Author's Note: Welp, the verdict is in, and reviews most definitely still make me engage in dancing a little jig (perhaps more enthusiastically than I am willing to admit). Despite my prolonged absence, you guys continue to show me an overwhelming amount of support with your sweet comments and well thought-out criticisms, and every review makes me smile. I really can't thank you enough!

A NOTE ABOUT CONTINUITY:this is a friendly reminder that the majority of these one-shots are in no way connected, so you don't have to worry about Artemis and Orion being a permanent thing. Unless I say otherwise, Artemis is the same chaste babe as always!

Also, there might be a bit of implied Thapollo in this one. Sorry if you don't ship it.

~ competition ~

A rambunctious group of young huntresses were strolling leisurely through the woods and back to their campsite, gradually winding down from an eventful day on the hunt. As a result of an uncommonly high amount of concentration, the girls had scored two full-grown bucks and a few rabbits, and Thalia had even rescued a distressed bear cub from a poorly laid out trap. ("Mortal hunters in these woods," Artemis had muttered lowly. "They've not the common sense to think of the animals outside of their amateur hunt.")

The enthusiastic chorus of laughter and chatter died down, the group nearly heaving a collective sigh, red-faced from mirth and clutching their sides. Thalia wore a weary smile as the entourage approached the camp, a little village of silvery tents strung together by hung lanterns, glowing dreamily in the starlit evening. The sight encouraged a yawn on her part; visions of collapsing carelessly onto her pallet danced in her mind. She slid her quiver off of her body, prepared to toss it aside so as not to leave an obstacle in way of her traipsing, but fingers pressed coolly against her forearm, and she came face-to-face with an amused Lady Artemis.

"Milady," Thalia murmured tiredly. Artemis flashed her a smile.

"Thalia," she responded. "Before you rest your head, I'd like to have a word with you in my tent."

"Of course, milady," Thalia agreed, nervously casting aside her hunting equipment. She'd never quite seen the goddess in such an agreeable mood at this time of night; she wondered what she'd want to speak with her about.

Thalia followed her mistress into the largest tent, still taken aback by the sheer interior size of the lodging. "Seal the tent up," the goddess requested, making herself comfortable on a deerskin throw. "I do not want any of the girls overhearing this quite yet," she added with a smirk. Thalia obeyed, lacing the tent closed (the Lady Artemis found the antiquated lace-up tents quite a bit more charming than those equipped with zippers).

Thalia took residence next to Artemis, perching atop a log that had been furnished into an intricate stool. She obediently waited for the goddess, who was occupied with removing her circlet, to speak.

"Sit behind me," Artemis commanded, shifting to accommodate the extra person. Thalia wordlessly took her place behind the goddess, and knowingly began to plait her hair. Artemis smiled; she was, of course, perfectly capable of doing this herself, but she knew allowing her lieutenant to take on this duty was a very much-appreciated sign of trust and companionship. "You have been doing outstanding work lately, Thalia. Do not think that your efforts have gone unnoticed by me."

Behind her, Thalia flushed, tucking a stubborn piece of her own inky hair behind her ear. "Thank you, milady," she replied meekly, "but it isn't all me. Every one of those girls loves being a part of this alliance, and if it wasn't for their passion and dedication, my job would be a whole lot harder."

"They are encouraged by you," Artemis commented placidly. "You are very much a role model to them, my dear Thalia."

Thalia reddened further. "Thank you, milady," she repeated, curious as to where this spiel was headed.

As if on cue, Artemis explained, "I wish to reward you." She paused, waiting for Thalia's reaction. When only silence came, she continued, "I know this may seem...unlike me, but your dedication to the Hunt has led me to believe that perhaps you girls deserve a...'day off'."

Thalia froze at the term; a 'day off' from the hunt? That was nearly blasphemous. She could hardly believe what Artemis was implying.

Realizing the goddess was awaiting her response, she quickly scrambled to formulate a sentence. "What sort of day off, milady?" she asked. She could only envision a day devoted to lounging around, not attending to any prominent duties, though she was sure something like that would drive her mistress absolutely berserk. Perhaps the huntresses would be offered the chance to spend one full day and night in a luxury hotel as a break from the constant camping - but on further consideration, Thalia was sure that even the famed Plaza fell short compared to a goddess' abode.

"Well," Artemis began, leaning her head into Thalia's hand as her lieutenant finished with her scalp and moved on to her cascading hair, "I suppose it would be up to you, really. I have something in mind, but since it would actually be bettering you as huntresses, I'm not sure it would actually qualify as a break – especially considering what you would have to subject yourself to..." She winced at the thought of it.

Thalia loosened her grip, mistaking the goddess' pained look for one caused by her treatment. "You do know best, Lady Artemis," Thalia flattered, smoothing a bump in the braid. The goddess took this as encouragement to disclose her idea.

"Alright," Artemis sighed. "My immediate thought when I originally considered offering you girls a break was a day of festivities. Only, the only sort of festivities I could really imagine that would be suitable for our situation were the sort I was raised around." She paused, turning slightly so that Thalia could see the contours of her face – smiling lips and lowered lashes. "Archery competitions."

"Archery competitions?" Thalia considered this suggestion, and soon found herself smiling too. Although the Lady Artemis was clearly the superior archer, the huntresses had never really considered examining one another's skills and weaknesses. An archery competition would be a nice experience for all of them, especially since she knew firsthand how many of the girls would jump at any chance to be competitive. "That sounds wonderful, milady!" She stopped, recalling the ominous dip in the goddess' tone towards the conclusion of her otherwise pleasant explanation. "Milady, if you don't mind me asking, what is it that we would have to 'subject ourselves to?'"

Artemis tensed, adjusting to face Thalia as the girl finished off her braiding. "Do not concern yourself with that just now. If you are excited by the thought of an archery competition, this more...unfortunate aspect I speak of can easily be overlooked." She gave Thalia a small, sleepy smile. "Now, off to bed, my dear. We've got quite the day ahead of us tomorrow."

Thalia unintentionally woke before the dawn, yawning quietly and carefully sidestepping her tent-mates, supposing the Lady Artemis would like a hand in organizing the day's events, since she knew the goddess would be awake at this hour. When Thalia poked her head out of her own tent, she saw that the Lady Artemis' was wide open. The goddess herself was nowhere in sight. Disturbed by this knowledge, Thalia dashed out into the campsite and began scanning the area frantically, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. She had begun to truly panic when she was alarmed by a voice sounding from a nearby clump of trees, pouting, "Oh, honestly."

A pair of thin legs dangled gracefully from a tree branch, on which Artemis was perched. Wondering who the goddess was addressing, Thalia warily approached the tree.

Distracted, Artemis did not sense Thalia's presence until the lieutenant cleared her throat. Startled, the goddess clambered down from the tree, breathing heavily.

"Oh, Thalia!" she greeted, faking a smile. "You are up unusually early. I was not expecting to see you now...you must be truly excited."

"What were you doing?" Thalia asked bluntly. She kicked herself mentally – she really should address her mistress more respectfully, but she felt so disoriented from having risen before sunrise that it was difficult for her to apply much logic to her actions.

Artemis, on the other hand, seemed to take no notice of her companion's uncharacteristically casual demeanor. She fidgeted with her garb fretfully. "I was...planning for today. Yes, I was," she declared proudly, beaming at her ingenuity. (Well, it wasn't a lie, was it?)

"I see," Thalia emitted. "Could I be of any assistance to milady?"

Artemis blanched. "I...not quite yet, dearest," she stammered. "Why don't you – ah, curse me, let's see...oh! You could make sure everyone's equipment is in perfect condition."

"Perfect?" Thalia echoed skeptically.

"Yes, perfect," Artemis repeated. Thalia shrugged, turning on her heels to tend to the goddess' wishes, when Artemis added, in a shout, "And be sure to count the arrows! Twice!"

"Yeah, okay," Thalia muttered, confused. Count and recount the arrows? She was certain that the huntresses' arrows appeared magically to fill the void in the quiver when one was removed, but knowing not to question Artemis' authority, she obliged without further comment.

Artemis only exhaled when she was sure Thalia was out of hearing range, and even then, very quietly and briefly. Steaming, she wheeled around and stormed back to her spot in the trees, leaping into place as adeptly as an acrobat. Once comfortable, she resumed muttering: "Where the hell are you?"

Relax, relax, I'm on my way. I have other duties, you know! Sun god; ring a bell...?

Artemis fumed at the sound of her brother's telepathic voice. Well, make it quick! she replied snappily. Thalia's awake already, and I desperately wanted you here before that happened. I fear she will talk some sense into me if she knows you are coming before you arrive...

Ah, so you 'desperately want' me there, Apollo responded. Artemis groaned – the ego boost there was dreadfully palpable. Never thought I'd hear you say that, sis! I'm gonna just go ahead and take that as an invitation to come whenever I wa-

No, Artemis interrupted bluntly. Just speed yourself along. I don't have all morning.

Not waiting for a reply, Artemis alighted gracefully from the tree branch and looked over to see Thalia dutifully counting the huntresses' supply of arrows by hand. The goddess winced, knowing that her lieutenant had likely seen right through that flimsy excuse. Well, it's not as if I had very much time to fabricate a story, Artemis defended herself. Still, you should have planned for something like this! her subconscious argued.

Disregarding her internal conflict, she approached Thalia with a forced smile. The girl looked up from her assigned task, arrow in hand, with a concerned expression. "Are you all right, milady?" she inquired, dropping the arrow and dusting her hands on her knees. She stood from her kneeling position so as to be closer to the goddess' eyes. "You look...stressed, to say the least," she commented; she drew closer and caught a glimmer of worry flashing in her mistress' silvery irises.

Artemis knit her brow, waving Thalia away. "It is nothing," she lied, not bothering to maintain the faux grin anymore. Thalia bit her lip, watching her knowingly.

"This wouldn't have anything to do with those complications you mentioned last night, would it, milady?" she wondered aloud, distractedly crouching down to scoop up the arrows she'd carelessly dropped to the ground. She knew enough to give the goddess her space when she was deciding upon just how much information it was prudent to disclose.

"It may," she finally responded, vaguely. "Oh, Thalia, you needn't worry about those arrows anymore. We'll merely have the others assure that everything is in order with their own sets when they rise. Come with me; we'll busy ourselves with more important things."

Curiously, Thalia again tossed aside the ammunition and followed Artemis as the latter strode confidently before her, leading her to a stack of bull's eye targets piled in the corner of the campsite whilst muttering to herself. Thalia hugged herself, protecting against the biting early-morning breeze. She still wasn't quite sure why the goddess began planning and working so early; it didn't appear as if there was very much busy work to be done. Increasing her pace so as to find herself strolling alongside her mistress, she timidly piped, "Milady?"

"Hmm?" the goddess replied distantly.

"Is it really...is it somehow out-of-line for me to inquire about the nature of these complications? I know that I've brought them up numerous times, but I was just unsure as to whether you didn't address them purposefully or because you were unaware that I was genuinely curious." In the seconds that passed, she awaited the much-anticipated response in silence. Artemis herself had stopped short, leaving Thalia to stumble clumsily in an attempt to remain adjacent to her mistress.

Artemis sighed. "We are to have...a visitor today," she responded coolly. "An expert," the word seemed to taste bitter on her tongue, "on the art of archery. However, I am beginning to fear that my trust was misplaced in inviting this additional person, as they have not been prompt with their arrival. In fact, they had better be here soon, or I predict a wrathful explosion on my part..."

"I see," Thalia commented absently. "What's the latest you're expecting them?"

"Sunrise," Artemis replied carefully, gauging her lieutenant's response. At first, the girl seemed unaware of the single word's implications – even murmuring a contented, "Ah" – but it soon began to sink in. Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully – and, Artemis noted, rather fearfully – as she turned to face the goddess once more.

"Sunrise?" she repeated. Artemis nodded, wearing an expression of obvious shame. "The visitor comes at sunrise, is an expert on archery, and is unreliable?" Artemis' expression grew more pained, and she was soon unable to face her confidant. Thalia groaned.

"Milady, with all due respect, I do not think that a decision to withdraw your invitation would be misplaced."

Artemis massaged her temples, irked. "Unfortunately, Thalia, I am afraid the mistake has been made," she said regretfully. "My brother – though running late," she seemed to direct this inwardly, even rolling her eyes upward as if glaring furiously at her own mind, " – will not leave even if asked at this point. We must – to put it as you mortals like to do – 'deal with it'."

"But...Lady Artemis!" Thalia whined childishly in protest, sinking to the ground with a pout. Artemis sighed and leaned against a tent's stake, awaiting the slur of 'He's horrid!' and 'We all hate him...even you!' that would surely follow that display, but none came. Instead, something inside Thalia's head clicked. She grinned mischievously up at her mistress. "Aren't you the one who always insists that even if he taught you archery, you're still better at it?"

Artemis squirmed. "Well, yes, but even if I am more talented than my brother, we are both more talented than all of you – collectively – and I do not think I will find myself able to manage an entire day of archery-related festivities without the assistance of - "

"And besides, this is your turf!" Thalia interrupted, risking igniting the goddess' fury. "I mean, come on, milady – you totally kick ass! Are you really going to let your annoying twin brother rain on your parade?"

Shocked, Artemis began declared, "Thalia! While I am in agreement with your opinion of my brother, he is still a god, and you should not speak of him in the manner that you do."

The longer the goddess did not respond in clear favor of Thalia's opinion, the less hope could be heard in her voice and the more desperation slipped in. Groveling, she clambered towards Artemis, saying, "You know you're capable of babysitting a hoard of eternally adolescent girls armed with bows and arrows – isn't that your job description? So screw Apollo, I mean - "

Just as Artemis was about to chastise her lieutenant for directly contradicting her orders, a bright light verged on the horizon and a loud yet distant whooping could be heard. Artemis began her order: "Thalia, cover your - "

But the girl knew the procedure, and when the goddess turned to assure that she was being agreeable, she was met with the sight of Thalia, still on her knees, with her eyes closed and her hands fidgeting in her lap, grumbling under her breath. Pursing her lips in a maternally disapproving way, she returned her attention to the clearing in the center of the campsite, where she was sure her brother would haphazardly park his disguised chariot, leaving the huntresses to dance awkwardly about the steaming vehicle to manage something as simple as standing comfortably. Artemis groaned inaudibly as she danced her pale fingers up the bridge of her nose, beginning to wish she had appeased Thalia's complaints.

The sun car lurched to a noisy stop, hissing from the heat. Apollo hopped out without bothering to open the door, approaching his sister with open arms. "Arty!" he exclaimed excitedly. Artemis glided out of his reach expertly.

"I expect you to be especially cooperative today," she said dismissively. Apollo doffed his sunglasses with a dazzling beam.

"Aren't I always?" came his melodious, smooth, and ever self-assured voice. Artemis flicked his arm promptly.

"No," she snapped, "and quiet down. The others are sleeping. You'll wake them." She turned to face Thalia once more, seeing that her eyes were still sealed shut. Her expression had somehow soured even further since their conversation prior to Apollo's unwelcome arrival. "Thalia, Apollo has parked. You may open your eyes now."

"I know, milady," Thalia replied sweetly – her facial muscles grew tauter – "I am choosing not to. I'm not sure I'm ready to face the reality yet."

Artemis exhaled sharply as Apollo glided past her with a smirk, kneeling so as to reach Thalia's eye level. He suavely rested a finger on the underside of Thalia's chin, tapping it gently. "Chin up, beautiful," he purred. "You can't be glad to see me if those stunning eyes aren't open."

"I wouldn't be glad to see you, anyway," Thalia growled after recollecting herself. Apollo's smirk broadened; she'd never admit to the effect he had on her.

"Ah, you only play angry because you and I both know how incredibly charming I am," he insisted, waving her away with a pat on the head. "You won't even allow me to help you up?" Thalia slightly cracked an eye open to see that the sun god was offering her an extended hand. She shivered at the thought of his comparatively warm touch.

"I'll help myself up," she muttered, hoisting herself off of the ground and dusting off her garb while purposefully ignoring his outstretched hand. Apollo chuckled, resting his hand on Thalia's back instead. She recoiled viciously.

"Brother, stop flirting with one who has taken a pledge of maidenhood," Artemis ordered, but it lacked fervor; she had grown inevitably weary of correcting her twin's incessantly violating behavior. "Thalia, please go wake the others."

Her lieutenant obliged obediently, sending a cliché, 50s-televison-esque "Hmmph!" over her shoulder at Apollo. He smiled after her, then approached his sister, arms akimbo, who narrowed her eyes at him.

"Tsk, tsk, Arty," he began playfully. "Step one of having a fun-filled, adventurous day: do not begin the day with a frown!"

"You are not exactly helping with my situation, then," she snarled. "I warn you, brother: today is not the day to push me."

Apollo held both hands before him in mock surrender. "Alright, alright," he agreed, leaning beside her. "You really gotta lighten up, sis. You want the girls to have fun, you gotta act as an example for them."

Artemis cocked her head thoughtfully. "It appears you actually have a valid point," she murmured begrudgingly. Her annoyance, however, was not long absent, as she continued, "Though my idea of 'fun' certainly does not match yours. I do not want you to be the example I set for the girls; we shall most definitely have to tone that down a bit." With a pointed look, she wandered off to check on the others. Apollo scoffed.

"Haters."

"Okay, we're starting with something a bit simple because Artemis likes to be boring!" Apollo announced with a clear attempt at sounding authoritative. The aforementioned goddess was resting in a lawn chair, legs crossed and head resting in palm in a remorseful manner. Taking no notice of the fact that his sister was already quite weary of his antics, Apollo continued, "As you can see, we have lined up a row of bull's-eye targets. Two chicas to every target; pick your partner now."

The huntresses scurried to find partners; Thalia quickly linked arms with Phoebe and the two leapt to a target of their choice, standing a few feet away. As the other girls sorted out their teams, Thalia turned to Phoebe and muttered, in a low voice, "Maybe if we play by our own rules, he'll just go away."

Phoebe had just flashed Thalia a disapproving look and was about to reply when Apollo boomed, "Alright, looks like everyone's set! Now here's the deal – this is a competition, ladies! That hottie standing next to you – ow, Arty! – she may be your partner, but from this point on, she is not your friend." Apollo paused to let the foreboding sink in, but the huntresses merely seemed unimpressed; a newer recruit even yawned. "Alllll-right," he continued, unaffected, "listen up, then. This may be a fast elimination, but again, I didn't organize it: Arty did! And we all know how prudish and uptight and horrific – ow! – anyway, I didn't make the rules. You and your partner will be competing to see who is first to get three bull's-eyes in a row. The winner moves on to the next round, where I've decided to spice things up a bit." His eyes glinted mischievously. "Alright, any questions?"

"Yeah," Phoebe's hand shot in the air. "What about the arrows? Is there going to be time to remove them from the target before another turn is taken?"

"I already handled that!" Apollo beamed proudly. "They're enchanted arrows, remember? They'll just come right back to ya. No need to worry. Any more?"

"Um," a shy voice sounded from the back of the group; they all turned to observe, "y-yeah," the new recruit began, "What if we don't have a partner?"

Apollo half-smiled coyly. "Don't you fret, pretty little thing; I'll be your partner." He began to stride over to her when he collided with a less-than-amused Artemis.

"Going somewhere?" she spat, glaring up at him. Apollo feigned innocence.

"Why, yes, Artemis," he replied sweetly. "It seems as if that lovely maid down yonder is without an archery partner. I lovingly offered to join her."

"Yes, perhaps a bit more lovingly than anyone cares to know," Artemis muttered, earning a hushed collective chuckle from their audience. "I will be Veronica's partner; you will supervise." She approached Veronica, but turned over her shoulder to add, "And I mean supervise the game, not the girls."

"But that's not fair!" someone shouted. "If Lady Artemis plays, we'll all lose." Apollo perked up.

"And, if Apollo plays," Thalia began, "it'll have the same outcome." She glared daggers at him; he merely winked in return.

"I...I just won't play," Veronica volunteered weakly, wrapping her arms around her sickly frail frame. Artemis knit her brow.

"No, no, that won't do," she murmured, concerned. "We can't have a new recruit left out, I..." Artemis paused, turning on her heels. "Thalia, dear..."

Thalia clenched her jaw. "No," she whispered.

Artemis smiled kindly. "It would help very much if the numbers were even, and since you are my lieutenant - "

"With all due respect, Lady Artemis - "

"Why, I think even you playing would be extremely unfair to the other girls," Artemis cooed. "You would have quite the advantage, being second-in-command and all..."

Phoebe sniggered, watching Thalia succumb to Artemis' flattery. "Y-you think so?"

"Oh yes, dear," Artemis reassured her. "You'd simply excel! We don't require your involvement to know that much."

Thalia giggled like an overwhelmed little girl. "Well, if you insist, milady."

"Wonderful!" Artemis chimed. "Veronica can work with Phoebe. Thalia, love, assist Apollo with supervision."

Thalia froze as the words translated: Babysit my pig of a brother, I've other things to worry about. Her lip curled at the thought of it, but having already agreed to resign from the game, she merely snarled, "Fine," under her breath, combating Phoebe's playful nudges as she trudged over to where Apollo stood, grinning.

"I knew you couldn't stay away for too long," the god teased, reaching out with the intent of patting her hair.

"Touch me and I scream," Thalia threatened, sidestepping his hand.

The competition began without an excess of ill-behavior on the part of the sun god, but Thalia still resented that she had to remain with him for the duration of the game. Apollo would cheer and yelp each time an arrow sailed into the center of the target, and as he was distracted by the festivities, flirting with his sister's lieutenant was scarce, so the daughter of Zeus was thankful for this much. However, each time he leaned over in an attempt to woo her, she would make a long-winded observation about the competition, noting something like, "Wow, Phoebe has really amazing form. Don't you agree? I think the mistake some of the other girls are making a lot is that they're not very purposeful with their posture. Then again, you can't really blame some of the newer girls. They haven't had sufficient time to catch on, y'know? But wow, that shot was really graceful. So precise, too." Eventually, Apollo would lose all hope of sliding a word in edgewise, turning his attention back to the game instead.

Artemis was patrolling the grounds, assuring that proper sportsmanship was being applied by each individual. Though she would know immediately if someone was not abiding by the rules, she figured that she needed something to distract her from the fact that her brother was most likely drooling over the maiden huntress that she'd foolishly allowed him to be alone with, but she trusted Thalia to take care of herself – she'd never met a more headstrong, determined demigod.

When the first round ended, the victors paraded happily away from the set-up, while the less fortunate girls trudged after them. Thalia, noticing that the clump of competitors was much smaller now that half the girls had been eliminated, leapt from the tree branch where she was perched alongside Apollo and bounded after Artemis, hopeful that this meant the goddess would now have more time to pay attention to her lieutenant's misfortunate. Apollo, confused by Thalia's display of enthusiasm, followed shortly.

Artemis gracefully topped a tree stump with a generous circumference, the others forming a circle around her. She cleared her throat, preparing to speak. "I am aware that Apollo mentioned earlier that he had something of his own in mind for the second round of the competition, and while I do not know what exactly that might be, I am fairly certain that it is...well, stupid." The huntresses giggled at the sound of such a casual insult rolling off their leader's tongue; Apollo pouted. "I will tell you what I had originally planned, instead."

"Wait a sec, Arty, hold up!" Apollo interrupted, shoving through the crowd of girls to join her on the stump. "My idea is superb, as a matter of fact. I think I should most definitely be the one to make the rules and organize the competition; I mean, I'm the god of archery, right? And I taught you everything you know!"

"Wait," Veronica murmured, "Lord Apollo taught Lady Artemis archery?" The others tensed, knowing this topic was a dangerous fuel to Artemis' anger; however, the goddess turned her glare not on the new recruit, but, unsurprisingly, on her brother.

"Just because you practiced archery before I did does not mean you are still more knowledgeable than me!" she snapped. "In fact, I could easily challenge your title as the 'god of archery' and win dominion over it; the counsel would be unanimous."

Apollo rolled his eyes. "Oh, puh-lease," he drawled. "You're decent at archery when it comes to hunting or whatever, but in competitions like this one, I'd kick your hide."

Artemis reddened furiously. "Do not instigate anything with me, brother! Today is for the girls!"

"Oh, yeah, you're right, sis," Apollo agreed, turning back to Veronica, still timid and confused. "Veronica, you should've seen Artemis when I was teaching her! We were only, like, three. She was just precious. Like, her bow was twice her size! And on her very first attempt at shooting something, the arrow planted in the ground right in front of her and she cried."

"Apollo!" Artemis hissed, more irritated than embarrassed.

"She was a handful then, yeah, but I was more than willing to help," the sun god continued without regard for his sister's temper. "I mean, she needed a teacher, and who better to learn from than the expert, am I right? Besides, I was her big brother - "

"I was born before you!" Artemis growled, smacking him upside the head.

The twins continued with their usual bickering, and Thalia pinched bridge of her nose, sighing with frustration.

"I...guess I shouldn't have asked?" Veronica worried guiltily.

"Don't feel bad," Thalia reassured her. She turned to glare at the twins. "They would have found their own way here, anyway."

"Typical," Phoebe deadpanned. The girls were slouched over on the ground, not bothering to so much as feign amusement with the twins' arrangement. Apollo had angrily declared that if Artemis really thought she had grown more talented than he at the art of archery, then they should be the ones engaging in the competition. Artemis, overcome with rage, had agreed. Now they stood before the others, facing an array of targets and random obstacles. The set-up lacked any form of organization; the gods would take it as it came.

Apollo flexed, more for the audience than for preparation. "Be very afraid, Artemis. I'm about to remind you where you stand."

Artemis snorted. "I've never feared you and I especially don't fear you now, you raging fool. Please, take your turn."

"I don't know, Arty. Maybe we should save the best for last. I wouldn't want to embarrass you in front of your girlfriends."

Artemis urged him onward with the tip of an arrow in his lower back. "Go."

Apollo smirked, swaggering to the starting place. "If you're sure, sis," he teased, removing his sunglasses. Ignoring the irksome term of endearment, Artemis folded her arms across her chest and impatiently anticipated the beginning of the display of his supposed talent.

"Whenever you're ready," she said crisply.

Taking a deep breath, Apollo steadied his bow and arrow and focused somewhere down the way, concentrating deeply. In a flash, a handful of arrows appeared in his hand, and he began oozing even more confidence than before. He took a few more seconds to mentally prepare himself before quickly releasing the volley of arrows. They took off in several different directions. Before they had even implanted themselves in their targets, he released another volley, also spreading out every which way. He did this a few more times – rapidly, instantaneously. The arrows slammed into several tree trunks and bull's-eyes, one right after another. When the plucking-and-thudding racket died down, Apollo paused, lowered his bow, and exhaled deeply. Then he turned, beaming with pride.

"Beat that."

The arrows had formed an image – one of a giant sun-shape, complete with outstretched, inviting rays of warmth. The huntresses, wide-eyed and astonished, turned to gauge Artemis' reaction. Apparently, the goddess had seen this show before.

"You cannot teach an old dog new tricks," she muttered, before taking her place at the line. "Unimpressed, brother. I thought you'd do much more to show out." Apollo's arrows disappeared from the targets, being replaced in his quiver.

"As if you can do better," he sneered. "I'd like to see you try."

"Is that not what I am about to do?" Artemis replied carelessly. She steadied her own bow, using one arrow in place of her brother's many.

"You're going to fail miserably, and in front of all of your huntresses, too," Apollo taunted. "Come on, baby sis: you know I love you, but this is ridiculous. You're challenging my place as the god of archery and your teacher. That's just foolish."

"Oftentimes," Artemis responded distractedly, "the student is the one who educates the instructor."

Apollo's scoff morphed into an astonished guffaw halfway through. "Okay, okay – you're right," he replied sarcastically. "You are a superb archer. In fact, I think I recall one shot that outdid all of mine...with a rather distant target, yes? Far out in the ocean?"

Artemis tensed. "Apollo..."

"It was such a graceful shot," he continued cruelly. "So much confidence. The arrow went sailing through the air and straight into the vulnerable torso of your unassuming lover. Poor Orion."

The huntresses froze, fearing their mistress' reaction. Artemis did not move or speak for a few moments; she kept her bow and arrow in position, pivoted slightly, and aimed directly at her smirking twin, whose stomach plummeted immediately upon realizing her intentions.

"Artemis," he breathed, mentally kicking himself for the hateful words spurred by his dangerously competitive nature. The silence that hung between them was pregnant; the tension in the air was palpable. "Artemis," he repeated quietly a few seconds later, "I'm so sorry."

Artemis' gaze was stony; she seemed not to respond to or even recognize his fragile attempt at an apology. She remained completely, eerily fixated on something behind him. Then, without warning, the arrow sailed from her grip and straight into the front left tire of his beloved sports car. The sun god wailed.

"There," Artemis muttered emotionlessly, "since you love your car more than any living thing you have ever known." Without another word, she retreated into her tent.

Thalia rose gingerly from her spot on the ground. Disregarding any fear of or reverence for the uncontained, unsuppressed power of the immortals, she approached the frantic sun god and uttered, "Too far, you ignorant asshat."

Apollo clenched his jaw at the insult, standing immediately. "Where do you get off talking to me like that? Why do you always think you can talk to me that way?"

Thalia didn't flinch as she neared him, glaring up at him with icy eyes. "Because I'm no longer scared of you, Phoebus Apollo," she spat. "I know the power you have over me and I accept it, but I'm not scared. I, like all of these other girls, pledged my loyalty to your sister. I not only gave her my word, I accepted her invitation to be her second-in-command, her right hand, her confidant. It is my duty to her to go down fighting for her, like the honorable Zoe Nightshade did in the past. I would fight anyone for her," she paused, stepping closer for emphasis, "even you." Apollo narrowed his eyes as she continued staring at him, entirely unaffected. "So go ahead. Incinerate me. See if I give a fuck. I'm not going to let you treat your own sister that way and walk away unscathed. I hope these words are sinking into you like a rusty dagger. I hope it hurts." She flashed one last warning glance at her comrades – Stay out of his way, I'm not sure what his next actions will be – then left to console Artemis.

Apollo stood frozen in place, watching her leave. For a few moments, he remained in sheer silence, rolling the bitter aftertaste of his conversation with Thalia around on his tongue. After a long while, he turned sternly towards the terrified huntresses. "Go to your tents." A command. The other girls, not as accepting of Apollo's wrath as Thalia was, obediently scurried away, leaving Apollo by himself. He silently sunk into the driver's seat of his chariot, figuring he'd be better off waiting for Thalia or Artemis to return than he would invading their privacy.

Night came. He didn't leave – nor did he eat, sleep, or move. His breathing was heavy but even. The silence that surrounded him was not lulling, but discomforting.

Finally, someone stirred. Apollo glanced up to see a small form exiting Artemis' tent, the silhouette shuffling against the dim light from inside. It was none other than the goddess herself, standing frozen against the moonlight, not daring to draw nearer.

"Why have you not left?" she demanded firmly.

Apollo's fingers clenched around the steering wheel. "I have unfinished business here," he answered slowly.

Artemis did not respond. Apollo exited the car with a soft sigh, wondering how long it would take to patch this up; wondering if it would ever be okay again.

He rung his hands anxiously, carefully approaching his sister. She did not retreat. "I...I'm really sorry, Artemis," he announced. "You deserve a better brother." He lowered his eyes.

Artemis shifted her weight awkwardly. "This is not so," she said finally. "You excel at being a brother. Obnoxious, rude, cruel...everything." Apollo flinched, and only because he knew she spoke the truth. Artemis sighed deeply. "But I love you regardless."

Apollo gnawed at his lip, not prepared to face her again. He laced and unlaced his fingers, fidgeting until he could find the words to say. "I know," he replied gently. "You shouldn't, but you do. And I love you too."

"That is what unconditional love is about," Artemis responded gingerly. Finally, she giggled. Apollo's head snapped up in shock. She smiled weakly at him. "We are like children."

Apollo laughed too. A more apt statement had never been spoken by a goddess who assumed the form of a preteen girl and lead a group of Lost Girls through the wilderness. Artemis was like a stricter, more powerful Peter Pan – only female; he couldn't forget the female part. That was crucial.

"We are like children," he agreed mirthfully. When he finally sobered a moment later, he added, "But me, more so. I incessantly drop by uninvited and irk you. I flirt with your huntresses and pick fights and...I don't know. I just want to be your brother."

Artemis half-smiled. "But you are my brother. And that is why you do those things."

Apollo shrugged. "Yeah. Yeah, I guess. I love you, Arty."

"I love you too, Apollo," she murmured. "I'll be going to bed now."

"Alright, night," he called after her. "And...sorry. Sorry, again."

"Apology accepted." As Artemis disappeared into the folds of her tent, Apollo noticed a figure he hadn't seen before leaning against a tree with a satisfied smile.

"Thalia Grace," he acknowledged with a half-hearted grin. The demigoddess took this as an invitation to approach him.

"Not too shabby," she complimented, regarding the interaction between he and his twin sister. "Looks like you two've got everything worked out, huh?"

"For whatever reason," he confirmed, still smiling. "Thanks...thanks for motivating me. Sometimes an all-powerful god needs a little girl like you to get their ass in gear."

Thalia shrugged mock-arrogantly. "What can I say?" She paused to observe him. "You know something, Lord Apollo? You're not all bad."

Apollo's grin turned seductive. "So, does that mean you - "

"No."

"So you wouldn't want to - "

"No." Thalia stopped, chuckling at his antics. "Gods. Go home, Apollo." She turned and headed for her own tent without awaiting his reply.

"Right. Okay," he said, mostly to himself. He danced giddily back over to his chariot, where the injured wheel had been mended by magic. He patted it affectionately, then turned to take in the sight of the campsite: targets and arrows littered the ground, and the huntresses of course had not bothered to reorganize their weapons and quivers. Apollo shook his head. "What a mess."

End Note: ...I don't know what this is supposed to be. You guys like funny, right? And sappy too? So I uh, made a thing. A relatively long thing. Longer than the others, at least.

I was swooning over Apollo as I wrote this, is that like, bad? #Can'tTellMyBoyfriendI'mCrushingOnFictionalMen

So, if you like the healthy doses of Thapollo I applied generously to this chapter, you may or may not like the fact that I intend to author an individual Thapollo oneshot sometime soon! Yay! (Ilovethatfuckingpairingwow)

I'm sorry for any grammar/spelling mistakes or a lapse in continuity. I admittedly got lazy.

Au revoir, babes.

~Chelsea