Just a note: I know how many of you don't like me shifting away from Percy, so I decided to alter my story a bit to bring him back. If anyone read The Kane Chronicles, here's a hint about where he's gone: Think of Bast and Apophis and their situation before the major events of the book.
This chapter occurs concurrent with The Trojan war. However since there are many stories detailing it, I will not. This chapter will detail the very end of it so I can just get on with the story and bring back Percy. So that does mean I'm skipping roughly a decade since the Trojan war was 10 years long.
"It all ends with Troy"
Several years had passed since Hunter assisted Artemis and Alessandra in the battle against Orion. Since then, the situation at Troy had escalated until an all-out war broke out, and the Gods either picked sides or abstained outright from being involved.
Athena, Hera, Hephaestus, Hermes, Poseidon and Thetis supported the Greeks.
Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Aphrodite, and Leto supported the Trojans. The remaining Gods maintained neutrality in the conflict, as the whole of Greece seemed to be sucked into the conflict. Tensions were rising, and soon it came to ahead when the Greeks staged a historical assault on Troy.
The Olympians did their best to stay out of direct confrontation with one another, however as the war raged on and neared its end, it became difficult. Ten years of conflict drove up tensions to a boiling point, and it soon exploded in the final days of the war. Achilles had stopped fighting when Agamemnon took his concubine, but when his cousin, Patroclus died wearing his own armor Achilles became enraged.
The Gods watched, fascinated, as possibly the greatest Greek warrior reentered the battle with a rage they've never seen a mortal withhold before. He cut down the Trojans with an animal like frenzy, and soon he was able to defeat Hector, the great Trojan warrior. His death coupled with the desecration of his body sent shockwaves through the Trojan ranks, morale dropping to an all time low. However, at this moment the Greeks made a mistake.
A scouting party sacked a temple of Artemis, murdering her priests and toppling her statue. Infuriated, the goddess unleashed her Hunters on the Greeks, intending for them to inflict heavy casualties. Yet there was one man, known as a friend to the huntresses, who did not follow them into battle.
Hunter had aged in the years since the war started. Now that he was no longer stuck in his father's pocket dimension, his aging had become normal. He now looked near identical to his older brother Terra, except with a short beard and he was a little more lean. His height had increased by a few inches and his skin tanned even more, giving some of the women in Troy heart-attacks at the mere sight of him.
Hunter had taken a heavy set of Trojan armor, adding bronze and silver chainmail to his arms and legs which were bare on every other soldier. His helmet also stopped lower than the normal Trojans, and a thin chainmail mask covered the lower half of his face. The aura of power that lightly seeped from him boosted the confidence of the citizens who met him, seeing his presence as a gift of the gods. Hunter knew better.
It was during one of these meeting, where a woman was thanking him profusely (he hadn't even fought yet.) when a captain ran up to him.
"Sir, the women in your party have just raised their arms. They've gone to battle!" The soldier exclaimed, urgency flashing across his face. Hunter frowned, features twisting into a mask of nothing. "On whose orders?" He demanded. Lady Artemis had them in Troy as observers and spies, not combatants. From the information he had gathered, the Gods forbade each other from entering the fight, lest they receive severe punishment.
"The Goddess, Lady Diana herself gave the order. At least, that's what the Lieutenant said." Hunter grinded his teeth, the repercussions of such an act flashing through his mind.
Over the course of ten years, he had gotten to know the hunters. They didn't like him, besides Atalanta and possibly Zoë, but respected him as his combat abilities were put on display. I am my father's son he mused. Feeling a sense of responsibility, Hunter took off towards the wall, noticing the mass amount of soldiers standing by and the immense amount of fighting currently happening just over the wall.
What I'd give to be in that. Hunter thought. However, another voice spoke to him.
Yeah, and then some insane god would zap you- poof! No more Hunter. The little voice in his head said. And unfortunately, it was right. Hunter could help fight a Giant, and he could easily kill quite a few monsters on his own. Sadly his powers were not quite on the godly level, and a dark thought slithered into his brain. Caretaker's power would. His eyes were tinged green with jealousy for the briefest of moments, before it passed. Caretaker was his brother, no matter what.
Hunter climbed the spiral staircase up the wall, ignoring the tremors that shook the ground as thousands of men fought and died. Remorse wormed its way through as he yearned to fight- to not feel so useless. And get yourself killed? He heard Terra's voice, nagging him.
Walking onto the wall, he noted with grim satisfaction on how the Hunters were single-handedly turning the tide of the battle. Their silver arrows darted out into the Greek ranks, piercing metal and flesh. Some arrows pierced eyes, others pierced hearts. The Trojans were renewed with confidence as their archer allies wiped out the entire front line of Greek soldiers, who in turn began to turn tail and retreat in fright.
Their past actions against Artemis were finally biting them in the ass.
Hunter gave a small grin as he watched the girls quivers seemingly replenish with ammo- no doubt a gift from Artemis. The dangerous arrows continued to fly long after the Greeks began their retreat, and Hunter was impressed as he watched Greek soldiers several hundred meters away fall to the unending hailstorm of silver and black. The Trojan foot soldiers gave cries of victory, before they began to drag their wounded and dying comrades back through the gates.
The Trojans had won this day.
However, as Hunter looked on in the distance, he saw a single Greek staring back. Black armor adorned his body, and Hunter frowned as thunder rumbled in the distance. I believe we just made a mistake.
-00-
"I don't think that was smart." Hunter stated to Zoë, who was cleaning off some of her silver arrows. Hunter felt more comfortable talking to Zoë than any of the other man-haters, besides Atalanta who was busy with the rest of the hunt. The girl, while making her natural aversion to men clear, recognized his distaste for the situation as well. It also helped him that Lady Artemis specifically briefed her. Don't alienate him, in fact I think you should try to befriend him. Let him get close, and listen to what he says.
The huntress before him raised a delicate eyebrow, before looking back down and continuing to clean. Hunter's eyes trailed her body, the hard muscles and sun kissed skin, noting that if she didn't have a burning desire to kill every man he'd try to flirt with her. The half-immortal was very attractive. Her dark eyes, however, held an unseen emotion as she looked back up again, wiping sweat from her brow. "My lady ordered it. So I followed through. You ever know what it's like, to take orders? Be loyal?" While her words were sharp, her tone was lighter and Hunter was mildly surprised.
He was expecting a growl or worse.
Shrugging, the man grinned. "I do, actually. I have an older brother that I had to listen to. But I'd much rather be giving the orders instead of taking them." Something about his tone seemed to bother the young woman, who kept running her eyes up and down his body. While most men would try to make themselves look bigger at this, seeing it as a sign of interest, Hunter knew better. She was searching for something, or rather comparing him to something. There was no lust or attraction in her eyes when they trailed his body, but instead a hidden curiosity. A hidden recognition.
Sighing, Hunter leaned on the wall besides him. "Are you going to tell me why you keep looking at me as if I'm on display?"
Raising her eyes back up, Zoë contemplated voicing her thoughts. Hunter, seeing her inner debate, relaxed his shoulders. "I mean as long as you're not imagining me as a small doe." That drew a small grin from her, and a light laugh escaped her lips.
When Hunter had first joined the hunt those years ago, the huntresses tried many times to hurt and/or kill him (*accidentally*). While the majority still would give him the cold shoulder, Zoë seemed to warm up to him. At least, she didn't turn him away and let him talk to her. She even found his advice useful at times, and after some more quiet words with Artemis, Zoë was willing to go hunting with him.
So over the course of the past few years they'd built up a working relationship, though her initial words still replayed in her mind.
Zoë set her mouth in a line, before staring into Hunters dark emerald eyes, her own tracing every swirl of color. "You remind me of an old friend."
It was Hunter's turn to raise an eyebrow, looking down at the huntress. Zoë stood up, stretching as she did so. Hunter warily eyed her flexible limbs as she did so, attempting to keep his eyes on her face.
He couldn't just anger the only other huntress that actually talked to him.
Zoë collected her arrows, a slight irritation in her eyes as she punched Hunter rather hard in the shoulder. Hunter recoiled, glaring at the girl who shrugged. "Next time I notice you staring I'm going to stab you. Now let's not be late to dinner, gods know the hunt already doesn't like you."
-00-
It was an uneventful few days, as they waited for the next attack. Hunter hadn't spoken to Zoë since the day of the last one, and remembering their conversation he hoped he hadn't alienated himself.
Hunter's quick temper had cooled over the years, and now he seemed to think similarly to how his brother, Terra did. Which didn't help him remain patient, however.
Luckily, or unluckily, his prayers were answered as a few moments later the bells signaling an attack were ringing. Putting his armor on, Hunter rushed to the battlements, adrenaline starting to pump through his veins at the thought of fighting. He reached them late though, as the hunters were already letting arrows fly.
But something was off. Instead of the rapid-fire hail of arrows, the women were slowly loading and unloading, and taking aim for what felt like minutes. It was when the Greeks got close did Hunter realize why.
They were bunched together, hip to hip, in a shield formation. The front row had their shields raised, and every row behind had shields above their heads. Not a single soldier was killed as they slowly marched towards the gates, where the Trojan lines anxiously awaited outside. Hunter watched as the hunter's frustration grew, and a few girls angrily threw down their bows.
Zoë remained calm, still smoothly letting her arrows fly, yet she too was unable to hit a target. Gaze sweeping across the Greeks, Hunter made eye contact with the black armored one from before, who was shouting orders. So he's the mastermind behind this.
They finally reached the gates, unhindered by arrows. The Trojans ferociously charged forward, intent on breaking the Greeks shield wall, but the front line suddenly spurted spears out and the Trojans began falling like flies. Zoë began to unveil her irritation, as the Greek shields laughed at her efforts.
Seemingly realizing the futility of their efforts, Zoë slid her bow on her back, drawing out twin daggers. She shrugged off the silver cloak she wore, unveiling lightweight silver armor that was beautifully designed for speed and protection.
The hunters copied her, and Hunter observed as the immortal maidens rushed down the battlements and straight to the gates. The cries of men dying and fighting seemed to grow more urgent as they opened the gates, and when Zoë took one step out she was already dodging javelins.
Hector was leading the Trojans, trying to slash his way towards the Greek leader. The black armored man's face was disguised by his helmet and the shadows of shields, but the dead Trojans at his feet screamed out I'm really good!
Despite the amount of kills he had, even the Greek leader was unable to combat the ferocity of the hunters. The entire Greek front line was suddenly decimated in an amazing fashion, with close range arrows and agile girls sliding through their guards. The mortal eye saw nothing but a silver blur, before death was calling. Hunter's eyes flickered to Hector, who gave a rallying war cry, and then charged the Greek general.
A dramatic showdown, with even the hunters of Artemis deciding to give them space. An odd feeling fluttered in Hunter's chest however, as Hector seemed to gain the upper hand. Something is wrong here.
Hector disarmed the Greek, before laying a killing blow. The Trojans cheered, while the Greeks did nothing but watch in disbelief. Then the general's helmet fell off, and even the Trojans quieted.
Hunter frowned at the reaction, and tuned in his enhanced hearing. "I thought it was him….."
"Patroclus! What have you done?!"
"Eudoros! Look!" The Greek lines suddenly made way as a man in a simple tunic sprinted forward at inhuman speeds. He stopped before Patroclus's body, weeping. One name was suddenly whispered throughout both sides. "Achilles."
Hector looked like he'd seen a ghost. The Trojans began to back up, and next thing Hunter knew the only person between Hector and Achilles was Zoë. The Greek hero looked up, murder written plainly across his face. Zoë stood confidently before Hector, her onyx eyes shining as she and the hunters shielded the Trojans. Achilles, infuriated, growled. "What immortal has decided to intervene in mortal affairs?"
Zoë tilted her head up, looking down on Achilles as irritation flashed across her regal face. "I am no immortal, boy." The Greek hero sputtered, and Hunter realized that it would be unwise for the huntress to continue. This hero was out for blood, and she was making herself look like an appetizer. "Hector! I challenge you to a duel, midday tomorrow," He paused, eyes glancing back at the tall woman who stood before him and his quarry. "And you, I will see you after." Achilles picked up Patroclus with amazing strength, given the weight of the armor, and stormed off, the remaining Greeks following. Hunter could barely make out Eudorus' whispers, "I didn't know! He looked like you and fought like you-"They left his hearing range, and Hunter uncrossed his arms.
The Trojans were left speechless, and he noticed Hector's wife silently crying along the battlements, as she came to the revelation that her husband would soon be dead.
As the royal family began to comfort her, Hunter stormed down the wall, eyes fixated on the immortal huntress wearing the tiara. "Zoë! What the hell was that?"
The immortal woman glared at him, and Hunter stopped as he was suddenly surrounded by a dozen angry girls with very pointy weapons. Zoë raised a hand, and they slowly dropped their weapons, however the glare on her face intensified. "What makes you think that a man can talk to any maiden of Artemis like that?" She sneered at him, and Hunter's cheeks reddened. The hunt slowly dissipated, many casting snarky grins at him as they expected to hear about the ass-whooping he was going to get.
Zoë stormed off, and Hunter dutifully followed once she gestured for him to come. Her black hair bounced along, reaching the middle of her back. Hunter's eyes kept trailing downwards, fixating on her hips and legs….
"What do you think you're looking at?!" Hunter's gaze snapped back up meeting the furious eyes of Zoë. Her face had reddened with anger and possible embarrassment, and Hunter was glad no other huntress was around to see that happen. The lieutenant of the hunt was angrily glaring at him, eyes narrowed still as she gave him a 'come hither' motion. Hunter slowly walked forward like a kicked puppy, and as soon as he was in range Zoë gave him a ringing slap! Then she followed it with a swift flick of the wrist, and Hunter felt a sudden protrusion in his gut.
"You…stabbed me!"
"What did I say?" Zoë's voice was dangerous and Hunter sighed, reaching into his hip pocket for a block of ambrosia.
"I deserved that." Hunter said, rubbing his now bright red cheek as the ambrosia healed his gut. Zoë huffed once more, before taking a turn into the general's quarters. Entering the square structure, the two came to see half a dozen Trojan generals worriedly talking over one another. They stopped once the two walked in though, and Hunter felt himself shift uncomfortably from the attention.
"You saved our asses out there." One heavyset general rumbled out. Zoë gave him a disgusted look, before her dark eyes landed on Hector. "You must prepare yourself. Defeating Achilles is no short task." Hector, who sat at the head of the war preparations table, frowned. "I am well aware, maiden of Diana. However I am also needed here to help prepare Troy's defenses should I fail." The room became eerily quiet at that morbid thought, and Zoë suddenly grabbed Hunter's hand, dragging him to the table. Ignoring the looks he threw her, she pointed to the map with authority, her silver tiara glowing with an ethereal light. "This is what we're going to do…"
-00-
Later that night, Hunter approached Zoë on the balcony of the palace. The hunters had been invited to King Priam's halls for dinner after stepping in and helping drive off the Greeks. Zoë herself was toasted to, however she did not look comfortable at all. Later that night, the son of Perseus watched as the huntress excused herself to go outside. Making sure no one was paying attention, he followed her out into the cool air.
The second he stepped outside, Zoë knew who it was. Hunter noticed how she tensed up, a drastic change from the relaxed stance she had not a second before.
"You confuse me." Hunter admitted as he took a spot next to her. Zoë said nothing, her volcanic eyes staring into oblivion, deep in thought. The demi-titan looked at his companion, who remained silent. "You're supposed to hate all men, and yet there are times when I feel like you treat me as a long-time friend."
"I have known you for a decade now."
"Then you know that's not what I meant." Zoë sighed in understanding, flipping her hair over her shoulder.
"You confuse me." She stated, twirling a strip of her dark hair. It was true, that the man confused her. Atalanta seemed to warm up to him shortly after Orion attacked, and while the rest of the hunt still tended to avoid him Zoë did not feel the same urge to just isolate him.
"I naturally want to be colder to you because of your gender and…..well disrespect. I mean really? I've stuffed other men full of arrows for far less. Yet with you…..I don't know. You act like an old friend of mine, and it'd be disrespectful to his memory for me to do that."
Hunter shrugged as he said nothing. He had a good feeling as to why she felt confused around him, but he wasn't going to exactly tell her who his father was. Though he had no doubt she suspected, he closely resembled children of Poseidon as well, so she wouldn't be certain.
So there lies his problem.
Does he tell her his parentage, and likely polarize her, or not? But waiting for her to discover it on her own would carry its own consequences.
"Who was your friend?" Hunter inwardly winced as he chose what was likely to be a painful path. The huntress stared at him, black orbs reflecting deep thought once more, before she took a breath and twiddled her thumbs. "He was a Titan." She gauged his reaction before continuing, noticing the lack of surprise or anger. "I grew up with him. I guess you could say we were pretty good friends, until my father and my friend got into a fight. But you share the same determination he had, and his lack of regard for social norms."
Zoë's face seemed to lose tensions as she spoke, mind taking her back. "Simple mannerisms of yours remind me of him, and no matter how much the other girls disregard you, you keep persisting. It was a trait of his as well."
Hunter pursed his lips, a weird thought coming to him. "Wait, if you grew up with a Titan, doesn't that make you older than Artemis?"
A ghost of a grin touched her lips, as she nodded lightly. "Yes, but don't go around spreading that. I don't happen to share that information with a lot of people."
"Then why share it with me?" Zoë's eyes met Hunter's, and he watched as her mesmerizing orbs peer into his soul. Her hand, which was resting on the stone ledge, slowly made its way to is forearm, where it traced circles. "You see," she whispered, her voice drawing him in, eyes never leaving his, "Whenever I'm near you I feel this hidden nobility. No matter how rude you tried to be, I could feel it. As if it was calling to me- I've only felt that with one other. Where that inner goodness and light reached out to purify the surrounding darkness." She leaned in close, and Hunter had a forbidden thought as her lips brushed his cheek.
"The man I grew up with- the Titan I grew up with- his name was Perseus. And you, Hunter, reek of him." She suddenly tightened her grip onto his arm until she stopped the blood flow. Hunter gasped, trying to stumble back, but the woman was really strong.
"Did you think-"She began, eyes ablaze "That I wouldn't find out? Your parentage is dangerous. If I, a huntress, can identify you then what makes you think that no other immortal will not?"
Hunter ripped his arm free, the trance Zoë had put him in broken. "If I told you, then I would've been killed. You think the Gods would like to find out that a demi-titan exists?"
Zoë crossed her arms over her chest, leaning back. "I am the child of a Titan, and yet I still remain. "
"In servitude! I will never put myself in that position- which makes me a threat. Especially considering how my father left."
Zoë stared up at Hunters face, eyes greedily drinking in the similarities between him and Perseus. It had been so long since she'd seen her good friend. So long. Seeing his son before her now filled her with a dangerous concoction of happiness and sadness.
Sad? No. I can't feel sad over this- over the fact that he found a woman to love…..
I especially can't be sad after…..him. A coldness filled Zoë's chest as she thought about the man who had wronged her in so many ways, had turned her to Artemis. He was a god now, and that thought infuriated her to no end.
Yet here was the spitting image of Perseus, coming back to haunt her. Bringing up old memories.
You're going soft. Seeing that Zoë wasn't going to answer, Hunter huffed and took a step back, rubbing his arm, unaware that her thoughts had drifted completely away. "My father was powerful- and I'm nothing but a loose cannon." He chuckled heartlessly, face twisting into an ugly snarl. "He'd try to incinerate me before I could even open my mouth."
Zoë frowned, her body leaning away from the son of Perseus. Thinking to the Titans rather hostile exit reminded her of just how dangerous the man before her was. And just how much of a threat he could be. Did Perseus raise him to hate Olympus?
Hunter glared at her, feeling a slight twinge of disappointment worm its way through. Of course she wasn't being genuinely nice. She just wanted to find out if I was Perseus's son. He thought bitterly. Because he's so great.
Seeing the storm in his green eyes, Zoë's hand slowly crept towards her waist, where her knives were. "How is your father?"
Hunter snorted, glare intensifying. Wrong question.
"I wouldn't know." He said, resentment and shame flashing across his face. What man doesn't even know his father? Zoë frowned, hand stopping just above her waist. "What do you mean?"
Hunter looked conflicted, rubbing his neck nervously. "He's…gone. But not gone. It's complicated."
Zoë did not look convinced at all.
Yeah, nice one.
"Can we just not talk about this? And can you please promise me you won't tell anyone my heritage? If it makes you feel better Artemis knows." Zoë was taken aback by this, feeling a sense of betrayal. Artemis couldn't trust her own Lieutenant? But then again, given her past with Perseus, she could understand.
Zoë nodded stiffly, and Hunter let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Scratching his chin awkwardly, he slowly stuck out his hand. "Can we start over? I'm Hunter, son of Perseus."
Zoë stared at the hand, brain telling her to slap it away and glare at the man. But her heart tightened at the thought, images of Perseus flashing through her mind. You owe him. The least you could do is befriend his son.
Letting a real small work its way onto her face, Zoë shook his hand. "My name is Zoë Nightshade." She said proudly, and Hunter didn't miss the way her face seemed to glow and the regal look in her eyes.
Her grip tightened suddenly, and her face contorted into a frown. "But know this- I am giving you this chance because of the friendship I have with your father. Do not think that this means I will forget for how long you withheld information and ignore your actions."
Hunter nodded vigorously, though he felt annoyed that she was only giving him a chance because of his dad. That shadows seems to only grow larger.
The soft patter of footsteps behind caused the duo to turn, seeing Phoebe and Atalanta walking out to the balcony. Atalanta shot him a curious glance while Phoebe sent him a cold glare. Turning to Zoë, Phoebe spoke. "It is getting late. Most of the guests are drunk and it would be best if we leave." She said. Zoë nodded in understanding, knowing how uncomfortable the hunters likely were. Giving Hunter one more warning look, she left without a single word.
-00-
The next day Hunter found himself moving more slowly than usual. He was dreading having to go to his post on the wall and watch as Achilles butchered the Trojans, and likely Hector as well. Deep in his thoughts, he didn't notice as Atalanta quietly snuck into his room, folding her arms over her chest.
"You ever think your brothers will come looking for you?" Hunter almost jumped into the air with surprise, cursing as he turned to the girl. "Can you knock or something next time?" She only laughed softly, before her face became serious. "I wasn't joking though, Hunter."
The demi-titan nodded, clicking the final straps into place. "I don't know. I feel like if they were going to, they would've already came by now."
"Do you think they're waiting for something?"
Hunter frowned, turning to the only huntress who tolerated him besides Zoë. "What would they be waiting for?"
-00-
The air crackled and swirled as space and time itself was ripped open. An entrance to another world was briefly visible, and out stepped two figures. One was a tall, imposing man, and the other was a gentle looking boy. Both were wearing cloaks that would help them move in the darkness and blend in with the various shadows as the sun began to set. They had landed in the center of Troy, which was eerily quiet barring the sounds of battle outside the city.
"Where is he?" The young boy asked.
"Likely where the fighting is." The older man replied. The duo made their way through the city, keeping to alleys and backstreets until they reached the front wall, where the torches lit revealed the Trojan soldiers running back and forth. "Medic!"
The scent of blood, death, and sweat was putrid and overpowering. The cloaked men snuck towards the front gate in order to see the fight, no one bothering them. Random citizens were also attempting the same thing, so to any onlooker they were just one of dozens.
The sight before them was magnificent and horrifying.
The Greeks were pushing the Trojans back. Even with the assistance of the hunters, the Trojans were outnumbered and outmatched- it seemed like a massive wave of fear had overcome them. The older man frowned, as his eyes scanned the battlefield.
Multiple hunters of Artemis lay on the ground, unmoving. The surviving ones had fallen back behind Trojan lines, and were terribly bloodied up. They looked apprehensive and downright scared. "Terra, what is happening?" Caretaker asked, sadly eyeing the death before him. Terra frowned, his dark eyes searching for someone. A flash of fire engulfed the front lines, sending men screaming.
Except one.
A tall man, wearing modified Trojan armor stood his ground. Standing in front of him was an even larger man, wearing red Greek hoplite armor and wielding a massive two handed sword. Even from this distance was Terra able to see the cruelty on his face. Ares.
"Looks like Hunter has grown." Terra commented, taking steps towards the front gate. Caretaker hurried to keep up, but Terra held out an arm. "No, Caretaker. There's nothing you can do."
"I can help! Let me atleast heal some of them." Terra sighed as he looked at Caretakers pouting face, caving in. "Fine. But no fighting. Understand?"
"Yes Terra!"
"Good." The two approached the gate, only to be stopped by guards. "Where are you going?"
Terra snapped his fingers, and the guard's eyes glazed over. "Open the gate." They did as he commanded, and soon enough Terra and Caretaker were out onto the battlefield. In the distance, Ares appeared to be taunting Hunter about something, but wasn't attacking. Yet.
Caretaker rushed over to the nearest hunter, and his hands began to glow as he tried to heal her. He saw another one, wearing a tiara, rush towards Caretaker. "What do you think you're doing?" She exclaimed, however a third huntress came forward. "Caretaker! It's so nice to see you again!"
Atalanta.
"Atalanta, do you know this boy?"
"Yes, I do. He can help our hurt girls." The girl with the tiara stared at Caretaker, before raising an eyebrow at Atalanta in a silent question. Hesitating, Atalanta nodded in confirmation.
"Fine, but stay away from the fighting." The two girls rushed back in, knives dripping crimson. Terra shouldered his way through the backpedaling Trojans, who practically began a full-fledged retreat at the sight of Ares. As he got closer to his brother, Terra could hear the conversation. "-oken the agreement. No godly interference on either side. However, your band of bitches and their stupid arrows broke that agreement. So I decided, why not have a little fun? Balance out the sides again."
Hunter's head ticked, snarling "A god fighting mortals is not balanced."
Ares grinned darkly, shrugging. "Should've thought of that before you intervened. I took down a few girlies and then next thing I know you've blasted a hole in the Greek lines! Who's your parent, runt?"
"I don't have parents."
"Bullshit, and we both know it." Twirling his sword, Ares's eyes lit up as Terra got closer. "What do you know, there's two of you." Hunter looked over his shoulder to see Terra calmly working his way towards Hunter. Confusion filled his face and he opened his mouth to speak "Terra? What-"Ares lunged forward, nothing but a flash as he tried to gut Hunter. The demi-titan barely missed, but received a good cut across the ribs for his troubles.
"Bastard!" He hissed, pressing his left hand to his side as he gripped his sword tightly in his other hand. Terra sprinted, and just as he was about to tackle the god, Ares turned and with incredible speed he punched Terra in the chest, sending him flying backwards. The Greeks roared their approval, as they watched the fight.
"Shit!" Terra cursed, clutching his chest. Hunter moved to get around Ares, but the god blocked him with a wave of fire. The god of war chuckled in delight, clasping his hands together. "I guess daddy or mommy will have to hear the sad news from Zeus! Oh that's unfortunate."
Ares grabbed his sword again and made for Hunter, but as he approached a volley of silver arrows struck him. The god grunted in pain, eyes searching for those responsible.
As he was distracted, Hunter swiftly moved behind Ares, slashing at his calves. The god roared in anger, blasting Hunter towards Terra.
Landing next to his brother, the two sons of Perseus struggled to get up. Damn he's strong.
Glaring at Zoë, form smoking in rage, Ares's face darkened. "I'll be back, punk." In a flash he vanished, leaving a large amount of ichor. Terra and Hunter stumbled towards Zoë, and when they got close Hunter growled. "Why did he leave? He had us."
Zoë however wasn't looking at Hunter. Her eyes are zeroed in on Terra's hulking frame, drinking in the sight of him. She felt the slight aura he gave off, identical to that of Hunter's. But neither of the grown men had an aura quite like Caretaker.
Looking back and forth between the two, her intense stare fixated on Hunter, an unspoken question. The demi-titan gave her a really? Look, before running a hand through his dirty hair. "Yes, for god's sake he is my brother. Can you quit your staring now? Why did Ares leave?"
Terra brushed by Zoë with the intent to see Caretaker, leaving the other two to talk.
Artemis's lieutenant put a delicate finger on her chin, tapping it lightly. "He left because he realized he was getting more and more outnumbered the longer the fight wore on. You also gave him a nice shot there to the legs, which will force him to rest a bit. He'll want to get his strength back before fighting again, where now he will know who and what to expect. Pretty smart for his pea-sized brain."
Hunter nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer, before stalking towards his brothers. Caretaker grinned toothily and ran into Hunter's arms, who gleefully brought his little brother in for a bone-crushing hug. "Hunter! You got old!"
Zoë let a small smile grace her lips as she went to check on her hunters, brushing dirt and sweat off her face. Her heart ached as she counted the number of bodies covered in the silver tarps, knowing the moon would be dull that night. Arranging for them to be sent to the local temple of Artemis, she didn't notice Atalanta approaching. "I see you met the other two."
Turning towards her friend, Zoë raised an eyebrow. "I assume you already got to know them?"
Nodding in amusement, the other girl nodded. "I met Caretaker first. He is one of the nicest boys I think I've ever met, which was weird because my first impression of Hunter was that he's an ass."
"I can see that." Zoë commented dryly, looking over Atalanta's shoulder and seeing the three brothers. "He acted like a stick was up his ass until about two years ago."
"Yeah, I'm not sure why he mellowed out, but thank Lady Artemis for it- I was almost close to snapping his neck!"
"What of the third one?"
"That's Terra. I don't know much about him, except that he practically raised the other two and is an extraordinary fighter. In their 'other world' or whatever, Terra ran the show. Speaking of which, Terra and Caretaker haven't aged a day….." The two hunters looked at the new arrivals with interest, who vanished into the streets of Troy. Likely heading over to Hunters apartment. Or the infirmary.
"I sensed something…..off about the youngest one. I can't explain it, but something isn't right." Atalanta looked at her leader questioningly, placing a calming hand on her shoulder. "We'll figure it out, but right now you need to rest. Today's been a hard day." She hugged Zoë, and the two sat there in the middle of their depleted ranks, comforting each other.
The next day wouldn't be any better.
-00-
Later that night they burned the shrouds. King Priam closed off a small portion of the city to give them solitude and time to mourn their sisters.
In the time leading up to the burning of the shrouds, Zoë tried to learn everything from the two new brothers that she could decipher. Terra was perpetually calm, yet an air of authority was swirling around him. He was a natural born leader, and she had no doubt that if given the chance, he could drastically change the world of mortals.
Caretaker was unique. He was always smiling, and his nature was soothing and healing. He even managed to cozy up to a few of her other huntresses, as his good nature was infectious. It drew others towards him, and Zoë swore she saw those around him visibly heal in his presence. Yet a fog still clotted around him. As the daughter of the Titan of strength and endurance, she was able to see hidden power, and this boy was absolutely drenched in power.
She doubted anyone else could tell- the mist seemed to work overtime around him. It even clouded her brain too at times, when she got too close.
Her talks with Hunter told her that nothing odd ever happened when he was around. However, that didn't rule out weird things happening with Terra around.
Gathering herself, Zoë sat up from the bench she was on, making her way to the son of Perseus. If the three boys were different aspects of her friend, Terra was likely the closest. His appearance was near identical and his calm, calculating demeanor made him easier to handle.
Quietly telling her sisters that she was just going for a walk, she sent the man a look when she caught his eyes. Politely excusing himself, the man stood up and made his way to her, not ignored by Hunter, before the two walked off into the night.
"So you're Hunters older brother." Zoë said, gauging Terra's reaction. The lack of any emotion besides a raised eyebrow told her to proceed. "It's not hard to figure out. But I'll cut to the point- what is Caretaker?"
If Terra was surprised, he hid it well. His jaw twitched slightly, as if he caught himself before saying something. "He's my brother." His low voice seemed to reverberate through the street, making him seem even bigger. Zoë sighed, placing her hands on her hips and turning to him. "You'll make this a lot easier by being truthful."
Terra's expression, still unchanging, gave away nothing. "Who are you here for?" He demanded, stopping his gait now to turn and face her. Two large arms crossed over his chest, and he seemed to puff it out a little to appear more intimidating.
"I'm here for myself. Only a select few gods know what you guys are, and they won't be doing anything to harm you or your brothers. You don't need to protect, especially from one of your own."
"One of my own?" He asked, and for the first time Zoë saw an emotion on his tanned face; curiosity. Did his father not tell him anything?
"My father is Atlas." Terra's posture seemed to relax, as his shoulders sagged a bit and he uncrossed his arms. "If I can figure out what you guys are, so can Ares and others like him. So for your safety and mine, you need to tell me what Caretaker is. He's practically leaking power. Like a-"
"Like a god." Terra finished, mouth set in a firm line. Zoë naturally would've been annoyed at her sentence being finished, but considering that her chances of finding another demi-titan was next to zero, she ignored it. "Yes. Like a god." Zoë fingered her silver cloak as she collected her thoughts, now having her suspicions confirmed.
"Who's his mum?"
Terra's gaze darkened, and Zoë took note of how he became more rigid. "It doesn't matter. She isn't going to pop up for a while."
Zoë stared at Terra questioningly, obviously going nowhere until he told her. Terra stared back, before he sighed and ran a hand through his jet black hair.
"It happened when I was in my early teens…."
-00-
A younger Terra, more wiry and lean than behemoth like, stood quietly in the forest. He was hiding behind a thick tree, listening as the snap! Of branches got closer. Sword held tightly in his hand, he closed his eyes and waited. 1….2….3!
Terra jumped out, lunging forward. As he thrust out, he was met with air and next thing he knew a powerful blow landed in his gut. Oof!
Terra gasped for air as he was then thrown over a shoulder and harshly tossed aside. Eyes closed in preparation, he popped one open.
Standing above him was another set of green eyes, these ones being a stormy sea-green. The man was tall and tan, with medium length black hair and a neatly trimmed beard. "I told you to attack anyone other than me- not attack just me!"
"Sorry." A scarlet red blossomed across his neck and face as embarrassment overcame him. The man helped him up, patting him on the back. "It's ok, neither of us are hurt. Badly." He finished, eyeing the bruise on Terra's arm.
Giving the teen a sheepish grin, the man shrugged. "Sorry."
Rolling his eyes, Terra grinned back. "It's alright dad. Are we close?"
Perseus's mood soured as he nodded, his eyes clouding over. "The trail leads through here. A place I never wanted to visit again."
Terra raised an eyebrow as the two continued their journey, eyes scanning the forest around them in apprehension. "Mt. Othrys not friendly for yah?"
Perseus yanked a branch off a tree, snapping it with such a force that the two halves flew across the forest. "No. Not at all." His tone made it clear that this conversation would not continue, and father and son trekked silently through the trees. Not a single monster or animal crossed their path, which was odd considering the amount of life in the forest alone.
And Perseus's aura is probably felt for several miles around.
By the time they finally cleared the never ending forest of green, the sun was setting. A cool breeze had begun to swirl through the air, wafting over the two men. Standing before them was a destroyed Mt. Othrys, with the fortress in shambles- nothing but obliterated rock and dirt was left behind.
Terra looked from the old fortress to his father, who hadn't even glanced up. His eyes were focused dead ahead on the wisps of smoke, which were rising right at the bottom of the mountain. "He's back. Again." Terra's eyes narrowed, and when his father suddenly broke out into a sprint, Terra struggled to keep up. "What…do….you…..mean?" He panted as he caught up to Perseus.
"He has her at the base of the mountain. He can't get back in so he gets as close as possible, that Μπάσταρδος!"
"Who? Who has her?" His father slowed down, eyes becoming thunderclouds as an untold anger bloomed across his face like a sunflower. "Aegeus."
-00-
"I don't understand didn't you kill him?" Terra whispered, as the two slowly stalked the camp before them. Perseus was right, his evil doppelganger was certainly alive- though saying he was well would be an overstatement.
Aegeus sat before a campfire, various cuts and bruises on his body. However, he had a mad grin on his face, and hidden among the shadows was what looked like a tied up woman. It's her. Hebe.
"I did kill him. I blew him up, I set him on fire, I drowned him, and I ripped his heart out. I have killed him over and over and he still keeps coming back!" Perseus spat, before he stood up. "I'm going down there. Flank around and get Hebe out of there without being seen by him."
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to kill him. Again."
Terra nodded, wordlessly vanishing into the underbrush around them. He circled around the small campfire, keen to keep his distance, when he heard his father's raised voice. Shivers went down his spine when Aegeus responded, his voice being identical to his father's. Poor Hebe. She probably thought Perseus was the one that stopped at her palace.
Perseus and Hebe, goddess of youth, had been having a private fling for a while now. Terra didn't really care- it made his father less gloomy and dramatic- but it did make Perseus vulnerable.
A column of flame shot by him, almost incinerating him where he stood. Hearing the sounds of a very one-sided battle, Terra picked up his pace, knowing that Aegeus wouldn't be able to hear him with Perseus in his face.
There! The sack holding Hebe was within sight now, and as Terra jogged quietly over he noted the stoppage in fighting. Dad probably killed him.
Reaching Hebe, Terra gently picked her up, only for the contents to roll in the bag to the bottom. Terra's eyes widened in horror, as he slowly untightened the bag and turned it over, letting the insides dump out.
Expecting to see Hebe's body torn to shreds, Terra breathed a sigh as his eyes focused on the body parts of a bear. Realizing what this meant, Terra stormed towards the campsite, with the aftermath of the fight coming into view.
Perseus stood before Aegeus, glaring down at the other immortal. Two pillars of stone had risen from the ground and trapped Aegeus, keeping him kneeling down. His face was bloodied to a pulp, and Terra would've assumed him dead from the amount of ichor pouring out of his body. "Father."
Perseus and Aegeus both looked over, to where Terra held the bears head in one hand and the empty sack in another. "She's not here." Terra sent a glare at Aegeus, who only winked back before wincing slightly. Perseus stared at his son, before slowly reverting his gaze to Aegeus. "Where. Is. She?"
Aegeus smiled back painfully, head cocked slightly. "Who?"
WHAM!
Perseus connected a thunderous blow that would've killed a normal man. Aegeus' head lolled back, eyes glazed over as his jaw hung loosely. "Twanks afshole!" Thanks, asshole.
Perseus growled, not in the mood. "Where?"
Aegeus raised an eyebrow, finger pointing lazily to the west. "Jou an Calihpso fad show mach fon!" You and Calypso had so much fun!
Perseus's eyes widened, and he vanished from his spot, leaving Terra to guard Aegeus. "Arshen't yah a shpittin image of ya fader!"
Terra scowled, but said nothing. Aegeus grinned through the blood, eyes twinkling darkly. "I dihdn't mean Perseus."
Terra maintained his silence, before he spoke. "Don't play mind games with me. I know what you are."
Aegeus grinned cheekily. "Aftleast I tried."
Terra maintained his scowl, ignoring Aegeus's comments as he waited for his father. The sun had set completely now, the only light being the fire's left burning from their fight. Arms crossed, Terra's dark green eyes stared into Aegeus's own sea-green. Poor Hebe. Didn't even know the evil coming for her.
A flash behind Terra alerted him to his father's return, and when Terra craned his neck back, his heart clenched.
Hebe was in Perseus's arms, hair spread around her like an angel. Blood caked her head and upper torso, and the lifeless look in her eyes informed Terra that she was no longer alive.
Perseus looked murderous, and after gently setting down Hebe he practically flew to Aegeus.
"You…you sick piece of shit." Aegeus just grinned at him, eyes dancing in dark delight.
Terra grabbed his father's shoulder, pulling him away. "He's goading you- he wants you to kill him again just so he can reform healthier than ever." Glancing at Hebe, Terra gestured to her. "Hebe will reform again too. It may take a long time, but she will. You need to calm down."
Perseus growled, ripping his arm free from his son. "You don't know anything about him- why should I listen to you?"
"Because I'm a new perspective. You can't just keep killing him and expecting something different. You need to imprison him like the other Titans were."
Perseus stood still, ideas flashing through his mind at lightning speed. Giving his son a reluctant smile, Perseus nodded ruefully. "I sometimes forget you're my son- meaning you get the same strategic mind." Terra gave his father a nod, before leaning on a nearby tree.
Perseus held out his palm, and a glowing translucent cube formed. It began spinning rapidly in his hand, glowing an otherworldly blue. Terra leaned in, curious, to see images of an unknown land within. "Is that a pocket dimension?"
"Yes, but not the one we live in. This is a different one." Eyes narrowed, Perseus approached his counterpart, cube thrusted out. "See you soon." A look of panic overcame Aegeus, who struggled against his bonds. But his body began to liquefy, and as his pained scream resonated through Terra's skull, Aegeus was sucked in.
"What?" Terra asked, eyes imploring. Perseus looked sympathetically at his son, hand reaching down to his face. "I'm sorry for this. But I cannot bear for those I love to be hurt by him any longer."
"What are you doing?"
"I'm trapping Aegeus and I together. This way we can fight for eternity, without any interruptions, and without any collateral. You must do me a favor."
Running a hand through his hair, Terra slowly nodded his head, coming to terms with what his father was doing. "What do I have to do?" Perseus looked sadly at his son, grimacing slightly. "You have two brothers. One is like you, half mortal and half titan. The other-"He glanced down at Hebe's body, and Terra understood. "-Find them, and bring them to our home. There you will protect them from the gods, and-"lifting the cube up, he continued "- keep this hidden."
Terra nodded again, this time somberly. "Will I see you again?"
Perseus mournfully looked at his son, drinking in his sight. "Probably not." Sliding a finger on his forehead, Perseus gave his son the knowledge he'd need to go forward with. Seeing the resolve form in Terra's eyes, Perseus knew it was enough. "Goodbye, Terra."
"Goodbye father." Giving him one last hug, Perseus's eyes pulsed with power as his own body began to liquefy and then get sucked in through the cube. Terra could only watch as his father sentenced himself to an endless duel, knowing that things were about to become a lot more complicated.
-00-
Terra finished his story, face still stoically staring down at Zoë. The huntress struggled to formulate a response, unsure of how to answer. "That explains why Hebe disappeared some time ago." She said lamely, rubbing her eyes. "But that was so long ago. You said you're half mortal, meaning by know you should easily have died of old age."
Terra gave her a pained grin, nodding his head back. "That's Caretakers doing. Being the son of the goddess of youth gives him certain perks. I don't know how, but Hunter and I didn't age once Caretaker discovered his powers a few years before Hunter came here. I assumed maybe the pocket dimension was locking in our ages, but I quickly realized the main source."
"Does he know?"
"No, not yet. But I fear sometime soon that I will be forced to reveal it to him. Please, keep this a secret. I told you that story because of the things my father old me about you two. I trust you to keep quiet out of respect for him."
Zoë nodded, before yawning and stretching her arms. "I will. Now let us get back, we all need to rest before tomorrow. I sense it will not be a good day."
-00-
"A horse? Why the hell would they leave a horse?"
"Who knows, but it'd be disrespectful to Neptune for us to leave it there. And we need to sacrifice much to Apollo for bringing that plague onto the Greeks!"
Later that night, the Trojans partied. Hard.
It's not every day when you drive away hundreds of thousands of Greeks pounding on your doorstep.
Hunter, however, did not partake in the celebrations, and as the city digressed into debauchery, he sat in an empty hostel. His armor was still adjourned from earlier in the day, shiny and clean. The hostel was quiet- all its patrons had left to party, including the owner, leaving Hunter alone in the front room tinkering with his blade.
"Need a friend?" The demi-titan looked up to see his older brother walking across the room, nodding to the emptiness. "All nice and quiet here. Makes it more lonely, doesn't it? Being alone?"
Hunter snorted, fingering his blade. "Good thing I'm not alone then. Where's Caretaker?"
"I let him go have some fun. With friendly supervision of course." Hunter narrowed his green eyes at his brother, feeling like he was watching a mirror now that physical the two men were the same age. "That huntress warmed up to you real quick, huh?"
Terra shrugged, grabbing his canteen of water. "I think it was Caretaker she warmed up to."
Hunter snorted, giving him a yeah, right look before going back to his staring contest with the wall. "You know, maybe if you weren't such an ass they'd like you."
"I'm not an ass!" Hunter snapped, receiving a look from Terra. "I just…..don't trust people." He finished lamely. Terra took a seat next to Hunter, placing his hands behind his head. "I was a lot like you when I was younger. Age gives you…..perspective. And of course I had more of an authority figure to prod me in the right direction."
Hunter's face twitched, raising a dark brow. "You telling me you weren't an authority figure for Caretaker and I?"
"I tried to be an older brother, not your dad. It's hard enough knowing he was so close- I couldn't do that."
"Well you're practically Caretakers father figure, and he turned out well."
Terra's eyes narrowed, eyes darkening. "You still got that grudge? What is it with you and him?" What did he ever do?"
Hunter snorted, looking incredulously at his brother. "Really? Besides the fact that he always got special treatment and how you wouldn't let me leave that stupid pocket dimension just so I could babysit him." Terra frowned, leaning forward in his stool. "You know why I did that. You think what Zeus would do to us is bad? A quick death and then nothing- for Caretaker, he'd get it so much worse." It was Hunter's turn to sigh, nodding his head.
"I talked to Zoë. She's Atlas's daughter, you know?"
"Yea, I do. Dad talked about her."
"Of course he did." Hunter chuckled humorlessly. "Well, if she can be Artemis's lieutenant, why can't we just live our lives out normally? Perseus is favored more than Atlas by far." Terra sighed, tossing his head back. "We're too powerful. Zeus would see us as a threat- and for him the easiest way to deal with potential threats is elimination. He lets Zoë stick around because she pledged fealty. You and I would never do that, making us wildcards."
Hunter glared at the ground, burning a hole in the timber. "Whatever. But in this talk with Zoë I said similar things for why I couldn't walk around announcing my heritage."
"So you understand my point."
"I understand. I don't agree." Hunter was still scowling in his seat, which was bothering his brother.
Terra rolled his eyes, rubbing them slowly. "Can't you just be happy for once? Lighten up."
"You're one to talk. I can see your swords on your hip- weren't you the one who constantly reminded us to be ready at all times?" Terra grinned cheekily, swiping his brother playfully. "I did." He laughed, and Hunter managed a small smile as the two lapsed into a comfortable silence.
"You think it's weird too, right?"
"That the Greeks just up and left- yeah, I do."
"Apollo wouldn't- couldn't, rather, send a plague that bad. Artemis may be brash enough, but from what I've heard Apollo is on a short leash."
Terra glanced quizzically at Hunter, question on his lips. "You think something is up?"
Hunter went to answer, but sudden screaming made both men's faces go pale. An explosion rocketed the earth, forcing the two to stand as their stools crashed to the ground. The walls cracked and Hunter gestured wildly for the door. The duo jumped out just as the building collapsed on itself, and the sight outside brought fear even into the two power demi-titans.
The area of the city around the majestic horse, easily over a square kilometer, was burning. Terrified screams and bloodcurdling screeches were echoing over the city, and several explosions incinerated entire blocks. Citizens were running in panic, gathering their life's belongings and then trying to find a safe place to flee. But the great Trojan walls kept them trapped inside, once ensuring safety and now ensuring death.
"The entire army is out getting drunk! I don't think a single soldier was on guard duty." Hunter growled, drawing his blade. Terra's eyes were searching the tops of the buildings, wincing as plumes of smoke increased exponentially. "Caretaker was in the market."
"The market?!"
"Where is the market?" Terra asked, and Hunter, horrified, glanced at the epicenter of the chaos. Oh no.
"We must move- NOW!"
The brothers sprinted through the city, jumping over overturned luggage and running along walls acrobatically. They encountered a few Greek soldiers, who greedily were pillaging a few higher end homes. Terra quickly slit their throats.
The brothers had one shared goal, and they'd die if necessary. Protect Caretaker.
"Who was watching him?"
"Atalanta, I think- I don't know they all look the fucking same!" Terra ranted as Hunter gave him a look. The brothers cut through a house, shoulder charging through the wooden door. "How much longer?" "We're close!"
The sounds of some fighting increased as they passed by more Greek soldiers and some Trojans- killing the Greeks if they were in their way. But the two ran at inhuman speeds, and most were left spinning as two blurs raced by.
Hunter slowed down, mimicked by Terra, as the two reached the central market. "Here. We'd find him here." Luckily, the Greeks had quickly scattered to pillage and didn't have an organized force, so only some were left behind to ransack the nearby homes and stores. A large Greek with stormy blue eyes left a home, tanned skin splitting into a grin at the sight of the brothers. "Look here boys! Some got through!" Greeks from every building poured out, surrounding the two.
Hunter snarled, rearing his head back in an attempt to look bigger. Terra rolled his shoulders back and gave a dark glare to the nearby Greeks, who backed away slowly in apprehension of the big men. The leader, though, laughed and drew his sword. As it slid out of its scabbard, electricity arced across it. "My name is Alexios, son of Zeus! Who dares challenge me today?" His men gave a shout, banging their shields.
Terra nodded to Hunter, letting him speak.
"My name is Hunter….son of Perseus, Titan of combat! If you wish death, you will fight my brother and I!" He roared in response. The Greeks looked at each other, with none recognizing the name. Festus chuckled loudly, clapping. "I don't believe that Titan exists, so I'm afraid your mother must've lied to you. Imaginary Titan! Ha!"
"We don't have time for this. Find Caretaker, you know this city- I will deal with them." Terra whispered to his brother. Hunter nodded, before craning his neck at the nearest soldier.
Quick as a viper, Hunter lashed out, hitting his blade up and cutting his throat. Before the others could react, he was gone, disappearing in the mayhem. "Get him!" Festus yelled, and a few soldiers tried to chase Hunter.
Terra slowly unsheathed his blade, the dark bronze glowing in the increasing darkness as night fully overtook them. "Last chance."
Festus snorted, pointing at him. "First man to get me his head gets 500 drachmas!"
The men cheered their approval, before closing in on Terra. The demi-titan stared intensely at the approaching men, breathing evenly. "You know why my name is Terra?"
"Kill him!"
Terra made eye contact with the closest man, who seemed to shrink under his gaze. "Do you?" He whispered. His lips contorted into an ugly snarl as he stopped ferociously on the ground. The earth split as the ground rumbled, taking down some buildings.
The Greeks stumbled, unable to maintain their footing. "I am Terra! Son of Perseus! Titan of creation!" Terra's eyes alit into flames and he roared at the Greeks, charging them. As he got closer, the fear in their eyes reflected a flaming dragon of death.
In the distance, Hunter chased what he thought was the voice of Atalanta. He heard their Hunters cries from the market, and assuming that they were on the run he followed. Quickly losing the Greeks in the houses, he grinned as the earth seemed to split open, coming from the market. Terra.
Hunter swiftly moved through the burning city, ignoring pleas of help and pain. His mind was focused on one thing, and that was his brother. Sticking to the shadows, he was nothing but a ghost in the rubble.
"Phoebe!"
There!
Sliding through the windows of a crumbling home, he jumped over a table and leaped through the burning window, rolling onto the ground. Standing up, Hunter took in the scene before him.
Zoë and a few girls were firing arrows into the Greeks, covering a few of the girls who were shouldering injured hunters. A silvery glow lit up the ground and Hunter recognized it as Artemis lighting them a path to safety.
Atalanta stood a few dozen meters away, jumping and dodging the large broadsword of Ares, who was grinning madly. The god's eyes were burning flames, and he grinned in delight as he opened a wound on Atalanta's stomach. "No!" Hunter's eyes snapped to the right, as he watched Caretaker charge Ares. "Caretaker! NO!"
The boy didn't hear him, however, and Ares turned around and grabbed him with a meaty hand. The god held up Caretaker in one hand, lifting him off the ground. Ares smiled cruelly as he tried to crush the boy's windpipe. "Stop!" Atalanta lunged forward, targeting the hurt heel. Ares bellowed, slamming Caretaker to the ground to hit kick Atalanta across the street.
Hunter was paralyzed in fear as his brother was on the ground before Ares, vulnerable.
Ares stabbed down, gutting the young boy. Caretaker cried out in pain, and blood roared in Hunter's ears. Time slowed, as Hunter charged forward.
His brother's eyes closed, head becoming limp as he fell unconscious from blood loss. His leather outfit was doused in blood and tattered from fighting.
Hunter then took in Ares's astonished face, staring at the silver blood staining his sword. His senses exploded in a frenzy, his sight zeroing in.
Death. That was all that clouded his mind as he lowered a shoulder, slamming into Ares and lifting the god off the ground. Ares flew backwards, hitting a stone wall. The god glared up, hatefully meeting Hunter's gaze.
Hunter felt pride swell in his chest when Ares seemed to hesitate.
The demi-titan was glowing.
"ARES!"
"You challenging me, boy?" Ares shrugged off his initial surprise, brushing off his shoulders. Atalanta stumbled behind Hunter, clutching her stomach. Zoë and a few others sprinted up though, dragging her away. "Wait! We can't leave him!"
"They aren't my priority! You are! And right now we have over a dozen injured!" Hunter tuned them out, fists clenched as the god of war leveled his broadsword at him. "You a demi-god? Whose kid are you?" he drawled. Hunter smiled darkly, tossing his sword between his hands. "I'm no demi-god."
"Really? Then what are you?"
Puffing out his chest, Hunter glared hatefully at Ares- and considering that he'd already announced his heritage to a son of Zeus, what would announcing it to Ares do? By now Olympus already knew.
"I'm a demi-titan, son of Perseus! Titan of combat and creation!" Ares's faced seemed to deflate, before a red fury replaced it. "You lie!" He roared, charging at Hunter. The demi-titan charged back, and he leaped over Ares with amazing agility. As Ares turned, he caught the back of Hunter's slash, the blade cutting across his face.
Stumbling back, Ares was unprepared for the precision and speed of Hunter's attacks, whose combat ability seemed to reach god level. Ares grunted in pain, before he caught Hunters wrist. The demi-titan spit in his eye, distracting the god long enough for him to deliver a thunderous blow to Ares's face.
The god fell flat on his ass, staring up at Hunter in surprise. But unfortunately for Hunter, Ares became enraged as well and with a single shout of fury, flames spewed out in all directions. Hunter raised a hand, and a wall of water materialized before him. That's never worked before.
Caretaker still laid in the middle of the street, but his godly healing was helping him recover. The blood loss still had him out cold though. Ares saw his glance and smirked. "I'm taking that boy with me. He will stand before Zeus for interference and face capital punishment for disobeying Zeus's order to all gods."
"You're interfering right now!"
"On whose orders?" Chills went down Hunters spine as he realized what that meant. Emerald eyes hardening, he dodged Ares's strike. They went back and forth for a bit, and the rush of power and energy had left Hunter drained. His ethereal glow faded back and now he was struggling to keep up.
Just then Terra appeared, blood caking his cloak but a grin on his face, which was wiped off once he saw Caretaker and Hunter.
He rushed Ares from the back, forcing the god to play defensive. The two sons of Perseus aggressively pressured Ares, striking him tit-for-tat. He had to choose which side to leave unguarded, and overtime the two brothers drove Ares back. The gods from flickered in rage, as he almost showed his divine form.
"Had enough?" Hunter taunted, though sweat poured down his face profusely. He shrugged some of the armor off, feeling like a massive burden was lifted.
Terra spit onto the ground, eyes never leaving Ares, who snapped back. "Not so fast!" He grinned evilly when several dozen Greeks charged into the market, circling the demi-titans.
"Cheater!" Hunter snarled, turning his back to Hunters. "I'll handle them this time. Take on meat-stick."
"My pleasure!"
The men charged, being countered by a furious Hunter who dipped and ducked his way through the flurry of bronze, making sure to keep them off Caretaker as he downed the men one by one. Terra, meanwhile, clashed with Ares and traded blows with the god. "I will rip your innards out!" Ares shouted, sending a blast of power out in frustration. Terra jumped over it, rolling forwards and slashing upwards. His blade pierced Ares's skin from the navel up, sending him back with a shout of pain.
Ares touched a hand to his chest, rage building with every second the insolent mortals fought him. His form flickered rapidly, and Terra saw his chance to strike. Lunging forward, Terra went to gut Ares on his blade like a fish.
The god of war slid to the side, but Terra's blade still went through his ribs. Ares gasped, pain and fury reaching a boiling point as steam practically was emitted from his body. His face reddened in rage as he slowly slid the blade out, iron hands on Terra's. The demi-titan grunted in pain, dropping his sword as Ares burned his hands.
"You….dare strike me! You…..DARE!" His voice turned to a bellow of anger as his forms flickering hit a breaking point. Suddenly, it exploded, tossing Terra back like a rag doll.
Hunter felt the heat careen over him, and his skin sizzled and burned an angry red from the temperature. The remaining Greek men looked towards Ares, and Hunter watched in horror as their bodies melted before him, turning to ash.
Caretaker's eyes slowly opened, wincing at the bright light. He groaned, sitting up when the heat wave reached him. Struggling to open his eyes, he gasped.
Ares floated above the ground, glowing so brightly that any mortal when gazed upon him was incinerated. His blood red armor reeked of blood and death, and the black cape had tips that were soaked in blood. A war helm adorned Ares's ugly head, two horns protruding from the top.
Terra's skin was bubbling from the proximity, as he moaned in pain and struggled back. Hunter, who resisted the urge to look, stumbled back from the power. Ares's eyes were flames as his gaze went to Hunter, and in a blink he was slamming into the demi-titan, lifting him up off the ground and the slamming him hard into the stone.
Hunter gave a scream of pain, and Caretaker heard bones break. Wincing, the godling tried to stand but felt an invisible force send him back to the ground, gut screaming at him in agony.
Terra gasped as he stood, and Caretaker was amazed as his older brother stood defiantly, arm raised to shield his eyes. Ares turned to him, and in a flash was on him. To Caretakers surprise, Terra was able to parry Ares's initial blows, which surprised even Ares, but the god pressed, infuriated.
"Why….can't….you….just…..die!" Ares slammed his pommel into Terra's head, sending the demi-titan to his knees. Slapping his sword away, Ares lifted the man up, sword raised.
"No! Please!" Caretaker cried out in agony struggling against the invisible force. He looked around desperately for help, but the hunters were long gone- abandoning them.
Time slowed for him, as Caretaker was forced to watch as the man he saw as a father was gutted like a pig by the grinning god of war.
"TERRA!" Caretaker cried out, and tears actually escaped his eyes as his brother was dropped unceremoniously to the ground.
"Caretaker! Stay down!" Hunter rasped, as he struggled to his feet. Ares left Terra on the ground, a huge hole gaping in his stomach. Caretaker crawled over to his brother, tears dripping down to his face as he cradled Terra's head. "I'll-I'll heal you….ju-just give me a moment." Caretaker's hands glowed a warm blue as he went to press it down, but Terra gently held his hand out, stopping him. "It's alright….." he whispered, eyes slowly fading away.
"Terra! Please! I can't lose you!" Caretaker cried, and he spun his head around to see Ares grab Hunter by the neck. The demi-titan raised a blade in defiance, thrusting blindly as Ares slowly choked him to death.
"I'm sorry Caretaker…..I failed you." He was becoming distant, eyes glazing slowly. Caretaker pressed a hand down, trying to heal him in vain. "Please!"
"I'm so proud of you…father is proud of you…..Hunter is-"He coughed up blood, staining the boy's shirt. His hands were already a dark red from pressing into Terra's wound.
Ares was squeezing tighter now, breaking Hunters neck. The man suddenly opened his eyes defiantly, feeling his body burn as he looked at Ares's true form. "Got…you." Hunter plunged his blade into Ares's ribcage, right where Terra hit him earlier. Ares screamed in pain, hand tightening until a sharp snap! Resonated across the market.
The city was now fully burning, and the cries of dying Trojans and pillaging Greeks was slowly fading into the distance. Anyone nearby was killed by Ares assuming his true form.
Caretaker winced at the sound of Hunter's death, crying harder. Terra's voice was low now, finally fading. "I'm…sorry father….I failed to protect him. I failed…." Terra's eyes seemed to water, ashamed as he died. Yet no tears escaped from the warrior, and he passed away in Caretaker's lap, never shedding a single tear in his life.
Caretaker sobbed quietly, ignoring Ares's footsteps as he approached. "Stop crying, you runt!"
A deep sorrow filled Caretakers heart, but it was slowly being replaced by a malign hatred. Anger and sadness were combining inside Caretaker for a dangerous concoction, and Ares stepped back as the godling's body began to glow and flicker. "Hey, no need for this you prick, just come here and-"
Ares was cut off by a terrifying scream of pure agony, and Caretakers body exploded.
A quarter of Troy was decimated by the explosion Caretaker caused, and Ares opened his eyes to find himself launched across the city. Rubbing his head, Ares arose and flew towards the market, but suddenly stopped.
Standing where Caretaker used to be was no longer a young teen. Aging a few years, Caretaker floated similarly to Ares, in the full image of his divine form.
Caretaker's features sharpened, as he grew a few inches and bulked up. His eyes had become a dark, hateful green, and beautiful blue and silver armor covered his whole body neck down. Blue flames flickered as his aura reached out, far greater than Ares's did.
Kratos, God of Power, Health, Healing, and Vengeance.
Ares shivered as the god before him glowered at him, and before Ares could react Caretaker had tackled him to the ground. His strength surprised Ares, and since the god of war had been expending himself for a while now he was powerless to stop Caretaker.
The new god pummeled Ares, sending fist after fist flying into his face. Anger fueled him as he beat Ares to a bloody pulp, shattering the bones in the war god's face.
By the time Caretaker was finished, Ares was unrecognizable. The god's body dissolved into a golden powder, and it was then that Caretaker let himself go. Powering down to his young form, exhaustion overtook him.
But Caretaker didn't care.
Crying softly, the young boy collected his two dead brothers, clutching them protectively. As Troy burned and crumbled to rubble, he cried in the middle of the city, wishing his brothers back to him.
He'd never get to hear Terra's parenting tone, or Hunter's sarcasm, or cook dinner, or laugh and smile, or tell jokes and stories, or-
He just wanted his brothers to come back to him.
They didn't come back.
-00-
Caretaker must've been there for hours, crying his eyes out until nothing was left. He cursed Ares thousands of times, and cursed plenty of other gods for not helping. He cursed Artemis for her hunters abandoning them, and Apollo for not actually sending a plague down.
Light footsteps set him on alert, and wiping his eyes clear the boy stood up, turning to face the newcomer.
An impossibly beautiful woman was before him. She wore a long blue and gold chiton, and her long brown hair was braided neatly. Her tanned skin was flawless and Caretaker felt his breath hitch at the sight of her.
His eyes travelled up her perfect body, tracing her bosom and curves before they settled on her eyes.
Identical emerald eyes stared back at him, and the woman smiled softly at Caretaker, warm smile on her face. "You made quite a scene here." Her voice was melodious, and Caretaker swooned.
"Uh-uh" He was tongue tied, sorrow of his brother's death momentarily forgotten. The woman laughed softly, before her face became solemn. "I'm sorry for your loss."
Caretaker's face became downcast as he looked at his feet, eyes dropping. A soft finger tugged his chin up, and his face became red as he smelled a sweet cinnamon. The woman's face was right in front of his, eyes searching. "It's not safe for you here. The gods will come looking for you, especially once they find out what you did to Ares."
Caretaker frowned, backing away from the woman. "Who are you?"
She apologetically smiled, offering the godling a hand. "My name is Alessandra, and I'm your sister."
Caretakers head spun. "I have a sister?" Alessandra nodded, understanding that a lot was going through the boy's mind. Thunder rolled in the distance, lighting flaring. "We must go now." At Caretakers look of protest, she continued. "I will bring your brothers with us. But there's someone I'd like you to meet. She can help keep you safe."
"Who? Where are you taking me?"
"I'm taking you to my mother."
And scene! So yes, if you paid attention, you'd notice that Caretaker's name was said to be Kratos. That's his godly Greek name. Caretaker is the name his brothers gave to him, but not his actual one. From now on only those very close to him will use Caretaker, everyone else will know him as Kratos. (Or his Roman name, hehe)
No, this is not the same Kratos from God of War video games, and honestly I didn't get the name from the games either. Kratos means "Power" or "strength" depending on the source.
Yes, he is attracted to his sister. Immortals are fucked up, right? Then again, they aren't technically related so that's why I'm allowing it.
After this chapter I will start Act 2, which is right about TTC. Up to this point, I was creating these chapters purely off imagination, which is harder to do than you'd think, especially when everything is really up to interpretation. I don't really read the myths closely, so obviously things will be different here.
But tell me what you thought! Any part make you sad? I tried to accomplish some things with this chapter, including
1: Introducing Perseus's sons to the Greek world.
and
2: Setting up experiences to go back to in the future
If you guys have any questions or comments, please feel free to PM me or ask in the review. I know everything can be confusing, but from now on since we are entering PJO timeline things should get easier.
SHOUTOUT to the man who beta'd this chapter for me, some fucking random guy. I hope he's willing to keep doing it since he's a lifesaver and I cannot appreciate it enough.
