Olympus' Biggest Mistake

Chapter 11

A couple months have gone by since Jack joined Artemis and her hunters on their assignments. Jack was respected, loved, and treated as their own special guardian. He grew a sibling bond with Kayla who was the newest hunter before Jack helped find a few more recruits. Jack felt a familial bond with her that he just couldn't explain, but it felt as if she had always been his younger sister.

The older recruits were grateful towards him and still came to love the large dark wolf, but some kept a friendly distance due to Thalia. They felt jealous that he would only speak to Thalia if Artemis wasn't around, and that they were almost always together. The younger girls however, absolutely adore Jack and his 'fluffiness'. They all treated him as an older brother, playing with him whenever a chance presents itself, or like a giant pet dog.

In fact, the only thing the girls disliked about Thalia and Jack's bond was that sleeping with him was restricted to them but not to Thalia. It wasn't as if Artemis was trying to keep Jack from accidentally crushing them while they slept, they weren't fragile dolls. Jack had a small job of patrolling the camps at night while Artemis drove the moon chariot and risking the girls sleeping on him while he did so could be bad.

Although Artemis could get them to understand that, nothing could stop Thalia from waking up and going to Jack just as he finishes his patrols. Thalia and Jack were strongly bonded, so strong that it would draw them together if they did't resist it. So technically, Artemis can't really control their actions if the bond is responsible.

There were a few occasions where monsters have ambushed them from the forests they would camp at. Most times Jack could smell them coming, and with the help of training with him, they would all wipe the monsters out quickly and easily.

However, there was one instance where the monsters came from downwind, the hunters unprepared and Jack fought them off while they either got ready of left. It was that night that they learned how powerful Jack truly is when they saw the glow in eyes and the blur he left as he fought. Like a storm, water raged around him, icy shards shredded the air, lightning flashed in the sky, entire large trees were blown to pieces by Jack's claws.

Pieces of bark flew everywhere, monster dust went up like explosions, and Jack was merciless. He never let a single monster get the chance to escape taking them out quickly.

By the time Artemis arrived she found her hunters staring at Jack in the middle of a gold dust mound. By the way things seemed not a single arrow on the field, it was obvious Jack was responsible.

The cat was officially out of the bag, that's what Jack told himself as he saw the hunters and their goddess starring at him. He glanced around himself to see the carnage that was left as an aftermath of his attack. That's right, Jack didn't defend the hunters, he attacked the monsters who dare attempt harm his sisters.

After that it was made plainly clear that Jack was more powerful than they all assumed otherwise. Artemis found it interesting that Jack, a large supernatural wolf, had control over some elements. Thalia on the other hand was reminded of how Percy fought to defend his lived ones. Kayla and the other young girls thought their big brother was 'wicked cool' and very strong.

After everyone calmed themselves down and Jack relayed why the monster ambush was almost successful. They all continued their night fully aware another assignment is due to be completed tomorrow.

"Jack." Artemis beckoned the large wolf over. "I have a favor to ask of you."

"Of course, my lady. What is it you need?" Jack asked respectfully.

"Apollo tells me there is a child of Hermes is being abused by their parent if not both." Jack nodded in understanding. "Please find them, guide them to where they can find help and safety. They should be somewhere in California, once you arrive it should be easy to find them."

Jack informed Thalia of his own assignment and left eager to take the chance to fulfill his hidden task. A certain fruit hangs on a certain tree guarded by a certain dragon atop a certain mountain. With it the consumer of said fruit had the ability to become immortal or a god depending on the person. But what Jack was more interested in was something more selfless and never attempted before.

Jack/Percy was more interested in bringing back an old friend and hero, back to life to replace him. Only one whose soul was not in Hades' realm, Tartarus, or Olympus. A person without a physical form on earth, missed by many, a natural born leader, and already strong.

Percy already had his choice selected very easily, none other than Zoë Nighshade, the huntress whose soul remains in the heavens. With Percy's help and training along with a couple blessings he had, Zoe could be a protector to all.

Once he arrived at the garden of the Hesperides, Percy was met with the daughters of Atlas. He saw the looks of fear and shock on their faces before the realization that he was a wolf dawned on him.

"Sorry about that." Percy smiled sheepishly after reverting back to a human form after a long while. The Hesperides gasped. Percy could practically see their eyes bulge out of their sockets. "I have something to ask you ladies."

"Perseus Jackson, hero of Olympus." Erytheia acknowledges.

Aegle recovered from her shock next. "What question is it that need an answer?"

"Well, actually" Percy responded scratching the back of his head. "It's a few questions, maybe more."

Hesperia nodded in understanding. "Go on Perseus, we will answer to the best of our ability."

"Just to be clear, Ladon can determine who is worthy of the apple right?" Percy asked for reassurance. Arethusa nodded in affirmed.

"Ladon is the guardian of the tree, therefore he determines who is worthy." Erytheia stated simply, making it seem it was common knowledge.

"Well then, can I use one to bring a friend back to life?" Percy asked with a knowing smirk.