I'd rather be the hammer than the anvil.

Erwin Rommel

Welcome to the beginning of part 2! So I decided to jump forward to modern times since everything we know as history in the PJO universe is relatively unchanged despite the addition of Alessandra and Caretaker. Some people wanted me to stop in other times but Percy isn't going to have any part in it, and again it's unchanged so I jumped forward.

If you read my other story Precursor you'll notice that both are now taking place over the course of the Titan's curse. I don't plan on making the quest for Artemis longer than a few chapters; I plan on just skipping the first half since it's pretty much to the book.

Also I am going to add quotes to the beginning of my chapters. Most will be relevant to the story or chapter.

"To save a goddess"

It was a quiet night in Maine. The lack of recent monster activity had Zoë on edge and she could sense her mistress's unease as well. Artemis was well aware of the threat of the Titans, unlike the rest of Olympus which had decided to ignore the warning signs.

However, with the return of their ancient enemy, Zoë felt wonder at what else, who else, could return as well.

Lady Artemis wasn't even alive when the first war happened. She didn't know the key piece Olympus was missing for the coming storm.

The Last Titan…..

Perseus has been gone ever since the first war. His sons had popped up during the whole Troy fiasco, but disappeared after-words. From what she heard, Ares had killed them.

But rumors and legends of a new god pummeling Ares persisted.

But who? None of Perseus's sons were immortal.

She had dismissed the rumors, as mortals were very unreliable- especially involving Trojan War. Guilt had eaten her raw from how she abandoned the boys and left them to die. She especially was torn up about leaving Hunter, who had earned her respect.

Atalanta refused to speak to her for weeks.

The thought of them leaving the two grown men to die was already hard- Zoë knew they were honorable when she learned their parentage. But leaving the young boy, Caretaker? That in and of itself nearly ripped her friend apart. Such an innocent child left to the wrath of Ares, especially such a kind one.

She knew his death was painful. Ares wouldn't have shown mercy.

It took a long time to earn her trust back, but Zoë knew she'd always be bitter about it. As the hunt evolved, and long serving members died and were replaced, Zoë found herself becoming colder and more closed off. She was hardened by serving under Artemis for a millennia.

Through all the highs and lows, Zoë was there. At the current moment, the hunt had over a dozen members. Not too bad considering how hard it was to find recruits in modern times, but still not even close to their peak.

"Zoë. How much further?" Phoebe asked from her left. Zoë blinked at the daughter of Ares, face impassive. "We are close."

Artemis's regal voice echoed around the girls, speaking softly. "I can sense the monster. There will be several demigods as well and…my half-sister is one of them." Zoë frowned, but pushed aside her bad feelings for the daughter of Zeus. That can wait.

The hunt zoomed through the wilderness, feeling a sense of urgency as they got closer. "Do we know why there is a quest this far north?"

"No, however it may be related to the two new demigods with them."

"So a retrieval then?"

"So it seems. Draw your bows, we will be there shortly." Artemis commanded, and the hunters in unison drew their intricate weapons. The silver glinted in early morning, with the snow reflecting their light.

The hunt reached the edge of the forest to the sounds of battle, along with the surprised cries of who Zoë assumed were the two new half-bloods. After a brief moment, a loud and clear hunting horn blasted besides her.

The monster, a manticore, looked stunned and infuriated by their arrival. The satyr was on the ground, dazed, while the other boy looked confused. The two female demigods, who Zoë recognized as Thalia and Annabeth, had knowing looks on their faces. Thalia's was angrier however, which was to be expected. "No, it cannot be!" The monster wailed.

The human helicopter was deafening, but with her enhanced hearing Zoë could hear just fine. Artemis shot a silver arrow through his shoulder, enraging the beast. A dozen dark spikes shot at them with great velocity, however Zoë and the other hunters calmly shot back their own arrows in reply, slicing the spikes in two.

With a nod from Artemis, the hunt emerged from the woods. Zoë ignored the demigods reactions, determined to kill this wild beast. Stepping ahead of the others, she spoke. "Permission to kill, milady?"

The manticore ranted back. "This is not fair! Direct interference! It is against the Ancient Laws!"

"Not so," Artemis spoke up, her intense eyes paralyzing the monster with fear. "The hunting of all wild beasts is within my sphere. And you, foul creature, are a wild beast." Her silver eyes flickered over to Zoë. "Permission granted."

As she went to shoot, the manticore screamed out once more, lunging for Thalia and the male demigod. Annabeth shouted "No!" and charged the manticore, blocking her shot. "Get back half-blood! Get out of the line of fire!"

The blonde ignored her, jumping on the monster's back. Shrugging, Zoë made her decision. "Fire!"

"No!" The boy screamed. Yet the hunters let loose, and the monster was lit up like a pin cushion. He stumbled to the cliff, growling. "This is not the end, Huntress! You shall pay!" With that, he leaped over the edge, Annabeth on his back, disappearing into the darkness.

The boy tried to chase after her, but the mortal helicopter began to fire.

"Mortals are not allowed to witness my hunt." With a thrust of her hand, Artemis turned the helicopter into a flock of ravens. Zoë stepped forward, seeing the angry looks Thalia was tossing her. Time to deal with this nuisance. Again.

-00-

After recruiting Bianca into the hunt, Artemis whisked them away to camp half-blood. Zoë tried to argue, but Artemis silenced her and now she was standing in the last place she'd want to be.

Thalia was a terrible driver too.

After nearly killing them, they'd landed somewhere in the camp. Zoë led the hunters away as quickly as possible, hoping to avoid any of the obnoxious teens. Especially the male demigods. They don't make them like they used to.

As they settled in, hopefully for not long, Zoë tried to ignore the foreboding feeling that caused the hairs on her neck stand up. Something wasn't right.

She made it through their first day where Chiron announced the annual capture the flag game. Fantastic.

Unsurprisingly the hunters were bored out of their minds until the game. Since they were so used to moving around constantly, they all felt extreme restlessness. At least this game gave them something to look forward to.

However the night before, Zoë found herself in unfamiliar territory as she was plagued by nightmares…..

-00-

Zoë was disoriented at first. It'd been such a long time since she'd had some kind of prophetic dream that she thought she was awake at first.

What tipped her off to the fact that she was dreaming was how she saw her goddess, Artemis, looking beaten and exhausted. And holding the sky.

A ball of dread began to expand in her gut as the setting before her began to register in her mind. Othrys? But it was destroyed!

Even more alarming was the lack of a certain Titan under the sky…

Images and scenes flashed before her, as if mixed together in a salad bowl. Images of Artemis being ambushed and captured, scenes of Annabeth taking the sky, scenes of Artemis taking the sky. It was all too much.

"Ugh!" Zoë grunted in her dream, squeezing her eyes shut as the overload of information caused her a massive headache. But what she didn't want to admit was how the pictures before her scared her, the prospect of The General returning and what that meant not sitting well.

"Don't you see?" A feminine voice whispered in her head. The voice was strangely familiar, tickling the back of her mind as if she hadn't heard it in centuries. "They search for the Keeper." Zoë's dream-self watched as monsters burned down homes on the outskirts of some city, ripping them apart one by one. They were searching for someone, or something. "You must get to him before they do." The voice urged. Her vision swam as once again she was encased in darkness. A ghostly hand caressed her head, making the aching go away. "He must return if the world is to be saved. Find the Keeper, find him."

"Who?" Zoë asked, looking around the darkness for the voice.

"He has been gone for millennia. It is time for him to come home." The voice left her head, and Zoë shot awake in her bed, sweating. Adrenaline pumped through her veins as a sense of urgency filled her senses.

Whoever had hijacked her dreams obviously wanted her to find this Keeper. But how? Besides, she had more pressing matters. Lady Artemis had been captured.

Her father was free.

Zoë tossed her covers aside, dressing vigorously. She needed advice.

She nearly slammed the door before calming down and closing it gently. Relax. You are the Lieutenant of Artemis's Hunters. Carry yourself with some pride.

She marched up to the Big House, mind scrambling. As she got closer, he noticed the hundred-eyed guard, Argus.

"Argus," Zoë began, trying to remain calm. "I need to see Chiron. Now."

The guard looked her over, his eyes coldly regarding her. "No." He said it so quietly that she almost missed it. His icy blue eyes all stared at her in an unspoken challenge.

"What?"

"No."

"Argus, this is of the utmost importance. I need to speak with Chiron and get a quest, right now."

Argus looked annoyed with her tone, many of his eyes narrowing. The beef guard straightened, shoulders rounding back. "No." He repeated, like it was the only word he knew. But the intelligence in his…..eyes betrayed him, as he knew very well what he was doing.

"Listen here you boil brained lout! I. Need. To. See. Chiron." Zoë's voice rose an octave as she struggled to maintain her anger. With the energy coursing through her system, the daughter of Atlas nearly strangled Argus.

He glared at her, mouth a straight line. "No."

Zoë looked ready to attack him, when he then continued. "-Bitch."

"Oh you damn-"

"What is with the noise?" Chiron said, trotting out with his pajamas and some…..fancy horse tail curlers. Zoë's eyes widened in surprise, and she did her best to hide her humor at his attire. "I need permission to leave camp, right now."

"Why is that?'

"Milady is in trouble." Chrion's brown eyes glinted in the darkness, making Zoë uneasy. "No. You are supposed to remain here until Artemis herself gives you orders. So outside of her contacting me, you shall remain here."

"How are we to get orders from Artemis if Artemis is lost?" Those words seemed to strike a nerve in the centaur and the bodyguard, who both looked uncomfortable. Zoë's onyx eyes burned with anger at being denied to save her goddess, and while she could mention her dream and the voice in her head….

No. Chiron will likely use that to his advantage.

Zoë nodded stiffly to the two, before storming off to her bed.

She'd leave one way or another.

-00-

By the time the game rolled around, Zoë was furious. She kept glaring resentfully at Chiron in disbelief over how he ignored and turned her away. So as the hunters went to the forest for the game, she decided she'd get some of her anger out during the match.

It was a rather boring affair until the end, however.

The demigods tried to make a distractionary force to lure them out, but the hunters saw through the trap and redirected, letting the distraction group run away. A team of huntresses ambushed the larger party led by Thalia, letting Zoë and Phoebe sneak around to the defenders. Swiftly taking them out, she let out her pent up energy with some pretty strong punches and kicks.

Several demigods ended up with dented armor.

Sucks to suck.

Zoë grabbed the flag and sprinted towards her side of the lake. As she got closer, she spotted the son of Poseidon- Orion, was it?-sprinting towards her, the hunters flag in hand. Oh the sneaky devil.

But, while he was fast, Zoë was faster. Like a gazelle, she seemed to float above the ground as she zoomed across the battlefield, leaping high into the air and landing on the hunter's side victorious. The camper's flag turned silver as soon as she crossed.

Thalia stormed up to Orion, electrocuting him. Zoë absentmindedly paid attention, more engrossed in helping Bianca, when she saw the creek rise out of the water. Woah. She watched, impressed, as Orion prepared to drown Thalia in a massive wave of water. Good riddance. Maybe Zeus will even kill him too.

However, he looked behind her, and suddenly the waved dropped. Orion was staring, eyes wide in shock. A green mist floated over her head, causing Zoë to turn as well- and gasp.

The oracle had moved.

The mummy stared at Orion, before her voice hisses in everyone's heads. I am the spirit of Delphi, speaker of prophecies of Phoebus Apollo, and slayer of the mighty Python."

The oracle then turned sharply to Zoë, continuing. "Approach, Seeker, and ask."

"What must I do to help my goddess?" She also wanted to ask about the Keeper, but seeing how everyone would hear her, she'd save it for later.

Green mist poured out of the mummy's mouth, displaying images that had earlier flashed through her mind. The mountain, Othrys, and a trapped Artemis flashed before them.

"Five shall go west to the goddess in chains

One shall be lost in the land without rain,

The bane of Olympus shows the trail

Campers and Hunters combined prevail

To find the Keeper, protector of rivals

And the one who is most vile

The Titan's curse must one withstand

And one shall be lost by Protections hand."

The mist swirled and retreated back into the mummy's mouth. The Oracle, which seemed alive a moment ago, sat still on a rock.

Chiron looked deeply disturbed, as did Zoë.

"Orion, Grover, carry her to the attic. I want all counselors in the Big House, including you, Zoë. Everyone else, back to your cabins! The harpies will be on alert in ten minutes, so hurry up!" His voice was tense and strained, as if he'd just seen someone die.

Which, in a way, he did.

Zoë nodded to her sisters before making her way to the big house, her fears and suspicions only growing stronger.

-00-

Zoë and Bianca sat on one end of the table, opposite Mr. D and Chiron. A Hephaestus camper and Aphrodite camper were present, along with two twins of Hermes. Orion walked down with the satyr, Grover, and they sat next to Thalia who was passing time by entering a glaring match with Zoë.

Zoë started the meeting off on a positive note. "This is pointless."

"Cheez Whiz!" Grover gasped. He began scooping up crackers and Ping-Pong balls and spraying them with topping. "There is no time for talk," Zoe continued. "Our goddess needs us. The Hunters must leave immediately."

"And go where?

"West!" everyone looked surprised at Bianca's outburst, whose face reddened. "You heard the prophecy. Five shall go west to the goddess in chains. We can get five hunters and go."

"I agree." Zoë stated. "Lady Artemis is being held captive. I will not sit here idly and wait for her to die! We must find her and rescue her!"

"You're missing something, like usual." Thalia retorted, electric blue eyes glowing. "Campers and Hunters combined prevail. We need to work together."

"No!" Zoë exclaimed, dark eyes shining. "The Hunters do not need thy help."

"Your." Thalia grumbled. "Nobody has said thy in, like, 300 years, Zoë. Get with the times."

"I hate to break up this," Orion cut in, sea-green eyes switching back and forth between Thalia and Zoë. "But who is the Keeper? He sounded pretty important to me." Despite being asked innocently enough, Zoë caught the slight inflection in his voice. He's had dreams too.

"The Keeper," Chiron began, hesitantly. "-Is a title I haven't heard of in a long time."

"Who is he?" Thalia asked, attention shifted off of Zoë. The huntress sighed, turning her black eyes to the centaur. This is something I need to know as well.

"I've never encountered him before, so my knowledge of his existence is limited to what I've heard from some gods." Chiron said. The demigods and hunters still waited expectantly, so he sighed, as if resigning himself to something. "He is said to guard a danger to Olympus so dark that it alone could incite a war. The Keeper somehow has this threat locked up, and avoids both Olympus and potential….enemies."

"So he's a good guy?"

"Not quite. A child of Ares once found him, and from what I've been told the demigod met a rather brutal end."

Orion spoke up, humor lacing his speech. "So he hates Ares? Man, why do I already think he and I have a connection?"

Zoë snorted at his words, shaking her head. Thalia looked mildly annoyed as well. "Get serious, kelp-head. What Chiron is saying is that this guy pretty much hates everyone. Us and them."

Orion raised an eyebrow, eyes dancing in delight. "So hopefully he hates the Titans more than us."

Thalia growled but did not take the bait for another argument.

Zoë spoke up, intent of getting them back on track. "Artemis must be present at the solstice," She said. "She has been one of the most vocal on the council arguing for action against Kronos's minions. If she is absent, the gods will decide nothing. We will lose another year of war preparations."

"Are you suggesting that the gods have trouble acting together, young lady?" Dionysus asked.

"Yes, Lord Dionysus." Mr. D nodded. "Just checking. You're right, of course. Carry on."

"I must agree with Zoë," said Chiron. "Artemis's presence at the winter council is critical. We have only a week to find her. And possibly even more important: to locate the monster she was hunting. Now, we must decide who goes on this quest."

"Three and Two." Orion spoke up. Everyone stared at him until his face reddened, so he kept speaking. "Three hunters, two from camp half-blood. That's fair."

Zoë and Thalia looked at each other.

"Well, it does make sense."

Zoë grunted. "I would prefer to take all the Hunters. We will need strength of numbers."

"You'll be retracing the goddess's path," Chiron reminded her. "Moving quickly. No doubt Artemis tracked the scent of this rare monster, whatever it is, as she moved west. You will have to do the same. The prophecy was clear: The bane of Olympus shows the trail. What would your mistress say? 'Too many Hunters spoil the scent.' A small group is best." Zoë picked up a Ping-Pong paddle and studied it like she was deciding who she wanted to whack first.

"This monster—the bane of Olympus. I have hunted at Lady Artemis's side for many years, yet I have no idea what this beast might be." Everybody looked at Dionysus, since he may know what it was. He was flipping through a wine magazine, but when everyone got silent he glanced up, "Well, don't look at me. I'm a young god, remember? I don't keep track of all those ancient monsters and dusty titans. They make for terrible party conversation."

The rest of the meeting wasn't any more useful than that. A few comments aroused Zoë's nervousness, and more than once she shared looks like Chiron- but besides picking the members of the quest, nothing was interesting.

Zoë stood. "I shall go, of course, and I will take Phoebe. She is our best tracker."

"The big girl who likes to hit people on the head?" Travis Stoll asked cautiously. Zoë nodded. "The one who put the arrows in my helmet?" Connor added.

"Yes," Zoë snapped. "Why?"

"Oh, nothing," Travis said. "Just that we have a T-shirt for her from the camp store." He held up a big silver T-shirt that said ARTEMIS THE MOON GODDESS, FALL HUNTING TOUR 2002, with a huge list of national parks and stuff underneath. "It's a collectors item. She was admiring it. You want to give it to her?"

She just sighed and took the T-shirt. "As I was saying, I will take Phoebe. And I wish Bianca to go."

Zoë didn't know why she wanted Bianca to go, but a quest to save Artemis? How much better of a mission could she have to prove herself?

"And for campers?" Chiron asked. His eyes met Orion's, but Zoë couldn't tell what he was thinking.

"Me!" Grover stood up so fast he bumped the Ping-Pong table. He brushed cracker crumbs and Ping-Pong ball scraps off his lap. "Anything to help Artemis!" Zoë wrinkled her nose.

"I think not, satyr. You are not even a half-blood."

"But he is a camper," Thalia said. "And he's got a satyr's senses and woodland magic. Can you play a tracker's song yet, Grover?"

"Absolutely!" Zoë wavered, knowing the usefulness it may have. "Very well," Zoë said. "And the second camper?"

"I'll go." Thalia stood and looked around, daring anyone to question her. Orion suddenly looked confused and irritated, standing up. It seemed like he was just starting to realize that no more spots were available, and that was unacceptable.

"Wait, hold on. I want to go too!"

Thalia and Chiro said nothing. Good. Considering the weapon he wields, I do not want him with me. Stupid male.

"Oh, sorry," Grover looked sheepish. "Orion, you can take my place if you want."

Zoë shook her head, frowning. "He cannot. He is a boy and I will not have a boy travelling with the Hunters."

"But what about Grover?"

"He does not count." Zoë felt a little bad about saying that, but she really did not want Orion with her on the quest. Yes, he may be powerful, but she'd had enough of strong, male demigods for an immortal lifetime.

After a little more debate, with Zoë not budging, it was decided. Zoë, Grover, Bianca, Thalia, and Phoebe would leave at first light the next day.

Good. We need as much time as we can get.

-00-

On the island of Ogygia, Calypso sat on the beach, her caramel rolling in waves down her back. The Titaness looked to be in her early 20's, with her dark almond eyes accentuating her features.

Currently she was sitting on one of the beaches, gazing out at the ocean, deep in thought. One day he will come back for you. He promised.

While she was cursed to fall in love with anyone who appeared on her island, part of her heart was locked away forever for one man- Perseus. No matter how long it's been, a part of her would still always love him deeply.

As she watched the soft waves curl up the beach, an incredibly beautiful woman stepped out of the water. Wearing a green chiton over her tanned skin, the goddess smiled warmly at Calypso. "Mother."

Calypso's smile could've lit up all of Olympus. "Alessandra! I'm so happy to see you!" She hugged her daughter, whose physical form decreased in age until she was slightly younger than Calypso currently was. "It's odd for me to come to you in my adult form, seeing as you're my mom and all." The goddess admitted, her gorgeous green eyes almost grinning themselves.

Calypso rolled her eyes, rubbing Alessandra's head. "Immortals are weird." She smirked, earning a matching one from her daughter.

While Alessandra got her eyes and complexion from her father, her hair and beauty certainly came from her mother. Combined with her father's traits, and Alessandra was one of the most ravishing goddesses out there.

Her fiery personality and power didn't help her stave off suitors either. It made them only want her more.

However, she had no intent on marrying or even courting with anyone- for now she was content being the Marshal of the Seas.

"How is the mortal realm?"

"They have advanced far more than I anticipated. Most have stopped believing in us, and with their loss in faith they have lost their ability to see through the Mist. Only a few still retain this ability, though most still don't believe."

"So the gods are losing power?" Calypso inquired. Alessandra shrugged, picking at her nails.

"I wouldn't say they're losing a noticeable amount of power. The way they get power has changed- but yes, little by little they do get weaker. Though it's only noticed through several centuries."

Calypso nodded, not betraying her emotions. "This was to be expected though. There have been lows and highs over the past millennia. I'm certain they will all recover."

"Maybe." Her daughter responded.

"How is your brother? It has been a long time since he has visited." Calypso asked somewhat sadly. When Alessandra had brought the depressed boy to her, quietly informing her of his heritage, she hadn't been shocked. She knew Perseus would find other lovers at some point, despite the aching her heart felt at the thought.

Caretaker was very similar appearance wise to his father however, and his personality made Calypso very protective of him. She became a surrogate mother of sorts, and her bond to him was extremely strong.

Alessandra sympathetically patted her mom's arm, giving her a half hug. "Truthfully, I haven't seen him in a long time. He is always on the move nowadays, trying to avoid the gods but stay close enough where he can see everything happening."

"Does he still hold a grudge?"

"Last I heard? Yes. Is it as bad as it used to be? No. I think he's cooled down a bit over the years."

Calypso led her daughter into her home, where invisible servants were setting up a nice dinner. A ghostly image of Perseus was barely perceptible among them. Bless that Titan's heart for the aide.

One of Perseus's last gifts was a sort of AI or ghostly version of himself that helped to run the island and also controlled her invisible servants. He provided great company as well and made her time more bearable.

"I wasn't exactly prepared for your arrival so you'll have to make do with some basic foods- bread and cheese with a bit of wine."

"You know I'm not here for the food." Alessandra replied with humor, though she appreciated the gesture. The two sat down and snacked for a bit, making small talk.

A few hours later, Alessandra got down to business.

"I did come here for a reason though." She said, smiling at the invisible servants cleaning up for her. Calypso made a face, though her expression was curious. Her daughter usually tried to avoid bringing 'work' back to her mother considering how little they got to see each other.

"Why?"

Alessandra seemed hesitant to broach the subject, but knew she needed to. "There have been reports….that the, uh, Titans are coming back." Calypso frowned, and Alessandra noticed how she tapped the table agitatedly. "The Titans are all dead. They died with their values and hearts!" She growled, and Alessandra winced.

"Yes, well they are supposedly coming back. Have any of them tried to contact you?"

Calypso shook her head, trying to keep a straight face. "You think I'd listen to them after what they did to me?"

"No, of course not I-"

"Just needed to make sure I wasn't developing a grudge against the gods." Calypso let out an empty laugh, turning serious. "If there is anyone you need to check on, it's your brother. He has quite the grudge."

Alessandra's green eyes apologized silently for her previous comments before she spoke. "I don't think I have to worry about him. He still follows father's beliefs to heart."

"Weird, considering he wasn't raised by Perseus."

"Yes, well the man who did raise Caretaker was, and he was deeply loyal to my father. Ingrained those ideals and values in Caretaker when he was young. Good thing he did, or else Caretaker would've tried to murder several gods by now."

Calypso made another face, but didn't speak. She silently raised a glass to her lips, drinking in the sweet liquid. Sensing that she wasn't going to say anything, Alessandra continued. "I've heard Artemis has been captured." Calypso nearly spit out her drink, surprise lacing her features. "Really? Well that is news. Why didn't you lead with that?"

"Well, I didn't think you'd be interested since you got upset about-"

"Oh honey, those memories just bring up bad emotions. I still think it's important to talk about, even if I don't like it and complain. So, tell me, what is Olympus going to do?"

Alessandra frowned this time, crossing her arms. "They've sent a quest."

"Oh? Well, I guess I hope they succeed. I like Artemis, she has some spunk."

"Yes, she does. However, the prophecy refers to someone….well, someone who certainly doesn't want to be in the eyes of Olympus."

"Who?"

"The Keeper." Calypso raised her eyebrows. "Really? Well since his grudge is more against the gods he shouldn't-"

"He killed the last demigod to find him."

"Oh." Calypso breathed out, feeling her lips turn downward again. "That is not good. Do you think the quest may need some…..help?"

Alessandra raised her eyebrows delicately, uncrossing her arms. Her bright green eyes bored into her mothers, inquiring. "What are you suggesting?"

Calypso smiled softly at her daughter, marveling at how such a simple gesture was made elegant by her. "Well sweetie, since Artemis is a mutual friend, I was thinking you could assist the quest with finding the Keeper." Alessandra looked unconvinced, but not totally against it. "I don't know mother, I don't like it when he's angry with me." She confessed, eyes down. "Considering our delicate relationship now, I think this would alienate him from me."

Calypso smiled softly at her, reaching across the table to grasp her hands. "He cares about you, he cares a lot about you. What happened then hurt him, and isolating himself from you would make him feel better. But you can't just let him go without a fight. Yes it will be hard but family is family, and right now he just needs a nudge in the right direction. Besides," She puffed out a ball of air, blasting the bangs hanging in her face.

"If this quest is meant to find him, he has no choice. A familiar face there to help smooth things over can't hurt, right? And if Zeus gets mad then he'll have to go to Poseidon, who may get annoyed with you but would never do anything drastic."

Alessandra nodded after a moment, looking more confident as she thought about it. "Of course. Well, I must be going now. It's been wonderful seeing you again."

Calypso stood up and hugged her daughter, squeezing her tight. "I miss you." She whispered into her hair, kissing her cheek. "Stay safe. I love you."

"I love you too."

-00-

Alessandra waited a few days, letting the quest begin when she went to Apollo.

After speaking with her mom, a plan had begun to formulate in her mind. Now she just needed a little help to make it go quicker…

Standing outside of Apollo's massive temple on Olympus, Alessandra waited. She was wearing a flowing blue dress that glittered in the light, with her brown hair braided down her back. The goddess was now in her adult form, hoping that her dress would let Apollo know this was serious. When am I not serious?

She sent a telepathic message to the god, ignoring the looks of passing minor gods and nymphs as she waited. Probably think I'm one of his whores.

The large door swung open, revealing Apollo in all his glory. The god had jeans, a white shirt, and loafers on, as if he'd just been lounging around. His blue eyes brightened when he saw, but once recognition kicked in he was eyeing her warily. "Alessandra? What do I owe the honor of this visit?"

Shoving past him into his temple, Alessandra gestured to his leather chairs. "Sit." She commanded. "We have much to discuss."

-00-

"So you want me to transport the quest, and you as far west as possible?"

"Yes."

"But why me? I mean you easily have other ways of transportation-"

"I intend to assist in a portion of the quest." Alessandra declared. Apollo frowned, face conveying his thoughts. "You sure? That's quite risky. I'm not even sure I'd want to do that, and my sister has been kidnapped for Hades' sake!"

Alessandra folded her arms together, legs crossed. Apollo's face had been flushed the minute she charged in, no doubt embarrassed by the state of his own temple, but he was also rather put off by the goddess before him.

"Yes, I am positive. If you remember, the Keeper is far from friendly." She spoke softly, her voice almost music to Apollo's ears. Damn. If she could charmspeak, no man could resist her.

"Yes, he is." Eyes narrowing, Apollo got suspicious. "How do you know him?"

Alessandra waved a hand at him. "Unimportant. What's important here is recusing Artemis, which he can help with. However he will not trust an Olympian, and won't even let demigods in his home. No, I must be there."

Apollo whistled a light tune, nodding. "If you wish, I will do my best. But if we get caught I'm blaming you."

"Fair enough."

"Ok, great!" Apollo jumped up, smile nearly blinding Alessandra. "When do we start?"

"Tomorrow."

-00-

Alessandra would've been lying if she said she ignored the progress of the quest.

When Phoebe was incapacitated, she watched as Atalanta argued to join. Zoë however had a stronger argument for her staying to lead the Hunters, implying that the eldest hunters couldn't all die together.

She even knew immediately that the Orion boy was trailing them. Watching Mr. D confront him was actually rather entertaining, as the wine god never got off his arse these days.

While she couldn't directly interfere, she could indirectly interfere. As in send Orion into the building that contained a secret Titan meeting. The results were good- the quest was made aware of the threats to them and how close they were. They battled the Nemean lion and somehow avoided the newly activated spartoi, barely escaping through the tunnels. They went through the trains until they lost their hunters, eventually stopping at Sun West Lines.

It was here that Alessandra made her play.

Huddling around a fire, she changed her appearance to that of an old hag. Apollo turned into a hobo besides her, complete with the terrible smell as well. When the quest approached, she knew that even Zoë could not see through their disguise. Apollo grinned toothily, using his best hobo voice. "Y'all need to get warmed up? Come on over!"

They approached, shivering in the winter cold as they huddled around. "Well this is g-g-g-great." Thalia muttered.

"My hooves are frozen." Grover complained right after, though missed his slip up. Looking wildly at the two 'hobos', Orion spoke up quickly. "Feet." He corrected, shooting Alessandra and Apollo nervous glances. "Maybe we should contact camp." Bianca suggested, tossing the idea out there. "Chiron could help us."

Zoë shook her head, long dark hair flipping in the cool air. "No. They can't help us anymore- we're on our own."

"You know," Alessandra said, making her voice raspy. "You're never completely without friends. Need a ride west?"

"Yes Ma'am." Orion spoke, his sea green eyes reminding her of Caretaker. "Know of any?"

Apollo pointed behind them, to the Sun West train. As the kids marveled at its condition, the gods vanished from sight.

"That was convenient."

-00-

It wasn't until later that day, as the train sped at insurmountable speeds, that the gods made their move.

Apollo isolated Orion to give him advice, so Alessandra waited until Bianca left for her own car to confront Zoë.

The girl was dozing off, eyes almost entirely closed, when she spoke from the seat beside her. "It's ok to be scared." Zoë nearly jumped through the roof, eyes already springing forwards. She relaxed momentarily at the sight of the female hobo, but gave her a suspicious look. "Who are you?"

Alessandra grinned, but let her eyes change to their normal color. Beautiful green eyes briefly twinkled at Zoë, who only ever saw a similar pair on one other woman- a goddess.

"You shouldn't be here." She muttered, slumping in her seat. However, she gave the immortal her undivided attention, and carried on. "It is dangerous."

Alessandra snorted. "Yes, and so is your quest. But I'm right, about you being scared."

"I am not scared."

"Then why are you so nervous?" The question stumped the huntress, who couldn't think of an excuse. "Exactly. However, I'm not sure you know what you're getting into." Zoë sighed, as if she had been expecting this conversation. "Who are you here to advise me on- my father, or the Keeper? Because those are the only two sources of anxiety I have." Alessandra almost gave her an empathetic pat on the shoulder, feeling for the Titaness. Zoë was older than her, and an old friend of her father, so she felt a little connection to her.

"I have knowledge of the Keeper." She admitted. Zoë's dark eyes almost lit up, snapping to her. "You do?"

"Yes."

Zoë tried to conceal her excitement, settling for a rueful smile. "Is there anything you can tell me?"

Alessandra shrugged, frowning in thought. "Not anything specific. But ask and we shall see."

"Who is he?" Alessandra gave a small smirk, shaking her head. "I cannot say." Zoë should know better. Said huntress returned the smile, reforming her question. "How about this one: Have I ever met him?"

"Yes, a long time ago. Both of you were very different back then. You no longer remember him, or if you do then you are unaware that he is alive."

Zoë's mouth curled down, eyebrows arching downward. "How long ago?"

Alessandra winced internally, while on her exterior she offered an apologetic smile. "I cannot say. But while he may have slipped your mind, you have not slipped his."

Zoë's face hardened as a flurry of thoughts flew through her mind. Alessandra held up a hand placating. "Not like that."

Confusion. "Then why does he remember me?"

More apologizing. "I wish I could say, but I cannot."

"Do you know what he is the keeper of?"

"No."

Their conversation died down at that point. The two sat in silence for a long while, before Zoë spoke up. "Have you seen your father recently?"

The goddess shook her head, lips pursed. "No I have not." She admitted. "Though from all the stirrings…I can't help but wonder if he is somewhere out there, waiting. Dark forces are arising, Lieutenant. I just pray that my father isn't gone. You know how much the gods need him."

Zoë nodded affirmatively. Another curious thought sprung into her mind, coiling around her brain like a snake. "Why are you here? Surely you didn't accompany us west just to give advice?"

Alessandra leaned back, resting her head on her arms. "Well, to be honest, I wanted to greet the Keeper personally. It's been a very long time since I've seen him, and I'm not sure if he'll react volatilely to you showing up."

"So you want to make sure he won't try to kill us?"

"Yes, pretty much." The sun began to drip down the sky, and Alessandra tightened her lips. "I must be going. Get some rest Zoë- the easy part is over."

With that, she snapped her fingers and the huntress passed out, peacefully dreaming. Wiping her hands, the goddess teleported away, noticing Apollo leave a few minutes later. The train was rapidly approaching a small town in New Mexico.

Hopefully they make it to him alive- I'd rather not have to deliver the news of a failed quest with both demigods of Poseidon and Zeus involved. That would be a bad day indeed.

As the goddess went to teleport away, something nagged at her mind. In the distance, she could sense something off. That's odd. I didn't think Hephaestus's junkyard was out here.

This chapter is shorter than the other two, but I'm kinda zooming through the Titan's Curse. So tell me what you guys think- Should I still include the PJO story even if it's unaltered at all, or should I just skim unaltered scenes and get to the scenes that are different in my story? These scenes can range from just dialogue being different to entirely new sequences.

I feel like everyone in every story like this goes through the quests. As a reader I know I've been through it enough.

Besides, time is weird for immortals. And since this is a story focusing on immortals, why not show time as it is for them? So to speak, moving along really fast?

Hope you guys enjoyed this rather uneventful chapter, I promise some nice action soon and the return of our two favorite enemies ;). (Hint: The prophecy hints at it.)

Thanks again to 'some random fucking guy' for saving my ass. You're my hero lol.