Author's Notes: I. Hate. Life. It always finds a way to screw with me. I'm sorry I couldn't post a chapter sooner, but sadly, I have other things that need doing, so I have to make time for those. Thankfully, now that spring is here, I'll hopefully be able to update more often.

Disclaimer: I don't own PJO or HO

Efialtis's POV

Thanks to Orion's interference, the game was canceled. Artemis took Lily back to her cabin, while the rest of the hunters scoured the woods for any sign of Orion. Thankfully, they didn't find anything. Over the next couple of days, everyone rushed around, while Chiron and the head counselor of each cabin sat in a war council almost daily. Chiron sent some of the campers out on scouting missions. The satyrs were busy rounding up the nature spirits. It was the Second Titan War all over again, from what I've heard about it. I spent most of my time outside the war council in the arena, constantly sparring with multiple people at once, or with Clarisse or Percy. During one such sparring session.

"Alright, that's enough." I called as I put my sword away. The three campers I was training sighed in relief as they put their weapons up, and immediately made a beeline to the cooler for some refreshing water. Before I could follow, however, I noticed two people standing to one side of the arena, watching me. I tilted my head as I recognized them as Lily and Artemis. Artemis beckoned me over.

"Oh great," I sighed, and, not having much of a choice, reluctantly made my way over.

"Do you need something, Lady Artemis?" I asked, bowing as I reached her. She nodded in return.

"You saved one of my hunters," She had a look of intense thought.

"I merely did what I thought was right."

Lily looked up at me. She, too, had a thoughtful look. "Thank you...for saving me."

I dismissed it with a wave of my hand. I was always uncomfortable in these situations.

"No need. I'm just glad we made it in time. However, it does beg the question of how he got in."

Artemis nodded. "I had wondered that as well. He is not technictechnically a monster, so perhaps the barrier did not hinder him."

I nodded at her, stroking my chin in thought. Then I nodded to myself.

"Have you seen Chiron?" I asked.

Artemis looked surprised, but she nodded slowly. "Yes, he was at the archery range last I saw, bu- wait!"

As she was still speaking, Efialtis had begun to walk away towards the archery range. He turned to look over his shoulder. "You can come, if you'd like."

She stared at him. "What are you doing?"

He sighed. "The only thing I can do. Ask Chiron for a quest. I'll explain when I talk to Chiron, if you're there." He turned and continued on once more.

Artemis was silent for a few moments, then she turned to Lily. "Go, tell Thalia to begin making preparations for our departure."

Lily looked at her in surprise. "My lady?"

Artemis shook her head. "I must speak with Efialtis and Chiron. She turned, and noticed that I was waiting at the edge of the sparring arena. She nodded to me as she walked up.

"Very well," I said, and made my way over to the archery range.

~~~~Very Short Time Jump~~~~

As she had said, Chiron was indeed to be found at the archery range, instructing a couple of young campers in a bow's use. Most were terrible shots, but a couple, probably children of Apollo, actually hit near the center of the targets. Chiron noticed them approach, and cantered over.

"What can I help you with Efialtis, and Lady Artemis?"

"I've put it off long enough. I need a quest," I answered.

Chiron looked surprised. "Now, Efialtis, there's no ne-"

I interrupted him. "My mother told me that when I'd managed to find my way here, I'd need a quest before anything else. She told me to meet her and she'd tell me what I need to do next."

Chiron's eyes widened again. "Where did she ask you to meet her?"

I gave a small snort of amusement. "Memphis, Tennessee."

I wasn't sure if Chiron's eyes could widen any further. "Why there?"

I shrugged. "She told me to meet her at the zoo."

He stared at me. "The...zoo..."

I nodded. He was silent for a few moments. "If what you say is true... And if Tartarus is indeed rising... The usual three per party will not suffice..." He was silent for a minute. "Let me think for a little while. I'll announce your quest at supper tonight."

I nodded my thanks, and turned to leave.

"And what can i help you with, Lady Artemis?"

She shook her head. "I merely wanted to hear what he had to say."

He nodded, and turned back to the young campers as she rushed to catch up to me.

"Are you insane?" She asked as soon as she reached me.

"Why do you ask?" I turned to regard her as I asked.

"Chiron told me the prophecy. 'Savior's heart at end shall rend?' It doesn't take a goddess to know who that's referring to."

I turned to face her, anger in my eyes. "What would you have me do? Run? Hide, and hope Tartarus decides to go back to sleep? This is the worst battle anyone has ever seen, and you're worried that my soul might get rent?"

She was staring at me in surprise, perhaps because she didn't think that I'd snap at a goddess. I took a few calming breaths, before speaking again.

"I understand the dangers. I understand that there's a high likelihood that I won't come back from this quest alive. I accept that. I may not have lived up here for very long, but I know one thing. I will nkt allow Tartarus to destroy it so long as I have breath in my body."

She stared at me for a while, some emotion in her eyes I couldn't recognize. Respect, maybe?

She finally nodded. "Efialtis, maybe I misjudged you. When you came to apologize, I must admit I was skeptical of your intentions. I, like Lily, had my misgivings about you. However, I'm beginning to realize that perhaps you aren't as bad as I initially thought."

I nodded. "Coming from you, I'd say that was probably the nicest thing you've said to a male."

She cracked a smile. "I'll be watching you, Efialtis."

I bowed to her. "Of course. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to prepare for tonight."

I took my leave, and headed towards Hades' cabin. Artemis turned her feet towards her own cabin.

Outside Hades' cabin, I spotted Nico. He was staring at the cabin, obviously deep in thought. He did, however, turn to look at me as I showed up.

"What's up?" He asked.

"You up for another quest?"

He tilted his head. "Another quest?"

I nodded. "Chiron will be announcing it at supper tonight. I just wanted to make sure you were among those going."

"Why?"

"Other than me, you're the only one to traverse Tartarus alone. Other than that, you've a skill set similar to mine, though I admit I can't reanimate the dead."

Nico's. eyes widened at my first statement. "How'd you hear about that?"

"I was in Tartarus when you were."

"Oh...right." He looked away for a moment. "How did you survive so long?"

I turned away to look across camp as I thought about how to answer. "Determination, I guess. The one year she tossed me out was the hardest."

He looked at me, eyes wide. "What?"

I shook my head and sighed. "When I turned thirteen, my mother decided to test my mettle. She banned me from her house for a year, forcing me to live an entire year in the depths of Tartarus."

"Oh gods..." Nico gasped.

I shook my head. "But that's not important right now. What is important is the quest."

Nico was silent for a moment, but eventually nodded reluctantly.

"Good," I turned to leave.

"Wait," Nico called.

I turned to look at him over my shoulder.

"For what it's worth... I'm sorry."

I shook my head. "So am I."

~~~~Meanwhile, Back At Artemis' Cabin~~~~

3rd Person POV

Artemis arrived back at her cabin, and to her pleasure the hunters were hurrying around, preparing for departure. She finally spotted Thalia supervising the food.

"Thalia!" Artemis called. Thalia looked up. Realizing who had called her, she spoke a few words to one of the hunters, then walked over.

Yes, Lad..." She trailed off, staring more closely at Artemis.

"What is it, lieutenant?"

"You seem...I don't know, happier. Lily said you went off with Efialtis to see Chiron. Any good news?"

"Perhaps. Efialtis has been allowed a quest."

"Really?" Thalia asked.

Artemis nodded. "I need you to command the hunters while I'm gone. Go, and see if you can find some maidens to join our cause. I'm afraid we may need more hunters than we have."

"But, My Lady, where are you going to be?"

"I'm going to join Efialtis' quest. I've a feeling about one part of the prophecy. I may have a part to play."

Thalia leaned closer. "That's not your only reason for going, is it? If you were someone else, i'd say you were growing fond of Efialtis."

"You forget yourself, lieutenant!" Artemis nearly shouted.

Thalia cracked a smile. "Oh gods, I was right? But you haven't looked at a male that way since Orion! What is it you see in him?"

"I'm warning you, Thalia..." Artemis trailed off and sighed. Then she straightened. "I assure you, I merely wish to express my thanks to him for saving one of my hunters."

"Uh huh. Don't worry commander, I'll look after the hunt while you're gone. Just...remember your vows, okay?"

"You needn't remind me of my vows. I know them. I took them for a reason."

Thalia looked at her for a moment. "I wish you luck on your quest."

Artemis nodded, and looked back over the camp. "I'm afraid we may need it."

End Notes: Done, and we're finally getting to the good stuff. I know it's been a while, but I can give a slightly valid reason for my short hiatus. on Archive of Our Own, I've posted an original story. It'd be cool if you guys could check it out, and leave some input. It is, after all, my first original work. It's named "The vampire House," for now. Regardless, I'm back (hopefully) to my usual somewhat fortnightly updates. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and if you want to submit an OC, the form is in chapter...two, I believe. Please, R&R! RayTheZoroark Out!

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