Hey guys, here is the next chapter of the Venator.

Arthur woke up to a canvas ceiling. He did not know where he was or how he got here, but he did know his body ached. He flexed his fingers, and even the nails on his hand hurt. He slowly moved his head to the side to get a better idea of where he was.

"Oh, you're awake," a voice called. Arthur looked over and saw the blonde Apollo kid from before the battle. His eyes widened as he remembered what had happened. He was supposed to be dead.

"You may not remember me, I'm Will Solace. Best healer here at Camp Half-Blood."

Arthur started to speak, but struggled for his words, "W…w….wh…"

Will put a hand gently on him, "Easy, you are in a medical tent we set up. The infirmary filled up pretty quick. You scared your friends. They swore you were dead when I arrived."

Arthur did not know what he was talking about. Who could have saved him? How did they save him? He started to raise up in the bed. Will yelled in surprise and helped him up.

"You shouldn't be moving. You're not fully healed," Will said.

Arthur breathed heavily, "Fast...healer."

Will nodded, "You must be," he checked Arthur's wounds, "With a hole the size you had, even with my dad's help, I assumed two weeks of recovery."

Arthur winced, "How long?"

His mouth was still dry. It felt like he had eaten Thalia's salty cooking for five meals straight. He never wanted a drink so bad as the night she burnt that elk. He really needed some water or nectar now.

"You've been unconscious for several days," Will said.

Arthur's eyes about bulged out of his head when he heard that. Were the Romans still around? No one from Camp Jupiter, except Angela, knew he was here. They would have packed up and left with no issues. The pain in His body was slowly dulling as Arthur became more alert. He looked down for the first time since his eyes opened and saw he was not wearing his armor, or a shirt.

"Where is my armor, and my hoodie?" Arthur asked Will.

Will smiled, "Your hoodie is right here. One of the Romans took your armor. She said something about fixing it."

Arthur grabbed his hoodie and swung his legs to the side of the bed, "Did she have a large warhammer?"

Will nodded, "Yes. Before you ask the obvious questions on your face let me answer them. The Romans are here, your praetor has your weapons, and no you cannot put on that hoodie yet. Your wounds need to heal without that thing rubbing the bandages. Also there is a huge hole in it. Sorry in advance for any of the Aphrodite cabin."

Arthur grimaced as he tried to stand. He made it all the way up before his left leg gave up on him, and he fell to the bed. Will tried to catch him, but Arthur weighed too much for him and he fell to the floor. Arthur went to help him but was stopped by laughing.

"Solace, you need to hit the weights," a loud voice called.

Arthur turned his head to see Clarisse standing next to his bed, holding her side from laughter. Will pulled himself up and glared at Clarisse.

"I can't help the fact that this guy is like a tractor. No offense," Will added the last part as he looked at Arthur.

Arthur waved him off, "Do you have some nectar?"

Will handed him a canteen, "Remember, not too much or you will burn up."

Arthur smirked, "I know my limits don't worry."

Arthur tilted the canteen back and began to drink. While most demigods could only take one gulp, Arthur drank half the canteen. Will and Clarisse eyed him warily as he handed the container back to Will.

"Thanks. Clarisse, could you help me walk. I've been in this bed for too long and would like some fresh air."

Clarisse stared at him blankly for a second before answering, "Y-yea. I needed to speak with you anyway."

"Thanks," Arthur replied. He turned to Will and added, "Don't worry, I'm sturdier than your average demigod."

Will just nodded as Clarisse helped Arthur stand. She wrapped his arm around her shoulder and acted as a crutch for him. The two walked out of the tent and into the brightly lit outside.

Arthur was able to better appreciate the camp in the daylight, without being critically injured. Demigods roamed around laughing and enjoying life. They were in canoes, on the rock wall, and just running around pranking each other. Arthur saw nymphs interacting with the campers as well. It looked like pure chaos and Arthur loved it. It was built into the land instead of on top of it like Camp Jupiter was.

"Where do you want to go punk?" Clarisse asked.

Arthur shrugged, "I need to find Praetor Reyna probably. She will need a report for my absence these last few years."

Clarisse grunted, "I think I saw her heading towards the cabins earlier. We will try there first."

Arthur nodded, "How are your injuries?"

Clarisse looked at him, "They are fine, thanks to you. If you had not stopped that ogre I would be dead. Thanks for that."

"Don't worry about it. We are family, we should look out for each other," Arthur replied.

Clarisse shrugged, "Some of my family make me want to wring their necks."

Arthur laughed, "Well they wouldn't be family if they didn't make you feel that way sometimes."

"So how are you Artemis' son?" Clarisse asked.

Arthur knew this question would come. He really did not want to explain everything, but he could no longer hide. He hoped Clarisse would take a simple answer, "She adopted me by fusing her blood with me."

Clarisse was shocked, but did not push for more. It seemed to her that the son of Artemis wanted to keep some of his past as a secret still. That was fine with her, he could share when he wanted. The two of them walked on without a word for several minutes. Arthur was causing them to walk slower than usual.

"Well, you're okay in my book," Clarisse told him.

It was Arthur's turn to be stunned, "That's it? No other questions?"

Clarisse laughed, "Listen punk, and this stays between the two of us or I'll kill you. If you prove yourself to be a good fighter and are not my enemy, we will be friends. I'm even friends with that idiot son of Poseidon. I pick on people to keep up my image. Just make sure you know, you and I are cool."

Arthur nodded and grinned. Clarisse seemed like a hard headed fool when he first met her. Now that he caught a glimpse of her without the shell, he could tell she had a caring side. He was glad to have found one friend in the Greek camp. If nothing else, Clarisse would probably use force to stop any ill-treatment he received.

After that, the two talked like old friends. Clarisse asked about all of his tattoos, while Arthur asked about the camp. Chris joined them as they searched for Reyna. He was in a wheelchair until his legs fully healed. He thanked Arthur for helping Clarisse before joint in their discussion. Those who knew Clarisse and Chris, knew they were not very public with their relationship. As they watched the three walk around camp, laughing and joking, they were surprised. Especially when Clarisse leaned down to kiss Chris at one point.

Finally, after about thirty minutes of searching, they found Reyna. Arthur saw she was talking to some girl who looked Native American. Reyna looked sad as they talked, so Arthur focused ears to pick up, what was being said. He could not catch much, but from the sounds of things Aphrodite told Reyna she would not find love with a demigod, and the Native American girl was telling her to make her own destiny when it came to that. That was good advice in his opinion. Arthur was saddened when he heard Reyna would not fall for a demigod though. Now he knew he would never have a chance to be with her. He would just have to make sure she was happy then, no matter who she was with.

"Hey Roman, is this yours?" Clarisse yelled as she motioned towards Arthur.

Reyna turns around and about fell to the ground. Quickly regaining her composure she smirked, "I'm not sure who that lost puppy belongs to anymore. I'll do you a favor and take the mutt off your hands though."

The Native American girl laughed, "Clarisse, I need to talk to you about the next capture the flag game."

"Alright Piper, let me drop one of these sacks of potatoes off with Reyna and we can go."

Chris shouted in outrage at being called a sack of potatoes.

"Don't worry," Clarisse said, "You're a sack of potatoes that I intend to keep around."

Chris smiled until he realized what it was Clarisse said. He cried in outrage again, while everyone else laughed at him. Reyna came and took Clarisse's place as Clarisse pushed Chris along and walked off with Piper. As they walked off, Reyna glared at Arthur.

"Legionnaire, why are you shirtless and covered in tattoos?"

Arthur rubbed his head, "Doctor's orders about the shirt, Praetor. As for the tattoos, I was alone for a long time, and thought they looked cool. I did not think it was against the rules to get them."

Reyna glared at him, "You realize that all the archers are gonna want tattoos like yours now."

"Sorry," Arthur said quietly.

Reyna chuckled, "Don't be. They look awesome and make you seem tougher. I didn't recognize you when I saw them."

Arthur was quiet as they walked. He was not sure what to say to Reyna, but it was nice walking with her.

Reyna ended the silence, "Where were you Arthur?"

Arthur hung his head, "Artemis gave me a mission. I've taking care of a house for the Hunt, as well as gaining control of a curse on me."

Reyna stopped, "By the way…"

Arthur turned to her. She looked up at him and smiled, then punched him. Arthur was caught of guard and fell to the ground. Reyna shook her hand in pain.

"Gods, it's like you're made of marble," Reyna said.

Arthur groaned, "What was that for?

Reyna fixed him with her stare, "For not saying goodbye, and lying to me."

Arthur slowly picked himself up, "I understand the not saying goodbye, but what did I lie about?"

"Oh, think hard, Champion of Diana. Think long and hard," Reyna said sternly.

Arthur gulped, realizing what she meant. He was known in the Legion as the Champion of Diana to protect him and his mother. The only person he ever told was Angela, and that was because of the bond they created. He did not get to spend enough time with Reyna to tell her. Arthur looked at her cautiously.

"My mother figured it would be best. We were not sure how demigods or even the gods would react. To keep both of us safe we pretended I was her champion instead of her son. You saw how badly they treated me, and they did not even know the whole truth."

Reyna nodded, "What about this curse you mentioned?"

Arthur sighed, "This is going to be difficult. I'm sure you have heard the story of the faded god Mithras."

Reyna thought for a moment, recalling the tale. She nodded and motioned for Arthur to continue.

"You are looking at the last descendent of Mithras," Reyna gasped at his statement. "The curse Mithras placed on his offspring carried to their children as well. I'm the adopted son of Artemis, but the direct legacy of Mithras. His curse causes me to lose control of my anger in battle or when someone upsets me. When the anger overtakes me it causes me to attack anyone and anything in my way. The curse was meant to destroy Rome, but my mother taught me meditation techniques to control it. You saw it almost take over your first day."

Reyna thought for a second, "When your eyes turned into flames?"

Arthur nodded, "It's ok now though. I have the curse under control for the most part. In fact I used it to save you. That's why I'm so weak right now. It enhances my natural abilities to a level that is potentially greater than the big three. The downside is, however much my abilities are enhanced, multiply the by five and that's how wore out I am after."

Reyna was shocked to say the least. Her friend was just full of secrets. He struggled with a tougher life than she realized. He was adopted as a Greek and was the legacy of an outcast Roman god. However, he managed to make some friends and a name for himself in the Legion. He may not know it, but little kids in New Rome ran around pretending to be him. Reyna was glad she created the position Venator of Rome for him. She needed to let him know today about that.

"Let's go to my tent. I have your weapons and Angela should have finished your armor by now. Plus, I have a couple things to give you."

Arthur was ready to get his armor and weapons back, although that son of Apollo would keep him out of it most likely. He wondered if the son of Apollo kept him topless as eye candy. Chuckling to himself, Arthur walked a little. The nectar from earlier was starting to kick in and he did not have to rely on Reyna's help as much. The two of them ignored that fact and continued to walk with their arm around the other. They were oblivious to how much the other enjoyed the time together.

When they arrived at Reyna's tent, Angela and Kyle were already there waiting for them. Angela looked tired and was covered in soot. Kyle looked like a little kid on Christmas as soon as he saw Arthur. Arthur noticed the black band around his left arm. It had a silver wolf on it and Arthur shook his head. He had never been hero worshipped before, and he hoped he could stop it before it took off and got out of hand.

"Centurion, sorry I'm late," Arthur said.

Angela smirked, "I'll think of a good punishment for you at some point. Your armor is on the chair."

Arthur laughed, "I'm sure you will, and thanks."

"Let me present your other centurion, Kyle, son of Ceres," Angela motioned towards her boyfriend.

Arthur saluted and bowed a little, "Centurion, I hope to not be trouble for you. I'm sorry to meet you in this rough condition."

Kyle about fainted, "Venator, please. You do not report to me. You report only to the praetor. It is truly my honor to address the Venator of Rome."

Arthur turned to look at Reyna, confusion plain on his face.

"Sorry, I forgot to tell you. When I became praetor I created the post Venator of Rome and gave it to you. I felt bad for you and how many in the Legion treated you. I wanted you to be appreciated."

Arthur stood dumbfounded, "Reyna...I don't know what to say."

Reyna regained her hard composure, "You will say 'thank you praetor, I'm sorry for shirking my duties and not being there to train the archers.' Then you will take your weapons and armor and go get cleared by the medic to leave with us tomorrow. I'm not having the awestruck archers complain about leaving without you."

Arthur smirked. The old bossy Reyna was back. He liked her this way, but she did look cute when she was worried about him. Too bad she would never share his attraction since she was not destined to love a demigod. He sighed at the comments about the archers. Apparently the hero worship had taken root already.

"Is there anything else the Queen of Rome desires to be her Venator's duty?" Arthur asked while bowing.

Reyna glared at Angela for teaching Arthur that nickname, "You will also be our liaison with the Hunt. They helped me greatly and I know some of our girls would like a different option than the Legion. Something without pig-headed males, and closer to the awe inspiring Venator."

Arthur nodded, "Mom will be happy to hear that. Although I'm not sure why people see me as a hero or role model. Why must the Legion leave tomorrow?"

Angela answered for Reyna at this question, stopping anymore talk about Arthur's new status in New Rome, "We are missing our home. These Greeks are nice and their camp is great, but if we don't get back to New Rome so this star struck archer here can take me on a real date, I will get upset."

Kyle sputtered at her comment and Arthur laughed. He had truly missed Angela and was glad she found someone to make her happy. Even if that someone viewed Arthur as some mythical hero. Arthur knew he had done great things, but the attention he was getting and would get was the opposite of what he had. He really just wanted a middle ground between the two.

"Heaven forbid you don't eat at that Italian place three times a week Angie," Arthur joked.

Angela reached up and smacked Arthur in the back of the head as hard as she could. Arthur shook from the impact, but hardly moved. Angela was impressed, her brother had been keeping up his workout regimen.

"Don't get smart with me Arty, you may be made out of stone, but I can still whoop you up one side and down the other."

Arthur laughed and wrapped his arms around Angela, "I'm glad you survived."

Angela smiled wide and returned the hug, "I'm glad you woke up. We are gonna have to have a talk about these tattoos and this beard though."

Arthur chuckled, "Sure thing. Kyle, take care of her, and if she gives you trouble spank her. If she still doesn't act right let me know."

Angela's face turn eight different shades of red as Arthur said that. Kyle paled at the fact that the Venator told him to spank his fellow Centurion. Meanwhile, Reyna could not stand up because she was laughing so hard. Angela joined in the laughing realizing Arthur was joking, and Kyle nervously chuckled a couple times.

Arthur stopped laughing and looked at Kyle, "In all seriousness, if you hurt her, know that I was trained by the man-hating goddess herself. Women should be treasured, remember that."

Kyle nodded, "Will you teach these things to us when you return to New Rome?"

Arthur smiled, "If you survive wilderness training."

Kyle paled again as he and Angela walked out to prepare for the campfire. Reyna was lost in thought over the last thing Arthur had just said. She had lost Jason to Piper, but Angela had always hinted at Arthur maybe having feelings for her. Reyna realized that there would probably be no better man on earth than the one raised by Artemis herself. Since he was raised by Artemis though, he probably had sworn an oath like the Hunt had.

"Reyna, or would you prefer me to call you praetor?" Arthur started to say. Reyna came out of her daydream.

"Arthur we are friends. You can call me Reyna unless we are at official meetings. Then it is only ever Praetor," Reyna responded.

"Well, Reyna, what did you have to give me?" Arthur asked.

Reyna turned to her dresser and grabbed Arthur's weapons. After handing them to him, and helping him put them on, she grabbed a small bundle of cloth from her pack. She held it across her palms for Arthur.

"I had this made in hopes of seeing you again," Reyna said, "I know you have a bronze knife, I thought this would even you out better than that throwing knife."

Arthur slowly unwrapped the bundle. He saw a glint of gold as light hit whatever was inside. When he uncovered the metal he saw an Imperial Gold Bowie knife. He was stunned at the beauty of it. The blade was sharp enough to shave with, and the hilt was carved with the design of a wolf.

"Reyna, I don't know what to say," Arthur whispered. He took the knife and its sheath, which was under the blade. He attached them to his belt opposite his Celestial Bronze knife. He was a walking Arsenal with his two gladii crossed on his back, belt of throwing knives over his chest, his two Bowie knives, and his bow with his two quivers. Monsters will have to beware, this wolf's fangs just got sharper, Arthur thought.

Suddenly, Reyna engulfed Arthur in a bone crushing hug, "I'm glad you came back Wolf Face."

"It's good to be back Rey, it's good to be home," Arthur smiled.

He left her to go talk to the medic before the campfire. Arthur hoped he could leave with the Legion in the morning, but he still felt off. It was as if his energy had been emptied and was building back slowly. Hopefully Will can help him figure out what is going on.

Meanwhile, on Mount Olympus, the gods were in a fevered meeting. Artemis stood in the middle of the Council looking at the floor while Zeus hurled accusations at her.

"HOW COULD YOU BREAK YOUR OATH! I SHOULD KILL THAT DEMIGOD RIGHT NOW!"

Artemis quivered, "Father please listen. He is my son, but I kept my oath. The boy is-"

"Enough, I will kill the abomination," Zeus cried.

Flames erupted from the hearth and filled the room. Zeus was blasted back into his throne and his master bolt knocked out of his hand. Artemis felt warmth spread through her as she shielded her eyes. When everyone felt it was safe, they looked at the cause of the flame. In front of Artemis stood a twenty foot tall Hestia.

"Brother you will shut up and listen to your daughter," her voice was calm and even, but the amount of power that resonated in it was astounding. Hestia turned to Artemis and motioned for her to talk.

"Father," Artemis said, eyeing the giant Hestia, "I found the boy as a child and promised his mother I would look after him. The only way I could save the child was to fuse my blood with his. I adopted him and made him my son. He is the only grandchild I can give you because of my oath. Please give him a chance."

Hestia smiled at Artemis and shrunk down to ten feet tall, "Brother, I have kept an eye on the family Artemis created. The boy only wants to know love of a family. He really wants to meet his grandfather."

Zeus sighed,"Was the boy mortal before you adopted him?"

Artemis looked down at the floor again, "No father, his mother said he was a legacy of Mithras."

The council erupted again. Everyone remembered how Mithras tried to force his way onto the council as a major god. The day he had faded was a good day for the Olympians.

"You fused your essence with a demigod!" Hera exclaimed, "That could cause us more problems."

Before anything else could be said, Hestia spoke again, "Yes, the child is different. He is not even a demigod anymore. However, he must live. Apollo had a prophecy concerning him and it has yet to occur. Athena, I'm sure you could study the lad and determine what he truly is as well."

Athenaeum eyes lit up, while everyone else stared at Apollo.

"It was before I lost Delphi. It very well may have been the last prophecy before Python returned in fact."

Artemis groaned, "Could you please share it brother?"

Apollo nodded solemnly, then recited the prophecy.

To the Hunter's son the gods must turn

Else they see their legacy burn

The foolish task is at an end

And it's worker will make the world bend

Fire will cleanse Rome

And the homeless, shall finally find a home

Everyone was silent when he finished. Athena was already trying to decipher the meanings of each line. Artemis had a look of terror on her face, she knew how her father reacted when the livelihood of the gods fell on the shoulders of a demigod. Usually he figured it best to kill the demigod and try to avoid the prophecy. In this case it might work. If she was the Hunter referred to, she knew she would never have another child if Arthur was killed.

Zeus, however, shocked most of the council. He sat calmly on his throne, his brow furrowed in thought. What would shock the other gods more was if they knew what he was thinking.

The child seems to mean a lot to Artemis, Zeus thought, if I kill him she will get angry with me. If I'm honest with myself I've always wanted her to break the oath and have children. Maybe this is the best of both worlds. I guess it couldn't hurt to meet this particular grandson.

Zeus slammed his bolt to gain everyone's attention. Hestia had shrunk back down to her normal size and appearance, and smiled at her brother. She knew he was going to make a good decision. At least she hoped he would.

Zeus cleared his throat, "We will need time to fully examine this prophecy. On the Winter Solstice, when we formally meet, we will decide what to do. Also, during this time, Athena will research and find out what she can about Artemis' son and his position. On the Winter Solstice, we will also decide what to do with him, since he is obviously a major part of this prophecy."

The gods all nodded. Hestia's smile was there, but not as bright. She had hoped that Zeus would completely lose his paranoia, and let the young man be. She looked over at Artemis and saw tears in the Huntress' eyes.

"A wise decision father," Athena said. Everyone knew she wanted to study the boy. He was something different and new.

Artemis steeled her voice as best she could, "Thank you father."

With that Zeus nodded and the council flashed away, except for Artemis and Hestia. Artemis fell to her knees and broke down. Tears streaming down her face as she sobbed. Hestia quickly walked over to her and wrapped her in a hug. When Artemis felt the comforting warmth she looked up.

"There, there child. All is not lost," Hestia comforted.

Artemis choked back a sob, "I know. I just can't afford to lose him Aunt. I care for him so much."

Hestia smiled, "Now you see why the ancient laws forbid so much contact between gods and their children. You found a loophole and made him an unofficial part of you Hunt. If all the gods could do that, nothing would ever get done."

Artemis had never thought of that, "Should I cut ties with him?"

Hestia shook her head, "No, absolutely not. That boy lost everything at the beginning of his life, and you helped him. He will need you now more than ever. His first home was almost destroyed, and many in the second one he knew may abandon him."

"Are you saying that the first and last lines of that prophecy are specifically about my son?" Artemis questioned.

Hestia looked into the hearth, seeing the young man in the flames, "If I were Hermes, I would be betting on it."

Thanks for reading y'all. I'm glad to see new favorites and followers every time a chapter comes out. You guys make writing on here worth it. If you like Star Wars and Percy Jackson I will have a crossover story started soon. Thanks for reading the Venator.