AN: I'd really like to thank you all for the reviews and any person reading this story. Don't worry, this isn't a good-bye note, just some good old-fashion 'Thank you!' which is somewhat lacking in today's world. For the 9/11/01 victims and Americans because we were all affected, my heart goes out to you all.

Artemis

Just as the goddess of maidens thought.

Her son was very patient and aware of his surroundings. Though, Artemis wished she could have punished that larger boy for trying Milo's kind-hearted nature. How she would have enjoyed seeing this Brunos's face her wrath, but, alas, she could not harm the boy just yet. She knew that Apollo would find a way to annoy her to death, or at least what death is like for a goddess, in order to rebuke her for assault on a minor.

Then another thought occurred to her.

Was this how she truly was? Was she a cruel, heartless, and an unsympathetic being?

Shaking her head to rid the thoughts of anymore changes to her mood, Artemis tried not to lose what kept her the same person for over many millennia; Confidence.

Artemis didn't desire to seek the total change of her own self. She would never admit it again out loud but, change scared her to the point where she would wish to stay idle. However, that would be impossible for a huntress.

She was back at the hunter's camp as soon as she felt Milo could take care of himself this day. Within seconds of her arrival, Thalia quickly gestured her to come into the head tent silently with all the respect the disturbed demi-god could muster. Artemis obliged, though it wasn't like she had a choice in the matter, and made her way to her tent.

Thalia was pacing yet again in back and forth over and over again. Then in the heat of her struggle with comprehension, she started to go in circles matching the patterns of the oval rug on the floor. The goddess put both her hand on each of her lieutenant's shoulder and met the troubled girl's gaze.

"What is the matter that disturbs you so?" The woman form of a goddess said.

"Not to be rude, but you and the fact that Gaea is back once again are what troubles me." She said with her electric blue eyes alight. Artemis made a motion that indicated she sit down and the girl obeyed hesitantly and sat on one of the lounge chairs that made her feel like she was in a shrink's office.

"Please, explain yourself." Thalia took in a deep breath and closed her eyes.

"I saw Gaea consulting with the Japanese domain of the underworld after you had left on a solo hunt." She stated opening her eyes again to reveal them in a slightly calmer state. "She was speaking in their native tongue so I couldn't understand the conversation, but it looked as if she was trying to earn the trust of the beast guarding the entrance."

"How did you know if it was their underworld of all places?" the goddess asked. "And why did you leave without my permission?" the last part was directed in a firmer tone.

"The beast was the first Komainu which protects temples, important temples, as you have taught us, and to the second question, you were too distracted to answer my plea to go on our own hunt."

Artemis looked down at the girl with shock. Thalia took the silence as an opportunity to continue on the later note.

"Lady Artemis, you have been so distant and away from us, your hunters, that it was becoming as if we were not there," she stated, "And you have not once since you returned ever changed into your usual twelve year old form."

Artemis was taken aback by her words. She was that obvious?

"I have been lost for quite some time." She admitted, "I know that I have not changed, but I no longer feel comfortable with that particular form anymore."

Now it was the lieutenant who was shocked.

"You've always loved being amongst us as part one of our own and part leader."

"Now I see that it was quite foolish to pretend to be one of you." Artemis realized with regret in her voice.

The girl in the room realized just that; she was a child compared to the woman both actually and fictionally staring down at her. Not even her real age being somewhere close to her early thirties was anything to be put next to a woman who lived almost as long as the Earth herself. She also came to terms with the way Artemis was acting; taking more caution, becoming more lenient, and taking time to focus on the concern of the hunt. Artemis was acting motherly. She had grown up mentally over the last four years and nine months.

"Lady Artemis," she whispered as her leader sat down next to her, "You have had a child."

Artemis nodded without any effort to make the girl think otherwise.

"He is four years old and his birthday just past a week ago to be exact." Any person could have seen the love she had for that child.

"A male child… any more surprises, my lady?" the lieutenant asked astonished.

"Just one more," She took a breath, "He is to become either the new king ruling alongside his queen or guardian of the new queen if not both."

"I have a feeling that you are going to have at least twenty ulcers by the time he reaches adolescent years, Lady Artemis." Thalia said sighing with exasperation.

"I have a feeling that you are correct."

Both women heaved the biggest sigh that could ever be managed at the last statement.

"Promise me that no one else will hear of this, Thalia." She commanded looking at her.

"I promise," then she added: "As long as I get to be the guardian of the little guy."

If Artemis was in trouble before, she was in deep by now, but she trusted Thalia with the responsibilities of keeping order. The blue-eyed huntress was as reliable as any trustworthy friend when it came to taking care of family.

"Deal, as long as you never let him out of your sight when I appoint you to watch over him."

She made the promise without question.