A/N: Both PJO and HOO belong to Rick Riordan, I do not own anything in this story. Enjoy and review!

Son of Atlas

Chapter 2

-3rd POV-

It was almost dusk by the time Perseus had come back from hunting. He had caught several rabbits and killed a few deer. As he was about to turn back towards the Garden, he spotted a man walking through the forest. He wore a white tunic and had a sword on his waist. Perseus could smell the man's godly scent and quickly determined that he was a demigod

The man walked for a time until he reached the road to the Garden. Perseus had been following him trying to determine if he was a threat to his sisters. They were almost to the gate when a twig had snapped to the left of the man, and he turned to see a pack of hellhounds. The man had drawn his sword and Perseus had decided to help him. He took out his bow and shot several arrows at the hellhounds.

They vaporized into golden powder instantly and the man took this time to shove Perseus to the ground. Perseus was angered by this and was about to shout at the man but was interrupted when the gate was opened.

Zoe had walked into the clearing to see Perseus on the ground while a man was covered in golden dust next to him. "Percy! Thank gods you're alright! Where have you been and who in Hades is this man?"

Perseus growled at the man but turned to his sister to reply. "I was out hunting when I found this man near the Garden. When he was attacked by a pack of hellhounds I helped him out and the brute had the nerve to push me after that!"

The man bristled at the insult but stayed silent. Perseus noted the hungry look in the man's eyes when he looked at Zoe and was disgusted. If he ever hurt his sister, Perseus would make him pay.

Zoe glared at the man for hurting her brother. "I am Zoe Nightshade and this is my brother, Perseus, guardians of the Garden of the Hesperides. And you are?"

Hercules smirked as he puffed up his chest. "I am Hercules, demigod son of Zeus."

Zoe wasn't impressed but was confused. "Is that supposed to mean anything to me, demigod? Why are you here?"

Perseus who had stayed silent until now, had expressed his thoughts. "Indeed, why are you here, spawn of Zeus?"

Hercules glared at Perseus and took an arrogant pose. "Lady Hera herself has personally sent me on a quest to complete twelve tasks of her choosing. Right now, I am to kill the Neaman Lion."

The siblings were still suspicious of Hercules, but they couldn't do anything to him lest they bring Zeus' wrath to their family once more.

Zoe stiffly offered to help him while Perseus still glared at Hercules. "Very well demigod, you may pass into the garden. But if you steal an apple, it will be your head." Perseus growled.

Hercules smirked and said, "Actually, i'm here to hunt the Nemean Lion and i'll be the first to kill it."

Perseus did a mental facepalm while Zoe did it physically much to Hercules' despair. They decided to leave Hercules to himself as they headed back to the garden. Perseus couldn't help but wonder about all the ways the idiot son of Zeus would die.

-Time Skip-

They had told their sisters about the encounter, to which Aegle snorted while the other three had amused looks, even as they headed for bed. They had been able to sleep a total of four hours until they were rudely awoken by a loud roar near the forest, followed by a battle cry. And Perseus knew who it belonged to instantly. The roars only seemed to be getting closer to their home as well.

Perseus had gotten his gear ready to fight the lion, not because he wanted to help Hercules, but because the lion could hurt his sisters.

"Percy, you don't have to go! You won't be able to kill it!" Hesperia exclaimed.

Perseus only shook his head at his older sister. "No Ria, but either way, i'll die either way unless I at least try."

Hesperia looked crestfallen because you can't convince Perseus out of anything, no matter how hard you try. She meekly nodded and she went back inside with her sisters.

Perseus hid around the base of the garden to wait for the Lion. He stalked around it until he heard the roar to his right, followed by heavy footsteps. He barely dodged the Nemean Lion with Hercules barrelling past him.

He took out his bow and fired several arrows at the monster. The Neamon Lion roared at him and charged towards Perseus. He dodged to the side and he fired several more arrows at its side. By that time, Hercules had began to hack and slash at the monster with his sword. It roared and headbutted Hercules, launching him into a nearby tree. Perseus winced and he took out his hunting knives. They gleamed a brilliant bronze in the moonlight and he positioned himself to attack if the lion charged at him again.

Perseus was thinking of a plan when the lion leaped into the air and launched itself at him. He had no time to dodge and he braced himself for the impact. The lion had managed to hit his target and knocked Perseus to the ground.

It had managed to deliver several deep gashes into Perseus chest and deliver a thin one to his face. He winced in pain as he got up, but he was too exhausted to do so. The Neman Lion roared at him again and prepared to charge and give the killing blow.

But Hercules saved Perseus by getting in the way of the lion and holding its maw open as it tried to writhe out of his grip. Perseus managed to take out his bow and he aimed a shot for its mouth and fired.

It's aim struck true which caused the lion to freeze in shock. This gave Hercules enough time to get his sword and plunge it into the jaws of the monster. The lion vaporized into gold dust as Perseus' vision blackened and he fell into the realm of Morpheus.

-Line Break-

Hercules wouldn't admit it, but he was thankful for the son of Atlas' help. The lion had almost gotten him when he tried to save Perseus, but the arrow helped him give the killing blow. Without it, he might have died along with Perseus.

He felt that he should apologize to Perseus for being so arrogant and rude to him yesterday when he just met them. He would also apologize to Zoe, he wouldn't deny that he found her stunning.

He was determined to complete the labors that his step-mother sent him his way and prove that he is a hero.

A/N: So, what did you guys think? I'm sorry if it's not good, so I'm taking any criticism you guys have! Also, a poll here: should I make Hercules evil or good in this story? Racking my mind over here.