A/n The Snow Queen lives! I know, I know it's been a very long time. Sorry. I had a lot of problems not only with this story but with life in general. I'm sorting it out. Part of that meant changing the last section of part two because I hated it. Sorry to change things up on you like that, I don't like doing that but it was the only way I could power through the next two parts of the story and not scrap it all together. Figured this was preferable. The only part that changed was the scene after Percy woke up in the ice castle. Everything else is the same. You guys are the best and I love you so much. Please forgive me.
Part Three
The Snow Queen: Encased
"You're Poseidon and Zeus' brother," Percy gasped, blinking at the Snow King—at Prince Hades. His thoughts stuttered, jerking to a halt like a horse whose reins had been pulled sharply by an irritated driver before flaring back to life, loud and clamoring. "Gods, what happened? Hey, your brothers are in Arendelle right now you could—"
"My brothers are here in Arendelle?" Hades repeated, his eyes widening enough so even the darkness that shrouded him (tucked away in the corner as he was) could not hide the expression.
"Yeah, Kronos brought them when—"
Hades' face closed off, his pale expression darkening rapidly before a cold mask descended over his face, smoothing out until Percy could almost believe he too was made of ice.
"King Kronos, yes I see."
Daddy issues, Percy mentally translated but quickly ignored that part of his brain, the other half more concerned with the young faces of the boy princes. "You have to go see them—"
"I need not do anything," Hades countered as stoic as the very mountain his castle laid upon.
"What are you talking about? Listen, if something's keeping you here, I don't know the cold or whatever," Percy flapped his hand around, vaguely gesturing at the icy walls and the snowflakes that drifted in the air, "we can find a way around it—"
"I keep myself here."
"Is that more of the winter is me and I am the winter thing because, man, that's getting old quick," Percy complained. Persephone shifted at his side, her warmth drawing his attention until she laid her hand atop his and that was more captivating.
"I have been trying to convince Hades to return to his brothers," Persephone said softly as Percy blinked down at her pale fingers.
Peeking up, Percy met his princess' eyes. They were dark and shining, cunning plans swimming around in their golden depths. She really would make a fabulous queen one day, Percy thought fondly, if she didn't get herself purposefully not-kidnapped again.
"My Perseus spent the night with your brothers," Persephone said, squeezing Percy's fingers as her eyes bid him follow her lead.
"Ah, yeah I did," Percy quickly agreed. Hades stared pointedly above their heads, feigning disinterest, but Percy could see his hands slowly curl into fists.
"They are floundering without an elder's guidance," Persephone pressed when Percy offered nothing else. "King Kronos' harsh expectations fall on their young and fragile shoulders, and there exists none to whom they can look for guidance. The King desires more than they can give, and their despair wears heavily on their vintages."
What despair? Percy thought, sure Poseidon was unhappy and they were both terribly young and completely under their father's thumb but that wasn't really being fair to the young princes—Persephone shot him a look.
Hm. Right. Not advantageous to the whole 'winning over the dangerous all-powerful sorcerer who lives above us'. Gotcha.
"Not to mention that Zeus is crowned prince and that's a disaster waiting to—"
Hades' head whipped around and, unless Percy was mistaken, something very close to panic crept into the Snow King's eyes. "Zeus is the crowned prince? What happened to Poseidon?"
"Um, nothing?" Percy said, confused, at the same time Persephone smoothly lamented;
"The all high and powerful King Kronos arranged Prince Poseidon's marriage to a princess of foreign birth. To what ends I know not, only that the sixteen-year-old prince is very melancholy and withdrawn; isolated from his peers and severed from his expected duties by such heavy bonds imparted at his tender age."
Now that wasn't actually all that far off the mark.
"Married?" Hades repeated, his nose wrinkling up the slightest bit. "Poseidon married?"
"Oh, and what a wedge the ancient laws drive between himself and Zeus, younger in years yet crown prince in name. The insolence of youth, the pride which titles bring, and the resentment that is easily bred by the two do force the pair apart. Hardly brothers at all but by name."
Hades twitched, his face twisting as though Persephone's words were a physical assault.
"I cannot go back," Hades murmured, eyes fixed above their heads. "Poseidon and Zeus have always quarreled, they will get over it."
"They miss you," Percy said bluntly, even as Persephone squeeze his hand in warning. "Late the other night, when I was with them, they wanted, needed, the comfort of a brother. They listened to the wind howl and grew sad, especially when Kronos came over."
"They know not who I am," Hades' lips barely moved as he spoke, his words no more than a faint murmur in the air, like smoke rising in the night.
"So?" Percy snorted, "They're your brothers, for gods' sake they're only fifteen and sixteen years old. They need their big brother."
"You do not understand," Hades hissed, his eyes flashing. The room grew colder, the ice above their heads creaking softly as it pulled in on itself, crystals growing tighter in the chill as their master's temper flared.
"I am sure it is nothing we cannot work out," Persephone tried to placate, but Percy's temper got the better of him as he snapped;
"I don't understand how a person could be so cowardly as to abandon their family!"
"Perseus."
Percy gagged, Persephone's reprimand cutting off sharply as the temperature around them dropped. For one terrifying second, Percy thought Hades had actually turned the very air around them into ice. But no, instead the temperature had dropped to an unbearable level. His lungs burned, his chest constricting in panic at the agonizing cold. His first instinct was to protect Persephone, the thought flashing lightning quick across his mind a heartbeat after the pained realization. He didn't get to act on the urge, or to throw himself at Hades, as was his second instinct, as the cold retreated as quickly as it came.
Percy gasped for breath, taking large, greedy gulps of air that felt almost burning in their warmth. Next to him, he heard Persephone do the same.
"You—"
Percy didn't manage to get anything else out, sputtering as he found himself being hauled unceremoniously out of bed. He fought back, landing a solid kick to Hades' shins before the Snow King bodily tossed him onto the cold floor.
"I agreed to let you come to my castle to speak in private—"
"Stupid, on both of your parts," Percy said from his place on the ground, wincing as it jarred his injuries.
"Hades, stop that he is injured," Persephone said, her eyes wide in alarm as she stood up, an arm reaching out towards Percy.
Hades drew himself back, retreating into the shadows as carefully disinterested eyes watched Persephone race forward to Percy's side.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," Percy immediately assured her, trying to push her hands away. She was having none of that. She rapted him firmly on the head, scowling.
"Cease that," she said firmly, wrapping an arm around his waist and helping him heave himself upright. She ran a soothing hand over his shoulder, checking for any additional injury.
"You could have hurt him," she said stiffly to Hades, eyes tight with disapproval.
"I will not tolerate his insolence in my castle," Hades replied just as stiffly. "If you wish to speak to me, he must leave."
"Like hell—" Percy angrily rejected.
"How will he get down the mountain?" Persephone calmly asked, easily speaking over Percy, "He is injured. I will not allow you to endanger his life any more than we already have."
Hades snorted at that, rolling his eyes a little.
"Cerberus likes him apparently," the Snow King muttered, looking pained. "I'm sure he would be more than happy to escort your . . . esteemed guard down the mountain."
"Wait, the three-headed—? You know what, it doesn't matter because I'm not going anywhere," Percy objected furiously as Persephone tilted her head to the side.
"A moment, please, Prince Hades," Persephone requested softly.
Hades' mouth twisted unpleasantly. "I want him gone," the dramatic prince declared, his icy robes swishing around his ankles as he held his haughty head high and swept from the room.
"What a jackass," Percy grumbled, rubbing his sore side. "I really do see the family resemblance now."
"Hush," Persephone chastised, swatting him lightly upside the head. "You do not understand what is at play here, Perseus."
"Oh, I don't?" Percy asked challengingly, irritated. "Because to me, it looks like you've gone and got yourself locked away with an all-powerful sorcerer with a temper who probably hasn't talk to anything not made of snow in the last eight years or so."
"Perseus," Persephone said sharply. "Cease and listen. I know my actions were reckless, this I know but I do not regret my decision. Don't you see? The Snow King has the power to utterly ruin Arendelle should he so wish, with the snap of his overly dramatic—" here her voice turned slightly scathing and he winced "—fingers. He is dangerous Perseus, to my people and my kingdom. And if I can alleviate that fear then it is my duty as princess to do it. And—let me finish Perseus—"
Percy shut his mouth at her stern voice, his face twitching with the urge to interrupt as she all but glowered at him.
"Think strategically Perseus, think. The Snow King is the lost Prince Hades. Poseidon and Zeus look up to their brother, they idealize the idea of Hades. King Kronos is dangerous and cunning and has always been a concern of my mother's. If we give the young princes their brother back, it could be enough to break Kronos' hold on them. It brings a new player into Weselton's court. It will afford a distraction from us. Hades will be Kronos' new distraction and the brothers will have a new role model to look up to."
"That's not exactly the kind of winning role model they need," Percy huffed, crossing his arms and feeling oddly protective of the young princes.
Persephone looked torn between exasperated fondness and dignified irritation. "I am not trying to cause injury to the young princes, my dearest knight. I do not wish them ill—quite the opposite, in fact, I wish them well. They are young and our neighbors. I wish for them to become strong, favorable allies. I intend them no ill tidings. You did not see the Snow King when we were alone, Perseus. There is a softness in him, a hope and love he wishes to keep hidden behind his cold exterior. I suspect Kronos is to blame for that injustice. You irritate him though, and he retreats behind his icy facade."
"Or he's spent too much time alone on this mountain with no company other than his deranged snow creations and his beloved sloped walls," Percy said crossly, crossing his arms.
"Hush," Persephone bid him again. "I need you to return to my mother and bring her news of my wellbeing. And you need to see a doctor besides, to make sure you are well."
"I'm not leaving you with an unstable sorcerer," Percy declared, clenching his jaw.
Persephone let go of him, spinning around so she stood before him, standing at her full height with her chin held level. "I wish to avoid conflict Percy, both between yourself and I, and Arendelle and the Snow King. Prince Hades wants you not in his castle. Now you can either do as I ask and support your princess, or betray me and spread your ill-conceived hate and temper."
"Ill-conceived hate and temper," Percy repeated, stung. Her words cut deeper than Alecto's whip, slicing right through the heart of him.
Persephone's face wavered, her lip trembled a bit before her entire face smoothed out, the perfect mask of a princess. "Yes. It is up to you."
"That's not fair," Percy said, his throat constricting. "That's not fair 'Seph and you know it."
"Princess Persephone," she corrected softly and Percy flinched as though she slapped him. He stared at her hardened face, searching in disbelief to get passed this terrible cold mask.
"Princess Persephone," he repeated, feeling sick. Persephone's face broke a little but she made no move as he shook his head and took a step towards her.
"It's not safe here Princess," he choked out.
"Make your choice," Persephone's lips barely moved.
"I would never betray you," Percy said, feeling like his heart was breaking in two. "'Seph, come on now, stop it. You know this is crazy, this is a bad idea."
"He's ready to leave," Persephone called, not looking at him.
"'Seph," Percy repeated as the door opened, his voice breathless and desperate. "'Sephone look at me."
She didn't. She ducked her head low and brushed passed Hades, who stood immobile in the doorway.
"Make sure he gets safely back to Arendelle please," she whispered as she left.
Percy couldn't make his mouth work as Persephone disappeared, her beautiful hair swishing out of sight as she vanished down the black hall. He felt like someone punched him in the stomach, all the air gone from his lungs. Hades' face wasn't exactly soft when he stepped forward, but it wasn't the angry, hardened mask it was earlier. If anything, Percy almost thought the curator of that lifeless season looked borderline sympathetic.
Whatever.
"The door is this way," Hades said, his voice unreadable as cold, calculating eyes burned into Percy's head before the Snow King turned on his heels and led the way.
Percy briefly considered rebelling, but he didn't have any weapons or his full strength and Hades was the Snow King. That wouldn't end well for anybody so Percy just silently followed the former prince down the dark, frigid hallways.
"Cerberus will take you down the mountain," Hades said, his voice echoing around the high ceilings as they walked across a large, totally barren ballroom.
It was depressing, Percy thought idly, glancing around the utterly desolate room. A pale and ghostly imitation of a palace. The sound of their footsteps were lost to the sheer size and emptiness of it all. Eyes turning back to Hades, Percy noticed there wasn't a front door in sight, just a giant expanse of smooth ice. As they drew closer to the opposite wall, Hades held his hand out and the ice dissolved before their very eyes.
"Suppose you don't get many door-to-door salesmen up here," Percy asked dully. "Not with a door like that."
Hades just stared at him.
"I mean, it's not like palaces get door-to-door salesmen anyway," Percy continued, staring out at the frozen lake. Shards of glass fluttered in the wind, scraping against the dark surface.
"Don't hurt her," Percy said tiredly, turning to face Hades.
The Snow King, former prince of Weselton, Hades or whoever the hell he was now, blinked at him.
"I might not agree with her but she's my princess and my—" Percy floundered for a moment "—my friend. So, please."
"You're going to get your queen's army," Hades said, his face unreadable.
"I don't know," Percy admitted, the words betray, ill-conceived hate and temper echoing in his head. "I really don't know. I should."
"I will not harm her," Hades said.
Percy squinted suspiciously at him in the darkness. The man's face was as cold and unreadable as always. Who knew what he was really feeling? Was there some hidden hope behind those dead eyes? Was he really just some lonely guy, forced out of his own kingdom by a vengeful father? Percy didn't know. His head hurt.
"I don't know if I believe you," Percy said and one perfectly sculpted eyebrow rose on Hades' face. "But maybe all of this is over my stupid, peasant head. Don't really know much I guess."
Hades' face twitched, an odd shiver running over it. He opened his mouth but just then the ground shook, the shards of ice on the pond's surface rattling as Cerberus bounded across its surface. The giant snow dog came to a skittering halt next to the palace, three tongues lobbing out as six eyes excitedly stared down at the men below.
"Cerberus," Hades murmured, looking the tiniest bit alarmed.
"He was like that when I left him," Percy felt compelled to point out. "Like I said, you need to play with him more."
Cerberus gave a happy bark, all three heads creating a great cacophony that shook Percy to the very core. Cerberus' middle head leaned down, his great tail thumping against the ground as one colossal snow tongue ran over Percy's face.
"Hey!" Percy cried, startled. The force of the excited puppy kisses almost knocked him backward, Percy's arms windmilling as he barely managed to keep upright.
"Cerberus," Hades said sharply and the great dog pulled back, snowy tongues still hanging out.
At least he doesn't leave saliva behind, Percy thought, smiling weakly at the excited snow beast. Hades was staring at Cerberus with dark and suspicious eyes.
"He'll take you safely down the mountain," Hades said slowly.
Cerberus barked in excitement, leaning down so his heads were level with Percy, his tail still thumping erratically against the ground as he tried to nuzzle into Percy. Percy stumbled a little at the force, reaching out to pat the excited creature in an effort to calm him down.
"Good boy, good—" he placated, scratching behind one giant ear and trying to keep his balance.
Cerberus barked and that had Percy stumbling again. The three-headed snow dog didn't seem bothered. To Percy's alarm, one of his great mouths opened and Percy only had a brief moment of abject horror before snow teeth were gently tugging at his clothes and oh god—
"Hey!" Percy exclaimed in alarm as his feet left the ground. The world spun sickeningly and then plop, he was on Cerberus' back, blinking down at Hades.
"Bring him down safely," the Snow King said passively and Cerberus gave another excited bark before lurching backward.
Percy only had a second to realize what was happening, eyes wide as he tried desperately to hold on, tightening his legs around Cerberus and leaning down to bury his face in the great white flank as Cerberus took off across the lake. Wind whipping against his face, cold and harsh, Percy forced himself to look back. Hades stood in the gaping doorway, a solitary figure in an otherwise empty hall. Emotions rolled uncertainly inside Percy. What was the Snow King up to? Should Percy have fought harder to stay? Should he bring Demeter's army up the mountain?
The word betray ran through Percy's mind again and he felt sick. He let his head fall on Cerberus' back as the great creature bound across the mountain, watching as the castle grew smaller and smaller in the distance.
"Hey Cerberus," Percy called over the whistling of the wind. "Think you could slow it down a little buddy?"
One of the heads swiveled around, pure white tongue hanging out. The pounding grew softer, the world slowing as Cerberus reduced his giant pace.
"Thanks, bud," Percy said, patting the cold back.
He looked over his shoulder again; the ice castle wasn't even visible now. His throat constricted and for a moment he wanted to beg Cerberus to turn around, to head back up to the castle. Persephone would change her mind, she had to. She knew Percy best, she would understand.
"How could she even say that?" Percy asked, the words tearing painfully from his throat.
Cerberus' left head whined softly, trying to reach around to lick Percy. Percy looked at his earnest, puppy dog like face.
"I don't know what to do," Percy admitted. "I don't trust your master, no offense."
Cerberus didn't look particularly offended, the left head's tongue still trying to reach Percy.
"I mean, even if he is, I don't know, good willed or whatever Persephone might think, he's still a powerful sorcerer who has lived alone for years. And she's the princess and—"
"And she usually knows what she's doing," Percy countered himself, letting his head fall onto Cerberus' cold shoulder. "She's a great strategizer and planner and she didn't know Hades was going to whisk her off to his super-secret castle to talk. And I guess he hadn't hurt her in the time it took me to get there? And he didn't hurt me I guess, he kinda helped rescue me actually. I mean, you and Alecto were just trying to protect your home, although the level of violence was probably unnecessary."
Cerberus whined pathetically and Percy yelped in surprise as the snow dog suddenly sat down, causing Percy to fall backward as his sitting place was suddenly vertical. Cerberus caught him, the middle head's teeth gently catching the back of Percy's shirt and bringing him around to land on the giant dog's paws. Cerberus whined again, all three heads leaning down to lick Percy. Percy sputtered, holding his hands up to try and shield his face as Cerberus whined and licked him, the great snow dog curling around the small human. Percy peeked out from behind his hands, realizing Cerberus had completely curled around him, sheltering Percy from the world. There was a head covering the entire lower half of his body, one protectively hovering over his head and another curled against his back.
"Oh, um," Percy said intelligently. Cerberus whined and the sound literally shook Percy.
"There, there, boy," Percy muttered, patting the head draped over his lap. "It's okay, I forgive you."
The head on his lap made a low noise, nuzzling Percy's torso.
"Yeah bud, it's okay," Percy repeated, scratching behind an ear almost as big as his entire face. "There, there, I'm sorry I brought it up."
"I just don't know what to do," Percy moaned, leaning back against the head behind him. "I mean, would it be betraying Persephone to tell the queen I don't think her idea's safe? Would it be betraying the queen not to? Princess Hera trusts me to return with Persephone and yet here I am, princess-less."
His injured leg hurt and Cerberus' weight wasn't really helping. Percy blew out a long breath, closing his eyes. The image of Persephone, her face closed off and mouthing betrayer flashed in his mind and he grimaced, opening them.
"Not fair," he complained again. "That wasn't fair."
He wanted to get angry, because how dare she? But he just felt tired and sick, his stomach in knots. They laid there for a while, Cerberus' bulk protecting Percy from the snow and cold as they rested. Percy had almost drifted to sleep, his eyes and heart heavy, when there was a low noise. Percy's eyes snapped open at once, his hand going to his side, fingers digging into an empty belt, before he remembered his sword was lost.
One of Cerberus' heads rose but the great dog didn't seem alarmed. In fact, his tail gave one quick little thump in greeting.
"Who's there?" Percy asked warily and the last two of Cerberus' heads moved aside so he could see.
The ice demon, Alecto, stood before them. Percy reacted immediately, scrambling to his feet in alarm, eyes darting around.
"Peace," Alecto croaked, holding her talon-like hands up. "Calm yourself, human."
"Why should I, you tried to kill me," Percy scoffed as Cerberus whined in confusion.
Alecto shrugged, her icy wings crinkling and reflecting little glimmers of the rising sun. "Yeah, but that's my job. Don't take it personally. Besides, you're the first human to best me in a long time."
She didn't look too happy about that, her face twisting, but the ice whip stayed curled up at her side and not unraveled in her hand so maybe she wasn't too angry. Percy still eyed her suspiciously.
"What are you doing here?" Percy asked.
"I want what's best for my lord," Alecto declared.
Percy waited for more, but the snow demon just stared avidly at him.
"Okay, that's . . . nice?" Percy finally said, throwing his hands up in exasperation.
Alecto scowled in displeasure, actually hissing at him. "Foolish human," she snarled. "He is my lord, like Persephone is your princess. We want what's best for them."
"Okay," Percy said, his heart constricting at the reminder of Persephone. "What about it?"
Alecto's face hardened and for a moment, she almost appeared uncertain. "My lord is lonely," she said slowly, carefully. "Humans are not meant to be alone and our lord has been alone for far too long. He brought the human princess up to his palace to talk because he is lonely."
"That's . . . " Percy floundered, unsure what to say or what the purpose of this conversation was. "Okay."
"He does not wish to hurt her, but he will have a hard time letting her go," Alecto continued. "She is the first human to willingly come to him in years. You are the second, although your reactions were less than favorable."
She gave him a cold look, like assuming Hades kidnapped Persephone when she disappeared out of thin air in a cloud of snow was an unreasonable assumption or something. Percy crossed his arms.
"So what? You want me to leave her with him?" Percy asked harshly, his own face hardening.
"No," Alecto looked pained. "I want you to get him to go with her."
"What?" Percy said in confusion, not following.
"If my lord is this Hades," she repeated the name like it was unpleasant, her nose wrinkling. "Then he has brothers yes? A family, a place with humans. He needs that. Or at least, he needs to stay with the princess who makes him smile."
Something burned darkly in Percy's breast at that thought. He pictured Hades and Persephone up in the ice castle, his princess leaning forward with that soft and kind look on her face, beautiful curls framing her face . . . and he realized it was jealousy. He viciously shoved the emotion away, disgusted with himself. Persephone wasn't his and even if she were, jealousy was unbecoming. Or something like that, Demeter was always telling Hera that at least.
"Don't bring an army," Alecto said, the wind hollowing alongside her words, the snow swirling about her ankles. "How can you bring an army against someone who's only ever been wronged and doesn't know how to fix the empty, lonely shell his life has become?"
Before Percy could even begin to respond to that, what wrongs, the ice demon was gone, a mound of swirling snow in her place. Percy looked up at Cerberus.
"I don't suppose you know what that was about do you?" Percy asked tiredly. Cerberus licked his face in reply.
The sun had just begun to really rise in the sky, high enough to cast the world in warm yellows and oranges, when Cerberus set him down at the foot of the mountain. Percy blankly stared out across Arendelle. Queen Demeter would be gathering an army by now. He wondered if Kronos and his sons had left.
"Thanks for the ride down Cerberus," Percy said, turning to the great dog.
Cerberus happily barked, leaning down so all three heads could nuzzle against their favorite new human.
"I'll bring a ball or something next time okay?" Percy found himself saying, petting whatever head was closest.
Next time, Percy thought, shaking his head. Would there be a next time? Percy stared at the bright-eyed snow dog. If Queen Demeter did bring her army, would they fight Cerberus? Could he be hurt or like Alecto would he just vanish and reform? Percy didn't like the feeling the thought gave him as he rubbed Cerberus' nose.
"Go back to your master," Percy told him softly, stepping away.
Cerberus whined, eyes sad, but dutifully backed up. With one last sad look over his shoulder, Cerberus turned and began lumbering up the mountain. Percy watched him for a moment, as his hide blurred into the white of the mountain and then disappeared entirely. Percy watched the mountain for a moment longer, as if he could discern Cerberus from the rest of the snow as he climbed. Throat tight and still not sure what he was going to do, Percy slowly pivoted around and set off for the castle. He would figure it out on the way.
It wasn't nearly as cold on the ground as it was on the mountain, but it was still winter and Percy shivered, wrapping his good arm around himself as he made a beeline for Queen Demeter's castle. The nearest town came into sight, the one where they met the foreign family, gods, only the night before. Percy's gut told him that Hera was still there. She wouldn't have left, she would want to be close in case there was any news or if Percy returned. She wouldn't leave them. Cradling his injured arm close, it had started to throb now that he was moving on his own, Percy headed for the town. His mind was oddly blank and he thought he probably should try to figure out what he was going to say to Hera, but he was too tired. He ducked his head and slipped through the town, avoiding villagers as they started to get up and go about their day, blissfully unaware of the danger hanging over their heads.
Percy spotted one of Princess Hera's guards and headed for him.
"Percy," the guards said, his face listening up, "thank the gods we were beginning to—where's the princess?"
"Where's Hera," Percy asked, avoiding the questions. "I need to see Princes Hera."
The guard looked horrified. "Where is Princess Persephone, is she okay? Why haven't you—"
"Percy?"
Poseidon emerged from inside the building the guard stood outside of, his brow furrowed. His eyes widened when he took in Percy's injuries.
"You're hurt," the young prince said, trying to shoulder his way passed the guard, one arm reached out towards Percy.
"Prince Poseidon please," the guard said, trying to push him back inside. "This is Arendelle business, go back inside, I am merely here to guard you until—"
"He's hurt and you're ignoring his injuries," Poseidon interrupted firmly, his voice and face absolute as he shoved the guard aside. "Get a doctor and get out of my way. I daresay Princess Hera shan't be pleased if she returns to find her guard neglected."
"Hera's not here?" Percy repeated, his stomach dropping as Poseidon tried to pry his arm away from his chest, Hera's guard reluctantly backing up. "Where is she?"
"Just uptown, to meet a messenger, she should be back soon," Poseidon muttered, still trying to gain access to Percy's injuries. "What happened, are you seriously hurt?"
"What, oh no this is nothing," Percy dismissed and as the prince pulled back to frown at him, Percy couldn't help but stare.
He couldn't believe he hadn't noticed the similarities between Hades and Poseidon until Persephone pointed them out. Staring at Poseidon now, they were glaringly obviously. The same facial structure, the same nose, the—
"Your brother," Percy blurted out without thinking. "How much do you remember about him?"
Poseidon froze, his hand hovering over Percy's injured shoulder. "Less and less as time passes," Poseidon admitted. "I was only eight when he . . . "
"When he what?" Percy pressed, knowing that he should probably (definitely) leave it alone but unable to stop picking at the scab. What did Alecto mean by wrongs, what could have happened that would make Hades leave his younger brothers behind?
"Died," Poseidon said, pulling away with a scowl.
"But that's not true is it?" Percy asked softly, staring at the young prince. Poseidon's face twitched, his jaw clenching. Something almost like a shadow fell over his face, a sheen not unlike the mask Hades put on in his esteemed castle.
"What do you remember Poseidon?" Percy asked gently.
"What is this? Ah, the princess' guard has gone and injured himself has he?"
Kronos stepped out of the building, smiling cruelly down at Percy. Poseidon stiffened right way, his fingers painfully curling around Percy's injured shoulder as his face closed off. Percy hated it. He hated that blank look, the obvious fear and ingrained diminished self-worth it spoke of. In that moment, he didn't care about Hades or Alecto or whatever goodness Persephone might have seen in the Snow King. He only cared about this kid prince and his brother, left to the cruel devices of the tyrant king.
"What did you do?" Percy wondered aloud, "That made Hades leave?"
The smile vanished from Kronos' face and Percy felt a stab of satisfaction that he managed to surprise the cruel king. Poseidon's brow furrowed at his father's change in demeanor.
"Prince Hades died," Kronos smoothly correctly, a new, predatorial smile in place.
"Not that day he didn't," Percy disagreed. "That's not why he left."
"Percy," Poseidon murmured, head bowed as he shot Percy a warning look.
"No," Percy said, growing angry. "No, I won't shut up. What happened to Prince Hades? He just disappeared one night and everybody wrote him off as dead? What did you do to him Kronos?"
"Hades died," Kronos snarled, taking a threatening step forward, "I wanted to keep the manner of his death discreet because he was a prince. Cease your conspiracy, delusional knight."
"He said he was sorry."
They all looked up at the new voice. Zeus stood in the doorway, staring up at his father with something like a dawning realization creeping over his face. The rising sun cast a pink glow across his face, gold shining in his hair as clear eyes stared at his father.
"The night before he was gone. Hades said he was sorry and that this was safer for Poseidon and me. I thought . . . I thought maybe he was sick, in the head or in the body but . . ."
"Dad what did you do?" Zeus whispered, his round face tilting to the side. "What did you do to Hades?"
"Zeus, cease this nonsense, your brother is dead," Kronos cajoled, taking a step towards his youngest son. "You're misremembering words from eight years past."
"No, I'm not," Zeus said firmly, jaw clenched and fists shaking at his side. He took a bold step forward, towards his father."You don't forget the last words the person who loves you best tells you."
"Zeus—"
"I always thought, Hades wouldn't leave us, not unless he had too," Zeus interrupted. "And then . . . and then you didn't even care when he was gone. You pretended like he never even existed. And then you married Poseidon off and I was all alone. What are you doing? What have you done?"
"Inside," Kronos said testily, grabbing Zeus roughly by the shoulder and dragging him back inside the building. "Poseidon, come."
Poseidon's face turned white. He took half a step forward, eyes trained fearfully on Zeus. Percy wasn't having any of that.
"You can't go dragging him like that," Percy objected, slipping inside behind the enraged king, putting a hand on Poseidon's shoulder in silent warning for the prince to stay back. "Stop that Kronos, you're hurting him."
Kronos turned smoldering eyes on the guard, but Percy stood his ground, steadily meeting the king's gaze.
"Let him go," Percy said slowly.
"You," Kronos hissed angrily, eyes angry slits in his dark face,"don't you have a princess to rescue I heard—"
Kronos trailed off suddenly, lifted his head to stare up at the mountain just visible behind Percy, its lone figure barely noticeable through the half-closed doors. He looked at Percy then back at the mountain.
"You've been up the mountain already," Kronos said slowly.
"Yes," Percy said, confused, then, at the alarmed look that crossed Kronos' face, had a sudden epiphany.
"You knew," Percy realized, "You knew who he was."
"You were supposed to send an army," Kronos hissed in reply, eyes narrowing furiously. "You weren't supposed to talk to him. Your foolish queen wouldn't even investigate the so-called Snow King—" Kronos spat the words out "—when he appeared eight years ago. She should have intervened then, ended the threat before it could endanger her people. But no, Arendelle can never do anything right it seems. Not even when their princess is taken."
Percy didn't understand, but he wasn't liking where this was going.
"What's he talking about?" Zeus demanded, trying to break his father's grip on his arm and he looked from Percy to the mountain. "What are you talking about?"
"Let Zeus go," Percy said as Kronos' fingers dug into the young prince's arm. He stepped forward, if Kronos was willing to kill one son Percy really didn't want Zeus anywhere near him, and suddenly found himself on the receiving end of a sword.
Percy blinked at the dangerously sparkling tip of Kronos' sword as Poseidon and Zeus both protested in the background.
"I don't know what you did," Percy said slowly. Up close now, he could see the panic and desperation in Kronos' dark eyes. Percy raised his hands slowly.
"And I don't care. It doesn't matter, it's in the past, just . . . just let Zeus go," Percy tried to reason, slowly reaching one arm out towards the youngest prince.
"He's supposed to be dead," Kronos snarled. "Why must you go poking your nose where it doesn't belong? What did he tell you?"
A whole lot of nothing, I just got some vague hints from his snow demon, Percy thought, only slightly hysterically.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Percy tried again.
"The Snow King," Kronos snarled, the tip of his sword scraping against Percy's neck, drawing small droplets of blood.
Zeus stared at Percy's neck in horror, his eyes wide.
"Hades is alive," Zeus whispered and Percy really wanted to tell him to shut up. He regretted bringing anything up in the first place, why couldn't he just keep his big mouth shut? Stupid head for getting all upset over Persephone when there clearly was something much larger at work here. He should have gone straight to Hera.
"What?" Kronos asked, his voice colder than anything Hades could ever dream of conjuring up.
"Hades is the Snow King," Zeus whispered, eyes on the mountain.
The room was so quiet Percy could hear the gentle swish of Kronos' ropes as he turned, painstakingly slow, to face the youngest prince. Zeus' eyes were bright but determined as he stared at his father. There was no fear in his face, instead cold outrage burned in his eyes as he drew himself up to his full height.
"He used to do magic tricks, frost on the windows, snowmen in the yard," Zeus said, his voice getting stronger and louder. "We thought they were just tricks, but they weren't, were they?"
"Cease," Kronos' lips barely moved, holding himself perfectly still.
"You were afraid of him, of what he could do," Zeus said, eyes flashing. "Because you knew he was more powerful than you. What did you do? Did you tell him to leave? Did you tell him you'd kill us if he didn't leave? Did you tell him he'd kill us if he didn't leave?"
"Hold your tongue."
The sword at Percy's throat was shaking ever so slightly, cutting shallowly into the skin.
"I thought it was just the fantasy of my own mind," Zeus said. "Conjuring up false memories to glorifying my lost brother, but they're true. I remember that now. Hades was always special. Poseidon remembers too."
Poseidon hadn't said anything but out of the corner of his eye, he could see the green eyed prince staring at his father, his face stony.
"Hades would never have left us," Poseidon said. "Not on his own."
"Hades was dangerous," Kronos snarled, his entire body trembling with rage at the united front his sons' put on.
"Hades was dangerous to you," Zeus snarled in returned.
"Hades was dangerous to the throne. He thought he could usurp me but I knew better! Princes are the bane of kingdoms, woe be he who has sons," Kronos snarled. "They turn on their fathers and destroy all they have created for their own selfish—"
The sword left Percy's throat, the harsh silver cutting towards Zeus and—"Zeus!" Poseidon cried, reaching forward—Percy didn't hesitate. He threw himself forward, putting his forearm up to ward off the attack. The sword sliced through the arm like it was nothing as Percy shoved the young prince out of the way. Poseidon caught Zeus, dragging his startled brother backward as Kronos practically roared and swung the sword again.
You don't have any weapons, they aren't even your princes and you're attacking a goddamn king, Percy thought, semi-hysterically as he threw himself at Kronos, ducking below the swing. Kronos was expecting that as he stepped back, swiping his sword at Percy's feet. This isn't going to end well for you.
"Go," Percy shouted at the princes, blocking Kronos' path as he tried to follow the fleeing princes.
Percy knew he was in trouble. His arm ached, his leg hurt, he was weaponless and if Westelton was anything like Arendelle, then Kronos was a well-trained swordsman. Oh yeah, and his forearm was also split open, he remembered, staring at the bloody appendage. He almost forgot about that.
"You really don't want to do this!" Percy tried to reason, lurching for the king's sword hand.
"I will not be usurped," Kronos snarled, easily sidestepping Percy and bringing the butt of his sword down sharply on Percy's spine.
Percy yelped in pain, falling to his knees. His vision went kind of funny, his body protesting. You never gave yourself time to recover it seemed to scream.
"And you are starting to really bother me," Kronos said, his voice oddly calm as he swung the sword at Percy's head.
Percy threw himself at the king's knees. Kronos didn't fall as Percy wanted him to but he did stumble back and Percy took advantage of the moment to try and disarm the king. His fingers were slick with his own blood and Kronos only had to kick Percy to send the guard skidding away. Percy's head bashed against the floor and he cursed, flipping around. He felt dizzy, his head spun.
You already lost a lot of blood this morning! A very Persephone-like voice screamed in his head, you're in no condition to fight!
Boy, was he feeling that, Percy thought, shaking his head. Kronos didn't give him any more time to entertain the train of thought. Actually, rather insultingly, the king was striding towards the door. Which. Okay, maybe Percy wasn't at his best right now (he was operating at like, maybe, ten percent of his usual strength) but that was insulting.
The princes, Percy reminded himself, forcing himself to his feet. His leg protested (actually, that maybe have been his whole body). God, there was so much blood, covering his arm, painting his torso and legs red. His vision blurred, the world hazy and tilting.
"Hades will ruin you," Percy shouted, desperate to keep the king's attention. "I don't know what you did to keep him away all these years but do you think he'll stay away once he's learned you tried to kill his brothers?"
Kronos seemed to hesitate.
"You were right to fear him! You think you stand a chance against the Snow King? He won't even have to lift a finger. You're nothing compared to him, no better than a peasant."
That got Kronos' attention. He froze in the doorway, sword in hand. When he turned around, Percy thought he could see the power that swirled in Hades' eyes in those of his father. Kronos slowly walked back to where Percy stood on trembling legs, stubbornly holding his chin up high.
The princes have to be safe by now, Percy thought as he steadily met Kronos' gaze. Gods, Hades you better not screw it up this time. I will be pissed if I die for you to continue avoiding your responsibilities.
"I am the king," Kronos snarled, prowling right up into Percy's space. "And none shall ever surpass me, peasant."
Struck a nerve there, Percy thought, letting his lips twist sardonically. Well if he was going to die, he might as well piss Kronos off while he was at it.
"You're no better than a gnat," Percy taunted, his voice raspy and blood thick on his tongue.
Kronos' mouth twisted in fury as he raised his sword. Percy refused to close his eyes, his legs giving out as he fell to his knees but stubbornly holding the king's gaze. If he was going to die, Kronos was going to have to look him in the eye; Percy Jackson was no coward. As Kronos brought his sword down, Percy could have sworn he heard someone screaming his name. Silver flashed and then—
Kronos crumbled to the floor.
Percy blinked in mild surprise, staring at the fallen king. The sword clanged loudly as it bounced against the floor, light reflecting off its bright surface.
"Percy!"
Oh, someone was calling his name. Persephone was suddenly kneeling before him, dropping a sword—hey that was his sword—on the floor as she anxiously reached for his bleeding arm. Her face was kinda fuzzy, out of focus.
"Did you just stab the king of Weselton?" Percy asked, his brain struggling to understand what was happening.
"Oh god, there's so much blood, Hades—"
And then the Snow King himself was stepping forward, oddly enough shrouded by bright light from the open door. He stepped forward, head high, eyes on his father. Kronos groaned—oh so not dead then—and Hades came to a halt at his father's side, tilting his head dispassionately to the side before putting his foot on the king's shoulder. Kronos groaned again, blinking up at his grown son.
"You tried to kill them," Hades said, his voice terrifyingly emotionless.
Kronos stared up at Hades, chest heaving.
"Gnat," Percy repeated, black dots crowding in his vision.
There was real fear in Kronos' eyes as the room around them grew cold. Percy felt it only distantly, Persephone was basically hugging him now as she messed with his arm and she was rather warm, but from the look of abject terror on Kronos' face he had the feeling the king was feeling most of the cold. He doubled over, clawing at his throat. Percy idly wondered if it was anything like what he felt at the ice palace when Hades lost his temper. Did Kronos feel like the very air he breathed was ice? Was it burning his lungs?
"You promised to never touch them," Hades said, his voice just as horrifyingly emotionless. "You should have kept that promise."
The king of Weselton violently convulsed . . . and then stopped moving altogether. A blue-tinged hand fell away from his throat and the king moved no more.
A/n Wow, there's a lot of dialogue in this chapter. I hope it wasn't boring, I don't normally do such dialogue heavy chapters? Sorry again for the giant six-month gap. Please let me know what you thought and I hope you enjoyed ~ *
