PJO (Earlier this Year/Late 2013)

Ocean Huntress

Chapter 1: A New Hunter and Camp Half-Blood

Persephone Jackson is your everyday ordinary girl, at least that's what you would think by looking at her. In truth she is far greater than any regular girl, for she is in fact a demigoddess and not just any demigod but a child of Poseidon Lord of the Sea. Persephone is even more unique however; when she was born Poseidon swallowed his pride and asked a boon of his rival Athena, He asked Athena to bless Persephone so that she would have wisdom in the years to come. Athena did this and in return her children were given the rights to enter Poseidon's realm without fear of reprisal, something they had already had but Athena didn't trust it until Poseidon swore upon the Styx. After that in secret two other Goddesses blessed young Persephone, giving her powers far beyond her age. And now our story starts now with Persephone being just 5 years old.

Persephone's POV

New York.

I watch as my mother relaxes away from the eyes of that pig Gabe, I know that my mother puts up with him for me; it makes me feel guilty that she suffers for me. I however have a plan for this, earlier when my mother distracted I stole money from Gabe and his license, the license I planted on some dude that had the look (And Smell) of a drug dealer with a note saying 'I'll be providing more later, meet me at the address on my license' Was it cruel, definitely was it worth it, yes it was. I left a note for my mother at home under my pillow; while she wasn't looking I left another note for her in her pocket next to her phone.

Now that she is distracted I call a taxi and ask the driver to take me to a certain bus terminal, he doesn't even blink, I learned not long ago that by snapping my fingers and concentrating I could alter people's minds, I doesn't work on everyone and some are more resistant to it than others. Sometimes at night I wonder why I am so smart, I mean I have completed three IQ tests that all said the same thing an IQ of over 220. I'll figure it out one day, I hope so anyway.

Just before I got in the taxi I called the cops on the drug dealer, as we drive away I see the cops arrest him and in the corner of my eye I see my mom reading the note I left in her pocket it was rather brief and only says 'I'm leaving, under my pillow is the reasons why' hopefully she'll follow it to the other note which says in more detail.

Mom

If you're reading this then I managed to go through with my plan and run away, I know that you'll worry about me, but please don't I know that you are suffering with Gabe because of me. I also know that you've not told me everything, I noticed this when I was able to control the water in my bath and make it do several things that should be impossible.

I'm seeking the answers to my fate, don't worry I have planned everything out and will not be in danger. When I turn sixteen I'll be waiting for you at Montauk at the cabin you love so much. Please don't worry about me, live your life until I return, I may return earlier or contact you if I get the chance.

I'm so sorry that I have to put you through this but there is no other way, I hope you'll forgive me one day.

I love you.

Persephone Athena Jackson (Persi)

Sally's POV

I can't hold back the tears in my eyes anymore and I start crying, I know she'll be safe but she's only a little girl. I can't think of what to do, earlier today Gabe was busted for Drug Dealing, I found out that the electronics store he worked for was actually a Drug farm.

I do the only thing I hope will work, I pray. First to Poseidon so that he knows his daughter has run away and suspects something due to her powers awakening earlier then should be possible, and then I pray to Artemis, I've never met the Goddess but I hope that she'll look after my daughter if she finds her.

Poseidon's POV

Atlantis

I sigh when I hear Sally's prayer telling me about Persephone, I knew this day was coming. I knew that Athena's blessing would make Persephone too smart for her own good, I also knew that his blessing would awaken her powers early, I just didn't expect it to be this soon, the only problem I could foresee was the fact that my wife Amphitrite was sitting right next to me and could hear the prayer as well, before I can say anything she turns to me and says "Why didn't you tell me? I've wanted to meet a demigoddess of yours for centuries" I look sharply at her and she explains further "I've always been worried that you'll ignore your son for one of the male demigod children you've had over the years, but I've never worried about the daughters because we don't have a reasonable daughter together and she isn't a threat because of that. If this woman Sally agrees I would like to adopt young Persephone, I've always wanted a daughter but Zeus won't let us have another child together"

I smile at my wife and say "I'm sure Sally won't mind at all, I am also happy that you do not hate my daughter and after Orion, I can understand why you might hate my Demigod sons" Amphitrite smiles at me and then says to me.

"I'll go talk to this woman then; I also think she could use some female company right about now"

Will the miracles never cease? I wonder, before I start worrying over my beloved daughter being all alone.

Artemis's POV

Hunters Camp, Near New Jersey

I was shocked out of my thoughts earlier when a prayer concerning a demigoddess maiden of only five came to me, what made it more astonishing was the fact that the demigoddess in question was the daughter of my beloved Uncle Poseidon, I've always loved my uncle after he came to me personally and apologized for the actions of his bastard son Orion, who tried to not only court me (Which I didn't even respond to) but he also tried to rape my huntress Phoebe (A/N Since it's never specified as far as I have read why Phoebe hates men I'm going to go with this reason, It'll also explain why Phoebe hates sons of Poseidon and men in general a bit more virulently then her sister hunters)

I also felt the heartbreak and sorrow in her prayer over her daughter running away, so I immediately gathered my hunters and headed out in search of this little girl of five years, I found the scent of her several hours later, far stronger than it should be. I hear a scream and start racing towards it

Persephone's POV

10 KMs (About 20 miles) south of New York, Near the Ocean, Several hours earlier (I'm Australian so don't bother naming a place, Also I suck at Geography)

I quickly managed to trick the bus full of people with that strange power, I will have to investigate this more later, I quickly get off an hour later when we're at a stop near the Ocean, I then trekked my way to the ocean's shores and lay down for a nap with the supplies I'd… procured (Cough, Stole, Cough).

I woke up and quickly wondered how I'd got into this situation.

My eyes were already blurry from sleep but then I noticed the Rhino sized black dog in front of me I quick snap awake and start backing away in fear from the dog, the ocean is at my back I quickly scream… before realizing that I'm on a deserted beach in the middle of nowhere, I'm doomed goes through my head. The dog paces forwards and I quickly retreat into the ocean, I feel stronger the moment my feet touch the water. I've always felt stronger near or in water, but I've never touch the ocean before I feel like I could take this dog on and win… or at least survive which is also good.

I notice that the dog seems hesitant to follow me into the water, perhaps it cannot go in the water for some reason, I quickly think of the possible reasons. Fear of water, maybe, but unlikely it would never get this close in the first place. Fear of salt water, no same reason as the last one. Maybe it knows I've gotten stronger and doesn't want to take chances, I doubt it. Its master or master's powers don't like water; possibly it does look like some monster from mythology. I quickly think of where I've read of a giant dog, the only one that comes to mind is Cerberus, but this dog only has one head. However maybe like Cerberus its master only has power on dry ground and won't risk the wrath of the lord of the Ocean, That's a good plan I quickly start praying to whoever rules over the ocean hoping that I'll be alright and that I don't have to worry about getting in trouble myself.

While I do this the dog makes up its mind and leaps at me, before it can connect I hear several thumps like meat being pounded and the dog explodes in golden dust, in front of me are twenty or so girls all wearing the same silver uniform. In the front however is a girl different to the rest, she has an aura of command about her that makes me want to salute. The Girl has beautiful Auburn hair, but the most startling thing I notice about her was her Silvery-Yellow eyes, they remind me of the full moon. The Girl smiles as if she can hear my thoughts, if she can god or maybe gods help her.

Artemis's POV

30 seconds earlier

I run towards the scream as fast as I can with my hunters following me, I break through the brush and forest to see a young girl facing off against a Hellhound before I can say anything the Hellhound goes to leap at the girl and as one my hunters and I quickly get our bows in position and fire at the Hellhound, in under 5 seconds. I walk towards the girl, no her name is Persephone, it's strange seeing a girl named after the goddess of spring, and her name is usually avoided due to the story of Persephone's kidnapping.

I walk towards the girl but then stop when suddenly a claiming light appears; when it does all I can do is gasp. Five symbols appear above her head, the Trident of Poseidon, colored Green as the parent's symbols are. The Crab of Amphitrite, colored yellow like adoptive parents. The last three symbols colored red for patrons who have blessed the child are: The Owl of Athena, The Flower Bouquet of Persephone and the Hearth of Hestia. Five Gods, Two of them Olympians claim this girl. Her eyes reflect the claiming, she has four streaks in her Sea Green eyes: One that flickers like fire, One a Deep Ocean Blue, One a light spring green and the last and widest one a Stormy Grey.

Persephone looks up at the lights and says "I wonder what they mean" immediately after saying that the adrenaline keeping her awake fades and she falls unconscious, I lunge forwards and catch her before she can hit the ground, I take a second look and realize that leaving the Ocean may have also been the reason she fell unconscious. I'm not sure whether to be worried over her power or delighted at her potential as a hunter. When she wakes I'll ask her if she wants to join the hunt.

Persephone's POV

35 Minute later

I slowly wake after falling unconscious from exhaustion; in front of me is the silver eyed girl that was leading the others.

"I see that you are awake, before you ask my name is Artemis, and I have an offer for you"

My eyes snap open at that and the only thing I can say is "Were you named after the Goddess or are you actually the Goddess Artemis?"

Artemis's eyes widen and she says "Why would you ask a question like that I wonder?"

I smile at her expression and respond with "I think the fact that a Hellhound just tried to kill me was a big clue in to the fact that the myths might not be myths after all, not to mention I've seen several Cyclopes and Satyrs in New York, I thought I might be a little deranged or constantly daydreaming, but then the Hellhound appeared. So I ask again are you a mortal or a Goddess?" (I'd remembered the myths about Hellhounds While I'd been sleeping)

Artemis's lips quirk and she says "And if I am a Goddess?"

I laugh "Then I'll be more respectful and will probably believe you when you ask me to join the hunters"

Artemis's mouth drops open and I quickly say "Your name gave the offer away right at the start"

Artemis smiles and says "I guess that was a big clue, and in answer to your questions, Yes I am the Goddess Artemis and Will you join the hunt?"

I stop and think for a second before asking "The immortality of the hunt, Will it stop my ageing?"

Artemis nods

I think some more and then say "Is there a place for me to go if I say no"

Artemis nods again but with some sadness or regret in her eyes

I finish laying out the plan but then ask the final question, the question that'll make it all make sense "Am I a Demigoddess?"

Artemis looks shocked but then nods.

I smile and ask "What's the name of this place that I would go to?"

Artemis looks conflicted but then says "Camp Half-Blood"

I then ask "Do you know my Godly Parent, and if so are you allowed to tell me who he is?"

Artemis smiles and says "Yes I do and your godly parent is Poseidon"

My jaw drops, before I can say anything she continues with "You have also been adopted by his wife Amphitrite and have been blessed by Hestia, Persephone and Athena"

"Huh" I say and then continue with "I'm guessing my dad knows about Athena as my middle name is Athena and I've always been smarter than other kids, I mean a 228 IQ isn't normal at my age"

Artemis looks confused before responding with "That means you are very powerful" I look at her and she elaborates with "The stronger you are the more powerful blessings become as they work off of your innate strength and potential to grow"

I'm happy that that issue has been resolved and I ask the question that'll make Artemis's day "I think I'm kind of young to join the hunt at this point, Can I spend my time as a member of the hunt with your blessing but without the immortality at Camp Half-Blood until I'm sixteen and then join fully"

Artemis's face splits in a grin that I swear could light a room (at the same time Apollo sneezes as he is reciting a Haiku… to Hera, who isn't pleased at being covered in Apollo's mucus), She seems to like me and wants me to be a part of her Hunters. Artemis is about to speak when we hear a distant scream that sounds like a man in agonizing pain, we shrug and hear the hunters cheering at the sound. Artemis then says what she was going to before "Of course, if you want I'll keep your parentage a secret and you'll stay in my cabin at camp"

I smile and nod while saying "That sounds like a wonderful idea, one last question" Artemis looks confused "Do I get those cool outfits and weapons even though I'm not a full member of the hunt"

Artemis smiles "Of course, I'll get a set made that'll adjust itself to your body as you grow, I'll give you a standard uniform for now and I'll get Hephaestus to deliver the rest when he is finished making them"

Artemis then shows me how to wear the uniform and explains the rules of the hunt, I then ask my third final question "Now I know I can't have a romantic relationship with men, but can I be friends with them?"

Artemis nods "Of course, if you make enough friends at Camp Half-Blood I may have to make you the Hunters ambassador there in order to… ease tensions between us and the campers"

I smirk "Let me guess, some girls take the man-hating and run with it and because of that argue with the campers who are either male or are female and choose to be with men"

Artemis nods and says "We'll move out in the morning" She then stops and puts her hand on my head and says something in ancient Greek that I can't make out before taking her hand away and then she says "I have given you my blessing but not the immortality yet, Your eyes now have a band of silver around the edges of your Iris's, that's because you are powerful enough to show even those who have blessed you, your eyes have four colored streaks for your three patrons and step-mother, you can check it out yourself in the mirror in your tent" She then frowns and says "You also have three auburn streaks in your hair from me becoming your Patron" I smile at this and nod happily.

Lady Artemis then calls out a name "Zoë" a girl with long silky black hair, slightly coppery-colored skin and eyes like obsidian walks in. Artemis then continues "Would you please take Persephone here to a tent, she'll be joining us later in life but for now she'll stay at Camp Half-Blood so she can grow up and mature first" she then turns to me and says "This is Zoë my Lieutenant, she'll show you where you'll be sleeping, I'll leave the tent with you, in case you need to get away from it all" I nod

Zoë nods with respect after Lady Artemis has finished speaking, she turns to me and says "Thou will come with me; I will show thee to your tent"

I nods but can't resist saying "You must be older then you look if you speak in Old English"

Zoë looks surprised but then nods and walks out with a slight bow to Lady Artemis.

I nod respectfully at Lady Artemis and then follow Zoë to a tent where I'll sleep for the night.

Artemis's POV

Persephone has just left with Zoë and I find myself wondering, what she will be like when she reaches the age of sixteen. One thing is for sure, Persephone Athena Jackson will change the world in one way or another.

I shake my head to clear it of idle musing before asking Iris to set up an Iris Messaging conference, with Poseidon, Amphitrite, Athena, Hestia and Persephone. Four images appear in front of me with Poseidon and Amphitrite sharing one of them. I nod to them all and say "I asked Iris to set this up as I believe we are all interested parties for young Persephone Jackson, Uncle Poseidon is obviously her father, Lady Amphitrite you have adopted her. And the rest of us myself included are her patrons and have blessed her" Poseidon looks like he is about to say something but then I continue with "She has agreed to join the hunt but wishes to wait until she is sixteen to become a full member, until then she'll stay at Camp Half-Blood in my cabin with her parentage hidden from the campers, I'll let Chiron know however. You'll get a chance to speak with her every Winter solstice when the campers visit Mount Olympus. Do any of you wish to say something… oh and her eyes now reflect all of us, they're still Sea-Green, but she has a streak in her Iris's for each of you except Uncle Poseidon and a band of silver around the edges for me"

Poseidon looks concerned and then asks "Will they be able to figure out who has sponsored her from this"

I think for a minute and then respond " Athena and I, most definitely, Possibly Lady Hestia's as hers looks like a fire, I don't think they'll recognize Lady Amphitrite or Persephone's streaks as they are Ocean Blue and Spring Green respectively and the streaks make it hard to focus on the actual color of her eyes increasing the chance of them not recognizing you as her father Uncle. Her hair has three streaks of Auburn in it from my Blessing."

Athena then smiles and asks "It's possible my campers will try to befriend her, what is her personality like"

I smile and say the words that'll cause a miracle "Since she apparently has an IQ of 228, I think your campers may have problems keeping up with her intelligence" There it is, the miracle. Athena is rendered speechless and the rest of them are also quiet. They quickly get over their stupors and bombard me with questions which I answer where possible.

Half-an-Hour Later

After Half an Hour of talking we say our farewells to each other, the rest of them were pleased with Persephone's growth, I think I'll have to find a nickname to make it easier, Hmm, "Percy" No that sounds to masculine, "Persi" Maybe either that or "Seph" or "Pho". No "Persi" is just right, it just seems to fit.

Persi's POV

1 Day Later

I'm looking down in awe at Camp Half-Blood, The landscape is dotted with buildings that looked like ancient Greek architecture an open-air pavilion, an amphitheatre, a circular arena except that they all looked brand new, their white marble columns sparkling in the sun.

In a nearby sandpit, a dozen high school-age kids and satyrs are playing volleyball. Canoes glided across a small lake. Some Kids in bright orange T-shirts are chasing each other around a cluster of cabins nestled in the woods. Some are shooting targets at an archery range.

Others are riding horses down a wooded trail and some of those horses appear to be Pegasi, I wonder if I can learn to ride one, probably.

I nearly collapse in shock when a Centaur trots up to us, the human half bows while the horse halves' legs dip. The centaur then says "Lady Artemis, I am honored that you have decided to visit Camp Half-Blood"

Lady Artemis smiles and says "My Hunters and I are not here to stay Chiron; I am leaving a young recruit here who wishes to wait until she turns sixteen to join fully and wants to spend the time training here at Camp"

Chiron, I'm a bit overwhelmed that the legendary trainer of heroes himself runs the camp, then says "And who is this recruit?"

I step forward and say "I am"

Chiron smiles at me and asks "And you are?"

I steel myself and respond "My name is Persephone Athena Jackson or Persi for short. I am the daughter of Poseidon, Adoptive Daughter of Amphitrite, and I have Athena, Persephone and Hestia as my Patrons and Artemis as my Mistress. But I wish only to be known as a Hunter while I am here, I don't want the rest of my relations revealed, is that alright with you Chiron?"

Chiron's eyes hadn't stopped widening during the introduction, he then snaps himself out of it and says to me "Not a problem at all my dear, You'll be the Cabin 8 Councilor when the rest of the Hunters are with Lady Artemis, if that is alright with you my lady?"

Artemis nods and says "Of course, I must go now Persephone; I'll see you again either when we visit the Camp or you go to Mount Olympus on the Winter Solstice. Train yourself well young Huntress; I'll probably drop off the uniforms and weapons later this week. Oh Chiron, she'll be wearing the Hunter's uniform while she is here is that a problem" Chiron shakes his head "Then I'll be off Farewell" She turns to go and starts running back to the hunters at the bottom of the hill.

I then shout to her "I'll do you proud Lady Artemis" She turns and smiles and the Hunters wave at me before they disappear into the woods. I turn to Chiron and ask "Will you take me on a tour Chiron?"

Chiron laughs and says "Of course Persi, of course" He then turns towards the camp and starts walking towards it. I run forward and fall into step on his right.

Chiron shows me all the interesting things, like the amphitheater for sing-a-longs with the Apollo Cabin (After listening to the Hunters describe Apollo I wasn't too optimistic about it) a Arena for sword fighting (Gods that looks fun) an Archery Range (I tried it out with the hunters, I'm a natural and it's fun) a Blacksmiths forge (I asked if we get lessons in forging and Chiron said yes, I'm signing up for those as soon as possible) The lake (Those Naiads are kind of strange, they tried to flirt with me, I said no… for now) And finally the Cabins.

Cabin 1 - Zeus' looks like someone's attempt to overcompensate for something; all marble and big like a mausoleum (I can't imagine what!)

Cabin 2 - Hera's is beautiful, but it lacks life (I wonder if Lady Hera would mind adopting me so I could fix it up and make it more lively, I'll ask one day, I'm sure she wouldn't mind a demigod that isn't the result of her husband cheating. Maybe I should approach her while she's in a good mood to be certain).

Cabin 3 - Poseidon's was humble and made of materials found in the Ocean and is breathtaking, I'm kind of upset that I don't get to stay there. (Maybe if a certain god of Lightning and the skies wasn't such a paranoid bastard I would be staying there)

Cabin 4 - Demeter's has growing grass for a roof! And it has beautiful plants growing on the porch (I Loved it and the campers offered me some night blooming flowers for my cabin, I said yes and made some new friends).

Cabin 5 - Ares' is but ugly and looks like it was made by a gorilla with no sense of beauty, then I learned it was the Ares cabin (I couldn't stop laughing, One of the Ares kids got angry and charged at me, I left him on the ground holding his broken… Family jewels. The rest of Ares cabin either left me alone out of fear (Guys) or idolized me for my bravery and independence (Girls))

Cabin 6 - Athena's is the ultimate wonderland for those with more intellectual pursuits, it is Blue and Gold colored with an owl over the door that looks so cool. (So I loved it and the Athena Campers offered me an honorary spot due to Athena being one of my Patrons, which I told them after they asked about the Grey streak in my eye)

Cabin 7 - Apollo's was way too bright and some of the music and Gods forbid Poetry coming out of it made me want to run away. (Those Hunters were both being nice and playing it down, that or Apollo's kids were worse, then again maybe these were newbie's, at least for music, I know that the poetry sucks no matter what)

Cabin 8 - Artemis' I loved Cabin 8 the moment I saw it and Artemis was kind enough to give me a large double bed at the back due to me having the possibility of being a permanent resident (I wouldn't mind one bit, at least I'd be helping the hunt and the campers were happy to meet a friendly hunter)

Cabin 9 - Hephaestus' was a miniature factory with beds, it was so cool and the campers were happy to set up some forging lessons for me (That's forging weapons and armor not IDs and Money… that's Hermes cabins responsibility… and I would sign up for that too)

Cabin 10 - Aphrodite's Way too pink and the smell of Perfume made me want to choke, the campers were nice if a little flirty… Both genders (Gods damn it I'm only five, but I guess they thought I was older due to my Hunter uniform)

Cabin 11 - Hermes', was a little run down and way over crowded (I asked Chiron if they could either make a cabin for the Unclaimed or make cabins for all the gods both Olympian and otherwise, Chiron's eyebrow rose and he admitted that was a good idea, he would ask the Olympian council for permission, I offered to learn architecture to help design them and he said that wasn't a bad idea. Also while Chiron wasn't watching I set up a contact with the Hermes kid who sneaks in outside goods and lessons in forging - criminal edition, I or the Hunters might need fake IDs later on)

Cabin 12 - Dionysus' Has a Gods damn brewery attached, I liked Emily and Cassie the moment I met them (There booze wasn't too bad, Chiron looked a little upset that I drank a glass of chardonnay, but eh what the Hades would it matter, I'm probably going to die in battle and Demigods and Demigoddesses are immune to organ failure due to our godly heritage).

"I believe you'll have a good time during your stay here, Persi" Chiron said after we had toured the cabins. He then showed me the stables for both normal horses and Pegasi. "If you're interested in lessons I'll put you down for some" I couldn't nod fast enough to answer Chiron's question.

The next few months went by in a blur; I made friends with Kathy Tremens, George Merck and several others from the Demeter Cabin. Traci Swift, Amelia Stub and all the girls from the Ares Cabin. Jonathan Holman, Danielle Smith and all of the Athena Cabin. None of the Apollo Cabin were all that friendly to me since I was so good at Archery I was teaching some of their MASTER archers some tricks that Lady Artemis had taught me, on that note my uniforms and weapons had been delivered along with dozens of books on Hunting, Tracking, Archery and all sorts of Mythological creatures and Skills I'd need to be a Huntress. From the Hephaestus Cabin I had many friends but only Faith Tolima is prominent among them. I had no friends in the Aphrodite cabin but several (Dozen) admirers. I had many Hermes Cabin Friends (Too many to list) and finally both Cassie and Emily were great friends of mine and were happy to sneak me bottle of their fine wines.

On August Eighteenth I had my Sixth Birthday which was a blast, Lady Artemis and Lady Athena sent me some more books, Lady Persephone sent some rare Flower Seeds, Lady Hestia gave me a warm blanket made of woven Hearth-fire and my Dad sent me a miniature version of his Trident it was only a quarter the strength of the real one and I think it was breaking the rules a bit, but I don't think he cares about them anyway.

As I said earlier I'm a Brilliant Archer, I love watching the Apollo Cabin scream and cry over the fact that I beat them every time we have an Archery competition. I ended up becoming the Archery Teacher for any Female Campers who wish to pursue either more advanced Archery lessons or becoming a Huntress, I had eight Apollo girls interested in becoming Hunters, when I told them that they may have to stop singing or Poetry, the number doubled. It seems the Apollo girls don't like their father or brothers' poetry and singing any more then I or the other Hunters do.

Soon the summer drew to a close and many of the kids got ready to leave, I was said that some wouldn't be returning but many for my friends would be, of all my best friends Only John from the Athena Cabin and Cassie and Emily were Year-Rounder's. That's kind of depressing but I understood that the rest had normal lives. I mean only I had chosen to run away. John, Cassie and Emily were orphans. I wonder what my mum was doing, had Dad told her where I am and what I am doing? Had he told her why I was doing it? Did she still love me? Was she ashamed of me? I couldn't sleep some nights because of these questions. So I'm sent a prayer to my Father for her address so I can send letter to her about how I'm doing.

Today however we have the Nice Ceremony where they hand out the beads to the campers for surviving another summer. John (Who is the Athena Councilor) stands up and says "This summer we are going to celebrate the arrival of the first Huntress camper" He hands out the beads and I almost choke when I see it. It has the Silver bow and Crescent moon symbol of Lady Artemis on a black background, but that isn't the most shocking part, the most shocking part is the fact that my name is written around the bow and moon in ancient Greek my full name 'Persephone Athena Jackson' I couldn't believe my eyes. I look up at John and he's giving me a grin like a Hermes Camper who has just pulled off the mother of all pranks. (I've seen that look and helped cause it a… couple of times).

A Day later

I yawn as I walk out of Cabin Eight to greet the Eighteen Girls (16 Apollo, 1 Ares and 1 Athena) who wish to join the hunters, I told them I'd be doing advanced tracking and archery training today and when I told Chiron he was quite happy to schedule it so we wouldn't be interrupted for several hours. I walk to the forest while talking to the Initiates about the level of training we'd be doing (Which had caused eight Aphrodite girls to give up becoming a huntress earlier this week). I quickly start teaching them tracking with the forest Nymphs helping out by chasing wild game and monsters so that they would leave tracks for us to follow. Many of the girls were pretty good trackers, that Athena girl, Renee I think her name is, however is a brilliant tracker, almost as good as Me and I've been training for four months, she started a week ago… Definitely hunter material and I'm sure Lady Artemis would agree.

I've just finished the Tracking lessons and am heading over to the ranges for Archery Lessons on fast moving targets at sixty meters or more. Again Renee shows me that she is most definitely a hunter. Her Archery skill was miles ahead of the others, almost to my levels, which is to say Hunter levels.

I've just finished the Archery and am speaking when the highlight of my day happens. "Renee, I think you have great potential as a hunter and I'll be referring you to Lady Artemis when I see her next."

Renee, a willowy girl of fourteen with the blonde hair and grey eyes of a child of Athena stares at me with stars in her eyes from the words I just spoke to her, she seems really enthusiastic compared to other Athena Campers. "Thank you, Thank you Persi, I'm so happy-" Before she can finish her cries of joy (I love this part of the job!) a hunting horn sounds in the air and I can feel the Hunters and Lady Artemis approach, Renee stares at me with wide eyes and I say.

"Well, looks like it's time for you to become a Hunter, Renee isn't it." Renee almost faints from excitement and I smile at her enthusiasm, 'She'll do well in the Hunters that's for sure'

From the woods where we were just practicing come Lady Artemis and her Hunters, Artemis catches my eye and looks surprised for a second before smiling at me happily, I return the smile and the prospective Hunters around me form up in an honor guard of sorts, hiding their fear and awe. Artemis walks up to us with the Hunters following and says "Well, It seems you've made some friends Persephone, doesn't it?"

I laugh (I just couldn't help it) and reply with "These aren't my friends Lady Artemis, they're girls who've expressed an interest in joining the Hunters, I started with nearly forty of them and they've since dropped down to these eighteen, Tomorrow I was going to start searching through the Unclaimed and Minor gods who've decided to stay for the whole year" Artemis' and the Hunter's jaws drop at the fact that I've managed to gather nearly twenty girls for the Hunt and I've not even started on the majority of campers yet.

"I'm impressed Persephone, but tell me, How did you get some of my brother's daughters to sign up?" Artemis inquires of me.

I grin but before I can answer one of the Apollo girls' shouts out "She promised that we wouldn't be forced to sing nor do poetry if we don't want to, also that we'd get away from our brother's singing and poetry" Artemis looks at me and I nod.

Artemis smiles and says "Well that is a simple request that I am happy to fulfill for those of you that swear the oath"

Renee speaks up with "When can we swear this oath?"

Artemis almost faints at the eagerness and I say "Lady Artemis I've already told them of the oath and its requirements and they would have already sworn it if possible, and for the advanced training for Hunter initiates they had to swear off men on the river Styx. In essence they've already taken an oath of Chastity and only need to take the Hunter's Oath to become full Hunters" Artemis then smiles.

"Well you can do it right now if you don't have anything better to do" and all the girls jump up at this news. They then swear the oath right then and there and the Hunters welcome the girls into their ranks. I tell Lady Artemis to take the Hunters to the Cabin while I go tell Chiron of her arrival and recruitment.

I walk up to the Big House and see Chiron waiting at the door for me; I raise an eyebrow as if to say 'yes?' Chiron smiles and says "I take it the Hunter have arrived my dear?"

I nod and pull out the list of girls who've become Hunters and say to him "They have, here is a list of the girls who have sworn the Oath and become Hunters" Chiron looks at the list and nods

"As expected, come I'll need you to sign some forms" He turns around and in his wheelchair heads to the office

I walk next to him and ask "Why me?"

Chiron smiles and says "You are the Hunter Representative in Camp Half-Blood, so you are the one who signs the release forms and signs any letter to parents we must send"

I stop in shock and then shake myself out of it and hurry to catch up to Chiron.