We headed first to Hephaestus' forge for new weapons. It was hidden within Prionia, one of the lower peaks of Mount Olympus. It it the ideal peak for this, being full of caves and secret passages. Not to mention that the peasants are too full of respect for the gods to go up onto the mountain, which keeps all of our secrets safe.
The forge in found off the main tunnel in a small cave. Then there is a fork in the path, one to Hephaestus' main forge full of the supplies and the other leads to the "fire forge" (so to speak), where the weapons are first formed. The structure actually, then they are taken to the main forge to be fully shaped, here they gain their magical power, if they will have one.
If you take the path to the main forge you will go through a passageway that is lined with gems and precious stones. There is also bits of grass and flowers peaking out at some spots. From there you reach a door full of mismatched material.
The bottom is metal as if to keep things out. The middle is put together with different kinds of wood, such as oak and redwood. The top is a material almost see through, but too high to look through.
The door looked unopenable (there was no knob) but Artemis silently put her hand on the wooden part of the door and it creaked open revealing a huge factory looking room. There was machines more complex than any I had seen and weapons with obvious power on their side.
In the middle of all this was a man that was truly frightening. Hephaestus' must have cleaned up for the council because he looked even more deformed and his face and hands were covered in grease and grime. When he didn't turn around at the door creaking Artemis cleared her throat. It was not surprising he didn't hear because his left ear was bent all out of shape.
"Hephaestus'!" Artemis half yelled. He turned, obviously disoriented. he cleared his throat and started rushing about.
"Ah Artemis, hunters, here's your order. Adrasteia you still have your dagger. Here's uh, a bow." He was still obviously not good with human organisms. The bow glowed silver, like the ones the hunters carried along with their packs.
"Remember Hephaestus," Artemis said, "I gave her a bow." He nodded and motioned for my dagger. I handed it over and he began to fiddle with it. Suddenly the dagger began to grow until it was a sword. He looked to see my reaction. I nodded my approval and he fiddled with it until it was a dagger again.
"Most simple weapons have that capeability these days. Others shrink into a object though. But a dagger is good, depending on the fight." I put my dagger back into the belt. Hephaestus began rushing around again. Then the machines began to move randomly. Without warning Hephaestus stuck his hand out, and they all stopped.
"Stupid haywire circuits." He said under his breath. Then the door crashed open. I blushed when I saw it was Apollo along with basically boy version of the hunters.
"Little sister! Hunters!" He exclaimed and smiled sheepishly when he saw me.
"Adrasteia" He said quietly then crossed the large room in three bounds and was in front of me in less than two seconds. "Always a pleasure." I blushed more and he bowed over my hand and brushed his lips on my hand, our eyes locked the entire time. The hunters rolled their eyes, that whole "no boys" thing made them immune to this. But I was not a hunter.
"Apollo, I am not your little sister and Adrasteia has a job to do." he blushed and nodded.
"There is no proof to that and I'm sorry Adrasteia for interferring. Hephaestus, me and my men need our order please." Hephaestus nodded and Apollo turned to the hunters. "Artemis, you remember my men, Adrasteia, think of these men as my boy hunters. But without the swearing off girls part." I boys grinned at the hunters. They scoffed in response, as if on cue.
"Apollo, I'd prefer if you and Lady Artemis not have you're duel here. In the outside caves is fine. Here's your order. Now go. I have other things to do than play peacemaker." Hephaestus said. Apollo nodded and the men, boys, took the weapons and marched out, but with many backward glances at the girls.
"Hunters, out. I'll meet you outside so we can begin to scout." The hunters nodded, unhappy to go out near the boys, but did as told.
"Adrasteia, ready to go?" She asked. I nodded.
"Lord Hephaestus, Lord Apollo." I said as I was walking with Artemis to the door. Apollo came up behind me and put his hand on the small of my back as the door shut behind the three of us.
"Artemis, can I have a minute with our wonderful Goddess of curiousity." She nodded grudgingly and walked away. Apollo immediatly pushed me into the wall and kissed me hard. When we pulled apart we were both breathing hard.
"Be safe." I whispered. He nodded and kissed me again.
"Ditto." He whispered. Then he pulled me into a tight hug and we walked away, my heart racing. I was sure he could hear it but he said nothing.
Artemis was waiting impatiently.
"We're burning daylight. Apollo, you and you're men," She said this part in disgust. You'll take the North, we will take the South. Agreed?" He shrugged.
"Whatever you say sis. Hunters, Adrasteia." He smiled when he said my name. I blushed and looked away. Then he was gone with his men. Artemis was not going to waste any time either.
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The next chapter is War Pt. 1 so it will take awhile. I want it to be good. But for it too be quicker you have to vote and comment! So maybe a vote from each of my fans and/or a comment? If not it will be up when its done. If there's not votes on this chapter though... Then it will be a few days more. Your choice! Thanks for reading! :)