Year 1997
"Harder, you're too soft. An enemy isn't someone you should feel pity for"
Artemis gritted her teeth and held the knife tighter. She stood up and breathed heavily. It was a practice session, and like how it had always been, she was insufficient.
"Another"
Sol moved to an attacking stance, her feet slightly apart with both of her fists positioned near her face. Artemis knew there was no turning back when it came to her mother. She did not know how to hold back even when it was her daughter in front of her.
Artemis ran up for an attack, the knife in her hand extended with an intent to slash at Sol. However the moment she does, Sol would only tap the knife away from her using her palm and fist.
Artemis saw an opening that was located in Sol's lower body. She beelined for it but she wasn't fast enough resulting in Sol being able to hold her hand that was in the knife.
"Pathetic"
Sol grabbed Artemis' hand and took the knife from her. She let out a disappointed sigh before she let Artemis go.
"Why can't you be as strong as your brother"
That broke Artemis' heart. Maybe she wasn't as strong as Helios or as pretty as Eos but she was the smartest, but Sol had never seen that.
She never knew just how much of a genius and talent Artemis was. She only ever saw what she wasn't
But, the government wasn't like that and Phoebus realized that the moment some men appeared on the doorway of their humble home.
"National Research Association?"
"That's right, we had heard about your daughter and we are deeply interested in her research"
Phoebus stared at Artemis who were now staring at the men in front of them. Her eyes gleamed with curiosity.
She knew that the man was for her, that there was finally someone who was interested in her.
"We want her to work for the government. Her research would prove to be useful for the future of humanity"
"I'm sorry but I don't think I could just give my daughter to a person whose name I don't even know"
The man didn't seem to be taken aback with what Phoebus said, rather he smiled and took a card from the inside pocket of his suit. Phoebus looked at the card that was given to him. It was in fact a calling card.
"My name is Chaos, and I am the current head of the national research association"
"If you are in fact the head, why would you come here personally when you can just order someone for the job offer"
Phoebus was suspicious. He didn't know anyone who could have possibly told the government about Artemis or her intellectual capability. He didn't know how someone outside the seven city could have that knowledge about his daughter but regardless he didn't like the idea of Artemis joining the government.
"I had heard of what her research is but I still want to see personally whether or not her research is truly befitting of our association. Although, the basic outline of her research itself is enough to pique my curiosity."
Artemis was feeling skittish, she couldn't contain her excitement and she didn't know how to either. This sudden appearance of Chaos had caused Artemis to feel overwhelmed and happy, something she hadn't felt for so long.
"So young lady, would you mind showing me your research?"
Artemis glanced at Phoebus, searching for his sign of approval. Her research is all stored in their greenhouse where she spends most of her time.
"After seeing her research, what would you do?"
"Well, my job offer still stands whether or not I see her research. There won't be any changes, all I need is your approval and her signature"
Phoebus knew it was dangerous to trust the man right in front of them but he also knew that Artemis was happy that she was getting the limelight she deserved.
"We'll take the job offer, Artemis show him your greenhouse"
Phoebus looked back and saw Sol coming down from the stairs. Her expression was point blank but Artemis could neither care for she was excited to finally be able to talk about her research.
"Mr. Chaos let me show you the way"
"Then, we shall get going"
Sol gave them a nod while her husband was still staring at her.
"What? Isn't it a good thing that she can finally be where she belongs?"
"Sol stop, she's our daughter, aren't you afraid of what they might do to her?"
"What could the government possibly do to her? She's smart, she'll know how to get out a dangerous situation"
"She's only 18"
"For goodness sake Phoebus, you need to stop treating her like a child"
"And you need to stop treating her as if she isn't your daughter"
Sol's expression darkened and her lips formed a thin grim line. Phoebus knows he said something unnecessary but he didn't want Artemis going with a stranger. He had a bad feeling about him but that wasn't justifiable. No one would believe his hunches and he couldn't really explain it.
But, Chaos like what his name originally meant was someone Phoebus would never trust no matter what happens.
"This is fascinating. How long have they been alive?"
Chaos, who was staring at the mutated praying mantis couldn't help but be in awe as the creature flapped its moth-like wings and flew to another rose bud.
"Two years, I was also able to successfully reproduce them by natural means, that's why the newly hatched ones looked more like the mixture of moth and mantis"
"The average life of a praying mantis spans from 4-6 months while the moth's for only a month. To be able to extend that into a span of two years, it truly is fascinating."
Chaos sent a proud smile on Artemis' way as he couldn't help but be fascinated with his discovery.
"Thank you. But, may I know something?"
"You could ask me anything"
"Then, who was it that sent word about my research?"
"It was someone who also resides here in your city, we never met him but the name indicated in the papers were Apollo"
Artemis knew everyone from Seven City because they have to worship everyday, she was well aware of everyone's names and never have she ever heard of a person whose name is Apollo.
"Why? Isn't Apollo your brother?"
"My brother's name is Helios and I doubt that it was him for he rarely show any interest in my researches"
Chaos shrugged his shoulders and just gave another broad smile to Artemis.
"Well, whoever it is, I am glad that he had given our organization a word about your research. Because to be honest, I would regret it if you weren't in our facility right now. Just imagine the things you can do with the proper amount of support and equipment."
This made Artemis' eyes gleam. She had seen pictures of high class equipment for science in the books and magazines she had read.
If she could get her hands on those then she really would be able to experiment how much she wanted.
Finally there would be no limits to what she can do and what she could achieve.
'I could finally make my name.'
"So, Artemis, could you tell me what exactly you want to achieve through your experiments?"
Artemis didn't need to think long and hard. The answers rushed through her head like she was always waiting for someone to ask her that.
"I want to re-create this world and everything in it into their better versions"
Artemis thought Chaos would laugh at her but instead he smiled widely.
"I do hope you enjoy your stay at the National Research Association. I welcome you to our organization, Artemis"