Disclaimer- I do not own any of the characters they all belong to Rick Riordan and Greek Mythology

It has been a mere day since Orion was found dead surrounded by the corpses of other creatures, both mythical and not. After we had completed our mourning period we all decided that it was time to build up our ranks to what they once were. Orion's rampage put a large dent in our community as we have only a quarter if that of our old numbers due to many of our sisters falling against Orion. Our lack of numbers has also increased the number of monster attacks as we have a reputation and when we went missing many monster colonies deemed it safe to wreak havoc on the demigods and their camp. This angered Zeus and he ordered Artemis to take us to camp to aid in the destruction of the monsters before leaving to recruit and re-gain our supremacy. That is why we are all currently moving through the city of New York on our way to Long Island, Camp Half-blood's location.

We walk down paths and I look around in wonder at how much the world has changed since we were last in a largely populated area. I can't believe the seeming man-made trees reaching the to the sky and some even producing some smoke. I notice people sitting in the openings up the sides and more moving in these carriages that are pulled by nothing, also spouting a smog. Many of us experienced hunters who have been with the hunt for centuries share these expressions of wonder. Artemis looks back at us along with the remaining few inexperienced hunters and they all laugh at our expressions. "I forgot how long it has been since you all have been to the city," Artemis chuckles.

"Indeed M'lady, what are all these strange machines? What is thou finding so humorous?" I inquire.

"My dear Zoe, the machines which resemble what you remember to be carriages are in fact automobiles and they drive themselves and the tall buildings lining the roads are sky scrapers and factories all of which are common in these modern times," Artemis explains to Phoebe, Amelia, Holly, Alish and I. We all nod wondering how the world has change so much from what we knew.

"What is that black smoke they are producing Artemis?" Alish asks.

"That is smog, "Artemis says with distaste, "it is polluting the world and destroying the ecosystems which is why you have all noticed that we are seeing less and less stars in the sky." As soon as she finished that sentence we heard a whimper coming from one of the alleyways followed by a bone-chilling growl I would never forget: the growl of a hellhound.

We all instantly drew our bows. We payed little attention to the mortals around us having complete faith in the mist. As expected no one stopped us questioning our attire or the weapons we possessed. However, as we passed an alleyway the growling seemed to vibrate through my body. We grouped together in a defensive clump; bows drawn and adrenaline coursing through our veins. We glanced into the alleyway and saw a pack of hellhounds, the species of monsters that I hold the greatest grudge against, surrounding a small group of young girls. We immediately jumped into action and decimated the hellhounds.

The pack had roughly 20 hellhounds meaning the ratio of hellhounds to hunters was 2:1. Despite having less numbers no one would consider us to be at the disadvantage in this scenario, unless they were insolent, self-centred males. Our unmatchable accuracy with a bow combined with our formidability in battle ensure we never lose. We are also extremely stealthy and strategic in battle causing the hellhounds to not even notice us until the ratio was one on one. By the time half their ranks had been reduced to golden dust they had decided we were the greater threat, or the most rewarding kill, either way we became the more interesting target and took their focus of the defenceless girls who were their previous prey.

The hellhounds charged at us with gnashing teeth and slashing claws as those of us who were experienced in melee stepped forward to meet the monsters. This group consisted of Phoebe, Amelia, and I as well as a newer hunter, a dryad named Willow. We each drew our weapons either daggers or spears while the other hunters drew their bows and had arrows at the ready.

The battle was quick and hectic. Those of us experienced in short range attacks keeping the front lines of hellhounds back. Gliding through their ranks stabbing and slashing at the exposed hides of hellhounds while our sisters behind us shot down those towards the back of the pack. We had eliminated the threat within minutes however before we could approach the girls another threat appeared, this one not mythical.

It was a group of adolescent males about 17 to 20 years of age. They were the worst representation of their species sporting many tattoos and piercings. They also had long, dishevelled hair and scruffy clothes giving them and unkempt appearance. They we all grinning at the girls as they advanced, completely bypassing us, whether they deemed us unimportant or decided that we would not give them what they want I was unsure. One sidled up next to the eldest girl, around 14. "Hey darling," he said, "do you want to join me and the boys as we were just on our way to dinner and couldn't help but notice your stunning appearance?"

"Ummm," the girl responded and I could sense her discomfort as well as that of the other girls once the males paired off with them, attempting to convince them to join their group. I turned to my sisters and we all nodded to each other, it was time to step in.

"Back off boy," I called out, allowing coldness to creep into my voice. The boys turned and stared at us; surprise marking their features at the sight of us. We fanned out, exhibiting the extent of our ranks. Phoebe and I in front sneering at the group before us.

"Oh sweetheart," the leader began, addressing me in a mocking tone, "you didn't have to bring friends, just yourself would have been enough." He smiled as he advanced on me, his cronies stayed back, guarding the girls and observing my sisters. I subtly nodded to Amelia and Holly who were at the back of the group. I saw them nod back and steeled myself for what I was about to do.

As the boy advanced I turned to my sisters acting as if I was afraid by bowing my head. I whispered to them what I was planning. I gave them the instructions and what I expected them to do.

"What is this tough girl afraid of little ol' me? What your friends must be thinking of you," he taunted me. I scowled at his foul voice and as I felt his slimy hands on my shoulders I mouthed to them 10.

The disgusting pig forced me to face him. I realized he had no concept of personal space as his face was the disgusting sight I was greeted with once I turned. His yellow, rotting teeth, slimy hair and red, bloodshot eyes with dilated pupils crowded my vision. As if the sight wasn't enough I had to endure through his smell: the scent of alcohol on his foul breath hit my face mixed in with his body odour comparable to that of a pigs. I tensed as at the proximity and hid my hands behind my back. I had 10 fingers up. I just had to endure this for ten seconds.

One finger goes down. His hands cup my face as I try not to pull away from his touch keeping him distracted.

An second finger goes down. I hear my sisters sneak around the back as the man's cronies focus on what he is doing; finding joy in my discomfort.

My third finger goes down but it feels as if it has been a life time. The male caress my cheek and I can't help but flinch away drawing a laugh from him and his friends.

Four fingers are down now. My sisters, Amelia and Holly are just on the edge of my peripheral vision, in shadows of the alleyway while the males are focused on me.

Halfway there, all the fingers on one hand are down. I am trying not to breathe through my nose as he puts his face draws nearer to mine, his foul stench causing my eyes to water and his manky, greasy unwashed hair falling into my face. I cringe away but I can do this.

Four fingers to go. The foul creature is relishing my 'fear' as are his henchmen all who have drawn nearer, no longer interested in anything other than me and the male.

Three; my sisters have approached the girls now and glance at me. Their eyes widen at my predicament but nod encouragingly.

Two; the pig stands there gloating, "Oh darling it's good to see you know who has the power in this situation, little girl," he grins. I scowl and watch as Holly and Amelia herd the 5 girls out the alleyway.

Last one. I smile and slide one hand onto his shoulders. He takes it differently and smirks victoriously.

Zero. I can almost feel the smirks of sisters behind me. My smile turns almost predatory as I bring my next hand onto his shoulder.

"You shouldn't assume all girls are hopeless and don't think of a plan you foul, unworthy, pig!" I yelled. I barely had time to savour his look of surprise and fear before I bring his head to my knee, hearing the satisfying crack of a broken nose and shove him back into his buddies. The red of his blood coats his face as he brings a hand up. He smears the blood across his face and spits some out. He growls and turns to us glaring. Us huntresses all draw our bows and glare back with as much defiance. Turning their backs on us they finally notice that the girls are no longer behind them. They whip around and see them protected by 10 furious female hunters of Artemis.

"Thee is a disgrace to thou's species. You are the reason girls like us fear walking alone at night. Thine should never prey on those believed to be younger, smaller or weaker because there is always a someone stronger than thou," I seethe. Remembering the lust in his eyes and the cornered girls quivering like caged animals.

"And, unluckily for you, today you have met us; the ones stronger than you," Phoebe backs me up.

Artemis then steps forward.

"You are free to go today but if we ever see you again in this same situation we will not hesitate to castrate you," she threatens. The boys eyes all widen and the quickly flee, seeking out shelter to hide from us.

Artemis turns to us and starts laughing. Her laughter spreads and in seconds we are all laughing. As we laugh I hear my sisters talking to each other. Snippets of conversation such as, "Did you see their faces?" and "Did one of them pee themselves in fear, some strong almighty male," my personal favourite was, "I hope we see them again just so that we can teach them a lesson."

As our laughter dies we all turn to the girls. They look at us unsure, each of them fidgeting and unsure what to do.

"Thank you for stopping them," one of them, seeming to be the eldest says.

"No problem, now what are your names?" Artemis requests. We all look at her shocked, why is she asking their names. That's when I notice, a few of them have a godly aura; three of them are demigods!

"Oh well, I am Riley," the eldest mumbles. "This is Felicity, Alex, Ripley and Peta." As she names them she gestures to her friends. They were all in the age range of about 10-14 meaning the three who are demigods needed some sort of protection as their scents would begin to strengthen.

"Hello girls, my name is Artemis and I have a proposition for you," Artemis, introduces herself.

"M'lady," I start, "may I suggest we continue moving we need to get to camp soon."

"Of course, excellent idea Zoe, we can walk and talk, now girls about that proposition."

We all stash away our bows and leave the alley way with Artemis leading the girls. I hear her explain to them about the Greek gods and how she is one of them. She tells them about the hunt and that Riley, Alex and Ripley are demigods meaning one of their parents is one of the gods. She gives them a couple minutes to let it sink in and patiently answers their questions. When their onslaught is over Artemis asks," I have a very important question, would you like to be a part of the Hunters of Artemis?" By this point most of us had stopped paying attention but at that all our eyes snapped to the girls. Their eyes were wide with both wonder and hope. They were so happy and they all glanced at each other before nodding eagerly.

"We would love to," they all giggle. All of us older hunters are pleased as we have now started to rebuild our ranks. We descend upon the girls and introduce ourselves filled to the brim with excitement.

"Calm down girls, they still have to take the oath," Artemis chuckles. We all blush and back up. "Now girls repeat after me," Artemis says. "I pledge myself to the Goddess Artemis. I turn my back on the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood and join the hunt." The girls all echo and Artemis accepts them.

After Artemis accepts their oath all five of their oaths they low a silver colour.

"How do you feel?" Willow asks.

"Different but in a good way," Alex says while the others nod in agreement. "I feel stronger and more confident, almost invincible," she continues.

"Well you are now partially immortal meaning you can only fall in battle unless you break your oath to swear off the company of men," I explain. They all grin, as it sinks in that they are part of our family and now have 10 other surrogate sisters who will ensure they are always safe. We are the hunters of Artemis and we look out for each other.

Hey everyone,

So I haven't updated in ages. I was going to try in the winter holidays just past but my family ended up going to England an d France for a holiday so I didn't get a chance. I have four more chapters planned for this book then I'll probably do a sequel of Zoe's point of view in The Titans Curse.

-Ella