Artemis

I smiled softly at a cheeky joke from Jenny, one of my youngest huntresses, at the expense of one of our wolves, who had earlier in the morning faceplanted directly into the ground while hunting a particularly lithe deer, much to the amusement of the girls.

The chatter died down abruptly as I passed by, the silence like a dagger in the contentment I had felt just moments before.

I repressed the sad sigh that seemed to well up in my throat, keeping my head high as I purposefully strode to my tent, quickly making my way inside.

The hunt was a deeply personal and close-knit group, a bond forged in fire during our multiple missions we oversaw over the years, each of us trusting the other implicitly, even with our lives.

However, every since Thalia's discovery of my secret, she avoided contact with me as much as possible.

Though I knew she hadn't revealed my secret, it still nonetheless alerted the other hunters that something was wrong, and many had grown distrustful towards me since.

The inside of the tent was much bigger than the outside would suggest, a bit of olympian magic allowing for the inside to be the side of a cosy, if not cramped apartment, complete with a kitchen and bathroom, though the outside barely seemed big enough to house a single person.

They're just getting used to it. Things will go back to normal after a while. I attempted to comfort myself halfheartedly.

Did I really want it to go back to normal, the way things had been before the war?

Of course not. I answered myself immediately.

Truthfully, I had been content to act as a mother, or sort of big sister figure to most of my hunt, guiding them into becoming incredible hunters in their own right, maintaining the sisterhood, giving the girls the community and support they so desperately needed.

But now, now that I had found happiness with somebody else, happiness of my own, it felt more like a chore to take care of them, to uphold my duties, than anything else.

Yes, I had made the rule that no huntress could have any ort of romantic relationship due to the distraction it posed, but what would I do when I revealed that I was in a relationship?

Moreover, a relationship I had no plans of ending anytime soon?

No, the hunt would never be able to go back to what it was prior to my quest with Perseus, there was simply no way, short of lying, keeping the relationship a secret for a literal eternity, to continue as I had.

And I was tired of hiding.

So was Perseus, for that matter.

So the hunt would either have to change its policies drastically, or, if I truly wanted to be free, wash my hands of this era, I would have to take more drastic measures-

I stood up instantly at the all-too-familiar sound of the hunting horn being blown, sounds of shouting and rapid footsteps being heard from the entrance to my tent as I quickly made my way over, swiftly ducking out to check what was happening.

Chaos.

Arrows flew around, Hunters running around, either knives or bows in hand as more experienced hunters took charge, directing the greener hunters on where to go next.

'Lady Artemis, thank the gods! The camp is under attack, I have ascertained it to be a pack of werewolves.' Thalia called out to me as she approached me.

The severity of the situation overriding the previous tension between the two of us, I was nevertheless still shocked that Thalia spoke to me for the first time since the incident, even if it was just to protect the hunt.

'How many?'

'I count ten to fourteen, M'lady.'

I nodded. 'Inform all hunters, engage only with silver weaponry. Only standard issue hunt equipment. I trust you can organise an elastic defence?' I asked.

Thalia nodded, already sprinting off.

Willing my bow into existence in my clenched fist, I placed my left hand on the string as I sprinting towards the perimeter of the camp, where Phoebe and Alice, a new hunter, were attempting to hold off a breach of four werewolves all at once.

They both seemed to struggle somewhat, the blind ferocity of the wolves not helping the matter.

WIth a practised calm collectedness, I raised my bow, drawing back the string until taught, the arrow of moonlight bending into existence along my line of sight, though I made sure to make the tip silver, before I let go, the pent up energy propelling the arrow forwards at high speed, thumping right into the cranium of an unsuspecting werewolf, who promptly turned into some sort of murky dark dust, the sudden death shocking the other comrades as well as my hunters, who all froze for a moment, enough time for me to loosen two more arrows at superhuman speed, leaving only one werewolf by the time the three remaining combatants had snapped out of their stupor.

The last werewolf backed up, growling softly as it realised it no longer had the advantage.

I quickly put an arrow through its skull before it could conjure up a single foul thought.

'Thank you, M'lady.' Phoebe said stiffly, bowing slightly in my general direction.

I was saved from the awkward silence and trying to figure out how to answer the clearly implied suspiciousness when a sharp scream echoed all around the camp.

My head snapped directly in the direction the scream came from, and I was already sprinting before I could react to anything else.

I emerged from one of the paths to the centre of the camp, where a tree, our bonfire built around the base of its trunk was assembled, only to find a boy, scarcely fifteen, dressed in nothing but a loincloth, holding a knife to a hunter's neck, his back to the trunk of the tree.

I quickly glanced around, seeing that the boy was surrounded by my hunters.

'Boy.' I spoke, stepping forward. Further inspection revealed that the huntress was in fact Atalanta, one of my most veteran Hunters, who still seemed to be struggling in the grip of the boy.

'Fuck you.' The boy spat out.

I gave him a long hard stare, my lack of reaction illustrating how unimpressed I was with his rejoinder.

'I will give you exactly one ch-' I didn't even get a chance to finish my sentence, my voice cut off as a small dark projectile flying out of nowhere, nailing the boy to the trunk of the tree with a squelching splatter of blood, revealing a jagged black arrow.

I turned towards the source of the projectile, only catching a glimmer of a bronze glow before a massive shadow engulfed the figure, the surroundings and camp falling completely quiet.

I quickly rushed forward to check on Atalanta, who had a look of absolute terror on her face as she stared up at the arrow pinning the boy who had been holding her hostage the the side of the tree trunk, seemingly not noticing the blood dripping onto here.

I quickly pulled her to the side, another hunter quickly stepping forward to take care of her, coaxing her out of my arms and away, presumably to her tent.

The arrow was black and jagged, as if there was a tumour growing on it, giving it a tainted look which filled me with disgust.

But what truly caught my eye was the small, spotless piece of paper attacked by something indescribably red to the shaft of the arrow, just beside the feathers.

I tried to coax the piece of paper from the red goo, realising with a pang that it was some sort of mortal organ, before turning the page around, looking to the message.

Artemis, the hunt has begun. I will wipe out each and every one of your hunters until you are the only one left. Alone. I'll take your dignity, your happiness, your companions, and your domains from you, until you have nothing left.

Just me.

-Orion

XIXI

Percy

My office was practically how I had left it, not a single item having been touched or misplaced.

Not that there's anybody left in this city that would have the balls to try and steal from me. I thought to myself.

I took a grateful seat in my chair behind my desk, relaxing my aching frame from the stress I had put it under just to arrive here.

Though the burden had become much more manageable, I still had a ways to go, and it showed.

Before long, a curt knock sounded from the other side of my door.

'Open.' I ordered calmly.

The door opened a moment later, revealing a scrawny blonde boy wearing a toga, who stepped in with all the swagger a kid with the pomp he had would, plopping himself down with confidence in one of the chairs opposite to my desk, reclining lazily.

'Praetor Jackson. You're looking well.'

'Wish I could say the same, Octavian, but I'm sure even you have a tolerance for bullshit.'

Octavian made a face as if he had swallowed a lemon by accident, though he quickly recovered.

'How much are you aware of?'

'Reyna is in the ER. Apparently we have political factions now. City is under martial law. And I should come back as soon as possible.'

'He asked you to come back as soon as possible?'

'I am very capable of reading between the lines, esteemed augur. Now, what have I missed?'

'Two things, Praetor,' Octavian began, 'first off, we had our first senate meeting since the attempt, with a focus on enhanced security measures, status of the legion, as well as the future of the the government, and by extension, the senate. Unfortunately, we did have a riot between-'

'Time out. Riot?'

'Yes, between a mob of civilians and the praetorian guard, a new paramilitary that seem to have emerged. They seem to be directly in favour of you yourself as the sole ruler of Rome.'

I leaned back in my seat.

'Huh.'

You know the saying, never look a gift horse in the mouth? It didn't apply to this situation. Someone had funded a private army in my city, claiming to be supporting me.

Someone with that sort of power and influence needed to be neutralised, immediately.

Octavian nodded vigorously.

'Praetor, this is an incredible opportunity. Using this kind of support could be key to maintaining the legitimacy of your regime.'

'I'm still just praetor, Octavian.' I reminded the legacy of Apollo wearily.

'Not for much longer.'

XIXI

Theseus

I took a seat beside an equally-confused looking Leila, quickly exchanging a couple of pleasantries with her and Michael, who sat in the next seat over, before Octavian, the boy scarecrow himself, got up on the podium, addressing the congregation of politicians.

'Fellow Romans! Today a momentous occasion is to take place, which will surely go down in history as one of the most glorious moments in the history of our venerated city and Legion.' He began.

He got his desired effect, as whispers speculating on his words seemed to overtake the hall, but regardless, all attention was resting solely on him.

'Due to the treachery of the earth mother and her minions, we have been robbed of a praetor temporarily, who is still recovering from the terrible wounds inflicted on her by our enemies as we speak. It is in uncertain times like these, more than ever, that we need strong leadership to provide us with the security that our great people need!'

A rousing cheer was heard from the pars praetoria section of the senate, with moderate support and clapping from the pars ad bellum, while the populis simply muttered discontentedly among themselves, though a couple seemed relatively enthusiastic, but chose to conceal it.

'To our fortune, one praetor has been able to survive and heal from his injuries, allowing him to once again resume command of the government.'

At that moment, Percy stepped up to the podium.

To my surprise, he looked healthy.

His cheeks only seemed a slight bit more gaunt than usual, his eyes hooded as ever from what was surely an incredibly strenuous timetable, and his frame bore the same calm confidence it always did.

'Senators, Centurions, people of Rome.' Percy began. His tone was solemn, clearly, his speech was also going to be in the same vein. 'Ever since the defeat of Terminus at the hands of Polybotes, we have been defenceless to protect our own borders, our people, form outside incursions. This ends now. I am activating article sixteen of the New Roman constitution, assuming emergency powers as pontifex maximus of New Rome, with all the powers that come with the role, disbanding the senate effective immediately for the duration of the war. I will keep our people safe, and end this war.' Multiple shouts of protest came from the populis and many members of the bellum party, while a resounding cheer once again was heard from the praetorians in their section.

Well, I guess they served their purpose. I thought drily. Percy's humour was rubbing off on me.

The rest of the senate meeting passed by in what felt like a blur, mostly consisting of either complaints or questions from the multiple parties, desperately trying to grapple for whatever power they could still keep.

But Percy was a bastion of calmness throughout, the waves of hysteria seemingly leaving him unaffected.

A poison that has practically immobilised Reyna, left her unable to move, or even regain consciousness, and he's here like nothing.

My suspicions had definitely been piqued.

And since when does Octavian support him?

XIXI

Percy

The walk back to my villa was slower than I would have liked, but still faster than it had been on the way there.

At this rate, I'll be recovered by the time I continue my reforms. I thought to myself drily.

A light flicked on the moment I closed the door to my villa, and I turned around to be greeted by a warm smile from Artemis.

'I forget you're a goddess sometimes.' I commented idly as I stepped inside.

'Yeah?' Artemis asked with a raised eyebrow.

'Your flair for the dramatic always gives you away though.' I responded playfully.

Artemis hit me playfully on the shoulder as I went to pour myself a glass of water.

Drinking in deeply, I noticed Artemis scrutinising me, a sort of reserved calmness displayed across her features.

'Artemis?'

Artemis didn't respond, only walking over quickly, throwing her arms around me.

I wrapped my arms around her absentmindedly, though my mind was preoccupied as I stared down at Artemis confusedly,

After a couple of minutes, Artemis pulled back.

'You're shaking.' She stated surprisedly.

I looked down, noticing for the first time that my legs had begun to shake slightly, still not quite recovered, the copious amounts of walking I had done today clearly beginning to take their toll.

Artemis walked over to the sofa in my living room, sitting down elegantly.

'You should rest.'

I shrugged, writing it off. My concern was with Artemis, who clearly had something on her mind.

Artemis groaned. 'Lie down, or I won't tell you anything.' She demanded with an exasperated sigh.

I grinned. 'You know me too well.

I collapsed onto my sofa, my head on Artemis' lap as she played with my hair absentmindedly.

Time passed. I lost track quickly. I knew not to push Artemis. She would tell me when she was ready.

'My hunt was attacked today.'

My eyes, which had previously been closed, shot open as I sent her a look of panic.

'Everything okay?' I asked.

Everything had been too quiet as of late, I knew that, but still, a part of me was hoping that our quest had really done some damage to Gaia, actually force her to reassess her plans, and buy us some time.

More than a couple of weeks, at the very most.

'No casualties. Just a small pack of werewolves, nothing my hunters couldn't deal with. Just… I feel you should know, they were sent there specifically by someone.' She explained.

'Who?'

Silence seemed to stretch on for eternity, and I had the horrible feeling it was going to be something big.

'...Orion.'

My heart skipped a beat.

'Oh.'

Orion? The giant from the myths?

Well, more like one very well known myth…

'Perseus, don't be like that.' Artemis admonished, my face betraying my emotions.

'No, I mean, I know, myths get stuff wrong. I'd say I'm pretty knowledgeable on that topic at this point, but, Orion…'

Is this how Artemis felt? I asked myself, the ugly twisting feeling in my chest feeling alien to me.

'I know Perseus, but Orion was twisted. Much beyond what even the darkest rendition of mythos might go into. I… wanted to help him. Guide him to a better place.' Artemis shivered despite herself, and I felt a strange wave of protectiveness wash over me as I watched her in discomfort. 'I was young, and I had gotten into a fight with my brother about him being the god of healing people, and I only hurt them. I wanted to prove him wrong.'

'He's never forgiven me for sending him away. He is looking for revenge on me.'

I quickly sat up, placing a hand on hers, silently offering support if she wanted it.

'I won't be able to be around as much.'

There it was. I knew all this was too perfect to continue they way it had up until now.

Life's not fair, but it sure is a bit too fond of sending me reminders of that.

'If there's anything I can do-'

'You've done more than enough, Perseus. Just take care of yourself. I won't be able to for a bit. I promise I'll answer all your questions, but right now I can't.' Artemis ordered softly, a silent pleading in her eyes.

This isn't easy for her.

I nodded sadly. 'Stay safe.'

She left shortly after, wanting to leave her hunters without her protection for as little time as possible.

The time had been brief, most of it spent in comfortable, if not tense silence, and I found myself feeling more and more tense the more time elapsed after she left.

I sighed, my discontent already brewing inside of me.

Motherfucking Orion.

…And I couldn't do anything about it.

That was what was eating away at my already limited patience, after all.

My hands were tied, and there was nothing I could do to help Artemis now. Not without raising too many questions.

Standing up with newfound purpose. I went to look for an abandoned document I had lying around.

AN:

Another chapter done. Wooohooooo!

I'm the man. The motherfucking man.

I have to say though, I'm really not a fan of this chapter. Especially the dialogue at the end between Artemis and Percy. I'll do what I can with it, but… yeah. Idk.

Also, 100K words. That's something.

Reviews:

Shin Jam: I promise above all else that this won't end tragically. I don't think I could live with myself if I pulled a golden eyed swordsman on all of youse.

M0NAX1A: So, I've gotten other comments about this. First off, the '' quotation marks are correct grammatically speaking. It's just more prominently used in the british english. Which is the one that I was taught growing up. Idk man, I'm not going through all the chapters to change something like this. I'm too lazy for that. Sorry.

Slán, Murph