If you want to escape reality, read a book or play a game. If you want to play god, then create a story.
Chapter 17
-Percy-
"Well done. You can stop acting now, Zoe," said Zeus, emphasizing specifically her name. He stood proud and mighty with his standard battle armor. It had similar designs to what Camp Half-blood offers to its campers but this was obviously a better model and quality of it. Its sleeveless model was for easier maneuvering and to show off the muscle of the wearer.
"Come now Perseus. Aren't you gonna greet your Uncle." He spread his arms wide as if he was expecting a hug. To me, it's just a predator making itself bigger to overwhelm its prey.
I placed myself between him and Zoe so his focus would stay on me. "How did you find me?".
He grinned as if he was expecting that question. "My domain is the sky boy. I know everything that happens there and I swear that on the River of the Styx," he said, emphasizing the last few words which made me remember my swear to Zoe earlier. I wanted to smack myself for forgetting about that final seal but not right 's a mistake I'll never make again.
A fleeting crack of lightning lit up the sky. At that moment, I drew one of my short swords and landed on a stance.
"No need to get so defensive, no fighting will occur," he said but the vibe he's giving right now is telling me otherwise.
"Oh yeah and I'm here to deliver you to bed in your PJ's." I said in mockery. "You need to convince me better. Your get-up and that lightning isn't helping."
I felt Zoe lightly nudge my back. "There are others among the trees." I didn't need to look back to know that she was scanning the forest floor. I nodded at her gratefully. Zeus wasn't the only one who came to visit us in this late hour.
He glanced at his own armour as if he was satisfied with it. "Just a little precautionary measure. It's the same one I used when I fought Kronos. And the latter... call it a signal."
Knew it. The moon was directly above us. Our shadows aren't big enough for me to use. I need to get out of here before too many gods and other deities show up. I took Zoe by the hand and immediately ran to the nearest shadow. On instinct, I jumped backwards just in time to see a golden arrow pierce the ground in front of me.
"Hey Perce. You look good." Said Apollo. He was perched on an airy branch, lazily playing with his bowstring. "I know this is uncool for me. But I gotta have this man so I'll feel good. Hope you understand."
I didn't understand anything he said just now. All I know I'm slowly running out of options. I turned the opposite way but I saw Hermes already there standing with his staff.
"Yo." he said casually. Actually that was all he said before he was preoccupied with his smartphone when it pinged in his pocket. I guess even gods are affected by changes brought about by modern society.
I turned back to Zeus. "Is that everyone?"
He shrugged. "I don't know but it doesn't really matter. We're here just to talk -"
He was interrupted by another god flashing in within the forest. It took everyone by surprise that I could have used it to escape. But I didn't even see the arrow that suddenly punctured my thigh.
I gasped from the pain and staggered backwards. I tried staying on my feet but the pain-inducing dizziness was making me lose my senses. A silver arrow protruded from my thigh.
"How dare you take one of my Perseus." Artemis emerged from the forest enraged and another loaded in her bow. "I took you in my camp and trained you as one of your own and this is how you repay me? Taking one of my hunters? You manipulated me and my hunters into believing that you were different. You're the worst scum out there.
"But my milady-" started Zoe.
"But nothing Zoe. You know better than to come with this filthy male."
I felt my body hit the ground. Their voices became further away. I was slowly losing consciousness. That arrow was spiked with something and I was too late to realize.
"gods-dammit. What the hell are you doing?" I heard Gelo yell in my head. "Get the damn flask from your pocket and kick their asses back to Olympus already."
I used all of my strength to tear the arrow away. The pain was enough to get some blood running but too much that I was slowly losing consciousness again. I quickly grabbed two flasks of enhanced nectar and drank everything in two gulps.
The color of the world slowly came back and I was met by worried Zoe. I didn't notice her screaming my name until a few seconds later.
"I'm alright. I'm alright." I said to her. I sat myself upright and checked for wounds that weren't there anymore. The only sign that I had one earlier was the blood-soaked cloth around the wound. I then focused my attention on Artemis who looked surprised at my recovery. "I guess yesterday's ally is today's enemy huh? You didn't even listen to Zoe's plea.
"I know enough already. Now are you gonna come with us quietly in chains? Despite your resiliency, you can't hope to take me one-on-one, let alone all of us at once."
"Percy." I hear Zoe whisper my name. She opened her mouth to say something but no sound came out. "I'm sorry. I-"
"You don't have to apologize, you know." I whispered back to her. "Something like this was bound to happen anyway." I made it loud enough so the gods can hear. "gods hunting me for the hades of it and them lying to each other."
"For the record, the latter was already a given," said Apollo. "I'm the god of truth after all."
Zeus glared at his son but for the first time in my life, I saw Apollo hold his ground against him.
"Yet you never do or say anything about it. Some gods you are." I felt all of them visibly flinch at my words. Guess I hit the right spot.
"You talk as if you can do better than us boy." Zeus boomed. The air around him was crackling wildy. A little more and I'm sure that I would be struck down. "You think you can do our jobs better than us?"
I snickered. "What? Eat, party, bang and repeat? Pretty much your schedule right Zeus."
"Percy. What are you doing?" said Zoe. "This is just making them angry at you."
I smiled at her. "My plan exactly." By now, I was closing on the hardest part of the plan, the fight.
"Enough with the follies and ridicules boy." said Artemis. "Come with us to -"
"Talk about the negotiations then suddenly get backstabbed? He already said no fighting was gonna occur, they already dishonored that" I said, interrupting her. "Thanks but no thanks. But..." I stabbed my short sword onto the ground and started grabbing all of my weapons from the darkness.
"But what?" said Zeus impatiently. I now felt all of their eyes watching me putting all of my gear on. I flipped my switchblades a few times so that I was sure that it was sure I won't actually hurt myself.
"Are you done?" boomed Zeus. He was now letting off his aura to the point that even the other gods were being wary of him.
I checked myself one last time. "All weapons seem to be in shape," I said. "So yea."
At that moment, his mood suddenly changed. He now looked at me with a menacing smile. "I'll take your answer as no. So then does that mean you're gonna fight us?" he said, bloodlust emanating off of him.
"Maybe so." I said. I then turn my gaze to the sky. I took a deep breath and yelled. "I challenge a god for his title." Thunder boomed on the night sky as if it responded to me. Even the gods were surprised by it.
"Percy, what the hades are you doing?" I finally heard Artemis use my name again.
I glared at all of the gods present right now. Even the ones hiding among the shadows of the night. "I challenge Lord Ares for his title of god of war."
I then gazed at the trees behind Hermes. "Come out of here already." I said. "Where's your honor in hiding behind other gods. I-
"Alright." said from someone loudly within the forest. All heads turned to the direction except for Hermes who was busy texting someone on his smartphone. Behind him came out Ares who had one arm in a cast in a black suit. He staggered on the undergrowth but eventually came to the clearing.
Hermes jumped a bit when Ares held him by the shoulder for support. Hermes inspected him. "What happened to you."
Ares just glared at him and walked past him. "Enough damaging my pride." he said. "Little brats who don't know the meaning of respect need to know their place." He removed the glasses and his eyes were oranged with flames. In a bright flash, his expensive suit was gone and was instead replaced by a battle armor. His cast was gone but a huge portion of his right arm was bandaged up.
"You sure you can fight with that injury of yours?" I asked with half-concern and half-mockery. Does that cancel each other out?
He shrugged. "I honor your want for a fair fight," his gaze then fell to Zoe. "But it's none of your business how I got this."
All the other gods, unsure on what to make of the situation just stood around us to create a circular make-shift arena.
I turned to Zoe who suddenly engulfed me in a hug. "I don't know what you're playing but I trust you."
I nodded gratefully at her when she pulled back and joined the gods. I involuntarily glanced at Artemis and instantly regretted it. She looked like she was ready to murder me after the fight, maybe even during the fight. The consequences of touching her head huntress most likely.
Ares was already doing his stretches despite his injuries. "You done talking with your girlfriend brat? Or do we need to give you a little bit more privacy?" said the war god.
The one to flinch at his words was Zoe. "I'm huntress. I never fall in love. He's just my b-best friend." she said exasperatedly. Somehow, the words that came out of her words stung. She is my best friend. There is nothing wrong with that. So why did it hurt?
"Whatever you say princess,"said Ares. "Oi you are ready yet brat. I'm itching to teach you 'about respect." He then unsheathed a greatsword that was hidden behind his back. It was easily twice the size of an average hunter but he held it with one hand as if it was a normal sword and placed it over his shoulders.
I raised an eyebrow at him. I didn't know that used that kind of weapon but it did fit the role as a war god. Make them fear you with just your weapon and presence.
He smirked. "What's wrong? You were talking big earlier about challenging me. Did you perhaps lose your wits at the sight of my sword?"
I chose to ignore him and just landed on a stance. I gripped my short swords properly before I charged at him. I was at a disadvantage in reach and power so I needed to get in his defenses and I intended to do that by making the first move.
He swung the massive sword downwards making me jump back and stop. The ground exploded beneath like glass. He dragged it back to him, earth and metal grinding against each other before placing it vertically across the ground. It was nearly as tall as him. He stretched his arm and made a taunting gesture. "C'mon brat."
I lunged and made for a slash across his chest but in that moment, he changed hands, held it in a reverse hold and spun around. All I could do was panic at the speed as I saw it crash against me, hurtling me a feet away from him.
I gasped as I felt my air get knocked away from me. I coughed a few times. I felt no blade hit me but the power on that blow was tremendous.
"Next time I won't use the blunt side," said Ares. He had it propped against his shoulder again and crouching at my height. "Don't tell me you're done already. I haven't even taught you why you should fear me yet."
I shook off the blow and slowly got up to my feet. "I don't fear being at death's doorstep so why should I fear you?"
"What's that?" He was already swinging the sword towards my body. I won't be able to jump back in time so I brought my hands to block it instead. It sent me skidding across the ground again but I was able to keep on my feet this time.
"I'm sorry but you need to come closer if you want me to hear what you're saying." said Ares. He charged at me this time. I quickly sheathed one of my blades and threw a throwable dagger at him.
With the size of his sword, he held in front of him and blocked it. It also meant that it covered his vision of me. I took this opportunity to bring out my sword again and finally landed slashes at him but he remained behind his sword-shield and anticipated all of my moves.
I pressed on with my barrage until I got tired of him hiding there. I used my sword on my right hand as a crowbar and tried to pry away his sword. Inch-by-inch, his sword was moving away from him.
I finally caught sight of his mug and made a slash for it. He blocked it with a wrist armor he was wearing. With a surge of strength, I went low and sweeped his legs from underneath him but he jumped and did a kick to my chest making me stagger backwards.
I looked at him wide-eyed. How was he reading all of my moves?
"Your movements are too direct," he said but without the usual arrogance in his voice. "All of you guys are the same. 'Get the guy away from his big sword'. Get real. You think I don't know that?" He took a hold with two hands and placed it in front of him into a proper stance this time. "Lemme show you what it means to be the god of war." He charged at me again.
I inwardly smirked. This is gonna be fun. I ran and met him halfway. He made for another downward slash but I deflected it away by hitting it at the side with both blades and continued to close the gap. He made for a sparta kick but I easily side-stepped and countered with a slash to the chest. He arched his body away as if he was gonna spin around with the sword coming at me aiming for my head.
I ducked and started slashing at his abdomen but even with that, he was able react quickly enough to jump back. But that easily left him open to anything. With a flick of my wrist, my switchblades came to life and closed the distance that my short swords couldn't reach. It finally connected and drew blood.
He stuttered backwards to try and recover but I didn't let him. I crouched low and pushed onwards. He placed his sword again in front of him to shield him but I already planned this. When I was at the right distance, I jumped, twirled in midair and landed behind him.
"Psst, behind you." I unleashed my blades at his back, easily shredding away at his armor and drawing ichor a few times before he was finally able to swing the sword making me jump backwards to recuperate a bit.
He was panting and grunting with a pained look at his face but despite that he laughed a bit. "Hehe. That's more like it brat. You guts for taking me on."
I raised an eyebrow at his words. I flicked the golden blood away from my blade before closing it back. "Are you sure you can say that when you're already a bloody mess right now?"
He was propped against his sword for balance. "This doesn't even amount a millionth to the ones I've been through," he bragged.
My jaws dropped at his words. "I didn't know you can do decimals let alone count. I always thought that you were that 'if I hate you, I hit you' kind of guy. You're smarter than I thought." I said to him.
He was now scowling at me. "Brats with your kind of tongue... they were cut in the days and fed to the lions." He panted in between the sentences.
"I better stop talking then." I brought my half-mask up, covering my mouth and nose.
With a groan, he lifted his sword again. I didn't even notice that his bandaged-arm was wasn't he using his non-injured arm? I wanted to ask him that but I already declared no more speaking. I only had a fleeting time to think as he let out a loud yell before I saw the weapon hurtling towards me spinning like a deadly top.
I was surprised at his lethal move but I easily avoided it by jumping over it. What I didn't expect was him suddenly appearing in front of me with a new sword aiming to decapitate me. I was able to block it in time but his force on the blade was stronger than expected. I felt the cold tip of the metal just millimeters away from the side of my neck. We were in a standstill; neither moving from their place, just shaking from the pressure the other is letting out.
Ares was gritting his teeth upon the stalemate. "I think going straight for the neck would be better now." His force was suddenly getting stronger and the metal was literally touching my neck now. "I just remembered that this is a battle to the death. But I'm god so good luck in killing me." He then started laughing.
I felt metal break skin and enter my system. I held myself from grunting in pain but the sharp sword piercing me was giving me a jolt to the system that was getting more painful and painful. I felt my energy seeping away from me and I was crumbling to my knees.
"PERCY." I heard Zoe scream somewhere. I didn't know where exactly she was nor do I have the luxury of finding her. I gripped my blades even tighter and tried matching his strength and pushing back. With a scream and burst of strength, I was finally able to get him off me. I didn't even care anymore when I dropped my weapons but he was wide open.
In my crouching position, I delivered an elbow to stomach. Despite him wearing celestial bronze armor, I felt my blow connect with his ribs. I quickly stood up, bringing the same hand up as well and hit him square in the face. He staggered backwards and dropped his sword. I followed it up with a jab but he parried it with his arm. I grabbed hold of his arm and pulled him towards me and sent another elbow to his face and a knee to his leg. His body brushed past me and the combo brought him to the ground, rolling a bit away from me.
I jumped to try and punch his body but he was able to kick my leg away from me making me lose balance and hitting the ground face first. He gained the distance and got on his knees. He coughed up a bit and spat blood on the ground.
I placed my hands beside me and pushed off the ground. The action made my world spinning and nauseating. I gripped my head with my hands. "Come on. Breathe. Breathe." I said to myself before doing it. I touched my neck to check on the wound, wincing upon contact but it wasn't any lethal injury. When I tried to stand up again, pain shot up throughout all my body. The neck wound that I didn't feel earlier was now stinging me with constant pain. I reached for my pocket to grab a vial of nectar but realized I didn't have anymore left.
"Looking for this?" I turned to Ares who was holding my last vial of nectar. He took the cork and drank it in one gulp. He wiped his mouth with his wrist and threw the empty glass away. He let out a smirk and got up to his feet. The godly food healed him and the blood on his lips were gone now. "Ready for round two brat? Next lesson is all about respect." He brought out a combat knife that was strapped onto one of his legs and twirled it between his fingers before settling in a reverse grip.
I stared at the ground as I doubled over from the pain.. I can feel my head throbbing so bad as if it wanted to get out of my head. I placed my hands underneath me. The moment I added weight on it, it started trembling. It was the same with my legs. But I couldn't lose here yet. I still have things to do after this. I still have to save my mother.
I forced myself to stand up again but the effort needed was already beyond the capabilities of my body. It was as if my body is trying to keep up with my head but no matter what it does it just can't do it anymore. I already expended all of my energy from getting here and rescuing Zoe. I didn't even get enough rest from yesterday.
"You did me in good brat?" I heard his footsteps coming closer. "But if I hadn't had these injuries. You won't even stand a chance against me." He stopped just beside me. I felt him place a hand on my back which was supposed to have been a friendly gesture when he suddenly gripped the back of my neck, making me flinch as it sent me another wave of pain. He bent my head as if he was inspecting my wound.
"Look here brat when a god is talking." He kicked me in the ribs making me topple over and on my back, arms spread. The moon shined so bright against my eyes, making me question. Did the moon not move throughout this whole ordeal? It looked the same when I arrived here with Zoe. It was beautiful and intoxicating as ever with the night contrasting against it. It always reminded me of my mother- both of them. The former as we would always go stargazing on the rooftop of the apartment when we had a chance. The latter as she is it itself. No clouds drifted anywhere in sight. If it wasn't for the situation right now, I would have taken this view as peaceful and relaxing.
A figure stood over me, completely blocking my view of the moon and scattering its rays. His foot just stopping inches away from my head. The silhouette that loomed over me grew before I felt something cold yet sharp touch my neck.
"Why look so peaceful." said Ares. I still couldn't his face properly due to the light but I didn't need to imagine the grin he had right now. The grin that enjoys in the suffering of others. "Your blood will be used to the satisfaction of the blood god." He leaned his over to my ears. "And that bitch of yours will be next." My eyes widened at his words. "It's the price of the hunters from nearly killing me."
I felt uncontrollable rage well up inside me. I felt my body tense all over. Tense and ready for another burst. Pain shot through my arm and I felt a liquid pool beneath me and soak my clothes. The blade he had earlier on my neck was now stabbed on my arm. He then started laughing.
"What's with that reaction? You don't want me to hurt her then do something about it." He then started laughing. "You suddenly call me out and waste my time with your pathetic skills that you call fighting. What should be the price for it." He then suddenly removed the blade and another jolt of pain shot up but I did give him satisfaction of me screaming in pain. I just glared him down through grit teeth.
He brought the blade to my neck and I felt it drip my own blood on me. "Still defiant I see. So it's game of how long before you break." He then dragged a blade all over me, leaving a trail of blood on me. "I can do that but I still need payment for your dues'' He stopped the blade at my eyes. It glinted with the moonlight against my eyes and I see in its silvery glory with a touch of my blood adorning it. A blood droplet was ready to drip at any moment's notice but it continued to defy gravity.
"You have a nice pair of eyes." The tip of the blade was just above my right eye right now. "You wouldn't mind if I take this as payment would you?"
I felt my mind snap in on itself, making me reel back as a whirlwind of images fill my head. I saw Gabe and my mother arguing in our old apartment. Then the image changed. Everything inside the apartment was a mess now. Our glass table was shattered and beyond repair; the couch had tears all over its body; chairs overturned; and my Mom... She was lying on the ground with a pool of blood surrounding her. I wanted to scream but I was suddenly pulled down, my head bouncing off the ground.
Gabe stood over me with knife in hand. He stomped on my body a few times before his blade hovered before my eye.
"Still a helpless little bitch huh?" He punched me on the side of my face and my head bounced back. "What happened earlier?" He punched me again. "Answer me." He punched me again and the image flickered again. I slowly opened my eyes and everything was gone.
The moonlight shone brightly above me. My view didn't last long as I felt another punch hit me again in the head. I was now tasting iron on my mouth. Was it from the blade or from another wound that opened up. I'm not even sure anymore.
"Answer me." I heard Ares yell. He was getting frustrated from a question I don't even know. The blade was brought to my eye again. "If you don't answer me, then I'll just take both of your eyes."
I just stared nonchalantly at the blade. I didn't show him any emotion nor did I react at all to his threats. I tried for my limbs. There didn't seem to be any injuries that hindered their movement except for the right arm which was stabbed earlier; everything was just painfully sore.
I was punched again and my head snapped to the side. "Stop moving and answer me." I slowly turned to glare at him. I already had my rest and was ready to fight back. My eyes widened. The guy standing over me wasn't Ares. A lightning struck somewhere and lighted up his face. It had the same maniacal look when I first met him. The look that was ready to kill and abuse anyone. It wasn't the face of Ares that I saw. It was Gabe's.
-Zoe-
"Percy." I screamed for the umpteenth time. My voice grew hoarse from calling him so many times. I felt helpless. Why is he just lying there and taking all of those punches? Why isn't he fighting back? I know he has a plan to escape all of this but seeing him likethis to just follow-through it... I can't bare it anymore. I ran towards the two but I was stopped by someone holding onto my wrist.
"Don't Zoe." It was Lady Artemis. "You can't intervene in their fight." She had a worried look on her face.
I yanked my hand away from her. "How could you. I thought you were going to help me."
"He kidnapped you."
"He rescued me from those bastards." I pointed at the three at them who were too transfixed at their own gizmos. "Did you even ask any of the hunters back at camp?"
"I-" she hesitated. She couldn't look me in the eye. "My fath-"
I just stared at her in shock. I couldn't even look at her anymore. "I-Arghh." I was so frustrated that I couldn't even talk properly. I took a deep breath first before I looked at her again. "I. Hate. You."
She then looked up to meet me with disbelief in her eyes. "W-What?"
I didn't repeat my words and just started walking away but I didn't get far when an anguished cry of pain elicited from the fight. Percy had his legs on Ares' hand and neck in a triangle hold. The knife that Ares held earlier was nowhere to be seen.
"Brat. Lemme go," said Ares. He tried punching in a futile attempt to escape but Percy held on like Parasite. When he knew he wasn't getting out that way, he tried regaining his footing. In a disgruntled grunts, he started lifting Percy. But with a single swing of his body, Ares fell back to the ground face first.
In that moment, Percy changed from a headlock to an armbreaker. He started applying pressure on Ares' arm and he started screaming in pain. He started saying things to Percy but I wasn't within hearing range to know what he was saying. That was until I heard Percy yell, "I'LL KILL YOU." With that declaration, a loud crack of bone echoed through the night. I placed my hands in my mouth in shock. That's not Percy. That couldn't have been Percy.
All of the gods were taken aback by the events happening in front of them. Apollo was the first one to break the silence. "Oh no, I think I forgot to do something. Gotta go." He said hurriedly before he was gone in a flash.
Percy stood up and stared at the injured Ares.
"Percy." I called out to him but like the umpteenth times I called him, he didn't react in any way.
"Percy. Stop this right now," yelled Zeus was beside me. He already had his master bolt in hand as if he was ready to jump in if needed. He turned to him. He didn't have his red eye anymore. It was replaced by nothing but darkness again like that other time he fought a god. He didn't say anything nor did he look at my direction.
I felt something wet touch my hand. I looked at my palm and saw a single droplet of water climbing the air. I looked all around me and the whole clearing was covered in droplets. The lakes crashed angrily against dry land then as if a vacuum was sucking it all away, it went towards the middle of the arena. Towards Percy. A huge water circled around them before gathering in a sm area into a small cocoon. Inside of the cocoon was a shocked and pained Ares with his arms spread wide. He was slowly being lifted up from the floor.
He was in his own water prison that was mere inches from the floor. No water enveloped his head. His body on the other hand was trapped and being crushed by the pressure of the water. The water itself was in constant movement, slithering like a snake, constricting its prey.
The three gods present were now tense as their fellow god screamed in pain. Even Lord Hermes hid his phone and serious for the first time tonight. I looked at the forest to check the reactions of the other minor gods present but it seems they have already left or they were hiding so well that I don't notice them. No one dared make a move lest they want to further injure Lord Ares or face the wrath of the enraged Perseus. I wanted to run by side but I was scared as well. Scared that he wont recognize.
His hands were stretched in front of me in a crushing gesture. The further he closed his fists, the more the cocoon seemed to shrink, the more Ares' screamed in pain. He was muttering something but like earlier I was out of hearing range.
"Percy?" I proceeded to walk cautiously towards him.
"Zoe get back here." I heard Milady say behind me but I just ignored her and went on.
I crouched lower so as not to stir him. "Hey Percy." I said as casually as I could to him. My whole body was trembling in fear and it took off all of my willpower to not show it in my voice. At the corner of my eye, I could see the gods conversing together. "Fire... soon...move." It was all I could understand before the two other gods nodded.
When I reached a certain distance, that was when I finally got his attention. He turned to face me but that was when all hell broke loose. Something exploded between me and Percy making me fly back and hit the ground. I turned to the gods and they all had their weapons out. Percy was unscathed. The water protecting him from the explosion.
"Drop the Ares and we will let you walk out of here alive Persues," proclaimed milady. She had her bow out and aimed at him but he acted as if he didn't even hear her.
"I will not let you escape like last time," Percy yelled. He brought out his sword and stalked Ares. "You will pay for killing my mother." The water around Ares' non-broken hand gave way to its controller and was faced with air again. "The hand that hurted her. Abused her." He looked at Ares in the eye. "You don't deserve this hand."
Ares struggled helplessly as his mouth was then covered, stopping him from saying anything. He shook around his water prison but achieved nothing. Percy readied his sword above his shoulder. Why weren't the gods doing anything? Why aren't they stopping him? Did they not care that Ares' was gonna lose his hand? I quickly got to my feet and ran towards him.
"Percy. Percy." I yelled to get his attention but he didn't even react. I grabbed my bow and an arrow from my back and aimed as I ran. As soon as he swung his sword to cleave the hand, I let my arrow fly. As soon it did, I threw it away and focused on running. Just when the sword hit its mark, it was rebounded away by my arrow. But it still didn't stop it from severing Ares' middle finger. Blood poured out of it like a broken faucet. I didn't care about that.
I needed to stop Percy. I clenched my fists and started to run faster. He wouldn't injure someone out of blood. This wasn't the Percy that I knew. This wasn't my Percy.
As soon as I was arms-distance, he suddenly turned to face me. But that didn't change my mind. I poured everything I had and punched him square in the jaw. His hold on water disappeared and he lost control. The water crashed and spread out, living a crippled Ares behind.
Percy hit the ground like a ragdoll and laid motionless. I didn't stop there. I straddled and started hitting him. "Snap out of it Percy." The more I punched him, the more my right hand - the one I used to punch his jaw- continued to send jolts of pain to me. But it didn't matter. I kept on punching him until he finally caught my hand
He still had his eyes close but for some reason he was able to predict my punches.
"Percy?" I half-whispered.
I heard his ever-so-casual chuckle before settling my hand on his chest. "You called my names so many times tonight yet I never really paid attention huh. Don't tell me that's your only line."
Water started flowing to our intertwined before fully encasing it. It felt soothing in our hands before I felt all my injury slowly mending. When it was finished, it splattered like the cocoon earlier and let go off my hand. "I know I can count on you to knock some sense into me." He finally opened his eyes and met mine.
I suddenly felt self-conscious of our current position and the eyes of the gods on us. I instantly got off of him and turned away, my face feeling hot.
"What have you done?" said Zeus. The other two gods just stared at us. Percy quickly recovered to his feet and readied his weapon. But from the looks of things, the gods were too shocked to even defend themselves.
"No mortal or demigod should be able to cut a gods' body?" It was Lady Artemis. Even she had her bow lowered in front of her enemy. She glanced at the unconscious Ares to the bleeding finger then back to Percy. "What did you do."
Just then, another flash struck indicating the coming of another god. Out of it came Lady Athena, goddess of wisdom. "You did it didn't you?" she said frantically.
Everyone just looked at her questioningly, seemingly all having the same question in their mind. She made her way towards the gods. "You did it. You burnt the carcass of the Ophiotaurus. You burnt it didn't you."
All eyes then fell back to Percy. He said nothing and had his head lowered. We all waited for the answer to come from him himself.
"Well? Answer us." Boomed Zeus, the only thing he did this night.
I went to Percy's side and patiently waited for him. At some point, I even grabbed his and held it tight. This gesture didn't pass unnoticed by Milady who reacted to my action. After everything that happened tonight, I didn't want to leave his side. If I did, I feel like something bad was bound to happen to him.
I felt him squeeze my hand in his before he looked up. He stared down at the gods before he finally answered.
"I did."
A/N: Hey guys. How are you doing? I wanted to make this a bit more longer because of my long absence but I wanted to release this now for a few reasons. So I cut it from here and I'll continue writing on the rest. Anyways, I'll say everything what I want to say in the next chapter which is currently ongoing.
Thanks for reading and Stay from the NCOV-19 wherever you guys are.
Sixthstar signing out
