Chapter One

"Artemis." Apollo arrived at the banquet and approaches his sister, Artemis.

"And where the hell did you go?"

"Why?"

"Nothing, I'm just wondering why you're often late or absent whenever there is a celebration, are you hiding something, brother?" Artemis asked suspiciously.

Apollo doesn't know what to do or what to say, when it comes to his sister he doesn't want to hide something but he has a reputation and an image to protect so she doesn't have to know his relationship with the goddess who almost broke the union of the gods.

"Brother?" Artemis asked while looking at Apollo's worried face. "Is there something wrong?"

"Everything's fine, I'm just tired."

"And when did the mightiest Apollo gets tired?" Hermes said while embracing his friend.

"Miss Artie here is searching for you a while ago, where did you go? And who is your company?"

"I really love your sense of humor my Brother. Come on, let's drink. We'll leave you now Artemis."

While Apollo and Hermes together with the other Gods are drinking and dancing, Artemis is still wondering what is that "thing" or who is that "someone" whom her brother is hiding. As far as she knows, Apollo doesn't keep any secret from her since they are twins but she is really sure that her brother has a secret that no one knows.

"Artemis!"

"Persephone, how are you?" Artemis asked. She is happy to see her friend back in the Olympus.

"I'm good. By the way, this is my daughter Macaria." Persephone answers with a big smile on her face. Artemis gets the baby caress its cheeks.

"She's beautiful Persephone, She looks like you…but she looks like Hades, also."

"Of course, he is her father. I'm so happy right now Artemis. I feel...complete."

Artemis hugged her and once again touched the cheeks of Macaria.

"I'm happy for you, you deserve all of this."

After their small talk, Persephone then left her because they have to go back to the underworld. Hades and Persephone together with their daughter Macaria said goodbyes to the Olympians and went back to their kingdom. Artemis always admired their love story; she believes that her friend is very happy with her uncle and they deserve each other's love. Artemis often think that what will happen to her and her only love Orion if Apollo didn't tricked her. She's wondering what will happen if she's like Persephone who is brave enough to fight for her love. What if she's not bound to be a maiden forever? And, what will she do if ever Orion gets back? Oh-How much she misses her only love. She knows that her brother only did that because Orion is a mortal and when Zeus found out about it, she will be in danger.

"Artemis, is there something I can do for you?"

"Oh, Hephaestus, I'm…no I'm just fine. Hephaestus, can I ask you something?"

"You can ask anything Artie."

"How can you know that someone is hiding something from you?"

"Why? And who might be that someone?"

"My brother, Apollo, I'm just curious because he's often late or gone and lately, he's not in his temple. And you know what, he's always happy. Do you think he's seeing someone?"

"I think you're correct. Maybe there is someone who is making your brother so happy. Don't worry Artie, He'll just do fine. And He's Apollo, no one mess with Apollo."

"But who do you think is that girl?"

"Don't have any idea, Aphrodite needs me now."

"Sorry and…thanks."

"You're always welcome Artie, bye…and don't think too much."

"Okay."

After the party, the gods and goddesses said goodbyes to each other. Hephaestus and Aphrodite (who are now married again after their 3 months separation) went home, after that Zeus and Hera go back to their temple and the rest of the gods disappear one by one. Artemis went home with Athena while her twin brother is left with Hermes.

"Apollo, are you going home?"

"No. I still have to go somewhere. I have to leave you now." Apollo then walked away but Hermes followed him silently in the woods.

"Hermes…I know you're following me. What is your problem?"

"Mmm. Nothing, I'm just curious because this is not the way to your temple. Where are you going?"

"You don't have anything to do with it Hermes"

"Come on Brother, wait…wait…I know this place, this is Eris's place. No way—you're seeing that desperate and cold-hearted witch?! What's happening to you Apollo? ERIS? Are you serious?!"

Apollo doesn't know what to say. He is expecting this kind of reaction to anyone who will know his relationship to Eris. Their relationship is something that is odd and unbelievable to everyone.

"Hermes, she's just a girl. I know it's strange…of course it's strange"

"She's not just any other girl Apollo, She's Eris—Eris?" Hermes says while his hands are shaking.

"And what are you doing here Mr. Winged shoe?" Eris asked while looking at his face straightly.

"Eris, I will explain…come on' let's go to your house, Hermes, come with us." Apollo hold Eris's hand and lead her to her house.

When they reached Eris house, Hermes is still oblivious on what's happening.

"Mr. Winged Shoe, What do you want to eat?" Eris asked.

"Eris, call him Hermes." Apollo answered while looking at his shaking friend.

"Fine, Hermes, my dear, as a sign of gratitude that you're visiting me here in the dark woods, what do you want to eat?" Eris looked at him and smiled.

"Water will do. Thanks." She has a sweet smile, Hermes thought.

Eris then looked at the worried face of Apollo.

"Dear—'

"I'm okay, just water."

"Okay." And Eris went to the kitchen.

While Eris is away, Hermes finally spoke to Apollo.

"Now I know why you love her, I didn't see a sweet smile that often."

Apollo chuckled and tapped Hermes shoulder.

"I want this to remain as a secret, Hermes I'm hoping that you'll understand our situation."

"Trust me bro, you can count on me. By the way, are you staying here tonight?"

"Well…" Apollo suddenly blushed.

"It's okay bro, I know." Hermes said while laughing. Eris arrived with two glasses of water.

"Guess the two of you are happy, I think I have to go outside so you guys can talk." Eris said while walking to the door.

"Dear, sit here. We have to tell everything to this curious man with a winged shoe" Apollo said with a sweet smile on his face.