Hello! Welcome to my story.

This was originally meant for Behind the Pages, but it never felt like cannon to me. There is no place in the books that even hint at this event, despite the fact that I believe something like this would have happened. Besides, I've always liked the Hunters, and I've always liked writing them. This is mostly dialogue, and no real plot development, since it takes place in the cannon plot.

I'm not good at writing in other dialects, so I'm sorry if Zoe's sounds a little weird or forced.

This takes place during Titan's Curse.

Enjoy!

An Oath to Keep With Final Breath

"Zoe?" The timid voice startled Zoe; she had belived she was alone in the forest. She whirled around just quick enough to convey that to whoever had addressed her.

"May," Zoe stated. "What are thee doing out here?"

"Searching for you," May replied, catching Zoe off-guard. She hadn't expected that.

"Why?" Zoe inquired, though she believed she knew May enough to know why.

As if echoing her thoughts, May replied, "I think you know."

"May, I-" Zoe protested, but was cut short.

"Don't tell me you don't want to talk about it." May stated. Despite coming off timid, she wasn't afraid to speak her mind.

"You know I have to go," Zoe replied.

"You'll die if you do," May responded. "And you know it." For a moment, May's green eyes met Zoe's.

"You cannot change a prophecy."

"Nor should you act according to one. You remember World War 2 just as well as I do."

"I am not. In fact, it is thee who wishes me too."

"I don't want you to die, Zoe." Zoe had to turn away from May's pleading eyes.

"I do not wish to die either, May, but I will not give up on Artemis."

"You won't be. Phoebe is completely capable of leading the quest, you know she is!"

"Then there would only be four going. The prophecy said five."

"You have ten other Hunters who would be willing to go."

"You included?"

"You don't even need to ask."

"And what about the prophecy?"

"It doesn't have to be about you." Zoe sighed again before turning back to face May.

"May, listen. I have to lead this quest. I have to go. I have been running from my father for over two thousand years, its time I faced him."

"But you'll die."

"You know how unpredictable prophecies can be; it might not be me who dies."

"It sure sounds like it!"

"May, please."

"Alright. But who's going to be lieutenant if you die?"

"Bianca."

"And while you, her, and Phoebe are gone?"

"You can take charge."

"Me? You're joking." Zoe finally turned around to face May's bewildered stare.

"I do not joke, May. You will do fine."

"But I've never… It's always been you… or Phoebe… or…"

"May, you will be fine. You've been a hunter for five whole centuries, I'm sure thee can handle a couple of days being in charge."

"I guess…"

"And thee are the best with mortals, too." May blushed a little.

"Despite being a nymph?" Zoe nodded. "You really believe I can pull this off?"

"Yes, I believe thee can. And if anything does go wrong, remember Chiron is always willing to help. You do need some sleep, however."

"I can't sleep in there, it's too warm."

"I'm sure Chiron can help you with that." May nodded before turning to walk away. "And May?"

"Yes?" May replied, turning her head to face Zoe.

"Take care of Bianca when she returns."

"Sure." Zoe watched as May once again turned around to leave before pausing. "Zoe?"

"Yes?"

"Please do your best to come home, prophecy or not."

"I will."