ੈ｡ﾟ  ･ׂׂ   ✩  RED ⌇˚ɞ act ii . . .
      if clarity's in death . .      

· 。ﾟ *. 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑  FIFTEEN,
───── ❛ dead-end streets ❜

EMBARRASSED WOULD BE an understatement. Laurie could not believe that her first up-close interaction with the goddess of the hunt had ended with her conked out and face-first in the snow.

Now, the Hunters had set up camp and taken Laurie and Bianca Di Angelo in. Bianca sat around a campfire with Zoe Nightshade and the goddess herself, while Laurie's injured arm was tended to by another huntress.

Meanwhile, on the outside of the tents and in the snowy grounds, Percy was about to lose his shit on Bianca's little brother. Getting his own wound patched up by Grover, the son of Poseidon was left to entertain the younger boy, who was spilling out questions quicker than they could be answered.

Was he really the son of Poseidon? Yes. Could he surf really well? He'd never tried. Did he fight with Thalia a lot? He didn't answer, but the answer was yes. If Annabeth's mother was the goddess of wisdom, why didn't she know better than to fall off the cliff? Percy tried not to throttle the kid.

What happened to Laurie? He didn't know. Who was Laurie? A friend. Was she his girlfriend? Percy was this close to tossing the kid to one of the hunter's wolves to have for a snack.

Relieving Percy of all the questions, Zoe emerged from the tent and approached him.

"Percy Jackson." she called. "Come with me, Lady Artemis wishes to speak with thee."

Zoe led Percy into the farthest tent and waved him inside, where he found Bianca, Artemis, and a sleeping Laurie.

His eyes immediately fell on his old friend. He took note of the clean bandages that'd replaced the cloth around her wound, no blood visibly seeping through, which was a good sign.

He couldn't help but approach her, like a moth drawn to a dangerously beautiful flame.

"Is she ok—"

"Sleeping." Artemis interrupted him, nodding. "She will be alright, but overexhersion and blood loss do not mix well. Your friend has gone through lots of turmoil. What have you children been up to?"

Heck if he knew.

"That's a, um, good question." The boy responded, nervous under the goddess' gaze. It was taking everything in him not to refer to her as "your majesty" after hearing Zoe call her my lady. "Laurie's actually been uh . . . MIA the past months."

"I see." Artemis nodded. "Join us, Percy Jackson."

Tentatively, the boy did as he was told and sat across from the two girls with his legs crossed, squeamish under Artemis' studious gaze fixated on him.

"Are you surprised by my age?" The goddess asked him, her eyes portraying all the age and wisdom that the rest of her body had failed to present.

"Uh . . . a little." Percy admitted.

"I could appear as a grown woman, or a raging fire, or anything else that I wish, but this is what I prefer. This is the average age of my Hunters, and all young maidens for whom I am patron, before they go astray." Artemis told him.

Percy gulped as he thought about the fact she appeared to be about the same age as Annabeth, or maybe Laurie. "Go astray?" He questioned.

"Grow up." Artemis answered. "Become smitten with boys. Become silly, preoccupied, insecure. Forget themselves."

If Laurie were conscious, her dreams would've been crushed. Girls were supposed to become Hunters before those things occurred, but for the daughter of Persephone it was green checks all across the board.

"Oh."

To Artemis' left, Zoe sat down, glaring at Percy like he was the reason for everything that was wrong in the world, like he had invented being a boy.

"You must forgive my Hunters if they do not welcome you," Artemis spoke. "It is very rare that we would have boys in this camp. Boys are usually forbidden to have any contact with the Hunters. The last one to see this camp . . . Which one was it?"

The goddess turned to Zoe with her question, who promptly answered, "The boy from Colorado. You turned him into a jackalope."

"Ah, yes," Artemis nodded with a satisfied smile. "I enjoy making jackalopes. At any rate, Percy, I have asked you here so that you might tell me more about the manticore. I would ask dear Laurie over there but that girl needs rest. Bianca has reported some of the . . . hmm, disturbing things the monster said, but she may not have understood them. I'd like to hear them from you."

And so, Percy told her all of it.

Once he had finished, the goddess had a grim expression on her face. "I feared this was the answer." She said thoughtfully.

Zoe leaned forward. "The scent, my lady?"

"Yes."

"Um, what scent?" Percy inquired, feeling very left out.

"Things are stirring that I have not hunted in millennia," Artemis murmured, a hand thoughtfully layed upon her silver bow. "Prey . . . prey so old that I have nearly forgotten."

Her gaze was focused intensely on the son of Poseidon. "We came here tonight sensing the manticore, but he was not the one I seek. Tell me again, exactly what Dr. Thorn said."

"Um, 'I hate middle school dances'?"

"No, no. After that."

"Oh." Percy said. "He said that someone called the General was going to explain things to me."

The color drained from Zoe's face as her expression fell. She looked at Artemis and opened her mouth to speak, but the goddess silenced her with just the raising of her hand.

"Go on, Percy." She instructed.

"Well, then Thorn was talking about the Great Stir Pot—"

"Stirring." Bianca corrected him. Percy paused for a beat and then continued.

"Yeah," he muttered. "That. And he said, 'Soon we shall have the most important monster of all— the one that shall bring about the downfall of Olympus.'"

That seemed to strike a nerve, because Artemis went so still that she could've been a statue in an Ancient Greece museum.

"Maybe he was lying." Percy suggested, an attempt to create a bright side out of the seemingly terrible situation.

"No." Artemis shook her head. "He was not. I've been too slow to see the signs. I must hunt this monster."

Zoe put a brave mask on over her scared face. "We will leave right away, my lady." She nodded.

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

The lieutenant tried to argue, but Artemis stopped her before she could even really begin.

"This task is too dangerous even for the Hunters. You know where I must start my search. You cannot go there with me."

"As . . . as you wish, my lady."

"I will find this creature." The goddess vowed. "And I shall bring it back to Olympus by the winter solstice. It will be all the proof I need to convince the Council of the Gods of how much danger we are in."

"You know what the monster is?" Percy asked.

With a sigh, Artemis' hand drifted to her bow again. "Let's pray that I am wrong."

"Can goddesses pray?" The son of the sea asked absentmindedly.

As adolescent as it was, it brought a phantom of a smile to flicker across Artemis' face. "Before I go, Percy Jackson, I have a small task for you."

"Does it involved getting turned into a jackalope?"

"Sadly, no." She told him. "I want you to escort the Hunters back to Camp Half-Blood. They can stay there in safety until I return."

"What?" Zoe babbled out, her eyes wide. "But, Artemis, we hate that place. The last time we stayed there—"

"Yes, I know." Artemis nodded. "But I'm sure Dionysus will not hold a grudge over a little, ah, misunderstanding. It's your right to use Cabin Eight whenever you are in need. Besides, I hear they rebuilt the cabins you burned down."

Percy's brows furrowed in confusion at that, whilst Zoe muttered something about incompetent campers.

"And now, there is one last decision to make." Artemis stated, and she turned to Bianca. "Have you made up your mind, my girl?"

Hesitantly, Bianca answered. "I'm still thinking about it."

"Wait," Percy interrupted. "Thinking about what?"

"They . . . They've invited me to join the Hunt."

"What? But you can't!" Percy protested. "You have to come to Camp Half-Blood so Chiron can train you. It's the only way you can learn to survive."

"It is not the only way for a girl." Zoe said firmly.

Percy couldn't believe his ears. He shook his head at Zoe and looked back at Bianca. "Bianca, camp is so cool! It's got a Pegasus stable and a sword-fighting area, and . . . I mean, what do you get by joining the Hunters of Artemis?"

"Well to start," said Zoe. "Immortality."

Okay. So she drove a hard bargain.

Percy stared blankly at her, then at Artemis. "She's kidding, right?"

"Zoe rarely kids about anything." Artemis told him. "My Hunters follow me on my adventures. They are my maidservants, my companions, my sisters-in-arms. Once they swear loyalty to me, they are indeed immortal . . . unless they fall in battle, which is unlikely. Or break their oath."

"What oath?" He asked.

"To foreswear romantic love forever," The goddess explained. "To never grow up, never get married. To remain a maiden forever."

"Like you?"

Artemis nodded.

Percy tried to imagine Bianca like that— immortal and running around with middle school aged girls for eternity.

And then, he tried to talk her out of it.

Reason after reason he gave her as to why she shouldn't become a Hunter, but they all proved useless as Bianca proclaimed the oath, pledging herself to eternal maidenhood at Artemis' side.

Percy found himself suddenly glad that Laurie wasn't apart of this particular conversation. He'd seen her fight, and if Bianca Di Angelo was worthy of huntress-ship, then Laurie definitely would've been. And worse, he wasn't so sure he could have talked her out of it either.

"Welcome, sister." Zoe said, what might've been a smile on her pink lips.

"Remember your pledge," Artemis told her. "It is now your life."

Percy couldn't make himself talk. He felt as if he were intruding, and above that, he felt like he'd failed. He couldn't believe that he'd gonna all that way just to lose Bianca to a membership to an eternal girls club.

"Do not despair, Percy Jackson," Artemis spoke. "You will get to show the di Angelos your camp. And if Nico so chooses, he can stay there."

"Great." The boy said, trying not to sound as ill-tempered as he felt. "How are we supposed to get there?"

Artemis closed her eyes and thought for a moment. "Dawn is approaching. Zoe, break camp. You must get to Long Island quickly and safely. I shall summon a ride from my brother."

Zoe looked like she'd rather be dragged the entire way to Long Island by the ankles than go with Artemis' idea, but she nodded and told Bianca to follow her.

"So," Percy mumbled, looking to Artemis. "We're getting a ride from your brother, huh?"

The silver in her eyes gleamed like diamonds in the moonlight. "Yes, boy. You see, Bianca di Angelo is not the only one with an annoying brother. It's time for you to meet my irresponsible twin, Apollo."

Percy gulped and rose to his feet, only to pause once more when Artemis spoke again.

"Oh, and wake your friend. And please, warn her about my brother before you go out there, they haven't the nicest of relationships."

ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ-

LAURIE'S FIRST REACTION to "We're hitching a ride with the sun god back to camp" wasn't the best.

To be exact, it was I'd rather be attacked by the manticore again.

Seeing as that was no option, Laurie trudged on to join the group as the sky began to lighten, painting the world in a blur of pink and orange.

"About time," Artemis muttered, sticking her hands on her hips. "He's sooo lazy during the winter."

"You're, um, waiting for the sunrise?" Percy asked the goddess, uncertainty swimming through his tone.

"For my brother, yes." Artemis replied.

Laurie planted herself beside Grover, who stood to the right of Percy and Artemis with Thalia and Nico, trying to keep the younger boy either entertained or quiet— Laurie couldn't quite tell which.

At the sight of his friend awake and ready to go, a grin broke out on the satyr's face and he exclaimed her name whilst yanking the girl into a bone-crushing hug. "I missed you." He mumbled into the embrace.

"Hey, G." The girl said with a weak chuckle, patting her friend on the back until he released the hug. "Missed you too."

She smiled for the first time in a while, but it was soon replaced with an uncomfortable look as the girl who Grover was previously talking to looked her up and down with a scrutinized gaze.

"Um," Laurie began, her eyebrows scrunched together as the ravenette continued to stare her down. "Can I help you?"

"You're Laurie?" The girl asked.

"Yes . . . And you are?"

"Thalia."

The look of surprise on the girl's face spoke for itself.

Thalia and Laurie had only ever heard stories about one another, and now that they were face to face it was like looking at someone they'd never even heard of before. Maybe it was because they now looked the same age, or maybe it was because they both shared one person in common that they had mutually decided to not even think about.

Nonetheless, it was like talking to a picture out of a history book.

"What—?"

Before Laurie could get out a question, a blast of wind swept over the area, followed by an insane amount of heat and light. The girl squeezed her eyes shut and scrunched her face up in distaste, turning away from the source of discomfort.

"Don't look." She heard Artemis tell Percy. "Not until he parks."

Oh great, she thought. He's here.

After the feeling of being boiled alive melted away, everyone looked back to find a cherry red Maserati parked in front of them, so hot that the metal was illuminating like a brilliant star in the sky.

A circle of green grass had broken through its snow-covered prison around the vehicle, the snow melted away and soaked into everyone's shoes.

The driver stepped out of the car, flashing a bright and charming smile. He looked about eighteen and topped off at about six feet even. He was dressed in jeans, loafers, and a sleeveless t-shirt that said good vibes in colorful letters.

"Woah," Thalia mumbled. "Apollo's hot."

"He's the sun god." Percy remarked, now that he was no longer conversing with Artemis.

"That's not what I meant."

"I wish it was." Laurie said, her lip curled up in disgust. Sure, the guy was attractive, but he was also impulsive, arrogant, and survived off of about four brain cells.

"Little sister!" Apollo called out to Artemis. He threw his arms out wide in greeting, flashing his brilliant teeth in a smile. "What's up? You never call, never write. I was getting worried!"

Artemis looked almost as irritated as Laurie felt. "I'm fine, Apollo." She sighed. "And I am not your little sister."

"Hey, I was born first."

"We're twins! How many millennia do we have to argue—"

"So, what's up?" He cut her off. "Got the girls with you, I see. You all need some tips on archery?" Apollo pulled back an invisible bow string and released it with a pop and a dramatic gesture.

Artemis grit her teeth and bit back insults. "I need a favor. I have some hunting to do, alone. I need you to take my companions to Camp Half-Blood."

"Sure, sis!" He said. Laurie cringed. Apollo had to be the only being alive that used the term "sis" unironically.

The god then raised his hands in a stop gesture and proclaimed, "I feel a haiku coming on."

The Hunters all groaned, as well as Laurie. They'd clearly all had their fare share of meeting Apollo.

Nonetheless, he cleared his throat and dramatically held one hand up like he was being sworn into court.

"Green grass breaks through snow.
Artemis pleads for my help.
I am so cool."

He finished up with a childish grin, expecting a round of applause for his brilliance.

"That last line was only four syllables." Artemis told him with a frown.

"Was it?" He asked, now wearing an identical frown to hers.

"Yeah. How about I am so big-headed."

"No, no, that's six syllables. Hmm . ."

Zoe Nightshade turned to the demigods and satyr. "Lord Apollo has been going through this haiku phase ever since he visited Japan. 'Tis not as bad as the time he visited Limerick. If I'd had to hear one more poem that started with, There once was a goddess from Sparta—"

"I've got it!" Apollo interrupted. "I am so awesome. That's five syllables!" He then took a theatrical bow, looking far too proud of himself.

"And now, sis, transportation for the Hunters, you say? Good timing. I was just about ready to roll."

"These demigods will also need a ride," Artemis told her brother, pointing to the group of five. "Some of Chiron's campers."

"No problem!" Apollo turned towards the kids and began examining them down the row, one by one. "Let's see . . . Thalia, right? I've heard all about you."

Thalia blushed so hard that her face was practically the color of Apollo's car. "Hi, Lord Apollo."

"Zeus's girl, yes? Makes you my half sister. Used to be a tree, didn't you? Glad you're back. I hate when pretty girls get turned into trees. I remember this one time—"

"Brother." Artemis interrupted him. "You should get going."

"Right." Apollo nodded, though he didn't stop there. He looked to Percy and his eyes narrowed. "Percy Jackson?"

"Yeah," the boy nodded, and then quickly corrected himself. "I mean . . . yes, sir."

Apollo studied the son of Poseidon for a moment longer, but didn't say anything more to him. He turned his attention to the next demigod in the lineup and a crestfallen look overtook his expression.

"Ah," he tutted. "Hawthorne. How are you, ya walking disaster? Purchase any nightlights recently? Maybe break a couple swords?"

Ignoring the enthralling urge to break her sword over the god's neck, Laurie swallowed all of her insults and gave a sarcastic smile.

"I'm fine, thank you. And you, Lord Apollo? Your arrogant asshole tendencies catch up with you yet?" She smiled coyly.

Okay, maybe she hadn't swallowed all the insults.

Percy had to bite his tongue to stop himself from giving any reaction. His first thought had been to laugh. Then he thought better of it and marveled at Laurie for maybe a moment or two too long.

Apollo's brow twitched at the demigod's words. The Maserati behind him glowered like it had when it first arrived, and a spark in the god's eyes matched it. Before anything could escalate, Artemis shouted at her twin.

"Brother!" She yelled, and the glow in the air disappeared, making the world suddenly seem more dull. "You must get going." She said though gritted teeth.

Laurie smiled at the goddess for her help, sending a silent thanks get way.

Insulting any god was a miserable dead-end street that was nearly impossible to return from, but seeing Apollo, Laurie just couldn't help herself.

The sun god heaved a deep breathe and pasted on a smile. He looked away from the daughter of Persephone and looked just as he had before their interaction, like it had never happened.

"Right!" He said. "We'd better load up, huh? Ride only goes one way— west. And if you miss it, you miss it."

All eyes fell on the sports car that looked like it might fit Apollo and two other passengers. Definitely not enough for everyone.

"Cool car!" Nico grinned.

"Thanks, kid." Apollo replied.

"But how will we all fit?"

"Oh." The god said, seeming to have noticed the specific issue for the first time. "Well, yeah, I hate to take it out of sports car mode, but I suppose . . ."

He dug a pair of car keys from his jean pocket and clicked down on the alarm button. The vehicle chirped at the button's command and for a moment, began glowing again like it was about to take off into the sky without them.

When the glow died back down, the Maserati had been replaced by a shuttle bus, like the kind you'd see carrying tourists around big cities.

"Right," Apollo quipped. "Everybody in."

With one word from Zoe, the Hunters started loading up. The lieutenant picked up her pack and Apollo grinned at her, "Here, sweetheart. Let me get that."

Zoe's entire body recoiled in disgust. Her dark eyes glossed over with a murderous glare, freezing over the god's warm look.

"Brother," Artemis scolded. "You do not help my Hunters. You do not look at, talk to, or flirt with my Hunters. And you do not call them sweetheart."

Apollo tried to show no fear of his sister, but the widening of his eyes went unnoticed by nobody.

Laurie awed at Artemis. Unlike all the other gods or goddesses she'd encountered, this was one that lived up to her expectations. This was something Laurie could get behind.

"Sorry." Apollo gulped. "I forgot. Hey sis, where are you off to, anyway?"

"Hunting." Artemis stated. "It's none of your business."

"I'll find out. I see all. I know all."

Artemis didn't even try to hold in her snort. "Just drop them off, Apollo. And no messing around!"

"No, no! I never mess around."

Artemis rolled her eyes, and then looked at the demigods. "I will see you by the winter solstice. Zoe, you are in charge of the Hunters. Do well. Do as I would do."

Zoe fixed her posture and nodded curtly. "Yes, my lady."

Artemis knelt to the ground, touching her hand down to the snow. "So much danger. The beast must be found."

She rose and with one last look at her Hunters, sprinted off into the woods, soon blurring in with the snow and shadows.

"So," Apollo turned to them with a grin, jingling the car keys on his lanky fingers. "Who wants to drive?"

i apologize to all my children of apollo readers, but your dad & laurie have beef 🤷‍♀️

you'll find out why soon enough ;)