Chapter 1
Maria twisted in mid air, plunging the blade of her celestial sword into the back of the hell hound. It burst into flames, the ashes descending into the ground again. The exhausted girl landed firmly on the lowest branch of a tree and waited, gasping for breath. Claw marks ran down her back, gushing blood. Maria was losing so much blood and fast, she began to sway. Next thing the girl knew she was in a cave. The sound of rushing water was not too far away, maybe a river was close. She dragged herself into a sitting position and looked around. There was a big bowl near the entrance of the cave, but other than that and the grimy pallet she was laying on, the room was empty. She stumbled to her feet and took a few shaky steps. Suddenly, she crumpled to the ground. A figure stood in the shadows of the cave, chuckling darkly.
"You are so pathetic Maria." Out stepped Alex, son of Kronos and the nymph Layla. "You thought you; the daughter of two mere half bloods could stop me; son of the Titan lord? So pathetic…" Alex growled and leapt on Maria, changing form in the air. He landed as a black wolf, ripping her body to shreds. Before she breathed her last breath though, a great flash of light filled the dark cave. Standing before them was the Ruler of all, Lord Zeus. In one swift movement, he had picked up Maria and disappeared in a flash of lightning.
The two traveled through the sky at amazing speed, but even Zeus could not control time. She was dead before they reached Mt. Olympus. Zeus gently laid her before the other Olympians.
"Brother…..Poseidon. Can't you turn my granddaughter into a Nereid? Artemis…..my daughter, could you make her a Hunter?" The God begged. Poseidon simply shook his head. "I'm sorry Zeus, she would not last a minute under water, for she is not mine." A discouraged Zeus turned to Artemis.
"I could try Father. Thalia! Come help me with your daughter dear." She replied. A dark haired girl appeared beside the goddess. Tears ran down her face as she rushed to her daughter. Thalia had realized she loved Percy Jackson only a month after their separation. She had returned to Half Blood Hill and trained alongside him for a year, both falling more and more in love. After Maria had come along, Thalia fled back to Artemis and begged for forgiveness. She was admitted into the Hunters of Artemis only after proving her loyalty. Thalia dueled Percy, but she could not kill him, instead she wounded him gravely. He escaped to the ocean to fight the war with him Father. Maria was left in the hands of Chiron until she was old enough to train. Now, thirteen and so much like her parents, Maria had tried to defend her home alone.
Artemis stepped down from her throne and knelt next to Thalia and Maria. "She needs Nectar and Ambrosia." She announced. Immediately, a golden platter appeared before her, held by Hebe. "Thank you dear." Artemis gave the girl a smile and set to work. All of the Gods and Goddesses in the room held their breath while Artemis placed the food in her mouth. "Uncle, a little water if you please?" Poseidon rose and poured water from his cupped hands into Marias mouth. The whole world seemed to pause and wait. After what seemed like hours, Maria reacted. Her long eyelashes uncovered her beautiful brown eyes. Color returned to her rosy cheeks. Very slowly she sat up, wincing when she felt the gashes. A gasp escaped her lips when she took in where she was. The ceiling was very high, far from flat. Many arches and beams ran across it. The walls were golden, the floor white marble. There were twelve thrones in the shape of the cabins at camp, few were occupied, though. One, she remembered as Lady Hera's, sat a regal looking young woman with chocolate brown hair in braids. She wore a simple white dress. The woman was unmoving, which made Maria wonder if she was a statue. Another, beside Hera, was holding a woman in a golden dress. Maria recognized her as Lady Demeter. Her red hair was put up loosely with combs to match. On the God's side sat a man wearing a turquoise robe. He was seated next to Zeus's throne. The God had dark brown hair and carried a trident. This could only mean he was Poseidon. Maria noticed her grandfather; Zeus standing next to her and her aunt; Artemis kneeling beside her as well. Artemis was wearing a dark purple and blue dress, her hair caught up in a golden band. Zeus looked much more important than the others in his white robe and laurel crown. Windows showed the outside world of Mt. Olympus. Green fields, gardens full of beautiful flowers, animals, and fountains raining down pure water. Lastly, Maria's eyes met those of her mothers. Thalia was silently crying. The two said nothing, but nodded. Finally Artemis spoke. "Maria, daughter of Thalia Grace and Percy Jackson, do you wish to join my Hunters?" Maria thought about the immortality promised, and the chance to fight against Alex. She had heard stories about the Huntresses, but never had she actually met one until now. Let alone the leader, Lady Artemis herself. Maria took a shaky breath and nodded. "Yes. I would."