It has been a long time since I last updated but I'm happy to say I'M BACK or rather WE ARE BACK (cannot forget my co-writer here)

I have to say that I am sorry for the long wait. It took a long time to write the chapter and there were a few delays caused by life as a whole. I hope you all will enjoy the new chapter and maybe even review.

Last thing or things I want to say before you can continue with reading the story is a thank you for reading this FF, a big thank you for those who putted it on their favorite and/or follow list(s), and of course a special thanks for you who took some time to review.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan do.

Aurelia's POV

Aurelia woke up to the sound of whispers. Opening her eyes, she squinted taking a moment to listen and orient herself taking in everything around her. She was lying on a bench inside what appeared to be a big carriage of some sort, from what she could see the decoration was rather simple and it was just large enough to allow the passengers to sit comfortably or in her case to lie comfortably.

Looking around she saw the sober faces of Thalia and Percy and the blonde girl, Annabeth, who were sitting on the bench opposite hers. Feeling the presence of another she turned to look at the person next to her.

"It's good to see you are awake." - Artemis said to her as soon as their eyes meet.

"What happened? I was sure that I was going to die?"

After what seemed to be a small eternity Artemis answered her – "I came just in time to save you. I don't know how but I succeeded in closing the wound and keeping you alive. My theory is that it was likely your unique nature that kept you alive long enough for me to help you and then it also aided with the healing."

Aurelia wasn't sure if by 'unique nature' Artemis meant her heritage as a half monster, her magic or possibly even both. Deciding that there was no use in starting that conversation while the campers were here she choose to ask another question.

"Where is Zoë?"

The silence which followed her inquery was so tense she could practically feel the unease in the air. Seeing the looks on the other Questers' faces and Artemis' she dreaded to hear the answer but still she needed to know what happened.

"Zoë died during the battle. Her father killed her in his last attack just before he was once again imprisoned under the sky." - Despite her own grief the goddess knew that her hunter needed to hear what occured on the mountain's top. Others might think of her as heartless for her direct answer but she wasn't one to beat around the bush and hide the truth just because it was an unpleasant one.

Hearing those words but not quite comprehending them Aurelia's thoughts went to the strong girl she had come to think of as a sister. She thought about the strong and earnest Zoë who was so obviously the first of the hunters in her bearing and her care. She also thought about the compassionate Zoë the one never to abandoned a fellow sister in their need. How could she be dead? And by the hands of her own father no less... But Artemis would never lie to her. As the last thought realized in her mind the grief was quick to follow. With tears in her eyes she looked up as a comforting hand settled on her shoulder.

"I know that it is hard to lose a sister but do not forget that Zoë would want us to live on. We will honour her with our lifes. We will honour her by fighting for what she stood for. And when we reach the camp later, do not doubt that the whole hunt will come together so we can give her the last farewell she deserves. There is a place among the stars for her." - Artemis soft spoken words reached Aurelia through the fog of her grief and gave her the strength to wipe away her tears.

Aurelia's response still was a bit shaken but she quickly regained her composure - "Of course, My Lady."

"Where are we heading and how long was I out?" - She asked after taking another deep breath.

"You were unconscious for about half an hour. Again I believe your nature has something to do with your rather short black out. Our current destination is Mount Olympus, New York." - She was informed by her divine leader.

...

It didn't take long for them to reach Olympus. Looking out of her window Aurelia could see the City of the Gods in all it's glory. Huge buildings and statues of various heroes and gods towered into the sky. They landed in fornt of what must have been Artemis' palace here on Olympus if the statues of deers, her sacred animal, and other wildlife as well as the moonlight radiating from the silver engravings on the portal, leading inside, were any indication.

"From here on we will go by foot." - The goddess informed the group before they disembarked and she turned to lead the way towards the throne room.

To see Olympus from above was entirely different than seeing it walking through the streets and by Artemis' side no less. Minor gods and goddesses, nymphs and satyrs alike parted to allow the moon deity unimpeded through on her way to the council. The whispers of Olympus' residents folllowed them on their way, the news about Artemis' rescue no doubt soon to be known by everyone currently in the city.

When they reached the gates leading to the throne room Artemis stopped and turned to them – "When we go inside you will bow to Zeus and then to your respective parent after that you will take a seat at their feet. It is important to not offend Zeus. Do you understand?" - Seeing them nod their heads Artemis looked towards Aurelia – "This is all the more important for you. You have no parent on the council but I will take that place for the meeting meaning you will take your seat in front of my throne."

With that said Artemis turned back around and opened the huge door with a graceful wave of her hand before she walked in with proud steps, followed closely by the Halfbloods.

...

The throne room was a sight that to be seen to be believed and truly comprehended. The room was absolutely huge, it made out of shiny marble and the dome like roof was held up by large evenly spaced massive pillars. The thrones were arranged in a half circle facing towards the door with each clearly belonging to a different God and showing so in how no two ever were alike, yet each still gave off a feeling of awe and power.

In the centre of the half circle, facing the entrance to the throne room directly was the throne of Zeus, it was a huge glorious thing decorated with venerated scenes out of his life and lightnings that writhed like they were alive and just waiting to strike. Zeus himself sat arrogantly looking straight ahead at the group, his entire bearing and being emitting power and divine might. He wore an expensive business suit that fit him perfectly emphasising his size and presence and had rather short brown hair, a short goatee and a severe face. Next to him on his right side sat his wife Hera, a woman with black hair and brown eyes wearing what seemed to be a permanent frown and a typical old Greek style dress tunic. Beside her sat Demeter, wearing a green tunic, and next to her Athena, the grey-eyed, black-haired goddess. Ares' throne looked like it was made out of broken arms and cushioned with human skin, he wore leather and bronze armour and was playing with a broad sword while looking around with a bored look on his face. Hermes' throne was from what she could see just a comfortable looking chair, Hermes himself looked like a mailman with winged sneakers. At the end of the right side was Dionysus on a simple looking throne warped in vine tendrils. On Zeus left side sat Poseidon, the earth shaker, sitting on a throne resembling a raging ocean, he wore a simple shirt and sandals, his facial features though older and more mature reminder her somewhat of Percy. Then there was Aphrodite, her small statures and features still a less than perfect copy of Artemis to Aurelia and beside her her husband Hephaestus, a large burly behemoth of a man. The last occupied Throne belong to Apollo, a shining golden throne which seemed to have it's only goal in annoying Aurelia by blinding her with reflected light. Finally next to her twin's throne proudly stood Artemis' own. It was an elegant looking throne detailed with delicate looking silver workmanship of the most dangerous and worthy beasts Artemis had hunted in the past.

The deities sitting on their thrones had all turned to see who would dare to interrupt such an important meeting as they heard the opening of the Throne room doors. As they saw Artemis walk in however their irritation and indignation quickly turned clearly to relief.

"My dear daughter, I am glad you found your way to us just in time for the winter solstice meeting to begin." Zeus voice boomed.

"Father, it's good to be free again. I wouldn't be here tonight if it wasn't for these brave Halfbloods. Please step forward heroes." - As she spoke Artemis grew until she reached ten foot in height.

Thalia, Percy and Annabeth met no difficulty as they did as Artemis had told them to do earlier. When Aurelia stepped forward to do so however she barely took a few steps before she was interrupted by Zeus' loud voice. - "Artemis, why is this filth even on Olympus? And in my throne room no less?!"

"She is one of my hunters and she was a key part of the group which freed me!" - Artemis spoke with a confidence few would have standing in front of a displeased king of gods. Laying a hand on Aurelia's shoulder the goddess continued. - "And as a hunter she is part of my domain."

Zeus didn't look too happy about her response but it was clear that he wished to proceed with the meeting so he out it visibly put it aside – "Very well then, all of you take a seat. We will discuss this later but now let's come to the matter at hand, your capture and who was behind it."

In the next hour every member of the group as well as Annabeth and Groover, who was sent for when it was his turn, were questioned about their experience on the quest.

"So you say that the Titans are rising again? That my father is rising again?" - Zeus asked.

"Father, I have heard Atlas as he spoke of the war preparations the enemy is going through. We have all noticed that monsters are gathering. It is clear the Titans are rising to challenge Olympus' power. We have to be ready, we have to muster our own forces and prepare the demigods." - Artemis said firmly trying to convince the god of the sky.

From there on it was rather quick the gods voted and it was unanimously decided to prepare for war and the Titans return. After the vote was done and the gods had decided how to go in their preperations Zeus turned on the last remaining open points.

"After hearing what you, Aurelia , daughter of the Nemean lion, have done to ensure the quest succeed I, Zeus, king of the gods, have decided to spare your life. I also will allow you to remain as one of my daughter's handmaiden." - Artemis outraged, looked like she was about to protest how any of this was his right to decide but before she could speak she was interrupted.

"Yeah, yeah I'm too for not blasting the girl into pieces, she got fire, but what's about those two" – Ares said that while pointing at Thalia and Percy – "They both are a danger to our rule aren't they?"

That notion was soon shut down by both Poseidon and Zeus. They weren't too fond about killing their own children.

"Now let's reward these heroes before us. They were brave, strong and took on a threat they had no real chance of defeating in the name of Olympus, for that they deserve a reward! Step forward daughter. What would you ask for as a reward?"

Thalia who now stood in the middle of the room looked around nervously before her eyes settled on the ground in front of her. It took her a long time before she looked up to meet her fathers eyes.

"I don't want to be the child of prophecy! Tomorrow I turn sixteen. I don't want the responsibility..." - Thalia's voice cracked and trailed off at the end.

Zeus answered her softly with a nearly undetectable sad undertone - "I do not know if that is possible, child."

"I may know a way. But I will have to ask my sister first before I suggest it." – Artemis spoke. With that she stood up and walked up to Thalia. As she reached the girl she steadily changed her size again to be on eye level with the demigod and started to whisper to her.

After a few minutes of quiet conversation Thalia said with in a clear voice – "I accept."

"What do you accept? What is it you have planned to keep my child from the prophecy Artemis?" - Zeus clearly was confused.

The goddess in question was quick to explain - "I have offered her a place in my hunt. As she is part of the hunt now she will never become sixteen and so be safe from the prophecy."

It didn't took long for Thalia to take the required oath and become a proper member of Artemis' hunt. Like all the other hunters she shined with subtle silver light which was easy on the eye.

Zeus spoke to Thalia as soon as she had said the last words of the oath, a twinkle in his eyes – "So mote it be. As a hunter you hopefully will find happiness. And as I see, you, Artemis, will need a new lieutenant knowing that your old one has died, I would like to suggest your sister for the job seeing that she is part of your family."

Artemis stopped him before he could continue – "I am sorry father but I already have someone else in mind for that position." - Her voice was steady and resolute as she said that.

"And who, if I may ask, would that be?" - The sky god's voice was now dangerously clam.

Artemis stood her ground, eyes unyielding as she said – "Aurelia has proven to be a great hunter and an extremely loyal person. Zoë never would have taken her on the quest otherwise. Furthermore the two of them had quickly become friends if what I heard from the rest of the quest members is anything to go by and Aurelia also has demonstrated to be strong in battle, even ready to sacrifice herself if she had to for the team's survival."

"Artemis! I let you have a titan's spawn as lieutenant but this goes too far! In Nightshade there was at least a sliver of the blood of a deity but in this monster there is not the slightest drop of divinity! I cannot let that happen when there is a perfect and better solution standing just here next to us!"

The god's word angered Artemis so much that she pointed at him as she shouted – "This is about my domain! No god can interfere in another god's domain. Your precious ancient laws say so! Not without an unanimous vote!" - Artemis was furious and ferocious in the defence of her decision and rights to make it .

"Then let's vote. Everyone can see that Thalia is the better choice. Those who are in favor for the half breed becoming lieutenant of the hunt lift their hands." - There was conviction in Zeus voice as he called for the vote. He was convinced that every god present could see that a monster was not suited for anything but being a namless soldier. Artemis herself was excluded from the vote and even the gods who normaly would be against him in a vote would surely see reason here.

The god who first lifted his hand in favor for Aurelia was, no surprise, Apollo supporting his sister, the next god or rather goddess however was a surprise. Aphrodite lifted her hand and was closely followed by Ares and after a few moments Hermes. So it was decided that there would be no interference in Artemis' domain by the council with no unanimous vote, and as such Aurelia would be the next lieutenant of the hunt.

On his turn for a reward Percy asked for Bessie, the snake cow, to be left alive as a reward and it was granted to him. Shortly after arrangements were made for the sea creature to live on Olympus in a tank which the god of forge himself would create.

...

Artemis' POV

After the meeting was over it was arranged for all the campers to leave for camp again but before they could set off Artemis had Aurelia and Thalia stay.

"I just want to use this opportunity to have a quick talk with the two of you. I want to know how you both feel about the recent developments?" - The goddess asked.

Thalia and Aurelia both took their time to consider what to say before they answered. Thalia was the first to respond to the question taking only a few minutes. - " To be honest I feel great. For the first time in my life as a demigod I don't have the great prophecy looming over me. I also hope to find the same kind of family Aurelia has with the hunt. It will be great to be able to live my life in the most normal way possible for a demigod in my situation."

"I am sure that the hunt will welcome you with open arms. Just know that it is a time of grieving for us. Zoë was well respected and loved by all." - Artemis smiled sadly.

As it seemed that Aurelia would need a bit more time to answer, the goddess took the chance to think about the young girl in front of her. She didn't know a lot about her but from what she knew from the short time they had to speak and what she had done she was sure that this young demi-monster was a loyal soul hell-bent on protecting what she thought of as family. Aurelia was as she saw during her fight with Atlas one of the most talented warriors she ever had seen in a demi-being.

There was so much potential in her newest lieutenant it was stunning. Combined with her troubled past it very well could have been that she as the goddess of the hunt would have had to hunt her down herself if it hadn't been for Pan and his teachings. It made her shiver to think about how easily things could have played out differently if it wasn't for the one small coincidence of Aurelia walking into Pan years ago. Before she could continue in her thoughts about Aurelia and reach deeper depths she was interrupted by the very object of her thoughts.

Aurelia's POV

After hearing Thalia out Aurelia had lost herself in her own thoughts searching for what it was that she really felt. There was just so much going on in her. So many emotions coupled with memories old and new. About her life before the hunt, with Pan and even before that with her family and about the quest.

Trying to work out what she felt Aurelia answered carefully before picking up with more confidence as she went on - "I don't know how to feel. Foremost inside me is this overwhelming sadness. We lost Zoë and Bianca on this quest. Then there is anger. So much anger. Mainly anger directed at myself. I wasn't good enough, I couldn't help them when they needed me the most. I have let my family down. I can feel the hatred building up in me, I want to tear those who have wronged our family apart, watch them suffer and bleed. But I can feel hope, somewhere in me there is hope. I now for the first time have a family, a real family. I may have failed to protect it in the past but in the future I will do everything in my power to ensure it's safety. I will live up to what is expected of me as the lieutenant." - and far and foremost protect you Artemis. The last part she thought only in her mind.

When Artemis spoke her voice was heavy. - "I too feel sadness, anger and hate for the same reasons that you do but it is important to not let ourselves be consumed by it. We must stand strong, even against our own emotions, to do our duty and protect the ones we love. I know that you will be a great leader for the hunt and lead them under my command into battle. Don't forget that it is also our duty to protect not only ourselves and our own but also all innocents."

They talked for a bit longer but after that there wasn't much that could be said, before long Artemis teleported them to camp where they would meet the rest of the hunt and would give Zoë and Bianca, even without the body of the young girl, a funeral. They would honour their fallen sisters.

...

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