Second chapter coming right up, Enjoy!
Disclaimer: The Percy Jackson & the Olympians Pentalogy was written and is owned by Rick Riordan
"Strawberry?" Thalia asked out loud in confusion.
"Yeah, Strawberry." Rhion reconfirmed his nickname for Thalia before adding with a shit eating grin. "Cause with your freckles, you look like a Strawberry when you blush."
More or less the instant Rhion has said those words, that Annabeth had covered her mouth in order to hold back her laughter. Thalia though blushed lightly, breaking Annabeth's restraint in the process. "Di Immortales... He's right! Ahahaha!" Thalia's blushing glare at Annabeth did little to stop her laughter abut she was thankful neither Nico or Grover had heard them.
She looked over to find that Rhion still had that same shit eating grin on his face. "I'm going to kill you now." Rhion only smirked was he started to duck and dodge Thalia's fists. But a voice had cut them off from their banter and fun.
"Excuse me?" Turning around to face who had just spoken to them, they spotted one of Artemis' Hunter looking slightly nervous. "Would it be possible for me to talk to you for a moment?"
As Rhion looked over at the Huntress, he was taken in by a sense of familiarity with her. He had honestly never seen her before but his eyes widened a bit when he finally realized the familiarity of who was in front of him. "Dia duit, Deirfiúr. (Hello, Sister.)"
The Irish Demi-God & the Second Titanomakhia: Chapter 1: Campfire Nights
Although both Thalia and Annabeth couldn't understand what Rhion was saying to the Huntress. They started to see some resemblance between them. "Mar sin, conas is féidir liom cabhrú leat Huntress? (So how can I help you Huntress?)" Rhion asked in his native tongue.
"My name is Niamh Farren and... Can you tell me who is now in control of our Mother?" The Huntress Niamh asked with a hint of remorse in her voice.
'If she's asking who is in control she would need to be at least between two to three hundred years old... Maybe even older?' Rhion thought to himself. 'If I remember correctly that when Father stated Mount Olympus was above London.'
"Cén fáth ar chóir dom a rá leat? (Why should I tell you?)" Rhion asked as he narrowed his eyes.
"I have the right to know!" Niamh replied back in anger as she pointed back at Rhion.
"Níl aon Ceart agat! (You have no right!)" Rhion snapped back, shocking the three girls listening. Niamh for the meaning of his words and both Thalia and Annabeth for the harsh sounding tone in his voice.
"Tréig tú do theaghlach! Agus chuaigh sé dóibh siúd a ghlac cuid dár tailte. Agus níor labhair tú ár dteanga fós. (You abandoned your family! And it went to those who took part of our lands. And you haven't spoken our language yet.)" Niamh flinched upon hearing Rhion's last statement.
Upon seeing his half sister's reaction Rhion sighed in defeat. "Feicim anois é. Tá dearmad déanta agat air. (I see it now. You have forgotten it.)"
"Please... I want to know... I want to see my Mother again." Niamh begged a stream of tears flowed from her eyes.
"It wouldn't matter even if you knew." Rhion sighed as he answered in English. "She would most likely kill you for abandoning our family for another."
"You have joined Olympus and are no longer under the protection of the Tuatha Dé Danann." Rhion finished as he pointed at Niamh.
"What about you!? I overheard you wishing to go to Camp Half-Blood!? Doesn't that make you a hypocrite!?" Niamh replied with her tears now of anger.
"My loyalty will always remain with my people of Inis Fáil. I merely wish to simply learn from Chiron, even if it's only a single lesson. After I will be leaving Camp-Half Blood and will travel the World before returning home to live out the rest of my life and die. Hopefully of old age." Rhion replied as he sat down beside the camp fire.
"Then why are you here now and not with your precious people then!? Answer me!?" Niamh could barely hold back her answer as she snapped at Rhion.
"You answer is simple one... War." Rhion replied as he glared at his Half-Sister.
"So you fled from the battlefield?" Niamh sneered at Rhion but was shocked when she heard his hollow sounding laughter.
"I never fled from anything except the painful memories that remained after the last War with the Fomorians had ended." Rhion replied back in his hollow laughter. "Am I a coward because of that?.. Maybe. But it's ironic that a Son of Death is sick of seeing it."
"So, we're you're a child of Nemain then." Niamh sighed in defeat. "How long ago did the?"
"When I was ten... And I only meet her once." Rhion answered as he interrupted Niamh.
"For what it's worth... I'm sorry." Niamh stated as she turned to leave.
"I don't need your pity. I've already accepted that I'll never meet her again... Leanann tú i do chónaí i do fantaisíocht briste. (You continue to live in your broken fantasy.)" Rhion growled out as he switch back to Gaelic.
Niamh remained silent as she was forced to accept Rhion harsh words and left him without saying another word. Slowly Thalia sat down beside Rhion while Annabeth went over and checked on Grover and Nico.
"Sorry about that... Family can always be a bit of tough subject." Rhion apologized as Thalia softly smiled beside him.
"I kinda know the feeling." Thalia softly spoke as she stared into the flames in front of her. "If it's okay for me to ask... What did she mean by who was in control of your Mother?"
Rhion smirked as he looked over at her. "My Mother the Morrígan is technically three Goddesses that share one body. Every one hundred years, they switch personalities. The last switch was seven or eight years ago. I only meet her once when I was nine... She saved my life and had even gifted me with Gáe Bolg. The only chance I'll get to meet her again is after death or if I reach the age of 210."
"You could always try to become immortal?" Thalia offered with a shrug.
"I won't wish that for anyone. Immortality isn't a gift most people think it actually is." Rhion sadly smiled as he rubbed his hands together. "Firstly you have to watch the ones you love age before your eyes and eventually die. Then, the world passes you by before your own eyes. Unable to even comprehend the changes in Humanity and then the World itself."
"How can you tell?" Annabeth asked with a worried tone to her voice.
"Because I've seen it within the eyes of my own Master, the Immortal Witch Scáthach. And because of that, I view Immortality as more of a curse than a gift." Rhion stated to her before he brightly smiled at her before continuing. "And besides, Death comes to us all either way. So it's best to live life and view the World for what it is while we still walk within it."
"You know, for someone who seems to be laid back, that was pretty deep." Thalia chuckled softly as she slapped Rhion's shoulder.
"I have my moments from time to time." Rhion replied back with his own soft laughter.
The trio fell in a peaceful silence was they continued to watch the flames dance within the camp fire in front of them. It didn't last long though as Zoe soon arrived back with Bianca and Percy in tow.
"I see that you have returned." Zoe stated to Rhion as Percy silently walked past them all and entered their shared tent.
Rhion and Thalia were both a little confused by his manner of his walking. It was clear to both of them he was upset about something as Annabeth quickly followed after him in concern. "My Lady wishes to speak with you." Zoe called out to Rhion once more.
"Yeah, Thalia and Annabeth both said that when I came back." Rhion replied back as he stood up and stretched his arms out. "Might as well get the show on the road then."
"Follow me then." Zoe neutrally stated before both her and Bianca started to lead Rhion through the Hunter's Camp.
Their trip was silent as Rhion was confused as to why Bianca didn't stay with the others when she arrived back. "This is my Lady's tent. She is waiting for you inside." Zoe informed Rhion who nodded back in response.
But as he was about to enter Zoe's next words caused him to freeze. "With that done, I'll now introduce you to your new Sisters."
"Sisters?" Rhion asked out loudly in confusion before realising it's meaning when Percy and Bianca's actions along with Zoe's words made sense. "Oh Bianca, you didn't."
As Rhion turned to look at Bianca, she turned away from him. While sighing out in defeat, Rhion asked. "How could you?"
"Don't you dare assume you know her reasoning!" Zoe snapped at Rhion but was stunned when he had snapped right back at her.
"I'm not talking to you!" After silencing Zoe, Rhion turned to face Bianca. "Why Bianca?" Time seems to slow as an awkward silence fell among them.
"It was my choice." Bianca's soft reply easily cut through the silence between the trio. "I don't want to be seen as Nico's babysitter any more."
"Is that what you really desire?" Rhion asked as he narrowed his eyes at Bianca. "If so then you're an idiot."
"Wait just one damn minute." Zoe attempted to defend Bianca as she stood in front of Bianca.
However she was pushed out of the way by Rhion, who now towered over the Di Angelo girl. "You weren't always going to be his babysitter Bianca. It might've lasted for only a few more years, but it's part of growing up. And it's a blessing not a curse."
"If you had told me that your wish to simply remain a child forever, or even if you were scorn by someone and wanted revenge that the Hunters could offer their help with. I would've accepted that as your choice. But your reason is because you want to abandon your responsibility as an older sister... Mark my words Bianca Di Angelo, you will live the rest of your days full of regrets!"
Both Bianca and Zoe looked at Rhion with wide eyed horror as his words sank in. 'Did he just curse Bianca?' Zoe thought to herself as she readied to fight and if possible, kill the Demigod in front of her.
"Don't get me wrong Bianca, I don't wish you dead. I just want you to never forget the grave mistake you've just made." Rhion sighed as he moved back towards the entrance of Artemis' tent.
"I'm disappointed Bianca. Not only in you but also myself. I had thought the Recruit who had served under me for the last two years was a better person... Looks like I was wrong." Rhion finally stated as he entered Artemis' tent.
The first thing that greeted Rhion when he had entered Artemis' tent was the stern and scornful look he received from her. "I don't regret what I just said. She need to hear the truth and have reality dumped on her for the choice she has made."
"You don't have the right to do such a thing." Artemis growled out through her gritting teeth.
"I was her Commanding Officer for the past two years. In that time I viewed both Bianca and her brother as a part of my own family. Considering the three of us are also Children of Death I found it fitting." Rhion replied evenly replied back, not backing down from Artemis' glare.
"Most would see it as being unwise to upset a Goddess." Artemis stated as she pointed towards the seat in front of her.
"Before I left for the New World I was told by my Step-Father to not back down against anyone from Olympus... Both Greek and Roman." Rhion answered back as he sat down, accepting Artemis' offer.
"Then be at least grateful I am the one conversing with you and not my other half Diana... She's not pleased by your appearance in our territory." Artemis evenly stated as she wrapped her arms in front of her.
"If we were in Greece or Rome, I'd agree with you. But the New World isn't Greece nor is it even Rome, just like the Inis Fáil and Bhreatain weren't several Hundred years ago." Rhion replied as he leaned back on his chair.
"It seems the Celts are still upset since we have left." Artemis held a soft look of remorse as she softly spoke.
"You'd be too, if a foreign Pantheon dropped into your Homeland and declared it as there own." Rhion sighed out loudly as he answered.
Artemis sighed in more annoyance then defeat. "I won't deny the truth behind your words... But there are other matters I wish to discuss with you."
Knowing that being civil would be his best route of not upsetting the Goddess in front of him, Rhion sighed before he asked. "What is it you wish to know?"
"Percy Jackson informed me that you wish to go to Camp Half-Blood... Why? Are the Celts planning on taking revenge against us? Are you planning on attacking us?" Artemis demanded as the intensity of her glare increased.
"We're still recovering from our previous War so it's nothing like that. It's more of a personal reason." Rhion answered before he continued. "While they were apart of Westover Hall I was their NCO. I just wanted to be sure that both Bianca and Nico would be able to live peacefully in Camp. Now it's just Nico's live I'm looking out for."
"Although, when I heard Chiron was in Camp that also became another reason to visit camp." Rhion chuckled lightly as he finished his explanation.
"So, you wish to learn from him?" Artemis asked with a raised eyebrow.
"He's a legendary Teacher of Heroes, who wouldn't?" Rhion replied with a shrug. "If I'm allowed, you'd have to an idiot not to accept the chance."
"You must be aware that both myself and my brother had taught Chiron everything he knows." Artemis stated with a clear tone of annoyance.
"And what are the odds of you or your brother would teach me anything?" Rhion asked with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.
"Point made." Artemis narrowed her eyes once more before closing her eyes and concentrated on her own thoughts. "And what do you plan to do if you are not accepted?"
"Once I know Nico will be safe, I'll leave... Might travel for a while... Go to Toronto Branch of the Clock Tower and do some freelance work. Might even try to find the Druid Coven I've heard about."
"While many see the Coven as neutral ground it's still a dangerous place for Demi-gods. And few know where it is in this world." Artemis stated with a smirk on her face. She knew of it's location and thought to herself to keep that information from Rhion, even if he begged.
"I know that's somewhere in Montana." Rhion off handily stated with a wave of his hand.
Artemis was caught off guard by both Rhion's actions and reply. "How do you know this?"
"You think I just stayed in Westover Hall for the last two years? I've been travelling during the Summer months during those times School was closed. And it's not as dangerous as you might think." Rhion scoffed lightly in his reply.
"Its dangerous because it's a City filled with Beasts and Monsters." Atremis challenged with a raised eyeborw.
"After being hunted and killing the Algonquain spirit of Gluttony, there aren't many Monsters left in this world that might actually scare me." Artemis' eyes widened as she knew the Beast Rhion was referring to as the Wendigo.
Artemis sighed in frustration as it was clear Rhion was either ignoring her warnings or simply didn't care. "So you're planning on becoming a Mercenary then?"
"I'd like to think of it as more of a Bounty Hunter than a Mercenary. I'll be keeping my standards when picking jobs." Rhion answered with a shrug.
"You don't seem to care about your own well being." Artemis smirked as he leaned back, showing a more relaxed state to Rhion. "Why would you live a life like that?"
"For any other reason someone would hunt Monsters and things that go bump in the night... To get stronger." Rhion explained as he leaned forward. "And since I'm guessing that's what your next question will be I'll tell you why."
"I owe everything to my Master, Scáthach. After my Father had died she took me in, raised and trained me. She even gave this scar on my neck." Rhion chuckled as he ran his finger down his scar.
"But she has a wish that I want to grant." Rhion took in a deep breath. He knew what he was about to say next might not seem sane to most people. But that was only because they didn't understand. "She wants to die... So I'm getting stronger in order to kill her."
"You plan to kill your own Master?" Artemis asked with her shock and horror clear on her face.
"I know it might not make much sense since I owe her everything. But its because of that reason, is why I must do it... She's tired and in pain." Tears threatened to fall from Rhion's eyes as he continued. "I thought at first that I could help her, I said I would aim for immortality so that she wouldn't ever be alone."
"After I told her that, she got mad. And in her anger she gave me this scar as a warning and a reminder to never seek immortality. She then told me that Cú had promised her the same thing once before. And that a stupid child shouldn't say such things when they don't understand it's meaning." Rhion finished as he continued to rub his scar.
"You love her, don't you?" Artemis softly asked.
"Yeah, I do... I know that I'm still just a kid but my I know how I feel is right. But I also love her as a Mother, an older Sister, a Teacher and as a friend." Rhion softly answered as he leaned back once more.
The pair became silent as Artemis stared at Rhion. "Do you plan on using your spear to kill her?"
"No... My Master is a warrior at heart and I don't want to kill her like that. Besides I doubt it would even work anyway. She won't just simply allow me to kill her either." Rhion answered as he looked up at Artemis. "The weapon isn't the factor, it'll down to skill and skill alone. And I'll earn that skill by killing all kinds of Monsters. Cause when I do challenge my Master, only one of us will be alive when it's over."
"It seems as though your mind is set on this." Artemis sighed as she stood up. "I may not like the idea of what you plan to do. But I can see that any attempts to change your mind would be pointless."
"Thank you... Lady Artemis." Rhion lightly bowed his head towards Artemis who showed no reaction.
"I'll be arranging transport to take you and the rest of the Campers back to Camp Half-Blood." Rhion silently nodded in understanding as he stood up to leave.
"Also, this goes without saying any further on the matter. Don't mention the Romans to the other Demigods. They're not meant to know." Artemis warned Rhion one final time before he left her tent.
When he arrived back with the other Demigods he could see the solemn look they all shared. Percy was being consoled by Annabeth while both Thalia and Grover tried to console Nico. But when the younger Di Angelo sibling seen Rhion return, he rushed forwards and hugged him as tightly as he could.
Taken back by Nico's actions, it took Rhion a few moments before he regained his senses and put his hands on Nico's head and shoulder. "Are you gonna leave me as well?"
Rhion knelt down before he answered. "I'm not gonna lie to you Nico. I'm not gonna be at this Camp for very long. But you're not going to be alone. You'll now have a new family. And seeing three of them have come all the way here to make sure that you were safe, I know they'll help look after you." Rhion stated as he nodded his head towards Annabeth, Percy and Thalia.
Tears threatened to fall from Nico's eyes until Rhion offered him a flat stone. Within the stone he could see a symbol that seemed to look like the letter F carved into it. "This Rune holds a spell called Ansuz. If you ever want to talk, Speak my name into this Rune and you'll hear my voice in your mind."
"Really?" Nico asked with a small amount of hope hinted in his voice.
Rhion smirked in response as he nodded his head over towards the flat stone in Nico's hands. Realising that Rhion wanted to prove his word, Nico brought the flat stone to his lips. "Rhion."
'I wouldn't lie to you kiddo.' Rhion's voice spoke out within Nico's mind before the young boy once more hugged the older teenager. "You'll be fine Nico." Rhion could see a mixture of emotions show in the other Greek Demigods around them as Nico hugged him once more.
"Could you help train me?" Nico innocently asked as he looked up at Rhion.
Caught off guard by Nico's request, Rhion stuttered at first before replying. "I don't thin that'll be a very good idea kiddo."
"Why not, You've trained me before in Westover?" Nico replied back in confusion.
"That was because of different circumstances. If I start to train you now it might be dangerous for both you and me." Rhion answered as he seen Annabeth nod slightly in agreement.
"What does he mean by that?" Percy asked not understanding why Rhion couldn't help train Nico.
"It's because of who his and our Fathers are Percy." Thalia replied with a serious tone.
"But isn't Rhion going to be learning from Chiron?" Percy asked once more.
"Chiron isn't a Demigod, and he is a known trainer of Heroes." Annabeth answered this time as she continued. "Rhion on the other hand is a non-Greek Demigod, if he starts teaching a Greek Demigod, in particular Nico the other Gods might get jealous because it could be seen as special treatment. Even if that wasn't the intention."
"She's right... Plus it would also cause several unwelcomed issues for me back home as well." Rhion added as Nico let go of him.
"Then can we spar at least?" Nico asked as he lightly huffed.
"Not a chance kiddo. Firstly I'm not much of a swordsman and secondly" Rhion laughed lightly as he ruffled Nico's hair. "Gae Bolg isn't meant to be used for spars."
"However I'm sure that Percy here, would be willing to spar with you in sword play?" Rhion asked as he nodded his head over towards the son of Poseidon.
In response Percy shrugged as he began to show Nico the basics in Swordsmanship. The other simply watched on, adding a comment or two every now and then before one of the Hunters arrived and told them they would be dismantling the camp.
It didn't take long for the Hunters to dismantle the camp as Rhion kept a close eye on them. He honestly felt a little on edge since his meeting with Artemis. That and he felt her Lieutenant's eyes were contently on him. Minutes later the sky began to lighten.
"About time. He's so lazy during the Winter." Artemis muttered out loudly.
"I'm guessing she talking about Apollo?" Rhion could hear Percy ask asked Thalia. His voice was unsure as Thalia simply rolled her eyes at him.
"Who else could it be Kelp Head?" Thalia retorted as there was a sudden burst of light out on the Horizon followed by a blast of heat following after.
Before anyone could question anything they heard Artemis order out to everyone. "Don't look at the light. Not until he parks at least."
With everyone averting their eyes from the blinding light when it moved closer to them, they were stunned to find a glowing red Maserati Spyder.
"Ugh, a Maserati." Rhion groaned as he rolled his eyes. Among the Demigods there was a stunned silence that fell over them. Even Artemis looked in between shocked and amused as she stared at him. "What? It's a second hand Car!" Rhion exclaimed as he threw his arms out wide.
"You take that back!" The owner of the Maserati Apollo, snapped back at Rhion in his jeans and sleeveless t-shirt. "It's an Italian Gran Turismo."
"Wow," Thalia muttered beside Rhion. "Apollo is hot."
Thalia's last comment had caused Rhion's eye to twitch slightly. "If you buy an Italian GT, then get a Ferrari. Or even an original Ferrari, an Alfa Romeo!"
"What about a Lamborghini?" Percy innocently asked.
"You want to drive a Tractor?" Both Apollo and Rhion replied at the same time causing both to narrow their eyes at one another.
Sighing outwardly in annoyance at both being ignored and the conversation, Artemis groaned out. "Apollo!"
"Little sister!" Apollo brightly exclaimed out as he switched his attention over towards his older twin Sister. "What's up? You never call. You never write. I was getting worried!"
Artemis sighed in response as she rubbed her forehead in frustration. "I'm fine, Apollo. And I am not your little sister."
"Hey, I was born first."
"We're twins! How many millennia do we have to argue—"
"So what's up?" Apollo interrupted with a grin. "Got the girls with you, I see. You all need some tips on archery?"
"You know that's not why I asked for your help Brother." Artemis sighed in annoyance as he rubbed the bridge of her nose. "I need you to bring both my Hunters and our Demigod Guests to Camp Half Blood."
Apollo blankly stared at his Sister as his eyes glanced over towards Rhion. "Even him?"
"He wishes to learn from Chiron. So yes, including that boy." Artemis evenly replied as Rhion eye twitched as being called a boy.
After this confirmation Apollo widely grinned as he gave a thumbs up to Artemis. "If you say so. I'll be able to fly them back home no problem."
However, Rhion's face had lost all colour as his body lightly began to shake. "Did... Did he say fly?"
And Cut!
Right first off thank you for the amount of replies that this story received. And Sorry it's taken so long to post this chapter.
However while I will be continuing with this story, there may be long gaps between each chapter and I won't be posting short chapters (Under 4000 words) either.
So to let you all know. This story will be focusing around Rhion during the events of the last three books of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. (The Titan's Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth and The Last Olympian.)
But after spending some time planning out how I want this story to go with its flow, I'm happy to continue with it. (I was also planning two other PJU crossovers, one being Fate Stay Night and the other being DMC but those will continue to be unreleased until either this story is finished or near completion.)
So that's all for now. If you have a question do feel free to post a review or PM myself. If I don't answer your question on next chapter's Q&A I will try to reply via PM. No spoiler question though. they won't be given full answers. But anyway thank you for reading this chapter. I hope you've all enjoyed it. Till next time!