Chapter 4: Under New Management
THEO/PERCY POV
I was on a rescue mission for Hera and Hestia near Denver. They had informed me that this poor girl had been sent to live with her abusive uncle after her mother died in a car accident when she was 4. They told me the details of what he did to her. Amongst the obvious beatings and shouting, this sick bastard stripped her down and left her in the basement with a single thin bed sheet. I located the house and put on an emotionless mask, before pulling my hood and half-mask up.
As I was about to vapor travel in, I heard a loud crash and a thud. Anger boiled up in me and I kicked down the door instead. What I found made my blood boil tenfold. The uncle, presumably drunk as beer bottles littered the floors of the house, had his belt raised in his hand and a knife at his waist. I could barely see the little girl cowering in fear behind him. 'Gods damned it, just like Smelly Gabe.' I thought as he turned around to see me. "Who the fuck are you?!" he bellowed in his drunken rage. "Your judgement." as I pulled out my katana.
I used the water in his body to freeze his hands at the wrist. Frostbite (not my sword) set in rapidly and I quickly sliced them off. He screamed in pain, as the little girl ran to hide from the gruesome act I was to commit. "Listen here you sick fuck," I spat. "I have been sent by the Gods to correct your mistakes. Don't bother begging for mercy. I have none left to give." His face was frozen in fear as his head was separated from his shoulders and I quickly burned the body until not even the ashes remained.
I sighed, dusted myself off, and went to find the girl. She was hiding in the closet in the other room. Trying to ease her panic, I sat down a couple meters in front of the closet and spoke in a soothing voice, infusing it with hope, "Hey there. I'm not gonna hurt you. I was sent here to save you from that man." She slowly opened the door and poked her head out. I smiled at this and noticed she had sandy blonde hair and a hint of mischief in her eyes. 'You better have a good excuse for this one Hermes' I thought before speaking again.
"What's your name little one?" trying my best to sound gentle. "L-Lora," she said so softly I almost missed it. "That's a beautiful name Lora." "Who are you? What did you do to my uncle?" I took a deep breath and began explaining who I was and what I was doing there. I was quickly rushed into a hug from the little girl as she sobbed into my chest. I rubbed her back until the crying stopped. "Lora? Do you know about the Greek gods?" She looked at me puzzled, but nodded her head slowly. "Well, they're real and alive here in America. I believe your dad is one of them."
I spent the next hour explaining the greek world and even summoned her favorite food. She wolfed down two full plates of lasagna and thanked me again. "Now Lora, there are 2 places you can go. One is Camp Half-Blood where you will train along with other boys and girls like you and have a lot of fun." She flinched when I said boys. 'I thought as much. Can't say I blame her.' "The other place is the Hunters of Artemis. It's only girls around and you will have a bunch of sisters to take care of you as you learn to hunt as an immortal maiden. All you have to do is swear off romantic love with men." She couldn't have said yes fast enough which made me chuckle.
"Lora, I'm going to do something weird, but I promise it won't hurt." She looked at me apprehensively before nodding slowly. My hands glowed orange and I touched it to her wounds. After the light died down, she felt her face and arms in disbelief before crushing me in another hug saying "thank you thank you thank you." I smiled at that and told her it was time to go.
I fire traveled Lora and myself near the Hunters camp and sensed the monsters immediately. "Lora. I need you to stay here and stay hidden. There are monsters attacking the hunt. A lot of them. I promise I will come grab you once they're gone. She looked scared, but nodded as I drew Nightshade and sprinted toward the hunters' auras. What I found wasn't a pretty sight.
The hunters were being overwhelmed by a group of about 100 monsters. Several of them were injured and/or unconscious and the ones that remained standing were losing ground fast. I lit my arrows on fire as I drew them and rained down several volleys on the monsters. Ones that were hit exploded into dust upon impact. I withdrew my bow and drew my katana and a throwing knife before leaping into the fray.
ARTEMIS POV
The hunters weren't looking good. We tracked down the monsters, only to realize there were far more than we anticipated. Several of my hunters were injured and unconscious, when the pitch black arrows with icy blue trim rained down on the monsters. Also they were on fire. I turned to try and locate the source, only to notice monsters turning into dust out of my peripherals. The figure was a blur. He had a katana and knife as he mowed through the monsters reducing their numbers to a dozen. My hunters and I regained their composure and finished off the remaining except for one, but something was off it. It looked as if it was being held in nonexistent chains.
The man leisurely walked up to the monster and spoke. "Who sent you?" Something about his voice was familiar, but I couldn't place it as I approached closer. "I'll never tell you anything, demigod," the monster spat. The man only sighed before the monster began screaming in pain. "That pain you are experiencing is the liquids in your being slowly boiling. Now I'll ask again, who sent you." His voice dropped the temperature in the area by 10 degrees and caused shivers to run up my spine. "Our new master is rising demigod. The end of Olympus is nigh," the monster started cackling, pain still evident on its face. "So be it," the man said and in a motion I could hardly follow, cut off the monster's head.
THALIA POV
We all watched in awe and fear as the man we've been chasing annihilated the monsters we were losing to. And the display of power he showed interrogating the last monsters afterwards put us all on edge. It's head hit the floor and I quickly drew my bow and notched an arrow. The remainder of the hunters, except the newer ones followed suit. 'They were probably rescued by him,' I thought as the man turned around.
All hope in me that this man was Percy was shattered when I saw a glimpse of his eyes. Deep ocean blue and dancing like flames. Before the grief could settle in I spoke up, "Who are you boy?". For whatever reason he chuckled at that before kneeling and speaking.
"Lady Artemis and the Hunt. I didn't mean to intrude, but you were going to be overwhelmed and I would not have been able to send you another recruit, so I intervened." His voice was relaxed and respectful, not like most males we encountered who were fearful.
ARTEMIS POV
"Stand and speak. Who are you, boy?" I spat at him, but internally I was distraught that this man was not Perseus. "My name is Theseus, but please call me 'Theo'." I noticed the younger hunters smile and wave at him. "What did you do to them, boy? Why are they waving at you?" Phoebe said, stepping forward with an arrow still notched. He gave a small wave to the girls before replying, "I rescued them from their… less than stellar circumstances. I brought them to the Hunt."
"WHAT?!" He flinched at me raising my voice which made me smirk. 'Smart boy,' I thought before he spoke out again. "I believe you will want to take me to Olympus Lady Artemis?" I regarded him, trying to sense if he would fight and flee. "Yes. Will you come willingly? My hunters love a moving targets." He paled at the comment and shook his head. "I will accompany you, but I must bring the recruit here first. I hid her once I sensed the monsters."
"How do we know you're not lying, boy?" Atalanta said to him. He held up his hands in surrender, "I swear on the Styx that I have a new recruit and will accompany Lady Artemis to Olympus after delivering her to the Hunt." Thunder rumbled in the background and I nodded to him. He disappeared in a column of fire leaving myself and the hunt confused, only to return a minute later in a similar fashion. "How did you do that? Are you a son of Hephestus?" I asked curiously. " I will answer your questions on Olympus," he said coolly which pissed me off to no end.
Before I could protest, a young girl peered out from behind his leg. 'Daughter of Hermes no doubt,' I thought as he gestured her forward to me. "L-Lady Artemis. Theo said you had a place to protect me." I smiled softly at her and nodded my head. "What's your name, young one?" I asked and she smiled, "Lora." "Well Lora would you like to join the Hunt?" She nodded quickly and repeated the oath. After the silver glow died down, I gestured her to Thalia to get her set up.
"Now then, Theseus. Shall we?" I said sickly sweet, making him pale again. He nodded his head before I grabbed his shoulder. I turned to the hunt, "Set up camp. I will be back after I handle this and will give you a full report." They all nodded and turned to go tend to their duties. I flashed Theseus and myself to the Throne Room and fired a silver arrow to signal a Council Meeting.
3RD PERSON POV
Theo sat on the ground to meditate as Artemis took her throne, though looking at him with curiosity as she did so. The gods flashed in one by one and settled into their respective thrones.
"Why have you called this meeting daughter? And who is that?" Zeus said pointing at Theo, who was now standing in the middle of the throne room with his hood and half-mask still up. "That father is the man we've been trying to find," I said quickly, looking at Theseus. Poseidon looked hopeful that it was his son, but didn't dare move from his throne.
"Who are you young demigod?" Zeus asked and Theo took off his hood and mask revealing a handsome man with dirty blonde hair that's lighter at the tips and deep ocean blue eyes. Aphrodite gasped and let a seductive smile creep onto her face. Theo didn't pay it any attention, much to her dismay, before speaking, "My name is Theseus, Lord Zeus. But please call me 'Theo'." Each of the gods regarded the demigod trying to pinpoint who's son it was.
They all were stumped until Hera and Hestia walked off of their thrones to stand next to the boy and turned to face the Council. Everyone was confused, but before they could ask anything, Hestia spoke up. "He is my champion." she said placing a hand on his left shoulder causing the gods to bug their eyes out. Before they could recover Hera spoke up next. "He is also my son." The gods eyes bugged even further and Theo started to laugh.
"You should see your faces!" The gods looked at him in annoyance before Zeus summoned his Master Bolt and pointed it at the demigod. "Explain now if you value your life." Theo regained his composure and said, "Oh come on now Uncle. Is that any way to treat your favorite nephew?" Theo grew a smirk as the rest of the gods looked at him in befuddlement.
Before they could say anything the demigod's hair started to darken at the roots, spreading throughout his shoulder length hair until it was raven black with a silver streak. The only ones who seemed to catch on were Athena, Hades, and Artemis. Hades smirked and shook his head and Artemis stared in disbelief. The rest of the gods were still in the dark about this man's identity. "Still nothing? Alright what about now?" he said as his eyes flickered, revealing an unmistakable sea green with an orange ring around the iris. They all gasped and he just laughed.
Hera had to grab and twist his ear as Hestia smacked the back of his head to get him to stop. He rubbed his head sheepishly before the silence was broken.
"Perseus?"
POSEIDON POV
"Perseus?" I spoke so softly I hardly heard it. "Hey dad," he said as I rushed off my throne and wrapped him in a huge hug nearly crushing him. "Easy dad you're gonna snap me in two!" he said laughing the whole time. I set him down and looked him up and down again. "Explain. Now." I said firmly, causing him to flinch slightly.
PERCY POV
I stood in the Throne Room explaining the details of my disappearance to the Council. From the heartbreak of camp and her to the death of my parents. Hera's adoption of both Estelle and myself, which Zeus wasn't super jazzed about but a glare from Hera straightened him out. Hestia making me her champion and the years of my travels.
They were surprised that I had survived outside of the states and picked up my stills. Artemis's jaw dropped when I mentioned my archery skills. I smirked at that and summoned my bow making her jaw drop further with envy. "I named it Nightshade… after Zoe," I said softly, which got me a big teary-eyed smile from her. My heart fluttered in my chest when I got that smile like it did at the reward ceremony years ago. I pushed my blush down, but not fast enough as Hestia, Hera, and Aphrodite noticed.
ARTEMIS POV
I can't believe Perseus' story. No wonder I wasn't able to locate him. He wasn't even here! This man just keeps doing the impossible time and time again. He summoned his bow and I'll admit I was a little jealous. It was beautifully crafted and the name after my former lieutenant and best friend brought tears to my eyes. I smiled warmly at him trying to convey the appreciation and respect I had for it. He smiled back and I drank him in. He was lean and muscled like a hunter, his smile infectious, and his raven black hair flowed down his shoulders, but framed his handsome fac- 'Wait what. Did I just say he's handsome?' I blushed internally having thought that and my heart fluttered ever so slightly. 'Aphrodite this better not be you' I thought as I glared at her.
3RD PERSON POV
After Percy recounted his adventures Posiedon spoke up, "What will you do now son? Camp has been searching for you since you left." Everyone in the room noticed Percy tense at the mention of camp. His heart may have mended in his years away, but the scars were still there, and that would take time to become bearable.
"I don't know. I have a pretty sweet set up in Seattle, rescuing demigods Mom and Auntie Hestia tell me about and living with Estelle," he said quickly and the Olympians began discussing amongst themselves what was to become of the hero. Zeus had a mental conversation with Artemis that didn't go unnoticed to Percy, Hestia, and Hera as Artemis was glaring at Zeus the whole time.
"Silence!" Zeus called order to the Council. "Nephew, I have an offer for you." Percy motioned for him to continue. "Would you like to be Guardian of the Hunt?" All the gods in the room went wide-eyed, Percy included. Artemis was turning red in anger as Zeus shared the idea with those present. "Uhh, Uncle? You do know that they hate all males and I am indeed a male, right?" Zeus boomed laughter at Percy's outburst before replying, "I am well aware nephew, but with the increase in monster activity, I would like to have extra insurance for my daughter and her hunt. She has already agreed to it."
Percy stared at Artemis in disbelief to which she narrowed her eyes and pouted. 'Gods she looks adorable when she does that,' Percy thought before shaking his head and speaking to Zeus. "I will do it under one condition Uncle." Zeus raised an eyebrow at him and the rest of the gods leaned forward in their thrones. "I will become Guardian of the Hunt so long as Lady Artemis allows for my younger sister, Estelle to join. She'll kill me if I leave her with the Amazons full-time and she's already been training with a bow."
Artemis pondered the idea for a minute before nodding to the terms of their deal. Percy then knelt at Artemis's throne and uttered, "I, Perseus Achilles Jackson, Son of Poseidon and Sally Jackon, Adopted Son of Hera, and Champion of Hestia, swear on the River Styx to protect Lady Artemis and the Hunt with my life and soul and to not flirt with any of her hunters, so long as she allows my sister into the Hunt." Artemis stared at him in disbelief before shaking her head and smiling. "I accept your oath, Perseus." Percy then glowed in a silver light, brighter than when he received partial immortality from her.
Artemis gasped at the sight of his eyes, as they were the same sea green with an orange ring around the iris, but now there were specks of silver decorating them as well.
ARTEMIS POV
Perseus again surprised me by swearing the oath to be my Guardian, but also adding in that he would not flirt with any of my hunters. Will my respect for this man ever stop growing? "You know you didn't have to swear to not flirt with my hunters. That wasn't necessary for the oath." I said slightly smiling at him. He rubbed his neck like he always did when he was embarrassed. "Yeah, but I figured it would cause you and the hunt less problems, seeing as they're not going to be thrilled about me being there." I nodded and said, "Very well. You and your sister are to meet us at our camp tomorrow morning at 7AM." He groaned at that but nodded.
PERCY POV
7AM?! Gods damned it, this is gonna be harder than I thought. I sighed and said goodbye to my dad, promising to visit with Estelle when I could. Hera and Hestia both gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek, telling me to be safe and protect Estelle. I smiled and nodded before fire traveling to the Amazons HQ to collect Estelle.
Estelle was not very happy with me that I was gone so long, but I made it up to her with ice cream. "Estelle?" She took a break from licking her ice cream cone and said, "Yes big brother?" "You and I are going to live somewhere else for a while. Zeus asked us to travel with Lady Artemis' Hunt and for me to protect them. But you get to join the Hunt and there are a ton of girls of all ages and they'll be like your sisters, okay?" Estelle studied her ice cream for a minute before answering me. "Okay big brother. As long as I'm with you." My heart leapt for joy at that and I told her, "I'll always be with you my little star." I kissed her forehead and we headed home for we had an early day tomorrow.
~The next morning~
THALIA POV
We awoke at 6:45AM as Artemis said she had news about what happened to that Theo guy from yesterday. I was still irritated that he had saved us after we tried to track him down for a year. But more so I was incredibly sad that it wasn't Percy. I couldn't accept the fact that he may actually be gone. I shook my head and continued to make my rounds to wake the hunters and send them to the campfire.
Once everyone gathered at the campfire, Artemis came out of her tent and began to inform us. "Good morning hunters," she said to get a few sleepy "good mornings" in return. "After the meeting with Theseus, the Council has assigned us a Guardian. A male Guardian." Protests immediately rang out from all the hunters. "Why do we need a Guardian?" Phoebe said with a confused tone. "And why is it a male?!" Atalanta tacked on.
Artemis looked frustrated, but pressed on. "Zeus ordered it and I did not have a say in the matter. He swore an oath on the Styx to protect me and the Hunt and he even added that he wouldn't flirt with any of you. That wasn't a part of the original oath." The Hunt, myself included, quieted down acknowledging that fact.
"So where is this Guardian Milady?" I spoke up getting nods from the rest of the hunters. "He will be here at 7AM and with another recruit," Artemis replied and I raised an eyebrow at her. She gave me back a knowing smirk that only left me confused. Before I could say anything about it a column of flames appeared several meters behind Artemis and all the hunters drew their bows, but held their fire.
Theo approached us with a little girl that couldn't have been more than 5 years old. She was adorable to say the least. Bouncing with energy as she held the figures hand swinging it as big as she could and giggling. It warmed my heart to see that little girl so happy. Theo then pointed to Artemis and I and the little girl ran right up to us.
"Are you Lady Artemis?" she asked sweetly to milady. Artemis smiled and nodded. "Is Hera your mommy?" Artemis grimaced and I couldn't contain my laughter. Artemis glared at me before speaking to the hyper girl, "I guess she is technically my Step-Mother." The little girl then jumped on Artemis and hugged her surprising us both and said, "Then that makes you Big Sister!" Artemis was so shocked she hardly reacted but eventually melted and gave the little girl a hug.
I broke out of my shock and asked the little girl, "Do you know Lady Hera?" The little girl looked at me like I grew a second head before saying, "Yeah, she's my mommy," inducing a fit of giggles from her as myself and the rest of the Hunt went bug-eyed. I snapped back to reality and asked her, "What's your name then little one?" She held out her hand and I grabbed it. "Estelle. Estelle Andromeda Jackson."
I froze. "J-Jackson?" I said as the guilt and sadness stirred up inside of me. "Mhm," she said matter-of-factly. "I used to have a good friend with that same name. I haven't seen him in a long time." As I said this Theo had reached us and was just watching the interaction. "Really?" the little girl said awestruck. "What was his name?" she asked sweetly. I was so wrapped up in this conversation I didn't notice Artemis smirk.
"Perseus, but he hated that so we called him 'Percy'," I smiled wistfully at the memories of my lost friend. "Oh you mean big brother?" she asked innocently and my head snapped to look her in the eyes. I dropped to my knees and grabbed her shoulders. "Percy is your brother?! Do you know where he is?!" I would have felt bad for freaking her out but I couldn't control my emotions.
She looked at me weirdly again and just pointed to Theo. I followed her finger and looked at Theo confused. "Big brother brought me here." At this point Artemis cleared her throat to get the full attention of the Hunt. "Hunters, meet Estelle Jackson, our newest and youngest member and the younger sister of our Guardian."
Upon the introduction 'Theo' began to take off his hood and half-mask to reveal shoulder length raven black hair with a silver streak, and the swirling sea green eyes that I would know anywhere. "Perseus Jackson, Hero of Olympus," Artemis finished as I slowly rose from the ground and took a step toward him.
He had that irritating shit-eating grin on his face that made the tears start. "Hey Pinecone Face. Been awhile huh?"
AN: That's Chapter 4! Keep the reviews coming as I do appreciate them.