It's been a while, guys. I apologize for the 5 month break. Had to deal with college enrollment and entrance tests. But no worries.
Let me say this. I WILL finish this story. There will be breaks between chapters, but that's all.
With that being said, here's the chapter.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Percy Jackson or any cannon character that appears in this story. All rights belong to Rick Riordan and their respective owners.
Percy is not someone who can be easily impressed. This is common knowledge to everyone who knows him intimately.
Being sovereign above all reality tends to ensure that not a lot will take your breath away with sheer magnificence.
However, even Percy couldn't help but feel the faintest stirrings of wonder within him as he gazed at Olympus.
'Holy shit! It's somehow even more magnificent now that I'm actually seeing it.', Percy marveled to himself. Now that he isn't peering through the lens of dreams, he can now make out minute details he previously missed .
Olympus is truly a stupendous dwelling fit for the Gods. Its breathtaking structures seem to be fashioned out of precious metals that simply can't be found in the Mortal World. The metals themselves, Percy analyzed, are durable enough to endure incomprehensible amounts of force.
'Hephaestus, you don't hold back, do you? These buildings could probably tank 15 'Fat Men' and still hold up. Fucking awesome.', Percy postulated, his respect for the Forge God rising.
He looked back at the elevator he, Chiron, and Dionysus came from. He observed the elevator, and noticed the various intricate runes carved all over it.
'There's a fuck ton of magic emanating from those runes. They don't look Celtic or Grecian. Must be some type only the big shots know. The runes themselves are what probably allowed us to traverse through the Mortal world.', Percy concluded, still looking intently at the mystical symbols that seemed to glow and shift as he peered at it.
"Come now, Perseus. We mustn't keep the Gods waiting.", Chiron called out. His tone was serene, but there was a faint undertone of urgency. The Gods are not the patient type, it seems.
"Hold on. I'm still looking around.", Percy said dismissively, making Dionysus snicker at his uncaring disposition. The only person he knew who treated a call from the Gods with such apathy and boredom was Hephaestus.
Chiron just sighed tiredly, having grown accustomed to Percy's…difficult demeanor. He resigned himself to observing the young man as he went about his business, which he seemed to take far more seriously than the Gods' call.
Percy looked around him once more, this time paying more focus on the environment, instead of the luxurious buildings. He noticed that everything here seem to be built upon clouds. Cumulonimbus clouds, to be precise. Fitting, since the Lord of the place is also the God of Thunderstorms. The clouds themselves can support the weight of everything here, for some reason.
'Now that I think about it, it's not completely unbelievable. It's cold and windy, so maybe the ice crystals within the clouds are being constantly clumped together via localized extreme winds. It's kind of like what the Flash does, except at a much grander scale. It would explain why I can feel the cold through my shoes.', Percy speculated. 'Or maybe it's just magic, I don't know.'
He looked up at the sky, which seemed to be in a state of perpetual nightfall. He peered over the edge of Olympus, and felt a slight chill crawl up his spine.
The jet-black void he was staring at seemed endless, and it might very well be. The empty cosmos enveloped the whole of Olympus, like a poor man desperately grasping a tiny pearl in his hands. An uncountable number of shimmering stars decorated the darkness, like rare crystals embedded across bedrock.
It was…stunning. The various star systems scattered across this realm glowed beautifully in different colors. One glittered in green, another twinkled an alluring purple, while another gleamed a deep crimson.
Percy was beguiled by the astonishing sight. Absentmindedly, he raised his left hand to the sky. He gently brushed it over the stars, as if he were sweeping dust aside. The stars gleamed brighter once his hand glided over them, as if they were fairies twinkling in delight.
'The God's may be assholes, but holy shit, they're artistic. I now have inspiration for when I start making my own universes.', Percy thought to himself. He used his supernatural senses to memorize the fundamental aspects of this hidden universe, so that he can have a basis for when he starts creating his own.
"Gorgeous, isn't it?", Dionysus remarked from behind Percy. Percy looked over his shoulder, his viridescent eyes peering into Dionysus' cerulean blue. He then went back to looking at the celestial bodies, enraptured by their ethereal beauty.
"Yup. They remind me of those desktop wallpapers in Google.', Percy acknowledged. Dionysus laughed lightly at that. He, too, was gazing at the cosmos, but his eyes were tinged with nostalgia.
"I remember the day when this boundless space was completely empty. Zeus and the original Olympians were fine with living in a desolate void. After all, they grew up in war, so they cared little of aesthetics.", Dionysus explained. Percy looked at the Wine God, intrigued by this trivia he was being given.
"But when the second generation of Olympians came along, we brought with us a wave of creativity, so to speak. Especially the likes of Athena, Aphrodite, and Hephaestus. They played crucial roles in decorating this void. There were no real battles they had to concern themselves with, so they focused their divine powers into creation and art instead of destruction and death. I was present when they fashioned stars out of their powers. Hephaestus' fire gave birth to the all the stars here in this realm. Athena was responsible for arranging all of them in elaborate patterns and constellations, while Aphrodite was the one who gave them their unearthly hues.", Dionysus said wistfully, as if recalling fond memories.
Percy was dreadfully curious and excited. If he wanted to, he could peer into Dionysus' mind to see that precious memory. But he wasn't a prick. So, he left it alone.
"That's pretty cool.", Percy remarked. He wondered if he could eventually, with enough practice, design a universe this intricately.
'Welp, I guess I'll have to hit the comics again.', Percy thought to himself, smiling in anticipation.
'Hmmm…', Percy hummed to himself as he looked at the rather egotistic design of the entrance to the Throne Room.
The door was decorated lavishly, with priceless gems both known and unknown to mankind embedded into the Celestial Bronze door. Baroque carvings littered the door, depicting the various acts the Gods partook in.
It spoke of shameless extravagance and pompousness. Given what Percy knew of the Gods based on the many myths about them, he wasn't surprised in the least.
'Ok. I haven't even met them and I'm already dying on the inside. This will be fun.', Percy thought sarcastically to himself.
"You ready, Peter Johnson.", Dionysus asked, already dressed in a pristine purple toga and a laurel wreath on his head. He would've looked regal, if he didn't look like a coach potato who lived in a trailer park in the woods.
"Sure. Let's get this over with. I have to catch up with Hunter x Hunter.", Percy said impatiently. Dionysus raised a brow at that.
"Which arc are you at currently?", Dionysus asked curiously. He watched both the 1999 and 2011 versions, as well as read the manga. He was a BIG fan, to say the least. The writing was praiseworthy, which means a lot coming from a god who lived through the Classical and Renaissance eras. The art could use some work, though.
"I'm in the Chimera Ant Arc. Meruem just met Kumogi.", Percy replied. He was initially shocked that Dionysus knew what Hunter x Hunter was, but he masked it well. In retrospect, he shouldn't be too surprised given the manga he had scattered all over the Big House when they first met.
"Meruem, huh? Let me tell you this. He is one of my favorite villains in anime. One of the best written, in my opinion.", Dionysus said proudly.
"Really? How good is he compared to Johann Liebert?", Percy inquired. Dionysus looked appalled when he heard that.
"Are you joking? No one tops Johann Liebert as a villain.", Dionysus hissed. "However, Meruem does come close. I'll say he's within the Top 10."
Percy ran a hand through his hear, looking pensive as he processed that statement. To be part of the Top 10 list of the Greatest Anime Villains ever is a very prestigious title. Meruem certainly is menacing, but he has yet to fully exhibit any character development. But Percy is assuming he'll see a lot of that in the upcoming episodes.
"That just makes me want to finish this meeting sooner.", Percy said, grinning in excitement. He can't wait to finish the Chimera Ant Arc.
Dionysus smiled toothily at that. He can always respect a fellow otaku with good taste.
The door to the Throne Room suddenly opened, snapping the two out of their thoughts.
Steeling themselves, they walked into the 'Hall of The Gods'.
Just as Percy thought the place couldn't be any more sumptuous, he was proven wrong.
For one, the place was humongous. Easily topping the Madison Square garden in size, the room has to at least have a field size of 82,000 square meters.
The place was also very monarchical in its design and architecture. From the pillars to the floor, everything here made the luster and magnificence of the Buckingham Palace look stale in comparison. No surprise, since the Hall of the Gods had a literal night sky as a ceiling.
However, the Thrones seem to be the ones with the most effort put into them. Each Throne looked different, with its appearance being a supposed reflection of the god who owns them.
Zeus's throne was made of platinum, with depictions of violent storms and lightning carved into the metal. It gave of the unmistakable scent of ozone.
Poseidon's throne was less grandiose, but still regal. It looked to be the $1000000000 version of a deep sea fishing chair, with a holster for his Trident on the side. Fitting for the God of Marine Life. He'd have to ask his dad if he could sit on it later.
He could have kept on admiring the thrones for a bit longer, but his attention was immediately drawn to the Hearth in the middle. The fire it gave of was…confusing. It seemed to burn more fiercely than any star ever could, but it was also gentle and welcoming. Perhaps it's a manifestation of the power of the goddess he could see tending to it. Hestia, he believed her name was.
Said goddess smiled benevolently at him, her gaze tender and compassionate. She looked inhumanly beautiful, with an unblemished face and perfect proportions. She easily outclassed any actress in beauty. In Percy's eyes, Rias Gremory would look like Hestia if she were real. That's how beautiful she was. However, Percy did not let her beauty distract him from the fact that the immense presence she was exhibiting was many times greater than Dionysus'. Even then, Percy could tell that it was heavily restricted.
"Well then, you two took your time.", Zeus boomed, his voice deep bellowing like thunder. His electric blue eyes peered straight into Percy's eyes, conveying his displeasure.
"Sorry, Father. We were talking about mutual hobbies.", Dionysus said smoothly, his form shifting into a much leaner and handsome build. He now looked suave and poised, which fit the tone at which he addressed his father.
"Humph! Next time, save such trivia for later. Now, let's talk business.", Zeus ordered, radiating an aura of supremacy that would've made lesser gods unknowingly stand taller. Percy thought it was cool, though he frankly didn't care too much about powerplay.
"Percy Jackson, you have been called here today due to an accusation I have levied against you.", Zeus began, his tone grave and serious. "Did you or did you not steal the Master Bolt?"
"No, I didn't.", Percy answered impassively, his face devoid of any emotion.
'I have nothing to hide, besides my browser history. On second thought, I don't give enough of a shit to hide that.', Percy thought to himself. He was apathetic to this meeting, as he felt the gods aren't petty enough to harm him over something he truly didn't do. If they were, then he'd just summon his 'Anti-God Squad'.
Zeus looked over at Apollo for confirmation. He would be able to discern whether the young man spoke the truth or not.
"He's not lying.", Apollo confirmed, still mirthful despite the situation.
Zeus frowned, terribly displeased with the situation. Not because he won't be able to punish the boy, but because he had no existing culprit. He wasn't quite sure who else stole the Bolt, and the suspects he was currently considering would require tremendous efforts to investigate. He disliked relying on fellow Olympians, even Athena, who he favored well.
"See, brother? My son has no part in this spectacle.", Poseidon declared, more than a little aggravated that his son would be suspected of a crime of this magnitude.
"Very well. It seems this issue would require more thorough investigation. First, I want to hear if anyone here has any idea as to who the suspect is.", Zeus spoke, looking at every god in the throne room.
"You have many enemies, father. The suspect could be anyone from any pantheon. It doesn't help that the power of the Bolt is considered one of the most dangerous in the universe.", Athena explained, her tone tranquil despite the dire implications of what she was saying.
"I doubt it was a god. Ambitious as we all may be, gods do not want to risk war with other pantheons. The suspect is likely a monster, demon, or some other enemy of the gods.", Hephaestus speculated, his theory gaining approving nods from Apollo and Hermes.
"I agree. The enemies of the gods are plentiful, and many have desired to attain the powerful weapons of different gods before.", Athena said. Zeus looked contemplative, trying to think of a monster who would steal his bolt. He knew many, but he could not think of an enemy powerful and daring enough to succeed. Besides…
"I think I can help.", Percy said nonchalantly, drawing all eyes on him.
"Really now?', Athena drawled, her eyes conveying doubt and disregard. She is not very fond of the boy, for she reminded him too much of Poseidon in his youth.
"Yup. In fact, I can get your Bolt right now.", Percy said, his tone holding no arrogance, only assurance. Ares laughed uproariously, his red eyes glinting mockingly.
"Go home, boy. You've already fulfilled your purpose. Leave this to us now, will you?", Ares said arrogantly. He didn't know what the kid was up to, but he highly doubted he could do as he bragged. He knows where the Bolt is, and it's probably in safe hands by now.
Percy just smiled serenely, before snapping his fingers.
Zeus was suddenly aware of something flying straight towards him at blitzing speed. It tore through space, piercing through the door and flying towards him at light-speed. Just as it was about to strike him violently in the face, he snatched it out of the air. He scrutinized it, his eyes slowly widening in disbelief as he realized what it was.
"The Bolt? How?", he whispered in slight awe. The other gods weren't any different.
Hephaestus was amazed, for he had not expected such a feat from a demigod. Hell, he would be stupefied to see something like that from a god. Athena was speechless, but she was also coming up with a staggering number of possible explanations as to how the boy was able to do it.
Apollo and Hermes were grinning gleefully, more than awed by the display. Especially Hermes, who was able to see Percy move out of the Bolt's way as it tore through the door. Dionysus just sighed, already accustomed to such the boy shitting out bullshit hacks.
Hera was slightly astonished, though she regained her composure quickly. It wouldn't be proper to convey her awe so openly. She was very curious about her nephew now, and no doubt they'll all have answers soon. Demeter and Hestia felt the same, though Hestia was openly displaying her joy.
Aphrodite, no surprise, was eyeing the boy in interest. For a boy so young, he was already capable of performing feats she had no idea were possible. Certainly, it was possible to call a weapon towards you from great distances with magic. Thor was capable of doing this with Mjolnir, and other gods could too. But Zeus' Bolt contains so much volatile energy that any magic that reaches out towards it is violently rejected. Hermes learned this the hard way when he tried to whisk the Bolt away from Zeus as a prank. Only Zeus could call the Bolt to him, and he tried. But for some inexplicable reason, it wouldn't come. So, to see this youth do something Zeus can't, is very mind-boggling. Aphrodite scrutinized the boy, eyeing the boy up and down as if he were a frog in a dissection table.
'Interesting.', she thought to herself, unknowingly licking her lips.
Percy suddenly shivered in slight fear and unease, reminiscent of the time he accidentally walked into an alleyway filled with horny transgenders in Thailand. 'I feel like a shota in a doujin.', he thought to himself. He ought to be on guard for possible predators.
Ares masked his seething rage behind an expression of mild surprise. He knew immediately that the Big Man would be more than displeased with what just happened.
'Shit! I'm lucky the Big Man is still a bunch of mutilated limbs. I can still get the bolt back to that thief boy. I can't lose my cool now. Shit, could this day get any weirder?', Ares ranted to himself.
Suddenly, a scintillating light flared into existence in the center of the Throne Room. Artemis collapsed painfully into the pristine floor, staining it gold with her blood. She twitched and spasmed, her grotesque injures and horrific burns making movement immensely difficult.
She looked at all the dumbfounded gods (and Percy) through her fading vision.
"..elp…me.", she said unintelligibly before losing consciousness.
'Shit!', both Percy and Ares thought dreadfully.
For a while, there was nothing but demoralizing silence. The air of Mount Othrys, which was already unsettling to begin with, was made all the more blood-curdling due to the palpable sense of displeasure all the inhabitants can feel emanating from their ruler.
Atlas, as powerful as he was, could not help but shiver slightly at the fearsome ire he could feel from the apparition of his youngest brother. Kronos is still healing, but he's still a fierce entity with unparalleled power. Needless to say, it would be unwise to anger him.
Which was exactly what they did, though it was completely unintentional.
In no conceivable way would they have been able to predict the sudden disappearance of the Master Bolt, which was kept in a chest inscribed with arcane runes courtesy of Kronos himself. Though Atlas fears this fact probably won't calm the Titan King down.
"Can you imagine what it feels like? The object you strived hard to attain, suddenly taken away from your grasp?", Kronos intoned, his voice deceptively soothing and calm. His golden eyes, however, glowed bright with rage and malice.
"Do not worry, uncle. We will get it back. Rest assured.", Atlas vowed, clutching his javelin tightly to quell his rising fear.
Kronos' apparition tilted its head slightly, before chuckling in amusement. It was unsettling, the way he laughed, for it was indistinguishable from the laugh a sibling would let out after hearing of his brothers' nonsensical tales. It was almost familial, if it weren't for the sheer terror it invoked from Atlas.
"Oh, dear Atlas. You won't need to concern yourself with this anymore.", Kronos spoke, as his apparition slowly dissipated into the wind.
"I'll do it myself.", Kronos declared, his golden eyes shining brightly before he vanished completely into the ether.
Finished. I have to say, I was a bit unmotivated. Until i remembered Kronos was the main antagonist of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Needless to say, I'll have fun altering his character.
I plan to make his personality similar to that of All For One's (My Hero Academia).
Now that's a scary man.
EDIT: I honestly thought Atlas was Kronos' brother. Apologies, the Mythos gets convoluted after a while.
Anyway, see you guys soon.