[ REVIEWS ]

Shaniverse fan1: Glad you enjoy it, and I'm excited to write more! Definitely will be an interesting encounter with Apollo.

I-lander's Mask: I feel the same. The Hunters aren't really nice to other people when it comes down to it, and can often come off as kind of snobby and 'brattish.' And Lydia definitely isn't into that, especially since Bianca just up and left, and they're prejudiced against men.

Guest: Yeah this'll certainly be an interesting encounter!

Snowstorm: Glad you enjoy it so far. For this first bit during The Titan's Curse, it'll still be relatively the same plot line, but things will gradually get more different as the story goes on. I'm planning on not having this be just a simple rehash of the books! :D


Lydia POV...

After our discussion with Artemis, Percy and I were waiting outside in the cold snow as the Hunters broke down camp. The idea of meeting Apollo, the sun god seemed really outlandish, but at this point I think I'd be able to accept anything. It's pretty clear to me now that Greek mythology exists. Artemis seemed to have some distaste at he mention of her twin brother, and I could tell none of the Hunters were looking forward to meeting him.

That just makes me even more excited.

Speaking of the Hunters, I have to admit they do know their stuff when it comes to setting up and taking down a campsite. They worked with quick efficiency, having the camp broken down as fast as they put it up, leaving no trace behind. I've been on camping trips before with my dad, but even we couldn't do it that fast.

While they were doing so, Artemis was just standing at the edge of the cliff, looking out at the horizon. And as for Bianca... she was currently telling Nico about her decision to join the Hunters. From the look on his face he was not pleased at all, and I can't blame him one bit.

"I hate this weather," I mutter to Percy, holding my arms and shivering. "Is she sure that Apollo is coming?"

"I don't know, but she's probably right in that he's coming," he replies. "Even if there's still no sign of dawn."

"I don't like her," I grumble quietly.

"Well, we all have our 'least favorite' gods and goddesses," he replies with a shrug.

"You sound like you have experience," I notice, even through the shivering.

"Yeah. I wouldn't be surprised if half of them want me dead," he deadpans.

"W-what?" I ask incredulously.

Before he could answer, Grover and Thalia both showed up beside us, and started asking about our visit with Artemis. I decided to let go of Percy's ridiculous 'bounty' and listen in as he explained the situation. Once he did, Grover went pale, which meant he was scared.

"The last time the Hunters visited camp, it didn't go well," he says uneasily.

"Why? Is Queen sourpuss unable to handle the presence of such 'foolish demigods?'" I ask sarcastically.

Thalia snorts with laughter at my comment, and I notice Zoe nearby looking over and glaring at me. I make a face at her in response, and she scowls, turning away.

"How'd they even show up here?" Percy asks. "I mean, they just appeared out of nowhere."

"And Bianca joined them," Thalia adds in disgust, a feeling I heartily agree with. "It's all Zoe's fault. That stuck-up, no good—"

"Who can blame her?" Grover says dreamily, heaving a sigh. "Eternity with Artemis?"

"Eh- Seriously Grover?" I ask dryly.

"You satyrs. You're all in love with Artemis," Thalia says in exasperation, rolling her eyes. "Don't you get that she'll never love you back?"

"But she's so… into nature," Grover swoons.

"Yeah, she's into nature. Not people. Don't forget the fact that you're a dude, and she hates dudes," I point out.

"Exactly!" Thalia adds in agreement.

"You just gotta get to know her..." Grover trails off.

"You're nuts," she states.

"Nuts and berries," Grover replies dreamily, barely paying attention. "Yeah..."

"Well, at least the new girl and I have something we agree on," Thalia says, looking at me pleasantly. I smile back at her, when I notice a bright light in the sky.

"Hey, you see that?" I ask.

"See what?" Thalia replies.

"That bright light in the sky," I tell them, pointing up at it.

"I don't see anything," Percy says in confusion.

"It's my brother," Artemis interjects.

I frown in confusion, unsure of why the others can't see the glowing speck of light, which is growing larger and brighter. Soon, the sky begins to lighten up to, much like in the way dawn comes in the early morning. Along with this brightening sky, comes a comforting sense of warmth.

The cold and darkness is washed away from me he brighter the sky gets, and I allow myself a sigh of relief, feeling comforted and empowered at the feeling of the sun's light. Looking back up at the sky, I can definitely see a golden object approaching us clearly now.

"About time. He's soooo lazy during the winter," Artemis says, muttering to herself.

"You're, um, waiting for sunrise?" Percy asks warily.

"For my brother. Yes," she replies.

"Seriously, none of you can see it?" I ask them incredulously.

"See what? The brightening of the sky?" Thalia asks.

"They do not share the gift of your godly parent Lydia," Artemis states.

I frown at her statement, mulling it over. I guess it does make some sense, if my mother really is a Greek goddess with power over the sun, or light, or whatever. Wasn't that Apollo though? I guess there is... Helios, maybe? But he's a guy... I'm really drawing a blank here. Whoever it is, it does make sense considering what I felt when the sky began to lighten up.

"It's not exactly as you think," Artemis suddenly says, directing her words to Percy.

I'm confused, but apparently Percy isn't. "Oh, okay. So, it's not like he'll be pulling up in a—"

The glowing object flares much brighter in the sky, growing bigger as it draws closer. Narrowing my eyes at it, I make out what seems to be a... a car?

"Don't look," Artemis advises. "Not until he parks."

Huh, the sun god drives a car.

I don't feel any reason to avert my eyes, as while it is definitely bright, it isn't unbearable for me. I've never had too much trouble looking up at the sun, although of course I don't do it for too long, because I'm not an idiot. Still, all it is, is a glowing car shooting straight for us.

"Elton, don't look!" Artemis urges.

I glance over at her in confusion, and then look back as the car comes in for a landing. The snow is instantly melted away at the approach of the glowing car, and it parked on the now green grass. The car was a ridiculously fancy sports convertible, a red Maserati Spyder I believe. The metal of the car was also glowing brightly, and the snow around it was melted in a perfect circle. The unmistakable feeling of warmth flowed around me, a lot more welcoming than the coldness of the wintery night.

"That wasn't too bad," I remark, looking back at Artemis.

She narrows her eyes at me, appearing irritated, before dropping the expression to stare back at the car with an impassive expression. I blink in confusion, before noticing all of the rest of the kids beginning to look up again after having averted their gaze. Does something bad happen if you look at it? Either Artemis would be lying, or I'm special because it's related to the sun.

Also did I just one-up the freaking goddess of the hunt?

Score!

The driver of the car gets out, a dazzling smile on his face. He looks about seventeen or eighteen years old, wearing jeans, loafers, and a sleeveless T-shirt. His entire presence just screams a warm sun, and I raise my eyebrows at the look of him as he swaggers out of the car, his blond hair almost glowing.

"Wow," Thalia mutters. "Apollo is hot."

"He's the sun god," Percy points out obliviously.

"I don't think that's what she meant," I tell him.

"Little sister!" Apollo calls out, smiling widely. "What's up? You never call. You never write. I was getting worried!"

"I'm fine, Apollo. And I am not your little sister," Artemis sighs.

"Hey, I was born first," he retorts.

"We're twins! How many millennia do we have to argue—" she begins to argue.

"So what's up?" he interrupts uncaringly, and I hold back a snicker. "Got the girls with you, I see. You all need some tips on archery?"

"I need a favor. I have some hunting to do, alone. I need you to take my companions to Camp Half-Blood," she replies, going no-nonsense.

"Sure, sis!" he says happily, and then raises his hands up. "I feel a haiku coming on."

The Hunters all groan in response, and I glance over at Thalia in amusement.

"This should be good," I mutter, and she nods in agreement.

"Green grass breaks through snow. Artemis pleads for my help. I am so cool," Apollo recites dramatically, waiting for applause.

"That last line was only four syllables," Artemis states.

"Was it?" he asks with a frown.

"Yes. What about I am so big-headed?"

"No, no, that's six syllables," he replies in disagreement. "Hmm."

Zoe then turns to us, looking quite aggravated.

"Lord Apollo has been going through this haiku phase ever since he visited Japan. 'Tis not as bad as the time he visited Limerick. If I'd had to hear one more poem that started with, There once was a goddess from Sparta—"

"I've got it!" Apollo announces. "I am so awesome. That's five syllables!"

He bows, looking very pleased with himself. I smile in amusement and nod my head at him.

"That wasn't bad," I remark.

"Why thank you!" he exclaims cheerfully. "Glad to see someone enjoys my work!"

"'Not bad...?'" Zoe mutters in distaste.

"And now, sis. Transportation for the Hunters, you say?" Apollo asks pleasantly. "Good timing. I was just about ready to roll."

"These demigods will also need a ride," Artemis says, pointing to us. "Some of Chiron's campers."

"No problem!" he says happily, looking at us curiously. "Let's see… Thalia, right? I've heard all about you."

Thalia blushes in response, averting her eyes in a way that makes me roll my own in amusement.

"Hi, Lord Apollo," she greets meekly.

"Zeus's girl, yes? Makes you my half sister. Used to be a tree, didn't you? Glad you're back. I hate it when pretty girls turn into trees," he starts to ramble. "Man, I remember one time—"

"Brother," Artemis says in exasperation. "You should get going."

"Oh, right," he says in response, looking over at Percy. "Percy Jackson?"

"Yeah. I mean… yes, sir," Percy replies.

Apollo studies Percy for a few moments with narrowed eyes, and I could tell that he was obviously uneasy with the stare. Then he shifted his dazzling smile over to me, and I suddenly found myself the center of the god's attention.

"And who's the pretty girl with a proper sense of music?" he asks.

"Umm... Lydia, sir. Lydia Elton," I tell him.

Should I bow or something? I guess not, considering no one else is bowing. Plus, Apollo doesn't seem like the kind of god to care about that. Speaking of which, he studies me thoughtfully for a few moments, his eyes gleaming.

"Wow, you sure feel as wonderful as the sun kiddo," he remarks. "I'd say you could be one of mine!"

"Uhh..." I start to say, unsure of how to react. I guess that's a compliment?

"Brother, this girl is not 'one of yours.' Her father was mortal, and her mother was godly," Artemis says with an exasperated sigh of annoyance.

"Oh," Apollo remarks, sounding surprised, saddened, and confused.

He then narrows his gaze on me, and I shift uncomfortably for a moment. He apparently notices something, because his face morphs a little to one of surprise.

"Oh..." he mutters, as if realizing something huge.

Within moments however, the moment passes, and he instantly returns to his 'happy-quirky' personality, smiling up at everyone.

"Well! We'd better load up, huh? Ride only goes one way—west. And if you miss it, you miss it!" he states cheerfully.

I look over at the Maserati sports car, which would seat only two people max. It's a nice car, but the problem is we can't all exactly fit. There were about twenty of us.

"Cool car," Nico says.

"Thanks, kid," Apollo replies happily.

"But how will we all fit?" he asks.

"Oh," Apollo says, seeming to notice the problem for the first time. "Well, yeah. I hate to change out of sports-car mode, but I suppose…"

He takes out his car keys and a button on them. Once he does that, the car begins to glow brightly again, which doesn't really affect me too bad. When the glare dies, the car is replaced with a large bus, with plenty of room for us all.

"Right," he comments, gesturing to the bus. "Everybody in."

The Hunters begin loading up, and after Zoe picks up her own bag to do so, Apollo approaches her with a grin on his face.

"Here, sweetheart. Let me get that," he offers.

The affect is instantaneous. Zoe recoils from him in absolute disgust and repulsion, her eyes flashing with murderous intent. Artemis doesn't seem to pleased either from the way she's narrowing her eyes at him.

"Brother, you do not help my Hunters. You do not look at, talk to, or flirt with my Hunters. And you do not call them sweetheart," she states fiercely, and I roll my eyes.

Apollo spreads his hands in apology, not looking to sorry. "Sorry. I forgot. Hey, sis, where are you off to, anyway?"

"Hunting," she replies briskly. "It's none of your business."

"I'll find out. I see all. Know all," he retorts confidently.

"Kinda hard to argue with that when he drives the fricking sun," I remark quietly, and Apollo grins at me.

"Just drop them off, Apollo," Artemis says in aggravation. "And no messing around!"

"No, no! I never mess around!" he replies innocently.

Artemis rolls her eyes, and then looks over at us. "I will see you by winter solstice. Zoe, you are in charge of the Hunters. Do well. Do as I would do."

"Yes, my lady," she replies, straightening up.

Artemis kneels down and touches the ground for a few moments, probably looking for tracks. What sort of tracks I don't know, but it's probably some godly stuff or whatever.

"So much danger. The beast must be found," she says gravely. She sprints into the woods moments later, seemingly vanishing.

"If that was a quote from a book or a movie, that would feel cringeworthy," I remark dryly to Thalia.

"She never knew how to lighten up," Apollo remarks.

I jump in surprise at how he suddenly appeared in between me and Thalia, an arm around my shoulders and a smile on his face. I let out a sigh, and he backs up while Thalia rolls her eyes in exasperation.

Apollo grins at us, jingling his keys from his finger. "So, who wants to drive?"

Thalia, Grover, Percy and I all look at each other in surprise, uneasy at the thought of driving a god's sunlight bus.

"Are most God's usually this lax?" I ask them quietly.

"No. Usually they try to kill you," Percy mutters back.

"Oh, wonderful," I reply with a sigh.

"Can I drive?" Nico asks, coming up next to me.

"No way sir, you're way too young," I reply firmly, and he pouts in response. "I doubt Apollo would allow it."

"Oh come on, I'm sure he'd agree!" he insists.

"Nope," I state.

With the bus ready, we all get into the bus and choose our seats. The Hunters all pile as far back into the bus as possible, as far as they can be from Apollo. Bianca goes with them, which makes me frown bitterly at how readily she leaves Nico behind for a group of girls she's barely known for less than an hour. Still, he doesn't seem to mind too much, so I sit with him instead. However, he wanted to try and drive, and rushed over to the driver's seat.

"This is so cool!" Nico says, jumping up and down in the driver's seat while rambling off a bunch of questions. "Is this really the sun? I thought Helios and Selene were the sun and moon gods. How come sometimes it's them and sometimes it's you and Artemis?"

"Downsizing," Apollo replies in explanation. "The Romans started it. They couldn't afford all those temple sacrifices, so they laid off Helios and Selene and folded their duties into our job descriptions. My sis got the moon. I got the sun. It was pretty annoying at first, but at least I got this cool car."

"But how does it work?" Nico asks curiously. "I thought the sun was a big fiery ball of gas!"

Apollo chuckles, ruffling Nico's hair.

"That rumor probably got started because Artemis used to call me a big fiery ball of gas. Seriously, kid, it depends on whether you're talking astronomy or philosophy. You want to talk astronomy? Bah, what fun is that? You want to talk about how humans think about the sun? Ah, now that's more interesting. They've got a lot riding on the sun… er, so to speak. It keeps them warm, grows their crops, powers engines, makes everything look, well, sunnier. This chariot is built out of human dreams about the sun, kid. It's as old as Western Civilization. Every day, it drives across the sky from east to west, lighting up all those puny little mortal lives. The chariot is a manifestation of the sun's power, the way mortals perceive it. Make sense?"

The whole time Apollo rambled on with his explanation, the rest of us stared at him dumbly, sharing looks with each other, to which Percy just shrugged.

"No," Nico tells Apollo.

"Well then, just think of it as a really powerful, really dangerous solar car," he offers.

"Can I drive?" he asks hopefully.

"No. Too young," he replies instantly.

"Ha! Told you!" I say triumphantly, and he pouts, getting out of the driver's seat.

"Oo! Oo!" Grover exclaims, raising his hand.

"Mm, no. Too furry," he replies.

He instantly looks past Percy, and I get the feeling there's a reason for why. His gaze then settles on me and Thalia, and his eyes light up in excitement.

"Daughter of Zeus! Lord of the sky," he says happily. "Or the daughter of... someone who enjoys the sun! Perfect."

"Oh, no. No, thanks," Thalia instantly replies, shaking her head uneasily.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" I ask cautiously.

"C'mon," Apollo urges. "How old are you?"

"I don't know," Thalia replies meekly, hesitating a little bit.

"You don't?" I ask, furrowing a confused brow.

"It's complicated..." Percy says quietly.

Apollo hums thoughtfully, tapping a finger against his chin. "You're fifteen, almost sixteen."

"How do you know that?" she asks.

"Hey, I'm the god of prophecy. I know stuff. You'll turn sixteen in about a week," he says casually.

"That's my birthday! December twenty-second," Thalia says.

"Which means you're old enough now to drive with a learner's permit!" he says happily.

Thalia shifted her feet nervously. "Uh—"

"I know what you're going to say," Apollo states. "You don't deserve an honor like driving the sun chariot."

"That's not what I was going to say," she replies with a frown.

"Don't sweat it! Maine to Long Island is a really short trip, and don't worry about what happened to the last kid I trained. You're Zeus's daughter. He's not going to blast you out of the sky!" he says, laughing good-naturedly.

The rest of us weren't laughing, and Thalia was still very adamant about not driving.

"I really don't think I should be doing this," she says, pleadingly, as if she was afraid.

Apollo grumbles in aggravation, shaking his head.

"Fine fine. Maybe someone who actually likes the sun will be better," he remarks, looking over at me. "LYDIA!"

I jump in surprise at his shout, and look up at him meekly.

"Uh, yes... sir?" I ask hesitantly.

"Would you like to drive?" he asks cheerfully.

"Uhh, I don't know..." I trail off.

"Oh come on sweetheart, don't back out of this like the sparky girl! Get up here!" he insists quickly.

I'm still hesitant, unsure if I should be doing this, but I can tell he's definitely not gonna be taking a no after Thalia's rejection. Lucky me. Getting up hesitantly, I warily move over to the driver's seat of the bus and sit down, looking up at him nervously.

"I don't have a driver's license," I try to say.

"Nonsense, you're sixteen you got this!" he scoffs in disagreement. "Now take it away! With you being a sun demigod, you're gonna be a natural!"

"Ok..." I mutter to myself.

I grip the steering wheel tightly, looking over the controls with a wary gaze. So far they seemed to be the same as any other regular car but... how exactly am I supposed to direction it in the air? Apollo flips a button, allowing a sign to come up with a bing.

I could imagine it says something like 'student driver' or whatever.

"Speed equals heat," he tells me. "So start slowly, and make sure you've got good altitude before you really open her up."

Nodding my head, I take a deep breath and then pull up on the steering wheel. The bus instantly shoots upwards into the air, shoving me against the seat. I hear a little bit of tumbling behind me, probably from people hitting each other as well.

"Ow," Grover says

"Sorry," Percy replies.

"Slower!" Apollo tells me.

"Sorry! My mistake!" I apologize uneasily. "I've got it under control!"

I uneasily steer the bus into the air, wobbling a little with the wheel, but otherwise doing my best to maintain control. Glancing out the window, I notice suddenly how much altitude we've gained and widened my eyes in surprise, forgetting the fact that I'm driving still.

"We need to veer south for Long Island," Apollo directs me. "Hang a left."

Shaking my head, I quickly move to follow his order, but accidentally turn to the right a little bit too hard. I hear a few startled yelp from behind me and realize that I accidentally threw some of them into each other.

"The other left," he sighs.

I glance back in concern at hearing the others getting thrown around, and notice Thalia instantly. She's stiff as a board, her face nearly chalk-white in terror, making me feel really worried and guilty. Is she afraid of heights or something? While mulling over my concern for her I once again forget the fact that I'm driving what is apparently the freaking sun.

"Ah…" Apollo says, sounding a little uneasy. "A little lower, sweetheart, alright? Cape Cod is freezing over."

I once again remember that I'm flying the bus, and whip my direction back to the road, cursing myself for losing focus of what I should be doing. If my dad were here to see this, he wouldn't be impressed. Well, if he could get past the fact that I'm flying a god's sun car. I quickly tilt the car back down towards the ground, taking us back through the cloud cover. Once we enter the clouds I glance around uneasily, unable to see anything beyond the clouds.

"Uhh, Apollo?"

"Hmm?"

I can't see anything," I tell him.

"No worries, just keep on going—WOAH!"

I look forwards and also let out a startled and fearful yelp at the sight before me. A New England town is really fast approaching, and a lot of the snow is instantly melting off of different places as we get closer. A church steeple, previously white, turns brown and starts t smoke and smolder, while the rooftops and trees were beginning to catch fire. Behind me, I think Thalia let out a shrill scream of fear.

"Pull up!" Percy yells.

"I got it!"

I instantly yank up on the steering wheel right before crashing into the ground at about a thousand miles per hour, and shoot straight into the air and over a large lake.

"There! Long Island, dead ahead!" Apollo says, pointing out the window. "Let's slow down, dear. 'Dead' is only an expression."

"I swear I feel like Ms. Frizzle," I grumble to myself. "Only less insane."

I fly us over toward the coastline of northern Long Island. Out the window I notice an array of sights scattered across the area, which I assume to be Camp Half-Blood. I can see the woods and the beach of course, but also what looks to be a greek-styled dining pavilion, cabins a most definitely greek amphitheater.

"We're not gonna crash.. we're not gonna crash..." I hear Thalia mutter quietly to herself.

"Brake," Apollo says, once we're a few hundred yards away.

I press my foot down on the brake, yelping when I accidentally press down to hard and cause the bus to lurch forwards. We crash into the water, causing a bunch of steam to sizzle up from the surface of the lake in a massive cloud. What looks to be mermaids or whatever scatter away from us, and I sit there silently and absolutely still as the bus floats in the water.

"What the heck did I just do..." I trail off dumbly.

"Well, let's go see if we boiled anyone important, shall we?" Apollo asks with a cheery smile.

If this is an average day for a 'half-blood,' then I don't even want to know what the hard days are like.


Well, apparently Apollo has taken a special liking to Lydia! Things will get much more interesting from now on, that I can assure you!