Fiddling with a strap, Artemis finished fastening her armour. It was a polished, silver set, one of her favourites to wear into battle, but today, she really wasn't feeling it. Come to think of it, since she accidentally played a part in 'tricking' Percy, she hadn't been feeling all too good. Apollo called it morning sickness, whilst Thalia said it might be because of Percy. Artemis was a strong, independent woman, but she had to admit, this war was nothing like the others she'd been in. A few months ago, she would've fought willingly against Percy, and struck him down if necessary. Right now, she didn't know if she could even walk into the battlefield, let alone face him and, dare she say, defeat him?

Hearing a yawn from behind, she knew Apollo was up and awake. He strolled into the room, still in PJs, and gave her a frown.

"Sis, you're in your baby form," he noted casually. Startled, Artemis glanced down and realised she was indeed in her eight-year-old form. With a sigh, she shifted effortlessly into her 21-year-old appearance, tying her hair into a neat pony.

"Don't call me that," she told Apollo, but her voice lacked its usual energy. Apollo paused, studying her closely. It didn't take a genius to tell the usually composed goddess of the hunt seemed slightly disturbed.

"Soooo," he began. "You wanna talk about it?" Apollo's voice was surprisingly gentle. She couldn't remember the last time he'd been like that to her. It almost reminded her of their time back on Delos, where it had just been him, her and their mother.

"Not really," she muttered. "What difference does it make? Now, because I believed Athena for a fraction of a second, I have to go out there, fight, and maybe end up killing the one man I've properly cared for."
"You don't care properly for me!?" Apollo asked, feigning hurt, but when he noticed the look of annoyance on Artemis's face, he quickly went quiet. "Right, no jokes, go on," he mumbled.

"And on top of all of that, if Percy dies, I don't even know if he'll reform, or go to the Underworld, or whatever, because he still hasn't achieved his true form."

Apollo paused for a moment, a thoughtful expression taking up his face. Then, without warning, he stretched his arms wide open, stepping forwards to hug her.

In no mood for such affections, Artemis pushed him away firmly, glaring at him.

"Aww, come on," Apollo pouted. "You haven't given me a hug in ages, and the last time you did was only because Mother forced you to." The glare only intensified, and Apollo let out a loud sigh of annoyance.

"If an emotional Artemis still won't hug me, maybe it's time I expect she never will," he muttered under his breath.

"I'm not emotional!" Artemis snapped back quickly, her voice sharp. "I'm just…"
"Emotional?" Apollo finished for her, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Apollo, I just…" she began, before stopping. How could she explain when she didn't fully understand it herself? Instead, Artemis chose to ignore him, picking up her helmet. As she put it on, her expression hardened and she tried to push the thoughts of Percy to the back of her mind.

"Fill me in then. What's Athena's genius plan this time?" Artemis asked, picking up her bow and walking alongside Apollo. The sun god raised an eyebrow.

"You say it like Athena's the enemy." Artemis didn't reply and just kept walking silently.

"Do you really believe her?" she asked after a while. "Athena, I mean. Do you really think it was Aphrodite aiming for a war?" Apollo seemed taken back.

"Well I'd believe Athena over Aphrodite any day," he yawned. Artemis turned to him, a spark of curiosity in her eyes.

"Why?"

Apollo didn't hesitate. "Everyone knows Aphrodite was given the golden apple. It has to be her."
"Not Hera? Or someone else?" Artemis prodded. "It's not like Aphrodite is the only one with a golden apple."

Apollo scoffed at the suggestion. "Hera, really? She might hate us, but she could never be bothered to start a civil war. As for someone else… Well, who else has a golden apple? These things aren't given out like candy. The only people I can think of are the Hesperides and they're…"
"They're the Hesperides," Artemis sighed. "It's just… this doesn't sit right with me. Aphrodite wouldn't want to start a war. She knows she's not that powerful-"

"Yeah, but she has her children," Apollo interjected. "And more minor gods that I can count. Plus Percy and Ares. If those two stop bickering and learn how to work together, Athena's in for a nasty surprise." Artemis paused, considering Apollo's words. She knew Percy despised Ares, but the two were powerful.

"So what are you gonna do now?" Apollo asked. Artemis frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"Well with Percy. I'm sure he's going to be there. Are you really ready to fight him? Or are you gonna cower out?" Apollo probably meant it as a joke, but as soon as the words left his mouth, the atmosphere changed, and Artemis shot Apollo a sharp glare.

"I'd never cower out," she declared firmly. Apollo shrugged, nonchalantly, causing the moon goddess to narrow her eyes. "You… don't believe me?"
"No, I believe you," Apollo said unconvincingly. "It's just you're about to see Percy for the first time in a while, and I have no idea what's going to happen. Plus, do you really think you have the strength to beat him down?"
"Would you?" she countered. Apollo shifted uneasily on his feet.

"I don't know what I'd do," he admitted. "Percy is a good friend, but he's on the wrong side. I guess only time will tell."

"I'm a lot of things, Apollo," Artemis said after a pause, "but I am not a coward, and I won't betray Athena, even if I'm unsure about who's right. She's my sister, and she has helped me when no one else would. I owe at least this much to her."
"Even if it means going against Percy?"

"He made his choice, and I made mine," Artemis said resolutely. "But I do not want to fight him, and I will not go looking for him. Hopefully, once this is all over we can try and have a relationship, but I am firmly standing with Athena in this battle. And if I recall correctly, you're the one who ruined our entire relationship."

Apollo raised an eyebrow. "Ruined? I never ruined it. Perhaps I pushed you apart, but even then, all you'd need to do is talk to him and explain you were set up."

"Aphrodite isn't letting me," Artemis mumbled. "I can't get close to him without being shooed away like an insect. The sooner this war is over and done with, the better." Perhaps, with a bit of explaining, Percy might want to continue their relationship, and maybe, if everything goes well, they can become something more. A big maybe, but a possibility.

"Do you love him?" Apollo asked quietly. Artemis studied his face, but he had no signs of mirth or amusement, simply pure curiosity.
"What do you mean?" Artemis asked, knowing full well what he meant.

"You know what I mean," he insisted softly. "Do you, Phoebe Artemis, love Perseus Jackson?"

Artemis opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. Instead, a tell-tale blush, a golden hue crept across her cheeks.

Before she could gather her thoughts to speak, Athena appeared, already dressed in her regal armour.

"Good, you're ready!" Athena announced, her eyes scanning both Artemis and Apollo. "I'm glad you're on the right side of this war, sister," she said, giving a curt not to Artemis. "This is the last push, and I want you with me."

Apollo shot Artemis a knowing look that clearly said, 'We'll talk later,' before muttering under his breath, "Saved by the bell." Artemis, still slightly flustered but grateful for the interruption, nodded to Athena.
"Yes, we're ready,"" she confirmed, though her mind was still partly on the conversation with Apollo.

"Good," Athena nodded. "Now Aphrodite has grouped some people and is attempting to launch a surprise attack on us. What she doesn't know is I've been anticipating a move like this for a while now, and we will use this as an opportunity to end this war. I'm sure we'd all like that." Artemis couldn't help but agree.

"Tell us what to do," Apollo said.

"Well seeing as Aphrodite declared war on me, it's only fitting that I defeat her. Most of the minor gods will take care of Aphrodite's minions. I'm just slightly worried about…" Apollo sighed.

"Percy and Ares," he finished for her. The goddess didn't deny it.

"As much as I despise Ares, he's half decent with a sword, and Perseus is… Well he has domains capable of frightening Zeus. The only good thing for us is he still hasn't unlocked his true form, meaning he's mortal. One swift blow and he'll be a problem of the past." There was an uneasiness behind Athena's tone, like the backdrop of a sinister joke. Artemis tried shaking it off.

"Athena, cut the chit chat and just tell me what I need to do," Artemis sighed. The battle goddess gave her a strange look, before continuing.

"Okay then. Apollo."
"Huh?" the sun god yawned. "What's up?"

"You're going with another minor god to take care of Ares." Apollo paused, his eyes narrowing.

"Who?" he asked cautiously.

"There's not many minor gods volunteering to face Ares," Athena replied. "So I had to choose the only person. Kratos-"

"Nope," Apollo said. "No way. Athena, I hate that guy! He's so full of himself. Let me go with Nike or Enyo or anyone else please."

Athena made a face, unamused. "Nike's going after Harmonia, and you and Enyo haven't got along since the first Gigantomachy, so that's a definite no."
"Then send Hermes instead," Apollo grumbled. Athena simply ignored him, turning to Artemis with a faint smile.

"Artemis, my favourite sister, your role is to find Percy and take care of him."

Artemis's breath caught in her throat at the command. Going against Percy wasn't fun, but there was no way she could actively fight, and dare she say, have to harm him.

"What!" she exclaimed. "Why me!?"

"I am impressed by your fake-date idea a few weeks ago, remember?"
"I try not to," she muttered quietly under her breath.

"It'll rub salt in the wound for Percy. The perfect strategy."

Artemis was on the verge of yelling, but she managed to take a deep, calming breath.

"We don't need to kill him," she said firmly. "Poseidon will get angry. It's unnecessary."

Athena nodded, the grin fading.

"Well, duh. I don't want him dead anyway. His domains are far too interesting, and I'm sure the Fates have something planned for him. Besides, if you were up to date on Olympian politics, you'll know Percy dying would mean Poseidon stepping into the war, and that wouldn't go too well for us. Don't kill him, but make this a fight he'll never forget. Sound good?"

Artemis, still reeling from the initial shock of Athena's request, nodded slowly.

"Understood," she managed to say, her mind racing with thoughts of how she could confront Percy without betraying her own heart.

Athena gave a curt nod to the twins, before walking away. As soon as she was out of earshot, Apollo couldn't contain his frustration any longer. He grabbed an arrow and threw it into the ground, exclaiming, "Why Kratos! Why! I can't stand the guy! Come on, Artemis, even you have to admit his ego is massive. Artemis?"

The moon goddess didn't respond. She was frozen, her mind a whirlpool of emotions. In less than an hour, she would have to confront Percy - the only man she had ever allowed to get close to her, the man she had unknowingly developed deep feelings for, and the only man she'd ever even consider having a future with after however any millennia. This realisation hit her with the weight of a thousand arrows.

Apollo, noticing her distant gaze, softened his tone.

"Artemis?" he prodded gently, trying to draw her out of her thoughts.

But Artemis was lost in a sea of what-ifs and maybes. How could she face Percy on the battlefield? How could she raise her bow against him, knowing what he meant to her, even if she hadn't fully admitted it to herself until now? The idea of fighting him, potentially harming him, was unbearable.

"Artemis," Apollo repeated, his voice laced with concern.

She finally looked at him, her fierce eyes hiding the turmoil inside.

"I have to do this, Apollo. It's my duty."

Her brother seemed to understand and stopped yapping about how annoying Kratos was, but it didn't make things much easier.

As they prepared to join the others, Artemis steeled herself for the confrontation ahead. The battle would be more than just a physical fight for her; it would be a battle of her heart.

The cave wasn't bright, illuminated only by the dim, ethereal glow of a milky white river. Nearby, amidst this darkness, a lonely figure wearing pitch black sharpened their knife against a rock. The rhythmic scraping of metal against stone echoed off the cave walls, a sharp contrast to the calm flow of the river.

In the middle of the river was a young woman perched gracefully on a rock. She had long, lush brunette hair that cascaded down her back, and a fair, milky skin that matched the river's. Lost in thought, or perhaps simply uninterested in her surroundings, she absentmindedly played with the hem of her overlong dress.

Suddenly, the figure in black stood up abruptly, a glint of excitement in their eyes.

"Do you hear that?" they asked, their voice cutting through the quiet of the cave.

"Not really," the brunette mumbled, a hint of boredom creeping into her voice.

"Oh, but I can. It's there," the figure grinned. "It's finally there."

The brunette looked up, bored.

"And what is 'there'?" she muttered. The figure in black rolled their eyes, their excitement barely contained.
"The Olympian war. I can feel it. They're finally going at it," they explained, almost savouring each word.

"Cool," the brunette responded nonchalantly, returning her attention to her dress. The fabric felt so soft and smooth, like whispers down one's back. With a frown, she noticed a stain on the fabric and scooped up some of the milky water from the river. For a brief moment, a look of temptation crossed her face. The water looked so sweet… So cosy… It would be so easy to just taste one sip, but she knew the consequences would be… an oblivion. Composing herself, the brunette gently poured the water onto the stain, rubbing it in until it vanished.

As the stain disappeared, she looked up, remembering she wasn't alone. She turned to the figure in black.

"And what are you going to do now?" she asked, pretending to be enthusiastic.

The black-clad figure turned to her, a wild, almost crazed look in their eyes.
"Why, I'm going to watch," they said, a manic edge to their voice. "I'm going to see the violence that plagues Olympus. And believe me, I'm going to take great pride in it."

Fiddling with a strap, Percy finished fastening his armour. It was a polished, black set, one of his favourites to wear into battle, but today, he really wasn't feeling it. Come to think of it, since Artemis played a part in tricking him, he hadn't been feeling all too good. Aphrodite called it battle-jitters, whilst Harmonia said it might be because of Artemis. Percy was a strong, independent man, but he had to admit, this war was nothing like the others he'd been in. A few months ago, perhaps not willingly, but he'd have been able to fight against Artemis, and maybe strike her down if necessary. Right now, he didn't know if he could even walk into the battlefield, let alone face her and, dare he say, have to harm her?

"Hey," a soft voice called from behind. Percy didn't even have to turn around; he knew Harmonia would be watching him closely. Ever since Artemis tricked him, they'd grown pretty close, developing some odd brother-sister relationship that made no sense to him, yet somewhat worked.

"Afternoon, Harmonia," Percy began with a weary sigh. Immediately, she raised an eyebrow.

"Wow, already fed up with this war?"

Percy shook his head, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Not the war, just…" he trailed off.

"Artemis?" Harmonia finished for him. He didn't deny it.

"The unobtainable always seems so much more desirable, doesn't it?" he muttered humorously.

"Artemis is unobtainable?" Harmonia asked, a hint of amusement in her tone. "Since when?"

Percy chuckled, a bitter sound. "Well, she certainly was before we got together, and she still is now, during this war." His smile seemed to slowly fade. "I'm still hoping she'll come and explain what happened with Athena, but as the days pass, I'm starting to think maybe she did play a part in it. Maybe she doesn't like me, and it was all a setup. Is anything even real for us?"

Harmonia seemed to consider her words before responding. "Aphrodite says you two kissed. Wasn't that real?"
"Maybe, but I'm even doubting that now. What if it had all actually been a massive setup from Athena? She is the goddess of battle plans, after all."

Harmonia didn't say anything, but she placed a hand on his shoulder. Perhaps she was using a hint of her domain as well, because Percy immediately felt more calm and relaxed.

"Don't worry, it'll be okay," Harmonia reassured him. Percy sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly under the weight of uncertainty.
"But how do you know?"

She looked into his eyes and smiled, her confidence unwavering.
"It'll be okay," she repeated. And somehow, in that moment, Percy believed her.

As they continued walking, Percy's gaze swept over the ranks of Aphrodite. He was genuinely impressed by the sheer number of nymphs, satyrs, naiads, minor gods, and even monsters and skeletons that had rallied to her side, courtesy of Nico of course. A part of him didn't know how Athena would win against such a force, but she wasn't the wisdom goddess for nothing. He just hoped they would all be enough to stand against Athena's might.

"So, what are you going to do in the battle?" Harmonia asked casually, almost like asking a friend what's for dinner.

"I'll do what I said I'd do," Percy said, his tone resolute. "I'm going to fight for Aphrodite. Just because Artemis is on the other side doesn't mean I'll abandon my mentor. This fight is against Athena, not Artemis, and I truly don't believe what Athena's saying, about Aphrodite starting this war. She has no reason to, and ever since I've become her protégé, she's honestly changed, for the better as well."

Harmonia nodded silently, and Percy let out a heavy sigh.

"I do need a favour from you though," he admitted. Harmonia arched an eyebrow.

"And that is?"

Percy took a deep breath.

"In the battle, I want you to go after Artemis."

Harmonia actually snorted at this. "You can't be serious, right? Me, against an Olympian!?" she exclaimed, almost as if it were ludicrous… which it probably was.

"Asides from Aphrodite who's already going after Athena, you're the only one I can trust," he insisted. "If Ares finds her before you do…"
"She'll be destroyed?" Harmonia finished for him, before smirking. "Wow, Percy, you have that little faith in your girlfriend?"

"Artemis is a fierce and strong fighter, but this is a godly war; there are no rules-"
"Let's skip to the part where you tell me your other motive. You know, the one you're conveniently leaving out of this conversation."
Percy sighed. "Alright, fine. Artemis probably could beat Ares, but if you fight her, I know you won't hurt her, and it'll stop me from even accidentally having to face her."
"I won't hurt her!?" Harmonia repeated with an exasperated sigh. "What about her hurting me! I'm Harmonia! Harmony! Peace!"

Percy looked her up and down. "Peace?" he repeated as a question.

"Yeah," she nodded. "I'm not a fan of fighting."

"Well, you're dressed in battle gear, walking with an army towards a battle-"
"Not the point-"

"Look, are you going to do it or not?" he asked, annoyed. Harmonia let out a long sigh.

"Percy, your girl can handle herself just fine-"
"Harmonia!"

She made a face, clearly annoyed, but also in deep thought.

"So, basically, you want me to face Artemis so she doesn't have to face you, and to keep her safe?" she summarised.

"It's just a precaution," Percy admitted, his tone softening. I know Artemis can handle herself, but when the fight breaks out, I can't tell what will happen to her. If Ares and a few others decide to take her at once, it will be brutal. But if it's only you, then hopefully things can go a bit smoother."

Harmonia paused, considering his words. After a moment, she asked, "And what do I get out of it?"

Percy was taken aback by the question.

"You get to help me?" he offered, somewhat puzzled. Harmonia smirked.

"Oh, no, no, no, I want something more," she declared, a spark in her eyes. Percy glanced around at the assembled army, noticing they were approaching a forest. He sighed deeply, a mix of hope and dread settling over him as he considered the battle quite literally right around the corner, and his longing return to Artemis. Why did this war have to come as soon as he was getting into a relationship with, at least for him, the perfect woman.

"What do we want?" he finally gave in. Harmonia's grin widened as she pondered her request.

"Hmmm," she mused, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

"Keep it realistic, though," Percy warned, slightly wary. Harmonia pointed momentarily, before conceding with a playful, "Fine."

After a brief pause, during which she seemed to sift through a myriad of possible requests, she finally smirked.

"Okay, I got it!"

Percy, already bracing himself, asked, "What?" She flashed him a mischievous grin.

"I choose the name."

Percy groaned in exasperation. "What name? Stop talking in riddles." Her grin only widened.

"I choose the name of the first child you and Artemis have!"

Immediately, Percy froze, his reaction so abrupt that a few soldiers marching behind him nearly collided with his back. Harmonia giggled, hastily apologising to them.

"What's wrong?" she teased. Then, with a playful sparkle in her eye, she added, "Oooh, you're blushing!" Percy scowled at her, his embarrassment momentarily overtaken by irritation.

"Be serious," he muttered. Harmonia's face turned serious, though her eyes still danced with humour.

"You think I'm joking?" she asked. "This is as serious as it gets, Percy." Percy sighed heavily.

"So let me get this straight," he muttered. "We're in the middle of an Olympian sized war, and you're worried about baby names?" The goddess seemed to shrug.

"Well we all know you can't choose a good name, and Artemis is corny. She'll call it 'butterfly' or 'star' or something. Someone has to take action."

"I shouldn't've bothered," Percy muttered, fed up with her antics. Harmonia was amusing for the first few days you knew her. After that, she just became… well, annoying.

"Just think about it," Harmonia said smoothly. "I'll take care of Artemis for you, help you guys get back together after the war, and all it takes is me naming one person. That's a bargain in my eyes." Percy considered her words.
"And what if we don't get back together again?" he challenged. Harmonia shrugged.

"Then you lose nothing. So, do we have a deal?" Percy grumbled under his breath, hating the fact that he couldn't go a day without being teased by her.

"I hate making deals with you," he muttered.

"But?" Harmonia prompted, a knowing look on her face. Percy let out a resigned sigh.

"Fine. It's a deal."

Harmonia's smile returned, brighter than before.

"Fantastic! See, making deals with me isn't so bad. Now, let's get this war over with so we can start thinking about happier times. And names, of course."

Now that the Artemis issue was solved, Percy turned his attention to the upcoming battle. Aphrodite and Ares had led them into a dense forest, and they were all treading carefully along a narrow, winding path. Percy didn't know Olympus had such large forests, but then again he still had a lot to learn. Olympus was much larger than most people thought.

The forest around them was alive with the sounds of nature, yet each rustle of leaves and snap of a twig was met with heightened alertness. The canopy overhead filtered the sunlight into a mosaic of light and shadow, casting an ever-changing pattern on the forest floor. Percy's eyes darted from one tree to the next, his senses sharpened to any signs of movement. The air was thick with anticipation, and Percy felt his heart racing fast… faster than when with Artemis. Artemis… He shook his head abruptly, clearing his mind of any thoughts to do with her and focusing on the conflict ahead. The sooner this war was over, the better.

Percy watched as Aphrodite, originally at the front of the army, slowly made her way to the rear. As she moved, she checked up on the minor gods who had joined her, thanking them for standing with her, and making sure they were all okay. Even a few nymphs and satyrs received her attention, earning a few nods of appreciation.

The goddess eventually reached Percy, still lost in his own turbulent thoughts. She carried herself with a confidence that drew the eye, and while her attire wasn't the most suited for battle, it was a statement to her uniqueness. Gems fitted to her clothes shimmered subtly under the sunlight, and she flashed him a warm smile.

"And how are you two?" Aphrodite asked, her voice as melodious as ever.

"We're good-"
"Percy's having love trouble, Mother," Harmonia quipped. "Come to think of it, this is your expertise after all. Why don't you give Percy some wise words," she suggested, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Percy shot Harmonia a look.

"I'm not having any trouble, and Harmonia should mind her own business," he retorted, a hint of annoyance in his voice. Aphrodite simply laughed, a warm, sweet sound that filled the air.

"Percy, dear, tell me what's wrong," she said gently.

"Nothing," Percy insisted, but Aphrodite merely raised an eyebrow, her gaze penetrating.

Before Percy could reiterate his 'nothing,' Harmonia butted in.
"I get to choose Percy and Artemis's baby name!" she blurted with a grin. It was clear Aphrodite was trying to stifle a laugh, but she was struggling to keep a straight face.

"Is that so? Ah, well we'll talk about that later," she mused, before turning her attention back to Percy. "Perseus, you're doing me a great favour, helping me in this war. When it's over, as a reward, I will personally do everything in my power so you and Artemis can go back to a normal, healthy relationship. Sound good?" Normally, Percy would wave it away, but something in her promise, in the sincerity of her voice, made Percy immediately feel better. For some reason, he believed her… Or perhaps that was just the charmspeak. Either way, he nodded, a weight lifting off his shoulder.

From the front of the army, a loud horn blared, causing Percy to suddenly stand upright. Aphrodite's grin slowly seemed to fade, and she gave them a grave look.

"I'm needed at the front. Good luck, you two! I'll see you on the other side," she said before rushing off to the battlefront.

The blaring of the horn had sent a ripple of tension through the ranks, and Percy, feeling a surge of adrenaline, craned his neck to see what was happening at the front, but the soldiers, with their shields and spears raised, formed an impenetrable wall, blocking his view. Despite his best efforts, including a few futile jumps, the sea of warriors made it impossible to see past.

"What's happening up there?" Harmonia asked. Percy frowned, the frustration evident.

"I can't see anything," he muttered. "But why would they sound the horn so loudly? I thought this was meant to be a surprise attack."

Harmonia shrugged, her expression thoughtful for a moment before she came up with a plan.

"Crouch down," she instructed Percy.

"Why?" he asked, puzzled by her request.

"Just do it," she insisted. Reluctantly, Percy crouched down, both curious and wary by Harmonia's idea. Then, without warning, the goddess suddenly climbed onto his shoulders, sitting precariously as she tried to balance herself.

"Harmonia!" Percy exclaimed. "What are you doing!?"

"Stop whining and stand up," she commanded. Muttering something about the unpredictability of women, Percy stood up, now a makeshift tower for Harmonia to scout from. Despite only being slightly taller than him, she was heavy, and his knees buckled under the weight.

"Can't you see anything?" he asked. Harmonia squinted, scanning the horizon.

"Jump," she suddenly said.

"I can't jump with you on my shoulders," Percy snapped back. "I'm not Heracles."

"Just do it!"

Reluctantly, and with much more effort than he'd admit, Percy managed a small jump, causing Harmonia to squeal with excitement. Then, her demeanour changed as she gasped. Quickly, Percy got her off his shoulders.

"Did you see anything?" he asked urgently. Harmonia nodded, her expression no longer playful, but grave.

"Yeah," she said darkly. "Aphrodite's talking to Athena, who has an army of her own, and they're about to go to war."

Aphrodite did feel a pang of guilt leaving Percy, but she had more pressing matters at hand. She wanted to stand with him, talk to him, and make him feel better, but as soon as Ares sounded the conch horn, she knew Fate was already not in her favour, and the battle hadn't even started yet. Despite the turmoil, one thing remained clear in her heart: she wanted a happy life for Percy. After everything he had endured, it was the least he deserved. And the first step to achieving that was finishing this war. Aphrodite hadn't started it, but she was sure ready to finish it.

As she approached the front lines, her heart sank. There, Athena stood ready, her battle armour glistening under the sunlight. With her knowledge and intellect, Aphrodite knew from the start Athena would be expecting their surprise attack, but still, a part of her hoped they'd start the attack before she realised what was happening. That hope diminished as soon as she saw the army Athena had brought with her.

Athena's gaze was as hard and unyielding as her shield, staring into Aphrodite's eyes with harshness. Across from her, Ares met Athena's stare with an equal intensity. Despite the circumstances, Aphrodite felt a wave of relief wash over her, grateful for his presence by her side.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Miss Pretty Perfect," Athena taunted, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Athena," Aphrodite snarled back, unsheathing her sword. It was a small, yet exquisite blade with a ruby at the centre and serrated edge that Percy had given her for her birthday (yes, gods do celebrate their birthdays, or at least Aphrodite does.)

"Athena, are you willing to give me my mirror back?" Aphrodite asked one final time.

"I told you, I don't have your mirror," the wisdom goddess replied. "This is all some made-up story. You probably lost it yourself, and now expect me to get you a new one. Well it's not happening-"
"The mirror, now!" Ares snarled, his voice alarmingly loud. Aphrodite's heart swelled with gratitude for Ares's protection. He wasn't perfect, but he genuinely cared for her, and at the end of the day, that's what Aphrodite valued the most.

Athena, momentarily taken aback by Ares's response, quickly recomposed herself.

"This is your last chance to stop this, or it's war," Athena warned. Aphrodite gave Ares a knowing look, and the war god nodded, his eyes filled with bloodlust.

"So be it," Aphrodite replied, her voice as soft as the morning dew, a fleeting smile appearing on her lips before she gave the conch horn two, short blows, a signal for the start of war.

"That's the signal!" Harmonia yelled as the ranks of Aphrodite started running forwards. "Let's go, Perseus!"

With a deep breath, Percy charged forwards alongside Harmonia and the rest of the army, his heart pounding in his chest. They raced towards what appeared to be a clearing on the opposite of the forest. However, as Percy broke through the tree line, the scene before him was nothing like he had anticipated. It was a brutal, fully-fledged war, where mercy was unknown. The clearing was a chaotic tableau of violence and mayhem. Gods, goddesses, nymphs, satyrs, and everything in between clashed with an intensity that shook the ground. The air was filled with the sounds of metal striking metal, cries of pain, and the roar of battle. The sky was no longer clear, but choked with a thick, acrid smoke that blotted out the sun, casting the battlefield into a grim half-life. Flames erupted sporadically across the battlefield, devouring everything in their path with an insatiable hunger, undoubtedly Hephaestus's work. A thick mist set over them, and all he could see now were flashes of light as gods clashed with titanic force, their blows literally sending shockwaves rippling through the earth. Thunderous roars echoed, along with cries, shrieks, manic laughs, and much more. It had only been a minute, and already fallen warriors lay strewn across the blood-soaked ground, their lifeless eyes staring blankly into the abyss.

"So this is what a godly war looks like?" Percy thought to himself. Chiron hadn't been exaggerating all those years ago when the Lightning Bolt was stolen after all. And this was the first battle, a taster. If this war were to descend to the mortal world, it would only be disastrous for everyone.

Unfortunately, he had little time to dwell on the thought as suddenly, a muscular, golden robed man Percy had never seen before in his life charged at him with a sword raised. Fumbling slightly, Percy managed to draw Riptide in time, blocking the attack with a clang of steel. Quickly, the man withdrew, jabbing at his knees. Percy quickly side stepped, attempting to hit the man with the hilt of his sword, but he stepped back in time, thrusting his sword forwards. Percy's heart pounded as he narrowly parried it. Drawing upon his years of training, he feinted to the left, then spun, aiming a powerful slash to the opponent's sword. The man, however, was quick to react, parrying fluidly.

The battle raged on, neither combatant giving up. Percy parried and dodged, trying to disarm rather than wound, but the opponent, whoever they were, was skilled, matching Percy's every move with a deadly intent. Sensing an opening, Percy unleashed a series of rapid striked, each one parried or dodged by the golden-robed warrior with astonishing agility. Bouncing like a spring, the man suddenly swung at Percy's head with a ferocious speed. The boy barely had time to react. He practically threw himself to the floor, but the blade still snagged at an armour strap, causing it to snap in two. Percy got to his feet, but just as he prepared to launch another attack, the ground trembled beneath their feet. From the earth itself, ranks upon ranks of skeletal warriors emerged, swords at hand. They charged through the space between Percy and the man, their hollow eyes fixated on Enyo, who Nico had decided to pick a fight on.

When the skeletons had passed and Percy looked up, his opponent had moved on, now fighting Demios, the personification of fear. Now that the fight was over, Percy was left with a lingering sense of unease. He'd come here to support Aphrodite and fight Athena, not to engage in this senseless violence. Yet, here he was, in the midst of a war that seemed to have no care for life, a war that consumed everything in its path.

Taking a moment to catch his breath, Percy looked around the clearing. The mist was still heavy, but he could now see more clearly. Opposite, Aphrodite and Ares seemed to be challenging Athena. Hephaestus was busy with a few minor gods, and the twin archers were nowhere to be seen, but he was looking out for them.

It was at this point where Percy realised he was standing in the middle of a battlefield, effectively doing nothing useful while chaos unfolded around him. He knew he needed to do something. Otherwise why bother even coming? He said he'd help Aphrodite, and so he would. Spotting Nico still fighting Enyo by himself, and appearing to struggle, Percy readied his sword and dashed towards them, determined to help.

As he advanced, his heart raced with anticipation until his journey was abruptly halted. Percy's steps faltered, his gaze locking onto the figure barring his way. A pang of anguish pierced through his typically composed demeanour, his heart pounding with uncertainty as he faced the one he loved, now standing as an obstacle in his path.

"I don't want this," Artemis said, her voice barely above a whisper, yet despite the battle around them, he heard her loud and clear.

"Then why do you do it?" Percy asked sadly. Artemis readied her bow, her hands steady, but her voice betraying her turmoil.

"You'd never understand," she muttered.

"Test me," Percy challenged. Slowly, Artemis loaded her bow, the tension between them palpable.

"It's all Apollo's fault," she finally admitted, her admission hanging heavily in the air.

"Apollo?" Percy repeated, his brow furrowing in confusion. Artemis nodded.

"Athena needed someone to distract you when she was going to attack Aphrodite, and we were already on our date, so he said he'd take care of it. When Athena ran into us, she thought he'd told me to distract you, and I had to go along with it, or she'd find out about us."

"Then let her find out!" Percy snapped, his frustration boiling. Was this really the entire reason he hadn't been able to see her? "Why do we have to stay so secretive?"

Artemis sighed, her voice a mixture of resignation and a hint of sadness.
"Like I said, you wouldn't understand, but I'm a maiden goddess. If people were to even think I was dating a man…"

"They'd do nothing," Percy interrupted. "Dating is fine, remember? I was going to ask Zeus for permission to officially court you, and he'd be entirely fine with it, I'm sure." Artemis seemed unconvinced, but she sighed and shook her head. Then, to Percy's shock, she raised her bow at him.

"Wait… Artemis? Why!?" he exclaimed, disbelief and hurt flashing across his face.

"Like I said, it's Apollo's fault. Athena set me up for this. I don't want to do this, but I don't have a choice," Artemis explained, her voice strained.

"But you do!" Percy protested. "You can let it go! Surely I mean at least that much to you?"

"You do," she admitted. "You mean more than words can say, Perseus. But this is an Olympian war. Athena gave me this task, and as I joined her side, unless I have a good reason, I cannot leave it. If I do, I'm a traitor to not only her, but to the whole of Olympus. It's an unspoken rule that you don't switch sides midway through a war, and you certainly don't decide to fight against your sister."

"You can't tell her the truth?" Percy asked quietly. "That you love me and can't fight me?"

Artemis gripped her bow tighter.

"Athena… She takes a maiden's oath extremely seriously. If she ever found out I was romantically involved with a man… It wouldn't be good."
"But she romantically likes men!" Percy protested.

"She does," Artemis admitted, "but she's never kissed like we did. I've thought about it for a long time, and the only way out is if I harm you so much that you lose consciousness, but little enough that you are still very much alive."
"Gee, thanks," he muttered. Artemis only sighed, a sigh of sadness and weariness.

"I'll make sure you're still alive at the end of this," she assured, "but I promise you, I didn't want this."

"It seems like you do," Percy muttered as he desperately scanned the battlefield for Harmonia. She made a deal with him, so where was she now? Artemis, as if reading his thoughts, added, "Nico isn't coming, nor is Harmonia. Athena saw to that from the start. She made sure this would only be you and me. I can't hand it off to anyone, and neither can you."

Aiming the bow at him, Percy felt a deep sadness, a sense of betrayal.

"Is this really the end?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Artemis slowly lowered her bow, her gaze sweeping the battlefield before settling back on him.

"Run," she told him quietly. "I told you, I don't want this, and by war, I have to be here, but all you can do to stop it is to run. If you run, I won't come after you. Once Aphrodite is beaten, which if you know Athena like I do, know is inevitable, you can come back, and I'll make sure Athena lets you off. We can be together again." Her voice carried a desperate hope, but Percy shook his head.

"You know I can never do that. Not to Aphrodite, and not to myself."

"So be it," Artemis said, re aiming her bow, her resolve hardening even as her voice wavered. "But know, I never wanted this, and I've given you a way out, should you at any point during the fight wish to take it."

Percy sighed, a sad acceptance in his tone.
"You know I'm still mortal? Still haven't reached my true form and all that. Who knows what will happen if you hurt me."

Artemis's eyes squeezed shut for a moment, and Percy could tell she truly didn't want to do this, but somehow, the complications of war had forced it upon her. After all, it's a truth that in love and war, worlds collide, and hearts get broken.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, getting ready to fire.

As she took aim, Artemis quietly asked, "Are you not going to do anything? Are you just going to stand there and let it be?" Her voice carried a mix of challenge, yet regret.

Percy's response however, was calm and determined.

"Oh no," he replied. "I plan on fighting till the end. That's how I fought during the second Titanomachy, that's how I fought during the second Gigantomachy, and that's how I'll fight during this civil war." The answer seemed to satisfy Artemis, who breathed out a sigh of relief.

"Good, good," she said. Then, in an almost playful, teasing tone, like the old times, she added, "You haven't fought against a god in a long time though. Do you think you'll win against me?"

Percy thought for a moment before responding.

"Well," he said slowly. "If I'm fighting an Olympian goddess like you, then I might have a little trouble…"
"But would you lose?" Artemis frowned. Percy shook his head, a confident smile breaking through.

"Nah, I'd win."

So it's been a while, but here's another chapter! I really do hope it was enjoyable. I was trying to get back into writing, and I hope this chapter made sense and wasn't too boring. Hopefully you all understand why Percy set up a deal with Harmonia, why Artemis needed to face him, and all of that stuff. Also thanks to everyone who's been reviewing! It's so nice to read reviews, and please keep them coming! I do hope to update soon, but no promises on how long the next chapter will take.

Out of curiosity, did anyone realise the reference I made at the end of the chapter?

And finally, I have a new book out! It's called Oathbreaker, and is a Percy x Artemis fanfiction, so defo read that if you get the time!

Hope to update soon, and as always, please read and review!