Perseus: God of War
Chapter Six: Dreams, Deals and Desperations- Part A
Disclaimer:
Γεια σας άνθρωποι ! or Geia sas ánthropoi
OR
Hello people!
As you are aware it is Shinju, this here is my first fanfic aptly named Perseus: God of War!
I want to make an announcement….and NO! it is not a Hiatus or an Abandonment. I will continue this story as planned.
One of you, the audience reviewed that I should include a prophecy, given by Apollo…. I think this is important to the storyline so here are my reasons as to why I won't include a prophecy or at least don't want anybody to hold their breaths for that.
1. Catering to a large fandom means that people have read a lot and I mean a lot of fanfics that depict Olympus's destruction through a prophecy, I want to go beyond that. Percy Jackson as a series is surrounded by Prophecies...but what would it mean going in blind?
2. I don't say I don't like Prophecies but they dictate how a story will go... like Zoe's death through the Prophecy. I like her resolve and heroics but once we understand her role in said Prophecy it becomes redundant. But the "DAM" joke won't become redundant. And I know what I said and an audience doesn't like redundance. As I stated in the previous chapter, I am not good at suspense writing so I do not want to write a prophecy that gives too much away too soon.
3. I think that this is the most important reason, but in Chapter 3, Apollo states that he can't see Percy's future, giving a prophecy, that will obviously be about Percy means that he can see Percy's future to some extent and that this will contradict what has been stated before by Apollo.
I am happy that you, the readers are starting to ask questions and I try to answer them to the best of my ability.
I bored you, didn't I?
The franchises Percy Jackson and God of War are owned by Rick Riordan and David Jaffe.
Any Greek/Latin words and phrases used are through Google Translate (Greek/Latin)
I don't beat around the bush (I really did it though!) so let start with the story:
Percy POV
Location: UBC
Time: 10 AM- Estimated Time… don't know the actual one.
Finally, I was free...
I was graduating today.
I was dressed in the patented subfusc (/AN:I searched that…) that graduation ceremonies need. I was happy for two reasons. One, I was free of the torture that was studies and assignments. What? I had gained much from my minimized ailments but I still hated learning to some extent. Two, I was a step closer to my dreams.
"You look…exultant." A voice said.
"Yes, until now." I turned, recognising the voice.
Athena. Always, why? She claimed to hate all Sea Spawns, yet visited me nearly every fucking day!
My day was going perfectly fine until the stalker made her entrance.
"At least let me have this day…" I groaned.
"I am just here as per protocol of the university." She smugly stated.
"Yeah…yeah."
"I wouldn't have believed it if I had not seen this with my own eyes?"
"What?" I asked quizzically.
"A Son of Poseidon, graduating, much less completing his education." She spoke.
"Well…there's always a first time for everything." I replied.
"It is time for the faculties to be seated on the stage…" She left without saying anything else.
"Well, so much for a day full of tranquillity." I sighed.
I sat down at my designated place before the students will be called up to the stage to receive their degree's. I waited patiently, all this while my thoughts drifted to my mother, Paul and my father, Poseidon. They would have been happy! I could imagine my Father bouncing and boasting about it to all the other gods, most of all Athena.
Annabeth, well I didn't want to boast…but, IN YOUR FACE! I graduated without her help and achieved something more than a job as an assistant at some national park for aquatic animals.
"Percy Jackson"
I stood up and calmly walked towards the stage. I shook the Honorary Guest's hand and received the parchment. I looked towards the multitudes of people in the audience sitting and patiently. In the back, Liana and Estelle were looking up towards me and Estelle was clapping her hands excitedly. Suddenly, I had the same odd feeling… sea breeze.
My Father.
Standing there, looking towards me and smiling. I smiled back and nodded. But in the crowd, beside Estelle I could see two hazy figures. My mother and Paul. I knew it was not real…but in that moment I craved for them. My mother smiling with a camera in her hand and Paul standing beside her with a hand on her shoulder.
"I hope, I made you both proud." I internally spoke…yet I felt that I was screaming that to the heavens.
I smiled a watery smile. A genuine one that I had not in a long time. In that second, I had no care of the world. No gods, no monsters and no hardships of a troubled life.
In that moment, I was just a normal university graduate, that had a life. A life of joy and of meaning. I realised that these moments made mortals the peak of creation.
Our doom made everything much more beautiful and fulfilling. In their humanity, Humans stood above Immortals.
I thanked the Dean and walked down to my designated place. Thanking Hestia for an Event that filled me with hope and would stay with me for the rest of my days.
Percy POV
Location: Supermarket
Time: Late Evening
"…Detergent…Check"
"That only leaves…Toothbrushes" I said as I paced in the isles of the supermarket looking for the required item.
"Look out!" A voice called out.
CRASH!
"Oww…" I groaned.
"Ugh…" groaned another.
I shook my head and stood up before saying "Are you okay?"
"Yes…you stupid litt…Percy?"
"Clarisse…"
"What are you doing here, Percy?"
"I should be asking you that…"
"Well, there's no easy way to say it…but I have come looking for you."
"Huh…"
"By the Gods, Percy… I was looking for you."
"Ok-kay…why?"
That put an abrupt stop to the conversation," Well… I was curious and bored."
"You were bored…if you are not aware, I just recently happened to bitch-slap a god into fading, talk down to the Gods and The Fates…publicly I might add. You might want to rethink your plans."
SMACK! "You don't have to talk to me like I am a child, Jackson."
"Oww… there you have it, back to Jackson and Prissy are we?"
"What are you talking about? I always call you Jackson…" she spoke
"I may be slow on the uptake but…you called me Percy, four times. Are you hiding something from me?"
"NO! Of course not, w-what gave y-you that idea?!" And the toughest demigoddess known to the camps turned red in embarrassment.
"No…just find it odd, you have pretty much insulted me in every conversation we have ever had. Anyways, where are you staying at?"
"Why do you need to know?"
"Well, if you are looking for me and probably are going to hang out with us. I need to know where you stay."
Clarisse mumbled something.
"What?"
She mumbled again
"What?"
"I said I don't have a place to stay right now…I will have to find a hotel for the night."
"Well, it's quite late in the evening… you can stay at my place for the night."
"I wouldn't want to impose…"
"Bullshit…you are not imposing in the slightest."
Time skip…Apartment
I unlocked the door to the apartment…was immediately a little blur collided into me.
"Big Brother is back!" Estelle yelled.
"Yes, big brother is back…"
"So, what did the little mermaid do today." (/AN: Estelle would be between 2.5-3 years now.)
"I did finger painting!"
"And what did u paint?" I asked.
Estelle immediately showed a drawing of herself, me and our parents.
"Mommy and daddy are also looking over us…" Curse clear sighted-ness.
A tear rolled down my cheek as I looked at my sister, still smiling radiantly.
"Who is this?"
I had forgotten about Clarisse completely, "Oh, this is my friend, Clarisse. Say hi to her."
"Hi! I am Estelle." Shouted the two-and-a-half-year-old.
"Hello, kid. As Prissy told you, I am Clarisse."
"I did a painting."
"Yeah, I saw. She is bouncy as you Prissy. Does it run in the family?"
"Ha-ha."
Percy POV
Location: Couch
Time: 2 AM
Nightmare Time… kind of becoming a constant
I was walking…. looking for signs of anyone around me…a volcanic crusty layer under my feet.
"Come On! Seaweed Brain! Hurry Up! How much more time?"
Annabeth.
Stopped calling her a wise girl, a long time ago…
I silently ran, clasping her hand in mine as I led her through the Mansion of The Night.
Black wisps around me…
Soldiers… Greek Soldiers around me…rather their skeletons…hanging from the ceiling. It was gruesome but after the first war…you get the point.
"Percy!"
"Who's there?"
"Percy! I am here!"
I recognised the voice," Mom!"
"Hold on! I am coming!"
I turned a corner…blood on the wall…Paul with his neck slit! Mom, bleeding out from a stake wound from her punctured lung…I removed it!
"Mom! Look at me! You are going to be fine! I am going to call Apollo and we are going to save you! You are going to see Estelle, right?"
I tried stopping the blood flow. Tried to hold on it…
"Percy…know this…we love you. Take care of your…si-ister…"
"Mom! Mom…Mom!" I shook her…Apollo…where the hell are you?
I wailed for…I don't know how long… suddenly another voice…The environment around me changed.
"You will never escape…"
"What?"
Suddenly, the wisps swirled again taking in the form of a…funeral pyre…I was standing in golden armour, with a necklace in my hand. A man…the same man, Patroclus on the pyre. Two golden drachmas on his eyes.
"I'm sorry, my friend. Hector will pay! I will make sure of it." Resting my head beside his arm.
Clink.
The drachma fell from its place.
I looked up. Patroclus eyes…blood red.
"No, you will…Brother."
"Patroclus…"
"It is time to pay…brother." He jumped towards me…I dodged…until another hand clasped on my leg…then another on my shoulder…hundreds…thousands were pulling…" Welcome…brother." I looked around me…burning wails…of men I had killed.
…rcy.
…Percy!
Percy!
Gasp!
I looked around…Clarisse beside me. Well, I had fallen of the couch.
"What was that, Percy?"
"Back to Percy, are we?"
"Don't play games with me, Percy. What was that?"
"Well, war has effects."
"PTSD is common in demigods; I still get flashes…this was more than that."
"Well, I am more than a normal demigod… end of therapy session."
"Percy…"
"I said End of Therapy Session. Go to sleep, Clarisse."
"I don't know what it was…but you should get it looked at." Clarisse huffed and
walked back to the bedroom.
Time Skip: 2 years
Damn!
It had been 2 years since graduation…. couple of internships…a lot of savings, part times…overtimes and hell lot of luck to start what would be the first step in to the unknown for demigods…rather the divine.
The nightmares had been there but I had found ways to circumvent them to some extent. Sleeping underwater had been a problem as much as a solution when I had swim up every time, I had to take a piss. What? Being the Son of Poseidon…didn't mean I could control bladder movements.
Clarisse, had been a roommate until we had a few close calls about each other's privacy and mood swings. Daughters of Ares, had an entire new level of mood swings.
But she had been a good friend and a companion to Estelle in ways that only a girl…a woman… a mother could provide. She filled a void that I didn't know existed. For Estelle I mean… how many fourth walls have I broken.?
Anyways, back to my point. Two years. Two years, it had taken to bring this dream…well part of it to completion…It was a company. My Company.
Humanitera.
I had specifically called people who of course were related to The Greco- Roman Patheon. Single parents, demigods…even legacies. Didn't matter. What mattered is what we here for…
I walked into the room with Clarisse by my side…about 2 dozen potential employees were there, sitting on the chairs around the conference table.
A man was sitting in the middle…heading the table.
"Excuse me, this is my chair." I spoke.
"Oh shit, I am so sorry." He immediately apologised.
"Take another seat." I replied.
"Get up and the move dumbass." Said the man pointing to another empty seat beside him.
The young man looked hesitant, I interrupted "Don't sit…just get the fuck out."
"Huh"
"Don't argue…just get the fuck out." He angrily left the room, probably a Son of Mars or Ares…if Clarisse's twitch was anything to go by.
"I expect a certain amount of respect between you and your co-workers. I don't want to waste your time and certainly hope you don't waste mine."
"As the youngest of the bunch know, I am Percy Jackson. Yeah, that Percy Jackson. Beside me is Clarisse La Rue."
"But," Another one spoke up.
"Get out." Let's say that person too left.
"You, all of you have some or the other connection to the Greco-Roman Pantheon. All of you, are demigods, parents of demigods…even legacies. I have called you here today because I have a dream. A better world for all of us. No matter who they are. Now, some might argue…the gods have improved. Yes, in some ways…but what happens when you are me. Like me… have strength…of course they would think…to overthrow them. But I don't want that, to happen to you or anybody. My mother was killed in revenge by Gaea." Some looked scared…flashes of the past coming to them.
"So, I have also called parents of said demigods too. I know the Camps are there…but what after that. New Rome? Why must children always have a responsibility to their parents…Gods. Why do we have to proof to them we are capable of their love. Isn't being born and facing monsters enough. I don't say that we dethrone them and rule…I am saying that having a facility that caters to mortals, demigods and just beings of Greco-Roman Mythology in general equally would be nice."
"You have probably read about the job descriptions when you applied here. I don't beat around the bush, so I am going to be upfront to you. If anyone thinks that your will have a seat on the board because you are the son or daughter of a specific god or goddess…you are wrong…very…very wrong. If you think I am wrong you can either get up and leave now or proof to me that you deserve that position. Do I make it clear?" No one answered. "Do I make it clear?" I ask in a harsher tone. Everybody nodded.
"And it goes without saying but, don't reveal yourself and others to the mortal governments. I don't want to be called in the middle of the night, and some government employee asking me if I am crazy and making up claims of make- believe." Some laughed at that.
"Good. If you agree then call me on Monday. Until then, Farewell." As I walked out the door with Clarisse behind me.
"That was inspiring, didn't know you had it in you Jackson." Clarisse spoke.
"Well, I told them what I felt was right. This organization, this idea needs demigods."
"If it works, it will put demigods to the forefront of the global stage."
"It has to…it has all of my life savings, time, energy, hopes and dreams."
"I believe in you."
"Damn." I said putting a hand on Clarisse's forehead.
"What are you bloody doing?" She asked swatting my arm away.
"Checking whether you have a fever…after all I wouldn't have expected such words from you…like ever."
"I'm fine, I know how to compliment people…just insulting them is easy." She blushed.
"And there's the War-girl I know."
"War-girl?"
"Well, I need to call you something besides, Clarisse…right?"
"Don't give me a nickname and then use it so casually!" She shouted.
"Okay…then you tell me what to call you besides, Clarisse."
She looked ready to blow…by the shade of her face, "Fine, just don't call me that in public!"
"Aww… is wittle Clarry blushing?"
"I'm not!" She said taking out Maimer.
"Okay…okay…let's just get something to eat. I'm starving." I said walking away. I didn't see the crooked smile and the blush that had acquired on her face.
Artemis POV
Location: Somewhere in the Atlantic
Stupid!
Stupid Pride!
Stupid Order!
Stupid Father…
And most of all stupid Apollo!
Why? Why was he so stupid…? oh he was always stupid. This time he crossed his own line of stupidity. By doing what? Challenging me. And I was even more stupid because in my rage, pride and most of all idleness had accepted that challenge.
Challenge to take on the Original Hydra alone. It had been terrorizing seas for Father knows what.
Now as a Major Goddess I was quite capable but the need for an outlet…for anger towards Apollo, one up him and the decrease in the number of monsters in general led to me to have become overconfident and careless which landed me in my current predicament.
I was in the jaws of One of the hydra heads…I had managed to get seven by cauterizing them with the use of concentrate moonlight.
I was in the middle of a storm. Ocean. Perseus. I did not know why he had stuck in my head since his battle with Hercules. Hercules. He had faded. Perseus had helped give Zoe the peace she deserved. When she kissed his cheek, I had felt a hollow pit forming in my stomach. Probably, because a very good huntress…a lieutenant had done untowardly actions that were not approved by me.
ROAR. The free head of the hydra attacked me by spitting venom upon me. I winced as its toxic acid seeped in through my clothes and onto my skin.
As I was about to use my hidden blades and assume my Divine Form, something hit the free head away.
Perseus Jackson. With a Quin dent…the one given to him by Zoe.
20 Minutes Ago
Location: Percy's New House
Ahh…
The Jacuzzi…
This was life.
Clarisse was sitting beside in a two-piece bikini, while Estelle was playing in the baby pool. She was so in-tune with swimming that sometimes I forgot she was a mortal.
"Ehm…" someone coughed behind us…we turned…there dressed in a Hawaiian Shirt and Bermuda Shorts with a trident in his hand was Poseidon.
"So, you have quite a house son…alongside a daughter of Ares."
"And that is supposed to mean what?" I said twirling the pen in my fingers.
"I come in peace son…I am not here to report you to Zeus or to harm you and your uh…companion. Although, I must say this one is better than the last one." He said looking at Clarisse. Clarisse of course understanding the statement…blushed? That's new.
"What do you want father? After graduation, I didn't hear anything from you. You must be here for a reason."
"Yes, I am …but must you hate me now? I have not been in contact with you as per your request."
"I don't hate you. I just don't like gods interfering… and I also know that you wouldn't be here without reason…what is that reason?"
"It's Artemis."
"…."
"If you are waiting for the dramatic pause effect, I would say it isn't working."
"Damn it."
"As I said, it's Artemis and she needs help with a monster. Apparently, she got challenged by Apollo to kill the Original Hydra, she got prideful and we are here."
"And the solution to said problem is me?"
"…."
"No, this isn't a dramatic pause…would Zeus allow said rescue? Because as far as I know, we aren't on the best of terms."
"Well, she could easily take care of said monster…but for one her pride wouldn't allow it and furthermore, the storm that was caused by said Hydra has mortals in it, if she unleashes her Divine Form, the mortals will die."
"Of course, the mortals… give me a few minutes." I said after sighing and coming out of the jacuzzi.
"Unfortunately, you have stay with Estelle." I interrupted Clarisse.
"But I too want to join you…"
"I know…but it has to be postponed…and if Artemis knows you are with me, it will put you under the God's radar."
"Fine…when did you gain logic as a skill."
"During graduation. You needed it or life would trample you."
"So, I have a request?" I said looking at Poseidon.
"Not to inform The Council about the Ares Spawn's location." He replied.
"Yes, and her name is Clarisse."
"You are going to the Atlantic…this will take you there." Handing me a Atlantean Coin.
"So, we have instant transportation too now."
"We discovered this could be done by knowing the intent and adding a silver of power in said object."
"Convenient."
As I took it, I disappeared and landed a few feet above a ship mast. Artemis was fending off one head and was inside another, glowing with power. Divine Form. I decide to act.
Artemis POV
Present Time
The Atlantic
The Quin dent hit the free head, pushing it back.
"Greetings, My Lady. I would ask how you are but you look not so good."
"Very Funny, Perseus."
"How many times should I say not to call me Perseus?" I asked irritated.
"Don't know, don't care." She said sticking out her tongue. This side of her, she looked beautiful. The innocent girl within a woman. Only reserved for me and may be Aunt Hestia.
"Now, let's get down to more important things…Father informed me about your predicament…so I am here."
"Yes, lets."
"So, I handle that one and you handle this" I said indicating to the one's mouth she was occupying. I jumped away.
General POV
Percy jumped towards the Hydra head…it tried shooting toxic acid but unfortunately for it, acid didn't harm Percy since now he had an ability to make a water armour, which would dissolve the acid to very diluted mixture…Percy's own innate demigod resistance did the rest.
Artemis took out her hunting knives and pinned one in its maw before slamming the punching the knife deeper into the maw in turn bringing the maw to hit the ocean surface, creating a huge splash.
Percy used the water in the storm to make a giant fist and slam the Hydra back. He saw an anchor from the ship of the mortals dangling from the side,
"May be…"
He dived into the sea before zooming past the body of the Hydra and ripping the anchor.
"Just need to climb now."
He slung the anchor on his back and started climbing the net tied to the ship's main mast. The Hydra frantically searching for his "Puny prey". Percy reached the top and jumped on the back of the Hydra. The Hydra finally finding his prey tried to attack his head on…Cue an arrow pierced one of it eyes. Artemis. The Hydra roared in pain. Knowing he was the last head he put everything towards Artemis That was the distraction needed. Percy used his water fist to pin the anchor on it long neck on the Ocean floor. A last use of contained fire around the Hydra's Head did the job.
As Percy came out, heaving his blade a voice spoke behind him, "Looks like you needed my help more than I needed yours, Perseus."
Perseus of course grumbled about interfering smartass goddesses with no clue of common courtesy for names.
"I had that…"
"Sure, you did." She quipped.
"So how did you take care of yours?"
"Blasted him with moonlight from inside."
"Sounds disgusting"
"Try feeling it."
The last Hydra head was left as a spoil of war, Percy gave it to Artemis. Artemis of course looked confused.
"You helped me…and this was your challenge to begin with."
"But you came to my aid."
"Well, you didn't ask for that aid and also I don't know where to keep it. You can keep it in your temple or at the camp in your cabin."
She sighed and took it.
"Don't change Percy."
"Never did. Well, at least in terms of our friendship."
"You shouldn't stay with her…"
"Who?"
"The daughter of Ares." I sighed. Probably Athena told her.
"She's my friend and more than that she has taken care of Estelle. Don't blame her for Ares's mistakes."
"I don't."
"Then what…"
"Nothing. Goodbye, Perseus." She smirked and vanished.
"Damn it, Woman!"
That's the end of this chapter.
I hope you liked it.
Anyways…
First of all, I'm sorry for not updating yesterday…but I hit a writer's block and just when I got the idea, the internship's work hit me like a ton of bricks.
Now, people may ask…how can a relatively new author hit a writer's block if he has a story line set with the God of War as a franchise. Well, Kratos is shown as an antihero from the start…Percy has been a hero from the start. Kratos has reasons for said anti heroism, Percy didn't. I have blend or rather weave Kratos's personality into Percy slowly.
This is a very lengthy chapter and also, I would say this is where I start incorporating The God of War Franchise Elements.
The hardest part about this chapter was writing the nightmares. And also keeping in track of Percy's Abilities.
Artemis's playfulness is complicated and Clarisse's almost Aphrodite's kid personality is hard…because Clarisse is known as a tough woman and depicting her as a woman that tries to keep her feelings to herself is hard without showing it her as a lovesick child. Fanfiction is hard to write in that way. Probably it's just me.
This is of course Part A…fortunately I have made a rough story line for Part B already, I just need time to write it.
Have a nice time reading!
Αντιο σας ! or Good Bye!
Shinju Out!