-With the Hunters-

The sound of snow crunching filled the stiff cold air as Artemis and her hunters made their way through the thick trees. The black raven soaring above them leading the way.

They had been hiking for a few hours now, making unbelievable progress through the vast Canadian wilderness. Until Artemis suddenly stopped, the girls all following suit behind her. They watched their patron silently while Artemis scanned the area around them. "We are almost at the border to Alaska."

The air somehow grew even colder as the danger of what they were about to do finally sunk in. Gods have never really been to Alaska before, beside a few exceptions of course.

No one really knew what to expect. Sure there would be much greater amounts of monsters than what they were used to. And they wouldn't have the protection of their goddess to fall back on if anything went wrong. So it was indeed extremely dangerous but it was their best chance at survival.

It didn't matter if they were the Hunters of Artemis it was still going to be a perilous journey. But it was either they risked their lives to reach a safe haven or they fought in another bloody war. The odds weren't great either way but this was the better option of the two.

With a silent agreement the girls put down their equipment and started on a fire. It would be a long journey through Alaska, one they did not wish to do exhausted. While the girls warmed themselves near the roaring flames, chattering about what the future would hold. Artemis made her way around the perimeter.

The raven flew down and landed upon her shoulder cawing impatiently. "Quiet, I know we're wasting sunlight but they need to rest. We still have plenty of time." The bird simply squawked in frustration once more before flying over to a tree pruning its feathers.

Artemis rolled her eyes while she finished her patrol around the area. Walking back to the fire she stopped for a moment just out of eye shot from the hunt. She smiled while leaning against a tree watching the girls chatting and laughing with each other.

Artemis watched as the youngest hunter Sofie, formed a snowball and threw it at the back of Phoebe's head. Yelling in surprise the older hunter turned around quickly, eyeing the girls around her. Sofie then pointed a finger at Atalanta whose eyes widened immensely as she was tackled to the ground.

Artemis stifled her laughter at the sight when Thalia approached her from behind also smiling. "Even if I don't completely agree with your plans, I understand why you're doing all of this. But I'm still worried about the outcome."

Without taking her eyes off the speticale Artemis replied. "I appreciate your concern Thalia but this is the best option we have."

"But I still don't understand why you won't allow me to help you. We've been through so much together over the past couple of years."

Nodding her head towards the all out snowball fight that had erupted, Artemis spoke "I consider everyone in the hunt to be like my daughters. I have lost too many of you in recent years fighting for the gods. I simply can't risk your lives again, especially for a lost cause."

At this Thalia frowned but before she could say anything else the raven swooped down onto a branch and cawed.

Artemis looked up at the bird and smiled "Yes I agree, it's about time we get going." Artemis moved to stop the brawl but then paused.

Not looking towards Thalia she spoke once more. "And trust me when I say you're going to be extremely happy when we get to the safe haven."

Thalia had a look of confusion at the cryptic message but was unable to get anything more out of the goddess before she walked away.

Thalia then looked up at the bird who stared back unblinkingly. After a moment she shook her head and ran to catch up with Artemis as she broke up the friendly battle between the hunters.

-The Underworld-

While conversation continued in the garden between the gods and the lone mortal. A loud howl resonated through the somber air. Suddenly a large towering figure bounded through the courtyard, knocking over statues and smashing a few of the bushes that lined the path to the pavilion.

When the figure finally reached the pavilion, it hunched down and prepared to leap but they were stopped by a frustrated groan. Rolling her eyes, Persephone snapped her fingers causing the figure to shrink down to a much more manageable size.

Even in its smaller state the three headed creature leapt onto Persues, who smiled brightly and laughed as he was tackled to the ground.

Trying to fend off the assault from three tongues, Perseus pushed the excited beast off him and stood. Leaning down to scratch the dog behind the ears, he suddenly pushed the startled animal over causing it to yelp in surprise.

"It's been awhile Cerberus, how's my favorite three headed killing machine?" Perseus asked as he scratched the dog's stomach causing all three tongues to roll out of its mouth.

After a few moments Perseus stopped his assault and stood back up, the smile never leaving his face as he whipped the dirt off of his clothes.

He then turned and addressed the still seated immortals. "I apologize for cutting my visit short, but I'm expecting company."

Persephone stood and gave him a long hug, whispering safe travels in his ear. He returned the hug smiling happily. Then Hades approached with a somber smile on his face showing Perseus his worry about what they had been discussing.

"Don't worry, I wont do anything stupid. I'm going to sit this one out." He attempted to ease the god's worries.

Hades just nodded his head and shook Perseus' hand. The demi primordial's words had little effect as the god turned and stood near his wife. Wrapping his arm around her as they began to walk off towards the castle doors.

Hestia was the last one to give her goodbyes, she too gave the man a hug, before vanishing away in a column of fire.

With a long sigh and a small smile on his face Perseus reached down and petted the immortal guard dog promising a play date with the wolf from before. He then turned and melted into shadow having one last stop before he returned home.

-Somewhere Undisclosed-

He appeared in what looked like a botanist's wet dream. Plants of every type lined the roof and tables, scattered amongst the plants lay many different kinds of books and other potion ingredients. In the center of the large room was a cauldron filled with a dark crimson colored liquid which Perseus assumed was most likely blood.

Looking around the room he started walking towards a sliding glass door that led outside. Standing in the middle of a massive garden was a female figure in a dark dress and a sunhat trimming the plants while humming.

With an evil smile Perseus proceeded to sneak up on the lone figure intending to make her scream in fright. He closed the gap between himself and the mysterious person slowly, getting right behind her. But before he could execute his plan a sudden squawk reverberated through the air causing Perseus to jump. In a flash of movement that he was barely able to keep up with, the figure quickly turned around and pressed a pair of gardening shears onto Perseus' throat.

The two beings stared at each other for a few seconds before she finally broke the silence. "I'll admit, it was a good attempt Perseus. But I heard you coming from a mile away, I guess I win yet again. What's the score now? 104 to 97? You're still behind." She said with a proud smile on her face.

Perseus just smirked knowingly and looked down. The figure following his gaze frowned as she saw the dagger hovering at her waist. "I guess we could count this as a tie, Hecate"

Hecate huffed annoyed but smiled as they both dropped their weapons. She then wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him lightly which he happily returned.

"It's good to see you again my little reaper. It's been a few days." She turned around and took off her hat and gloves, putting them on a table next to a brown owl, whose eyes gleamed with mischief.

Perseus sighed while sitting down on a bench and rubbing his eyes. "Yeah, I know. I apologize, I meant to come sooner but monsters raided a town and you know how that goes."

Hecate took a seat next to him and snuggled into his side comfortingly. "You know, you really work yourself too hard."

"You sound just like my mother." Perseus joked, while wrapping his arm around her.

Heacte smiled closing her eyes enjoying the warmth of his body and the pleasant smell of firewood. "Well, she is a very smart lady." she joked back

He laughed lightly "So I guess she spoke with you then?"

"Yes, we talked the night of your interesting reveal. And may I say as much as I adore your mother. I'm a little upset that I had to hear about what happened from her."

"I'm sorry but after all the events of that day I really needed a nap. I was planning on telling you earlier today but I was busy preparing for the hunters. And then I had a wonderful talk with Hades, Persephone, and Hestia about the certain doom the gods face."

While he talked Hecate wrapped her arms around his waist trying to comfort the conflicted demigod. "It's fine, I'm sure everything will work out in the end."

For a few minutes they just sat quietly and watched the sun set over the horizon, some of the plants shivling up protectively.

After a while the silence was broken by Hecate standing up and walking inside with Perseus following behind her. She snapped her fingers causing blue candles to spark all around them as she walked over to one of the tables. She then gathered up a few ingredients before tossing them into the cauldron causing it to bubble rapidly.

Walking over to the pot, Persues asked inquisitively. "So what are you making?" standing beside her he watched as a large bubble popped on the surface.

Grabbing a long stick next to the pot she replied "Oh nothing special, just some basic poison. I was running low." She answered nonchalantly, stirring the mixture.

Perseus just shook his head and smiled at the way his girlfriend spoke about brewing poison. He stood up and walked over a basket and grabbed an apple. "Oh, by the wa-" he was interrupted by Hecate turning around and tossing a silver container at him.

"I figured you were running low, so I went ahead and made some more."

"Damn, you're amazing." Perseus stated lovingly puting the container in an inside pocket of his cloak.

"So you've told me…. Many times." She smiled back

Before Perseus could say anything else his Raven flew into the room, melting from a shadowy corner squawking hurudly. "Shit, guess that's my que." He leaned down and gave her one last kiss before disappearing into the nearest shadow, the bird following close behind.

She looked out the window, staring at the moon with a small smaile before shaking her head and grabbing a book. Walking up the stairs she snapped her fingers causing the candles to go out. She would fall asleep happy knowing that he'll be okay. After all it was Perseus. It would take a lot to kill her beloved boyfriend.

-Northern Alaska-

Thalia wasn't sure when everything went to hell, all she knew is that they were in major trouble. After crossing the border to Alaska the hunters had to stay even more vigilant then they had before. Almost as soon as they crossed over Lady Artemis started to grow weaker.

The land beyond the gods didn't just block the gods' power, it drained their energy as well. Artemis and her hunters knew this but they never expected how severe it would actually be.

After a few hours the hunt was still on full alert. The goddess was doing fine for the most part but it felt as if her very being was being torn apart. The good news was that even in the forbidden land they were still in her doman. They had stuck to the vast forests avoiding most cities, making excellent time as they traveled through the chilling snow. Thankfully it was also night so the moon shone brightly onto the hunt, fuelling their energy while also restoring what little power Artemis had left.

The hunt had not encountered any monsters so far, which eased some of them. The hunters knew that vastly stronger monsters roamed all across Alaska and if they were to encounter one of them they might be in serious trouble.

The hunters were making their way through a clearing in the trees when Artemis told them that they should have been nearing their destination. But that is where their luck ran out.

Suddenly without warning multiple arrows flew out from the trees in front of them. A few hunters shouted in pain as the projectiles hit their mark. Phoebe took one in the shoulder, knocking her to the ground. The younger hunters screamed in terror as they hid behind their big sisters. Thalia quickly expanded her shield blocking more arrows as a few giants charged from the woods.

The experienced hunters quickly pulled out their knives and engaged the charging monsters, making a protective line. The rest took out their bows and provided covering fire while also acting as the last line of defense for the younger ones. Artemis summoned her bow and took aim at the tallest giant shooting an arrow right through his eye. Surprisingly this did not stop the towering figure as he yelled out in anger before bashing a hunter sending her flying back.

Suddenly the raven swooped down and scratched out the giant's other eye. This opening allowed Thalia to stab it in the throat with her electrically charged spear. As the monster started to turn to gold dust the raven let out another high pitched caw before flying straight into a shadow and disappearing.

"What is that thing doing!? We need it to guide us!" Thalia screamed in outrage, catching a few more arrows with her shield before thrusting her spear into another giant.

Artemis let loose a string of arrows that embedded themselves into the arm of one of the monsters as it prepared to strike an unexpecting hunter. "Don't worry, it's going to get help." Shouted Artemis as she shot volley after volley into the giants.

More monsters poured from the woods, the dracena joining them after running out of arrows. The horde crashed into the wall of hunters, sending some of them to the ground. Phoebe stood back up and with an angry roar she broke off the arrow and jumped into the battle throwing a knife directly into an empousa's skull.

Thalia ducked under a sword of a dracaena before thrusting her spear into its chest. "Well i hope they get here fast!"

"You and I both." Artemis thought worriedly.

One of the empousa broke through, spotting one of the younger hunters. Sofie screamed in fright as she ran from the bloodthirsty monster, causing Atalanta to scream in horror as she aimed her bow at the monster. The huntress tripped over a root, shaking in fear she watched the empousa duck under the arrow and raise her claws into the air. Suddenly a loud piercing whistle rang out causing the monsters to cover their ears in agony.

A huge hellhound leapt out of Sofies shadow tackling the empousa to the ground. The hunters watched in shock as hellhounds appeared from the shadows and engaged the startled enemy, turning most of them to dust instantly.

Appearing in front of the young hunter, Perseus leaned down and offered his hand. The raven flying out from his shadow, and soaring into the sky. "I can heal that sprained ankle if you want."

The startled hunter nodded her head slowly. The rest of the hunt watched as the mysterious man placed his hand on the wounded ankle. A burst of flames erupted from the his hand. Sofie let out a surprised yelp, her eyes widening as the fire healed her leg.

Perseus smiled while helping the girl up. A loud yell erupted from the horde as one of the laistrygonian giants pointed his club at Perseus.

"YOU! You were the one that killed Butches group! You'll die, you piece of shit." The last four giants all charged at the man and the lone huntress. The hellhounds having finished up the other monsters ran after them. Perseus let out another loud whistle, and the hellhounds instantly turned around and returned to the hunters patrolling around them.

Perseus sighed heavily, snapping his fingers the young girl disappeared into her own shadow and reapered back into the group of hunters. Atalanta scooping her up and holding her in her arms protectively. Some of the other hunters around her were already caring for the wounded most standing and watching the confrontation. Thankfully there was none dead.

As the giants grew closer Perseus held out his hand, shadows leapt from trees to form a beautiful black scythe with a silver blade. Almost like he was bored Perseus swung his scythe through the air as the first giant reached him. The monster's face was a mixture of shock and fear as the blade lopped off his head.

The giants watched horrified as the body of their leader fell to the ground, his head landing at the foot of the man. Enraged, the monsters charged once more. Persues quickly picked up the decapitated head and threw it into the face of the closest giant causing him to stumble and fall to the ground, where shadows wrapped around his body pinning the monster. He then sliced the third completely in half, his guts pouring from both parts of his body.

The last giant standing swung his club intending to crush the mortal but Perseus simply ducked underneath and swung his own weapon upwards. The scythe sliced into the giant's shoulder before Perseus ripped the beings arm clean off. Howling in pain the giant fell to his knees and held onto his arm trying to stop the blood from pouring out. Perseus lazily walked around the kneeling figure and sliced his scythe accross its neck. The screams stopped as the monster's body fell to the ground unmoving.

The hunters and Artemis watched stunned at how easily the man felled the monsters. As they watched transfixed, Perseus walked over to the last giant and let the restraints dissipate. The monster stood once more and looked around. Seeing the bodies of his comrades the giant turned to run but was tackled to the ground by a beautiful white wolf.

Walking over to the pinned giant, Perseus swung his blade one final time driving it deep into the monster's skull. Blood splattered onto his face and all over the wolf's fur. Standing up Perseus dropped his scythe, the blade sinking into a shadow and disappearing. He then patted the wolf's head -who was visually upset about the monster's blood- and removed the silver container from his cloak.

Opening the container revealed multiple rolled up papers. Perseus took one out and put it in his mouth. With his back turned away from the hunt, he lit the end with a flame from his finger before taking a long drag. The raven landed on his shoulder as he stood quietly for a few seconds. He then blew out a cloud of smoke before turning and walking towards the hunt. The wolf followed close behind, purposely stepping around the blood and guts.

The hunters all immediately pulled out their bows and pointed straight at him. He immediately stopped a few feet away and replied jokingly. "Is this how you treat all your hosts?" he took the rolled up paper out of his mouth and blew out a cloud once more. The smoke smelling weirdly like mint.

Confused, the hunters looked towards Artemis. "Girls I would like to introduce you to Lady Nyx's son. He's the one providing us shelter for the war."

At her explanation the girls all lowered their bows. The older hunters glared at him while the younger ones watched him with amazement. The daughters of Apollo were still tending to the wounded. The worst of the injuries being only a few broken ribs.

After a few quiet moments Perseus turned to Artemis. "Well it's good to see you again my lady. Although I wasn't expecting our second meeting to happen like this." He looked around at the piles of gold dust. "I'm glad you accepted my mother's offer."

Artemis smiled as she spoke with him. "It's good to see you too, and I'm most grateful for the help."

Perseus shook his head still smiling. "It was no problem. After all that is one of the main reasons I sent Umbra here to guide you all." He said while stroking under the bird's beak. The raven cawed in agreement while he scratched her lovingly.

"I can see that, you have amazing...Umm pets." she stated while looking at the group of large hellhounds walking around and at the wolf sitting behind him vigorously trying to remove the blood from her fur.

Perseus smirked. "Indeed I do." After a few moments Perseus turned and outstretched his arm, the raven instantly jumping to it. "Go tell her I'm alright." The raven said nothing as it took off into the air and flew straight into the shadow of a tree.

Even if Hecate says she's not worried about him, Perseus knew she was. He always sent Umbra to let her know he was okay, whenever he had to leave in the middle of them spending time together.

He then turned back towards Artemis. "I'll give you and your hunters a few minutes to rest but we do need to get going soon." She nodded in agreement before he walked away.

Thalia then approached Artemis, looking untrusting towards the back of Perseus. "Um, my lady? Who exactly is he?" She asked as the man patted the white wolf, who ignored him angrily.

Artemis turned to face the young demigod "I'm sure he'll reveal his identity when we get to our destination. But thalia, do not demand he show his face. He's going out of his way to help us, so I'd prefer you not anger him."

"But why do you care how he feels? Why do you trust him so heavily, my lady?" Thalia scrunched her eyebrows in thought as she tried to imagine the man's identity. She couldn't think of any male Artemis would ever trust her hunters with. But she did have a thought on who this man could be, although Thalia doubted it strongly.

"You will understand shortly. I only ask for you to trust me Thalia." Artemis laid her hand on the girl's shoulder, trying to ease her worries.

Frowning slightly, Thalia nodded her head and walked off to check on the hunters. When she reached the girls they were all whispering with each other. No doubt they were having the same thoughts as Thalia. Phoebe and Atalanta approached her and started to talk quietly,

"What do you think of all this?" Phoebe was the first to speak as she studied the back of the man who was now standing their smoking with the raven back on his shoulder.

"I have absolutely no idea. But Artemis seems to trust him quite a lot. I'm not sure why but I know she must have a good reason." Atalanta whispered while staring at the hellhounds patrolling the makeshift camp.

"Did you guys notice when he killed those giants they didn't turn to dust?" Phoebe asked confused

"I know. The way he killed them was also pretty brutal. Throwing a head at a monster? Holy shit."

Atalanta looked over at the bodies that were still turning the snow red.

"And have you ever seen anyone controlling hellhounds like that? It's a little freaky at how tamed they were." Thalia replied as she watched the hounds patrolling around, one of them even started eating the removed arm of the dead giant.

"Whoever he is, we better be careful." Thalia turned back to the girls. "Even if Artemis trusts him, I'm still cautious." The girls both nodded their agreement.

After a while the hunt was finally ready to get moving. Some of the more wounded hunters had to be supported by their sisters as they prepared to walk. Artemis stood in front of the hunters, looking over each one. She knew they didn't all agree to what she was doing but she hoped they'd come around once they finally got to Perseus' house.

Perseus approached the group dropping the paper to the ground and stepping on it. "Is everyone ready?"

None of the girls said anything as Artemis spoke for them. "Yes. We will be a bit slower but we should make it in a few hours."

"A few hours?" Perseus laughed a little. "It wont take that long. Were only a few miles away."

Artemis had a disbelieving look on her face as she watched Perseus walk the way the monsters came from. Shaking her head she nodded towards the hunters. "Lets go girls." with the hunt ready they all started tol follow the man as the raven flew high into the sky.

They mostly walked in silence as the snow fell lightly around them. They had been walking for about an hour and a half before they finally reached another clearing.

This time the clearing was a bit bigger than the one they had just fought in. One side had trees that looked recently cutdown next to a small pond with a layer of ice on top of it. On the other side of the valley stood a small two story cabin surrounded by flowers. The whole thing was sat at the foot of a mountain completely surrounded by trees on all sides. If there was ever a place that was off the grid, it would be this place.

Perseus turned around and addressed the hunters and Artemis as they all stood in the middle of the clearing. "I cleared out a few trees for your camp over there." He pointed to the fallen trees. "You can use the wood as you like, I have no need for it."

Artemis smiled thankfully. "I appreciate you doing all this. I'm not sure how to repay you and your mother for everything."

Persues shook his head as he replied. "The only thing I ask is that you stay away from my house. I won't bother you and you won't bother me."

Artemis nodded her head. "Alright, we will respect your request. Is there anything else we should know about?"

He thought for a few moments before replying. "There aren't any barriers around the perimeter like at camp half blood. But don't worry I'll have some hellhounds patrol the perimeter day and night."

Before he could finish speaking, one of the hunters spoke up. "How can you control them? Aren't they still monsters?" the hunters all nodded their heads all agreeing with the question. Even Artemis was wondering this.

Perseus smiled lightly even though they couldn't see past the shadowy hood. "It's thanks to my mother. Hellhounds are connected through her domain."

Soon another hunter spoke up. "But why do hellhounds still attack humans and demigods if you can control them?"

"The ones I control are purebred. Direct descendents of Cerberus and a hellhound my mother created. That's why they listen to me. The others are more mutated and won't obey anything I say."

"If there is no barrier than why is this the safest place for us?" Asked Atalanta

"Monsters don't usually come within a few miles of this place."

At this the hunters looked confused. "Why?"

Perseus smirked slightly "Because i've killed so many of them around here that they're all afraid to get close." The hunt looked at him disbelievingly, this man must be joking. "I'll answer one more question before I leave you all to set up camp."

Before anyone could say anything Thalia spoke up quickly. "Why do you hide your face? Who are you?"

Artemis went to tell her off before she could continue. "Thalia it is not your place to demand he reveal himself."

Thalia ignored her as she continued. "What? We have to live right next to him and he won't show his face? How are we supposed to trust him if he refuses to show us his face?"

Artemis was about to give a retort but Perseus stopped the goddess. "She's right. I can't expect them to trust me when I keep my identity a secret." Persues breathed deeply before continuing . "Are you sure you want to know? Some people can't handle who I am."

Thalia held her resolve, crossing her arms definitely. Perseus sighed deeply before reaching up for his hood.

"Fine but don't say I didn't warn you." he then pulled down his hood finally revealing his face. The older hunters that fought alongside him before, all gasped in surprise. The younger ones watching in confusion.

Thalia dropped to her knees in shock. Covering her mouth, her eyes started to water. "Percy?" she asked slowly, not believing the face in front of her.

Perseus nodded his head. "I actually go by Perseus now." He walked forward and helped Thalia to her feet. "It's good to see you Thals."

Thalia said nothing as tears rolled down her face. She reached out slowly before tackling him in a hug. They hunters and Artemis watched quietly, the younger ones finally realising who the man was.

"I thought you were dead!? I couldn't find you!" she wept loudly as she held onto him tightly.

Perseus smiled, his own eyes watering a little as he returned the huge. "Please, do you think I'd go and die on you?"

Thalia said nothing as she held onto him. After a few moments Artemis ordered the hunters to set up camp. Giving the two some privacy.

The moon shone brightly as the two old friends talked, enjoying one another's company. After the shock faded Thalia showed how truly angry she was. She had started yelling at him causing Artemis to smirk as she looked over from the tents.

She asked a lot of questions but all Perseus refused to answer any of them. He told her she needed sleep and they'd talk tomorrow. All of this only served to anger her more but Pereus refused to budge. After a long argument Thalia finally relented.

"Ugh, Fine! I'll wait till tomorrow. But you're going to tell me everything, including why you thought it was a good idea to let me think you were dead."

Perseus agreed and bid her goodnight watching her form disappear into the night as she walked to the hunt's camp.

Standing up Perseus stretched, his joints popping as he did so. Artemis appeared beside him with a light smile. "You know she isn't going to let you out of her sight now right?"

Perseus smiled back, turning to face her. "I know, but I was never going to keep my identity from her. SHe doesn't deserve that." Letting out a yawn Perseus spoke again. "I am going to need a lot of sleep though. Something tells me it's going to be a long day."

Without another word he walked off towards the cabin, his bird flying from nowhere and landing on her usual place. Artemis shook her head laughing lightly, before heading to her own tent.

Tomorrow was indeed going to be a long day.

A/N: What's up everyone? How's quarantine going? I know it's been a looong time between updates and I'm sorry about that. You would think that since everyone is in quarantine I'd write a lot more but strangely I just haven't had the mood for it.

I hope everyone is staying safe and properly social distancing. I live in a small town so I'm not actually that affected by covid but its still better safe than sorry.

It actually only took me a few days to write. I just sat down and got really into it. It took me awhile but I honestly think this is my favorite chapter yet. I've finally decided on who I'd like the pairing to be and I hope I didn't disappoint anyone by promising a Pertemis. Even though it's still my favorite pairing wanted something a bit different and I always liked the idea of PercyxHecate. I think it will be fun having a more original paring. Although I wonder what their name should be?

As always thank you to everyone who favorited and followed. And of course a special thank you to all the comments on the story, I love reading what people have to say and I hope more people will do so in the future.

Hopefully, the next update will be sooner.

Sincerely,

Wolfpack340