Chapter 4: Divine Dilemmas
The following days brought a whirlwind of activity as news of Saitama's presence spread through the mythological world. Curious gods and mythical creatures alike sought out the camp, eager to catch a glimpse of the bald hero who had effortlessly bested Ares and tamed the Nemean Lion.
Artemis found herself in the unfamiliar position of playing host, her usual solitude disrupted by a parade of visitors. Saitama, for his part, seemed largely unaffected by the attention, often more interested in his next meal than the powerful beings vying for his notice.
One particularly eventful afternoon, Aphrodite herself arrived at the camp in a cloud of sweet-smelling perfume. Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she approached Artemis and Saitama.
"Well, well," she cooed, "if it isn't the most talked-about couple on Olympus. How's the prophecy fulfillment coming along?"
Artemis bristled, her silver eyes flashing dangerously. "Aphrodite, this is none of your concern."
Saitama looked between the two goddesses, a slight furrow in his brow. "Hey, aren't you the one from that painting? The one with the clam shell?"
Aphrodite's tinkling laugh filled the air. "Oh, he's adorable! Artemis, darling, you simply must let me give him a makeover. A little styling gel, some fashionable clothes..."
"No thanks," Saitama said, patting his bald head. "This look is kind of my thing."
Before Aphrodite could protest, the ground began to rumble. Trees swayed dangerously, and the hunters scrambled for their weapons. From the forest emerged a monstrous figure - the Hydra, its many heads hissing and snapping.
Artemis nocked an arrow, her form tense. "Saitama, be careful. The Hydra's heads multiply when cut off. We need fire to—"
But Saitama was already moving. With a casual "Okay," he leapt towards the Hydra.
"Consecutive Normal Punches," he announced calmly.
His fists blurred, striking each of the Hydra's heads simultaneously. The monster froze, its eyes comically wide, before collapsing in a heap. No new heads sprouted; the Hydra was thoroughly knocked out.
Aphrodite clapped her hands in delight. "Bravo! Such strength, such speed! Artemis, you simply must keep this one."
Artemis found herself torn between exasperation and admiration. She approached Saitama, who was dusting off his hands.
"That was... impressive," she admitted. "Though perhaps a bit reckless."
Saitama shrugged. "It looked like it was bothering you guys. Plus, it was almost dinner time."
As if summoned by his words, Hermes appeared with another cup of instant noodles. "Special delivery for the Hydra-slayer!"
Artemis couldn't help but laugh, the sound bright and clear in the aftermath of chaos. She turned to find Aphrodite watching them with a knowing smile.
"You know," Aphrodite said softly, for Artemis's ears only, "I've never seen you like this. He brings out a different side of you."
Before Artemis could retort, Saitama called out, "Hey, Moon Lady, want to share these noodles? They're pretty good."
Artemis felt a warmth bloom in her chest. With a final, warning glance at Aphrodite, she joined Saitama by the campfire.
As they sat together, slurping noodles and recounting the day's events, Artemis realized that her world had irrevocably changed. And surprisingly, she found she didn't mind at all.
Little did they know, high on Mount Olympus, the other gods were watching, debating, and planning. The prophecy was in motion, and its repercussions would soon be felt across both their worlds.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the camp, Artemis found herself watching Saitama with a mixture of curiosity and growing fondness. He was currently engaged in an impromptu arm-wrestling match with Hercules, who had arrived earlier in the day, boasting of his legendary strength.
"Come on, baldy!" Hercules grunted, his muscles straining. "Show me what you've got!"
Saitama, looking as bored as ever, simply held his arm in place without any visible effort. "Are we starting soon?" he asked, glancing at Artemis with a hint of confusion.
Artemis couldn't suppress a chuckle. "Saitama, I believe you've already won."
Hercules let out a roar of frustration and redoubled his efforts, causing the ground beneath them to crack. Still, Saitama's arm didn't budge an inch.
"Huh," Saitama said, finally noticing Hercules's reddening face. "Oh, were you trying? Sorry, let me know when you want to start for real."
Before Hercules could respond, a flash of lightning split the sky, and Zeus appeared in the clearing. His presence immediately silenced the gathered crowd of gods, demigods, and mythical creatures.
"Saitama," Zeus boomed, his electric blue eyes fixed on the bald hero. "Your power is undeniable. The time has come for you to prove your worth to Olympus."
Artemis stepped forward, her silver eyes narrowing. "Father, what are you planning?"
Zeus turned his gaze to his daughter. "A quest, Artemis. A challenge worthy of Saitama's strength and your combined abilities."
Saitama perked up slightly. "A challenge? Is it strong?"
Zeus smiled, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Indeed. The Titans stir in Tartarus, and Typhon threatens to break free from his prison beneath Mount Etna. Your task is to journey to Sicily, strengthen the bindings that hold Typhon, and prevent a catastrophe that could destroy the world."
Artemis's eyes widened. "Father, that's—"
"Sounds like a road trip," Saitama interrupted, standing up and brushing off his suit. "Do they have good food in Sicily?"
Zeus blinked, momentarily thrown off by Saitama's casual response. "Uh, yes, I suppose they do. But that's not the point—"
"Cool," Saitama nodded. "When do we leave?"
Artemis found herself caught between exasperation and amusement. She turned to her father. "We'll need preparations, supplies—"
"Already taken care of," Hermes chimed in, appearing with a backpack full of gear and, of course, several cups of instant noodles.
As the crowd buzzed with excitement about the impending quest, Artemis pulled Saitama aside.
"Are you sure about this?" she asked, her voice low. "Typhon is no ordinary monster. He's the father of all monsters, a threat to gods and mortals alike."
Saitama shrugged. "Sounds interesting. Plus, I've never been to Sicily. Could be fun."
Artemis searched his face, finding only calm confidence. She felt a smile tugging at her lips. "Very well," she said. "We leave at dawn."
As they prepared for their journey, neither Artemis nor Saitama could have predicted the trials that awaited them – not just against Typhon, but in navigating their growing feelings for each other. The prophecy loomed over them, a constant reminder of their entwined fates.
Little did they know, their quest would not only determine the fate of Olympus but would also forever change the course of their lives – and potentially, the future of both their worlds.
As dawn broke, Artemis and Saitama stood at the edge of the camp, ready to embark on their journey. The hunters gathered around, a mix of concern and excitement on their faces.
"My lady," Thalia, Artemis's lieutenant, stepped forward. "Are you sure you don't want us to accompany you?"
Artemis shook her head, her silver eyes resolute. "No, Thalia. This quest is for Saitama and me alone. Keep watch over the hunt in my absence."
Saitama, wearing his familiar yellow suit and red gloves, adjusted the backpack Hermes had given him. "So, how are we getting to this Sicily place? Running? Flying?"
Before Artemis could answer, a gleaming chariot descended from the sky, pulled by two magnificent deer with golden antlers. Apollo stepped out, his radiant smile lighting up the clearing.
"Thought you could use a lift, little sis," he said, winking at Artemis. "Can't have my favorite sister and her bald boyfriend walking all the way to Sicily, can we?"
Artemis rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of fondness in her expression. "Thank you, Apollo. Your assistance is... appreciated."
As they climbed into the chariot, Saitama looked around with mild interest. "Cool ride. Does it have cup holders for my noodles?"
Apollo laughed, slapping Saitama on the back. "I like this guy! Don't worry, baldy, I've got you covered." He snapped his fingers, and a cup holder materialized on the side of the chariot.
With a flick of the reins, Apollo sent the chariot soaring into the sky. As they ascended, Artemis found herself instinctively moving closer to Saitama, their shoulders touching.
"First time flying?" she asked, noticing his wide-eyed gaze at the landscape below.
Saitama shook his head. "Nah, I've jumped to the moon before. This is just... different. Nice view."
Artemis raised an eyebrow, making a mental note to ask about that moon jump later. As they soared over cities and seas, she began to brief Saitama on their mission.
"Typhon is not to be underestimated," she explained. "He once challenged Zeus himself and nearly won. Our task is to reinforce the magical bindings that keep him trapped under Mount Etna."
Saitama nodded, slurping his noodles. "Got it. Big bad monster, needs a timeout. Anything else?"
Artemis sighed, torn between frustration and amusement at his simplification. "Yes, actually. The area around Mount Etna is likely to be guarded by other monsters loyal to Typhon. We'll need to be cautious."
As they approached the coast of Sicily, dark clouds began to gather around the imposing form of Mount Etna. Thunder rumbled ominously, and flashes of unnatural light pulsed within the volcano.
Apollo's expression grew serious as he brought the chariot down on a plateau near the base of the mountain. "This is as far as I can take you," he said. "The closer you get to Typhon, the weaker our divine powers become. You'll be on your own from here."
As Artemis and Saitama disembarked, Apollo grabbed his sister's arm. "Be careful, Artemis," he said softly. "And... take care of each other."
Artemis nodded, touched by her brother's concern. With a final wave, Apollo and his chariot vanished in a flash of golden light.
Saitama stretched, looking up at the looming volcano. "So, we just need to climb that and punch the big guy back to sleep, right?"
Artemis couldn't help but smile at his nonchalance. "Something like that. Are you ready?"
Saitama nodded, a hint of excitement breaking through his usual passive expression. "Yeah. Let's go save the world or whatever."
As they began their ascent up Mount Etna, neither of them noticed the pair of glowing eyes watching from the shadows, nor the dark whispers that seemed to echo through the very rocks beneath their feet. Their greatest challenge was just beginning, and it would test not only their strength but the growing bond between them.
