Disclaimer: I don't own any characters used, they are from Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan. This is for entertainment purposes only and I do not profit from this fic financially.

"Wake up, sleepyhead. There's snow outside and I want to be the first one out there so we can play pranks on everyone else," Hermes said.

Apollo groaned, "Why me?"

"Because you're my pranking buddy."

"You know I hate winter."

Hermes kneeled. "Pretty please? If you tell me why you're so glum and do as I ask, I'll give you a thousand drachmas."

"I like summer."

"No, the real, real reason."

"Fine." Apollo reluctantly got up from his bed and went to his drawer to get dressed. He selected a New York Yankees hoodie and swiped a pair of jeans from his desk. He took around an hour to perfect his hair; for the ladies he said, showered, and tried to pair his outfit with socks and shoes. He and Hermes went down to his private kitchen and grabbed something to eat. They took some winter equipment from Apollo's sports room and went outside.

"So, wanna tell me why you hate Christmas so much?" Hermes attempted to make light conversation. After a moment of silence, Apollo replied. "It started when I was younger. Of course, being the sun god was part of the reason I hate winter, specifically Christmas. But there's more to it than that meets the eye.

"I used to complain and groan about having to be stuck in our cave on Delos. One day, around when I was five, something happened. Our mother had already faded before I was born, actually. So my sister has raised me since the day I was born. It happened that since December 25th was the day I complained the most every year, this year I was left a present. My sister was bored the week before and made a Christmas tree. The first ever, if you believe. Santa made his first appearance. So that day I opened my present and found an instrument. My lute isn't my first, in fact the idea of making it wasn't even mine. This kept going on for several years."

"When I was ten, Father came for me. Artemis was happy for me. She said to behave and come back safely to her. Four years later, I came home on Christmas Eve. I found four presents near the tree. I smiled.

"Artemis came into the living room. She asked me to tell her of the events that had happened when I was on Olympus. I did, eagerly, but later realized that it was a terrible idea. I told her what Father told me. You know, like sex with the ladies and breaking hearts and stuff. I didn't realize it then, but Artemis was trembling. When I finished my tale, she left so fast I almost hadn't even seen her. I later learned that she suffered on Delos, fending for herself against monsters while I had a joyous time on Olympus, barely remembering her."

Hermes whistled. "Wow, no wonder she hates males. So it came from you."

"No. Once, when she was over at Olympus, after she experimented with her powers, she saw something worth vomiting. She saw a pig rape a maiden in the forest. I know because Ares was bragging about it later. And during her first time on Olympus, some of the gods were leering at her, and there was even one that tried forcing himself on her. Of course, he didn't succeed but she still felt the pain. And although she hadn't been given domains yet, she had already built her own chariot."

"That night, I patiently waited for Santa to arrive. Instead, I found my sister on the cliff, near Santa's sled. She was crying and promised herself she would never look at a man. Not even for companionship and that she would never do anything for them. That was when I realized the whole Santa façade was done for me. She had gone the extra mile for me, to make me happy. She didn't have a lot of spare time, because she was always taking care of me. That was when I regretted following Father like he was the world. Since then, every Christmas she wouldn't talk to me at all. For the whole week. Recently, it got even worse. She avoided me for three entire weeks, and I would never see her. I tried asking her where she would go when the holidays were over, each time she flashed away or started shaking. I never pestered her after that."

"Well, dude, you messed up big time. But she seems to like Father better than you," Hermes commented.

"Barely. Last when Zeus wanted to kill the demigods, she was barely reigning her own fury."

Line Break

"Khione? Hurry up. We don't want anyone seeing us."

Khione panted, "Alright, alright. Just tired. One could think you were ashamed of having me as a best friend."

"Oh, you know it isn't that. I couldn't care less. But I wouldn't want anyone catching a glimpse of our girl time," Artemis spoke, slowing down her running pace.

"Of course. Now let's go to that mortal place in Brooklyn. I hear their hot chocolate malt is to die for."

"To the immortals or to the mortals?"

"Mortals."

"Good, they have better taste anyway."

The girls hurriedly switched clothes and ran down to the nearest bus station closest to Artemis' mortal flat in Brooklyn. Khione was wearing a white parka with a black shirt and dark jeans. Her hair was tied into a French braid. Artemis wore a silver parka with a black shirt and dark jeans. Her hair was also tied into a French braid. They did that for fun. As they walked down to the hot cocoa place, Café Amigo, Khione and Artemis couldn't help but think they were being watched. Both had hid their weapons inside the sheaths in their jackets, and now reached for them. Suddenly, a woman materialized in front of them.

"Artemis, Zeus wants you to come to the Christmas party. And it's mandatory. Khione, you shouldn't be here," Hera smirked.

"Tell him to keep the PDA and flirting to a minimum and I'll consider," Artemis retorted. "And don't talk to Khione that way. Besides, a party is normally at night. I'll have to make my rounds."

"You dare talk back like that to the Queen of Olympus? How rude!" Hera exclaimed. Her face started turning red and her veins started to throb.

"Hera, I know you dislike him to a varying degree. Join us for cocoa at Café Amigo. Just be nice and we can put the past behind us," Artemis replied.

"Y-your offer is very kind and I'd love to. Sorry for speaking to you girls that way," Hera said, stunned with gratitude.

"No prob. But if we want to get some fresh cocoa, we gotta hurry. And please don't tell anyone that you had seen us, if they ask," Khione spoke, dragging the two ladies toward the traffic light. They ran like the Minotaur was chasing them.

Line Break

Meanwhile, Athena was searching for Artemis. Instead, she found Apollo and Hermes in the gardens. She approached them, confused as to what they were doing. Normally, they would be pranking the other gods. "Hello?"

"Ah! You scared me, woman," Hermes gasped. Athena laughed. For a prankster, he seemed scared at the littlest of things.

"Have the two of you seen Artemis?"

Apollo said, somewhat defeatedly, "You won't find her for the entire Christmas holiday."

Athena wore a thoughtful expression. " Zeus has a Christmas party planned and attendance is required. Hera was sent to inform her."

Apollo rose. "What, why? And Arty would never agree."

"That's right. What is taking Hera so long?," Athena frowned. "And how come Artemis can't be found during Christmas?"

"She's had a bad history on this date," Hermes spoke for the second time since Athena had come.

Athena looked confused. What could Hermes possibly mean? She voiced her thought aloud, "Besides hating men, what kind of things would Artemis hate?"

A strange expression flitted through Apollo's face. "None of your business." And promptly walked away, Hermes following him like a lost cat.

Line Break

Thunder shot down from the sky. Ten gods flashed into their respective thrones, another flashing to a dark corner of the throne room, just happening to capture a glimpse of a certain hearth goddess by the fire in the center.

"Zeus, what is so important that you have to call us all here?" Hades boomed. The other gods all had a sort of annoyed expression on their faces.

"Two of our numbers are missing. Artemis...and Hera. Where are they?" Zeus thundered, his impatient temper bursting.

"How should we know? They are your daughter and wife, after all," Demeter snarked. The gods were surprised, most of the time the agriculture goddess just ranted about everyone needing to eat more grains and fruit.

Zeus just said, "Whatever, they are not important. As you all know-"

Poseidon cuts him off, "Oh, we'll definitely be telling them you said that. Please, continue." The other gods smothered their snickers. Hermes actually fell out of his throne, bursting with laughter.

Zeus scowled. "As I was saying, you all know that tomorrow night Olympus will be hosting a Christmas Party. And this time around, all gods and all the demigods are invited to attend. So I suggest you go back to your palaces and think about it for at least, at least, and I must stress this, an hour." The council just heaved a sigh. Then, as most meetings go, Zeus started arguing with Hades, Poseidon and Athena began insulting each other once again, Demeter (like normal) complained that everyone needed to eat more grains. All in all, the entire council was chaotic, even more so without two of its goddesses. Not that said goddesses would calm the other Olympians, anyway.

Line Break

Meanwhile, at Café Amigo, Artemis and Khione were talking about their plans for the week. Hera just listened as they talked. Artemis said, "Ooh, we should go skiing and then snowboarding."

"Yeah, and after that we could go ice skating. I'm just drooling at all the fun that could be had right now," Khione replied.

"Hera, what are your thoughts?"

Hera asked, surprised. "You girls would include me in your activities? But I don't know how to do any of them."

"That's okay. After all, everyone's got to start somewhere, right? And besides, a few millennia ago, it was Artemis' first time skating, skiing, and snowboarding as well. You never know if you like it unless you try it," Khione answered.

Artemis concurred. "Yeah, this holiday will be filled with fun stuff. So don't worry if you don't know how to do something, we'll help you along the way." She sipped her cocoa.

"I-I don't know what to say. But while I do thank you for your generosity, I'm afraid I'll have to turn down your offer," Hera stammered, awed by her stepdaughter's kindness to make peace with her.

Khione said, "That's okay, you can join us next time you're free."

"Thank you." With that being said, Hera got up from her seat, and left, as she had her duties to still complete. The two friends, Artemis and Khione, stayed in Café Amigo for a while, chatting all the way, then they got up and Artemis escorted Khione back to her house.

Artemis said, "Well, Khione, I will see you later tonight. Same place and time as last year?"

"By the gardens near the back, right? Okay," Khione agreed.

Artemis returned to Olympus alone, going straight to her palace. The Olympians were still in the throne room.

"Hades, shut up! Council dismissed!" Zeus angrily yelled. The rest of the council froze, then one by one flashed out. Zeus screamed furiously once more before also flashing out.

Line Break

"Wait up, wait up Percy!" Annabeth panted, trying to catch up with the Saviour of Olympus. Percy kept walking, ignoring Annabeth's pleas to stop.

Finally, Percy was annoyed that Annabeth kept following him. "Will you please stop stalking me? Go away. And this entire situation wouldn't have happened if you hadn't cheated on me with the newbie son of Ares, Tom. You only have yourself to blame. So, last time go-" Percy was cut off as the conch horn for lunch rang. Percy changed direction, towards the dining pavilion. There, hundreds of demigods were streaming in from all directions, all sacrificing food to their parents before they ate. After a while, Chiron stomped his hoof on the marble floor. "Campers, please give me your full attention. Tonight, there will be a Christmas party on Olympus. Attendance is mandatory. Also, please keep in mind that numerous immortals will be there as well as the Romans. That is all. Enjoy your lunch."

Percy groaned and facepalmed. This was just what he needed. Note the sarcasm. On the other end of the mess hall, Annabeth's reaction was a whole other world of different. She was excited, as that meant Percy was still under her watch for the next several hours. She didn't even finish her lunch, she quickly got up and ran to her cabin. She tried on every single outfit in her closet that was a dress, she thought they were all too conservative. She ran to Cabin 10, where she asked Drew if she could borrow her skimpiest dress. Drew agreed to lend the daughter of Athena a small, tight blood red dress. Annabeth skipped back to her cabin to switch clothing, and apply makeup on her face and skin.

Percy, who went back to his cabin after lunch, just chose to wear a suit jacket over a dress shirt and some dress pants. He didn't bother changing his shoes, leaving them as sneakers. Most other male campers were dressed similarly as well.

Greeks and Romans alike stared at Olympus' grandeur as they passed through its hall to the throne room. While Annabeth's personality is preposterous, her reconstruction of Olympus is truly magnificent. As the campers got closer to the throne room, they could hear music blasting loudly. Everyone was so excited that they started to pick up the pace. Except one, Percy Jackson. As he entered the throne room, he sat down in a quiet corner, wishing he was anywhere but there. After an hour, he got up to get a drink. He accidentally bumped into someone, and he was surprised as well as a little afraid as he had bumped into a goddess, specifically Artemis. After a few moments, Percy apologized, but was confused when Artemis didn't turn him into a jackalope.

Artemis said, "It's okay. The room is so crowded it is practically impossible not to bump into someone. Here, since I'm near the drink table and I assume that is what you're getting, I'll get it for you. Which drink did you want?"

Percy stuttered. "O-oh th-thank y-you L-lady A-artemis. C-can y-you p-please p-pass th-the fr-fruit pu-punch?"

"Here you go and no need to add the 'Lady' part." With that said, Artemis left. She went back to the entrance and finally spotted her friend Khione. "Ione, over here!" Khione came over and gave her a hug.

"Arty, I can't believe you actually came to Zeus' party. I mean, you normally go out of your way to avoid them."

"Mandatory, remember? Zeus won't stop complaining about it later if I don't show up."

"Right, anyways I brought a stack of cards. Wanna play?"

"Yeah." The two girls started playing cards on the floor, near the corner Percy was occupying. He was intrigued, he didn't know gods, specifically goddesses played cards. And it seemed they were quite good as well.

Line Break

"Hiya, little sister!" Apollo cheerfully shouted at Thalia. He wasn't exactly cheerful, he never was on Christmas, but he still forced himself to act normal. Thalia blushed, while she didn't have a crush on Apollo anymore, she still found him good-looking.

"Hey Apollo," she replied.

Hermes popped into the conversation. "Thalia, looking sharp as always. By the way, Apollo, I think I found your sister."

Apollo spoke confusedly. "What do you mean? Thalia's right here."

"Artemis, your twin sister."

Apollo produced a rather loud gasp. "That can't be right. She's never on Olympus during Christmas time!"

"She's sitting near a corner of the room, playing cards with…I think her name's Khione."

"They know each other?"

"Dunno."

"She must be really afraid of Father's wrath then."

Hermes questioned. "She hates Christmas that much? Wow."

Aphrodite came into view, with Ares following behind her. "Who hates Christmas?"

Apollo straightened stiffly. "No one of your concerns."

"Oh, come on Apollo. Let's get Artemis and a guy under the mistletoe, the one farthest from the exit. That would be the perfect blackmail," sighed Aphrodite.

Apollo said threateningly, "We aren't going to do anything to my sister that she doesn't want. Leave her alone."

"No, she never comes to any of Olympus' parties, be it private or public. She needs to be part of something good this time, since she was practically forced to come." Aphrodite then spotted Artemis sitting with Khione, talking and playing cards. "Ooh, that's some good gossip. The King of Olympus' absolute favorite daughter scheming with one of Olympus' worst enemies."

"I told you, leave her alone. And Khione as well," Apollo repeated, walking even closer to Aphrodite.

Ares grunted. "Yo, Apollo, don't threaten my girlfriend or you'll feel the tip of my blade."

"I will if she harms my sister."

Line Break

Aphrodite scoffed. "I'm doing her a favor. Besides, you're her brother and she's equally rude to you, Apollo." The love goddess walked closer to Artemis. "Hey Arty, whatcha-"

"Aphrodite," the goddess of the moon growls. "What do you want now?"

"Really? I want you to kiss a male under the mistletoe, right now."

Khione laughed. "How stupid can you get, goddess of love? She was obviously being sarcastic."

"Why you, you insolent little minor goddess, how dare you talk to me like that?!" Aphrodite said, face red.

Artemis retorted. "Don't talk to Khione like that Aphrodite, especially since you know she's right."

"Humph!" Aphrodite yells, stomping her feet like a small child throwing a loud tantrum. "You both need to get laid!"

Khione snarked back. "Oh, we're fine. I think you on the other hand should stop getting laid. It's turning your brain into mush. Oh, wait, it already is."

"You-" Aphrodite said, interrupted by Apollo's appearance. Artemis stiffened, along with Khione when they felt his presence. Aphrodite greeted, "Apollo, would you believe the manners of your sister and Khione? Poor me."

Apollo answered calmly, " I warned you not to mess with them. Looks like you paid the price." Inside his mind, however, there was conflict between nervousness and fear.

"Th-they said my brain was mush!"

Hermes smirked. The girls weren't far off. Aphrodite wasn't exactly the brightest star in the night sky.

"Khione, I think I need to use the restroom," Artemis whispered to her friend. Khione's answer was to follow her, as everyone else was momentarily distracted.

"Wait, Artemis, aren't you going to stay? I mean, there is so much fun yet to be had! Like pranking other people!" Hermes questioned Artemis.

"Khione and I are just going to use the restroom, is that forbidden? Artemis snarked back stiffly.

"N-no, I just thought you guys were leaving the party, that's all," Hermes said, Artemis' expression making him feel very small at the moment.

"Artemis…" Apollo murmured. His sister still ignored him. Aphrodite had enough and grabbed the goddess of the hunt's arm.

The moon goddess turned. "Wha-"

"Look here. Stop acting like you're above us all lowly peasants. Apollo called out to you, but you didn't even react. What kind of sibling are you?" The love goddess berated. "You should be nicer, after all he is your full-blooded brother."

Artemis responded back with some venom in her voice. "You're absolutely right Aphrodite. What kind of sister am I? Oh, wait, I'm not. Because I don't have a brother, or a sibling for that matter. So what was it you were saying again?" She stalked off towards the toilet, Khione walking behind her.

"D-did you guys just hear that?!" Aphrodite screeched. "She said you weren't her brother! What kind of monster is she?"

Apollo glared at her. "I told you to stop insulting my sister. And for your information, don't judge her until you know the full story. It's her right to feel that way."

"What's going on here?" Athena questioned, Hestia and Poseidon and Demeter and Hera were also wearing puzzled looks on their faces as they also joined Apollo, Hermes, and Aphrodite.

Aphrodite shrieked angrily. "Th-that cow!"

Line Break

"Please don't insult cows, Aphrodite," said Hera disdainfully.

"Sh-she said that she didn't have any siblings when two of them were right in front of her, one of which was her full-blooded brother!"

Demeter guessed. "Oh, you're talking about Artemis, aren't you? But what you say doesn't make any sense. Yes, she is a bit hostile to Apollo, but she's never said that they weren't siblings. Are you absolutely sure that is what she said?"

"Yes, I am sure!"

"Give us her exact words."

"She said exactly, 'What kind of sister am I? Oh, wait, I'm not. Because I don't have a brother, or a sibling for that matter.'"

"Wh-what? Why would she do that?" The sea god asked, extremely bewildered.

"It's all my fault. Now would you all stop talking about it?" Apollo growled.

Aphrodite kept speaking loudly. "And you know what's even worse? Apollo and Hermes don't even stand up for themselves. I mean, what in the world?"

Hera ignored her. "Apollo, what do you mean it's your fault?"

"Seriously, Hera, it's obvious he's just covering for her," cut in the love goddess.

Hera glared. "I asked Apollo not you, love goddess."

"Artemis...can sort of...hold grudges for a long time. Probably longer than Uncle Hades actually. It isn't really a grudge anyway, just a bit of bad history between us. For your own safety, you should probably not mention anything related to anything my sister hates to her, like pigs, rape, and me during Christmas," elucidated Apollo sadly.

"Um, alright. But you haven't told us the real problem. We want to help Artemis, after all we are family," Hestia soothed.

Hermes placated Apollo. "Look, dude, if you don't want to tell anyone about it, you don't have to. No one's going to make you do anything you don't want."

Demeter added, "Yeah. But we really do want to help."

"I appreciate your concerns but I won't betray my sister's trust so easily. And she already has a low opinion of me. No need to make things worse," Apollo responded. At the sound of shoes clacking on the hard marble floor, the gods (Ares, Poseidon, Apollo, Hermes) and the goddesses (Athena, Aphrodite, Hestia, Hera, Demeter) looked up.

"Artemis, over here," Athena called out. Artemis' head and Khione's head turned and faced Athena. The time it took for the two goddesses to turn their heads was enough for the gods and goddesses to swarm them. Everyone started asking and/or screaming at the goddess of the moon. Her face was in an emotionless mask, her friend's the same. The only gods not yelling at Artemis would be Hermes and Apollo. The two stayed in their original places.

Finally, Hermes couldn't take it anymore. "Everyone, SHUT UP! For Zeus' sake, you all act like little kids! Can't you even tell Artemis nor Khione has spoken a single word?! Ugh, you guys are making my head spin!"

Line Break

After hearing those words, the small crowd stopped speaking at the same time. Athena announced, "Alright. I'll speak first. Artemis, how can you say Apollo isn't your brother? You guys grew up together for Zeus' sake!"

"You told them," Artemis said emotionlessly. Khione was at her side, glaring at everyone who looked at her best friend angrily.

Apollo opted to keep his mouth shut, lest he incur his sister's wrath.

Poseidon looked at her puzzled. "What do you mean '[he] told [us]'? What did he tell us?"

Artemis ignored him. "Khione, it's nearing midnight. Let's go."

Khione nodded, and started following Artemis out of the room.

"Wait, wait, you have to give us an answer!"

"You can't leave, remember?"

"You're such a terrible person, Artemis!"

The gods started protesting at once. The last comment came from Aphrodite (of course).

Artemis inhaled a breath of fresh midnight air. Khione had gone home for the night after saying good night, per their usual routine. But today Artemis wasn't feeling tired. So now, she's perched on a tall, dark tree, trying to sort out her mind. She understood she wasn't the greatest person in the world, but...she didn't think everyone thought so low of her. Especially Hestia. She thought Hestia would've understood why or at least not jumping to any conclusions yet without knowing the details. Artemis debated on quitting the Olympian council. Everyone knows, or at least thinks, she's a Zeus supporter. And, she's hated because of her beliefs and actions. It isn't like they knew the full reason behind her beliefs, and it isn't like they don't have any flaws or something. So, if everyone thinks of her as such a terrible person, then what is the point of staying? She obviously isn't being appreciated, something she can get elsewhere. This debate had been in her mind for a long time. It was then she finalized her decision: she's going to quit the council. She would find other things to take up her time and make her useful.

Line Break

ONE MONTH LATER

Hermes, yawning a bit, said, "Oh boy, another council meeting. Seriously, we had one a month ago."'

"I know, right? You would think Zeus would let us off for at least another week, but noooooooo, it had to be today. And I have some dates to get to," Apollo groaned.

The two gods were sitting in their thrones, waiting for the rest of the council to appear. They were the first ones there, besides Hestia. In the next few moments, everyone else flashed in, each in theatrical style. All, except one. Artemis. An envelope had appeared in her place. But no one paid attention and realized these things. The meeting went on and on, until Zeus called for the monster reports.

"Artemis, what's the status with the monsters? No new uprisings, I hope," Zeus said lazily, not even looking at his daughter's throne. The gods did their own things, until they realized she wasn't speaking. Then they turned their heads to face her, but she wasn't there. Hera was the first to come out of her shock and noticed the plain white envelope on the silver throne.

She spoke up. "Guys, look at her seat. There's a silver envelope."

"Well then, what are you all waiting for? Open it. Apollo, do it because you're closest to the throne," commanded Athena.

Apollo complied. He gingerly took the envelope and opened it. The contents included a letter, and a key. A god shouted, "Read it out loud, Apollo! Come on, we haven't got all day!"

Apollo had a bad feeling about this. He glared at the offending person, and replied it was a delicate matter. He read the letter aloud:

To whom may this concern, or rather...who finds it,

I, Phoebe Artemis, quit the Olympian council and take back my oath of fealty. From this day forward, I will not be recognized as an Olympian any longer. I do this with the full knowledge of my rights and privileges. I have enclosed with this note my key to Olympus. I also give up all privileges regarding this matter. Effective immediately.

A.

The council stared at Apollo in shock. Poseidon asked, "Can, can she do that? I mean, can she really just quit? Just like that?"

The Fates flashed in. Lachesis answered the sea god. "As a matter of fact, it is within Artemis' power. This is her right, and her decision."

A frown marred Aphrodite's beautiful face, "You're forgetting who's the King of the Gods! It's Zeus, for your apparently very needed information. And, now that I think about it, I know why she quit."

Apollo eagerly inquired. "Why? C'mon, Aph, spill the beans!"

"It's because of Khione! Artemis was hanging with an enemy of Olympus at the Christmas Party a month ago!" Aphrodite smiled triumphantly.

Apollo scowled. "That's not true! It isn't because of Khione! And I told you to stop talking trash about them both! When will you ever learn?!"

Atropos intervened. "Apollo is correct, this isn't Khione's fault. If you are looking for someone to blame, there are many. And none of them are Artemis nor Khione. They are you. You only have yourselves to blame. For Artemis' kindness, Hera, you repaid her by questioning her actions. Hestia, for criticizing her without even knowing the full story, something you are known for doing the exact opposite. Aphrodite, for telling everyone else Artemis' private matters. What she does with her life does not include you, unless it directly involves you. Apollo, for being the pig she hates. Hermes...you didn't really participate in this, but you also didn't stop your fellow gods, except that one time. I think you all can guess the rest. One last thing, she was already thinking of this for a long time. Two thousand nine hundred eighty-nine years to be exact."

Hestia and Hera immediately felt ashamed of their actions. They let others influence them and even abandon their own beliefs. Apollo felt pain. Pain because he was the epitome of the very thing his sister hated. Hermes hated himself. He hated that he couldn't be there for his half-sister. All four immortals hated themselves for making Artemis feel alone, especially when she first came to Olympus and throughout her tenure as an Olympian. They hated themselves for making Artemis feel alone for so long, for almost three millennia.

Hera finally said, "You're right, Lady Atropos, we should've never questioned her. Then maybe, just maybe, she could tell her side of the story."

Clotho starting ranting. "It was more than that. That just happened to be the last straw. Did you really think none of your actions affected her? Artemis is an empathic person. Not only can she understand others' emotions, but is also influenced by them. Her ability makes her very, very sensitive. But she is also very good at adapting to unknown environments. Even after years of roaming these halls, she still isn't able to comprehend Olympus. And that is because Olympus currently has no definite purpose to the gods. It is used as a title of power, but little else. Artemis was kind to you, Hera, because she understood your bitterness of demigods.

"You all seem to think she is a sexist, prejudiced, daddy's daughter. But the truth of the matter is that she doesn't even like Zeus. Like I said before, she can adapt very well to different environments. She isn't sexist, her beliefs come from experience. She isn't prejudiced, just ask Poseidon's son, or even Hades! Hades' children might not know, and Perseus Jackson also might not know the full extent of what she did five years ago. She vowed her godhood for the protection of all the children of the Big Three, the rogue demigods, and whoever else was denied by the Olympians. Those demigods, your children might I add, are alive today thanks to Artemis. Just ask Zeus."

Hephaestus questioned, "Zeus, is what Lady Clotho said true? Is it?"

Line Break

Zeus sank into his throne. "Well, yes. I had thought of so to get rid of the recurring problem, but Artemis convinced me otherwise. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea. But it was good when Athena told it."

Hephaestus then glared at Athena. "This was your idea?"

"Yes, because it is the right thing to do, no matter the feelings on the matter," Athena glared back, angry he thought her idea foolish.

Hephaestus retorted, "Then it's good Artemis decided to leave. Perhaps I should do the same, for good."

"Y-you're serious?" Demeter gasped, the first words she'd spoken since this meeting started. Apparently, today wasn't a cereal day.

The blacksmith grunted, "Damn right I'm serious. Artemis is a good person, I'm not going to let unworthy vermin disgrace her. And I won't just sit there and do nothing like I have been for the last four thousand years."

"Thanks for standing up for my sister. I know she isn't the most agreeable person on the planet but she's a great person," Apollo smiled thankfully.

Dionysus for once wasn't asleep and looked quite angry. "Hmph, Apollo, hmph!"

"Oh, go back to sleep you sot, no one cares what you think anyways! Apollo, stop encouraging this idiotic behavior! Especially since you didn't offer to step down," Athena smirked satisfactorily.

Apollo said quietly, "I could if you wanted me to. I could Athena, don't test me."

"And I may be intoxicated at times, but at least I'm honorable," Dionysus retorted. "I'll have you know that I totally support Artemis. After all, she's not a contributor to my punishment, is she? And at least she has the good sense not to have children, especially since she cares about their lives, if she had any. Plus, she's the goddess of childbirth so the urge to have children would be even stronger."

Athena's face started to turn red. "You dare imply I don't care for my children?!"

"Well if you did, you wouldn't suggest killing them, would you?" Hermes cut in, glaring at her. "And it was partially your daughter's fault my son turned to Kronos."

Athena screeched angrily. "That was your own fault, you son of a-"

Lachesis scowled fiercely. "Language! And Hermes is correct for your apparently very needed information."

Hermes, Dionysus, and Apollo smirked. Apparently Athena wasn't as smart as she thought she was.

Dionysus voiced a confused question. "Er, Great Moirai sisters, may I ask why Athena is the wisdom goddess? Her hubris and self-importance kind of cancels that out."

"Very good question, Dionysus, and good manners as well," Clotho replied. She saw Zeus perk up and sit up straighter at her words. "And I didn't mean that you taught him well either, Zeus, I know you definitely have terrible manners. As to answer your question, wine god, she is the firstborn of the second generation of Olympians. My sisters and I were originally going to give her domain to someone else, but decided it would disrupt the balance of powers too much."

"We see, thank you, Lady Fate. But, um, we kind of need to find Artemis. Maybe not bring her back, but to at least acknowledge our wrongs. Do you think that is a wise course to go?" Apollo questioned, feeling nervous for Clotho's answer,

She replied ominously, "There is no wise nor unwise decision. It is how you choose to proceed. But beware, if you are to find her, you must go through her guardians and vassal, then her army. Otherwise, I fear you would not succeed. Remember, the key does not always lie in violence, but can lie elsewhere."

Zeus pitched a fit and shrieked. "NO! She cannot be building an army! I command the Olympians to track her down, and make her fade!"

Hephaestus stared at him in shock. "You would make one of your children, and daughters, at that, fade?!"

The rest of the Olympians started fighting. Hephaestus, Apollo, Hermes, Dionysus, Hera, and Hestia decided to team up. The others were deciding what to do.

Atropos interrupted the anger fest. "It isn't a literal army. Well, yes it can be one. But the point is, there are a lot of people willing to fight for Artemis if need be. So cease your pointless arguing."

The Olympians quietened down when she started speaking. Athena challenged Atropos. "So, what if she has an army? We'll destroy her so quickly, she doesn't stand a chance. And, Father agrees with me. Together, we'll obliterate anyone in our way. That's the final decision."

Zeus nodded his head so fast, it was quite a surprise he didn't get whiplash. The rest of the crowd's mouths were hanging open. Well, except for Aphrodite. She was too busy looking at her nails.

Line Break

"Wait, this isn't what I signed up for," Ares spoke up. "Aphro, what do you think about it?"

Aphrodite flipped her mane. "Hmm…, oh yeah, Theeny's idea is cool with me." Ares' face started turning red. "You're OK with this?! It means if we don't agree with them, they'll kill us! You know, maybe Artemis was right. Obviously, none of you have any common sense."

Hephaestus jumped in. "Well said, brother. You need to get a better girlfriend though."

"I know. And...I'm sorry for sleeping with your wife. But, I am perfectly able to think things through too, y'know," Ares replied, touched by his brother's compliment. He and his younger brother shook hands, and then they rejoined the pro-Artemis group.

Aphrodite stuck out her bottom lip, which was quivering. "Ares, you're supposed to be on my side. Not, not that, that stuck-up prude."

"The only one stuck up is you," Dionysus surprisingly defended. "She may look to be sexist, but at least one of her is worth a trillion of you."

"Sounds like you like her or something," tsked Aphrodite.

Dionysus puffed out his chest. "I do like her. She was the first person to make sure I felt at home on Olympus, to teach me the godly ways. And to help me discover my domain, while no one else would. She was the older sister I never had. She cared when no one else did, even when she was hurting from inside because of others. So yeah, I love her. I love her like family, because that's what we are. She always listen when I have some troubles and just needs to vent. And trust me, she cares for a lot of people. The army the Fates were speaking of earlier, I know them too. And we all care for her. So I dare you to test me."

Artemis' supporters had bulging eyes, and gaping mouths. They hadn't known about the stuff she did for one of them, more or less the fact that they weren't as friendly as they thought they had been.

"Let me be the first to apologize, Dionysus. I'd always written you off as a drunkard who could care less, but I realize now that just because we have Zeus's blood in us doesn't mean we are as stupid as him. So, I am sorry. I know it isn't much, but I mean it," Hermes stuck his hand out, his youngest godly brother gladly shaking it. Many others followed the process, even Hera apologized for her actions.

Line Break

Artemis sat on the cold stone floor, petting her wolf Hakidonmuya, or Haki. She was staying at the father figure, Tartarus' place for now. She missed some of the Olympians, but she had missed her other friends more. She often had obligations which prevented her from occasionally enjoying a break. She decided to Iris-Message her pseudo-brother, Chrysaor.

Chrysaor answered hesitantly. "Hello?"

"Hey Chrys, it's me Artemis. Wanna meet up? I recently quit the Council and I really missed you," Artemis said softly.

Chrysaor smiled brightly. "Of course. Are you staying with Uncle Tartarus? I can come over."

"Yep," Artemis gave an equally bright grin back.

Tartarus' pit was often the hangout place for the minor gods and other immortals. Some stayed there when they needed a place to crash for a while. Tartarus didn't mind, he liked company and entertaining friends. Moreover, Artemis was one of his favorite people of all time, he considered her as a daughter of sorts.

Chrysaor ran to Pegasus' lair as quickly as he could. "Brother, can you please give me a lift to the Pit? I'm meeting someone there."

"Well, I suppose. After all, you are coming out of your shell," neighed Pegasus. "Hop on."