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In case anyone was wondering I most definitely did not jump at the sound of my phone ringing. Why would I do that? No reason, therefore, it did not happen. It’s not like there are any witnesses you could ask.
Except for my horses. But they are not traitors (unlike you, Meg. Yes, I am still upset about RISK. We had an alliance, you little traitor.)
I was driving the Sun Chariot in regular chariot mode today, nothing quite like the beating applause of horse hooves rushing through the sky. Swan Lake Suite (20a,TH 219:I scene-Swan Theme for anyone curious) playing in my head, I was quite focused on keeping my horses on track, also it was a particularly intricate part of the song and I was not in the mood to try rewinding in my head again, so it would have been entirely normal if the sound of my phone ringing did startle me. But since it didn’t you don’t need to worry about it.
Trying to come up with the best way to reach my pocket with the reins pulling taut in my hands, horses plowing forward at the (non) startling sound, when it stopped and I could focus on my attention on calming the fiery storm conjuring from the flightiness of my horses. “So dramatic.” I rolled my eyes.
“I wonder where they learned it?” A flat voice to my right quipped.
Soon as I stopped shaking, (what is it with everyone surprising me today?) I replied,” Not sure… But I will draw up a list of suspects. Personally, I have a feeling it might be Dio.”
Artemis was getting better at hiding her amusement. She even made the effort of hiding that quirk of her lips behind a silver sleeve, as opposed to just pretending it didn’t exist. Why did she think it was necessary to pretend she didn’t have the capability for glee anyhow? Like she was Athena or something? “So what are you up to?” she questioned mildly, while conjuring her own set of (very cool!) shades. See, the sunglasses are not me being my naturally hip self, but in fact my medically inclined instincts protecting me from the harsh UV rays of driving the sun.
“Eh not much, mostly just spending some quality time with my horses.” I gestured lovingly at my sweet incendiaries.
The front running mare proved my point by blowing fire out of her nostrils directly at a bird who made the poor choice of flying too close. I guided the team a teensy bit higher, hoping not to cause any more KFC without the Kentucky. Or really any chicken either.
Artemis flicked her braid over her shoulder, “Any plans for the holidays?”
The unassuming question did not, in truth, surprise me (we are siblings after all, we do make plans sometimes. Mostly at the behest of my dear mother. But my point stands.). However, the way she said it bothered me, and I couldn’t figure out why. Which really bothered me.
Regardless of my uncalled for discomfort, I answered, “Just the usual. Most of my cabin are going home except for Gracie and Will. Naomi is very busy releasing a Christmas album and Gracie doesn’t want to deal with packing and unpacking.”
Artemis hummed, ”So it has nothing to do with big scary monsters coming after her at home?”
I nodded along,” Actually, that’s my working theory too.” Artemis opened her mouth,” And yes, I have talked to her about it, but I don’t want to her to feel like she has to leave camp if she doesn’t want to.”
“Makes sense.” Artemis admitted. Then, much too casually for it to be casual she mentioned, “Anything else? I know Hermes wants to see you.”
“I bet he does.”
“He thinks you’re avoiding him. Dionysis told him that it is because you’re banned at most of the places he hangs out on Olympus.”
Rolling my eyes, I grumbled, ”He’s the one trying to play cards with a literal photographic memory.” Not to mention the times people tried to play poker with me, the man who can hear truth ring. Honestly (my sincere apologies, that was unintended), what was he thinking?
Thankfully, Artemis picked up on my tone and left it alone. Which was wise because talking about my cattle thieving, bet making little brother was not something I was in the mood for. I would rather play another four hour game of scrabble with Calliope, Euterpe, and Erato. Actually, I might do that regardless. Though, I would still argue the use of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch since it’s a name and not word, Calliope! I don’t care if they supposedly changed the rules to include names, it was an imbecilic change anyway!
My phone chose this wonderful moment to remind me that apparently someone couldn’t wait ten minutes before trying to call me again. My drachmas were on Meg. Which is why my face did all sorts of acrobatics as Thalia’s (The hunter, not the muse) name filled the screen. “Is everything alright with the hunters?” I asked Artemis, showing her Thalia’s humorously chosen profile photo. I did not find the pine tree extremely funny like most people did. Then again, most people did not have bad experiences with people turning into trees.
She frowned, “ She was supposed to wait.”
My confusion was starting to become annoying.” Wait for what?”
She swiped (been hanging out with Hermes, have you sister?) the phone out of my hand and answered,” I’m talking to him!” Then, with an annoyed frown, she hung up.
Artemis handed me my phone back,” Thalia wanted to know if you would mind keeping an eye on Jason because she can’t be here for Christmas.” She muttered the words uncharacteristically unconfidently.
Oh, was that all?
“Of course, I don’t mind.” Why did it take her so long to get to the point? Artemis wasn’t usually one for dancing around topics? (That was a lie. There are quite a few topics she likes dancing around.) “Why did Thalia need to call?”
“No reason.” She turned and my experienced eye could tell she was going to leave me with questions dangling off the tip of my tongue.
And that right there is why our chats tend to be on the short side. Like Artemis. And Meg, for that matter. I’m such a great brother, aren’t I?
“Artemis,” I said with more urgency coating my tone,” is something wrong?”
She must have heard the notes of worry because she turned back and unexpectedly gave me an answer. “No. It’s just- this Teumessian fox hunt is taking longer than anticipated. The dam thing is taking us farther than I expected, and Thalia didn’t want Jason to be alone. But as its going we won’t make it back in time, so she suggested you check in on him.” Artemis took a big breath only to sigh all the air out in an exasperated fashion. “I told her it wouldn’t be a good idea because you just got in trouble for spending too much time with mortals- and of course you would agree without even considering the consequences.”
Her shoulders muscles were growing tenser, drawing my attention up to her furiously blinking eyes.
I eyed the fern growing rapidly around her wrist- like a bracelet. Meg would like it. Artemis agitation urged its growth until it grew all the way around her elbow.
How long had she been stewing over this?
She continued,” And you just got back, everything is supposed to be back to normal now!” She refused to meet my eyes, focusing instead on the clouds around us. “So why isn’t it?” It was said like a question but the amount of my sister’s frustration accompanying the word made it more akin to the distressed cry of a wounded animal. “ You’re ignoring Hermes, can’t stand being in the same room as father, you downright act like the ancient laws don’t exist!”
I tentatively reached for her arm,” Artemis-“
She took a step back- which is impressive on the sun chariot’s chariot form. “No Apollo, listen! You act recklessly! I don't get why you just won't learn- since you are still blatantly ignoring orders as you please!" listing each accusation off on her fingers she yelled again, her voice rolling over the clouds fighting with the wind, “Everything was supposed to be okay now-like it always is after you get back-so why isn’t it?” She demanded.
I briefly wondered whether I should ask her to define ‘okay’. ”Artemis, I don’t understand where this is coming from? Everything is fine.” I offered, hoping she would take the opportunity to reassure herself without getting dragged into certain conversations.
My statement had a strange effect on my sister.
Her eyes narrowed and a strong set in her shoulders contrasted wildly with her wobbly mouth. “Oh, is that so? Then explain to me why Hera is not being horrible, like she’s trying to be civil? Civil brother. To me.” She accused, ”What about our uncle with all the weird insinuations ‘careful that seat is temporary’? ”Artemis moved her head mockingly,” He said that to father, Apollo! Do you understand the significance of that statement?”
More than you know, sis.
I nodded, “Sis-“ Her glare convinced me to close my mouth.
“And the cupbearer, Ganymede .” She looked at me like I was supposed to know what she meant.
I frowned, “What do you- “
Artemis threw her hands up,” Don’t play dumb with me brother! I know about the meetings.”
Oh, alright then. Different plan. “Well, what can I say? I’ve been rather lonely- “
She looked at me flatly, “Apollo, do I look like father to you? You really think I would believe that?”
I hoped she would.
“And while we are on this topic, it’s like you think I don’t see the notes you trade with Persephone.
I tried for a silly smile, “What’s so strange about a few notes between siblings?”
She pointed to my smiling face, “That right there! Your words and your actions don’t match up!”
The smile on my face faltered and fell flat, “Look I don’t know what you want me to tell you- “
“The truth Apollo. I want you to tell me the truth.” Desperation clung to her words, a clever tactic, she knew I couldn’t knowingly leave her feeling so distressed. I supposed I would have had to tell her eventually anyway, at least this way she might not pull an Athena and tattle the moment things got real. Right, so I was doing it then. I was going to tell her about my borderline treasonous actions. I kind of had to now considering how long I had been staring at the spot right over her left shoulder whilst mentally discussing this with myself.
Besides we were on the sun chariot, this was about as secure as our conversation could be. Except maybe…
Artemis jumped, now seated on the passenger seat of my (still totally very cool) Maserati. “Apollo what-“
Now or never Apollo.
“Ganymede hears things. People don’t watch their mouths around someone they don’t consider important enough to be a threat. He’s rather tired of feeling like a piece of furniture.”
Artemis winced but kept silent.
I fiddled with the bracelet on my wrist (a gift from cabin seven, aka the best cabin ever), the mismatched string colours reminding me why I was even considering planning for this in the first place. “Uncle P is getting antsy, and ahead of himself. No one’s discussed anything with him but you know how he is. ‘The see doesn’t like to be restrained.’ He can’t hold himself back or keep his mouth shut.”
“Hold on, no one’s discussed what with him?” Artemis asked, already knowing the answer but waiting for me to say it. She needed to hear this from me.
I considered, carefully picking my words “ Well, historically, tyrants tend to fall hard and we have an unfortunate trend in this dam family. So our sea-loving uncle thinks he is going to need a child of the current king to-you know what- and since I’m feeling particularly rebellious these days. I seem to be a popular choice.”
The moment the word ‘tyrant’ left my mouth Artemis’s eyes flicked up to the roof of my Maserati. “Popular?”
Watching my hands on the steering wheel, I explained, “Uncle H. The letters between me and Seph are between me and him.”
She nodded seriously and wiped a remaining tear off her chin “I should’ve known. You despise Seph's writing.”
“She uses too many commas! Its infuriating!”
Artemis and I fell silent, stewing on the new reveals. I absently worried she might and tattle on me (Alright fine, I might still be slightly miffed at a certain someone), then immediately dismissed the idea. Artemis wouldn’t risk it. She knew I was too committed, too involved. Besides, she was my twin. We had our differences (and boy were there many) but we had each other’s backs. Most of the time anyway.
Finally, she lifted her hand to play with the bottom of her braid,” Apollo- just…” she took a breath, and waited for me to look at her, ”Be careful . Alright?” She said softly, a plea decorating her tone.
Now dear reader, if you have paid attention to my general reaction at my sister(s) looking at me like that, you’ll know what I’m about to do next.
I couldn’t help myself, I flung my arms around my sister just barely remembering to grab the steering wheel in time.
She hugged me back.
“I will.” I muttered, into her shoulder, testing the silver parka’s water repelling capabilities.
We clung to each other until our tears dried..
Eventually we reluctantly let go as my phone started making its attention seeking noises again. I stared at the screen for a moment wondering if I might need reading glasses.
Artemis watched me stare for a moment,” Thalia again? Here, I’ll let her know we talked-“
I shook out of my surprise in time to stop her from snagging my phone again, ”It’s not Thalia."
“What? Are you sure?” She leaned over me, trying for a glimpse of the screen.
“Yes Artemis, I’m sure I can read.” I said attempting to maneuver out of her reach.
She quirked her eyebrow,” Alright be like that.”
“No, I’m sorry. I’m just…confused.” She hummed in acceptance of my apology. While a casual message from him might not have generated this response from us a thousand years ago, it certainly did now. For very similar reasons to why Artemis was surprised at the growing sense of comfortableness between Ares and Athena.
Nero wasn’t the only one who knew how to isolate people.
I was quite familiar with his tactic of encouraging competitiveness between siblings to the point of not knowing whether one would (literally) stab you in the back first chance they get. And I wasn’t excluded from the mutual distrust between us.
I contemplated for another moment before I answered the call.
“Ares?”
“Hey Blondie, you busy?”