The Champion of Artemis
Chapter Three: A Warm Welcome
Percy Jackson
When I finally came to, I was no longer anywhere near Thalia's tree.
I was in an extremely soft bed. Someone had clearly found me and taken me to the infirmary. There were a few other beds nearby, all of them empty with the exception of one. Chelsea was still out cold in the bunk next to me. Her blond curls were covering her face and I could still see the residue of sand from her nap on the beach. Zoe, Phoebe, and Grover were nowhere to be found.
I felt fresh and rejuvenated. I wasn't sore or injured from my fight. I just needed a good night of sleep.
I shook Chelsea a few times to try to wake her up before leaving but she was unresponsive. Nothing but steady breathing. I jumped out of bed and changed into my usual silver attire before leaving the infirmary. I got my first true view of Camp Half-blood in all its glory and it was beautiful. Strawberry fields, an inviting lake, an archery range, unique cabins, an assortment of kids in orange t-shirts, it was just as the Hunters described. I was very familiar with the camp but this was the first time I'd gotten to see it in person. Just then, I saw Grover emerge from a chair on the porch and make his way over to me.
"Percy!" He exclaimed. "You're awake." I nodded and noticed the pair sitting with him on the porch.
"Hey, Grover." I greeted. "Who are your friends?" Grover lead me to the table and I recognized the game they were playing immediately.
"Percy, this is Mr. D and Chiron." He stated while indicating to the two men. Chiron rose from his magical chair in all his centaur glory.
"It is an honor to meet you Mr. Jackson." He stated. I bowed to him and gave a quick bow to Dionysus as well. "Grover has told me many great things about you. I'd love to hear more about how you came into the company of Artemis' hunt. Care to sit and join us." Dionysus snorted as if expecting that I would have no idea how to play pinochle. I sat down beside Chiron and joined in the game easily to the surprise of Mr. D. As we played, I told them of my past and how Artemis made me her adopted son. They were all intrigued to hear my story. Clearly, I was a mystery that they had been waiting to solve.
"And the Hunters actually like you?" Dionysus asked incredulously.
"They're my sisters." I responded. "We're family." Dionysus was about to say something when a blond-haired girl approached the table. She looked similar to Chelsea with the same golden curls, except she was a lot more tan. She looked pretty much what a stereotypical California girl would look like except for her eyes. They were a mesmerizing gray, twinkling with excitement but wildly intimidating.
"You're the one. Aren't you?" She asked, more like a statement than a question. I looked at Chiron for some help.
"Now, Annabeth." He began. "Perseus has just awoken from his sleep. Perhaps it would be best to wait for him to settle in before asking your questions." I gave him a nod of gratitude. This girl, Annabeth, was certainly someone I'd have figure out while I'm here. "Why don't you take him to his cabin. Annabeth looked like she wanted to protest but decided against it.
"Yes, Chiron." She huffed in defeat. "Cabin Eleven, I'm assuming?" Chiron smiled.
"Actually, he'll be staying in cabin eight with his sister." Annabeth's jaw dropped.
"Cabin eight? With the hunters?" Chiron nodded. I rose from my seat and swung an arm around Annabeth while directing her toward the cabins.
"Come on." I said. "I'll introduce you to the family." I could practically see the gears turning in her head and knew that I was about to be bombarded with questions. Sure enough, as soon as we were out of hearing distance from the Big House, the flood of questions began.
"Artemis is your mother? You're a member of the Hunters?"
"Adoptive mother and no, not until my sixteenth birthday." I responded. She processed the information.
"So, you haven't sworn any kind of vow to the hunt?"
"If you're asking if I've vowed to live the life of a maiden, the answer is no." I said sarcastically.
"You're not immortal then?" We came to a stop by cabin eight.
"Not so much." Annabeth leaned on the wall of Artemis' cabin and looked thoughtful. "What did you mean when you asked if I was the one?" Annabeth was about to respond when the door swung open and Zoe stepped out.
"Percy!" She yelled and wrapped her arms around me. I returned the embrace and she noticed Annabeth.
"Zoe, this is Annabeth…" I began.
"…Chase." Annabeth finished. "Daughter of Athena." Zoe shook her hand.
"Zoe Nightshade." She stated. "Lieutenant for the Hunters of Artemis, and recruiter if you're interested." Annabeth answered with a polite smile but I could tell she had no desire to join the hunt whatsoever. Which meant, she was interested in someone here at camp. For whatever reason, the thought made me kind of mad. Like I immediately needed to see what kind of guy Annabeth was so attracted to.
"Well, I need to get going." Annabeth said. "Capture the flag's coming up and I have no intentions of losing. Regardless of what team you guys end up on." I smiled.
"If you're smart, you're going to want us on your team." I said. "And, I have a feeling that you're very smart." She returned the smile before turning around and disappearing behind a cabin. When she was gone, Zoe gave me a knowing look.
"Already found a lady love, Percy?" She asked. "What will your mother think?" I blushed slightly but gave her a playful shove.
"Where's Phoebe?" I asked.
"I'm not…" She trailed off and instead pointed behind me. Phoebe was getting harassed by three or four daughters of Ares. The one in the front caught Phoebe off guard and shoved her to the ground while continuing to taunt her. Annabeth reappeared by the group.
"Cut it out, Clarisse." She commanded. Phoebe was now on her feet and looking murderous.
"You know, I promised my lady I wouldn't kill any campers this time." She growled. "But, some promises are just too hard to keep." She lunged at Clarisse and took her to the ground. The other children of Ares jumped into the mix as Annabeth pleaded for them to stop. Zoe and I rushed into the action and managed to pull everyone apart.
"We're not here to fight the campers." Zoe scolded.
"Yeah, save it for capture the flag, Phoebe." I added, but really wanted nothing more than to continue watching the fight.
"You're so full of it, Perce." A familiar voice stated. Chelsea appeared from behind one of the buildings looking much better. She'd obviously showered and her golden hair was now in a braid down her back. "I know you'd love to see Phoebe knock around a daughter of Ares." The comment seemed to anger Clarisse. Because, as our attention was drawn to Chelsea, she threw a strong punch that connected with Zoe's eye. Zoe crashed to the ground while grabbing her face. I was shocked, just as everyone else was. Zoe took a hard hit, which was a rarity in itself. Not to mention the punch came while her guard was down. My shock was replaced by anger at Clarisse and I felt a weird sensation in my stomach. It felt powerful, nothing I'd ever experienced before.
Suddenly, a steam of water shot out of the nearby bathroom like a cannon and blasted Clarisse to the ground. Murky water shot into her open mouth and everyone in the area was soon dripping wet. Well, everyone except me. As the pull in my gut lessened and the water subsided, I was standing in a ring of dry grass without a drop of water on my clothing. My friends were drenched and looking at me in surprise while Clarisse continued spitting up water.
"Percy, how did you do that?" Annabeth asked. I shrugged and looked around in surprise. Everyone was watching me nervously and a small crowd had gathered.
"You're dead." Clarisse managed to blurt out as her sisters helped get her to her feet.
"I think you're right, Percy." Annabeth stated. I looked at her. "I'm definitely going to want you on my team."