Thalia POV

Un - bel - iev - ab - le. Did that guy just cur through 14 hunting bows with 7 knives thrown at split second intervals from each other and yet didn't get even a drop of blood from the hunter? That was impressive. "Who are you" Bellowed Phoebe. The figure straitened to his full height of 6ft 4 ish and looked at her, only his eyes visible. They were a blend of sea green, black, and swirling with flames in the middle. "I am the Guardian of the hunt, sworn protector and fighter." He replied. I almost choked. It had been 10 years since I last heard a voice like that, Since I saw eyes even remotely like that. I slowly walked towards him, my hands wobbling as I reached out and touched his hood, pulling it back to look at the face of the figure hidden under it...

Percy POV

As she walked up to me I forgot all thoughts of how I should tell her it was me. Gods I had missed my cousin, my sister. There were tears in my eyes as she pulled down my hood, and she backed up in complete shock. Her facial expressions morphed into surprise, then shock, and finally happiness. She dived at me and hugged me tight, tight enough to make Tyson jealous. "P.p. .percy?" She asked, tears sprouting at last when I spoke to her "Yes Thals, its me" She just stayed guled to me for a minute, sobbing before her dementor changed. Oh no, here it comes... I was shoved back and punched hard in the gut. "10 YEARS! You were away for 10 years, not a single iris message, no meetings, heck, I DIDNT EVEN KNOW IF YOU WERE ALIVE!" She screamed. A blaze of lightning flashed down and slammed into my back but suprisingly it only hurt, i didn't feel any lightning spark through me. I straightened up and looked at her, dead in the eyes. "Thalia, there wasn't a single day that I didn't miss you, want to call you, but I couldn't. I promise I will tell you everything Thalia, but now is not the time. It still hurts." I said, feeling old wounds open up once again, but I wasn't feeling that down. Meeting my cousin really opened up good memories.

She glared at me before saying "You better have a VERY good reason Percy. If it wasn't for all the hunters here you would be a kelp sandwich!" She exclaimed, and I laughed at my old nickname.

I then saw all the hunters staring wide eyes at me and Thalia, and some blazing in anger. I quickly realized that they havn't recognized me and clearly thought that I was having a secret affair with their lieutenant. I turned to the hunters warily, about to introduce myself but Thalia did it for me, saying "Hunters, this is Percy Jackson, Hero of Olympus and apparently our new guardian. Oh yea, Percy how did that happen?" I was about to reply when one of the hunters with hate in her eyes stared at me and said "how dare you touch our lieutenant! I dont care what you have done to her, I will run you through and make her free." I was quite shocked, 2 minutes in the hunt and already I was being threatened! I looked at her and said, "I apologize hunters if it seemed like there was something going on with Thalia and I, but this is not the case. Thalia is like a sister to me, one who I havn't seen for 10 years for reasons that are personal and I shall keep to myself. This I swear on the river Styx" Thunder boomed above to seal the vow, and some hunters seemed to calm down a bit, but were all still looking at me, contaminating if they should run me through now or later.

Thalia glared at her hunters and then looked at me "So your the great guardian eh Percy! Well dont expect us hunters to go easy on you! We havn't had someone to practice our skills on..." The hunters started grinning evilly and I actually got worried. Finally Artemis coughed for attention and all the hunters turned back to their mistress. I suddenly had a flash of inspiration. While 'travelling' I was taught by a German grand master and he demanded a special bow. It was stiff, and formal. If Artemis didn't like the normal bows then maybe she will like my improvised one. I clutched my hand into a fish, brought it up to cross my chest so my right fist just touched my left shoulder. I then bowed over at a precise 45 o angle. Artemis just looked at me confused until finally asking me "Perseus what in Hades are you doing?" "Well lady Artemis you said you didn't like the normal bow so I decided to use this one. It is a lot more formal, now, is there anything you would like me to do before I set up a tent?" I said. Artemis finally regained her composure and said. Yes, you will go and examine and weaknesses and strengths of the camp. make a map of our camp, and include as much of the surrounding forest that you know. You can then set up a tent, and then report to me. You have 2 hours." I just nodded my head and walked off, already planning the map. I had already examined much of the surrounds during my flight here.

Honestly I was amazed that Artemis was trying to defend me, I was quite sure that she would be the one who would try to drive me off most! Anyway, i'm not complaining. I already have how many ever hunters Artemis has hating me, apart from some of the younger ones. Surprisingly none of the girls that I had rescued were here, not even Ella. Wonder whats happening there?

Artemis POV

I was honestly amazed at how close Thalia and Percy were, and when they hugged tightly not only did I feel fear at loosing one of my most trusty and powerful hunters but also I felt something ugly spur in my heart. Whoa, wait, what? I felt nothing, I must be getting tired.

As soon as he left the hunters began showering me in question, mainly Thalia, who seemed determined to find out EVERYTHING... "Where has he been for so long, why did he go, why is his face suddenly so handsome (She blushed at that one before pushing on) How does he look the same he looked 10 years ago, ho..." I raised my hand to silence them all and said

"What happened to him is very personal and hurtful. It's his decision, either he tells you, or not, now, all of you back to your duties, we will talk more later.

They were all leaving but the expressions of sadness on their faces brought sadness to me so I thought, why not cheer them up a little:" Oh come on girls, its not that bad! Just think of all the pranks and games we can play on him, and just because he is our 'guardian' doesn't mean that we cant make him earn his keep now does it? Maybe you girls will have a bit more free-time and a bit less chores..." Finishing with a smile which was soon mirrored by every hunter, who walked away excitedly talking on what they were going to do. Poor boy, he wont know what hit him.

When all my hunters walked away Thalia returned, her face downcast and upset. "Milady, please, atleast tell me why he looks so sad. His eyes are literally clouded with misery and sadness. What happened to make him run away, for his to disappear from the world. I know that you know, please, you have to tell me!" She was almost in tears, poor girl. I felt very bad for keeping this from my lieutenant, but I had to. It was his choice if he wanted to let her know, the gods had been working for 10 years to keep it from the world, and now that he is back it will be his secret to give away if he must. "Thalia im sorry but I cant tell you, it is so personal and hurtful that it is only his right if he will share it with you or not. All i can tell you is that he was betrayed, over and over and over until his very soul, his very essence was almost destroyed. He went away before he causes untold damage and now he has finally returned, seeing you probably brought a lot of memories back, not to mention worries, its not like the sight he saw when he got back to Olympus was a good one after all... i drifted off, and could see that Thalia wanted to jump on that new info, but luckily she got my meaning of not saying anything and left, however I had a bad feeling that this wasn't the last I'd hear of this...

Percy POV

It was quite easy, the work. I had been living in the wilderness for 10 years straight, camping out by myself, in lands away from the gods influence. You see, since the gods live in USA they are strong there. In other countries they have power, they are worshiped, but it is so much weaker. the further away you go, the weaker the gods are, and so the weaker the demigod powers that I had were. In some places I had no power and had to resort on just my skills and wit to survive. It toughens you up, it really does. I saw out clear and hidden strengths and weaknesses, and so sat and dew up the map, carefully drawing on advantages, slopes, getaway zones and points of attack from the point of view of various monsters that are known. I called upon my hidden ki, a type of magic that japanese samurai of old believed in and fought with. I wasn't completely convinced but when I saw one of them use this to crush a 10 foot tall boulder without lifting a finger I was quickly brought on board. I found that it helps calm one down and helps when you put pencil to paper. Roughly a hour later I was done, and went to find Artemis.

easilly I detected hostility, towards me, and I was about to call on my weapons, but I ignored it. I knew that it was the hunters, and to be honest I wasn't suprised. They were created to forgo males, and now one comes along and claims that they need protecting. If i was in a position even half as bad as that I would hate the person who brought it on me, but still, I wish that they realized that all males were not the kind that they dispised, and some were even good (AKA me!) However it's clear that this isn't going to be happening anytime soon so I need to suck it up and deal with it, who knows, maybe one day they will accept me, but until then I need to get Artemis's work done. I dont know why, but something draws me to that goddess, and I really don't want to let her down. Huh, 'draws me to her,' more like I dont want to be turned into a Jackalope.

Artemis POV

Wow he's back in just a hour. That's even worse than what I expected. I was hoping that he would do what most of my most promising hunters do which is either do their very best for 2 hours and then come back with a apology, or even better they suck it up, spend hours and finally return with a brilliant answer or attempt. Its very rare that they come back and admit defeat like he clearly is doing. I motioned him to start his excuse, and almost fell of my chair when he began a step by step answer, starting from the front of the camp all the way to the back, some points being so insightful that even I hadn't picked them up I just looked at him in shock. He finally realized that he hadn't given me the map and quickly handed it to me. I gasped. There was perfect detail, camping sights, attack routes and other ways to enter or exit the camp. I was actually dumbfounded, how had he managed to draw with such accuracy, it seemed like the map was alive! "I let out a barely audible "amazing" and then kicked myself, hoping that he hadn't heard, but the foolhardy thought was out out of my mind when he smirked and said "Wow, a compliment lady Artemis? I bet thats a first!" I glared at him, causing him to back away once but then he shone a dazzling smile that immediately made me loose my line of thought and caused me to stare. He reached for the map and said "Well if thats the case then ill be taking this and destroying it"

I yanked the map away from him and said "No we need thi... I mean, the pap, yes the paper. We need the paper, leave the map with me" I finished feebly, knowing that he will see through my attempt and that was so obvious with the smirk on his face. However, it didn't last long and soon his face lost his mirth and happiness, and his face was once again taken up by the sorrow that ruled his life, so different and alien to what his proud noble face used to look like. his handsome side really didn't suit the sadness... wait, why am I thinking about what he looks like! Urrgh, TAKE CONTROL ARTEMIS!

I was brought back to reality when he asked "Milady, is there anything else that you would like me to do?"
"Um, no, you can do what you like until dinner at 8 pm, rest up today, from tomorrow we will start your workload." He did that special bow before calling his assasins outfit up and shadow travelling away. I shook my head, trying to clear them from the thoughts of his face and turned to my responsibilities, mainly finding and stopping the hunters from killing him...

3rd Person

The hunters had finished their training and had come up with plenty of ideas of what they would do to their good ol Guardian. When they arrived at the dining table and lady Artemis walked in all conversations stopped, and there was a respectful silence for their leader. "Where is Perseus" she asked. "He has probably already left like the distasteful cowardly male that he is" hissed one of the hunters, Phoebe. A few of the younger hunters were confused at who Percy was, the ones that weren't there when Percy had arrived and Ella was startled. Percy was here? "Enough Phoebe, I will go find him." Artemis said sternly before walking off.

Artemis walked of slowly, her senses would have told her if he had left the camp, but then when she concentrated on him there was a spark of energy and then she seemed to be aware where he was. She walked through the woods until she came to a beautiful waterfall, with the sky in clear view, waiting to come out. The sight brought a smile on her face, but Perseus was no where to be seen. That's when she caught sight of a person sitting in the water, cross legged in a lotus position, shirt off, laying in a heap just out of the water next to all of his weapons and items.

Artemis POV

My face was flustered, a huge blush on my features. Urgh, why was I acting like this! I've seen many males shirtless but it has never affected me like this, yet here I am staring at his body, his perfect, flawless body that was so muscled and toned that it would be one that a god would die for. His features were calm in the water, his beautiful eyes, blend of sea green, fire red and spots of silvery grey, all blended together to make the vortex that anyone could get lost in. His messy black hair was brushed to the left, looking untaimed and free, just like he was. All of this flowed through me as I drunk in his body, and i subconsciously took a step forward into the water. His eyes shot open and before I could react he jumped from his position and knocked me to the floor, a knee on my chest, hand out summoning his sword while another grabbed my throat. All of this before his eyes opened or I could blink. When he finally opened his eyes he gasped at me, and then blushed deep red, jumping of and pulling water and shadows to preserve some decency. He looked terror struck, and I couldn't help but find it funny.

Percy POV

I didn't have a clue what happened, all I know is I felt a unknown powerful presence in the water, and so I reacted. I was shocked when I saw that the person that I had trapped was actully Artemis, the maiden goddess and the very one that I was supposed to protect. I jumped back and pulled the water and shadows around me to cover my bare chest, and stuttered out "L-l-lady A-a-artem-artemis, i-im so-so-sorry, pleasedontturnmeintoajackalope." I was actully terrified, I know for a fact that she has killed men for far less than jumping on her shirtless. I was beyond amazed when she started laughing, the sound o alien, yet so beautiful that I lost myself in it and felt my control flow out from me. The water and shadows fell, and when she saw me bare shirt she blushed. what is going on here!

"Perseus it is my fault for disturbing you, I just came to see why you weren't at dinner and to make sure that you were ok" Wait, she actually cared enough to make sure that I was ok? I decided that if I wanted to stay human ill shut up. "Sorry for causing the confusion milady but I wasn't hungry and I know that the hunters wont be comfortable with me there so I decided to come in the water and meditate.

"YOU meditate! No offence but from memory you were seriously ADHD, even by demigod standards" She said, incredulous. I laughed and said, "Yeah, while I was alone and needed to calm down or think about something I would meditate, that or practice arch..." I stopped, shocked that I had almost spilled out my secret "What was that Perseus" She said in a serious voice, confused, so i decided that I would annoy her a bit and said , " NOTHING! I was ju-just, um, rambling, yeah." making it obvious that I was hiding something. She walked up to me in her wolf glare, and pressed a finger on my chest and said "Tell me!" I blushed at our position and when she noticed she pulled away, blushing but still glaring, looking at me expectantly. I just met her eye for eye and said, "Nope, I have No Idea what your talking about Artemis" and smirked when she backed away in suprise that I wasn't afraid off her glare and called her her first name.

"Put your cloths on Perseus, we have to get back." I blushed at her words and said "As you wish, but could you please turn away? This is slightly embarrassing." She then smirked and blushed at the same time before complying, and i reached over and started to get dressed as fast as I could.

Artemis POV

I smirked at his words and blushed at the same time. I seem to be doing that more and more these days, and gods its annoying! After a few minutes I couldn't hear movement and looked around to see him tieing his shoe lace, still bare chested. I looked at his bare muscle, his clear 6 pack. there wasn't even a ounce of fat on his body. Little did I know that the minute before I set my eyes on him he had been looking at me, thinking the same things about me that I thought about him. I had turned into my 18 year form,which was quite strange i realized. Why did I feel that around him i needed to change form? Before i could change back to my usual 12 year form he looked up and our eyes met. I was lost in his eyes as he was in mine, before I gained control, broke contact and turned away. He quickly out on his shirt, and the minute he was done I drove at him and tackled at him to the floor, getting both of us soaked. Well thats new, I though he couldn't get wet. "Right Perseus, now can you kindly finish of your previous statment before you stopped talking?" He mock fought me for a minute before giving up

I relaxed my grip and expected him to start talking but instead he threw me off him and quickly turned and held me down against the floor, his body pressed against mine. I was shocked that I fell for such a simple trick. I tried to throw him off but was amazed when he didn't move an inch. I fought with all my power but he didn't budge. Then his lips brushed against my ear, causing my whole body to shiver, and he whispered, "You're going to have to do better than that" Before suddenly standing, and making me gasp at the loss of contact. I knew that I was acting childish but at the moment I didn't care. He just managed to throw me down and I WILL know the secret! I twisted, stuck my foot out and caused him to trip and fall. I was over him in a flash before smiling sweetly at him, bating my eyebrows, taking me as much in surprise as i did him. "Tell me Perseus, please?" I could see that he was trying to get over the suprise and them sighed and nodded. "Ok, well, I guess that I've been practicing with the bow, and when I needed to calm down I would often wake up at the crack of dawn and practice as the moon sets and the sun rises. I found dawn calming and beautiful, and once i got half good at archery I guess i got hooked." He said, smiling fondly at the memory.

I looked at him in shock, he practiced archers? And the thoughts that he said were so genuine, so sweet that I felt myself reaching for him and said "Yeah, Archery is awesome and the sun and the moon together does really look beautiful doesn't it?" Then I slapped my hand over my mouth, my eyes wide open when I realized just what I had said. I heard laughter and looked to see Percy doubled over in laughter, with tears threatening to break. "o,o,oh G-g-go-gods, Wh,wh,when I te,tell Apo,apo,apollo he wil,will be so thr,thr,thrill,thrilled!" He coughed out between laughs. My eyes grew wide and I dived at him again, saying "Perseus if you EVER repeat what I just told you I will turn you into a Jackalope!" I screamed. He didn't stop laughing before shadow travelling from under me and spawned near the coast.

"Sorry give me a minute, I have a iris message to make" He said cheekily before creating a rainbow and throwing in a drachma. "Oh Iris, goddess of the Rainbow, please accept my offering show me..." Thats all me could say before I lept up, cut through the rainbow and glared at him. He was doubled over laughing and said "You actully thought I was going to tell him, oh Gods, Oh Gods!"

I got quite annoyed and walked over to him, and slapped him on the arm, but I pulled back in shock and pain when it felt like slapping a brick wall. He just laughed at my face before realizing that I was actully in pain. He slowly reached out and touched my arm,his cool contact made me shiver involuntarily. I had to pull back, but i didn't want to. When he started to massage my hand I stuttered out "Wha,what ar, are you doing Percy?" He didn't respond, instead put a finger on y lips and then massaged my hand again. His hand glowed a firely red and then a sensation of pain relief flowed through me as my hand fixed up. Then I felt water leave me and I realized that I was dry again.

"Im sorry Artemis, when you slapped me you hit one of the pressure plates on my Armour shirt. I have been trying to remove them for ages. They arn't hard or anything but every so often they would shock whatever touched it. They were designed so that if you got one on you opponent early in the battle then they will weaken quickly." I nodded dumbly before glaring at him again. "DO NOT REPEAT WHAT YOU HEARD!" He laughed before nodding, saying "I won't, for now..."

I was about to protest but before I could he said "Thank you" before disappearing into a ocean breeze, leaving me so confused. 'Thank you?' why? for talking to him? Or for saying what i was saying? Urgh im so confused!

Percy POV

Something had really connected between me and Artemis. The barriers that I had put around myself seemed to shut down in her presence, and It felt good. good to be able to talk to someone without holding back. I never thought that it would be the moon goddess, the biggest man hater in the world that would be able to talk to me, a man, and make me spill. There was a side to her that I didn't know existed, a playful, cute, stubborn side that was just so beautiful and different from anything that I could ever see or expect. Her moon silver eyes had seemed to glow in the conversation, and I didn't think that I'd ever see the great Olympian Artemis open up, laugh and jump around. I was greatful, thats why I said thanks. That was the first time in 10 years that I've been able to open up, to talk to someone openly. Maybe staying with the hunters won't be as bad as I once thought. As it turns out, these were famous words. I was about to step into the lions den.

I approached the hunters dining cabin and waited for Artemis to flash in before I walked in. "Ok Perseus, now that you have finally decid..." Before she could finish I was attacked by a mass of blonde hair as a familiar girl throwed herself at me. I laughed and spun her around. "Hey Ella, how you doing?" I whispered in her ear. she giggled and started going on about how the hunters were so nice and how well everyone had been treating her. She seemed to have a lot to say and i realized that the hunters hadn't been able to break past her wall of shyness. I whispered something to her ear and she nodded before squeezing me one last time and then sat back down. I looked to see a shocked hunt and chuckled. "Ella here was able to get he to reveal my identity to her while I rescued her, and I guess she remembers me..." I finished off weakly. Artemis was looking at me strangely before she said "Yes, well, Perseus since this is your first night you have to make dinner!" she looked smudge and I guess this is her way of getting me back for keeping the secret. Oh well, looks like I have the pleasure to make her have another thing coming. I held back a sly smile and said "Sure, what do you girls want for dinner?" The looks that I could have gotten in response couldn't have been different if I had grown a extra head!

"Well i want a sun burrito like what dad brought for me with a lemonade and a chocolate fudge cake but since you cant make that how about you go in the kitchen, make something and let us eat!" Growled one, a daughter of Apollo it seemed. Lots of the hunters nodded in approval, whereas Thalia and Artemis frowned. I smiled and asked Artemis "What would you lik, milady?"

"Perseus I dont really want anything but I think my hunters are getting hungry" she said pointedly. I laughed and clapped my hands, and a replica of exactly what the daughter of Apollo asked appeared in front of her. She gasped as the orange mist disappeared and looked at her food in confusion. The hunters looked at me suspiciously so I jumped from against the wall and said "I Percy Jackson, Son of Poseidon, Adopted son of Athena and champion of Hestia swear on the river Styx that the food is exactly as you ordered it and I havn't harmed it in anyway, shape or form." I said, directing the last bit at the girl. Thunder boomed in the sky but nothing happened to me so she, Eudora apparently was her name, took a hesitant bite and smiled as the warmth filled up her mouth and at the questioning looks from the hunters she nodded her head furiously.

Soon they all started to say, "I'll have the same" When I saw Artemis looking at the food somewhat longingly and I recognized the awkwardness of her position so I asked her "Are you sure you won't have anything milady?" She smiled gratefully before nodding "Yes I'd like the same." I smiled and clapped one last time, making the last meal appear and then summoned a pizza and leaned against the wall, eating, I decided that its probably not a good idea to sit on their table with them, to give them a little privacy. I was going to sit on the table with Artemis but I caught a glare from the hunters and one said "Are you stupid no one sits next to the maiden goddess of the hunt!" Thalia laughed and said "Gods percy you are such a seaweed brain!"

As soon as those words left her mouth i felt a stabbing sensation in my chest. I bowed to Artemis, said "With your leave milady" and then turned and walked away without awaiting for a response, leaving a very confused pack of hunters.

Ella POV

I was in awe of Percy's power once again. He was so nice, it hurt me seeing all the girls that I know can be nice be so mean to him. When he stormed of looking upset we all turned to Lady Artemis who seemed saddened. Thats odd all that happened was a man got emotionally hurt, why would Artemis mind? She just said "Hunters just give him time, lets do the dishes." Thalia, the lieutenant said what happened there I always call him seaweed brain!" I turned angrily to her and yelled " Well you already know that something from his past has hurt my brother why would you say something that might hurt him even more!" The hunters took a collective step back. That was probably the most ive spoken since I joined the hunt and it was in anger towards he lieutenant! I stormed of towards where he had gone and found him on the outskirts of the camp beside a tent, sitting on a log with his eyes closed. I ran up to him and jumped on him, hugging him tightly. I didn't know how to comfort people so I thought that I would put all my feelings into the hug.

I heard a soft laugh and saw that he was smiling, the first time I've ever seen him and heard him laugh. He pulled he onto his lap, kissed me softly on my forehead and then brought out a guitar from a case. I looked confused until he began to strum and sing, his voice breaking the calm of the night, relaxing me. I saw some animals respond to his voice, and pretty soon there were some wolves spot-able in the distance. They seemed to like the music, and one or two howled along him, in perfect harmony with his voice ( Im sorry but i am not going to put any song lyrics or anything in, I find it a waste of space and time )

I could feel my arms getting heavy, my body getting drowsy. I fell asleep in his warm comforting arms, happy to know that I, in some way or another, hopefully lessened his pain.

Artemis POV

When Ella had went off after Percy the rest of the hunters an I decided to follow her. When we found him i was quite surprised that he was just sitting there, but from his face you could tell that he had been through a lot. However all of this melted when Ella came up to him and hug him. When he laughed I felt my heart stop. I had never heard him laugh genuinely and it sounded angelic. He seemed comforted by Ella's presence, those 2 had developed a true Brother sister bond, just like what he seemed to have with Thalia. The hunters on the whole didn't seem too happy with one of them hugging this male but they seemed to realize that this wasn't the time to do anything. Then magic literally lit up the sky as he began to strum his guitar. His voice was beautiful, flowing over me, taking out all the stress that had developed inside of me. The days panic seemed to leave me and I physically relaxed. When he stopped I wobbled on my feet, a little unsteady, until the effort of the music finally cleared from my head. I saw him take the sleeping form of Ella inside his tent, and then after 5 minutes he came out. Then he took of his Armour and stood in his casual cloths. He took his shirt of, but then did something that nearly made me loose it.

He stepped back inside the tent! I was wrong, he was just like the others, just like Orion. He was going to take advantage of the young maiden who looked up to him like a sister. A pang entered my heart but I steeled myself. I was going to kill the boy before he could lay a single hand on my hunter. I could see that the other hunters had recovered and were about to jump in as well, even Thalia looked angry, but confused. This wasn't the Percy that she was used to, but he must have changed.

I was about to leap in when he came out carrying a thin sheet. I was confused, what was he doing. Then he took me and the hunters by suprise as he lay the sheet on the ground, lied down on top of it and promptly fell asleep. I was shocked, he gave up his tent of a hunter and then slept outside just so she could be comfortable, and I almost killed him for it! I withdrew silently, and made my way to my tent. There was nothing for me to do here.

Percy POV

I woke up to the cold breeze and for a second wondered where I was and then remembered last night, smiling lightly. My head felt woozy and I then realized that I was tied upside down... (Special thanks to the user that told me this idea. I will respect what you said in your PM and wont say your username, but atleast you will know!) I looked and saw that my feet were tied tightly by lines of rope that attached to several trees with a knot that was way above what I could reach. I sighed and looked down when I heard laughter. I saw some hunters laughing at my pitiful state and I knew that It was very unlikely that they were going to let me down anytime soon. "Hey boy, Lady Artemis is calling you to her tent for you chores, you wont want to be late" Laughed one, and i decided to play along, saying "Your absolutely right, how about you girls let me down so that I can go and see her?" They just laughed some more for my apparent stupidity. I sighed, did a complete 180o sit up while upside down, summoned Dragonforce and cut through the rope. As I fell i caught onto one of the branches, pushed off and completed a front flip, landing with a roll and standing up perfectly. Being in the wild for so long, I've had a lot of practice jumping of trees, and I havn't always enjoyed success, ill tell you that! I nodded politely to the hunters, who glared at me, annoyed that I managed to get out of their trap so easily.

I walked up to the main campsite, going straight for Artemis's tent. I was already late, and i didn't want to keep her waiting. When I approached her she looked up and said, "Perseus, your late... " It was a statement more than a question but I still replied, saying, "Yes Artemis, milady, im sorry but i slept in" I said, deadpan. I didn't want to give away any of the hunters. She frowned before replying "Since it is your first day i'll let it slide, but from tomorrow I expect you to be at my tent at 7 am every morning, got it?" I nodded, firmly and she then decided to drill all the work that I will be doing. "Right Perseus, today you will fix up my hunter breakfast, then go and do all the laundry that is by the river. Clean them, then dry them so they are crisp and comfortable. Then You will come and fix up lunch. Next go and sharpen all the arrows and knives that the hunters use. You also need to fix the bow strings that you broke. You will then make some archers targets for the hunters and yourself. After that you will make dinner and then we will move onto your training. I will teach you archers and test your skills in the wild, If your going to be a hunter then you will act like one!" She finished firmly. I was despairing at the amount of work that I would have to do but used the ancient zen teachings that I had mastered to keep my emotions in check. I bowed my head and said "As you wish, milady, now, with your leave I shall be off and start my first job. I pulled into my special bow and then turned and left, going to the river.

I walked to the river and stopped dead in my tracks. There was a mountain of cloths there! It would take me forever to clean all of them, but maybe some power over water will speed this up!

4 Hours Later

"Fuck, shit, crap, fuck, shit, crap, fuck, shit, crap..."

I repeated the mantra over and over and over as i worked, sweating uncontrollably. Things hadn't really gone to plan with the whole river thing. I had planned to copy washing machine, however I couldn't do anything as all the cloths got tangled after 2 minutes of turning, and I had to go in a physically separate all the cloths. After this I had to work a lot slower, washing small groups at the same time, and then leaving them to dry on the washing line.

Now that they were finally all washed I summoned my heat powers and dried them until they were just right, all 'dry and crisp' When I stretched my back I heard multiple cracks and I winced. This is going to hurt in the morning! I sighed before moving to put the cloths back outside the hunters tents. I had to talk to Artemis about a certain bag of cloths that I would NOT touch as I wouldn't even be able to survive 2 minutes if i did...

Artemis POV

I was hidden in the trees, watching him work on the cloths. He had been at it for 4 hours, and I was amazed that he was still going. If I had put any of my hunters on the job, even the older experienced ones they would have come to me after the first hour or 2 asking for a break. I was fully expecting him to be the exact same, but here he was, not stopping working until every cloth was washed. He was so diffrent from anyone I ever knew, and always seemed to be able to suprise me, no matter what he did. He had completed a amount of laundry that even if the whole hunt worked on it normally took them twice as long to complete. Maybe some males are useful after all. However, I did put a little test in for him. I noticed him walking back to camp, lets see if he passed!

I flashed myself back to my tent and waited for him. He finally reached over and then went into his special bow before saying Lady Artemis, I have completed all the laundry and put the bundles outside the hunters tents. I smirked, time for the test! "All the cloths Perseus?" I said, and I could see that he was about to say yes until he stopped and frowned. "Well, all but one bag, but these were labeled 'undergarments' and sorry but I dont feel comfortable going near those." He said, and I was looked approvingly at him. So he did pass my test, any other boy would have gone through the bag, feeling the garments, but he avoided them. "I agree, I shall have one of the hunters come and wash them later. " I replied, and he grinned, revealed. Whoa, wait. First day on the job and he already has free time? That wont do! I grinned evilly and said to him "Right Perseus, since you have finished your chore and have a bit of free time I want you to go and talk to Thalia, she has been asking some rather hard questions and I think you will enjoy answering her, or trying to keep secrets!" I announced. He sat up straight like he had been electrocuted, and I had to smile. This was going to be great! He sighed visibly before nodding and walking off, to go see my lieutenant. Little did he know that I was going to be watching...

Percy POV

I could feel Artemis following me and sighed. Looks like im really going to have to talk to Thalia. I began walking to roughly where the Hunters were training, wondering how I was going to seclude her from the rest of the hunters to talk to her alone. I was deep in thought when I was broken out by Thalia running over to me, saying "Hey Percy" in a nervous tone. This confused me until I remembered what had happened last night, so I put her worries to rest by saying "Hey Thals, whats up?" Her face turned into one of relief at her old nick name and she then tried to apologize for yesterday, until I held up a hand stopping her. "Look Thals, Its not your fault, you weren't to know about it, just forget about it." She nodded before looking at me, saying "What happened to you Percy. What happened at camp, and what happened with Annabeth?" I flinched visibly at the mention of her name, and Thalia caught on immediately. "Thalia, I promise you that I will tell you everything, just give me time. Its still painful, you know?" Thankfully she nodded before glaring playfully. "Alright kelp head, but you better tell me soon!" I chuckled at my old nick name before deciding to reply with one that really pissed her off. "you bet Lightning bug" She laughed for a second before stopping real fast, electricity buzzing around her frame. "What. Did. You. Just. Call. Me. Plankton Mouth." She asked, her voice steel. "Oh nothing" I replied, and she smiled victoriously before i said just loud enough for her to hear "Thunder Thighs" And then I got up and ran. She stared at the spot that I was for a second before jumping up and shouting "Percy! Just wait till I get my hands on you, YOU ARE SO DEAD!"

I grinned and weaved my way through the tents until I came into a large clearing, with all the hunters there. They glared at me, but thought that I was here for lunch or something. They turned curious and some even excited when Thalia shot through, literally on sparks. Guess they weren't used to seeing their lieutenant mad. Time to fix that up, I thought. "Hey Thunder Thals come on, im getting bored waiting here!" I yelled out. She glared murderously at me before smirking, and I quickly realized that this is A) going to be bad for me B) going to amuse the hunters C) going to be very painful or D) (My personal choice) Going to be all the above...

"Alright Kelp Head, how about tomorrow we have a spar? Since your so pumped already I'm sure you wont back down from a honest challenge, which doesn't involve running away!" She yelled, mockingly. I grinned back, I had really roughened myself up, and had more skills up my sleeve then I care to remember. "OK Thals, if you can get Artemis to agree then I'm happy to do it, I believe she is currently in the bushes over there, NOT spying on us" I said, putting pressure on the 'NOT' As I said it she walked out, giving me a glance saying 'how did you know' but I just smiled in response. "Yes Thalia, I believe a spar with your long LONG lost friend here would be entertaining to watch, its not everyday we get to watch the protector Zeus sent us getting beaten up!" She finished to loud cheers from the hunters. I just smiled secretly. There was a signal and I guessed that was the call for lunch. The hunters then looked at me expectantly and I clapped my hands together, causing multiple sandwiches to appear on the table.

As the hunters started to ravish the sandwiches I noticed Ella sitting the the corner with a few other hunters. I recognized a few of them, I had saved them ans sent them to the hunt after all! When Ella looked up and our eyes met she gasped before jumping up and launching herself at me. Then she proceeded to hug me tightly and I smiled, hugging her back. Her grey eyes seemed to lighten up at my touch and I laughed, spinning her around. I set her down and was about to talk when I noticed that the other girls that Ella had come from weren't getting any food and were just sitting there, not being a part of the Hunters family like the rest of the hunters. I frowned, and sat Ella down. She frowned, before smiling when she noticed where I was going. I snapped my fingers, changing my appearance to the one I was in when I saved them. 4 little girls ran over to me and I remembered their names: Chloe, daughter of Apollo; Lila, daughter of Demeter; Melisa, daughter of Hecate; and Zambi, daughter of Morpheus.

After their excitement died down I snapped my fingers and all their favorite foods appeared in front of them. I then went over to the 2 other girls that I had seen, and knelled down to them softly. They flinched when I did this but I moved quickly to dull their fear. "Hey there, My name is Percy, what are your names?" I asked, in my softest tone. I layered my voice with the calm of the sea, softening it, easing their fears. Nervously one of them said "I-im Katrina, and this is my twin sister Rose." I smiled at them and then asked "Now, whats your favorite food in the whole wide world."I saw immediately that these were daughters of Apollo. Rose spoke for the first time. "Umm, Pizza, the ones with really stretchy cheese thats hot and feels like it will melt in your mouth" She said, her stomach letting out a grown. I laughed and clapped my hands together, causing the pizza to appear in front of them. After the initial surprise they dived in and munched so fast I had to summon another one! "Right, girls. I want you all to go and introduce yourselves with your family." They looked at me like I was mad and I said "Your new family. The hunters. The nicest family you will ever have, one that will take care of you, fight with you and always have your back. I don't want to see an of you sitting in a corner again ok?" I finished with a bit of steel in my voice. They flinched and nodded furiously, and I was happy that I managed to get them in the hunt.

I looked to see the hunters staring at me in shock. "What?" I asked, not having a clue. Thalia shook her head in bewilderment and said, "Percy, we have been trying to open up of the past month with no luck, and you managed to get them all open in a few minutes!" I shrugged and got back to my meal, not wanting to make a big deal about it.

Artemis POV

I couldn't believe how soft and gentle Perseus was with the new hunters. I've seen him as the proud man, I've seen him fight for his life and I've seen him heart - broken, but I never thought that I would see such a sweet and caring side to him. I started to think about just how different he was to males, and then I shrugged my thoughts of. "Right girls, training is off for today, spend the time getting to know with the new hunters. Perseus, you just get back to your jobs." I was amazed when he did his bow and walked of, ready to work. I fully expected him to complain and try to get the day off, and he would have got it too. There, once again he breaks everything that I think of men... Is there anything that he WONT do perfectly? I sighed and pulled myself together, this is going to be a long day.

Cooper POV

I was killing monster left and right, I've bine doing it for 4 horses when I ran out of monsters to kill for the 20th time I roared "I swear on chaos that I will find and kill how ever did this to me and my brother even if I have to kill the fates myself" then a dark vortex aperid and said "you are the firs to have ever swear on my name and I let live and for this I will bestow a gift to you I will give you the ability to become a wolf at will and I give you two items one a set of guns that can fire elemental rounds and the other a watch that can turn in to everything even sambals of power of the gods that holed all their power and so you can willed this power I give you my immortal blessing so you have every power imaginably". "Grate more power" I grumbled at this the man chuckled and left.