Guardian of the Hunt

Chapter 10 (Edited, yet again - 2022)

Percy POV

Complete agony. Absolute pain. Everything ached and pulsated as I grimaced, squeezing my hands to release some tension. Groggily, I opened my eyes and groaned out in pain. Someone jerked up in the seat next to me, gasping rather loudly.

"Percy!" Phoebe. Her voice pierced through my head as I winced, lifting my hand to my ear and rubbing lightly.

Licking my lips I noticed they were dry. My throat felt like sand paper as I coughed, glancing around for some water. Phoebe seemed to read my mind as I let out some incoherent rasps, a cup of water suddenly appearing right in front of me. She helped me hold it in my own hands, holding the back of my head as I lifted it to my lips and drank. The life seemed to return to me with every gulp, strength coursing through me as I sighed. The pain subsided. I felt fresh. I am one incredibly lucky sucker to have the ability to be healed by water. Taking a deep breath, I glanced around the tent and before looking at Phoebe. Her eyes were red and puffy as she stared at me.

"What happened?" I asked, wiping the remining liquid from my lips. She wiped her eyes.

"You took the poison from me and healed me. It nearly killed you. You were in so much pain, for me. You nearly died for me. I do not know how I can repay you." She glanced down at her hands and started to fiddle with her ring, guilt cascading over her like a waterfall. She looked like she'd just come from battle, still in the same clothes she'd fought in. Her hair was a mess, plaits barely keeping it out of her face as she sniffled.

"It is OK, Phoebe. I understand your actions, I really do. It would be odd had you not been against my presence after all you've been through. And what is more, now you have begun to trust me and for that I am thankful. As you can see, I would never hurt any of you and you and would lay my life down for you." I spoke, reaching forwards and patting her shoulder. At that moment, Artemis walked into the tent and stared at the two of us, immediately lighting up as she looked at me. I too grinned, feeling a strange sense of relief flood through me. "My Lady. How are you feeling after the battle?"

"It is I who should be asking you that question, Demeo. You were at certainly knocking on my Uncle's door. Please do not get that close again." Artemis smiled slightly, but her eyes were grave and serious. She had been worried. Phoebe awkwardly cleared her throat, standing from her seat and bowing slightly before leaving. Artemis nodded, smiling at her huntress. She then walked over to the stool that Phoebe had been perched on, sitting on it and crossing her arms. "Tell me honestly, how are you feeling?"

She reached forwards, placing her soft hand on my bare arm, thumb rubbing over my skin and sending shivers down my arm. Butterflies flew up a storm in my stomach as I cleared my throat and licked my lips. Her silky auburn hair cascaded down her back like curling mist, stark against her pale and soft skin. She was in her teenage form, seeming to match my age as she smiled.

"I am fine, My Lady. As long as you and the hunters are well, I am well." I bowed my head, forcing myself to sit up straighter in the bed. I willed all of my clothes to return to me upon realizing I was shirtless, blushing slightly. "Plus, I have just drunk some water. I feel like I could take an army again."

"Calm down Perseus, you'll have your chance again soon." Artemis smirked, patting my arm again before going a little rosy on her cheeks. "Ah yes, I should get to the point. We captured a monster who was lurking around the camp. We are going to question it and I was wondering if you would like to take part? It's OK if you don't feel up to it. After all, Helen siphoned a pint of poison from you."

"It's all good My Lady, I will come and help you. It is my duty after all." Without a moments hesitation I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood up. Only, I completely forgot that I'd just nearly died and probably shouldn't be standing so quickly. My vision went blurry as I squinted, suddenly unable to keep myself up straight. My knees gave way as I headed straight for the ground, Artemis only just sweeping in to keep me up. Her strong arms wrapped around my waist as I grimaced, some of the aches and pains flooding back in. "Thank you, My Lady. I think I stood up a little too quickly."