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theroyalwords · 7 years

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Teen Olympians, Ch 29

-Apollo-

The sun god had seen his fair share of mortal bravery. Hercules, Achilles, and Hector were some of the first names that came to find. In recent years, Percy Jackson was placed among their ranks. Their acts on the battlefield and successful endeavors were impressive by even immortal standards. It took a lot to leave an impression on an immortal. It was evident that now Cassia Woodard's name would be forever ingrained in his and his family's minds as well.

It had been a long time since a mortal stood among Apollo's family with such calm and careful assurance. It was a little unnerving, if he was honest. There were many things they were privy to as immortal gods and goddesses. Not knowing something was extremely annoying, and try as they might, they didn't know the future as well as the myths led on. The girl was one of those annoying unknown things. Her future, her role in all of this madness, was yet to be revealed. Cassia was a wildcard, an ace in the hole. Apollo didn't fail to notice the knowing gleam in his families' eyes as she told her tale. She could be very valuable, and his family would take advantage. There was admiration beside that greedy glint in their eyes, something Apollo would have to be careful to watch.

Apollo would not let them use her. She was no pawn to be brandished about on a whim. She was a queen, and he had a feeling would run the board, if given the chance. She only needed support to do so.

Cas kept out a lot of personal details, which Apollo understood. She handled their questions gracefully, artfully. He suspected that she knew what they would ask, especially with Athena.

"So, can you call your vision at will?" Athena inquired.

"I can, my Lady, but when I do, what I see isn't as reliable," Cas murmured with her brow furrowed, "the odds are better the closer to the actual event in that regard. And to answer your question, Lady Aphrodite, I didn't rat you out because I knew it would make Orion happy in the end. I'd just hoped to avoid the shit show that most likely came with it."

Aphrodite just grinned and shook her head. "Amazing. And how do you know how likely the outcome is? Is it a feeling?"

"Not exactly. Some are more solid and defined, clearer in quality, than others. They feel like reality, but then it ends, like I've just woken up. It's more like…dreaming, I suppose. The clearer the vision, the more likely its outcome."

Apollo wondered if she'd ever used her gift for personal gain. Cas looked in his direction with a knowing grin. She didn't answer his question aloud, only gave him a glimpse of the mischief in her eyes before covertly nodding her head. He suspected that what she wanted to say would make him laugh, which brought an even wider smile to his face.

"Now I remember your grandmother! Ha! She went to work for one of the merchant guilds in New Rome! That's why you looked familiar. I think her name was…Emma? Eve?"

Cas bit her lip, looking a little uncomfortable. "Evelyn?"

"That's it! She was a lot of fun, while it lasted. I'm sure your mother picked up her no shit attitude."

"She did," Cas murmured as her eyes glazed slightly.

"Too bad it didn't last. She got rather put out with me when she realized I'd been with someone else, and that woman-"

"Stop talking, Hermes, you are making this awkward. I'm sure she doesn't want to hear how her grandfather slept with half the Californian population in the 70s," Aphrodite chided.

"The 70s were fun," he mused with a grin. "I think you know what I mean. Weren't you and Ares getting along swimmingly back then? Seem to remember nothing but love and war." Aphrodite pursed her lips as her eyes narrowed in distaste.

"Don't even mention his name. He's pissed me off for the last time."

"And how many times have we heard that?" Athena scoffed. "I'm sure yours and Hermes's list of conquests is quite extensive, but I don't particularly want to hear about them."

"My conquests?" Hermes scoffed. "I know you didn't stay holed up in Olympus the whole time that decade. I seem to remember the Athena cabin having a lot of children popping in around the latter part of the 70s."

"At least I remember what their names are! I don't whore myself out!"

"This isn't awkward at all," Cas muttered under her breath. Apollo snorted. Being the only mortal around immortals had to be disconcerting. They might look her age, but they were eons older, which left almost no topic uncovered.

"Trust me, I've heard worse," he muttered back to her. "This is tame."

"Oh, I believe that."

"Hermes! You can't just talk about that!" Hestia yelped. Apollo and Cas both tuned back into the conversation. All the color had left Hestia, leaving her pallor ghostly. Apollo's sister had gone an uncomfortable shade of red, which Orion nearly matched. Even Athena, who kept her head cool in most situations, was staring at Hermes with her mouth gaping.

"I'm telling you, it's been years. I bet you could do it if you want to!"

"Oh no," Cas whispered, her own cheeks turning a flaming red.

"What?" Apollo muttered. Cas shook her head violently before looking down at the floor.

"We can't just…we made a vow, Hermes," Athena stuttered.

"It's the twenty-first century, for crying out loud! I think we are long past there being repercussions for breaking a vow that no one worships you for anymore. Besides, we all know that Hestia just took the vow so that Poseidon and Apollo wouldn't start fighting!"

"Do not question my honor on this," Hestia snarled in response. Her eyes lit up, flames dancing in them. "I do not go back on my word."

"I'm sure you have served it faithfully since then, but I bet that wasn't the case before, now, was it?"

Hestia's color muddled. They all knew that her and Poseidon had a thing when the younger generation was still small. Unlike Aphrodite and Hephaestus, Hestia wouldn't openly cheat with him while he was married to Amphitrite. Still, there were rumors that before Poseidon had married, that the two of them had a few intimate encounters.

"And look at these two!" Hermes huffed while throwing a finger in Artemis and Orion's direction. "Artemis was being a snot nosed little punk before he came back, and you all know it. He's already made her bearable, so maybe taking it a step further might do her some good!"

"I w-would never," Orion stammered out.

"Damn right he would never!" Artemis countered. "Maybe I'm just glad that I'm no longer being lied to!"

"Maybe so, but I must say, Hermes has a point. A good rendezvous does do something for the soul," Aphrodite mused with a knowing grin. "Perhaps Apollo could more eloquently explain?"

"And feel my sister's wrath?" Apollo scoffed. "No thank you. I'm not in the mood to piss her off."

"That's wise," Artemis agreed. Apollo stole a glance at his sister, who glanced suspiciously at the girl beside him. Cas had turned a deep shade of red beside him, looking intent on memorizing the grain pattern in the wood flooring.

"I just think that maybe these three need to let loose and experience some pleasure in their existences! I mean get that stick out of your ass and," Hermes trailed off, a huge grin erupting. "Actually, that's a good place to start."

"First of all, what in the actual fuck," Artemis snapped. "and second of all, that's a little intense, is it not?" Artemis looked to her brother.

"Ah, well, it depends." Sex really wasn't all that embarrassing to him. He'd been with many people in his existence, men and women. Despite the numerous about of encounters he had, there were a handful that left a lasting impression. Some encounters faded over time, while others involved people he would never forget. Daphne and Hyacinth were a couple of the more prominent ones. And Cassandra…

"I don't think that would be a particularly good experiment for one's first time, but it of course depends on the couple. For some, it's the only option."

"Oh," Artemis huffed as realization hit her.

"You are telling me you three have never thought about it? Never saw someone that made you just want to lose yourself in them? Someone that made your semblance of a human heart beat wildly out of control, where every single inch of you comes undone at a mere touch?"

The three of them looked thoughtful, which was more telling than they realized. Apollo concluded that they had indeed thought about it. By the dreamy look in his sister's eye, he suspected that those thoughts had been rather recent.

"Absolutely not," Athena stated.

"Liar!"

"I need a drink," Cas whispered, just loud enough for Apollo to hear. She slipped away from the arguing immortals. Apollo followed her into the kitchen. Cas sat at the island with a bottle of water in her hands, staring at it. Her vision was glazed, lost in some vision.

"Are you okay?" Apollo laid his hand on her back.

Cas shook her head, clearing it of her thoughts. She turned to Apollo, searching his face for something.

"Yeah, I think so."

"I'm sorry for the talk. When you've been alive for as long as we have, no topic seems to be off the table."

"The talk didn't bother me," she muttered. "What I saw as a result, however, did."

"Sounds like something you didn't particularly want knowledge of." He wanted to ask what she just saw, but her closed expression and the blush on her cheeks told him that it wasn't something she really wanted to share.

"Not really. It's just a possibility; nothing concrete yet."

Apollo removed his hand and grabbed a drink for himself. His family was arguing passionately now, their heated words garnering some of their gifts. Athena kept making weapons appear, and Hermes kept finding a way to take them from her as they argued. Artemis had her daggers in her hands, while flames kept erupting from Hestia.

"You wanted to marry your Aunt?" Cas questioned with a raised brow.

"Long story," he responded, cringing slightly. Hestia's denial hadn't bothered him for long. It was a long time ago, and really, he only wanted it for the power it would have given him. Hestia was beautiful, and there was no doubt he would enjoy himself, would be happy, and maybe she would have been, too. In the end, Apollo thought her refusal was for the best. She wanted something that he just couldn't give her.

"I know godly DNA doesn't exist, that it really doesn't matter, but still, it's all a little weird. Reminds me of a soap opera."

"Imagine being in it."

Cas laughed at that. "I'd get killed."

"I wouldn't let that happen." For a moment, Apollo allowed himself to think about it. If Cas stuck around, if the promise he made to protect her turned into something that lasted…what would that be like? What if she became immortal? What if, in time, their friendship turned into something more? Apollo's human heart stuttered at the possibility. He wasn't sure how deep his affections for Cassia Woodard ran, but he knew one thing. He didn't want to be parted from her, not yet.

"I've wondered," Cas whispered.

"Wondered what?" Apollo studied her as she played with the label on her bottle.

"What it would be like."

A blush stole Apollo's cheeks. He'd never felt ashamed at what he's done. He'd openly talk about it around anyone, really, but talking about it with Cas felt different, more intimate. Talking to her about it made butterflies explode in his stomach, made him almost queasy with nervousness.

"You have?"

Cas dipped her head. "I've seen what falling in love is like, seen what mortals and immortals will do for pleasure. I've wondered what it would be like to trust someone like that, to have someone trust me. But with this curse?" she stopped, a harsh huff of breath leaving her.

"You'll get it."

Cas turned towards Apollo, her expression neutral. However, there was a hint of hope in her eyes, something that made Apollo desperate to see on her whole face. He wanted to touch her again, to lay his hands on her neck and feel the stuttering pulse beneath her skin, the shaky way she breathed at his touch. He'd longed for it since yesterday morning, since he'd felt how warm and soft the skin of her waist was. It was unwise to get any more involved, but the line had been crossed a long time ago. He reached out, laying his hand on her forearm. The world seemed to sing at the connection, at the inevitability of it.

"I'm going to find a way to ease your burden, Cassia Woodard. And when you find that person, be it mortal or immortal, do not settle for anything, nothing less than care and devotion that you deserve. They should treat you like the queen you are."

A devastating blush rose on her cheeks. "Doesn't it go both ways? What of my care and devotion? What should I give them?"

"Cas," Apollo sighed. Her lips quirked to the side.

"You do have more than enough experience."

"Why are you asking me?"

Cas shrugged her shoulders. "I don't have many friends. Orion is just as inexperienced as I am. Plus, you see what he turns into when the subject come up." She gestured to Orion, who was currently covering his face with his hands as Artemis and Hermes went at each other above him. "I know you will be honest with me."

"So you consider me a friend?" he questioned with an easy grin. Cas laughed.

"Yeah, I think we are to that point. It won't stay that way if you avoid my question."

He turned towards her. A strand of hair had fallen into her face, begging to be moved. He fought moving any closer. "In the ideal situation, you would give equally, but that is not always the case. Some conquer the need for gratification, hold out for those they deem worthy of intimacy. They take their time with the relationship. For others, it is purely physical. I've had both. The biggest thing is to know what you are getting into, which situation are you in. When motives are unequal, that's what leads to heartache. If you question it, don't give them anything you feel uncomfortable parting with until you are sure of what they want."

She nodded her head in thought. Apollo hadn't always been clear with his motives in relationships. He'd hurt people. Most were collateral damage, caught up in immortal games. He didn't want that for the girl beside him. He was going to fight to make sure that this girl stayed out of his families' schemes.

Apollo only hoped that was possible.

Monday morning started out as dreary as the rest of them.

Artemis and Orion left the previous night, something about getting in a forest jaunt before class on Monday. Apollo had taken the hint not to pry, which he was only too happy to oblige. That left the burden of responsibility of dealing with their houseguest, which he didn't exactly mind. Cas was an earlier riser, just like him. They'd trained again, Apollo consistently winning. He wanted to challenge her, make her better. They were working on using her sight to assist her in fights. The visions might not be as clear, but they offered her an advantage that could save her life.

The drive to school was quiet, but the silence was comforting, easy. When they made it to the school, Apollo appeared at her door, opening it for her. Cas bit her lip as she stepped out of the vehicle.

"Thanks," she mused.

"Want coffee? We have time."

"Are you trying to make up for the ass kicking you handed me this morning?"

"Partially," he jested. "I really didn't mean to knock you out." His tone might be light and joking, but Apollo was terrified in that moment. He pushed her too hard, overestimating the amount of force he used. He didn't even breathe until her eyes opened back up.

"I know. Really, it's kind of handy to have your trainer also able to instantly heal you. Dealing with a concussion today would have sucked."

"I've yet to hear my thank you." Apollo waited for her to start towards the nearest coffee shop, which happened to be only a block away. Cas glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, a smirk growing.

"I'll say it if you buy me coffee."

"I'm beginning to think you are using me, Cassia Woodard."

"Just now figuring that out?"

"Hey! Where are you two venturing off to?" Hermes practically collided into them, Athena not far behind.

"Much needed caffeine," Apollo explained. Being stuck in a mortal form got exhausting at times. "Want to join?"

"I'm in."

"I have to organize some notes, but I will take a Grande soy vanilla latte, extra shot of expresso," Athena added in a huff.

"Is there a please there?" Apollo questioned. Athena shot him a withering glare before heading towards the school. "Guess not."

"You know you have to get it, right?" Cas hinted. Apollo gave her a resigned sigh.

"I deserve an award for proper sibling behavior."

"Yeah, right," Hermes chortled.

Together, they headed towards the coffee shop. There was a narrow alleyway that cut through two buildings, saving them from having to take the long way around the block. Thankfully, the line was short. They quickly ordered their beverages and headed back to the school, caffeine in tow. Zeus was keeping a better eye on them since Artemis's disappearance, and it wouldn't surprise Apollo if he had some underling charged with verifying they showed up every day.

"Thank the gods for espresso," Cas sighed as she took a sip.

"Actually, only one god to thank," Hermes pointed out. "Athena inspired that one."

"Really?"

Hermes and Cas began chatting back and forth, Apollo watching them with careful amusement. There was something in Hermes's eyes that bothered him. Maybe it was just an overreaction, but –

"Oh, for fuck's sake," Cas swore.

They had just entered the alley. At the end stood three men, all looking menacingly in Cas's direction. She sighed heavily beside Apollo.

"Can you please hold this?" She held out her latte, which Apollo warily took from her. The three weren't gods, that he was positive of, but they were still powerful. Magicians, ones that honed the magic of the Pharaohs they descended from. They were young for adult mortals, all in their 20s, from what Apollo gathered. While he had no doubt that Cas could protect herself, he knew she was sore from training this morning. He didn't want her to injure herself again.

"Cas, maybe I should-"

"Thanks for the offer, but I need to send a solid message. I've got this."

"You sure about that?" Hermes questioned, his eyes narrowed in the men's direction.

"I don't need anyone to fight my battles for me," Cas swore. She strode forward, looking agitated beyond belief. "Really, Joseph? You've sunk to hunting teenage girls now?"

"You got a mighty large price on your head, darling."

She stopped and put her hands on her hips. "I'm going to ask nicely for you to leave. Tell all your magician friends that this is between me and Isis, which means you need to keep your abnormally large noses out of it. No bounty is worth the pain I will inflict."

"No can do."

Cas shrugged her shoulders and pulled out one of the daggers Apollo gave her from the inside of her jacket before taking it off. "Have it your way, then."

She vanished.

Joseph's eyes narrowed while the other's widened in terror. Cas appeared behind one of the men and snatched him up before disappearing again, only to reappear on the fire escape and drop him a good twenty feet. Apollo expected the sickening crunch of bone when the man hit the pavement, the bones not able to handle the force of the fall. A shattering scream left the man as he hit, spurring the other two into action. Cas was already on the other one, quickly disarming him of his weapon and knocking him out with a swift hit from the hilt of her dagger. Joseph yelled out something in Egyptian, a symbol forming over his palm, which made Cas clutch her head. Another word from Joseph sent the weapon flying to the other end of the alley, well out of Cassia's reach. She hit her knees as Joseph strode forward, a satisfied look on his face.

"They talk all about how skilled you are, but you are nothing but a"

Joseph didn't finish that sentence. As soon as he was close enough, Cas shifted, swinging her legs around, sending Joseph falling to his back. She whispered a few words, her blade flying back to her hand before she placed it against Joseph's throat.

"She faked it," Hermes laughed. "Smart, conniving girl."

"We both know that if I really wanted to kill all three of you, that you would already be dead. Consider this the only warning I give to the magician guilds. Attack me again, and I won't hesitate to end a life. Keep sending assassins, and I will destroy all that you hold dear. Do I make myself clear?"

"You are a monster," the man breathed. Apollo noticed the brief flick of pain in her eyes before her jaw tensed.

"We are all someone's monster." Cas rose from the man, keeping her dagger pointed in his direction. "Leave before I change my mind. And get your guy some medical attention," she added as she pointed to the one who she dropped.

Cas stepped over Joseph, walking back towards the two Olympians. She took her drink back from Apollo and drank deeply. When she finished, she looked back at her attackers, who were making a portal to leave.

"Mind if we go around?"

"Not at all. That was impressive," Hermes pointed out. Cas simply shrugged her shoulders. He gave Hermes a look. Apollo needed to talk to Cas. Something about the morning seemed to impact her more than usual. Plus, that gleam in Hermes's eyes had strengthened considerably, which left Apollo uneasy.

"Hermes, can you go ahead and take that to Athena?"

"Uh, sure." Hermes vanished on the spot, leaving Cas and Apollo alone. She began walking back towards the school, her brow furrowed in thought. They walked in silence for a while, until the school was back in view.

Apollo cleared his throat. "Are you okay?"

"Not really."

"You shouldn't feel guilty for that."

"You really think so?" she murmured.

"They were trying to harm you, Cassia," Apollo reminded her. "You gave them fair warning." Cas took a sip of her drink, letting the silence speak for her. "And how often are you expecting attacks like that?"

"Not often," she muttered. "They didn't realize that you were with me. The immortals aren't going to try anything unless I'm alone, at least for now. Hopefully, that ended whatever magicians planned on coming after me."

"Cas," Apollo began. He could hear the deception in her words, the careful way she worded herself. Something was wrong.

"Thank you," she blurted, turning towards him. "For everything this morning. For everything you may do."

Before Apollo could reply, she quickened her pace, leaving him behind in front of the school.

Hope you enjoyed! I'm trying to work on this story more, but be patient with me as I'm also dedicating a lot of time to my original stuff.

Please like/reblog! :) Thanks for reading!

#teen olympians #pjo fanfic #pjo au #mythology fic #apollo #Artemis #orion #ortemis #my writing

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