Betrayed Son of the Sea

A Warm Reception

Previously...

Percy plummeted down like a rock, feeling the wind whipping through his hair, the familiar rush of adrenaline in his veins. As he got closer to the ground, he suddenly whipped out his wings and he was soaring through the sky.

He flapped them a few times, taking in the feeling of having new appendages flapping on his back and it was incredible. He let out a whoop of elation as he soared through the sky. Taking in the landscape that ran beneath him, he marveled at the beauty of the city below him and the sunset in the distance.

Feeling a slight tugging in his mind that he somehow knew was Artemis, he angled his body in that direction, flying towards his destination. 

He had no idea what was in store for him, but he was ready for it and would face it head-on.

Now...

Percy POV

Flying threw the air was an incredible feeling. To feel the wind blowing through my hair and feathers, seeing the earth moving beneath me, and feeling the sun on my face, was indescribable. For the first time in three years, I forgot about everything and felt happier than I have felt in a long while. Up hear, flying in the sky, I felt like I could do anything.

I felt free.

I angled myself to Artemis's location. Ever since she disappeared, I could sense her within my mind. It was like a steady pulse, growing stronger the closer I got to her.

After about two hours of flight, with the moon shining its sliver light down upon me, I was nearing the campsite that the Hunt was currently in. I flew down, skimming the tops of the trees. I saw a branch that overlooked where the Hunters and Artemis stood, discussing something.

I had a feeling that they were discussing me from the looks of outrage and anger on their faces. I silently flew down and settled in the branches right above Artemis, a little behind her.

I crouched down and listened in on the conversation.

Artemis POV

After I flashed away, I felt a little satisfaction, knowing that my new Guardian would be hard-pressed to make it here in the tome that I gave him.

I thought back to my behavior in the throne room and couldn't help but feel the tiniest bit of guilt at how I handled myself in that meeting and how childish I sounded. I knew I overreacted about accusing Perseus of not being loyal and saying that he was like all other males, but I was so angry at the idea of a male being our guardian that I didn't think straight.

Another thing that annoyed me was how Perseus reacted to it. He didn't even flinch. Sure he paled a few times, but he took all the insults I threw at him and took it in stride. UGH! The nerve of that man!

I knew he was different from other men and I held a small amount of respect for him. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad with him here but only time will tell. I can only imagine how my hunters will react to this news. Well, no time like the present.

I walked into my camp and found all my hunters around the campfire. They were all whispering to each other, probably about the monster attack and Perseus. I saw Thalia sitting off to the side with a look of guilt on her face. She must feel terrible, looking for three years to find your cousin, only to shot him when you didn't even know it was him?

I could tell my Lieutenant loved Percy like a brother. His absence for the past three years has left her incomplete and she was hell-bent on finding him. I think she would take the news well. And then afterward, she will probably skewer him for disappearing on her.