Hey readers! Sorry this chapter has taken long, but I was busy winning a dance competition! I just want to let you all know that I have planned many things that some of you have suggested, and many answers are to come. Patience, grasshoppers. Anyway, thanks again for all the lovely reviews and favorites and follows. You all are awesome and I'll do my best to keep up!

Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson nor do I own anything affiliated with it. Percy Jackson and all his friends (as well as his enemies) belong to the brilliant mind of Rick Riordan.

Chapter 4

The moon was high and full, providing plenty of silver light for Artemis to see. Most of the hunters are asleep by now. All except one, the very one Artemis needed to talk to. Artemis shouldered her bag and strode over to Thalia's tent. She entered cautiously, not wanting to wake anyone who didn't need to be awakened. Thalia was laying on her bed, hands behind her head and one knee up, staring at the ceiling. She didn't notice Artemis walk in before Artemis spoke in a soft voice. "Thalia?"

Thalia jerked up in her bed, "Artemis!" She stood up, giving her goddess a bow. "My lady. What is it?"

Artemis gave a gentle gesture for Thalia to have a seat on the bed. She then took a seat next to her second in command. "Thalia, I'm sure you've had suspicions that something has been going on." She paused and Thalia nodded in confirmation. "There is. Something has happened. In fact, tonight I'm leaving to see what can be done about the situation. Naturally, you'll be in charge while I'm gone. I cannot burden you with any more details, and I must ask you to keep your word of secrecy. Do you understand, Thalia?" Artemis searched Thalia's face. She was looking at the ground, understanding crossing her eyes. She gave a nod and looked up at Artemis.

"The hunters will want to know where you've gone. What do want me to tell them?"

"Tell them I've been called to Olympus. I'm not sure when I'll be back, you can tell them that."

Thalia simply nodded. "It will be done my lady."

Artemis smiled. "Thank you Thalia. I am so glad you are my second in command."

Thalia bowed her head. Artemis returned the bow and stood, moving toward the exit. Before she left, Thalia turned to her and spoke. "Good luck Artemis."

Artemis turned over her shoulder. "Thank you. You as well, Thalia." And with that, she entered the dark of night. She walked far beyond the camp before calling down her silver chariot pulled by reindeer. She mounted the chariot and pulled the reins, taking off in to the sky. She flew and flew until the sea came in to view. She was about to cross past the shore when a shape flashed across the sky and ended directly in front of her. She yanked the reins, pulling the chariot to a halt.

She was greeted by a skinny figure in a track suit flashing an awkward smile. "Hi."

She sighed "Hermes. What a surprise. If you wouldn't mind," her voice turned stern. "get out of my way."

Hermes pressed his teeth together, giving a sorry look. "No can do Artemis."

Artemis let out a controlled breath. "Hermes. If you do not move I will run you over. Get. Out. Of. My. Way."

"Artemis," Hermes spoke as if a vicious beast were staring him down. "I know you're headed to Ecuador. I can't let you go."

"And why is that, Hermes?"

"Surly you've heard Zeus' orders. All Olympian council members are to remain in America unless ordered or given permission to leave."

Artemis sighed. "Looks like Zeus has become quite the power king lately. Has it not occurred to you to question his authority?"

Hermes opened his mouth but hesitated. He finally replied. "Look, Artemis, I miss Apollo just as much as you do-"

"No. You don't." She clenched her jaw, giving him a fierce look. "You can't. No one will experience the loss of Apollo like I am being forced to. No one will feel as surrounded by darkness as me. No one has had a piece of them ripped away." She turned her chariot around. "And no one puts me in such a state without me putting up a fight." She whipped the reins and sped off. Hermes was speeding next to her.

"Artemis!" he called. "What's your plan here?"

She turned to him, the moonlight illuminating her eyes like silvery fire. "I'm going to pay a visit to dear old Dad." Hermes slowed to a stop, watching as his half-sister sped off. He wanted to help, but he knew he could only do that by getting out of her way. So he simply watched with a heavy heart.

"Hermes! I'm hungry! I want rats!" He heard his phone vibrate in his pocket.

"Not now George." He let out a sigh and flew off.