The Hiker

The Hunter

Several Months Later

Three blurs of silver raced through the forest, slowly converging on a large boar. As they all took their places in the trees, an unseen signal was given, and three arrows were shot at the boar quickly killing the beast. The three silver garbed figures jumped down looking very pleased with themselves. They walked over and skinned the boar. It was at that moment a flash of silver illuminated the area and the three hunters bowed.

"Milady" They said in unison with their heads bowed

"Rise girls, we have been tasked with hunting a pack of hellhounds near the city of Thebes" Artemis said, and three girls rose from their bows and smiled

"We are ready for anything Milady" A girl with dark brown hair and Onyx black eyes said as she adjusted her circlet

"Very well then, let's get moving" Artemis said with a smile as she took off towards the east at an inhuman speed, quickly followed by the three huntresses

In several hours they reached a small lake outside the small city of Thebes. They took places among the trees and scanned the lake. One of the girls with red hair spotted a man sitting crossed legged. He had raven black hair and his face seemed serene as if he didn't know he was in the center of hellhound territory. He had a staff across his lap and a wolf by his side.

"What does that boy think he is doing? Doesn't he know of the hellhounds?" The huntress asked and the others nodded

"Perhaps we can use him as bait? The hellhounds will be drawn to easy prey and we can shoot them down easily" Another girl said with blond hair said

However, as the three girls were discussing their course of action, a large hellhound slowly crept out of the woods and towards the man. Artemis watched the man carefully remembering that he said he was a naturally gifted fighter the last time they met.

As soon as the hellhound was in leaping distance of the man, it crouched low and sprung forward. In an instant the monster was on top of the man before it sunk its jaws into the dirt. The man had swung out of the way at the very last moment using his staff as a pivot point. He opened his eyes and smirked as he reached behind him and pulled out an arrow before flinging it down into the monster's neck. The arrow embedded itself firmly causing the hellhound to go limp as he landed near his fallen foe his eyes glancing around the area, scanning carefully making sure to take in every detail.

Artemis was stunned at the speed the man had reacted. She watched in silence as his eyes locked onto several locations in the trees and drew three more arrows from his back before flinging them into the brush causing three yelps to sound out as each arrow hit its mark.

By this point the three huntresses we're silent and watching the man as he finished off the pack without confronting any of the monsters. The man then turns toward Artemis and smiles before waving.

"So, we meet again!" He calls out to her

Zoe, Phoebe and the other girl looked at Artemis confused. Artemis sighed before jumping down with a smile on her face as she walked up to the man.

"How do you fare on this wonderful day?" The man asks

"I am well, but I have a few questions for you" Artemis asked, and the man nodded as the three girls dropped down behind the goddess

Artemis' POV:

"You may ask away" the man says as he leans on his walking stick, the wolf next to him

"First what is your name, I didn't catch it last time" I asked with a demanding air about me but as I locked eyes with him, I was lost in the sea green sea that they were

"My name is Orion, and this is my companion Sirius, what is your name if I might ask?" Orion says and my mind races

"Uhhh... my name is Cynthia the leader of a small band of hunters that travel Greece looking for worthy prey" I said before looking at my hunters to go along with it

"Cynthia? That's a nice name" Orion said before turning around "Well I must be off, it was nice seeing you again Cynthia" He finished before he started walking away

"Wait!" I yelled and Orion stopped in his tracks before looking at me

"Yes, Lady Cynthia?" He asked as he turned toward me

"I was wondering if you wanted to join in my hunting party for a while" I blurted out much to the protest of my current hunters

"Milady, you said no males were to join the hunt!" Phoebe yells in protest

"Yeah, you promised us sanctuary from them!" Zoe yelled out

Orion gained a small smile on his face before he gave a slight bow.

"Then I shall take my leave, it has been a pleasure speaking with you again Cynthia, I am very glad you have found your own path just as I have found mine" He says before he starts walking away with his wolf at his heel

"Girls I know what you may be thinking, but this man is different, he is the one who gave me the courage to create the hunters instead of being married to one of my brothers" At this the girls looked over to the man who had continued to walk into the woods and out of sight causing me to sigh "I wanted to allow him to join so he would see what he inspired but I guess I wont see him again"

"Not necessarily Cynthia" A voice said from behind me

I whipped around and looked up to see Orion smiling in a tree.

"If your hunters would allow me, then I would be happy to join under any rules you set for me" he said and I looked at Zoe, Phoebe and Dimitra who all sighed and nodded

"But if he breaks any of the rules he leaves" Zoe demanded, and I nodded before looking at Orion who nods in understanding before jumping down and bowing slightly

"Those terms are acceptable Cynthia" Orion states before he smiles a simple yet heartwarming smile "Glad I can join you all for the immediate time being"