ANDDDD I'M BACK! I KNOW I'M EARLY! THANKS FOR ALL THE LOVE ON THE LAST CHAPTER GUYS! YOUR VIEWS AND REVIEWS MAKE ME FEEL LOVED! HOPE YALL ENJOY THIS CHAPTER. THERE'S A BIG SURPRISE IN IT.

GrinchPants: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE REVIEW! YES, I MAKE AN EFFORT ON WRITING THE DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES OF MY CHARACTERS. I LOVE MAKING THEM INTERESTING! IT'S PRETTY CHALLENGING BUT IT'S WORTH IT.

THANK YOU ALSO TO asdfghmnbvd FOR SUBSCRIBING TO THE STORY! IT IS MUCH APPRECIATED!

"What?!"

The sky rumbled so loud that the mortals below had thought they had angered Zeus. They were partially right. The king of the gods was angry. He was outraged but it was not because of the mortals. No. It was because of the news that had just been delivered to him.

The throne room was once again in utter chaos as Achilles and Hermes stood at the center just having recounted the events that had just taken place. Apollo and Rory sat together at the sun god's throne, both of them frozen in shock and depression as they tried to wrap their heads around the fact that the enemy had just taken their daughter.

Hades was silently seething from his throne, the shadows around him being much darker than usual as he tried to think of ways to gain his granddaughter back.

Athena sat on her throne, Katlyn sitting beside her on a chair as they discussed different motives that would urge the primordials to kidnap the young goddess.

The most explosive reaction however was Damon. The moment that he had gotten word that Ophelia had been captured, he burst into the throne room, his usual shyness and timidness gone and replaced by a fiery rage that burned in his heart.

"I could divide my hunters, father. I shall take a group with me to search for Ophelia while the others could continue the search for Hestia," Artemis suggested.

Zeus was too busy crackling with electricity to listen to his daughter. The master bolt in his hands was glowing brighter than usual along with his eyes. His granddaughter. The young goddess that he had sworn to protect had now been taken by the enemy.

"Raise the armies!" Zeus growled as he paced.

Many of the gods shared glances. That would not be a good idea. If they decided to chase after the primordials with the entire army, Olympus would be left undefended. Even if they did manage to find the powerful deities, who was to say that they could take them on?

"Father, if I may…" Hermes said, starting to suggest an idea. "I know of someone in the Northern Lands who can show us, anyone. She cannot reveal the location but she can at least give us a vision."

Zeus finally stopped his pacing, his chest heaving as he regained his breath. "Then bring her here."

Hermes shifted uncomfortably. "That's the thing. It has been very long since I have seen her. I request that I leave for the Northern Lands to search for this seer. It will take no longer than a week."

Zeus looked thoughtful for a moment before staring back at Hermes. "So be it. Apollo and Achilles, do you wish to accompany your brother?"

"I would love to go, father, but do you not need me here? There are still many scouts to handle," Achilles said unsurely.

"Leave them to me. I shall personally lead the Royal Guard along with Hades and we will hunt down these bastards ourselves!" Zeus said.

"But father…" Achilles said, trying to protest.

Zeus held his hand up, stopping his son. "Finding Ophelia is now our priority. If that means I will have to send my three best warriors, then it shall be done."

Achilles pursed his lips before nodding his head finally. He too wanted to find Ophelia.

"Prepare to leave. Thor may have regained his reign in the Northern Lands but there are still some who believed in Hela's cause," Hermes warned. The young god had kept in contact with the Vikings of Valhalla and Thor but he had not visited since. He longed to see the beautiful mountains once more and feel the cool breeze across his skin. He only wished it was under better circumstances.

Ω

Ophelia struggled against her chains as she sat with her back leaned up against the wall. They had knocked her out moments ago and she had just woken up. The room where they kept her in was dark and damp. The only light source came from a small opening from the top corner of the wall where air would pass through.

With a sigh, the young goddess leaned her head back. How could she be so stupid? So reckless? Not only had she put herself in danger, but she had also put her family in a difficult position. Now that the primordials have her, they could use her as leverage to bargain and take whatever they had wanted.

All these emotions inside Ophelia began to stir. An unfamiliar feeling building up in her chest. It was overwhelming as it continued to grow stronger. She felt power coursing through her veins as she stiffened. She had never felt this way before. Suddenly, with a piercing scream, Ophelia raised her bounded hands and it began to grow black and gray. A beam of power shot from it, blasting against the wall leaving a giant scorch mark.

What in Hades' name was that? She had never done that before! Was this her domain? What exactly was it? So many questions ran across Ophelia's mind as her eyes remained on the damage that she had done. Even with the release, she still felt that there was more where it had come from.

"Well done…' A cold voice said.

Ophelia jumped in surprise as she turned to see a dark figure standing at the corner of the room.

"Who are you? Show yourself!" Ophelia said, raising her hands and aiming at him.

The figure let out a dark chuckle. It was terrifying. Even more than her Uncle Achilles' true form. The figure stepped forward, allowing what little light left in the room to paint his face. Ophelia's eyebrows shot upward. That is not what she had expected.

His voice may have been cold and his chuckle was terrifying but in front of her stood not a monster, but a man. No, a god. His long black hair dropped to his shoulders, angling his sharp chin. His fiery red eyes stared Ophelia down, making her want to hide. His smile was evil yet charming.

"Who...who are you?" Ophelia asked nervously.

The god bowed, lifting his face to gaze at her. "I, young one….am Tartarus"

Ophelia stared at him with a mixture of disbelief, shock, and fear.

"Not what you expected, child?" Tartarus asked.

Ophelia shook her head, unable to find words to speak.

Tartarus laughed and Ophelia was reminded of who he was. He may have been handsome and charming but his laugh ruined everything. It was enough to make anyone cringe. Even Hades' laugh was much better.

"What do you want from me?" Ophelia asked.

Tartarus smiled. "You hold great power, young one. A power that none has ever possessed."

"Well you're not taking it from me nor will you use me as a weapon!" Ophelia shot back, her eyes narrowing at the god. Her glare was terrifying, something that she had inherited from her mother, but sadly, it was not enough to scare the god of the pit.

"You misunderstand me, child," Tartarus said. "I do not wish to use you as a weapon. I wish to help you. To make you see the true meaning of what true power feels like."

Ophelia was tempted to ask him to explain. To be fair, she had been held back her whole life and now, this handsome god comes and offers her the one thing she had ever wanted. Someone to teach her how to fight. How to use her domains.

But Ophelia was a smart girl. She was Athena's student after all. With a shake of her head, she spat at Tartarus' feet.

"There is no such thing as a free pass, Tartarus. You need me for something and whatever it is, I am not helping you." Ophelia said.

The god of the pit stared her down for a minute before surging forward and getting in her face. Gone was the handsome face and charming smile and was now replaced by the most devilish, horrendous, terrifying, and monstrous sight anyone had ever seen.

Ophelia staggered backward in fear as Tartarus spoke in a deep voice.

"You little godlings were always too prideful for your good. You pride yourselves on defeating Titans and Giants but none of you have ever faced me! I am the eternal pit! The depths of darkness that house the evilest creatures to ever exist! My blood is poison. My nails are claws. My teeth are fangs! I am the most terrifying being to exist and I haunt the dreams of your nightmares."

Ophelia stared at him in suppressed fear. In truth, she was dying to get away from him and would do anything to leave. Instead, she narrowed her eyes once again and stood straighter.

"Haunt the dreams of my nightmares? That doesn't even make sense!" the young goddess started. "Your teeth may be fangs but mine are pearly white!" Ophelia smiled at him, flashing Tartarus with her pearly white teeth that she had gotten from her father.

"Your blood may be poison but mine is gold! You can't beat gold! It's gold!" she continued, waving her arms in the air to emphasize "gold".

"And if you think you can scare me into helping you, you're wrong. I fear my mother's wrath way more than I fear your ugly face."

If Hermes were here, he would have cheered. If Artemis were here, she would be clap to see Ophelia standing up to a man. If Achilles were here, he would be delighted that his niece was putting up a fight. If her father were here, he would smile that his daughter blocked the fear with humor. If her mother were here, she would be proud to see her daughter unlock the scare glare.

Tartarus stared at Ophelia in shock. A mere child had stood up to him! No one has ever dared to do that! He was the most terrifying sight to behold yet this child did not waver or flee! Her power is strong, Tartarus thought.

With a sneer, the god of the pit waved his hand as a shadow engulfed him. When it dispersed, Tartarus was no longer in sight. Ophelia was left standing at the center of the room feeling rather proud of herself despite the despair that filled her heart.

Ω

"You could have told me it was freezing here," Achilles said as he wrapped his arms around his shoulders, shivering.

Hermes chuckled. He came prepared. He wore a long-sleeved tunic with his greek armor over it, and over that was his brow fur coat. His sword was strapped to his back with his hair similarly tied to a knot to Achilles.

The god of thieves found himself smiling as he took in the beautiful sight of the beautiful Northern Lands. He felt his emotions skyrocket as memories flooded his mind of the time that he was last here. Or the last time he had seen Thor or Loki. It had been three years after the war against Hela when the two Norse gods had visited Greece yet again for some diplomatic matters.

However, Hermes knew that he could not see Thor right now. The King of Asgard was rather busy rebuilding his world and the other realms. Even if Hermes knew that Thor would drop everything to help them find Ophelia, he'd rather not bother his old friend.

"So do you have any idea where to start?" Apollo asked, his tone flat. His usual brightness and warmth were gone and his once tan skin had lost much of its color. Under his eyes were deep bags from the obvious lack of sleep.

Hermes sighed as he looked around. They were in a plane, covered in snow, with a forest right at the border.

"If my memory serves me well, we can camp in the forest and pass through the mountains," he said.

"Why can't we just teleport there?" Achilles asked, now sporting a similar attire as Hermes except his was all black.

"Because I don't remember exactly where it is," Hermes said sheepishly.

Apollo grunted. "Well, you better work on it." With that, he walked off, making his way towards the forest.

Achilles sighed. "Do not blame him. He is distressed with the loss of Ophelia."

Hermes nodded and smiled sadly. "I don't blame him."

His older brother nodded before patting him on the shoulder. They made their way across the plane, the snow reaching their upper calves as they walked. Hermes, who had been introduced to this kind of weather, was holding up pretty well. Apollo was naturally warm so he was not bothered so much. Achilles, however, was not used to the cold. Sure he had felt the cold touch of death within him a few times but this was more of a spiritual thing. This was physical. It made his bones ache and his muscles burn as he trekked through the snow.

Eventually, they had reached the forest and had ventured deep enough to make camp. The three gods had found a cave, Achilles venturing in with his sword drawn to inspect it. Thankfully, it was empty.

Sooner than later, a fire was made and the three brothers sat together. The night was cold and the wind was howling wildly. The air was fresh though, filling the gods' lungs.

Apollo stared at the fire, glaring at it as if it was the worst thing in the world.

Hermes watched his older brother with pity as he sharpened his sword. He could not understand the pain of Apollo for he had no children but he could get a grasp of what it was like. Ophelia may not have been his daughter but she was his niece. His family. He would protect her.

"She will be okay. We will find her," Hermes said reassuringly.

"And if we don't?" Apollo asked.

Achilles lifted his eyebrow. "Then we won't stop. What intrigues me, though, is what Aether said."

"What do you mean?" Hermes asked.

Achilles rose from the ground and began pacing the cave. "He said that she held great power. How is that possible? We haven't seen any signs of her domains,"

Apollo did not answer because he was too busy brooding.

"He could have meant something else," Hermes suggested.

Achilles shook his head. "I doubt that. They would not have taken her just for ransom. They need her for something else."

That got Apollo's attention. The sun god lifted his neck and narrowed his eyes at his brother.

"And what might that be?" Apollo asked.

Achilles shook his head and shrugged. "I have no clue. What I do know is that they need Ophelia and her power for something. They mean to use her."

"Over my dead body," Apollo growled through gritted teeth.

Hermes placed a hand on the sun god's shoulder. "We won't let that happen. I promise."

Just as Hermes had finished his sentence, a crack sounded. The sound of a twig breaking.

All three gods were ready in an instant, their weapons drawn.

"Who goes there?" Achilles asked in his deep voice.

"Show yourself!" Hermes said, brandishing his gleaming sword.

"It's me! It's me!" A voice called.

All three gods found themselves watching as a small figure drew closer. They finally recognized him.

"Damon!?" Achilles asked, mortified. "What are you doing here?!"

"I came to help you find Ophelia," Damon answered.

"I told you to stay home." Achilles said, bringing a hand to his face. "How did you even get here?"

The young god shifted nervously with a sheepish smile on his face. He wore a long blue-sleeved tunic with his training armor over it. On his back was his sword and on his waist was his dagger.

"I followed you guys."

Hermes groaned. "What is it with you children and the following…"

Achilles pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm taking you home."

"No, I can help!" Damon said.

Achilles shook his head. "It's not safe. You could get hurt."

"That's why I have my sword," Damon said, jerking his thumb to his back. "You've been training me on how to use it and what better way to use it than finding my best friend?"

Achilles sighed. He had a point. He had already taught Damon all he needed to learn over the past few days. All he needed was experience.

Before he could answer though, an arrow sailed through the air and planted itself on a tree, inches from Hermes' face.

"Get down!" Apollo shouted, firing an arrow in the direction from where the projectile had come from. Seconds later, a screech was heard.

"Elves!" Hermes growled from the ground.

Damon rolled, dodging an arrow, before making his way next to his teacher. A shield appeared on his arm as he drew his sword.

"Stay in my sight and keep your guard up," Achille said as he readied his long sword.

Damon nodded and smiled.

The elves soon came, spears, swords, and bows raised as they attacked. There were many of them. Over twenty or thirty.

The four gods met them head-on, their weapons drawn.

Apollo drew an arrow, shoving it forward to impale an elf through the neck before firing it at another.

Achilles dodged a spear that had been hurled at him before charging a group of elves. His sword shined in the night, its blade tasting the blood of elves yet again. He moved swiftly and precisely, dodging their strikes before countering with efficiency. Blocking a sword, Achilles surged forward before slitting the elf's throat.

Hermes danced around the enemy with the speed of sound. They could not keep up as the god of messengers cut them down one by one. An arrow sailed towards him but Hermes had raised his hand and caught it right on time. With a grunt, he shoved the projectile into the chest of a charging elf before moving on to kill more.

Damon widened his eyes as an elf charged him. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion. For a brief moment, he panicked. His mind blanked out as the elf drew closer and closer. As the elf's blade came inches from his neck, his instincts took over. The young god raised his sword, blocking the strike before using his shield to shove his enemy back. Not waiting for the elf to recover, Damon buried his blade deep into its stomach, killing it.

"Well done!" he heard Achilles praised from somewhere.

Suddenly, a roar came echoing through the forest.

Hermes, Apollo, and Achilles froze. The elves were mostly dead, only a few left which Damon seemed to be taking care of pretty well.

"Troll…" the three siblings whispered at the same time.

Just as the word had left their mouths, the familiar, ugly, thick-skinned creature came crashing through a tree waving its club. The heavy wooden weapon caught Apollo on the chest, sending him flying back into the cave.

Hermes and Achilles charged the monster, their swords in the air. The god of messengers rolled to the side, dodging the club while Achilles harnessed the shadows to restrain its arm.

Damon retracted his sword from the last elf before turning to see Achilles flying across the forest and crashing into a tree. With a growl, he charged the troll who seemed to be annoyed with Hermes who was running circles around him.

He struck the troll's back with his sword. It was a good strike. Precise and strong. However, Damon was not educated on how to fight these things. The moment his blade hit the troll's skin, it bounced back and sent the force of the strike right back up his arm.

Hermes spun, dodging the club yet again before leaping into the air to stab the troll in the eye. It would have happened if not for the troll's large hand that caught him.

It began to squeeze, crushing Hermes slowly as he screamed in pain. Damn trolls. He hated them.

The big ugly monster opened its mouth, ready to swallow the god but before it could, a ball of flame came crashing into the side of its face.

The troll's hand opened, dropping Hermes as it staggered backward and howled in pain.

Hermes allowed himself to take in big breaths as he caught his breath. He sat up with a groan just in time to see a figure jump from a tree. The figure was thin and agile as it dodged the troll's strikes.

The monster swung its club yet again but the figure held its hands up and sent a shockwave at the weapon, shattering it. Hermes lifted his eyebrows in shock. Who in Hades was this person.

The figure rolled between the troll's legs before jumping onto its back. From there, they climbed onto its shoulder before releasing another fireball into the monster's mouth.

Damon and Hermes winced and grimaced as the troll's head exploded, sending chunks of its brain everywhere.

The figure leaped from the troll's headless body before rolling onto the ground gracefully.

Achilles materialized from a shadow his sword drawn while Apollo stepped out of the cave with his bow drawn and an arrow knocked.

"Who are you?" Hermes asked, curious about who their savior was.

"I would answer but there is a weapon to my face," the figure said behind their hood as they gestured to Achilles and Apollo.

Hermes could tell it was a girl from her voice. With a glare, he waved his hands and his brothers lowered their weapons.

"We are in your debt. You saved us," Hermes said.

The mysterious girl laughed. "I was only returning the favor."

The four gods stared at her in confusion. Returning the favor? They've never even met her.

The girl sighed as she walked forward. "Has it been that long that you've already forgotten me, Hermes?" she asked.

The girl reached upward and removed her hood.

Hermes' eyes widened like saucers. No. Fucking. Way.

"Sigrid?"