The Ascension
Chapter X.
Author's Note- Here's the second part of the quest and the next chapter as promised. Thanks to all who reviewed. As always, I really appreciate it. Things are really starting to come together now as far as my plot is concerned. You'll get to meet an Asgardian in this chapter in prelude to the rest of that part of the story. Some of them like Thor for example, will soon be a regular part of the story. By the way, for the sake of time and in order to make the timeline more or less mesh up, Hyakinthos and Percy are now a year older than they were when they got to camp. Just pretend they had another whole year of schooling uninterrupted by the Divine World. I need to do this for a number of different reasons, the main one being the Tri-Wizard Tournament happening sooner. So instead of them entering Camp nearing or at 13, they were nearing 14. Just go with it. Thanks.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Well, I suppose I own Hyakinthos...wish I earned both him and Apollo:)-
Their arrival inside D.O.A. Recording Studio's brought little to no notice to them, even if Hyakinthos was the only one visible.
He looked around the crowded waiting room before quickly spotting Charon sitting behind a partition flipping through a magazine as if he hadn't a care in the world.
He stood there for a moment before clearing his throat.
Charon finally looked up.
"Yes?" The ancient deity asked.
"I'd like to go to the Underworld please." Hyakinthos told him.
"How did you die?" Charon asked.
"I didn't" Hyakinthos replied.
"That's too bad. Die, and come back." Charon said in a deadly bored tone. (horrible pun i know)
"I'm a god. I won't be dying any time soon." Hyakinthos said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"A new minor god huh. Well, you have to be invited. Surely, someone already told you the rules." Charon said condescendingly.
Hyakinthos let the restraints off his power and watched amused as Charon's eyes were blown wide open as Hyakinthos' divine power flooded the room; proving he was in the presence of an Elder God. He then reached in to his back pack and unzipped it a bit so Charon could see what was in it.
The older deity's eyes widened even further.
"Obviously, I didn't steal it, as it is impossible. I do assume however, that he'd like it back?" He asked him rhetorically.
Charon wasted no time in hurrying Hyakinthos through the office and to his boat; displacing many souls in the process. Apollo was forced to bump in to many of them, but luckily Charon was so intent in getting him to the boat he didn't notice.
They were soon off cruising down the highly polluted River Styx. Hyakinthos smoothly arranged a spot for Apollo unnoticed by Charon. The reason he was hiding was of course due to the law about one god entering another's domain without an invitation. Technically, as the Underworld was part of...or rather inside Hyakinthos' domain, and a Divine Mate was allowed anywhere their mate was- it was actually legal. But, that would have taken too much time arguing.
Hyakinthos was surprised by how fast they arrived.
He was also sure this was one place he had no interest in ever visiting often. It most assuredly gave him the creeps. He could certainly understand and sympathize with Persephone.
Actually, this gave him a degree of sympathy for Hades himself. Being forced to live here would make anybody bitter. He doubted even Hestia would enjoy it down here, and she could feel at home literally anywhere!
Charon eventually brought the boat to a halt and pointed out where he needed to go, even if the palace was more than obvious. Hyakinthos waited as his mate got off the boat by reaching into his back pack and pulling out a handful of gold drachma and handed them to a thankful Charon- better to have even the minor deities have a good opinion of you if possible, was Hyakinthos' opinion.
Together, Hyakinthos and Apollo bypassed most of the traffic of souls going this direction and that, and headed down a path that led them through Persephone's Garden. It was quite beautiful. They had not even had to slow down at Cerberus as Apollo had enchanted a harp to play for the giant three-headed dog before they even got close.
They easily made their way through and entered the palace; the skeleton soldiers not paying them any mind. It was at this point that Apollo removed the cloak. He was looking around with a fair amount of curiosity as this was his first time visiting Hades realm. Hyakinthos did not doubt that for an instant. This was not exactly a place the Sun God would remotely care for.
They could already sense Hades' presence. Apparently he was going for dramatic effect as he had the full might of his powers unfurled. Well, they didn't wish him to feel left out; so they both removed all the barriers they had on anyone sensing what they were truly capable of. Even Apollo let out his full strength as the Heir of Ouranos and Sky God out. Hyakinthos actually felt much better about being down there when his powers as Gaea's heir were unleashed. It was almost as if the Underworld itself was recognizing him as it's Overlord.
With their full powers out they could also sense the full measure of Kronos' fury at his latest plan's being thwarted; all the while they even trapped a small part of him inside Ares in order to make his most hated son believe what they told him.
'How had Hades not sensed him?' Hyakinthos wondered silently to himself.
They passed through a final pair of double doors and entered the throne room. Hades was sitting on his throne (Persephone was with her mother at this time of year); a look intense dislike on display, but their was also a fair amount of reserve. He looked utterly shocked at Apollo's presence (and power), but he did not comment on it as of yet.
Apollo let Hyakinthos take the lead on this as he knew it was important to his love, no matter how angry he had previously been with the Lord of the Underworld.
Hyakinthos headed fairly close to Hades' throne; far closer than most would ever dare approach him. He gave him a full bow of respect as an elder deity, while also making sure his own massive powers were on full display. Hestia had long prepared him as best she could for a face-to-face meeting with his eldest brother.
"Lord Hades, I am your brother; Hyakinthos Thorson. My Divine Mate and I have brought something for you that somebody saw fit to remove that should not have been." Hyakinthos said in a respectful, yet stern tone of voice.
"And what might that be Pretender?" Hades asked him lightly; though they both saw the way he tensed when they mentioned missing property.
"Pretender! How exactly am I a pretender in any fashion?" Hyakinthos asked him incredulously.
"I name you pretender, because you claim to be my brother. As you can see...there's not much in the way of a familial resemblance. Also, considering the fact that my father is entombed not very far from here, and hence not exactly able to be out and about, and I hardly see my mother..."
"That is exactly where you are wrong. On both counts in fact." Hyakinthos interrupted.
"Explain." Hades demanded as he sensed this boy (who he had absolutely no idea how he acquired such huge amounts of power) was telling the truth.
He could sense the same distinct aura around him that he could sense around his siblings, even if it was also decidedly different.
"It would be better if I showed you." Hyakinthos replied as he sent out a probe telling the powerful god to look in his eye's and see the truth for himself with his memories.
Hades barely nodded in acquiescence before Hyakinthos was enveloped in a sense of fear and hopelessness. It was a truly awful feeling that was akin to Dementors.
He would not be subjected to that indignity!
"Enough!" Hyakinthos barked out; as he flooded the both of their minds with the flames of the hearth; warming and obliterating all traces of such an awful feeling.
He had been expecting that tactic however. His mum had made sure he knew how to dispel it without problem.
Apollo was at his mate's side in a instant; power flared and ready to burn Hades where he sat if necessary. However, the brother's maintained eye contact.
Hades took this boy far more seriously when he felt the distinct magic of his most beloved sister. He had to be somehow closely connected to Hestia to be able to do that. Only she had ever been able to rid herself of that little power of his that fast. Of course he was one of the few who had at least some idea of what she was really capable of too.
So, Hades let the boy show him what he intended. He sat their watching and found himself astonished. He saw his mother as a mortal. The boy was both his mother and Hestia's son! He saw his mother's mortal life cut far too short, then Hestia took the boy. He wasn't really a mortal at all because his father had unknowingly been Thor Odinson, Asgardian God of Thunder! Hestia, and later his mother as well, raised the boy in secret on Ogygia.
Oh, he just adored the irony of her hiding this boy from Zeus! It was precious.
He saw the bonds the boy had with various gods including his brother Poseidon and even his sister Hera! She didn't even like some of her own children. He saw some of the boy's training. He saw this was not his first life. He was also the ancient Prince Hyakinthos of Sparta. Sunshine was his Divine Mate. He was Gaea's heir (though he also could see how hard she was fighting the pull- not that it would help) and Apollo was Ouranos' heir.
Zeus must be having an absolute fit!
He saw the bond he had with the Lightning Thief Percy Jackson...except...he wasn't...was he? No, that had been a son of Hermes under Kronos' influence. Ares had even been partially controlled by the Titan! Now, that was truly frightening. The boy did not know who had taken his Helm, except that Ares had had it too. The boy had brought it back personally rather than entrust it to someone else, for the simple reason that Hades was his older brother. Apparently, the boy was far more like their mother and Hestia where family was concerned; it meant a great deal to him.
He saw Apollo's memory of his claiming, and Zeus' totally expected reaction. Which then led to their mother threatening to put him in the same box as Kronos if he dared attack the boy. His mother revealed her full power to Zeus; the most powerful child of Gaea and Ouranos forced him to back down and listen. She informed Zeus that her youngest son would soon be on the Olympian Council in his own right as an elder god whether he liked it or not!
Hades saw the plans that this young boy had in place to reform the power structure of Olympus. Zeus would no longer be able to decree anything without the Council's approval. Everyone would vote; including Hades himself! The boy thought it only right that the eldest child of Kronos and Rhea had both a cabin at Camp Half-Blood as well as a permanent Olympian Council seat and vote. He then heard that prophecy. Well, he could easily imagine a number of rather powerful deities would not be happy with the powers this boy and Sunshine held together. Gaea, Kronos, and Zeus being at the top of the list.
If that prophecy was right however, they would still lose, as you couldn't beat the combined powers of these two boys; to say nothing of their allies. This boy may not realize it, but Hades could tell that Poseidon would do anything for the boy he had helped to raise and so obviously loved like a son. The boy did not give a damn who called themselves 'King' of Olympus; he only cared that the tradition of a divine dictatorship was ended.
Surprisingly, even though Hades had sent the Fury and the hellhound after his best friend, he still despised Zeus far more than he ever would Hades. He firmly believed Zeus was leading them all to ruin; especially where demi-god's were concerned. Hmmm...perhaps Bianca and Nico need not stay hidden any longer. Yes, change was indeed upon them. It was coming quickly, too. He pulled out of the boy's mind then. As he looked at Hyakinthos and Apollo, he noted they certainly did make a most striking couple. His youngest new brother could give Aphrodite a run for her money in beauty.
Hyakinthos had reached back into his back-pack and taken out the Helm of Darkness. He then held it out for Hades to take.
Hades did not waste a second, and was very much relieved to have his strongest weapon back in his possession. He supposed he'd have to thank the boy; he really didn't do that very well.
"I thank you for seeing that this was returned to where it rightfully belonged...Brother." Hades told the much younger deity.
Hyakinthos smiled brightly at him; entirely out of place given their environment. However, his presence could light up even the darkest of hearts.
"It was not a problem. I do not wish for there to be any enmity between me and any of my family if it is at all avoidable. I realize now that you believed Percy had taken your Symbol of Power as well, and given the circumstances, I can now understand why. Someone wanted both you and Zeus at War with Psi. A three-way conflict such as that would be cataclysmic. From my memories, were you able to sense the same evil as Apollo and I?" Hyakinthos asked.
Hades had a troubled look on his face at that question. Indeed, he had detected it. It was unmistakable.
"Yes, how He has managed to regain such strength, I have no idea. However it is undeniable that he has. I will have more guards posted at the entrance to Tartarus, but however he's gaining power, it's not likely in any physical way." Hades said thoughtfully.
"I believe Uncle, that he is using demi-god's to gain power. My Father's rule has left so many of them disaffected that it is not overly surprising some of them would turn on Olympus. I believe he gains strength from each one that turns. We know he has been very active in influencing and communicating with them in their dreams; he even tried it on us until he realized what we really were. There is little to nothing anyone can do about that. Hopefully, he will not gain enough support to manage to reconstitute himself." Apollo told his eldest uncle.
Hades looked as if he had almost forgotten Apollo was there.
"Yes, I can see how that is possible. It is actually quite similar to how we initially gained power over the Titan's (well, besides Mother's help of course)- the mortal's belief enhanced and augmented our strength and powers. It could be used in a like manner for him I would imagine; especially as the power of a demi-god would be a quite large boost for every one of them he turned." Hades explained.
Hades turned back to his youngest brother; studying him intently
Hyakinthos let him examine him, and he could tell when he seemed to find whatever it was he had been looking for.
"The two of you have great power combined. I am not blind to the realities of our world. Between yourselves and your allies, you have the backing needed to implement great change. What you showed me that you and your mate, as well as your allies, wish to see accomplished is perhaps not what I would have liked to see happen most to my 'Dear' next to youngest brother; but it is still far more preferable to the current regime. Your idea's are logical and possibly the best solution to many of the problems Olympus faces. It is something I could live with. The mere fact that our Mother has taken a stand in your favor for the first time in a great many millennia alone, is more of a testament than you perhaps realize. It has been her silent backing of Zeus that has kept many of the divine silent over the eons. Especially, the surviving Titans and Protogenoi. If you will swear me an oath, I will lend my not inconsiderable might to that of you and your allies should the need arise." Hades told his brother; their eyes not glancing away from the other for even a second.
Hyakinthos silently thought over what his eldest brother could possibly wish him to swear to that he would be remotely willing to do.
"What oath would you have me swear, Brother?" Hyakinthos asked cautiously as he felt Apollo tense beside him at the mention of an oath.
"In the 1940's, Zeus struck down a woman I cared a great deal about by the name of Maria Di Angelo. I have two children by her that are currently hidden away. They have not aged since that time. The girl is twelve and the boy is ten. They were born before the Pact, but that made no difference to him. It is for that reason that I hunted his daughter down as fiercely as I did years later." Hades told the pair of very surprised mates.
"They cannot remain in hiding forever. With the discovery of Poseidon's son out in the open, now is as good a time as any. I will give you and your allies my support, if you swear to do all in your power to see to their safety. I'm not asking you to swear that they will be safe no matter what, because no one can do that. I just ask that you swear to do all in your own obviously not-inconsiderable power to look after them and their safety." Hades told his stunned younger brother.
Of course Hyakinthos did not even have to think about it before he responded; much to Apollo's chagrin (he thought he should be more careful).
"I have absolutely no problem with that, Brother. What are their names?" Hyakinthos asked so he knew how to word the oath.
Hades seemed somewhat surprised that he did not even appear to have needed to think about it.
'Yes, this boy was far more like their mother and his oldest sister.' Hades thought.
"Bianca and Nico Di Angelo are the children's names." Hades told him.
"Alright. I swear on the River Styx that I shall do all in my power to watch after, care for, protect, and if necessary defend Nico and Bianca Di Angelo; my brother's children- to the best of my abilities." Hyakinthos swore; actually swearing to do more than had been asked of him.
The rumble of the earth in the Underworld confirmed that his oath had been given and sealed on the River Styx.
While still managing to stay looking entirely disagreeable; Apollo later told him that was the closest he had ever come to seeing Hades actually smile.
Both Apollo and Hyakinthos were stunned that the Lord of the Underworld replied with a vow of his own to live up to his own promises.
"In that case, I swear on the River Styx to be a faithful ally and lend aid when necessary to my brother; Hyakinthos Thorson." Hades swore.
Hyakinthos just gave his eldest brother a huge smile in return.
He then walked directly towards the Lord of the Dead and unceremoniously grabbed Hades' hand which he proceeded to shake and Apollo was almost sure he may have actually scared Hades when Hyakinthos just reached over and gave the Dread Lord a one-armed brotherly hug- still just grinning brightly.
Hades seemed too stunned to react as Hyakinthos just finished by giving him a pat on the back and stepping back to his place beside his mate.
"Well, you just let me know whenever you want to bring my young niece and nephew to Camp, and if you'd like me to go get them. I don't mind that, and I'm looking forward to meeting them. Like I swore; I'll do my absolute best to make sure they are both happy and safe. It was nice to meet you, Brother. Now, Pol and I need to get back before those drugs I gave Ares let him re-gain consciousness. We've gotta go bring that damned Bolt to Olympus so that over-grown brat will cease his tantrum." Hyakinthos told a still dumb-founded Hades; while he wrapped his arm around Apollo's shoulder (who also seemed more than a bit stunned).
With a final smile and nod of his head to the Lord of the Dead, Hyakinthos waved goodbye to the still stupefied Elder god and proceeded to use his divine powers to return both himself and Apollo to the garage in Malibu he had left their friends in.
They were back in an instant.
Luckily, his time dilation field seemed to still be working as Ares was still out cold. Though he was mildly curious as to why he was smoking slightly from various parts.
It might have had something to do with the gleeful smile adorning Percy's face.
Hyakinthos felt it best not to ask.
Apollo was looking at his mate still with just a touch of incredulity.
"What?" Hyakinthos asked innocently?
"What? I still can hardly believe you actually just walked up and hugged Hades of all the god's! He probably hasn't had someone try to do that in millennia." Apollo told him; though honestly it really was entirely in character for his beloved.
"He hugged Hades?" Both Luke and Percy asked at the same time incredulously.
"Well...all more reason. Besides, he's family; even if he is creepy as hell." Was Hyakinthos' only reply; while mumbling the last part.
"Now, don't you think we should get this back to Olympus. I know we're way ahead of schedule, and this hasn't exactly been the most dangerous quest...more like a very short shopping trip really. Anyhow, I do not think Luke should go up there with us. I mean if Zeus get's zap-happy we'd all be alright; him on the other hand...not so much." Hyakinthos said as he thought of their friend's vulnerability as well as the chance of anybody discovering Luke had acted willingly in the beginning.
Since he had sworn himself to Hyakinthos now, he did not want Zeus taking his anger out on the only real mortal amongst them.
He projected what he meant in Apollo and Percy's mind both. Percy nodded subtly in agreement.
"Your probably right. He doesn't need to be anywhere near my father when we hand the Bolt over." Apollo agreed.
"Are you cool with that?" Hyakinthos asked Luke.
Apparently he was very much cool with it as it looked as if a massive weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
Luke had been positively terrified of going to Olympus; rightfully so really. There was only so much they could do to protect the lone mortal amongst them if Zeus got it in mind to smite him.
"Yeah bud; I'm more than okay with that." Luke told him with a slight grin; now far more at ease.
"Alright then. We'll drop you off at Camp, then go to Olympus. Mom already sent me a message earlier. She and Psi will meet us at the palace entrance. Apparently she wants me to attend in godly form. At least this will prove that Percy's ascending and can now meet with his father whenever they want to. The restrictions no longer apply." Hyakinthos said with a chuckle; imagining Zeus would not like it very much- not that he could do anything about it.
Apollo had a smirk on his face.
"Father will be...delighted!" Apollo said with a mischievous smirk on his full red lips.
"Okay Kinthos. You take Percy with you to Olympus and wait for me. I'll drop Luke off at Camp and be right there." Apollo told his mate.
"What about the douche?" Percy asked; referring to the unconscious God of War they had all but forgotten about.
Apollo rolled his eyes.
"Forgot about that prick." Apollo mumbled.
"I'll handle him. Don't worry about it." Apollo told Hyakinthos and Percy.
"Alright, don't keep me waiting long. I'm ready to get this over with and get back." Hyakinthos told Apollo with a wink and a wiggle of his golden brows.
Apollo gave him a heated look before watching as his mate and Percy disappeared in a golden light to Olympus.
"Let's get this over with...got...plans...for later." Apollo muttered as he placed his hands on both Luke and Ares and disappeared with a second flash of golden light.
Hyakinthos and Percy arrived in a swath of golden light on the steps of a beautiful large white marble palace that overlooked the fabled city of the god's; Olympus. Even though he had never been there before, he was able to bring them there thanks to both his status as an Elder God as well as simply focusing on his mom's location. Rhea projected the image he was now looking out over into his mind to ensure they arrived at the right destination.
Both Hyakinthos and Percy were awed by the beauty and majesty of the city. There were many and various palaces spread throughout the city. While it may be "Mt. Olympus," the city looked to be made up of various different hills with markets and palaces and homes of all shapes and sizes dotting the landscape. All the different structures were of various Greek designs and most looked to be made of marble or granite. They could see cobbled streets that appeared to be made of gold intertwining throughout the city. All types of magical beings from driads to what he thought were minor gods looked to be going about their day shopping, and gossiping, and selling wares all over the place. It was truly a most memorable sight.
"Wow," Percy and Hyakinthos said at the same time.
"Enjoying the view?" A most recognizable voice called from behind them.
They both turned around and spied Rhea and Poseidon standing there underneath the main palace's marble portico.
They smiled and each boy went and hugged the Titan Queen; who returned their embrace with a smile.
"Percy, their is someone I'd like you to meet," Rhea told her grandson with a smile.
"This is Poseidon, your father." Rhea introduced the father and son.
"Hello my son. You have made me so very proud of you these past years." Poseidon told his son.
"Hello Dad." Percy said; somewhat in awe of meeting his father for the first time he could remember.
Percy didn't see his brother motion to Poseidon with his eyes in a 'do it already' gesture, but he sure felt it when his dad came up to him and hugged him.
Percy was so very happy in that moment. His was finally getting to meet his dad, and he would now get the chance to really know him.
Both Hyakinthos and Rhea were just beaming at the two.
The father and son pulled apart and Poseidon examined his son intently as his smile widened even further.
"You really are ascending! This is wonderful. I shall be able to visit you as often as I am able now, and their is nothing my brother can say against it." Poseidon told Percy
It had just all become so very much real for Percy in that moment.
Poseidon meanwhile had noticed something about his son. While he thought it likely he would have begun to ascend on his own at a later date, he could easily sense his baby brother's powers at work on Percy. It had been Hyakinthos that had made his son immortal; or at least forced his body to begin to ascend far ahead of schedule. This was the proof they had been looking for. Nobody but Gaea had ever been able to do what his little brother had recently done. Poseidon thought it likely that in time, Hyakinthos would be able to turn even regular demi-god's into full-fledged and possibly powerful gods all by himself. That was a truly staggering thought.
Hyakinthos could tell when Poseidon realized it had been his powers that placed Percy on the path of turning into an immortal god. So he was not overly surprised when he heard a quiet whisper in his mind from his older brother.
"Thank you, Little One." Poseidon's voice echoed in his mind.
Hyakinthos just smiled up at the god who was by far his favorite male relative and some-time role-model.
"He's my brother." Hyakinthos replied mentally to Poseidon, as if that just explained it all.
Poseidon supposed, for his baby brother, that it did.
Apollo chose that moment to appear beside them; a floating and still unconscious Ares beside him.
They all moved further into an out of the way area so the extremely bizarre sight would be less conspicuous.
Rhea's eyes were wide, and Poseidon had them all laughing when he said, "It's a good look for him."
Referring to a chained-up unconscious Ares.
"How exactly did this come about?" Rhea inquired.
"Both of you use your powers and see what you make of the other presence sectioned off in Ares' mind." Apollo told them.
They looked at him oddly for a moment, but complied with the strange request nevertheless.
They could tell the moment the elder deities realized what it was as Rhea actually hissed in revulsion like a cat; or one of her lions. Poseidon let out a growl-like noise; the very ground they were standing on rumbled in response to the Earth-Shaker's anger.
"HIM!" Rhea spat.
"How in Hades does he have the strength to do that? It should not be possible!" Rhea stated emphatically.
"Indeed it should not be." Poseidon rumbled in his deep voice.
Hyakinthos and Apollo looked at one another before they nodded their heads in concurrence. Apollo let his mate address his mother and brother.
"He is entering the minds of the demi-god's. He is finding the one's that are the most displeased and unhappy- and they have good reason to be, it cannot be denied; and turning them. We don't know who all he has reached. There is no real way to know that. However, it is our opinion that in the same way the god's grew stronger and gained more power from mortal belief; the Time Lord is doing the same with the demi-god's he sways to his cause. It is the only way that is remotely plausible. Hades agrees with us as well." Hyakinthos told them.
That certainly threw them off balance.
"Hades? When did you meet him?" Poseidon asked him.
"It'll be better if I just show you." Hyakinthos said; as he projected finding Hades' Helm of Darkness along with the Masterbolt and the resulting trip to the Underworld. He showed them both how his meeting with his eldest brother went, and the rather surprising agreement they came together with.
To say the elder deities were stunned was understatement of massive proportions. The thought had never even crossed their minds that Hyakinthos would be able to work his charm and get the surly Lord of the Underworld on their side. That he managed to gain Hades as a sworn ally left his mother and brother momentarily speechless.
"Yes, I was just as stunned as you both are. Of course knowing Kinthos; I probably shouldn't have been. He really can warm even the coldest of hearts" Apollo said with a loving look at his astonishing and beloved mate.
Hyakinthos just turned a bit red, causing Percy to snicker at him, while Apollo just wrapped his arms around his mate.
Rhea looked at her beloved youngest son with a fond look.
"Indeed, he is something special." She said; causing him to turn further red in embarrassment and his best friend to snicker more at his plight.
"Getting back to the matter at hand..." Hyakinthos said to rid himself of his embarrassment.
"Yes, I definitely agree with you both. That has to be how he is managing it. It is most disconcerting as their is little that can be done about it. You're also right in that it is entirely of our own making. He would never have a chance in Hades of pulling that off without the large and reasonable discontent of so very many of the demi-god's." Poseidon said.
"Indeed, I can see how that would work. We must find a way to stop it. Those laws must be overturned." Rhea agreed emphatically.
"You know he'll never acknowledge or even agree to it. When have you ever known my father to admit he made a mistake about anything." Apollo said truthfully.
Rhea got a flinty look in her eyes.
"He will be made to see sense soon, or we will issue the orders ourselves. I will not allow him to be the cause of that bastard coming back. He has haunted my life more than enough!" Rhea said heatedly.
"Agreed, Mother. If he does not listen, we will simply tell the other gods what the problem is and to do what they must to ensure their children do not fall prey to Father whether Zeus likes it or not. He cannot force all of us who would be in support of this to do anything. Between all of us and Hyakinthos and Sunshine there, he would be hopelessly out-matched." Poseidon said.
It was looking like the time was approaching to make some changes regardless of whether or not the King of Olympus approved of them.
"Who else is here?" Apollo asked the two elder deities as to whom would be present for this meeting.
"Hera and Hestia are both present. As is Athena. Dionysus is here for some reason; most likely to complain about the three of you- yet again. Aphrodite is also in attendance. She visited me earlier and informed me she was more than happy to lend the two of you her support when necessary; so she came with me. Of course you seem to have brought an extra member with you." Rhea informed them as she glanced to the still floating Ares.
She never had like that brat.
"Well, let's not keep them waiting." Hyakinthos said.
The assembled group moved in to the massive entrance hall of the palace. Poseidon assumed his large godly form as did Rhea. Her divine form as a Titan was considerably larger than the Olympian Gods. Hyakinthos readied himself, and turned in to his larger true divine form that he had rarely attempted. He was surprised at the result; as was everyone else. This was the first time since he began to ascend he had attempted it. He had always been the same relative size as an Olympian god; if you took his age in to consideration. Now, he was considerably taller. He was actually closer to his mother's Titanic height; being several feet taller than Poseidon. He had not even finished growing yet, either.
Apollo assumed his divine form, and was shocked as well to find himself the exact same height as his mate. For some reason, their forms were made to be completely equal. He also now found it impossible to completely shield all of his power in this form. He was able to ensure some of it remained cloaked, but the increase was unmistakable. The powers of the heirs of Gaea and Ouranos were more than evident. There was no question in this form that the two were the inheritors of the ancient Protogenoi.
"Well, this is new." Hyakinthos said; referring to both Apollo's size as well as his own.
Rhea and Poseidon both looked as if Christmas had come early.
"Indeed. Their is no hiding your status now. The powers of my mother and father within you both are unmistakable. Even if I can tell you both are still holding some of it cloaked." Rhea told them.
Poseidon was just smiling widely. He knew how supremely discomfited this would make Zeus. Zeus and Poseidon had rather similar power levels. Zeus always had his on full display. They may not be able to access all of it yet, but there was no mistaking that his baby brother and Apollo were now powerhouses.
"Oh well, he already suspected anyway with my little air show during Kinthos' claiming in the Council." Apollo said in a blasé tone; as if it was no big deal.
"Wow." Percy muttered; getting his first real look at the god's true sizes.
He let out a sound like an 'Eep' when his best friend suddenly grabbed him gently around the middle and plucked him right off the ground. He then proceeded to perch Percy on his shoulder like a human-shaped parrot!
"Just hold on to me." He told him with a grin.
His strength was such in this form that Percy's weight didn't bother him in the slightest.
Rhea just rolled her eyes at the two.
"Alright brats, come on. Let's go see the biggest brat of them all." She said as she led them through the doors and halls.
Soon enough they came upon the throne room where the Olympian Council met.
Inside, they spied numerous other large-formed beings.
Hyakinthos quickly found his Mum, Hestia. She was almost instantly by their side as she pulled him into a tight hug; careful not to dislodge Percy- she seemed very amused about his placement.
"Hello boy's. Oh, I've missed you these past weeks, Little One." Hestia told him as she laid a hand on his unoccupied shoulder.
Hestia put her other arm on a surprised Apollo before stepping back and examining the two.
"My, but don't you two make a fine looking pair." Hestia told them with a smile.
Hyakinthos blushed a bit, while Apollo just bestowed upon her a mega-watt smile.
"I know right!" He said; his still slightly vain self full of good cheer at the compliment.
This just had Hyakinthos, Percy, Poseidon, and Rhea rolling their collective eyes.
"Sunshine's always so humble." Poseidon said drolly.
"Well, she is right. They do look most scrumptious." Aphrodite said as she joined them; an almost hungry look in her eyes that nearly caused the two boys to take a step back. She looked like she just might eat them!
Hera and Athena had also made their presence known.
Athena looked positively shocked. The power levels she was sensing were truly staggering. She had had no idea Apollo was this strong. She knew he was an extremely strong god; everyone did. His demeanor and laid back attitude however, generally made one forget they were around a deity who seemed to be just under the Big Three in terms of power; at least previously. That he had a Divine Mate that was just as powerful, was almost as hard to grasp as the thought of Apollo (of all the god's) having a single mate at all!
However the way she saw Hera interacting with Apollo's mate was downright scary.
"Little Brother," Hera said as she came up to her by far youngest sibling and gave him a hug; much to the utter stupefaction of those that did not know of the relationship the two shared.
"Hello, Big Sis. You look beautiful as always. I'd like you to meet my new blood-brother; Percy Jackson- son of Poseidon. Of course you already know my Mate." Hyakinthos introduced them to Hera with a wide smile.
Though she did look like she would perhaps rather do just about anything else; for her baby brother she managed to put aside her...distaste...of demi-god's.
"Queen Hera; it's an honor to meet you." Percy said as he gave the Queen of Olympus as much of a bow as he was able from Hyakinthos' shoulder. (Of course it did not hurt that his brother had mentally told him exactly what to say.)
She actually nodded her head to the respectful young demi-god.
'At least this one has manner's.' Hera thought; before something caught her eye.
"By the god's! Your boy's ascending! At such an early age at that." Hera said to Poseidon in particular.
Hyakinthos projected into Hera's mind what he and Apollo both thought happened to Sally and her father and just who he was.
Hera's eyes snapped to her little brother's.
"Typical. Yes, I can very easily see that as well." Hera said to Hyakinthos; before she began to grin.
"He's just going to loooove this. I can't wait." Hera told him; referring to Zeus before she turned back to look at Percy once more.
"Well, I suppose welcome to the family. It looks as if you shall be around for quite some time indeed." Hera told Percy; as she could sense he would end up being a rather powerful member of their family.
Hyakinthos sent out his reply to Percy again.
"I thank you for the honor and welcome My Queen." Percy told her with the most charming smile he could manage.
Seeing her mother standing there with a light smirk on her lips, Hera smiled.
"Smooth, Jackson. I can definitely tell you've been around my little brother a great deal." Hera said.
She was met with a pair of matching smirks. She just rolled her eye's at the two.
She would have been pleasant enough in any case; as she knew her mother had all but adopted the boy.
"Now, could someone please explain why my son is trussed up like a holiday turkey?" Hera asked of no one in particular.
Though it was interesting to note that she did not seem particularly bothered by her son's current state.
They all looked at one another, before Rhea decided to field the answer.
"Look in to my eye's Darling. I'll show you what the boy's found out." Rhea told her daughter as Hera turned to look her mother in the eyes.
It was readily apparent when she had seen and realized exactly what had happened.
Hera looked well and truly shaken; and it took a great deal to disturb her as she was normally rather unflappable.
"Father." Hera whispered; shaken and somewhat frightened of what she had seen.
"What?" Athena asked; joining the group as she tried to analyze this very strange assortment of allies yet again.
They all looked at one another. Athena was a rather unknown quantity. She had been part of the rebellion Hera and Poseidon led millennia ago to overthrow Zeus. However, she had been quite careful in all dealings since with her father, and had at least given the appearance of being a pillar of support.
"Well, I hardly think it is anything that should be kept remotely secret. The more who know, the more who will understand the danger." Hyakinthos stated with certainty.
"Also, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance My Lady." Hyakinthos told Athena as he gave her a slight bow (careful not to dislodge Percy), and bestowed a light kiss to her hand.
She returned the gesture with a slight curve of her lips; finding the young god rather charming.
"If you wish it, I shall show you My Lady of Wisdom." He told her.
She nodded her head and looked into Hyakinthos' eyes as he showed her what she wished to know, as well as several other things for the goddess to ponder upon. By the time they were done, she too was thoroughly disconcerted. Especially as she glanced at Ares.
"I counseled him against that. I warned him of the likely repercussions." Athena said quietly; still very disturbed by what she had seen.
"It cannot continue. I will not allow it to continue. That demon will never be allowed the chance to get anywhere near my mother ever again; no matter what." Hyakinthos said quietly; but the power in his voice was unmistakable.
Athena looked up and she could feel the truly massive amounts of earth-shattering power radiating from Hyakinthos, Apollo, and Queen Rhea.
"My Little Brother has the right of it. We will never allow that beast the chance wreak his havoc again." Queen Hera stated with certainty; her own powers rising as well as the staggering amount of power being emitted from Hestia.
"Even I will take a stand this time if I must. Father will not be allowed to torment my family again." Hestia decreed.
Athena was faced with more than a bit of a conundrum. She was not blind, and they were not exactly being subtle. Of course seeing as Kronos had had the power to influence an Olympian god (even if it was one of the weaker one's), perhaps they were right and the time for subtly had passed. She was well aware of what her Father's likely reaction to this news would be. She doubted he'd do anything about it. However, the power wielded merely by those in this room alone was by far more than enough to topple him from power if necessary; and from the looks of it, she did not think they would overly hesitate to use force.
It was around that point, as Athena was contemplating what the risks of siding with the faction that she knew to be right were, when Dionysus entered the room.
At first, he looked supremely apprehensive about getting anywhere near Hyakinthos, Apollo, or Rhea- as he rightly should. Apparently however, being where they were allowed him an extra dose of courage; or perhaps it was just plain stupidity.
"Well, well, well; look who decided to show up. You are very brave, or perhaps just very stupid; to actually show you faces here." Dionysus said; his face contorting into a mask a hatred.
"Be silent." Hyakinthos hissed at the low-powered idiot.
"Your insolence has gone on for quite enough! I am an Olympian Council Member! Watch what you say, Little Boy! I am an god." Dionysus said; digging his grave further.
Hyakinthos sent out a mental image of what to do to the interloper. He could not completely do it without help yet, but one day he would be able to.
Dionysus stopped in his tracks when he saw the smirks on Queens Rhea and Hera, Poseidon, Apollo, and Hyakinthos' faces.
Hyakinthos narrowed his eyes as he focused his powers on the little god. Using the power being channeled from both his mother and his mate, he began to give Dionysus the fright of his immortal life.
Dionysus had no idea what was happening except that he felt himself growing weaker by the second. He found he could not breath (a stage effect from Apollo really). It was as if his entire self was being rendered...un-done. He started to panic when he saw parts of himself begin to flicker; parts of his body phasing in and out of time and space. He realized then how truly mistaken he had been. He really should have kept his mouth shut. This boy was somehow reversing his immortality! His very essence felt as if it was being removed entirely.
All of a sudden...it stopped. He could feel himself being re-anchored to his immortal life. However, he was left greatly weakened. His breathing had returned to normal, and his body was completely whole again; yet he had never felt this exhausted since he became a god.
"Cross me again, and I will remove you from existence. You were not born divine like the rest of us. What was given, can just as easily be taken away. You are nothing and have no right to even dare to speak without permission in our presence. I do not suffer fools lightly, Dionysus; and you have reached my limit of tolerance. Be gone." Hyakinthos told the former demi-god quietly and without preamble.
The shorter god fled the room as if the hounds of Hades were chasing him.
"Very good, Little Brother. I am quite impressed. The very nerve of that little upstart. He just does not know how to behave around his betters." Hera complimented her baby brother with a wide smile for such a fine job well done indeed in her opinion.
Even Hestia smirked a little at that.
Zeus decided to use that moment to enter the throne room.
They all turned to look at him as he walked in.
"What the devil was wrong with Dionysus? He looked as if Hades had set his dog's on him yet again." Zeus asked as he looked around the room; more than a little surprised to see whom was there.
His eyes narrowed slightly when he saw Hyakinthos and Apollo standing there. Well, that answered the question of what happened to Dionysus most like. Was that Poseidon's son on the boy's shoulder? Great Gaea! The power those two were giving off. He'd never felt so much power in all his immortal life. He knew then that what he had feared had indeed come to pass. There was no doubting it now. The boy was Gaea's successor, just as Apollo was...somehow...Ouranos' heir. Apparently they were unable to fully mask their powers in true divine form. Apollo's form was even taller, and he could sense that it was not Apollo's doing. They could all make their forms larger if they truly wished to. This just seemed to be his apparently new natural size.
"Ah, My Son; you have arrived." Rhea stated briskly.
Of course she'd be here too. Couldn't have her precious new baby face him alone.
"First of all, allow me to introduce to you your younger brother; Hyakinthos. Hyakinthos, this is your older brother Zeus. Hopefully, this will be a more peaceful introduction." Rhea said; introducing the two as well as keeping her eye's narrowed on Zeus.
She looked as if she were just daring him to try something.
Hyakinthos had no wish for conflict if it was at all avoidable; however unlikely the reality. It was with that in mind that he tried to be as pleasant as possible. No one would be able to find any fault from him; that he was determined about.
"My Lord Zeus and Brother. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I look forward to getting to know all my siblings better in the future." Hyakinthos said in the most charming tone he could muster under the circumstances; while giving him the same bow he rendered to Hades- still careful not to dislodge Percy.
Well, Zeus could not find any fault in the boy's manners. He nodded his head in return.
"Yes, I am sure there will be ample opportunities." Zeus said as he attempted to be polite.
He was not stupid by any means. He very well recognized the power this upstart wielded; to say nothing of Sunshine's newly unveiled powers. Direct attack would be pointless. If he was to bring them down, it would most assuredly have to be done through...other...means.
"So, the Lightning Thief has decided to accompany you? Are you trying to shield the one who stole from me, Brother?" Zeus asked him condescendingly.
"I would have care how you speak to my Mate, Father." Apollo said quietly and with an intensity the Sun God had rarely ever shown in public.
If his father acted in anyway untoward with his mate, Apollo was completely prepared to show him just what he was capable of. Especially as his powers could no longer be masked, he could not afford to show any weakness. Besides, he had come to despise his father quite a while ago, and would take immense pleasure in expressing his...dissatisfaction. If he were to actually try and harm his mate? Apollo doubted anything could stop his wrath.
"We have not only found your Masterbolt for you, but also Hades' Helm of Darkness. There is much and more about this that is not as it seems. Poseidon's newly immortal son had no part in the theft of either symbol." Apollo stated.
"What do you mean; newly immortal? I certainly would never make him immortal" Zeus demanded.
"Well, it should be fairly obvious, Brother. My son is ascending all own his own. Actually I owe you a thank you for that I suppose. While it is true that you obviously had nothing to do with his ascension, nevertheless; you are still partially responsible as you are well aware the power of the Olympian Council is not the only way to become immortal." Poseidon said; deciding to field that question...and he was really looking forward to it.
He really hated his brother and would love nothing more than to see him ruined utterly for his actions.
"Explain!" Zeus demanded of Poseidon.
Hyakinthos thought Zeus sounded like a petulant five-year-old.
"Considering the...eventfulness...of his claiming day; I would have thought you'd remember. I shall endeavor to remind you. The Cosmos recognized Percy as a Prince of Atlantis. The only way that could happen is if his mother was high enough in the divine ranks to be counted as a secondary consort of mine, and the result of our union beginning to ascend. In case you have forgotten, his mother is not only a daughter of Nyx (who not only claimed Percy herself, but blessed him as well), she is also your own grand-daughter. Apparently her father, who was mysteriously killed whilst on an airplane, was your own son by a demi-goddess daughter of our lovely Aphrodite. The records indicate the plane was struck by lightning. I imagine a daughter of Nyx in the presence of a son of yours would feel quite similar perhaps to a child of our brother Hades in the air." Poseidon explained nonchalantly.
What he implied however, was as plain as day.
Zeus' eyes had widened at Poseidon's explanation. He remembered exactly when that was. He had sensed a child of Hades that dared to take to the skies. Of course he did not hesitate to strike it down. He also remembered receiving word shortly thereafter that his only demi-god son at the time was killed in some sort of mortal accident. He didn't think anything of the matter. Mortals got into auto accidents and the like quite often. Apparently, in his haste to strike down what he thought to be a child of Hades, he inadvertently killed his own son! That was troubling. Perhaps he should be a bit more cautious. Still, it certainly wasn't the first time he had killed one of his own children; accidentally or otherwise.
Regardless, if the boy's mother was a daughter of Nyx herself, as well as being his own grand-daughter by a demi-goddess; it was not surprising the boy was ascending all on his own. Of course that was why the law was in place about the god's being forbidden from breeding with demi-god's. They couldn't just have new deities popping up all on their own! However, since it was he himself who sired the boy's grandfather with one of Aphrodite's delectable daughter's; thereby being part of the reason the boy was ascending at all, he could hardly challenge the boy's ascension. Especially seeing as it was he who broke the law first to begin with.
Zeus just glowered at Poseidon; knowing because the boy's pedigree included himself and Nyx there was nothing he could do about it. Since Nyx had publically claimed the boy he certainly didn't dare. She was terrifying when she wanted to be.
He decided to get back on point. He thought Sunshine had mentioned something about his Bolt.
Glowering once more at Poseidon for good measure (it was totally ineffective); he looked back towards his smug prick of a son.
"What was that about my Masterbolt? Something about that accursed Helm too?" Zeus asked Apollo.
"Yes, in order to prove that you were completely wrong about Percy, my mate and I; together with Percy, went to find it. What we found was very unexpected and more than a little disconcerting. There are things..." Apollo was saying before his father interrupted him.
"You found it? Where? Where is it?" Zeus demanded.
Although he was trying to sound regal, Hyakinthos could not but help to yet again compare him to a toddler throwing a tantrum.
Percy, on Hyakinthos' instructions, reached into his back-pack and pulled out the Masterbolt and handed it to his brother.
Seeing the gleam in Zeus' eyes, Hyakinthos waved his hand and levitated the Masterbolt to Zeus, who was quick to snatch it out of the air.
"There! Now will you listen?" Apollo asked his father exasperatedly, who was busy examining his 'toy'.
Deciding to hear whatever dribble Sunshine had to say, Zeus nodded his head magnanimously.
"We discovered who the true culprit was. Now you should take in mind, that Hades' Helm of Darkness had also been stolen. This is what led to his attacks on Percy as well. The one behind all of this wanted a three-way war. They wanted you to destroy yourselves." Apollo explained.
"How so?" Zeus asked; slightly alarmed by that.
"It was not any one individual doing all of this. They were all being controlled by a being of far greater power. The evil that orchestrated all this managed to take complete control of the minds of one demi-god that we know about who took the bolt, and most likely another had been tasked to steal Hades' Helm as well. It was powerful enough to take at least partial control of Ares himself!" Apollo said.
Zeus began to get a bad feeling about where this was going. There were not many beings out there that were capable of taking even partial control of an Olympian deity.
"What evidence do you bring?" Zeus asked.
He was supposed to be the God of Justice after all.
"We have brought two main pieces. The first are my own memories of what occurred. The second lies within Ares for the moment." Apollo stated.
Though his own memories were the absolute truth of events, they had been...edited a bit. Mainly to make certain Luke Castellan was not implicated.
"Show me." Zeus instructed.
He was already feeling leery about whatever he was about to see.
Apollo walked towards his father and looked him in the eyes.
Zeus entered Apollo's mind and saw right from the start that Poseidon's son had nothing to do with any theft. He saw the suspicions Apollo's mate had about a son of Hermes at Camp being controlled. He saw the boy looking worse and worse, until he saw Apollo's memory of Hyakinthos confronting the boy. Apollo said he could see how he had been controlled right from the start. He saw a rather vague memory of something trying to get into Apollo's own mind as he posed as a demi-god.
NO! Not HIM!
It couldn't be who Apollo thought. There was no way he had the strength already to do these things. Unless...
Apollo and his mate confirmed with Chiron that something was entering the dreams of the demi-god's. He was targeting the one's that were most disaffected. The demi-god's that had become more than a little bitter. All of this resulting from his laws about the god's having no contact with their children.
He well remembered Athena arguing with him over the matter and saying that it would have consequences.
He saw Apollo, Hyakinthos, Percy Jackson, and Luke Castellan finding Ares in California. He was shocked by what he saw.
Not only did he see Ares sitting there with both his Masterbolt and Hades' Helm of Darkness; he appeared to be completely mad!
Ares was sitting there muttering to himself; or rather he looked to be arguing with himself. His eye's would twitch like he had some kind of tic. The God of War appeared to be at war with himself! He saw Apollo and his so-called brother subdue Ares. That's when Zeus felt it.
The unmistakable aura of the Titan could not be forgotten. It positively wreaked of evil and malice, and was dripping with hate. He could feel a large part of his power flow over the area as Apollo and Hyakinthos forced it out of Ares' own mind, and sectioned it off; building a block it could not escape from so they had evidence to bring to Zeus as proof. Even now, he could feel that tiny part of his father lodged inside Ares.
He heard them come to what they believed to be the only way possible for the Titan Lord to have suddenly become so powerful. In the same way they had previously used the mortal's to gain power (something their mother taught them), the Lord of Time was invading the dreams of demi-god's. He was using a combination of their personal dissatisfaction and anger at the god's together with his infamous silver tongue, to turn them to his side. He was getting power by the demi-god's pledging themselves to him. The power he would receive was phenomenally more powerful coming from a demi-god than a mere mortal. With each day he would get stronger and soon he would gain strength enough to re-constitute himself. A war of the god's would have played right in to his hands.
No! This could not be. Him, of all beings, could never be allowed to rise again. They never would have defeated him the first time without their mother's aid. It had to be something else; anything else!
Zeus pulled out of Apollo's mind with a troubled look.
Ares was floated over in front of him; still drugged and chained.
Those chains brought back rather unpleasant memories for Zeus of the time the traitor's chained him up. Was this supposed to be a warning? Was this some kind of veiled threat?
Zeus narrowed his eyes as he saw the past perpetrators all in the room at that moment.
"We left the presence of what was taking control of the demi-god's and had at least some control over Ares sectioned off in his mind for you to banish yourself Father. So you would know beyond all doubt, exactly how serious the situation is. If He is powerful enough even now to do this; measures must be immediately taken to stop Him." Apollo told his father.
Zeus just looked at Apollo for a moment. He did not appear to have any ulterior motives, or seem to be using this as some part of a plan to take power for himself. He did actually seem to believe this was a truly serious matter that they all needed to deal with as soon as possible.
Zeus just had a very hard time accepting even the remotest possibility that he could possibly be returning.
Zeus went in to Ares' rather troubled mind. He did see temporary damage where something had tried to force its will on him. He followed the pathways to the other part; the section where the small bit of the entity that was using him had been walled up. Hesitantly, Zeus took control of the small bit as he removed the block.
'Ah, my most worthless son. How does it feel? To be in my place that is? You know your next. I sensed Gaea and Ouranos' heirs at that Camp, and I know they're before you even now. They are the Ultimate One's that Destiny of Olde used to speak of. Chaos' second chance to get it right, as it were. They have been prophesied long ago. They are your replacements. Soon, I expect you shall be joining me in my box in Tartarus. Of course I'll already be free by then. There is nothing you can do to fight them or me. Not to worry, I'll gather enough strength of my brother's and those you've turned against you to be rid of them too. You are doomed, you worthless scu...'
That was all the malignant presence was able to get out before Zeus forcefully banished it back from whence it came; thoroughly and utterly unnerved by what he recognized as his father's words.
"NO" Zeus roared out as the whole Council Chamber shook with the force of his power and anger.
"It is impossible! Their is no way he could possibly amass the power needed. No! I will not hear of it!" Zeus exclaimed.
Apollo took a deep breath in order to gain some small measure of patience that was just about completely warn off. If he did not listen...well...they would simply make him.
"You cannot deny it, Father. You know as well as I, and everyone else here, who that was. There is only one possible way he could have gained, and continue to gain, such power. He is using the dissatisfaction of the demi-god's to achieve all of his goals as we once gained power from the mortal's. The only way to stop it is to appease them. They have extraordinarily hard...and usually short...lives. Even for the children of the god's that bother to claim their own, they are never allowed contact with their own parent! That is the reason they are even susceptible to being turned in the first place. They feel, and rightly so in my opinion, that their divine parent...does...not...care! They have to be shown by those of us that matter, that we DO care. The laws concerning them MUST be overturned." Apollo stated passionately.
Their was a fierceness about him that captivated his audience as he spoke of a subject that had long bothered him.
"Never! Absolutely not! I have spoken on this matter time and again. He is NOT using the demi-god's, and he is NOT returning! I have spoken and I will hear no more of it! I will allow nothing to change!" Zeus stated emphatically; sounding almost deranged in his denial.
He would not believe it possible for his wretched father to return. It was a simple impossibility. He was in Tartarus; end of discussion. He certainly was not about to believe that it was his own laws and policies that were allowing it to happen. No, he would not be moved.
That was when he felt it.
The very ground was beginning to tremble. Mt. Olympus itself was shaking!
Zeus looked around searching for what could possibly be the cause. There shouldn't be anything that could have the power to shake Olympus.
That was when he saw the face of his so-called new 'brother'.
His beautiful features were contorted into a mask of utter fury! Power was swirling around him as lightning danced across his skin.
He spoke, and when he did, the low rumbling tone carried more than just the power of the very earth itself. It was as if all the natural elements combined in to one supreme being.
"I will never allow for my mother to have to suffer that vile beast ever again. If you do not take the necessary measures to ensure it, I can guarantee, that we shall do it for you." Hyakinthos stated; more truly enraged than in any other moment in his life.
That this so-called...'King'...would just bury his head in his ass and pretend their is nothing wrong all the while their worst enemy is left free to do as he pleases...it was utter madness!
"You dare! You dare to challenge me!" Zeus yelled out; himself now maddeningly enraged at this whelp's insolence. Well, he would not tolerate it! He would show him who the most powerful was.
In an instant, the Masterbolt was in hand, and he had fired off a massive Elder god-level blast of lightning straight at the brat.
However, he soon came to regret his hasty actions.
Hyakinthos had expected him to behave thusly. It really was no great surprise. So he was completely prepared for when his ass-hat of a 'brother' blasted him with the very same bolt he had just returned to the ungrateful bastard. The idiot forgot he was the son of his Norse counterpart. He controlled lightning, not only on earth, but across the whole of the Nine Realms!
He grabbed the bolt of lightning that was meant to harm him with his bare hands. It would not harm him. He held it in his hands as he fed his powers into the bolt; making it stronger, more formidable.
Zeus was by now suffering from an onslaught of solar flames from his beloved and utterly enraged mate.
The look on Apollo's face after his father had tried to kill his mate was one of absolute and terrifying retribution. The look said quite plainly the powerful god was going to make Zeus suffer untold amounts of pure agony. The air in the room had turned on Zeus at the command of its true master, Apollo; and was now holding the 'King of the God's' aloft as he was held in place by ropes of solar fire.
Hyakinthos then hurled the lightning back from whence it came. With a little addition.
While normal lightning could not harm Zeus, lightning specifically summoned from a deity of a non-earthly pantheon, most assuredly could...or their son.
Zeus was hit straight in the chest and blasted against the wall; his skin burnt and sizzling all over his torso. The stench of burnt flesh rent the air as Apollo's flames burned parts of the God-King down to the bone.
Rhea then walked to her youngest son and his mate. His concern for her warmed her heart. He did not have the patience to deal with a 6,000 year old idiot. It took a very long time to gain enough patience to deal with such madness calmly.
No, she would not let her most despised previous husband return either.
"I'll handle it now, boy's." Rhea told them.
The assault was instantly halted.
"Yes, Ma'am." They both said in unison; much to her amusement.
Rhea walked towards the son she liked the least. Even Hades had better sense. The Titan Queen just looked at the downed King of the God's. It was truly sad, but she really was not all that far from seeing him put in the same box as his father. They were both so much alike that it actually sickened her at times to even look at him. Six thousand years of absolute rule had twisted him in to someone she did not recognize. She supposed it could turn anyone after that long, though she doubted her little Harry would ever become so corrupt; of course he was of a rather different breed entirely.
Rhea bent down and looked the biggest disappointment in her immortal life in the eye's.
"I warned you what would happen if you dared to harm my baby. The only reason you are not in a thousand pieces on your way to your own spot in Tartarus is that you are my son. Things are going to change, and we will do all in our power to stop Kronos from rising. I will not suffer him again! I don't care if you'd like to pretend this isn't happening. This Council is going to start working as a proper council should. Myself and my youngest son will be joining it. Hestia will be returning to her seat as well. That is not up for discussion. Everyone will vote on matters of import." She informed him.
"I implore you to see reason. These things need to happen for even your own benefit! Do you have any real idea of just how very many disaffected divine beings there are? They hate you, and some of them have good cause. If Kronos rises, the other Titans will assuredly be freed from their prisons. Because of how they have been treated, I would imagine many of the surviving Titans that are still free (even those that originally fought on our side), will rally to him despite their loyalty to me. That's to say nothing of all of the many minor deities; some of which are much more powerful than you'd like to admit. Imagine the destruction somebody like Hecate could wreak if she so desired. She is older than you and nearly as powerful. If it were not for her loyalty to me and my youngest child; she would probably already be helping Kronos. There are other's like her. He will do whatever it takes to rise. You know this!" Rhea exclaimed.
"If you do not start co-operating, I will make certain the rest of my family is safe. I will raise another mountain (the same way I did Olympus in case you've forgotten who created your seat of power in the first place), and put everyone I care about on it. It will be sealed up, and we will let the Titans do as they please with the rest of you. You know very well what my powers are capable of, and you just got a very small taste of what Hyakinthos and Apollo are really capable of. Do not force us to turn that power on you. I love you, as I love all my children, but this has to stop. Besides, it is the perfect flow of our nature. We created Western Civilization, and now Western Civilization has entered a democratic age. No one is asking for a republic; a constitutional monarchy, the very best blend of the old and the new, is the perfect way forwards." Rhea said; doing all she could to try and convince her wayward child before it was too late.
Zeus felt the oddest feeling as he was listening to his mother's rather impassioned plea's and not-so-veiled threat's. There was this feeling of belonging and home. A feeling of true and utter contentment and happiness; and for a brief moment he remembered what it was to have a family. His wounds (the first he had sustained in centuries and had not automatically begun to heal themselves because they were partially the result of a non-earthly power) began to heal as well. Not because of his own power's, no; he knew that much. They were being healed by the one who dealt them. Even though he had tried to smite him, his youngest brother was still healing him. He could hear him mentally all but beg for their mother's sake if nothing else, that they try and get along.
Zeus was very confused by both his mother's words as well as the feelings he was picking up from her youngest son. It was like he was trying to show him a better way.
He was trying to influence him!
He almost violently rid himself of that power attempting to make him feel better. He would never consider that boy his family. He was an abomination!
The feelings he was picking up from his own son however, were the complete opposite. He knew if he even dared look at Apollo's mate in the wrong way, he would deal out something far worse than what just happened. He had far less tolerance than his mother and brother appeared to share.
He had a choice. He was out-matched; that much was more than obvious. Especially seeing as he wasn't even sure if he could harm his brother in the first place, as their power's were so similar; or Apollo for that matter. He could retreat and raise an army to fight them.
Of course they could do the same.
He pondered all this as he walked back to his throne. He did not fail to notice that their were three new, or rather two new and one returned, thrones now also placed in the Council. In the direct opposite of his own throne was now a golden throne with two lions on the base. That was obviously for his mother. Beside her new throne, was one another made of silver that had the flames of the hearth licking at its' surface; Hestia's returned throne. The third new throne was rather near his own, directly beside Poseidon's throne on one side, and Apollo's throne was on its other side.
Voting, constitutions, parliaments; the very words almost made him nauseous.
No! he would not do it. He would never let them take from him what was his by divine right. He would pretend to pay lip service for the moment, but he would rid himself of that abomination and his traitorous son. His absolute rule could never be destroyed, nor his will subverted. His rule would never end. Only he could rule. Only he had the right. Only he could possibly know what was best.
He had one possible chance to rid himself of his new brother and the power that converged on the boy. He had finally managed to contact his grandmother, Gaea. She was not best-pleased with him, but she disliked Hyakinthos even more. She believed if the boy was somehow killed before he completely ascended, then not only would it stop her from fading, but since that would also cause Apollo to fade, he would be completely free to re-assert his absolute rule. He was not certain that it would actually stop her from fading; as once it had begun, he'd never heard of it being reversed. However, he did not particularly care one way or another. Apollo's demise would be regrettable he supposed, but he was simply too powerful and traitorous to be free.
He had asked her if she knew of a way to weaken the boy. She knew of one particular mortal spirit that had somehow managed to tether itself to the living realm, and would love to see the boy dead. The amount of evil and malevolence she had detected from the spirit had intrigued her; so she had subtly influenced it. Apparently this spirit led a whole faction of magic-users that all wanted to see the boy dead; not that they had any idea who he really was. She spoke of an ancient goblet that could be used to bind him. It had originally been intended for something like demi-god gladiatorial contests, and had evolved over time with the mortals unaware of its divine origins. If the goblet bound him, and he could either find a way to make the boy vulnerable, or somehow force him in to violating the goblet's will; the goblet had the power to weaken him enough so he may be able to kill him. There was no other way, as the boy was simply too powerful. That would also get rid of Apollo, and his mother and sisters would be too bereaved to stand against him.
It was his only chance to retain his absolute status as King of the God's.
He would figure it all out, and ensure he was successful.
Now, to give the pretense that he was co-operating.
"Before any rush to change any laws, we will first take the step necessary to prevent Father from rising. We must summon Morpheus. He should be able to not only monitor the demi-god's dreams, but stop him from contacting them in that way altogether. Assuming he is loyal of course. Communications with Hades need to be established to make certain the entrance to Tartarus is guarded at all times. Any interaction with a god's demi-god offspring must be overseen on a case by case basis. Those restrictions are there for a reason, despite what some might think. The entire Pantheon cannot be allowed to suddenly drop all of their duties, and start having play-dates at Camp Half-Blood." Zeus attempted to decree.
"I suppose if they feel they absolutely must, then entering their dreams could...possibly be allowed. Any physical interactions must be if their is a real need and brought to me first for approval." Zeus stated.
That was as far as he was remotely willing to go. Even that, he wouldn't tolerate for long.
"It will go before the Council as a whole, My Son. It shall also be as the deity deems necessary. It is their child after all." Rhea stated emphatically.
Zeus grit his teeth in annoyance.
Before he had a chance to respond, the doors to Council Chamber opened to admit the Goddess Nike.
It was extremely rare for them to ever be interrupted.
"Why are you interrupting this meeting, Nike?" Zeus demanded.
She looked decidedly nervous. Whatever it was, was obviously not of her own making.
"My Lords and Ladies, you have a visitor. An Ambassador has arrived and is demanding admittance." The rather scared goddess stated.
"An ambassador? What kind of ambassador?" Athena asked the goddess.
"It is the Lady Sif, My Lady. She has come as the official Ambassador of Asgard and the Allfather." Nike informed them.
Zeus looked as if he were about to have a stroke, if such a thing were possible.
Hyakinthos had a curious look about him as he sat on his new throne. He looked to his mother, and could see she looked a bit nervous. He gave her a wide smile of re-assurance. From what he remembered, he was sure his father would be in contact with them as soon as he had his memories back.
Rhea steeled her resolve for whatever she was about to hear. She could admit, if only to herself, of being a touch nervous. The idea of seeing the husband that still held her heart was causing butterflies in her stomach.
Hestia reached over and gave her hand a squeeze.
"Send her in." The Titan Queen told the goddess; not giving a whit what Zeus thought of the matter.
It was none of his concern.
Moments later, a rather beautiful woman wearing Asgardian armor was admitted to the Council Room. As she noticed the size of the assembled deities, her own size grew accordingly. At approximately the size of an Olympian deity, the Asgardian Goddess of War cut an intimidating figure; though her beauty could not be denied. She had long dark hair, and an enchanting aristocratic face. However, one look in the goddess's eyes and one knew she was not to be crossed.
The Lady Sif strode powerfully into the room. Upon reaching the center, she began to look around. Apparently, whatever she was looking for, she found it when her eyes landed on Hyakinthos.
She completely ignored Zeus, and walked straight to the boy.
"Would you be Hyakinthos Haraldr Thorson?" The goddess asked.
Hyakinthos gave her a very large smile.
"I am he, My Lady. Allow me to say how honored I am that you have come to meet us. I have read a great deal about you, and your courage and code of honor have always impressed me very much. You are said to be a close friend of my Father, correct?" Hyakinthos asked her in flawless Old Norse; he was almost bouncing in anticipation of learning about his dad.
Hestia had made certain he was completely fluent in any language his father's ancestry may demand. He far preferred that method to using his inherited Allspeak; whish made him sound like someone out of a Shakespearean play.
Hearing her real language from the Prince, and seeing how excited the young boy seemed to be to learn of his father, Lady Sif couldn't help but find herself liking the boy. She could easily see the resemblance to a younger Thor in him; there was no mistaking his parentage. His blonde hair was just of a more silver-gold hue than his father's. Although she would have to admit, he was even better looking than his father had ever been. She did not think she had ever seen a male as beautiful as he. She could just imagine Queen Frigga's reaction to the boy. She would adore him.
"Yes, Your Highness. Crown Prince Thor is one of my closest companions. Your grandfather, the Allfather Odin Borson has charged me to see to your current situation and to make certain that your interests are well looked after." Sif told him.
At that point she finally bothered to look in Zeus' direction. She really despised Zeus, and had a very hard time being overly diplomatic where some of the Greek deities were concerned.
"Lord Zeus, the Allfather sends his greetings. He also wishes to ensure the interests of the Second-in-Line to the Asgardian Throne, as well as Crown Princess Rhea are well looked after. He had no knowledge that the Crown Prince's wife was not only still alive, but immortal as well." The Asgardian Goddess said.
"This changes things a great deal. Asgard has not bothered in Midgardian affairs in many centuries now. With the heir to the heir of Asgard having two biological parents resident to the Greco-Roman Pantheon, as well as his Consort being Lord Apollo; Asgard will once again be united with Midgard. The Allfather has decreed this in order to help his grandson adjust to being an active member of two pantheons. We know his powers alone will require a great deal of time to be spent on Midgard, especially considering his Divine Mate. Therefore, Asgard's presence will once again be returned to Midgard." The Lady Sif explained.
Zeus looked supremely discomfited by this.
"What do you mean Asgard shall once again be united with Earth?" Zeus demanded.
"I thought it would be obvious." The Warrior Goddess stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"Your Lady Mother is the Crown Princess of Asgard. Her youngest child is the legitimate heir to the Asgardian Throne, as well as being an Elder God of the Greco-Roman Pantheon, and the inheritor of the Protogenoi of Midgard itself! The boy's Divine Mate (your own son) is the Midgardian Sun God and inheritor of the Protogenoi of the Sky. Heimdall...see's...all. We know of the forces awakening from Tartarus and from deep within Midgard." Sif explained.
"Surely you did not think the Allfather would allow any unnecessary danger to befall either the Crown Princess or his son's heir?" Sif asked rhetorically.
"And what exactly does Odin plan to do about it?" Zeus asked with more than a touch of anger.
"Crown Prince Thor is currently in something akin to the Odinsleep as his memories are returning and assimilating from his time on Midgard. He shall wake within a few weeks. At that time, he will assuredly return to Midgard to join his wife and son. With him, he will of course be joined by the Warrior's Three and select members of the Asgardian Royal Guard. The Asgardian version of Olympus in Northern Europe will again be opened and functioning as Asgard's seat of power on Midgard indefinitely. Travel between it and Asgard is much less noticeable than using the Bi-Frost. It will allow for Crown Prince Thor, the Crown Princess, and their heir and his mate to move between the realms with ease. In that way the Allfather hopes that Prince Hyakinthos Haraldr and Lord Apollo shall be able to get used to the duties as deities of two different Pantheons with far more ease." Lady Sif said; finishing her explanation of exactly what Odin had in mind for this highly unusual turn of events.
Frankly, Odin had been nearly ecstatic at the fact that besides Thor, his only heirs were no longer Loki or Lokisons. While he did love his son, he was very much comforted by the fact he now had another heir of his own blood; even if he was half Greek.
Zeus thought his head was about to explode. How in Tartarus was he supposed to kill the brat and his son with them being shielded by the whole of Asgard! The thought of Odin himself intervening brought out a deep-seeded fear. He knew perfectly well Odin had the power to very well and truly kill him if he was so inclined. Asgard's power was extremely formidable. While the different deities were not necessarily more powerful than the Greek god's with the exception of select members of the Asgardian Royal Family; it was their sheer numbers that made them so very much more powerful. They had never had any real troubles with one another for the sole reason that Asgard did not consider them significant enough to bother with since they ruled over mortals while the Asgardians ruled over mass numbers of immortals.
Zeus' thoughts were cut off when he saw his mother rise.
"Lady Sif, you are certain that Crown Prince Thor will be joining us?" Rhea asked the Goddess of War.
Sif could hear the undisguised hope in the beautiful woman's voice. She had an aura of massive power. She was also extraordinarily beautiful. She looked to be in her early twenties. Sif could tell that was her natural appearance, but could also sense she was far older than Zeus and Hera and the other's even though she appeared younger than them. This must be the Titan Queen Rhea. She had never met her before. If her mortal self resembled her immortal form at all, she could well see how Thor had fallen for her. Yes, she could see some of the beautiful woman's features in the young prince easily.
"Would you be My Prince's Lady Wife?" Sif asked her.
Rhea gave the goddess a warm smile that put Sif further at her ease. There was just something about this powerful deity that made you feel truly welcome. Queen Frigga had an aura much the same. She did not doubt the two queens would get on very well together.
"Yes, Lady Sif. I am she, and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. You are one of the great warriors I used to tell my son about before he would sleep. I have always admired you." Rhea told the Asgardian goddess; causing the warrior lady to blush slightly under the praise.
"I am very pleased to meet you as well Your Highness, and I thank you for the compliment. As to your question: I can guarantee the Crown Prince will be returning to Midgard probably the moment he awakes. The Allfather apologizes for the inconvenience. He had had no idea whatsoever that Your Highness was an immortal. When Prince Thor returned to himself he was utterly blinded with grief and rage. While it might not have been the best way to have proceeded, the Allfather did the only thing he could to bring his son out of the grief that was consuming him," explained the Warrior goddess.
Rhea nodded her head regally. When she had been assimilating her own self and awaiting to return to her immortal body, she had seen what her husband had endured. She might not like what happened, but she understood it. Even though he still had a son left, he too was thought to be mortal, and no mortal had ever been allowed in Asgard.
"I understand Lady Sif. Whilst I was awaiting to return to my own immortal form, I was able to see what happened and the reasoning for it. I am just very happy that the Allfather was able to learn of the truth of my son and myself. If you would accept it, I would like to offer you the hospitality of my home whilst we await the Crown Prince and his retinue." Rhea told her.
"Your Highness honor's me. I gladly accept your hospitality with thanks." Sif replied happily.
At least now she had somewhere to stay, and could hopefully get a good measure of her future Queen and her son and his mate.
Suddenly they all turned towards Zeus.
"Council dismissed," he barked out; before sweeping from the room in anger like a storm cloud.
Off to no doubt plot something or other to attempt to find some way around this ever-darkening (to him) situation before it became completely untenable.
Lady Sif watched him go with narrowed eyes. Heimdall had warned her that Zeus was becoming somewhat unstable due to the threat he perceived from the young prince and his mate. That was one of the main reasons she had been sent ahead as ambassador. The Allfather would not put much past the King of Olympus and would need to know should he be forced to intervene.
"I apologize for my husband's rather deplorable manner's Lady Sif." Queen Hera said.
"He is becoming most disagreeable of late. The hospitality of Olympus is of course at your disposal. Most of us are very much looking forward to current events." Hera finished
Sif nodded her head towards the Olympian Queen.
"I thank you Queen Hera." Sif replied.
"Was it just me, or did anybody notice that we didn't actually get the chance to resolve a single issue?" Hyakinthos asked of the room at large.
"No, you are not the only one who noticed that, and much more. We shall have to discuss it later though." Hestia said; decidedly unnerved by what her powers had sensed from her next to youngest brother.
He was treading down an extremely dangerous path, and Hestia did not think there would be any compromising. It was regrettable, but Hestia would not allow him to harm her most cherished and only child. Or Apollo for that matter. The transformation she had seen him undergo since re-discovering his mate had warmed her heart immensely. He had so much potential, an he was becoming a truly good man. They both were.
Hyakinthos could tell Hestia had been very unnerved by whatever it was she had sensed from Zeus (though he could hazard a guess as to what it was), so he was soon at her side and gave her a strong hug. He loved her dearly, and he hated for anything to trouble her.
Hestia gave him a slight smile, already feeling better with the Little One's embrace. He had the ability to brighten up anyone's day.
Apollo approached his mate and aunt then.
Hyakinthos grabbed his hand and brought him over to where his mom and Hera and Lady Sif were conversing.
"Ah, Lady Sif, allow me to introduce to you my son's Divine Mate Phoebus Apollo." Rhea told her.
"My Lady Sif, it is an honor." Apollo said with a charming smile as he kissed the back of her hand.
"You as well, Lord Apollo." Sif replied.
Sif looked at the two boy's together. She was sure there had never been any two better looking males in history. With the two of them together, it was a most striking sight. However, the Asgardian goddess also knew of Apollo's reputation. Asgardian morals in matters of fidelity and the like were oceans apart in distance between that of the Greeks. She hoped them being Divine Mates had him on a different path than he was used to, for she was sure Prince Thor would not take kindly to any type hurt befalling his lost child.
Heimdall had said they were truly devoted to one another though, so she would reserve judgment.
"You boy's should head back to Camp. I will be by in the next couple of days to discuss everything with you, and I shall bring the Lady Sif if she is agreeable, to answer any questions you may have about your father or Asgard. I know we have many problems to see to. He may think just closing a meeting or running away from it will resolve matters, but we all know no such thing will occur. We cannot allow it to occur." Rhea told Hyakinthos and Apollo.
Hyakinthos nodded to his mother in understanding as did Apollo as Poseidon and Percy came over towards them. They had finished their conversation, and Percy had been told by his father when to expect him, and the different times he would now be available for his son. Percy had a very bright smile on his face. Hyakinthos was glad he had remembered to hand Percy over to his father before he and Zeus had gotten into it earlier. That could have been messy.
"Lady Sif; I would like you to meet my best-friend, blood-brother, and nephew: Percy Jackson- son of Poseidon, grandson of Nyx, and ascending godling. Of course you have previously met Poseidon I'm sure as well." Hyakinthos said; introducing his best friend.
"Wow. Hyakinthos told me all about you and the Warrior's Three when he was talking about Asgard. It's great to meet you My Lady." Percy told the warrior goddess with a smile.
Lady Sif seemed amused by Percy.
"We are well met, Son of Poseidon." Lady Sif said with a nod of her head to the young godling.
"Alright, you boy's be careful. I shall be visiting with Mother and probably Poseidon and Hera with you all soon. You were right, we have a great deal to discuss. We cannot allow things to continue any longer." Hestia said to the boy's with nod's from all the rest.
"See you soon." Hyakinthos said, and with that he, Apollo, and Percy were back to regular size before they glowed gold and disappeared. What had been discovered on their quest changed things. With the appearance of the Lady Sif and the backing of Asgard, it changed even more. To attack or go against them now would be the height of idiocy and tantamount to suicide. Unfortunately for them, they had quite a few stupid relatives who would be unable to realize their plight until it was too late...much too late.
***