The last chapter was so long and detailed it took me an extra week to write. In the end I had to break it into two parts. Please enjoy.
Apollo arrow missed its target, striking the rocks above Python's head instead. Jumping off the hidden crevice, the mortal god landed on his feet on the bone-covered floor without breaking anything.
Sonya crawled back onto the narrow crevice and took a glance at what was happening below. Apollo was playing the instrumental version of Celine Dion's, "I'm Alive" on his ukulele.
I guess that's his battle song to remind him to stay alive, she thought to herself. It didn't seem to be having an effect on Python except for making him amused.
That's when the creature started speaking. His gravelly voice causing her to shudder.
"Are you trying to convince yourself that you will live long enough to defeat me? Your optimism is cute but hardly realistic Apollo. I have not fully ingested Nero's power, but I don't need it. It tasted like a dry rat."
Apollo notched his arrow and replied in a strong voice, "Slither away snake. While you still have a chance to live."
The giant snake's laughter filled the entire cavern. "Amazing. Even after all that you have suffered, you haven't learned humility. I hope it doesn't affect how you taste."
The former god said nothing. He just shot another arrow that skidded across the snake's head and bounced off his left eyebrow.
Sonya listened as Python continued to mock Apollo. She wasn't sure what Apollo's plan was. She just hoped he didn't waste his arrows with this show of bravado.
After the former god shot the snake monster a third time Python attacked. It was astonishing how fast a creature of that size moved. It was as if the creature was a living lightning bolt.
Apollo rolled behind some rocks as his nemesis slinked past him. The creature released its wings and grew lizard legs. It now looked like a European Dragon.
When Python charged him, the mortal god slipped under a giant rib cage. Python crushed it with his jaws ready to eat him. Luckily, Apollo kept moving as he either slid under or jumped into tiny alcoves created by the bones.
Python grew spines and rolled on his side trying to spear the mortal god this way. Apollo let out a yelp as one of the spines made contact with his left leg. Before he could be dragged out, he used his ukulele to break the spine in half.
His instrument was destroyed in the process. Apollo ran out in the open and started dodging Python. With half the spine still in his leg, he was slowing down considerably.
Sonya dug her fingers into the rocks to prevent herself from interfering. She was here as a witness, not a fighter. "Come on Apollo, you can do this," she whispered to herself.
Python was about to strike when he stopped moving. He flicked his tongue as the vents started spewing more gas. "Ah! Delphi is speaking! Do you want to hear what it is saying?"
The former god didn't reply because he was too busy pulling the spine out of his leg. He knew it was inadvisable yet he couldn't run unless he took it out.
Green fumes encircled the giant reptile as its eyes glowed bright green. "Apollo falls…"
The creature didn't finish speaking. The spine that Apollo removed was now jammed between its upper and lower jaw. Python thrashed trying to spit it out. Too bad reptiles could not grow hands.
Sonya realized that Python was getting too close to her crevice. She quickly slid back into the tunnel, legs first. She managed to reverse crawl back two feet. The walls around her shook by the impact of the reptile on the wall.
Please, please don't cave in on me Sonya prayed. I can't handle it if it does. She was panicking as her heart raced. Every instinct inside her was screaming at her to take flight.
The shaking stopped as the sounds of battle returned. Hesitantly, she crawled forward. The tiny crevice was still intact giving her a chance to pull her body out.
She was trembling as the battle continued. One more hit like that and she would be buried alive. She needed an alternate exit and now. Sonya clutched her hands together tightly.
"I hope you can hear me, glorious Troglodytes. I humbly ask for the aid of Click-Gora and Clang-Otto. I'm ready to collect on the debt owed to me."
The teenager didn't know what to expect as the walls around her started to crumble again. Apollo had used his bowstring to cut off a few of Python's legs causing the creature to lose his balance.
The crevice she was in started to collapse around her. If she went back into the tunnel she would be trapped. If she fell, then she would be eaten. As the last bit of her crevice gave way, she opened her mouth to scream.
A hand covered her mouth to prevent the scream from getting out. Two strong arms pulled her up and into a newly formed tunnel. A rock bowl filled with icy water was handed to her.
She took a few sips and struggled to calm down. She gazed at her rescuers as one of them placed a taurus-hide blanket on her shoulders.
Click-Gora, Clang-Otto, and Creek-Morris were looking at her with concern. It was fortuitous that one of the tunnels they lived in had been connected to the Labyrinth. That the shallow maze had formed a path to Delphi.
Clang-Otto walked over and placed a hand on her knee. "Are you okay Mortal-Sonya? We tried to get here quickly screech click you must be hurt if you're shaking like that."
"Give her a little click screech click space my tunnel-ling. Humans are not accustomed to the Inner Earth crashing around them."
The teenager found her voice and thanked them profusely. "You saved me from becoming a snack for Python. I'm eternally grateful for it."
"A human click screech click screech puts troglodytes first is a friend to the whole community. You are very different Mortal-Sonya click-clack than Son of Hades," Creek-Morris informed her.
That confused the teenager considering how considerate and respectful Nico had been to them. While she waited for Clank-Otto to finish fixing her hats the older troglodyte explained.
"Son of Hades is respectful, friendly, and is learning to be less of a barbarian. He is skillful as CEO for trying to get the best deal. That is useful, however, a CEO must also click-clack screech others before his ambitions."
The troglodyte reminded her of her actions when she first met his people. She accepted that she wasn't as civilized as them without making a scene. At the same time trying to prove she was helpful by trading items the community needed.
She was truthful that she couldn't stomach the soup. Unlike the others who pretended to eat it and then say they couldn't have anymore. She followed proper business etiquette during the meeting.
"When the taurus sylvestors came after us, your first thought was not for your safety. Rather, you were worried about the tunnel-lings knowing that if we lost even one, our population would suffer."
"Mortal-Sonya is not a barbaric human. She is a troglodyte in human skin. The debt has been screeching repaid. However, if you need any help again in Inner Earth, know that we will be there to assist."
Sonya beamed at him before tilting her head slightly. She was attempting to listen to what was happening on the other side of the tunnel.
Click-Gora rushed towards the lip and watched as Lester-Apollo shoved his arrow into Python's eye. The snake was screaming and morphing uncontrollably.
"Lester-Apollo is glowing and bleeding at the same time. I can't hear what he's yelling. Oh! Lester-Apollo and the big snake just fell into the abyss!"
Sonya took a deep breath. She knew what she had to do next. It was clear Apollo had been generous before about how long she had to wait. Whatever was happening in the abyss, she knew he would not return to the caverns of Delphi.
"Can you three please, guide me back to where I met you? I can find my way back to the Crusty Crust from there." Click-Morris offered to let her ride on his back. Once secure, the group headed back to their stomping grounds.
The fall from Delphi to the Underworld was a long one. Time didn't seem to exist as the two opposing forces fought.
Python grew another head and they both snapped at Apollo. He avoided them by making the evil reptile bite his tail. Before Python could spit it out the teenager kicked the creature's fangs and partially broke one.
Python dissolved his extra so he had one head with two functional fangs. He snapped at Apollo and succeeded in a partial puncture in his prey's left forearm. "You can't win! Die already!"
"Not until you do!" the teenager screamed back. He dug his fingers deep into the skin and torus it right off. Blood started to leak out as the two continued to fight.
After an eternity, they landed in the River Styx. Fresh pain spread across their bodies as the current swept them downstream. Python tried to wiggle to shore and was blocked by Apollo, who had resorted to snapping off any forming body parts.
The current increased as they fell down a waterfall and out of Erebus and into Tartarus. The cold acid water was dissolving both of them as they continued to fight. Their hatred of each was keeping them from fully dissolving in the river of hate.
The rapids sent them bashing into obsidian rocks. From the shoreline, monsters waiting to reform watched in fascination as the two beings fought to drown the other.
The combatants went over another waterfall. The water was getting icier and strange energy filled the air. They were heading to the end of the river, to Chaos itself.
The closer they got to Chaos their bodies began to unravel. Soon bits of them ceased to exist. As they approached the final waterfall to Chaos, Apollo spotted a narrow obsidian rock right before the edge.
Python saw it as well and they both tried to get there. The giant reptile and the teenager shoved each other hoping to send their opponent into Chaos. Apollo was a bit closer to the rock thanks to Chaos shrinking Python.
"No! You will die!" Python shouted as he jumped into the air intending to land on the rock.
Apollo dug deep and managed to get their first. With his legs starting to dissolve he managed to stand up. Python was falling towards the weary being, his maw wide open.
With the last of his strength, Apollo caught Python's jaws with his bare hands. Before the snake had a chance to react, he was thrown into Chaos vanishing forever.
Apollo lost his balance and careened forward but managed to twist around grab the rock with both hands. He was dangling above Chaos in agony. Why was he even holding on?
"I told you months ago that we would see each other again Apollo," a cheery voice said. A beautiful woman in a purple-black dress appeared above him. Her inky black hair fluttered despite a lack of wind.
Her piercing dark eyes conveyed both anger and a bit of curiosity. She studied him as if she was looking for something which had been hidden inside him.
"Have you learned your lesson, Apollo? Do you understand now what I tried to tell you months ago?"
"Yes, I do. A little too late but I understand what you were trying to tell me." Styx hadn't sent trouble his way, he had caused all his problems. She merely pointed out his recklessness.
The goddess seemed pleased. "Then, hold on to it."
"What? The rock or the lesson?" he murmured.
She laughed daintily. "You're the one who has to decide that." Styx turned herself into mist before traveling back to the other end of her river.
What did he want? Python was gone for good and the oracles were free. Did the world really need him still?
He thought about everyone who had helped him. All the immortals and mortals. His friends and family had shone him what it meant to be a human and a god at the same time.
It was time to honor the promises he had made. He wanted to keep those promises. To show to himself he had changed.
He held on to the rock and tried to pull himself up. He kept going and vaguely realized he was glowing. Was his body reforming as he started to push himself up and over?
Apollo shot up in bed shocked that he was alive. He felt no pain and starred at his perfect body. He heard the ichor humming in his veins. He was a god again.
Someone plopped on the bed with him. The sun god started crying when he saw it was his sister. He embraced her tightly as he told her how much he missed her.
Artemis allowed it for a few minutes before untangling herself. She kept her hands in her brothers. "You're okay, brother. It took you a bit to wake up but your home and safe," she assured him.
Apollo looked around the room to confirm her statement. Indeed, he was in his large suite on Olympus. He took a few deep breaths to calm down. "How long was I out? Is this the same century I fell asleep in?"
Artemis did her best not to laugh. "Two weeks have passed, little brother. The mortal Sonya gave her report to Chiron and I was able to confirm your success when I picked up my Hunters."
Hearing this caused Apollo worry. "Were they able to stop Nero's backup from penetrating the barrier?"
Artemis nodded and her eyes actually glistened with tears. "My followers wouldn't let themselves be overrun. Despite how much danger you put them in during your quest little brother, they refused to stand down."
"Hunter and her squad will need time to recover, but the camp and the nature spirits are safe."
Hearing this, Apollo hugged his sister again. Artemis tolerated it even though it made her uncomfortable.
"Everyone will be pleased to hear that you're awake. Take a few minutes to collect yourself then come to the throne room. Just remember to put some garments on first," she giggled before skipping out of the room.
Apollo sighed happily. It was always nice to see when his sister let herself have some fun. He hoped that he would see more of it. He looked down at himself unsure if he could conjure clothes after all this time.
"I think it would be funny if you show up in the throne room naked. It certainly would be memorable," a voice filled with laughter said.
Apollo got off the bed and saw the daimon Gelos (laughter) standing in the doorway. It was a mild surprise to see him because the D-list gods/goddesses usually stayed in their wing.
The minor god took one look at Apollo's naked form and started laughing again. "Sorry, I know this is inappropriate Lord Apollo. It's just ha, ha, had, been too somber while you were unconscious."
Apollo replied in a calm voice, "I'm glad that you were trying to cheer people up while I was unconscious. Laughter is the best medicine after all."
Gelos was shocked by the Olympian's reaction. He half expected to be given the worst sunburn ever. "You remember the promise that was made to my kind?"
The god nodded and told him he would bring it up at the meeting. He then asked if Gelos could conjure some clothes for him.
The daimon joyous laughter filled the room. Apollo was back in his traditional Greek Form with a slight twist. He had smiley faces dotting his garment. The god approved and headed to the meeting.
As he walked towards the meeting, he thought of how to persuade his fellow Olympians to honor the promises they had made. Without enough support, he would be unable to keep his promises to the daemons and minor gods and goddesses.
He pushed open the doors into the throne. With each step, he grew in stature and confidence. He ignored the giggling about his smiley face chiton. Instead, he focused on proving he had regained full control over his powers.
He settled into his throne and subtly looked at Zeus's throne. He saw Astrape and Bronte sitting on top. They were only six feet tall, which is why he hadn't noticed them before.
How could they be noticed when they weren't allowed to be as big as the Olympians? It was another snub that needed correction. He was mildly surprised to see Hestia sitting on the floor. Since her Acolytes had assisted him in his quest, she probably wanted to hear about it.
"I'm pleased that you have awakened Apollo."
"As am I, Father." Apollo wished he could say something snarky to Zeus but refrained from it. Instead, he looked at his brothers and sisters asking them who won the betting pool.
His brothers tried to come up with excuses for their actions while his sisters pretended they weren't there. He told them not to worry about it as he was just happy to be home with them again.
Dionysus took a chance by speaking up. "I applaud Apollo's efforts. Since he succeeded in his quest, I believe anyone else serving a sentence on Earth should be allowed to return…"
"No, you are not getting any time removed from your sentence Dionysus," Zeus snapped at his son. The wine god looked down at the floor and held his tongue wishing to avoid more trouble.
Demeter looked up from her work on making new drought-resistant grains. She spoke up with her condescending voice. "Dionysus is right. Apollo's efforts should be recognized. He was an excellent servant to my daughter Meg. It took him some time to settle into the job and flourish."
"If you ever have demi-god children who need a servant, I highly recommend Apollo."
Once more Apollo questioned how Meg could be related to Demeter. His aunt had already gone back to working on her new crops instead of asking about her daughter. That needed to change.
Hera lifted her veil revealing her tear-covered eyes. She glared at her husband. "We should all be thankful for Apollo's actions to keep my Champions safe. I'm eternally grateful for keeping his demigod brother Jason safe."
Zeus was annoyed by her pointed remark. "Not this again. I don't understand why you are so upset. You're acting as if Jason died. He's still alive and well."
Hera snarled at her husband. "He did die. If the Celtic Warrior hadn't had the vial with the special water of life, he would have stayed dead. Because you refused to act, he had to give up his powers to return."
"He's extremely vulnerable without any protection because you refused to give him any."
Zeus dismissed her by saying there was no reason for any protection when the monsters wouldn't be interested in the boy. He didn't consider the fact that monsters might hunt his mortal son to get to others.
Hera didn't say anything in response. Instead, she simply mouthed thank you to Apollo and settled back into her throne. He finally understood why she was such a busybody.
Zeus took control of the situation by returning the focus of the meeting. "It appears Apollo successfully fixed our problem. The Fates can now spin the future without any interference."
The god wondered how he hadn't thought of this earlier. Of course, the Fates were involved in this. They measured the lifespan of every being. If Python had remained in control of the future, then he could have killed any god of his choosing.
The sun god reassured his father that Python was no more. He also verified the safety of the oracles and the future.
"I'm satisfied by what you have accomplished, my son. Now, if there are no more issues to discuss you can…."
Apollo interjected as he loudly spoke over Zeus. "Actually, Father, there is one issue that we need to discuss." He dipped his head slightly signaling to the shield maidens.
Only he and Hestia saw them leaving. They would be back with Plan B in a few minutes.
Zeus stared angrily at his son, "Apollo, you have been gone for six months. I can guarantee you there are no current issues up for discussion."
"These issues are from past sessions which have yet to be resolved. This council has failed to keep our promises to Poseidon's son Percy."
The god of the sea had almost forgotten about the promises he made with his son. He found it shocking that the sun god had. He fidgeted slightly wondering which direction the meeting would take.
Zeus's eyes were getting stormy. The mere mention of Percy's name was enough to trigger a few storm clouds to form against the ceiling. "We have fulfilled our promises to Percy Jackson."
Apollo shook his head and stood up. "We have not done as we promised. There are still unclaimed demi-gods on Earth older than thirteen. There is a profound lack of representation at both camps for the minor deities."
"We have not done anything to spread information about daemons and minor gods/goddesses to prevent them from fading. Nor have we given them the respect or assistance they have asked for."
Apollo looked at each Olympian as he emphasized how he couldn't have completed his quest with their or their chosen mortals' help. How these minor beings had kept Olympus running for centuries without thanks. That it was a miracle they were still loyal after all they had suffered.
"Everyone here needs to stop thinking about the past. We need to look to the future to better ourselves. For the sake of each other, our children, and most importantly, ourselves if we want to avoid being stagnant forever."
He pleaded with his family it was time to keep their promises. Styx had shown him the importance of keeping your oath. Without working together, the gods of Greece and Rome would be doomed for a fading death.
Hera quickly pledged her support with Artemis following her. Athena and Demeter also agreed with the sun god's proposal. Hermes and Hephaestus shrugged at each other before adding their support.
Poseidon also raised his hand in agreement. He wanted to keep his promise to Percy to be a better god. From the floor, Hestia also volunteered to help out in any way she could.
Only four of the twelve didn't agree. Ares and Aphrodite strongly believed they had done their part. Dionysus was against helping anyone but himself. Zeus was enraged that he had lost control of the council.
He grabbed his master bolt to use it when the doors to the throne room flung open. Everyone's eyes turned to the entranceway.
Astrape and Bronte were leading the gods/goddesses who had assisted in the fight against Nero. There were also new ones, mostly parents of the younger beings. Their collective power radiated evenly with the Olympians.
Surprisingly, Persephone was there with her husband and her children, Macaria, Melinoe, and Zagreus. Her siblings stood around her as she lent them some of her strength.
"Hades! What is the meaning of this? You weren't invited for a visit."
Hades glowered at his brother. He held up his hand and a fancy invitation materialized. "I was invited for a visit by a few of your children. I'm surprised you didn't notice me in Persephone's quarters."
Demeter looked at her favorite child for an explanation. Perhaps for the first time in her life, Persephone ignored her mother completely. Taken aback by Persephone's actions she pushed her crops aside to focus completely on what was happening.
When Zeus demanded to know which of his children invited their uncle to his domain, he looked at his fellow Olympians. They all shook their heads, assuring Zeus they hadn't sent the invitation.
Apollo cleared his throat, turning the attention back to himself. Once he had Zeus's attention he spoke. "Father, I believe the one who sent the invitation is standing in front of the group."
Zeus blinked in confusion. The sun god pointed a finger at one of the intruders.
Bronte tapped her foot on the marble floor in frustration. It was easy for her to sense her father had no idea who she was. The goddess expected him to have trouble remembering her name but Zeus was staring at her. There was no sign of recognition at all.
"Wow, the great Zeus can't even be bothered to remember his children's names or faces? I know my sister and I's mother was just a plain nymph but since you chose our occupations, I would think you remember who I am."
There was silence for a full five minutes. Aside from Apollo, there were only three he knew who she was. Hera, Hestia, and Artemis eyes showed recognition. Zeus's were still blank.
"Oh, for the love of Olympus, I was just sitting on your throne not even five minutes ago with my twin! My name is Bronte! That's Astrape right there. You named us your shield maidens remember?"
Finally, the memory file was clicked in Zeus's mind. He remembered the twin sisters. ''Why did you invite Hades here, daughter?''
Bronte was about to yell at him if he was serious when Astrape pushed her twin behind her. "Father, my sister, and I believed it was important for the Big Three to be present as we aired our grievances."
The air crackled with power, as Zeus tightened his grip, on his master bolt. Before he could think of using it, Hera took charge of the situation.
"That is enough posturing, my husband! Smiting everyone who disagrees with you will accomplish nothing. This situation requires diplomacy instead of threats."
Hera looked at those assembled and counted to ten. Right now, she wished she could take a bubble bath yet knew the distance between the major and minor gods/goddesses needed to be resolved.
If they could avoid another mutiny, such as when Khione attacked her because Gaia had promised her power, everyone could relax for a few days.
The others sensed her thoughts, realizing they wouldn't be leaving the throne room today. Everyone got comfortable in their thrones to listen to the grievances of the lesser beings.