When the Sun Goes Down

Chapitre 2

Despite what you might think, Percy Jackson wasn't stupid.

Well, maybe he was having trouble seeing some signs around him, but he felt he had good instincts. At the same time, without them, he would have been dead and buried a long time ago.

So when he saw the broken gaze that the Sun God gave him from time to time, he suspected that something serious was going on.

Basically, he had come to Olympus to talk to him. He had noticed the distance Apollo had put between them, and it hurt him more than he wanted to admit. He thought they were friends, so getting rejected that way stung a bit. So he wanted to confront him and ask him clearly what was wrong.

Annabeth had gotten angry when he told her about this decision. Percy realized that she had understood for a long time what was wrong with the god, but he did not understand the meaning of her rage towards him. It was as if Apollo had offended her personally, which the young Prince of the Oceans could hardly imagine.

He was always warm, kind and tender to him, and Percy enjoyed spending time in his chariot, listening to music and singing at the top of their lungs. He really felt free at these times.

Of course, he was not ignorant. He also knew that Apollo could be the most cruel being of all. He wasn't the God of Epidemics for nothing. But he also knew that the god had changed, that he was really trying. And Percy always encouraged him down that path.

Percy sighed as he paced Olympus wide and across in search of the handsome blond. It was as if he was hiding from him, as if he didn't want to talk to her anymore.

"Perseus."

He jumped, his hand already on his sword pen as he turned back to the voice. In front of him, a young girl of twelve, with brown hair and a stern look. She had crossed her arms over her chest, and was standing erect, her bow and quiver behind her back. Percy relaxed as he recognized her. He bowed his head in a respectful gesture.

"Lady Artemis."

" What are you doing here, hero ?"

Strangely, Percy suddenly felt embarrassed. As if he didn't want her to find out he was looking for her twin brother.

"Uh... I'm looking for Apollo. It's been a while since I saw him, and I wondered if he was avoiding me ? I just want to ask him if everything is alright..." He blushed, looking away to observe a nymph weaving her daughter's hair near one of the fountains.

Artemis judged him with her eyes. She respected this man, who knew how to be modest despite all his exploits. But she wouldn't allow him to break his little brother's heart. For all his jokes and nonsense, Apollo remained her brother, and she would protect him with her life if necessary.

But the fact that he was blushing and seemed embarrassed at his admission... Artemis might flee the company of men, that didn't mean that she didn't know anything about love.

She sighed. In the end, it was up to Percy and Apollo to make their own choice, and this situation made them both as unhappy as the other, if she believed the dark circles under the young Prince's eyes.

Maybe a conversation would take care of all these worries.

"I see, she said finally. I think my brother is walking in the Gardens of our mother, Leto. It's his favorite place to think."

Percy looked back at her, seeming surprised that she was helping her. He gave her a smile that could have overshadowed the sun, and was about to turn on his heels when she called him back.

"Perseus. My brother... Despite everything we can think of, he remains fragile, and his heart has been broken too many times. I ask you as a big sister, take care of him."

Percy wanted to ask her what she meant by that, but before he could even open his mouth, she vanished into a silvery light.

He stood still for a few seconds, his brow furrowed, before shrugging his shoulders. He will ask Apollo directly.

This conversation was overdue for far too long.