A/N: I didn't come up with Miranda's first name on the fly, actually. I got the first name from my favorite character, Miranda Rose, and she was a six year-old girl, always optimistic and bubbly, without an evil bone in her body. Needless to say, Miranda Lytvyn is completely different.

Thoughts are italic, and emphasized words are as well. If a word is a thought and emphasized, it's normal text.

Chapter 5- Miranda Lytvyn

Percy's POV

"Explain, Mr. Proctor." Miranda demanded the second we stepped out of Archery, "Your form is acceptable, both in melee weapons and Archery, despite being here for less than a day."

"Oh, I think my form is a bit better than acceptable, the way you've been looking at it the whole day." I smirked at her, knowing she would see both ways of interpreting that statement. "I am ready to learn whatever you teach."

"You must learn two things, the first of which being a quick tongue." Miranda's eyes narrowed, "And the second is punishment. You must show all that crossing you would not be beneficial."

"For example, putting half of them in the infirmary would be an effective sign to the rest?" I asked innocently.

Miranda smirked, "Indeed. Now, Perseus, tell me exactly what you can do, without holding back as you did in Archery or the Arena."

"I think it would be best to show you, Miranda." I got up and held out my hand. Miranda took it, but got up gracefully instead of pulling herself up. I wasn't complaining, though.

"Very well. Show me, Mr. Proctor."

I grinned, then we both disappeared into the ground. I brought us to a rather secluded place in the forest, far away from Bunker Nine, then unsheathed the Celestial Bronze sword I acquired earlier that day.

"Here, kitty kitty kitty." I called, knowing the woods were stocked with monsters. The first one that found us was a Centaur, more wild than the Party Ponies and not against killing demigods. It charged at me, but I disappeared and landed on it's back, riding the the Centaur howled in outrage, a Celestial Bronze sword went all the way through it's chest.

Miranda raised an eyebrow from where she was standing, "You know your way around a sword."

"Well, it isn't a coincidence that my orphanage has a ceremonial sword." A smile grew on my face, "And that so many of the older kids started getting mysterious cuts. For some odd reason, everyone always denied seeing an eleven year-old with black hair and a weapon."

"Very good in terms of ruthlessness, but you are not exactly subtle." Miranda replied, "Take us back to Nemesis, and I will show you something you lack."

I took her hand again and brought us both inside the "commons area" of the Nemesis cabin, where the ring of couches sat around a smoldering fire.

"As I have said before, the typical Ares camper with more muscles or arrogance than sense will not quail before harsh words, which often leads to violence. In that situation, you must learn that harsh measures must be meted out to quell any opposition to your goals." Miranda smiled, but it was not a happy one. More like the pleasure one could get when crushing an enemy, "I am, of course, referring to the practice of damaging the most painful areas possible, while on the outside the punishment seems superficial. In that way, you have only minorly maimed them, yet they will never cross you again."

Percy's POV

The days worked out into a kind of schedule. Olivia and Sean would tell me things I already knew about the gods in the morning, then came the various Camp Half-Blood activities, followed by a session with Miranda that usually lasted around two hours. After that came a check-in the Minos, practicing a little with Shadow, then sleep.

Days passed without much incident. Miranda and I were on the Blue Team for CTF, and we won by baiting most of the Ares Cabin to chase us while our allies -not friends- took the flag. Unfortunately, that led to some insults, which I responded to in kind. Thanks to Miranda, I could always keep my temper and respond with tactful blows. Judging by the glares, though, this wasn't over yet.

For some odd reason, one day Miranda didn't show up at breakfast, on the the Arena, and the Ares Cabin decided to take advantage of that.

"Hey, the runt's all alone." It was Clarisse, who apparently never stopped showing the newbies a "good" time. "Where's your little bitch friend?"

They shoved me up against a wall, and I went with it for now. Nine to one. I need an advantage.

"Right behind you." I replied, smirking. As they all spun to look, I drew Nico's dagger as well as the Celestial Bronze sword, lunging forward as I did so.

I managed to hamstring one of them before they realized Miranda wasn't actually there, then the eight of them still up turned on me. While only four of them could surrounded me at a time, it was still at least two more weapons than I had, and these were veterans from the Titan War.

I ducked a spear and stabbed a camper in the thigh before kneeing him in the balls, removing him from the fight, but another Ares camper immediately took his place. After a few more minutes of hard fighting, I took out two more of them before an electric spear slammed into my side. Pain arced through me as Clarisse removed the spear from the mostly superficial wound it created.

"You alright, Perseus?" Clarisse asked with a mocking grin. Other sons and daughters of Ares kicked me in the stomach or head while Clarisse grinned down at me. Why do they always have to wear those combat boots?

"He looks fine to me, hit'em again!" It was an Ares camper right next to her, and Clarisse was more than happy to oblige. Before she could drive the spear butt into me a third time, however, Clarisse screamed and toppled, sparks flying from her skin.

All the campers who still could ran away, leaving Clarisse and another two campers on the ground. Looking around, I saw why: Miranda strode forward, her ice-cold eyes filled with hate and the promise of vengeful retribution, "Clarisse, Jeffery, and Grayson. Torturing a new camper, hmm?"

"Go away, Lytvyn. This isn't your business." Clarisse growled pathetically, trying to sound tough whilst lying on the ground.

"Come over here, Perseus." Miranda said the words softly, but there was no mistaking the order, "It seems these two Ares campers have volunteered for a demonstration. You should thank them for their generosity."

I got to my feet, limping slightly while getting over to Miranda. She was as calm and elegant as always, but there was no mistaking the danger and pain in her gaze. Once I was there, I turned and nodded to the two fallen Ares campers, "I appreciate your willingness."

Miranda smirked at my words, "The first and most important step is preparation. Make your victims weak and pliable."

To my surprise, both Clarisse and her friend jerked as electricity pumped through them. How does she do that?

When Miranda finished, their skin was a light pinkish color and no doubt very sensitive, "Once they are ready, you may start in earnest."

Miranda once again had the knife in her hand, but this time, it was maybe an inch longer and a bit thinner, allowing for scalpel-like precision, "Observe my work, Perseus. One cannot make the wounds too deep, lest Chiron seek out the offender, regardless of what Clarisse would say. By the same reasoning, you cannot make the cuts too numerous."

Both of Miranda's hands went downwards, the empty one covering Clarisse's mouth while the knife hand made a small cut. I could hear Clarisse's scream through Miranda's hands, which I took pleasure in. All those years ago, Clarisse, when you tried to suffocate me in a toilet. Maybe if I had felt the slightest mercy towards you, this wouldn't be happening.

Miranda's knife came down again before tears started filling Clarisse's eyes. Miranda's smile was frightening if you were on the receiving end. Luckily, Clarisse was, not me, "So, Ares bitch, did you honestly believe I wouldn't hear if you and your ugly cousins ambushed Perseus? Hmm? I thought not. And yet you still decided to defy me!"

Clarisse was terrified, along with the boy I hamstrung as Miranda continued her bloody work.

"I think we're done, Clarisse." Miranda, after she made one last cut. Standing, she jerked Clarisse to her feet while I did practically the same to the other guy. Then, to my surprise, both of them were slammed into the wall by some unseen force.

When I glanced over, Miranda was smiling malevolently. You don't enjoy hurting people, do you, Miranda? So what do you like about that? Crushing the opposition? Protecting me, perhaps? Showing your power?

"And there you have it, Perseus." Miranda's knife morphed back into the ring, "They will not bother you again."

I fell into step beside her as we started walking away. That sent screams of protest through my entire body, but I couldn't appear weak in front of her. "How, exactly, did you do that?"

"Revenge." Miranda smirked, "They stabbed you with Lamer, so I made them feel the effects of the lightning spear. Earlier, the night we met, you lied to me about your last name. My revenge was making you tell the truth."

"So, say I killed someone. Could you kill me?"

"You or anyone else." Miranda laughed lightly, "That is the difference between vengeance and justice: Justice is against the people who wronged you. Revenge, Perseus, is much more open."

"Ah, so that's why the crippled guy also felt the electric spear." I nodded in understanding, "I've never been able to do that."

"Nor can many in the cabin, and others that can are very weak with this power." Miranda shrugged, "Cameron may be the Councilor, but I am the most powerful daughter of Nemesis."

"Oh, and I'm not powerful?" I asked, mocking offense, then winced. Definitely broken bones, but nothing hurt as much as being whipped.

"With a few years of practice, you might, just might, become decent." Miranda smirked, then noticed a something, "I believe you need to visit the infirmary."

A few minutes later, we were in the infirmary with Chiron looking me over.

"Perseus was attacked near the weapons shed. I'm not sure what they did to him, but I thought it would be best to take him to you." Miranda's voice was filled with concern and kindness, while her face betrayed nothing but fear for my well being. Knowing her, it was fake, but Miranda knew how to work Chiron. You're playing him like a fiddle, Miranda.

"You did the right thing, Miss Lytvyn." Chiron said, not breaking his eyes from my, "It is a wonder you managed to get him here. By my estimate, at least three cracked ribs, your left arm is broken and your index through ring fingers shattered. Your right ulna and radius are both cracked, but your right hand is mostly undamaged. Severe bruising on your legs, thankfully no broken bones. It also looks like there's been a large amount of electricity pumped through your body."

I could see Miranda's eyes flash and a frown come over her face when she realized just how much damage they'd done to me. I also saw her fists clench, but when she spoke, her voice was the model of innocent concern for a friend, "Will he recover?"

"Yes, in a day or so." Chiron set the bones and gave me some nectar, which I drank gratefully, "Just lie back, Perseus, and rest."

After Chiron left, the expression of concern immediately dropped from Miranda's face, "It appears I have overestimated you, Perseus. I believed you were at least powerful enough to escape."

"Come on, Miranda, it was a little suspicious of you to disappear after our victory in Capture-the-Flag, especially with our. . . .tactic of infuriating the Ares campers. Although, I didn't expect to be outnumbered nine to one."

Her face shifted as she realized was I was implying, then decided to call my bluff, "Really, Perseus, I was under the impression you were beinging beaten. And judging by the fact that you're here, I'd say I was correct in my assumption."

"Fine, you win." I shrugged, sending bolts of pain through my chest, "Still, those Ares campers'll regret it when the next CTF game comes around."

"They will regret it sooner than that." There was a dangerous fire in her usual icy eyes, "Not a word, Mr. Proctor."

"Of course not." I smiled, then Miranda strode out of the infirmary with her knife in hand. This time, though, it was thicker and longer, more war-like.

As soon as she left, though, Sasha came in. "What happened, Master?"

"Ares happened." I groaned, "What cabin are you in?"

"Unclaimed, Master, and living in Hermes." Sasha shrugged, "I'm surprised you aren't up already, Master, but it isn't my place to question."

"If I had a way to get up on my feet, I would've used it already." I raised an eyebrow, which I could do without making the pain any worse, "What are you implying?"

Sasha face-palmed, "Sorry Master, I forgot this was a little after Jeanne's time. May I borrow Shadow? I swear on the Styx I will return it to where you left it after I retrieve the medicine."

I nodded, "I hold you to your oath, Sasha. It's under the bed."

I shadow-traveled her to my room, and a few moments later, felt the eclipse emblem disappear from my hand. Immediately, I felt a lot weaker, and everything hurt more, way more. Well, it looks like Shadow does more than I thought.

A few minutes later, Sasha appeared next to my bed, holding a vial of clear, yellow liquid. It wasn't nectar, but quite a bit thinner, but an even richer shade of gold.

"Here, drink this." Sasha very carefully poured it into my mouth. Immediately after I swallowed, I felt better. All of my wounds disappeared, my bones mended and the aches were gone.

"Explain, my serpent." I ordered.

"That was some Catholicon, Master." Sasha apparently saw this wasn't enough to satisfy my curiosity, so she continued, "In the fourteenth century, before Jeanne's birth, there was a rather famous scribe and his wife, Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel. Nicholas had the location of a very famous manuscript that the Proctor of that time wanted. Nicholas and his wife sold it at the cost of a cask of nectar. Believing that Nicholas and his wife were completely mortal, the Proctor agreed. However, Perenelle was a legacy of Hebe, and Nicholas the son of Hecate. As a manuscript seller, he had a collection of books describing nectar, and it intrigued him immensely."

"Go on." I prompted.

"Well, once the Proctor found out, he was furious. Unfortunately, the Judges had recently given him a mission to retrieve a Golden Apple. As Western Civilization was centered in France then, the Proctor thought she would steal an Apple, kill the Flamels, then return to the Judges. The Flamels heard of this, and set a trap. The Proctor died in it, and although I managed to retrieve Shadow the the Ouroboros ring, the pair of Golden Apples she was carrying fell into the possession of the Flamels." Sasha sighed, "They disappeared from history."

"I'm sensing a continuation to this story."

"Yes, Nicholas was credited with being an alchemist after his death for a reason. In the seventeenth century, the Flamels popped up again, believing that they were safe. The Proctor at the time, a male, was tasked with finding how they lived so long and killing the married couple. The first thing he found out was, contrary to popular belief, Golden Apples do not grant immortality. However, Nicholas became an alchemist after he got his hands on the nectar in the late fourteenth century, and managed to create two things."

"The Philosopher's Stone and the Elixir of Life?" I raised an eyebrow, "Those are a myth."

"I just gave you the Philosopher's Stone, Master, to heal you." Sasha shrugged, "He sold the Catholicon to Kings, Queens, Lords, and other rich people, always for a steep price. It is a cure to most injuries and illnesses, along with being much quicker then nectar in it's curative effects. Nectar can only cure injuries, not illnesses, but this medicine can do both, making it immensely valuable. Lead is actually a primary ingredient of the Catholicon, and Nicholas Flamel only sold it for gold as well. Thus he turned lead into gold."

"And the Elixir of Life?"

"Nicholas Flamel had discovered a formula to make someone immortal. He ground up the Golden Apples and added it to nectar, along with a few other ingredients. His and his wife's supply ran out before the Proctor could get them, however, so they died a natural death. The famed alchemist, though, recorded his findings in a journal, which he called The Book of Abramelin the Mage. Completely made up name, of course, but it served it's purpose and was buried with him. Needless to say, it is in your possession now."

"Then why aren't any of the Proctors immortal?"

"The Proctor who retrieved the Golden Apples in the fourteenth century was extraordinary. You are powerful, but she . . . . she was the best of all the Proctors, by far. You have been more immediately successful then her, though, so perhaps you will dethrone her." Sasha smiled at me, "Many Proctors since then have tried to gather a Golden Apple, but so many off them died in that quest that the Judges banned anyone from trying. But do not even think about besting Ladon yet. He is far too powerful for you now, but in five years, if you show the same improvement, you may be able to convince the Judges."

"You read my mind, Sasha." I sighed. So, if I could get a Golden Apple, I could potentially live for a very long time. But I would need a constant source of Golden Apples, which won't be easy to come by.

Then, surprisingly, an Iris-Message formed right in front of me. It was Jeanne, "Your prisoner's woken up."

Nine days,"I'll be right there."

I held out my hand to Sasha, "Shadow."

After she handed it over and the eclipse re-marked my palm, I disappeared.

Percy's POV

I grabbed Jeanne's arm as soon as I appeared in the Underworld, "Have you talked to her?"

"No, Proctor." Jeanne shook her head, "You must be the first. However, I moved her to a separate room whilst she was unconscious."

I nodded my thanks, then opened the room and stepped inside. Thalia was sitting on the bed, apparently shocked and confused as to where she was.

"Who're you?" She demanded, her hand instinctively reaching for a knife that wasn't there.

"Tristan Dewolfe." I replied, my face still in it's natural Nemesis-altered form.

"Where am I?"

"In hiding, Thalia. You're healed and mostly safe." I reassured her, "However, during the battle, you were bitten."

Thalia's eyes went wide as she realized what just happened, "Shouldn't I be dead? Why didn't the werewolves kill me?"

"I claimed you, as a spoils of war." I replied offhandedly, like it didn't matter, "I'm a werewolf as well, just not of the Pack."

Thalia's eyes narrowed, but I needed to tell her as much of the truth as possible, "Then why didn't you kill me? Or do something worse."

"I do not plan to make you my mate, Thalia, nor to extract uncouth pleasure from your body." I said tiredly, hoping my tone would help her believe me, "I was formerly part of the Pack, and have seen the error of Lycaon's ways. I do not wanted to by hunted by your sisters, and I grow tired of the pointless slaughter that encompasses your two factions."

Thalia seemed partially convinced by my vague words of repent, but not fully, "Then what's stopped you from giving me back to the Hunt?"

"I had to see if you lived. Becoming a werewolf is no gentle process, and I am personally surprised you survived it." I shrugged, "If I returned you -unconscious and obviously in pain- to the Hunt, I would most likely be interrogated and beaten simply for the fun of it. I've seen it happen, Thalia, and I have no wish for it to reoccur. If you died in the transformation -and it was entirely likely that you could have- I would be put to death despite my protests. Your oh-so-great Hunt would kill me out of grief and not shed a tear latter."

Come on, Thalia, buy it. I don't want to explain to Nemesis why I couldn't hold my end of the deal. Thalia nodded, "And if I'm conscious, I'll be able to put in a good word for you?"

I shrugged, "Quite honestly, yes. I have no wish to die, and I do not plan to oppose your Hunt. In fact, I have a plan your lady may like to hear."

Thalia raised an eyebrow, "So willing to betray your former friends already?"

"I merely wish to live. The Pack is out searching for me as we speak," Complete lie, "and it will only be a matter of time before they bring me to an end, as they do all traitors. So, the most logical course of action would be to cripple them and make myself less of a target."

"Something tells me you spent a lot of time thinking each of those words out." Thalia accused, "And given your logic, how do I know this isn't a trap to destroy what's left of the Hunt?"

"You don't. I can swear that it isn't, but what is the word of a werewolf to a Hunter? Nothing. Nothing at all And you know as well as I that an oath on the Styx doesn't bind werewolves, or any animals." I shrugged, "I was hoping that coming to the Hunt bearing gifts -you, mostly unharmed- would give legitimacy to my cause. Do I have your word that you'll at least talk to Artemis about not killing me?"

Thalia eyed me, "Take me back to my sisters and we'll see."

"Very well." Putting my hands behind my back, I summoned Thalia's bow, quivers, and hunting knives, "Here are your weapons. I would appreciate it if you didn't harm me with them, then we can leave."

Frowning, Thalia attached the sheaths and slung the bow, then nodded, "Where to?"

Unbuckling Shadow so that I looked unarmed, I held out my hand, "Just take my hand, and I will get us there."

Hesitantly -it was clear she didn't trust me yet- Thalia lightly touched my palm, then I shadow-traveled us to Camp Half-Blood, where the Hunt was currently residing. Ever since the Athena Cabin blew up, Artemis decided to vacate the Artemis Cabin and instead just pitch their tents. Probably wise, or I might've removed them another way. The result would be the same, as I could always blame the explosion on the werewolves. . . . .after all, I just need the act of revenge, even if it isn't justice.

We appeared right outside the Hunt's perimeter, so it was no surprise that they shot first. A silver arrow embedded itself in my shoulder, that whole area exploding into agony. It felt like there was a raging fire inside of my shoulder, boiling the blood and scorching the flesh.

Growling, I grabbed the broadhead -thankfully not barbed- and yanked it out. As soon as the silver stopped touching me, the burning was gone, but it still hurt like hell.

"Thalia?" A hesitant voice came out of the trees, one I didn't recognize.

"Josha?" Thalia called back, "It's me. I'm alive."

The Hunter, Josha, emerged from the trees with two others, all of them having arrows knocked and aimed at me.

"I am unarmed." I stated calmly, putting my hands behind my head, "I do not wish to harm you."

Sadly that didn't help, as something knocked my unconscious.

Percy's POV

Something cold and very wet splashed over me, bringing my mind to a sharp awakening. I blinked my eyes open, only to shut them as I saw a blinding light shin directly at me. Classic interrogation. Wake them up suddenly, disorient them with a brilliant light in a dark room, then hit them with questions before they realize where they are. Sorry ladies, that won't work on me.

"You are Tristan Dewolfe." A cold voice stated. Artemis, of course.

I kept my eyes closed and my mouth shut, orienting myself and gathering my thoughts.

"Is that your name?" It was the same voice, but even colder.

"Yes, Artemis, it is indeed my name." Finally, my mind was back in order and cracked open an eye, getting my vision adjusted.

"You are one of Lycaon's?"

"Were. No longer."

"Where is the Pack?"

"I'm not giving that information up until we can have an honest conversation, without all this crap." I gestured to the light.

"Cuff him." Artemis ordered. A Hunter, I didn't know who, clicked something cold around my wrists. After a millisecond of cold, though, came burning agony all the way to my shoulder. Burning, like my arms were being held inside of a fire. Silver, no doubt.

"Where is the Pack?"

"Go to Tartaurus." I growled, "You have my terms."

"Again."

This time, the cuffs went around my upper arms, spreading the flames.

"Where is the Pack?"

"Fuck you and all your little pets!" I yelled, the pain getting to me, "Either you stop interrogating me, and I'll tell you, or I will break out of here!"

Thalia, who was standing behind the Moon Goddess, started to talk,"My lady, from what he's told me-"

"Be quiet." Artemis cut her off, "Where is the Pack?"

"Up yours." Now I was getting used to the burning sensation, "You know what I want! This torture isn't going to break me!"

"Collar him."

This time, it was a circle of the viscous metal, clamping around my throat. I howled in agony, fire coursing through my body.

"Where is the Pack?"

I was too busy screaming to answer, so Artemis gestured and the collar came off.

"Answer me."

I retched a few times, then spoke again, "I really didn't want to do this, Artemis, but you've left me with little choice."

I stood up, bringing the chair I was chained to with me, then threw myself backwards. The chair slammed into a Hunter standing behind me, throwing her back into the wall of the tent. Artemis got to her feet, but before she could flash over, I knelt on the Hunter's throat.

"If you come over here, either of you, she dies." I threatened, "You can't take that chance, Artemis, you have so few Hunters left."

"Neither can you." Artemis pointed out, "You kill her, you're leverage is gone."

I chucked softly, "No, I have more leverage then this bint. Perhaps a bit of information on your backstabbing Lieutenant that she didn't share with you?"

Artemis turned on Thalia, "What?!"

"Ah. . . . um. . . . i-it's n-n-nothing." Thalia stuttered.

"Oh, it's most defiantly something." I tried to grin, but ended up grimacing at the pain in my arms. "Now, we can have a civilized conversation, where I'll tell you everything you need to know, or I can kill this poor little Hunter, get out of here, and leave you all here to rot."

Then, I increased the pressure on the Hunter's throat, cutting off her air, "I'd suggest you make a decision within a few minutes. I'd guess two-and-a-half is all this girl has."

I could see Artemis struggle with the question, then finally nod, "Fine. Tristan, if you release her, Thalia will unlock the cuffs and other restraints."

I let up on the Hunters windpipe and allowed her to breathe again, but kept my knee there, "Once I'm released, I'll release her. Or should I start suffocating her again?"

Thalia first unlocked the silver cuffs, then the steel restraints that kept me to the chair. Spinning, I backed away, keeping them all in front of me. "I'm glad we could be civilized here. Do you have a map?"

"Thalia?"

Thalia took out a map of America and spread it on the table.

"As a gesture of good will, I'll tell you this: The Pack has split up to eradicate the last of you." I said calmly.

"Why aren't you with them, then?" Artemis asked, "This could be an opportunity to kill the rest of us and ensure your dominance."

I sighed, "Since Thalia apparently didn't explain it to you, I will. I'm tired of fighting you. Period. I've seen my friends in the Pack die, and you recently killed the last of them. I don't want to fight the Pack, either. I just want to live my own life. so I don't want you to hunt me down and kill me. As such, I decided the best way to approach you was bearing gifts, hence your Lieutenant, whom I saved from a certain and painful death, most likely following rape."

Artemis nodded, having seen the Pack's work before, "You thought you could just come in here, wave hello, and leave?"

"No. Currently, the Pack wants me dead as well for running off. Needless to say, I want to live, and I don't think I can with the Pack so powerful in relation to you."

"So you want to betray the creatures you've been living with for years?"

"No, Artemis, I wish to live. Wolves are survivors, and I am one of the best." I shrugged, "If I didn't have a plan on how to equalize the Pack with you, I would've simply killed Thalia, dumped her in a river somewhere, and ran away. To Chicago, perhaps, or even Canada. You wouldn't find me there."

"But the Pack would. And they would kill you."

I sighed, "Yes, Artemis, they would. So are you willing to listen, or should I leave?"

"You aren't going anywhere unless I let you go anywhere." Artemis replied sharply, "Being a werewolf won't let you defeat all of us. We have you outnumbered by quite a few people."

"Quite a few less, though, then you want me to think." I pointed out, "I was part of the raid that crippled you, and while I wasn't lucky enough to score any kills, I was responsible for your claw wounds. I trust they have healed nicely?"

Artemis scowled, "I'll get you for those, Dewolfe."

"Sure you will." I laughed, "Anyways, the Pack has split up into groups of twenty to seek you out and crush the rest of your Hunt."

"Twenty is still too many." Thalia pointed out, "We wouldn't win that engagement."

"How many Hunters do you have? Twelve, thirteen at most?" I asked, "One-for-one, your Hunters would beat the werewolves. Thirteen-on-twenty, no, but I can easily build an ambush that could swing the odds in your favor."

I pointed at the map, "Currently, one group is at this point, give or take a mile. A second is here, and a third here. The first two are all fighters, but the third has the young and the mates, with ten fighters to protect them. Lycaon is with the mates, his first Beta in one fighter group, his second Beta in the last. Now, we would have to overwhelm each group desperately, but it shouldn't be very hard. They can't flash themselves anywhere, and all three of them are tracking your scent here."

Artemis' eyes narrowed, "My mind keeps telling me one thing: Why should we trust you? How do we know this isn't a trap?"

"Because if it was, you would already be dead." I stated, "Right now, I can quite possibly cut your jugular, and take the Hunter behind me as a hostage before you can blink. Since it has been more than nine days since the Pack's ambush, they could be surrounding your camp right now. You're very vulnerable here, Artemis, not staying in the cabins where all the demigods are. As a demigod myself, I could allow all of the werewolves access."

I took a breath, then continued, "I disable you and get the Hunter behind me in a chokehold as soon as I hear fighting outside. Fifty fighting werewolves against thirteen Hunters, who all rush in here to find you already unconscious and unable to flash them out. As this tent has one single entrance, they're trapped inside. Meanwhile, the Hunter I caught in a chokehold dies, I draw her weapons and join the other werewolves as they come through the tent flap."

I sliced my throat with my hand, "You all die, Lycaon claps you in chains as a hostage and maybe even a mate. Time? Ten minutes, fifteen if you're lucky. The campers come here after seven minutes, and at that time, your Hunters would already be trapped. If worse comes to worst, the werewolves lock this tent and light it, probably killing me in the process."

Thalia paled, and I could hear the Hunter behind me shift uncomfortably, but Artemis remained completely still. "You've made your point. How far away is the Pack?"

I shrugged, "A day away, give or take a few hours. But they're all converging here, and you can't play defensively. Audaces fortuna iuvat, after all."

"No. We can't risk this." Artemis decided, "You "bold" will get us all killed."

I sighed, throwing my hands into the air theatrically, "Your loss."

But, in that action, I unwittingly exposed the eclipse on my right hand.

"Show me your right palm, Tristan." Artemis ordered.

I froze. Right? Oh, frak me. Cursing myself, I exposed the mark, "It's an eclipse. What's so special?"

"Leave." Artemis ordered the Hunters.

"My lady-"

"LEAVE!" The Hunters scurried out the door, and Artemis turned back to me, "So, Proctor, why are you here?"

"Proctor?" I asked, feigning bewilderment. Okay, the gods think the last Proctor died a century ago. . . . what was his fake name? John Procter? Jeff Procter? Jeff, yeah. "I acquired that blade a century ago, after killing it's owner."

Artemis hesitated. Please don't recognize the ring. Please don't.

"And why did you call me Proctor? Is that a name? The guy I killed was Jeff something-rather. Or was it George? Or John? No, wait. I bit Jeff and maybe George. I think. Or did I kill Jeff and John and bite George?"

Apparently, Artemis came to a decision again, "We'll do it if you promise to hide that Sword somewhere no one will find it."

I raised an eyebrow, "That Sword is a powerful weapon. I've carried it long enough to know."

"Do it, or I'll leave you to the Pack." Artemis threatened.

I groaned, "Fine."

Percy's POV

Hopefully, Camp Half-Blood won't care that I've gone missing for most of the day. That was my first thought as I looked at the twenty wolves racing along. They were a few dozen feet away, and hadn't seen us yet. There was also a strong wind today, so Artemis made sure we were downwind of this group of the Pack before she struck.

First things first, Proctor. Taking a deep breath, I summoned a wall of shadows right in front of the werewolves just in time for them to slam into it. Taking advantage of the stunned -and motionless- werewolves, silver arrows flew from where we were hiding, The first volley killed five or six, the rest of the arrows either missing or just not killing.

To their credit, though, the werewolves shook off the shock quickly, turning into humans and forming a battle line just in time for the Hunters to crash into them. I hung back in the shadows, not letting these werewolves see that I had betrayed them. It was fourteen to fourteen, but the Hunters were better fighters, and they had a goddess on their side. Granted, the Hunters weren't better by much, but they had the advantage, and pretty soon the last of the werewolves, Arshnok, fell to the ground, dead.

"That's one." Artemis said, kicking one of the bodies. "Let's go."

Artemis flashed all of the Hunters away to the second group of fighters, but I shadow-traveled to Lycaon's section.

"The Hunt's closing in, Lycaon. You need to get out of here." I warned, having traveled right in front of the Pack's Alpha, "Stay still."

There was a wrenching in my gut as I shadow-traveled thirty wolves a few miles away, then shadow-traveled myself right in front of the second group of fighters. I'll have to make this look crazy enough that Artemis'll believe I shadow-traveled off course. Ugg,

Grimacing at the stupidity of my plan, I ran straight at the charging wolves. Spikes of darkness tore into two of them, gaining me a few quick kills. Then, as silver arrows flew from the forest, the werewolves stumbled to a halt. This time, there were sixteen or seventeen compared to the fourteen Hunters. Good. The more of each side dies, the better.

When the two forces clashed, I stepped backwards, making it look like I was wounded. Which, in fact, I was. One of the Hunt's arrows was sticking out of my thigh, making it nearly impossible to concentrate. But this one was a barbed arrow, so I couldn't just rip it out. Limping backwards, I broke off the shaft and tossed it aside, before summoning my powers.

A spear of darkness flew at a werewolf, but it -very purposefully- missed, while the werewolf struck down the Hunter he was fighting. I looked for another target, making it seem like I was helping, but the fight was winding down already and I didn't want to be accused of killing a Hunter. Which I've done, at least indirectly. Hades, I've killed more then thirty of them indirectly.

At the end, the werewolves were all dead, but four Hunters went with them. That left the Hunt at ten members, including Artemis. Perfect.

"That's two." Artemis sighed, "Pick up the fallen and bring them back to camp. We'll get the third tomorrow."

"Artemis." I said in a low voice, "Lycaon will feel that his fellow Pack members have died. He'll run, and you won't be able to find him again until he is strong. Right now, his Pack numbers thirty, but twenty of them are children and mates. He'll recover, and come back stronger than ever. I know how he operates, Artemis, and he'll go into a biting frenzy. Maybe a tenth of those he bites will live, but that won't dissuade him."

Artemis shook her head, "I know. But we can't fight them in this state, Tristan. My Hunt and I need time to recover as well."

"Then I'll leave you here." I disappeared, shadow-traveling back to the Underworld.

Percy's POV

"The Pack is decimated, numbering ten fighters and twenty assorted others. The Hunt is now reduced to ten as well, including Artemis." I reported.

"Good." Machiavelli replied, "If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared."

Minos glanced over, "That was not the purpose of this mission, Niccolo, and you have already said that many times."

"Indeed, but now our Proctor is more than capable of annihilating either group with some preparation." Machiavelli might've shrugged, but I couldn't be sure, "It is helpful, is it not?"

"It's very helpful." This was a new voice, from a goddess who had just flashed in, "A monumental act of revenge was brought about by your Proctor, and I enjoyed every second of it. Needless to say, the deal was fulfilled."

"Of course, Lady Nemesis." I bowed to her, "I get my place in Camp Half-Blood, and I give you a great act of revenge. But perhaps I can propose a new deal?"

The Judges stayed silent, knowing that this was all part of their plan. Not mine.

"Lady Nemesis." I paused to let her wonder, then continued, "It has come to my attention, that despite the promise after the recent Titan War, the Olympians are not treating you -nor any of the other minor gods- any better."

Nemesis scowled, "True, but at least my children have their own cabin."

"That was the work of the demigods!" I said, my voice suddenly becoming passionate and inflamed, "The Olympians did not raise one finger to help. You, the so-called minor gods claim them, letting them move into cabins the demigods built! What have the Olympians done? What has the so-called King of the Gods done about your lot in life?"

I could see sparks of anger and resentment start to fly in Nemesis' gaze, "Nothing. They haven't done anything at all."

"Exactly!" My voice dropped suddenly, making Nemesis lean closer, "Would you like to have power over them? Exact your vengeance on the Olympians for their intolerable actions?"

Nemesis nodded, and my voice return to it's normal volume, "I thought so. If you can, it would be greatly helpful if you could contact others who felt this way. When the time comes, you'll know what to do."

With that, I disappeared, shadow-traveling back inside my room under the Nemesis Cabin. Sadly, as soon as I did, there was the prick of a very sharp knife at the small of my back.

"You, Mr. Proctor, are dead."

"Hello yourself, Ms. Lytvyn." I grumbled as I heard her mocking laughter behind me.

"I am not the most feared daughter of Nemesis for no reason, Perseus." Miranda smirked, "So, what were you doing all day?"

"Enacting a plan of mine." I shrugged like it wasn't important, but Miranda's eyes narrowed, "So, what is the Hunt doing here? I got the impression they weren't particularly impressed by us."

"They aren't." Miranda snorted, "The usually "friendly" Capture-the-Flag game was canceled as currently, they only have fourteen members. There are approximately one-hundred ninety demigods here, and however skilled those devils are, it would still be unfair."

"I thought you'd enjoy getting back at them." I prodded.

"I already have. Where do you think I was when you were at the Arena?" Miranda rolled her eyes, "I wasn't following you around."

"So if I was attacked by those Ares campers and hour earlier, I would've been screwed?"

"Most likely." Miranda said uncaringly. "So, Mr. Proctor, what plan were you "enacting", as you put it?"

"Fulfilling an agreement." I shrugged again, "If you'd notice, the Hunt only has ten members now, including Artemis."

"You wouldn't be foolish enough to kill them, I hope?" Miranda asked, her small knife appearing in her right hand. "Or have I overestimated you, Perseus?"

"Not quite." I smiled, "Ever heard of the Pack? 'Course you have. Anyways, Nemesis did a favor for me, and I repaid it by leading the Hunt to the Pack."

Miranda was confused for only a fraction of a second, then she nodded, "A massive act of revenge against the ones who killed their sisters. Passably competent."

I laughed, "Passably? Most of the Hunt is gone, and all the Pack as left is ten fighters, Lycaon, and their children! I crippled the two most powerful fighting forces, alone! And this is "competent?"

Damn, why does my mouth always go so much faster then my brain? This'll take some explaining.

"So, Perseus, you are claiming to be responsible for the Pack's ambush of the Hunt? I believe a certain silver goddess might like to know that." Miranda said, but after a moment of panic I could see she wouldn't carry out that threat. After all, I could probably kill her. She'd kill me right back, though.

"Well, I am responsible for the Hunt's current condition, so yes." I shrugged yet again, "You have your secret plans, and I have mine."

"I'm hurt that you would think such a thing of me." Miranda looked innocently upset, but it was a thin facade at best. Now, though, she was changing her appraisal of me.

"Oh, please." I snorted, "I hardly think that someone as plainly ambitious as you would be happy here, even when controlling it."

"And I have trouble believing that one like yourself, claiming to have decimated both the Hunt and the Pack, truly only discovered this world a little over a week ago." Miranda's ice-cold blue eyes met my own, "No, Mr. Proctor. I think that this is all a part of a much grander scheme."

"Maybe it is, maybe it isn't." I replied noncommittally. I've said too much already.

After a long while, in which we were both making calculations about each other, Miranda broke the silence, "Tomorrow, Perseus, don't be late."

With that, she turned and strode out the door, leaving me to think about just how much I had screwed up and plan for the future. And hope the Judges won't kill me.

A/N: So, what exactly is the plan here? Why is Percy at Camp Half-Blood? And what are the Judges' motives for this intricate plot?

Please review, your feedback is much appreciated and keeps me alive.