Chains of his Past

by LostHouse

One might think that being the hero of two major wars in one's short life will prepare you for all dangers and mysteries the shadows might cast at you, but what if those same shadows were always hiding in plain sight, waiting for the right moment to strike? Can Perseus survive the new Prophecy which speaks of beasts and daemons from a Pantheon long lost to the Mortal Realm?xHIATUSx

6. Chapter VI

Chapter VI

Remember when I said this chapter was going to be a filler? Yeah, me neither.

The time during the writing of this note is exactly 4am, so just read this chapter and review as I proceed to sleep for the next few days.

Btw, should I end this story when I finish the prophecy? Or should I carry it on and implement new things within the story? Let me know in the reviews!

{There's also a poll on my profile, so make sure to check it out!}

My discord server link - /nPJrVajZ

As always, Enjoy!

-LostHouse

Nyx POV

''How much longer will this last?''

This was probably the millionth time I have pondered those exact words, remembering how I ended up in this dire situation.

All those years ago, I was foolish enough to engage myself with the Aztec Pantheon and their gods as I was interested to see who they were.

And then there was him.

The man who managed to capture me, a Primordial goddess. It was largely because I let my guard down and my pride forced me to think I was invincible, that I was impossible to be captured and become reduced to the long-forgotten memory of humanity.

Pulling on the chains in hopes that they would miraculously crumble and release me from this dungeon, I simply sighed as they stayed taught and didn't even budge. After all, they never have. The chains where made of material unknown to me, but I have come to realize that they continuously suck away at my divine powers and strength, leaving me as powerful and foolishly hopeful as a mortal.

But Perseus will save me, right?

Since the chains only draw away my raw power and the vast majority of my domains, they are unable to stop me from expanding my mind and sending short messages to those in the mortal realm, even allowing me to do small things such as send bursts of my power in the form of black fire to assist Perseus.

But all those actions force me to fall into a short coma, as my already weakened body exerts all its strength before slowly starting to regain the slithers of power that the chains allow me to achieve. Because if they don't, then I would simply fade away from this world.

Looking around the ghostly chamber that has kept me imprisoned for what seemed to be an eternity, I searched for any signs of life, any signs of Perseus coming to remove these chains...

What if he never comes? What if he fails?

These doubts have started to appear in my mind ever since I first saw Perseus's figure in my Palace during his vision which was gifted by my daughters, and even though his real body was taken by the form of a nearly transparent ghost, I saw the fire in his eyes and the deep lines that have made onto his face, only proving that he was experienced and battle hardened from the life he must live and endure.

And I would be lying If I said he wasn't attractive...his stature was strong and his shoulders broad, slim yet clearly muscled. He was like a sculpture chiseled from the most pristine marble blocks by an artist who wished to portray a silent leader.

I trust him.

That's why I shall support him with all the strength I can muster in my current state as the frequent growls and screams that invade my chamber only grow closer and louder as the new Warden rallies what's left of all the monsters from the Aztec Pantheon in hopes to take down my hero. Yet, even though I haven't caught sight of the Warden, I could still vividly hear his rough commands that he bellows at his subordinates as he constantly punishes them for failing in their tasks at killing a single man.

''Is this the room?'' Said a gruff voice, pulling me from my inner thoughts.

''Ye-yes, si-sir!''

''Are you sure?'' Questioned the same voice as a resounding slap echoed around the dungeon, followed by a waterfall of liquid as the squeakier voice replied.

''Yes! Please master, spa-!'' The voice was literally cut short as soft thud sounded against the cobbles outside, continued by a louder thud as the rest of its body followed suit.

''Useless bastards!''

Squinting at the door that led into my chamber, I calmly watched as the many locks started to cackle at being unlocked for the first time in centuries.

Must be the new warden.

As the being grew tired of unlocking the many locks present on the door, he groaned and paused the cackle of the keys, and instead began to rain heavy - thundering blows with his fist as the thick door began to budge.

Pound! Pound!

SLAM!

Blasting the iron door off its hinges, a shadow peered into my chamber.

It was a Camazotz.

A 7-foot-tall hairy humanoid figure with bat wings spanning out of its back, its limbs were long and gangly with bulging black veins pulsating rapidly across its muscular body. Instead of fingers and toes, it had sharp claws which were dripping with black blood from the recent murdering of its subordinate as it proceeded to bear its sharpened fangs and hissed at the sight of me, its glowing red eyes oozing a bright liquid as it began to smile and lick its lips at my helpless state.

''Mhmm...And what do we have hereee?''

Staring emotionlessly at the creature, I silently watched as it stooped lower and entered my chamber, slowly pacing towards me whilst flexing its claws and sniffing loudly at the still air before flinching backwards.

''Is it this one? No, it can't be. I was warned to watch a powerful being, but your scent is weak.'' It thought out loud to itself is it inched closer and stroked my face with a stray claw, before reaching back its hand and tugging at the chains that withheld my body.

''Mmm...I can see myself having some fun with you...''

Continuing my silent stare, I made no sign to speak or flinch as it leant in to lick my neck, before sinking in its teeth and sucking on my blood. After a few seconds of resounding slurps, it lent back as it started to process my blood.

''Yesss, tender flesh with a hint of...URGH!'' It exclaimed as it jumped backwards, hastily wiping its black lips and spitting out the taste currently present in its mouth.

''Disgusting!'' It roared out, prior to striking me across the face with its claws and flapping its bat brings a few times to show his disapproval.

Feeling blood seep down my face and drip onto the cobbles of my chamber, I lifted my head and continued to stare at the hideous creature standing before me before addressing it.

''Soon. Soon you will be no more, mark my words.'' I whispered menacingly as I felt anger boil inside of me as my weakened body started to burn in pain from the wounds.

Upon hearing my words, the creature started to bellow a shrieking laugh which caused the layers of dust on the floor to lift and form a mini hurricane, as if angered at being disturbed by the creature whom hissed out at me once more.

''Watch your mouth! In the pathetic state you are in, it would be wise for you to stay quiet and obey me!'' It exclaimed as it started to head back to the entrance of my chamber before pausing and turning towards my chained figure for the last time.

''I am the last descendent of Xipe Totec, God of torture and sacrifice! And soon, you will be begging for mercy!'' He promised as he stared deep into my eyes.

''Mark my words!''

With the Camazotz disappearing into the many shadows the hall provided, I was once more left in silence as felt my body begging its descent into unconsciousness. Lowering my head and closing my eyes, I let a single thought escape my mind.

Please, Percy, hurry.

Meanwhile in the Mortal Realm

Percy POV

''You motherfucker!''

Dodging a repetitive blow from offending cyclops #1, I parried the club from cyclops #2 as I clutched my mangled arm to my chest as it was caught in the jaws of a hellhound just minutes ago. Raising riptide in time to block another swing from cyclops #1, I kicked him in the gut and swiftly beheaded him, turning to the last cyclops which started wailing at the death of his comrade.

Cringing at the sound the cyclops was emitting at such early hours I threw riptide like a spear into its neck, effectively shutting it up and reducing it to nothing but a lifeless ragdoll before it erupted into golden dust.

Do they ever get tired of trying to kill me?

Ripping off some cloth from my already battered shirt, I wrapped it around my arm in order to staunch the profuse bleeding before I carried on my path to my set destination as during the past month (when everything caught up with me and forced me to lock myself in a seldom bar in the middle of nowhere) I have successfully cut contact with Hestia and the godly world as I grew tired of all the continuous problems and the deaths that followed me like a lost puppy.

I was currently in Arizona, a few miles from the Grand Canyon as I headed towards the Emerald Cove in the sole search for the real location of the dungeon which contained Nyx, the very same one that I've seen in my vision which was gifted by the original Oracle of Delphi all those months ago in the attic of the Big House.

The main reason as to why I've decided to do this alone, was because I promised myself that no-one will have to die simply because they were in my company, as it seems that wherever I go trouble tends to make itself known in abundance.

''Now what direction was the cove in?'' I muttered to no one as I spun around in short circles trying to remember the path I was meant to be taking, whilst guessing what time of day it currently was.

What month is it?

Seeing the sun only halfway through its journey in the bright sky, I guessed that I still had about another 8 hours before I was forced to set up camp along the way, hopefully somewhere nice and dry. Catching sight of the battered path that led towards my destination, I set a fast pace and started to walk the remaining 200 miles before a loose thought struck me.

Isn't the Emerald Cove close to Las Vegas? I thought as memories from my first quest started to enter my mind, especially a certain casino.

''Maybe I'll give the Lotus Casino a visit when I'm finished? Or maybe stay for a few months?'' I wondered out to the dusty plains which surrounded me, as I proceeded to receive no reply.

With an elongated sigh, I started to walk faster and hummed a non-existent tune to keep me company.

(Literally a few minutes later)

Please, Percy, hurry.

Jumping at the sudden voice of Nyx, I frowned at her tone as I sensed deep worry from the primordial.

Nyx? What's wrong? I instantly voiced back to her in my mind, stopping in my tracks and wiping the sweat off my brow as I waited for her reply.

The new warden has paid me a visit, Percy. And he promised me torment and torture, which I'm afraid my weakened state is in no means capable of withstanding.

Quickening my pace at her words, I absentmindedly burst into a light jog as I thought of what to reply to the goddess.

I'm searching for the Cove, Nyx. You need to hold on and stay strong until I arrive.

As I kept jogging through the vast golden plains of Arizona Nyx replied to me minutes later, her voice quiet and strained.

Promise me Percy.

Promise you will come.

Hardening my stare into the distance at my faraway destination, I tensed as her words stabbed at me as the memories of me failing to save yet another person started to haunt my mind once more.

I promise Nyx, I promise that I WILL be there!

The thought of failure accompanied by the thoughts of becoming the cause of another death fueled my body to its limits as I sprung out from my jog into a full sprint, aiming to reach the cove by midnight at the latest. Receiving no further words from the goddess, I washed my mind blank and leaped over a boulder which was blocking my path.

But during my jump I did not expect to bump into a silver eyed goddess.

''WHAT THE FU-!?''

LINEBREAK

10 Hours ago, in Hestia's Temple

Narrator POV

''Is there still no sign of Percy?'' Asked Hestia in a quiet tone.

Since the disappearance of her only champion all those months ago, she hasn't been the same. The hearth stopped shining brightly and its fires began to dim until only embers remained as the sense of hope that it was famous for slowly turned into sensations of dread and anxiety.

''No Aunt Hestia, I have searched everywhere possible and left no rock unturned, but it seems as if he has simply vanished from the godly world.'' Replied an ashamed Artemis.

She was ashamed not only because she was failing in finding the demigod, but also ashamed for that fateful day when she attacked him in cold fury, effectively stalling each other and in turn letting the attacking hybrids to charge in and lay waste to the camp, taking the lives of many hunters.

The reason behind Artemis's thoughts being easily clouded with rage and fury was later found out to be the doing of a hybrid shaman who infiltrated the camp and planted the seeds of hate and rashness into all those present. The effects where seen when Thalia attacked Perseus as soon as he arrived in camp, Perseus's savage way of fighting Phoebe and Artemis's uncontrollable fury when she uncovered the reason behind Phoebe's shock, which later led to her confrontation with Perseus.

''Please, Artemis.''

''Keep searching for him.''

As Artemis stood before the crumbling goddess of the hearth, she brought her into a hug as the latter woman broke down into tears.

''I will keep searching, Hestia.'' The silver eyed woman replied as she held Hestia close.

However, its wasn't only the pair that was carrying the burden of previous events. The sea also grew restless as Poseidon found out the news of his sons' disappearance, and when he was unable to contact him or reach him in any way shape or form, he conducted patrols of all the oceans and waters as everyone began to search for their prince.

Even Triton and Amphitrite felt saddened at the news and the continuous depression of Poseidon, in turn also assisting the King of the seas in the search of his child.

As Hestia retreated from the hug and began wiping away her tears, she recoiled in shock at the sight of a levitating golden orb behind the figure of Artemis, who was unaware of its presence.

''What are you?'' Asked Hestia as she gently walked up to the orb and laid a hand onto its smooth surface.

With a light buzz, the orb replied in kind.

''I am Ambrosios.'' He glittered out with a flash, ''I have come to give news to you about a man called Perseus as my master deems it worthy to bring his actions to your attention.''

Artemis who was surprised at the sight of a talking orb began to reach for her weapons but a firm hand from Hestia forced her to relax her hands.

''Ambrosios? What do you know about Perseus?! Please, tell me!''

Hovering out of the iron grip of Hestia, he whizzed around the room before landing before them once more.

''He was doing somewhat better since the last time I saw him'' The orb said slowly as he hovered closer and inspected Artemis, who chose to stay quiet, and continued talking. ''He is currently heading to the Emerald Cove. I'm sure you under understand what I mean when I say Cove, Lady Hestia.''

Releasing a bright glow around her body, Hestia absorbed the information given to her and began gaining slivers of hope that her champion is still alive and well.

''Has he found the Dungeon? How far away is he? Is he alon-'' Fired off Hestia before being rudely interrupted by Artemis.

''Who are you, and who is the master you mentioned?''

Floating into the reach of the silver eyed goddess, the orb spoke.

''As I said, I am Ambrosios. And my master is a benevolent man who heard the prayers of Perseus and lent a helping hand. And no, I cannot tell you exactly who he is.'' Informed the orb and proceeded to whiz around the room in great looping circles.

''Artemis! We have hope!'' Exclaimed Hestia as she firmly gripped the hands of Artemis.

Before Artemis could reply to Hestia's excitement, the orb interrupted for the final time.

''My time her grows to an end, so I will tell you his next heading and take my leave.'' Jittered the orb and landed once more in the hands of Hestia, ''He will pass the Grand Canyon later today, and is headed for the Emerald Cove in a straight line. So I suggest you wait further up ahead in his path and interfere him when he passes.''

With that said, he the football sized orb shrunk into a tiny grain and disappeared with a sparkle.

The pair of women turned to each other and nodded, and with no words needed to be shared, both goddesses vanished with a flash of light with different set goals in mind.

Artemis went to catch Perseus, and Hestia left to inform Poseidon about the good news.

LINEBREAK

Minutes before Artemis runs into Perseus.

(Technically it was the other way around)

Artemis POV

It sure is bright in Arizona.

Finding an elongated shadow cast by a boulder, I went behind it and sat down in the shade in hopes to cool off and protect myself from the rays.

I have just scouted the dusty plains which lay before me to find the most direct and obvious route that Perse- no, Percy- will take, choosing a position which would provide a clear view in all directions incase he took a different path. Hopefully, the golden orb didn't lie and purposefully misdirect me to a random location.

That would be a very exquisitely planned lie, if it is so.

And the only reason why I kept on searching for Percy, was because there was a sense of guilt which continuously stalked my mind.

He lost his lover and many friends, then as recapped by Hestia, he was thrusted into another prophecy which is only known to the pair. Then he proceeded to train alone for half a year and left everything he knew behind in hopes to save a primordial goddess.

Then after all of that he came to my camp and was instantly forced on the backfoot since the very moment that he arrived, being attacked by Thalia and then by Phoebe and the seven other hunters. Later proceeding to be attacked by me and then loosing Chloe, another person he held close to him. And be it because the hybrid shaman had planted the seeds of mistrust and hate into our minds, the events of the day only passed to happen because deep down in my subconsciousness I already had such thoughts and feelings living within me.

The shaman only gave them life and made it a reality.

And just when I began to apologize, he simply left.

Without even turning back.

I couldn't even tell him that it wasn't me, the rational me that is, that attacked him. And even though I would normally find it hard to apologize, especially to males, something within me just called to be forgiven, called to be give-

Suddenly, I was brought out of my thoughts by an unexpected shout from above.

''WHAT THE FU-!?''

Before I could even realize what was happening, I felt a large body slam into mine as I sprawled to the ground with whoever it was that crashed into me lying on top of me.

Coming to my senses, I cracked my eyes open and was met with mesmerizing sea green pearls which where encircled with live flames, portraying an emotion of panic and something else I couldn't quiet identify. But prior to me staring into those eyes any longer the man rolled off me and leapt to his feet, brandishing his sword and a new shield whilst taking a defensive stance.

''What do you want, goddess!'' He viciously spat at me as I flinched at the sharp tone projected at me.

Hastily standing up from the dusty ground, I raised my arms to show that I was not here for a fight and was unarmed, watching as the man before me growled and tightened his guard, trying to predict my movements with racing eyes.

''Percy, I am not here to fight! I have been told by Ambrosios to intercept you here!''

Listening to my words, I watched as he didn't lower his guard, and his right arm which was wrapped in a blood-soaked cloth started to tremble at the strain of gripping his shield. He himself was drenched in sweat and breathing heavily, eyes dashing and frantic as he seemed to be working in overdrive.

''Ambrosios! That fucking golden 8-ball that just won't fucking LEAVE!''

Exclaiming the words, he then grunted in pain as his right arm was forced to drop his shield as it couldn't bear the weight anymore and went limp at his side. But I still stayed a few meters away as Percy started to rock on his feet, riptide still brandished and pointing at me.

''Answer me plainly goddess, what do you want.'' He spoke out calmly, yet his body was still tense as sweat dripped onto the dusty plains below our feet.

''I came to find you Percy, I came to help.''

Before I could carry on talking, a humorless laugh escaped the dry lips of the man before me as I noticed the crazed look in his eyes.

Somethings wrong.

''Percy...lower your weapon'' I said as I took small paces towards him, ''I swear on the river Styx that I will not harm you in any way, just lower your sword.'' I carried on as Percy's arm slowly started to lower as visible exhaustion set into his features.

With a grumble of lightning that approved of my oath, his sword dropped and he slumped onto the dusty ground as his eyes rolled into the back of his head.

''Percy!'' I screamed out as I was too slow to catch him.

After rolling him over, I removed his backpack and placed his head upon it, scanning for any visible injuries except for his mangled arm. Just as I was going to flash to my stupid brothers temple to get him to heal Percy, his eyes briefly sprung open and he latched onto my arm with a firm grip.

''Emer-Emerald Cove. There. I have t...'' Falling back into unconsciousness before he could finish his sentence, I remembered the words of the golden orb in Hestia's temple about some sort of dungeon.

And then it clicked.

Hes was headed to the Dungeon, but that doesn't explain the hurry and hostility.

Maybe Nyx is in trouble?

With those thoughts present in my mind, I flashed us to the Emerald Cove.

LINEBREAK

Emerald Cove, Arizona.

Percy POV

Swinging my eyes open, I started to look around my mysterious surroundings as I slowly started to remember the recent events.

I was lying on smooth limestone in some sort of cave which glittered bright lime, seemingly like emeralds, as the whole cave vibrated with energy. The cave was roughly 10 meters high from what I could tell and led a further 30 meters deeper as I realized I was lying right at the entrance of the cave, catching sight of the setting sun which was on the brink of the horizon and only adding shades of gold to the emerald glint already present, painting an intricate image that vibrated across the walls and ceiling of the cave.

Lime-like glint...Cave...Emerald Cove!

Trying my best to sit up from my horizontal position, I thought back on my promise to Nyx as I began to rise to my full height and turn towards the deep end of the cave.

But it looks completely different to my vision, is this the right place? I questioned myself, fearing that this was the incorrect location of the Dungeon where the Primordial was being held.

Before I could even begin to explore the cave, a restrained voice called out to me.

''Percy?''

Whipping around so fast that I nearly pulled my neck, I caught sight of Artemis, recalling clearly that I ran into her before passing out from exhaustion.

''Artemis?'' I looked at her suspiciously, unsure what to do or how to act. ''What is the meaning of this? How am I here?''

Staying a few meters away from me, I subconsciously realized how the emerald glint off the crystal-clear waters illuminated her silver eyes and gave them a soft spark.

''You ran into me before passing out, but then suddenly awoke and said to go to the Emerald Cove.'' She started slowly. ''Hestia did inform me about the Dungeon where the primordial Nyx is being kept, so I'm keen to ask, what are you planning to do?''

Unsure whether to lie or not, an image of the Oracle of Delphi and her words sprung to my attention.

''Whether alone or with those you trust, freed shall be the being long lost...'' I muttered out.

''What was that, Percy?'' Asked a confused Artemis.

Ignoring her question, I asked her a straight question, ''Can I trust you Artemis? I'm willing to let go of the past, but only if you agree to listen to what I have to say.''

Thinking for a few seconds, she nearly instantly answered me.

''You can trust me Percy, that I promise.'' She said sincerely.

Motioning her to come closer, I assessed her features as she hesitantly did so.

''You said Hestia informed you of the Dungeon.'' I calmly asked as I noticed that the sun nearly fully sink past the horizon. Realizing that time was growing short, I asked my question, ''How much do you know?''

Stopping a meter away from me, she replied. ''I know everything that Hestia herself knows. But clearly something happened which has caused us to now be here, I just want to know what?''

Nodding my head, I briefly updated her, not caring about the repercussions if this was some sort of bait or a trap. Caution was thrown out of the window a long time ago.

''Do as you will with this information, as I frankly do not care right now. But Nyx is currently being held within a dungeon, her body weakened by chains which eat away at her power, making her powerless and force her to take the form of a mortal. She reached out to me and informed of her recent encounter with the new Warden of her prison, who promised her torment and torture, telling me how she's afraid that she won't be able to last any longer in the state that she's in.''

''And I will not have another person die because I was too weak too fucking do anything, so either you stay here, or you follow me. This is your choice.''

Turning around after saying all that I had to say, I walked upon the smoothened limestone which lay by the edge of the waters interior inside of the elongated cave, and prayed that this was the correct location to the entrance of the dungeon.

Trailing my hand across the jagged walls in case I missed the symbol of Rho, I walked with quick paces as I guessed the entrance would be at the furthest end of the cave, as it was the most hidden area which was cast with thick shadows which didn't look to be natural and absorbed all light that reached it.

Hearing light and precise footsteps run after me, I paused and waited for the goddess to catch up as she seemingly made up her mind.

''I will follow you Percy, but before we proceed, I would like to properly apo-apologize for what happened all those months ago.'' She spoke as I twisted around to face her.

''There were many factors playing a part as to why I acted the way I did, factors which I couldn't control, but I still want to say sorry for everything that happened. I just want for you to accept this and that we could proceed onwards from this point as friends, and if not, then some sort of associa-''

As she earnestly started speaking very visibly from the heart, I just sighed and quoted the words of an annoying 8-ball which seemed to be stalking me for reasons still unknown to me.

''Listen Artemis, the past is the past for a reason and everything happens for a reason. So, I forgive you, friend.'' I told her with a small smile as a grin adorned her features as she finally completed her long set out goal.

With a bow of her head at hearing my words, she then straightened her back and stood by my side.

''Well, what are we looking for?''

LINEBREAK

Deep within the Dungeon

Narrator POV

As conjoined screams rallied through the depths of the dungeon, a single being smirked as it sat upon its throne of bones and flesh, licking faint traces of blood off its claws. Sighing at the sweet taste, the Warden thought of the different techniques with which he could torture the goddess.

Because after all, it was in his nature to inflict pain, the cries only further fueling him to kill and taste their flesh as it reenergized him and fulfilled his thirst for blood.

Standing from his throne, he stomped across the bodies of his subordinates that littered across the jagged floor, listening to the cracking and snapping of their bones below his feet whilst pondering about the specific technique he would stick to.

Maybe branding? No. How about waterboarding her in her own blood?

Thinking of the set question at hand, he walked with a light skip in his step as he neared the hall where the goddess was awaiting in her chamber, the broken iron door removed and instead covered with a ragged, stained cloth which hung from the doorframe.

Laughing in delight as he stuck with a torture technique called the 'Judas Cradle', (AU. Search at your own risk! I'm NOT trying to put this into words.) opting to witness her prolonged and painful struggling as he imagined himself relieving himself with her slow passing.

Nearing the chamber, he swiped away the cloth that guarded the entrance and greeted the chained woman.

''Rise and shine my beauty! We have long days of fun awaiting us!''

Raising her head at her intruder, her emotionless façade has long since faded as acceptance set unto her face.

''Why the sad look goddess? Are you not excited?'' Asked the beast in faked sorrow as it walked up to the bowed figure of Nyx.

Receiving no reply, the beast reeled back its gangly arm and struck her in the face with the full force of his untrimmed claws.

''I asked: ARE YOU NOT EXCITED?!'' Roared the Warden as spittle showered the women before him, who replied by spitting out blood at its hairy legs.

Hissing in disgust, the Warden was about to strike her once more but was interrupted by a lone Ceuyatl which bounded inside the chamber, bringing news which will cause the Warden to later kill the monster that brought it.

''Sir! We are being attacked by an army!'' It hastily exclaimed as the Warden turned his blazing fury onto the Ceuyatl.

''An ARMY!? How did you fools let an ARMY infiltrate the Cove?!''

''I-Im not sure... Sir!'' Stuttered the creature before the Warden simply decapitated it, unwilling to hear any more.

''BASTARDS! RALLY ON ME!'' Bellowed out the Warden as the walls shook and cracked at the sheer voice of the Camazotz, before he began sprinting out of Nyx's chamber and heading to meet the intruders head on.

Once the Warden left, Nyx let out a lone tear and relaxed in her chains as she muttered a single word.

''Percy...''

LINEBREAK

Moments before locating the entrance.

Artemis POV

Trailing besides Percy, I watched out for the symbol of Rho that he described to me, stealing glances at his illuminated face from time to time as the sheer determination and concentration was clearly depicted on his hardened features, causing something deep within me to flutter.

What was he like before all the quests and wars?

Keeping my internal thoughts to myself, I carried on treading by his side and nearly walked right into him when he suddenly paused in his steps.

''What's wrong? Have you found it?'' I asked curiously as I peered over his broad shoulder at the patch of smooth rock he was closely examining.

''I believe so?'' He asked more than stated. ''In my vision, as soon as my hand touched the symbol, the stones split in half and opened inwards...'' He said silently as I watched him trace the very faint lines on the wall with his eyes.

''Wait! Should we decide on a plan before we do anything else?''

''Sure.''

Yet just as I was about to give some faint ideas on how we should act, Percy slammed his palm against the engraved symbol and turned to me with a cheeky grin on his face.

''Oops?''

Before I could even begin scolding the man standing in front of me, I was instead forced to latch myself onto his back as the entire cave began to shake and shift beneath my feet as the powerful groans of rusted mechanisms behind the walls began to wail in distress, causing my ears to ring loudly as I held tightly onto Percy.

Once everything in the cave came to a halt and my more or less normal hearing returned to me I heard Percy say, ''I honestly expected things to already go left if I'm being completely honest.''

And of course, just as the words left his mouth, the entrance to the cave was swiftly blocked with a thundering rainfall of stone and dust which crumbled from the fractured ceiling.

''Forget what I just said.'' He said crankily as he rubbed the back of his neck.

''And please Artemis, let go of my back before you give me a cramp.''

Realizing I was still firmly latched onto him, I hastily detached myself and stuttered nonsense as my brain short-circuited. Sighing in relief as Percy Ignored my rambles with a shrug of his shoulders, he proceeded to facepalm as he turned to me with an upset look on his face.

''I forgot to say, 'Open Sesame'! This was a perfect opportunity completely wasted!''

Slapping him on the back of the head, I informed him of our current situation, ''If you weren't previously aware of the Dungeon laid out before you, I would like to tell you that we are going in headfirst without a plan in mind.''

Shrugging his shoulders once more, he simply replied, ''Whatever. And technically were going in feetfirst, so that's already a flaw in your non-existent plan.''

He then proceeded to accentuate his words by takin an exaggerated step through the entrance, grabbing me by the hand and pulling me after him.

''Come, Artemis! We have a goddess to save!'' He giggled out before sprinting into the unknown, screaming out taunts into the descending darkness, literally notifying every being that awaits us of our arrival.

And during all the curses I was throwing after Percy as I sprinted after him, I forgot to notify Hestia about what we were about to do.

Current Time

Percy POV

It was a risky plan to simply charge in and make as much noise as possible, but I didn't so because I was an impatient fool.

The main reason for my choice was to hopefully force the enemy awaiting us to believe that there was a group or a small army charging in, the walls of the so-far narrow dungeon echoing my shouts and multiplying my voice tenfold, creating one merged roar that travelled deep into the snake like path before me.

The more of them that come at me the better.

After all, if the main bulk of the hybrids awaiting us came out to meet me head-on then only three of them would be able to engage me in battle at a single time, which in turn would somewhat even out the playing field and stack more advantages on my side.

Not forgetting the goddess that followed closely behind me, I made sure to watch out for any traps or ambush points which could lead to-

''Watch out!''

Dragged backwards by the hem of my shirt, I let out a strangled groan as I was forced to stop in my charge and fall onto my backside as I tried to catch the breath that was so suddenly stolen from me.

''W-what?'' I wheezed out as I rubbed my neck.

Ignoring my question, she went a few paces a front of me and examined the floor below us, proceeding to pick up a loose stone off the dungeon grounds and chucking it at the spot on the floor where I was about to step just seconds ago.

As I laughed weakly during the moment when she threw the stone, I watched as the floor gave way with a shlink and swallowed it whole, revealing the pitfall trap that led to sharpened iron stakes down below.

''Well, doesn't that get the blood pumping, eh?'' I stated as I stood, about to jump clear the two-meter hole and carry on my charge, but a firm hand stopped me in my tracks.

''I will take the lead from here, Percy.'' She started, ''Can't have you die before we even reach Nyx.''

And with that she went ahead, this time much slower and observant as I was forced to fall back and trail the silver eyed goddess.

But I couldn't help and think to myself, Why is she so nice? And she hasn't called me Perseus even once!

Suspiciously watching the gently swaying hips of the woman affront of me, I tried to understand the reasoning behind the goddesses eerily kind attitude, yet nothing came to mind.

Hmm, I was away for a month and a half.

Maybe something happened that I'm not aware of?

Pulled out my thoughts by the sudden movement of Artemis crouching and leaning against the wall, I was about to question what she was doing but she simply grabbed me and pulled me into a crouch next to her.

''They're coming...Stay quiet.''

Leering out into the dim path before us, I heard rapid footsteps and the clinking of armor on swords approaching us. Knowing that we would have to fight sooner than later, I summoned my full gear and stood with riptide fully brandished, the sword emitting a soft glow which provided better lighting in the tunnel.

''There's no point in hiding Artemis, we have the advantage here so let's make sure we land the first hit.''

''Agreed.''

Brandishing her own weapon of power, she took a few paces backwards and waited for a few more moments before firing off arrow after arrow at impeccable speeds at the oncoming horde as they got close enough that we can hear their individual shouts for blood.

Allowing her to fire until I could clearly make out the individual figures of the Hybrids which came at as in all shapes and sizes, I informed the goddess of my plan of action.

''When they get within striking distance swap out you your bow for your daggers, and later when we find the location of Nyx we will regroup and form a plan for our escape route.''

''What if we can't find where Nyx is being held?'' She asked whilst firing a stream of projectiles.

''We have no choice but to find her.''

As the horde bounded towards us and was about twenty meters away, I took a few deep breaths to calm my mind and focus solely on the inevitable fight coming towards me, tensing and flexing my feet in preparation for my own charge to meet them.

With a quick message to Nyx, I rolled my shoulders and cracked my neck as Artemis stopped her firing and took out her daggers, indicating the beginning of our charge.

Running in with the goddess in hot pursuit, I braced myself for impact as I shoulder slammed into the front row of three hybrids, knocking them back and slowing their charge with my momentum as I began my dance of death, riptide taking head after head as roars deafened the tunnel. Seeing as the horde could only face me three at a time, it prevented them from swinging at me freely without hitting each other as they were continuously shoved forwards by their comrades who eagerly pushed them in the back in hopes of having a go at killing us.

As the amount of littered bodies below my feet only grew, I treaded across them as I kept up my assault, managing to push back the horde inch by inch as I mindlessly slaughtered them. But every now and then, me and Artemis which switch out our positions so that only one of us fights at a time, allowing us to preserve our overall energy and strength until we reached Nyx.

Losing track of time, I guessed that we have been fighting the ever-growing horde for roughly 40 minutes, managing to push them back to some sort of a widening in the tunnel which was cast out in the shadows of torches that scaled the walls. So far neither me nor Artemis sported any severe wounds, only small cuts and gashes that began to make way upon our bodies as our fight continued.

''Switch!''

Hearing her shout over the wail of the hybrids, I let Artemis slide out from the front lines and stand behind me as I took her place in slaying the monsters, noticing that the horde has thinned out to roughly the last fifteen monsters. Not wasting any time, I followed my set process of dodge, parry, slash, stab until there was no one left standing before me.

Panting after the prolonged fight, I turned back to catch a quick look at the path of dead bodies that we left in our wake, a stream of black blood flowing down the cobbles and painting the walls with crude images.

Turning to Artemis, I asked ''You want to take a short breather? Or do you want to carry straight onwards?''

Artemis POV

Looking at the man before me, I realized how his calm persona forced my beating heart to slow down as he portrayed no sign of fear or weakness, but instead standing tall and powerful.

An ideal man if you ask me. Came the very sudden voice of Diana.

His genes will procreate a powerful child.

Blushing and coughing at the straightforward words of my Roman aspect, I wisely ignored her as I looked everywhere but the man before me.

''Artemis? Earth to Artemis!'' Said Percy as he waved a hand in front of my face.

''Huh?'' I asked him as the interruption of my aspect caused me to overhear what he was trying to say to me.

''I was asking if you want to rest or carry onwards.''

''Onwards. We have no time to waste.'' I told him as I cleared away the words of Diana from my mind and waited for Percy to take the lead.

''Follow on then, and do try not to daze off.''

''I wasn't dazing off!''

''Whatever. Just keep your eyes peeled for anything that could come out from the shadows.''

Huffing at the words of the armor-clad man before me, I followed him as we headed into a large cavern that spread out before us. It was some sort of a throne room which was empty of any monsters or beings except for a single throne made of bones and flesh, the jagged black walls absorbing the shadows of our bodies as we scouted out the laid out opening before us.

Slowly walking towards the throne, we found two separate paths within the cavern that lead into different directions. One path was to the left of the throne and was narrower than the one we just came from, and the other path was a bit wider and was brightly illuminated by torches, located to the right of the throne.

Seeing no traps and sensing no monsters, we relaxed our guard and went to examine the two tunnels one by one.

''This reminds me of my fourth quest in the labyrinth built by Daedalus...''

''How so?''

Peering deeper into the first tunnel in hopes of seeing something of any great significance, he turned and headed towards the seconds path as he replied, ''One path was ancient, whilst the other path was newer and more modern. And here we have a darker, narrow path and a wider, brighter path.''

Following him as he peered into the second tunnel, I asked what path we should take.

''So, which one is the path you suggest we take?''

Sighing, he turned around and looked me in the eyes.

''We split up.''

''What! That is the most foolish thing I have ever heard you say!'' I angrily whispered at him as he steeled his face.

''Think about it Artemis, there is a throne before us, but we haven't seen the being that occupies it, and I have a gut feeling that I shall fight him sooner rather than later.'' He said before resting a calloused hand on my shoulder and carrying on, ''Take the wider path and I will take the darker one.'' he finished.

''No, Percy! I don't care for your gut feelings; we have a better chance of escaping if we go together!''

''My gut has never let me down, and don't forget, this isn't my first quest. Take the brighter path and escape once you free Nyx, because out of the two of us you should have a better chance of finding her in the first place. I will seek out the warden of this prison and take down the dungeon with him.''

Directing me towards the wider path with a gentle push, I caught his arm and hissed at him, ''What if you die? What will I tell Hestia, the woman whom you have ignored and left to guess if your even alive?''.

''Artemis! I don't have spare time to argue!'' He said exasperatedly, ''Just tell her I'm sorry...'' He whispered out before he turned on his heel and sprinted into the narrow tunnel which lead out to who knows where.

Gods damn you!

Having no other choice but to take the other path, I ran into the tunnel and began to search for the chamber where the primordial was being kept.

As my lonely footsteps echoed through the tunnel, I watched as the torches cast my running figure across the walls in a cycle of shadows as I searched for any signs of a room or chamber which would lead me to a chained goddess.

Come on, where is it?

Minutes of scouring the path I saw a dead end quickly approaching me, with no signs of a door or an opening in the stone walls. Yet just as I started losing hope and began thinking about following Percy into the other tunnel, I skidded past a stained ragged cloth that hung on one side of the tunnel walls.

Examining the cloth, I thought nothing major of it and started walking towards the end of the path, just as I heard the clinks of chains being pulled taught and a female voice weakly call out from behind the cloth as my eyes widened.

''Percy? Is that you?''

Nyx POV

Pipping up at the sounds of flat footed steps running through the walls outside my chamber, I listened quietly as they stopped just outside of the cloth that covered the entrance.

In high hopes that it was who I thought it was, I gently called out, ''Percy? Is that you?''

But to my demise and later surprise, I watched as a silver eyed woman slashed through the cloth with a pair of daggers and entered my chamber as her eyes darted to every corner of the room, searching the shadows for any threats.

Running towards me, she began examining the chains that imprisoned me for the past millennia's and answered my pending questions.

''Percy went to seek out and fight the leader of this hole, and I am Artemis.''

Searching my mind for the name Artemis, it dawned upon me that she was a goddess.

''Artemis? What is an Olympian doing in such place?'' I asked her as she started to think of a way to remove the chains.

''I'm only here because I followed Percy.'' She replied as she tried slashing at the chains with her daggers, only to watch as they harmlessly rebounded off the metal they were composed off.

''Lady Nyx, do you know how to remove these chains? I sense that we don't have much more time to waste.''

''The chains absorb my power as my body creates it, so the only way I see the chains being removed is if we both use our divine power to destroy the shackles.'' She thought out loud, ''But I'm afraid that if I use the little power I have within me, then I will be rendered unconscious and useless from then on out.''

Thinking over the idea I proposed, the silver eyed goddess hardened her resolve and nodded her head to herself.

''I will have no trouble carrying you to the ex-''

''But what about Percy? Surely we should aid him with fighting the Camazotz?'' I questioned her as she frowned in confusion of the weird name. ''By Camazotz, I mean the warden of the Dungeon.'' I correctly informed her.

With an angry sigh, she said ''The fool said for me to escape with you! And if I follow him down the other path he took, it would be borderline impossible for me to fight!'' She hissed out as her thoughts conflicted with each other.

''Then leave me and help him first, goddess.''

''What? No! That goes against the whole reason why he came here in the first place!''

Just as I was about think of something to help the warrior who plunged himself into the unknown to save me, the silver eyed woman grabbed my full attention by gently shaking my shoulder.

''Lady Nyx, the least we can do is trust in him. He WILL make it out.'' She told me as she seemed to come up with a conclusion about the chains. ''On the count of three use all the divine power you have, and I will add mine. After that we are to escape this hole.'' She said with a tone of finality as she laid out her hands against the pulsating chains.

Nodding my head to display my understanding of her words, I simply prayed that Percy would make it out whilst Artemis began to count to three.

''One''

''Two''

''Three!''

Tensing my whole body as I willed the slither of power I have built up in me to roll out into the chains like a vicious wave, I felt the goddesses divine power flood in and mix with mine as my vision started to darken at my use of limited reserves of strength, beginning to lose consciousness.

But before I passed out, I heard the chains shatter with sharp clank and released a single thought to the shadows which began to circle us.

Thank you, Percy.

Artemis POV

''Three!''

With the ending of the count indicating the beginning of our set plan, I willed as much divine power as I could to mix in with the powers of Nyx and engulf the chains in a blinding light that shined black and silver as I watched the chains crack and weaken at the sheer amount of power it was conducting.

Feeling Nyx pass out and hunch over, I strained myself to my limit as I willed every bit of my divine power to flow into the chains before they exploded with an assaulting snap, causing me to be blown of my feet.

As I began sitting up and rushing forwards to catch the falling body of the now unconscious Nyx, I watched as the chains clattered against the floor and began to vibrate and emit some sort of dark energy. Snapping my attention away from the chains, I grabbed Nyx and lifted her onto my shoulder as I started to head for the entrance of the chamber, not caring for anything but escaping until I was forced to whip around at piercing shrieks coming from the direction of the shattered chains.

Watching as they began to levitate into the air, I took quick retreating steps into the hall as I tried to distance myself from the unfolding scene before me.

What is that?

Now hovering in the air, the shrieks reached a crescendo and the chains shimmered as hundreds of humanoid souls' started to lunge out from within, their ghostly faces contorted in pain as they flew out and evaporated into thick vapor as they began shouting words in a tongue unheard of.

Paling at the sight of the souls that began to focus their attention onto me, I shuddered as some of them began whizzing at me, but before they could reach me they turned into smoke and wailed in failure of grabbing me with them. Deciding to leave before anything else happens, I began running down the hall towards the distant exit that would provide a safe retreat from this more than ancient dungeon.

But that was until I heard a familiar voice call out to me.

''Milady! Save me! Please!'' Called out a single soul.

Impossible...she died months ago!

Pausing in my escape, I turned towards the direction of the voice and gasped as the soul of a young child slowly drifted towards me, crying out and reaching out for my help.

''Please...it hurts...''

''Chloe! Is it really you?'' I called out as I reached out my hand towards her.

''Ha...Haha...BAHAHAHA!''

As the shadow soul of Chloe began laughing, I surveyed in silence as it began to morph and transform into a hideous beast which lacked a face, save the fact it only had a single potent, lidless eye which stared at me before erupting into black vapor, its blaring laughter disappearing with it.

Shaking my head to expunge the thoughts that unknowingly brewed, I steadied my breathing and try to calm my rising panic as I felt my stomach churn and my legs tremble at an odd rhythm.

RUN! Run and don't turn back!

Not wanting to fall prey to anything else, I ran down the brightly lit tunnel towards the exit.

LINEBREAK

Meanwhile in the other tunnel

Narrator POV

As the lone man patrolled the dark passage, he swiveled his head in all directions, looking- No, searching for the warden whom he knew was waiting for him.

Obscured about the fact that Nyx has been freed from her ancient chains and was currently being carried by the silver eyed goddess to the exit of the Emerald Cove, he made his way deeper and deeper into the tunnel as it gradually got colder the further he trekked; the only source of light becoming his glowing sword.

Forcing the rising panic in his chest to recede as he took careful steps down the murky and foreboding passage, he strained his ears for anything that could erupt from the darkness as his mouth released bursts of vapor with every breath, the temperatures reaching the boundaries of freezing.

He has been walking for gods know how long, slowly losing the passage of time as his mind went overdrive and jumped at every ambient noise and gust that thrived within the tunnel that was becoming so narrow that he had just enough room to swing his sword in a full arc before it would clash with the inky stone that kept him company.

Come, daemon, I know you're here.

The black-haired man thought to himself as he gently dragged his feet across the floor in carefully timed paces.

''I see you...'' Came a shuddering whisper from all around the passage, causing the man to jerkily lean against the wall, scanning all directions for the source of the voice.

''If you reached this far, then I believe my subordinates have failed?''

''You motherfucker, fight me!'' Roared the man as he pounded the wall with his shield, issuing a challenge to the sinister whisper that slithered within the pathway.

''Aren't you a feisty one...'' Mused the whisper before it continued onwards with a now darker tone, ''It's time for me to show you what the last descendant of Xipe Totec is capable of...''

Harnessing his rapid heartbeat and his loose breaths, the man stayed silent and lowered his stance and readied his guard, waiting for the beast to make the first move.

And he didn't have to wait long, as the Warden revealed himself in full glory.

XxXxXxXxXxXxX

Chains will be cast in the Palace of Night,

Of the chasing shadows there will be no sign,

His soul left to wander the blackened lands,

Past the gate within the devils' hands.