I AM MELONLORD MUAHAHAHAHA. This chapter took a little bit longer to get out, but that's partially because I went back and essentially rewrote the first chapter; so, if the writing style seems different from the previous chapter, that's because it is, and chapter 1 has been updated to be similar. This chapter focuses less on Temn, but rather the people and events that are circling around him, and how what he is doing is having greater ramifications on the world at large.

PJO is not owned by me but Rick Riordan

Enjoy

The grand hearth of Mt Olympus represented the strength and vitality of the kingdom, its flames echoing the mood of the lords and ladies. Positioned within the Chamber of the Gods, it spread a warm, soothing radiance across the twelve thrones encircling it. These thrones reached towards the lofty ceiling that resembled the heavens more than anything terrestrial. A small, inconspicuous figure sat crouched upon a stool, stoking the holyflames. Hestia, the deity of hearth, home, and family, cared for the fire, preserving Olympus' tranquillity through her actions. She had assumed the appearance of an eighteen-year-old, wrapped in a cosy knit blanket. Despite no longer bearing the status of an Olympian, Hestia remained a participant in council meetings, upholding peace and offering an external viewpoint to discussions often marred by endless disputes.

However, the current gathering of the Olympians felt different than normal. The winter solstice had arrived, marking four months since the gods and their offspring had vanquished the invading titan army. Across Olympus, festivities erupted in celebration of the demigods' accomplishments, their triumphant defence of the celestial city. As the Olympians convened again for their winter assembly, the hall exuded a more lighthearted atmosphere. Representatives from Camp Half-Blood were now customary attendees at these council meetings. Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase, acclaimed heroes of the war and demigods held in high regard by their divine counterparts, along with Chiron, the camp's director, all took their places.

'It's already off to a poor start.' Hestia noted, observing the absence of her nephew Apollo. 'Strange.' Normally the sun god was quite punctual, making his absence all the more disturbing. Most other Olympians seemed oblivious or unconcerned. Poseidon was slowly falling asleep, Athena was engrossed in a thick tome of text, Hermes was typing away on his phone, while talking in an earpiece, Aphrodite sat perched provocatively on Ares lap, ravenously making out with the war god while drawing irritated glances from Hephaestus as he tinkered with a contraption. Hades stared off at nothing, his discomfort obvious, unlike Dionysus and Demeter, were jovially sampling wines, the latter pouring it over a bowl of cereal. The sole gods acknowledging Apollo's absence were Zeus, who muttered about his 'foolish son' and 'crafting a punishment that would impress even Hera', and Artemis, whose stern gaze fixated on the entrance, as if summoning Apollo to answer for his delay.

Hera appeared to have taken note of the build up of anger and annoyance in Artemis, watching as it reached dangerous levels, before nudging Zeus to action with an elbow to his side. "Zeus dear, I suggest you start the meeting now, before Artemis decides to find and murder her brother."

"Huh?" Zeus asked, shaken from his stupor as he looked up at Hera, who was now glaring at him. "Yes yes, of course, good idea." Zeus clapped his hands, a resonant thunderclap seizing the hall's attention. "Let us start the meeting without my moron of a son. Athena, I know you have something you wish to discuss."

Athena closed her book, cleared her throat, and began, "Indeed. As we are all aware, the stability of the drachma…"

Hestia's attention waned instantly. While she loved her niece to death, even Hestia would admit that oftentimes, Athena could be dull. Hestia's predominant concern lingered on her estranged nephew. 'Something dire must be keeping him.' Over the past few years, Apollo's presence on Olympus had dwindled. Although he once participated in the occasional prank with Hermes and still flirted with the nymphs and dryads, recently he seemed absent, only appearing on Olympus for council meetings and summons from his father. 'Even the amount of new children sired by him at the camp has waned.' Hestia noted with concern. Apollo, much like his father, was notorious for his many, and frequent sexual indulgences, fathering many demigods sent to camp.

Looking up to check back in with the meeting, Hestia saw Athena was still talking, the only one still paying attention to her was her daughter, Annabeth. "We can draw a correlation between this and the recent downturn of the mortal economy, coupled with…"

'I just need to talk with him once I find him, and figure out what's been causing these abnormalities.' Hestia resolved. Tracking down Apollo shouldn't be that difficult, he did the same thing everyday, guiding the Sun across the sky. Getting him to talk to her may be a bit more difficult, but Hestia felt confident she could get him to crack. She shared the best relationship with the twins of all her nieces and nephews, trusting them to confide in her whenever they were in trouble. 'However, that trust appears to have wavered.'

"That's why it's crucial we maintain a-" Athena halted her presentation, frustrated by Aphrodite and Ares' renewed intimacy. "Could you two refrain from acting like horny teenagers for more than two minutes?!" Percy and Annabeth both blushed, despite the question not being directed at them.

"I'm sorry Thena, it's just, you're so boring and Pumpkin here is very sexy." Aphrodite said innocently, batting her long eyelashes as she wrapped her legs around Ares' waist. Hestia was roused from her thoughts, watching the exchange.

"Economics is incredibly important!" Athena said indignantly. "The drachma is losing value at an unprecedented rate!"

Aphrodite looked at the goddess of wisdom with a vacant expression. "Why's that an issue? I conjure money whenever I want."

"That's precisely the problem! Money can't be conjured at whim!" The other Olympians watched with heightened interest. Athena's usually composed demeanour was unravelling.

Tracing a line along Are's jaw with her long nail seductively, Aphrodite looked up at Athena unconcerned. "Gosh that sounds like a problem Thena, you better solve it."

Athena's eye twitched, and the assembly leaned in, anticipating her reaction. The goddess was on the verge of eruption. "I can't fix the problem if you keep fucking it up you idiotic whore!" The crowd watching the exchange gasped.

"HEY! Don't insult my whore -er girlfriend like that!" Ares said angrily, roused from his vulgar fantasies by Aphrodite's shocked gasp. "She doesn't need to be a nerd like you when she's so hot."

"Thank you Pumpkin." Aphrodite thanked her lover, giving him a peck on the chin. "You know Thena, you wouldn't be so stressed out if you had a little sex once in a while." The rest of the Olypians, save for Hestia and Artemis nodded knowingly.

"..." Athena's mouth opened and closed but no noise came out, she was utterly dumbstruck by the idiocy of the pair.

"Now if you'll excuse us, Pumpkin and I have some important business to get to." Aphrodite stated shamelessly, leaning in to resume her amorous activities.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Huh?" Aphrodite looked up, searching for the speaker. "I literally just said that Pumpkin and I are going to- oh." The goddess of love trailed off. It was Artemis that had spoken, but not to her, rather her brother, who found himself midway across the room, attempting inconspicuously to reach his throne.

"Oh, um, hi, Arty." Artemis' annoyance flared. "I was just heading to my seat, if that's alright." Apollo hastened to his throne in a hurried shuffle, sensing the sixteen pairs of eyes fixed upon him. Attempting to shield himself from their scrutiny, he sank into his seat.

'He looks exhausted.' Apollo's usual radiance had faded, replaced by weariness and anxiety. His once-vibrant eyes now bore dark circles, his typically meticulous appearance neglected. 'What on earth could be causing this?' Hestia's concern deepened; Apollo held a critical role in maintaining the world's equilibrium. If he was failing to fulfil his duties, that would spell catastrophe for everyone. Artemis seemed to have detected the shift in her brother as well, her gaze scrutinising him with an ire. Apollo pretended not to notice, staring ahead with a self-conscious smile.

"Why were you late?" Zeus asked, crossing his arms, a stern glare fixed on his son. "You better have a good reason."

Apollo straightened in his seat, locking eyes with his father. "Just some troubles with some… underlings, father. It's been dealt with, nothing important."

Zeus nodded, seemingly buying the half-baked excuse. "I see, ensure it doesn't happen again."

Hestia's scepticism lingered. Unlike her brother, she wasn't buying it at all. 'If it was nothing important, why did it delay you so long?' Apollo's reasoning was faulty, and Hestia would find out why. 'You shouldn't have to bear whatever's burdening you alone, I can help you.'

Zeus cleared his throat, redirecting the attention in the room. "Are there any further matters to address?" Athena raised her hand, poised to speak. "No Athena, I believe we understand your topic thoroughly."

An awkward silence pervaded the room as no one thought of anything to discuss or share, before Artemis took a deep breath, speaking up. "My hunters and I have come across what is developing into a major issue. I meant to speak with you privately about it but here will do." Artemis locked eyes with her father, unfazed by the astonishment on others' faces. Her contributions to these meetings were rare.

Zeus frowned, they had just won a war, what could be causing problems now? "Go on, what have you found?"

"Monsters of all kinds are abandoning their usual haunts, spurred into a hunt by something, or someone out there."

Lips pursed, Athena's brow furrowed in thought. "Are they hunting it, or is it sending them on a hunt?"

"Whatever is out there is drawing monsters to hit, unwillingly, or unknowingly I'd assume." Artemis answered, shifting in her seat. "Every monster we've encountered has been hunting to kill, they want whatever's out there dead, and badly."

Apollo, who had been somewhat slouched in his throne, suddenly sat up, his gaze fixed on his sister. 'Curious, why the sudden interest?' Hestia noted.

"Whoever or whatever it is, it's been moving, evading the monsters, moving around the country at seemingly random. Right now we think it's in Colorado." Apollo's eyes lit up, and some of the weight he'd seem to be caring lifted off his shoulders for but a moment.

Hestia managed to catch Apollo's brief action, her eyes narrowing. 'Do you know what your sister's hunting, Apollo? Why not share?' Glancing over, Apollo noticed his aunt studying him, giving her a small smile, trying to ignore the fact that she was boring holes into him with her gaze.

"I see, do you have any idea as to what it could be?" Athena asked, she was growing interested in the topic. Perhaps she should pursue this enigmatic prey as well, and study it.

Artemis glanced over at her father quickly, before turning to her sister. "We don't know what it is. It could be a demigod, but I have seen no demigod in memory garner as much attention from monsters, not even of the big three."

Hera's tone was icy. "You better not have." She told Zeus, the not-so-hidden threat was not on him.

"No no no no no. Of course not honey… I'd never do that to you." Hands up in a placating gesture, fearing the wrath of his wife.

Hera did not buy it for a second, she had trusted him numerous times in the past and he had broken it, he was on thin ice this time. "What about you two?" The queen of Olympus looked at her two brothers. "Have you broken any oaths?"

Hades made a dismissive noise, looking coldly at his youngest sister. "I'm the only one to not break my oath, I mean it when I swear on something."

"I just use condoms." Poseidon shrugged. Everyone else in the hall stared at him, including Percy, mouth agape. "What?!"

"Okay… then." Hera shuddered, looking back at Artemis. "I assume your hunters are already on the trail.

"Of course, we started tracking it weeks ago, instead of just the monsters that were already after it. We've yet to actually get a glimpse of it." Artemis replied, her frustration evident. The fact that the prey had evaded her for so long was a personal insult.

Athena exchanged a silent glance with Annabeth, who was standing off to the side, a tacit understanding passing between them. "I propose sending a team of demigods to assist," Athena suggested, directing her words to Chiron as well as her father.

Chiron pondered briefly before offering a smile. "Certainly, Lady Athena. Once we return to the camp, they'll set out." He glanced at the two demigods beside him, who nodded, having already accepted the mission.

"Excellent." Zeus concluded. "If neither party manages to find their target in the next couple of months, we'll send out additional groups." He wasn't concerned in the slightest. He held absolute faith in that Artemis would succeed, the notion that failure was possible never crossing his mind. "Now, is there anything else that requires our attention?"

The council meeting continued on for a few more hours, various issues and ideas being brought up for a discussion. Demeter complained about a drought in the midwest destroying crops, asking Zeus for rain. Hermes was upset that a group of Aphrodite's children were review bombing him after he put a cap on how much clothing they could order. Aphrodite held very little sympathy for the other god, especially after he put a cap on her order a few years back after she single handedly crashed the system. Hestia would have found the meeting to be a more pleasant one, with far less fights, death threats, declarations of war and insults as was usual, if it wasn't for the burning curiosity and concern that had supplanted itself in her gut, as she worried for her nephew.

Zeus concluded the meeting, prompting everyone to disperse towards the festivities or off on their own business. Amidst the bustling activity, Hestia's observant eye caught Apollo trying to slip out of the hall unnoticed. If he was half as stealthy as his sister, maybe he wouldn't have been caught. Hestia possessed a talent for slipping unnoticed through crowds and remaining unheard when she wished – a skill both advantageous and vexing. In this particular instance, Hestia found herself grateful for the ability. Trailing her nephew from a distance, Hestia followed Apollo throughout the expanse of Olympus; past gardens, temples, courtyards, gazebos and parks, as he wove his way towards his temple.

Apollo's temple on Olympus was a spectacle to behold. One of the larger temples, it was a shrine to the god's normally grand and eccentric personality. Colossal marble columns soared skyward, cradling a lofty, vaulted ceiling. Gilded effigies of the sun god adorned the property, depicting him in various, flattering poses, alongside fountains that quietly murmured. The temple served to embolden an already excessive ego. But as Apollo sunk onto an ornate couch, rubbing his hands across his face with a groan, its opulence and eccentricity seemed out of place.

"What am I going to do?" He sighed. "I can't have Artemis, and a team of half-bloods out looking for him too."

'So it's a person then.' Hestia thought excitedly, any if at all was good, leading her one step closer to what was going on. In a way, she was on her own hunt, just like Artemis, she just was hunting in a different way. Stepping out from behind an expansive pillar, turning towards her nephew. "Maybe you can start by telling me who 'him' is."

Apollo leaped with a start, his reaction resembling that of an alarmed cat. Swiftly turning, he manifested a bow in his hands, an arrow poised and aimed in Hestia's direction. "WHO DARES ENTER MY DOMAIN- Aunt Hestia?" A sheepish blush tinted Apollo's cheeks as his bow disappeared, embarrassed to be caught off-guard within his own temple, especially by his kind, sweet aunt.

"Hello Apollo." Hestia said sweetly with a warm smile. "Could you answer my question dear."

Apollo waved a hand dismissively, plopping down on the sofa once more. "They're no one important, Auntie, I'm dealing with it."
Glaring down at Apollo, Hestia crossed her arms under her chest. "If they weren't important, monsters from across the country are converging on them as we speak, alongside your sister and her hunters," Apollo flinched at that last statement, eyes closed in exhaustion.

"It's not your problem to fix, Auntie. I caused this mess, and I need to fix it, I owe it to them to do so."

So Apollo had a relationship with this person, in some way or another. "Why? You've caused plenty of problems in the past, why is this one different?"

Hestia could see Apollo growing colder and colder, slowly closing himself off until she wouldn't be able to pry any information out of him. "It's unique, nothing like it has ever happened before. I don't want to burden others with it unnecessarily, because I don't know if they'll be able to bear it."

Hestia sighed, smiling painfully. "I've made it my business to take upon myself others burdens. I've done it my whole life, putting others first. I even sacrificed my seat on the council, so don't underestimate my ability, and let me help you."

"And why do you do that? Why do you feel the need to put everyone before you?"

Hestia hadn't expected Apollo to counter with a question of his own, especially a question she didn't quite know the answer to. Hestia supposed she never stopped to question why she always was so self-sacrificial, it was just something she did. "I suppose it's because I've witnessed first hand what happens when a family falls apart, and I will do anything to keep that from happening to ours."

A weighty silence hung between them as Apollo contemplated Hestia's words, his gaze lowered to the ground. A sense of shame surged within him – shame at his failures, at the necessity of his concealments. It pained him to distance himself from his beloved aunt, to veil his struggles. "I... I'm not sure I can trust you."

Hestia's whispered exclamation reverberated, unsettling her to her core. Never before had those words been directed at her. "I've been you and your sister's confidante since your earliest days. The one you turned to without hesitation. What have I done to break that trust?"

"Nothing!" Apollo's voice strained as he averted his gaze from Hestia. "I don't know if I can trust anyone. The circumstances are unprecedented - unlike anything we've faced."

Observing her nephew, Hestia recognized the imperative to restore his trust, lest her endeavours to help him prove fruitless. "Then let me help you. You cannot carry such a great burden alone. Even gods can fall." She pleaded. "I have complete confidence that what you're doing is the right thing."

Apollo continued to look down at his feet, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. It was evident to the goddess watching him that he was deep in thought, conflicting emotions battling within. 'Please do the right thing.' Hestia silently begged. 'I just want to help.'

Apollo locked eyes with Hestia once more, mustering resolve. "Are you certain? Even if it requires a vow of secrecy, regardless of your feelings?"

"Absolutely. I vow to keep your secret."

It was too late for Apollo to go back now. Hestia was now aiding him in his search. "Then swear it. Swear upon the River Styx that you will divulge nothing of what I am about to share."

Hestia, by nature a benevolent soul, would do anything for her family, ready to make self-sacrifices. So as Hestia surveyed the man before her, his uncharacteristic seriousness, mingled with anguish, unsettled her. Whatever weighed on him exceeded his capacity to bear alone, so Hestia, once more took other's burdens upon her own shoulders. "I swear by the River Styx to safeguard your secrets." In the distance, a thunderclap signalled the oath's solemnity.

Sighing, Apollo offered a sad smile at his aunt. "You've no idea what you've gotten yourself into. Apollo extended his hand, which Hestia grasped, and with that, they teleported away.

Hestia and Apollo materialised before a grand two-story house, its presence drawing attention within the clearing of a towering forest. The isolation of the house was striking, surrounded by the dense woods. "Where... where are we?" Hestia's voice wavered with uncertainty; this place was foreign to her.

Apollo gestured expansively, his arm sweeping through the air as he ascended the marble stairs leading to the front door. He glanced back at his aunt as he spoke, "This is where I've lived the past sixteen years."

"Sixteen years," Hestia murmured in astonishment, quickening her steps to catch up to her nephew. She took in the surroundings of the estate as she followed behind; unlike many of Apollo's extravagant properties, this one gave off a homely vibe, one Hestia found herself appreciating. While still carrying some of Apollo's hallmarks, like an array of exotic cars and a courtyard fountain, it felt less extreme. "I don't recognize this place, I've never been here before."

"That's exactly the point. I come here when I want to be alone, to relax or unwind, amongst other things." Apollo explained, ushering Hestia inside after opening the front door. Her steps faltered in amazement, her gaze drawn to the interior of the house in awe. It went against everything she had ever thought about Apollo. Instead of a grand hall or opulent decorations adorned with lavish self portraits, the space resembled a typical living room. White couches gathered around a central fireplace, facing a sizable TV. Movie posters and records hung on the walls, and an untouched kitchen sat off to the side. It was... comforting.

"It's lovely... not what I would have imagined from you," Hestia remarked, still taking in the surroundings with wonder. "Why did you spend so much time here?"

"That goes hand in hand with why we're here." Apollo sat down with a sigh, beginning his story. "I suppose I should start from the beginning."

"Yes, please do," Hestia encouraged.

"Where to begin?" Apollo murmured to himself, before looking up at his aunt. "Just over sixteen years ago I received a prophetic vision. It was largely undecipherable, I don't know what it was trying to say, except for one thing, an urging to be at Artemis' side; she was in some sort of danger. So I rushed to her location as any good big-brother would."

Hestia thought to herself a moment, looking down at her nephew. "When was the last time you yourself received a prophecy?"

Apollo paused, tilting his head as he thought about the answer. "Not in centuries. They all come from oracles now." He stated. "That's why I responded so quickly. I observed from a distance as an ethereal orb of light descended from the sky toward Artemis. Somehow she was unaware of it. It collided with her, and upon impact, she was seized by convulsions and tremors."

Hestia's brow furrowed, "Wasn't she with her hunters? Why didn't they warn her?"

"They weren't there; probably off making dinner. All I know was that she was alone."

"I see, and where did the light come from?"

"I don't know!" Let me finish the story!" Apollo huffed angrily as Hestia offered him an apologetic smile. "Now, to continue; as Artemis' convulsions subsided, a second light, composed of both silver and the earlier ethereal light, emerged from her midriff and settled nearby. It coalesced into a baby boy."

Hestia's expression turned incredulous, mouth forming the words 'baby boy'. "H-how is that possible?! Her oath?! If Artemis is no longer a maiden then-"

Apollo interjected, waving his hands. "No no, it was a melding of essences, an immaculate conception. Similar to how Athena bears her children."

Hestia sighed in relief, tension leaving her shoulders. "Thank Zeus. If Artemis ceased to be a virgin, the resulting chaos could be catastrophic." Pausing a moment, Hestia looked at Apollo inquisitively. "Where did the father's essence come from?"

"I don't know, I've never managed to figure it out." Apollo confessed. The issue had irked him for years, not knowing what made up the other half of his nephew. "I'm not even sure if Temn is mortal or immortal. He bleeds mortal blood —I've seen him hurt himself plenty of times— but no mortal would be able to send their essence off like that; at least that I know of."

"That is concerning." The prospect of some rogue god, or demigod, sending out essence and fathering children from goddesses without them knowing or consenting was terrifying. The problems would be countless. Looking back at Apollo, another question formed in Hestia's mind, one that began troubling her. "What did Artemis do once she discovered the child? Did she come to you seeking help?"

Apollo averted his eyes uncomfortably. "Actually, no. She never had the chance. I took the child away here before she even woke up."

"You what?" Hestia asked in disbelief, shocked that her nephew would even think about such a thing. Anger began to rise up from her chest into her throat as she glared at Apollo. "You stole away your sister's child; something so fundamentally her's, something so intrinsically bound to her that it's cemented in the laws of nature why?!"

"I did it for the child-" Apollo said, putting his hands up in self-defence before being cut off.

"That doesn't matter!" Hestia's eyes blazed with flames, but not the kind that offered warmth and comfort. These were scorching, furious flames akin to Ares'. "You are not entitled to that choice!"

"What if she harmed him?"

What?!" Hestia's disbelief surged as anger toward Apollo mounted. In her benevolent perspective, what he had done to his sister was unforgivable. "What are you saying?"

"We're gods Aunty! We don't change; we resist it. We're like mountains, the best we can do is slowly shift over millennia. That child represents a change so drastic that even I debated striking it down!" Apollo implored, praying Hestia saw his perspective.

"Glaciers can carve new canyons. Wind and rain can shape rock to their bidding, Apollo." Hestia countered.

The Goddess of the Hunt was never to bear children — yet she did! The moment her son entered the world, that age-old law governing Artemis was shattered. What if she tried to rectify that perceived wrong, to restore the natural order? What if the other gods did the same?"

"You thought Artemis would take her own child's life?!" Hestia's anger flared, unsettling her nephew deeply. "She's the goddess of childbirth, Apollo!"

"And Temn was born wrong! He was brought into this world unwillingly. Forced into existence by his father through an unwanting mother."

A resounding slap echoed, as Apollo staggered back, staring at Hestia in disbelief. He had never witnessed his aunt resort to violence, let alone be consumed by such rage. "Aunty," Apollo whispered, his tone akin to that of a small child.

"Your sister would never even entertain the idea of harming a child, regardless if it were her own or not," Hestia seethed, glaring down at Apollo as he attempted to shrink away into the couch. "She is a surrogate to every hunter she commands." Her anger was palpable as she continued, her gaze unwavering. "Regardless of Artemis' reservations or reluctance in conceiving a child, she would raise it with boundless love and care. Do not confuse her with Hera."

Apollo struggled to distance himself further from his aunt, who emitted an intense, furious aura, a side of her he had never before witnessed. "I'm sorry, Hestia. In the heat of the moment, I acted as I believed was best for Artemis and the child. I would do anything to protect her wellbeing, and I realise that what I did may end up causing her more anguish than if I had done nothing."

"It's not me to whom you owe an apology," Hestia sighed, gradually regaining her composure. She hadn't felt such intense anger in a very long time. Slowly Hestia looked down at Apollo, who was still cowering on the couch. "You mentioned the boy's name was Temn?"

"Yes, after I arrived here, I received another vision—a single word: 'Temn.' The Fates decreed it as his name," Apollo confirmed, his thoughts drifting to the memories etched within the walls around him. "For the next sixteen years, I raised and trained him alone, blending my ways with his mother's. There were challenges, but also plenty of happiness. I would like to think he enjoyed our time together."

'At least the boy was raised by someone who cares. Even if he takes it too far.' Hestia noted, recognizing the depth of Apollo's attachment to his nephew. "And where is Temn now?"

"I believe you already know the answer," Apollo replied with a tinge of sadness, sinking into a white leather couch. The answer made him feel like a failure at every aspect of parenting.

Hestia pondered for a moment. "He ran away, didn't he?" Apollo nodded. "Now, every monster in North America, Artemis and her hunters, alongside a team of elite demigods, are searching for him, ignorant of who he really is."

"Yes, he inherited too much of his mother's nature. The call of the hunt was irresistible," Apollo admitted with a heavy sigh. "He fled while I, and everyone else, were distracted by Typhon and Kronos' forces. He vanished into the forest."

"I see. If he's anything like his mother, finding him against his will would be nearly impossible." Hestia realised the magnitude of the search she had embroiled herself in. If the wrong group found Temn first, it would spell disaster.

Apollo grumbled in agreement, his arms crossed in a pout. "I've spent the last four months searching. I was delayed this morning because I thought I was close. Evidently, I was wrong.

Seated by the fireplace, Hestia absently dipped her hand in and out of the flames, cupping them in her palm. She had already reached a decision before arriving here and hearing Apollo's tale. "I will assist you in finding Temn. But," she fixed her gaze on Apollo, unwavering. "You will rectify your mistakes, and reunite Temn with his mother; you have kept them separated long enough."

Apollo reluctantly agreed. "... fine. But only after we find him.I fear Artemis might actually kill him if she discovers the one who's eluded her for months is a naive sixteen-year-old."

Apollo chuckled to himself but Hestia was not amused. "I agree. We will contact each other if we find anything." Getting up to head to the door, Hestia paused before turning to Apollo. "Thank you, Apollo, for trusting me enough to help, I know it couldn't have been easy. We'll fix your mistakes and reunite that broken family."

Apollo returned her sad smile, watching as she vanished in a burst of flames. "You're welcome."

Temn found himself seated beneath the shade of an immense tree, his chest heaving, and his vision narrowing as he fought for precious breath. Amidst his desperate gasps for air, he muttered, "Why… are there… so many… hellhounds… in West Virginia!?" His bow was clutched protectively to his chest as he tried to recover. Having spent nearly a month amidst the picturesque landscapes of West Virginia, revelling in its sprawling mountains and forested hills, Temn had savoured the isolation, far removed from any semblance of civilization. Yet, he had now come to the unsettling realisation that the tranquil wilderness was seemingly infested with the demonic creatures.

The harrowing encounter that morning was merely the latest in a series of relentless assaults. After a heart-pounding chase that had spanned several miles through the dense woods, Temn had finally managed to slay the hellhound. "That was the fifth one this week" he yelled in frustration, his voice echoing among the trees. To his dismay, it was only Tuesday, and what had initially seemed like sporadic monster attacks had now escalated into a terrifyingly frequent ordeal. The memory of his first battle with a harpy had left him traumatised, but he had learned to adapt as he found himself forced to continually fight for his life.

'Apollo said that this could happen.' The god had warned him that as soon as he stepped outside the protective barrier, every nearby monster would come searching for him like moths to a flame. Temn felt himself teetering on the brink of exhaustion, with the relentless onslaught of monsters pushing him perilously close to his breaking point. 'I don't know how much longer this can go on.'

A distant roar pierced the air, jolting Temn back to his feet. He swiftly readied his bow, arrow at the ready, and peered down from the mountainside. Approximately 20 miles away, he spotted a colossal figure amidst the falling trees, slowly advancing through the underbrush. It was a laistrygonian giant, standing at a towering 10 feet (an imposing size even for their kind), relentlessly ploughing through the forest with a massive metal club.

"Shit." Temn muttered under his breath as he donned his mask and slung his bow over his shoulder, preparing to confront this looming threat head-on. 'I'm supposed to be the hunter, not the prey.'

Please let me know of any glaring spelling or grammatical errors, but be nice about it. Next chapter will be more focused on Temn, probably.

Thank you, MelonLord