurting.

"Did he ever achieve that goal?"

"He did," while looking at him. Orion happily bleated from her comment.

"I'm sorry that he can't be turned back. You must miss him in his human form."

"I do," before letting out a sigh. "It's time to let you know why you're not reaching your full potential. An emotional disconnect. Your feelings towards Medusa."

"What? I don't get it."

"You have conflicted feelings about her. They have to be certain or else your shielding won't hold up."

Her words rang him like a bell. "W-We have a great friendship."

That's not what you want though, his mind argued. His jaw dropped. She was right.

She picked up her bow. "I'm going to be leaving for my temple for a bit. Keep my words in mind and practice."

She hugged him before running off.

"What should I do, Orion?" He asked the stag.

Orion walked slowly on purpose towards him.

"Take it slow when it comes to Medusa?"

He nodded.

He thought about it. Although never seeing her figure, being with her always made him smile.  What if I end up liking her and it's not the same?  What if I ruin what-

The butting of Orion's head against his back interrupted his thoughts. Pushing him towards the direction of the house. He laughed with one thought on his mind.

What's going to happen between us?