Not a good idea

Percy's POV

I really should've just stayed human. It would be a thousand times better than being demoted to becoming a warrior or guardian, or whatever I am for Artemis. She hates my guts, like she does to all men, but if you ask me, she should hate me less than she does other males since we're close to getting along.

I couldn't get Zeus to get me out of this situation, I replayed the discussion we had after the meeting was dismissed and I stayed behind for a small talk with him.

"Lord Zeus, not to be rude or anything, but I doubt that I would make a good guardian for Artemis. Besides, she doesn't really need one with strength like hers."

"I know that she can handle herself very well, but you becoming her guardian was only an excuse for what I really have in store for you, young sea god."

"Wait, what exactly do you mean?" I asked as he started to walk off. He turned back around and winked with a small smile.

"You're going to find out soon enough." And at that, our meeting had ended.

Since he didn't really help me out, I decided to see what dad could do about it. It would be better to just stay in his palace instead of being in my own personal Hades with the Huntresses and Artemis. But to my disappointment, he didn't help all that much either…

"Oh come on dad! You can't be serious about me living the rest of my never-ending life with Artemis! It's worse than being thrown to the kraken!" He chuckled and leaned back in his throne."

"I'm sorry Percy, but I actually think it's a great idea. You can learn a lot from her and besides, you won't spend that much time with her. As soon as you become a major god, you can do whatever you please."

"Wait, but that could take years, it might not even happen!"

"It will happen, for that I have no doubts. Now just go along with what has been decided and keep up your training, you still have much to learn." He didn't say more, just got up from his seat and walked out of the throne room while ruffling my hair on his way out.

And with no one else to turn to for help, I decided to give it a rest. If I try to argue with Zeus's decision too much, I'm going to end up with a lightning bolt right to the butt.

In my moment of stress, the only thing I could do to calm down was take a soak in the enormous Olympus pool. It surprised me that they even had one. It was probably the largest pool in the universe, with gold rimming, white marble tiles, and amazingly clean water.

I laid my head back, closed my eyes, and let myself get lost in my own thoughts. It felt nice to finally relax after the four years of non-stop training I had to put up with to get where I am today.

Poseidon taught me how to control water perfectly and keep it under control, as well as some better swordsmanship, but I barely got any time to myself.

Right as I felt myself drifting off into sleep, I sensed a shadow looming over me. I opened one eye to find Aphrodite looking down at me in a small, pink bikini. I bet I was as red as a tomato at the sight, but immediately turned away.

"Mind if I join you, handsome?" She asked with a smile.

"Nah, come on in." I rested my head back on the side of the pool but started feeling smooth, soft skin pushing against me. I turned around to see Aphrodite giving me her Hollywood-grin. "Anything I can help you with?" I asked smiling back and moving away from her a little.

"Well, I was just kind of wondering how you feel about my whole Artemis and you idea."

"Wait that was all your idea? I'm not exactly grateful for it I guess."

"I do take full credit for it, though I did run it by Zeus and your father to see if they approved. My encouraging reasons to go along with it also helped them think it was a good plan." I stared at her, baffled.

"But, how come you want me to work with Artemis? In case you don't know, we're not really on good terms."

"That's the fun of it, and the exact reason I decided to get involved." With those words, she winked at me and started to get out. "I'm really not much of a swimmer, catch you later." She pecked me on the cheek and walked off. Was she up to something or is it just me?

Artemis' POV

"Aphrodite! What's the meaning of this?" I called out to the love goddess as she seemed to be strolling back from the pool area.

"Artemis, what a pleasure to see you but what exactly do you mean?"

"I mean your idiotic idea of making that man come into The Hunt? You know as well as anyone that I won't allow it without a fight."

"Sorry Ms. Love Sucks, but that's what's been agreed. I can't do anything about it. Besides, he's not that bad. Actually, I think I'm rather fond of him myself." I rolled my eyes at her.

"Is there any god on Olympus you're not fond of?" She laughed and flipped her hair over her shoulder.

"Well, they've all got good looks so I don't know what I can say to that. But I can say that Percy's by far my favorite."

"Just tell me why you even thought that bringing Percy into The Hunt was a good idea." I said sternly.

"Oh, you'll find that out soon enough. Who knows, you might even have fun with him"

"Me have fun with him? Have you gone mad? First of all, he's not even supposed to be in the hunt, second, I don't exactly like him, and third, he couldn't shoot an arrow to save his life."

"Alright, whatever you say. But just so you know, he's going to end up with you and your huntresses one way or another He could really teach you a thing or two about enjoying life"

I gave her a skeptical look. I've had fun before, that's for sure. I have had some good times and I don't need a man to teach me anything, but I must admit that I'm on duty most of the time and not the jolliest person.

"We'll just see how this all turns out." I said as I stormed away, frustrated at the smirk Aphrodite had on her face.

"Let's just hope that you don't murder him in under a week." She called after me. That could be arranged, but it all depends on how he turns about to be. I don't really need a guardian or a male warrior but I think he could make an interesting slave... oh I mean servant.