Taylor's POV

I woke up the next morning and looked over at Kipcha's bed. It was empty, not looking any different from before I went to bed last night. I got up and stretched "She's probably out for an early morning run through the obstacle course like normal" I thought as I pulled out my camp shirt and a pair of black jean shorts. I changed and walked out, hoping to patch things up from last night. I silently walked through he camp, all the other campers were still asleep. I stopped at the end of the course and waited for her to come out through the woods. The conch horn blew about ten minutes later. I sighed and walked to the dining pavilion, wondering what was taking Kipcha so long. I grabbed some food and scraped a portion into the golden brazier. I sat down and began waiting once again. I sighed and started eating, concerned on where Kipcha was. After breakfast I walked over to Chiron, worry eating at my stomach.

"Good morning Taylor. Can I help you with something?" he asked as he rode up to me.

"Um yeah, have you seen Kipcha around? I didn't hear her come in last night and she wasn't at breakfast and I thought you might know where she is" I asked. His face paled and he stepped nervously.

"She didn't tell you…did she?" he asked in a low voice.

"Um…tell me what?"

"She's a hunter now…and the hunters left early this morning…"Chiron said. My heart sank deep into my chest; my best friend…my sister…just left me.

"But…she didn't even say goodbye…" I choked out before feeling tears slip down my face. Chiron opened his mouth in an attempt to say something but I walked away. I walked to the beach and sat down in the sand. I buried my face into my hands and sobbed; she left me and didn't even say goodbye.

"Taylor? Are you okay?" a somewhat familiar voice asked from behind. I turned and saw Ryan standing there. Before I could say anything, he sat down next to me. I bit my lip and shook my head and resumed crying. I felt his arm slide around my waist and pull me closer to him. The next thing I know, I'm crying into his chest.

"Shh…it's fine…why don't you tell me what's wrong?" he suggested in a soothing voice. I looked up at him, tears still in my eyes.

"She left me…" I muttered.

"Who left you?" he asked in the same voice that made my knees want to buckle.

"K…K…Kipcha…" I cried out before burying my face into his chest. He began rubbing my back in an attempt to comfort me. We sat there for the longest of time until I felt his arm slide under the back of my knees. He pulled me closer as he picked me up. He carried me into my cabin and set me on my bunk. He turned to walk away but my hand reached out and grabbed his wrist. "Please…stay…with me" I whispered. He nodded and laid down next to me.

"Anything for you Taylor" he whispered reassuringly. Without thinking I leaned up and pressed my lips against his; this being my very first kiss. Ryan was caught off guard but kissed back. I slide my arms around his neck as he wrapped his around my waist. I pulled away and gazed into his amazing blue eyes.

"Sorry…"I muttered as I let go; but his arms remained hooked around my waist.

"I'm not…that was amazing" he replied with a smile.

"You don't understand…I'm not like you…" I said while looking away from him.

"I know, you are the grand daughter of Poseidon and Athena" he said while raising an eyebrow.

"No…I'm not…" I said as I got up from the bed. He sat up and looked at me confused.

"Of course you are. You're Percy and Annabeth's daughter…." He replied.

"No…my mother is…Artemis…and my father…is Poseidon…"I said while looking down at my feet.

"Wait…that means you're a…" he tried to say but was caught in shock.

"I know…a goddess…" I replied while sitting back down next to him. His arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me closer to him. I looked up at him confused.

"That's pretty cool…falling in love with a goddess seems…interesting" he replied with a smile. I smiled and kissed his cheek.

"You're in love with me?" I asked.

"I knew you were something special and that I didn't want to lose you" he replied. I smiles and moved into his lap.

"Well good because I might be falling for you too" I murmured as I rested my forehead against his. His breath felt warm against my nose and cheeks. He pecked his lips against mine and nuzzled his nose against mine. "Best birthday present ever"

Kipcha's POV

It felt weird waking up in a tent instead of the cabin, let alone not having Taylor sleeping in the bed across from me. I sighed and got up; slightly aching from the long distance we had traveled. Today was supposed to be my 16th birthday but age didn't matter…in general anymore. I didn't have to take the pledge and I could have just traveled along with Artemis as a companion, but it just wouldn't feel right being here. I needed something to hold onto that seemed real since everything in the world I lived in had been turned upside down.

"Kipcha? Are you awake?" Thalia asked from outside my tent.

"Yeah, I'll be out in a second!" I replied as I picked up the new bag I got that was filled with clothes. I changed into the silver camo pants and while shirt and into my new combat boots; yet I have turned into a badass. I walked out of my tent to see all the other hunters staring at me with half smiles plastered on their faces. Artemis walked up to me, aging to be about 18 as she walked.

"Happy birthday Kipcha" she said warmly.

"Thank you…but I didn't think you would remember it" I said as I smiled at her.

"I think I would remember when both my daughter's birthday is" she replied while pulling a black box from behind her back. It was about arm's length and had two metal latches that kept the box closed. I took it, the exterior feeling cool against my callused fingers. I bend down on the ground and opened the case. The sunlight hit it just perfectly, causing a bright shine on the silver exterior. The drawstring wasn't string or metal; appearing to never be able to break. It was shaped like bull horns and had a leather holding spot; it was the most beautiful bow I had ever seen.

"Artemis….this is amazing!" I exclaimed as I picked it up, the box feeling perfectly in my hand.

"Well I know you would need one so I had Hephaestus make this special for you" she replied with a warm smile. Although it was somewhat short lived due to our visitor that stood within the ranks of the other hunters.