Percy

'Praetor Jackson!' I turned around as I heard my name called, trying to suppress the groan that instinctually came up.

'What is it Julian?' I asked calmly, though inside I was itching for this conversation to be over. The wargames were currently being held, which was one of my few sources of genuine happiness these days.

'Praetor Reyna wishes to meet with you now, sir.' Julian gulped. From what I can remember, Julian was a shy little son of Mercury who had been indicted into the legion and instantly put into a messenger role because of his heritage.

I sighed at the news and dismissed the runner. Ever since the battle of the field of Mars, Praetor Reyna, my co-praetor had been trying to make up for the time in which Jason had been absent.

'You know, I know you feel responsible for Jason's disappearance, but you are allowed to take breaks, you know that, right?' A voice sounded behind me. Leila. Centurion of the fourth cohort, and my best friend apart from Jason.

'If I had been chosen for praetor in the first place…' I began half-heartedly, but I knew it was a sorry excuse for what I was truly feeling. And it wasn't concern for Jason.

'It wouldn't have changed anything. Perhaps they would have taken Jason anyways, or maybe would have lost you.' She sighed. 'I know you don't like to admit it, but we can afford to lose Jason, we can't afford to lose you.'

You have no idea how much I wish I could say that out loud without getting lynched.

'New Rome could survive without me.' I protested weakly.

Leila raised an eyebrow. 'I'd give it a week. Tops.'

I started to feel the telltale tremors in my hands. 'I should probably get going.'

Leila gave me a sad smile while putting a hand on my shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze. 'We'll get Jason back, I promise.'

That's what I'm afraid of.

XIXI

Percy

The walk down to the praetor houses was relaxing. I could hardly remember the last time I had enjoyed a quiet walk like this. Before I became centurion of the first probably.

I had been raised in New Rome as an orphan ever since I had been dropped off there at three years old. I still had memories of my mother, though, my sweet caring mother.

Before she had had a broken beer bottle rammed into her neck by her abusive husband, Gabe Ugliano. It hadn't helped when I discovered that the reason she had married him in the first place was to mask my demigod scent.

My life in New Rome had been… Challenging. I had a penchant for breaking the rules, and disappearing for weeks on end.

I usually spent that time in isolation from the cruel, competitive Roman society I had come to despise.

It was along the beach in the wilderness of northern California I discovered my most prized possession to this day. A trident, half a foot less than my height in length, lying washed up on a beach.

It was a work of art. It was completely silver, apart from razor-sharp green emeralds on the tip and butt of it, ancient runes running up and down its length, and if I held it close to my ear, I could hear whispers in an ancient language that felt oddly familiar.

Originally, I had been quite sceptical of it, but as soon as I had touched it, I felt an instantaneous connection, akin to that which I felt when I came into contact with my father's domain. It turned into a ring which I had worn on my right ring-finger ever since.

I had done quite a bit of research and tests on the obviously powerful artefact, although short of perhaps trying to find my father's kind and asking for his help, (which frankly was not a luxury I could indulge in), I found it was a powerful weapon, but not knowing its origins had alway vexed me, a variable I had over time deemed worth the risk as the value of the weapon made itself known.

When I was of age, I was inducted into the legion, I chose to fight to ascertain which cohort I would be choosing. I was able to defeat every single challenger who was presented to me, ending up in the first, the 'best' cohort. I have to admit, we're good. But I have a thing against arrogance, so I try not to indulge the fellow members of my cohort in too much elitist rhetoric.

I was raised to centurion of the first after the battle at mount Othrys after the previous centurion perished and I took command. We returned to New Rome victorious, having destroyed Saturn's throne, but broken nonetheless.

Too many didn't return at all.

As time went on, both our praetors retired, choosing a peaceful civilian life. Reyna Ramírez-Arellano and Jason Grace were chosen to succeed them.

I'm not on bad terms with the daughter of Bellona and son of Jupiter per say, but we clash in almost every way imaginable.

As a son of Neptune, I'm a bit more of a free spirit, and frankly if the rules don't work for me, the rules are wrong. I'm what some of the senators might call a reformer, very much lacking the respect and veneration that the vaunted ancient roman traditions find themselves subjected to.

After the… disappearance of Jason in the middle of the night shortly after being elevated to praetor, there was mass chaos in New Rome. The senate was in an uproar, and the immediate concern was to elevate someone to temporary praetorship until Jason could either be confirmed dead or returned to his position.

I saw my chance, and I took it with my considerable influence as Primus Pilus. The second I was able to, I started making reforms, including the creation of more imperial gold, increase in conscription, and the expansion of fortifications around the city, as well as a Cohortes Auxiliares. An auxiliary cohort made up of ex legionnaires from New Rome, who could be brought back into service in the case the city needed defending and was low on power.

I arrived outside Reyna's house. I hadn't moved into the second praetor house, as even though I had wanted the role, I wasn't exactly going to steal Jason's house and throw out all his stuff.

I'm not that heartless, no matter what people might try to tell you.

I swiftly knocked on the door, and blinked with how quickly it opened up.

There was only one way to describe Reyna's state ever since Jason's disappearance.

Manic.

Reyna hadn't adapted as well after Jason's disappearance as I did, and it showed. Her braid was more messy than normal, and her eyes had an irritated look to them that never really went away.

'Reyna.' I tried for a smile, but found my face muscles weren't working properly, resulting in a crude grimace. 'Everything alright? I got Julian's message, this have to do with the bill?' I stage-whispered.

The bill in question was a controversial one put forward by a legacy so diluted in terms of godly blood, she could barely see past the mist. It was concerning the pegasi we kept in the stables, and a certain amount being provided for civilian applications.

It had been causing the legion a nightmare, as we knew it was a terrible idea, but most of the senate, who took any chance to undermine the legion, decided this would simply be a splendid idea to have untrained civilians flying around on horses trained for war.

Reyna shook her head. 'No, it's-' She took a deep breath, 'It's to do with you. Mars visited.'

It took me a moment to register the words, before it truly hit me what she just said.

'Wha-what?' I hissed. 'Don't tell me it's a quest.' I already knew the answer. The gods only ever visited Camp Jupiter if they needed a quest done these days, and even then sometimes they got the augur to do it for them.

Reyna sighed. 'I think you already know.'

I swore. 'Now of all times.' I gave Reyna an apologetic look. 'I am so sorry you have to go through this.'

She shook her head and let out a watery laugh, and I realised with a jolt that she was crying. 'It isn't your fault.'

I enveloped her gently into a hug as I felt her cry into my cuirass.

XIXI

Percy

The atmosphere in the senate the next morning was tense. Many senators and their factions would be aware that there was something amiss, gossip had always been one of those things that I despised, but existed despite my efforts to stomp it out.

Reyna called the session to order. There was some mindless back and forth between the praetor and the senators before Reyna got them to settle down.

'Yesterday I was visited in my villa by none other than Mars Ultor.' Reyna paused to allow mutterings, rolling her eyes. 'Consequently, he mentioned having a senate meeting today, as the gods have something of great importance to announce.' Reyna glanced at me as she took her seat beside me.

'That was seriously all he told you?' I asked incredulously once she had sat down.

'Everything worth mentioning.' She returned dryly.

I nodded in understanding. Gods had a tendency of having more… personal talks with whoever they were visiting, apart from the official business they were sent on.

Suddenly, a large flash of light made everybody avert their gaze.

I rolled my eyes as I saw who had arrived.

I quickly stood up and bowed, before addressing the god. 'Lord Mars, what purpose does your visit have?' I asked respectfully.

He flashed me one of his savage smiles. 'Well, I'm happy you asked. The big man upstairs .' He pointed towards the sky as he said this, 'asked me to bring you guys a prophecy.'

Whispers broke out in the senate hall. 'Order!' Reyna shouted. I shot her a grateful smile, Reyna was one of the few people who could actually control the senate when they were whipped up into a frenzy akin to the one we were suffering then.

Mars waited for the whispers to die down before continuing. 'The prophecy calls for the hunting of the Giant King Porphyrion. Westwards to the mortal city of San Francisco is the key to completing the quest successfully.' The senate now exploded in a cacophony of shouts.

Mars simply continued, raising his voice so that it rang above all the others. 'Since this is such a high-profile hunt, Jupiter himself has called for the senior most of our children to undertake this herculean task.'

He turned and pointed at me and Reyna. 'Because of this, one of your praetors will be the one to hunt down the giant. ' Mars took a moment to survey the numerous reactions around the room, before his intense fiery red eyes found mine.

'This quest will lead you to your lost praetor.'

XIXI

Percy

I collapsed against the willow tree as I tried to still my trembling hands. It had to be me. I would have to fight the giant king. Reyna couldn't. Wouldn't. First the baggage and deterioration since losing Jason, and then just the difference in power. I am a child of one of the elder gods, no matter how hard she tries, Reyna can't compete with that.

So I've basically just been press-ganged into hunting and killing the being made especially to kill the king of the gods and neutralise all his abilities.

'Who are you?' A voice comes from behind me. I quickly whirl around to find myself face to face with the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She has auburn hair, tied back in a ponytail, with silver eyes and pale skin that seemed to glow.

She was dressed in a silver parka, with a quiver of silver arrows over her left shoulder, with an ornate silver bow sticking out from over her right shoulder.

My response died in my throat. 'Uh, wha-?' I say smartly.

The woman crosses her arms. 'Who are you? How did you find this place!' She hisses quietly, looked around. 'Are there more of you?'

I shake my head, trying once again to still my hands in vain. 'Listen lady, I have no clue what you're talking about.'

She huffs in exasperation. 'My hideout!' She proclaims, as if that should mean anything to me.

I looked at her expectantly. Hopefully she'll elaborate because I'm lost.

The woman looks at me with a strange look in her eyes. 'You don't know who I am, do you?' I shake my head and try for a smile, but it ends up coming out as more of a grimace.

'Sorry?' I try.

She shakes her head and gives me a small smile. 'That is plenty alright. In fact… it is quite refreshing, none of the responsibility of being, well, myself.' She explains absentmindedly, twirling a strand of silky auburn hair around a finger adorably. Wait, what?

I nod in understanding. 'None of the pressure of expectations set by others.' I respond, having finally found my voice again. Her head snapped up and her eyes met mine.

'You are roman, no?' She enquired, studying my armour, especially the purple cloak trailing behind me.

I nod. But in my mind, the question brang up too many unpleasant memories.

Once again, my hands give me away. I glance down to see the tremors have returned again.

'Are you okay?' The woman asked curiously, stepping forward before I could answer. I noticed now she was close to me. She smelled like… moss, and lavender. She looked down at my trembling hands, gently holding them in her own petite hands.

'You are trembling.' I snorted in response, rolling my eyes. Thanks for the assist, captain obvious.

Yeah, I'm trembling. I just found out that I'm meant to hunt and kill the giant king Porphyrion, and that finding one of my best friends depends on it, and I also sorta don't want to bring him back.

But no worries, I'm peachy.

Of course, I didn't say that out loud. I was quite sure that the woman was an immortal, I just wasn't quite sure whether or not I could trust her.

But the second her hands touched my own, I felt a warm rush go through my body, like a refreshingly cool breeze which energised me. Her hands were soft, and I looked at her in surprise at the pleasant feeling, only to find her eyes already staring at me, her Silver irises seemingly piercing my very soul.

We stayed like that, her simply holding my hands. I couldn't tell you how long. Time matters little, especially when you are doomed to fight a giant. 'They are not trembling now.' She declared.

I felt my hands relaxed, but something didn't allow me to pull them away. We stayed like that for a while. I checked my watch and sighed. 'Well, that's it for me, duty calls.'

I start making my way back to the city, before promptly turning around. 'You know,' I start, 'I never got your name. I'm Percy.'

She smiles mischievously. 'Well Percy,' She stood up. 'It's Artemis.' I covered my eyes as she promptly flashed away.

I stood there dumbstruck for a couple of seconds. Artemis. Like the Artemis? Greek goddess of the hunt Artemis?

Furthermore, wasn't the greek pantheon extinct?

I decided this would make a lot more sense once I had gotten some sleep.

XIXI

Percy

It didn't.

As I made my way to Reyna's villa, I mulled over the events of yesterday evening, but nothing made sense.

I knocked on the door, taking a look at some of the plants around the walkway to the villa before being quickly pulled into the villa. I found myself face-to-face with Reyna.

'No.' She began before I could say anything, levelling a finger in between my eyes. 'You're not going.'

I sigh. Woah boy, guess we're really doing this. 'No Reyna, I am going, because I'd rather not murder you.'

Reyna pursed her lips and crossed her arms indignantly. 'You would not murder me.'

I pinch the bridge of my nose. 'Not directly, but if I let you accept this quest I might as well.'

'I refuse to play second fiddle to you!' She finally shouts indignantly. Right. Well at least we've gotten to the root of the issue.

'And I resent that!' I started, 'but you also need you to accept that out of the two of us, I'm most likely to survive this.' I took a deep breath, trying in vain to get my swirling emotions back under control.

Reyna doesn't say anything, just looks at me, which in a way is more disconcerting than if she kept arguing with me.

'You're set on this aren't you?' She asks in a small voice. But I could see the gears turning in her head, she's trying to figure out how she can use this against me.

I nod uncertainly, hyperaware now that Reyna was scrutinising my every move.

Reyna's eyes narrow, whether she's doing it on purpose to intimidate me or not is beyond me, but as I extend my senses through the water molecules in the air, I can feel her heart hammering in her chest.

Reyna nods quickly, promptly turning around on her heel and slamming the door in my face with a false cheer. 'Good Luck!'.

I sigh, and turn around to make my way to my villa.

It was clear that Reyna was planning something. Take power from me? Perhaps. Reyna had always been fond of Jason in a not-so-professional manner.

I mulled it over as I continued my walk.

XIXI

Percy

The walk to the senate was slow, and I couldn't help but drag my feet at the thought of the task that I was accepting.

When I arrived at the senate house the place was already packed, and I noticed Mars mingling with a crowd of awe-struck senators.

The blustering fools have probably never even seen a god before, let alone spoken to one.

'Percy!' A voice called from behind me. I turned around to come face to face with Hank, the centurion of the third cohort. I remember I had helped him get the position with some good old politicking after his predecessor passed away during the storming of mount Othrys.

'Hank! How are you? It's been a minute.' I greeted him with a handshake. Hank was one of the few legionnaires I still liked, though we had barely spoken since the second titan war, especially since my ascension to praetor.

I made small talk with Hank until Mars stood up from his gaggle of adoring fans. 'I take it you will be accepting the quest?' He raised his eyebrows at me questioningly.

Deep breaths Percy, you've been preparing for this almost your entire life. Remember the goal. Remember who this is for. Head high. No emotion.

I walk down to the orator's circle of the senate house. 'People of Rome.' I called out. 'I have accepted this quest, to rid the world of a monster. One so powerful, so destructive, it calls for the best we have to offer.' I took a deep breath. 'I promise to the gods, and I promise to my people I will end this monster. And find our missing praetor.'

'Or die trying.'

XIXI

Percy

'Percy!' I heard someone call from behind me as I loaded supplies into a standard-issue new roman knapsack. I didn't really need supplies, I was plenty used to finding food in my surroundings from my gallivanting off in my more rebellious younger days, but you never know, I told myself as I loaded two canisters of unicorn draught into the shapeless bag.

I turned around to be greeted with the hulking figure of Michael Kahale, the now Primus Pilus of the first cohort.

We had a long history together, two of the most unexpected additions to the esteemed cohort. Always overshadowed by Jason who - bless him - seemed oblivious to everything around him. We bonded over these shared experiences, and when I became centurion, I made him my second in command before you could say 'Senatus Populusque Romanus'.

I grasped his forearm firmly with my hand as he mirrored my actions. 'Perce, what are you doing?' He began breathlessly without preamble.

I sighed. Not this again.

'Look Michael, let's be honest here, it wasn't really much of a choice, was it?' I began tiredly. 'It's Reyna or me. And Reyna isn't looking too hot right now, and even if she was up to scratch, I'm a child of the elder gods, I have powers that Reyna simply doesn't. It's better she stays here.'

Michael pulled me into a bone-crushing bear hug. 'I just don't want you to die too.' He said quietly.

I suspired softly. Michael had been through a lot, even before his induction into the legion. He had lost his family to monster attacks when he discovered he was a half-blood, and most of his friends and companions had perished in the second titan war.

I clapped him firmly on the shoulder. 'Trust me, you're not getting rid of me anytime soon, I have a lot of plans for this place.' I gestured vaguely in the direction of New Rome.

Michael's eyes darkened as he seemed to grow more cold. 'Right.' He said guardedly. 'I gotta ask Percy, do you have any plans, after the war is over?' I blinked at that. Whatever I had been expecting him to ask, it hadn't been that, and for a second it caught me off guard.

'To serve the people and the senate of Rome to the best of my ability.' I said after some deliberation.

Michael nodded grimly, becoming a lot more closed off. 'You know, there is life outside of servitude to Rome.' He seemed to hesitate before steeling himself and continuing. 'Especially when we get Jason back.'

I made a face at that. MIchael sighed. 'Look Perce, I know you've been waiting for the opportunity to lead for your entire life. But Jason is the son of Jupiter. It stings - I should know, I'm a son of Venus - but because of our parentage, people won't expect us to lead. To be able to lead.' He took in a deep breath. 'But that's the reality. And you can't let your pride get in the way of getting Jason back.'

Ouch. That hurt. Was I really that ruthless? Did he really think I would jeopardise any chance of getting Jason back just if it meant I keep my place as praetor?

You already have… A small voice in my subconscious whispered from the back of my mind.

I quickly stomped out any thoughts pertaining to that matter.

I turned back to Michael, the annoyance in my voice made crystal clear by my tone.

'The same Jason who by all accounts should have refused pratorship? Should have stepped down?' I jabbed a finger into his chest. 'And who gave you a chance as Primus Pilus? Was it Jason? No. Jason forgot you like he forgot everybody, taking command alongside Reyna, slowly stagnating Camp Jupiter and New Rome like all the praetors before them. Tell me Michael, who was the last praetor to introduce any sort of reform before me?'

Michael hung his head in shame.

'Because it was before your grandfather was even born.' I gestured wildly to the barracks around us. 'What is the point of being the successor to one of the most adaptable empires in history, which by the way is what made Rome so successful in the first place, if we insist on sticking to outdated tradition?'

Michael balled his fists, still stubbornly staring down at his shoes.

'Jason should have stepped down, Michael. That's the truth of the matter. But he didn't have the balls to face the backlash of this stupid traditionalist society he was enabling! It's a vicious cycle, and he was too much of a coward to break it! Men like me and you are left to pick up the pieces and make do.' I shook my head morosely, 'I can't afford such a glaring weakness to be left to its own devices.'

Michael seemed to have had enough of my explanation.

'Do you even hear yourself? What you're saying is on the verge of treason.' He stared at me disbelievingly. 'You sound as if you were planning a coup.'

I met his gaze with my own. 'If needs be.'

At that moment, you could hear a pin drop.

'It's like you said Perce, we serve the people and senate of Rome.' He gestured to the gleaming white city walls in the distance.

'Welcome to Rome.'

XIXI

Percy

I huffed as I went my way down the road which led to the Caldecott tunnel. It

The entrance was flanked by two guards, two probies I didn't recognise. Between them stood a certain daughter of Ceres who didn't seem to be happy at being kept waiting.

Leila huffed and tapped her foot as I approached, raising an eyebrow as she saw me in full armour, my purple praetor's cloak billowing out behind me.

'Percy!' She called out happily once I was within range. I cringed internally at the parallels with the conversation I had had with Michael not two hours before.

'Hey Leila.' I responded, trying to keep the fatigue out of my voice.

There was an awkward moment where neither of us said anything. The guards stared ahead stoically, not saying anything. I cleared my throat, my mind racing as I thought of something to do.

I was prepared for the rigours of bureaucracy and military leadership, but social awkwardness?

Not a chance.

I found that I only really got along well with a very small sect of people, but anyways, my train of thought seemed to have been completely derailed, so I turned my mind back to the matter at hand.

'Mind if I join you?' Leila asks as I step into earshot. I nod tiredly as she falls into step beside me.

Leila nodded quickly and we both swiftly passed into the tunnel proper, and I suspired a deep sigh of relief at the newfound privacy.

'Soooo…' Leila let the unasked question hang for a little. After a couple of minutes she gave in. 'A little birdie told me that you had a little disagreement with Michael.'

I snorted derisively. 'Did that name start with "Mi" and end with "chael"?' I asked snappily.

Leila put her hands up in a sign of mock surrender. 'Relax, I'm not here to give you another pep-talk on the responsibilities of ruling.'

'Good.' I responded harshly. 'Anything else, Centurion?' I regretted it as soon as it left my mouth, but oh well. I had had a terrible day as of yet, and I still had a quest to fulfil.

Leila hung her head. 'Right.' She muttered quietly. She saluted, before slowly turning away. 'By your leave, praetor?' She entoned formally. I nodded absentmindedly.

'Good luck, fish-boy.' I heard her whisper as she walked away.

XIXI

Percy

The umpteenth earthborn dissolved into a pile of dirt as I extracted my trident from its dusty remains. I let the rain give me strength as I continued his trek towards San Francisco. I can't quite remember when I was forced from the road by a host of earthborn, but I rather let out a storm in a forest than in a densely populated population centre like San Francisco.

Frankly, I needed this. After the irritating and confusing conversations I had had with two of my best friends, I felt like I was being kept in the dark, as if they knew something I didn't, and I hated being kept in the dark about anything, especially if it had to do with yours truly. I was happy to be able to take out some of my anger and frustration on the multitude earthborn that had the misfortune to stumble across me.

'Well well well, fancy finding you here.' I turned around to find myself face to face with the manticore, and his irritating french accent.

'Dr. Thorn.' I greeted tiredly. 'It's been a while. How's the tail holding up?' I jabbed.

The last time me and Dr. Thorn A.K.A. the Manticore met I cut off his tail before Reyna decapitated him on a quest for Bellona.

The Manticore simply cackled. 'You seem a bit tired to me, sea-spawn.'

I huffed. I was hoping he wouldn't notice that.

The Manticore decided it had had enough pleasantries, as it promptly lashed out with its tail, sending out a salvo of thorns out towards me. I quickly mist travelled out of range, before manipulating the water in the air around me into ice spikes and sending them towards Dr. Thorn.

The Manticore easily batted them aside with his tail, before charging me. I swung my trident, but the Manticore simply rolled under it and head-butted me into a tree. The last thing I saw before I blacked out was a bright silver flash.

XIXI

Percy

I woke up in a comfy bed. Inside a tent. Welp, looks like I missed something. I slowly stood up, wincing in discomfort as my head throbbed uncomfortably.

I had to wait for my eyes to adjust to the bright sun outside, shielding myself from the sun with my arm.

'About time you woke up. I was starting to think I might have to call my insufferable brother.' Oh gods. It's her. She was sitting down in front of a campfire, poking some of the embers.

'Hi.' I greeted awkwardly. 'The Manticore?'

'Dead.'

'I see.'

'So, care to explain to me why I was able to follow a trail of a hundred earthborns to you?' She looked at me expectantly.

I winced. 'A hundred?'

'One hundred and seventeen actually, but who's counting?'

'You, it seems.'

'Boys. Still didn't answer my question.'

'Well.' I took seat opposite of her. 'I'm on a quest.'

She furrowed her eyebrows. I couldn't help but notice she looked really cute like that. 'Whatever for?'

I shot her a look. 'I kinda have questions too you know, like the fact you're a greek goddess?'

She looks up at me, surprised. 'What is there to discuss?'

I stared at her disbelievingly. I pointed to myself. 'Roman.' I pointed to her. 'Greek.'

She rolled her eyes. 'I figured that out on my own thank you, your armour doesn't really leave much to the imagination.'

'So you're aware that our pantheons do not get on then.'

'Even though they are similar, and at times even overlap?'

That made me pull up short. 'Overlap?'

'Sure, or you think there are two Apollos?'

'I admit the thought didn't cross my mind.'

'Obviously.'

I huffed in annoyance. I wasn't really getting anywhere here. 'I have been given a quest to defeat the giant king Porphyrion.'

Artemis simply raised an eyebrow. 'Your gods sent you to kill a giant, alone?'

I frowned. 'Yeah?'

She sighed. 'Percy,' I suddenly realised she hadn't used my name until now, 'a giant can only be killed by both a demigod and a god combined.'

I sat there, stunned. 'But they sent me alone.'

She looked at me with what looked like pity. I hated that. Pity hadn't saved my mom, and certainly not me. I didn't need it then, and I certainly don't need it now.

I let out a humourless laugh. 'Political assassination, beating me at my own game. Just send me off, with no help, and just send me off, stupid me, doing his duty.'

Artemis doesn't meet my eyes. 'They sent me alone too.' She began in a small voice. 'I wanted my hunters, but the prophecy told me to go alone.'

I looked at her curiously. 'Prophecy?'

She looked at me in surprise. 'You don't have those?'

I shook my head. 'We used to, in these ancient tomes called the Sibylline books, but they were burned a long time ago. We don't really have any other way to record prophecies apart from our augur, and between you and me, he's an idiot.'

Artemis laughed. The musical sound made me relax.

I took a moment to remember something she had mentioned before. 'You were sent here because of a quest too?' I enquired.

She nodded. 'I am to hunt Porphyrion as well. Although my prophecy told me that I would meet one unlikely ally along the way.'

I nodded. 'Well that makes sense, as a Roman I would be an unlikely ally.'

Artemis nodded sagely.

I sighed. 'Speaking of which, I sorta thought you would be more… I don't know, man-hating? It's just you're rather famous for it.

Artemis rolled her eyes irritatedly. 'I swear if I ever find Homer I will revive the blind codger just to kill him again.' She muttered, staring at a tree trunk intensely. 'I don't have anything against males, that's Diana, from your pantheon. I simply… forewent their company, for the most part. I haven't found any to be worthy of my time.'

I let out a genuine laugh. 'I appreciate that. I'm sure you're actually very nice under all that bluster.' I froze. Why did I have to say that? Me and my big fucking mouth.

Artemis laughed again. 'It is refreshing to have a conversation with someone so honest… but I wouldn't try that again.' I gulped and nodded quickly.

I smiled appreciatively. 'So, where are we headed?'

AN:

Yup. New AU. Greek and Roman pantheons are separate, and not on the best terms. That's kinda it.