A/N: This is my first Percy Jackson story so be lenient on me :P. I promise I will get back to Rule of Three and Lightning Struck Twice eventually this just popped into my head and I couldn't resist writing it. Please leave feedback on this as I would love to know if I should continue.
From a distance, the misty mountain of Mount Tamalpais looked like nothing special, just the usual mound of rock and dirt that was like the thousands scattered across the continent. However, to those of special heritage, who could see through the veil that covered the mountain. It was a charred shadow of what was once a clearly formidable fortress, home of the Titans and capital of the First Titanomachy.
From the looks of it, it looked uninhabited. Which would make sense given that it looked like it had been the victim of an atomic blast. However, if you listened closely the sound of battle could be heard, sword meeting spear and clanging at seemingly inhuman paces. Looking at the scene, a young boy, dressed in midnight black armour and modern jeans and a t-shirt, wielding a beautiful blade that seemed to swirl with bronze and silver, could be seen fighting a behemoth of a man in a suit, the man himself wielded a massive javelin. The young boy however seemed to be keeping up with the man, countering the mans vastly superior strength with a very impressive display of speed. Moving like a blur, the boy delivered strike after strike at the opponent that faced him. While the man matched them with his spear. The fight was evenly matched it seemed.
The man opposing the young boy grinned. "Very good Perseus. Your swordsmanship has greatly increased."
The young boy, now known as Perseus, grinned in return. "Yeah that tends to happen when you torture… Sorry, 'train' me daily Atlas." Taking advantage of the distraction the conversation had caused, Atlas pushed forward. Kicking ferociously at Perseus's stomach, Perseus jumped back to avoid it, however in doing so let his guard down. The titan capitalised on this by swinging his spear and catching the boy in the head with the blunt end of it. The boy dropped to the floor like a stone.
Perseus couldn't believe what had happened, he let his guard down for 1 minute and here he was. Nursing a killer headache and the subsequent loss of his pride.
"Not bad for a 12-year-old, but still no match for me young one." The titan let out a chuckle, he was quite fond of the small golden-eyed boy. "Using powers would've made it a slightly fairer fight."
Gesturing at the mass of clouds and storms, that was currently being held by 4 Cyclops. The growing pile of golden dust seemed to give away how well they were fairing. "Do you have to go back under Uncle? Can't you stay out and just let the monsters hold the burden?" The young boy pleaded, he needed to train, he needed to get good enough to bring his father back. The titan walked over the boy, affectionately ruffling his hair.
"Sorry boy but it is my duty ever since that upstart Zeus overthrew us in the last war. I do not mind however as I will not be under this burden for much longer" The powerful being showed a slightly maniacal grin. "In the meantime, it's time to go to Koios for todays lesson."
Perseus let out a groan, he hated learning with Koios, it was all so boring. Who cared what some pathetic son of Zeus did 2000 years ago, all that mattered was overthrowing his siblings and that did not involve learning. That involved fighting and combat and command.
Perseus yearned to meet his father, he had talked to him while he regenerated in his sarcophagus, but this did not compare to meeting in person. Perseus could not wait until they finally succeeded in resurrecting him, finally father and son could restore order to this chaotic world and overthrow the pitiful excuses for Gods that inhabited Mount Olympus. Finally having his father ruling once again with Perseus as his right-hand man and vaunted general.
Perseus admired his blade, for the thousandth time that day. He had received it as a gift for his 11th birthday, the first time he killed. Looking back on it he felt absolutely no remorse for the innocent demigod. He did not care for the screams she let out as his blade danced across her flesh. She was his target and she was pathetic.
*FLASHBACK*
Perseus ran through the woods, wearing pitch black hoplite chest plate that was accented with gold, with the symbol of a golden scythe in the middle. He wore similarly coloured gauntlets and greaves. His helmet was a standard hoplite helmet, with 2 slits running down each side for his eyes. The same eyes that glowed a sadistic gold, matching the equally ruthless grin that his helmet hid from view. He certainly looked intimidating, the blade at his side reinforcing this image, a special blade he had just been gifted from his Uncle Atlas for his birthday.
The sword in question was a very unique blade, quite literally one of a kind. It was made of a blend of celestial bronze and mortal steel. Much like his father's own Scythe. The leaf shaped blade was quite short, but was very light allowing the boy the advantage of speed. Decorated with the letters 'Εκδίκηση' or Vengeance. The blade had a curse that was only seen on one other weapon. It could sever the souls from the bodies of its victims.
It had been forged by the telekhines in the fires of one of Hephaestus' abandoned workshops, tempered in the cold unforgiving waters of the River Styx itself. It truly was a one of a kind blade. Perfectly balanced towards Perseus, perfectly suiting his fighting style which favoured speed over strength.
Ahead of him was the boys target, a blond-haired girl who wore a bronze chest plate, with a shield and spear strapped to her back of the same bronze metal. She was running from the boy, like a prey running from a predator.
Adrenaline rushed through him as he ran after the pathetic god spawn. Judging from her blond haired and grey eyed features, he deduced that she was the spawn of the deplorable wisdom goddess. Not that it mattered, she would be joining the realm of Hades soon enough. Tapping into his powers, he felt the familiar pain in his gut as everything around him slowed to a crawl.
The boy slowed to a walk, yelling to get the girls attention as she ran from him. She turned around in slow motion. Eyes widening as she realised how difficult it was for her to move, she felt like she was moving through syrup. Fear filled her eyes as she watched the unknown warrior stalk towards her, knowing that she could no longer run. She turned around.
Seeing the girl turn around in slow motion, Perseus loosened his control over the flow of time. Now moving as normal, the girl drew the shield and spear from her back. Perseus grinned, this girl would pay for believing that she was a match for him.
"This is your last chance girl, lay down your arms and swear fealty to Kronos and you will be spared!" Perseus growled. Drawing his weapon and pointing it at the girl.
"N-N-No… I-I will never betray Olympus!" The girl was clearly trying to act fearless, but her body gave it away. She was shaking like a leaf. Perseus secretly grinned, this was the answer he had been hoping for.
Faking a sigh, Perseus responded. "Very well, more drops of pointless godly blood spilled so it seems. You should pray to your pitiful gods, it's the only thing that will give you a chance against me". Perseus knew the gods wouldn't do anything, hell, Athena probably forgot her daughter existed!
Perseus slowed time again, bounding forwards towards his opponent and leaping at her, his sword a blur in the air as it thrummed downwards in an overhead strike. The girl moved her shield just in time, certainly not helped by the inability to move returning. While the strike was not successful in killing his opponent, Percy had anticipated this, putting more force into his strike that he needed. As a result, the girls arm had gone numb, and she was forced to throw away her shield.
Allowing his opponent to discard of her weapon, Perseus resumed time at a normal pace. Not wanting this fight to be any easier than it already was, after all, might as well let the girl believe she had a chance against the protégé of Atlas himself.
Dropping back, he circled his opponent, sword held in front of him ready to strike at a moments notice. The girl looked on fearfully, the boy moved so fast it was like he was a blur of black and gold. Quickly coming at her and delivering a flurry of strikes at her, coming from every angle, it was impossible for the girl to defend herself. She was quickly overwhelmed, retreating backwards she tripped over some foliage and crawled away from her attacker.
The man in question stalked painfully slowly towards her, toying with his victim. "Is this the best Olympus has to offer? You didn't even last 5 seconds against me, pathetic." The boy spat. "Your whore of a mother clearly hasn't taught you very well".
Letting out a scream, the girl flew at Perseus. Looking to defend her mother's honour and fuelled by anger at his insults. However, Perseus merely raised a foot and delivered a thunderous kick that sent the girl flying backwards onto the ground she came from.
"I did offer you a chance, girl, you refused to betray your precious gods that are no where to be found. Tell me, did they answer your prayers?" The boy taunted. "Did the mighty gods bless you with strength? Did the powerful king of the gods smite me with a lightning bolt? Did the twin archers themselves fire at me? Did your mother even raise a FINGER in your defence? No, you are alone and here you will die." The boy grinned. "You have been abandoned by your gods. At least you'll see one as you join Hades."
His blade flashed across her legs, she initially thought he had missed. Before she was hit with the worst pain possible, it felt like her insides were being ripped apart. She screamed. Her assailant continued to cut across her flesh. The pain was unbearable, she begged, pleaded, she prayed for him to stop.
The girls screams of pain and begging made Perseus feel indifferent. He cared little for her pain, he simply had a mission to complete. This was asked of him as it was to be an example and a warning to the Olympians of what was coming.
The girl eventually stopped screaming, after her voice had become so hoarse it was impossible to make a sound.
'Please… Please kill me' the blood-soaked shell of a girl muttered ineligibly. Perseus had a mission to complete. He granted her wish, slashing his blade right across her abdomen. Blood spilled out like a waterfall.
"This is what your gods did. You will bleed out here, alone, and none of your gods will even know you existed." And with that, Perseus walked away. Feeling no remorse towards the girl or guilt at the vile act he had just performed, he had completed his mission and would report back to Mount Othrys.
*END FLASHBACK*
Sheathing his blade, Perseus walked towards one of the ruined battlements that was miraculously still standing. Standing in the doorway was a tall, formidable bearded man, dressed in jeans and a dress shirt, unexpectedly modern for a Greek Deity. The mans eyes seemed to hold centuries of knowledge and wisdom. This was Koios, Titan of foresight, intellect and knowledge. Titan of the North.
"An impressive spectacle against Atlas, young Perseus" The tall man complimented. "I predict that you will soon surpass our greatest warrior in skill"
Perseus scowled. "He can still wipe the floor with me, I just need to be good enough to take back what is rightfully ours. "
Koios scowled in return, remembering the fate of his family all them years ago. "Today will be slightly different. Our spy in that pitiful camp has accomplished what we didn't think possible. At the command of your father he has stole Zeus' master bolt from under his nose. Do you know what this means?"
Perseus couldn't believe it, a war between the Gods. If this happened, then the Titans could simply walk into Olympus and tear it down. He grinned. "It means that paranoid fool will blame his siblings, and ignite a civil war between the 'Big Three' ".
Koios smiled proudly at his pupil, "Precisely Perseus. I was originally going to choose this time to send you on a mission, but your father has suggested we do not reveal you quite yet, for reasons I do not know"
Perseus growled in frustration. "I am more than ready to help! None of them so called heroes stand a chance against me! Even that child of the goddess of strategy lasted mere seconds against me." He was frustrated at his father; how could he not finally take the fight to the Gods? Not finally avenge his Father and his Uncle Atlas? "I need to speak with Father. Now." His tone suggested it was not up for discussion.
"Very well Perseus… You know where he is, just keep your temper, you don't want to anger him…" Koios warned.
Perseus stormed towards the centre of the fortress, passing the blackened walls and unmanned battlements of the structure. Stopping once he got to a massive rotting door, he gingerly pushed it open to reveal the room it hid.
The room was clearly once magnificent. With tattered banners lining the walls, a golden scythe on a field of black. The symbol of the Titans and their King. At the end of the massive room, 2 gigantic thrones lay. One midnight black, with accents of gold and an hourglass on top, leaking sand. The throne of Kronos, king of the Titans. The other was for his queen, Rhea. It itself was also black, however was a lot gentler than Kronos', letting out a comforting aura that contrasted with the dangerous aura Kronos' put out.
However, the rooms décor was not what took Perseus' attention, the massive 10-foot golden sarcophagus that dominated the centre of the room did. The most attention catching thing about the coffin, was the decorations it had. Engraved on the sides were the horrific images of Greek cities in flames, elaborate scenes of death and gruesome destruction. The lid of the coffin was even more horrifyingly decorated, housing even more carnage and despair, Gods being killed by their own chariots and temples and landmarks being desecrated. In the centre of the coffin, lay the words 'Kronos, Lord of Time' in ancient Greek.
The aura the coffin gave out was overwhelming, almost forcing Perseus down to one knee as the sheer power washed over him. As he drew closer, Perseus did drop to one knee, head lowered in a bow to the coffin. "Father" Perseus said, head still down.
"Ah, Perseus." Perseus flinched involuntarily at the cruel voice and the power it held. "Come back to visit at last"
"Yes father, I'm sorry it has taken me so long."
"I assume you have a reason for being here? Maybe to do with the recent development" Kronos let out a cruel, malicious laugh. Causing Perseus to recoil from the coffin at the sound.
Perseus regained the frustration he had previously had, anger seeping into his voice "Yes father… Why did you not allow me to go on a mission to sabotage any quest the pathetic Olympians might send to retrieve it? Do you not think I am ready – "
"SILENCE" Kronos bellowed, letting out a wave of energy that sent his son sprawling backwards on to the floor. "You will not question me, boy, I assure you I have my reasons."
Perseus scrambled back to his feet, dropping into a low bow, head lowered even further. "I-I'm sorry father, it won't happen again. Is there anything I can do to help in the war to come?" Perseus whispered, trying to hide his pain.
"Just remain in the shadows and train with Atlas, the time will come where I will ask you to reveal yourself to my pathetic children." Kronos commanded. "Now, leave me, return to training."
Although he wouldn't admit it, Perseus was relieved at the command. He did not want to spend any more time than necessary in the presence of his father, especially after he had angered him. Perseus steeled his nerves, standing up and resuming his cold mask of indifference. Laying his hand on the hilt of his sword, he walked out of the throne room.
He proceeded to the training arena, a patch of sand that was once part of a mighty coliseum. Where the Titans once held fights that people travelled from all around the world to witness. Legendary dances of steel and blood. Perseus seen a crowd of monsters begin to gather. Drawing his sword, he beckoned a group of 4 cyclops towards him.
The cyclops looked conflicted, they couldn't ignore an order from their master's right hand. Yet they did not have a death wish, a fate they knew they would meet at the demi-titan's blade. Reluctantly they drew their clubs, lumbering towards the boy who swung his sword impatiently. As they drew close to Perseus, he was a blur as he leaped towards them. His sword pointed downwards at the leading cyclops. The cyclops did not have enough time to react as the blade was driven through his skull. Leaving a pile of golden dust in his place. Not leaving the other 3 any time to react, he dropped into crouch, swinging his sword round at his second opponent's legs. The cyclops dropped to the ground, only to have a sword slashed across his chest.
Perseus stood up, his gold eyes screaming death as the remaining 2 cyclops. The two monsters took in the carnage around him, feeling an immense fear towards the demi-titan as they awaited the fate of their siblings. Perseus bolted towards the remaining enemies. Exhilarated at the adrenaline running through his body like a drug. He quickly slashed his sword diagonally in a backhand motion towards his opponent, sending him to join his siblings in Tartarus.
He turned towards the remaining cyclops. His eyes flashing a cruel gold as he accelerated the time around the cyclops. The spectators looked on in horror as the cyclops aged before their eyes, before being reduced to a skeleton and dissolving into dust. Perseus was sick of being stuck in Mount Othrys, he loved his Uncle Atlas and Koios company, and he loved his training, but he wished he could be of more use to the upcoming war and perform more missions.
He stormed towards his quarters, which lay in one of the ruined towers of Othrys. Stepping into his quarters, he was greeted with the familiar sight of his bedroom. As plain and utilitarian as a bedroom could be, containing only a bed, an armour stand, a mirror and a door that led onto the bathroom. He tore his armour off, throwing it onto the armour stand and collapsing, fully clothed, in his bed.
*DREAM START*
Perseus awoke in Othrys, only instead of the familiar ruins, it was a magnificent fortress. The seat of the titans. He glanced out of the window, it was clear there was a war raging on, catapults threw boulders at the unbreakable walls. Attempting to create an opening for the troops. Thousands of Greek hoplites were laying siege to the fortress. 6 figures caught his attention on the battlefield. Towering above all the other human sized hoplites, Perseus let out a growl at what he was witnessing. He was watching his siblings overthrow his father and the Titans. The First Titanomachy. The 6 figures all wielded unique weapons, with the leader of the group wielding the blue lightning bolt. Zeus. Flanked by a trident and a helmet that radiated fear itself.
Perseus stormed down the stairs, towards the Throne Room of Othrys, which he knew housed the temporary command centre of the war. Surrounding a table, all wearing armour. The Titans stood. He seen a few familiar faces, his mentors, Atlas and Koios and the Titan he recognised from descriptions by Atlas, Iapetus, the Piercer. At the head of the table, with his head held high and his Scythe by his side. Stood his father Kronos, he looked nothing like Perseus had imagined. With a strong build and black, wind swept hair. His eyes were familiar however, with the same golden eyes Perseus saw every time he gazed into the mirror. Only glinting with much more maliciousness than Perseus could ever dream of having.
"Their catapults can't touch our fortress, we are safe here." Declared a titan that radiated heat like he was fire itself.
"You are a fool Hyperion, that boys master bolt has the power to wipe this fortress of the face of the earth. It is just a matter of when he levels it at us and unleashes the power of our father." Koios stated, his brain working a million miles a minute to try come up with a strategy against Kronos' children. "We cannot wait for the boy to obliterate Othrys, we need to strike pre-emptively and break this siege."
Atlas gazed upon the map that laid on the table, updating live to show the movements of the Titans troops and the Gods troops. "We cannot sally out, we lack the manpower and the equipment. The only hope we have is waiting for Krios to lead his army to attack the Olympians from the rear while we storm into the front." Koios nodded, seemingly in agreement with Atlas' strategy.
Kronos, who had been standing silently, spoke up for the first time the entire meeting. "We shall wait for Krios then sally out onto the field and meet my… Children in battle. Failure is not an option" The cruel voice commanded. Kronos walked back onto the Black Throne that dominated the room. Sitting down to patiently await his brother's arrival.
"Krios reports he will be here within the hour, my lord" Koios informed the Titan King.
"Excellent, we shall await his arrival"
Perseus had heard this story before, his mentor Koios had spoke of it when he lectured Perseus on the First Titanomachy. It had not ended in their favour in the slightest, Zeus had levelled the fortress with his master bolt, moments before Krios arrived. Poseidon and Hades had obliterated the pitiful army of the Titan of Stars. The bolt had torn his Father from the Black Throne and reduced Mount Othrys to its current state. Shortly after the blast, the Olympian army invaded the mountain. Defeating the surprised Titans and overthrowing their father. Only Koios was able to flash away before the Olympians invaded, having a secret mission from his King to do so in the event of failure.
It was this crucial day that Perseus strived to avenge, he strived to topple the Olympians from their mountain. To tear Olympus itself down brick by brick, reduce it to rubble. He strived to carve his brother Zeus into a thousand pieces and cast him in to Tartarus for the rest of time. At last, soon his father would be resurrected, and they could make this dream a reality. The two of them ruling together, father and son. As the Olympians gazed upon the blood of their pathetic children and the ichor of their siblings, wondering what had happened to their rule.
A/N – I hope you enjoyed the Pilot of Son of Time. Please let me know if I should resume this story as this is just a pilot chapter, if you enjoyed it I will continue this along the plan and complete it. Please leave a review with your thoughts!
Galaxian