And the moment of truth has arrived! The invasion of Camp Half-Blood! Something I teased to at Chapter 8!
Getting tons and tons of support, as well as suggestions for possible weapons and certain demons too. I love the support you are all giving me and if I'm being honest, I couldn't be happier with the love. I know I have asked a lot of things recently, like suggestions for weapons and possible familiars. So, what I'm about to ask is going to be my biggest request yet and I completely understand if you do not want to do it. If anyone knows any really good artists on Deviantart, could you possibly ask one if they could create a cover image for this story? I know I already I have one, but I want something special for all of you to enjoy as well. If there are already some drawings of a sort, let me know. This would mean the world to me.
Anyway, moving on.
I would like to make a small announcement that previous pairings may change, I.E., Artemis and Nero. I know, many of you really support this pairing but with how things are progressing, this might change. That being said, I may end up pairing Nero with someone else. I won't pair him with a different god or demigod, rather I might bring in an OC for Nero to be paired with. I won't reveal who it is, but just so you all know, it is definitely a parody of a character I've come to like and can quite frankly see Nero being with.
I know, I've been building up their relationship, but just think about it. Nero isn't the type to be into incest and I can see him being a good friend of Artemis rather than a lover. Something like Orion. She respects him but doesn't love him, or maybe she harbors some affection but Nero doesn't. Don't hate me, this is just how the story is progressing. But if you have actual reasons to keep Nero and Artemis together, I'm all ears. But it will still be difficult given Nero's characteristics.
Okay?
Alright.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Capcom owns Devil May Cry and Rick Riordan owns Percy Jackson.
Devil May Cry: The Godly Demon
Chapter 20: Fallout Part 3
Montauk, Long Island, New York
None of the hunters said anything as they just stared at the massive beam of demonic energy that was blasting into the sky. Granted, Dante, Trish, and Lady have seen their fair share of powerful demonic displays, but this was a first even for them. Not even Temen Ni Gru put out this much demonic energy when it rose into the sky. The only comparison that could be made is when Mundus tried escaping from Mallet Island. However this type was far different than Mundus, but still had a sick similarity to it.
Dante narrowed his eyes as he sensed that connection, as did Trish. However, as they were staring at the mass of demonic energy, one thing occurred to the son of Sparda. Something Nero had said during his rant to Dionysus.
"There something you forgot to mention, kid?" asked Dante rhetorically.
Nero said nothing as he bowed his head, remembering what his uncle was talking about. That disc, the one he left in Hades' possession. It had to be it.
"What's he talking about, Nero?" asked Trish, turning to the hunter in question.
The youngest closed his eyes as he bowed his head slightly, "This is my fault. Ran into a demon that was after an artifact of some kind. Left it in their care, yeah, I know, Lady, it was stupid."
That last part was directed at the elder hunter who glared at the teen.
"Whether it was stupid or not, we can't really leave now," remarked Trish as she stepped between the two.
"Yeah," huffed Nero as he turned on his heel and headed for the van. The three other hunters glanced at each other for a moment before silently agreeing to follow. While he might not have left the camp on the best of terms, they knew Nero wouldn't just turn his back on someone who pissed him when it came to demons. He was punk, not an asshole.
Mount Olympus, Empire State Building, New York City, New York
None of the gods spoke a word as they just stared at the red beam of light the burst into the sky. How could they? None of them had ever seen anything like this before in all their years. Every single time they brushed off a potential demon, assuming it was another pantheons problem and not theirs, was coming right back to bite them in the ass; and their children were the ones paying for their mistake.
After a few moments more, Athena managed to snap out of her stupor and realize something terrible.
"We have to go to the camp and protect our children!" stated the goddess of wisdom.
"Agreed," spoke Zeus, his expression hardening. Even though none of the children were his, they were still his family. Also, there was the chance that brat Nero might be there still.
As the gods and goddesses, even the ones who wouldn't normally get involved in a fight prepared to leave, Ares spoke up.
"Since we're all heading into a warzone, I think I might turn these over," spoke the god of war as he held out his hand. Flames gathered in his palm for a second before vanishing and revealed a backpack. The gods looked at him in confusion when their sibling reached into the bag. That confusion immediately turned into shock as Ares took out the Master Bolt and the Helm of Darkness. Like Zeus weapon, Hades's helm had also been stolen, he just chose not to say anything.
"The Master Bolt!" breathed Hephaestus as the stared the mighty weapon. True to what one would assume, the Master Bolt looked almost exactly like a lightning bolt, glowing a bright white with streaks of electricity jumping off the shaft. It was about the size of a machete but could obviously do more damage than the real world knife.
"Yep," nodded the god of war as he gave the bolt to his father and Hades his helm. The helm itself was a brilliant gold with numerous patterns engraved into the shining metal. Where the Master Bolt allowed Zeus to cast down lightning more powerful than a Hydrogen bomb, the Helm allowed Hades to melt into shadows and pass through solid objects.
"Are you the one who stole the master bolt?!" demanded Zeus in outrage.
"And framed my son for your crime?!" added Poseidon, not at all pleased that the real thief was hiding right under their noses.
"Look, father, uncle, we can spend all day bickering about who stole what; or, we can go down to the camp and save our kids," retorted Ares.
"As much as it pains me to agree, but Ares is right," concurred Artemis, causing all the gods to look at her in surprise, "We cannot bicker amongst ourselves not when our children and my hunters are in danger."
The gods just stared at her for a second more.
"What?"
"You just agreed with me," said Ares in equal shock and surprise.
As Hephaestus said, the impossible seems to be happening quite often," replied the goddess dryly.
"We've wasted enough time," stated Athena, getting over her surprise, "Our children need us."
All the gods and goddesses agreed for once. They couldn't afford to bicker with each other anymore, not with their family's lives at stake. However, something just occurred to Demeter as they were about to leave.
"Wait," she said, "Where's Hestia?"
Camp Half-Blood, Montauk, Long Island, New York
Complete chaos.
That could be the only words used to describe the state of the camp. Hundreds of demons poured out from the portal to the Demon World. The same monster that first emerged through stood stoically in front of the gateway as his brethren swarmed the camp. The children of the gods desperately scrambled to equip themselves with weapons as the demons charged. However, it was pretty clear that fighting monsters was not at all like fighting demons. For one, the demons were leagues more ferocious, but with that ferocity came cunning and rudimentary intelligence. Also, their sheer numbers made it clear that this was a losing battle. However, it seemed like the battle was going to turn even worse soon.
Emerging from the portal, several demons passed through, however, these ones were far different compared to the smaller, more feral lesser demons that attacked.
The first one to pass through the portal was something akin to a dragon. It had gleaming silver scales, a hawk-like beak on its nose, a small crown of spikes on its head. It stalked through on all fours, wickedly sharp black claws dug into the ground as its tail swung from side to side. Going down its back were two rows of spikes, almost like a dorsal fin on a shark. But that is where the similarities ended. Its wings could hardly be called 'wings' at all, instead appear like tridents, the tips of which were colored back. Blue eyes scanned the staging ground for its master's return.
Following the demon were six others. Each one was vastly different from the other lesser demons. One appeared to be an extremely large Tyrannosaurus Rex, except it had several rows of spikes going down the length of the body, powerful legs, extremely small arms. However, the biggest feature was the numerous fangs that lined its maw. There were so many teeth that its entire chin was covered in them. The demon let out a thunderous roar, throwing its head into the sky as it did so. With it came a massive spider, one that would more than likely haunt the nightmares of any child of Athena thanks to their arachnophobia. Next was a extremely dark purple beast, its wings tucked close to its body, the ends of wings had hands that held onto the shoulders of the demon. Smooth scales lined its body while a sort of fur covered the thin membrane of the wings. A sort of black mist flowed from the demon as it looked around. One notable feature was that it lacked eyes. Following this demon was a much, much larger creature, covered in gold. It had a long metallic cape and gigantic horns. It stood proudly, almost as if to show off the gold that covered its hide.
Along with this demon came a smaller one, but no less dangerous. It had large wings, spikes everywhere on its body. Literally, it had spikes growing out of its arms, likes, tail, back, even its wings. Two massive forms emerged from the demon's skull as reptilian yellow eyes locked onto its surroundings. Finally, the last demon emerges and it could only be described as an actual nightmare. It was the largest of the seven demons to emerge from the portal. It appeared similar to a cephalopod, something like a squid or octopus, two tentacles helped drag its massive body through the portal. Its maw was close to that of a beak you find on an actual squid or octopus, except with the added razor sharp fangs. Two yellow eyes glowed brightly as the demon moved in a wholly unnatural way. However, the most frightening thing was that its entire body was covered completely with bones. The two tentacles that helped drag it in were also covered in bones, the tips of those tentacles had skulls on them, giving the demon the appearance of having three heads.
"So this is the human world," noted the first demon to emerge from the portal, it's voice very smooth, and had a somewhat Mexican tinge to it. It gazed upon the area, marveling at the destruction and battle throughout the camp, "Quaint."
"Who cares about this place," snapped the T-rex demon, "I'm hungry for the flesh of humans."
"You're always hungry," stated the spider, revealed the demon to be a female if her voice was anything to go by.
"Either way, this world and its riches will soon be ours," stated the golden ram-like demon, "I wonder if there's anything of value here."
"Then why are still here?" demanded the dark purple demon, "Why don't we take what was promised to us here and now!"
"Calm yourselves my eager sins," spoke up their master causing all the demons to bow to him, "This world will be ours, I promise you, but we cannot rush so foolishly into battle. For now, let us familiarize ourselves with our new homes land."
As the demon lord said this, thunder cracked from the heavens and multiple flashes of light burst throughout the camp, causing the gathered demons to look in the direction of the sources.
"Seems like the current tenants aren't too happy about us being here," noted the final demon to arrive, in an almost bored tone.
The King of the Demon World smirked behind his mask. They had arrived, just as he predicted they would. Now, if only the boy were here, then he could proceed to the second stage of his plan to ensure they cannot be simply sent back. He was not like his father, fat and lazy thanks to his power. No, he studied his foes, intently. He would not be defeated so easily like the last king of the Demon World, or at all for that matter. It was only a matter of time.
Artemis teleported to the camp and almost immediately, did she gasp in total shock. All of Camp was under attack, children were defending themselves left and right from the onslaught of demons. Many of these beasts appeared reptilian, standing about as tall as a minotaur, likely taller if they weren't hunched over. They had gray scales, a row of spikes going down their spines that led to a long tail. Long arms reached down to its knees. Large fangs filled their maws. Grotesquely, their lower jaw could split into while a forked blue tongue flicked in and out as some snakes do. The creatures from place to place, while others crawled on all fours, snarling viciously.
"Kaos…," swore the deity in total shock. However, a sudden roar caught her attention. Snapping her head to the left, she saw one of those demons on top of what she assumed was one of the pillars in mess hall. It snarled menacingly, red eyes blazing with unholy hate. It then leaped right at the goddess, who reacted quickly and jumped back as the beast pounced where she previously stood.
"You shall not harm any of my hunters!" declared Artemis as she summoned to knives to her. The lesser demon let out a short bark before it held up its left hand. Veins suddenly started to glow blood red. The claws on its left hand suddenly extended drastically. What used to only be short, but wickedly sharp claws were now twelve inch long blades. The beast held it up to her, letting out a hiss.
The goddess couldn't help but feel slightly unnerved by the sudden growth. However, she steeled herself and readied herself. The demon let out a snarl before it leaped right at her. Claws brandished and raised back. Artemis jumped back to avoid the swipe. Retaliating, she swung one of her knives at the demons face, but to her shock, the demon blocked her attack with its right arm and suddenly headbutted her, causing the goddess to stumble back. The demon then leaped into the air and rolled up, it spun in the air rapidly before flying right towards the goddess like a massive dodgeball. The deity managed to sidestep the attack, letting the monster fly right past her.
Spinning around, she rushed the beast as it unrolled itself and turned in time to receive a slash across its face. The demon let out a bark of surprise before retaliating by slapping Artemis away with its tail. The deity slid back a few feet but quickly charged again, she let out a yell as she stabbed both her knives into the back of the demon. The beast let out a roar of pain as blood seeped from its wounds. Bucking around, it managed to throw Artemis off before letting out an enraged hiss.
"That is the first of many wounds demon," swore the goddess of the hunt. However, what she did not expect was when the demon threw its head back and let out a loud howl. Suddenly, other demons began to converge onto their position. Artemis' eyes widened as she realized it had called for help. It was then she realized just how difficult being a demon hunter was and the reason behind their being so few of them. Demons would not play fair at all and there were many, many more of them than there were of monsters. Seeing that she was heavily outnumbered, she assumed her godly form in a flash of silver. The demons roared at the sudden light as it faded and revealed Artemis in her true form.
"Camp Half-Blood will not fall this day!" declared the goddess as she summoned her bow and took aim at one of the demons. She drew the bowstring back and let loose an arrow.
At the same time, Nero's van sped passed dozens of trees, all four hunters on edge. Trish was driving while Lady got herself equipped; meanwhile, Nero had a scowl on his face, arms folded across his chest with Red Queen strapped to his back and Blue Rose in its holster by his belt. Dante was sitting across from the youngest hunter on the couch that was in the van.
"So, you thought about what you're gonna do when we get there?" asked the elder hunter suddenly, catching his nephew's attention.
Nero glanced at him, then Lady, and then Trish. To be honest, he really didn't know what he was gonna do. Though, there really wasn't much to it actually. He could either give them a handicap and tell them to keep their abilities a secret to avoid drawing attention or they could go all out and do this right. It really wasn't that hard to figure out which he was going to choose.
"Once we're done with this, I don't plan to stay, so go nuts for all I care," stated the hunter evenly.
"What about your family?" asked Lady, bringing up a valid point, "They aren't just going to let us leave."
"They're welcome to try and stop us," retorted Nero, closing his eyes.
"And if Hestia tries to stop you?" spoke up Trish from the driver's seat, catching Nero off guard slightly as he glanced at her for a moment, a slightly pissed expression on his face before it faded.
"I need some time to process everything and I'm pretty sure she does too," replied the hunter, "When we're done, we'll just leave, they'll be too focused on the camp and everyone in it and won't think about us."
"Not exactly inspiring," sighed Dante as he stood up and grabbed Rebellion and slung it across his shoulder, "Still, it's something."
Nero glared at his uncle for a moment and was about to retort that at least he came up with something he just sat there. However, before he could, they arrived.
"We're here!" announced Trish as she stopped right at the edge of the camp next to the tree. All four hunters piled out and took in the sight. Hundreds of demons swarming out of the portal while a few brave campers fought lesser demons. Others tried to protect the ones who couldn't fight. Throughout the fight, the could see bright flashes of light. Cracks of thunder and lightning burst from one part of the camp.
"Guess the whole party's here," noted Dante in a cocky fashion.
"Would be interesting to see if the gods are as powerful as they say," added Trish as she drew her twin pistols.
"Why don't we find out?" suggested Lady as she adjusted the strap of Kalina Ann on her shoulder.
Nero said nothing for a moment before he drew Blue Rose.
"Well," huffed the youngest hunter as he walked towards the camp, "Let's join the party!"
He then broke into a sprint and headed right towards the camp. Dante, Lady, and Trish soon followed. They weren't about to let Nero have all the fun.
Down in the camp, Artemis had been continuously fighting demons. So far, her arrows and knives had been very ineffective against these demons. The only real thing she could use that somewhat helped was her powers, however, that was extremely taxing on her stamina, and it was beginning to show. Multiple slashes littered her clothing, a few cuts dripped golden Ichor when a demon got lucky. However, it was clear that being a demon hunter was far more dangerous than she realized.
The deity had been pushed to where the Cabins had been located. Already there was her brother and Athena who were fighting off other demons. These ones could fly and were a bit smaller than the demons the goddess of the hunt had been fighting. The appeared similar to bats, though obviously much larger. They had massive leathery wings and equally large ears. They had long tails like rats and very sharp talons on their feet. What made them so dangerous was the fact they could shoot fireballs and streams of fire. Both Apollo and Athena were in their godly forms, her brother was wearing a golden toga that was draped over his right shoulder and fastened together by a medallion. A leather bracelet had been strapped to his left hand while a tunic hung underneath his toga. Across his back was a quiver full over arrows and unlike his sister's bow that was silver, his was a brilliant gold. His facial features weren't all that different, except his golden blond hair was a bit messy and his eyes twinkled a bright blue. Athena was much different, she had brown hair, gray eyes, and light skin. She wore a golden helmet that had a few engravings made into it. While not as flashy as her uncles, it was more fo functionality. She wore white clothing under her breastplate and shoulder pads while a red cape hung from those same shoulder pads. Strapped to her forearms were two gauntlets while some metal plates were strapped to her shins. In her hands was a golden spear which glittered brightly. The shaft dripped with the blood of a few demons she managed to kill, but it was still very difficult.
"The demons possess high resistance to our power!" informed the goddess of wisdom.
"You don't say?!" replied Apollo indignantly as he fired an arrow at a demon flying overhead, but missed when the beast swooped around and retaliated with a sudden fireball.
"This is no time for that, brother!" snapped Artemis as she fires a beam of energy at several demons, forcing them back.
"We need to find out what they are vulnerable to!" stated Athena as she impaled a lizard demon that tried to tackle her with her spear. However, her weapon did not go very deep as the demon continued to thrash and swing at the goddess. Thunder cracked overhead while lightning flashed.
"Seems father is not having as much luck as we are," noted Apollo taking his eyes off a demon for a second, however, that one second cost him dearly. A lizard demon suddenly tackled him the side and bit down onto his arm.
"AAAAHHHHH!" screamed the god of the sun as the beast's fangs plunged into his arm.
"Apollo!" shouted Artemis as she fired a beam of moonlight at the demon, knocking it off her brother. The beast let out an enraged bark as it leaped back to avoid an arrow the goddess shot. Helping her brother to his feet, he used his power to heal the wound.
"Okay, that hurt," winced Apollo as he grabbed his bow and drew the string back and fired an arrow at a lizard demon. The creature smacked it aside with its claws and hissed at the deities.
"We need to retreat," stated Athena, as much as she hated to admit it. Being the firstborn of Zeus, she inherited one major thing from him and that was his pride. She hated losing, but right now, being unharmed and alive seemed more reasonable than being dead.
"Yeah, and where do you suggest we go?" demanded Apollo sarcastically as he shot a beam of sunlight at one demon, incinerating the beast. Before the goddess of wisdom could retort, a familiar howl instantly caught Artemis attention. The other demons suddenly halted their attack and backed off.
"Uh, what are they doing?" asked Apollo, confused by the sudden retreat.
"There's another one," spoke Artemis softly, instantly remembering where she heard that howl before.
"Another what?" inquired Athena. Before her sibling could answer a massive golden bolt of lightning crashed down from the heavens, right onto the Artemis cabin. The structure was set on fire instantly, and the strike drew the attention of all three gods. Standing on top of the cabin, with smoke and fire rising up behind it, was a Blitz.
"A Blitz," said Artemis softly as she took a step back in actual fear. She remembered what the last thing had done and she was not looking forward to fighting another. Apollo and Athena instantly took notice of her sudden change in behavior.
"You know what that thing is?" asked her brother in deep concern, placing a hand on Artemis's shoulder.
"It is the beast that nearly killed me when Nero first left the camp," revealed Artemis, "Its power is very similar to that of our father."
Both Athena's and Apollo's eyes widened at that statement; a demon whose power could mimic their father? Such a thing was unheard of in their pantheon. Then again, this beast was not of their pantheon. Though, it did not matter to Apollo as his surprise quickly turned to anger.
No one harmed his sister.
Eyes narrowed into deadly slits, he slung his bow over his shoulder and held out his right hand. In his palm, and golden glow formed before extending dramatically. When the light faded, it revealed a sword in his hands.
"If that is the monster that almost killed, Artemis," stated Apollo dangerously, "Then I'll be the one to make it pay!"
He then leaped right towards the demon, not even taking into account that its body crackled with electricity.
"Apollo, don't!" shouted Artemis, but it was too late, her brother had already swung his sword at the demon, but to his shock, the weapon bounced right off its hide in a golden spark. The demon snarled and retaliated with a sudden slash, courtesy of its three claws. The attack sent the god flying back where he smashed into the cabin adjacent to the Artemis cabin. The demon roared and burst into lightning and bolted right at Apollo. It formed a second before colliding with deity, smashing them both through the cabin, reducing it to rubble.
"No!" shouted Artemis and was about to give a chance when Athena grabbed her arm.
"Don't go in without a plan!" berated the goddess of wisdom.
"I don't care!" snapped her sibling as she wrenched her arm free, "I will not lose my brother!"
She bolted into the forest where she could hear her brother getting mauled by the Blitz.
"Artemis!" shouted Athena, an enraged expression on her face. However, that expression soon fell as she heard several snarls around her. The demons that had previously backed off were no closing in again from all sides. Athena readied her spear. One demon prepared to attack, raising its claws into the air, however, two things happened next. One the demon's hand was shot clean off, the appendage bursting into blood and flesh. The demon shrieked in agony but was then silence when it's entire head burst. Athena shielded her face from the drops of blood that flew from the remains of the demon skull. The beast fell to the ground where it's body slowly melted away.
"You gonna stand there all day?" asked a voice sarcastically, causing Athena to turn to the one who killed the demon. Lady stood at the edge of the ring of demons, one of her many guns smoking.
"Or are you gonna step back and let a professional do her work?" she finished and drew her SMG. Multiple demons directed their attention to the veteran demon hunter, each one letting out a snarl. The hunter smirked as she open fired.
Apollo was thrown into a clearing where several campers were fending off a few demons, to varying degrees of success. The deity sat up just in time to see the Blitz crash land right in front of him. Electricity continued to dance across its body as the demon threw its head back and let out a piercing roar. Lightning flashed down onto the beast before it suddenly transformed into a living bolt. The bolt zapped from multiple locations to others, randomly appearing and disappearing. Apollo tried to track it but was incredibly difficult to do. Getting back to his feet, the deity received a sudden slash across his face. He let out a cry of pain as he was knocked to the ground.
The Blitz then grabbed him by his ankle and dragged him across the ground briefly. It spun around before slamming his body into the dirt like a rag doll. It then snarled as it slammed its foot down onto his back, knocking the wind out of his lungs. The Blitz raised its right claws and prepared to bring it down.
"NO!" shouted a voice to the right, the Blitz snapped its head in the direction and vanished just in time to avoid a moonbeam from Artemis as she sprinted out of the woods.
"Apollo," gasped his sister as she rushed to his side and helped him up.
"That thing is something else," huffed the deity. Numerous cuts crisscrossed his body, all thanks to the Blitz.
"I know," said Artemis as she checked over his wounds, "Can you heal yourself?"
"Think I should save that for when we're done with all this," suggested the god of Healing. A sudden roar drew the attention of the two siblings who turned to see the Blitz about ten yards away. It let out a roar of fury, not at all happy that its prey had been taken away from it.
"I think you just pissed it off," noted Apollo, even in dire circumstances, he would still make a joke or two.
"Clearly," replied his sister dryly.
The demon's entire body began sparking up, both deities tensed, preparing for the worst, but the worst never came. Instead, numerous gunshots went off. The Blitz let out a surprised bark as several bullets impacted with its shield, sparkling blue as each one hit. Both gods turned around to see both Dante and Trish, the former had Ebony and Ivory in his hands.
"Seems like you guys got a problem," noted Dante in a cocky manner while spinning his prized hand-cannons on his fingers, "Lucky for you, our specialty is dealing with these sort of problems."
Both hunters stepped by the wounded gods and proceeded right towards the demon.
"Just who do you think you are?" demanded Apollo, finding his voice after a second.
"Us?" replied Dante as he spun around, flashing both Artemis and Apollo a grin, "Just distant family."
"Uh, Dante," spoke up Trish, getting his attention back to the Blitz that let out another angered roar.
"Right, right," remembered the hunter as he holstered his guns and drew Rebellion, "You hit him from far, I'll hit him from close."
"Sounds like a plan," agreed the blonde demon hunter. The Blitz let out a roar, prompting Trish to open fire while Dante charged right towards the demon.
As the invasion was happening, one person had been almost completely oblivious to all of it. Too focused on what had just transpired not too long ago. Hestia was still in complete shock and heartache from the conversation with her son. It had gone so wrong. So, so wrong. Her son was ashamed of her and her family and wanted nothing to do with it.
It literally tore out her heart when she heard his final words before he left.
'I'm not your son, and you're not my mother. You were never my mother.'
Hestia let out a choked sob as she buried her face into her hands. His words hurt her so much, but he was also right. She had never been there for him or Vergil. She hadn't even been there for her own family, despite claiming to be the goddess of hearth, home, and family. So many other families had been destroyed because of her inaction throughout the years and because of her family. She knew that the laws prevented her from interfering with the domains of her own flesh and blood. But were those laws really necessary? Shouldn't family come before anything else?
She didn't know anymore.
Grief flooded her entire body.
However, her grief was suddenly replaced by a new feeling. Dread and fear.
Hestia gasped as she felt the pain and fear of so many close by. Getting off her knees, she hastily made her way to the front entrance of the Big House and burst out. However, she instantly regretted that decision. The goddess of family gasped in total shock and fear as she beheld the invasion of Camp Half-Blood. Numerous demons poured out the portal, fires scattered about and the sounds of battle echoing through the valley.
"Do you see now, Hearth," spoke a powerful voice from her right, causing Hestia to snap her attention to the owner. Approaching her was the demon king, his imposing figure looming above her, "The consequences of you and your family's arrogance."
"T-This is not their fault!" refused Hestia as she stepped back while the demon lumbered closer and closer.
"Actually, you may be correct; this is not their fault but rather yours," stated the demon.
"W-What-!"
"It was your negligence that pushed your son away, the only one capable of sealing the portal. It was you, who believed what she was doing was right when you left your son and his father all those years ago."
"I-I did it to keep them safe-!" defended the goddess. However, the demon narrowed its golden yellow eyes at her.
"Again you allow your arrogance to control your judgment," The demon held out its right hand. Dark purple mist began to collect and form into a shape, becoming about as tall as the demon itself. It a flash, the mist took form and revealed titanic war scythe with two blades on the end, giving it the appearance of a pickaxe. The massive being pulled his weapon back and swung right at Hestia. The goddess quickly created a barrier of flames to shield herself, but the shield shattered the second the scythe made contact. She tumbled across the ground several yards before coming to a stop. She groaned pushing herself off her chest.
"All this is because you allowed yourself to think that as a god, everything will play into your favor," continued the demon as it approached her, "But that is not the case. Throughout history, you and your siblings, Zeus especially have blinded yourselves into think that fate is yours to control, thanks to the gorgons and the oracle. Prophecies do not always depict what will happen, but rather of what may happen. To believe that fate is set in stone is foolishly ignorant."
"N-no-," cried Hestia as she remained on her knees, her arms hanging loosely by her sides.
"You son is proof of this. Not one prophecy has been made by the oracle or gorgons that related to him," the demon brought up a very valid point. Never had a prophecy been heard of that resembled her son or what is going on, "Fate is in the hands of those who have the will to break free from its control; and you, your brothers and sisters, even your children, are all too weak to realize this."
The demon raised its scythe once more, Hestia's eyes widened as tears continued to stream down her cheeks.
"But it does not matter now that my sins are free," the demon held the scythe completely over his head, "and soon, this world will belong to me and all my mind."
Hestia just remained frozen in fear as the monster held its weapon above her. Her mind screamed at her to move, to get away from this-this monster! But her limbs wouldn't respond. The pain of her son disowning her still fresh in her heart. Death, almost seemed welcoming, to escape this pain she felt. The demon then swung its scythe down at the goddess. Hestia just closed her eyes embraced her end. However, at the last second a figure leaped between her and the demon king. The figure swung out his right arm to meet the massive weapon. The tip of the scythe struck the figure's arm, but instead of slicing through the flesh, a brilliant light erupted from the point of contact.
The flash was so bright, that it briefly outshined the demonic beam of light while a shockwave swept across the ground, throwing up a massive cloud of dust. Hestia was thrown back while the demon slid several feet away. The goddess let out a cough as he got to her hands and knees before getting to her feet. She was confused, why wasn't she dead?
As the dust cloud began to settle, it revealed someone whom she thought hated her and her family. The goddess couldn't help but let out a gasp of surprise while her eyes widened in total shock. Standing in the center of the dust cloud was Nero. In his left hand was Red Queen, some blood stained his coat slightly, but there was no mistaking who it was.
"N-Nero?" stammered Hestia.
The hunter glanced back at his mother and said nothing for a moment. Though his expression was neutral, she could see in his eyes that there was regret and shame in them for what he said to her. For the briefest of moments, she thought her son had come back to her, but that disappeared in a second when she saw his right arm. A faint azure glow broke through his ruined sleeve and bandages.
Nero saw what she was staring at and closed his eyes, knowing there was no turning back. Steeling himself, he turned his attention to the demon.
"So, I take you're top dog in the Demon World?" guessed Nero, a cocky tone laced into his words.
"I am the King of the Demon World, boy," stated the demon as it rose up and adjusted its grip on the scythe, "My power and reign are absolute, as was my father's before me."
"Father?" queried the hunter.
"I am the descendant of the first king of the Demon World, Mundus. My name is Excelsus, and you will not impede my quest, halfling."
"Well, you see, there's just one little problem in your plan, bud," stated Nero as he sheathed Red Queen across his back.
"Oh?"
"Yeah, the problem is, I'm not just a demigod or human," informed Nero as he reached up and grabbed the ruined cloth that covered his arm and tore it right off. Hestia gasped in shock at what she saw. Nero's entire right arm was not human. It was glowing a bright azure in his palm and fingers while red scales covered his forearm. A crack ran down his arm and connected to his palm, allowing more light to shine, "Or even a demon."
The hunter rolled his wrist around, Devil Bringer shining bright, "I'm all three."
His expression then hardened as he grabbed Red Queen and drew his sword, "And you're about to find out the hard way how your dad lost."
"Then come teach me, oh warrior of three natures," mocked Excelsus.
"Okay then," smirked Nero as he flipped his sword around.
"Let's Rock!"
To be continued...