Betrayal

2

"Again!"

Percy was drenched in sweat. Since he explained everything to the Council, Athena had brought up an extensive training regimen. He was trained by Artemis, Ares, Athena, and Bellona. Other goddess' would come and go, aiding him in fights. The gods had created a place where time flowed slower than the real world and there they trained non-stop. The few breaks he got were to eat and drink the food of the gods to keep himself going. For some reason, in this space, it did not seem that he had a limit to the intake of godly food.

Right now, he was currently fighting both Mars and Bellona, with Artemis as an ally. While Artemis was surely one of the best Olympian's to have on his side, he was surprised that Bellona was keeping Artemis on the defensive. Not to mention, Mars was not his overly confident self he had been long ago as Ares. No, Bellona and Mars had fought together and laid waste to countless battlefields where as Percy had never fought side-by-side with any god, let alone an Olympian. The few times you could say he had fought with any was when they finished off a giant he had been fighting in the last war. Other than that, he'd never had their help in battle.

This training was to teach him fighting with a godly entity as an ally, as well as how to fight other godly enemies. He might be the strongest demigod alive, but even he had limits, and his limits were drawn when he faced off against gods at their full power.

"Alright. That's enough. This is quite unfortunate. I have yet to see any good fits for your fighting style, Perseus."

Mars, swapping back to his Greek form Ares, spoke up. "That is not quite true. There was one."

Athena's eyes narrowed. "And who would that be? He was always on the defensive with any of his allies."

Ares shook his head. "You are trying so hard to leave your pride and true thoughts out of this, but its failing. You know that YOU are the best one suited for watching his back."

"Uh...what?" came Percy's perfectly timed response.

Athena got in Ares face, her's glowing gold, and his holding that smug grin he liked to wear so much. "Th-that is irrelevant. I cannot be the one to stand beside him! You know father would never let me go."

Ares smirked, "You didn't deny that you want to, though."

If Athena's face could have showed her blush any more, it certainly would have after that statement. "Alright, Ares. Enough. Do not tease her. Besides, who would want me with this–" Percy caught himself.

Athena didn't miss it at all though. "With what?" she asked.

"Nothing. Don't worry about it," he said, rubbing his face. Ares frowned. He grabbed Percy by the shoulder and spun him around.

"You can't hide that kind of wound from me for long, punk. Remember, war is my forte, and wounds come with it." He waved a hand over Percy's face and a vicious scar appeared, not that dissimilar to Luke's scar. It ran over his right eye and was about three inches long.

"How?" Athena asked.

"Your daughter," he replied, turning and stomping away.

-/-

Percy made his way through the streets of Olympus. "Perseus."

He stopped and turned, coming...well, chest to face with the twelve-year-old Goddess of the Hunt. "Yes? How can I help you, mi'lady?"

She studied him for a moment. "You hide behind a facade so much. Yet, you are still respectful."

"Those that deserve it, get it. But, few gods deserve it from me."

She nodded. "Still, I feel as if you've done Olympus more than enough service, yet here you are, once again saving us. I have a favor to ask of you, one that I shall reward you for, of course."

Percy hesitated. It wasn't often that a male was ever asked anything of from this goddess, let alone, rewarded for. "What...what kind of favor?"

Artemis smirked. "I need you to train Thalia. She is my Lieutenant and yet, she still needs to come a long way. Since finding this news out, we've been training you nonstop, I have little time out of my days to do much other than my basic duties."

Percy nodded. "Okay, what do I get in return for this?" he asked, curious.

"I shall give you a form of my blessing that my Huntresses get, though, obviously not tied to myself or an oath."

Percy's eyes widened. That was a very powerful blessing, and not one that had ever been bestowed upon a male. "Are you sure? While I'd greatly appreciate it, it is quite unexpected."

"Yes, I am sure. It is not often a male of your caliber comes along, though it does not surprise me as you are just like your father when he is in a good mood. And besides, I think you'll find the task well worth the reward. She's quite out of practice with her sparring skills."

Percy groaned. Of course she was. She had little use of front line combat lately. "Its a deal, Lady Artemis."

"Good. I'll send her to the arena now."

"Now?!" he exclaimed, before she snapped her fingers and he was back in the arena.