Disclaimer: I do not, I repeat, do not own Percy Jackson.
Percy's POV
I could hear my heart beating as five figures stood in front of me. Zoe stood next to me and she held her head proudly even though her eyes betrayed her.
This would be the day we can finally enter the real world. We hadn't been up there for five years. All our time was spent training and learning new skills.
I was dressed in formal Greek armor that reflected the current state of the Heart. Over my shoulders in a back scabbard were my twin swords, Alpha and Omega, crossed over each other.
They were dual wield blades, meaning I would hold one in each hand when fighting. The best defense is offense. Since I used no shield, I had to create a new fighting style for myself.
I had made a very unique fighting style, every attack would be a slash and I frequently spun in circles to confuse my opponent and to slash at them with both blades, one after the other. And I would never stop moving or take a step back. I learned to always deflect a strike, never stop it directly.
Alpha was a three foot long sword with the blade made of Imperial gold with a hilt made of silver that had designs crafted into it that resembled a flowing river. Omega was the exact opposite, it was the same length but the blade was made of silver, which was also a perfect monster slaying weapon, and the hilt was made of gold with the same gilded designs.
I was the perfect warrior, powerful, brave, and determined.
Deadly
Zoe wore her white cloak gifted to her by the Fates, which I once jokingly called it the designer clothing that were Fated for her.
She stabbed me with riptide.
It's lucky I am immortal, because I had to reform at the Heart.
Speaking of riptide, it was in the form of a pure white pin that shown in the light. Her braided hair hung over her shoulder.
The five figures in front of us took a step forwards and I could see them easily. My mothers; Styx, Acheron, Lethe, Cocytus and Phlegethon.
Each of them had a serious and solemn expression except for Phlegethon who smiled widely.
I kneeled, after everything I have done, I would finally be able to test my skills in the real world.
Styx stepped forwards, "You have trained for five years, five long years to become the best you can possibly be," she said her eyes shining with pride, "And you have achieved it,"
Acheron took a step forward while Styx stepped back in line, "You have become the epitome of a hero; strong, brave and resourceful. And yet, you are kind, loyal and merciful to ones that deserve it. I am proud of you Percy," she said with a slight smile.
Finally, Lethe stepped out, looking as calm and collected as ever, as well as slightly confused. "With great honor, we… what were we talking about again?"
My mothers groaned as Zoe stifled a giggle.
"We are doing the formal ceremony where we release Percy to complete his duties," explained Styx for what must have been the hundredth time.
"Oh…I forgot how it goes,"
Phlegethon bounded forwards, trying to help, "We bestow the ability to venture among mortals and carry out the wills of the Rivers. Rise Perseus of the Rivers, Primordial of the Heart, stand before us as equals and as our champion," she finished. A faint glow spread from her arms and surrounded me. When the light faded, I knew it was my turn to induct a new ceremony.
I stood and faced Zoe, who in turned kneeled. I barely managed to stop myself from grimacing, I hate formalities.
I spoke the words I was forced to memorize by my mother Lethe, "I have taught you everything I know, every technique and skill I have ever learned or created. You have passed my goals and expectations and are now considered my equal. There is more for you to learn, but I cannot teach you, for you must learn it for yourself. You have spent many years training under me and now I release you from my teachings,"
She stood and looked at me seriously. Then she cracked a smile and I burst out laughing.
"Gods, I hate formalities," I said making my parents laugh.
The gates of Hades' palace opened slowly and menacingly as we walked through. My mothers decided to tell Hades about who I am and why there would be a new domain in the Underworld. I was supposed to be dead, so I was a little cautious on how Hades would react. The Furies glared at us from above the gates but did not attack.
I walked into the palace with confidence; I was a Primordial, who was actually going to attack me? Zoe, not so much, she kept a grip on her hairpin and looked for any possible threats. I didn't blame her, we were in unfamiliar territory.
"Wait, Zoe, lets scare Hades first," I suggested grinning manically. She sent me a scathing look at how I was acting but still pulled her hood over her face. I did the same.
We entered the throne room, and faced Hades who glowered at us next to Persephone's empty throne. We stood in front of him, neither bowing nor showing any sign of respect. Hades finally cracked, "Who are you, and why have you trespassed into my domain?" he bellowed angrily.
I gave a quick glance and nod to Zoe, "Hades, we bring news of the new god and domain that lies within the Underworld. I know that the Fates have told you about it and swore you to secrecy, but for you to know more, you must swear to never reveal the information I give you on the River Styx," said Zoe.
Hades looked thoughtful as he sat back in his throne, "How will I know you are telling the truth?" he finally said after a moment of thinking.
"I swear on the River Styx that everything we say is true," I finally spoke up. Hades turned his gaze to me before sighing, "Fine, I swear to keep the information I learn today a secret and to not tell anybody unless I have permission to do so,"
My aura flared when he said that, but Hades did not seem to notice.
"For starters, you have learned about the new domain, correct?" Hades nodded, "This domain is called the Heart of the Rivers, for it is the collection of the five rivers," Zoe said.
"Which five riv-that's impossible! They are never to meet, it goes against ancient laws!" Hades yelled out, furious that we were lying to him. We both glared at him until he realized that the Styx hadn't claimed our souls.
"Continue," he sighed after a moment of indecision.
"The five rivers created a new domain, which in turn created a new Primordial, now Hades, who was the last person to come in contact with all five rivers at once?" Zoe asked, trying to hide a smile that I saw clearly under her hood.
For a second, Hades expression was confused but it slowly changed into an expression of hope.
"Perseus?" he asked
I only grinned as I slung my hood back
"Hey Uncle,"
So this chapter was kind of rushed, but I'm trying to set up the storyline. I have a poll set up on but on wattpad, just comment,
Which story should I update next week, Son of the Rivers or The Beginning of All?
Tell me your answer!
This chapter is dedicated to NancySanda for making me two awesome covers!
-PixelUp
