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575 BC, Babylon

"WHAT DO YOU THINK?" Phastos turned around with a glint in his eye, watching Artemis hopefully. She sat on a ledge in the Domo, bowl of soup in her hands, looking up at the golden mechanical image that shined above the two of them.

She tilted her head, trying to get a good look at the mechanism. "It's...neat."

"Neat?" Phastos exclaimed, shoulders dropping in disappointment. "That's all you got for me? Neat?"

Artemis chuckled, placing her bowl of soup aside as she stood up, making her way towards Phastos. She placed her hand on his broad shoulder and smiled as sweetly as she could. "Phastos, buddy...I have no clue what that is," She laughed. "I don't know what you want me to say. Maybe explain it first before you ask my opinion?"

"Oh..." Phastos smiled bashfully. "I forgot you're not all as smart as me,"

"Oh, shut it," Artemis smacked his chest and rolled her eyes, moving back to get a full view of his invention.

"Alright," He clapped his hands together. "This right here is the drill! A powered tool that could help them dig into the ground faster!" He opened his arms and smiled wide. "So..?"

Artemis held in her laughter. "It's really interesting, I really like the concept...but, don't you think it's a little early? I mean, they only just got the wheel a few hundred years ago. And what would they power it with?"

Phastos's head dropped. "I...didn't think of that," He chuckled bitterly. "I'll keep trying."

"You do that," Artemis nodded. As she walked back to continue eating her soup, a breeze indicated that Makkari had entered the Astro-Lab. Artemis turned to see her frantic. "What's wrong?" She asked.

"Deviants. Four of them," Makkari huffed.

"Right," Artemis nodded. "Time to get to work. See you in a few minutes, Phastos," Makkari took hold of her hand and they were gone in a flash. They stopped just outside the grand gates of Babylon. Artemis could already hear people screaming and the distinct, horrifying roars of the Deviants.

Makkari tapped her shoulder. "The others are already out there,"

"Good," Artemis nodded. "I got your backs from above, like always," She nudged Makkari playfully before the speedster ran off. Artemis made quick work of scaling the beautiful blue gates, jumping skillfully from ledge to ledge, and landing softly on the top. Her golden magic flowed easily through her veins as her bow appeared in her hands, along with her arrow-filled quiver on her back. In the distance, she could just see Thena and Gilgamesh chasing after two Deviants that were headed straight for the gates. "Oh no, you don't," Artemis ticked disapprovingly. She pulled out an arrow and readied it, pulling back the string of her bow. Waiting until the Deviants were just close enough, she sent the sparkling arrow through the sky. The one arrow split into two, one hitting each Deviant, sending an explosion through their bodies that sent them flying.

Both Thena and Gilgamesh stopped in their tracks, squinting in the bright sunlight to get a look at Artemis. "Glad to see you've joined us!" Gilgamesh called, sending her a bright smile and thumbs up.

From behind him, one of the Deviants began to rise, eyes set on Gilgamesh. Artemis pointed to it with her bow. "Less talking more fighting, big guy!" She shot another arrow just below its feet and the Deviant stumbled harshly back to the ground.

Gilgamesh looked casually over his shoulder. "Oh!" He glanced quickly back at Artemis and chuckled. "Thank you!" And he was off, golden fists powering up. Thena watched him with a soft smile before joining back in.

The fighters of the Eternals fought bravely and brilliantly together. With Artemis and Ikaris keeping watch from above, Gilgamesh and Thena's powerful hits, and Kingo and Makkari's combos, the four Deviants didn't stand a chance. The last one of the bunch was also the biggest. Gilgamesh ushered the villagers inside the large gates as Artemis worked to keep the beast back with her arrows. It roared angrily at her, grabbing a piece of a wooden stall and throwing it up at her. Artemis acted as quickly as she could, diving out of the way. Small fragments of splintered wood hit her face, cutting into her cheek as the stall broke over top of her.

As Artemis struggled to get up, she could hear the loud punches of Gilgamesh as he smashed the Deviant into the ground. She felt a rumble as its large body fell against the gates. Artemis pushed herself back to her feet just in time to see Gilgamesh lay the final blow and the Deviant's breath stopped as it slumped lifelessly to the ground. Gracefully, she hopped back down to the solid earth below, joining Gilgamesh alongside Thena, Kingo, Ikaris, and Makkari. "Is that all of them?" Ikaris questioned, looking to each of them for an answer.

"Yes," Makkari nodded. "I can't feel their vibrations anymore."

"Good," Ikaris nodded. "Great job, all of you. If you have any injuries, you know where to find Ajak." And he left without another word, shooting into the sky and back over the walls into Babylon.

"Where's he off to in such a hurry?" Artemis wondered out loud, an amused smirk crossing her face.

Kingo came up beside her and chuckled. "To find Sersi, of course."

Gilgamesh let out a loud and guttural laugh as the five of them began walking back to the city gates. "He thinks he has a chance with her! Hilarious!"

Makkari shrugged. "I don't know. I think it's kind of sweet," She glanced at Artemis. "Like you and Druig."

"Woah, Woah, Woah! What about her and Druig?" Kingo gasped, a short laugh escaping his lips. He threw his arm over Artemis's shoulders, bringing her closer. She tried her best to hide her very obvious blush.

"I don't know what Makkari is talking about..." Artemis grumbled, shooting the speedster a glare.

"Sure..." Makkari smiled knowingly and before Artemis could say anything else, she was gone, leaving behind a cloud of dust.

"Druig, huh?" Kingo wiggled his eyebrows. "I didn't think that little grump had an ounce of love in him. I think it's good, you and him. He needs a little sunshine in his life if you know what I mean." He squeezed Artemis tighter.

The Archer grumbled and pushed the boastful man off of her. "Makkari is just telling stories. I think she's been hanging around Sprite a little too much," Artemis crossed her arms over her chest.

Kingo smirked. "If she is just telling stories, then why are you blushing?"

"Oh, leave her alone, Kingo," Thena stepped up, placing a hand on Artemis's shoulder. The small touch comforted her -- Thena wasn't one for physical affection. "Don't you have to fix your hair or something?"

"Haha, very funny, Thena," Kingo rolled his eyes. "And as a matter of fact, I do. I will see you all later..." But before he walked away, his eyes connected with Artemis's one more time. "I'm not done with you yet." He teased before quickening his stride and heading towards the Domo, which was housed in the very centre of Babylon, in the Hanging Gardens.

"Thank you, Thena," Artemis bowed and smiled softly as Thena removed her hand. "I appreciate the support. Kingo can get a little...infuriating at times."

"Trust me, we all know. Us Eternals have to stick together," She smirked. Her eyes searched Artemis's face. "You're injured," She pointed to the cut across her cheek.

Artemis shrugged. "It's nothing, barely a scratch."

"Still," Thena countered. "You should have Ajak fix you up. We can't have our best archer bedridden, now can we?"

The endearing tone and compliment caused the heat to rush back into Artemis's cheeks. "I guess not," She chuckled. "Again, thank you, Thena."

"My pleasure," The warrior bowed.

Artemis left Thena and Gilgamesh to do as they pleased as she hurried off to the Hanging Gardens. She headed down only three steps before she caught sight of the Domo. Their triangular ship was expertly landed by Phastos in the middle of the gardens. One of its many entrances opened for her as Artemis approached the black and gold walls. She could hear voices as she walked down the echoey hallways to the centre, where the Astro-Lab sat. Her eyes connected with Druig's as soon as she entered the room. "Ah! There she is!" He stood from his seat and headed straight for her. "I was beginning to worry we had lost you."

"Lose me? To Deviants? Never," Artemis chuckled bashfully. There was something about Druig. Every time she was around him her senses were fried, nothing made sense but him.

His eyes scanned her body and face, and just like Thena, he noticed her cheek. "You're hurt,"

"Yes," Artemis laughed softly, shaking her head. "Thena noticed it, too. I've come to find Ajak."

"You just missed her," Phastos came up behind Druig. "She's consulting with Arishem right now. It might be a while."

Artemis shrugged. "I can wait," She moved past the men, further into the Astro-Lab. "How'd the power drill go over, Phas?" She called over her shoulder.

Druig laughed. "A power drill? You went from a power drill to a steam engine?"

"I was inspired, okay?" Phastos defended.

Artemis turned to see the indigo-clad man deflate. "Phastos," She shook her head. "I know you're excited, but they need to evolve in their own time. Did you come up with anything else?"

"Surprisingly, he did," Druig chuckled. "The plow!" He gasped sarcastically, flourishing his hands.

"Oh, great!" Artemis clapped. "For their farms! That's a wonderful idea, Phastos."

The larger man chuckled, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. "It's nothing, really..."

"You're right," Sprite had seemingly appeared out of thin air. Their heads turned to see her sitting lazily in a chair, apple in hand. "It is nothing," She smirked playfully.

"Hey!" Phastos gasped. "The plow is a very useful invention, I'll have you know!"

Sprite let out a fluttery giggle. "I was only kidding, Phastos," She shook her head and bit into her apple. Mouth full, she turned to Artemis. "How'd it go out there today?"

"Good," Artemis nodded. "Really good. Four Deviants down in half an hour. I think it's our best yet."

"Nice!" Sprite cheered. "Next time, I wanna join."

"Are you sure?" Artemis winced. "I don't like the idea of you getting hurt."

Sprite rolled her eyes. "Come on! If I never get out there and fight Deviants, how will I learn?"

"True..." Artemis sighed. "Have you asked Ajak?" Sprite paused. Her face turned a light pink and she turned away. Artemis walked closer to her. "You know you need Ajak's permission. I'm not getting in trouble with you."

"Since when did you care about the rules?" Sprite countered.

"Yeah, my lady," Druig piped up. It was Artemis's turn to blush. He walked over to the two of them. "Since when did you care about a little rule-breaking? The Artemis I know wouldn't wait for Ajak's approval."

Artemis let out a loud and sudden laugh. "Who is this Artemis you're speaking of? I have never gone against Ajak's wishes!"

Sprite tilted her head. "What about-"

"And before you say what I know you're going to say," Artemis cut her off. "None of those times ever involved Deviants. This time is different, Sprite," The smallest Eternal dropped her head. Artemis sighed. Squatting down to eye level, she lifted Sprite's chin softly. "I'll talk to her, okay?"

"Really?" Sprite's mood immediately lifted.

"Yes," Artemis chuckled. She rose back to her full height and patted the girl's bright ginger hair. "But no funny business until I get an answer. Got it?"

"Got it," Sprite saluted.

Chuckling once again, Artemis turned. "I need to find her, anyway. I'll be back soon," As she began walking back to the halls of the Domo to leave, she could hear the familiar heavy boots of Druig following her. "Yes, Druig?" She asked without turning to face him.

"I just thought you'd want some company. That's all," He slid up next to her, their footsteps falling into sync.

"That's very kind of you," She looked up at him and bowed her head. There was that blush again. Her face could never seem to stay its regular shade around him. "But it won't be hard to find Ajak. She always goes to the same place to consult with Arishem."

"Yes, I know that," Druig nodded thoughtfully. "But..." He paused.

Artemis looked back over at him. He was struggling with what to say. Reaching her hand out, she softly took hold of his forearm, stopping them both just before the exit. "Is the great, almighty Druig at a loss for words?" She tilted her head teasingly. She was shocked to see a blush of his own dust Druig's cheeks.

"No...no," He shook his head, a few strands of his smooth black hair falling out of place. Artemis's breath caught in her throat as he watched her through his eyelashes. "You just...make me nervous."

"Nervous?" She choked. "You? Nervous? Because of me?"

Druig nodded. "Very much so," He smiled softly. Not a smirk, but a smile.

It was at that moment Artemis realized she was still holding his arm. She quickly let go and took half a step back. Her senses were firing rapidly. She was overwhelmed but in the best possible way. Druig's eyebrows knitted together as he watched her. She wanted nothing more than to tell him how she felt right then and there, how she was enchanted by him the very moment they laid eyes on each other, how he had bewitched her, body and soul. But that was not what came out of her mouth. "Can we...do this later, Druig? I-I have to find Ajak."

She hated the way his face fell. "Of course," He nodded. "Later, perhaps?"

"Later," Artemis nodded, and she wasted no time in rushing out of the Domo, the fresh air welcomed by her lungs. And as she wandered around the Hanging Gardens, looking for Ajak, part of her wished she wouldn't find her, that she could spend the rest of the day aimlessly wandering around with her thoughts. But fate had other plans as Artemis rounded another corner to see Ajak, watching the city below.

"Hello, Artemis," The soft-spoken woman turned, smiling kindly. But her face dropped, noticing the look of distress on Artemis's face and the cut that slashed through her cheek. "Oh, my child. What troubles you?" She quickly crossed the space between them, her hand immediately cupping Artemis's cheek.

The warm, golden magic of Ajak's healing flowed through Artemis's skin, healing the small cut. But even after her wound was healed, Ajak did not remove her hand. Artemis leaned into the touch, her eyes slowly shutting. She sighed deeply. "A lot of things," She shook her head softly. "Too many to count." Her eyes opened to see Ajak's staring right back, kind and warm as ever.

"Let's start with just one, okay?" Ajak smiled softly. Stepping back, she removed her hand, allowing Artemis the space to think.

"Well..." Artemis let out a shaky breath, her hands beginning to fiddle. "I guess the first thing would be that Sprite wants to join us in battle. I told her I would ask you."

"Do you feel she is ready for combat?" Ajak questioned.

Slowly, Artemis nodded. "I do. She has to learn at some point. It may be in our blood as Eternals but experience is everything."

"Agreed," Ajak nodded. "Then it is settled. The next time Deviants attack, Sprite joins you. Now, what is the other, more clearly troubling problem?"

Artemis chuckled. Ajak could see through her, through all of them. "Druig,"

"Ah," Ajak nodded. "Say no more. Love is a very complicated emotion and one you have not felt before."

"That's just the thing!" Artemis tossed her hands up in frustration. "Every time we get close to confessing anything, I am always the one to put up a wall. It terrifies me, feeling so much raw emotion."

Ajak continued to nod, listening intently. "This is a problem only you can solve, dear one. Are your feelings for Druig true?"

Artemis didn't even have to think. "Yes,"

"Then you know what you have to do," Ajak smiled. "Take your time and when you are ready...you will know."

"Thank you, Ajak," Artemis bowed. It was as if a weight was lifted from her shoulders. She was so worried about what Druig might think, she never searched her own feelings, never grounded herself. "How is it you always know what to say?" She shook her head in disbelief, chuckling.

"It's all part of Arishem's design," Ajak bowed.

Artemis rolled her eyes playfully. "I think you're being modest,"

"Maybe I am," Ajak chuckled. "But you need to relax, Artemis. Calm down and have fun. You and Thena, always so tense. The humans are throwing a celebration in honour of our victory, go party, enjoy yourself."

"Will you be there?" Artemis smirked.

"Of course!" She exclaimed. "I would never miss a party!"

The two join in on each other's laughter and as Ajak wrapped an arm around her waist, Artemis felt like she could conquer anything and tonight, that would be the dancefloor.

AUTHORS NOTE
heyyy everybody! first chapter of Somewhere in Time and BOY is it a big one! I'm super happy with how this turned out because I was able to show Artemis's relationship with almost every Eternal (Sersi and Ikaris will be in the next chapter more) and I had such a blast writing it!

Btw, little thing, I learned through the Marvel HQ meet the Eternals videos on youtube that the lab on the Domo is called the Astro-Lab, which wasn't mentioned in the movie so I thought I'd add it in for a little fun!

I hope you enjoyed this first chapter and I hope you continue to enjoy Somewhere in Time!