My Karianna has been gone for exactly one month, twenty-four days, seven hours, and forty-three minutes. I would count the seconds, but my patients is running out. That is one thing I have lost in these fifty-four days, seven hours, and forty-three minutes, my patients.

I fear for her greatly. It is not within her character to run away. If I had not already realized through my scrying, the time would be indication enough. My beloved Karianna could certainly not handle herself, even if she had innocently run away; she was not a capable girl, not "street smart". She would have carried herself home by now, if she had left of her own free will. Miserable, lonely, confused, the only thing that would keep her away longer than a week would be fear—fear of my wrath.

But I would forgive her, of course. Blood of my blood, flesh of my flesh, she would be given mercy, tenderness even, if only she would come home! I miss her greatly, worry frequently, and panic every day.

That boy, that simple boy, hold my Karianna. For the second time, this boy had outsmarted me to take my one love in life. This would be the last time. I thought the problem had been solved all those years ago, when I arranged the transformation with Mother.

The day Karianna had been reborn was perhaps more wondrous than her original birth. Watching her die and fade had been disturbing, to say the least. If I had not be secure with the knowledge that she would, in a few years return to me, the event certainly would have shaken me far more. And the day she did return, oh my. I felt a kick. As gods, our bodies do not typically follow humans' cycles unless we desire them to. As a fertility goddess, my cycle would be natural. But I was not interested in maintaining the physical discomfort. Therefore, I did not recognize the symptoms of pregnancy. My surprise consumed me for a whole month and then…she was here.

The unfortunate aspect of the time of her birth was a result of his reincarnation only a few years prior. Though, he was many leagues away, across the nation. I cursed my mother for allowing him to return so close to Karianna's birth. What had she been playing at? Did she not understand what threat the boy was?

Before Hades violated my trust, when he was my brother, we had been good friends. I trusted him above all of our other siblings. He was noble, a very honest, quiet god. He, unlike the others, did not attempt to persuade me to come to Olympus more often, to leave the humans alone, to marry. Hades heeded none of these suggestions himself. We got along well, and I visited his realm more than any other god or goddess.

Then came the day when he started eyeing my daughter as though she was the nectar of life. He never made any move, but I began to feel uncomfortable. Karianna was restricted. My visits to Hades's land were suddenly cut back.

She will return. I am certain of it. And with Artemis's aid, it will be soon. Artemis's vessel was chosen well. Karianna's closest friend, Diana was a brilliant choice. She was naturally powerful, adept with a natural magical talent. She was perfect for the role.

Yes, I can feel it. We will have success. Artemis's power and influence will surely gain us the god's favoru. She was beloved in her time. My siblings must understand my position. Her father must agree with me—he is not at all fond of our brother. In time, she would return and we could be a family again.

XXXXXXXXXXX

As I kneel, I hear the whispers of the others around me. They are wondering why I have come, if I could be who Demeter claims me to be. Some can believe her claims, but some disagree. "Artemis has closed herself off. She is a hermit, but she has not reincarnated herself." One helmeted goddess says softly, stroking the edge of a polished shield.

"Artemis would have never allowed herself to become so weak." Agrees one stout god, rubbing his beard. Ruddy cheeks, wiry hair, and small, piggish eyes.

"What do you know of it?" Inquires a thin, wispy man. "Artemis could have changed her mind. She might've decided it could be toward her advantage."

They do not seem to care that I am listening. But then again, I do not care for their opinions on my authenticity. The only person's opinion that matters here is my father's.

Father sits directly in front of me. He is seated on a gold elaborate chair, lightning bolts and precious gems. He has his pondering face on. It is the one with when his purses his lips, pulls on his beard, and crinkles his forehead. He looks simply royal in a purple robe, a gold broach upon his strap, a crown resting on his head. Father taps his large fingers on the arm of the throne. I meet his eyes. The expression I see in them worries me. What if Father does not believe me?

The women to his left shifts in her seat. Hera, my stepmother. Her red-gold hair falls in intricate ringlets across her shoulders. A frown crosses her faces as her gaze sweeps the room. Frowns are often on Hera's face when she is in Father's presence, though who can blame her? I thank the gods I saved myself from the pain of infidelity. Being a virgin goddess prevents that humiliation.

"Where did you find our Artemis, Sister?" Hera's musical voice vibrates throughout the grand marble hall. Everyone alters their attention from me to the Queen of all divine things.

Demeter, who stands beside me, bows her head. She has revived the former wardrobe of flowing robes the colour of wheat, fresh spring grass and ripe grapes. Today she wears white linen, with a copper girdle and diadem. Her own golden hair, the exact shade of wheat, is braided on top of her head, strands wrapping around the diadem.

"She looks like a Swiss maid." Diana snickers in my mind.

"Quiet, mortal."

"Is that any way to speak to your 'vessel?'" She asks, but the girl doesn't comment again.

Demeter speaks, clasping her hands together and locking her knees. "The goddess Artemis came to me, asking to be returned to her body so that she might fully enjoy her immortal life. She was ready to return to the mortal world, but she needed my help."

"So you choose this mortal girl?" Hera drawls, looking me up and down. "One of your daughter's friends, am I right?"

"Yes." answers Demeter. Hera sneers. The other deities in the room are watching the tennis match with fascination. From what I gathered on my entrance, my reintroduction is the most exciting event that has occurred in several centuries.

"We are all familiar with your…interest in humans. But to give our dear, beloved Artemis a human body? Why could you not have given her a new form?" The others begin murmuring amongst themselves.

I want to speak out, defend my choice, but Demeter expressly forbid me from speaking unless I was directed to. Besides, as a human I was not allowed to communicate my opinion until Zeus declares me the true Artemis.

Demeter took a breath. "The girl Diana resembles Artemis greatly. She is naturally powerful in our magic. Artemis expressed her interest in using the girl. And Diana was willing. She came to me. Artemis sent her. I believe she was born for this."

"I wonder why?" Athena steps out from the shadow of one pillar, removing her reflective helmet. I see a sword is attached to the belt hanging across her hip. Her satin gown rustles as she moves toward Demeter. "Why would a human girl, seemingly content in her mortal life, suddenly realize it is her destiny to become Artemis reincarnated? Could she perhaps have had some encouragement?"

"I told you Artemis had visited her. She was the one who asked the girl. I just complied with her wishes."

Athena appealed to her father. "My lord, does it not strike you as coincidental that the Goddess Artemis would wish to return after five hundred years, right as the Goddess Kore returns to her husband, from four hundred-and-seventy years?"

Father nods slowly. The crowd of gods and goddesses grow quiet, leaning in. "It does seem anomalous for Artemis to return so soon. And even more peculiar that she would choose a human form. Artemis does not do weak things."

Hera jumps in. "And does it not also seem odd that Demeter would be the one to bring her back? Right after her daughter leaves, as well…"

Athena gives Hera a slight bow. "Yes, my lady, it bothered me as well." The murmurs begin again.

Demeter straightened, stock still. Her fists clench. "Zeus, my Karianna has nothing to do with Artemis's return."

My father looks me over. I lower my gaze. The pressure in the room increases as curiosity arises. Silence is heavy.

"The girl has not yet had a chance to tell her side. Before I make any decision, I want her own words." His voice booms throughout the hall, reverberating off the pillars, making the torches flicker.

I bow my head. "Thank you, my lord…Father." Out of the corner of my eye I see Athena tighten her lips.

"Why would you return now, Daughter?" He inquires, shifting his legs.

I glance at Demeter, who slips her gaze away from me. "I felt it was time. The world is chaotic. The mortals need our guidance once again. "

"Few of us possess the powers to reform the mortals. What would you suggest we do?"

"Live among them again." I said boldly. "Influence them. Many of us could gain positions of authority, all they need is some…examples."

"You claim you are my immortal child, the huntress. How can we know you are Artemis? Prove to me that you are my daughter."

Still kneeling, I reach behind me to grasp the silver bow that I hold on my back. Out of the leather pouch on my belt I pull out a finely woven string, a loop on each end. Bending the bow, I attach the loops to either arm. It takes very little effort. From my quiver I withdraw an arrow, made of ash. The pure red feathers on the end are phoenix. The tip is silver.

I look to my father. Nodding once, he gives me permission to stand. I do, crossing to one row of pillars. The line of deities edge away from me as I string the arrow. "Stay." I command, pulling back on the strung arrow. The torches that line the hall are on the pillars, one for every other marble cylinder. They are a ready-made goal. When the string is taut enough for my use, I release it.

My arrow soars through ever flame as a bird though the sky. At the end of its journey it embeds itself in the decorative shield on the wall, burning.

More than a few mouths are open in awe.

"Hephaestus," Father calls after a lengthy silence. "Would you examine the bow, my son?"

"Certainly, Father." The crippled smith limps forward from the stunned crowd, hands out for my bow. I pass it to him without objection. He almost caresses the smooth metal, lovingly turning the silver.

"This is a bow I made, Father." He confesses after several minutes, holding the bow up. "By your request."

"For whom?"

"My sister Artemis."

The hall erupts. Various deities shout out protests, while a number defend me. Bia, Momus, Mania and Eris all stand aside in one corner, smirking. Metis, Athena, and Caerus huddle together, murmuring rhythmically.

"SILENCE!" Father booms. Turning back to Hephaestus, he asks: "So you are entirely confident that this is Artemis's bow."

"Yes. " He lifts the bow even higher, gesturing to a small mark in the center. "I marked it, you see Father. This is Artemis's bow."

"So it is." Zeus agrees.

Demeter steps up. "Artemis would have never parted with her bow. She is the only one who could string it, anyhow. Brother, surely now you can see that this is our Artemis, return from the spiritual journey?"

A young god from the crowd stands. "I can vouch for her as well."

Will?! Kari's lovesick friend William stands in this hall of gods, looking quite at home, wearing a homespun sea-green tunic. A huge gold ring rests upon his middle left finger; one that I know isn't his class ring. He flashes me a quick smile before her returns his attention to the king of the gods. "She is the goddess. Father sent me to observe her for the divine traits long ago. "

Father? Who is his sire?

Obviously someone very influential, else Zeus would not be nodding as he is now.

He stares at me for a full minute. Then he breaks out into a grin, stands, and opens his arms. "Daughter, it warms my heart that you have return to Olympus. Dionysus, Elpis, let us celebrate! Let us all celebrate!"

Wine is brought forth and a feast is whipped up. Pan plays upon lire. The Muses dance, sing, or create music. People comment on the absence of my brother, wishing to add his musical talent to the party. Everyone is merry, save for a few. Hera, of course, Hemera, Aphrodite and Ares all looks on with varying degrees of disgust.

Demeter does not look too please either, for entirely different reasons. She is hoping to begin recovering her daughter. But that cannot happen now, not tonight. Tonight we must win the majority's favour.

Tomorrow we work. We work to save my friend. And I shall go on a personal mission to find who Will's father is.

XXXXXXXXX

Nothing is more relaxing than laying outside on a mild summer day with a large margarita and a nice, thick book. Especially if your chaise lounge happens to be one really hot guy who is even cuter when he's dozing off.

Hale and I lay together on the wrought iron seat. Well, I'm kind of on top of him. He's sort of holding me. Sort of. Which is surprisingly comfy. He feels so solid when I'm punching him. But his skin is soft, and he holds me in a way that just feels wonderfully right. We're practically puzzle pieces. Every so often, I'll reach up to touch his newly-shorn hair. Last night he came to dinner having just chopped off his long locks. Needless to say, I was horrified.

"Why?" I cried, flying from my chair. Hale, who was barely two yards from the door, rubbed his head sheepishly. The ends of the black mess was just past his ears and had grown wavy.

"I thought you would like it in a more," He hesitated. "modern style."

"Oh." I said, disappointed. "I actually liked it long."

"Oh…I apologize, Kari. It will be easier to maintain, anyhow. Until I can grow it back out."

"Well," I said, stepping closer to tentatively touch the end of one raven lock. It's just as silky as it was before. "You don't need to magic yourself, or anything. I…like it. A lot."

"Do you?" he asked softly, catching my eyes.

"Yeah. I really do." He had styled it in a slightly retro way, parted to the side. Slightly 1940s-ish. Very like him. Modern could only mean "Prior to the 1700s". A 60 year old hair style was not typically described as modern.

"That is…" Hale swayed closer to me, his nose moving along my jaw line before burying itself in my neck. I gasp, my fingers clenching to touch his scalp. "…just what I was hoping you would say."

Back in the present, I recall this as I stroke his skull, I smile. My fingers trace the side of his face, and he opens his mouth to playfully snap at them. I'm in a bit of a playful mood myself. Grinning, I roll over to face him, still dangling my fingers above his lips. Before he can bite again, I outline his upper and lower lips with my index. "You are irritating."

"All for your sake, my flower. Never a dull moment."

"That's true." I admit, sliding my finger down to outline the pale hollow of his neck. "What shall we do today?"

"Mmmmm…how about nothing?" Hale suggests, pulling me closer so my face is only a few inches from his. "The day is more than half over, and I am quite content here. Unless there is something you would like to accomplish, my love?"

As though I have to think it over, I bite my lip and stare up to the plaster-and-mosaic ceiling. I do want to visit Mallow, or perhaps walk to one of the rivers. The day is unusually warm; a visit to the fields would be very welcome. There are many things I wish to do, but I'm more inclined to stay here, beside him.

"No, I can't think of anything."

A vampire grin spreads across Hale's sculpted face. "I could dream up a few things." His fingers dance along my spine, drawing circles. I roll over, settling with my back on his stomach.

"Ooof!"

I giggle, please to have knocked the wind out of him in my sudden motion.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." I confirm, returning to my book.

"Alright," Hale sighs. His disappointment is thick, but I chose to ignore it. While the physical comfort between of us has doubt over the last three days, I still draw the line at that base.

"Did you like the rain?" he asks, breaking my focus on my book.

"Yes," I look up from my novel. "Very much. I wish you could've been here with me." He had left an hour before the first sprinkles began. There was trouble with the judging, Erebus informed me. An unclear character of one of the souls. Hale needed to be there as a higher authority. It must have been an O.J. Simpson reenactment, because he didn't return until the next morning.

I have been down here for just of three months, with Erebus tells me is roughly one-and-a-half months on Earth. Back home, it's probably the last week of May or the first week of June. How am I going to make up that school work? What about finals?

A sudden, loud crack interrupts my reading. I glare up at Hale and move to smack him lightly, when I see that he is just as surprised as I am, and staring at the fountain. I follow his gaze. A face, molded in the water, peers out at us from the continuous flow of the fluid.

Hale automatically stands. Of course I FALL to the ground which is HARD! I think my tail bone is bruised. When I hit the ground, I give a small cry. Hale, surprisingly enough, ignores me. I huff for a minute, then listen into the conversation.

"What do the gods demand of me?" Hale's voice is devoid of emotion, in complete contrast to his voice a mere two minutes ago.

The images voice's is pure music, like bells. It laughs. I have to flinch. It reminds me snotty Erin.

"Demand?" The musical figure cries. "Godson, the gods would never demand anything of you. We are your family."

Hale did not even bother answering. He merely waited for the figure to speak again, arms crossed, face blank.

"They wish to have an audience with you, as soon as convenient, sire." She said formally, conveniently remembering her place on the social food chain.

My gaze swings toward Hale. His stormy eyes met mine for a moment. The worry I saw in them frightened me. He was concerned.

"Tell my family," He spat out the last word. "That I shall be visiting them shortly."

"Wonderful!" The face sang. "I will tell them to expect you within the week?"

"Within the hour."

"As you command, sire." With that, the figure melted out of existence, leaving my fountain as it was before. If this could happen without regulation, who could be watching me? Thinking of this, I give myself mental note to always close the curtains to the French doors before undressing.

Hale turns around slowly, head bowed. I stand and cross to him, moving very slowly. He pulls my hands into his instantly. A low moan escapes his tighten lips. I gently caress his face, whispering comfort. "It'll be okay."

"I hope it will." He whispers. "I wish…you…"

"I what?"

Hale pauses, drawing back to study my face. "It all depends on you, you know." He finally says softly.

Frustrated, I sigh, but keep my temper in check. "You keep saying that. But I don't understand. How can I change anything? My powers are barely developed, Hale! I'm not in useful."

"Because this time you have a greater power." Hale catches my lips. For a moment he extracts himself, just a centimeter. "You have ultimate free will."

"WHAT?" I wrench back. I want to both laugh and yell. "Free will? That's my special power?" I had been hoping for invisibility, x-ray vision, something classic. Not this.

Hale chuckled. "You do not understand."

"I understand what 'free will' means!" I snap. "But I don't feel like I've had very much of it."

"You have more than you have ever had. And that means the world, Karianna." His eyes were shinning. "That you have the liberty to choose—we can't comprehend what that means until we are in the clear."

I restrain my smile. His modern allusions were cute. "You mean 'winning'," I make air quotations. "all depends on what I choose."

"Yes."

"So what can I do?"

Hale frowns. "It is not that simple. There is no battle plan, no clear war. We have to wait."

"I don't want to wait."

"We must." Hale grabs my hands again. "I am sorry. There is nothing else we can do without endangering this," He gestures to the space between us. "and I will not risk that."

I sigh. Hale rubs my hands, his eyes pleading. Such a difference from his expression in front of the figure. "What was that face?" I ask suddenly.

"A sprite." Hale says, but he sounds distracted. Probably because he is too busy peering into my eyes. Worried. I kiss his hand.

"You should probably go." I murmur.

Hale nods. Leaning forward, he kisses my forehead, letting his lips linger upon my skin. Then he turns, magicking his clothes to be heavier, darker, longer. It was sort of sexy. He prowls away from me. He stops before the threshold and looks back.

"I…Stay here." He says finally. "Please."

"Okay." I reply, confused. "I wasn't planning on leaving."

Hale barks a laugh. "Of course you were not."

"I wasn't!" I protest.

Hale closes his eyes. "Please."

"Be careful." I lock his eyes with mine, not agree to anything.

XXXXXXXXX

I arrive on Olympus exactly thirty-seven minutes after the sprite's visit. Upon entering the hall, I hear the whispers of my brothers and sisters, cousins and nephews. Everyone is there. Everyone, I see, except Demeter and my second brother. Scanning the crowd, I see that he has sent his son in this stead.

Zeus sits on his gaudy throne, watching the chaos before him. When the doors slam behind me, the sound dulls to a low roar. Stares are as contagious as the plague. It has been three years since I was here. As I tighten my fists, I recall why. The other gods on Olympus put a strain on my patients. This trip would be worth the annoyance and frustration, though. She is always worth it.

No one speaks. Beside my brother, the beautiful Hera is draped on the chair beside him. When my eyes rest upon her she gives me a smile, glossed red lips curving into perfect half-moons. While I am a little surprise, I give no reaction. No one has, to my relief, noticed Hera's grin. Not even her husband.

"You wish to speak to me, brother?"

Zeus opens his mouth, then closes it. Then opens it again. "Yes, Hades. It is the matter of—"

"I shall not discuss it," I pause, letting my gaze sweep the room. "in such a public venue."

Zeus raises his brow, but does nothing but boom "Clear out."

In a few minutes, the room is empty. Several grumble, but I ignore the snarky remarks. I've gotten so use to my flower's comebacks, my skin has, as she put it "grown a freakin' thick skin."

"Now that we are alone," I say, stepping into the beam from the sky light. "We can begin."

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Sorry for the wait. School is nearly over, my free time may soon actually be free!

Please, please, please review this juicy chapter!

Would anyone be interested in betaing? I've had some complaints on spelling & grammar, etc.

Btw, if anyone is referring to how I spell "colour", or "favour", that's the British spelling. So it's off limits.

~Dania