Hunter hid his flag high up in a tree and knew that there was no way that he could get it without knocking the tree down. As he climbed down he could still feel some remnant pain in his wrist from the fight. Other than that and the bump on his head, he was fine. At least in better shape than his opponent, Duke. He landed on his feet after letting go of the bottom branch and found his starting position. It was standard Camp rules. There was no maiming or killing allowed and running through the middle of the camp there was a creek which served as boundary line. Hunter stood and waited for the bang to start the match. Suddenly, there it was. He took off into the forest and found a tree near the creek. He quickly climbed it and perched, waiting for any signal of Duke’s position.
He looked and could still see the glint of pink from his flag. He knew where to look, making locating his flag simple. He was curious how Duke hadn’t shown himself yet. There was a small crack and Hunter turned around to see Duke with a massive sword pulled back. He swung and the tree shook and started to tip. Hunter cursed under his breath and quickly found a footing on the branch. He leapt to a nearby tree and drew his bow. “Explosive.” He whispered with a finger on his quiver. He jumped to another tree and fired. He didn’t want to hit Duke directly. There was no reason to kill Duke, but just enough to knock him off his feet. Hunter fired a few feet away from Duke’s feet and the blast knocked him on his back. Hunter dismissed his bow and leapt to another tree. His plan was to be in the trees. He didn’t want anything to do with that sword.
He found another footing and leapt to another tree and to another. He was on the other side of the creek at this point. He kept to the trees and finally found a perch. He drew his bow and notched a boxing glove arrow. He cautiously looked around. No sign of Duke. He climbed down the tree with bow at the ready. He was about to dismiss his bow when he heard it. The sound of another tree being knocked down. It wasn’t close and he didn’t see him, so that means...
Hunter took off toward his flag. He kept his bow ready and just as a desperate action, he fired his arrow through the trees ahead of him. He notched another boxing glove and kept running. That’s when he felt a sharp pain in his foot. He lost his balance and fell to the ground. He stood up and walked back to where he tripped. A rock had overturned and where it was, there was a red flag. “That dirty cheater.” He said under his breath as he quickly grabbed it and tied it around his wrist. He drew his bow and loaded another boxing glove as he sprinted toward the creek in the middle. That’s when he saw Duke with the bright pink flag in hand. He was feet from the creek. Hunter grinned and fired maliciously. The arrow shot through the trees turning one to nothing, but splinters and hitting Duke right in the chest. He flew back several feet and slammed into a tree. Hunter ran and crossed the creek. A horn sounded and Hunter smiled as the trees turned to confetti.
“Congratulations, Hunter! You win!” Hermes’ voice rang around the stadium. “Get over here and talk to the pretty lady about your prize!” Hunter chuckled and started toward the podium. He could see the gods had left their balcony and some were mingling among the satyrs and the competitors.
“Hunter, that was amazing!” Hunter turned to see Jack standing on a pair of crutches, heavily bandaged. Hunter gave him a high five and looked down at his leg in a cast.
“Thanks, man. You look like you got hit by a bus.” He said with a chuckle. Jack laughed and then cringed and clutched his ribs.
“Don’t make me laugh. Martin can put up a bigger fight than I thought.” He said, lightly rubbing a bruise on his face. “It looks like you have something you need to take care of though.” He said nodding behind Hunter. Hunter turned to see Aphrodite walking up.
“Take care, Jack.” He said before turning and walking toward Aphrodite. He rubbed his eyes as her shifting appearance approached him. “I won. Now, it’s your turn.” He said with a chuckle. She placed a hand on his shoulder and winked at him. Suddenly, they were back in the chapel.
“Hunter! Oh my gods, are you okay?” Marina ran up and hugged him. Hunter looked into a mirror. He had bruises on his face and a black eye. Hunter chuckled.
“You should have seen the other guy, right?” Kyle walked up and patted him on the shoulder. “I’m glad you showed up. That Elvis was trying to marry us.” Marina chuckled.
“That’s not going to happen. No offense, babe.” She said kissing him on the cheek. Kyle shrugged. Hunter heard Aphrodite giggle. He turned and was reminded of her presence.
“Now, about this blessing.” He said with a sigh. She waved her hand and produced three golden arrows. They had pink rose petals instead of feathers and a heart instead of an arrowhead.
“These are the arrows of Eros. Isn’t that fun to say? Arrows of Eros. Arrows of Eros.” She said with a giggle. “Anyway, if you hit someone with these arrows, they fall in love with their crush. It doesn’t hurt a bit, unless you’re possessing the body an immortal hunter of Artemis and you need an immortal body to possess. Then it hurts. Like the dickens.” Hunter blinked at the new information.
“So, that’s what we’re up against?” He asked quietly. She nodded and handed him the arrows.
“I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough. You should go, though.” She said with a smile. Hunter nodded and made his way out the door. “Hunter? Take care of my daughter.” Hunter turned and raised an eyebrow.
“Philippa?” He asked. She giggled to herself.
“Okay.” She said quietly before disappearing. Hunter stood there for a second before walking out.