Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. Or this story… sadly

I've been reading and loved stories by InnovativeIvia and dizzydaisy37. Really enjoying the experience of being a new writer.

Now on with the Story!

Feelings and Rescue Mission.

Previously…

"Okay man. But we have to go find Artemis and tell her what we need to do, alright?" I said.

He nodded his head once in agreement. He made his way to the front of the tent before looking at me. "Should I summon us up some armour just in case we get shot at?" He asked.

I rubbed the back of my head. "Yeah, that would be the safe thing to do. I kind of pissed the hunters off today and they will probably shoot me on sight." I said sheepishly.

He just raised an eyebrow at me. "You really need to work on your 'I can piss off any immortal that has the ability to kill me' attitude." He said as he wrapped us in a protective layer of golden light.

"Yeah. Tell me something I don't know." I said.

We then walked out of my tent and headed to the dining area to let Artemis and the Hunters of a, hopefully, a potential recruit for the Hunt. And let's hope I will survive over a dozen pissed of immortal teen girls. Shuddering at that thought, we made our way to the dining area.

Now…

Third Person POV

Artemis was currently on Olympus, making a beeline straight for a certain goddess's temple. She needed to have a serious talk with said goddess, or better yet, shoot her full of arrows to get her point across to stop her from influencing her thoughts about a certain, raven-haired, winged, son of Poseidon.

These past few months have been some of the most hectic and confusing times for Artemis. It had nothing to do with her duties as an Olympian, her domains were increasing in power, and the hunt has never been better. No, what had Artemis in such a state was that her emotions were in such a tumbled and messed up state.

Ever since she let Percy into her Hunt as its guardian, her feelings concerning have just been one roiling storm inside her since then. She started out hating having a male guard the Hunt; even if said male was one of the only ones she respected. It represented that she couldn't do her job that way she was supposed to. That was a hug strike against her pride. Also, the Hunt was for girls only, so having a male there kind of defeated the whole purpose.

But after that night when Percy fought the Chimera and Echidna, saving her girls and the leg of her beloved sister, she looked at him in a whole new light. They struck up one of the strangest friendships she had ever had. One of the only friendships she ever had if she was honest with herself. Sure, the girls in the Hunt were her Hunters and she their mistress, but she always saw them as her daughters and fellow sisters. The only true friendships she ever had was with Zoë, Athena, and Thalia. Now Percy has been added to that short list.

But over then last month, Artemis began to see the son of Poseidon in a different light. She began to admire his kindness, his loyalty, his total selfless devotion to helping those around him and the respect he showed to women. She fully expected him to quit the hunt after the first week, with all the insane chores he had to do, coupled with the constant hassle and pranks that her hunters pulled on him. Heck, ANY male would have run as soon as they could.

But not Percy.

He stuck around; He persevered and followed every command that she gave. He put up with her and her girls and their constant hate of him. Sure, he would be sarcastic at times and downright irritating, in his own cute way, but not once has he complained to her about the tiresome and backbreaking work.

Slowly, her feelings for him had begun to increase more and more until she was actually looking for excuses to spend time with him. She looked forward to the archery practices they had together, bumping into him on his nightly patrol, even making up more chores so that she would report to her more often.

"I have become a stalker." She mumbled under her breath.

Artemis was now heading to Aphrodite's temple and force her to reveal why she had been messing with her emotions. Hands clenched at her sides, scowl firmly on her face, she stomped her way over to the pink temple. Aphrodite must have a hand in this; it's the only possible explanation why she was feeling this way.

Aphrodite's temple was just as beautiful and grand as any part of Olympus, but Artemis hated it. The pink walls, the lawn covered in hearts and romantic nonsense, the white doves resting in the trees. All of it just screamed love and romance, standing against everything she stood for.

Walking up to the door, which was a bright pink, she grabbed the heart shaped knocker and pounded on the door. Artemis stood on the porch waiting, irritated and praying that no one saw her.

Growing impatient, she pounded on the door again. "Aphrodite, you air-headed twit, open up right now!" Artemis yelled, her frustration showing.

Sounds were heard on the other side of the door before it opened to reveal Aphrodite in all her glory.

She was wearing a red satin dress that hugged her voluptuous curves, caressing them in a way that showed them off to their fullest. Her long and shapely legs hung out from the bottom of the dress, her feet wearing matching red high heels. Her face was, of course, stunning, complete with red lipstick and just enough makeup to enhance her already perfect features. Her kaleidoscope eyes held surprise in them before a coy smile spread across her lips.

"Artemis! How lovely to see you! Come in come in! I just made some tea and cookies." The love goddess gushed as she ushered in a reluctant Artemis.

They made their way to the foyer, red plush love seats scattered about the room. Artemis looked at them in distaste, before reluctantly sitting in one of them. Aphrodite sat in the one across from her and conjured up a plate of tea and cookies. She picked up one and began to take small, dainty bites before looking at Artemis with a brilliant smile.

"So Arty, what brings you to my temple? I have to say it is quite a shock. You never visit my temple." Aphrodite said with slight surprise, the smile never leaving her face.

Artemis clenched her fists. Gritting her teeth, she seethed out. "One, don't call me Arty, Two, you know exactly why I'm here, so don't play innocent, and three, you will stop what you're doing right thus instant or else I'll be forced to give you a serious makeover of the bloody kind."

Artemis had had enough with the games and if Aphrodite wasn't going to stop messing with her…well they would soon need a new love goddess.

Aphrodite, to her credit, actually looked stunned and confused at the accusations.

Raising a perfectly trimmed eyebrow, confusion was etched on her face. "While I would love to take credit for whatever it is that has you in such a state Arty, I honestly have no idea what you are talking about." She said honestly.

Artemis's patience had finally snapped. "Don't play innocent Aphrodite! You know exactly what you've done!" She shouted at the love goddess, making her pale and recoil in her seat.

"You have been messing with my emotions, making me feel things that I shouldn't be feeling! Now you are gaping to stop it right now or I will pull all of your hair out and tear you limb from limb!" Artemis breathed heavily, her rant finally cutting off.

Aphrodite just looked shaken and pale. Then, gaining a look of concentration, she lifted her palm towards Artemis, a soft pink light glowing. After a minute of searching, she gasped, her eyes flying open, complete and utter shock filling them.

Smiling extremely wide, she let out an ear-shattering squeal before wrapping Artemis in a bone-crushing hug. Artemis stunned at the hug and was unable to move as Aphrodite began to squeal in excitement.

"Oh, my gods! It finally happened! After all these years, after constant begging, poking, and prodding, you've finally done it! You've finally fallen in love!" Aphrodite yelled in excitement, squeezing Artemis in a tight hug.

Artemis was frozen by that proclamation, signalling a few things: Aphrodite didn't influence her like she originally thought and that she just revealed something to Olympus's biggest gossip. She groaned internally, yelling at herself for being so stupid as to come to Aphrodite with this problem.

Aphrodite was oblivious of Artemis's inner turmoil as she held her out at arm's length, happiness, delight, and a little bit of smugness dancing in her eyes.

"I knew that silly maiden oath couldn't last forever! I told you sweetie that love is the most powerful force on the planet. Sooner or later, all fall under its sway. Now who's the lucky guy?" She asked in triumph.

Artemis shook herself out of Aphrodite's grasp and glared at her, but the glare didn't even phase her. "None of your business." She snapped at the love goddess.

Artemis then looked at her sceptically. "So, it really wasn't you that made me feel this way?" She asked warily. As long as Aphrodite didn't know that it was Percy that had her emotions all in a tizzy, then there was still hope.

Aphrodite just shook her head in amusement. "Please Arty. While I would normally love to be able to influence you with my love magic and get you a man, don't you think I would have done so millennia ago?" She asked.

"That never stopped you in the past." Artemis snapped.

Aphrodite made a tsk-tsk noise. "Yes, I tried to influence you with potions, plans, schemes to set you up with others, but never with my powers. Not like I could have even if I wanted too." She grumbled at the end.

Artemis looked at her quizzically. "So, you mean to tell me that not once in the past, have you ever directly influenced me with your powers?" Call her paranoid, but she wasn't thinking straight right now.

Aphrodite just shook her head. "Being as how you were a maiden goddess, you are immune to my powers. I can only influence those who have the seed of love inside of them. Like a gardener, I can take that love and make it blossom and grow, or let it shrivel and die. Only my son's love arrows can force love upon someone and Zeus has ordered that his arrows should not affect you or Athena. Which is completely unfair if you ask me." She pouted.

Artemis breathed a sigh of relief. So, Aphrodite wasn't responsible. But that meant that she had been feeling these feelings all on her own. That made it even more unnerving, seeing as she couldn't take the easy way out and get Aphrodite to stop her infernal meddling.

She was lost in her thoughts as her eyes swept around the room. The walls were covered with pictures of different men and women. The women she recognized as past daughters of Aphrodite's, along with some of the men as being some of her son's but others were her past lovers. She turned away before whipping her head back around, her eye catching a certain picture on the wall.

Hanging in the middle of the wall, surrounded by a bunch of hearts was a picture of Percy Jackson.

Aphrodite followed Artemis's gaze, before smiling a loving smile. "I see you noticed my newest interest." Aphrodite said, a small blush rising to her cheeks.

Artemis turned back to Aphrodite, a cold steely expression on her face. "Why is my guardian's picture on your wall?" She felt a bitter feeling well up inside her. She didn't like how Aphrodite had a picture of Percy on a wall, as if she was staking a claim to him and no one else could have him.

Aphrodite gave her a knowing look. "Isn't it obvious? He is the next man that I want to have by my side. He is absolutely gorgeous! Looks that could rival Adonis himself. Not only that, but he is filled with so much passion, so much loyalty and kindness. And those eyes!" She shivered in delight. "It would make any woman want him for her own." She said dreamily

The feeling in Artemis's chest kept in growing and growing as her anger for the love goddess grew as well with each word. How dare she think that she owns Percy! That he is some toy that she can play with and then throw away when the appeal has worn off.

"You will not touch my Guardian Aphrodite. He is part of the Hunt and as such, is not allowed to have a romantic relationship with anyone." She said in a steely tone.

Aphrodite gave her a sly look. "Now now, Arty, no need to be so hostile. And, if I recall correctly, you never gave him the oath to swear. And even if he did, he would swear of the company of men, which, I can say for a fact, he has no interest in." She said coyly.

"Oh, and do I detect a hint of jealousy in your voice Arty?" She asked innocently, a small smile gracing her lips.

Artemis gave her a death glare. "Just stay away from him Aphrodite. And don't even mention our talk to anyone unless you want your looks to rival Typhoon's." Artemis said coldly, before flashing out.

Artemis POV

Insolent, slutty, no-good, air-brained goddess! Who does she think she is, claiming that Percy will be hers? As if he is some object that is to be won and displayed for all to see!

I was raging at Aphrodite in my head, calling her every name under the sun. How dare she even try to think about stealing my Percy! Why, I ought to…

That last thought pulled me up short. My Percy? Since when did I think of him being as mine? What the hell his wrong with me?

Sure, he was the most decent and respectable male out there. Plus, his loyalty is without fault. Not to mention his kindness, his bravery, selflessness, pure heart, and extremely good looks. And that hair of his and those wings? I just want to run my hands through those silky, black…

I buried my head in my hands and groaned. I was so confused. I have hated and scorned men for the past three thousand years, and I still do to the vast majority of the male population. But then all of a sudden, here comes Percy just busting though all my walls, shattering my cold exterior and taking up residence in my heart. I could feel it every time I see him. Every smile he gives me, the way he laughs, and those eyes of his, holding so much emotion in them just sends butterflies into my stomach. They can be as powerful and destructive as a furious hurricane, yet they can also be as soft and gentle as the lapping of the waves on the shore.

I groaned again. Gods I was messed up. I didn't know what to do. Should I tell him how I feel and hope he feels the same? He hasn't fully recovered from his heartbreak from the daughter of Athena and what that blasted camp did to him. For a hero filled with so much goodness inside him, it was pure cruelty, all of the conflict he went through.

A soft music suddenly filled the air, the strumming of a guitar that was being played with such beauty and grace. I looked up from my hands and looked around for the source where the beautiful music was coming from. Standing up I slowly walked through the forest, trying to find the source.

I followed the music until I came upon a brown tent that I recognized as Percy's tent. The music was coming from there and it was stunning. Then he started to sing.

Never before had I heard a voice filled with so much soul and so much emotion. He sang with such passion, filling the air with the beauty of his voice. The forest stilled, and the animals quieted, as if the entire world was silently listening to Percy singing.

I felt my heart clench a little when I heard the song he was singing. I had to admit he picked a great song to sing, but the sorrow and pain in his voice was present, pouring itself into his singing. He has been through so much, the fates never giving him a break. But aside from the pain in his voice, I could also here the underlying hope lacing his words. Hope for a better tomorrow, hope for a better future, and hope that everything will turn out all right in the end.

The song ended, and I just stood there in stunned silence. That song was beautiful. I wanted to go in there and talk with him and confess my feelings for him, but something held me back. I don't know what it was, but something was telling me it wasn't the right time yet. So, giving one last look at Percy's tent, I walked back to my camp.

Percy POV

Me and Apollo walked out of my tent and headed to the dining area. Apollo had us covered in a golden shield of protection and I had a feeling we were going to need it. Me for pissing of the hunters earlier and Apollo for, well just being Apollo.

After talking with Apollo, I had to say that I felt really sorry for the guy and my respect for him has went up a few notches. While he may be a protective, over-bearing brother, he only wants what is best for his sister and to go millennia thinking that your own sister hates you and still protecting them? That gives them my respect.

We walked into the dining area to see that all the hunters were there, waiting for me to make them dinner. Just as we walked in, they all looked up, sneers plain as day on their faces. But when they saw Apollo next to me, looks of shocks crossed their faces before disgust replaced it and they whipped out their bows and pointed them at us.

'What is he doing here, boy? It's bad enough we have to deal with you but bringing that man-whore here is insufferable." Phoebe spat.

Frowning, I looked at Apollo to see he had his happy-go-lucky smile on, but it didn't reach his eyes. Growling, I turned back to her and glared at her, making her flinch slightly.

"Say what you want about me Phoebe, but do not talk that way about my cousin. Are you so blinded by your hatred of men that you would dare talk like that to an Olympian god? " I asked, anger in my tone. She scowled at me. She opened her mouth to give a scathing retort, but I cut her off.

"While I have had my share of pissing off immortals, I did so because it was right and to make them see their mistakes. You do it purely because of your hatred and prejudice against the actions of a few. While men in general are bad, not all of us are the scum you think us to be. But I would assume you would know better than to talk back to a being who could kill you with a flex of his fingers." I said in a scathing tone. I was angry that they treated Apollo like that. He was an Olympian and they need to know that they need to treat him with respect. Grudging respect, but respect nonetheless. Kind of like me.

Phoebe had a murderous glare on her face, but before she could shoot me, Artemis stopped her.

"Phoebe, stand down. While my brother may be a man that embodies the characteristics of our views of men, he is still an Olympian and he does deserve your respect." Artemis said coolly. Wow, an insult and complement in one, I need to take notes.

Her silver eyes locked onto me and I felt my heart give a little flutter. She eyes pulled me in and she looked absolutely beautiful. Even though she had on her cold mask on, I could see that she something was off. She was looking at me a little strangely. Before i could investigate further, she turned her gaze to her brother.

"Apollo, what are you doing here? And didn't I tell you to stay away from the Hunt?" She asked in a tired tone.

He gave her a grin. "Technically, you told me to stay away from your hunters. You didn't say anything about staying away from the hunt. And you know you love me coming to visit little sis."

She rolled her eyes and gave him a hard look. "Whatever, but back to my original question; what are you doing here?" She demanded.

Apollo's grin vanished to be replaced by a serious look. "I came to ask Percy if he could retrieve my daughter, Helen, and if he could bring her to the Hunt to be safe."

For their part, Artemis and the Hunt were stunned at Apollo's proclamation. Recovering from their shock, Artemis narrowed her eyes at him.

"While I'm not opposed to having another maiden join my hunt, why are you taking an interest now? Shouldn't she be quite alright with her mother?" By her tone, it sounded like Artemis didn't exactly approve of Apollo's choice in women and was calling him out.

Apollo's eyes narrowed, his blue eyes flashing. "I take an interest now because her mother was recently killed in a drunk driving accident and my daughter has been sent to live with her alcoholic uncle. And I have alwsy had an interest in my daughter, considering she is my youngest." Apollo said with a bit of steel in his voice.

Artemis seemed shocked by the amount of anger in his voice and she looked slightly ashamed of her veiled comment of him not caring for his kids.

"How young is she Apollo?" Artemis asked softly.

"The anger in his eyes drained away, before regaining a bit of their light. "She is only eight years old." He said.

"You're youngest daughter and my sister is only eight years old? But your cabin is filled with kids!" Atalanta yelled out. Apollo smiled at her softly. So, Atalanta must be another one of his daughters. Another reason why he wants to protect the hunt; he has kids here.

"That is true, but I that is a conversation for another time. Right now, she needs to be rescued from her uncle." He said seriously.

Artemis nodded her head. Apollo looked at me and gave me a small sun charm. "This will lead you to my little girl. The hotter it gets, the closer she is. I need you to get her in and out quickly and safely and when you do, contact me and I will send you back her." He said handing me the charm.

He was about to flash away before looking back at me. "Oh, and if you see her uncle," He started with a cold glint his eyes. "Kill him for me." And with that he flashed away.

"Well," I said getting the hunters to look at me, "Might as well get going." And with a grin, I flashed away in a flash of flames.

I reappeared in Orlando, Florida, in some damp alleyway. Looking around at the damp environment, I glared. So, this was wear the daughter of one of his cousins was living in? While it was ironic Apollo had a daughter named Helen, which means shining light, in the sunshine state, she didn't deserve to live in this run-down street. Taking one last look at the area, I stretched out my wings and launched myself into the air.

The sun charm in his hand began to get warm and emitted a soft golden glow. Angling his body downwards, he continued to fly in the direction that the charm felt hottest. It wasn't long before he landed in front of a house that just screamed, "Poor alcoholic trash lives here!" The yard had over grown and dying grass, cigars and trash was covering the yard. Don't ask me why, but broken car parts were shoved on the side of the yard. Overall, it looked like the home to a white-trash man who didn't really give a rat's ass about anything.

I was very nervous and apprehensive about this rescue. Apollo told me to kill the uncle of this girl. That either meant he abused her or was just an evil person. Either way, I had to get her out of there as quick as possible.

Walking up to the front door I was about to open it when a loud bang was heard on the other side and shrill scream pierced the air.

"Helen, you little freak! Get back here right now or so help me I will beat you until you are unable to walk!" A deep slurred voice yelled.

"Hold still you little brat!" Another voice called out, just as slurred.

"Leave me alone! I'm sorry I interrupted your game but please don't hurt me!" A young girl's voice filled with fear cried out.

Forgetting my apprehension, I ran straight at the door, blowing it off its hinges. The scene inside set my blood boiling as rage and anger filled my heart.

The room was a very small one with a small television and burned carpet; beer bottles and cigarettes were strewn along the ground. Three large, heavy-set men, each with a bottle in each hand, stood menacingly over the form of a small girl, who had a few bruises on her face and arms. Her bright blonde hair was matted with sweat. Her bright blue eyes were dilated with fear as her form shook. Looking at her, I was shocked at her aura. It was incredibly powerful for such a little girl. Her body felt like it was radiating heat and sunlight.

The men turned and glared at me. "Who the hell are you boy?"

My hands clenched into fists. "I am here for the girl. And if you don't back away from here right now, I will kill very slowly and painfully." I said in a deadly calm voice, power dancing in his eyes.

The men looked a little uneasy but regained their cocky attitudes. The first man pointed at me. 'Yeah right you little freak. You've seen too much, so now we got to kill you!" He yelled charging at me.

My glare could have frozen water. "So be it." I said before I launched myself forward.

The man, who I guessed was the uncle, threw a sloppy punch at my face. Almost laughing at his feeble attempt, I caught his fist with my hand, his eyes flying open in shock. He yelled in pain as I began to crush his fist, breaking the bones in his hand.

"My turn." I said. I unleashed a devastating hit to his chest, shattering a few of his ribs as he flew back into the wall. He laid there groaning in pain.

I walked up towards him, wanting to make him suffer. But his friends had other plans. Ugly Number two snuck up behind me and hit me in the head with his bottle, shattering it. While a blow like that would knock out any mortal, I was built of stronger stuff and that was merely a love tap.

Turning my flaming eyes to the cowering mortal, I covered my hands in flames. He screamed and tried to run for the door, but a wall of fire erupted in front of him. I then shot out to balls of fire at him, hitting him in the chest. He cried out in pain as the fire burned his skin and muscles. He fell down in agony, wailing at the top of his lungs.

Dashing forward, I picked him up by his throat, my grip cutting off his air supply. His eyes bugged out of his head as he clawed at my hand, trying to pry at my unrelenting grip. Fast as thought, I whipped out one of my Stygian Iron knives and drove it into his stomach. He cried out in pain, feeling the painful effect of the underworldly metal.

"Oh, shut up!" Setting my hand on fire, I burned his throat, destroying his vocal cords. Tears of pain fell down his face, the pain was so intense. Grasping his head in my hand, I jerked his side to the right savagely, snapping his neck with an audible crack.

"My uncle will deal with you soon enough." I spat, dropping the now lifeless body to the ground.

I turned my head to a whimpering sound. I felt incredible rage, seeing Ugly Number Three had Helen by the throat, a knife at her throat.

"Don't move or the little bitch gets it!" He yelled out, trying to hide the fear in his voice.

Growling, I spoke to Helen. "Close your eyes little one, I don't want you to see this."

Helen closed her eyes while Ugly Number Three looked confused. "Didn't you hear me punk? If you move, I will slit this little girl's throat I swear to…" He was cut off as all the water in the house suddenly burst to life.

I focused my power, stretching out my senses to the water underground and in the pipes, calling them forth. The water exploded from the pipes swirling around us in a cyclone. Flexing my fingers, I willed the water to shot forward and wrap around the man, immobilizing him and freeing Helen. She yelped and scrambled to safety, running to me and hiding behind my leg.

My gaze softened as I looked at her. "You are safe little one. Now close your eyes and cover your ears. I don't want you to see this." I said comfortingly. She nodded her, burying her face into my leg.

Turning back my to my captive, I willed the water bonds around him to tighten around him. He cried out as his bones began to snap one by one, the water literally squeezing him to death. I then manipulated the water to freeze and form icy spears tips, thrusting them into his body. He yelled out as he felt the sharp tips pierced his flesh, the water worming its way into his organs. Finally, I willed the water to flow into his screaming mouth. Water flowed through the guys mouth, down his throat and into his throat. His eyes bugged out of his head as he felt the liquid fill his lungs as he began to chock. Looking directly into his eyes, my fury at its breaking point, I forced the water to expand rapidly, bursting his lungs and killing him.

"You'll see your friend soon." I said in disgust.

I heard a groan over to my right. Turning my gaze to the crumpled, but very much alive, uncle, I saw he was trying to get up. Looking down at the little girl clutch my leg, I placed my hand on her head. She looked up at me with big blue eyes.

"Helen, I'm about to do something I don't want you to see, so I need you to hide behind the chair over there. Can you do that for me please?" I asked her softly.

"Yes sir." She said, running and hiding behind the chair. I smiled briefly before turning back to the piece of trash in front of me.

The wind picked up as I walked towards him, flames trailing behind me where I walked. The uncle tried to stand up, but I quickly pulled out four knives and threw them at him, punching through each of his limbs and pinning him to wall. He cried out in pain as they pierced his skin.

"You are a disgusting mortal. How dare you abuse a little girl for your own amusement! When I am done with you, you will be wishing for death!" I said in voice of malice.

His terrified gaze looked up into my flaming eyes. "Wh-What are you?" He whimpered out.

I kneeled down next to him, placing my hands on either side of his head. Whipping my black wings out and setting them on fire, my gaze bore into his skull. "I am your death."

I then lit my hands-on fire and sent my power into his mind. His body seized up as he began to thrash and spasm around. Peering into his mind, I found a slight orange source in his body. That slight orange ball in his body was his own personal hope.

Focusing on the orange energy, I slowly but surely began to drain his hope from his essences from his soul, until it crinkled and died like a decaying ember in a fire. Opening my eyes and pulling back from his body, I gazed into the hopeless eyes of the uncle.

He wasn't moving but was still alive. His face was slack and burned as his eyes starred at nothing. His gaze was empty and hollow, as if all the hope from his body was drained; which it was.

"Now you know what you were doing to your niece, slowly taking away her hope. My uncle will deal with you as your spirit rots in the Fields of Punishment." I said. With a final, hateful glare, I slit his throat with one of my knives, ending his life.

After all the men were dead, my rage and fury left my body, making me feel slightly hollow and sick. Yes, those men were monsters that deserved to be killed, but they were the very first mortals I killed. Killing a monster was easy, they were pure evil, and they would eventually reform. But killing a mortal, someone with a soul and emotions was way different. My rage got the better of me and I killed them brutally. I don't know what to think of myself now.

I heard a slight whimper and saw that Helen was peeking out from behind the couch. She let out an eep and ducked back behind the couch. I walked over to the couch and sat on the other side.

"Helen? Helen, could you come out here please? I'm not here to hurt you." I said softly.

Slowly, the little daughter of Apollo peeked her head out from behind the couch, her big blue eyes looking over the bodies of her uncle and his friends.

"You killed them." She whispered.

I looked down in shame. She would see me as a monster now. "Yes, I did. I'm sorry, but they were about to hurt you and…" My excuse was cut off as she launched forward and crushed me in a hug.

I felt my shirt get a little wet as I realized she was crying. "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!" She cried into my shirt. I just held her and whispered words of comfort into her ears.

I pulled back and saw the bruises on her skin. "Helen, I am going to do something, but I need you to trust. I'm not going to hurt you and it will heal you're bruises." I said.

"I trust you." She looked at me with complete trust in her eyes. I focused on my powers of the hearth and my hands glowed an orange light. I placed them on her cheeks, willing the power of the hearth to heal her wounds. Slowly the bruises faded, and the cuts closed, not even leaving a scar.

After I was done, she touched her face in disbelief. He then gave me another hug, burying her face in my chest. "Thank you for healing me. That was amazing."

She pulled back and gave me a watery smile. "They hurt me for a long time, but you came and saved me."

I gave her a smile. "It wasn't just me. I was actually sent her by your father to save you.

Her eyes widened. "You know my daddy? I always thought he died!"

I just shook my head. "No. What you don't know is that your father is a very special man. You know about Greek Mythology?"

She nodded her head. "Zeus, Apollo, and Artemis right? And all the other gods and monsters."

I smiled at her. "Those are the ones. Well, they are real, and I am the son of one of them. As are you." I said, looking at her.

Helen looked shocked and sceptical. "If that's true, then who are you the son of?" She asked.

I grinned and summoned some water to my hand, shaping it into a trident. "My dad is Poseidon, the Lord of the Seas, bringer of storms and the earth shaker." I said with pride. What? I can embellish my dad a little.

She looked in awe of the water trident in my hand. "But how did you use the flame things?" She asked curiously.

"I was adopted by Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth and Home, and one of the kindest women you will ever meet." I said warmly.

She looked even more surprised at what I told her until her curious expression came back. "Then who is my daddy?" She asked warily, almost afraid of the answer.

I pulled out the sun charm and placed it in her hands. "Your father is Apollo, god of the Sun, Archery, and a whole lot of other awesome domains." I said.

She looked down at the sun charm in her hand and how it glowed when she touched it. She looked up at me with tears in her eyes. "Why did my daddy never visit me? Did he not want me? Did he ever love me?" She asked crying.

My heart broke at seeing her sadness. I pulled her into a hug and stroked her hair. "Your daddy loves you with all his heart Helen. He wants you very, very much, but there are certain rules that he has to follow. One of those rules is that the gods aren't allowed to visit their children that much. I didn't meet my dad till I was twelve, but I now know he loves me and watched over me. Apollo watched over you too." I comforted her.

She sniffled into my chest. "You know, whenever I was outside, the sun always felt warm and comforting to me, like it was smiling down on me. And I remember a happy glow when I was a baby." She said.

"That was your father looking down on you, making sure you were safe. He loves you Helen." I told her softly.

Seeing that she was happy now, I pulled her to her feet. "What do you say we get out of here and I take you someplace safe, huh? Then you will get to meet your father."

She lit up like the Fourth of the July. Now that she wasn't sad, she a happy, sunny personality that was just adorable.

"Where are we going?" She asked innocently. I smiled at her excitement.

"The Hunters of Artemis. And, if you want to join them, you'll have a whole new family that will love and care for you. You'll have adventure and freedom and will get to see your dad. Would you like that?" I asked.

"Will I still get to see you?" She asked nervously.

I smiled. "Of course, you will. What you don't know is that I am the Guardian of the Hunt, so if you join, you will see me a lot."

She looked up and smiled before hugging me. "Thank you for being so nice to me Percy." She whispered, and my heart melted. If she joined the hunt, then it looks like I have another friend.

Suddenly I got a crazy idea. "Hey Helen, would you like to fly?" I asked, spreading my wings for her to see.

She looked at my wings in stunned silence and nodded, unable to form words. Smiling I scooped her up in my arms.

"Hold on tight. And make sure your mouth stays close, unless you want to swallow a bug." And with that I launched myself and my passenger into the air.

Artemis POV

It's been two hours since Percy went to pick up Apollo's daughter and I was worried. I know it was stupid, considering he had defeated countless enemies, but I couldn't help it. I was pacing in the center of the camp with Thalia by my side.

"Relax milady. Percy may be a Kelp Head, but he has been doing this for years. Rescuing demigods and all. I'm sure Helen will be fine." She said reassuringly.

"I know that, but I can't help it. I'm worried for him…them." I said, hoping she didn't catch my slip-up.

I turned to see her eyebrows raised in surprise. "Since when do you worry about a boy? Since when did you worry about Percy?" She asked suspiciously, though there was an undertone of amusement.

I blushed but shook it off and gave her a glare. "I'm just worried that if he does something stupid and gets hurt, the council will not be pleased and that's one headache I don't need." I lied.

She looked at me unconvinced. "Sure Artemis. Whatever you say."

I was about to retort before I whoop of joy cut through the camp. I turned to see my guardian flying through the air, a young girl in his arms, both of them laughing as he performed aerial tricks. They dove at the earth and at the last second, he whipped out his wings and slowly drifted to the ground.

He smiled a brilliant smile that caused my knees to go weak and my heart to flutter. Stop thinking like that! You are a Maiden! I mentally screamed at myself, but I couldn't stop admiring how handsome he looked and how fatherly he was to the little girl.

"So, how did you like flying Helen?" He asked the little girl. So this was Apollo's daughter huh? She certainly has the look of one of his, but why does she have such a powerful aura?

She smiled up at him. "It was amazing Percy! Can we do it again?" She pleaded.

He chuckled and shook his head. "Maybe later, but I have a very dear friend I need to introduce you to." He said looking at me with his beautiful eyes.

He walked Helen over to me and I could tell she was very shy. He pushed her forward and gave her a reassuring smile. "Helen, I would like to introduce you to Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt and close personal friend of mine." He said grinning.

The girl bowed and gave me a shy smile. "Hello Lady Artemis." She said timidly.

I smiled down at the little girl. Kneeling down till I was face to face to her. "Hello Helen. As you know, my name is Artemis. Did Percy tell you who your father was?" I asked kindly.

She nodded her head. "He said my dad was Apollo."

"That's right, and since he is my brother, I am your Aunt." I said warmly. Her smile widened and then she did something that surprised me; she gave me a hug. I hugged her back timidly, but relaxed and hugged her tighter.

"I always wanted an Aunty." She murmured into my shoulder. I felt happy, this daughter of Apollo will be one of my best hunters to date. I feel it.

She pulled back and looked into my eyes. "Can I meet my daddy now? Please?" She asked, pulling a big blue-eyed Bambi look.

Percy smacked himself in the head. "Dang it I knew I forgot something!" He said. He lifted his head to the sky. "Hey Apollo! Your daughter is in the Hunt and she wants to meet you now!"

Not even a second later, my brother flashed in, but I was in shock of how he looked. Gone was his eighteen-year-old, teenage form. He was in his 30-year old form that I have only ever seen him use three times in his life.

In this form he was 6'2' with a lean build built for speed and stealth. His face was more matured as his cheekbones were more defined, his blonde hair was tied in ponytail that, surprisingly worked, and he had a slight blonde beard on his face, making him look surprisingly mature. He actually looked like a mature father figure.

The amount of fatherly care and love in his eyes surprised me. He walked forward and knelt down in front of his little girl.

"Hello Helen. My name is Apollo and I am your father." He said with care. Even his voice deepened slightly with his new form.

Helen looked at her father in shock and rushed forward into his arms. He wasted no time in wrapping her in a hug and I was surprised to see a few tears come out of his eyes,

"Why weren't you there for me? Why did you let mommy die? Why were you never around?" Helen cried into his shoulder. I felt a little bit of pain tugging at my heart and I saw the same expression on Percy's face. He knew what she was going through, and I cursed the Ancient Laws. Our heroes had hard enough lives and not seeing their parents must have hurt.

Apollo's expression became pained as his daughter accused him of not being there for her. "I am so sorry. I was not allowed to interfere with your life until this point. But know that I have always watched over you and it pained me every day to be away from you." He said sincerely.

He looked into his daughter's eyes and his face became wistful. "You have your mother's hair and her face. But your eyes are definitely mine. Your mother was a wonderful woman, so full of light and happiness. She was different from so many other women I have met. It pained me to not be able to help her, but I was restricted. Can you ever forgive me?" He asked apology and remorse in his blue eyes.

I have never seen this side of my brother before. Usually he was an immature, playboy that slept with any woman that he could. But here he was, acting mature and fatherly to this young girl that he obviously loved very much. First, I'm feeling feelings for Percy and Apollo is acting mature. What's next? Zeus will stop cheating on Hera?

Helen gave Apollo another hug. "I forgive you daddy." Apollo's smile could have blinded Stevie Wonder from how bright it was.

"Thank you my dear. Do you have that little sun charm that Percy gave you?" He asked.

She responded by pulling out the little golden charm. He placed his hands around it and muttered and incantation. The charm glowed a golden light before she was holding beautiful golden bow. She looked at the bow in awe.

"This bow is my gift to you. If you twist the centrepiece it will separate into two golden hunting knives. And if you ever lose it, it will reappear on your back, so you can never lose it." He said.

Once again, Helen gave Apollo a hug. Maybe she was trying to catch up on eight year's worth of hugs and he didn't seem to mind.

"Thank you, daddy." She whispered, overjoyed.

Apollo smiled. "You're welcome sweet heart. If you ever need me, just pray and I will come. Also, your powers will begin to manifest soon." He said mischievous to her confused expression.

"Can't tell you all that you can do. Where would the fun in that be?" He said, laughing at her pouting face. "I will see you soon sweet heart, but I believe my little sis needs to talk to you. I need to talk to Percy for a minute.

I glared at him. "I am older than you!" I snapped at him. He laughed as he walked over to Percy and I took Helen to my tent.

Percy POV

I was stunned to see Apollo act mature and fatherly to Helen. Sure he had a bunch of kids at cam, but I have never seen this side of him. There truly is a lot to him that I don't know about.

As Artemis and Helen walked to her tent, he walked over to me.

"Thank you for saving my little girl Percy. Know that from this moment on, you have the support of the Sun on your side." He said sincerely, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"It was no problem Apollo. I would have done it because it was the right thing to do." I said, blushing at the praise. I then had a huge question on my mind.

"Hey Apollo, why is Helen so much more powerful than your other children. When I met her, I felt her aura and it is incredibly strong." I asked him.

He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. He answered my question with a question if his own. "You ever wonder why you are so much more powerful than other demigods?"

I shrugged. "I thought it had to do with training and our ability to hold power." I said, not really getting it.

"That is part of it, but what you don't know is that it also comes from your parents. When a god falls in love with a mortal, the amount that they love that mortal and the amount of love the mortal loves the god, determines how much power they get. Uncle P lived your mother very much and she loved him. Through their love, it allowed you to have unbelievable power. Same thing with Thalia and Nico. Dad and Uncle H loved their respective lovers and so their children had the potential for a lot of power." He explained.

I was a little stunned at his explanation. "So that means…" I trailed off.

He nodded his head. "I loved Helen's mother very much. It was one of the few times that I have ever loved a mortal that much. And when Helen was born, I knew her potential for power would meet and surpass that of any of my other children. Don't get me wrong, I love my children's mothers but…" He trailed off, looking wistful again. "Helen's mother, Mary, was special. She was so full of light and life and I fell for her hard. I even changed into this form because she deserved a man and not some immature teenager." He said.

"So that's why she is so powerful." I felt a new fiery determination well up in me. "I promise Apollo, I will take care of Helen as if she were my own sister. You have my word." I promised.

He looked at me gratefully, before seriousness took over his expression. "Did you kill her uncle?" He asked in anticipation.

I scowled. "Very slowly and painfully, along with two if his buddies." I said darkly. He looked surprised at my tone but smiled nonetheless.

"Thank you." He said.

I shook my head. "It was no problem, especially after what I saw. They abused her and it just snapped something inside me. It was like seeing…" I cut of, not wanting to continue.

"Like seeing Gabe abuse you." Apollo finished solemnly. I whipped my head to him eyes wide.

"How do you know that? I never told anyone that!" I said accusingly.

Apollo held his hands up in surrender. "I'm the God of Prophecy. I saw what he did to you and I am so sorry. But he is gone, and you have a great life now." He said

All the anger in me melted as I slumped. "I'm sorry for snapping. It's just something I don't like thinking about." I said dejectedly. I felt Apollo's hand on my shoulder.

"Listen Perce. While I may not be the most mature god out there, I do know that talking about it helps. But just know that you have went through impossible challenges and that was just one of those trials. You are a stronger and better person because of it." He said.

I gave him a small smile. "Thanks Apollo."

He then gave me a mischievous grin. "So how are things between you and my little sis?" I chocked a little and did a pretty good imitation of a fish, blushing a deep red.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about." I mumbled.

He laughed and gave me a playful shove. "Come one Percy. I see the way you look at her and I know you care for her. And I have known her for years, so I know when she likes someone." He said playfully.

"So why aren't you going all big brother and trying to kill me?" I asked warily.

He looked at me seriously. "Because unlike your bastard brother, you are someone who would never hurt her and are a true hero. You have proven yourself time and time again and if there is anyone who I would approve of her being with it would be you, bro." He said sincerely.

"Though I do have to say the overprotective brother threat, if you break her heart, then I will send you to Tartarus. Got it?" He threatened.

I nodded my head. "Trust me, she would send me there first before you could even touch me." I said. He laughed and nodded his head agreeing with me.

You got that right cousin. You got that right." He said laughing.

And there is chapter 14!

Keep reading. Hans 51