Hello everyone. Thank you very much for the reviews, favorites, follows, views.
I am sorry for not updating sooner. I said I would do my best, but I have a lot of jobs in addition to the classes I attend.
You may have seen that I have given names to the chapters but there might be some changes.
Anyway, I hope you like it!
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Everyone else, please don't mind it.
Enjoy!
*Small changes*
Artemis
After what happened that night in the camp, I had formed a plan in my mind. But first I had to be sure of Percy's intentions. And what better by letting him lead the hunt? Meanwhile, I asked a hearing from Zeus.
"You wanted to talk to me?"
"Yes, Father. I have a request for the Hunt." I said as I bowed.
"I will call a Council," he said. "The Hunt is a very important matter."
He said and slammed the master bolt into the ground, making the council members appear.
"We are gathered here since Artemis want to ask something for the hunt."
"Actually father," I cut in, "Somebody, not something."
"What do you mean? Explain yourself."
"Not many of you know but two nights ago the Hunters were attacked in my absence. But there was somebody who was nearby and without hesitation attacked and killed the monsters but he was injured in the process. He has shown great courage and will to help us and I want him to help the hunt"
"What, you mean you want a man in your hunt?" shouted Apollo and stood up from his throne. But Zeus glared him murderously and sat down immediately.
"And who this man may be?"
"The man is Perseus Jackson." I said and waited for the reactions of Poseidon, Hestia and Hades, as he was their champion.
"And what is your plan?" asked the Lord of the Seas gripping his trident. He looked at me with eyes so identical yet so different from Percy's.
"Well, I was thinking of him as a guardian. To give him a variation of the blessing I give to the Hunters and become the Hero of the Hunt. I thought of him for several reasons. Firstly, he is somebody I respect and so do most of the Hunters. Also we all know him and he will try not to go against my rules. Also he will be with Anna, something which will no doubt be good for both of them. And he will have a purpose." I said, to clear the air a bit.
"I agree" said Hestia. "I think Perseus will heal faster around a new family now that Annabeth is no longer in the Camp and will be difficult for him to be there.
"In one condition. If we agree on this, Percy will be the one to decide. And he will have more freedom than the hunters about what he will do in his spare time." Poseidon declared. "You will not order my son around like one of your huntresses."
I knew that it was the best deal I could make. "Of course, my Lord."
It was decides and agreed since no one was objecting.
"Council dismissed." Declared Zeus and flashed away as did most of the council members.
The first to approach me was my brother.
"So, little sis. Why do you need Percy with you?"
"First I am not your little sister. And it is not your business."
"I will find out eventually," he said and before flashing away. Before he left, he winked at me.
Gods I want to kill him sometimes.
"I hope that Perseus is to be treated with respect, or else you hunters will feel the wrath, living or not." Hades watched me with narrowed eyes.
"Of course, Lord Hades. I will make sure of that." And the Lord of the Dead flashed away.
"Don't make me regret agreeing." Said Hestia. "I know that this will be good for Percy and Anna. You are to be held responsible if something was to happen to any of them."
"Don't worry Lady Hestia. Nothing will go wrong." I said and flashed out before anymore Gods came to threaten me if anything was to go wrong.
And it was for the best that I flashed out because the whole plan would be cancelled before it even began.
I flashed in time to the Romans camp to protect Percy and the Hunt from some arrows. I understood immediately what had become from the dead body of Octavian. I knew he tried something, but for the good of the Hunt, Percy was here. And once more I saw that he would risk his life for the Hunt, throwing himself between the hunters and the arrows.
I looked around me and I noticed Frank Zhang.
"Praetor, please make sure that something like this will never occur again."
He nodded and I watched as the Romans took Octavian's followers away. But from the corner of my eye I saw something that revealed to me Percy's softer side. I saw Anna hugging him. I knew she was scared for her uncle, she feared that she would lose him. And he responded to the hug, assuring her of his presence.
"Yet again Percy you helped and saved the Hunt with success, putting the lives of my Hunters before yours. You must be rewarded and I know how. Hunters go to my temple and await me there." I instructed. Then I was left with Percy and I put my hand in his shoulder as I flashed us somewhere else. We appeared in Delos, the island where I had spent my early years. I'd always had a fondness for it. Nowadays Delos is not inhabited and is used as an archeological site for the visitors.
"My lady, can I ask why are we here? And where is here?" he asked.
"We are in the island of Delos." I said as I remembered the last time I was here. With my brother, running away from my father.
"That's where you were during the-". I didn't let him finish.
"We are here for another reason Perseus. I have an offer for you."
"You have and offer for me? To answer no I do not want to be turned into a jackalope" he said and I saw the color leave his face. It was so funny that I made a mental note to scare him more often.
"Actually, no. I want to offer you a place into the Hunt."
"You do what? You are kidding me right? Come on, where are the cameras? I know we are live on Olympus."
"Perseus. This is no trick. I offer you to become the Hero of the Hunt. Something like a guardian to the hunters. I saw your actions and I know most of them respect you."
"I…I don't know what to say. I am honored. But I don't think I am suitable to help the hunt."
"Really? You survived two major wars and in both of the you played determinant role. You have killed many Titans and Giants, you are the Leader of the two Camps and you also have already save the Hunt two times. I do not think there is someone more suitable."
"If you say so, then I accept, my Lady". At that moment I understood that I had before me a man that defied all my thoughts about men. He had done all these things and yet not only he was humble but he didn't think much about them. But I snapped myself to concentrate.
"Repeat after me then. I Perseus Jackson, pledge myself to Artemis..."
"I Perseus Jackson, pledge myself to Artemis."
"…To help and secure the Hunt..."
"To help and secure the Hunt."
"…From any danger may arise with my life"
"From any danger may arise with my life".
"I accept your oath," I said and he started glowing in silver.
Percy
When Artemis told me that she wanted to tell me something I imagined I did something wrong during the time I escorted the Hunters. But this, this was something far from my imagination. And now the power surge felt good. I could see myself surrounded by a silver light. Immediately my senses sharpened and I could feel the difference between mortal and immortal. Or semi immortal actually.
"That was cool," I said grinning.
"We must go back to Camp Jupiter to report to the Hunters," Lady Artemis said. "They must be notified of this."
"Wait, I want to ask you something. Now that I am, what you called me? A guardian and part of the Hunt, do I need to follow you wherever you go?"
"I said you are the Hero of the Hunt, and no, you can move freely when we are camping, but I should know where you will be, in case we need something. I will be in camp Jupiter, report to me when you can," Artemis said and flashed away.
Perfect. It hadn't been five minutes I was in the Hunt and already now I was 7000 miles away from it and without a direct route to it. The only way was to shadow travel. Hope it won't be so tiring now.
At least I will find the opportunity to talk to some people, arrange a few things and say a last goodbye. I was delaying on purpose to find the strength to do so. I was weak without her. But I needed to go on. For her. For me. She gave her life for me.
After some time, and two or three calculations that scared the Hades of some pedestrians, I was finally in New York. I decided that first I could tell my mother. The visit wasn't too long and my mother didn't seem worried about the role. She was sad not to have me around but she understood. And I promised that I would visit when I could and was around.
Then I headed to the camp. I shadow traveled onto the main road so I could walk all the way. But when I approached I saw something I did not expect. Chiron was right to the Tree and Peleus was whining?
I came close and Chiron turned to see me.
"Percy, I thought you left. What brings you here?"
"Hello, Chiron. Well, some things happened after I left."
And I explained them all.
"Interesting, Lady Artemis chose a man for the Hunt. Well, you are the best I can imagine for this spot."
"But, why are you here Chiron, shouldn't you be in the Big House?"
"No Percy. I retired. I wanted to do it after the battle of Manhattan. I thought we would have peace. But then the giant war came and I felt obligated to help. Now, I'm leaving and I am happy for this decision. The camp is safe, the Greeks and Romans work together and all of you can at least live safe and rest. And now it is my turn."
"But, who will be the new Director? And what if we need something?" I asked and tears came to my eyes. I couldn't lose another person who was important to me.
"You can always I.M. me. But there are always two places that I could rest after I travel. Oh, and about the camp director, you would be surprised. Now go Percy. Do not worry I will be fine. You turned to be the greatest hero ever lived. It was my honor to teach you."
"No Chiron, it was my honor to have you as a mentor" I said and hugged the Centaur.
I continued my way to the camp and I turned to see a figure that I knew as a mentor, a friend and sometimes as a father.
As I came to the pavilion I saw Grover and Juniper.
"Percy, hi" Juniper said as Grover hugged me.
"Juniper may I borrow him for a second?"
She smiled and Grover looked at me.
"You are immortal. How?" he asked as we were away from any random ear.
"Artemis. I joined the Hunt as a guardian, or Hero" I said and I could see he tried not to faint.
After making him refocus on me, I told all my little adventures. But I could see he was a little jealous. From his point of view I would be almost all day around Artemis, to whom he was secretly in love with, as all satyrs were.
"And now Chiron" I finished.
"He needs rest Percy. He had been doing it for eons."
"Tell me. Who is the new director?"
"You must see for yourself. But I have to go now"
Before I could ask why heard a voice.
"Percy?"
When I turned I lost my breath. Calypso was freed from her prison by a guy who was next to her, holding her hand and grinning like crazy.
"Leo, Calypso! I don't believe it." I said after the first shock and I hugged them both. I smelled again the cinnamon. I had almost forgot her face.
"Well, someone did come back after promising it to me." Calypso told me and Leo blushed. And I was hurt.
"I am sorry. I-" I started to apologize.
"No need Percy. I learn what happened. I know you had good intentions. Its all good" the immortal Titaness stopped me. I nodded with a smile.
"And how exactly did you manage it?"
"Well, I found a device from Odysseus that helped me guide Festus 2.0 in Ogygia."
I was very happy for them. Even though she understood, I still felt guilty for not trying to help Calypso escape from Ogygia. But I just couldn't. Hera had washed my memory clean. We caught up but I had some jobs to finish before returning to Artemis. I waved them goodbye and I went to see the new camp director before going to a special place.
As I came in the Big House I heard someone shouting.
"In Atlantis, don't you knock?"
"Nico? What are you doing here?"
"I could ask the same for you."
"I came looking for the new activities director."
"What, I will call him. Nico, come here now" he joked and I was stunned yet again. Not for the fact that Nico was the director but that Nico joked.
"Congratulations for the new post. But, something must have happened. I see you are a new man. Did some girl steal your heart?"
"Thank you very much. Look Percy I have something to tell you. I am more into guys. For some time you had a special place in my heart. But now Will is."
"You do what? I did what? Hold on- give me a minute here." I said. I saw him as a brother and he liked me. I was glad he spoke like he no longer felt that way-I didn't want to hurt him. "Sorry, I didn't mean to react that way. I hope that the things about you two work out."
"Thank you, Percy. I understand you, it's not the easiest thing to hear, or say for that matter. Anyway, what brings you here?"
"Well, I wanted to see some friends before joining the Hunt." It was now my turn to stun him
"You what? Explain!" And so I did.
"And now you head for Camp Jupiter?
"Actually, I intended to find you. I want help seeing Annabeth for one last time."
"I will help you, but don't do anything stupid. And please, if you do, try not to hit me with a shovel."
"Don't worry. I am heading for the Underworld. I just need two things. A safe passage to Annabeth and a big red rubber ball, a promise Annabeth had given to Cerberus."
"Will do my friend. Do not worry. Now go quickly or you may piss off a certain goddess of Olympus that may hate men."
I said goodbye to the most of my friends and started shadow traveling again. After a while I was in Los Angeles. I had appeared near the DOA recording studios so I decided to walk to there. I was a little too drained to use my powers again.
As I walked in I remembered the first time I was here. The memories started to flow but I stopped them.
"Perseus Jackson. Will you finally make up your mind about dying?" Charon asked.
"I intend to stay alive. I hope you are informed of my presence."
"Of course, you are to be boarded to the next elevator, and here is the ball. Who is it for?"
"A friend of mine. You may know him. He has three heads" I remarked as I stepped into the elevator boat. He paled on hearing my friend. If he could get paler.
We followed the same road I remembered from my first time here. After reaching the shore, I went to find Cerberus. The moment he saw me and my gift, he was like a puppy. I threw the ball and saw as the three heads starting arguing about the ball. I quickly took the right line and arrived after some walk in Elysium. I had hoped Nico had pulled a few strings; otherwise I could search here for an eternity. But then I saw her.
"Annabeth". A simple word, her name but it meant so much. I felt tears in my eyes.
"Percy" she said and I stare in the two grey eyes I loved and I couldn't hold my tears anymore. I realized it was the first time I cried after she died. I had tried to play the Hero for everyone and I could now understand that that hurt me.
She reached out her arm, wiped away the tears and raised my head so that I was looking at her.
"Please Percy, do not cry for me. I did what you always did for me and everyone. You deserve to live and help people, just as you always had done." She said and hugged me as I finally let all the sadness and pain wash away.
After a while I pulled myself together and looked at her. I hadn't realized before but these feelings were weighed me down and didn't help me think or act straight.
"Please Percy, don't be like this. I will always love you. Do not forget that."
"It's that it seems so unfair. The fates owned us a happy life together. I love you. I always will. I will never forget you, no one will, ever. You will be remembered and recognized by every demigod as one of the Greatest Heroes ever lived."
"I know it is unfair. And thank you for all that you ever did for me. But I have to go. Please, live your life. I love you."
I couldn't say anything. I watched as she started walking away and I lost her in the crowd. I felt so heartbroken like never before. Up until now I couldn't understand the loss. But now I had to move on. It's the least I owe her. I have to honor her memory and that's what I will do.
But now I had to focus to the tasks at hand. I had to meet Artemis. I didn't wish to be turned into animal before I even started my job. So I shadow traveled again. At least now I had closed a chapter of my past. I had said the last goodbye but that didn't meant that I would forget all the moments and things Annabeth had given me. I would always honor her for sacrificing herself. But now I was calmer inside.
As I made the last travel and appeared into New Rome, I fell over a very angry Artemis.
"Tyche is not in your favor today Perseus" I heard her scream as I ran for my life. And yes she was right as I was blocked from some Hunters.
"He is like everyone else. The say something and they never do it." Said Arianna.
"Why do you run Perseus?" I heard Artemis. And I knew that I was in trouble when I found that I couldn't not shadow travel from exhaustion. Great.
This is it. Again I hope you enjoy it. Please review for anything that you don't like or want to comment, suggest etc. Thanks again for everything.
In the next chapter we will start seeing the main pairing of the story. But I will leave some things to your imagination before the next chapter is posted.
See you.
