Lord of the Night Ch. III

I do not own PJATO. If I did, I would not be writing this, and Perseus would be a minimum of 800ft away from Annabeth at all times. Just saying, he works so much better with soooo many other characters. Also, as a side piece of information the story starts in 9000 B.C.E. And it takes place roughly a thousand years after Creation, by Khaos. So, the civilizations you meet in this story are very early city-states of Greece.

A Few Hours Later

Knock! Knock! Hades it seemed, had returned, ready to take Perseus with him to the Underworld. By now Perseus was fully dressed and appeared to be in his forties.

Rhea answered the door to make sure it was Hades, and upon seeing her eldest son, let him in without a word. Hades looked upon him and allowed a mischievous grin to cross his face. The moment that Perseus noticed it, however, it disappeared. If he wasn't the God of of time he would have sworn he was seeing things.

He responded with a smirk and gave his mother a hug before they left, "Behave yourself Perseus. Your brothers are risking much to help you hone your powers and to train you."

Perseus smiled, but answered dutifully, "Yes mother."

Rhea rolled her eyes at his sarcasm and turned to Hades, "Take care of your brother, or you will have to deal with me. Am I understood?"

Perseus snickered as Hades quickly capitulated under her glare. Then Rhea turned the glare on him and Perseus quickly adopted an emotionless face. Finally, Hades seemed exasperated enough, "It's time we go, mother."

Rhea sighed but nodded, "Take care of yourselves my boys. I love you both."

They both responded that they loved her as well and Hades teleported them both directly to his palace in the Underworld. Perseus looked wonderingly at the walls of Stygian Iron and Obsidian. Amazingly enough, the throne in the center of the room was of simple polished onyx. It was a center of darkness in the castle, the sides depicted various scenes of death.

Hades smirked when he saw the pale face of Perseus, "Death is a part of mortal life. You have not seen it yet, but you will. When my father ruled the world, mortals were like ants upon the surface of the world. I was studying under Coeus when Kronos received his prophecy. I remember learning that all mortals went directly to Tartarus upon being visited by the spirit of Death. Now though they live here, a relatively more peaceful resting place than Tartarus."

Perseus looked at his eldest brother, "What happened to all the mortals anyways?"

Hades frowned, a sad look in his eyes, "When Zeus finally overpowered Kronos and struck the killing blow, the resulting energy blast destroyed almost all mortal life on Earth. Prometheus recreated mankind with Demeter's help, but it will be a long time before mortals flow like ants upon the surface once more."

Hades turned and looked out the balcony over Elysium, "Sometimes, I wonder if it was worth it." He turned back to Perseus, "The Kronos you learned about was evil, cannibalistic and vile. That is not, however, the father Hestia and I grew up with. He was kind to us, he loved us." He grabbed a vase and hurled it at the far wall, "That damned prophecy made him mad! He went crazy."

Perseus took this moment to speak, "I never met our father. And I am no expert in politics, but Olympus is doing well enough now. Mother told me earlier today about how you were cast from the Council. I was thinking, as bad as that is, and no doubt that is horrible what they did to you, there are some advantages."

Hades looked at Perseus in surprise but nodded for him to continue. Perseus walked out onto the balcony, "While no longer an Olympian, you are one of the most important gods. You see that justice is done for the dead, you are the frontline of defense from the monstrosities that lay in Tartarus. Should gods forbid, Typhon rise from his prison, or Gaea or Kronos rise from their slumber, it is you that Zeus will turn to for help in battle." Perseus now smirked, "You are the firstborn son of Kronos. That alone gives you much power. Not as much as dear Hestia, but more than Poseidon, and certainly much more than Zeus or I. Just a thought for your consideration."

Hades nodded, his face showing the obvious contemplation going on in his head. After a few minutes. Finally, he shook his head and smiled at his youngest brother, "Thank you. I appreciate that." Leading Perseus the door he added, "Come, I have a few prisoners in Tartarus that will assist in your training. Iapetus and Coeus, have all agreed to help train you. In return, they get to go to maximum-security holding in the Fields of Punishment for their sentences, plus reduced sentences by two millennia." Hades shared a conspiratorial grin with Perseus, "They jumped at the chance immediately. Oceanus of course would not help, not like he could anyways. Poseidon is holding him in the deepest prisons of Atlantis. He was Kronos' fiercest supporter. We felt it was better to keep him separate from the rest. The other two, well they're better left off in maximum security central guarded by an army of Cyclops."

Perseus nodded, "Makes sense, I suppose. Heavens forbid somebody actually try and put Zeus in his place."

This actually lured a laugh out of Hades, "You got spunk, I'll give you that. I don't think anybody would risk telling that to his face though. That bolt has some juice, I have seen it in action."

Hades froze for a second before giving his attention back to Perseus, "The Cyclops regiment that I needed from Poseidon is here, they will be extra security against our uncles, though I doubt they'll try anything. No training today though, tomorrow you will be getting your armor and weaponry. Poseidon has his best forgeries working on it. And Briaries the Hundred-Handed One will make your symbol of power. I'm thinking a sword, but we'll know for sure after some training with Iapetus. He is the Titan of Mortality, Pain and Violent Death. It took me and Poseidon along with the Hundred-Handed Ones to defeat him. He will be a good teacher for you."

Soon they arrived upon a field surrounded by racks of armor and weaponry. Hades brought him to a table that held swords, knives and bows. Perseus' eyes immediately went to a sword of Celestial Bronze.

He turned to Hades who nodded, and Perseus picked it up, balancing the beautiful blade in his hand. He walked out onto the training field, and without warning swung it at a training dummy. The sword split the figure in half and Perseus smiled before turning back to his eldest brother, "I want a sword like this. Who made this?"

Hades smiled, "Hephaestus made it as favor for me. He is skilled is he not?"

Perseus nodded, looking at the sword in awe, "It is beautiful."

"You can use that until the Atlantean forges finish your symbol of power. A training sword if you will."

A horn sounded, and Hades visibly perked up, "Iapetus is here now."

Perseus watched as twenty Cyclops escorted a man in a silver chiton to the field. Iapetus had silver shoulder length hair and pure silver eyes that flowed with untold power. Perseus was awed by the man before him, his presence was potent, despite his being held in Stygian Iron chains.

Finally, Iapetus locked eyes with Perseus and he gave a small smile. Perseus found himself bowing to the Older Titan, "It is good to meet you Uncle."

Iapetus' eyebrow rose, "Is that so dear nephew?" He turned to Hades and raised his chained arms, "I have sworn on the Styx to your terms, I will help the boy. May I have these removed?"

Hades nodded, and a Cyclops removed the chains from his wrists. Iapetus immediately cradled the wrists that had been chafed by the powerful chains. Finally, he fully turned to his nephew, noticing the sword in his hand, "May I see your weapon child?"

Perseus hesitated a moment but finally nodded and handed the pommel to his uncle. Iapetus balanced the sword in his hand before placing the blade on his palm to study the blade. After a few minutes he turned to Hades, "This is fine craftsmanship. Who did this?"

"Hephaestus, son of Zeus and Hera. He is the God of the Forge."

Iapetus nodded, before adding, "I will need a spear. Not my symbol of power of course, but a weapon to train Perseus nonetheless."

Hades turned to one of the racks behind him and pulled off a spear as tall as Iapetus himself. Iapetus took the spear and held it close to him. He turned to Perseus, "I am not as strong as my brothers, Krios or Hyperion would be much better than me at this I am sure, but I will do my best. Well it is getting late, I would like to see my new accommodations, and I am sure it has been a long day for you as well Perseus."

Hades nodded, "The Cyclops will escort you to your new accommodations. Come Perseus, I have a room for you here if you would like, or I can take you back to mother's house."

"I think I'd like to go back to mother's home for now. Good night Iapetus." With that they left the training grounds and Hades led Perseus back towards his palace.

Once they were there, Hades showed Perseus how to flash himself to places, "Just picture exactly where you want to be. Then when you're ready, give your body the order and it will transport you there."

Perseus allowed a picture of his mother's cave to enter his mind, and he imagined himself there in his mother's kitchen. Then when he was sure he had it right, he gave the order.

He felt his body grow in energy and size as he reappeared in the kitchen. When he arrived though, he was greeted by loud, "Ummph!" And suddenly, Perseus found himself sitting on the floor after crashing into something or rather someone.

Perseus looked around the room and was surprised to see his sister Hestia on the floor next to him. Her flaming eyes were opened wide with surprise and growing anger.

Perseus immediately paled when he saw the growing anger in her eyes, "Oh gods, Hestia, I am so sorry. I didn't know you were here, honest."

Hestia's eyes cooled down and she favored him with a small smile, "It's okay Perseus, you didn't know." A mischievous glint entered her eyes, "But you should know that not all women like being on bottom, some like being on top you know. Just so that you know for next time."

Perseus was confused for a moment before one of the lessons he had learned from the fates came to his mind. Then his face turned a deep golden hue as he figured out exactly what his oldest sister meant.

Hestia, seeing that her brother grasped her full meaning, smirked and pecked him on the cheek before flashing away. Meanwhile, Perseus sat mesmerized by the sight of her godly form.

Seconds later, Rhea walked into the kitchen and asked her son, "Is everything alright my dear?"

Perseus shook his head as if trying to clear it, before he looked up at his mother, "Women are weird."

Rhea frowned at this, "What makes you say that?"

Perseus looked back at the spot were Hestia had been, "Something Hestia said. Then, something she did."

Rhea sat down, "What did she say?"

Perseus flushes golden again and refused to meet her eyes. Rhea decided to ask a different question, "What did she do then?"

Perseus looked down and muttered something.

"Speak up Perseus, I cannot hear you clearly."

Perseus finally looked up but refused to meet her eyes. After a few moments of looking at the ceiling, he answered, "She kissed me."

Rhea's eyebrow rose at this, interesting, piece of news, "Did she now? Where did she kiss you?"

Perseus nodded, "On my cheek, but-" he went silent again, obviously unwilling to say much else about the matter.

Rhea narrowed her eyes, "Why do you think she kissed you?"

This seemed to be the right question, because finally Perseus responded fully, jumping up, "That's the thing, I don't know. Hades taught me how to teleport, so I teleported here. But when I got here, I sort of landed on her."

This caused Rhea to let out a roar of laughter, but noticing that Perseus had gone silent, embarrassment plain on his face, she nodded at him to continue his story.

"She pushed me off, and I immediately apologized. But then she said..." Here Perseus trailed off, before noticing his mother's glare, clearing his throat he finished, "She said that not all women like being on bottom and that to remember for next time that some women prefer being on top."

At this point Rhea was laughing hysterically while Perseus squirmed uncomfortably on the floor, glaring at the opposing wall. After a few minutes, Rhea was finally able to control herself. Looking at her son she said, "Yes, women are weird, but so are men."

Perseus looked ready to argue but Rhea simply kissed his forehead and flashed away. Yet again, Perseus was left dumbfounded by another of his family members. Sighing, he stood up and headed to the bedroom that Rhea had prepared for him.

When Perseus woke up the next morning, he heard his brother in the kitchen with his mother. When he entered, they didn't even notice him. Hestia was preparing some food and she gestured him to sit down at the table.

When Perseus was seated, she brought him a cup of golden liquid, "It's called nectar, you'll love it, I promise."

Perseus took a sip and nearly dropped his cup! It tastes like the fruit he had eaten the day before. Hestia seemed amused by the look on his face, "It will always taste like your favorite food, even if it changes."

Perseus smiled, "Thanks. This is amazing."

Hestia grinned, "Wait till you try ambrosia. Then you'll be glad that you can't get fat, that stuff is amazing."

By this point, Hades and Rhea had joined them at the table, each holding a warm cup of nectar. Hades looked at Perseus, "Ready for training to begin?"

Perseus nodded, "Iapetus seems to know what he is doing. To be honest though, I am excited to meet Coeus, he is the Titan of Intellect, and he knew most of the Primordials."

Hades smirked, "For the first three months you will work with Iapetus, then with Coeus for the last three months, you will get to meet him then."

With a quick goodbye to their mother and their sister, they flashed away.

A few weeks later

"Your speed has improved greatly Perseus, but you still need to remember that you have a blind side. Remember that I also have a blind side and utilize it." Iapetus struck with his spear at the left side of Perseus head, which was barely blocked, "Zeus will attack you from all sides. He is a sky god, the winds are with him. Though he cannot move as fast as Boreas or Hermes, he is faster than any of the other Olympians. He will always use that to his advantage."

Iapetus struck again. This time though, Perseus was prepared, jumping over Iapetus' spear and bringing his sword down across the Titan's back. This caused Iapetus to fall, Perseus quickly brought his sword down and put it under the Titan's chin, "Dead."

Iapetus grinned, "Much better. You might just survive against Zeus."

Perseus smirked, helping Iapetus stand, he responded, "Coming from you, that is indeed high praise. My mother prepared us lunch, shall we eat?"

Iapetus nodded and allowed Perseus to lead him to where Hades had set up a table for their daily noon meals. Silently they ate in peace. It was a while before Iapetus spoke, "In a few more weeks, you will continue your learning with Coeus. He will teach you a great many things. About the world and yes, a bit about fighting, but he is not the Titan of Intellect for nothing. His words are wise and his counsel, simply inspiring. Take heed of his words."

Perseus nodded, and they finished in silence.

Two weeks later

"Perseus, this is our uncle, Coeus. He will finish your training here in the Underworld."

Perseus dipped his head to the Titan of Intelligence. It was an honor to meet him, and underneath his stoic face, Perseus was raving with excitement. This would be a wonderful opportunity for him to learn from one of the smartest minds of their time.

"We are well met, godling. I can sense your curiosity and excitement. That is good, it will serve you well if you wish to learn under me. Coeus turned to Hades with a raised eyebrow, "By your leave?"

Hades nodded, "I will see you later Perseus."

Once they went to the training grounds, Coeus put him through several stances to better know his fighting style. Afterwards, he questioned him about many subjects. Perseus gave him the best answers he could, but it quickly became apparent that Perseus had much to learn.

And learn he did. In the months that Perseus learned under Coeus' tutelage, he met many other immortals. Among them, nymphs, Giants, gods, Titans, and even Eros, the Primordial.

In the last week of his training, Coeus decided that there was one more Primordial that Perseus should meet, "Her husband has just recently faded into the void. I like to keep her company, it's not good for her to get lonely. Besides, she can do more for you than any other deity if you are willing to learn under her."

Coeus grabbed Perseus shoulder and muttered, "Prepare yourself, godling."

They teleported to a dark and foul place. Perseus knew not where he was. He could barely see his surroundings, despite his godly powers. The only thing that Perseus knew for sure was that he'd never seen a place like this before. It was as beautiful as it was dreadful. Oddly enough, Perseus felt, for lack of better terms, at home.

Next to Perseus, Coeus had tensed up slightly, "Be on your watch Perseus. We are in a dangerous place."

Coeus led Perseus to a dark building. Dark was an understatement. It seeped pure night into the surrounding areas. Perseus felt so more at peace than he had felt in his life, even more than all the times he'd been in Hestia's presence. As Perseus analyzed the building in front of him, he noticed that as dark as the building was, the walls were decorated with what seemed to be stars. It became apparent that they were stars.

The door to the large mansion before them opened. Even before someone exited the building, Perseus dropped down to one knee. It had become clear who would be exiting the building. He was in the presence of Nyx, Primordial of the Night. Beside him, Coeus looked surprised that Perseus had reacted so quickly to her presence, however he did not kneel, rather favoring a small bow.

"Who have you brought with you Coeus? I smell the blood of Kronos and the bloodlines of Gaea." Nyx's rich voice filled the cavernous space, nearly lulling Perseus into a trance. Her presence was overwhelming, filling all of Perseus' thoughts. Perseus was however, able to denote a hint of grief in Nyx's voice. It was enough to keep his mind sharp, and answer for himself, Nyx's query.

"Milady, I am the youngest of Kronos' children, Perseus. Born after his death." Perseus' voice wavered at the end, but Nyx did not seem to notice, seemingly interested in something else, "You feel comfortable in the midst of my domain, almost as if you felt at home. Tell me child, what are your domains?"

Perseus swallowed, "I am the God of Loyalty, Time," Perseus hesitated for a moment before including, "and Night, milady."

"I see. Why have you come before me today?" Nyx's voice had tightened, just a bit. In anger or out grief, Perseus could not determine.

"I did not know that I would be coming to see you, but now that I have come, I would ask that you teach me. Allow me to learn under you, so that I may be of use to you." Perseus kept his head bowed as Nyx strode forward.

Her voice became soft as she asked, "You would serve me, son of Kronos? What about the Olympians?"

Perseus shook his head slowly, "I love my siblings, but if Zeus were to find out of my existence, he would kill me. He would see me as a threat to his rule over Olympus. It is you, that he fears above all others. I would learn under you, if you would teach me. I feel that it is only by you that I can make the best use of my abilities."

Nyx narrowed her eyes down at the godling, "Know this, Perseus, son of Kronos, if I decide to train you, it will be much worse than anything you may have endured under Hades, Iapetus, or Coeus. I will demand much more of you. First, I will break you, then when you are broken, I will build you back up. What I will do to you, will cause you to question every fiber of your own existence. Are you willing to allow yourself to go through that?"

Perseus did not need to think, to know his answer. He turned to Coeus, "Please inform my mother that I will stay here to train with Lady Nyx. Tell the others I will return when I'm ready."

Coeus seemed surprised by Perseus' choice, but did not voice his apprehension. Instead, he turned to Nyx and gave her another bow, "By your leave."

Nyx waved her hand, "Begone Titan, you are no longer needed here." When Coeus disappeared, Nyx laid her attention on Perseus' still kneeling form. She took a moment to analyze the young god. She noted that he was a seemingly strong specimen. He had not magically enhanced his strength and physical contour like Zeus, and Kronos before him had done. This told Nyx many things about Perseus.

It told her that Perseus was confident in his own abilities as a god, even if they were underdeveloped. He believed in his own strengths and did not see the need to impose his presence upon those near him. In fact, he seemed to stifle his own aura. Nyx attributed to his domain of loyalty, and an ingrained desire to instill trust of him in others.

His hair and eyes resembled those of her nephew's, but the inner strength in his eyes most definitely were inherited from Gaea. Nyx strongly suspected that if pushed beyond his limits, his vengeance would be greater and more destructive than that of Gaea herself.

She also suspected that he would be harder to break than she had initially believed. Oh well, she had time. Now that Erebus had fa-. No, she could not think about him right now. She had to be strong, just as she had promised. Training Perseus would give her a purpose once again. She would make Erebus proud of her, even from the Void.

"Stand up child and go bathe in the Acheron. As a deity, it will not kill you. However, if you are to survive here, you must be forged in fire. Follow me, I shall lead you there." Perseus did as the woman said. He knew exactly what would happen once jumped in the Acheron. He did not fear that however. He would prepare his mind for the torture that sat before him. While it did cross his mind that it had been a mistake to accept Nyx's help, he needed this training. Only she could fully train him to control the domain of Night. If it meant the torture that laid before him, then so be it.

Perseus followed her into the large house. The walls were covered with frightful images of the night. Monsters that were merely myth to even the gods were put on full display in the house. Their fierce countenances painted the otherwise night-black walls of the house. Perseus felt fear enter his blood. He did not banish it however, rather he held onto it. His fear was necessary for him to succeed. There was one lesson that Perseus had learned from his father, that to try and live without fear was folly. His father's lack of respect for fear was his downfall. It would not be Perseus'. He would endure the Acheron and anything else that Nyx threw at him.

Ahead he could see the rushing waters of the Acheron. The River of Pain churned violently, and thankfully, Perseus' ears were spared the screaming of the souls that Perseus knew inhabited the river. He knew that to a mortal, their screaming and crying out would drive many mortals to jump into the river themselves, sentencing to an eternity of torture in the waters of the river. Knowing what was coming, Perseus braced himself and jumped into the river, surprising Nyx, as she had expected some form of apprehension from the son of Kronos. This seemingly fearless move impressed the Primordial. Just maybe, she would not need to break him, merely forge him.

Nyx watched as his head reemerged from the waters. His once handsome face was now morphed and altered by the blisters and degradation of his skin. His hair had been dissolved and Perseus now resembled beast more than man. The clothing he had worn had been stripped away, dissolved by the river.

Once again, Perseus dove under the murky waters. Nyx waited another few minutes before she summoned a glass of fire from the Phlegethon. After a few more minutes, Perseus emerged from the river, any semblance to man or god removed from him. His skin had been ripped away from his face and shoulders, as well as his groin and legs. As he reached the ground, he collapsed, heaving from the pain.

Nyx came forward and gave him the glass to drink. She was surprised that he had managed as long as he had in the river. Even though he had emerged more worse for wear, he had borne the pain without a sound. Nyx watched as his skin reformed and the structure came back in his face. She watched his eyes begin to glow with power as his strength returned. The swirl of golden silver glowed in the dark shadows of Tartarus.

Perseus could feel his skin growing back in vital places. Even as the regrowth burned his skin and muscles as they reknitted, it felt like a bitter relief from the tortures of the Acheron. Just as the healing was completed, he felt a hand place itself on his shoulder. He allowed himself to look in to the darkness that were the eyes of Nyx. Despite her earlier harshness, Nyx's eyes were filled with compassion, "You have done well, godling. Each day that you are here, you shall bathe twice a day in the Acheron. The pain will temper your body and forge your soul."

Perseus could only nod, his pain was overwhelming at that moment. He numbly followed Nyx back into the house. As his body healed, his sight returned clearly, and he could see the walls in all their nightmarish glory, which caused him to give a small shudder. He quickly blocked those thoughts from his mind. He was now Nyx's guest and student for the foreseeable future. It was as great an opportunity as it could be a curse. He had decided to give himself to her so that she could mold him. He had to stick to his word, it was his best chance at learning all that he could from the deadly temptress that led him through her house.

Nyx seemed to not care that Perseus had entered his own little world while walking through the house. In all honesty though, she had entered her own little world as well. Memories came unbidden to her mind of better times. Lighter times, pardon the pun, when she had spent all her waking moments with her father Chaos, or with her husband Erebus. Now her father had locked himself away, and Erebus had faded into the Void. Part of her was angry that Coeus had brought Perseus to her. Who was he to think he could drop off godlings on her? She was not some babysitter, she was the Primordial of Night. Of course, the rational side of her knew that it was not Coeus' fault. Perseus needed proper training. Training that Olympus could never provide. When Nyx was done with her pupil, even Gaea would tremble at his might.

Nyx shook herself out of her thoughts and led Perseus to the room where he would be sleeping. Perseus looked surprised that his room did not resemble the rest of her house. The walls were made of obsidian and furnished with small paintings of different locations on Earth. Reaching into the folds of her dress, Nyx turned towards Perseus as she drew her knife on him. He looked shocked, but managed to grab both of her arms as she lunged at him. Using is weight and grip on her wrists, Perseus forced her down to the ground.

Perseus was surprised when Nyx grinned at being pinned down. She explained, "Iapetus taught you well. From now on, I will attack you randomly and without warning at any time, day or night. This will continue until you can defeat me. In the meanwhile, I will teach you how to become your domains, all of them. Now get some rest, you need to bathe before breakfast."

With that, Nyx turned and sauntered out of the room. Perseus was left in a large room alone, and thoroughly exhausted from what had happened with the river. It had taken a bit more out of him then he had expected. His mind went back to what Coeus had taught him about the Acheron. It hurt much worse than Coeus had described. Then again, Coeus had not entered the Acheron. He only had secondhand accounts of the experience.

Perseus decided that now was as good a time as ever to get to sleep. He had date with a beautifully deadly goddess of the Night. His lips curled slightly up as the thought of her face flashed through his mind.

In another part of the mansion, a silver blush tinted Nyx's cheek as she read the thoughts of the son of Kronos. Training him would indeed be interesting.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter that has been long in coming. No excuses...but in case your wondering I have gone through a recent spinal surgery and a death in the family. The good news is that Ch IV, is well underway! Pardon my grammatical errors, I am sure they abound. Feel free to tell me what you think of the chapter.