What's up everybody. Sorry for the wait, I replayed The Last of Us (Part One) over the past couple of days, what a masterpiece of a game. But now I'm back, and I'm ready to work on Storm Bringers. It's going to be the best one yet.
Now let's respond to some reviews. Skip this part if you don't like it.
Shadowhunter2077: "I can't judge you for liking Poseidon in Riordan, my favorite god in mythology is Zeus, so it would be very hypocrite of my part to judge you, but I always felt that Zeus got the short stick in the Riordanverse, he and Hercules, because we never heard Hercules side of the story about Zoe something I found very unfair, because Zoe is clearly a Man Hater and a very biased person (and she also created a bad image to Artemis in the fandom that she also man hater, when she never displayed that in the books) but the fandom still takes her side without even given a chance to Hercules explain his side.
Sorry about the rant, but one last question would you make a tier level of the first book like:
Moon level:
A character
Island Level:
B character
PS sorry for the long review"
Response: Don't apologize, I love long reviews. To answer your review, I understand liking Zeus, he's pretty badass in myth, but also a bit of a weirdo. Anyway, I liked Zoe to be honest, and found her death rather sad and well done. She kind of had a reason to not like men, as Hercules was a bit of a dick, but don't worry, I plan on touching up on that in this story. About the tier level, here you go. These apply to this story by the way, using actual myth feats and not just Riordan feats. I will only list Greek beings, not other pantheons, as I haven't touched on those yet.
Multiversal: Chaos
Universal: All Primordials, including Gaea, Ouranos, Pontus, Tartarus, etc. Kronos, Atlas, and Hyperion at full power. Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, and Typhon.
Solar System: Matt Beckett with red aura and god boost. The rest of the Olympians in true form, rest of the Titans and Giants at full power. Hercules fits in here. The three original cyclops also would be here.
Large Planet/Star Level: Minor gods and goddesses, Malachi Stallard with Typhon and Ouranos boost. Talon with Nikandreos boost (You'll see)
Island Level: Matt base strength in Book One, Malachi Stallard without Typhon and Ouranos boost. Legendary Monsters.
Mountain Level: Percy Jackson
Town Level: Other children of Big Three.
Building Level: Seraphina Griffith (yeah, she can be strong, you'll find out) and Large monster level. Monsters like Kampe and Cerberus would fit here.
Wall to Small Building Level: Harper Pierce, stronger demigods like the Big Four which include Levi Pierce, Talon at normal strength, average monsters.
Street Level: Smaller monsters, average demigods, including Aiden Walker.
Hope that covers it.
darkwalker11: "great job with the trilogy so far, i didnt check my email in like 5 days then there was like 3 new chapters, great quality and i love how often the chapters come out."
Response: Thank you. Yeah, now that I'm back from my little break there will be usual quick updates. Hope you enjoy Book Two!
NiHaR OP: "I ship it"
Response: Me too.
thesuperone342: "Good chapter. A little short, but sometimes long doesn't mean good. I like how you portrayed the Olympians, Poseidon especially, since like Shadowhunter said, Poseidon being the only good Olympian is so fucking scuffed. Anyways, Percy and Annabeth not being on the main quest is fine, since I feel like we don't really need them anyways since Matt and Hercules are so OP in the first place lol. I can't wait to start reading. Also, my chapter should be out Friday, so be on the watch for that.
P.S. Aphrodite x Malachi x Artemis when?"
Response: Thanks man. And I love Percy and Annabeth, we need them just because their the OG's, and they'll be back, but for now I'm gonna cover the Island trio a little more. Can't wait for your next chapter.
Also, not sure, maybe I'll actually do a Malachi harem in the future lol.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters (except the OC's) Percy Jackson & The Olympians, Heroes Of Olympus, or Trials Of Apollo. All of that belongs to Rick Riordan.
Here we go, Book Two everybody, on with the first chapter.
Book Two: The Storm Bringers
1. Worst Vacation Ever
Matt
Facing the giant creature approaching the Island I had called home for two months, I felt powerful and confident. This would be a walk in the park.
What's up everyone, It's me, Matt Beckett, and I'm back better than ever.
At the moment, I stood on my father's Island, located in the straits leading to Ancient Greece, facing a massive being made of sand, rock, and water.
It stood four hundred feet tall. It was an Ourae, or mountain god. They were spawn of Gaea, and Ouranos had sent one to kill me.
But little did he know, I was far stronger than before.
Over the course of two months, my father kept his promise and trained me. He taught me how to control the red aura and utilize it in the most efficient way possible, he taught me how to use Viribus properly, he taught me attack combinations I never thought possible, he increased my strength, my speed, and especially my endurance.
I'll be honest, I had changed a lot physically. For only two months to have passed, I looked downright unrecognizable. My hair was now medium length, falling near my neck and in my face whenever the wind blew. I had facial hair now, it wasn't much, but it was noticeable if you stood near me and looked at my lip and chin. I had gotten an inch and a half taller, now standing over six foot, my shoulders wider, my muscles more defined and massed, my chest even harder. Basically, I was beginning to look more like my father.
I wore a special set of armor he had designed. It looked insanely cool. Consisting of a gray sleeveless chestplate, combat boots, wrist armor, new jeans, and a fur cloak around my waist, coming down to my knees.
Right now he sat in his usual spot, leaning against an old greek pillar, watching me closely, seeing how much my training had paid off, and how easily I would defeat this Ourae.
Visions were not forgotten during the weeks, I had many, all equally confusing. I saw Ouranos, I saw Krios and Hephaestus, I even saw those two strange men. For some reason, they especially made me confused and a little weirded out. Every time I saw those weird tattoos and haircuts, I felt like I was discovering a new species of human. Of course, I had nightmares, many of them involving Ouranos trying to tempt me, or warn me that I was going to die. Most of them however involved my friends.
We'll touch on that later.
Right now I needed to focus. I had on the Lion necklace, and for those that forgot, I used to have a spear made from a giant shark tooth. It was magical, and could transform into a necklace whenever I squeezed it. Well a little while back, Ouranos had broken my spear, and Zeus got me a new weapon, Viribus. Viribus means "Strength" in English, it was a club made from the ancient Adam Tree, supposedly the first tree to exist, created by Gaea herself. It had special properties I had found out. It allowed me to control lightning, it healed any wounds I received, and it was very durable. With a tap on the bottom of the handle, it too would transform into a necklace, a feature just for me, since I hate lugging around stuff.
I took off the necklace and squeezed the Lion head, Viribus emerged in my hand immediately, the dark colored wood contrasting with the bright sunlight of noon. I gripped it, staring down the tall mountain god. There were about ten of them overall, but Ouranos had only sent one. A dumb move on his part, because it would take a few more to even the odds with the new me.
It was faceless, looking down at me, it's body a mix of beach sand, mountain rock, and saltwater, some intact and some swirling around. It didn't matter though.
Hercules still sat, not a care in the world, but he was serious at the same time, waiting expectantly. Like a teacher about to watch a presentation. Which technically, that was pretty much true. We knew the Ourae would be coming for days actually, and my father thought it the perfect time to show off my training, and see if I was ready for the final test.
He never told me what the final test was, but I was curious and eager. I was ready to be done, I was ready to go home...to her.
Focus Matt, we will touch on that later. Stop thinking about that perfect black hair, the different eyes, one icy blue and the other pure white. Stop thinking about that slim body, tone stomach, curvy legs, sassy attitude, and oh gods...those soft lips.
I growled at myself to cut it out. If I screwed up, I wouldn't see her again. No, I needed to show my father that I was ready.
He seemed to notice too, yelling out, "Concentrate!"
I nodded. He was strict and tough, but over the weeks, I had grown to understand his process, and even appreciate it. He had given me results, although it was hellish and difficult, it had paid off for sure.
The Ourae produced an Island sized boulder from it's very body, lifting it over it's head, it threw it at my father's Island. I became alert, and jumped immediately. Much quicker than I used to be, I appeared instantly at the massive mound of rock, I reared back my fist, and struck it with minimal force, crushing it into a dozen boulder sized pieces. The large shards of rock flew in different directions, crashing into the ocean and sinking to the depths. However, one stray boulder soared to my father. He casually responded by raising his hand, like he was going to give it a high five. The boulder slammed into it and shattered into pebbles, my father dusting his hand off afterward.
I turned quickly and clapped my hands in the air, which sounds weird if you don't know me. But if you do, you know that I do that to propel myself further. Kind of like flying, but instead of controlling the wind, I just boost myself with sheer power.
I soared at the Ourae, it seemed to be shocked I had deflected it's attack, and was now bringing it's rocky fist at me. I raised Viribus to the sky, a normal thing now, and concentrated on the clouds above, the moisture inside of them, the lightning that coiled in a storm. It was all very natural to me now, and the element responded near instantly. A bolt of lightning shot from the clouds and connected with Viribus, the wood of the club crackled with electricity. I smirked at the sight and brought my weapon down with a swing, the lightning leaving it and penetrating the Ourae's fist.
The blue bolt dug through it's arm all the way to it's shoulder, forming lines across the rocky plain that was it's arm. Every piece of it burst open, the arm crumbling into the sea, smoking and burning from my powerful strike. It couldn't make noise, but if it could, it would probably be making a lot right now.
I wasn't about to stop there, I would end it with this. I flew down straight towards the mountain god's empty face. Viribus now sheathed into a necklace again, I held it in one hand, while the other was reared back behind me, ready to obliderate this thing.
I expected it to retaliate in some way, and it did. As I got a hundred feet away, it shot a volley of jagged rocks at me, all of them emerging and launching from it's empty face like bullets. Most missed me, but some made contact, hitting me like hail in rain. They shattered against me instantly, my even tougher skin like iron to a legion of twigs, I felt nothing. My descent continued, and not even with a primal shout, as I would've let out two months ago, I remained quiet, the familiar red aura enveloped my hand only, and I brought my fist down on the Ourae.
It was like a skyscraper being stomped by Typhon. The Ourae crumbled immediately, it's remains blown everywhere, chunks falling into the sea, rock, sand, and liquid alike in every direction. Crashes of waves and water could be heard for a mile, the thing was massive after all, but the bigger they are, the harder they fall, and indeed it did, and it was loud as hell.
Either way, the mountain god was done for, and after a few minutes, every piece of it's body sank beneath the blue sea, and I was already on the ground, standing there to confirm it.
I turned to my father, expecting some praise, or at least a smirk. But no, I was instead greeted with a grunt as he pushed himself off of his pillar, trudging over to me. He basically had on what I had on, minus the chestplate, and he was a foot taller.
He had never really shown praise after he said he was proud of me in my cabin, so I had grown used to it. But after supposedly easily defeating what was supposed to be my second to last test, I would have expected the act to fold. But no, it wasn't an act, it was just him.
"How'd I do?" I asked, my voice the same as last time you saw me. It's only been two months guys, I may have changed on the outside, but my voice sounds the same.
He looked at the area where I punched the Ourae, "I figured you would one hit it."
"What?"
"You could've beat it with one shot. Why didn't you?"
I was taken back, that was what he was on about? I mean, spending two months with the guy, we had surprisingly bonded, talking about various things, but right now, he was being the Hercules from the first week.
"I wanted to use Viribus first...to test the lightning."
He considered it, then nodded, "Hmm. Well, either way, you beat it. I'd say you're ready."
"Ready? Like, the final test?"
He nodded, a hint of a smirk on his face.
I yelled in victory, it had been so long it seemed. All of that training, and I was finally about to be done. I could go back to Camp Half Blood...
He chuckled humorlessly, "Hold your horses kid, you ain't done. The final test is gonna be the hardest thing you've done." He began to walk back to our camp.
I chased after him, "What is it? Who do I fight? What do I fight?" I was an excited kid at the moment, eager to get back home. Not that I hated my father or anything, that might have been true once, but he had surprisingly become easy to be around over the past two months, he had really opened up, and I found out some of the reasons as to why he is the way he is.
He just waved me off, we entered the camp, a fire not lit, but a large fish laying next to the pit. He picked it up, saying, "Be patient, you'll see."
"Alright." I slumped. Taking a bite of fish he caught earlier, and by caught, I mean he thrust his hand in the water and grabbed it. And yes, it was raw. He said it boosted my inner durability, meaning that if someone decided to stab me in the mouth, It wouldn't be as bad due to the fact that I ate raw fish often over the course of two months...yeah, some of his methods were weird, but the rawness kinda grew on me, it was basically sushi.
Looking at myself, the water, and Hercules sitting near me, I registered just how far I had come.
I mentioned this, "Came a long way, haven't I?"
He was chewing, but that didn't stop him from looking at me, an eyebrow raised, saying- "Whaddya mean?"
"You know what I mean. Look at me! I'm bigger, faster, and far stronger than I was two months ago!" I chuckled, shaking my head. "Your training really has paid off."
He didn't respond for a moment, his eagle Kyros came over to me, and I patted his head. He was now in normal eagle size, which was still bigger than any bird I had ever seen. As I petted him, I just kept my head toward the horizon, not expecting a response, but eventually my father did.
"Yeah, it has."
"I know it's going to benefit me...and everyone else. This war is picking up, and I'll have to be this strong to beat Ouranos for good, and those figures he whispered to."
"Worth it, huh?" He asked.
I nodded, "Hell yeah. Despite leaving without a word...I think my buddies will understand."
"And that girlfriend of yours?"
I sighed, to say that I hadn't thought of Harper would be the biggest lie in the universe. I thought about her everyday. A girl I had known for only a couple of weeks, despite gaining a strong connection, learning about her past, becoming friends, crushing on her, then finding out she crushed on me, then finally getting together, and spending that amazing night together. I often remembered that night fondly, longing for another one. And soon, I would have it.
Or not. Maybe she would be so pissed that she wouldn't even look at me. That thought crossed through my head often too, and it worried me.
I decided to reply with, "Not sure. She'll probably hate me."
He grunted, which summarized how I felt about the situation. I hoped she would be too relieved to be mad, but I knew that was wishful thinking.
I tried to ignore the worries, and instead, reminisce on when I first arrived here.
(Flashback - Two Days After Leaving Camp Half Blood)
As I flew on the back of Kyros, my father in front of me, I had to admit I was kind of nervous.
It had been two days since I abruptly left Camp to come train with Hercules. Harper and the others were no doubt having a fit right now.
I tried not to dwell on it as we flew in the sky, the evening sun high up, spreading it's warmth. Despite flying at near full speed for the first few hours, and believe me, Kyros was fast, things had been relatively peaceful. Well, except for my thoughts.
They revolved around her, and her reaction to finding my cabin empty. Would she be sad? Nah, she'd be pissed if anything, ready to gut me with her knives when we met again.
If we met again.
I couldn't think like that, I had to have hope. But I couldn't help but worry. What if she thought I was dead? What if she started dating another boy...or a girl? I don't know if she's completely straight or not, and hell, the fact I didn't know that only made my heart sink further. I realized that I was doing what Percy did a couple of years ago, only he didn't have a choice...I did, and I willingly left her without even a goodbye.
Despite my feeling of guilt, a part of my body always countered with the fact that I needed this power. To defeat Ouranos, it would take a lot more out of me, and to stand up to those figures he whispered to. I knew for a fact that he spoke to Hephaestus and Krios the Titan. But why? I thought Hephaestus wasn't much of a fighter, just a builder, and Krios? Don't get me wrong, he was a powerful titan, but weren't they defeated? How could he reform?
The other figures only gave me confusion. I had no idea who those two strange men were, and didn't even want to guess, but those three large monsters, who were they? I mean, they were cyclops, but not any that I had ever encountered before. Those three made the elder cyclops I defeated "The Swan" look like an ant. Hell, those three together made most gods look fairly weak.
Despite it all, I needed this training. And it wasn't the end of the world, I would only be gone for a couple of months, then return, and hopefully everything would go back to normal.
Hercules yelled over his shoulder, "We're getting close!"
Kyros picked up speed a little, and before I knew it, we were closing in on a large mound of sand. It was flat and sandy white, with only a few palm trees near the back edge, and some broken greek pillars in the center. It looked like someone had blown up a temple on this Island. I figured it must be his, and technically mine too, for two months at least.
Kyros swooped down, I held on to him firmly, and after a few seconds we landed. Hercules got off immediately and beckoned me to do the same. Once I did, the giant eagle transformed back to his normal size and disappeared into the small palm forest to our right.
I looked at my father in question, he just shrugged, "Kyros is tired, he needs some rest."
"He's amazing. We never even stopped for a break." I said, truly impressed by the bird's stamina.
He nodded, "Yeah, he's loyal and tough. A gift from Zeus when I became a god, and that's about the only upside of it." He mumbled that last part.
"What do you mean?"
He considered answering me, but ended up waving me off, "Doesn't matter, we need to go over some ground rules."
"Uh, okay." I said, confused.
He motioned for me to follow him, to which I did. After a couple of hundred steps we came upon a small camp. I supposed he had materialized it before coming to get me. There were two tents, one larger than the other. I figured the larger one was for him, since he was twice my size. They both had lion fur on the top, but other than that, they looked like normal camping tents. A fire lay in the center, unlit, but big enough for a legion of people.
"This is where you sleep." He pointed at the smaller tent, "Not very comfortable, but that's part of it. You need to learn a thing or two about survival."
"Survival?" I pretty much knew how to survive. I mean, I had basically been on my own for years, living in the small apartment in New York, all alone.
He seemed to read my thoughts and my bitterness, "Look kid, don't start with that."
"I didn't say anything. You're just making it seem like I don't know a thing, when that's not true."
"You need improvement, that's for sure. A lot of humans could use tips on roughing it."
I fought down a bit of anger. I had a feeling we were going to have some arguments in the future, if he wasn't going to accept responsibility for his failures.
"Yes sir." I ended up saying as politely as I could.
He nodded, "Now then, let's get some things straight." He sat down on the sand, I remained standing.
"You will be here for two months, no more, and no less. If you don't like the way I do things, and want to leave, too bad. You're already here and I can't take you back until the time is up."
I didn't move, already knowing what I signed up for. He was waiting though with annoyance, so I had to say something
"Okay" I sighed.
"As for training, you will listen to everything I say. I have more experience, so if it seems like what you're doing is pointless, it's not. There's a reason for it, and it will benefit you somehow."
"Alright."
"Last thing, no iris messaging your buddies."
"I don't have any drachmas, but even if I did, why not?" I hadn't thought of that, I was so stupid not to consider iris messaging Harper, to explain things to her.
"Distractions hinder you, so we won't have any." He pointed to my head with a beefy finger, "When you go to sleep tonight, clear that head of yours. Stop thinking about your sweetheart or your friends or whatever. You are here now, and you will focus on this training and that alone. Understood?"
I reared back in confusion, "How can I just not think about them? It's not that easy."
"Sure it is. You need to accept that what you're doing is for their benefit, and the world's. You'll see them again, so don't get caught up, otherwise you won't be at a hundred percent."
What he said made some sense, but it was also stupid. How could I just forget about Percy, Annabeth, Talon, Malachi, Sera, and especially Harper for two months?
"You make it sound like it's an overnight thing. You're a god, you don't understand."
Something about what I said triggered him. His lips tightened and he stood up, walking toward me until I was facing his chest. I looked up at him to see a scowl.
"That's another thing. You will not disrespect me, boy. Any back talk will result in punishment."
I backed up, looking at him in disbelief, "Punishment?! Who the hell gave you the right to punish me?"
"I am your father, and your teacher for the next two months! I will not tolerate bitchy behavior!"
"Well it's true!" I fired back, "I heard some things about you from Percy Jackson! About Zoe Nightshade! Yeah, you treat your friends well, huh father?" I knew I had said too much, and truth be told, I was pushing it. But who cares? This guy was a dick, according to what Percy said, and the fact that he was never there for me as a kid.
There was that bitterness again, foolish bitterness, but I ignored any protests, I was angry.
He was fuming, even angrier than me. He raised a finger, "Do not mention that name again, boy. If you know what's good for you!"
I shook my head, "You wouldn't understand friendship. I've lost too much!"
He stepped to me again, his face tight with rage, he thrust his hand toward the ground in an angry gesture, yelling, "You have no idea what loss is, boy! No idea at all!"
I didn't back down, "Really?! Since I discovered I'm your kid, I've lost dozens of friends, my very best friend, any remains of a social life, probably my girlfriend, and my mother!" I pushed him, to which he barely budged, "You never cared about her! You just fucked her and said see ya! Did you even know all this time that she's in a mental hospital?!"
He raised his fist like he was going to hit me, which I expected. I felt myself justified though, and didn't care if I couldn't hurt him physically. All I wanted to do right now was hurt him emotionally, like he had done to me.
He hesitated, face still contorted in anger. Finally after moments of tension, he dropped it and turned, storming from the area. But not before calling over his shoulder an order.
"Get some sleep, you will need it."
With that, he entered his tent, the energy around me faded, I hadn't realized how tense the air was. I then realized that for a second, he was thinking about atomizing me.
The thought only made me angrier. I kicked the ground, causing a crater to form and sand to go flying everywhere.
Damn this. I knew this was a bad decision, I should've never came here. I needed to get back home. Yeah, I could train under Chiron or something, I mean, didn't he train my father? If anything he was better than him!
I gritted my teeth, glaring at the tent he was in. I looked around the now night sky, and ignored the logical voice in my head, warning me to not do what I was about to do.
I was going home. Forget this training bullshit.
I took a running start, and with a primal shout, I jumped at the edge of the Island.
I flew into the air, soaring for hundreds of feet, and finally, crashing into the water.
I poured strength in my legs to propel myself. I swam with the speed of a race boat, covering dozens of feet after each other, the Island soon leaving sight.
I hated him. Why the hell would I spend two months with this asshole? I could train myself. Yeah, I would, and I could still be with Harper. Just thinking about her made me go faster.
I swam and swam, thinking I was home free. But of course, the loud cry of an eagle proved me wrong.
I looked back to see Kyros in his true form speeding towards me. He was bigger than the Nemean Lion, so his determined face looked scary. I tried to go faster, but Kyros had been flying for centuries, there was no way I could outrun him in the water.
I felt his rough talons on my shirt, and before I knew it, I was being carried back to the Island.
I hated to do it, but I was not going back there. I mumbled, "Sorry, Kyros." And grabbed his wing, slinging him from me.
Hercules' pet flailed, squawking in shock, not pain, which relieved me. It wasn't his fault his owner was a prick. I took this chance to clap my hands, forcing me back into the ocean.
I plunged underwater, swimming like mad to escape Kyros. He dove under too like a giant arrow, diving after me as if he was trying to catch a fish. I wasn't sure if his beak would pierce my skin, I mean, he was technically in the legendary monster class, along with guys like Kampe and the Psari. I could tell by his aura, that Kyros was not to be messed with. He was a creation of Zeus after all.
I barely managed to dodge him, remaining underwater, and using the gallons of air I sucked in to keep me from drowning. With this, I could stay here for ten minutes or so, and avoid any attempt to get me.
After a few minutes of silence, I figured the coast was clear, until I saw a golden light ahead of me, illuminating the darkness of the depths.
As it got closer and closer, I could make out it's form. It was a lion. And it was charging at me.
I couldn't dodge, it was too quick. I could only brace myself. What resulted was the wind knocked out of me, and my body forced upward, out of the ocean, and into the air.
I tried to regain my breath, which is kinda hard when you're falling hundreds of feet. I thought I was going to splat on the ground, until I felt familiar talons on my shirt again.
Kyros had caught me in mid air. He cawed in annoyance, to which I felt a little guilty for. I didn't want to hurt him, so I just let him carry me back to the Island. But still, what the hell was that lion thing?
After a minute or two, he dropped me on the Island facefirst. I spit out the sand and pushed myself up, greeted by a furious Hercules, his arms crossed.
How did he get here so fast?
"You done?" He growled.
"W-wait, were you the lion thing?"
"That's my true form kid, you're lucky I didn't disintegrate you."
I got up, "I changed my mind, I'm leaving."
"No you're not. Didn't you hear the ground rules? You agreed to come here, so you can't leave!"
"Watch me." I began to turn around, but my shoulder was grabbed roughly by Hercules, he took my arm and slammed me to the ground, my back crashing on the sand, his large hand keeping me pinned.
"Open your eyes, you foolish child! Listen to me for one second! Stop being blinded by your childish anger!"
I tried to fight against him, "I have a right to be angry!" It seemed I was acting like a brat. But the truth was, I was letting out years of frustration. All those times I called on him for help, and he never did. All of the sadness of my mother's situation, it was coming out now.
"SHUT UP!" He looked me directly in the eyes, "Do you have any idea how powerful your enemy is? You are battling a primordial! A being far older than the Olympians, a being as old as the Earth! He can create storms powerful enough to kill every human on this planet! He can influence any demigod! He can even corrupt gods! You need to be here! You need to get stronger!"
A part of me registered his words, but another part continued to struggle.
"If you were strong enough, you could get out of this pin and kick my ass! That's how far we've got to go, and only in two months time! It's impossible!"
He let go, huffing and breathing, but I remained on my back.
"I will try though. I will train you, and make you strong enough to protect these friends you care so much about. You don't have to like me, you don't have to do it for me, but damn boy...just fucking do it for them. If that's what makes you feel better, do it for them."
I processed his words. Images of my friends passed through my head. He was painfully right, Ouranos was beyond me, and I would need everything it took to beat him. As much as Hercules pissed me off...there was really no better choice.
I got up, and walked to my tent, hopefully giving him his answer. But I didn't want to say anything, to give him any satisfaction.
(Present)
I winced thinking back on that argument. Knowing what I know now, I seemed foolish. In retrospect, he was right, I had no idea what loss was.
I shook my head, a bit tired, so I decided to go to sleep. I got up from my position, patted Kyros once more, and made my way to my tent. Strands of my medium length brown hair flowing in my face. Damn, I really needed my old haircut back.
I waved at my father, who was still chomping down fish.
He seemed surprised, "You going to sleep already? This early?"
"Well yeah, it's about dark. And...isn't this usually the time I'm supposed to sleep?"
He shrugged, "I mean, you're about done, so I figured I let you stay up late this once."
I smiled, he was getting better at being cool. But I refused anyway, for some reason I felt tired.
"Nah, I'll pass. I'm beat."
"Suit yourself."
With that, I got into my tent, and laid in the same sleeping bag that had been here for two months.
I surprisingly didn't fall asleep right away. The sunset still beaming through slightly, I thought about the moment I would return home, the moment I would see Harper again. I wanted to know what had happened to the world while I was gone.
I mean, I figured Ouranos had been busy, or maybe he was just reforming, taking his time. For all I knew, the others had gone on a whole other quest again.
With another dude.
Harper and another dude.
Or a girl.
Again, I didn't know what had happened, and it bugged me. She wasn't into girls that way, right? And as for a dude, who else would take my place? I mean, I couldn't remember her being friends with anyone else, so...I didn't have to worry right?
But a lot can happen in two months. I mean, look at me. I've grown an inch and a half, my hair reaches all the way to my neck now, and I have stubbles of facial hair. To be honest, it was weird. I mean, I'm no expert, but I didn't think hair grew that quickly. I always just put it out of head though, but tonight for some reason, I found it especially odd.
Either way, I didn't need to worry. Even if they had made another friend, that doesn't give me the right to hate him or her.
Unless he or she is with Harper.
I mean, what if she did get with someone else? Should I be angry? For all she knew, I was dead, and she had to move on. So really, if I did return and find her with someone else, would it be justified?
I tried to put myself in her shoes. I kept thinking about it, and eventually reached the conclusion that no, I would not get with any other girl. If it was two months, or even six months, I wouldn't give up on her.
I shook my head, noticing the sunset's vague light now gone, replaced by black, I tried to fall asleep.
Within a few minutes, I was out like a light, but of course, sleep doesn't come without dreams.
I had nightmares and visions over the course of these two months, and sure, they were weird. But this one was completely new.
I had no form. I was simply...there. Like a floating cloud, I wasn't a human, I was just observing. I was in the African savannah it seemed, a water hole nearby, miles of plains surrounding me, the air was orange and misty, like a sunset and sunrise mixed together. Everything was so peaceful.
I then saw a full grown male lion emerge into sight, with a single cub following him. He lead his child to the watering hole, where they drank for a moment, then laid down. There was no sign of the mother, nor any other animals, just the two lions.
They sat there, just gazing at the water hole. The orange atmosphere contrasting beautifully with their fur, the mist seemingly clinging to them. I had only felt at peace like this once before, when I watched the sunset with Harper. This vision had to be a close second, calming my nerves with every passing moment.
I simply watched the scene before me with content. This had to be the best demigod dream I've ever had.
That opinion was changed the moment I looked into the distance. What wasn't there before, now was. Beyond the lions and the watering hole, stood a figure, in the middle of the plains. He had a top hat on, like the old businessmen used to wear, along with a fancy black suit. His face was middle aged and hard, a few wrinkles protruding from his brow. His face emotionless, his lip hidden by a bushy mustache. He stood out from the orange light, instead producing a black mist, darkness seemed to radiate from him. I didn't like the vibe he was giving off at all, and I didn't like the way he was looking at the lions.
Before I could will myself to get a closer look at him, I was pulled backward, the scene shifted.
I saw what looked to be the sea we were in, only a different part of it. On a small deserted Island, stood the Titan Krios. He was as tall as my father, his muscles nearly as big, with light armor on his torso, and heavy armor on his lower body, all having engravings of a ram on them. Speaking of that, he wore his usual ram helmet. His face hidden and the long horns poking out to each side. He had a large axe sheathed on his back, which let off a powerful energy. He was very strong, stronger than anyone I had faced, except for Typhon and Ouranos.
Speak of the devil, I looked in the direction Krios was looking, and saw the Primordial's massive clouded figure in the sky. He had what appeared to be a bearded face outlined in lightning and storm clouds. It was similar to Zeus' face, only angrier, and even more intimidating. He was enormous, each one of his eyes were the size of the Island Krios stood on.
Ouranos, I thought.
Ouranos looked at Krios expectantly, "Well?!" He hissed, a booming wind erupted across the area.
Krios still stood firm, and replied with, "The Ourae has been obliderated."
Thunder boomed and lightning crackled, I realized they were talking about me.
"Damn! He's stronger than expected! I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, Hercules has been training him for a year after all."
I caught that, and it hit me like a dump truck. A year? What the hell?
"Why didn't you send me sooner? I could've dealt with the boy and ended this problem!" Krios said.
Ouranos laughed humorlessly, "You titans always were impatient. Besides, that puny strength god has quite the barriers. I found it hard to locate that stupid Island of his often. Had I known it's exact spot, I would have sunk it myself!"
I was confused, father had been warding off Ouranos? So he couldn't find us?
"But now we know where it is. Let me do this, I can kill him! Then I'll be free!"
"Correct. You shall be free. Free and forgiven for your part in my death all those eons ago. Kill the boy, and I shall grant you this. But fail..." He said dangerously, letting it hang for a moment, "And I suppose the boy will kill you himself."
Krios growled, "I will not let that happen. A puny demigod isn't enough to defeat me!"
"Really?" Ouranos mused, "From what I recall, you were slain by that roman Jason Grace a few years ago, were you not?"
Krios smashed his foot on the Island, creating a powerful shockwave. His aura spiked to insane levels.
"I was caught off guard. I was weak from my time in Tartarus. But now that you have granted me my full power, I can slay the Son of Heracles!"
Ouranos chuckled, "Then do so, little Titan. Do so, and make me proud."
Krios nodded, and with a rumble, he disappeared. A crack formed and destroyed the entire Island he previously stood on.
The last thing I saw was Ouranos' mouth open in a laugh. Thunder resulted from each breath, lightning coiled and struck. With a shout, I woke up.
I breathed heavily, noting that it was still nighttime. Probably only an hour after I fell asleep.
I registered what had happened. Ouranos had sent Krios after me, at his full power, his power from the old days. From what I remember he was able to fight gods, and was a part of Ouranos' death, helping drag the Sky Primordial to the ground. The thought of the ram headed warrior coming to attack me didn't sit very well.
But the thing I focused on most was what Ouranos had said. Hercules has been training him for a year after all...
That was absurd. I had only been here two months, that was the deal. Two months of training, then I could go back to Camp.
I thought about it for a moment, I really thought about it. I felt my longer hair, the stubble on my chin, my larger muscles, I remembered what Annabeth said about godly places moving slower in time than regular places.
Bullshit, there was no way.
I opened my tent roughly, storming out of it and closing the gap to his. If this was true...oh man.
I tore his tent open in rage and grabbed him where he lay. I was a lot stronger now, and the tables had turned from the first day I arrived when he pinned me. It was now my turn.
I picked him up and with a shout, I slammed him on the sandy ground, by arm pinning him, although he made no attempt to struggle.
But he did look annoyed, "So eager to start the test, huh?"
I didn't know what he meant, I was too angry to care, I kept my forearm planted below his neck.
"How long have I been here?" I asked, my voice dangerous.
He groaned, "Nearly two months."
I gritted my teeth, brought up my arm and slammed it against him. If he felt that, he showed no sign.
"Tell me the fucking truth! How long have I really been here?!"
He didn't answer.
"Answer me, dammit!" I slammed it down on him again, this time harder, he let out a loud grunt.
"You better stop fucking hitting me boy."
"I will if you tell the truth! How long have I been here?!"
He leaned up, and raised his voice, "I told you, two months! It'll be exactly that in a couple of days!"
I shook my head, not buying it. I grabbed a clump of hair, and showed it to him.
"You think this shit gets this long in two months? You think I get this big in two months alone?"
"You're my kid. You're different than others."
"Cut the shit! My hair never grew this long before! It would take a year for it to be like this!"
He looked away, "There you go."
"What?" I growled, tightening my hold on him, "What did you say?"
He yelled at me, so loud it nearly sent me flying back, "A YEAR! YOU HAPPY! A FUCKING YEAR IS HOW LONG YOU'VE BEEN HERE! YOU THINK YOU WOULD'VE GOTTEN STRONG ENOUGH IN TWO MONTHS?! NO, IT'S BEEN A MOTHERFUCKING YEAR!"
I was so in shock and rage I punched him, not doing much damage, but I felt my face heat up with anger.
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME!" I yelled back, "YOU LIED?!"
"Of course I did." His voice low now, "How the hell else would I have convinced you? You admitted you needed this training. It had to be a year! But I knew you would refuse if I told you that. Hell, you looked like you were going to piss your pants at two months away from that pussy of yours!"
I roared in rage, punching him in the face multiple times, causing his nose to bleed. He finally caught my fists and sent me rolling back into the sand. I skidded for a bit but pushed myself up.
"DON'T SPEAK ABOUT HER THAT WAY!" I yelled. "What the hell do you know about stuff like that? Who the hell has ever been with you for you, huh? And not just your accomplishments?! The fucking youth goddess?"
He wiped the blood from his nose, chuckling humorlessly, "It ain't real, son. Get used to it. Love doesn't exist, relationships never last. You and that girl, it's all instinct, animal instinct. You think you have a connection? You're wrong. That shit doesn't exist."
I was so angry at the moment, I wanted to beat him to a pulp, but I knew that would be difficult, so I just angrily gestured with my hands and shouted, "Instinct? That's what you call it?! My relationship with her is just instinct?!"
"What else would you call it? Love? Do you love a girl you've only known for two weeks?"
He got me. I stumbled, my brain ceased to think. It made me question myself. Did I love Harper? I mean, I don't really know what love is...so maybe my father was fucking right.
I still cared about her, and I would not let him best me, "That doesn't matter! We're sixteen, we have plenty of time to figure out the love part!"
"Yeah, you're sixteen. Fucking kids, Matt. You're still a fucking kid that can't see the bigger picture. The reason why I did this! The reason why I lied to you! Which I am sorry about, but it's for the best!"
"You act like I don't understand anything!"
"You don't! You're too horny to even pay attention to the fucking war! Ouranos has broken my barriers, Matt. I can't block him out anymore. He can send whoever he damn well pleases now, or even show up himself if he wants!" Then he pushed me, causing me to stumble back, but remain standing, "But no, you're too caught up on lust! Don't think I don't know about hormones! That feeling you can't resist! I know what you've done some nights! Shit boy, you think gods don't have good ears?!"
I blushed in embarrassment. Fuck him, that was none of his business. Of course I had those strange teenage feelings, new, stronger feelings, the desire for more than just a kiss, the desire of exploring different places than just her face. Whether or not I thought about them some times in my tent...didn't concern him.
"S-So what? What does that have to do with anything!" I hated that I stuttered that first part, it only confirmed my actions of lust.
"Remember what I said on your first day? No distractions!"
I shook my head furiously, walking away from him, but turning around long enough to say, "You lied to me, and that's the bottom line. I've been here long enough, and I'm going fucking home."
"So you're just going to leave, huh? Not even finish your training? You haven't taken the final test yet!"
I flipped him off, "To hell with your final test. I'm going back to Camp. I'm ready to end this war, and be with Harper!"
He scoffed, waving me off angrily, "Fine! Throw it all down the drain! Leave if that's what you want! But don't say I didn't try to stop you."
I stopped in my tracks, turned around and called after him, "Hey pops!" He looked at me, a glare in his eyes.
"Watch me leave, just like you did on mom." With that, I didn't even wait for his reaction, I just stormed off, eventually finding myself at the edge of the Island.
With a fire burning inside of me now, I poured strength into my legs, and launched from the sand. Instantly I was soaring across the sky, streaking like a bullet through the clouds, with only one thing on my mind.
I'm coming, Harper.
I ended up using other Islands like lily pads. Using them as launching devices every time I fell to the ground. Occasionally I would crash into the sea, but if that happened I would just clap my hands at the water, the force pushing me back up.
I figured he would try to stop me again, or send Kyros after me. But no, he had let me go.
Let me, yeah right. I was powerful and angry enough now, he couldn't stop me.
After what seemed like only a few minutes, I still only saw sea and Islands, which was to be expected. But I was eager, and longing to get back to the familiar Camp. The Big house on the hill, the smell of strawberries, the lake, the arena, my friends...
I was in bliss, until I pinged a powerful aura on my sensing radar.
I put it off as Hercules roaring in rage on his Island, but after a few seconds, I felt it again, only closer now. That was strange, was he coming after me like I thought?
But no, this aura was...different.
It continued to get closer and closer, and by the time I realized who it was, I felt a strong force slam against me, sending me plummeting towards the ground.
I landed in the sea, large waves crashed in my stead as I sank underwater. I had no time to register any damage, because that was a powerful hit.
I hadn't even sank ten feet when I was grabbed by a large hand, and pulled roughly above the surface. I could barely see, but I felt a fist connect with my jaw, sending a sting up my face, and forcing me back for hundreds of feet, finally crashing on an Island.
I skidded along the sand, crashed into a couple of palm trees, and finally stopped at the shore of the ocean, my lower body in the water.
I coughed and gasped for air. What the hell had happened?
I felt the aura right above me, descending quickly. I heard a loud crash on the sand in front of me, armor clanged together, the power pulsing from the figure.
I pushed myself up, standing before him. I wiped my face off so I could see him better.
I recognized him from my latest vision. He was muscular, as tall as my father, wore light torso armor, and heavy leg armor. The two most striking features were the battle axe on his back, and the ram shaped helmet on his head.
"Well, didn't think you'd find me so soon, Krios." I said, bringing my fists up in a fighting stance.
He grunted a breath, what I imagined to be a smirk under that helmet, and said, "Prepare yourself, Matthias Beckett. For you stand before a full powered Titan. Not a mere monster or demi-primordial, but a TITAN!" He roared, power surged from him, shaking the entire earth for miles, the wind pushing me back, I had to block my face for a moment.
I stood firm after his little display though. Not nervous at all, because I knew I was stronger than before, and before, I would have cowered at the thought of fighting a titan.
But now, I saw this as a good way to test my new strength.
I breathed in and out, focused on the anger at my dad, letting it envelop me...
Soon, I was surrounded by the red aura. No steam billowed now, which meant that I had mastered it. It's red glow was darker and thicker now, encasing me with it's bloody looking avatar.
Krios became alert, hefting his battle axe and gripping it.
I clenched my fists, "Alright then, let's see who crumbles first. Titan...or demigod."
With that, we charged each other. The air bending in preparation for the oncoming battle.
(000)
There you go, first chapter of Book Two! I hope you all enjoyed it, and feel free to leave a review to let me know what you thought!
Chapter two will be out soon, I'll see you guys then!