AN: Hey guys, I had a snow day today (living in Michigan rocks!), so I thought, what better way to pass the time than continue this story. I know I should be working on my other story right now to evenly distribute updates, but I'm really interested in this story and just felt the drive to work on this one. So without further ado, I present to you the next chapter of the Son of Atlas.
Chapter 2
The Garden of the Hesperides
The man walked closer, allowing Percy and Zoë to get a better glimpse of him: the man's eyes were a deep gray, resembling the clouds before a storm; the man's tunic revealed many bulging muscles, portraying his strength; and the man's brown hair was neatly groomed and short, going well with his eyes. On the man's face was a proud, almost arrogant, expression, making Percy take an instant disliking towards him. Zoë, on the other hand, was openly staring at the man's god-like features, too enraptured with his appearance to notice the conceited aura the man gave off. Having done enough speculation, Percy narrowed his eyes before asking harshly, "Who are you? What is your business here?"
The man's expression was unwavering in the face of Percy's intimidating glare. In a respectful tone, he answered, "I am Heracles, son of Zeus and a hero of Olympus. I come here in peace and mean you know harm. I have heard much about the might of the Hesperides, especially yours Perseus. Your strength and skill in archery is still spoken much of today. Such a shame that you were confined here."
Then, he turned to Zoë, staring hungrily at her before kneeling down and taking her hand. "And you must be Zoë, the most beautiful of all the Hesperides. Your beauty is spoken of all across Greece, envied by even Aphrodite herself. It is an honor to be in your presence."
Beside Percy, Zoë's copper skin turned a deep gold at Heracles's words. Not allowing flattery change his opinion on the man, Percy continued to glare at Heracles. "You still haven't answered my question. What is your purpose in coming here?"
Heracles stood up before apologizing. "I am sorry, but I am under strict orders to not reveal my mission to anyone, even you Perseus. All I may tell you is that I've come here under the word of the Oracle and King Eurystheus of Tiryns to compensate for my mistakes."
Percy, disliking his answer, shook his head. "Then, I must ask you to leave. I will not allow you to cause harm to this garden or my family for your mission. You must leave, either willingly or by force."
Not wanting to get in a fight, especially with a foe as powerful as Percy, Heracles thought of an excuse that would get Percy to back off. "I would not threaten me, if I were you. Many of the gods, including my father, are watching over my mission and would not respond well to any interference."
Paling slightly, Percy grudgingly nodded. The last thing he wanted to do was anger the gods, who could sentence him to a new prison and take him away from his family. "Fine, but if you are not gone by tomorrow evening, even the gods themselves will not stop me from personally throwing you out." With that final threat, Percy vanished in a shadow, leaving his sister and Heracles alone.
Turning to Heracles, Zoë bowed her head in embarrassment. "I deeply apologize for my brother's insolence. Whenever a man arrives at this garden, he always feels the need to act like an overprotective brother. Don't let his attitude deter you, he's usually very caring and sweet."
To her surprise, Heracles laughed whole-heartedly. "It's no problem. A beautiful girl like you must be protected from unethical men. Your brother understands that."
Heracles watched with amusement as Zoë blushed once again. Trying to quickly change the subject, Zoë questioned, "Does your mission here have something to do with the apples of immortality?
Heracles's eyes widened in shock. "How did you figure it out?"
"Well there isn't much else in this garden other than the golden apples. It doesn't take the intelligence of Athena to figure out that you're probably here to eat an apple and gain immortality."
"No, no, you don't understand; my mission is merely under the will of others. I have no wish for immortality at this point. I still have much of my life yet to live and don't want to be stuck in my current state for the rest of eternity. Besides, eternal life sounds like more of a burden than a blessing."
Zoë was surprised by Heracles's opinion of immortality. "Not many reject immortality, but your justification is quite wise. I can tell you from personal experience that immortality isn't all sunshine and rainbows."
Zoë continued to tell him, "Your decision to steal the apples of immortality, however, isn't as wise. Many have tried to steal the apples, and many have failed. What makes you think that you'll be the first one able to succeed?"
Heracles looked down to hide the sadness in his eyes. "I must believe that I'll be able to succeed. The actions I committed in the past are so horrible, I must restore my honor and dignity. Please you must understand."
Zoë softened at his reason. She wanted nothing more than to help this charming man, but knew of the consequences. "Please, I'm only trying to dissuade you from stealing the apples is because I care for you. Surely, you have heard stories about Ladon, the dragon with one hundred heads."
In a deep voice, Heracles responded, "There is no need to fear. I have bested a thousand monsters with my bare hands."
"Not this one," said Zoë with concern laced in her voice. "Ladon is much too strong for a direct assault."
Heracles chuckled, "Then why don't you help me, pretty one. I promise not to get you hurt."
Zoë shook her head, "My safety is not the problem. My sisters and Percy would disown me if they found out I helped a hero steal the apples and attack Ladon. I couldn't stand to see the look of betrayal in my brother's eyes. We have been through everything together."
Heracles bowed his head, visibly disappointed, "I understand. It was presumptuous of me to assume that you would sacrifice everything in your life to help a stranger."
A flash of pain went across Zoë's eyes. Then, with trembling fingers, she pulled out a long white hairpin out of her hair. "If you must fight, take this. My brother made this for me when I was young so that I may protect myself. It has the ocean's power within it and my immortal power."
The pin gleaming in the starlight. Heracles laughed as he looked at it. "A hairpin? How will this help me, pretty one?"
"It may not," Zoë admitted sadly. "But it is all I can offer you in your fight against Ladon."
Softened by Zoë's words, Heracles took the hairpin into his hands before it grew longer into a bronze sword.
"Well balanced," Heracles said with surprise evident in his eyes. "Though I've always preferred to use my bare hands. What shall I name this blade?"
"Anaklusmos," Zoë said with sadness. "The current that takes one by surprise. And before you know it, you have been swept out to sea."
Before Zoë could react, Heracles's lips met hers passionately as a signal of his gratitude. Wasting no time at all, Zoë returned the kiss with just as much passion. As the kiss progressed, Zoë felt completely in paradise, erasing all sense of regret for betraying her family. After an undetermined amount of time, both of them pulled back, gasping for air.
Still blushing, Zoë said, "Come with me, I have a tent where you can rest in. You must rest before fighting Ladon."
She led Heracles into a large silver tent in the middle of the garden. The tent held plenty of room, containing only a large bed and a few pieces of furniture. Seeing all the empty space, Heracles asked, "Why don't you stay with me here tonight, pretty one. It seems quite lonely to stay here in such a large tent all by myself."
Hesitating slightly, Zoë eventually agreed. She climbed into the bed with Heracles, who wrapped his arms around the petite girl. Zoë drifted to sleep, feeling happier than she had in a long time.
Early the next morning, Zoë shook Heracles's strong arms off her and crawled out of the bed. Taking a deep breath, she opened the flaps of the tent before walking outside to clear her head. As soon as she walked outside, a shadow solidified into the figure of her brother, surprising her greatly.
Holding her hand on her heart, Zoë gasped. "Percy, you scared me. What are you doing up so early?"
Ignoring her question, Percy said, "I see you've already gotten quite close to that hero. I didn't think you were the one to sleep with a man you just met."
Noticing his disapproving gaze, Zoë denied the statement quickly. "No! We didn't do anything like that. We were just tired, and he offered me to stay with me. I didn't want to walk to where to I usually sleep, so I just agreed."
Shaking his head, Percy continued to ask, "Where is Anaklusmos? Surely you couldn't have lost it; it's stuck in your hair."
Wincing deeply, Zoë hesitated before answering, "No, I didn't lose it. I … I gave it to Heracles as a gift."
Percy struggled to contain his anger. "You have got to be kidding me. Don't you understand how much work I put into creating that blade? I placed my own power and hard work into that sword, and you betray me by giving it to that sky spawn!?"
Zoë narrowed her eyes. "What's your problem? You've never spoken to me with such a tone before. And why do you hate Heracles so much? After he's only displayed kindness, all you've done is continuously sneer at him."
Rolling his eyes, Percy said, "I can't believe you're so oblivious, Zoë."
"What do you mean?" Zoë asked, confused.
"Can't you tell he's taking advantage you? By using his good lucks and charm, he wants to convince you to help him. He doesn't actually care about you at all. He knows that he isn't strong enough to beat Ladon himself, so he needs to rely on you for help."
"I can't believe you would think that. Am I so unattractive that he has to have an alternative reason for displaying attraction towards me? I thought you would be happy for me, I finally found someone who loves me and all you've done is show disapproval."
"You aren't the problem, it's Heracles. I know those heroes, all about glory and honor. They'll use any method to get what they want. Lies, deceit, manipulation, I've seen it all. You're just a pawn in his game, Zoë. As soon as he's done with you, he won't even give you a second glance. I just want to stop you from getting hurt."
"You're judging Heracles even though you know nothing about him. You're assuming all these terrible things about him based on simply his title. I know how he's not doing this for glory, but to atone for his previous mistakes."
"It's been less than 12 hours since you've met the man; you barely know him. How do you know he's not lying?"
Zoë shook her head in disbelief. "You know, I originally felt sorry for giving Anaklusmos to Heracles and helping him with his mission, but now I feel relieved if all you're going to be is an inconsiderate jerk!"
A flash of hurt went across Percy's volcanic black eyes. Turning around so Zoë couldn't see the tears in his eyes, Percy whispered, "Fine, if you're going to believe a man who you just met over your older brother who has always had nothing but your best interests at heart, then I won't disturb you anymore. Enjoy your life with Heracles, sister."
Percy disappeared into a shadow in the ground before Zoë could respond. She fell to her knees, regretting every word she said to him. Silently, Heracles sneaked up behind her and placed an arm on her shoulder.
Not even turning around to look at him, Zoë said, "You heard the entire conversation, didn't you?"
Heracles chuckled silently, "It's kind of hard to not hear it when you two were screaming at each other." Seeing his joke had no effect, Heracles sat down next to her and continued, "I'm sorry that I caused you and brother to have such a disagreement; that was never my intention. I promise you that I wouldn't ever abuse your trust like your brother suggested."
Zoë had tears in her eyes, "I don't have a family anymore. My own stupidity caused the brother I cared for my entire life to hate me."
Heracles said in a soothing tone, "I can take you with me after I've retrieved the apples. I won't leave you here to be disowned."
Zoë's eyes widened in surprise. "You would do that for me?"
Heracles laughed in response. "Of course. After all you've done for me, it's the least I can do."
Hugging Heracles tightly, Zoë thanked him repeatedly. "No words could express my gratitude for you. Percy was wrong about you, Heracles. Thank you so much."
"It's really my pleasure. It gets kind of lonely on the road by myself, and your presence would make long journeys much more interesting."
Standing up, Heracles rubbed his hands in excitement. "I believe it's time to take down that overgrown dragon once and for all. And after that, the future is looking bright, my dear."
Zoë gaped in amazement as she watched Heracles fight Ladon with such ease and skill. After she led him to Ladon and the golden apples, Heracles wasted no time in engaging the dragon. Zoë refused to attack the dragon that she had helped raise, leaving Heracles to deal with the monster by himself. Several minutes went by, and Heracles was putting forth a valiant effort. Although his muscles were large and his body structure was heavy, Heracles was still able to rapidly dodge Ladon's heads while using Anaklusmos to cut off the heads that traveled too close to him. But even Zoë could tell that Heracles was tiring out and Ladon's heads were too numerous for Heracles to win. She watched in despair as two heads attacked Heracles at once, forcing Heracles to block one head while the other was able to sneak behind him and sweep him off his feet. Instantaneously, several heads surrounded Heracles, who was left defenseless on the ground. Ladon poised to finish the hero as Heracles closed his eyes in fear and Zoë released a strident scream. Seconds went by, but Heracles was still unharmed. Slowly, he opened his eyes, only to see Ladon twitching upon the ground. The dragon was on its back, unmoving and apparently in some state of shock.
Heracles gasped. "How… How is this possible?"
A shadow popped out of the ground, revealing Percy with a golden apple of immortality in his hands. He refused to look at Heracles while he said, "There is a nerve upon Ladon's back that leaves it motionless for a few hours when punctured. That is its only weakness and the only hope you had to defeat him."
Percy winced as he held out the golden apple. "Take the apple and get out of my sight. My only request in return is for you to take care of my sister. You make her very happy, and it would be unwise for me to deny her the chance to live in happiness for my personal feelings."
Heracles took the apple in his hands before laughing cruelly. He doubled over in laughter, leaving both Percy and Zoë confused. After composing himself, he sneered, "I knew that I had convinced Zoë the instant she laid her eyes upon me, but I didn't think you were stupid enough to fall for my act as well. You truly believed that I cared for the girl enough to allow her accompany me on my journey?"
Percy's eyes flashed murderously, but restrained himself from attacking. He knew that fighting a hero without a challenge was against the Ancient Laws. "You're just like every other selfish, ungrateful hero out there, you bastard. After seeing how you treated my sister, I thought you would be different. I placed my trust in you for the happiness of my sister and you return the favor by breaking her heart."
Heracles rolled his eyes. "Why should I care if I broke your sister's heart? Sure, she's beautiful, but she's still a worthless women who would only get in the way of my journey."
Beside him, Zoë fell to the ground in tears. The one time she fell for a man, she was deceived and left heartbroken. Percy managed to get even angrier. "Leave my sister out of this or not even the Ancient Laws will save you from my wrath. You don't deserve to even breathe the same air as her, you bastard. It doesn't matter how many quests you complete, you won't be even one-thousandth the person she is."
Heracles's pride overwhelmed him. "You dare insult a child of the King of the Heavens himself. I am the greatest hero alive, and you would be wise to not offend me any further."
Percy scoffed at his statement. "You? The greatest hero alive? Please, I've seen five year olds with more intelligence than you. And hiding behind the Ancient Laws shows how much of a coward you are."
Having heard enough, Heracles released a cry of anger and pulled out Anaklusmos before charging at Percy with unrestrained anger. Percy smirked to himself as Heracles took the bait, just as he planned. Now he could finally lash out all his fury onto the conceited hero.
Right before Heracles reached him, Percy sidestepped out of the way and stuck out of his foot. He watched in amusement as Heracles fell to the ground in an ungraceful heap. Standing up angrily, Heracles pointed Anaklusmos at Percy and shouted, "Fight me like a man, you coward."
"As you wish," Percy replied smugly before pulling out two hunting knives and disappearing in a shadow. He reappeared right behind Heracles before sinking one of his hunting knives deep into the back of Heracles's thigh. Blood poured out while Heracles quickly swung Anaklusmos behind him, only to find that Percy had vanished once again. This time, Percy rematerialized in front of him and lunged forward with both hunting knives. Heracles quickly overcame his surprise and barely managed to block the strike. Percy continued to stay on the offensive and slashed wildly at the hero, turning into a whirlwind of strikes. Heracles, unable to keep up with Percy's speed and grace, accumulated many cuts all over his body. Furious, Heracles brought Anaklusmos high above his head before swinging down with all his strength. To his surprise, Percy brought up his hunting knives in the shape of an X and easily defended against the attack. Heracles continued to push down with his sword, but Percy didn't even budge. Having had enough, Percy kicked Heracles hard in his undefended chest, sending him flying 30 feet backwards.
Heracles coughed up blood as he struggled to get up. Percy slowly stalked up to him, relishing the look of fear upon Heracles's face. Knowing he would die if he continued to fight, Heracles rushed up a rocky trail leading up a mountain. He knew his only chance was of survival lied on the top of the mountain. Watching Heracles run away, Percy pursued him while shouting, "Get back here, you coward." Percy used his speed and grace to quickly scale the mountain as Zoë followed behind him. Upon reaching the summit, Percy paled at what he saw. Heracles stood next to Atlas, whispering something in his ear, while the other Hesperides stood to the side, singing a mournful hymn. After hearing his whispers, Atlas nodded begrudgingly and sent Heracles away in a flash of light.
Still angry, Percy shouted, "Where have you sent him, father? I still have unfinished business with that fool."
Struggling under the weight of the sky, Atlas responded, "In exchange for the information he held, I allowed him to leave the garden safely with the apple of immorality. I agreed since I have no care for that pesky, little hero. I am much more interested in my two traitorous children."
Atlas's facial expressions suddenly turned a scowl before he yelled furiously, "How stupid are you two, falling for the tricks of a dim-witted hero and giving him an apple of immortality? As if supporting Zeus's decision to place me under the sky and staying neutral during the Titan War wasn't enough to cause me to be angry, you continue to disgrace this family's honor by helping a hero over your family."
Sensing his father's anger, Percy responded courageously, "Please, father, punish me if you must, but don't do anything to Zoë. I was the one who gave Heracles the apple; Zoë didn't do anything wrong."
Shaking his head, Atlas said, "No, this is the last time you two will disgrace me. You are both banished from this garden. I no longer consider you a part of this family."
Atlas then turned to Percy. "I was ecstatic at first to have a son who could carry in my footsteps, but you have done nothing but disappoint me time and time again. Get out of my sight."
Percy looked at the Hesperides, who stared at Percy and Zoë mournfully. "Sisters," Percy pleaded. "You must help me convince father that we do not deserve banishment."
Aegle, the eldest of the Hesperides, shook her head with tears in her eyes. "I am sorry, little brother, but we cannot disobey father's orders. You brought this upon yourself by giving Heracles the apple and betraying your family."
Percy turned to Atlas once again and said angrily, "How is giving an apple of immortality to a hero a bad enough crime to deserve banishment? You've wanted to disown me ever since I agreed with Zeus's decision to force you to carry the weight of the sky, and this is just an excuse to do so."
Atlas snorted. "So what if it is? Either way, you're gone and I never have to deal with you again."
"Fine, I'll leave, but only because I can't stand to be in your presence. Come on Zoë, let's get out of this blasted place."
Percy led Zoë out of the garden into a world unfamiliar to them. Walking out into a deep forest that seemed to continue in each direction endlessly, Zoë asked her brother with tears in her eyes, "What do we do now, brother?"
Percy could only shake his head dejectedly, "I don't know, sister. I don't know."
AN: I know the reason for the banishment was kind of confusing, since Percy and Zoë didn't outright betray Atlas in any way. Just think of reason as Atlas hates his two youngest children for experiences in the past and uses this to officially disown them. Also, some of you may be confused as to why Percy seemingly forgave Zoë already. Don't worry, Percy still holds some resentment towards Zoë, as you'll see in the next chapter. In addition, to address Percy's power to vanish in a shadow, the Hesperides have powers over the shadows since they are the nymphs of the sunset. I don't know why Zoe never used those powers during the Percy Jackson series, but they will both be able to do so in this story. As the son of Atlas, the Titan of strength and endurance, Percy is also very strong, which is why he was able to withstand Heracles's immense strength. Lastly, I used some lines from the Titan's Curse, so I hope you guys don't mind. Now that I've cleared all that up, I wanted to thank you all for the support this story's been receiving. When I first thought of this idea, I didn't think it would be that popular since it's not the most original idea, but I'm glad to see that you guys like it so far. Keep reviewing and being amazing, and I'll see you guys later.
