A/N I am well aware of how history says the battle of Thermopylae went. Though I am no expert I have researched it somewhat. That being said, this is fanfiction which means that if my story is different or aligns more with the movie 300 than the facts just go with the flow. Same goes with other events in history.

'thoughts or flashback'

"normal speech"

Disclaimer: I own nothing of PJO or HoO, though I wish I did

Chapter Two: Unusual Friend

Mt. Olympus

"Sparta did not commit as you planned Athena. What will you do now?" Apollo the god of truth, prophecy, healing and plague asked his half-sister as they watched events unfold upon the mortal world from Olympus.

Athena was worried over how things turned out. She had made plans and forged alliances with Theseus as her medium to crush the Persian Empire. It all depended on Sparta going on the war path though and committing fully to the cause.

That they had not committed entirely and it was left to Leonidas to head a small force was surprising. She was so sure that Sparta alongside Athens would lead an army of Thespians, Thebans and Arcadians to victory. It would be perfect for her city-state as it would give a glowing example of how might combined with wit would overcome any force.

Now all her plans were meaningless. Athens wouldn't go to war without Sparta. The rest of the armies wouldn't march if those two wouldn't commit to war either. Her plans for war were ruined.

And then there was Theseus to think of.

He would be furious that Perseus was on his way to the Hot Gates with only a few hundred Spartans. Unfortunately Perseus was already too far out to intercept and he wouldn't leave Leonidas to his fate without explicit orders from his king. Athena herself couldn't do anything to message Perseus as he would be even more infuriated that he was manipulated into action once more by Theseus.

Athena sighed deeply. "What can I do? If the mortals wish to throw stones to break the iron wall that is the Persian army then let them. Leonidas will fall."

Ares who was with them at the moment overlooking events spit in disgust. "Of course my city state will be sacrificed for your plans Athena. Should I have expected anything else from you? Goddess of wisdom indeed."

Ares glared hatefully at Athena and left.

He was beyond angry that many a good soldier would walk to their deaths all because Athens wouldn't commit to the war. All because Athena had made sure all her plans hinged on Sparta leading the charge.

It was a bit unfair to fully blame Athena and by proxy Athens since it was the Spartan council that had declined raising an army to fight, but he didn't care about being fair. Leonidas, who he actually liked and considered a great king, would die.

Along him would die many fine soldiers of Sparta. Soldiers that would only be helpful and make Sparta better in the future if they lived.

The gods watched over the next week the events of the mortal world. They watched as Perseus, son of Poseidon joined Leonidas on his trek to Thermopylae. They watched him integrate himself into the Spartan ranks.

Even Ares' dislike for Athenians was lessened as he watched the young hero.

They watched intently as the Spartan soldiers came upon Pellana. The gods had seen what the Persians did to the village. Unfortunately there was little they could do and had to suffer hearing the prayers from the villagers as they were slaughtered.

All paid rapt attention as Perseus found a little girl. Many were confused as he asked for water and wondered what he hoped to achieve. The girl was very likely going to meet the same fate as her kinsmen. Death.

Apollo's eyes widened in surprise as Perseus healed the girl. He was shocked that the demigod healed her, more because of how he did it than the actual action. It was a song Apollo recognized as the same ones used by his son Asclepius.

He smiled and nodded in approval at young Perseus' actions.

The little girl hadn't died and likely wouldn't have immediately but Perseus had healed her to avoid even the smallest possibility. It was impressive. Though Apollo noticed how tired he was afterwards and noted he couldn't do that often.

Artemis who had joined her fellow Olympians in observing the affairs below suddenly snapped her head up in surprise. She turned to Apollo briefly after Perseus healed the girl and left the room.

Apollo was confused at first and then eyes widening in realization followed his twin out. "Artemis where are you going?"

"Apollo." Artemis slowed to allow Apollo to catch up to her, "You know who that girl is don't you?"

Apollo nodded. "Yes but you know we can't interfere directly in the affairs of mortals. No matter how much I wish I could." He reflected sadly.

"Yes that may be true. You can't," she started walking again, "and I can't but that doesn't mean we are completely helpless. Have faith in me Apollo. And faith in young Perseus. What unfolds next may be surprising for all of us to watch."

Apollo slowed and allowed Artemis to leave Olympus. 'What are you talking about Artemis? Why should I have faith in young Perseus? What did he do?'

The god of healing was feeling very confused. There were too many questions left unanswered by Artemis.

In the end he headed back to watch what happened next. He would trust his sister and hoped to find out all the answers to the questions she had left.

2 days later

"By the gods… I really should have asked Theseus to get me some ambrosia or nectar before heading out. Asclepius was right. I have absolutely no talent in healing if I require looking after more than the patient when I'm done." Perseus mumbled to himself as he groggily regained consciousness.

As all of his senses returned to normal and he shook his head to clear the spider webs he heard shouts. He blinked blearily and sat up to have a look around.

As his eyes started to focus and he searched for the source of all the commotion he took note of the time. It was dark out, clearly since there were stars out, and it seemed that they had stopped to rest for the night.

The shouts were coming from a few of the Spartan soldiers huddled around a fire and eating. The little girl that Perseus had healed was currently shouting her lungs out at one of the soldiers.

"Give me back my food you big bully! And shut up already! He's just tired and that doesn't mean you can make fun of him you stupid smelly monkey!" The little 10 year old girl was on a rampage apparently.

The soldier who was in the process of eating his food could no longer ignore the girl. All his friends were now laughing at him and some even pantomimed smelling a foul odor. "Listen brat. I don't care if the other brat wakes up in the next 10 seconds, he's still a weakling for passing out and I'll say it to his face. Now get out my face and let me eat or I swear to the gods that I will hurt you so badly that what happened a few days ago will seem like love taps. This food should go to those who need it and have the strength to take it. Right now, neither one is you."

Said little girl squeaked in fright but refused to back away even as the soldier got to his feet. He stepped forward to make good on his threat and was reaching out to grab her when his hand was stopped. The Spartan looked up about to yell at who had stopped him when the words got caught in his throat.

Perseus' green eyes glowed like Greek fire at the moment as he glared heatedly at the Spartan. The man in front of him was one of the few who disliked Perseus on principle and didn't care to hide it.

Perseus of course knew that he couldn't win everyone over but even so, he disliked being hated for no reason.

"Get your hands off me Athenian. Your little parlor tricks might have impressed everyone else the other day but that doesn't mean I will hesitate to teach you a lesson." The man spit out hatefully.

Perseus narrowed his eyes in anger. "What were you about to do soldier? Surely you weren't going to strike this child were you?"

"I said get your hands off!" The soldier curled his fingers into a fist in his other hand and swung.

The raven haired teen ducked under the punch, never releasing the arm, and when he rose up he pulled the Spartan towards him. Off balance the soldier stumbled forwards and straight into the rising knee of Perseus. The wind was knocked out of him but Perseus continued his assault by spinning around and driving a vicious elbow into the bent over soldier's temple.

The soldier crumbled as his world faded to black.

None of the other Spartans dared to move after the Athenian teenager knocked out one of their own.

While not everyone may have liked Perseus, it didn't mean they would antagonize him. Especially not when their own king obviously liked the boy.

"What seems to be the problem here?" Captain Artemis asked as he made his way over to the commotion. It was his job to make sure the soldiers never got out of hand while resting and roughhousing but not even he could patrol 300 men by himself.

"Nothing captain." Perseus answered. He went over to check on the little girl and found her staring at him in amazement.

As he approached her though she grew a little nervous and backed away from him. "You-you're not going to hurt me are you?"

Perseus stopped in his tracks. "Why would you think that?"

She pointed at her overturned bowl of food that the unconscious soldier had dropped. "Because I want to eat too and-"

Captain Artemis had at this point doled out some more food for the girl and handed it to her. He also handed another bowl to Perseus who he could tell had just woken up and was hungry.

"Eat little one. He shouldn't have taken your food its true but you have no reason to fear us. Apart from Perseus' you are under King Leonidas' protection." Captain Artemis' last words were aimed at the Spartans who did nothing to stop her food from getting stolen.

Satisfied that he had suitably cowed the more rambunctious members of the group Captain Artemis looked Perseus over. He made sure to give him extra food since he looked in terrible shape.

The young demigod had been asleep for almost two days now so it was understandable.

"How are you feeling?" Perseus asked his brow furrowed in concern. "I'm not very good at healing so I hope that you came out okay."

Slowly and a bit unsurely the little girl started to eat. At this point the three of them had moved away from the rest of the Spartans. Leonidas and Stelios had taken notice that Perseus was awake but let him to talk to the little girl.

She chewed on her food slowly and swallowed before answering. "I'm fine, thank you." She said quietly. "I'm not sure what I'll do now though. My family is gone. My village. Everything."

Perseus looked upon the blonde blue eyed girl sadly. When her shoulders started to shake to restrain her tears he sat down next to her and put an arm around her shoulder to comfort her.

"I'm sorry we couldn't prevent that. And I'm sorry we haven't caught the ones responsible. Rest assured though that we will do everything we can to make sure they don't get away with this." He promised.

Wiping away a few stray tears from her eyes the sky-blue eyes of the little girl met the jade-green of Poseidon's son. "What's going to happen to me now?"

The Captain looked at her sadly. "We can't take you with us little one. We hope to find someone on the way to the Hot Gates that would be able to take you in. We march to war. It is no place for a child."

The little blonde stared at the ground forlornly. She understood what he was saying but even so, to be leave the person that had saved her life after having her family so viciously ripped from her already was disheartening.

"Don't worry Captain Artemis. I've taken care of things. Walk with me little one." Perseus offered a hand after he got to his feet.

The Captain just let him go. While he didn't understand how Perseus had arranged anything while knocked out, he would trust the young warrior. He'd been shown no reason not to.

Reluctantly the little blonde got to her feet and followed him out into the hills. They walked perhaps a minute or two away from the rest of the Spartan contingent until the fires of their camp were but candles in the distance.

Perseus stopped and took a look around at his surroundings. Deciding that he'd walked out far enough he brought his fingers to his lips and whistled sharply.

Nothing happened for a few minutes before from the shadows of a tree a figure emerged.

From behind the tree walked a girl about 15 years of age, dark hair braided in plait hung down her back. Her eyes as black as onyx and with a slightly upturned nose that somehow complemented her regal features. She had a slight silvery glow to her and walked forward with a determined stride. There were visible weapons on her, a silver bow and a dagger at her side.

Perseus smiled at seeing his unusual friend Zoë, hunter of Artemis. Zoë still unused to treating any male with more than a modicum of respect only let a small smile flicker across her lips.

As she came to a stop a few feet from Perseus, she glanced at the small girl that was trying to hide behind his legs. "My lady Artemis told me of your request Perseus. How you prayed to her before succumbing to unconsciousness. Is this the young maiden? Pray she is in good health or else you shall face my lady's wrath... and mine."

Perseus smiled despite the threat his friend Zoë gave him. "No doubt Lady Artemis knows we march to war." Zoë nodded slightly to confirm this. "I cannot in good faith bring a child with me. So yes I did pray to Lady Artemis for help in keeping her away from the battlefield. I did count on the fact that it is her niece to make her more willing to help, I'll admit that."

The little girl's eyes widened in surprise. Quickly she snapped her head in Perseus' direction. "You knew! How?"

Zoë answered for the both of them. "It is obvious. You have a certain feel to you that can be easily picked up by other skilled demigods or in worst case scenario monsters. Monsters call it a demigod scent. Really it's just the aura of the gods, your heritage shining through."

"But then is that why you healed me?" The little blonde girl asked sadly.

"No." Perseus shook his head to emphasize this. "I healed you because you were hurt and young and didn't deserve to be in such pain. You were dehydrated and had a weak heart, one of the few things water could have helped with when combined with the song of healing Asclepius taught me."

Zoë who had been keenly observing the two was only slightly surprised that Perseus had healed the girl. Artemis told her of the mission the Spartans and Perseus were on. While seemingly suicidal her respect for the male demigod willing to risk so much to defend his homeland increased if only slightly.

Zoë had met Perseus years ago and slowly befriended him over time.

Most of it had to do with Perseus tagging along and nipping at the heels of his nephew who was older than him, Hippolytus. Hippolytus was one of the few males that Artemis had favored, if only because he had sworn himself to the hunt and an oath of chastity.

That he suffered a tragic ending did not discount how well Artemis viewed him. Because Perseus often followed Hippolytus wherever he went, Artemis and her hunters had seen him often over the years, since he was but a child of five when he started following his nephew around.

None of the hunters, despite their great dislike of men, could bring themselves to hate or show animosity to a child. So slowly and because of Hippolytus, they taught him to always respect girls.

His efforts in pleasing them and the fact that even as a child he was a funny troublemaker had allowed him to grow on the members of the hunt. Not all liked him but none outright hated him like they did other males.

The worst anyone had been was Zoë, and only because she was new to the hunt did she completely ignore the boy. Her recent history with men and reason for joining Artemis was all too fresh in her mind.

It was only recently though that Zoë had seen him in any sort of favorable light. That was mainly due to Perseus' actions towards her. Apart from being extremely respectful to all girls, he had done her a great favor.

King Theseus was known far and wide as a strong and able king, but also wildly popular amongst heroes. One such hero was Heracles son of Zeus. It appeared that on a visit to see Theseus, Heracles had gotten very drunk and bragged about his deeds over the years.

Perseus being a brother of Theseus was there when Heracles boasted about how he recovered the golden apples of immortality from the garden of the Hesperides. Angered at what he considered detestable actions, like tricking Zoë into helping him and taking all the credit, Perseus had challenged Heracles to a contest of skill to win Anaklusmos back.

Heracles being overconfident from drinking too much wine had accepted his terms and trying to humiliate Perseus' had offered a contest of swimming to decide the winner. Of course he had underestimated the son of Poseidon and so he lost, badly.

Once he had recovered the sword, Perseus' had immediately set off to meet Artemis and her hunters. He at the time didn't know Zoë very well but recognized her enough from Heracles' bragging. As soon as he met her he had offered Anaklusmos back to her with his apologies.

Zoë had been beyond shocked at the fact that a male had done something like that for a girl he didn't even know and had no obligation to help. From there their friendship started and developed from complete strangers to that of strange but cordial friends.

She snapped out of her thoughts when the little girl walked over to her and tugged at her dress. While she had been reminiscing at her strange relationship with Perseus, her two companions had finished their goodbyes.

"I'm ready to leave now miss Zoë. Thank you for coming for me." The little blonde said, gratitude evident in her tone.

Zoë nodded curtly and turned to walk away, more than ready to complete one of the quests set to her personally by Artemis. Before she could though the little girl rushed back to Perseus and hugged him.

Caught by surprise, that still didn't stop him from returning the hug. "Be safe little one. And be respectful, Artemis is one of the few goddesses that will do everything to protect her followers so you should be thankful. You will find a new family amongst them, and even if you don't wish to join they will be able to help you start a new life."

The little girl nodded as her head was buried in his chest. "Thank you. For everything." She mumbled quietly.

"Goodbye Perseus. We shall meet again, I'm sure." Zoë called out after the girl had returned to her side.

"Goodbye Zoë. And goodbye-" Percy started before he realized he didn't know her name.

"Phoebe. My name is Phoebe daughter of Apollo. Thank you for saving my life Perseus son of Poseidon." The blonde, blue eyed daughter of Apollo explained mischievously to the shocked teenager.

She giggled at his surprised face but comprehension dawned on his features as he realized she must have heard of his heritage from the Spartans.

'Yes I thank you as well son of Poseidon. Thank you for saving my daughter.' Apollo the god of healing and prophecy spoke to Perseus. His voice was but a whisper in the wind but Perseus heard it nevertheless.

Leonidas who had watched all the events unfold from his position atop a tree keeping lookout, nodded in approval at Perseus' actions. He too had recognized the girl as a demigod and knew that Perseus had done something that inadvertently would gain him favor from a god.

Now he saw that the young Athenian was also in the good graces of Artemis another Olympian. Things were looking better by the day for Leonidas and his troops. Any favor, no matter how small would be appreciated in their quest to stop the Persian army. 'It seems that having you along increases our chances of saving our homeland Perseus. I am glad now more than ever that I met you, son of Poseidon'

a/n Things are starting to get underway but I promise that everything in this chapter was important for the story down the road. I introduced Phoebe to the hunt. I feel like she gets a bit too much of a bad rep sometimes so I'm going to try and incorporate her more. Hopefully it works out.

As always, leave all questions, concerns or comments on your way out.