Author's Note:

Hey guyz I'm back! A few announcements before we start:

1. Thank you all so much for following, faving, reviewing and just taking the time to read my story.

2. I am so sorry I was unable to update sooner, and unfortunately, I will not be able to do so again for the next two weeks due to exams.

3. I have a poll set up concerning when Artemis will make her appearance, so please check it out and tell me whether you want her to come in sooner or later.

4. Some of you have been asking questions and I hate to leave you in total darkness. So I have answered some of your questions to a degree where I won't be revealing too much of the plot.

Q & A:

Q: When is the Pertemis coming?

A: It depends on when Artemis come in. If you want her to come soon, go visit the poll or review.

Q: Will this lead to the books in the future?

A: As some of you may have already guessed, yes, it will lead to the future. With some major plot differences of course.

Q: Are you a fan of Harry Potter? ( I assume your referring to Percy's Wolf's name)

A: Although I am a fan of Harry Potter, I did not get Sirius' name from there. There are some legends that say that Orion had two hunting dogs that accompanied him, and one of them was named Sirius.

So there you go. Here's the next chapter. Enjoy!

~Halvax

Disclaimer: I do not own PJO.

Earth's Champion: Humble Beginnings

Chapter 4: Regrets and Revenge, Gifts and Graduates

Percy's POV

Having an internal battle with yourself and an oracle is a weird experience. Your pulled in different directions, it's hard to tell which is the right decision. One side of me wanted revenge, another wanted to die and the foreign part, the oracle part, wanted to me to forgive.

All the arguing with myself causes one Hades of a headache. But now, I am sure of my decision.

I slowly stood up and shakily walked over to my dad. I could see the regret and grief in his eyes. There was a hint of anger as well. I am not sure who its at, probably me.

I walked up to him and gave him a big hug. He was tense at first, as if he didn't expect it. But he quickly got over his shock and hugged me back, twice as hard. I don't know if it is out of love or pity. I don't care. It felt good to be able to hug my dad with my mom gone.

No. She is not gone. I am going to train. Train harder until I am ready. I am going to go to Hades and get my mom back. I do not know how long it will take. But I will wait. Wait until I know that I am strong enough.

My decision was made. I will hunt down those that caused this, and see that justice is served. I know my dad did what he could. It's not his fault that Zeus made that stupid law that he himself doesn't follow.

My dad was now kneeling before me and crying on my shoulders, as I was on his. He was apologising over and over again for not being there. For not being the father that I deserved. "It's alright dad, it wasn't your fault. If anyone, I should take the blame. You had the laws to abide by, while nothing was holding me back. It was my fault for not being there for her." I said in between sniffles

"But I am going to set it right. I will hunt down those responsible. Then, I will get her back." I said with determination. My father looked into my eyes, green on green. He seemed to be contemplating over what I said.

"I will not try to stop you." He said. It caught me of guard. I was sure that he was going to go all protective on me. Either that or vaporise me on the spot for not being there for my mom. The surprise on my face must have been evident, as he continued, "But..."

Great, here comes the part where he disowns me for being a failure. But what he said was completely the opposite of what I expected. He asked a simple question that made me rethink my whole resolve.

"But, what do you think your mother would want you to do?" He asked seriously but softly.

What would my mother want? She would want me to avenge her right? I voiced this to my father. To which he answered, "Are you sure? Do you remember the time that Gabe hit her?" He clenched his fist and gritted his teeth at the memory he was probably reliving. I knew that somewhere on the seas, a ship just sunk.

I knew what he was talking about. When I was around 4, Gabe came home one night, more drunk than ever. He crashed on the bed without even acknowledging my mother nor my presence, not that he ever did.

But usually he wound mumble about how I was worthless and how he couldn't believe that I was his son. This time he just crashed on the bed.

When morning came, a messenger came at the door saying that the king of Athens requested his son's presence at his court immediately, failure to do so, would mean grave consiquences for him.

I for one was glad about this. With Gabe being in the state that he was in, we couldn't possibly tell a goat from a god. Muchless think straight and go to his father's court. Gabe would surely get punished and that was always fun to watch.

But being my mother's son, I did feel sympathy for him. More importantly, I felt sympathy for my mom. If Gabe got punished, he would take my anger out on my mom. And I would never let that happened, if I can help it.

I made a deal with my 'father' to accept any form of punishment that he has in store for her. The only reason he complied was becaused I reasoned that my mother would be a better slave if she was in tip top shape.

Although it was not the best solution, it meant that my mother would stay out of harm's way. But if the king were to punish Gabe, I don't know if he will hold up his part of the bargain.

It appears my mom felt bad for him too, since she rushed to their room to wake him up. After five minutes of unsuccessfully trying to wake him up by whispering soothing words, she tried to wake him up with force. Not a good idea.

It worked. But when he got up, he was beyond pissed. I remember him shouting and screaming. By the time my mom had finally got him to calm down and out of the castle and to his father, we were both broken and battered.

I tried to stop him, I really did, but all he did was toss me aside. And continue beating my mother. I never gave up on trying to stop him, but nothing seemed to work. But being the strong woman she was, she never shed a tear. I know now that she was trying to be strong for the both of us, but back then I was too angry to notice the slight hints she was giving me to stay quiet.

I remember saying something along the lines of killing him for what he did. But as usual she will tell me that he isn't worth it. She would also tell me that revenge was never the way to go. She made me promise that if something were to ever happened to her, I would not go on a mindless killing spree.

"Percy, as you grow older, you are going to gain more power. People are going to try to use you then betray you. They will try to hurt you both physically and and emotionally. Not only you, they are also going to try to hurt the people you care about. But they will only succeed if you give them what they want. They will want to break you, they want you to wallow in self pity and become a revenge seeking maniac. Don't give them the satisfaction of winning. You are better than that. Promise me that you won't do that." She said.

I looked at her serious face with a look of bewilderment on mine. There she was, the woman who was hurt and bleeding, but she was standing up for the man who caused it. What's more, is that she won't allow me to get revenge.

She understood what was going on in my mind and explained,"Percy, those people who will hurt you, will have some reason why they chose that path in life. Something must have happened to them in the past to make them who they are. But even they have family, people who care about them. Would you want to be the one who made them sad?" I slowly shook my head and sighed. Even then, I understood.

"I promise to try my best." I said. She smiled, kissed my forehead, hugged me then ruffled my hair. "Thank you Percy. Now come on. We have to get you bandaged up." She said, always thinking about other's well being, before her own

I turned back to my father and sighed. I knew that he was right, my mom would never approve of what I intended to do. But now that he brought up the memory, I am more confused than ever. No matter, I'll cross that bridge when I get there, assuming I even make it.

"What happened to her dad? Who did it." I asked. As if right on cue, Sirius walked through the door with some sort of chain in his mouth. He stopped in front of me and offered the chain.

I took the chain that was dripping with wolf saliva, not that I cared, and examinded it. It was ocean blue with intricate wave like patterns on it. I have never seen anything like this, and I have been all over Greece.

I looked at Chiron who shook his head. But my dad had a look of realisation. Then anger. His usual carefree, happy, calm demeanor, was replaced with that of a stormy rage.

Confused, I asked, "What's wrong dad? Do you know what chain this is?"

"Yes Perseus, this chain is made of something called Atlanian Coral. It is similar to celestial bronze, the metal that Harpe is made of, but with some other properties. For one, it is stronger than celestial bronze in a sense.

It cannot be broken by anything except Atlantian Coral itself. However, if the weilder is a child of the sea, like you, it will break, regardless of what your weapon is made of. It can also harm mortal and immortal, alike. It is extremely rare and only a few people know of it's existance. The enemy, who ever it is, both strong and cunning. We cannot let our guard down." Poseidon explained.

"So what do you think did it, dad? God, demigod, human, nymph, satyr? What?" I asked, getting slightly frustrated. We didn't even know what the enemy was.

After some thought, he finally said, "I am not sure, son. It could not have been a god, though. For one, we are not allowed to interfer with mortal affairs. Second, my blessing will prevent a god from ever harming her, directly. However, that doesn't mean that they can't get someone to do it for them. It could be a demigod, human or some nature spirit."

"Alright. So how exactly was she...you know..." My voice faltered, tears threatening to spill, but I kept up my emotionless mask, as best I could.

"Before I sent Prince Gabriel to my older brother, he told me that about a week ago, when he came back from wherever he was, he just found her dead. She was in the kitchen, probably making pastries. He said that there was a fight as there were two other men who were knocked unconsious, aside from her dead body. They chained her down, tortured her, then ended her. Then they left after unchaining her, and leaving the two unconsious." He said, barely able to hold his tears back.

I could tell that he was not comfortable with showing any form of weakness. Especially in front of me. I pulled him into another hug and we comforted each other for what seemed like hours. We let out our tears, not caring who sees. We grieved for my mother who was an amazing woman. It is true what they say, that the good die young.

Sometime in the middle of our grieving session, Chiron slipped out with Sirius to give us some privacy. After my eyes were too dry to cry, I asked my father to tell me about her. Chiron always said that talking eases the pain.

My dad told me about how she was the queen among all women. And how he would have made her his queen if only Zeus had not intervened. He told me of how they met and fell in love. Their favourite things to do together. And how he always kept an eye on the both of us.

I also told him of how my mom would talk of him. Although at that time, I thought that she was talking about Smelly Gabe. I told him the stories that she used to tell me when I was sick or sad. How she would nurse me back to health and bandaged up the wounds that Gabe had given me. Although I would never tell her how I got them. It was better that way.

All in all, it felt good to be able to spend time with my dad. I felt happy that he was here with me when I need him most. I knew of the big risk that he was taking by just seeing me, and I was grateful that he cared. We talked well into the night. He was lying down on my bed, with me right on top of his chest. I held on to him tightly, afraid that he would disappear too.

After awhile, we both stopped talking, just enjoying each other's company. His rhythmic breathing, made his chest, and me, go up and down. It helped me to fall asleep. I dreamt about my mom and all the things I loved about her.

Her cookies and pancakes. Her warm and gentle laugh that always sends a wonderful feeling shoot through my body. Her hugs that she gave when I was feeling down. Her strories that she would share when I couldn't sleep. The lessons and advice that she would give me.

I figured even Morpheus pitied me, having dreams about her both eased yet increased the pain. While being able to see her and all the thing I loved about her was great, it also reminded me of the things I would never get to do with her, ever again.

But I could practically here her saying, Now Perseus, what did I tell you about thinking negatively? Always think positively, there is always a light at the end of tunnel, focus on that.

When Morpheus released me, which is to say that I woke up, I was sad to see that my dad was gone. But I wasn't surprised. As a god, he had duties to fulfil and seeing me was risky enough.

I slowly rubbed the sleepiness out of my eyes, and sat up. After a few minutes of stretching, I headed to the living room. Chiron was there and Sirius was on the couch, they were both sleeping. Looking out of the window, I knew that would still be an hour or two before sunrise.

I let them both sleep and went to the kitchen. I got the ingredients to my mom's specialty, blue colored pancakes. Blue food was her way of showing rebelion. Gabe always said that there was no such thing, so she went out of her way to create them.

It had been five years since I last made these with my mom, but how hard could it be, right?

I might as well have been trying to save the world from an ominous foe. Defeating those to cyclops back then would have been a walk in the park compared to making these pastries. By the time I was done, the kitchen looked like a hurricane came through the area, right after my father caused his strongest earthquake ever.

Needless to say, my mom would have blown her top off, if she were still here. I sigh. Just thinking about her, made me want to cry an ocean. But I am going to try my best and move on, just like I promised to her, all those years back.

I shed a few tears, but who can blame me? I just lost the most important woman in my life.

I took ages just to make a dozen of these things. From now on, I stick to eating them. The sun was present in the sky now. "Perseus! Perseus! Where are you?" Chiron called. "In the kitchen Chiron." I call back.

"Di Immortales, what happened here?" He exclaimed as he and Sirius walked in. I sigh. "I was making breakfast. And unfortunately, we're all out of meat, so Sirius will have to hunt for his food." Sirius' ears perked up when he heard the word hunt.

"How do you propose we clean up this mess Perseus?" He asked. "Well, seeing as you know about my parentage, simple." I walked over to the barrel my father had gived my mom a few years back. It was enchanted to that it would always be full of water. It would never run out, nor dry out.

I waved my hands, I felt a familiar tug in my gut, and drew water out from it, by the gallons. I flooded the room with water, cleaning the mess I made. But I made sure to create an air bubble around Chiron and Sirius. I also kept the fruits of my hard labour, the pancakes, dry. After a few seconds, the room was spotless. I made the water disappear, with another hand gesture.

I can transform the water's state, so that it was now gas instead of liquid. But unfortunately, I can't do it vise versa. Meaning, I can only transform it when it is a liquid. From there, I can will it to become solid or gas. But if it starts out as a solid or gas, I have no control over it as of now.

My father said he will teach me, sooner or later.

Chiron looked at me in awe and amazement. "I have never seen that happened before. Never have I seen a demigod have that much control over his godly parent's domain. Not even a child of Zeus has managed to create a single lightning bolt, without at least being winded by the effort. Sure, they have extra ordinary reflexes, but that has always been it."

I shrugged in indiffernce. But inside, I was bubbling in pride. Chiron hardly gives out praises, so I took everyone I can get.

I sent Sirius out to hunt. I've trained him to always return to me when I whistle. So I wasn't too worried.

We ate in silence after Chiron complemented me about the pancakes. At least my effort did not go to waste. Halfway through the meal, Chiron asked, "So Perseus, what are you going to do now?"

"I am going to continue as planned and go back to Crete. I am however, going to drop by Sparta first, instead of boarding a boat to Crete from here. Then, I guess I am going to work for my grandfather." I said.

Chiron's face turned dark. He said with a serious tone, "Listen Perseus, you have to beware of your grandfather. He is a very greedy man, and will do anything for power. He won't hesitate to rid the world of his enemies regardless of who they are.

You do not want him as an enemy. But do not just follow his orders blindly. You have a good heart Perseus. Don't let him corrupt it. Gain his favour and his trust, and he will learn to listen to you. But do not do anything rash.

Daedalus told me that King Minos has been looking for a good reason to attack Athens. Apparently, he sees it as a threat. He just needs a good enough reason to attack, so that he will be portrayed as a victim.

The death of your mother might be a good enough reason, but I cannot be sure. But what I am sure of is that, should a war between Crete and Athens arise, it will be a slaughter fest. Crete's soldiers are better trained and out number the Athenians four to one.

The gods will also choose sides. Zeus will most likely help Minos out, despite Athena being his favourite. Poseidon will also favour Crete, as he has that grudge with Athena. Along with Apollo and Hermes. The Athenians of course, will receive Athena's help. Along with Artemis, Dionysus, Ares, Aphrodite and Hepheastus. Hera and Demeter probably remaining neutral."

"But the Athenians have six gods on their side while Crete only has four." I said confused. Unless my math was wrong, while it usually is, even I know six is more than four.

"Yes that is true. But the Cretans have two of the Big Three. And no matter how good a strategist Athena is, she can't change the fact that her troops are inferior to that of Minos'. What's more, Daedalus is on the Cretan's side. He too is a master strategist. His intelligence is only second to that of Athena herself. And he is not lagging by much." He explained.

I nodded. "Is there anyway of preventing it?" I asked hopefully. "I honestly do not know, young Perseus." He said while shaking his head. This is one of the few rare moments that Chiron does not have an answer to my question.

"Well, how long do we have?" I asked. "If King Minos were to use your mother's death as a reason, I would say at least three months, once he gets word. He will need that much time to gather his allies and march to Athens. But if he does not, then, three months after he finds a good enough reason. And only the gods know when that is. But he will bide his time." He said after some thought.

I made a promise then and there that I would do all I can to stop this blood bath, even if it means death. Wanting to change the subject, I asked, "So how about you, Chiron? What will you be doing now that I'm out of your hair?"

"I will stay here, to look for someone else who wants to become a hero. If I do not find anyone, then, I will move around Greece, starting with Argos. I have some business that I have to attend to there. But I will make sure to come visit you. I might even take my new pupil see the famous Orion of Crete." He said with pride.

Over the past couple of months, my popularity has grown even more. I was now known all over Greece. Even Heracles knew me. We met last month when Chiron and I was passing by Arcadia. Apparently, he was sent to finish of the remaining Stymphalian birds, that I had not killed.

I told Chiron to keep it a secret between the two of us. I always kept the deeds that I accomplish using my inherited powers a secret. People might get suspicious, and it will just complicate things. Besides, I don't really care if I am in the limelight of not.

I do not like Heracles, to put it in a nice way. It's not that I am jelous or anything. But he wasn't exactly what I expected. The guy was my hero, I idolised him and wanted to become like him someday.

Now, I don't think so. He was an arrogant, self centered jerk, who only cared about himself. All he talked about was how great he was. And all the things he has done. I have to admit that they were all amazing, but he did it for fame, glory and to gain immortality. Not to help others.

Anyway, I am seen as Chiron's prodigy as I am the youngest he has ever accepted, and now completed his training. The training was taxing, torturous, and a living Hades, but I will miss my mentor. He has been my second father over the years, and we've grown attached to each other.

"I will truly miss you, Chiron. Thank you for all the things that you have taught me. I will keep them in my heart and do my best to honor them. You have given me so much, but have asked for so little. Someday, I will find a way to repay you for all you have done for me." I said, with a lone tear, escaping my eyes. I rush forward to give the old centaur a hug.

He hugged back and said, "I will miss you too, Percy. And you do not have to thank or repay me. It is my duty and I am honored to have taught such a fantanstic student. All I ask in return is that you respect the gods and do not stray of the path of good, no matter how tempting it may seem."

I nodded and said,"I promise Chiron." As we broke apart, Sirius, who had just come back from his hunt, tackled me to the ground.

He kept licking my face until not an inch was left dry. Chuckling, I said in between the the licks, "Alright boy... I love you too... But could you... Please get off? Your heavy." I finally pushed him off me and stood up, my face covered in wolf slobber.

I gave Chiron a half hearted glare, who was failing to surpress a chuckle. "I am going to bathe, then get going, I have a lot of ground to cover if I want to get to Sparta within three weeks." I said while making my way to the bathroom.

After my shower, I was about to head to the living room when I noticed something shiny on one of the previously empty shelves. Curious, I went towards it.

There was a note that said:

To my dear Perseus,

I am sorry I was not able to give you your present yesterday, let alone greet you. So belated happy birthday.

Attached with this note is a necklace that has a pendant of a shield bearing my symbol, a trident. When you pull this pendant, it will turn into armour made of celestial bronze mixed with mortal steel and Atlantian Coral. I hope it protects you in the battles ahead.

I am also giving you access to the money that your mother has saved up for you. It has a few thousand drachma in it, so use it wisely.

I will see you again soon son. Until then, always know that both me and your mother have been so proud of you. We could never ask for a better son and we love you. If you ever need help, come to the sea.

Poseidon

Along with the note was a neacklace that had the pendant that my father described. I put it on and pulled on it. Sure enough, an ocean blue armour now surrounded me. The chest plate bore a trident that was surrounded by wave like patterns. I had a classic helmet that a normal soldier would have.

My sword also had a new ocean blue sheath fitted unto the belt that matched the armour. Lastly, there was a blue circular object made of some sort of metal. It looked like a drachma except abit bigger and had a trident on both sides of it. I have absolutely no idea what it was.

I turned to Chiron to see if he knew. For the second time today, he was dumbstruck. He told me to either ask my dad or Daedalus, when I get to Crete. I nodded my thanks.

I made sure to get everything that I needed. My sword, my my new armour and the strange looking coin.

"I hope to see you soon, Chiron." I faced the old horse. We were both getting abit misty eyed. "Of course, my boy. Iris Message me anytime you need help. That reminds me..." He said and pulled out a dagger and handed it to me.

The dagger was barely two feet long. The blade was made of silver. The hilt was made of fine leather that fit comfortably in my hand. The pommel had a sapphire in it. Along the length of the silver blade, was my name, Perseus, in greek.

I turned to Chiron and was about to ask why my real name was there, but he said, "I know that your identity is a secret Perseus. Originally, the name Orion was there, since I thought that was your name. But last night, I enchanted it to say Perseus to whoever knows your real identity. To the rest, it will say Orion."

I breathed a sigh of relief. I really wanted the dagger, but if my real name was there, I could never accept it. "Thank you so much for everything Chiron. I'm sorry I never got you a present." I said sheepishly.

He let out a deep chuckle and said, "No need my boy, no need. We must get going now, it is almost noon. I will visit you in crete within the year." After once last hug and a few shed tears on my part we seperated. Him to the Athenian Castle and me, towards Sparta.

Author's Note:

Please remember to visit the poll on my profile. Peace!