Chapter 11
Percy's POV
It was about three weeks later when I next had anything to do out of Atlantis. I saw Ares, Apollo and Hermes giving the hunters a bit of a problem. The Hunters had never been as big as they were after Women were given the right to vote. Since then less and less people join. It barely ever rises above fifteen hunters. This was something that the gods who did not like Artemis or who just wanted to annoy her had worked out. Ares, Apollo and Hermes often do raids on them with some soldiers to 'keep them on their toes.' As there is only one Artemis she can do very little about it. No one is ever killed but it is a significant nuisance. Today on their way to the camp they were caught about a mile from the hill. I watched as the three gods charged at the hunters. I had a plan. The three gods converged on Artemis as usual.
I flashed in.
Artemis looked around and saw me. I think that this was one of the few times she had ever properly smiled at a man. The gods were so focused on Artemis they had not noticed me. Ares swung down at her and I blocked it. He saw me and I could have sworn I saw him gulp. Fortunately for me Artemis saw it too. I then kicked Hermes in the chest and started to engage the two gods. The hunters looked at me in shock. They recognised me and knew that I was a good fighter from what Zoe told them. They did not think I would even bother to help them, or be able to push two Olympian gods. I fought with my two swords as I blocked Ares' swipe with one and Hermes' with the other.
I jabbed forward at Ares and as he jumped back to avoid it launched an onslaught on Hermes. As Ares was about to come up behind me I swept Hermes' legs out from under me while blocking Ares' strike in one movement. I then proceeded to drive Ares with a flurry of blows. I stabbed high and low at the same time. He made the mistake of indecision and could not block either. One went through his thigh and the other his shoulder. I ripped the one from his thigh and left him hanging on the tree. I then approached on Hermes. He tried to use his speed but I caught his caduceus and then hit him on the head with the pommel of my sword. He collapsed like a bag of potatoes.
There was silence all around me. I looked to see the hunters and the soldiers both staring at me. Even Apollo and Artemis had stopped their fight to watch. I raised my hand, "Hi, it looked like you needed some help." There was more silence. It looked like Artemis had finally regained her composure.
She took a step towards me, "Perseus.." she stopped at I released a throwing knife that she thought was right at her. Her face changed from a look of shock- to anger- to surprise as it sailed over her shoulder. It hit Apollo right in the chest as he was trying to creep up on her. There was once again silence.
Once she had once again regained her composure, "Perseus you fought well." I looked at her in surprise as did everyone else who was there. (Well Apollo and Hermes were out cold but Ares looked.)
"I thank you Lady Artemis. My mother's best friend's praise is much appreciated." I said sincerely.
"I am your mother's best friend?" she said surprised.
I nodded, "She talks about you all the time. I have always regretted that we met when you were trying to incapacitate me to bring me to your fater."
She smiled. "That did not go to well. You are an incredible fighter, to beat two of my most powerful brothers is impressive, to do it in single combat is even more so." I bowed my head in thanks.
"I believe that we are headed in the same direction, so I hope you do not mind if I accompany you?" She looked at the hunters, most of whom were still in a little shock. Phoebe and Zoe nodded.
"That should be no problem." Artemis said. She then turned to the soldiers who had been there the whole time. "I would suggest that you collect up your masters. I believe that they might need medical attention."
She then walked off and the hunters followed. I pulled my dagger and sword out of Apollo and Ares and then waved my hand over them all. Water rushed over and completely healed them. I turned to the soldiers. "They will be out for an hour or two." I then ran to catch up with the hunters.
As we walked over the hill then campers came to meet the hunters. Chiron led them. "Ah, Lady Artemis a pleasure as always." She nodded thanks.
He noticed me, "Perseus I believe." I nodded. "Nice to meet you again." He turned back to Artemis, "Why are some of your hunters wounded?"
Artemis sighed, "Some of my brothers decided to attack us again." Chiron's shook his head.
"Did you not take many more casualties last time? To yourself especially you had many wounds." She smiled.
"Perseus helped us out. He defeated Ares and Hermes at once and then took out my brother as I was distracted."
All of the campers in ear shot looked at me in shock. Those who had not realised put the pieces together and worked out that I was the one who went on the quest.
Chiron looked at me again, perhaps revaluating me. "If I am to be correct that adds to your list of defeated immortals. Ares twice, Hermes, Apollo, Atlas, even Artemis herself."
The hunters glared at me remembering how their Lady had been defeated.
After that the hunters and campers dispersed. After thanking me, Phoebe and Zoe followed their sisters. There was a call of Percy from behind and I turned to see Thalia, Luke and Annabeth.
"How are you three?" I asked.
They all answered fine. "We heard what happened just now with the hunters. That is impressive even for you." I smiled at Luke's praise.
"So why are you here?" Annabeth asked. "I assume that mum sent you here for a reason."
"Yes, she believes that I should tell Chiron something. I will tell you later once I have discussed it with him." Annabeth and Thalia pouted. Luke laughed at their faces.
"Perseus as there is a capture the flag tomorrow, will you be playing?" Annabeth asked.
"Maybe, I do not want to help one team and give them the advantage."
"Yeah, but the hunters always win, and they will have Artemis if you fight." Thalia complained.
"I have fought her and respect her too much to want to do it again. Unless they have someone else to fight for them I shall not."
I could see the gears working in Annabeth's head. "I've got it," she said. "If we put an add up on Olympus to say there is a spot to fight with the hunters I am sure that at least one god will fight."
I shrugged, "if there were another immortal I might consider it. I could of course watch you be beaten as I believe that Artemis wants to fight anyway."
Their faces paled, I laughed.