A.N: I finally got the chapter out! Been super paranoid about losing my thoughts and wrote this chapter half asleep, not the greatest thing to do. Thanks for all the support and hope you enjoy this chapter.

To Iamnotapotatoe: I totally get what you mean, but I couldn't resist. The cheesy rites and mysterious history basically makes the story. Don't worry, I've got lots planned out so it won't end within the next 5 chapters, maybe a twist or two thrown in, that part is still in debate =]. But super thanks for reading and the support.

To nikki: You, my friend, are quickly becoming my favourite reviewer. Thanks for all the support and reviews!

Many thanks to my super Captain and new beta 2damnpretty2die, you are awesome!

Chapter 15: Artemis

General p.o.v

The redhead sat beside the hospital bed waiting for her partner to show any signs of awakening, she was antsy and getting rather sick of the continuous beeping coming from the machines that she lay attached to.

"Come on, come on, come on." She repeated, it had been too long since she last saw her hazel eyes, and if she was being honest, far too long since their last confrontation. She couldn't believe that she actually missed the verbal sparring they always partook in.

"Terri said she was waking soon, why isn't she waking? It's been 4 hours already, that isn't soon. Dammit Terri. Come on Teddy, let me see those beautiful eyes of yours."

There was a sound.

"Was that a groan?" her patience was wearing thin and she thought she was hallucinating.

It came again.

"Nope, definitely a groan."

"Teddy… Teddy? Come on sweetie."

Teddy's nose scrunched up at her voice, trying to hang onto the remaining strands of sleep that she desperately did not want to leave. Finally her eyes opened, squinting at the harsh lights that penetrated her lids, she was met with the teary blue eyes of Addison.

"H-hey," she croaked out.

"Hey? Hey? That's all you've got to say? What the hell!" Teddy was taken aback by the sudden fury of the woman, she thought that maybe she was still asleep and was actually dreaming.

"Um… I'm sorry?" She went to sit up, but groaned at the ache she still felt in her abdomen. Addison noticed and deflated straight away, coming to the aid of the dirty blonde woman.

"You're still injured stupid! Here, take it easy." After she had helped Teddy into a sitting position, she sat down on the edge of the bed and watched her intently, raising a hand to stroke the side of her face. "God, I was so scared, there was so much blood and you weren't moving or responding to anything." Her voice was strained, the barriers she had put up falling down slowly.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't let you get hurt." Teddy replied, voice soft, as if she was afraid to scare off the woman and end this tender moment between them. She closed her eyes at the feeling of Addison's hand on her cheek.

"Why?"

Teddy choked slightly, eyes opening, not expecting the question. It was part of the game they played; they'd fight and argue, but would never really question each other's motive.

"Because." It was the only word she could manage.

"Teddy, tell me" Addison insisted.

"Because… I…I have feelings for you…strong ones." She closed her eyes and tensed in fear of the other woman's reply. Soft lips touched hers and she shot her hands up immediately to the other woman's shoulder, holding her still.

"A-Addison, what…?" Teddy stuttered out when they finally separated.

"I swear you are the dumbest, most idiotic, frustrating, hard headed…" Teddy winced at each word, "… bravest, loyal, most amazing person I have ever met, and I couldn't imagine my life without you in it." Teddy stared in bafflement as she reached the end of her tirade.

Addison just sat there, arms crossed and huffing. She wasn't angry with the woman at all, but the fear had somehow manifested itself into anger and when she woke up, it all came flying out. The pent up emotions had just exploded and now she was disappointed at herself for not controlling her emotions better.

"I-uh…"

"Just shut up and kiss me Altman." And so she did.

…

"Well don't we look cosy here?" came the teasing voice from the doorway, full of mirth. The women sprang apart, bright red, and turned to see Terri leaning on the doorframe grinning with a giggling Aria standing behind her. "Glad to see you're feeling better Teddy."

Teddy looked at Aria with interest, sensing an odd aura surrounding her and when she figured it out, she bowed her head in a sign of respect, "Mistress."

Addison looked on curiously at Teddy's reaction and waited until Teddy explained.

"Aria's been marked as the bride of the Crown, and she's been sired." She turned to Aria, eyes wide in shock, and when she received a nod, she too bowed her head.

"Come on guys, don't. It's nothing special, I'm still Aria, nothing's changed, so don't do that." Aria protested, and when they had relaxed, she entered the room with Terri and sat in the chair that Addison had vacated.

"Has Addison told you about what's happened yet?" Terri asked. She received a negative shake of head. "I'm not surprised, looks like you've been … preoccupied" she teased lightly, before turning serious again. "It's a pretty long story."

Arizona p.o.v

There's someone here, I can feel it. Who is it?

"I'm so sorry. I don't know what happened, I didn't mean to believe her over you, but when I walked in to see you holding my mother up, I didn't know what to do. You were so angry; I've never seen you like that before."

They sound so sad.

"I swear, I'll do everything I can to protect you, just *sob* don't give up on me."

I know that voice, it's Calliope.

"I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you, even if you're angry at me, even if you hate me, I'll never leave your side. I promise."

I could never hate you. I love you, please don't cry.

"I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I'll never hurt you again I swear it."

I want that too Calliope, I want that too. I want to be with you no matter what happens.

Why can't I move? I want to hold her, she's crying, I need to be there for her. Dammit, move! God it hurts, why does my chest hurt so much?

"Ari, you just take your time."

There's something on my hand; it feels so warm. I feel so warm; the pain is disappearing.

"When you're ready to wake up, I'll be right there with you every step of the way."

Don't leave me, please don't, it's so lonely here. I want to go home. Don't leave me Calliope!

"I'm not going anywhere."

She read my mind…

Callie p.o.v

I slowly entered Arizona's room; nodding to Owen who gave me a small smile and Cristina who gave my shoulder a squeeze as they left. She was so pale and looked so small and fragile in the bed, it made my heart ache. She was connected to various machines and had a blue drip running through her IV. I assume it was the 'something' Richard had given her to help her recover. Her breathing was slow, there was sweat gathering on her forehead, and every now and again her eyes would move around under her lids and her eyebrows would furrow, as if she was stuck in a nightmare that she couldn't escape.

It's my fault.

I sat down in the chair next to her bed and ran my eyes over her face. Even when she was pale, sick and asleep, she still looked stunning, I couldn't believe I had ever chosen to believe Erica over my sweet Arizona.

"I'm so sorry. I don't know what happened, I didn't mean to believe her over you, but when I walked in to see you holding my mother up, I didn't know what to do. You were so angry; I've never seen you like that before." I shivered at the memory; the aura that had been radiating from Arizona was so murderous, and at that point, I couldn't say for certain whether or not she would have harmed my mother. Yet under all that rage, I could sense complete sorrow; like she was crying, crying for her loss, for her suffering, but most of all it felt like a cry for help; a cry for someone to come and take away all the pain. God, I never wanted her to feel like that ever again. I was supposed to be the one that would help her, but in the end I caused her the most grief; the pain that reflected in her eyes when she saw that I was the one to… I couldn't even say the word. She had never needed to keep up her guard around me, never needed to be wary of me, never needed to protect her body against me, and I had used that against her; it was the ultimate betrayal.

"I swear, I'll do everything I can to protect you, just," I choked on my tears, "don't give up on me." The fear that sprung up at the thought that Arizona would never trust me again was palpable, paralyzing; I couldn't bear not having Arizona in my life.

"I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you, even if you're angry at me, even if you hate me, I'll never leave your side. I promise." It was a promise I would keep, even if it cost me my life. I would grovel and beg at her feet for her forgiveness, even if it was just as friends… No, I couldn't even entertain that thought. We were soul mates, and I would work to prove myself worthy of standing by her side; I refuse to lose her, and I would wait forever for her.

"Ari, you just take your time." Her eyes started rapidly moving under her lids again; I slid my hand into hers and felt her settle immediately. I could feel that her hand was icy cold and I willed for it to warm up again; I could see a faint blue aura surrounding my hand and my heart calmed; it felt so peaceful, and I knew then that she would be the only ever person to reign over my heart, my entire being; everything that I was, belonged to her.

"When you're ready to wake up, I'll be right there with you every step of the way." I would, I really would. I wasn't leaving her ever again; I had made that mistake once already. Maybe it wasn't physically, but emotionally I had abandoned her; the doubt and insecurity Erica generated caused me to make the biggest mistake of my life. Her hand slowly and steadily began to increase its pressure around my fingers and I tightened my grip.

"I'm not going anywhere."

I gently wiped away the sweat from her forehead and the tear that I noticed had escaped her closed eyes.

Not even Death can tear us apart.

It had been five days since I had last seen her blue eyes, heard her voice or felt her touch, and it had been five days since I had seen the outside of this room. The only time I had moved from my position was when Bailey, Yang, Hunt or Richard came to check on her; I had taken that time to use the bathroom to freshen up and stretch my legs. My mother came in religiously to bring me food and a change of clothes, and each time she looked more and more guilty. I felt bad for her, because I knew it wasn't her fault, but I couldn't leave Arizona's side to comfort her. Every time I moved away, Arizona became restless; she would twitch, her eyebrows would furrow, her eyes would move around rapidly and, I swear to god, she would whine; or at least making these weird noises that sounded like whining. It was ridiculously adorable and it endearing to see her as attached to me as I was her.

There was a knock on the door before Aria entered, smiling at me gently.

"Aria, oh god! I'm so sorry, it's been so crazy these last few days, I completely forgot about you. Are you okay? I still can't believe that Terri 'claimed' you like that!" I rushed out, I felt incredibly guilty for having ignored my sister; considering she was the one who found me the ticket into Arizona's room.

"Whoa, hey Cal, calm down. It's okay. I'm okay. It really has been crazy, and I'm still getting used to being the whole 'bride of the Crown' thing, and having people like Richard, the Chief, and Bailey bowing their heads at me. Now that's insane, and all kinds of hilarious." I chuckled at Aria's light-heartedness; it relieved me to see that she was still the same old Aria. I motioned for her to come in for a hug, which she agreed to immediately, and saw her study Arizona's motionless body.

"She looks like she's doing better." She remarked, smiling gently at me, "I'm glad."

Arizona was no longer plagued by nightmares; her face was slack, full of peace and serenity, her breathing deep, body warm and aura strong. She was getting stronger everyday and I knew that her revival was imminent.

"I bet you're to thank for her speedy recovery huh? Even I can feel it, your mere presence is soothing her, and your aura is healing hers. It's amazing, this bond between you, and so strong; it's a really strong bond Callie, it's very intriguing. Not only that, you're getting stronger too Cal, I can sense your power growing, as Arizona gets stronger, and it's incredible; Arizona is so powerful. It's like I can taste her power in the air…" She trailed off and closed her eyes inhaling deeply.

"Aria…" Her behavior was alarming me, she looked at me and I noticed that her eyes were now glowing red, with tinges of white swirling around.

"Oh, sorry Cal." Her eyes flashed back to brown instantly.

"You-your eyes. What happened Aria?"

"I've been sired, and before you ask, it was totally and completely consensual, in fact, I was the one who asked her to feed from me. She was tired and hungry and I wanted to help. She said that because we were half-breeds from mama that normal feeding wouldn't be possible and we would change after the first bite. It's also something you and Arizona have to go through by the way."

"Mama told me about that part already, but Aria… It's my fault." The guilt I had previously felt multiplied. If it wasn't because of me, Aria wouldn't have been 'traded' to Terri, and she wouldn't have been in close contact with her; so she wouldn't have needed to offer her blood. Dammit, this was becoming a great big mess.

"Hey, no it's fine. Besides, like I said, it was my choice." I decided to let the issue go for now; Aria was as stubborn as I was and there would be no way to win the argument, so best to put an end to it for now.

"So, you said you could sense us?"

"Oh yeah, I've been training with Thalia and Clio these last couple of days and I have learnt so much. Besides the aura reading, they've also helped me with fighting and also accessing my latent powers; which we've discovered is 'Thought', which means I can literally read someone's mind. We're still working on it though, because I can only read non-vampires at the moment, those with stronger minds are still a problem for now. Cool huh?" I stared in astonishment; so much had happened in 5 days, and my sister was now a marked vampire with the power to read minds. Talk about mind-blowing.

"What was that whole thing earlier on when you were talking about mine and Arizona's bond?" Her behavior was really shocking and I was worried about there being adverse consequences to her being sired. She blushed and looked at me sheepishly.

"Sorry about that, it's just, you know that the Royals are strong, and I think it's because Arizona's going through the 'revival', so she's wounded, unconscious and completely unaware, but her energy is filling this room to the brim; it's everywhere and so very distracting. The only time I've ever felt this was when I was watching Terri and Tim spar; I think it's because Arizona's control is impaired right now, but yeah, like I said: distracting." She suddenly straightened up from where she was leaning against the edge of Arizona's bed and looked towards the door, excitement written clearly all over her face.

"What's the matter Aria?"

"Oh, nothing, I've just sensed Terri heading this way." She replied with glee. I tilted my head curiously; it was weird to see her excited of the prospect of seeing the vampire. I didn't have long to contemplate as the door opened and as expected, Terri walked through.

"Calliope, Ariadne." She said jovially, in greeting.

"What do you want?" I narrowed my eyes at her, still wary of her intentions and resentful of her treatment of my mother and sister.

"It's time for her to feed."

"She doesn't need to, she has me, and I'm healing her. You can sense it too, right?"

"You're here to heal her wounded soul and I'm here to heal her wounded body. Despite what you may think, I do want Arizona fit and healthy again."

"Yeah, so you can use her to kill for you." She sighed at my attitude; I knew I was being unfair, but Terri still irritated me.

"Callie!" came Aria's shocked voice.

"I will do this, with or without your consent. The faster her body recovers, the easier it'll be for you to heal her soul and the quicker she'll return to us." I thought about this for a moment before I nodded. "Besides, the transference will help you as well, it'll make you stronger."

She approached Arizona and cut her wrist, bringing it up to Arizona's mouth. The result was instant, as the moment the blood entered her system I felt a wave of energy consume my body; it was intense and invigorating and I felt energized. Moments passed before Terri finally removed her wrist, licking at the wound and sealing it instantly; I could still feel the lingering power tingling in my body.

"When Arizona wakes up we'll be relocating to another place. We'll need somewhere more secure in order to train you both and Aria. Your mother has offered your house back in Miami; she says that she has enough rooms for all of us and you have a home gym, which provides a space big enough for our activities. She says that your father will be away during the time we'll need the accommodation so you don't have to worry about him; although she says it's unwarranted, because she sired him years ago after they got married and he's aware of the current situation. I believe your mother has been keeping him updated." She left soon after with Aria trailing behind her, leaving me alone with Arizona again.

I was excited at the prospect of going home to Miami, and even though the thought that my mom had sired my dad was disturbing, it made sense. They were deeply in love, even now, and they obviously wanted a very long life together.

I know how they feel; I want that, with Arizona. I looked at Arizona, just come back to me now, baby.

I was woken in the middle of the night by movement; when I opened my eyes I was shocked to be met by ice cold blue ones.

"Arizona…"

She was staring at me intently; eyes hard, face blank, and aura cold.

"Calliope." Her voice was so low and husky it made it shiver.

"You're awake!" Relief flooded through my body and excitement grew, I stood up to call for Bailey, but her grip on my hand stopped me.

"Calliope" she repeated. I turned to look at her and she pulled me in for a hard kiss, drawing a moan from me.

"I've missed you Ari."

"Stay" came the low command, she gestured to the bed and I was powerless. I crawled in beside her and buried into her shoulder, desperate for the contact, and her arms came around me tightly.

As we drifted off to sleep, I could feel that there was something different. In the back of my mind I knew that Arizona had changed, she seemed colder and more dominant, and she didn't ask but had commanded me to get into bed with her. Was this the result of the revival? It felt and sounded like Arizona, but she was different. I prayed that this was temporary and that the old Arizona was still here. I wouldn't know what to do if I was stuck with this version of Arizona.

General p.o.v

Word of Arizona's awakening had spread and they had shortly relocated to Miami. Richard, Owen and Cristina had stayed behind to guard Seattle, but Bailey had accompanied them.

"What do you want to do first Ari? Terri said that we had the first 2 days to ourselves and I really want to show you around my hometown." Callie asked Arizona, who was currently standing by the balcony in Callie's room.

"Ari?" she called out when she received no response from the blonde. "Are you okay?"

Arizona approached Callie, who was standing in front of her queen-sized bed, and stopped directly in front of her, barely a feet separating them.

"Ari-"

"I've spent the last 5 days locked in my head, alone and confused." The voice was emotionless and Callie felt goosebumps cover her skin, "What I want do to; is be with my mate." She was pushed onto her bed and she could feel the excitement build.

"A-"

"Now"

When Callie woke up in the afternoon, she found herself alone in bed. After getting dressed, she made her way to the kitchen to be met with knowing grins from Addison, Mark, Teddy and Aria. Alex, Lexie, Tim, and Bailey sat by the table deep in conversation; Arizona, Terri, Thalia, and Clio nowhere in sight.

"Hey, where'd Arizona go?" Callie asked a still grinning Mark.

"She disappeared with Terri, Thalia and Clio an hour ago, no idea where to."

"I believe they're in the gym Calliope," came Lucia's voice as she entered the room, "but they should be done soon. Terri wanted you to take Arizona out to see the sights; have a relaxing day to rejuvenate the mind." And to get to know this Arizona was the unspoken message that Callie understood instantly.

"Right, guess I'll take her to that park we used to go to then."

"Excellent idea, there shouldn't be too many people around at this time so you'll be able to properly appreciate its beauty."

Terri and Arizona returned shortly and then they were off to the park.

"This is where I spent a lot of my time before I left for college. I stumbled upon it by accident once and I haven't been able to stop myself from returning." Callie explained. Arizona had remained alarming silent during their journey and Callie was getting worried.

The park was beautiful, it really was, but Arizona was distracted by the overwhelming scent of vampires in the vicinity. She glanced around at the rare few people enjoying the scenery; there weren't many of them, an elderly couple sitting by the bench feeding the ducks, a married couple pushing their baby in a stroller beside the lake, and a few children playing in the playground with their parents watching on nearby. They made their way further into the park where there were a small group of trees planted close together giving off an image of a small forest, when a cry caught their attention. It was faint, but they could clearly hear the sounds of a child crying; making their way deeper into the trees, they came across a small girl, roughly 8 or 9, crouched down sobbing.

"Oh sweetie, are you okay, where are your parents?" The girl stood up and came towards them, Callie went to move to the girl, but was blocked by Arizona who had suddenly pushed the girl backwards violently. The girl fell to the floor and burst into tears again.

"Arizona! What are you doing?" Callie ran to the girl's side when she suddenly snapped her head up, eyes black, fangs aiming at her arm.

A bolt of lightning so strong and so fast appeared from behind, striking the girl straight in the head, that there was no time for blood as she imploded and disappeared. Callie turned and was shocked by the disturbingly calm aura that radiated off of Arizona's body.

"She was a vampire." She stated simply and moved to help Callie to her feet. Callie looked at her, trying to get a read on her, but all she got was calm and coldness. It was horrifying how nonchalant she was at destroying the little girl.

"No, this is wrong. This isn't my Arizona. Where is the guilt? The pain? Arizona would never take the life of a child so easily. This isn't Arizona."

"Arizona-"

"Why do you insist on calling me that? I don't like it." Callie was taken aback by the question; it felt wrong to call her Artemis, or anything else, when all her life she had known her as Arizona.

"Why do you insist on calling me 'Calliope'? I hate that." She shot back.

"Because it's your name."

"Exactly, Arizona is your name, I like that name; I'm not going to call you anything else."

Arizona shrugged before holding her hand for Callie to take, "there are more vampires around, Hades' vampires and you need to get to safety before I take care of them."

Looking around, all Callie saw were children, teenagers and a few adults. "Now? Here?"

"Yup" was the excited reply, "or you could stay hidden between the trees in here and wait for me to get back. I don't want you to get hurt Calliope."

Arizona's voice had turned gentler and loving towards the end and Callie could see the remnants of the old Arizona appearing, before it disappeared quickly as her eyes grew purple, with hints of gold swirling in the centre. The last thing she saw was Arizona's excited grin as she rushed towards the families that had gathered for a day out at the park, screams filling her ears as one by one children and pregnant women were brought to their death.

Callie stared in horror, hands covering her mouth in shock, eyes wide open; she willed her ears to ignore the screams and her brain to erase the memories of the children covered in blood.

"Who is she?"