Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson nor do I own anything affiliated with it. Percy Jackson and all his friends (as well as his enemies) belong to the brilliant mind of Rick Riordan.

Chapter 2

"What do you mean relocated?" Artemis' voice was raising, she feared the hunters might hear.

"Zeus has ordered me to move my base of operations. Apparently the countries near the equator haven't been getting a proper amount of sun exposure and are starting to propose the exact opposite theory to global warming. I've been ordered to move to Ecuador so they can get the sun they need." He spoke with a tone of mockery and sadness, and a bit of fury.

Artemis shook her head in disbelief. "No, he can't do that, can he? Western civilization is here, in America. What about council meetings?"

"He said that I should only go to them if they call for me to be present. He wants me to stay there and make sure the sun stays constant." He looked down and shook his head. "I wish it weren't happening Sis, I really just wish it never had to happen."

Artemis felt the sting of tears behind her eyes. She grit her teeth. "Dammit Apollo, this is what happens when you slack on your job!" She cried. She knew Apollo had no real blame for this, even if his slacking was fact.

"I know, Artemis, I know." She heard in his voice that he too was holding back sobs. And so they stayed like this, a stalemate of sorrow, neither one wanting to be the first one to break down and show tears in front of the other. As they made eye-contact, a truce of sorts was met as they both realized that it was inevitable. Artemis took strong steps forward and buried herself in the embrace of her brother, letting her tears fall down her face. She felt a few of her brother's tears drip on her and gave a small laugh that was quickly replaced by another wave of tears.

She finally managed to speak. "Do you know how long you'll be there?" She knew it was a long shot that this was merely temporary, but she had to take every chance she could get.

Apollo gave a sorrowful sigh. "Indefinitely. Though Zeus would like me to believe it's permanent."

She shook her head in the crook of his neck. "He can't. He just can't. How could he do this?"

"He's the king of the gods Artemis. He can do whatever he wants and he knows it. Everything and everyone is expendable to him if he thinks it will help some cause of his." He gave her a squeeze. "Hey, I'm gonna fight it. I'll be back to annoy you as soon as I can."

She gave a weak smile. "I sure hope so." She sighed. "When do you leave?"

He pursed his lips. "Zeus said it had to be tonight. After I'm done with you I'm headed straight there."

Artemis gave a small, weak gasp. They broke from each other's embrace, tears halting their flow. "Tonight? It has to be tonight?" She looked down, then back up at him, her voice coming out a weak whisper. "So this is the last time I'm going to see you?"

"I'm so sorry Artemis, but, yes. At least for a while. Maybe I'll be needed for a council meeting soon." He lifted her chin with a gentle touch. "I WILL see you again Sis. I swear on the river Styx we will meet again." He gave her a small kiss on her forehead

Artemis smiled as his solemn oath. She reached up and gave him a kiss on his cheek. "Farewell, my brother." Her voice came out barely above a whisper.

Apollo placed one leg in his car. "Goodbye, sister mine." He got in, gave one last bright smile, and started the chariot.

Artemis watched as the car grew brighter and brighter, lifting in the sky as it prepared to take off. She stared, and although it was the brightest light she had ever laid eyes on, she had never felt more drowned in darkness.