It has been a few days since she had been brought back and every waking moment Percy spent in fear. She was afraid that this man would come back. Her mother had irised messaged her and she was grateful to see her but Percy couldnt help but still feel afraid. Everyone visited her often. The person who Percy didn't expect to visit her as often as he did was Ares. he seemed to be more drawn to her rather than anything and for some reason she felt drawn to him, like there was a string attaching them together. She felt safe with Ares and she had no idea why.
Percy was walking around Apollo had told her that she could walk around. She had wandered into Hera's gardens, she had seen the goddess upon entering the queen was grateful to see percy walking around. The peacocks were walking around, percy sitting on a fountain when she heard a familiar voice.
"You ok Jackson," asked the god of war
"I dont know."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know, I just don't feel safe."
"I understand you have been through something terrible, it's not a surprise. You don't feel safe."
Heras hand patted percy's in a comforting motherly manner, the Queen of Olympus had never acted motherly to her she was polite to her but never in this manner. She felt pity for her. They all did. Was that the only reason they were keeping her around?
"Child?"
"Hum,"
"I know what you are thinking, I'm only acting like this because I pity you." Percy lowered her head embarrassed that she knew exactly what was going on in her head, perhaps she truly said the words out loud.
"And you're right… to an extent. We all feel horrible for you and yes in a way that is pity but we aren't being kind to you for that reason alone. We care for you. You changed us for the better. We are better because of you and we care for you."
Percy stared at the woman, stunned, not a single word leaving her lips.
"You have been through something horrific and there is nothing any of us can do to reverse time and change it but we want to help you. We really do." With that she patted her hand as she stood and walked away smiling at her.
"Hello shorty," came a voice from behind her.
Eros
"Hello, wait what did you call me?"
"Shorty you said i couldn't call you princess even though that is A your title and B that's a nickname that suits you."
"Why shorty?"
"Because well have you looked in a mirror or do you get stunned by your beauty like everyone around you does?"
"Umm, no i," percy didn't know how to respond. She felt her nerves spike once more and she didn't know why. Perhaps it was the comments the god was making but she just wasn't comfortable. She hoped Artemis would hurry up. The reason she was in the gardens was because Aretmis said that she would help her get back into training. Obviously they were going to start slow but Percy was craving something more normal. She has been visited by several campers and the seven as well as all the olympians but percy wanted something more normal. Something that got her back on her feet instead of wasting away in the infirmary. Also it was an excuse for her to see the hunters and her cousin Thalia. "Artemis, please hurry up so I can leave." Percy thought.
Percy was so lost in thought that she didn't see him walk over to her; she only noticed him when he lifted her hand to kiss it.
"So enjoying the gardens,"
"There pretty,"
"Ahh that all you have to say,"
They continued talking for a few minutes, Percy being more worried every word that left his mouth. Suddenly he was pulled from his seat next to her.
"Ares what a nice surprise." said Eros in a mocking tone.
"Surprise. Funny, I thought this was my mothers garden so it's not a surprise I would look for her here."
"Oh you were looking for your mother not a certain someone,"
"Why I'm here has nothing to do with you. Jackson clearly wants to be left alone so I suggest you leave before I send you to tartarus myself." Ares basically growled at him.
Eros simply smiled and looked at percy. He pulled Ares arm so that the god would realise him then walked over bowed to percy and said, "farewell, i'll leave you with your friend." he lent down and whispered in her ear "i would read between the lines with his actions if i were you."
Ares was about to rip him away from Percy when he fased away.
"Are you alright?"
"I… im ok he just reminds me of Him." percy wrapped her arms around her looking down.
Ares knelt down not too close to her just in case. "He is irritating, unfortunately."
"I'm waiting for Artemis. Could you stay with me till then."
"Of course."