Thank god my AP exams are over. Another chapter is here, folks.

This one took a lot of figuring out to do. There were several interesting degrees and variations of this chapter that I thought all would kind of fit into the events of the Riordanverse. It took some time to figure it all out and find which path I wanted to head towards.

Also, does anyone think Urahara would get along well with Apollo? They're both goofy and like to troll the crap out of people. It would be one of the most interesting pairings in this type of crossover.

Speaking of which, Ichigo can purify souls and send them to the afterlife if he wishes to with his Quincy and Hollow abilities. His rapid adaptive ability, hybrid nature, and more time in skill refining makes this logical and sound as it is.

I'm interested more about incorporating abilities that Ichigo has from Hell. Maybe something that can be similar to Ghost Rider or something related. The Hell armor Ichigo had on isn't enough for me and I intend to add more of my own creativity. Either way, I would like to look more into the Hell aspects of Ichigo's powers.

Anyway, you guys didn't stay here to listen to me talk all the time: you got a chapter to read. Here ya go.

All rights go to Tite Kubo and Rick Riordan.


"What are you doing here, brother?"

"To visit you, of course!"

"That can't be the only reason you're here!"

"Do I need a reason to visit my little sis?"

"There's something called privacy, brother! And don't call me little sis, I was born before you!"

"Why would you need privacy? Are you in the middle of something? Oh, you're hiding something from your dear ol bro, huh? Is it something…scandalous?" Apollo emphasized that last word as his eyebrows moved up and down in an eye-catching gesture.

Artemis's eyes twitched and she internally sighed. Her brother hadn't changed at all.

"No, Apollo, I am not doing anything of the sort. Now can you leave before I decide to cut off your manhood?"

Said person mock-gasped as he placed his hands over his chest in a faux-shocked expression.

"You're such a meanie, little sis! Oh, tell me, whatever have I done to you?"

His face had his signature grin plastered all over his face, evident in the upwards curves of his lips. His clean white teeth were showing with his eyes full of obvious self-amusement, taking in the increasing amounts of irritation from his sister.

Artemis wanted to strangle him right then and there. Actually, she didn't know why she hadn't done it by now. It would've been hilarious to see Apollo's smug face turn purple while wringing her hands around his neck.

She briefly thought about how Ichigo would disapprove of what she was thinking right now. Probably give her another lecture about the importance of caring for your closest ones.

Artemis sighed. No matter, it was clear that Apollo would not be leaving any time soon. He did make it his personal business to involve himself into her private life like that. He was possessive that way, which Artemis didn't know whether to feel safe or uncomfortable at that fact.

"Well, whatever. Just don't cause any trouble or else, I will kick you out in the most excruciating fashion known to the history of man."

Apollo pouted, muttering about 'unappreciative little siblings' under his breath. Artemis heard this and laughed a little, taking in Apollo's sulking.

Apollo twisted his head to look at her. His eyes seemed horrified as the day when his sister's innocence had ended.

"Hey, don't laugh at me! When did you become so evil?!"

Artemis grinned and she turned around to head back into the forest, leaving an agape Apollo behind. After a moment of recovery, he started to run after her.

"Hey, wait for me!"

-XXX-

Ichigo sighed.

It had been a while since Artemis joined him in taking up the skills to be a huntsman or in her case, a huntswoman. Those months had been marked by constant training and instruction, which honestly took a lot of his mind when it came to planning, even for someone as experienced and old like him.

He may have been fighting so much that his life made him sound like an elder recounting his tales, but he was still younger than the otherworldly friends stood with him. It was a testament to his rapid progress as among the most powerful beings of his kind, but also a sign of inability to take it slow and focus more on tactics, intelligence, and leadership.

Throughout most of the wars he had fought in, he had been brash and impatient. Although he was quick to study his opponents in combat situations, he was also stubborn to a fault and did not heed the advice that counteracted his thought process.

It kinda reminded him about what had happened when he went to rescue his sisters from Hell, destroying the chains that held the souls of the damned and being responsible for releasing some of the Togabito. He took care of the sinners and gained even more power, so it wasn't as bad as it looked, but the entire situation had been proof to Ichigo why he needed to get his temper under control and think more rationally when it came to scenarios like these.

Among other things, he was definitely not a teacher. Although privately taught by some of the strongest people in the Soul Society, he had never really bothered to pay attention to their principal training methods.

He had figured that it would take several more decades before he had an official higher rank in the Seireitei, but he never saw himself as someone who could instruct others how to fight.

It was always him that did the fighting for others. He didn't want somebody to have to fight for his sake when he believed he was strong enough to protect himself. It wasn't just a matter of pride as well.

His name meant one who protects for a reason.

He protected the people around him, being the guardian so that others wouldn't be hurt.

That was a long time ago, when he was still a teenager.

He still had that same attitude because he would be damned if anyone was hurt around him.

But he had come to realize that he couldn't be everywhere and help everybody. The war against Yhwach had been a harsh example for him, many people dying before he had arrived at the ruins of the Seireitei.

But that didn't mean he would stop trying.

And teaching people how to protect themselves was a good way to keep people safe as well.

Ichigo had never really considered being a teacher when he was younger. Teaching others required patience and intelligence, something that he did not have in abundance during his earlier days as a Shinigami. He had been brash and hot-tempered, easily getting aggressive whenever a demeaning remark was thrown his way. He was informal and disrespectful when he had been young, never really getting into the complicated affairs of the Soul Society and displaying casual manners to captains of the Gotei 13 while everyone looked at him like he had lost his mind.

He was very fortunate everybody else had been patient and nice. Hell, even Rukia's brother, Byakuya, was nice when he needed to be despite that cold demeanor he carried.

Ichigo wasn't that naive, brash child anymore, though.

The time after the war gave him more time to look at himself more deeply, like looking into a mirror whose reflection revealed every fiber of your soul. When he had learned and accepted who he was while in the Soul King Palace, this self-reflection gave him much more clarity than before, something he had lacked when he had first became a Substitute Shinigami.

Looking at himself was a reminder that even though some of the worst times of his life had passed, there was still much to learn. He was still young in comparison with his comrades after all.

So he had learned and studied about what was taught at the Shinigami Academy, much to Zangetsu's ire and Old Man Tensa's pleasure. Zangetsu, or Shiro, as Ichigo liked to call him, complained about how Ichigo didn't need any of those 'weak ass Kido' while the Old Man often helped him instinctively use these techniques in future battles by sparring or teaching him about control.

It was actually kind of fun to use these techniques than his own specialized ones since there was so much variety to choose from. It was a giddy feeling to learn different techniques in the span of months that would've otherwise taken years to learn had he been a normal Shinigami.

He could see why Aizen used Hado #90: Kurohitsugi often, though Ichigo would never admit it to that manipulative bastard. It did take a while due to his atrocious control over reishi and reiatsu in general.

He had also taken the time to learn more about his own abilities due to his hybrid nature and 'transcendent' status. Since he was among the first of his kind to reach this kind of status, he had to discover them on his own through trial and error.

Yeah, that was not a fun time. Honestly, he preferred being beaten up by Hiyori rather than going through that again.

But the fruits of the labor were incredible, especially his abilities from Hell. There were so many abilities that he hadn't used outside training and his hollow side was practically screaming at him to show them off. Honestly, he himself was tempted to use them as well.

But he held those feelings off for now. He didn't want to make things overkill, especially when no one had nearly enough power to match his enemies during the war against the Quincy.

One of the nifty things about his abilities is that he could recreate the powers and swords of his initial Shikai and Bankai before he had been given an actual asauchi. Meaning he didn't always have to use his true 'Zangetsus' if he wanted to hold back, maybe even create new blades with his Quincy abilities to manipulate reishi around them.

It still amazed him about his nearly limitless potential. It seemed too surreal to be true, but his Quincy side reminded him that his powers meant he had an even bigger responsibility.

As arguably the most powerful and versatile warrior the Gotei 13 could call upon, he had to be strong so that others could fight on with their heads high and calm. He had a duty to hold and while his younger self wouldn't have cared about it, it was different now that he was older and much more mature.

He would not fail in his responsibility and he would be damned if someone else had to do it.

Ichigo once again sighed as he returned back to what he was doing. He had taken out the smoked fish he had prepared and was waiting for Artemis to return with the vegetables. The bonfire he had lit was still going.

Ichigo frowned. Now that he had thought about it, it had been an hour since he sent Artemis out. With the abundance of food around here, she should've been back fifteen minutes ago.

He had been slightly worried, but then calmed himself. Artemis may have been young, but she was still a goddess regardless and strong in her own right. Ichigo's training had only made her even more so. And he could still sense her spiritual presence, so he could track her down if he wanted to.

Ichigo stood still and closed his eyes in concentration. Around him, ribbons started popping up in mid air, tiling up to the number of souls nearby. He quickly grabbed onto the ribbon that felt like Artemis's spiritual pressure or reiatsu.

Ichigo frowned when he sensed an unfamiliar soul near Artemis, but noticed that she wasn't in distress or otherwise, she would be running away right now.

He got up and materialized the sleek black daitō he had used in his false Bankai before flying off. It wouldn't hurt to check on Artemis and their camp was secured in a safe and secluded spot so he didn't worry too much about someone finding their site.

With that, Ichigo followed the path towards Artemis.

-XXX-

Apollo had never seen Artemis so in her element right now.

As she hummed and ignored Apollo's whining about how there were so many bugs around them, she continued to gather more of the plants needed for dinner, carefully picking out which ones were edible and surprising her brother with her superior survival skills, something she made sure to brag to Apollo about.

This made him begin to complain and sulk even more.

Artemis, meanwhile, wondered whether she could perhaps introduce Apollo to Ichigo. She trusted Apollo and while he was infuriating, he also understood the importance of keeping promises and secrecy. Apollo was always fond of her and would never betray her trust.

Artemis was confident that her brother would not mention even a hint about Ichigo.

It was ultimately up to Ichigo in that regard though. Artemis had sworn on the river Styx that she would not tell anyone about Ichigo unless she had express permission.

As the siblings walked around the forest, she made out the wind rapidly rustling. She was about to concentrate on observing the environment when her brother interrupted her again.

"Hey, Arty! Where are we going? All I see are trees and…these nasty pests all around us. Seriously, these little insects are annoying! I don't see how you can live in all of this filthiness!" Apollo yelled while swinging his arms around, trying to desperately stave off the bugs around them. He flopped around for a little bit before comically slipping and falling on his back, yelping.

Apollo groaned and rubbed the back of his head while he got back up. Artemis kept her face straight, but her brother could tell the mirth in her eyes.

Before he got a chance to whine though, Artemis dropped her bag and quickly reached beneath her dress, a sturdy and thin hunting knife in her hands. Faster than Apollo could see, she quickly threw it into one of the hedges around them.

While Apollo was shocked by the swiftness and seemingly randomness of the attack, Artemis decided to reveal her voice.

"I know you're out there! Come on out!"

At first, she received no response. But after a few seconds passed by, she heard rustling and out emerged her master garbed in black robes.

"Nice job, Art. Your senses are improving a bit." Ichigo said as his appearance was fully revealed, holding the blade of the knife Artemis had thrown in between his index and middle fingers on his left hand, which he had raised and threw back at Artemis, who caught it and put it back in her dress.

"I knew I heard something when me and my brother were walking about. I just didn't know it was you." Artemis replied nonchalantly. Ichigo nodded before turning to the other man sitting down on the grass, who had just come out of his shock.

Ichigo adopted a thinking pose.

"Hmm…so you're Apollo, eh? Artemis's little brother?"

Apollo instantly got back up.

"HEY! ARTY IS THE YOUNGER SIBLING, NOT ME!"

Ichigo's lips curved up in a teasing manner.

"Oh really? That's not what I see right now, seeing that Artemis is clearly more mature than you are since you look like a kid who has just been told there's no more of those sweet snacks in the kitchen." Said person smirked, mostly from amusement, but a bit of gratitude for making their meeting easier.

Apollo looked at Artemis in horror before he pointed indignantly at Ichigo while keeping his eyes on his sister.

"AHHHHHHHHHH! ART, WHO IS THIS MAN AND WHY IS HE BEING SUCH AN ASSHOLE!" Apollo wailed very immaturely with tears nearly coming out of his eyes. He had such a childish expression it honestly was ridiculous to believe he was a godling, a being several times more powerful than a mortal.

The orange-haired reaper erupted in laughter while Artemis crossed her arms, a little miffed that her brother dared to call her master an asshole. While it did feel good to see her sibling like this, she did have much respect for her sensei and she disliked Apollo for insulting Ichigo without knowing who he truly is.

That reminder was the only reason why she hadn't walked over and bopped her brother on the head just yet.

Ichigo's laughs died down as Artemis cleared her mouth, her tone very clear and stern.

"Brother, this is the man I've been training with to hone my skills as a warrior and who I am accompanying out in the wild. Please treat him with respect as he has taught me much and his advice is very helpful."

Apollo looked at her for a moment, blinking to make sure he wasn't hallucinating.

Ichigo looked somewhat sheepish at the mile-long stare that Artemis's brother was giving him. He scratched the back of his head while still holding the black daitō in his right hand, the chain clinking as the handle rustled around.

Then Apollo was touched by Leto again.

"WHAAAT?!" He screamed, his shock freely expressed in his tone. It couldn't be possible, there was no way. His little man-hating sister couldn't be hanging around with a guy right now! Nope, nuh uh! No way was this happening right now.

Artemis could practically read all of Apollo's thoughts and facepalmed while her black garbed companion had a certain look, both in befuddlement and amusement.

Her brother, however, became uncharacteristically silent after a minute, which made the air between the three uncomfortable. Honestly, Artemis was getting kind of worried, seeing her brother like this. She had never seen such a dampened mood around Apollo just now in all of their lives. It was very concerning.

Apollo suddenly leaped at Ichigo. "WHAT'VE YOU DONE WITH MY SISTER?!"

Ichigo, recognizing the situation spiraling out of control, quickly jumped to the side before the young blonde god crashed into a nearby tree, sending it tumbling down. Wood splintered off as the orange-haired hybrid grabbed Artemis out of the way before it fell onto where she had just been a second ago.

Ichigo looked at Apollo incredulously as he got back up and faced him.

"Chill your ass! I haven't been doing anything to your sister other than teaching and taking care of her! I'm not a pedophile!"

Apollo looked at him cautiously, his eyes revealing a more fiery temper that matched his posture and aggression. Artemis switched her eyes between her mentor and her brother, not completely sure why Ichigo was being accused, but slowly starting to get an idea.

Apollo opened his mouth.

"I don't know what 'pedophile' means, but if you think that's going to stop me, then you're dead wrong."

Apollo dashed towards Ichigo, his right hand curled up in a fist.

Ichigo held out his left hand and effortlessly grabbed Apollo's fist, completely stopping his momentum and observing a wide-eyed expression before Ichigo casually pushed him back with the same arm, his incredulity turning into muted exasperation. He internally sighed.

"Look, does Artemis look like she's been violated in any way, shape or form? Or does she look unhappy?"

Apollo frowned before he glanced at Artemis. Aside from her befuddled expression, she didn't look like she had been harmed. In fact, Artemis looked more relaxed and concerned with what his brother was talking about rather than her wellbeing, something Apollo knew that Artemis would take first priority over.

Ichigo looked at Apollo, disgruntled.

"I have done nothing to Artemis, only offering to teach her how to fight, live in the wild, and things you need to know in the future. I have not asked much of her aside from that and if she asked for something, then depending on what it is, I will tell her whether she can learn about it. I'm not someone who teaches her something she did not ask for."

Apollo looked at him skeptically before his sister's voice pitched in.

"Ichigo speaks the truth. He has not invaded my privacy and has been teaching me on how to hunt and fight, bestowing marvelous gifts for me to use later on."

Artemis looked up at his brother, her eyes focused on Apollo's attention. A silent sign to listen to her.

"Please don't attack Ichigo. He is a wonderful teacher and a good man, wise and powerful."

Apollo's eyes widened. His body softened in response, slowly whittling away his desire to protect his sister from this Ichigo person.

Never had he thought that his sister, mind you, would be praising a person, a man no less. He had never seen Artemis visibly compliment someone other than their mother. Not even Apollo himself received such an open expression from his sister.

The blonde, respecting her sister's wishes and a little curious about who exactly was this black garbed person, sighed and looked at Ichigo.

"If my sister says you're good in her book, then you're fine in mine as well."

Ichigo smiled and flicked his hand, making the daitō in his hand dissipate.

"Alright, because I am not in the mood to fight you right now. Which is honestly saying something since I like to duke it out a lot…"

Ichigo had his hand on his chin for a moment before he turned to face Artemis.

"Also, wise? Not going to lie, that doesn't really fit me. Come on, you can do better than that, can you?"

Artemis puffed her cheeks in embarrassment.

"You're lucky that I even called you that! You didn't know about that tree we encountered the other day! Some smart man you are!"

Ichigo looked at Artemis indignantly.

"Hey! How was I supposed to know it was poisonous? You couldn't tell anything about it either so quit acting like a smart ass about it!"

"You…you imprudent man! Stop pointing fingers at me!"

"Do you have a problem with my language, midget?"

"Oh, you did not just go there!"

"I definitely did!"

"I'm gonna make you regret it!"

"Make me, dammit!"

Apollo's face was comical as he had been witness to his sister acting so trivially and yet so casually as this was normal. You could practically see Artemis and the other man having their hands raised, their positions stuck in ridiculous poses, which took one frame at a time. He swore it was something out of a comedy show, except less formal and more friendly when it came to banter.

However, Apollo paid attention to how Artemis was acting. Usually, she was more rigid and calm whenever she talked with someone. She was serious when he talked to him and Leto, straight to the point and no nonsense.

This Artemis was much more relaxed and outgoing.

Which was nice to see. Apollo couldn't help, but smile a little bit, his slightest worries evaporating away.

His eyes then focused on Ichigo, who was barking at Artemis for her jabs at his sword. Apollo could tell that though Ichigo and Artemis were having an argument, they were both comfortable and happy with each other. He noted that Ichigo's eyes were filled with mirth behind his mock angry expressions.

Apollo was genuinely curious about who this person was.

Ichigo suddenly held his hands out as he calmed down before frowning.

"By the way, did you gather any food for dinner?"

Artemis's eyes widened rather hilariously.

"Oh no! I accidentally dropped it when you appeared out of nowhere. I was kind of expecting a fight."

Ichigo let out a groan.

"Really, midget?"

"Oh, come on! That was your fault!"

"I wasn't the one holding the damn bag!"

"Doesn't matter when it's you!"

"Why is it always my fault for your clumsiness?!"

Apollo sweatdropped. He still could not believe this was happening right now.

-XXX-

Leto was starting to get concerned now.

It had been a few months since she had last seen her daughter Artemis and her son Apollo was supposed to arrive here on Delos by now.

She hadn't been bothered in the first month when she lost contact with her daughter. After all, she was an adventurous girl and she didn't like staying on the island for too long. Leto knew that she aspired to go out in the wild and the blonde-haired mother was not one to deny her dream, however difficult it may seem.

So the beautiful titaness had overlooked her first month of missing in action. She figured that with Zeus's protection and her godly power, Artemis would be fine and would soon return to her in one piece.

A couple of months had passed by now and she still hadn't come back to Delos. To make matters worse, the goddess's son Apollo also had not come back as planned and she was growing increasingly worried over their absences.

As a mother, it terrified her to see them gone for so long. She couldn't help, but panic at the thoughts of being separated from them. Her mind was plagued by what could've happened and if they were in any danger.

Before she really thought about it though, she heard a light buzzing sound followed by something skidding. Looking behind her as she stood up from the rock she had been sitting on, she saw a midnight black hole rippling in the air out of nowhere. It seemed as if the black hole led straight into the void.

What grabbed her attention was what came out of the hole. Or rather who.

A man with hair matching that of a flame and wearing black robes unlike anything she had ever seen emerged from that void. The robes themselves were stark black and very long as well as if it were a dress.

The man's face was handsome as well. Leto blushed, but she also remained cautious. No mortal had ever stumbled upon the flying island and no one besides Zeus, her children, or herself had ever been on the island itself. Not even monsters were present on the flying isle.

Then, the man's face turned to her as the hole closed up, reverting back to the cloudy sky.

-XXX-

After having met Apollo, Ichigo had asked him whether he wanted to stay with him and Artemis for the time being. The blonde smiled and said yes as he couldn't stop babying 'her younger sister Art', much to the amber-haired girl's chagrin.

Then two days passed by before Ichigo asked Apollo if he had something to do after.

Apollo sort of chuckled nervously after thinking about it for a little bit. After some mock threatening from Ichigo, he told him that he was supposed to meet with his and Artemis's mother a day ago.

Knowing how overprotective parents were when it came to missing children, Ichigo sighed and offered to let their mother, Leto, that her children were staying with him at the moment.

Though both Apollo and Artemis were thankful for Ichigo's offer, they questioned how he was going to be able to access the flying island since it would take a day to reach there from where they were.

It was funny to see Apollo's mouth drop to the ground when Ichigo casually opened a tear in the air, warping the fabric of space and time as if it was your average Tuesday. Artemis nodded, just accepting the fact that Ichigo could do this after knowing him for quite a while. Being privy to his unpredictability and power was something she had to get used to after a couple of months.

He then walked through the Garganta and to the island of Delos. He had been there before when Artemis talked about her birthplace.

Ichigo breathed deeply before taking a look at the woman in front of him. She was very beautiful and angelic, having pale blonde hair running just past her chest with an equally pale skin as well. The irises of her eyes were brown and the pupils were notably white, giving her a gentle expression.

She wore a cyan thin, smooth dress that revealed her hips, sides, and back with golden beads and cufflets keeping the dress on her upper torso. The dress itself reached down all the way to her feet, keeping her skirt long, but not overly expanded.

She had a somewhat tense, but scared face, which was honestly expected since a complete stranger like Ichigo broke onto her island. She was keeping a distance away from him, waiting for his response.

Ichigo raised his hands up halfway.

"Hey, I'm not here to hurt you or anything like that. I just want to talk to you. You're Leto, right?"

Said woman frowned, not loosening her stance.

"How do you know who I am? And why are you here?"

The orange-haired swordsman softly smiled.

"My name's Ichigo and I'm here to tell you about your children, Artemis and Apollo."


I hope you've enjoyed this chapter. Although it doesn't have much of the world building and background description as the last few chapters, I wanted to emphasize the aspects of certain characters so as to not sow confusion amongst you readers.

I apologize for taking a lot of time to make this chapter and making you guys and girls wait a month for it to come out. Now that most of my personal stuff has been taken care of, I have more time to write and skedaddle doo away with the plot.

I have a bunch of ideas on how this story will go, but it will definitely go down from their meeting here to the end of Heroes of Olympus trilogy. I want to keep Ichigo in his element as a guardian, but also give other characters time to mature and grow.

As always, thank you for reading, give out reviews so I might find areas where I can improve, and be on the lookout for the next chapter.