An endless fall... darkness reaching to embrace him, desperately trying to slow his fall but to no avail.
A lone figure facing off against the shadows, sword in hand, the roaring sea to his back.
A crater had formed where the figure had made impact with the court yard, destroying the flat surface and leaving it in ruins.
Smoke curling from the figure, his smirk visible.
"So what did I miss?"
He scanned the group of immortals, attempting to hide his surprise.
"I-Iapetus!? What are you doing here? I thought you were rebelling against your king? He killed your son!"
"Foolish mortal, I have always supported him. My son defied Kronos and he paid that betrayal with his life."
"Weren't you allied with the gods? I heard that you sided with the Olympians."
"Do not attempt to deceive me, mortal."
Is he pretending? Why doesn't he remember? Then in clicked to Perseus, they had a titaness who could manipulate memories.
Then what happened to the other titans? Were they enemies as well or were they left alone?
"Enough standing around, you die here. I will water the foundations of Olympus with your blood."
Movement from the demigod group caused them to pause as they watched one of their own charge Iapetus.
"Mazal, do not! He is an elder titan, he is not to be taken lightly."
Perseus had stepped in front of his comrade, preventing him from engaging the elder titan.
"Too bad, I looked forward to running my spear through his heart."
There were five immortals and eight of them. The skill of each immortal unknown, though they seemed vaguely familiar.
"Ah, do you see the resemblance? This is Hyperion, from a different future. His power is tenfold compared to the current one. You see how futile this is, do you? His power is barely less than Kronos' and his skill with a blade is unmatched." Iapetus gestured to a hooded figure.
"You keep rambling, arrogant as ever. Yet how many immortals have met their end by our blades?"
Iapetus' face was bright red, angered at what the boy in front of him had just taunted.
"That ends here, your fortune ends here."
"Shall we begin, I do believe we must be the ones to challenge our correct?"
The hooded warrior, dubbed Hyperion started laughing.
"Foolish mortal, the ancient laws have been revoked. We can kill you mortals without a second thought."
"Is that so? This will be fun! Give us a moment? We must discuss which of you dies first."
"Very well Perseus."
Perseus led his group far from the immortals, stopping and gesturing them to listen.
"Percy, what are we going to do? You heard him, he's almost as strong as Kronos!"
"Why are you asking me Mazal? I took this time so Vetas could devise a strategy."
"Well you're our leader Percy."
"No Mazal, I cannot lead a team I haven't known for long. You should lead them, you've known everyone longer than I."
Everyone was speechless, no one expected Perseus to turn down leadership.
"Alright Percy, Ve any ideas? How should we go about this?"
"It would be logical to stick in groups, work through the other immortals then take Hyperion on seeing as he's the most powerful enemy here. We should work together on him, be careful though."
"Sounds good, Vetas you and I will take on one of the immortals. Percy and Avara, you take on Iapetus if you think you can manage it. Lydia, Elras work on one of the cloaked figures. Xarse and Veliri, take on the last hooded figure. Do NOT engage Hyperion alone! Got it?"
After eight nods, they split into their designated groups.
Hyperion chuckled once more.
"I will sit this out, you couldn't hope to defeat the other titans here. I think you're familiar with the one in the back, after all you are named after him. Perses I believe it was."
The figure in the far back stepped up, throwing his cloak and hood to the side.
Perseus gasped, obviously shocked that Hyperion was telling the truth.
"U-Uncle?"
"Perseus...I'm sorry, I have to do this."
"Liar! You don't have to do anything, you let my father die. Y-You let Meno die, you have no right to talk to me as if we were still friends."
"Your father made his choices, as did Menoetius. They condemned themselves to their fate, the fault is their own."
In a fit of rage Perseus shot towards his former comrade, dust flying everywhere. Tackling the titan, sending them flying to the ground as Perseus pummeled Perses. He didn't stop until Perses was unrecognizable, his face drenched a golden color. Ichor. The titan remained unconscious, showing no signs of waking up soon.
"Well there's one of our men disposed of already, but that's to be expected. Perseus is indeed the child of the prophecy."
"What prophecy!?" Perseus asked, asking the question that was on his friend's minds.
Iapetus laughed, dropping his spear as his hands went to his sides, attempting to stop the pain from laughter.
"They truly didn't tell you, did they?"
"Tell us what? What is this prophecy you spoke of? How do I fit into it?"
"You're the key role, it all falls to you. Kronos should've known he could not alter your destiny, but he doubted the inevitable. He will fall, it doesn't matter when or how. He will fall. You shall be the one to end this war, but at what cost?"
"You bastard, you're bluffing. There's no way I could defeat the titan lord, his power exerts pressure. I could barely move when we last fought."
"My boy, you really are dull. Can you not feel it? A few primordials have taken a liking to you, some just to use you, manipulate you to their own will. Yet one wants to aid you, he's given you his blessing in fact. Passed most of his remaining power to you, you are now impervious to Kronos' powers."
"Why are you telling me this? Why now, after all that has happened?"
"Because child, we do not serve Kronos. We serve a higher being, it matters not. Kronos will be destroyed by your hand, this will help our plans. By destroying Kronos you inadvertently let loose an even bigger threat, one you cannot hope to defeat. So I offer you this once, peacefully. Join us and your friends will be spared, refuse...and I kill them."
"Don't do it Percy, he's bluffing. Its all lies, don't listen to him, he is the ene-"
Xarse was abruptly cut off as a spear was driven through his chest and puncturing his heart.
Blood pulsing out of the wound, a streak of blood running from the corner of his mouth only to drop onto his bow.
"Y-You bastard! H-How...you coward!"
Veliri letting go of Xarse's hand, sprinting towards Iapetus only to be grabbed from behind and stopped.
"Let go of me Perseus, he deserves to die. I hate you! You're the reason he's dead, how could you do that to a friend..?"
"Veliri he would not have spared any of you in the first place, Xarse knew that. Don't blame this on me, I-I didn't want this to happen. I never wanted role in all of this."
"One down...six to go."
"Mazal, help Vetas with the cloaked figure to the left, that one is Krios. Avara, Elras and Lydia I need you to defeat the other cloaked figure."
"I have a name, foolish mortal!"
"T-That voice, it can't be. Watch out that one is Pallas! How are you getting such powerful allies, Iapetus?"
"8 demigods born to ensure the gods reign
With difficult lives full of pain
5 will perish, 3 will survive
Lives will be lost, many will die
Doom and doom alone must fight the Titan Lord
His life ended with a thrust of a sword."
"Is that the prophecy?"
"Indeed it is, it seems we can only kill four more of your friends Perseus. Sad really, I wanted to kill all of them."
"Enough talk, let us settle this with combat."
"Agreed."
Perseus squared off against the titan, his obvious advantages; he couldn't risk killing him, speed, and he will be weak inside his guard.
Obvious disadvantages; strength, size, experience and his knowledge.
The opponents stared each other down, waiting for the other to make their move.
"You know I could hear your mothers screams? I don't remember clearly what happened, but I remember the pain in her scream. The fear. The despair. And it was...invigorating."
The taunt had its intended purpose, to enrage Perseus.
"And I will make sure your brother hears your pain filled screams as I find the most creative of ways to torture you. I will make sure your mother feels the pain that you will feel and in that moment even if just for a second you feel regret for messing with my parents and my friends. Your taunts may anger me but I still hold the upper hand, you cannot hope to defeat me Iapetus. You may be a gifted warrior but we both know who will win."
Avara was shocked to say the least when she heard what her best friend had just told the titan. It made him seem...evil almost.
"Avara focus, Percy will be fine."
"R-Right, forgive me Elras."
"Just focus."
Avara, Elras and Lydia carefully observed their opponent. Sure Perseus had eliminated Pallas, but now he seemed...tainted. He seemed touched by the darkness, more than usual. His eyes glazed over, the scar that Perseus had left him from severing his head was still there. Wrapping around his throat, though it had a dark tint to it.
"Something's not right, his skin looks odd. Be careful of the enemies that had already been defeated!"
Perseus was too caught up in his standoff to pay much attention, his sword extended in his hand, his armor repaired by Hephaestus. The only thing that was new was something around his neck, an amulet or talisman of some sort.
"Are we going to start this Iapetus? If not do you mind if I dance a little? Got a lot of energy, I need to get rid of it."
The question had the right effect as Iapetus barreled towards Perseus only to have him crouch down and kick Iapetus' legs out from under him.
"Inability to control one's anger must be hereditary, all of the titans I have faced cannot seem to control themselves."
"Gah! Shut it you filthy mort-"
"You also say mortal like it's a bad thing, and yet we've disrupted your plans time and time again. I can feel your emotions, I can hear your thoughts. You are afraid, and I haven't even shown you a fraction of my true power."
"How can you supposedly do all that? What am I thinking right now?"
"My father's domains were; doom, destruction and energy. Every living thing is made of energy, I can see you for what you truly are and to an extent, I can hear your thoughts and understand your emotions. Right now you're thinking whether or not to duel me, what your chances of incapacitating me are."
Iapetus was at a loss of words. If this mortal was so powerful why send someone who couldn't handle him?
Then realization struck him, we were never meant to win. We were just a test for him, to gather information on his powers and his fighting styles.
"Hyperion, Pallas, Krios we need to leave! Now! We were never meant to succeed here, we must leave."
This earned puzzled looks, and one not so puzzled look. Seeing as how Perses was still unconscious.
"Iapetus you honestly think I'd let you leave here? After what you just did?! You killed my ally, you will not leave this place."
"So Iapetus who set us up?"
"Gaea it had to be her, wait Hyperion why aren't you confused? D-Did you know?"
"I had my guesses, mother isn't exactly fond of her children. Except for Kronos and Rhea, so I figured this was a trap when she gave me extra power. By my calculations, if Perseus were to unleash his true bonds he may be able to take her out."
"So what's that mean for us demigods?" Mazal asked.
"It means that we should not fight amongst ourselves, we should band together to defeat Gaea and Kronos."
"No."
Four titans, and six demigods looked towards Perseus in shock. He had denied their offer.
"Perce what do you mean no? We may need their help, think about this."
"I have Avara, we do not know if they will actually help us. If we took their help and it ended up a lie, they could destroy the Olympians in seconds. I will not lose this war because of poor judgment, you need to think this through."
It made sense to them, this could be a trick to end the war.
"Damn, we hoped you would have fallen for that. Perseus, I had not thought you to be the one to catch on to our ploy. Now we can dispose of Perses, he wasn't even on our side. He couldn't lie to save his own skin, we just enjoyed that he thought he fooled us."
As Iapetus raised his spear, time slowed as Perseus raced towards him reaching his hand out, causing a swirling silver energy to cover his hand. Perseus knew he wouldn't be able to stop Iapetus in time with just running towards him. As he released the swirling energy, it shot out of his hand faster than the eye could see as it collided with Iapetus' torso, sending him flying into a pillar.
"Fight someone who can defend themselves, coward."
"Very well, should I start with you or that daughter of Hades?"
"You will find she is not one to take lightly, what makes you think I will let you?"
And for the first time, Perseus and Iapetus locked blades. Iapetus pressed his spear shaft toward Perseus, trying to overpower him. Perseus let go and ducked to the left, causing Iapetus fall towards the ground due him overextending his strike. Gathering himself, calming his anger as he stabbed his spear into the ground. Muttering an incantation as the ground started pulling apart, skeletal hands reaching from underground.
"Twelve? That's all you summoned? Avara will you deal with the undead?" Perseus asked, calling over his shoulder.
"It matters not Perseus, join us! Your fall is inevitable, everything ends. Power means nothing in the end."
"Everything must end, I understand that. Power means everything in the end, you will soon realize this."
Perseus launched himself towards his opponent, feinting to the left and delivering a low cut to Iapetus' calf.
"You said you would water the ground with our blood correct? Well I'm not the one bleeding."
Iapetus went in for a low sweep, counting on Perseus to jump as he drove the butt of the spear into his gut. It only served to wind Perseus, but it still gave Iapetus time to attack. Going into a frenzy of stabbing, whirling, sweeping, anything to try and hit his opponent. Perseus was constantly on the defensive, trying not to give too much ground. Perseus tripped, Iapetus tried taking advantage of this as he jumped into the air, his spear raised above his head. Quickly Perseus rolled out of the way, the spear shattering the floor where it impacted. Iapetus soon realized his spear was stuck in the stone, unable to jar it loose.
"All according to plan."
Swinging his sword at the spears shaft, the metal severing. The spearhead still inside the stone, the spear melted into shadows and disappeared.
"Now I'll make this even."
Perseus threw his sword to the side, opting for hand to hand combat.
Iapetus rushed towards his sword only to find himself sent flying from a powerful kick. He was sprawled on the ground, his armor dented where he was kicked. Forgetting about the sword, warily watching the teenager in front of him. Rushing towards him, sliding as he kicked Perseus. Proud of himself, Iapetus checked to see where he had kicked him only to find his leg in Perseus' grasp. Jerking his ankle, causing an audible snap to be heard as Iapetus screamed in pain.
The clashing figures paused their battles to see what the scream was, only to see Iapetus' ankle bent at an unnatural angle.
Perseus let his opponent go, throwing him a few feet away to grab his sword. It shrunk down to its pendant form around his neck, glowing faintly. Almost as if it knew it would be needed soon, as if it had a mind of its own.
Iapetus attempted to crawl away, his ankle was slowly healing. He slowly got to his feet, supporting himself with a pillar until he could stand on his own.
Pain still evident on Iapetus' face, as he eyed Perseus with fear.
"I yield, you have defeated me. You can take me to Olympus, I will be a prisoner."
"No. We don't take prisoners."
Walking towards the titan, his intent clear. Iapetus readied himself for what was to come...he tried at least, what was to come was something he couldn't prepare for. No one could.
Wildly swinging his fists, trying to land a punch. They were swatted away, and when Perseus got into his guard it was over. Delivering lightning quick jabs all over Iapetus' body, his arms and legs rendered useless. Launching a fist into the titans torso, his body folding himself from the impact. Grabbing Iapetus' head and slamming his face into his knee repeatedly.
Perseus seemed to break out of his trance as he saw what he was doing, looking at his hands in horror.
"P-Please, end it."
Iapetus barely able to speak those three words.
Rubbing his pendant, his sword materialized in his hand.
"Forgive me, I wasn't myself."
Bringing the blade down, severing the head from the body. Looking over to see his friends staring at him in horror, a look he never wished to see again.
Krios took advantage of the shock as he punched Mazal in the back of the head, raising his sword to kill Vetas. She rolled out of the way, Perseus running to her side. He grabbed Mazal and carried his unconscious form away from battle, returning to face Krios only to get shoved from behind.
Perseus hadn't even checked on Avara and the others, Pallas had overpowered all three of them. Vetas stood with him, shoulder to shoulder facing opposite directions. The three remaining titans circling the two, letting them know there was no escape.
"Vetas please forgive me."
"Wha-"
The crumpled form of the demigoddess fell into his arms, he walked over to the others and placed her with them.
"This brat is arrogant, he knocked his own ally out. Does he think he can take us by himself?"
"Possibly Krios, it may be more though."
A wave of pressure exploded from Perseus, sending the three titans flying. They hastily got to their feet, readying themselves for the clash. Perseus grabbed his sword, slashing it a few times. Facing off against Hyperion, Krios and Pallas. He bent down, shooting off the ground towards Krios, driving his shoulder into Krios' gut causing spittle to fly from his mouth.
Spinning and delivering a punch to the side of Krios' face, his head snapping to the side. Turning to face Pallas, dodging a lethal strike aimed for his chest leaving only a small cut on his shoulder. Swinging his sword, parrying attack after attack and pressing on.
Suffering from minor wounds, a few cuts and gashes. Perseus kicked Pallas' kneecap in, causing the titan of warcraft to drop to his other knee. Elbowing Pallas in the face, rendering him unconscious and bleeding. Perseus turned, hearing the wind displace, to catch the fist that was thrown at him.
"And you call yourselves titans?! You are weak, pathetic."
It was at that moment that the demigods had started to wake, in awe of the display they were given. Perseus twirling and jumping, dodging each and every attack as he knocked Pallas out. Jumping and spinning in midair he unsheathed his sword and stabbed Krios in the neck, easily cutting through his armor and flesh. Krios' eyes flashing with a golden light as he tried to assume his true form, only for his lifeless body to fall to the ground.
"Two down, one to go. Hyperion...I can sense your fear, your anger. Don't worry it won't take very long, I'm just repaying you, your kind killed my family after all."
Hyperion conjured a bright light which consumed him. It faded shortly after, showing Hyperion in intricate golden armor and holding a large sword. His eyes glowing like miniature suns, his face full of rage.
Hyperion spread his hands, bright lights forming on them. He threw light after light, each exploding on impact. Dust being thrown up as the explosions caused tremors, the continuous onslaught of light causing a crater to form. When the dust finally settled and the blast zone was visible, everyone's jaw dropped. There stood Perseus, darkness surrounding him as it protected him, without a scratch and ready for more.
"I-It can't be...I gave it everything I had!"
"My turn."
Perseus raised his arms, the darkness obeying his commands. He pulled his arms back, then threw them forward, the darkness racing to meet him. Just as it was about to hit Hyperion, a bright wall appeared in front of him. A new aura, one that exerted pressure appeared just as the wall did.
The demigods were in shock of Perseus' power, his ferocity was unmatched. They thought he was a goner when Hyperion sent his flurry of light at him, only to see he was unharmed. They started to stand up as Perseus sent the darkness towards Hyperion but were all driven back to the ground by some kind of pressure, like gravity had increased exponentially.
"Hyperion! What are you doing?! Starting fights with mortals, you broke the ancient laws. Yet you're still losing, how priceless. I always said titans were weak."
"H-Hemera?!"
"Yes, now begone."
She snapped her fingers and he disappeared in a bright light. Turning back towards Perseus, who was attempting to get his breathing under control.
"Aunt Hemera!" Perseus greeted enthusiastically.
"Hello nephew, it has been a while has it not?"
"It truly has, a few years at least. If you don't mind my asking, what happened to my friends?"
"Oh I had dear old Chronus freeze time around them, they'll be fine. We needed to talk...privately."
"About what?"
"Your grandparents, my mother and father. They plan on using you, you will be a pawn in their mission. A powerful pawn at that."
"Why are you telling me this? Why betray them?"
"I loved your father...more than just siblings. Moros loved you a great amount, you were his pride and joy. Mother and father are driven by anger, by hate. They wish to find Chaos, the creator and destroy her."
"Y-You loved him?! What about Aether? Is she not talking to them? She doesn't seem like a bad lady, she's kind actually."
"Yes I did, I still do, but he fell for your mother. We never were together, he just thought we were, that oaf. Her as in Chaos? You've spoken to the creator?!"
"If its any consolation he loved you as well, he just thought he never had a chance with "such an amazing primordial" and he fell in love with mom. Yes, we spoke. We also hugged, she's got a strong grip though." Perseus did air quotes around such an amazing primordial, causing Hemera to laugh.
"It does. Well I should be getting back, don't want anyone to get suspicious. Take care Percy, be safe."
"You too aunt Hemera, you too."
As soon as she flashed away, Hyperion reappeared and was sprawled out on the ground. The demigods were confused, Perseus hadn't even moved and Hyperion was in a complete different direction.
Perseus strolled towards Hyperion, his sword in hand. Slashing across his throat, severing his left jugular veins. Blood started gushing out as Hyperion tried applying pressure, but it was too late. The damage was done. Just like Krios, Hyperion attempted to assume his true form but died before it was complete.
Perseus rushed over to check on his friends, mostly just Avara but still. He checked on Avara, making sure she wasn't hurt. Moving on to Mazal, then Elras, and so on. Until he checked on Vetas, boy was she angry.
"You took them on by yourself! You imbecile, how could you knock me out?! That was arrogant, idiotic, and reckless."
"I know Vetas, but I had to take them on by myself. You wouldn't have been able to do much, they would've killed you!"
"Thank you Percy, thank you for saving us!"
After a chorus of thanks, and everyone swarming in to compliment him, Avara stepped up. They had an intense stare down before she threw her arms around Perseus, pulling him closer to her.
"You need to be careful Perce, please? If you die I will resurrect you and kill you again!"
"Okay Av, I'm sorry. I promise I'll be careful."
As he broke the hug and walked over to a mourning Veliri.
"I'm sorry Veliri, he was a great guy. I'm sorr-"
"Its not your fault Percy, we'd all be dead if it wasn't for you."
After nodding he went back to Avara, smirking as he got closer. In an instant his mood changed, he was wary.
"What's wrong Perce? Something the matter?"
"Just a feeling Av, its probably nothing."
As they embraced again, she whispered into his ear.
"You've gotta train me some more, okay? I hate being weak."
"Of course Av, when do you wanna start?"
"Tomorrow mor-"
She never got a chance to finish her sentence as a blade was driven through her stomach. Shock evident on everyone's face, everyone had forgotten about Pallas.
Percy stared into her eyes, her dark onyx eyes.
"You promised Av, you promised!"
The life slowly leaving her body, she raised her right hand to his cheek. Cupping it and smearing blood on him in the process, but he didn't care about that. How could he?
"I-I'm sorry Percy."
Her skin pale, her breathing almost nonexistent and her eyes starting to close as her hand dropped to the ground limply, being submerged in the growing puddle of blood. The stars shined brighter than ever during the whole ordeal, something left unnoticed.
A/N this chapter is over 4,500 words long without the author notes! This is the long chapter I've ever written so hooray! I hope you guys enjoy ^-^ let me know what you think?