Percy Jackson-Guardian of the Hunt

Settling In

Chapter 11: settling in:

A/N: Just going to head straight into the story, enjoy!

Disclaimer: the usual characters are Rick Riordan's plot mine. I don't own PJO or HOO.

Previously: "Where have you been Percy? It's been 5 years," said Thalia as she was let go by Artemis. In response Percy wrapped his arms around her in a short hug.

"It doesn't matter, I'm back now."

After promising to catch up with Thalia after he'd spoken to Artemis, Percy found himself in front of the Goddess's tent. It was a usual looking silver tent, as usual as a silver tent was. But he had been inside it before, and he knew it was much bigger on the inside. He didn't know what to do. It was a tent. Should he knock? Would that even be heard inside? Just as he was about to try knocking, the tent flap opened.

"Come in. We have much to discuss."

Percy made his way into the tent. Artemis was sitting cross-legged on the floor, petting a wolf. He bowed his head.

"My Lady." She waved her hand dismissively, and gestured to the spot opposite her, inviting her new guardian to take a seat. He sat a reasonable distance away. He looked at the Goddess, waiting to hear what she had to say.

"Well, now that you're here, I feel like I should let you know how things are going to run here. Since you will be staying with us, you must follow the rules of the Hunt." Percy nodded. He had expected as much. To be honest, he was nervous about this conversation as he had no idea what to expect. Artemis seemed to hesitate. She sighed.

"Look, I appreciate you taking the job Perseus. It takes either a brave man, or a stupid one to accept living with the hunters, I understand that. Whilst I would have preferred a female guardian, I cannot deny that I believe you will fulfil the requirements of being the guardian. That being said, the Hunt has certain rules. We have a chore rota system. You will be expected to help out with cooking and cleaning. I am exempting you from hunting because the hunters enjoy this, so we don't technically call it a chore. Cleaning comprises of laundry, dishes and general campsite maintenance. Your tent is your own responsibility. Cooking is fairly obvious. Consult Thalia afterwards and she will assign you a shift. As the guardian, you shall have sentry duty during the night when I depart for my duties. You may sleep from dawn to late morning. After the hunt has eaten its breakfast and cleaned up, I shall request one of them to wake you so that you may eat."

Percy listened silently, nodding his head. So far, this was agreeable and hadn't been unfair to him in any way whatsoever.

"You may join us for lunch and dinner if you so wish, it's up to you, but if you do, I advise sitting with people who are comfortable sitting next to you, such as Thalia or a hunter that you brought here. You are free to use the training facilities-please stay away from the archery range, I have been warned about your...skills, and I would like to prevent any injuries. If you would like to learn I can teach you privately, away from anyone in danger..." she smirked as Percy shook his head.

"Are you sure?" She laughed as a look of nervousness crossed Percy's face.

"Very well. As I said, you can use the straw dummies and the training area whenever you wish as long as it doesn't clash with or affect your chores. You may spar with hunters if they are willing, in fact I may encourage them to do so, so that their close combat skills improve. I think that is all."

She waved her hand and a small package appeared in her hands. Artemis handed it to Percy.

"This is your tent. I advise you set it up away from the hunters. I know they'll be cautious around you, but as long as you respect their boundaries, they will warm up to you. They respect you and will get used to you being around."

The conversation seemed over, so Percy slowly got up. He looked at Artemis, considering whether or not to speak his mind. The Goddess raised her eyebrow inquisitively.

"Thank you, My Lady. I thought that maybe you'd assign all the chores to me and set unreasonable conditions. But this is more than fair. I'll be sure to carry my weight around the camp."

Percy's face dropped as he noticed Artemis's angry demeanour. He took a subtle step back.

"You think that I would do such a thing?" Percy smartly started shaking his head, muttering incoherently, trying to pacify a now livid Goddess. Then, she started laughing.

"Relax Perseus. I am a believer of justice and fairness. Had I not shown that when you were 14. I made sure you were to be rewarded for your efforts because it was right. Unless you would rather I did assign you all the chores." She smirked again as he shook his head.

"Plus, I had requested a guardian, not a slave. You need not worry Perseus, I will deny this if questioned, but the hunt needs you here. You will find no qualms with me unless you break the rules. Now run off. I assume you can find Thalia who will help you get settled in."

Percy relaxed, smiling. This was an Artemis he could potentially be friends with. He bowed once again.

"Thank you, My Lady. I will try not to let you down." The Goddess nodded, and Percy took this as his cue to leave. He set off to find Thalia.

Line break

It took him five minutes to find Thalia. The two were currently walking side by side. Thalia was taking him to the location where he could set up his tent. He was telling her about Hestia's offer and how he got his wings. He was sure to stress on the cool fire powers he had gained. He could tell she was jealous, and he absolutely loved that he could rub it in.

It felt good catching up with Thalia, she was one of his oldest and closest friends. Reducing Thalia's anger was also a plus point. He was sure she felt the same ease as they caught up, and her anger was receding. They reached an empty section in the clearing, a short distance away from the other hunter's tents. Thalia took the small package from Percy's hand and threw it on the floor.

"Open."

The box snapped open, and a tent popped out, fully assembled. Percy nodded his head, impressed at how cool that was. He made his way inside, followed by Thalia. It was a bare tent. A double bed in the middle of the room, and a small bedside table. There was a small cupboard for clothes next to a small desk that was meant for any other belongings. It was just a plain, silver room. He was taken out of his assessment of the room by Thalia tapping his shoulder.

"Just think of any extra items you want, and they'll pop up. Any pictures, decorations or whatever."

Percy closed his eyes. When he opened them, pictures of his friends and parents were now decorating the walls. A replica fountain similar to the one in his camp cabin was placed off to the side, bringing a stronger smell of the sea with it. He smiled, it was feeling a lot more comfortable.

"Looks much better. Hey Kelp Head, how come you closed your eyes to think? Do you struggle with thinking with your eyes open?" Thalia was struggling to keep her laughter in. Having no comeback to her question, he went for the mature response.

"Shut up Pinecone Face."

Thalia burst into laughter. After a few seconds, she controlled herself.

"It was good catching up Percy. I'll leave you to unpack your things. I'll see you at dinner." She turned and left.

"I didn't bring any..."

Percy trailed off as he turned around to notice a couple of bags on the bed. He smiled and shook his head. Hestia always knew.

A/N: a filler really. More build up in the next few chapters. Percy has settled into his tent. I've always thought Artemis was fair after Titan's Curse so I don't really think that she would assign all the chores to Percy. Again, I know a lot of writers do that, and there's no problem with it, just my opinion, I don't mean to offend anyone. Hope you enjoyed. I have edited the first 5 chapters too kind of swiftly so if there's anything you find let me know. Hope you enjoyed. See you soon hopefully. (I know you don't trust me with that). Please check out my other story.