Percy Jackson, New Beginnings

Chapter IX

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this book. Rick Riordan does.

PERCY P.O.V.

After meeting with Nico and Uncle Hades, I felt better. At least I knew that some gods didn't want to kill me. What saddened me most though, was that dad thought I was a traitor. I thought that he knew me better than most people and wouldn't end up on the long list of people who want my blood.

I returned back to the camp and I noticed someone sitting by the fire, tending to it. It was an 8-year-old girl. I walked up to her and crouched down in a wolf-like bow.

"Lady Hestia," I said and when I looked up I saw her smiling.

"Hello there young wolf," she said to me. Then she leaned in closer and whispered in my ear so only I could hear. "I know it's you, Percy. Listen, I do not believe any of those lies people are saying about you. I have decided that I want a champion, one with a heart of gold and loyal to the end and I am to believe that I have found them. Will you Perseus be my champion?"

I nodded to her and she walked towards me and put a hand on my snout. I felt myself glowing a warm red, and I could feel the flames within me. I felt the home and the hearth, and I felt really energised. Once the glow dimmed Hestia stood a few steps away from me, back in the fire. "One thing before I go," she said, with the biggest smile on her face. "Your new powers consist of being able to conjure up any home-cooked meal, heal with fire, be immune to fire, and create fire and control it. Enjoy, now you should really head back to Artemis, it seems to be becoming a bit late. Oh and you can also teleport with fire," and with that, she waved and disappeared into the flames.

I desperately wanted to test out my new found powers but I was late for Artemis. I mentally cursed myself as I ran off to Artemis's tent.

ARTEMIS P.O.V

I heard a bark from outside my tent.

"Come in!" I yelled, knowing it was Alpha," He padded into my tent and I took a minute to marvel at his beauty. His coat shone in the candlelight and his eyes... His eyes were amazing. You could see the ocean rolling in them and now you could also see green fire dancing within and around the waves, with tips a pure gold. They were, in other words, breathtakingly beautiful. I pulled myself together. "Percy, the tent is locked unless you have my permission to come in and it is soundproof, so can you please turn back into your human form? I felt awkward having to talk to the wolf and I don't want you going on a rampage after what I have to say," he immediately agreed and shifted into the form I preferred, a tall muscular man, with a glowing tan and his messy hair and wondrous eyes.

I was worried about how he might take the news I was about to give him. I was worried he would leave and above that hurt his sisters and me with his departure. I was falling head over heels for this man and I knew I shouldn't but I couldn't help it. He was the perfect man and the only one on this earth good enough for the hunters.

"Percy, Um... Fathersaidthatwehavetohuntyoudowndothattheycangiveyouthepunishmentthattheythinkyoudeserveandwehavetodosomething,"

I said very quickly.

"Umm? Do you mind repeating that just a little slower? I missed everything after 'Father Said'" Percy confessed, rubbing the back of his neck. I took a deep breath and started again.

"Father said that we have to hunt you down so that they can give you the punishment that they think you deserve and we have to do something," I said quietly. I looked up to see how Percy was taking the news and I saw a very shocked expression. Looked back down at my feet before suddenly the room became very hot. I looked up, expecting to still see a shocked Percy, but what I did see made me scream.

Percy is on fire. Percy is on fire and he is just standing there. I slowly regain my composure before stating slowly. "Percy? You are, on, fire!" I tell him. He just looks at me before looking down at his body and jumping back. I hear Percy try to control his breathing and eventually the flames go out.

"Well! I guess I'll have to get used to that!" he exclaimed.

"How in Zeus' name did you do that?" I asked

"Hestia sort of made me her champion," He mumbled and my eyes widened. He was Hestia's first champion and I knew she would only take the hero with a heart of gold. Percy was hat man and that made my suspicions accurate. Percy is the best male on this planet. I smiled at him

"That's wonderful, so tell me what new powers did you get? I don't want to be caught off guard," I stated but Percy just smiled mischievously.

"Unfortunately I am keeping those a secret for you and the hunt after we leave camp," He said. Darn it! Well, I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

I said goodnight to him before leaving to pull up the moon and guide it across the night sky.

Sorry about the short chapter. I promise that the next one will be longer. I hope you enjoyed reading it and feedback is appreciated.