Chapter 3. I do not feel welcomed.
To Kormk: Thanks for the review, and yeah I know most writers ask for help but don't take it when someone gives it. I want to be better and I can't do that alone so I will take all advice into consideration.
To Louisville-Guitarist: Yeah the story plot gets great if I must say so myself. But you will just have to wait and see. In relation to my next message below, I may need to ask you about which University represents which subject. But should it come to that, you will be the first to know.
To anonymous reviewer R.B.W: Yeah that's my mistake, I live in New Zealand and have never been to the United States. I know very little about the country and even less about the universities there. While I myself attend University, I am most certainly not doing anything related to law. But hey, all stories have minor slip-ups and seeing as this is my first, I hope you will cut me some slack. Anyways, thanks for the review.
And finally, a big thanks to ADHD-Kid2811 for all his help in this story and for accepting the position as my beta. Without you, my work would be less grammatical.
Disclaimer: I do not own PjO, or HoO. What I do own is this plot and the computer I use to write the story on.
Previous Chapter Summary
"Your father told us about the battle against Oceanus and how you made him fade. Now, honestly Perseus, we Olympians are undecided on how to act, so if you will allow it we would ask some questions of you." Zeus said.
"I would like somewhere to train and not be disturbed, some where I know that I can be left alone to think," Percy stated more confidently.
"How about he stays with the Hunt?" Aphrodite mentioned, catching everyone's attention.
"WHAT? There is no way I will allow a man to stay in the Hunt!" Artemis shrieked.
"You may not allow it Artemis but as King my word is final, I'm sorry but this is for Perseus' recovery and training. You might even get to like him." Zeus finished rather smugly.
"Fine" Artemis pouted slightly, not used to not getting her way.
"All hail Perseus Jackson, God of Tides and Hurricanes, Close quarter combat, Loyalty and Friendship." Zeus spoke officially, power evident in his voice.
Back to the story
Percy looked around the throne room, looking at each Olympian as he felt the power he now possessed flowing through him. He knew that this kind of power would drive most people insane and it took a special person to be able to control it. All the young god could do was hope, hope that he was strong enough to control the power, and not let it control him.
Perseus began to take in his surroundings and couldn't believe the detail that the human eye would miss. Everything in his sight was sharp and perfectly clear, his hearing had increased allowing him to now hear a few whispered conversations among the gods. One conversation caught his attention, Athena was comforting Poseidon over the loss of his wife and son. Now you don't see thatevery day, Percy thought.
"Perseus," Zeus called, getting his attention.
"Yes, my lord?" Percy replied obediently.
"Is there anything you would like to do before you leave with the Hunt? Once you leave you probably won't be able to see some of your friends for some time." Zeus reasoned.
"I would appreciate that Lord Zeus, I'm sure some of them will want an explanation as to why I left so abruptly." Perseus agreed.
"Very well, then you may leave," Zeus said dismissively.
"Uhh… Yeah about that. How do I teleport exactly?" The young god asked, embarrassed about not knowing something that was probably so basic.
"You merely have to close your eyes, think of the place and then imagine you appearing there. Once you open your eyes you will be in the exact spot you imagined." The king of the Gods explained.
"Thanks Lord Zeus," Percy spoke sheepishly, then proceeding to imaging Thalia's pine tree and teleporting there.
Perseus really only wanted to visit one person in camp and that was Nico. They had become best friends seeing as Percy was barely able to see Grover anymore, him being the lord of the wild and all. Percy pondered which would be the quickest way to find Nico and decided to talk to him in his head.
Hey Nico, how's it going? Percy thought.
Good…Wait, who is this? Nico thought back, scared like crazy, and it was saying something as the son of Hades was not easily scared.
Don't even recognise your best friend's voice when it comes from your head, Percy replied in his head.
Percy, is that you? How are you talking to me? Nico questioned.
Oh you know, nothing out of the ordinary. I just became a god. Percy stated.
For awhile there was silence and Percy began to get impatient.
Yo Nico, you still there? Percy questioned.
Firstly, yes. Secondly, how, when and why did you become a god? Nico blurted.
Long story but if you really must hear it then tell me where you are, we will speak face to face. Percy explained.
Sword arena, Nico's simply replied.
A second later, Percy materialised out of thin air, scaring Nico.
"Wow! So that's how it feels when I frighten people with shadow travel, huh? Guess I really should stop that. So anyway, would you mind filling me in on what's happened?" Nico remarked.
Percy proceeds to explain the events of the last week leaving out nothing. As the god talked about Annabeth, Nico's face took on the look of pain at Perseus heartbreak. At the mention of Oceanus fading, Nico froze. Percy can't be that good with a sword, now could he? Plus to make an immortal fade they have to go through extreme pain.
"So how did you do it? Making Oceanus fade, I mean," Nico asked, shock clear in his voice.
"Even I don't know. It just felt like I was invincible, sure I have the curse of Achilles but this felt greater. Like I was meant to be able to defeat him, and when I went for the final blow, beheading him, he vanished. I don't know what the future may hold for me but the gods really seemed to want me to join them. Zeus even treated me with respect, can you believe that? Rather than make demands, he merely requested of me." Percy explained. Nico just nodded, still deep in thought.
"So what do you rule over, or is it undecided yet?" The son of Hades questioned.
"Oh… You know, nothing major. Just tides, hurricanes, close quarter combat, loyalty and friendship." The god explained.
"Yeah, nothing major." Nico mocked. "So want to spar quickly? Let me see if I can strike you."
"You can try," Percy stated smugly as he drew out his sword Riptide, and took up a defensive stance.
Nico pulled out his blade made of stygian iron and slowly circled Percy. He moved in to strike at the young sea god but was disarmed instantly, looking up at Perseus he saw that he was smirking. Nico retrieved his blade and made another attempt only to be disarmed again. His frustration began to rise and he unleashed a flurry of attacks on Perseus who blocked them all so perfectly that it looked like a dance with death.
The son of Hades gave up and began to sheath his sword when he heard a gasp. Together the demigod and god turned to look at the blonde that was now sprinting towards them. (Thought about stopping here, to leave a bit of a cliff hanger but decided against it. Aren't you lucky?) Sensing Percy's discomfort, Nico went to intercept Annabeth but the god motioned for him to remain where he was. A few seconds later the blonde arrived, teary gray eyes looking into Perseus sea green orbs. Percy sniffed the air and looked her up and down. She was filthy, covered in mud, and her hair was a mess. It was then that Percy remembered what he had allowed his father to do and immediately began to regret it.
"Percy, I am so so sorry. I failed at being your wisegirl, and I am sorry for all the hurt I must have put you through. In the end I was just one big idiot, I…" Annabeth began, trying to make amends.
"It's all right, Annabeth. I forgive you. I have had a lot of time to think about everything and I got over it. Plus I have been rather occupied with more important matters." Percy replied soothingly.
Annabeth couldn't hold in her tears any longer and broke down while throwing her arms around Percy to thank him. The god let her remain there to comfort her for a few minutes. It came as a shock to the god that the one who had chosen to end the relationship was crying before him needing comfort.
"Percy, will you give us another shot? Please?" Annabeth begged while sobbing into the god's arm.
"I'm sorry Annabeth, but I can't put myself out there right now. The pain is still fresh and I doubt it will leave me for some time," Percy replied sorrowfully.
"Well can we at least stay friends?" Annabeth asked, all her hope gone.
"No we cannot," Perseus stated.
Annabeth was now on the verge of completely breaking down again.
"Because we can remain best friend's wisegirl, I've been through too much with you to just throw away our friendship. I'll also talk to dad about the curse, because honestly Annabeth, you look terrible." Percy joked.
Annabeth let out a small laugh at Percy's joke and hugged him tighter for allowing her to at least stay friends with him. She felt a gently breeze flow around her, washing away all the dirt and sweat.
"Thank you Percy, for everything." Annabeth spoke as she released him from the hug.
"It's no problem, now I must really be going. There is a particular group I have joined that will not like waiting on me." Percy said, a bit of fear showing through while he talked.
"Until next time then," Annabeth said in farewell.
"Until next time," Perseus agreed as he vanished leaving behind a soft sea breeze.
Percy arrived outside Artemis' palace and saw the Hunt preparing to leave. As he gets closer the hunters spot him and a dozen arrows are aimed at him instantly.
"Well, here I go on another adventure." Percy sighed.
One week later.
Percy had finally settled into the routine of his life with the Hunt. It was actually a nice set up for the most part, they would teach him archery and in return he would tutor them in the use of a close combat weapon of their choice. He took this opportunity to get back at the Hunter's, which in his opinion, were evil little children out to get him. Other than his time spent training, he either spent it alone or to his surprise, spending it with Artemis.
At first he had been hesitant about being around Artemis, because for starters, the Hunt hated him. That and there was a feeling deep down inside of him, he was beginning to like her, maybe even love her. But sadly he knew that should these thoughts be confessed, it would lead to the end of his immortal life.
Which leads to where Perseus was today, he was leading what seemed like a normal lesson but boy was he wrong. These 'innocent' little girls had plotted a way to make the God know that he was not welcomed.
"Ok everybody, this is one of my favourite moves on deflecting an opponent's blow and getting a kill shot immediately." Percy tutored not noticing that most of the Hunters were paying attention to one of their own, awaiting the signal. And it finally came.
"Lord Perseus" Phoebe asked.
"Yes, what is it?" Perseus replied kindly.
"How many arrows do you think you can deflect when not prepared for them" Phoebe questioned innocently.
"Well that would depend on…" Percy began but was interrupted by…
"FIRE!" Phoebe screamed.
Percy tried to deflect the arrows but they were travelling in a constant stream and many were getting past his guard. His vision became hazy and he began to stumble, his movements became sluggish and he knew that were he mortal, then that definitely would have killed him, Achilles curse or not.
The God stumbled into the surrounded forest in search of water, a stream, lake, river, anything he could find to heal himself. To his luck it wasn't long before he found a lake, immediately diving into it, clouding the water with his ichor. Percy barely heard someone gasp as he was almost passed out in the lake from blood loss.
"Seaweed Brain, what happened to you" Thalia questioned.
"You're friends in the hunt saw fit to test how many arrows I could deflect before being overwhelmed." Percy claimed, struggling to talk.
"I'm sorry, it's just that you being a man frightens them, it makes them remember why they joined the Hunt. And what with Artemis acting slightly differently with you around makes the girls question what your real purpose is here. Artemis claims that you are here for training but obviously it's something more." Thalia explained.
"Thals, Annabeth broke up with me. It happened over a week ago, right when I was about to propose to her."Percy mentioned sorrowfully.
"Ouch, I'm sorry Percy. If you want, I will talk to the Hunt and explain everything to them." The daughter of Zeus prompted.
"Yeah, that may be for the best. I don't think I can keep finding a new lake to heal my wounds every time this happens." Perseus joked.
"Well let's head back to camp" Thalia motioned as she noticed Percy had almost fully healed.
"Yes, lets." Percy grimaced as he got up.
The two made their way back to the Hunter's camp, Percy feeling that it was more of a mercenary camp. Upon their arrival, they noticed that Artemis was talking to Apollo. Percy was surprised to see Artemis in the form of an 18 year old, she looked magnificent, perfect. The young sea god had never seen a finer specimen of the female anatomy (This description made me lol so I just had to put it in.) and he realised that he was in fact falling for the Goddess of the Hunt. He knew he shouldn't be thinking of a relationship with her, it would only get his hopes up and they would be blasted away again. But he couldn't help it, Perseus began thinking of what a future with Artemis would bring, and he knew that were the impossible to happen, he could never break her heart. Or he would die.
"Earth to Seaweed Brain, you there? Respond!" Thalia taunted.
"Huh wa.. who.. what?" came the gods intelligent reply.
"Were you just going googly eyed over my leader?" Thalia teased.
"Look, even though she is smart, attractive, amazing, beautiful, nice…" Percy listed only to be interrupted by Thalia clearing her throat.
"That I am not emotionally ready for a relationship and I have a feeling that Artemis will never be." Percy finished sadly.
Artemis, having just finished her chat with Apollo, begins to walk over to where Thalia and Percy are standing with the former blushing profusely. The goddess knew that she was attracted to Percy, there was just so much about him that reminded her of Orion, and it was almost like this was Orion's second life or maybe even his third.
If only Apollo hadn't been the over protective brother he is, I may have given everything to that son of Poseidon. Artemis sighed.
The goddess of the Hunt knew that these feelings were already deeper than what she felt for Orion, maybe her feelings for each grouped together, almost as if fate wanted her to realise something important. She knew she couldn't help but admire Perseus, he was funny, nice, the perfect gentleman, he was also strong, perfectly built for his kind, and the muscles that wrapped his body were proportioned so well she would often get lost in her thoughts of what it would be like to touch them.
Artemis arrived in front of the two and noticed that she was smiling, so she caught herself and directed the smile at Thalia, then proceeding to glare at Percy to cover her tracks. But the goddess noticed the small red marks covering Perseus' arms, they almost looked like arrow wounds mostly healed. She quickly put the two together.
"Hunters, get out her now!" Artemis ordered.
There were shuffling sounds as the Hunters quickly assembled themselves.
"What is it milady?" Phoebe questioned.
"Who was involved in shooting Perseus with a bow? Step forward now or face an extreme punishment" Artemis threatened.
Percy was surprised at her reaction to his wounds, sure they had hurt him but he was a man, she wasn't supposed to care for men. The god watched closely as several hunters stepped forward and Artemis eyes flashed with something.
Was it fury or maybe sorrow? Perseus thought, unable to place it but he quickly dismissed the thought, he was getting ahead of himself, hoping that maybe, just maybe she had feelings for him.
"All those involved, you are now in charge of washing and drying the underwear of the entire camp." Artemis spoke then paused as the Hunters groaned.
"Including Perseus'" Artemis finished causing some of the Hunters to blush at the thought of touching a man's underwear while others gagged and the remainder just glared at Percy as if it was all his fault.
Percy couldn't hold in his laughter anymore, he cracked earning everyone's attention. His laughter was heard all around and Thalia even joined in, albeit more quietly. Artemis even smirked at Percy as she went into a daze, it was the first time she had seen him laugh since the break up with Annabeth and the goddess was happy that this punishment was able to please Perseus. But as quickly as it started, the laughter was over as Percy saw all the Hunters now glaring at him causing Thalia to begin speaking.
"Look, most of you may not know about why it is Perseus is staying here. Some were told that it was for training but that is merely half the truth. The whole reason is that Percy asked for a place where he would be, for the most part, left alone to think. His whole reason for wanting to be here is to get over his girlfriend, Annabeth dumping him and if that wasn't bad enough, it was on the same night Perseus had chosen to propose." Thalia lectured.
All of the Hunters gasped and begun to hang their heads in shame of their actions. Most of them unable to believe that a man, especially Perseus was the one with the broken heart from the relationship. It was almost unheard of for a man to end up with the broken heart. There were very few cases in Greek history.
"Now is there anything anyone wants to say to Perseus?" Artemis questioned.
"Sorry's" were heard as the group of Hunters apologised for their actions.
"Look, as much as what you all did hurt, I forgive you. Just don't do it again, you would not believe how unbearable that was." Percy requested, receiving nods from the Hunters.
"Ok. Hunters dismissed" Artemis ordered.
One week later
Percy had proceeded to make friends with most of the hunters in the past week but some were still hesitant around him, not completely trusting him. Now they shared stories of their previous adventures as they sat around the fire roasting marshmallows, sitting on logs, each talking about some epic hunt until it was Perseus turn.
"As most of you will know, Artemis was taken prisoner a few years ago." Percy began, the Hunters' looks darkening at the memory.
"Well during the quest there was always one person that went unacknowledged. That was Apollo." The God continued getting snickers and "yeah rights" from the Hunters.
"Believe it or not, it was through the insufferable God that we were able to arrive and save her in time. He helped us by converting his chariot into a train that transported us across the country at extreme speeds." Percy mentioned.
Most of the hunters gasped and then began laughing at the over protective brother or their leader.
"Without his help, Thalia and I wouldn't have been able to save Artemis on time. With that one change in the past, Olympus would have lost a valuable year in preparing for the war." The God finished.
"Now that you mention it, I guess Apollo isn't half bad, he is always doing things for Artemis that she will never acknowledge." Added Hannah, a blonde with blue eyes who claimed to be from Elizabethan times.
Another week later
Percy was now practicing with Artemis in archery. They stood in a small field with a row of targets set up roughly 100 metres away from their shooting point. His skill with a bow had grown immensely and now the only one left with something to teach was the Goddess of the Hunt. Now Percy had spent a lot of time practicing his archery in an attempt to impress Artemis although, in the earlier days he would have been lying if he said he wasn't trying to scare some of the hunters, with a shot almost hitting them.
"So to fire a constant volley of arrows, while shooting two or more at a time you need to…" Artemis tutored
But Percy was barely listening, he was too busy admiring Artemis form. When she shot bows her facial expression would become that of focus and the God couldn't help but be distracted, she looked so beautiful.
"Now come on Perseus you try." Artemis finished.
'Oh no, what was she saying… Ugh I really am an idiot, it's just so hard not to get distracted by her.' Percy thought.
"Sorry Artemis, would you care to explain that again. I was distracted by a… err… a squirrel. Yes a squirrel, that's it." Percy hastily trying to cover his slip up, but to his luck a squirrel happened to pass through the field they were using.
Artemis watched it pass with a mild glare, then proceeding to explain again. Percy then managed to fire a volley of two arrows at a time hitting the bull's-eye on two different targets. The Goddess looked over Perseus' form and had to admit, his skill had become worthy of recognition.
"So Perseus, how about a competition. With the winner getting one request from the loser." Artemis spoke confidently.
"Um, sure thing" Percy replied, hoping he was ready as they both took up their stances and aimed at the targets.
"100 shots, whoever gets the most bull's-eyes wins." Artemis said smugly.
Percy nodded in agreement and the pair begun firing at the targets. The god knew that this was the opportunity he had been waiting for, he could find out if she likes him and so he decided that there was no losing for him tonight. He had to beat her. Artemis was surprised at how many bull's-eyes Perseus was getting, he was neck to neck with her, both having not missed a shot. Artemis let her gaze linger on the God for too long and one of her arrows missed the bull's-eye. She silently cursed herself and focused on getting at least 99 out of 100.
Perseus noticed her slip up and saw his opportunity to win. With new found hope he quickly finished his 100 shots, never missing the target. The God turned to the Goddess with a smug look on his face, while she looked back completely horrified at what he may ask of her. Artemis quickly began thinking of a way to get out of this when Percy made his request.
"Dinner, you and me in one week." Perseus stated.
Artemis was surprised, he could have asked for anything and he chose dinner. The Moon Goddess knew that she liked Perseus but he was so different from most other men in the world that she feared her feelings were growing too strong.
"Very well, pick me up at 6pm in a week's time. No earlier and definitely no later." She ordered.
"Oh don't you worry Arty, I'll be there" Percy teased.
Oh boy Percy thought. He has some planning to do.
A.N. Well here's another chapter completed. The first part of this chapter was mainly focused on repairing the friendship between Percy and Annabeth as one of my friends pointed out that Percy wasn't mean like that. Although my plot already planned to have this issue resolved, I brought it forward a bit to prevent any other readers complaining about it. But in my defence, don't you think a guy who had his heartbroken would be a bit hostile and more inclined to seek some form of revenge, even if it is minor? This will probably be the marking point for where I slow down now, my holiday ends in a couple days. So that explains why this chapter was considerably larger than the previous two. I will try for another update before University but once I go back, expect an update every weekend. Oh and sorry about the time skips, I needed to do that to show that relationships had developed. So with that said, tell me what you think of Percy's stay with the Hunt and leave me a review, they are little snacks that I crave as motivation to continue writing. Oh and I also want to know if I am descriptive enough, usually I like to give a little bit of the scene and let your imagination do the rest. But if yall would like me to set the scene then answer that in the review.