THALIA walked in the snow, deep in thought, her hands shoved inside her jacket pockets. Why the Hades would Artemis want to see her? She didn't look up, but she knew the Hunters must already be setting up their silver tents. She could feel the heat from a bonfire, although she was several feet away. She glanced up finally, glaring at the Immortal Huntress who walked in front of her. It was all her fault. Whenever Zoe Nightshade appeared, Thalia seemed to lose someone close to her.

Zoe led her to the last tent, which, like all the others, was huge and silver. Bianca di Angelo, the demigoddess they had come to rescue, was seated next to the auburn haired goddess. Thalia faintly wondered where the girl's brother was, and tromped into the tent, not waiting for Zoe's signal to enter. Her electric blue eyes met the yellowish-silver ones of the deity.

No doubt Artemis remembered how she had turned down her offer to join the hunt two years ago. The moon goddess hadn't shown any reaction except for disappointed then, and Thalia was positive she might try to convince her to join the hunt again. She would never stop trying to recruit her. Thalia's gaze shifted, and she took in her surroundings. The inside of the tent was warm and comfortable, although it was snowing outside. Rugs made out of animal skin and silver pillows covered the floor. In the center, a golden pot of fire seemed to burn without fuel, and no smoke came out of it either. The heat radiated through the room, and Thalia let out of small inaudible sigh. Behind the silver eyed goddess, on a display stand, stood her famous silver bow, and her quiver full of silver arrows. Behind that, The walls were hung with more animal skins: bears, lions, tigers, along with several other rare mythical monster hides she didn't recognize.

Thalia's eyes widened when her gaze fell on the silver antlered deer the goddess was petting. It's fur glowed golden, and its hooves were also silver. Thalia guessed it was Artemis' sacred animal, the Ceryneian Hind.

She took in a deep breath and spoke. 'Well?"

Artemis tilted her head to the side, and Zoe looked like she wanted to smack the daughter of Zeus.

"You wanted to see me," Thalia prompted.

"Have a seat, Thalia Grace,' Artemis voice held no emotion, and Thalia looked around uneasily, before settling down onto one of the silver cushions next to Bianca. The goddess studied her, scrutinizing her, and making her feel very uncomfortable. She didn't like being stared at. Thalia cleared her throat subtly, and Artemis spoke again as Zoe took a seat to her right.

"I have called you here, Thalia, so you may tell me more of your battle with the manticore. Bianca here has already reported some of the unusual things the beast said and did, but she does not understand what he meant. Not like you do. I would have preferred your friend Annabeth narrated it because she was there from the start, but due to the unfortunate circumstances we find ourselves in, she cannot, as she is not present."

Thalia nodded curtly, and began to speak, as Artemis had requested. "So, the monster took Bianca and Nico away, and Annabeth went after him-" Her voice cracked a little as she mentioned her friend who had fallen off the cliff with Thorn, and she took in a deep gulp of air, steadying her breath.

"They were captured, and Grover came to get us. Luke and I, I mean. We went to help them. I attacked Thorn, while about two dozen monsters seemed to appear out of the shadows. Luke and Grover handled the hellhounds."

She paused for effect and continued. "Thorn shot these missile thingies from his tail at me, and, this guy- He appeared out of nowhere, and he manipulated the earth and blocked the attack."

Zoe gasped. Thalia took note of Artemis' alarmed expression.

"Wait," Bianca held up a hand. "Which guy? There wasn't any guy who could control the earth. All I remember was Thorn talking to empty air..."

She trailed off, and Thalia spoke, cocking a brow in Bianca's direction "What, you're saying you couldn't see him?'

The tent was silent. Now, Artemis looked worried. "Go on," the goddess instructed.

Thalia nodded, her brow creasing in confusion. Empty air? So that meant Bianca didn't see him. And since neither of them had answered she was going to assume Zoe and Artemis hadn't seen him too. Weird. Or had her mind been playing tricks on her? Was he a figment of her imagination?

No. Of course not. Thorn had also seemed to recognize him and see him so at least that counted for something. The manticore had asked him why he was protecting Thalia. He had told him to give her up. But he hadn't, and he had saved her life instead.

She thought back to the battle. "Thorn had mentioned his name, but I didn't quite catch it. I was too busy trying not to get impaled..." Thalia shut her eyes as she tried to recollect exactly what had happened. Her memories were hazy. She remembered him using the earth to block Thorn's missiles. She remembered him flattening her on the ground as they fought the manticore, she remembered...nothing. Her mind was blank. Grey. Her forehead creased, and Thalia tried to go back to the battle, clenching and unclenching her fist.

What the hell?

A few seconds ago she had been about to tell Artemis his name and continue from there. And then her memory had blanked out.

She didn't remember his name. Had she heard it or not? Her memory was failing her...

She couldn't recollect his face. She didn't remember anything that had happened a few minutes ago on the cliffside. A sudden gap had appeared in her memory. She just remembered Annabeth falling off the cliff. And the boy disappearing some minutes later.

Thalia's eyes snapped open in despair and she met Artemis' hardened gaze. "I don't know. I don't remember his name."

She cursed. The daughter of Zeus clenched her fists tighter in frustration, her blue eyes flashing with anger. It was as if someone or something was tampering with her mind. The memory was there. She was sure of it.

It was just being blocked. Locked up.

"What does thou mean by that?" Zoe snapped.

Thalia didn't even roll her eyes. She needed to remember. He had helped her. He had saved her life. Twice.

"What you say is very...peculiar," Artemis said finally. The goddess took in a deep breath. "Where is this boy now?'

Thalia answered her miserably. "I don't know. I just remember what happened after Annabeth fell. He disappeared..." she trailed into silence.

"Unusual," Artemis decided. "I shall have to visit Olympus after our discussion." The goddess paused for effect. "I have been too slow. I did not see it sooner. My hunters and I came here seeking a powerful monster, but we found the manticore instead."

Bianca nodded subtly. "He said there was some great stirring thingy happening. And that soon they would have the most powerful monster. The one which will bring about the Fall of Olympus."

Artemis sighed gravely. "I must hunt down this monster."

Zoe nodded. "Yes, my lady. We'll leave immediately-"

'No, Zoe. I must do this alone."

"But Lady Artemis-"

Thalia raised an eyebrow as Artemis held up a hand to silence her lieutenant. "This hunt will be too dangerous for even my hunters. You know where I must go, Zoe. You cannot come with me."

Zoe nodded, although she was displeased.

"I shall find this monster," Artemis promised. "And I shall send it back to Olympus by the winter solstice. I have to show them how much danger we're in."

Thalia let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. "Can I go now?"

Artemis shook her head. "Before you leave, I have two requests to make of you."

Oh no, she knew where this was going.

"I want you to escort my hunters to Camp Half Blood, Thalia Grace-"

"What?!" Zoe exploded. "No! You know how much we hate that place, Artemis. The boys and-"

Artemis shot Zoe a look. "It's been two years since then. I'm sure Dionysus and the other demigods do not hold a grudge any longer."

Zoe turned, muttering inaudible stuff under her breath.

"Now, let us put that behind us. I have an offer for both of you." She turned her attention to Bianca and Thalia.

Thalia groaned. Not again. Of course, that was obviously the real reason Artemis had invited her into the tent.

Zoe sent her a glare, but The daughter of Zeus stood, shooting the lieutenant an angry look of her own. "I'm not joining your stupid hunt. Not now, not ever. Bianca can choose to accept your invitation. But not me." Her gaze was so fierce, as if daring anyone to challenge her, and Bianca shrank back in fear.

And with that, Thalia Grace stormed out of the silver tent, not looking behind her.

LUKE Castellan looked up as Thalia stalked out of the silver tent and towards him. He immediately knew that something bad must have happened. His feet crunched against the snow as he made his way to his best friend, eyes crinkling in worry.

He stopped next to her, and spoke, "What's wrong, Thals?'

"They wanted me to join their stupid hunt again," Thalia said bitterly.

Luke bit his bottom lip. "Oh."

His jaw hardened, and his eyes narrowed. He hated the Hunters of Artemis. They had almost stolen his family from him two years ago, and now because of them, Annabeth was gone, and Thalia was probably blaming herself. He had been ready to go after the daughter of Athena, but those stupid hunters had stopped him. He clenched his fists.

Deep breaths, Luke. Don't over-react. He shut his eyes, repeating that line over and over again. He had to control his anger. It wouldn't be good for him if he attacked the hunters.

Thalia glared at the snow and muttered, "And apparently, I'm going crazy because I'm the only one who saw him."

Luke's eyes flickered open, and he blinked. "Saw him? Who's him?"

Thalia rolled her eyes, folding her arms over her chest. "Thorn would have killed me, okay? I was saved by this dude who could control the earth and he disappeared after Annabeth fell."

Luke cocked an eyebrow in surprise. "What do you mean? Which dude?"

Thalia let out a frustrated sigh. "I don't want to talk about it."

Luke gave her a small nod. He understood what she was going through, and knew her better than she knew herself. He wasn't going to be pushy. She needed time. They had just lost their little sister. She would talk to him when she wanted to.

"Come on," Luke motioned to the trees a few feet ahead of them. "Let's go join Grover and Nico."

Thalia didn't reply, but began walking in the direction he had suggested, and so he followed.

ARTEMIS reappeared in the throne room of Olympus, her size enlarging as she headed to her own silver throne. Her bow appeared in her hands, and she pulled back the bowstring, summoning an arrow, and shooting it into the open sky which was above the non-existent ceiling, and it exploded into silver dust.

As she eased herself into her seat, there were eleven flashes of light, and The Council of the gods joined her in the Throne room.

"Daughter," Zeus thundered. "Why have you called this meeting?"

Artemis took in a deep breath. If what Thalia Grace had said was true, then it meant she had met with him. And that was very very bad news. But it couldn't be possible. He couldn't have escaped from his Island. There was no way. Unless...Unless he had been broken out. By someone outside Ogygia. Someone who knew its location. She had no doubt of his identity. Although Thalia couldn't recall his name or face, Artemis did not doubt the word of her half sister. There were only two immortals in the mythical world who had control over the earth.

Gaea herself, and her son, Perseus.

Artemis looked up, and met her father's gaze.

"The manticore attacked the group sent to retrieve the new half bloods from Westover Hall."

Zeus leaned forward in his throne. "I hope they came through? How is my daughter?" He didn't show it, but Artemis knew he cared for his demigod children. Especially Thalia, as she was the prophecy child - After all, his reign might come to an end if she made the wrong decision when she turned sixteen - and his only known Greek demigod daughter. He might be erratic and egoistic at times, and he hated showing affection because he had an image to protect, but Zeus was actually a caring father.

Artemis was faintly aware of Hera clutching her throne armrest in anger. "She lives," Artemis informed them. "According to your daughter's story..."

She paused for effect, tilting her head to the side. "She was aided by a boy who could manipulate the earth."

Aphrodite's makeup kit fell from her hands. Hephaestus quit tinkering with a piece of random metal. Ares stopped sharpening his spear, and cursed in ancient greek. Even Hermes stopped scrolling on his cell phone, and looked up in surprise. Gasps and confused murmurs erupted around her. Zeus held up a hand for silence, stroking his beard in thought. Artemis could see he was trying hard not to explode. She could see the anger reflecting through his stormy blue eyes. 'What you say is...far-fetched, daughter. Do you have any proof to support your claim? Do you know where he is now?"

Artemis shook her head. "Unfortunately, no. I could not see him."

"What do you mean you couldn't see him?" Apollo spoke, pulling out his earphones. "Was he invisible or something?"

Artemis managed a shrug. "I do not know, brother. No one could see him. According to everyone in the camp, there was no boy who could control The Earth. Bianca di Angelo also mentioned the manticore speaking to empty air, and when Thalia had been about to tell his name and give me a description, her memory of the battle on the cliffside suddenly disappeared."

Athena rose from her throne. "So what you're saying, is that Thalia Grace and The Manticore could both see him? And them alone? And her memory is being blocked?"

Artemis nodded. "That is correct."

Athena's brow creased. For once, she was stumped. "What of my daughter, Annabeth? Surely she could have spotted him right away?"

Artemis met her sister's eyes, unease pooling in her silver orbs. Athena would be enraged if she could out that Annabeth Chase had been taken. But she had to tell her.

The goddess of the hunt took in another gulp of air, and addressed her half-sister. "Your daughter fell of the cliffside," she said bluntly.

As she had predicted, Athena's stormy gray eyes clouded over, and although her tone was sharp, it did not betray any of her emotions. "What do you mean she fell off the cliff?"

Artemis could feel every eye in the throne room on her. It was very unusual, as she was always quiet and reserved, and never joined in the council's useless arguments. "I mean exactly what you heard. When my hunters and I arrived, Thorn was driven into a frenzy, and attacked Thalia and him. Your daughter jumped onto the manticore's neck to protect Thalia, and plunged her dagger into his skin. The beast turned, and run, like the coward he is, off the cliffside, your daughter still hanging off his neck."

Athena slumped down in her seat, still blank-faced, and like always, Artemis couldn't read her sister's thoughts.

Zeus cleared his throat, and Artemis' eyes flickered over to him before she continued. "Thorn also mentioned the great stirring. It's happening father."

Zeus drew in a quick breath, his eyes narrowing. "It is back?"

Artemis nodded, eyes hard. "I sensed it when we were in Maine. I must hunt it down."

The king of The gods sent her a short one back. "I want that monster brought to Olympus before the Winter Solstice, lest titans get ahold of it."

"It shall be done, father," Artemis spoke, silver eyes meeting Zeus' blue ones.

"Good," The sky god motioned to Artemis' half brother, "Hermes. I want you on Ogygia as soon as possible. Check on Perseus. Make sure he is still on the Island. Apollo, your sister must surely want you to deliver her hunters safely to Camp Half Blood. You shall see to that."

Artemis blinked. She hadn't mentioned anything of the sort to her father. She had in fact been going to ask Apollo after the council meeting. Oh, well.

Her brother nodded, and Zeus continued, "After this, you shall check up on Leto. I do not want her leaving Delos. Athena you shall find Mnemosyne. I want you to make sure she is still in her library. Aphrodite, you shall go to California. Find Calypso. Ares, you are to check up on Perses' prison. When you are done, all of you report back to me. I shall contact Hades and ask him to make a check on all the titans in Tartarus."

Twelve heads nodded, and Zeus thundered, "This meeting is adjourned."

It was very very cold and dark, and it was snowing harder than before. LUKE shivered, glancing behind him, to the military school the di Angelos had used to attend. It was dark and foreboding as it had been when they had first entered, and he faintly wondered if the administration and staff had noticed the demigod's disappearance. Probably not. The mist was very powerful here, especially with a goddess in a hundred-mile radius. Luke guessed they would even forget the Bianca and Nico existed.

The hunters had broken up Camp a few minutes ago while Artemis had left for her council meeting, and Luke, Thalia, and Grover stood next to each other on the cliffside.

A few feet away from her, Bianca was talking with her brother Nico in hushed tones, and Nico looked angry, and hurt. Luke guessed she was breaking it to him. She had joined the hunters. She was already bathed in a silver glow, and she had put on a hunter's silver parka, with a bow slung behind her, along with a matching silver quiver. Luke understood what Nico must be feeling. He understood the feeling of despair. The feeling of losing someone you loved. He had almost lost Thalia and Annabeth two years ago, and he was a bit miffed that the hunters had taken away a sister from her brother. She had separated two siblings who had been together for as long as they could remember

"Ugh, why do they have to come with us to Camp?" Thalia's complaining broke him out of his reverie.

Grover turned ashen, and said under his breath, "The last time the hunters came to camp...well, that didn't go so well." He probably didn't want to get impaled by several silver arrows. The hunters would do worse if they heard him.

He wondered how the hell they had shown up. Where they had come from. They had just materialized out of nowhere and although the had saved their lives, Luke was still angry at them for preventing him from going after Annabeth.

"I still can't believe Bianca joined them," Thalia scoffed in disgust, rolling her eyes. "And on top of all that, Zoe's coming with us."

Luke snorted in response. He looked up as the sun broke through the clouds, and dawn came. Luke shielded his eyes when a blinding white light erupted on the cliffside. It grew uncomfortably warm, and he felt his forehead bead with sweat. After a few seconds though, the light died down, and his eyes flickered open. Luke's bottom lip dropped and his blue orbs widened in surprise, shock and awe. Apollo stood leaning on a bright red Maserati Spyder.

It was the first time he'd seen the god of the sun, and Luke barely noticed Artemis step out of the car. He was focused on Apollo, who's golden locks fell down to his shoulder, his bright golden-blue eyes flitting across the cliff and the woods. His smile seemed blinding, and he seemed laid back. Relaxed. The eighteen-year-old looking-god was dressed in a fitting muscle shirt, with jeans, and loafers.

From beside him, Luke heard Thalia mutter, "Damn, he's hot."

Luke's brow furrowed in anger suddenly, and he scowled. He'd liked Thalia since forever, and although he hated it, he realized he was jealous. He'd been leaving subtle hints and clues about it ever since she'd escaped being turned into a tree by Zeus two years ago, but she never seemed to notice. Even if she did, she said nothing, and neither did she give any signs, and it was frustrating.

He turned his attention back to the immortals approaching them, and Apollo spoke, "Hey girls, I heard you needed a ride." He sent a wink to Zoe Nightshade, who replied with a withering glare.

Artemis eyes flashed dangerously, and she spoke, her tone low and dangerous. She grabbed hold of Apollo's right ear, and twisted it, making the god of the sun yelp.

"What have I told you about flirting with my hunters?"

"Ow, ow, ow, ow," Apollo whined. "Let go, Arty."

Luke couldn't help but smirk. He felt a tad bit disappointed when Artemis released her brother.

"These demigods shall also need to go with you," Artemis motioned to them.

Apollo nodded, rubbing his ear. He turned to them, and Luke shrunk back when Apollo met his eyes. The god looked away almost as quickly, and sent a smirk to Thalia.

"You're my half-sister, right?" He said. "Pleasure to finally meet you, Thalia Grace. You've been starring on Hephaestus TV for two years now. Damn, I remember the time father almost turned you into that tree-"

Luke noticed the slight dust of red when formed on Thalia's face.

"Apollo," Artemis snapped.

"Sorry, sorry," He chuckled.

"Uh, how the Hades are we all supposed to fit in that," Luke motioned to the sports car.

Apollo scratched his head, then sighed in acceptance. "I hate using bus mode."

He pulled out some keys from his back pocket, and pressed a button or something on it. A faint golden glow surrounded the Maserati, and it morphed into a big, yellow school bus.

"Alright, everyone hop on."

The hunters began placing their stuff in the bus, and Apollo moved forward, to one of the girls. "Let me help you with those, babe."

The girl sneered at him, her hand moving to her silver dagger at her side, and Luke snickered.

Artemis was by his side immediately. "Apollo," her voice was low, and dangerous. "I shall murder you."

"Fine, fine, I'll stop," he rolled his eyes. "Killjoy."

Artemis rolled her eyes, then looked at Luke, Zoe and Thalia, who were still standing next to each other. Grover had already moved into the car with Nico. "I will see you by winter solstice. Zoe, you are in charge of the Hunters until I return. I trust you not to make rash decisions and act responsibly.

Zoe nodded, but it was forced, as if she was still displeased by the fact that Artemis was going alone. "Yes, my lady."

Artemis slipped onto one knee, pressing a piece of the melting-snow into her hands, and rubbing it with her fingers, like she was looking for a trail. Luke was mildly impressed. "This beast is dangerous. I must find it."

Apollo suddenly turned serious. "Good luck, sister."

Artemis sent him a nod, before turning, and taking off for the woods. She melted into the snow and shadows.

The god of the sun spun to them, a grin appearing on his face.

"So, which one of you wants to drive?"

PERSEUS sat up when he heard the voice.

It was daybreak, and he hadn't been able to catch any sleep at all. He sighed a bit, before standing, and donned his grey cloak over his tunic, after which he made his way out of the cave.

He headed for the beach, dragging his feet reluctantly. He didn't want to see anyone at the moment. He was still processing everything which had happened at the cliff. He still didn't understand it. He still didn't understand how Kronos had managed to get him off the Island, although it was temporary.

He had been wondering what Thalia must have been thinking. He had suddenly disappeared, without a word, and maybe - just maybe - she had forgotten about him already. His feet left footsteps in the sand as he walked, lost in his thoughts, and he halted next to his dining table on the beach.

"Hermes," he greeted.

"Nice to see you again, Perseus," Hermes replied, smiling loftily. "Glad to see you're still here."

Percy's brow furrowed. Had they somehow discovered his absence? "What do you mean?" He asked, feigning ignorance.

Hermes waved it off. "It's nothing. Father just wanted me to check up on the imprisoned titans."

"Oh," Perseus said flatly.

"Yes, oh," Hermes cocked his head to the side. 'Well, since you're still here, and no harm's been done, I'll be leaving now. Still have a ton of work to do. See you later Perseus, and stay out of trouble!"

He rolled his eyes, smiling lightly as Hermes disappeared in a flash of light. On Ogygia, his only companions were the heroines who fell on his Island, or the immortals who came to visit: Hermes, Hephaestus, Apollo, and surprisingly, the one who cursed him, Aphrodite. Hermes never stayed long, Hephaestus just came by to tell him about stuff happening in the mortal world, Apollo just talked about himself all day long, and Aphrodite was always trying to seduce him.

Yes, that was what his life had come to.

Perseus shook his head, and made his way to the forests. The only weapon the gods had allowed him were his bow and a quiver full of arrows, which he used to hunt in the woods of Ogygia. He missed his sword, which he had embedded into a stone after the titan's defeat.

The gods have craved it. But he'd placed it in the stone, and like Koios, the titan of prophecy had foretold, only the most of worthy of warriors would be able to release the sword, and free Perseus from exile.

The gods kept the sword under close guard, yes, but from what he could tell, the Titans were coming for him. Which meant they had to get his sword first. Perseus re-entered his cave, grabbed his bow and quiver, and walked out again.

He needed time to think. He needed to ponder on everything that was happening.

She bowed before the hole in the pit, and said, "It worked, Lord Kronos. Perseus was there today."

"Good," his voice resonated through the terrain, like a knife scraping a rock. "Why did he protect the daughter of Zeus?"

The spy bowed her head lower, 'We still do not know, Lord Kronos. But we shall find out soon. The General has sent out his forces to capture the moon, and then her brother when he arrives in Delos. And we shall find the sword, and release Perseus from his exile."

Kronos' laugh sent shivers down her spine, "Do not fail me this time, girl."

"I promise you, Lord Kronos. I won't."