Nico joins Grigori and Bianca The Hunt.

Kurayami, the girls, and Nico spoke about his hobby. Nico even asked how they all met so they explained some stories. The girls all explained how they had met and fallen in love with Kurayami. Some of the stories like Zesshi's were shortened as she was really blunt.

Nico was petting Zhang's scales looked like small blue obsidian while Aurora's metallic fur was even shinier and of higher quality. Castiel was gigantic and his claws were razor sharp. As for the horns they felt like metal to his touch.

The more Nico heard the more he wanted some of his own The girls took to Nico immediately as he was a happy kid and Kuroka hugged him, embarrassing him.

"Kurayami, Can we adopt him?"

Nico blushed.

"I am not a pet."

She shook her head.

"I can be your new mom and Kurayami can be your dad."

Zesshi snatched him from her arms as she looked him over.

"You know I want a kid as well. How about it? I can be your mom."

Kurayami coughed as he looked at Zesshi.

"Hey, did you ask him?"

Nico nodded.

"Yeah. You can't just adopt me."

Zesshi dropped him as she lost interest in him.

"Ok, I want my own though."

Kuroka was the same, but she already got her confirmation.

"I can't wait for that day."

Kurayami chuckled as these two wanted to be moms. He was not against it as he wanted to be a dad, but there was a time that was best. While they were having a nice time it was interrupted by a certain Zoe Nightshade and seeing her Esdeath raised her hand in the air.

"What does lady Zoe want with us peasants. Maybe she came to sneer as we have a husband. Unlike her, oh wait that is a bad thing right? Right, before you say anything you are on the last rope. I will kill you myself if you don't."

Zoe did not get any funny idea. She just tried to say some words to get them to think about it.

"Thee is making a terrible mistake. Men shall lead thee astray."

Akeno shook her head.

"Kurayami won't. Now, what do you want?"

Zoe looked at Kurayami wiht worry as she had already seen his real form. She did not like him, but he had the power to back up his words. He did not care as if a Dragon God cared for the opinions of ants, he would have destroyed Earth long ago.

"Kurayami, Lady Artemis wishes to speak with thee."

Kurayami, looked at the girls and they all stood. Zoe did not bother to correct them but just said it.

"She said only him, but go if you want."

That made him scoff.

"Seems you did learn something. Keep that up and maybe stop sealing your rightful heritage."

Zoe frowned and just allowed it.

"I will keep that in min."

Kurayami, the girls, and Nico all went with him while his pets followed from behind. They all shrunk down as they were too huge. Zoe looked at Shin and knew he was male. She noticed how he was looking at the female wolves who were throwing glances at him.

Two of them even rubbed their faces against his which was funny with how big he was. Shin was the size of a Polar Bear and these wolves were mostly normal wolves. These female wolves knew quality when they saw him.

Zoe asked politely to get Shin away from the.

"Keep him from the wolves, please. I rather not castrate him.

Shin growled at her, making Zoe back away. Raynare gave her one piece of advice.

"Zoe maybe do not threaten a being that can kill gods on his own. Especially one with a sword made to destroy souls."

Zoe looked at the giant blade in the sheath on Shin's right side so she tried to not piss him off. She led them to the last tent, which looked no different from the others, and waved them inside. Bianca was seated next to Artemis and seeing that made Nico nervous.

The inside of the tent was warm and comfortable. Silk rugs and pillows covered the floor. In the center, a golden brazier of fire seemed to burn without fuel or smoke. Behind the goddess, on a polished oak display stand, was her huge silver bow, carved to resemble gazelle horns.

When Kurayami saw the walls were hung with animal pelts: black bear, tiger, and several others he knew as monster pelt he was impressed. He looked at the deer with glittering fur and silver horns, its head resting contentedly in Artemis's lap.

It looked up and sniffed and got up. It slowly approached Kurayami who petted its snout. Artemis and Zoe were shocked as it never did that. Artemis needed to know.

"How did you do that?"

The deer nuzzled up to him while he stroked its neck.

"Since I remember I have had an affinity for animals of all kinds. It's why I am a beast tamer as I love them. My aura even works on the undead I will have you know."

Another girl-led Percy walked in and looked at Kurayami petting a silver deer. It returned to Artemis and he sat down.

"Join us, Percy."

The girls just stayed back to hear what they had to say. Kurayami and Percy sat across from her on the tent floor. The goddess studied them especially Kurayami and looked at Shin as the dog was in no way afraid. He locked eyes with her and she looked straight back.

That sword on his side was also dangerous to any god. One well-placed cut would kill a good for good. she knew very well, but she still reached out to pet him which Shin allowed. when she touched his snout she felt just how much power the dog had.

"King of Arcadia, or what is left of him."

Shin's ears perked up, but he didn't know why. She looked at Kurayami who did not seem to mind her age at all.

"Are you not surprised by my age?"

Kurayami shook his head as he suddenly turned into her. That shocked everyone as he just shapeshifted as easily as breathing. The only difference was that he was still wearing Nyro and sunglasses. He looked like Artemis, only that he kept his usual outfit and sunglasses.

"No. Gods are known tricksters and can change form. We can turn into anything or anyone we want."

Percy nodded with a slight blush as he wondered what turning into a girl was like.

"I was a little surprised you can do that."

Kurayami bonked him on the head as he returned to his massive 6'10 height.

"Don't make me kill you."

Artemis ignored the previous showing as it was a good example.

"Kurayami is right. I could appear as a grown woman, or a blazing fire, or anything else I want, but this is what I prefer. This is the average age of my Hunters and all young maidens for whom I am patron before they go astray. "

Kurayami had Shin on his lap while petting the dog. Shin glanced at Artemis and her deer with a smug look. He felt he was much better and he mocked the deer. Howevr her words annoyed Kurayami.

"What do you mean?"

His aura surged slightly making her explain them.

"Grow up. Become smitten with boys. Become silly, preoccupied, insecure. Forget themselves. It's what I would say if I knew that was not stupid. I am the patron goddess of all young maidens, but some of them do not get good lives after. Just something I worry for."

'No lie again.'

Zoe sat down at Artemis right. She glared at Percy as if all the stuff Artemis had just said was his fault like he invented the idea of being a guy. Kurayami's eyes began to go black as he was sick of her attitude.

"Zoe. Are the words of Artemis and mine nothing to you. you may not be looking at me like that, but Percy is a man just as I am. Learn from Artemis or die. "

At his words, the air grew cold and Shin began to snarl. Zoe felt her hair stand on end and felt nothing she did could make her win against him. Shin's bright red eyes glowed like blood. Artemis patted Zoe on the shoulder.

"I apologize for her shameful behavior. I know you are being quite lenient with how they have disrespected you. It's just very rare that we would have boys in this camp. Boys are usually forbidden to have any contact with the Hunters. The last one to see this camp…"

She looked at Zoe.

"Which one was it?"

After she took a deep breath she answered.

"That boy in Colorado, that you turned into a jackalope after he tried to steal some of our underwear."

Artemis nodded, satisfied.

"Ah, yes. I enjoy making jackalopes."

She looked at Percy and needed to know what the manticore said.

"I've asked you two here for different reasons. Percy, I asked you here so that you might tell me more about the manticore. Bianca has reported some of the… mmm, disturbing things the monster said as you fought it. But she may not have understood them. I'd like to hear from you."

Percy began his explanation from his point of view and the more Kurayami and his girls heard they were interested. Many of them were battle junkies and it sounded like something strong. of course if they were weaker, but it was just curiosity on their part.

Artemis on the other hand was worried she placed her hand thoughtfully on her silver bow.

"I feared this was the answer. "

Zoe looked at her worried.

"The scent, my lady?"

Artemis nodded. Shin barked and Kurayami had a thoughtful look.

"Shin smelled something, as for what it is he does not know? I may be strong, but I am not all-knowing."

Shin barked and Artemis looked at him.

"May I borrow him for the hunt. He may be needed."

Kurayami shook his head.

"He is my sacred gear and he is not meant to be 'lent out'. There is a limit to the range we can be apart which is large, but it also has limits. Instead, I can just go with you."

Artemis looked at Kurayami and decided to accept that offer.

"If Uncle and Nyx are allied with you, I will accept your offer."

Zesshi was curious about something.

"What got you so worried?"

Artemis explaied paitienlty.

"Monsters are rising that I have nearly forgotten about. it is like a second calamity will befall Olympus."

She spoke aloud to everyone to make her voice clear.

"We came here tonight sensing the manticore, but he was not the one I seek. Tell me again, exactly what it said, Percy."

Percy tilted his head.

"Die."

Artemis shook her head.

"No, no. Before that."

What he said made Kurayami and Artemis look over.

"He said somebody called the General was going to explain things to me."

Zoe's face paled. She turned to Artemis and was about to speak, but Artemis shook her head. However, Kurayami already knew who they meant.

"Atlas is rising. How very interesting, you know more than me about that Zoe right? Daughter of Atlas."

Kurayami had a knowing look on his face while Zoe froze in shock.

"How does thee know that?"

Kurayami scoffed.

"I have Azrael for a grandfather-in-law. He was around during the Titanomachia and he watched in person. He says it is one of the coolest memories he has."

Artemis sighed at the thought of Azrael.

"Such a troublesome guy. Anyway, Go on, Percy,"

Percy continued.

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

Kurayami corrected him.

"Stirring. I watched as it ranted as you killed him."

Percy agreed.

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

The goddess was so still she could have turned to ice. Artemis stood up.

"I must hunt this monster. Kurayami, if you will come be ready to set off."

He looked at the girls with a smile.

"Guess I got a quest in a quest."

They shook their heads and focused on what was on hand. Zoe looked like she was trying very hard not to be afraid, but she nodded.

"We will leave right away, my lady. I can't allow you to go alone with him."

At that moment Zoe felt a crushing hold around her neck. She was lifted off the ground by Kurayami as his draconic features started to emerge. Black scales appear over his face and a burning black armor started to appear on his body.

He was sick of her and he moved before Artemis could even react.

"Listen to me close and listen well. I have been far more patient than I should have because I do not want to lower myself to kill worthless meat like you. Either shut up or fall in line."

He dropped her as she held her throat with some fear. Artemis looked at Zoe with some worry, but she was glad that Kurayai had not hurt her too much

"I told you Zoe to stop provoking him. A Dragon is not something to be bothered. Kurayami I am sorry for her actions."

She lowered her head, but he shook his head.

"No, I should not get so worked up over her. it's shameful for me to get angry over the actions of the weak. Some people just need real-world experience to learn."

Artemis looked at Zoe as over all she was fine. She knew all it would take was for Kurayami to squeeze a little and Zoe would be dead.

"Zoe, leave for now. Apologize for the third time. You are no longer the captain of the hunters as you have disobeyed my orders."

"As… as you wish, my lady."

Zoe kneeled at Kurayami's feet until her forehead touched the ground. Her former attitude was nowhere to be seen.

"I am sorry. It won't happen again. Please forgive me."

He just grunted as he did not expect much from her.

"Learn not to piss of a Dragon God in the future. It is beneath me to kill you."

Zoe left the tent as she knew that she had caused trouble for Artemis. She even lost the position as captain as punishment. Artemis got her bow and prepared to go herself.

"Thank you for setting her straight. Now, we will find this creature, and I shall bring it back to Olympus by the winter solstice. It will be all the proof I need to convince the Council of the Gods of how much danger we are in. Nyx and Hades won't help and you are on helping because it's your whim."

Kurayami leaned back and put his head on Lavinia's lap.

"Being a god should make you understand. Gods do things to get entertained."

She nodded.

"I do in fact."

She began to leave.

"Let us pray I am wrong. We can set off soon Kurayami."

Kurayami bagan to pray.

"Dear God. Keep Artemis safe. Amen."

Kuroka held her head.

"HEY! Devil here."

She looked in pain.

"Sorry. I forget."

A flicker of a smile played across Artemis's lips.

"Before we go, Percy Jackson, I have a small request for you."

Percy was worried.

"Does it involve getting turned into a jackalope?"

Artemis shook her head.

"Sadly, no. I want you and Kurayami's fiances to escort the Hunters back to Camp Half-Blood. They can stay there in safety until we return and Kurayami has an all-access pass."

One of the hunters shows stayed behind and looked worried.

"My lady, we don't get along with them,"

Artemis grimaced.

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

Kurayami shook his head.

"Why? Mr. D is such a nice guy."

Percy just looked over in shock.

"Cause he loves it when you steal demigods. It's less work on his part and I heard he began to print the Nephilim cards and made sure to give one to every camper so they leave."

Artemis covered her face.

"That drunk. Please do not take more campers."

She coughed and got focused.

"And now there is one last decision to make."

Artemis turned to Bianca.

"Have you made up your mind, my girl?"

Nico was worried and yet he prayed he was wrong. Bianca hesitated.

"I'm still thinking about it. "

Nico spoke up.

"What about?"

Bianca looked at Nico and the hope in his eyes.

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

Percy shook his head.

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

Kurayami shook his head, but he did not try to convince her.

"Think before you accept anything. You may lose more than you know? We also can give you immortality if you want as well. We found a way to turn people into fallen angels and they live without aging. Plus you will be able to use your inheritence better with a fallen angel body."

Percy tried to make a pitch for cam as well, but it went wrong.

"Bianca, camp is cool! It's got a pegasus stable and a sword-fighting arena and… I mean, what do you get by joining the Hunters?"

Artemis answered that.

"To begin with, immortality."

Percy was shocked.

"She's kidding, right?"

Artemis frowned.

"I do not kid, my Hunters follow me on my adventures. They are my maidservants, my companions, my sisters-in-arms. Once they swear loyalty to me, they are indeed immortal… unless they fall in battle, which is unlikely. Or break their oath."

Kurayami filed it in.

"To not fall in love, not grow up, never marry and no sex."

Artemis looked at him oddly.

"Did you have to say it so tact?"

He nodded.

"Eternal maidenhood, virgin, no sex. Isn't it the same thing?"

The goddess nodded yet not happily.

"I mean yes, but saying eternal maidenhood sounds much nobler than saying 'No sex'."

Percy looked down as it seemed all new demigods were leaving for Grigori. Now he had the hunt to worry about.

"So you just go around the country recruiting half-bloods—"

Artemis shook her head

"Not just half-bloods. I do not discriminate by birth. All who honor memay join. Half-bloods, nymphs, mortals—"

However, Kurayami smirked.

"Half Titan."

Artemis nodded.

"That as well. Now, Biance. Your choice my girl."

Kurayami got up from Lavinia's lap who was a little disappointed.

"Do as you please, I don't care. What about your brother? Nico cant be a Hunter can he?"

Artemis agreed

"Certainly not. He will go to the camp or Grigori. Unfortunately, that's the best boy scan do."

Kurayami pointed at himself.

"Excuse me?"

Artemis stuttered.

"Forgive me. I misspoke. I mean to say that men can't join the hunt, but the best choice for him is to go with you or the camp. I did not mean to insult you."

He shrugged as he did not care. Artemis looked at Nico to explain.

"Bianca can see you from time to time but she will be free of responsibility. You will have the camp counselors to take care of you or go with Kurayami. And Bianca will have a new family. Us."

That seemed to get Bianca's interest.

"A new family, free of responsibility."

Biance muttered with longing. Kurayami lost all respect for her. Nico ran out and he went to where Tyrant was staying. Percy tried to talk her out of it.

"Bianca, you can't do this, It's nuts."

Bianca was too caught up in her fantasy and looked at Aremis.

"Is it worth it?"

The goddess nodded.

"Yes."

Bianca agreed.

"What do I have to do?"

Artemis explained the oath.

"Repeat after me, I pledge myself to the goddess Artemis,"

Bianca repeated after a while Kurayami and the girls all looked at her like she was selfish.

"I… I pledge myself to the goddess Artemis."

Artemis continued

"I turn my back on the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood, and join the Hunt. "

Bianca repeated the lines.

"Is that it?"

Artemis nodded.

"I accept it."

The flames in the brazier brightened, casting a silver glow over the room. Bianca looked no different, but she took a deep breath and opened her eyes wide.

"I feel stronger."

The hunter who stayed behind welcomed her in.

"Welcome sister to the hunt.

Artemis nodded.

"It is now your life."

However, her happiness was popped by two words.

"Selfish bitch."

The peaceful attitude was interrupted by Kurayami who looked at her like she was shit. Artemis was left slack-jawed. Just the way he looked at her made Bianca feel lower than waste. Shin was glaring at her like she was the most worthless trash.

Even the girls behind Kurayami looked at her like flith. Kurayamid did not even notice, but a tiny bit of his slaughter intent was free. It was so oppressive that it rendered the weak hunters paralyzed. Artemis looked at him with a gaze begging him to stop so he did, but not for her.

If he released too much, he might hurt Nico. He already considered the kid like his little brother and he was Hades' son.

"So much for caring for Nico. I could very much want to eat his soul or sell him off and the next time you see him he might be in a casket. I hate people like you the most. How could you abandon your own family? I would kill you if not for you being his sister."

Kurayami left the tent and Bianca began to cry tears of regret and terror. Raynare scoffed.

"You don't deserve to cry. Nico is the one who is hurt, you are just guilty that your fantasy is ruined now."

Zesshi spat on her face which was the worst out of any of them.

"I was ripped from my mother's arms and I know how that feels. You were all he had."

They all left and none of them felt bad for her. Even Shin scoffed on his way out and they all heard Bianca break down crying. The girls all noticed how Kurayami was unhappy, Esdeath patted him on the back.

"You ok?"

He shook his head.

"I mean she just left her own brother for a new family. That is like me just leaving you all forever. It is honestly sickening."

Natsume sighed.

"I agree. That was her brother and she just left him."

Lavinia was especially mad.

"Just like Glenda except worse as they were actual family. Think how Nico is feeling."

They went to the spot where Nico held a small figurine while Tyrant kept him company. The dragon tried to cheer him up.

"Nico. Do not cry. A man must be strong."

Tyrant could see the tears in Nico's eyes so he nudged him gently with his snout. Kurayami patted him on the shoulder.

"I am sorry Nico."

Nico wiped a tear from his eye while he ran his hand on Tyrant's scales.

"No. You were right. I accept your offer. I join Grigori."

Kuroka hugged him feeling bad for him.

"Don't worry. You can count on us."

Even Tyrant was annoyed that his new friend was hurt. The dragon rarely accepted others and Nico was one of them. How dare they make him cry? If he could he would turn the hunters to cinders for this.