A/N: Hey! It's finally here! Chapter 2! So from here out you're going to start noticing serious changes in how the story plays out. I still plan to stick to the general plot line nightshade gave me, but things are a little different. I kept this chapter short, in comparison to what I have planned, but I hope you enjoy! And thanks to the support in the comments!

I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING HERE THAT HAS A COPYRIGHT, TRADEMARK OR OTHER LEGAL CLAIM. I AIN'T GOT TIME TO GO GET THOSE RIGHTS.

Chapter 2

Newcomer

Jayden POV

Jayden went inside. He smiled to himself. His little 'stunt' should've been enough to pique Artemis' curiosity, at the least. He assumed that the only reason she offered him a place to stay was because the gods wanted information. And Artemis had reason to keep him around. Jayden figured that with Artemis nearby, the other gods would leave him be, for the most part. And that was enough for now. Jayden reached out with his mind. He could sense Artemis outside his door. And beyond that, the Hunters. And past them… Jayden ran outside. "Artemis, duck!" he shouted. Artemis dropped reflexively. A spear soared through where her head had been just a moment ago. Jayden caught it, and threw it back in the direction it came from. There was a scream, and then it stopped. A group of Dracanae emerged from the trees. One of them was holding a Hunter hostage, keeping a knife by her throat.

"Draw your weapon," the snake lady hissed, "and the girl dies."

Artemis clenched her fists. Jayden could tell she wanted to act. He sighed. Then he sunk into the ground. The world went dark as the earth swallowed him. With his senses, Jayden could 'see' the Dracanae. He floated through the ground, until he was directly underneath her. Then he shot upwards, as fast as he could. He burst out of the ground, knocking the Dracanae over and surprising the Hunter. Jayden extended his blade, and stabbed the snake in the neck. She crumbled to dust. Then Jayden grabbed the Hunter, and pulled her to the ground. She punched him in protest while another spear sailed over their heads. Jayden rolled off the Hunter and turned to face the Dracanae, but an arrow suddenly lodged itself in her head. She too turned to dust. Jayden turned around. Artemis had summoned her bow. The other Hunters quickly followed suit. The remaining Dracanae were quickly reduced to piles of dust. Jayden stood up. He turned to the Hunter he had knocked over and offered her a hand. She glared at him.

"I don't need your help," she snapped.

Jayden gave her a small smile. "I know you don't, but that doesn't mean I won't offer."

She held her icy gaze for a moment, but then her expression softened. She took his hand, and he pulled her up. "Thank you," she said quietly.

"You're welcome." Jayden turned to Artemis, but he didn't even get the chance to open his mouth before she slugged him across the face.

"Don't," she snarled, "Ever touch my Hunters again."

Jayden got up with a groan. "You know, Moonshine, I think you need to work on your people skills." A couple of Hunters stifled a laugh.

Artemis turned red, and swung again. This time, however, Jayden caught her fist. The air from the impact blew his hair back briefly. The Hunters gaped. Artemis stared in shock. "How-"

"I don't get it Artemis. You seem upset, which doesn't make sense because I literally just saved one of your Hunter's lives. So I think what you should be saying, is 'thank you.'"

Artemis sneered. "Thank you?"

Jayden smiled. "You're welcome!"

"That's not what I-"

Jayden held up his hands. "Okay, okay. I see what happening her-oof!" Artemis punched him in the stomach.

"You will not sing in my presence," she told him.

Jayden winced and massaged his stomach. "Yeah, that was pretty cringey," he admitted. "I'm sure the internet would love that reference."

Artemis ignored his comment. "I don't think you get how things work here, boy."

Jayden was starting to get annoyed. He had tried being nice. He was starting to get sick of this. "And I don't think you get that you would've been more upset if she was dead." Artemis lunged at him, but Jayden didn't watch this time. He swung his fist. He knocked Artemis right out of the air. She sprawled on the ground, and Jayden sighed. "You know, Artemis, you are terrible at acting. I think we can all agree at this point that your 'offer' to me was a bunch of Minotaur dung." Artemis growled and stood up. "So why don't you just tell me what you want to know so we can all move on with our lives?"

Artemis stared at him defiantly. "I'm supposed to find out who your godly parent is," she said finally.

Jayden smiled internally. Gotcha. "Well if that's all, then I'll gladly tell you." Artemis seemed surprised at his compliance. Jayden glanced around. The Hunters were listening intently. He looked back at Artemis. And grinned.

END

A/N: There it is! I hope you enjoyed. The beginning A/N was long, so I'll keep this short. Thank you for reading, and I'll see you next time! Any ideas, suggestions, or just pure hate tell me about! I want to hear it! Thanks again, guys.