Artemis,

I am so happy that you are ready to see me. But I understand your reluctance to meet and so that is why I have come up with a plan. Come to the River Styx tomorrow after dawn. Clarion will guide you from there. I await you eagerly.

Ares

Athena handed the letter back to Artemis.

"What do I do?" Artemis asked with the letter secured in its hiding place. She had called Athena to her room as soon as she received it.

"You should go." Athena began confused. " I thought this was what you wanted."

"It is exactly what I want. " She waved away the initial comment. "I need help getting ready and ditching Apollo."

"Of course. Well we can get you a great outfit to wear and just leave Apollo to me."

"Thank you Athena. I don't know what I would do without you."

Scene Change

"I would be honored. What did have in mind?"

Apollo found himself still in Aphrodite's rooms. But he was not ignorant of the time. He would have to meet Artemis soon. He would have to make Aphrodite wait. He rose without saying a word.

"Aren't you going to answer me?"

"Not now. I have to go."

"You can't just walk out."

"Get used to it." Apollo replied and slammed the door in her face.

As Apollo walked toward the courtyard and saw Artemis and Athena giggling excitedly. He could not hear them but it was clear that they were headed to courtyard as well so he assumed he would know soon enough. They reached the courtyard first and Athena took a seat while Artemis got into position. When Apollo arrived they both sense the other was keeping a secret. Artemis was too afraid that Apollo would figure her out. Luckily for Gemini Athena was present for the sunset ritual. She kept the conversation flowing so neither twin had much time to contemplate the other's possible secret. When they finished their task they joined Athena on the bench. Artemis nudged her knowingly.

"Apollo I was wondering if we could have breakfast tomorrow after dawn?" Athena asked.

"Certainly, Lune and I would live to join you."

"Um..."Athena bit her lip."I meant you and I alone. I've already talked to Lune about it."

"Oh."Apollo stared at Athena blankly.

"Never mind, forget that I even mentioned it." She rose and fled add fast her feet would carry her.

"You really botched that one didn't you?" Artemis jibbed after Athena was earshot.

"I had no idea that she felt that way." Apollo put his head in his hands. "What should I do?"

"Go after her you idiot!"

Apollo looked up at Artemis before bolting after Athena. His sister smiled, everything was going according to plan. Apollo oblivious to the fact that he was being played rushed to Athena's room. When he arrived he found her crying quietly and he rushed to her side. Cradling his dear friend in his arms he tried to soothe her.

"Athena, I'm so sorry."

"I'm so embarrassed." Athena mumbled into his shoulder.

"I would love to have breakfast with you." Apollo nudged her head up. "That is if you still want to."

"Yes, I do." Athena finally smiled.

After wishing Athena goodnight Apollo head toward Aphrodite's rooms to continue his earlier meeting. When he arrived he found he in the middle of mating, and instead of turning away in disgust, he launched a vase into the wall near the bed. Aphrodite and her lover of the moment froze with fear and shock. Then she began to sneer as she eased out of bed and stalked toward Apollo with the intent of treating him like her son. He caught her arm easily.

"I am not a scared little boy you know." He hoisted her higher by her arm and jerked the thumb of his free hand toward the door. "You should go. She won't be available for a long while."

"How dare you!" Aphrodite screamed thrashing violently.

"Stop that!" Apollo shook the goddess again. "Please don't make me resort my father's level of beating woman."

"What do you want?" Aphrodite said finally. "And for Gaia sake let me down."

"You are going to do exactly as I say." He raised her to his eye level before tossing her on the ground. "Understood?" She nodded fearfully. "You are going to stay in this room and not talk to anyone until I get back. If I see anyone in here, your snot nose brat or waste of space husband. I will not hesitate to kill them and beat you for disobedience."

&&&&Author Note&&&&

Leigh: Another small morsel

Conscience: Very, very small

Muse: Is Apollo evil now?

Conscience: What she's not sharing the plot with you now?

Muse: No, I know everything.

Conscience: Then why?

Muse: You want to know, don't you?

Conscience: Well yeah!

Muse: That's why. *Rolls eyes*

Leigh: A brief side note, my friend Ambers is taking a slightly new spin on fanfiction and I would love it if you guys would visit her site and offer some support. I am putting the link on my page. I would really appreciate it.

Muse: I agree.

Leigh: They finally agree on something.*Shakes head* Time to go ladies.

Muse & Conscience : *Smiles at each other* Bye!