Lightning Strikes

4

Okay, here's where the crossover really starts. I promise there'll be an actual story by...(counts) chapter six or seven. I hope you enjoy, and as always, constructive criticism is appreciated! :)

Those words had rarely boded well for Aru. After all, adults asking her to have a quick talk often meant a quick scolding in between two events. Artemis didn't look her mom's age though, instead appearing to be around twenty or so. Perhaps it was intentional, just to make Aru feel more comfortable with her new elder sister.

The two of them stepped into the Empire State Building's lobby. "600th floor," Artemis said to the man at the desk. "No such thing, lady."

"I'll ask again. Will you allow me to get into the 600th floor?"

The man looked up. "Lady Artemis! Of course! Here's the keycard, milady."

They got into the elevator. "Try to ignore the music," Artemis told Aru. "It's painful to listen to. My brother's logic is that people won't want to stay in the elevator forever. You never know what effect magic can have on mortals and demigods."

Aru nodded. "And while we're on the topic of magic, what was that out there?"

"I don't know, didi. It just felt like I was being called by something in my head. I just wanted more, you know?"

Artemis put a sympathetic hand on her shoulder. "For children of the king of gods, this is not uncommon. For a girl with the kind of power you possess, it must be difficult, Arundhati. I can see why you're on this journey of self-discovery."

"Because I'm a loose cannon," Aru said sourly.

"Because you're a weapon," Artemis agreed. "A powerful one. The most powerful demigod I've seen in my life. Your power rivals that of many major gods. I haven't seen you fight, but with that kind of power, I assume you could take Ares down any day."

"Not quite any day, didi," Aru said. She recounted her collapse against the asuras to Artemis.

"Oh, what's the Gujarati word? Ben? I think that's it. Well, ben, nothing's wrong with having a bad day. Everyone has them. And sometimes, they spiral into the start of something greater."

Artemis wrapped her arm around Aru. "You need this journey because your power remains unchecked. Once you enslave your forces, you will be invincible. I do not think that a single one of us could stand a chance against you on that day. But you're still a ways away from that right now, sister."

The moon goddess wouldn't admit it, but having a younger sister was something she was enjoying so far. Thalia wouldn't consider Artemis her sister in her wildest dreams — well, other than a sister-in-arms, Artemis supposed. Aru needed a companion, and she had turned to Artemis. How could the goddess refuse? She was kind-hearted, although her temper could outshine that kindness at times.

The elevator doors opened, and the two stepped out. "This is Olympus," Artemis said to Aru. "Come on, let's not bother with the shops right now. The others are waiting."

They made their way to the large throne room. Twelve thrones were in a horseshoe shape around Aru. On the side, a young girl was sitting beside a fire. "Father, she cannot be trusted! Respectfully, if she doesn't have the awareness to stop herself from creating that kind of storm, she is a threat!" a goddess in battle armor said to Zeus.

"Athena, who said the child doesn't have kindness and awareness?" Poseidon asked. As the two argued, Aru looked at the girl tending the fire. All of a sudden, an ember rolled out of the flame and landed on the girl's foot. The little girl winced as tears rolled down her rosy cheeks.

Aru raced to the girl's side. "Are you alright?" she asked. "Water, where's water?" Aru cried. "Apollo, help!"

The girl laughed gently. "Arundhati, I'm alright. All I was doing was proving to Athena that you are too."