Sea of Monsters Chapter 7:

The Two Hunters

"Did you find anything?"

The woman grinned. She was beautiful with white hair and blue eyes. She wore a stunning white dress with red outlines that showed off the cleavage of her voluptuous breasts. Her bow was slung over her shoulder as she looked at her companion. "It's obvious what it is."

"Come on now, be serious." Her companion said.

"Relax, I'm just messing around." The woman said.

The companion chuckled. "I'm really liking this cocky side of you. It's quite the turn on."

"It's a shame we can't do anything about that." The woman said playfully. The two of them stopped their banter when they sensed something off in the distance. Something just arrived on the island, and it put them on alert.

"Seems like Servants just arrived." The companion said. "Oh, I wonder if there's any cute girls among them!"

The white haired woman stared at her companion in annoyance. She then picked him up, and raised her arm a bit to aim.

"H-hey, I'm sorry!" The companion shouted as he flailed about. "Don't throw me!"

"I'm only doing this so you can scout out the new arrivals." The woman said. "Let's just hope I don't miss."

"No no no! There's gotta be a better-AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"

The woman watched as she threw her companion high into the air, and close to where the new arrivals would be. Her eyes widened in horror as she realized what she just did.

She just threw him so that he'd land right on top of them. She had to run as fast as she could to make sure he would be okay. And that was exactly what she would do.

(A few moments later)

The Chaldeans, Drake and Perseus made their trek through the woods. In the interest of scouting out the interior of the island a bit, they agreed most of them would go to explore, while leaving two Servants to look after Drake's crew on the shore. Medea and Okita immediately volunteered, with the assumption that they would be the fastest to respond to any incidents that could occur. As the group walked within the woods, Ritsuka looked at Perseus with a curious gaze.

"You know, I don't think you answered Medusa back on the ship." Ritsuka said. "Care to explain why?"

"Well it was bound to be found out eventually…" Perseus said. "I was following you all for a few days."

"Then why in the hell did you not help us against the Ravenous Dreadlord?!" Tatsuko shouted.

Perseus raised an eyebrow and tilted his head. "You faced one of those things and survived?"

"You didn't see that?" Alexander asked.

Perseus shook his head. "No, I didn't."

Ushiwakamaru's eyes widened. "We must have lost you after a couple of days."

"Yes." Perseus said. "I lost you all during that one thunderstorm after you found Asterios and the twins. I only found you guys again during the battle against Blackbeard."

"Sounds like you weren't doing a good job then, Perseus." Medusa snarked. "Now tell us why you were following us."

"Because of her." Perseus said as he pointed at Drake.

"Me?"

Perseus nodded. "Well, rather your Grail. I knew there were two in this Singularity, and since I was summoned to solve it, I had to go looking for the cause. And what do I sense when I see you? A Grail."

"But you had no idea if it was the one that belonged to this era, or if it was the one that was planted in this time." Mashu said.

"Correct." Perseus said.

"Then why did you not just try to take it from them?" Stheno asked. "It would have saved you some trouble."

"Because if I did, then innocent people would have been hurt." Perseus answered.

"Then how did you figure out our Grail belonged to this era?" Ushiwakamaru asked.

Perseus smiled. "Actually I didn't. It was because of Alexander telling Blackbeard the origins of the Grail did I learn it was from this era."

Everyone looked at Alexander in surprise. The red haired Rider's jaw nearly hit the ground before a grin appeared on his face. "I…got you to save us?"

Perseus nodded. Ushiwakamaru laughed loudly and patted Alexander on the back. "You did an excellent job! You saved us without realizing it!"

"As for how I heard all this, I was on my boat not far away," Perseus said. "However I had to listen via sound waves in order to figure out everything. That was when I picked up Alexander that Captain Drake's Grail is from this era."

"Of course you can do that….." Medusa muttered in annoyance.

"Oh I have some questions!" Alexander said. "What happened after you married Princess Andromeda? What happened to all the gifts the Gods gave you to complete your task?"

Ritsuka and Perseus winced at that last question. They could feel Medusa's annoyance grow.

"Maybe we should return to the task at hand…." Perseus said.

No sooner did he say that, did something in the trees fall to the ground with a loud squeaking sound right in the center of the group.

It was a small teddy bear with a club in its hands.

Everyone noted something else odd. It had some Magical Energy coming from it. The women who stared at it soon felt a chill up their spines. They didn't like the way the teddy bear looked, and felt a creepy gaze coming from somewhere. Ritsuka, on the other hand, stared at the plushy with a suspicious gaze. A lightbulb lit up in his head, and immediately sprang into action. He then pointed at the teddy bear.

"I think I saw it move its eyes!"

"I did not!"

Everyone but Ritsuka gasped as the teddy bear shouted. The plushy looked at them with widened beady eyes and gulped. "Oh crap…."

"Senpai, Senpai. The unknown object is talking!" Mashu said.

"Let's dissect it." Ritsuka said.

Alexander drew his sword alongside Perseus.

"I agree." Alexander said. "And I really don't like the way it was looking at Ushiwakamaru."

"PLEASE NO!" The teddy bear shouted.

"Hang on, let me handle this." Tatsuko said calmly, but sternly. The female Master roughly picked the teddy bear off the ground and stared at it with a stern gaze. "Where were you looking?"

The teddy bear said nothing, causing Tatsuko to scowl. "Start talking, or else I'll turn you into a marketable plushie."

"No! Don't turn me into a marketable plushie!" The teddy bear shouted.

"Then talk. Now." Medusa growled.

"Okay, okay I'll fess up." The teddy bear said. "I was looking directly into your eyes!"

"Why do I get the feeling he's lying to save his own skin…..or stuffing in this case?" Perseus asked.

"He's telling the truth." Ushiwakamaru said. "I cannot say why, but I feel it in my gut."

"He's definitely not lying."

Everyone turned to see a white haired woman coming from behind a tree and walking towards them.

"I am Artemis. And that goofball is my lover, Orion."

Everyone stared at the woman, then to the teddy bear, then back to her, then to the bear, and back to her.

"WHHHHHHHAAAAAAAATTTT?!"

"What is a Goddess doing here on our island?" Medusa asked.

"More importantly, how long have you been here?" Perseus asked. "Because I know for a fact that I didn't see you two here when I was summoned here!"

"Only a couple of days." Orion answered.

"Are you here to help solve the Singularity?" Alexander asked.

"That depends." Artemis said.

"But that is why we are here." Mashu replied. "I am Mashu Kyrielight, a Demi-Servant of Chaldea, and we were sent here to find the Holy Grail that has been sent to this Singularity."

Artemis nodded, only to look down and raise an eyebrow. A small grin formed on her face, causing the Chaldeans and their allies to stare at her in confusion.

"What are you looking at?" Ritsuka asked.

"It would seem running into you all might have been in our best interests." Artemis said. The Goddess walked towards them, and knelt down on the ground. "Orion and I have been tracking a beast in these parts."

"What kind of beast?" Alexander asked.

"Demon boar." Artemis answered. "And it's a big one."

Everyone looked down and saw the tracks in question. They were indeed huge. And if the boar got out of the woods and found the crew…

"We can't let this boar go any further." Drake said. "Otherwise my crew will be in danger."

"Maybe we should team up then." Artemis replied. "I'll keep a lookout for tracks with Orion, so just follow us and keep a lookout."

Everyone nodded as Orion hopped back onto Artemis's head, and the two of them walked off towards the direction of the tracks. The group was not far behind them, as they needed to be sure to find this Demon Boar, and kill it before it became a threat.

(One hour later)

As the group continued their search for the Demon Boar, the trail grew hotter and hotter as they found more tracks of the wild animal. It was at this time that Artemis and Orion were speaking to each other, when the Gorgon sisters went up to them. The two lovers sensed their approach and allowed them to walk alongside them.

"May we have a moment of your time?" Medusa asked.

"For a pretty girl like you? Of course!" Orion said. Artemis punched Orion in the back of the head and sighed.

"I apologize for his behavior." She said. "In fact the whole reason I hijacked his Saint Graph was to make sure he would not antagonize anyone with his womanizing….."

"Well that explains how you managed to even come here at all then." Euryale said.

"Perhaps it's for the best." Stheno said. "In fact, this could give me the opportunity to work on my needlework. Just hand him to me, and I'll do some stitching on him, maybe even replace some of his stuffing…."

Artemis glared at the Assassin. Medusa cleared her throat, and prepared to diffuse the situation. "My older sister was making a joke….albeit a very bad joke."

"Sounds like you and I understand each other then." Artemis said. "Now, what is it that you were wanting to discuss?"

"Well it's the fact that we're in the Shapeless Isle." Euryale said. "My sisters and I have lived on this island for years, so we know it like the backs of our hands."

"So you might have an idea where the Boar might be going?" Orion asked.

"Correct." Stheno answered. "Judging by the tracks, we're headed closer to another side of the beach."

"That's one likely scenario." Artemis said. "However, we should see where the tracks lead us."

The sounds of chuckling and laughter caused them to turn their heads back and see Perseus speaking to the others, each one of them smiling as they spoke to him. Medusa sighed in annoyance.

"Are you two going to have a problem?" Artemis asked.

"No." Medusa said. "I'm willing to work with him, but I'd still rather not be close to him. He still annoys me a little."

"I understand." Euryale said. "I'm not happy with him either."

"I think we should keep an eye on him for now." Stheno said.

"I know you have history with my younger brother, Medusa," Artemis said. "But he's not that kind of man. He can be trusted."

"I hope you're right." Medusa muttered.

As that was happening, the Chaldeans and Asterios and Drake continued their conversation with Perseus. It was here that Alexander gained a hint of curiosity as he stared at the older red haired Rider.

"So, what did you inherit from our father, Zeus?" Alexander asked.

"Well, I can use lightning, and I have the super strength of a Demi-God." Perseus said.

"Hopefully that's all you inherited from him." Ritsuka said.

Perseus chuckled quietly. "I have been entirely faithful to my wife. And we have had lots of children to prove it."

Tatsuko snickered as Ritsuka rolled his eyes playfully. "Well as long as Andromeda was happy with this, then there's no complaints."

Perseus smiled warmly. "Trust me, making her happy was something I loved doing. Her smile was enough to make my day better no matter what happened. Now I actually have a question for you guys."

"Ask away!" Ushiwakamaru said.

"It's about Medusa." Perseus said. "Is she happy in this…. Chaldea, I believe it was called?"

"Pretty sure she is." Tatsuko answered. "Why do you ask?"

"It's because I know how much she must have endured through her curse." Perseus said.

"You show concern for her?" Ushiwakamaru asked. "Aren't you two supposed to be enemies?"

"I never thought of her as my enemy…" Perseus said.

"Okay, I know this is a personal question, but I have to ask." Alexander said. "How long did it take for you and Andromeda to fall in love?"

"It was love at first sight for both of us." Perseus answered. "We didn't get married right away, however. We waited a few months after I saved my mother, and she married the fisherman who took us in."

"You know, I never really looked up to anyone before, but I always liked how your story ended." Ritsuka said. "I mean, most Greek myths end in tragedy or just bittersweet endings. Yours is one of the few where almost everyone gets a happy ending."

"I…..like…happy…endings….too…" Asterios said.

"Everyone, I found more tracks." Artemis said. Everyone stopped where they were as the Archer knelt down and noted the large hoofprints on the ground. Medusa looked down at the tracks and saw where they were headed. The tracks were going straight.

"It seems the Demon Boar is heading towards that beach afterall." Medusa said.

"How long do we gave until we reach there." Artemis asked.

"It's not far from here." Stheno answered. "In fact, it's just up ahead."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Tatsuko asked. "Let's get to the clearing and take this monster down!"

"Let's not get hasty here." Orion said. "We need to be quiet and have the element of surprise. If we just rush in, it'll probably make things more tedious."

"Orion's right." Perseus said. The group decided that it was enough time from talking, and headed up the path towards the beach. It didn't take long for them to arrive and what they saw completely shocked them.

The large Demon Boar was bigger than they thought. And even worse was the fact it was surrounded by dozens of smaller Demon Boars.

"Do…do you think that the larger one is a mother and the smaller ones her offspring?" Mashu asked.

"Nah, that isn't right." Drake said.

"How do you know?" Mashu asked.

"Because I can see the boy parts." Drake answered.

"If that's the case, then who are the smaller ones….?" Tatsuko asked.

"It's just a pack of Demon Boars." Orion answered. "The large ones tend to be the alphas. Nothing more."

"So, is sneaking still an option?" Ushiwakamaru asked.

"With this many? No, sneaking is no longer an option." Artemis said.

"I have a question." Medusa said. "Did you guys want the pelt?"

"No." Artemis answered. "We were just hunting it because it was dangerous."

Medusa rose up and stared at the boars. "Wait right here. I'll handle this."

Everyone watched as the Rider slowly walked towards the boars. The phantasmal beasts sensed her, and turned to face her. The smaller boars attacked first, charging at Medusa at full speed. Medusa anticipated this, and took off her glasses. She would turn them to stone without anyone getting in her way.

Which was the plan, but fate had other ideas…

"Ummmm, why is she just standing there?" Perseus asked.

"She must be trying to use her eyes again." Ritsuka answered.

"Seriously?" Medusa muttered. "Of all the times, my Mystic Eyes fail me again?!"

The sound of the boars charging at her brought Medusa back to reality. The Rider was forced to leap out of the way of the smaller boars, but Medusa would not give up. She summoned her Nameless Daggers, and lunged at the small boar leading the others, she then proceeded to stab it in the head, killing it instantly. Another boar lunged at her, but Medusa used her daggers and stabbed it in the heart. The third small boar forced Medusa to jump out of the way. The purple haired Rider was about to strike it when a bolt of lightning shot passed her, and hit the entire body of the boar, killing it almost instantaneously. She then saw Perseus and the Chaldean Servants come to her side. The purple haired woman scowled at Perseus. "I don't need your help!"

"Sorry, instinct took over." Perseus replied.

Two arrows whizzed by their heads, killing two boars in the process.

"Stop arguing and get back to hunting!" Artemis shouted. No one said a word. Instead, they returned to slaying the smaller boars. Medusa saw one boar coming at her, and raised her daggers to slay it, only for Perseus to slay it instead. The purple haired Rider decided to focus on another boar, but Alexander slew it with his sword. Medusa saw another boar coming right at her, but Ushiwakamaru decapitated it with a smile. Medusa raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

"What is it with you and taking decapitation?" Medusa asked.

"I just want something to take as a trophy." The black haired Rider answered.

"I don't think we'll be able to bring one back." Medusa countered.

The sounds of gunfire grabbed their attention, and saw Drake take down two small Demon Boars with one shot each. "We can figure that out later."

Medusa and Ushiwakamaru nodded and returned to killing the smaller boars. Medusa stabbed one in the skull and was about to slay another, but Perseus was faster, killing it with his sword. More and more smaller Demon Boars rushed towards them, causing the fighters to look around for a way out.

"Okay, I think we need to wrap this up so we can take care of the big guy." Alexander said.

"I have an idea." Perseus replied. "Just get behind me and leave the rest to me."

The red haired Rider shot his hand out, and shot a bolt of lightning. The bolt splintered and shot forth like a current, striking all the smaller boars, killing them instantly.

"Show off…." Medusa muttered under her breath.

The alpha Demon Boar roared in anger. Lightning shot from its tusks at the fighters present, forcing them to jump out of the line of fire. Medusa grabbed Drake by the waist, and leapt out of the way of the incoming stream of lightning.

"Thanks for that." Drake said.

Not a second later, another bolt of lightning appeared, forcing them to roll out of the way. Artemis was quick to retaliate, shooting at the boar with her arrows as Asterios leapt towards the beach, and charged at the Demon Boar. The phantasmal beast growled in pain before seeing Asterios running towards him, and charged at the Berserker. The Boar lowered its tusks to the ground and shot them up to pierce the large Berserker, but Asterios caught the tusks by the tips. The white-maned Servant was pushed back from the force, but held on to the tusks with all of his strength. The Berserker continued to struggle as the others came to help whittle down the Boar's hide. Ushiwakamaru was the first to strike, slashing into the Boar's throat. The boar groaned in pain, only for Drake to shoot its sides. Alexander tried to cut its legs, but the Demon Boar kicked the Rider away, knocking him down. Medusa slid underneath the Boar, cutting a couple of the boar's tendons around the ankles and jumping away to not get crushed.. The Demon Boar buckled slightly, but did not go down without a fight. Perseus took over, cutting the rest of the tendons before leaping out of the way as the Boar struggled to keep on standing. Asterios used the opportunity given to him to lift the boar over his head, and throw the boar onto its back behind him.

"Good job!" Artemis shouted. "Now it's my turn."

The Archer leapt up into the air, summoned a large arrow made of mana and took aim. "Okay you guys, time to move!"

The three Chaldeans, Perseus, Asterios and Drake ran back to the others as Artemis took aim. As soon as she found a sweet spot and saw everyone was at a safe distance, she let loose her arrow. Everyone watched as an explosion engulfed that part of the beach, and braced themselves as the shockwave nearly caused them to be blown away. As the dust settled, everyone looked at where the boar used to be, only to be shocked at what they saw.

The Boar was nowhere to be found. It was completely vaporized by the blast. Everyone turned to Artemis as she landed beside them with a satisfied smile.

"How come you didn't do that sooner?" Drake asked.

"I wanted to, but we needed to get the Boar on its back first." Artemis said. "That's where it's most vulnerable."

"Well regardless it was impressive." Ritsuka said. "You too Perseus. You were great out there."

"I don't think I did much." Perseus said.

"Oh, you're just being modest." Alexander said.

"He's not wrong." Tatsuko said. "You're lighting attack was awesome!"

Medusa watched on as some of the group praised Perseus. The red haired Rider looked uncomfortable with the praise, but Medusa could not help but sulk, something almost but a select few noticed.

"So, will you and Orion join up with us?" Ritsuka asked.

"Sure." Orion said. "How long do you plan on staying here?"

"We have no clue." Drake said. "My ship was damaged a few days ago from a Ravenous Dreadlord, and we also need to rest and recuperate. We were attacked by a Servant a couple hours ago, and we couldn't land a dent in their ship."

"Well the hide of Demon Boars won't be good for any repairs." Artemis said. "Oh if you want to fix and reinforce your ship, I have an idea."

"What do you have in mind?" Mashu asked.

"I know of a phantasmal beast whose scales can be used to repair anything, and make said objects more durable and stronger." Artemis answered.

"What creature is this?" Ushiwakamaru asked.

"Wyverns."

Tatsuko looked at Artemis with a frozen smile. "What?"

"Wyvern scales are incredibly tough and durable." Artemis said. "If you have them fuse into your ship, it'll be much more difficult to sink."

Tatsuko stared at the Archer with a blank expression. Not a word was said as the wind howled. A moment later, Tatsuko turned around to walk away.

"Okay I'm out. I'm not dealing with this."

Ritsuka was not going to have any of that, and grabbed Tatsuko by the ear. "Oh no, if I have to deal with those things, so will you!"

"Nooooooooo!" Tatsuko shouted. "Someone save meeeeeeeeeeeee!"

"Don't worry, they're not far from here." Artemis said. "I know where they nest, so just follow me."

Everyone started to follow Artemis as she led them to the nest full of wyverns. The only thing that could be heard were of Tatsuko's screams, begging to not come with them. All the while, Medusa sulked as she walked behind them.

(A few hours later)

Medusa sighed in annoyance as she stared at the sunset. The Rider stood there as the water caressed her feet, mulling over her thoughts of today. Everyone was just praising Perseus for his actions today, and the fight with the wyverns made it worse. That red haired Rider held most of them off long enough for Artemis and Drake to shoot them down. While she was grateful for his help in getting away from Teach and his crew today, she could not help but feel annoyed at how he got more praise, while she did a lot of work too.

"Want some company?"

Medusa turned around to see Ushiwakamaru, Ritsuka and Mashu standing a few feet behind her. The Rider slowly nodded, allowing the three Chaldeans to approach her. As soon as they did so, Medusa felt confusion flood her mind.

"Next you're going to ask 'why are you here all of sudden?'" Ritsuka said.

"Why are you here all of a-" Medusa's eyes widened. "How did you know that?"

"Because Perseus has been getting lots of attention today." Ritsuka answered. "We know you've been upset since he first appeared. We could just tell by how you've been acting."

"So you're only here out of obligation to make me feel better…." Medusa muttered.

"That is not it at all." Mashu said. "We were already wanting to be with you regardless."

"Why?" Medusa asked. "Why would you all want to hang out with me when Perseus is here?"

"Well we're friends, aren't we?" Ushiwakamaru asked. "Friends check up on each other and hang out, right?"

Medusa stared at the black haired Rider in surprise, causing Ushiwakamaru to tilt her head in confusion. "Are you alright?"

Medusa shook her head and smiled. "No, it's nothing. So, where's everyone else?"

"Well Medea is talking with your sisters." Ushiwakamaru answered. "Okita is talking to Drake, Lady Artemis and Orion are taking a romantic stroll on the beach, and Lady Tatsuko is hanging out with Asterios and washing his hair."

"I have to ask." Medusa said. "Why?"

"She wanted to do something nice for him." Mashu answered. "I believe she said she wanted to 'protect the floof' and make it nice and soft."

"Makes sense." Medusa said. "He deserves something nice after everything he did today. Especially with knocking down that Demon Boar."

"And Alexander is with Perseus as they talk with the crew." Ushiwakamaru said.

Medusa grinned. "And you're not upset about being left behind? I thought you and Alexander were getting closer on this journey."

Ushiwakamaru blushed. "I-I-I do not know what you are talking about!"

"What are you talking about, Medusa?" Ritsuka asked.

Medusa chuckled. "Nothing at all."

Mashu giggled. "It is good to see you back to normal."

Medusa flashed a saddened smile. "I'm not exactly back to normal. But I am definitely feeling better."

"Well we have the rest of the day." Ritsuka said. "You did a really great job today, you know that right?"

Medusa stared at Ritsuka in surprise as he walked up to her. "I know we didn't say it earlier, but it's because you have done a lot for us already. You've been able to tell when someone is stressed, scared, or down, and find ways to pick them back up. You're also incredibly observant, and you know just how to help when people need it."

Ritsuka stopped in his tracks and smiled. "You're more than just a Servant of Chaldea. You're a very dear friend, and I know for a fact almost everyone respects you, and would trust you with anything."

"Exactly!" Ushiwakamaru said. "You're an excellent leader, and I think Perseus could learn a thing or two from you."

" So please don't think we're taking you for granted." Ritsuka said. "We just know that you don't like being praised every five seconds for what you do."

Medusa looked at the male Master, Mashu and Ushiwakamaru, smiling at her brightly. The purple haired Rider could not help but smile brightly back at them. "Thanks, you guys."

"It is no trouble. I am just glad we could help you as well." Mashu said. "Oh, would you still wish for us to stay and watch the sunset with you? I heard that on occasion, a green flash can be seen when the sun sets, and I've always wanted to see one."

Medusa smiled and nodded, stepping over a bit so Ritsuka, Ushiwakamaru and Mashu could stand alongside her on the beach. The four of them conversed over many different topics as the sun started to go down, until they saw a brilliant green flash. As that happened, Medusa looked at Ritsuka and Mashu, and then to Tatsuko playing with Asterios, and smiled. Despite everything that has happened, they still saw her as a friend, and made it clear how they feel. The Rider could not help in that moment but think about how she wants to see them thrive and grow. The road ahead would be tough, no doubt, but she knew that they would be able to handle it.

She knew they could rely on her. And she would do everything to protect them.