Updated: 23/1/2022
WARNING: RAPE: COARSE LANGUAGE
Chapter 10: Protectiveness of Artemis
Artemis didn't know what to do. Her emotions where all over the place and she just couldn't cope with everything that has happened and what has currently going on.
After all Apollo has only just returned a couple of weeks ago and she had been trying to let him settle back in before she said anything.
But today that all changed when she realised something. Something VERY important. And now she was scared and really, really, really wanted her BIG Brother. But would he accept her?
After everything they have both been through these last few months had left her so unsure of herself.
But she HAD to try. She just couldn't handle this secret on her own. If her brother didn't accept her then she would go and hide till all of this passed over.
She tells Thalia she will be away for awhile and that she would be in charge and that if there was emergency then to use the charm Artemis had given her to connect her. Artemis doesn't give Thalia time to protest before she flashes out of her Camp and to Apollo's Temple.
Artemis bites her lip and nervously walks in. It is night so she knew he was asleep. So, she quietly went over to his couch and put her bag down and sits down heavily on the couch. She looks around and was surprised just by how many photos of both of them were around his living room and seemed to spread out into the other rooms.
Did he really value their bond so much?
Would it be enough to get him to listen and help her?
Tears fill her eyes as she holds the photo of the two of them as kids in her hands. She lets out a sob. Why did she feel like this? Maybe she should leave. Maybe he would be better off without her.
Suddenly she felt the couch dip and a gentle hand touches her shoulder making her jump.
"Arty?"
Apollo was roused from his sleep by feeling a familiar presence. Which he didn't expect to be here at 2am in the morning. She had never come to him this late if at all.
So that had him immediately worried.
He climbs out of his bed and tiptoes down the corridor. He could hear soft sobs and sniffles from his living room.
He frowns he didn't like it when his Baby sister was upset.
He saw she had a bag on the floor next to the couch and she was looking at a photo of the two of them. It was one of his favourites after one of their hunting trips.
He was surprised she hadn't felt or noticed his presence. So, he very gently sits beside her and puts a hand on her shoulder.
"Arty?" Apollo asks in concern.
His concern skyrocketed when she jumped in fear and had a fearful look in her eyes. Like she wasn't seeing him.
This was NOT good.
He puts his hands out in a peaceful gesture.
"Hey Arty it is me. Just me your brother", Apollo says softly, "I would never harm you. Your safe. You're in my Temple. It is 2am on Wednesday…", he continues to ramble off things to try and bring her back to the present.
While he was trying to figure out what was wrong with her.
"Apolly?" she whispers weakly in twin.
His heartbreaks. Artemis never called his Apolly. Except when she was scared or sick. And that was very, very, very rare.
"Yes, Arty it is YOUR Apolly", Apollo says switching to twin so she would know he was speaking the truth.
It was impossible to lie to each other in twin. Twins had their own secret language if they were close, and they were or had been. But they hadn't spoken in twin in so long. But it seemed to come naturally back to him.
Suddenly his arms were full of his sister pressing herself into his chest. Clutching his shirt and crying into his shirt.
"Shhh Arty whatever it is it will be ok", Apollo coos in twin trying to calm her down.
Artemis just shakes her head frantically.
"Little Sis can you tell me what happened?" Apollo asks softly deciding to stay in twin.
"You'll hate me", Artemis croaks out in twin.
"I could NEVER hate you Sis. Never. You're my Baby Sis I could never hate you", Apollo replies.
She just clutches him tightly even though she knew he couldn't be lying for he was speaking in twin.
Apollo knew it was bad with the way Artemis was acting and the fact she didn't correct him about his use of 'Sis', 'Arty', 'Baby Sis' and 'Little Sis'.
He gently coaxes her into a more comfortable position and starts to get her to calm down. He leans his forehead on hers as her cries turn into sniffles.
"Arty instead of you talking why don't you use our bond and show me?" Apollo asks softly pressing his forehead gently on hers in encouragement.
Artemis whimpers she still wasn't sure.
"Trust me Little One. Trust me", Apollo whispers with encouragement.
Artemis nods and clutches his top tightly before concentrating and letting the memories of what happened to her pass to her Twins mind.
Apollo sees it ALL and he was furious. He was going to murder Hercules. No that was too merciful he would torture Hercules till he faded. Hercules raped his baby sister. Taking advantage of her when she was in a weaken state due to her being separated from him. He was going to castrate Hercules just to start with.
NOBODY HURT HIS BABY SISTER!
He was bought out off his rage by his sisters terrified whimpers. He pushes the thoughts of vengeance out of his mind till he calmed his sister down.
He begins to rock her in his arms and whispering words of love in her ear. He senses something else was wrong but first things first.
"Arty I love you. I adore you. I will ALWAYS treasure you. This changes nothing. I love you Sis. You're my Little Sister. I WILL protect you. Your safe with me. I am NOT going to leave you. I swear and promise you. NOTHING can pull me from your side. Unless I end up castrating you-know-who for what he did", Apollo says softly in twin to his distraught sister nuzzling her head.
"But you don't know everything", Artemis chokes out.
"What do you mean?" Apollo asks coaxing her to talk.
"I'm…I'm…", Artemis stutters.
He gently nudges her.
"Pregnant", she says faintly.
Apollo's eyes widen. His Baby Sister was pregnant? Did he hear right? His sister was having a baby? After everything that he got thrown at him tonight he wasn't sure what shocked him more.
"Apolly?" she whimpers in fear of rejection.
Apollo could feel what Artemis was feeling. Their bond not being closed off. He quickly gathers her closer to himself.
"Oh Arty. I am so, so sorry", Apollo says softly.
"You don't hate me?" she whispers.
"No", Apollo replies firmly in twin.
"Even though I want to keep it?" Artemis asks softly.
Apollo's eyes soften even more he knew Artemis could never kill a baby.
"Even then", Apollo says softly yet firmly in twin kissing her forehead.
"I am so tired Apolly", Artemis whispers cuddled into his chest.
"Come on. Sleep time for the Mum-to-be", Apollo decides but he felt Artemis not wanting to move.
So, he gently picks her up and takes her to his room. Putting her under the covers. Which she snuggled into as the bed and covers smelt like him. They smelt safe.
"Apolly stay", Artemis begs tiredly.
"Always", Apollo replies gently climbing in.
He was surprised when Artemis snuggled into his chest gripping his shirt tightly.
"Thank you Big Brother. My Apolly. My Protector", she whispers closing her eyes.
Apollo kisses her forehead.
"Anytime. And I'll protect you too my dying breath", Apollo vows in twin.
He watches as she sleeps and started to plan. The next few months would be hard on her. But he would be with her every step of the way.
He would also find time to torture Hercules before he sends the raping, scum, rat, fucking, bastard to the realm of the faded.
Because NOBODY messed with HIS little sister.
Nobody…
Months Later…
Apollo had been hiding Artemis for the last 8 months. Helping her through her first pregnancy. It was a learning experience for both off them.
Apollo wasn't just hiding Artemis because of her pregnancy but because she was scared. Scared of men. Just not him. He had taken Artemis out into the mortal world in disguise for baby supplies and Artemis had clinged to his side flinching and trembling when men got near. So, he had decided it was best to just expose her little by little too men. Just not close. Or without him.
And the other thing was Artemis refused to speak normally. She only spoke in twin. He knew it was for her comfort that she did that. So, he always spoke back in twin too. So, she could have the reassurance he wasn't lying.
It was difficult to keep up the act that he didn't know where Artemis was at. When it was bought up at Council two weeks after she had appeared in his living room. But he did it too protect Artemis.
His protectiveness outweighed everything else.
He didn't care he was lying to his Father.
He didn't care that his other siblings were looking for Artemis.
He didn't care…ok he felt slightly guilty for not talking to Meg in so long.
And he absolutely didn't care that he had been sending threatening letters to Hercules saying his days were numbered and that he should he enjoying his 'manhood' why he could. And that he hoped his wife would like a pair of 'ball' earrings for the Winter Solstice.
Apollo snickered when he saw Hercules faces too these threats. He spent so much time clutching his crotch and it was hilarious. Even when Artemis asked why he was laughing sometimes. She too was able to enjoy what her twin was doing as they watched by a secret Hephaestus Cam. That Apollo had 'borrowed' to watch the bastard.
Apollo was happy his sister laughed at some of his antics. Such as putting hair removal in Hercules shower. So, the Minor God was completely bold from top to bottom. He also left haunting messages that basically counted down the number of days his 'manhood' had left. Which they say made Hercules VERY jumpy and nervous of everyone coming within a metre off him with a blade. One got so close that Hercules had screamed like a girl and fled.
Apollo had snickered. He had paid a Minor God to terrorises the so-called Patron of Heroes. And it was working spectacularly.
Soon he would get Artemis her revenge.
But not today.
As Artemis had gone into labour early last night. Apollo had spent all night holding her hand and coaching her through her labour.
At 4.32am during a rare Lunar Eclipse little Hunter Phoebus was born closely followed by his sister Apolla Zoe just as the eclipse was ending.
Artemis holds her newborns in her arms tiredly admiring them. After waiting 9 long months for them. They were finally here in her arms.
"You did so well Sis. They are beautiful Arty", Apollo whispers too her kissing her sweaty forehead, "They look just like you"
"Thanks to you brother for finding that spell that would…", Artemis leaves it hanging.
Apollo knew what Artemis was talking about. Artemis had been worried about her child having some or more of Hercules features and she told him she didn't know how she would handle it. So, he sneakily get a spell from Hecate after a lot of research for the right spell.
The spell took out Hercules features. And left the features of Artemis and the Grandparents of the new Twins. That being Leto and Zeus.
So, Hunter had black hair and silver eyes and his sister had blonde hair and silver eyes. They were truly their Mothers children.
"Brother?" Artemis asks tiredly.
"Yes Arty?" Apollo asks softly.
"Can you do me a favour?" Artemis asks.
"Anything", Apollo vows.
"Can you get our family here to see them?" Artemis asks nervously.
Apollo was surprised by her request considering she wasn't exactly healed.
"Our family?" Apollo repeats.
"Like the main family BUT Dionysus and if you can Aphrodite. But if you can't. You can't", Artemis replies.
Apollo rises an eyebrow but nods.
"I'll go do that. You rest! Don't leave this bed unless you need the bathroom or the twins need something", Apollo orders her pointing at HIS bed.
Which she had been sleeping in for the past 8 months.
"I won't move", Artemis promises.
Apollo nods, "Just give me a mental call if you need me back sooner"
"I will", Artemis replies, "I am just going to enjoy being these twins mother"
He smiles, "And what a great mother you'll make"
"Do you really think so?" Artemis asks still holding the twins and looking unsure.
"I KNOW so", Apollo replies passionately in twin.
Apollo smiles at her and flashes out going to the Throne Room. He was surprised to find the Council gathered. Why hadn't he got a call?
"What am I missing?" Apollo asks.
"Where have you been?" Zeus asks looking annoyed.
"At home", Apollo replies.
"Well, we called an urgent meeting, and you didn't answer", Zeus replies annoyed.
"I was busy", Apollo replies with a shrug.
"This is more important", Zeus insists.
"Not to me. What is so important anyway?" Apollo asks.
"There have been threats to a Minor God", Athena butts in.
"Threats?" Apollo asks raising his eyebrow, "To who?"
"Hercules", Hephaestus mutters, "Nutter thinks someone is going to cut his balls and cock off and fry them and feed them to Uncle P's kraken", he was trying to keep a straight face.
"It would give my kraken indigestion", Poseidon replies trying to say it with a straight face.
Apollo really, really, really tries to keep a straight face and to not laugh out loud.
"Anything else?" Apollo asks innocently.
Athena's eyes narrow at the Sun God.
"He said something about a note to his wife saying that his balls and going to making fine earrings for her and asking what she wants them set in so they can be completed by the Winter Solstice", Hermes replies trying, the key word being trying to keep a straight face.
"He swears that people keep getting too close with pointy objects to his manhood for his comfort. He is CONVICED someone is out to get him", Ares adds smirking.
"I wonder what gave him that idea?" Hades mutters amused.
"Maybe the threats to his balls and cock", Hephaestus states.
"Or nearly being castrated a dozen times a week", Poseidon states.
"Or could it be the ticking clock he got that is ticking down to a specific date AND time?" Aphrodite asks amused.
"And no matter what he does he can't seem to destroy it", Athena adds trying to hide her amusement as she watched Apollo closely.
Apollo was about to say something when the person of interest storms in.
"FATHER! I got another one!" whined the brat Hercules holding a letter up.
"Oh my what ever can it say", Hades says dramatically.
Some of the Council snicker at that.
Zeus glares at his brother before taking the note he pales reading it. Hera snatches it up and looks at it her lips twitching in amusement.
'How about this O Patron of Heroes you can choice your torture. Either I fry your balls and fed them to the Kraken or mince them up and fed them to the Echidna or I can cut it off and let Hade's Cerberus have a new choo toy? So, what is your choice of torture? Tick tock O Patron of Heroes. Not long left to someone gets a nice meal. But then considering your dick is so small it won't be much of a meal would it?'
Many of the Council were trying not to laugh. But not succeeding.
Hermes was on the floor in hysterics.
Ares was in full blown laughter on his throne.
Dionysus's jaw was on the ground in shock.
Hephaestus was chuckling on his throne.
Aphrodite didn't know whether to be sick or laugh.
Demeter and Hestia looked shocked by small smiles on their faces.
Hades and Poseidon were cackling on their thrones.
Hera couldn't control small bursts of laughter escaping her.
Athena didn't know whether to applaud the person for creativity and persistence or try (this key word being try) to be sympathic to the Minor God.
And the best part to Apollo was that his Father looked like he was trying to hold back some laughter or a smile.
"Father", Hercules whines.
Zeus coughs trying to cover his laughing.
"We'll look into it", Zeus half-lies.
"Fine", Hercules growls.
But before he could go he is grabbed quickly by his arm by Apollo. A VERY sharp dagger dangerously close to a sensitive part of the Patron God of Heroes 'Little' manhood.
"Tick, tock goes the clock O Patron God of Heroes", Apollo sings in the now pale Minor Gods ear.
Everyone's eyes widen having hear that.
"I didn't do…", Hercules tries before he is slammed into the wall so hard that it cracks.
A dagger touching the piece of anatomy that had been threatened for the last 8 months. Everyone looks at Apollo wide-eyed as they see just how much rage was in the normally happy Gods eyes.
"I know what you did", Apollo says deathly calm.
"I don't…"
"March 1st 2019", Apollo grits out the date of Artemis's rape.
Hercules now knew he was dead.
"Nothing to say for yourself?" Apollo growls.
Hercules gulps and whimpers as the dagger nicks his manhood.
"Let's get this straight Hercules. Either I take this VERY, very sharp dagger and cut your manhood off in 21 days. Which would be the exact date of the Winter Solstice and the deadline from those notes and do with it one of the different ways I mentioned OR I throw you off Olympus", Apollo tells him deathly calm.
"Third option?" Hercules asks meekly.
"Third option is I throw you into Tartarus in pieces and GUESS where I'll start the pieces", Apollo says calmly, but his eyes were getting darker.
Hercules pales.
"Come on is there a fourth?" Hercules asks nervously.
Apollo gives off a dark grin making everyone shiver.
"The fourth option is I. Make. You. Fade", Apollo snarls out his aura and power lashing out of the Minor God.
Hercules shrieks and cowers in fear.
"Your decision in 21 days, 7 hours, 21 minutes, 34 seconds and 2 nanoseconds. Enjoy every one of those minutes", Apollo tells him backing away.
Hercules looked to have pissed himself.
"Oh and one more thing", Apollo says softly moving his lips to the terrified Gods ear.
"What?" Hercules chokes.
"Remember THIS is how you made HER feel", Apollo growls darkly and plunges the dagger just above Hercules manhood.
Hercules screams like a girl scream and pain and flees gold ichor dripping from his crotch with him running holding it all the while.
Everyone looked at Apollo wide-eyed.
Apollo now looked calmly at his dagger.
"You know this was my favourite dagger. Now I have to clean the scum off it. Oh well I suppose it was worth it", Apollo says casually to himself.
Everyone looked at Apollo to the dagger in terror.
"Oh, don't look so scared this dagger wasn't made to harm innocents only those who hurt the most important person in my life", Apollo tells them rolling his eyes mutter about how hard it was going to be to get the filthy scum blood of Hercules off it.
"Umm Son why did you do that?" Zeus asks nervously eyeing the dagger.
"He deserved it and what is to come. NOBODY HARMS HER!" Apollo growls his eyes flashing dangerously again.
"Her? Artemis?" Athena asks putting the pieces together.
Apollo raises an eyebrow at the 'Wisdom Goddess'.
"Do you really think I had no idea where she was for the past 8 months?" Apollo asks half amused.
Everyone looked at each other and realised just how stupid they had been.
"And when did Hercules start getting those letters?" Apollo asks pointy.
"8 months ago", Athena says slowly.
Apollo smirks, "Figured it out Wisdom Goddess?"
"It is all connected", Athena states.
"Correct", Apollo confirms with a nod.
"You know where Artemis is?" Zeus asks.
Apollo nods.
"You sent those funn…I mean threatening letters to Hercules?" Hermes asks.
Apollo nods.
"Ok what are we missing here?" Hera asks, "As you won't be threatening someone with making them fade unless something terrible had happened"
Apollo's eyes darken for a second.
"Oh it did. But enough of that. Come with me. My Temple. Chop, chop I have been away for too long as it is. And boy if she has noticed…and it is VERY likely she has she is going to kill me", Apollo says happily motioning them to get up quickly.
"What are you talking about?" Hera asks.
"And why are you threatening Hercules?" Zeus asks tiredly.
"Why is Artemis in your Temple?" Athena asks.
"Why is she hiding?" Hermes asks.
"Just teleport outside my Temple and I'll let you in. Don't you DARE teleport into the Temple", Apollo orders them before flashing away.
The Council look at each other before following his instructions. All but Dionysus as he didn't care what was going on. And neither did Ares. Which to Apollo was probably a good idea.
They had been all worried about Artemis.
But what caused her to hide in her brothers Temple.
What did Hercules do for Apollo to be that mad.
Apollo opens his Temple door, and they all cautiously go in and were surprised by how different it was. It was more female friendly.
There were things they believed belonged to Artemis laying around. But some of the items looked too big to belong to her.
"A few rules before you see Arty", Apollo tells them stopping them before the hall.
They all raise eyebrows at that.
"One don't touch her unless she gives you permission. Two men stay at least 6 feet from her. Three no loud noises. Four no sudden movements. Five no over taxing her. Six what I say goes. Seven if she doesn't want to tell you something don't force her. Eight don't any of you dare to bring up the bastard Hercules. That is all. Oh no one more. Nine don't upset her! If any of these rules are broken, I get to throw you out of my Temple", Apollo tells them seriously.
They were surprised by how serious Apollo was being and what the rules to seeing Artemis was.
"We will listen to you", Athena says for everyone.
Apollo nods and nudges Artemis with his mind to warn her.
'We are coming in', he thinks.
Apollo leads the down to HIS room. Which was a surprise. He knocks on the door.
"Arty I am back with our guests", Apollo calls even though he already warned her.
Apollo slowly opens the door and leads them in. They hear soft singing.
They were shocked to see Artemis wrapped up in blankets looking exhausted and sweaty rocking a blue bundle in her arms cooing to it.
EVERYONE's jaws drop.
In Artemis arms was a baby. She was also singing to it.
La la lu
La la lu
Oh, my little star sweepers
I'll sweep the stardust for you
La la lu
La la lu
Little soft fluffy sleeper
Here comes a pink cloud for you
La la lu
La la lu
Little wandering angels
Fold up your wings, close your eyes
La la lu
La la lu
And may love be your keeper
La la lu
La la lu
La la lu
There now, little star sweepers
Dream on
"Really a Disney lullaby Little Sister?" Apollo asks softly, "I think I may have over done it showing you these movies"
Artemis looks up at him with tired eyes.
"I like it", she says softly.
"Where is my Little Niece?" Apollo asks smiling.
"I put her in the crib. Hunter needed me", Artemis replies.
Apollo smiles and moves over to the crib near the bed and gently picks up the pink little bundle.
"Hello my favourite niece did you miss me?" Apollo coos.
"She is only a few hours old I doubt if she or her brother noticed", Artemis replies giving Apollo a grateful look at keeping her distracted.
"What…?" Hermes manages to get out.
Artemis flinches slightly but gives them a strained smile.
"Meet my twins. In my arms is Hunter Phoebus and in Apollo's is my daughter Apolla Zoe", Artemis tells them quietly.
The shocks just kept coming. The Artemis they knew would never call any children she had after her brother.
Hestia smiles warmly and slowly approaches.
"May I come closer?" Hestia asks.
Artemis nods and shyly pats the bed space next to her.
Hestia smiles and slowly sits next to Artemis seeing the baby boy in Artemis's arms.
"He looks just like you", Hestia tells her softly,
"So does his sister", Artemis replies just as soft.
"How? What? When?" many ask.
Artemis flinches slightly at the questions. Causing Apollo to move closer to his sister so he could stop her panicking if needed.
Apollo and Hestia give them looks to settle down.
"Settle down or I'll throw you all out", Apollo tells them firmly.
Apollo then switches too twin.
"Arty do you want me to throw them out?" Apollo asks her in twin making everyone confused.
"No, I have to get used to them sometime", Artemis replies in twin.
"You're lucky Artemis still wants this meeting, so I won't throw you out just yet", Apollo tells them.
"What was that language?" Athena asks curiously.
"Not the time for us to tell you", Apollo replies.
"So, these are your children Artemis?" Athena asks softly.
"Yes my twins", Artemis replies softly.
"When were they born?" Zeus asks making Artemis tense a little.
"During the lunar eclipse", Apollo replies, "I delivered the little angels. Hunter first then his Little Sister. At least he won't have to fight over who is older since he is"
"I am happy for you to say your older you know that now brother", Artemis tells him in twin.
"I know. But I thought it was a nice touch", Apollo replies in twin.
This was making everyone confused.
"Arty can Hestia or Athena maybe hold the twins?" Apollo asks in twin coaxing Artemis to let her babies out of their hands for the first time.
Artemis looked nervous and bite her lip. Could she really let her twins go?
"Come on Little Moon you can trust them", Apollo continues to coax to the others confusion.
"Only Auntie Hestia and Athena?" Artemis checks.
"At the moment", Apollo replies truthfully as only in twin can.
"What is going on?" Poseidon coughs.
"I am just convincing Arty to let Hestia and Athena to hold the twins", Apollo replies.
"We won't hurt them", Hestia tells Artemis, "But if you're not ready. You're not ready"
Artemis bites her lip and slowly transferred Hunter into Hestia's arms. Hunter barely stirs. Apollo slowly transfers Apolla from his arms into Athena's making sure Artemis could see what he was doing.
"Can I have a closer look?" Hermes asks.
Apollo helps Artemis to relax and allow other family members to get closer to the twin.
"You couldn't get rid of Aphrodite", Artemis states in twin watching her children get cooeed over.
"Have you tried to get rid of her?" Apollo asks in twin.
"Good point. But Dionysus is not here or Ares", Artemis states.
"Because he doesn't care either way. Same with Ares. And I am glad Ares is not here", Apollo replies.
"What took you so long?" Artemis asks her twin.
"Unfinished business", Apollo says evasively.
"Apollo", Artemis states.
Apollo sighs, "HE turned up and things got heated. He still has all his parts. For now"
Artemis stiffens a minute hearing him say that in twin it had to be true. She starts to panic a bit. Before she could get too panicked, she felt the bed dip and a familiar set of arms wrap around her.
"Shh Little Moon. Your safe HE can't hurt you anymore", Apollo says assuring her in twin while the others watched worriedly.
Hestia, Athena and Hermes started to have a dark feeling about how these twins came to exist. And they didn't like it. Athena and Hermes made a silent promise that if what they suspect was true, they would help Apollo get revenge for Artemis.
Because if these twins were conceived in a consensual manager why was Apollo threatening Hercules? Unless it wasn't consensual. And that would explain everything.
"Can I have my babies Apolly?" Artemis asks after she had calmed down.
If on cue Hunter and Apolla begin to cry.
"Smart kids. Right on time", Apollo drily.
He gets off the bed and moves to where his family were cooing over the twin.
"These kiddos need to get back to Mummy for their fed", Apollo informs the group.
They relucently hand the twins to Apollo who gently gives Artemis, Apolla. To fed first.
"Arty I am going to talk with our guests will you be alright?" Apollo asks in English.
"I'll be fine as long as you're not far", Artemis replies in twin.
Apollo nods, "Come on you lot. The new Mummy needs her rest", herding them out.
He knew that would be enough for today.
'Arty can I tell them the truth?' Apollo thinks gently too her.
'All right. As long as I can't hear. I can't hear it Apolly. I can't', Artemis thinks back quietly.
"I know. And you won't have too. Get some sleep Little Sis", Apollo says outload in English.
She nods as they leave the room.
The group had dozens of questions some important and some trivial and they didn't know where to start at the moment.
"Find some seats and I'll try and answer some of your questions", Apollo tells them.
But realises there was quite a mess here.
"Damn I forgot in all the commotion that this place is a mess", Apollo mutters looking at the blankets laying everywhere and clothes.
As well as baby books and books on labour. There were unfinished bowls of cereal (Which made Demeter happy), there was also liquid on the floor.
"Sorry guys. Wasn't expecting company. As you can see it was a bit rushed. Arty kind of went through labour here until her water broke", Apollo says grimacing at the puddle.
The group realises now what that was as Apollo waves his hands and cleans up the fluid.
"Move everything else out of the way I'll see to it later", Apollo tells them dismissively.
"We will help you. It shouldn't take us long if we all work together", Hera offers to his surprise.
"All right…", Apollo says slowly as if not sure his Step-Mother was really sincere or not.
To his surprise his family starts to pick up the mess. They had silently agreed to help as they had now noticed that Apollo looked exhausted.
So the least they could do before they got answers was help with some of the mess. And it doesn't take long with them working together and Apollo looks at them gratefully.
"Thanks for that. I would have had to do that before I allowed Arty off bedrest. As I don't want her to feel guilty", Apollo says smiling at them.
"You're really protective off her now", Athena points out.
"Yes. Why shouldn't I be after what happen", Apollo says rhetorically.
Apollo pours them all out some nectar and takes a seat.
"Ask your questions", Apollo encourages.
"What was that language you were speaking?" Athena asks taking it easy on the Sun God.
Apollo chuckles, "Start off on something completely different"
"Just answer", Athena says.
"Artemis and I are twins and close twins at that. So, we have gifts that ALL twins should have if they are close", Apollo explains.
"Like what son?" Zeus asks, even he was curious.
"We have telepathy. So, we can talk in our minds. We can also pass our memories too each other if we don't want to talk. It is quicker that way then explaining what happened. As something that would take hours to explain out loud will only take from a few seconds to a few minutes by telepathy", Apollo tells them.
"And other gifts?" Hermes asks.
"Another is that we can share powers. But it is limited, and it exhausts us to use the others powers. We can feel each others emotions except if one of us is human the human can't feel the immortals emotions. We can also sometimes mimic the others injuries or know if they are in trouble. But we have learnt to block each other if needed", Apollo reveals.
"Anymore?" Hephaestus asks.
"Like with that language is that a twin thing two?" Athena asks.
"It is. ALL twins have their own secret language if they are close. Arty and I are as closer than any other set of twins. Actually, we have the strongest bond to what we can figure out. In the language we can't lie when speaking in it. It is impossible. So, when I was speaking in twin in the bedroom Arty knew I wasn't lying to her", Apollo explains, "You can evade in twin but not lie"
That was interesting knowledge too them. Especially Athena. She was going to have to really talk in depth too Apollo and Artemis.
"So, what happened too Artemis son?" Zeus asks.
"And how does it involve Hercules?" Hera asks.
Apollo sighs, "I suspect some of you have at least guested what happened"
"He raped her", Athena states.
Apollo gives her a sad look, "Yes he did", he confirms to everyone's horror and angry.
"I will murder him!" Hermes growls.
"He is going to have to worry about more than his balls", Athena growls.
"That scum how did I ever believe he was a good lay", Aphrodite states.
"That bastard is going to be thrown in pieces into Tartarus", Hades states.
"I'll help we can rip him to sherds", Poseidon offers.
"Castrating is too good for him. Maybe something with acid", Hephaestus offers.
"That ungrateful filthy scum", Demeter mutters.
"That filthy brat. We castrate him, his member him and cut his…", Hera growls.
Zeus was growling angrily. His son raped, raped his sister. He didn't realise that he had started a thunderstorm.
"Dad stop! You'll scare Artemis!" Apollo exclaims.
But it was too late Apollo could feel Artemis's fear.
"Shit! Hestia and everyone else. Calm him down while I go and comfort Artemis. I'll be back soon", Apollo says in a hurry leaving them in his living room.
Hestia puts a hand on his shoulder.
"Brother stop your scaring you daughter and grandchildren", Hestia tells him.
"He will get what he deserves husband", Hera adds.
"Deep calm breaths brother", Poseidon offers.
"Calm how can I be calm in this situation?" Zeus demands his brother.
"By remembering that Artemis is a traumatized woman who never thought she would lose her virginity. She is scared any woman would be. We just have to be there to support her and do what Apollo says", Athena says wisely.
"Why Apollo?" Aphrodite asks stupidly.
Athena rolls her eyes.
"Because after what we heard about twins. Apollo is the one that knows her best. And seeing as Artemis went straight to Apollo it shows that Artemis trusts Apollo above anyone else. Even females. I suggest anything related to Artemis be deferred to Apollo. As I don't see him willingly leaving her side or doing something to hurt her", Athena advises them.
"I agree. That is what is best", Hestia says smiling sadly.
Everyone else agrees. They talk a little more about the situation. An hour goes by before Apollo remerges looking sad and drained.
"Is she alright?" Hestia asks worriedly.
"How can she be alright?" Apollo asks rhetorically.
"You look like you need a drink", Hermes states.
"I don't drink anymore", Apollo tells them.
Which surprises all of them. Apollo rolls his eyes.
"I would do anything for Arty. And she needed safety, security and comfort. And drinking and partying doesn't fit in. So, I have been sober for 8 months", Apollo replies.
"8 months?" Hermes asks.
"Arty didn't come to me till she was a month's long. So, she was raped just before I came back as a God. She was weak because she was so stressed about me being mortal. It took a toll on her", Apollo informs them.
He pours himself a glass of nectar.
Zeus felt guilty now. He didn't know it would affect Artemis too.
"Does that always happen? Does it always take a toll on Artemis?" Zeus asks.
"Yes, where twins and when you turn me mortal are bond is stretched. She can feel me but I can't feel her so you can imagine the worry for the other. She is always distracted with worry and anxiety when I am turned. Because she can't help me when our bond basically calls for it and when she needs the comfort of my bond with her it is not there. It is like a silent reply", Apollo explains.
Zeus decided he would have to think of new punishments for Apollo. Because this couldn't be allowed to happen again.
"Anything else you would like too now?" Apollo asks tiredly.
"How can we help?" Hestia asks gently taking Apollo's hands, "How can we help ease your burden? And help Artemis and her twins?"
Apollo sees all the supportive faces and gives them a slight smile and tells them what they can do to help. And how to make things easier on Artemis.
Everyone agreed they were going to work together to help Artemis. And help her get revenge.
But ALL of them could see Apollo's protective streak on his self-called 'Little Sister' was in overdrive and one thing was for certain it was not to upset Artemis or you would have a pissed off Sun God on your hands who was already planning unimaginable things for the rapist of his sister and you didn't want to be on that list if he finished Hercules punish and he moved on to the next. As what he planned to do to Hercules already made you shudder.
So safe to say everyone would be treading carefully from now on.
As protective was basically Apollo's middle name.
No one would get within a mile of his sister if he had his way.
And somehow Zeus and the others would have to try to keep the peace.
The key word being here being try…
Author's Note: What do you think? Please Review:)