Percy Jackson: Guardian of the Huntress

"Even One Shred of Dignity"

I've been waiting since the beginning of the book to write this chapter, so here it is.
~Leonidas_son_of_Nike

"Is there anything else that needs to be discussed?" A brown-haired boy asks. The sea-green trimmings on his cloak sharply contrasted his piercing gray gaze as he looked down at the rest of us through the conference Iris-message.

Everyone shakes their head and a few people mutter, "No."

"Alright, then this Guardian council is dismissed." At this, most of the Guardians swipe their hands through the mist, disconnecting from the conference.

"Hey Rowan, hold on a second." The Boy leading the council stops before his hand reaches the mist.

Rowan is a son of Athena, and the Guardian assigned to Poseidon. Yes, both Poseidon and Athena made a big deal about it, but Nike, who is in charge of the Guardians, said it was the best combination. He's pretty serious, but Alex claims that she's seen him relax. He was named as the head of the Guardian council due to his experience.

"What's up Percy?" He asks.

"I'm sorry for missing last month's meeting." I say, "Was there anything of extreme importance that I need to know?"

"Don't worry about it." Rowan waves my apology aside, "We all heard about the Niobe situation. As for anything of importance..." He thinks for a moment, "Well, Alex did mention that she felt weird pulses from the earth, and Zarah said that Demeter had felt similar pulses."

I nod, "Alright, thanks. I'll keep you updated as I find stuff as well."

He nods, "Just...watch your back Percy. I'd hate to lose my protege in less than a decade."

I grin, "You won't have to worry about that."

Rowan nods and cuts the connection. I'd always looked up to the Guardian of Poseidon. He'd been around for over fifty years now and isn't going anywhere anytime soon. From what I'd heard, he is practically indestructible.

"Has the meeting been concluded?" A voice sounds behind me.

I turn and bow, "Yes Lady Artemis."

"Anything to report?"

"Nothing of any importance, M'lady." I reply

Artemis rolls her eyes, "I told you to stop calling me that Perseus."

I nod and stand up as Artemis looks me over.

"I'm going to be leaving the camp for a few hours." Artemis says, "Secure the perimeter and protect the camp."

I nod, then raise an eyebrow, "You're a little underequipped for a solo hunt."

"I'm not hunting." The goddess replies, "I'm recruiting."

"Would you like some company?" I ask.

"I would, but this young maiden is...hostile towards males." She answers, "It would be best if I did this alone."

I nod and Artemis runs off. As soon as she's out of earshot, I mutter, "Aren't they all hostile?"

I spend the rest of the day patroling the camp. It's tiresome work, walking in circles for hours on end, but I don't mind. I can also find ways to make it more interesting, if only to break the monotony. I don't think that will be a problem today though. A fortnight ago, Artemis recruited a hot-tempered girl by the name of Catania. She took an understandably instant dislike to me and has been trying to make my life complete Hades. The rest of the Hunt has seen me in action and trusts because of that.

"Hey Guardian!" A voice calls out, "Lady Artemis isn't here to protect you now! Time for you to get what's coming you filthy male."

Catania starts shooting arrows at me. Most of them bounce harmlessly off pelt my armor though one does come close to my face. I move quickly, catching the arrow before it hit me.