The Huntsman Association was made of four branches: The American Branch, Asia Branch, Europa Branch and African Branch. The Huntsman's had one mission: the protection of the human race and keeping balance between the magical and mundane world. Per everyone hundred humans at least one was a Huntsman. Kratos' learned all of this from a pamphlet he was given.
Kratos and Orion were guided through the hidden Hunter's area known as Beacon City by Ms. Glynda Goodwitch. People all around them were armed, a mother pushing a stroller had a magnum strapped to her hip, and a ninety something year old gentleman who was in a wheelchair had a mini machine gun installed into it.
A couple in their teens holding hands also had matching swords. A small boy was crying because he got buckshot rounds instead of slugs.
Kratos has known his fair share of secret societies, even before he was born there were hidden organizations. He has been a member and enemy to many of these organizations. Kratos was technically still a member of the Freemasons and the Order of the Skull and Bones due to his past lives. As the Ghost he still had a membership to Murder Inc. and The Black Dragon Clan.
"Gentlemen," Glynda pressed the button to the elevator, guiding them in. Going up a clean tube Kratos got a view of how big Beacon City was; surprisingly big. "How long have you known this 'Ozpin?" Kratos asked his giant companion, Orion though for a moment, "About six, seven or eight hundred years now maybe, we match during a King George or was a King Louis, or was it a Henry? And I think he was also going by the name Koschei."
"Is he a god?" Kratos could not recall any god with such a name. "Nah, he's so kind of immortal all right, but what he is I do not know, he's a douche that's for sure." Orion said. Glynda was feeling cramp due to being in an elevator with the six foot six Kratos and the seven foot ten Orion.
"Gentlemen, while Ozpin has committed questionable acts, his reasons are for the greater good." Glynda said sternly, like a schoolteacher. Ding! The elevator door opens to a massive loft decorated with furniture and items for various cultures, bookshelves cover the walls with balconies. A massive window view shows the City of New York. Prometheus sat on the U-shape black, leather couch, he waved to them.
"Good you guys are here, Kratos I discussed much with Ozpin, he knows of the Olypimans as well. Now we just need your say." Kratos saw a bar but not of alcohol but of coffee, a coffee bar with brands of beans Kratos had not heard of.
"Please, help yourself," looking up to the balcony Kratos findly got a look at this Ozpin, despite appearing to be in his thirties he had gray hair, wearing black round sunglasses and green turtleneck and brown slacks. Kratos was put off because his energy emitted did not match his appearance. Coming down a spiral staircase Ozpin came up to Kratos and offered his hand to shake, "Pleasure to meet you, God of War." Kratos did not shake, not out of disrespect but out of caution.
"I see, straight to the point then, well then, I am Ozpin founder and leader of The
Huntsman, and I would like to form an alliance with you." Ozpin explained.
"What about the two missing Hunters?" Ozpin waved it off, "They can wait a little longer if they're not dead." Ozpin took a remote out of his pocket and pressed a button, one of the many bookcases split open revealing the hidden room behind it. Inside were Ozpin's most valuable and rare possessions he collected over the years, and one stood out to Kratos.
A black and bronze vase stood on a pedestal, a vase from ancient Greece depicting a man with a red spiral tattoo holding to blades standing on a mound of corpses. Kratos reached out to take it but the invisible electromagnetic shield stopped him.
Ozpin strolled next to Kratos, "please do not touch, it's one of a kind, truly priceless." Kratos kept staring at the vase. "Found it in a cavern two hundred and thirty years ago, it led me to research more in Greek myths, and after a few decades I eventually found the truth."
Kratos turned to Ozpin and extended his hand to grab him by the neck. Glynda and Orion were about to intervene, Ozpin halted them with a raise of his hand. Prometheus knew this was going to happen, now it was up to Ozpin to end this.
"Kratos, I do not want you to join, I want to be your ally. I am fully aware of what you're capable of and that is why I want to join you." Kratos' eyes flicker red for a second, "What do you have to offer me?"
Ozpin grew a sly smile, "People, resources, locations to stay, and a friend." Kratos removed his hand from Ozpin's neck. "What do you want from me?" Ozpin motivation for Kratos to follow. "You can kill anything, so I would like for you to take care of certain tasks and missions, in order to prevent the loss of many of my Huntsman."
"That's it?" Ozpin nodded, "Yes, eliminate the beings that are most catastrophic. That is all I ask." Ozpin hit another button on his remote and a holographic screen appeared showing four young adults. One short woman with red and black hair with silver eyes, the other woman was taller with long black hair and red eyes. One man had blond hair and a heavy tan, and the last man had black and red eyes. Kratos had fought him before.
"Huntsman teams consisted of four hunters. This is Team Stark; Summer, Taiyang, Raven, and Qrow. They were one of my most powerful teams, but Summer has grown too ill to fight and Raven has gone rogue leaving Taiyang and Qrow as a duo." Ozpin explained.
"I know Qrow Branwen, we fought before." Kratos said, shocking everyone. It was the fact that someone fought Kratos and survived. During his years as the mercenary, as The Ghost, Kratos was sent to kill a target, Qrow was acting as a bodyguard, and Kratos threw Qrow through a window on the sixty-third floor.
"Is there bad blood between you two?" Ozpin asked, raising his right eyebrow. "Only if he acts up. What has happened to them?" hitting another button the state of Nevada appeared. "A small town with a population of four hundred and one disappeared, we believe a demon was involved. Taiyang and Qrow went to investigate but I have not heard anything from them in four days. Now if they are alive then rescue them, but if they are dead, I would like to capture or kill the demon either way. What do you say?"
Kratos thought about, "Fine. I will retrieve the bodies." Ozpin smiled, "Miss Goodwitch, please show Kratos and Orion to the supplies area." Kratos, Glynda, and Orion left. The elevator doors closed, Ozpin went over to the couch and collapsed, "Whew! I thought he was going to kill me!" Prometheus was glad that Ozpin was alive, "The good news is you kept your composer and remained strong."
Ozpin put his hand together, finally he could turn the tides in his favor. Finally, he could kill Salem.
Line Break.
The town of Wetson was abandoned. Several people went missing and the water source dried up. A windstorm continued to assault the area. The demon who caused it all flew through the sky cackling, this demon was known as Pazuzu, the king of wind demons, bringer of droughts and storms and Lord of the Locust. A tall demon with a feline-like face with yellow eyes with no pupil, horns and leathery bat wing. Pazuzu black skin emitted a red glow of malevolence.
Pazuzu had been freed and for his own enjoyment begin terrorizing a town. Watching those human squirms gave him a great, big demon boner. Soon most of the humans left, but then two showed up, they actually fought back until Pazuzu sliced up the blonde one pretty good. Now they were held up in a house they sealed off with holy talismans.
Pazuzu landed in front of the house and rested on the chain link fence. "Come out you two," the demon laughed, "there is no water, and it must be getting pretty hot in there-Haha!"
A blast from a gunshot through the window, Pazuzu flew out laughing. "Fuck!" Qrow Branwen cursed. Taiyang Xiao Long breathing was heavy, bandages covering his abdomen from where Pazuzu had cut him.
"How are you doing buddy?" Qrow asked as he reloaded his weapon, Harbinger, a hybrid of scythe, sword and shotgun. "I-I been better." Taiyang managed, his weapon was a gauntlet that fired shotgun blasts, next to him. The intense heat and lack of water was making things worse.
"Don't worry Tai, we'll get out of here," Qrow wiped the sweat from his brow. "Qrow, you'll look after girls if anything happens to me, right?" Qrow growled, "Of Course! But you're not going anywhere!"
Taiyang adjusted him to relieve himself of pain, "Qrow, I hold off the demon and you-you transform and fly off."
"Fuck you! I am not leaving you behind cocksucker! Everything is going to be fine! Summer, Yang, and Ruby are going to see us again! Now shut up before I kill you." Qrow ordered as he peeked through the window. Taiyang smiled, "Love you too buddy."
Pazuzu flew over the house laughing, "You two better figure something out! The moment nightfall comes I should break through those puny talismans! Hahahahaha!" He was right, at night demons were much more powerful. The fact that Pazuzu could withstand direct sunlight shows how powerful he was.
Qrow cursed again, if Summer and Raven were here, the four of them together would be enough to take the demon king out. But life isn't made of wishes and pixie dust.
Within hours the last light disappeared, and the gods and goddesses of night took over. The door slowly opened, Qrow slowly stepped out with Taiyang tied to him so he could be armed, Harbinger in Shotgun mode. The remaining holy talismans were strapped to Taiyang. The two hunters were suffering dehydration and heat exhaust, and with his wound Tai will be dead by morning.
Carefully, Qrow made his way to main street where the Huntsman issue combat jeep was waiting. They could call for reinforcement and the medic could save Taiyang. "Hahaha," Pazuzu laughed while sitting on top of a lamppost, Qrow fire and the wind demon disappeared.
"Say, hand over the blonde and I will let you live." Pazuzu said landing before the hunters. Qrow smirked, "Nah, how about you turn yourself in and I might allow you to keep existing." Pazuzu unleashed a blast of burning desert air sending Qrow and Tai and flying across the town. Qrow unleashed his Aura to survive the impact. "Damn it!" Qrow yelled.
Pazuzu casually strolled down the street with his hand in his imaginary pockets. Qrow freed Taiyang from him and switched Harbringer to scythe mode. Pazuzu whistle impressed, "I love when they fight back!" He opened his mouth, and a swarm of locusts flew out.
Qrow roared and charged through the swarm splatting locust all across him. He swung harbinger clockwise, Pazuzu backflipped and leaped laughing, Qrow followed trying to strike, Pazuzu swiped his clawed fingertip but Qrow managed to parry with his weapon.
"So how long do you think your friend will last?" Pazuzu asked as he and Qrow kept fighting, "one hour? Two?" Qrow was having it, "Shut up!" The King of Wind Demons leaped back again, "Maybe I should go check up on him!" Pazuzu leaped up and flew out toward Taiyang.
"NO!" Qrow sped after them. Pazuzu claw grew into curved blade, and he descended on Taiyang, in a last effort of defiance slipped on his shotgun gauntlets and aimed in hopes of getting one shot in. 'Summer, Yang, Ruby… I'm so sorry."
BAM!
Qrow reached the area and saw the figure stand before Taiyang. It wasn't the demon. Both Taiyang and Qrow were tall, and muscular, but this man made them look like prepubescent boys. His skin is ghostly pale, bushy black beard and sharp amber eyes. Those eyes, Qrow knew who those eyes belong to.
"Shit! Not him!" the man known as The Ghost, the man who defeated Qrow and threw him through the window of the sixty third floor. The man who Qrow warned Ozpin about.
Kratos would have gotten here sooner but he decided to get a burger. He turned to Qrow, "Take your friend and leave, there is a vehicle to the west." Growling Qrow slipped by Kratos and grabbed Taiyang and escaped. Kratos pulled out The Stallion, Pazuzu flew back glowing, "HOW DARE YOU!" he saw his original targets getting away and flew after them.
BANG! BANG! "GAHH!" the wind demon crashed back down, a hole in each wing, glaring back at the being who shot him. Pazuzu decided to let the two hunters go. Getting up, Pazuzu marched up to Kratos, hissing out, "Do you know who I am?" Kratos didn't answer, having a look of apathy.
Pazuzu opened his mouth and shot out a ball of compressed air hitting Kratos and wiping out half of the town and several miles behind it. Debris fell out of the sky and when the dust cleared to Pazuzu shock, Kratos was uninjured. "What!? No. impossible!" Kratos aimed his Stallion at the demon, Pazuzu flew straight at Kratos and aimed for the throat, Kratos pistol whipped Pazuzu across the face and sent him flying.
Bouncing against the ground and then crashing, Pazuzu decided to make a tactical retreat. Flying at hypersonic speed Pazuzu ponders what just happened.
"What was that? How did this happen? What is he? What should I do?" The wind demon knew that man was too dangerous to fight in his certain state. He just needs a little sin; a little bit of desire and his power will increase.
Then Pazuzu found what he was looking for, a city that oozed debauchery, Las Vegas. Floating above he felt stronger even before even absorbing the vices around him. Below the Bellagio Water Fountain show begins. Overweight tourist saw the demon.
"Honey what do you think that is?" the wife asked. "Looks like a weather balloon." her husband said. The tourist went back to watching the fountain.
Pazuzu took a deep breath, "Ah yes, the sweet, sweet scent of moral corruption, yes I love it!" He was twice as strong now. Demons grew stronger from vices, sin, and desire. They also grew strong from worship like gods. Pazuzu himself was worshiped and even had newborn and pregnant women sacrificed in his name. Another way demons grew stronger from consuming souls.
Pazuzu drooled uncontrollably at the sights of overweight mortals gouging themselves at buffets, the ones who gambled endlessly as they lost everything, the whores who sold their bodies, and douchebags in suits thinking they owned the world. Yes, this was a demon paradise!
"Is it true that demons feed off desires?" Pazuzu, like all demons, didn't have a normal materialistic body, he was made of material from the nether worlds, but his felt chills go through him. Kratos stood on top of the Bellagio Resort observing the demon. Pazuzu began panicking, 'how did he catch up with me!"
Pazuzu began absorbing more sin and his skinny limbs tripled in size. "I do not know who you are, but you made the biggest mistake of your life!" Kratos just stared as the demon continued to grow in size. "I am Pazuzu! And within this city I continue to grow stronger! As of now I am twenty times stronger! And now you will show the power of the Lord of Locust!"
Kratos sighed and rubbed his head, "It would not matter if you became a thousand or ten thousand times stronger, you cannot beat me." Pazuzu growled as his red aura grew, "PATHIC FOOL!" and flew at Kratos at light speed.
Pazuzu crashed face first into Kratos fist.
Line Break.
Both Taiyang and Qrow were severely dehydrated and suffering from heat stroke. Taiyang needed seventy-five stitches for gash on his abdomen. If it weren't for The Association advance medical care Taiyang would have suffered from permanent damage. In three weeks, he could return to work.
Qrow snuck out of his room to take a smoke break, he took his iv with him. Standing on the roof in his gown, ass in the breeze. Qrow inhaled, then exhaled through his nose. A storm blew in. Funny, just a few hours ago he was in a blistering hot desert, and in the middle a cold, gentle rainstorm. "Shit." he threw his cigarette away and headed back in. He felt shame, for being unable to defend himself, unable to defend his best friend.
He was a Branwen for Pete sake! What would his sister think! What about his father? The Branwen family dedicated themselves to hunting creatures of the night, that was their specialty. And of all the people who had to save him it had to be him. The Ghost, world number one mercenary. A living natural disaster, the walking death, the son of bitch bastard who threw Qrow out of the sixty second window!
"Qrow!" Ah shit. One of many people Qrow didn't want to meet right now came marching up to him. "Hey Snow Princess," he said in a charming voice. Wearing a U.S. military uniform with a skirt, combat boots to increase her height by about a few inches, Corporal Winter Schee icy blue eyes attempted to pierce Qrow's body. A young woman in her twenties, her pure white hair tied into a bun, Winter's presence surpassed her appearance.
"What is the meaning of this, Qrow? Are you disguising yourself as a patient to convince a native nurse to give you a sponge bath, again?" she said with disgust. Groaning Qrow sat down in the nearest chair, fatigue growing. "Well, I am scheduled for one later, but no, I am actual patient,"
Winter narrowed her eyes, "Then you should be resting in your room, and allow your aura to replenish so you may heal faster," Qrow smiled, "Didn't know you care so much." Winter rolled eyes, "Please, despite being an alcoholic, perverted, rube. You are one of the most valuable Hunter of the Association, you dying would be a great loss. Even though we both know your liver will fail before any monster gets you."
Groaning Qrow back up, "So what brings you here?"
"I will be traveling to South America, and I decided to make sure I have vaccinations needed and a physical to make sure that I am in tip top shape. Now I must arrive at schedule time. Good day Qrow Branwen." Winter proceeds to march off.
"What do you know about the Ghost?" Winter stopped in place. "I was told by General Ironwood to avoid him at all costs."
"Ah, well then. See ya later Queenie." Curious, Winter turned around and saw that Qrow had already left.
Qrow went back to his hospital room and found a blonde nurse waiting for him, "Are you ready for your sponge bath Mr. Branwen?" with sly smile Qrow respond, "Yes Ma'am"
"Alright, Nurse Jackie will be taking care of you." Qrow hopped back into his bed and waited. To his horror Nurse Jackie was a man. A six-foot eight man covered in body hair who gave Qrow a sponge bath that would haunt him for years to come.
Line Break.
Pazuzu had been apprehended. Sealed in a mason jar with the power of a Anti-Demon talisman, and the beating he received from Kratos; Pazuzu not going anywhere. "My My," Ozpin analyzed the jar containing Pazuzu, in which the demon took a liquid form.
"Pazuzu, King of the Wind Demons, Bringer of Storms and Droughts, Lord of The Locust. A demon so strong not even the Seven Two Devil families would trifle with. Even The Four Great Devils would be cautious around him. And yet you defeat him after he received a power boost."
Kratos wasn't really listening, he was going through Ozpin's coffee bar. He chose a large novelty mug and filled it with black coffee made from beans transported from the United Arabian Kingdoms. He sat on the giant U-shaped couch.
"Ahhh, eeehh." Pazuzu groaned. Kratos repeatedly shake the jar on his way back. Kratos may have changed over the millenniums but choosing to sadistic every now and then wound not kill him. Ozpin pressed a button on his universal remote and the fireplace lit up.
Ozpin poured himself a cup of coffee. "Cozy?" Kratos groaned. A thunderstorm arrived and the massive window became blurry with the lights of the city becoming fuzzy.
"I have saved your hunters and captured this demon. Now, tell me how your organization came to be?" Ozpin sipped his coffee, "It's a complex and long story."
"Then simplify it."
"How simple?"
"As simple as the people who enjoy the works of Seth Roger."
"Ah." Ozpin began to collect his thought, "I just it all started with the Roman Empire. The great Roman Empire grew at an incredible rate, due to aid of their gods and the use of the strange arcane knowledge known as "Science". The mortal empire began expanding and expanding to the point where it began merging with other kingdoms and lands. Egypt, Norse, Asia, Africa, India, and so many more." Kratos drank his coffee and listened.
"Some centuries joined willfully, and others were forced. But humanity advanced and thrived all over the world. And the Gods of all pantheons began to thrive as well. They began to spread their worship as far as possible, something taking completely new identities in order to gain power. But then Rome fell and chao spread. The Gods returned to native lands and humans were left to fend for themselves. Plus, with Christianity on the rise polytheistic quickly fell out of favor."
"Jesus of Nazareth." Kratos said, "Hmm, you knew Jesus Christ?" Ozpin had his research, but Jesus was still one of the mysterious beings Ozpin had ever looked into.
"Yes, we were curcified together." Kratos said, shocking Ozpin, "Wait, you were one of the two convicts that were crucified along with Jesus? Which one?"
"The one who mocked him. For that I was casted into Hell." Kratos spent a couple of hundred years in hell fighting against demons, devils and the corrupted ones until they managed to kick him back to the mortal planes. Ozpin now has many more questions, Kratos said, Continue.
"Ah? Oh yes. Well unfortunately due the consistent intermingling between several counties and races, various beliefs became intertwined with one another, and this confused the gods themselves. So, the gods decide to leave the mortal world alone in hopes that things would settle. It got worse.
More stories, more beliefs, new gods, monsters, species. Soon the gods could not intervene with the risk of trespassing on another pantheon turf. And then the mortals took over their own world and grew to insane numbers. But unfortunately, the monster did as well."
Darkness loomed over Ozpin as horrible memories came back. "There were minotaur's in the deserts, Akhluts in the middle of jungles. Fucking krakens in the middle of lakes of England!" Kratos remained silent, he too remembered when he encountered breeds of monster he had never seen before. Then he spoke, "So you founded the Huntsman."
"Yes. So many life time's ago I was a priest in training. But when my god abandoned me, I chose a different path. A path of freedom and independence! I found others like me, warriors, mages, hunters, scientists, alchemists, and poets. We came together to protect our fellow man and to fight the ever-growing threat of predation."
Ozpin went over to his coffee bar to get his refill. Kratos still had many questions, "This organization is impressive, but still even with advanced weapons and magic artifacts, how are mortals-humans able to constantly fight against monsters?"
A new pot of coffee began brewing. "You're right. As humans evolved so did monsters, several new species and subspecies appeared, and things went to shit. So, after years of research eventually I discovered a way to keep up. The power of the soul."
Ozpin unleashed his aura, which was light green in color. Kratos raised an eyebrow, the soul?
"This is the aura, the manifest of one soul. Using it can dramality increase one's physical and mental powers. With one Aura the sky was the limit!" Ozpins spread his Aura to a piece of paper making it as strong as steel and used to slice a coffee mug in half.
"With this new ability we threw the monster back into darkness!" Ozpin said proudly. Kratos analyzed Ozpin with a godly sense and looked at his soul, he was right. His soul flowed naturally with physical and mental energy. It reminded him of Qi users in the Orient.
"So Aura can be used in other ways?"
"Like I said augmentations, enhance one healing rate, create a barrier, and enhance the properties of weapons and armors. I even saw mages use their Aura to increase their magical powers."
"And what are the limits?" Ozpins sighed, "Well Aura is not limitless, one can run out of it and will have to wait for it to recharge. And of course, because it is the manifestation of the soul, beings such as demons, ghosts, spirits, and other spiritual beings can directly attack the soul."
Kratos nodded as he received this information, a door cracked open. A small boy about four or five stepped in, wearing green footie pajamas and holding a teddy bear. He tanned skin with freckles, brown hair, and hazel eyes.
"Oscar my boy what you are doing up," Ozpin walked to and picked up Oscar. "I had a bad dream again. The plane went down."
"There, there my son, let's get you a glass of warm milk and I will read you a story." Oscar looked at Kratos, the little hazel eye boy waved, "Hello," Kratos raised two fingers as a greeting, "Hello," Ozpin took the boy back to his room. Kratos missed his own kids, and after thirty minutes Ozpin came back. "Sorry about that, now where were we?"
"You have a son," Kratos asked, Ozpin walked up the fireplace, "He is my adoptive son, his parents died on mission, and I took it upon myself to raise him. He is brilliant for his age. Reading two grades above his own."
"My son Anthony is six and he is reading at an eighth-grade level. He likes reading about animals and nature." Kratos said.
"You have kids?"
"Seven." Kratos was planning on having more. He is the son of Zeus.
Kratos began talking about children, he was proud of every single one of them. He likes having tea parties with his daughters, and wrestling with his sons. Yes, Kratos was a doting parent and kept all the father day gifts he got from them.
"The eldest is my stepson, Percy. His father is Poseidon." Ozpin spat out his coffee and began a mad coughing fit that lasted two minutes and thirty-eight seconds. Pressing a button on his remote several small robotic cleaners began to act on their purpose. Ozpin steady his breath. He wanted to call Kratos a liar, but why would he lie?
This did explain the sudden surge of monster attacks. Of course, that explains everything. Ozpin was very much aware of that prophecy, he just hoped he had time to prepare.
"How old is he?" Ozpin asked, finishing wiping off his mouth of coffee and spittle. "Evelen, he will be turning twelve next month."
"Shit!" Ozpin cursed. Kratos calmly drank his coffee.
"I can offer teachers to train him; Qrow, Taiyang, and Glynda just to name a few."
"What about Summer Rose?" Kratos wanted to meet this Huntress. "She is too ill."
"Take me to her." Ozpin narrows his eyes at Kratos, "Why do you want to meet her?"
Why did Kratos want to meet her? He wants to know why she has The Eyes of Artemis.
Line Break.
Summer Rose was considered a prodigy. Despite her petite size and slim build, she is a legend among the organization. She had hunted and killed countless monsters alone. She earned the title Queen of the Hunt.
Currently she lay unconscious in an enclosed healing pod. Wearing a gown with several monitors that analyzed her vitals. She was smaller than Kratos expected, just barely five feet tall. Black hair with red bangs. Strange black vein-like markings cover the left side of her body. Her muscle mass has decreased by huge margin. Her skin was so pale that even regular mortal eyes could easily see every single vein and artery.
"A year ago, she encountered The Association's greatest enemy, Grimm." Ozpin said he placed his hand on the healing pod. "Grimm is the opposite of the Association, they seek to rule and enslave humanity, their leader is The Witch called Salem." Ozpin's eyes were filled with guilt and regret.
Kratos focused on the growing marks, yes, these markings were slowly killing her. She will not make it to the end of the year. "Is there a cure for her condition?"
"We tried many, but Salem cursed magic is unholy, evil, and stubborn." Ozpin said bitterly. "Hmm," No, Kratos could not allow this woman to die. He needs to know how she got the Eyes of Artemis. Kratos proceeded to do things his way, he ripped off the lid of the pod and tossed it aside. Which means Kratos destroyed over fifty million dollars of equipment.
Ozpin winced at the sight of the loss of money, he knew he couldn't stop Kratos, and if he could save Summer. Kratos leaned over Summer; his eyes started glowing red. Kratos gently held Summer's head between his hands. Next Kratos entered Summer's consciousness, her personal realm. The world appears to a series of doors and hallways.
Kratos saw Summer's memories, from saying her first word to slaying her first monster. He found a sign. Embarrassing memories this way (Open twenty-four-seven). Hopes and dreams to the left. Core personality second right. Sanity department third left. Shameful sexual fetish (Authorize Personnel Only!)
"Hmm," Kratos groaned. "Excuse me, do you need help?" behind Kratos Summer appears. Wearing her combat armor, white hoodie, oven mitts, and an apron that said 'Ego'. The Ego, center point and balancing point of one being. "Yes, I am here to help."
Summer Ego had a look of relief, like waiting one turn for the bathroom and she finally got in. "Oh thank goodness! Please follow me." Following the Ego, the scenery changed to that of a forest, glowing clouds of thoughts and memories flowed like fog.
Kratos caught one and saw into it. Summer ate a cookie. "Hey! Who took my cookie!"
Summer quickly devoured the rest of the cookie and yelled, "Raven did it!" and ran off. Another one shows Summer's dancing on the corpse of a gigantic monster. "Go Summer! Go Summer! It's your birthday!" her teammates rolled their eyes and shook their heads. "Yes Summer it is your birthday, now can we please go now" said a younger Qrow.
"This way please," Ego said. Kratos followed as the trees began to change to wither, twisted versions. "Hmm, explain to me what has happened," Ego sighed, "She was too strong, we were lucky to make it out alive, and now we're dying." The sky became red with black clouds.
"Salem." Ego flinched at that name, clearly traumatized. Deciding not to press on Kratos followed. Soon the forest became a wasteland. Stange black vines cover the area for miles. "This is as far as I go, if I were to go any further it might find me."
"What is it?" Ego was scared. "The Curse. Please save Her!" Kratos nodded and moved further. Ego quickly ran back to safety.
In the realm of the mind time moves faster, hours pass by as Kratos through the wasteland, memories run wild and repeat like a video on loop. Kratos' right foot fell into a hole in the ground, he pulled it out and the hole began glowing. Kratos looked in the hole and found another memory.
Summer and Taiyang were sitting on a couch, Taiyang held a baby girl in his arms as he bottles fed her. "So, Raven just left?" Taiyang sighed, "Yes, it's been weeks since I saw her, and just yesterday she sent me a letter saying she is not coming back. Why? What did I do wrong? If not stay for me, why not stay for our kid, why not stay for her daughter!" Summer placed her hand on his shoulder and gave him a gentle squeeze.
"Tai, you did nothing wrong. I don't know what goes through Raven head, but it's no excuse to abandon you two." All of a sudden, the baby spat up and began crying. "Oh no! Summer, please hold her while I get a towel," Tai handed Rose his daughter and ran off in quest of finding a towel. Summer began rocking the baby, "There, there," the baby stopped crying and began giggling and cooing.
"Yes, you're a happy baby! Yes you are!"
"Hmm," Kratos stopped watching the memory and moved on. Violent wind picked up; voices of memories haunted the space. Another hole in the ground opened up and Kratos watched it.
Taiyang and Summer were standing in front of a Christmas tree wearing ugly Christmas sweaters, a toddler with blonde pigtails stood between the two. Summer was holding a baby girl with the same black to red hair, she too had the Silver Eyes of Artemis. "Say Reindeer!" Taiyang said, "Pain Deer!" the Toddler girl yelled and flexed her arms.
Kratos remembers the family photos he took with his family; it was a nightmare every single time. He began to wonder about those silver eyes, both Summer and the baby had them.
Were they legacies? Prometheus explained to Kratos some time ago that legacies were descendants of the Gods. But a legacy of Artemis? That would mean Artemis broke her vow of chastity. No. Artemis of all beings never breaks her vow. Plus, Apollo had enough lovers to make up for the both of them.
So, the only explanation would be that a Hunter of Artemis broke her vow and created the legacies. And not just any Huntress; only the most loyal and experienced members of The Huntress would receive the Silver Eyes. The blessing of The Silver Eyes grants Godly Perception that allows the user to view the weaknesses of opponents. Ever be able to see through objects like X-ray vision.
Having Summer Rose on his side would be an immense benefit. And if he saved Summer, he would definitely have The Association as his army. He saves the memory of Summer giving her children their Christmas gifts. Feeling empathy, Kratos made sure he would save her.
Further into the mind the wasteland grew more chaotic, shards of memories laid shatter, pointlessly replaying over and over. Kratos came upon a giant silver pillar, it was covered in spider webs. What? Near the top a cocoon with a faint glow caught Kratos' attention. Kratos squatted and leaped up next to the cocoon. Carefully he tore the webbing apart. Inside was the soul of Summer. That explains it, with the soul trap the aura began to weaken, allowing the curse to grow.
Freeing the soul Kratos leapt down. Gently he laid the soul down and imminently spiritual waves began healing the mind. Memoires began collecting and fusing back together.
This was too easy. SQEEEEEEEEECHHHH! There it is. A massive claw shot out of the ground, Kratos grabbed the soul and dodge before the claw struck. Seven more claws began crawling out of the ground. a giant black, and white demonic spider, its eight red eyes glared at Kratos as if he was the one trespassing.
"Back off." Kratos warned, The Curse screeched again and charged. Kratos dodge as the Curse attempts to skewer him with barbed claws. How does one kill a curse with a mind? Simple, you just kill it. That was Kratos answer. The Curse opened its maw, spitting out a webbing, catching Kratos and swung him into the ground. Kratos shields the soul from the impact. Groaning, He got up and placed the Soul down. He needs to end this; a fight will only damage the mind even more so. The Spider shaped Curse charged and brought its claw down upon him.
When the dust settled, Kratos stood holding back the claw with a single finger. Kratos' eyes became black with golden iris. The scenery changes from the wasteland to warzone. Fire rampaged through this land as rivers of blood boiled. The Curse stood below a massive throne made of bronze and iron with mountains of skulls surrounding it. The being sitting wore bronze armor with blazing red eyes. The Curse screeched in defiance at the being.
"SILENCE!" The being roared, shutting up the Curse. The being reached out and grabbed the curse, "Parasites like you deserve to be crushed." tightening his grip the Curse was destroyed. Kratos stared out to his realm of war, enjoying the view before he returned.
Line Break.
The Witch known as Salem dropped her wine glass. The curse she placed on Summer Rose was broken. How? Salem claws sliced into the arms of her throne. "Ozpin, what did you do!"
Line Break.
Time was a strange concept. While inside Summer mind hours had passed, outside only three minutes twenty-eight seconds had passed. Due to Kratos destroying the healing pod a medical alarm went alerting the emergency team, Ozpin was holding them off.
The head doctor, named Banner, was arguing with Ozpin, "Ozpin please, we have to get in there!" Doctor Banner pleaded, Ozpin stood in front of the door, "Doctor Banner please listen to me, Summer is no danger, a very special person is helping her."
Summer began screaming, the medical team pushed Ozpin aside and burst in. Summer's body appears to be levitating with only her hands and feet touching the pod. Her eyes rolled back into her skull; her mouth wide open. Kratos stood back, his eyes like black holes. Summer collapsed back into the pod, and everyone rushed to her. The black markings were gone! Her lift arm was withered to the bone, and her eyes were glassy and dull.
Kratos stood still. The doctor began taking care of Summer, "Her breathing is stabilizing." Two doctors left to get a gurney. "Pulse is rising." Dr. Banner places his stethoscope over Summer's heart, "Heartbeat increasing." They placed Summer on the gurney and rushed off with the rest of the doctors following behind. "Kratos," Ozpin placed his hand on Kratos' shoulder and shook him, well try to, Ozpin felt like he was touching a statue.
Ozpin usually traveled with a cane, which he began poking Kratos in the head with, "Hey, hey, hey," on the eight tap Kratos grabbed the stop. "Stop!" Ozpin stopped. "What happened?"
Kratos rubbed his eyes. He explained how he destroyed the curse by sending it to his domain. Strangely Kratos could taste spicy lobster curry, who knew that curses tasted good.
"I see. Salem is immensely powerful. Then again what is a witch compared to the God of War." Ozpin spun his cane and waltz out of the room, "Well, let's interrogate Pazuzu."
They placed Pazuzu in a blender with holy water, garlic, lemons, and cayenne pepper. They set the blender on high and icebreaker mode and left the demon helplessly spinning for hours. The Association didn't commend torture, but they didn't condemn it either.
Meeting back up with Doctor Banner, who finished examining Summer. "Her left arm will have to be amputated; the damage is just too severe. She may need eye surgery as well. Her muscles have atrophy, and she will need physical therapy. But I believe that Summer Rose will make a complete recovery."
Ozpin took Banner's hand and shook it, "That is wonderful news!" Yes, Ozpin will not have to watch another one of his Hunters wastes away. "How long will her recovery be?"
Banner pursed his lips, "Really depends on her, though I say anywhere from five to eight years."
"I see. Thank you, Banner, I will leave you to your work." Ozpin watched as Banner left. He began thinking, Summer will survive and recover, but five to eight years. There has to be a way to speed up the recovery. Shit. Kratos will most likely remain hidden until he decides to confront the Gods, so going after Salem is currently out of the question.
`Be patient Ozpin." he told himself, he could wait a little longer. And he could get access to Percy Jackson. Ozpin knew the Prophecy said at the age of sixteen he would decide the fate of Olympus. Being the Son of Poseidon and trained by Kratos. Ozpin couldn't help but smile. He is eleven years old, so five more years and he might be one of the strongest.
Ozpin began making plans for the future.
Line Break.
Estelle Jackson was the third child and eldest daughter of The Jackson Family. Four years old and she was quite the prima donna. She loved to be the center of attention and the person loved to receive the most attention from was her Father, Kratos the God of War.
Unlike her Supremely masculine and somewhat (very) ugly father, Estelle was a cutie pie and girly girl, at her pre-school the boys gave her candy and toys just to get her attention. But in her eyes, her 'Daddy' was the best no buts about it.
Estelle was in her Barbie doll pink kitchen, making Play-doh dinner. She was making a green cheeseburger and purple fries. She went to the dining room and set the dinner at the head of the table where Kratos always sat. "Daddy! I made your favorite!" no responses. Estelle went to her father's study. "I found you!" Estelle yelled as she busted in. No one was there.
"Daddy?" Estelle began searching the study, she looked under the desk, and in the drawers, then the room's closet. "Found you!" The closet only had coats in it. "Where's daddy?" Estelle began searching all over the house and yelled 'Found you!" every time she opens a door. Then she burst into her mother's office. One time when Estelle went in there, mommy was leaning over her desk and daddy was behind her. Her mommy said that she slipped, and daddy was helping her up.
"Found you!" Estelle screamed as burst in. Sally nearly fell out of her chair. "Mommy, where's Daddy?" Fiona, sat up in the playpen watching her sister. "Um, your father took Percy out for training," Sally said, reading the documents sent from her work. "Ok, when will Daddy and Percy be back?"
"Well. Later." Sally said uncertainty. "Hmm, Ok!" Estelle left and found that Joseph and William ate the Play-Doh food she made.
Estelle waited patiently for her beloved father to return. Soon days passed and Estelle began to worry that her father left for a new family. Then weeks passed, then a month. Soon Estella began throwing tantrums, "I want my Daddy!" She began acting up, yelling, throwing, and picking fights. Sally had to give her a spanking for pushing her younger sister Bella down.
"Estelle Jackson, you are going to change your attitude right now!" her mother warned her. Sally was at her limits; having no idea where husband took her oldest, handling six kids, including a six-month-old baby, and dealing with her work. Thankfully she was able to work from home.
"I want my daddy! I want my daddy! I want my daddy!" Estelle screamed. Sally placed her hands on her hips and sighed, "Your father will not return home if you keep acting up." Sally imminently regretted saying that because Estelle turned up her tantrum to eleven. She threw herself to the ground and began screaming to point her face became bright red. She undid her pigtails and threw her shoes off and began banging her hands and feet against the floor.
Sally shrugged her shoulders and decided to let Estelle tire herself out. And after five minutes of hellish screaming Estelle stopped. Screaming became sobbing as the four-year demigod laid down crying. "Daddy."
"Estelle, why are you crying?" Looking up Estelle saw a giant boot, looking up further she saw the same amber eyes she inherited looking back at her. "Daddy!" Estelle got up and began climbing her gigantic father, "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" Estelle sat on his shoulder and hugged his thick bull-like neck. "Daddy! Please don't leave me!" Estelle sobbed.
Anthony came running in the hall, sliding on the floor because he wore socks on the hardwood. "Dad's back!" The Second Jackson child ran up to Kratos, "Hello Anthony." Kratos picked up his son. Bella came out with her favorite blue crayon, "Dadee." She was picked up next. Then the Twins came charging in and each hugged a leg. Lil Fiona sped crawled to join, Kratos scooped her up. The Jacksons kids hugged him tightly and clung onto him like Cicadas.
"You." a tired voice groaned. Sally scowled at her husband as he looked back at her. "Hello-" Sally held up her hand, "Stop right there. Where is Percy?" Kratos set down the rest of his children, except for Estelle who clung to neck like a starved vampire. "He is in Yellowstone Park." Sally was concerned that Percy may burn down the entire park, but at least she finally knew where her son was.
"Ok good. Now here is what is going to happen. I am going to take a very long nap." Sally pointed her finger at herself, then she pointed to Kratos, "You are to take care of the kids, you're going to cook them dinner, no fast food! Then you're going to bathe them, put them in their pajamas and have them in bed before ten! And then when I get up, we are going to discuss your decision of throwing our son into the woods."
"Fine." Kratos said. Sally went to her room and passed out near the bed; she hasn't slept for nearly a month. Kratos played with his kids, Anthony told Kratos of his new favorite book 'Peter Johnson and The Rain Thief", Estelle showed Kratos the new dance she learned from ballet, "Look daddy! I'm a Fairy Princess!"
Bella tried to copy her sister; she fell down. Kratos quickly picked her up to calm her down. Bella then showed her father all the pictures she drew. "And tiz one is you, and tiz ones is mommy and tiz is a birdie I saw, and tiz one is you with a hat." Kratos patted her head, "These are very nice Bella, can you make me another one?" Bella smiled showing, she had the same toothy smile as the rest of the Jacksons.
The Twins unleashed all chaotic energy upon their father, he managed to calm them by wrestling with them and by wrestling, Kratos just laid down and let them hit, kick and jump all over him until they tried out. Lil Fiona was bouncing up and down on Kratos knee, the current youngest giggling as her father played with her. "Da-da!' she yelled, and Kratos stopped. Her first words.
Sally was going to be really pissed off due to the fact that Kratos was gone for nearly two month, and he was Fiona's first words. "Da-da!' Fiona said again.
For dinner Kratos made hamburgers. Kratos was a surprisingly good cook; he learned to cook in order to assassinate an entire family. The one thing he had to make sure was to not poison the food. He smashed a patty into paste for Fiona to eat. "Da-Da!'
Then it was bath time. In the children's bathroom became a waterpark as the kids splashed water everywhere, Kratos was soaking wet, he would use his power to dry off instantly and then be drenched again. He bathes Fiona last, carefully pouring lukewarm water over her and gently applying the baby shampoo. In Kratos' opinion true strength is control, being able to handle fragile glass without breaking it, and applying the right amount of force.
Holding one child without hurting them. Losing control is a weakness. True strength is control. His kids are so small compared to him; Kratos was nearly three hundred pounds of pure muscle in his mortal form.
Kratos dried Fiona off, swaddled her and placed her in her crib. He watched over her, gently caressed her forehead with his giant finger, Fiona grabbed his finger and held on until she fell asleep. Estelle and Fiona shared a room, your typical pink princess style. Kratos read his daughter a bedtime story.
"And then the Great Knight decided not to marry the Princess due to commitment to his kingdom and continued to serve his homeland for many years. Then after many decide to marry a woman of his stature and procreate many children to continue his lineage. He died with honor. The End."
Estelle clapped her tiny hands, "Yay! Daddy, you tell the bestest stories!" Bella had fallen asleep. Kratos kissed Estelle's forehead, "Goodnight my child." Kratos turned off the lamp and was about to leave. "Daddy?" Kratos stopped and looked at his daughter who looked worried. "Are you going to leave again?" Her amber eyes were soft and warm like her mother.
"Estelle, I promise that when I leave, that I will always return." Kratos said. Estelle looked down. Kratos went over and knelt down and placed his hand on her head. "I will always be there for you." Estelle held out her right pinky finger. "Pinky promise." Kratos held out his giant pinky finger. "I Promise."
"Cross your heart and hope to die!" Estelle chirped. "Yes." Kratos agreed. Estelle snuggled up in her bed. "I love you Daddy!" Kratos stood up. "I love you too." He kissed her forehead again and then gave Bella a good night kiss.
In the boys' room, Percy and Anothny shared bunk beds and the Twins each had their own cribs. The room was littered with clothes and toys. Anthony had the bottom bunk, near was his bookshelf. Despite being only six years old he had shown to his parents and teacher that he had a high I.Q. he was an advanced and avid reader. He was finishing a chapter of 'Peter Johnson and The Rain Thief,' and to his shock the Rain Thief was Peter's friend, Luther Kessler.
"I didn't see that coming!" Anthony heard his father's footsteps. His senses were incredibly keen. His Father entered, "Anthony, It's time for bed." Anthony's eyes didn't leave the book, "I just need to finish this chapter, only two more pages." Kratos agreed silently and checked on the twins, Joseph sucked his thumb and William slept with his butt up in the air.
"Ok, I'm done." Anthony placed his bookmark in and then shelved the bed. Anthony turned off his lamp and laid down. Kratos stood by the door, "Goodnight my sons."
"Hey…Dad?" Anthony said with his back to him. He felt his father's eyes on him, "Yes, Anthony?" Anthony was quiet for a moment, "Um, never mind." he still felt those amber eyes on him. "Anthony, what is bothering you?" Sighing, Anthony said, "Do you…do you like Percy more?"
A moment later Kratos responded, "why would you say that?" deciding to be brave Anthony rolled over and saw him standing, the room was dark but his father's amber eyes glowed. His giant father, The Patriarch of The Jacksons. In Appearance the two look nothing alike and they had different interests. Anthony was worried that his dad had lost interest in him.
"It-it just… it's just you and Percy spend a lot of time together."
"I'm training him." Anthony groaned, "And I know I'm not like him. I'm not strong or tough like he is, but… I don't know…I just want to make you proud." he heard his father groan, the groan he made all the time. 'Knew it, he doesn't want me.' Anthony looked away. Kratos knelt down near him, "Anthony,"
'Here we go.' Anthony ready himself for the worst. Maybe he'll be spent away somewhere nice.
Kratos placed his hand on his son's back, "Anthony, I am proud of you. I do not favor any of my children. No one is above and no one is below."
"Really dad?" Anthony wanted to make sure. Kratos continued, "My son. My expectations of you are different, because you are different. You are wise for your age, and I know you will achieve greatness." Anthony smiled, feeling much better. "Thanks dad."
"Now rest. You need sleep to grow." Anthony gave the trademark Jackson's smile. "Goodnight Dad."
Finally, the children were asleep. Kratos went back to the kitchen and washed the dishes. He went to study, pour himself a glass of whiskey. Tomorrow he will retrieve Percy, he should've gotten the message by now; Behave. Don't lose control. Think about the consequences.
He just wanted the boy not to make the same mistake he made. He didn't want Percy to suffer like he did.
Line Break.
Blood dripped down Percy's face, his breathing was deep and long. His body was bruised and bloody from the fight. His opponent was Mol the Orc, an eight foot tall, six hundred and forty-six pound green skin with stringy orange hair. Mol spat green blood out, "Ya lil basta!"
Their fight led to the bottom of an abandoned mining quarry, spark from the fight left caused old oil and chemicals to create a growing fire. A pack of hellhounds picked up the scent of Percy's blood and were heading his way.
'I will win.' Percy told himself, 'I will kill him.' If Percy wins, he will change fate. His eyes changed, the remain the same sea green, but the glare he emitted were sharp and aggressive, and began to resemble Kratos eyes.
Percy had begun his path as Kratos' future champion.
Chapter End.
Author here, I plan for this story to get out of hand. To make the story more interesting I will add characters, monsters, items and things from different media. This is still a God of War and Percy Jackson Crossover. All other characters from different media will be made to fit the narrative of the story. I plan on adding whatever the F I feel like.
Thank you all for reading.