A Question, and A Promise

"Talking"

'thoughts'

The Other

"Mental Communication"

Armani p.o.v.

'It's been a while.' I thought Idly as I watched the flicker of moonlight across the tree I was sitting in, a beautiful sight to behold as always. It never failed to captivate me.

It was cold out tonight, but I didn't particularly mind, I was used to it after all.

I was still wary of our company, there was nothing inherently wrong with them, and I couldn't feel even a hint of malice from them. Not even Zoe of all people, so unless they were really good at it, which seemed very likely with the goddess, then they wouldn't be too bad.

''Goddess.' I scoffed quietly, such a high and mighty position, and yet nothing changes for the better with them around. Most times it got worse. Not to mention that godforsaken camp, where they trained child soldiers-

I stopped that line of thought before it could go any further, my breathing had turned heavy and raspy as I thought more of it. I wasn't scared, I wasn't, but it just felt so wrong to let them go to their deaths like that. And for what? A council of gods who wouldn't even-?

"Armani."

I whipped my head around to face the voice, it was Zoe Nightshade.

She had dark brown eyes and a slightly upturned nose. With her silver circlet and her proud expression, she looked so much like royalty that I had to resist the urge to sit up straight and say, "Hello Zoe."

She studied me carefully, not like how she had looked at Percy or Thalia, much less malice as in her gaze towards me. Not that more malice really meant anything to me from such a weakling.

I shook my head, 'that was weird.'

"Come with me," Zoe said. "Lady Artemis wishes to speak with thee."

I walked into the camp slightly behind Zoe, taking in the layout of the entire camp. Just itching to let my Lavender eyes out and survey the landscape.

I held back.

The Hunters had set up their camping site in a matter of minutes. Seven large tents, all of silver silk, curved in a crescent around one side of a bonfire. One of the girls blew a silver dog whistle, and a dozen white wolves appeared out of the woods, causing me a small flinch as I heard it.

That was going to be bothersome around these people.

They began circling the camp like guard dogs. The Hunters walked among them and fed them treats, completely unafraid, but I decided I would stick close to the tents. Me and wildlife always got along, especially wolves and dogs. But I would rather not let the Hunters see me all close and cozy with their animals.

Falcons watched us from the trees, their eyes flashing in the firelight, and I got the feeling they were on guard duty, too. Even the weather seemed to bend to the goddess's will.

The air was still cold, but the wind died down and the snow had stopped falling, so it was almost pleasant here.

Almost… except for my worries for Percy, and as angry as I was at Thalia, she wasn't my problem right now. She could wait till later.

It wasn't my job to guide them, I'm just a kid, not some warrior.

I stopped and clutched my head, those voices again, I'd been hearing them for months, but they'd been more of an occurrence these last few days.

I caught back up with Zoe, who was waiting for me a few steps away.

I saw Thalia pacing in the snow at the edge of the camp, walking among the hunters without fear. She stopped and looked back at Westover Hall, which was now completely dark, looming on the hillside beyond the woods. I wondered what she was thinking.

Percy had told me her story, seven years ago, Thalia had been turned into a pine tree by her father, to prevent her from dying. She'd stood her ground against an army of monsters on top of Half-Blood Hill in order to give her friends Luke and Annabeth time to escape. She'd only been back as a human for a few months now, and once in a while she would stand so motionless you'd think she was still a tree.

I didn't think that gave her an excuse to be an ass to everyone, but that wasn't exactly up to me either.

As we were walking again, I saw Percy and Annabeth over in the distance, sitting by the fire with Grover and that Nico kid. Percy looked about ready to knock his head off.

We caught eyes from a distance, a pleading look came to his face.

'Please help me.' I heard through the link, I just giggled to myself and kept walking. Feeling the absolute anguish wash over me through the link.

Zoe led me to the last tent, which looked no different from the others, and waved me inside. Bianca di Angelo was seated next to the auburn-haired girl, who I still had trouble thinking of as Artemis. Now the feeling of Artemis was an entirely different story.

It was amazing that anyone besides me could even stand next to her, the Nature Energy poured off her in overwhelming waves. Then again, they probably couldn't feel it at all either. Most people couldn't, Percy could only feel it now after years of being around me, but he still couldn't draw it in.

Thankfully.

The inside of the tent was warm and comfortable. Silk rugs and pillows covered the floor. In the center, a golden brazier of fire seemed to burn without fuel or smoke. Behind the goddess, on a polished oak display stand, was her huge silver bow, carved to resemble gazelle horns.

The walls were hung with animal pelts: black bear, tiger, and one I didn't recognize, mythical, probably. I felt like having a heart attack right then and there, looking at all those rare skins, but maybe since Artemis was the goddess of the hunt, she could probably just replenish whatever she shot.

'Doesn't make me feel much better though.'

I thought she had another animal pelt lying next to her, and then I realized it was a live animal—a deer with glittering fur and silver horns, its head resting contentedly in Artemis's lap.

"Join us, Armani Caelum," the goddess said.

I tensed visibly before I sat across from her on the tent floor.

'No one knows my last name, except Percy…'

The goddess studied me, which made me study her in return.

She had such old eyes for a young girl, and she didn't look threatening, but I was sure she could choke the life out of me and never break a sweat.

"Are you surprised by my age?" she asked.

I shrugged, "Whatever makes you comfortable, I'm sure that as a god, you could appear as whatever you like, milady."

She nodded in approval, "I could appear as a grown woman, or a blazing fire, or anything else I want, but this is what I prefer. This is the average age of my Hunters and all young maidens for whom I am patron before they go astray."

"Go astray huh? Can't say I've ever heard someone refer to growing up and pursuing a relationship like that." I joked.

Artemis chuckled but viewed me even more critically, and I could feel Zoe's eyes on the back of my head.

"You're very well researched, for one your age."

"Oh, I read a lot."

Zoe sat down at Artemis's right. She glared at me as if all the stuff Artemis had just said was my fault like reading would bring about the end of the world.

"You must forgive my Hunters if they do not welcome you," Artemis said. "It is very rare that we would have boys in this camp. Boys are usually forbidden to have any contact with the Hunters. The last one to see this camp…" She looked at Zoe. "Which one was it?"

"That boy in Colorado," Zoe said. "You turned him into a jackalope."

"Ah, yes." Artemis nodded, satisfied. "I enjoy making jackalopes. At any rate, Armani, It's even stranger to have one like yourself here."

"Meaning?"

"You're odd, you're an enigma who bends Nature Energy to her will and I can tell you could never fall for a man and yet… I have no idea why. Yes, you're an enigma."

"Regardless, I originally asked you here so that you might tell me more about the manticore. But now, I've remembered a more important one."

'And there's the kicker.'

Her eyes fell upon mine like she was trying to get a read on my very soul.

"Why can you, Armani Caelum, channel Nature Energy? Something only I can do?"

I just continued to stare at her, scrambling for an explanation. I had theories, hunches, but none I would share with a goddess, much less this goddess in particular.

I just shook my head, "I'm not sure, I've been able to do it since forever, it's always been second nature to me."

"Something tells me you aren't telling the entire truth, Armani, tread carefully."

"I don't know what else to tell you, my parents are dead, and I've been living with Percy for the last three years."

Artemis' eyes hardened, but she seemed to drop the topic, "Interesting, what else."

"I'm naturally great with a sword?"

I decided to leave out the majority of my abilities, it wasn't her business, and I certainly didn't trust her.

Zoe and Bianca looked at me like I'd grown a second head.

It was silent for a while as I watched the gears turn in the goddess' head, Zoe's mouth moved but no noise came out, and Bianca just fidgeted.

"You're an odd one, Armani."

"You're not the first one to tell me as such," I smirked dryly, I was probably pushing my luck but I couldn't bring myself to care at this point. I just wanted to sleep.

"Regardless, I would like to hear everything you heard from the manticore."

I didn't have anything to hide, so I told her.

When I was done, Artemis put her hand thoughtfully on her silver bow. "I feared this was the answer."

Zoe sat forward. "The scent, my lady?"

"Yes."

"What scent?" I asked, I was thoroughly intrigued at this point. This all sounded vaguely familiar...

"Things are stirring that I have not hunted in millennia," Artemis murmured. "Prey so old I have nearly forgotten."

She stared at me intently. "We came here tonight sensing the manticore, but he was not the one I seek." She eyed me specifically like she was drinking in my aura, it was strange. "Tell me again, exactly what Dr. Thorn said."

"'You don't belong here?'"

"No, no. After that."

"He said somebody called the General was going to explain things to the di Angelos." I felt like this was gonna be more troublesome than I wanted to deal with.

Zoe's face paled. She turned to Artemis and started to say something, but Artemis raised her hand.

"Go on, Armani," the goddess said.

"Well, then Thorn was talking about the Great Stirring and he said, 'Soon we shall have the most important monster of all—the one that shall bring about the downfall of Olympus.'"

The goddess was so still she could've been a statue.

"He wasn't lying, was he?" I said.

Artemis shook her head. "No. He was not. I've been too slow to see the signs. I must hunt this monster."

Zoe looked like she was trying very hard not to be afraid, but she nodded. "We will leave right away, my lady."

"No, Zoe. I must do this alone."

"But, Artemis—"

"This task is too dangerous even for the Hunters. You know where I must start my search. You cannot go there with me."

"As… as you wish, my lady."

I will find this creature," Artemis vowed. "And I shall bring it back to Olympus by the winter solstice. It will be all the proof I need to convince the Council of the Gods of how much danger we are in."

"You know what the monster is?" I asked.

Artemis gripped her bow. "Let us pray I am wrong."

"Can goddesses pray? Cause honestly that'd be pretty funny." I asked because I'd never really thought about that. Never had to I suppose.

A flicker of a smile played across Artemis's lips. "Before I go, Armani Caelum, I have a small task for you."

"Does it involve joining your hunt?"

"As much as I would like that, now isn't the time for that conversation."

I nodded numbly, sure of my answer already, but I really needed to talk to Percy about some recent developments before-

"Either way. I want you and your… brother to escort the Hunters back to Camp Half-Blood. They can stay there safely until I return."

"What?" Zoe blurted out. "But, Artemis, we hate that place. The last time we stayed there—"

"Yes, I know," Artemis said. "But I'm sure Dionysus will not hold a grudge just because of a little, ah, misunderstanding. It's your right to use Cabin Eight whenever you are in need. Besides, I hear they rebuilt the cabins you burned down."

Zoe muttered something about foolish campers.

"And now there is one last decision to make." Artemis turned to Bianca. "Have you made up your mind, my girl?"

Bianca hesitated. "I'm still thinking about it."

I groaned out loud, catching the attention of the others in the tent.

"She invited you to join the hunt?"

"Y-yeah"

I snorted and stood up, making my way over to the tent opening, "Well, it's your decision, not mine, but I would say that turning your back on family is pretty shitty of you. Even if your brother is annoying, I would know."

I flipped open the tent flap and walked out, leaving a gobsmacked Zoe and Biance behind.

"Perce, we need to talk."

I sat down beside Percy near the fire, Grover and Nico had wandered off again, leaving just Percy and Thalia conversing by themselves.

"About?"

"Bianca took the oath," I said, my voice tinged with venom.

Percy and Thalia both cursed under their breaths, in Greek no less.

Thalia spoke first, throwing another stick into the fire, to relieve stress I assumed. "I knew I shouldn't have left her alone with them, damn hunters."

I continued looking into the fire, "I think all the hunters probably have a good reason for joining, but Bianca's reason was… different."

"I'm more concerned about her brother, to be honest with you," Percy said, looking at me for the first time since I sat beside him.

"I agree, but it's too late to do anything about it at this point, for now, we have a new mission I suppose."

Percy and Thalia both turn, their eyes both still holding a bit of guilt over their separate actions earlier.

'Good.'

"What mission?" Percy looked less than eager for another mission so soon.

"Apparently, You and Thalia will be taking The Hunters back to your camp. It was a request straight from lady Artemis herself."

Percy spits out the water he was drinking from a flask, while Thalia just deadpanned like I was joking.

"You- you can't be serious right?" Percy said.

"Sadly not, Perce."

"And what about you?"

I rubbed my neck, ready for the bouts of protest I was sure to receive. "I'm not coming with you."

Thalia stood up, making her ay to me and grabbing the front of my shirt.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!"

"Let go of me, Thalia."

"You have all this power and you still decide not to help us? How many people could you have saved? How many people could you still save? We're in a war here!"

We were attracting a lot of attention, The Hunters were staring at us due to all of Thalia's yelling. I could practically feel Artemis' curiosity turning our way.

"Thalia. Let. Go."

"No, I won't. I-"

I turned my eyes to meet Thalia's, and she backed up, I could only guess what she was seeing in them. But whatever it was, she backed off at the sight of them.

"I told you to back off Thalia, you don't want to piss me off right now. Percy, we need to talk."

And without another word, or look back, I walked to the edge of the camp. Leaving a stunned Thalia and an intrigued goddess in my wake, with Percy, quickly following after me.

Percy and I stood at the edge of the camp, away from prying eyes and ears. He shuffled his feet in the snow as we stood there, me trying to figure out how to say what needed to be said. Him waiting to hear my words, if I had to guess.

"Armani look-"

I cut him off, "We're not here to talk about what you did, you're an idiot but that can wait until later, dork."

He let out a nervous smile, "So then I guess we're here for…?"

"Whatever we felt coming off of Artemis-"

"-and how it felt identical to you?" He finished, crossing his arms and leaning against a nearby tree.

I grimaced in response, readjusting my coat. "Yeah, I don't know what that was, it was honestly… unsettling, invasive."

Percy looked like he was between an idea and shutting up, he opened his mouth multiple times but didn't speak. Just shaking his head and looking away.

"What? Spit it out, Percy."

"You're not gonna like my idea. At all."

I chuckled without much humor, "I don't like a lot of your ideas Percy, yet here I am, following one of your crazy ideas."

"Point taken, but it's a bit different this time, Armani. Look, when I saw you two in the same vicinity, it's like when me and Poseidon stood in the same room. Or, so I've heard from the others."

oh.

Oh.

Oh.

"Nope, that's it, I'm out."

Percy caught my arm before I could walk away, clamping down hard enough to keep me in place, if I actually wanted to he wouldn't be able to stop me. But I guess I was reluctant enough to stay.

"Armani! This is serious!" He hissed, trying to keep his voice down, probably just in case one of the hunters was listening, or goddess forbid Artemis herself.

"Think about it, all the similarities-!"

"Percy, do you even hear yourself? That's impossible!"

"I don't know! But you can't honestly deny it!"

He was right, for once, it was all there. Every piece of evidence lined up and yet…

"Let's say I agree with you, we can't exactly tell anyone this," I forced his hand off my arm, pushing my ruffled hair back behind my head, "No one would believe us anyway, you know that."

"But a claiming-"

"Would never happen in this case, Percy."

We both grew silent, with me staring up at the stars, and Percy back to shuffling his feet through the snow.

"Listen, we need to focus on your mission, and me getting home."

Percy snorted and slung an arm around my shoulder, "oh please, I know you can teleport at least halfway back, and then the other half in a few hours."

"Yeah, yeah, but… I think…"

"You think what?"

I took a moment before speaking, making sure my heart was actually in it, unlike usual.

'A fuck it, why not?'

"I think I'm gonna come with you guys, Percy."

This was no longer a matter of if I wanted to fight. No, this was about what needed to be done, and me finding out what the fuck is going on.

Thalia, as loath as I was to admit it, was right. If I had the power to stop this war, then I needed to use it. Something within me called out to do so, and if I could figure out more about these powers, then I was going to do just that.

I had only been able to use teleportation and the... other things for the better part of a year. Whatever was going on with my eyes is still mostly a mystery to me. The teleportation was easier to figure, just draw a seal, put it somewhere, teleport back later.

Seals were interesting too, they were instinctual and became second nature to me, just like combat is, swordplay, and bows.

"W-why the sudden change of mind? Just ten minutes ago, you didn't even want to think of going, so why…?" He trailed off, confusion evident in his eyes as he waited for an answer from me.

I took a deep breath, and looked to the moon, "I- I can't keep hiding Percy, I want to find out more about my past, these dreams I've been having for years… This is bigger than me, and if I can help, then maybe I finally should."

We just sat there, nothing but silence between us, and it was good. Nothing but the sound of the night as our companion. Percy just smiled a small smile, and so did I.

"Well that's great and all, 'Ni, but how do we even get them all to camp?" He spoke like he was trying not to sound surly.

A gust of wind blew through the small clearing, and the goddess stood where she hadn't been moments before. The goddess spoke with a small amount of disdain.

"Well, while I hate to interrupt a nice conversation, I can answer that question of yours. You'll be getting a ride from my brother, Apollo."

Artemis closed her eyes as the rest of the group approached us after reaching the center of camp. "Dawn is approaching. Zoe, break camp. You must get to Long Island quickly and safely. I shall summon a ride from my brother."

Zoe didn't look real happy about this idea, but she nodded and told Bianca to follow her.

As she was leaving, Bianca paused in front of me. "I'm sorry, Percy. But I want this. I really, really do."

Percy hissed back in response before I could, "It's over and done with Bianca, I hope you don't regret your choice."

Percy had always treasured the idea of family.

I was a good enough example of that.

After his scathing words, she was gone, and we were left alone with the twelve-year-old goddess.

"So," I said nonchalantly, readjusting my silver watch. "We're going to get a ride from your brother, huh?"

Artemis's silver eyes gleamed. "Yes, child. You see, Bianca di Angelo is not the only one with an annoying brother. It's time for you to meet my irresponsible twin, Apollo."

Artemis assured us that dawn was coming, but you could've fooled me. It was colder and darker and snowier than ever. Upon the hill, Westover Hall's windows were completely lightless.

I pondered on whether the teachers had even noticed the di Angelos and Dr. Thorn were missing yet. I didn't want to be around when they did. With my luck, the only name Mrs. Gottschalk would remember would be "Percy Jackson," and then he'd be the subject of a nationwide manhunt… again.

I chuckled a bit at the thought, waving off Percy's curious glance.

The Hunters broke camp as quickly as they'd set it up. I stood comfortable in the snow (much like the Hunters, who didn't seem to feel at all uncomfortable, but unlike Percy and the others), and Artemis stared into the east like she was expecting something.

'Apollo, probably.'

Bianca sat off to one side, talking with Nico. It wasn't hard to tell from his gloomy face that she was explaining her decision to join the Hunt. I couldn't help thinking how selfish it was of her, abandon her brother like that.

I don't understand why you would throw something like that away.

Thalia, Annabeth, and Grover came up and huddled around Percy and I, anxious to hear what had happened in my audience with the goddess.

I just told Percy to tell them, as I wasn't ready to speak to any of them yet, especially not Thalia.

When he told them, Grover turned pale. "The last time the Hunters visited the camp, it didn't go well."

"I wonder if they were already nearby," I wondered. "I mean, they just appeared out of nowhere."

"And Bianca joined them," Thalia said, disgusted. "It's all Zoe's fault. That stuck-up, no good—"

"Who can blame her?" Grover said. "Eternity with Artemis?" He heaved a big sigh.

I spoke before Thalia could, and surely for all of us, "Grover, for the love of the gods, please, shut the fuck up."

Grover's mouth was gaping, but soon got distracted again by Thalia, who was stifling a laugh.

"You satyrs. You're all in love with Artemis. Don't you get that she'll never love you back?"

"But she's so… into nature," Grover swooned.

I looked over at him, "To be fair, so am I."

Grover ignored me.

"You're nuts," said Thalia.

"Nuts and berries," Grover said dreamily. "Yeah."

Finally, the sky began to lighten. Artemis muttered, "About time. He's so-o-o lazy during the winter."

"You're, um, waiting for sunrise?" Percy asked.

I swear I wanted to slap him sometimes.

"For my brother. Yes."

There was a sudden burst of light on the horizon. A blast of warmth.

"Don't look," Artemis advised. "Not until he parks."

'Parks?'

My eyes changed automatically, I could feel the drain on my Nature reserves. I saw that the other kids were doing the same. The light and warmth intensified until my winter coat felt like it was melting off of me.

Then suddenly the light died out, leaving the clearing as it previously was. My eyes reverting back to normal, the energy drain leaving me staggering.

I looked, and… I felt a chill go down my spine, an involuntary shiver racked my body.

It was a bike. But not a normal bike, it was old, or at least it looked old, covered in armored plating and a thin body. It was black with rust-red accents. Small spurts of flame come from the back. The wheels looked like they split to make four wheels instead of two.

Seeing it was strange and eerie, while I knew I had never seen the bike before, something deep, deep down within me shivered in glee.

I shift my focus less from the bike, and more on the surroundings of the bike.

The snow had melted around the bike in a perfect circle,

which explained why I was now standing on green grass and my shoes were wet.

The driver got down from the bike, smiling. He looked about seventeen or eighteen, and for a second, I had an uneasy feeling when he stepped towards us like he was zeroing in on me in particular.

"Wow," Thalia muttered. "Apollo is hot."

"Thalia, He's the fucking sun god," I said.

"That's not what I meant."

My only answer to that was another groan.

"Little sister!" Apollo called. If his teeth were any whiter he could've blinded us without the sun car. "What's up? You never call. You never write. I was getting worried!"

Artemis sighed. "I'm fine, Apollo. And I am not your little sister."

"Hey, I was born first."

"We're twins! How many millennia do we have to argue—"

"So what's up?" he interrupted. "Got the girls with you, I see. You all need some tips on archery?"

I gritted my teeth, and I could see Artemis do the same. "I need a favor. I have some hunting to do, alone. I need you to take my companions to Camp Half-Blood."

"Sure, sis!" Then he raised his hands in a stop everything gesture. "I feel a haiku coming on."

The Hunters all groaned. Apparently, they'd met Apollo before.

He cleared his throat and held up one hand dramatically.

"Green grass breaks through snow.

Artemis pleads for my help.

I am so cool."

He grinned at us, waiting for applause.

"That last line was only four syllables," Artemis said.

Apollo frowned. "Was it?"

"Yes. What about I am so big-headed?"

"No, no, that's six syllables. Hmm." He started muttering to himself.

Zoe Nightshade turned to us. "Lord Apollo has been going through this haiku phase ever since he visited Japan. 'Tis not as bad as the time he visited Limerick. If I'd had to hear one more poem that started with, There once was a goddess from Sparta—"

"I've got it!" Apollo announced. "I am so awesome. That's five syllables!" He bowed, looking very pleased with himself.

"And now, sis. Transportation for the Hunters, you say? Good timing. I was just about ready to roll."

"These demigods will also need a ride," Artemis said, pointing to us. "Some of Chiron's campers."

"No problem!" Apollo checked us out. "Let's see… Thalia, right? I've heard all about you."

Thalia blushed. "Hi, Lord Apollo."

Honestly, could she get any more cliche?

"Zeus's girl, yes? Makes you my half-sister. Used to be a tree, didn't you? Glad you're back. I hate it when pretty girls turn into trees. Man, I remember one time—"

"Brother," Artemis said. "You should get going."

"Hold up." Then he looked at Percy, and his eyes narrowed. "Percy Jackson?"

"Yeah. I mean… yes, sir."

It seemed weird calling a teenager "sir," but Percy had learned to be careful with immortals.

They tended to get offended easily. Then they blew stuff up.

Apollo studied him, but he didn't say anything, which I found a little creepy.

Lastly, he turned to me, his eyes searching in a way I couldn't quite explain.

"Armani Caelum," He spoke casually, but with an edge, he hadn't had with the others.

I couldn't find my voice to speak like a hand was clamping down on my throat. It was a tense few moments between the two of us, a blanket of oppressing air on my shoulders.

"Well!" he said, at last, turning away from me. The tense air finally lifted, "We'd better load up, huh? Ride only goes one way—west. And if you miss it, you miss it."

I looked at the bike, which would seat two people max. There were about twenty of us.

"Cool car," Nico said.

'Car?'

"Thanks, kid," Apollo said.

"But how will we all fit?"

"Oh." Apollo seemed to notice the problem for the first time. "Well, yeah. I hate to change it out, but I suppose…"

He took out his keys and beeped the security alarm button.

Chirp, chirp.

For a moment, the bike glowed brightly again. When the glare died, the bike had been replaced by one of those Turtle Top shuttle buses like we used for school basketball games.

"Right," he said. "Everybody in."

Zoe ordered the Hunters to start loading. She picked up her camping pack, and Apollo said, "Here, sweetheart. Let me get that."

Zoe recoiled. Her eyes flashed murderously.

"Brother," Artemis chided. "You do not help my Hunters. You do not look at, talk to, or flirt with my Hunters. And you do not call them sweetheart."

Apollo spread his hands. "Sorry. I forgot. Hey, sis, where are you off to, anyway?"

It was a miracle she hadn't killed him yet, honestly.

"Hunting," Artemis said. "It's none of your business."

"I'll find out. I see all. Know all."

Artemis snorted. "Just drop them off, Apollo. And no messing around!"

"No, no! I never mess around."

Artemis rolled her eyes, then looked at us. "I will see you by the winter solstice. Zoe, you are in charge of the Hunters. Do well. Do as I would do."

Zoe straightened. "Yes, my lady."

Artemis knelt and touched the ground as if looking for tracks. When she rose, she looked troubled. "So much danger. The beast must be found."

She sprinted toward the woods and melted into the snow and shadows.

Apollo turned and grinned, jangling the car keys on his finger. "

So," he said. "Who wants to drive?"

Author's Notes:

We finally hear a bit more regarding Armani and her standpoint on fighting. She's very deeply against the idea of training child demigods, and she hides a lot more power than she lets on. How does the dynamic of Armani and Percy affect those around them, and why do Artemis and Apollo seem so wary of her?

Ah, this was a fun one to write, mostly just because I wrote simple ways for Armani to avoid the truth, more so than just outright lying.

I'm sure people are curious to know what the hell Percy and Armani were insinuating in the woods during their conversation, feel free to guess if you want.

As for Armani's powers, those will actually be expanded upon much more next chapter, but like I said in chapter one, A lot of things will be hidden, or unsaid until later on. don't wanna show my entire hand so to speak.

Also Thank you for all the kind comments, there isn't a lot, but it puts a smile on my face just seeing one. You guys are great! :)

Now, I am announcing that I will be working on a few other stories alongside this one, A genshin Fluff one was posted earlier today, with more being made. However, the others will be more along the lines of this story, I also have plans for a very large crossover between a couple of fandoms, I've been writing it for two years and now I'm editing some old chapters. Even then It isn't anywhere close to completion.

As for what stories are being worked on, I have 4 that I'll be focusing on besides this one.

Symbiotic Synergy - An AU where Izuku Midoriya did have a quirk, The Venom Symbiote. And after he's lost everything, can he climb back up or will he fall to his rage?

Edge of Duality - Chara, a cruel and closed-off personality not of choice, but of circumstance. Frisk, a child with high expectations upon her shoulders, but how can one child be expected to hold the weight of the sky? The two may find they have more in common than they first thought.

Benign Fury - Izuku Midoriya has never met his father, but when he woke up on his tenth birthday with a tail and a penchant for a good fight, he begins to wonder what he is.

Web of Choices - What If Tony Stark had tried to recruit Peter Parker before Sokovia? What would his choice have been? And Why does he dislike him so much? (An Au where Tony Stark meets Peter Parker after the battle with Electro. Andrew Garfield AU.)

This author's note has gone on for long enough, but I'll explain just a bit of these, S.S. is an idea many have tried, but I haven't found all of them very captivating or exciting, and Venom is heavily downplayed, so I want to fix that and flesh out the idea.

Edge of Duality is self-explanatory, the only thing I can say is that they both fall at the same time frisk would have, Asriel is alive and a teenager, but something is wrong with the underground.

Benign Fury, this one might receive some flak, however, it's basically a Saiyan Izuku AU, still trying to figure out how to balance him. And no, Goku is not his father, Broly is, which is where benign fury comes from, Izuku is gentle in canon but full of wrath when he's pissed off, like Broly. In this, he'll be much quicker to anger, and the canon of Saiyans remains close to canon. As for Izuku's mother, it most like won't be Inko, as I just don't like writing her, It could very well be Cheelai, we shall see, still deciding. You can leave suggestions if you want. ;)

Finally, Web of Choices, Andrew Garfield AU's are really cool to me, and I've only ever seen like 3 written, and they were pretty sub-par, More info on this one at a later time.

I hope you guys enjoyed it! See you next time!:)