(I wish I owned Percy Jackson, but I don't)

Casualties of war

Artemis

The moon was completely full today, and it shined down on all of Long Island. The chariot was moving quickly, cutting through the starry sky. In said sky I could see that constellation, shining brighter than the other ones. It was almost like Zoë was looking down on me. In my arms, Thalia Grace remained unconscious, and breathing faintly. I didn't know what my face looked like, but I imagine it was filled with fear, fear of death. I didn't want to go through the feeling of losing not only my lieutenant and one of my hunting companions, but a friend. I've learned that you can't reverse the effects of death in the worst possible way.

- Milady?

I turned my head to Reyna, who seemed to have as much fear as I do, but also regret and guilt in her eyes.

- Yes, Reyna?

- I'm... I'm sorry. It was my fault, I distracted Thalia with my childish behaviour and caused this.

Perhaps in other times, I would have agreed with her and turned Reyna into a rabbit for us to serve as a stew. Not that I have ever done that before, I'm not a monster. And I certainly wouldn't do it here, the despair that resided in me would not have let me blame Reyna for this tragedy.

- Reyna, it was not your fault, we all know the risks we are taking when we are hunting - I remembered what Apollo said earlier - Sportsmanship is a positive thing. You and Thalia are exceptional, and I can't blame you for this tragedy. I assure you that everything will be fine.

She wiped out the tears that were streaming down on her face.

- I-I-I... - she tried to pull herself together - it's okay. Thank you for understanding, Milady.

I tried to smile at her, but it's was extremely difficult considering this whole situation. Fortunately, it seemed that our destination was near.

We landed the chariot inside the camp, near Thalia's Pine Tree. We passed near the dragon Peleus, who seemed to be in a deep sleep before, but as soon as he sensed our presence he opened his yellow eyes abruptly, startling some of the Hunters.

- He won't bite. Only if you try to get that thing - I said, pointing to the Golden Fleece, hanging from the pine tree.

We went down the hill and reached the camp, which was considerably empty compared to the summer and winter vacations. Still, several campers were shocked at the sight of us. I can imagine the scene, a twelve year old goddess carrying the famous, and now bloody, Thalia Grace in her arms, followed by 20 Hunters, including the former Roman preator Reyna Avila Ramirez-Arellano. An unforgettable scene.

Luckily there weren't too many of them.

We went to the Big House, where I hoped not to find Dionysus, who was forced by Zeus to stay in the camp as the director. Fortunately, upon entering the house, I found only the centaur Chiron, who seemed astonished to see this scene worthy of a horror movie.

- Lady Artemis? - he galloped over to me and looked at Thalia Grace - she needs immediate help. Maybe Apollo's cabin can help.

I barely finished hearing to take action. I left Thalia lying on a couch, and ran to Apollo's cabin, attracting more looks from all the curious half-bloods who hadn't gone to their respective cabins yet. I headed for the seventh of the cabins, the one dedicated to my brother. It looked more like a miniature palace from the outside, with a heavy emphasis on gold decoration, beautiful columns, and a fluorescent glow, although I had heard that it only glowed during the day. Without warning, I suddenly opened the door, completely startling the eight demigods residing there. I recognized that most were indeed children of Apollo and technically my nephews, but I didn't like to use mortal family logic for the Olympus, it's just creeps me out. I say most, because sitting on the bed with the oldest of Apollo's children was a boy in all black and pale skin, who I recognized as Nico di Angelo.

- Who is the best healer here? - I said without much explanation, all of them still stunned, probably from seeing a goddess barge in their cabin out of nowhere.

To my anger, they remained silent for a few extra seconds, probably too frightened to formulate any sentence.

- I repeat - I said, and feel my essence emitting a silvery glow. - who is the best healer among you?

Probably trying not to die, a girl who looked no older than twelve pointed at the oldest of them, who was holding the hand of Hades' son.

- You! - I went to him and Nico - You come with me.

- I have to go with him - Nico di Angelo said, and I gave him a deadly glare. Of course, as the son of the ruler of the Underworld, he is already very much used to death, but probably not his.

On second thought, it's better to count on someone who understands what has wounded Thalia, and someone who is her friend.

- So be it. Come quickly to the Big House. No questions to be asked. - They got up, and I rushed outside. I decided to look back, and noticed that they are not with me but instead talking to the other half-bloods, I went back to the cabin. having to control myself to not evaporate all of the demigods of that damn camp.

- WHAT PART OF "FAST" YOU TWO DIDN'T UNDERSTAND? - I yelled at them, who immediately came running out.

- Yes, Lady Artemis, we understand. - said the son of Apollo.

- What is your name again? - I asked, feeling that I knew this demigod.

- Will Solace, milady. - he answered, still with fear in his eyes.

- Good, Will. Yeah, I remember you. I need your immediate help. My lieutenant was bitten by a hellhound and is now bleeding out in the Big House, do you think you could help?

Nico's eyes widen.

- Thalia?! She is wounded?!

- Yes, you know her very well, di Angelo, come on, you'll be needed.

I don't know how he reacted when I told him that he would be needed as Thalia Grace's emotional support when she wakes up, and I hope she does, but he agreed without saying anything else. We returned to the Big House, with the two demigods following me. When I get there I saw Reyna, some Hunters, Chiron and Thalia still lying unconscious. Reyna seemed to be putting nectar in her mouth.

- Is this your best healer, Chiron? - I pointed to Will.

He looks at the son of Apollo for a few seconds.

- Yes, Lady Artemis. He's the camp's lead healer. I guarantee that Will will make Thalia feel better than before.

- Good. I hope my expectations can be met. Let's go. - I turn to the Hunter, and we left the Big House and headed for my cabin, the eighth one. Reyna, however, seems disturbed.

- Milady?

- Yes, Reyna?

The look on her face is distressed as we walk.

- I understand that... well, Thalia told me about Zoë.

Once again I felt my essence boiling like a pressure cooker.

- But maybe you are... a little out of control...? In your actions.

I stoped and turn to her.

- Listen here. I have my reasons. You do not understand my fears right now. So, daughter of Bellona... - as I said that I could feel myself changing, my hair got darker and I felt much more ruthless.

Diana

- Do me the favor of not stressing me out any more than I already am. I do not care if I'm out of control. Me solum relinquatis.

She seemed very disturbed by the threats, which I can't really blame her, and also the fact that I started speaking Latin.

- Ut vis, domina. - she replied, bowing her head.

We continue walking, passing the cabins of Jupiter, Neptune, Juno, Mars, Venus, until we finally arrive at my chariot. It was much more modest and elegant than Apollo's, in my opinion, but perhaps I am a little bit biased. I opened the door of the silver cabin, where the numerous beds were. From the outside, the cabin looked small, but inside, it even had a bathroom with a hot shower. Magic is very useful. I laid down on the first bed I found, while the Hunters chose their beds.

It didn't take long for my head to return to the whirlwind it had been in before. And strangely, now a big headache, one that I haven't felt since the Greek-Roman schism. By Jupiter, what was happening to me? It was as if the conflict between personalities had never gone away. Technically it never did, because I could barely control myself while Apollo was in his exile. But only Thalia had seen this sudden change of forms, and no one else. Now they all kn...

Artemis

- AH!

I suddenly felll out of bed, the pain had greatly intensified, as if my head was going to break in half. I was once again my greek persona, and I felt very vulnerable. All the Hunters immediately came to my aid.

- Get back! - shouted Reyna - She needs to breathe!

I'm not sure if gods needed oxygen, but at this moment I felt as fragile as a stabbed mortal. It was a good effort at least.

- I-I need some time. - I stood up with whatever strength I still have.

- Milady, please let us help you. - pleaded Reyna.

- I said. - I staggered to the door - to leave me alone -

- Please...

Before she could finish, I pushed her away, angered, and even though I was extremely weak and dizzy, still sent her tumbling over the other side of the cabin.

With tears in my eyes I ran, almost falling, into the woods, wanting to forget everything and everyone, not knowing what to do or think. Di immortales, what the Hades was goin on with me?!