Nico had not spoken to Bianca since she joined the hunt. She wanted to say sorry to Nico, but he looked at her like she abandoned him. He spent the time with Kurayami and the girls who all welcomed him in. They explained to him about other pantheons and how the Greeks were not the only ones. They told him that to keep his mind from thinking of his sister.

Artemis went to Kurayami and asked to speak alone with him. “Do you think I am a bad person?” Kurayami looked at the goddess. “Not so much a bad person, just a hurt girl. I know why you made the hunt and why you distrust men. I do not blame you, but not all men are scum.”

She remembered her past and looked down. “My brother will come to pick us up. I should go..” Tyrant looked up and all he could see was cold darkness. He scoffed and Artemis understood him. “No dragon. I did not lie.” He roared again and she shook her head. “No, as you are not a wild beast I cannot hunt you.” He raised his head high and a rumble came from his throat.

“Dragon, you are not the strongest.” Tyrant looked shocked and looked at Kurayami who shook his head. Everyone was shocked as Artemis was talking to a literal dragon. Percy needed to know. “Where did you get him?” Kurayami looked over. “Remember Tyrant, my familiar? He evolved and this is what he became.”

The Hunters broke camp as quickly as they set it up. Percy stood shivering in the snow, unlike the Hunters who were fine. Kurayami’s whole group had a giant heater named Tyrant. Artemis stared into the east like she was expecting something. Bianca sat off to one side, trying to explain to him why she joined.

He walked away and ignored her. “Just say it. You are sick of me and now you just threw me away. You have a new family and I don’t need you.” Binaca held her hand out yet Artemis patted her on the back. “He is young. He will come to terms.” Kurayami shook his head. “Grudges and abandonment are hard to get over, so don’t get your hopes up. Why do you care anyway? You left him.”

Bianca looked depressed, but she should have thought of them before literally abandoning her brother. Finally, the sky began to lighten. Artemis muttered, “About time. He’s so lazy during the winter.” Kurayami didn’t dislike Artemis as he knew her story and why she was the way she was.

It was one of the reasons he was more respectful with her than other gods. He just hated her hunters who acted like men were the root of all evil. “You’re waiting for sunrise?”

She nodded. “For my brother. Yes.” Kurayami looked over. “So how do the legends of the sun stack up to him? What is true and what is a myth.” Artemis explained while petting Shin who liked to be petted. “It’s not exactly as you think.” Kurayami was going to say what was it really, but a sudden burst of light on the horizon stopped him.

“Don’t look, not until he parks.” He created a set of shades from shadows and could see clearly. He did the same for the girls who all had their shades. The light died out and what was left was a red convertible Maserati Spyder. It was red hot and the snow melted like the area around Tyrant.

Apollo got out, smiling. He looked about seventeen or eighteen. Apollo wore jeans and loafers and a sleeveless T-shirt. Thalia was impressed. “Wow, Apollo is hot.” Kurayami looked over. “Figurative or literally.” She looked over and smiled. “Both.”

Apollo called out. “Little sister! What’s up? You never call. You never write. I was getting worried!” Artemis sighed in shame. “I’m fine, Apollo. And I am not your little sister.” He grinned. “Hey, I was born first.” She glared. “We’re twins! How many millennia do we have to argue—” Kurayami stopped her.

“Then he is older. You know me and Akeno are twins, and she called me big brother, right?” Akeno blushed and looked away. “Meanie.” Apollo gave Kurayami a thumbs up. “So what’s up? Got the girls with you, I see. You all need some tips on archery?”

Artemis grit her teeth. “I need a favor. I have some hunting to do, alone. I need you to take my companions to Camp Half-Blood.” Apollo grinned. “Sure, sis! I feel a haiku coming on.” He raised his hands to the sky. The Hunters all groaned. Apparently, they’d met Apollo before. Kurayami liked him.

He cleared his throat and held up one hand dramatically.

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

He grinned waiting for applause. Kurayami clapped as he felt it was funny. Apollo nodded. “Why can’t you be more like Kurayami? How is old man Azrael?” Kurayami nodded. “Fine and strong.”

Apollo nodded. “Good for him.” Artemis shook her head as he messed up. “That last line was only four syllables.” Apollo frowned. “Was it?” Artemis gave him a suggestion. “Yes. What about I am so big-headed?” He muttered to himself. “No, no, that’s six syllables. Hmm. ”

Zoe turned to explain. “Lord Apollo has been going through this haiku phase ever since he visited Japan, and before most male gods were banned from Japan. Tis Is not as bad as the time he visited Limerick. If Id had to hear one more poem that started with, There once was a goddess from Sparta—”

Nico looked at Kurayami. “You said Ametaerasu banned most male gods because of Zeus right?” Kurayami nodded and Artemis looked over. “Kurayami, do you know my friend?” He nodded. “One of her clans pissed off grandpa and he purged one of the clans.” Artemis shivered as you can never mess with a being in the top ten world’s strongest. The hunters all were shocked as their goddess showed fear.

“I’ve got it!” Apollo announced. “I am so awesome. That’s five syllables!” He bowed, looking very pleased with himself. “And now, sis. Transportation for the Hunters, and Kurayami and girls, you say? Good timing. I was just about ready to roll.” Kurayami shook his head. “No, we will teleport to camp.” Apollo appeared next to Kurayami. “Come on, man. It will be fun.”

Natsume looked at the car. “How will that take us? I mean it is a two-seater.” As if ignoring her he went on rambling “These demigods will also need a ride,” Artemis said, pointing to Percy, and Thalia. “Some of Chiron’s campers.” Apollo seemed like a chill guy. “No problem!” Apollo checked everyone out. “Let’s see… Thalia, right? I’ve heard all about you. ”

Thalia blushed. “Hi, Lord Apollo.” He nodded. “Zeus’s girl, yes? Makes you my half-sister. Used to be a tree, didn’t you? Glad you’re back. I hate it when pretty girls turn into trees. Man, I remember one time—” Artemis called. “Brother, You should get going.”

“Oh, right.: He looked at Percy and his eyes narrowed. “Percy Jackson?” Percy shook in fear. “Yeah. I mean… yes, sir.” Apollo studied him, but he didn’t say anything, which was a little creepy. “Well! We’d better load up, huh? Ride only goes one way—west. And if you miss it, you miss it.” Esdeath looked over. “I got a bad feeling about this.” Lavinia shivered. “I rather not go in a sun car. I am more of a cold person.” Esdeath backed away in worry.

“I agree. Magic is good for many things. We will just meet you there.” Kuroka hid behind Kurayami. “I don’t trust it, Nya.” Apollo blushed and held his heart. “I am in love. Marry me.” Kurayami began to snarl and shadows climbed his body and Apollo held his hands up. “JOKE. I jest.” Kurayami stopped and Kuroka stuck her tongue out at Apollo.

Nico was impressed. “Cool car,” Apollo held his head high. “Thanks.” Natsume frowned. “Like I said before, how will we fit in?” Griffon was about to claw his face off. Apollo nodded. “Well, yeah. I hate to change out of sports car mode, but I suppose…” Apollo took out his car keys and beeped the security alarm button.

For a moment, the car glowed brightly again. When the light died, the Maserati had been replaced by one of those Turtle Top shuttle buses like the ones used for school basketball games.

“Right, everybody minus the dragon.” Tyrant scoffed and returned to the familiar space. At Zoe’s order, the Hunters start loading up while she picked up her camping pack, and Apollo being a flirt. “Here, sweetheart. Let me get that. “Zoe recoiled. Her eyes flashed murderously. Kurayami played along. “Please lovely lady, you will hurt your hands.”

Both guys started to laugh while Zoe wanted nothing more than to shoot both of them. “Brother, Kurayami. 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, or mock them.” Kurayami scoffed. “Hey, she started it.”

Artemis sighed. “Are you a kid?” He nodded. “I’m 15, so yes.” Everyone looked at him funny as he was huge. Dense muscle, shoulder-length black hair, dark violet eyes, and a black cross on his neck. He looked like he was 20 and older than Apollo.

Apollo raised his arms in apology. “Sorry. I forgot. Hey, sis, where are you off to, anyway?” Artemis sighed. “Hunting and It’s none of your business.” Kurayamu patted her on the head. “Don’t be so cold. He is just looking out for you.”

Artemis was bright red and swatted his hand away while pouting. “I am not a child.” Kurayami ruffled her hair. “You look like one.” Zoe drew her bow and shot him. One pair of his wings popped from his back and swatted it away.

Apollo chuckled. “I’ll find out. I see all. Know all.” Artemis snorted and fixed her hair. “Just drop them off, Apollo. And no messing around!” Kurayami smiled. “Sorry, you just look like a little princess.” Apollo nodded. “You should stay older. People just want to pinch your little cheeks.” Artemis pouted. “Shut it.”

Artemis took a deep breath. “I will see you by the winter solstice. Zoe, you are in charge of the Hunters. Do well. Do as I would do.” Zoe straightened and put her bow on her back. “Yes, my lady.” Artemis knelt and touched the ground as if looking for tracks. When she rose, she looked troubled. “So much danger. The beast must be found.” Kurayami patted her on the shoulder.

“Should I go with you? I am probably in the top ten. Artemis looked at Shin and thought about it. “No. This is my hunt and my job. I thank you for the offer. Although I would like to ask, why do you not look at me or the hunters with any interests?”

He nodded. “I don’t seek out to pursue women. I just am myself and see where life takes me.” Artemis looked at all the girls with him. “You must be well-liked.” He nodded. “May your hunt be successful, Artemis.” She nodded, sprinted toward the woods, and melted into the snow and shadows.

Apollo turned and grinned, jangling the car keys on his finger. “So, Who wants to drive?” Before he could react the keys were in Kurayami’s hands. “I will. Just teach me the basics and I will get it.” Apollo sighed as he wanted to have Thalia do it. “Fine, although I see my sister caught your eye.”

Kurayami nodded. “She is one of the better gods and I can see she treats her hunt well. I like Artemis herself, but not the hunt.” Zoe glared at him. “Nor should thee.” Kurayami looked at her and saw her emotions were due to distrust, not so much malice. He sighed. “Just stop assuming I am the worst thing to come and let’s just respect each other. Can you do that?”

He extended his hand and she breathed and shook his hand. “Fine.” Esdeath sighed. “Fine, I will go if he is driving.” Natsume hugged Griffon. “We won’t die right?” Lavinia smiled. “Say goodbye.” Akeno shuddered. “Don’t say that.” Raynare scoffed. “I got grandpa on speed dial, so if we die maybe he can bring us back.” Annabeth smiled. “Can I walk?”

The Hunters piled into the van. They all crammed into the back so they’d be as far away as possible from Apollo and the rest of the highly infectious males, Bianca sat with them, leaving her little brother to hang in the front with Kurayami’s girls which seemed cold, but Nico didn’t seem to mind as he was mad at her and the girls were nice.

“This is so cool!” Nico said, jumping up and down in the driver’s seat. “Is this really the sun? I thought Helios and Selene were the sun and moon gods. How come sometimes it’s them and sometimes it’s you and Artemis?”Apollo explained while he told Kurayami the basics.

“Downsizing, the Romans started it. They couldn’t afford all those temple sacrifices, so they laid off Helios and Selene and folded their duties into our job descriptions. My sis got the moon. I got the sun. It was pretty annoying at first, but at least I got this cool car.” Nico was confused “But how does it work? I thought the sun was a big fiery ball of gas!”

Apollo chuckled and ruffled Nico’s hair. “That rumor probably got started because Artemis used to call me a big fiery ball of gas. Seriously, kid, it depends on whether you’re talking astronomy or philosophy. You want to talk astronomy? Bah, what fun is that? You want to talk about how humans think about the sun? Ah, now that’s more interesting.”

His eyes seemed happy. “They’ve got a lot riding on the sun… er, so to speak. It keeps them warm, grows their crops, powers engines, makes everything look, well, sunnier. This chariot is built out of human dreams about the sun, kid. It’s as old as Western Civilization. Every day, it drives across the sky from east to west, lighting up all those puny little mortal lives. The chariot is a manifestation of the sun’s power, the way mortals perceive it. Make sense?”

“Speed equals heat, so start slowly, and make sure you’ve got good altitude before you really open her up.” Kurayami gripped the wheel and thought about his driving days. He started the engine and lightly pressed on the ignition. He pulled back on the wheel and the bus lurched upward fast, but not insanely fast. It was fine and Apollo was impressed.

“You’re good.” Kurayami focused on not going too fast, too high, or low and they all felt glad he was not a reckless person. Akeno slumped in her seat like putty. “We are alive. Thank goodness for brother.”

“We need to veer south for Long Island, Hang a left.” Kurayami turned the wheel left and Apollo facepalmed. “The other left,” Apollo suggested. Kurayamu just about smacked him. “You mean right?” Apollo nodded. “Yeah.” The rest of the trip was easy and they all just looked out the windows. “There, Long Island, dead ahead. Let’s slow down, man.”

Kurayami saw the camp and moved down while pressing the brakes. He landed on the shore of the big lake and a few naiads scrambled out of the water with half-woven wicker baskets as just being close heat it up. Apollo patted him on the shoulder. “Well done, guess it was a better idea than Thalia.”

She turned green and Kurayami looked in the rearview mirror. “Afraid of heights?” She just about puked. “NO! NEVER!.” Kurayami got up and grinned. “Oh, then would you like to fly with me? I plan to go fly on Tyrant. Who wants to fly on a dragon?” Nico raised his hand. “ME!” Thalia grinned. “I can do it.” She just about puked and he laughed. “You are terrified.”

She blushed and ran out of the bus. “Well, that could have gone better. Nico this is a camp half-blood. Not as good as Nephilim.” Nico looked out and it looked like a normal camp if not for the lava fall.