The Hunter

Taking Stock (Epilogue)

Finn woke the next morning in pain and feeling numb. Definitely pushed the magic use yesterday, she thought. She groaned and sat up, giving herself a moment before she stood. She'd lost enough blood that just that was causing her to see spots in front of her eyes and her stomach churned. She limped to the stairs and climbed down them one riser at a time.

At the bottom she stopped and listened. The house was still and she knew Gloria would still be asleep. She nodded absently as she made her way to the door that opened to the room with the demon inside. The runes she had etched into it were still firm and she nodded to herself as she opened the door. Inside the demon stood by the book, saliva dripping from his fangs as he watched Finn limp into the room. She ignored him and turned the book to face her, tracing her name and smiling.

"Almost." She smirked at the demon. "But that won't cut it, will it?"

The demon attacked the walls of the room as she closed the door behind her, knowing the room would be fine no matter how much damage he thought he was doing. She went to the kitchen and poured a glass of water. From a small spice cupboard she pulled two pill bottles from the back and carefully took a pill from each, swallowing them with the water and holding her hand over her mouth to keep from gagging. She replaced the bottles and sank, out of breath and energy, into a chair at the kitchen table.

No movement from Gloria's rooms and Finn wondered what time it even was. Didn't matter for the call she had to make now. She reached for the phone, nearly crying when she finally had the receiver in her hand. After a moment she reached up and dialed a number, then lifted the receiver to her ear and tried to catch her breath.

"You're an idiot." Came the voice over the receiver and Finn nodded.

"Yeah, but I've done everything I said I would."

"Almost."

"Almost." Finn granted and took a few deep breaths before she continued. "What do you know about what's going on?"

"It's bad Finn." The voice said. "Worse than you can imagine and I really wish you'd called me sooner or answered my calls. Or even just not used the letters I mailed you as kindling. Anything." The voice paused a moment and Finn leaned her head back against the wall. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For pushing you the way I did. You've always been the best, you know that right? Even without my help?"

Finn waved the platitudes off. "Tell me what's going on."

"It's an organization aiming to create werewolves."

"That's-" Finn paused and stared at the ceiling. "Unexpected." She finished lamely.

"Scientifically. They've made enough advancements they could now."

"Okay, but - "

"No." The voice interrupted. "Don't think along the lines of how they can be made on their own. Think Third Reich level of experimentation." Finn sat up straight again.

"Run this by me again?"

"I can't. The have at least one prophet working for them and all they do is block us from seeing. What I have I got from survivors." The voice broke on the word. "I need you to stop this Finn. I need to be able to bring my children home."

Finn nodded in acceptance of what the voice was saying.

"There's something else Artemis." Finn said finally. "You're going to have to find me a replacement."

Silence on the other end of the line, although Finn knew Artemis's was still there. Artemis, goddess of the Hunter. Creator of the job of Hunter. Leader of all the very best hunts. Patron god of werewolves, although not their creator. Artemis the patient. Artemis sighed.

"I'm out of time for both, and I've already started one. Figure it out." Finn hung up the phone and slowly lowered her head into her hands.