Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson & The Olympians. I only own my OC character, Reiji Sakazuki.

Response to Sharius . Biology : A good attempt at a guess, but no. This is not even a slight Naruto xover. I will admit, I did get the idea of Shinto gods from other fanfictions that involved Naruto, but it is not a Naruto xover.


Chapter 4: Thalia's Calming Melody

Artemis assured them that dawn was coming, and Reiji didn't doubt her. Though it would have been easier to believe if it wasn't as cold, dark and snowy on the hill as it was. Everything was covered in a very thick layer of snow, making it practically impossible to see what was beneath. On the hill, Westover Hall was completely lightless. Reiji idly wondered if the teachers would even notice that he, Bianca and Nico were missing. But he didn't actually care. As long as he had his friends and some music, he was fine.

The Hunters broke up camp as quickly as they'd set it up. Percy was shivering in the snow, yet Reiji stood fine. He wondered why that was, as he was certain it was pretty cold, but he felt very warm. The Hunters didn't appear effected by the cold either, and Artemis stared into the the east, like she was waiting for something. Bianca sat off to one side, talking to Nico. From the tears in his eyes and the smile, Reiji guessed that she just told him she turned down immortality for him. Reiji felt proud that Bianca had made this choice.

Did Reiji want Bianca to join the Hunt? No, he did not. The very thought of not being able to see his friend again scared him to death. But even so, he meant what he said that he would support her no matter what he chose. He could tell that she was intending the join the Hunt before she spoke to him. Apparently his words had made her change her mind. And he was glad about it.

Thalia, Grover and Annabeth came and huddled up around Reiji and Percy. Half to hear what Artemis had wanted to speak about. Half because Reiji was like a human torch. He was very warm.

When they told them, Grover turned pale. "The last time the Hunters visited camp, it didn't go well."

"How'd they even show up here?" Percy asked. "I mean, they just appeared out of nowhere." Nobody except Reiji saw Annabeth's face. It was a face of guilt, and he could guess as to why the Hunters had shown up.

"And Bianca almost joined them?" Thalia said, disgusted. "I'm glad she didn't. I hate Zoe, always thinking she is above everyone. That stuck-up, no good-"

"Who can blame her?" Grover said. "Eternity with Artemis?" He heaved a sigh.

Thalia rolled her eyes and Annabeth giggled. "You satyrs. You're all in love with Artemis. Don't you get that she'll never love you back?"

"But she's so...into nature," Grover swooned.

"It isn't worth it," Reiji told him.

Grover looked to him in horror. "What do you mean it isn't worth it?"

"What's the point of chasing a girl that will never return your feelings?" Reiji asked. "Grover, don't try to get close to the Hunters. They hate men. Artemis, from what I've seen, can tolerate men at least, but she holds no love for them. Just stop before you hurt yourself."

Grover considered his words, before he heaved a heavy sigh and nodded. "Okay. Thanks for the advice Reiji."

"Anytime G," he smiled. Thalia sent Reiji a thankful look, and Annabeth looked troubled. Like she was rethinking what she had wanted.


Finally the sky began to lighten. Artemis muttered. "About time. He's so-o-o lazy during the winter."

"We're, um, waiting for sunrise?" Percy asked.

"For my brother. Yes."

Reiji could tell Percy was trying not to be rude. And he didn't exactly blame him. Reiji knew a few legends about Apollo- or the titan Helios- driving the sun chariot across the sky. He wondered how that could be possible if the sun was a big fiery ball of gas. It just didn't seem plausible...but then again, nor did him controlling the water, summoning the fire or using that silvery energy.

"It's not exactly as you think," Artemis said, though her words were directed at Percy.

"Oh, okay," he started to relax. "So, it's not like he's pulling up in a-"

There was a sudden burst of light on the horizon. A blast of warmth. Reiji's body seemed to want to reject the heat from it. But, just behind that light, he swore he could see another light. A slightly dimmer, but more powerful, sun, just behind. And it filled him with strength.

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

Reiji raised an eyebrow. 'Parks?' he thought.

The light and warmth began to intensify as everyone looked away. Everyone except Reiji, who's eyes were glued to the light. The warmth reached Reiji's jacket, but he didn't feel so that he wanted to remove it. It was a comfortable warmth. He wouldn't realize he was literally looking into a light as bright as the sun without any repercussions to his sight until later. The light died.

Everyone looked. He saw Percy gaping out the corner of his eyes. He didn't blame him. He guessed that the sun chariot looked like the owner's favourite car, because Reiji saw a blue Ford Mustang with two white stripes down the centre. It seemed to glow with power. Then Reiji realized it was because the metal was hot. The snow had melted around the car in a perfect circle, which fully explained why they were now on green grass and their shoes were wet.

The driver got out, smiling. He looked about seven or eighteen. He had sandy blonde hair and outdoor good looks, like he had tanned perfectly in the sun. His smile was bright (with him being the sun god and all) and emitted warmth. He wore jeans, loafers and a sleeveless T-shirt. Reiji suspected that was all he could wear in the sun chariot, otherwise he'd burn up.

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

"He's the sun god," Percy said.

Reiji faced palm. "She means attractive you dolt."

Pecy blushed as he realized he had just been pretty dense. Annabeth giggled and put a hand on Percy's shoulder.

"Little sister!" Apollo called. If his teeth were any whiter, then Reiji may have been blinded. "What's up? You never call. You never write. I was getting worried!"

"Wait a second," Reiji said, getting the attention of the two gods. "Isn't Artemis older? In all the legends I read, it said she was born first and then helped deliver you."

Artemis grinned. Apollo blinked.

"It amazes me how you can interrupt a Greek deity just for a minor matter," Annabeth mumbled.

"Hey," Reiji held up his hands in defence. "I didn't even know I was a half-blood until about half and hour ago. Plus, if he wanted to vaporize me, then he would have already."

Apollo grinned. "I like this kid! Not afraid to speak his mind! We need more demigods like that!"

Artemis sighed. "Apollo, don't be a moro-"

"So, what's up?" the sun god interrupted. "Got the girls with you, I see. You all need some tips on archery?"

Artemis grit her teeth. "I need a favor. I have some hunting to do, alone. I need you to take my companions to Camp Half-Blood."

"Sure, sis!" Then he raised his hands in a stop everything gesture. "I feel a haiku coming on."

All the Hunters groaned. Apparently they'd heard Apollo's haikus before.

He cleared his throat and held up one hand dramatically.

"Green grass breaks through snow.

Artemis pleads for my help.

I am so cool."

He grinned at them, as if waiting for applause.

Reiji just put in his earphones and listened to music. Thalia gave him the puppy eyes. He crumbled and gave her an earphone, and she slipped it in. He put on a Green Day song.

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

Apollo frowned. "Was it?"

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

"No, no, that's six syllables. Hmm." He started muttering to himself.

"What about I have this cool car?" Reiji suggested, wanting him to shut up. "That's five syllables."

He smiled, his eyes lighting up. "I like you! That's a great line!"

Reiji nodded. "Yeah, no problem."

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

"These demigods will also need a ride," Artemis said, pointing at the group. "Some of Chiron's campers."

"No problem!" Apollo checked them out. "Let's see… Thalia, right? I've heard all about you."

Thalia blushed. "Hi, Lord Apollo."

"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. Man, I remember one time—"

"Brother," Artemis said. "You should get going."

"Oh, right." Then he looked at Percy and Reiji. His eyes narrowed. "Percy Jackson?"

"Yeah. I mean...yes sir." Percy said as polite as he could.

Then Apollo turned the to the crimson eyed boy. "Reiji Sakazuki?"

He simply nodded. He was not calling a teenager sir, no matter who the hell he was.

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

They looked at the car, which would not be able to fit 20 people.

"Cool car," Nico said.

"Thanks, kid," Apollo said.

"But how will we all fit in?"

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

He took out his car keys and beeped the security alarm button.

For a moment, the car glowed brightly again. When the glare died, the Mustang had been replaced by a Turtle Top shuttle buses that was used for school basketball games, or a school trip.

"Right," he said. "Everybody in."

Zoe ordered the Hunters to start loading. She picked up her camping pack, and Apollo said, "Here, sweetheart. Let me get that."

Zoe recoiled. Her eyes flashed murderously.

"Brother," Artemis chided. "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."

Apollo spread his hands. "Sorry. I forgot. Hey, sis, where are you off to, anyway?"

"Hunting," Artemis said. "It's none of your business."

"I'll find out. I see all. Know all."

Artemis snorted. "Just drop them off, Apollo. And no messing around!"

"No, no! I never mess around."

"$20 says we crash into a lake," Percy muttered.

"I'll take that bet," Reiji told him.

Artemis rolled her eyes at Apollo, then looked at her Hunters. "I will see you by winter solstice. Zoe, you are in charge of the Hunters. Do well. Do as I would do."

Zoe straightened. "Yes, my lady."

Artemis knelt and touched the ground as if looking for tracks. When she rose, she looked troubled. "So much danger. The beast must be found."

She sprinted toward the woods and melted into the snow and shadows.

Apollo turned and grinned, jangling the car keys on his finger. "So," he said. "Who wants to drive?"

Reiji sighed. He did not like where this was going.


The Hunters piled into the van. They all crammed into the back so they'd be as far away as possible from Apollo and the rest of the 'highly infectious males' as they would call them. Zoe tried to get Bianca to sit with them, but she said no, and sat with Reiji and Nico.

"This is so cool!" Nico said, jumping up and down in the driver's seat. "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 said. "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 asked. "I thought the sun was a big fiery ball of gas!"

Apollo chuckled and ruffled 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?"

Reiji blinked. That made some sense. Basically, there was a thin veil of magic that separated the gods from humans, and because of it, the humans saw the sun chariot as the sun they believed to be in space.

Nico shook his head. "No."

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

"Can I drive?"

"No. Too young."

"Oo! Oo!" Grover raised his hand.

"Mm, no," Apollo said. "Too furry." He looked past Percy and focused on Thalia. "Daughter of Zeus!" he said. "Lord of the sky. Perfect."

"Oh, no." Thalia shook her head. "No, thanks."

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

Thalia hesitated. "I don't know."

Reiji nodded sadly. Thalia had told him about her predicament. About the supposed 'Great Prophecy' that was supposed to happen when a child of the Big Three hit 16. Technically, the girl was 19 years old. However she was stuck in a younger body without a clue of how old she was. Reiji had it bad, but Thalia was much worse.

Apollo tapped a finger to his lips. "You're fifteen, almost sixteen."

"How do you know that?"

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

"That's my birthday! December twenty second."

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

Thalia shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Uh-"

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

"That's not what I was going to say."

"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 just might," Percy mumbled, earning an odd look from Reiji.

Apollo laughed good-naturedly. Nobody else joined him.

Thalia tried to protest, but Apollo was absolutely not going to take "no" for an answer. He hit a button on the dashboard, and a sign popped up along the top of the windshield. Reiji read it with a raised eyebrow, then he sweat dropped. He was pretty sure that no police officer would be able to read that in time. It said: WARNING: STUDENT DRIVER.

"Take it away!" Apollo told Thalia. "You're gonna be a natural!"

Reiji wasn't too bothered that Thalia got to drive. Sure, he would have liked to drive the sun chariot, but it wasn't something he felt he should do. With what had happened already that day, he was not going to risk more bad luck to come his way from driving the divine symbol of a god. He would just sit in the back and let her drive...and pray she was good at it.

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

Thalia gripped the wheel so tight her knuckles turned white. She looked like she was going to be sick.

Reiji got up and walked to her. "You okay?"

"Y-yep," she said shakily. "I-I'm just fine."

She pulled back on the wheel. It tilted, and the bus lurched upward so fast that Reiji nearly lost his footing. Though he did hear Percy land on Grover.

"Slower!" Apollo said.

"Sorry!" Thalia said. "I've got it under control!"

Reiji looked out the window. He saw a smoking ring of trees from the clearing where they'd taken off.

"Thalia," Reiji said. "Lighten up on the accelerator."

"I've got it, Reiji," she said, gritting her teeth. But she kept it floored.

Reiji took a breath. "Loosen up."

"I'm loose!" She was as stiff she could have been a bored.

"We need to veer for Long Island," Apollo said. "Veer left."

Thalia jerked the wheel, and Reiji held onto the driver's seat to keep on his feet.

"The other left," Apollo suggested.

Reiji took a breath as a song came to his mind. He steeled his resolve, and began to sing.

"I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me and I walk alone."

Everyone looked to Reiji as he sang. Thalia loosened up slightly. Reiji kept singing.

"I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk alone."

Thalia's foot loosened off the accelerator. They began to drive more steadily and calmly.

"I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk a-

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone."

Thalia began to breath more steadily. She was no longer gripping the wheel as tightly.

"Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, aaah-ah,
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah

I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line
Of the edge and where I walk alone

Read between the lines
Of what's fucked up and everything's alright
Check my vital signs
To know I'm still alive and I walk alone"

Bianca covered Nico's ears when she heard the swearing about to arrive. Apollo instructed Thalia where to drive, and she did so calmly. Reiji kept singing to keep her calm.

"I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk a-

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone."

Reiji kept pouring emotion into his voice, and even some of the Hunters felt bad for him. The way he sang...it was as if for him it was true.

"Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, aaah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah

I walk alone
I walk a-"

Camp Half-blood was in sight. Reiji's singing voice kept them all calm as they approached.

"I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk a-

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone..."

Reiji finished his song as the bus touched down. Reiji breathed in relief that nobody got hurt. Then he heard clapping. He looked back and saw the half-bloods and Grover clapping for him. Thalia was giving him a thankful look. Apollo was grinning.

"A half-blood with a talent for singing!" the sun god said with glee. "Kinda wish you were my son now! So, let's get you all out of here eh?"

Reiji nodded, and the people started getting up. Reiji sent Percy a cheeky grin. "You owe me $20!"

Percy grumbled. "Damn it..."