Together; Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

Chapter 1: The Tunnel (and Gross Water)

"Ugh, cyclops were such bad interior design disasters" thought Artemis. Artemis swiped through the holographic map on her wrist, the maze of tunnels looking like someone exploded a bowl of neon spaghetti. "Seriously?" she muttered. "This place is like navigating a bad hair day."

"Always the optimist, er Artemis," drawled Percy, leaning against the display with a smirk that could melt glaciers (or at least make her want to roll her eyes in annoyance).

"Idiotic boy," she countered, "any bright ideas on how to navigate this monstrosity?"

Percy winked. "Actually, yeah. Most cyclops have the design sense of a particularly challenged rock and Lady Artemis I thought I was a man?"

Artemis snorted, a sound that vaguely resembled amusement. "Charming, not. So, what's the genius plan, oh wise oracle of bad taste?"

"Simple. We exploit their lack of, forethought and well everything," Percy said, tapping the holographic map as well as he could without his fingers passing right through it. "See this tunnel? Water passage, my specialty. My guess is it leads straight to their treasure hoard, bypassing most of the ugly bits."

Artemis considered it. Unorthodox, definitely. But Percy had a point. She grudgingly admitted it to herself. "So, you're suggesting we swim through... cyclops sewage? Sounds extremely delightful." She said raising an eyebrow

He shrugged, a carefree grin splitting his face. "Hey, desperate times call for desperate measures." he said

Later that night, Artemis found herself knee-deep in something that suspiciously resembled a disgustingly smelly; swamp water which reeked of stale fish, old gym socks, rotting eggs and... well you get the idea. Lovely extremely lovely (please note the sarcasm). Percy, ever the optimist, was leading the way like some kind of creepy aquatic cheerleader in a carefree manor, "boys" she thought. It was dark, damp, and smelled like extreme regret, honestly what was that idiot thinking when he suggested this? Thought Artemis angrily.

"Gross," she grumbled, crinkling her nose and making a gagging gesture. "How do you humans even stand this horrible smell?"

Percy chuckled, the sound surprisingly pleasant in the echoing tunnel. "Water cleanses the soul, Artie. Besides, it's all part of the adventure!"

"Don't call me Artie" she said angrily

"you just called yourself 'Artie' " he said with a smirk.

"Right," she scoffed, but a grin tugged at her own lips. As they ventured deeper, the tunnel roof lowered and the tunnel narrowed. Percy turned, and for a second, Artemis could have sworn his sea green eyes glowed in the dimness.

"Might need to get a little closer," he murmured, adjusting his backpack and grabbing her hand with his pulling her closer.

A jolt shot through her as his hand brushed hers. Her heart did a weird drum solo in her chest, butterflies fluttered in her stomach and a warmth spread through her body like wildfire. "P-P-Percy," she stammered, "what do you think you're –"

He cut her off, his voice a low whisper. "Shh Artie. Need to stay quiet. Trust me." he said. This time she didn't even correct him for using her dreaded nickname.

Suddenly, they were squeezed together in the darkness. The scent of the sea mingled with the familiar tang of her arrows, a strange yet oddly thrilling combination. Her pulse hammered in her ears; a sensation far removed from her usual chill demeanor.

Then, with a cough that sounded suspiciously like a laugh, Percy broke the spell. His expression was nonchalant, but a playful glint lingered in his eyes. Much too her annoyance

"We'd better move now," he said, his voice a touch too casual.

Artemis forced a scoff, following him deeper and deeper into the twisty-turny tunnel. The encounter had left her flustered, yet strangely exhilarated and happy. Maybe, just maybe, this mission wouldn't be so bad after all. Maybe it might even be... not so gross?