Big sorry to PotterheadParzival that I couldn't update in October.

Thank you for beta reading the chapter for me Perseus03.

Also, thanks to everyone who is reading (and reviewing) the story.

Kindly disregard the spelling mistakes. I have tried to minimize them but I'm told that when publishing on Fanfiction, sometimes errors do creep up.

Enjoy the chapter. I hope it meets your expectation.


7

Previously

A golden light appeared near her and Apollo in his battle armour appeared," And I will help you, sister. You have attacked my daughter, Perseus. This gives me enough reason to kill you."

To their surprise, the man just laughed, "The Twin Archers of Olympus. This is going to be fun."


The sun has risen and the sky has become red. The rays of the sun reflected off Apollo, the god of the Sun. He had chosen to be at the age of twenty which is the same as that of Artemis, his elder twin sister. He was tall at six foot. He had sun-kissed blonde hair and out-Dorsey good looks. His lightning blue eyes were always full of mirth and always as bright as the sun. He was well-shaven and he had chiselled jaw and face. He had a lithe, muscular body like a hunter. He was tanned, like a surfer. He was what anyone could call a ''womaniser''. Well, he was that a few thousand years ago. His bright smile was enchanting, for both mortals and immortals.

His sister, in contrast, had auburn hair gathered in a ponytail, with a silver highlight to it, signifying her domain of moon. She was also six foot. Her face was extremely beautiful, to say the least. Her silver eyes glowed like the moon and held determination as well as love in their depths. Her perfectly shaped eyebrows were as eye-catching as the goddess herself. They were perfect in every sense, with dark long lashes. Her perfectly proportioned nose and rosy cheeks added beauty to the face. Her full lips were perfect. She was tanned, due to the hunts she had done through centuries. Her curvy and lithe figure was always prepared for a fight. She had an hourglass figure with full breasts and long, toned legs. Her manicured nails that are always perfect and her toned body added to her beauty. She was beautiful, even among the most beautiful goddesses of the Greek World.

However, when the twins stood facing Perseus, they weren't their normal persona. Apollo was not smiling his usual smile and Artemis was growling. But as far as Artemis could see, their opponent's composure hadn't changed even after both the gods have summoned their symbol of power. He seemed completely relaxed.

Apollo could no longer control his anger and sent a flare from his right hand towards the man's face. Artemis could see that he hadn't anticipated this and could not raise his hand, even if it wouldn't help, to block in time. The flare hit him on his nose and it sent him flying towards the inner parts of the forest. She and her brother soon approached him after sending away their weapons.

He had been thrown towards the trunk of a tree and had fallen to the ground. He stood up, supporting himself on the tree.

"Didn't see that coming. I expected arrows. Huh! No matter." He stood up and greeted Apollo, "Hello Apollo! Long time, no see." He smiled. As much a smile that a werewolf can smile with a snout.

"Do you expect me to greet you as a friend after what you tried to poison my daughter, Percy?"

"Not tried to Apollo, I did poison your daughter. But she asked for it. It keeps Percy Jackson and Perseus contained while I dish out my punishment for Percy and dear Artemis, here."

Apollo looked confused. Why is he talking about himself in the third person?

The werewolf looked amused at Apollo's confusion. "Not too bright, is he Artemis? Or maybe he doesn't know that his "best cousin" was bit by the werewolf king in the North after he was cast out of Olympus. Wonderful family, I must say. Cast out the one who saved you multiple times based on an accusation."

"Lycaon!" Apollo spat.

"Now that we know who we all are, let's get down to business, shall we?" He drew Anaklusmos.

"But, Anaklusmos won't do. Zoe... no, Miss Nightshade won't be pleased that her sword shed the blood of Lady Artemis." He made a notion and the sword disappeared.

Artemis was surprised at his thoughts of Zoe. She was sure that he was talking to himself, not them. Why does he think about what Zoe would think?

"You speak as if you had met her after her death, boy." She sneered.

"Indeed, we have. If we could muster up enough courage, you could too. Hm... Maybe in a few months or years. Debts have to be repaid." Perseus seemed to have zoned off.

Why did you take away control, Perseus? Give me control. You agreed to this. If I help you subdue Percy Jackson in his worst memories, you give me a day of control, away from Percy Jackson's control.

But I am unsure if your intentions are for Percy's good. You know how much he cares for Lady Artemis as a friend. I just don't think...

A word is a word, Perseus. You can't back out now. You gave me your word.

Fine.

"What do you mean?"

"Sister, don't think about his profanities. He had seen Zoe again! He and I know that you wish that. That is why he is trying to distract you." Apollo interjected.

"Oh! I don't need to distract you both. I have seen her. Lovely as always. Now, to business."

The man growled and held out his hands. Two swords appeared. One, she had seen earlier. The black hilted one. The other was also black hilted but longer and broader. The sun's rays reflected off the blades' silvery surface.

"Bring it on, then. You won't able to defeat us in our domains." Apollo also made his golden bow appear, his godly weapon. It was a longbow, almost as tall as him. The bow had intricate designs of the sun. The string was also tightly stretched. Artemis also made her own bow appear. It was similar to that of Apollo. But it had designs of the Moon. Artemis was confident of their victory. For one, they are archers and he was at a large distance from them. Even if he got himself a bow, he was the worst archer known. Second, they were in her domain-the wild. The moon and the sun were also present, cumulating their chances.

Apollo, never one to be patient, sent out a volley of arrows at Perseus. The bronze shield blocked all of them. It was a simple broad shield with wave designs on it. Apollo sends out another volley followed by his sister. The arrows were once again blocked. This continued for many minutes with the archers keeping a distance from Perseus and he was trying to move through the barrage of arrows. The Twins were sure that they could do this for many hours while the man could not defend for that much time. They were so gonna kill him. They could draw energy from their domains, infinitely.

Suddenly, their arrows began to feel resistance and lose their power on reaching Perseus. The arrows could not reach the man with the necessary power. The Twins were confused. What is happening? Artemis quickly noticed their opponent and answered her own question. He had dissolved his shield and was just waiting, his eyes glowing. Water... That is the reason. Water in the air is putting resistance against the arrows. He is manipulating it.

Artemis turned to her brother, "Godly arrows, brother. Normal arrows cannot match this much resistance." Apollo nodded and summoned his arrows. They were radiating energy on their own. Artemis also followed him. They re-began firing the arrows and now there was no resistance. But again, his shield came up. Even with the godly arrows, the shield was not moving. There was not even scratch on the shield. The shield provided cover for his whole body. Nonetheless, the archers tried again and again.

Suddenly, an arrow pierced Apollo's stomach. It was a white arrow, dissolving after making the wound. Artemis not seeing the arrow looked for the archer. But it was her greatest mistake. An arrow passed through her chest, barely missing the heart and puncturing her left lung. The arrow dissolved as fast as it appeared. But the wound was present, golden ichor gushing out. Apollo rushed to his sister, ichor flowing from his stomach. Together, they stood back-to-back. But again, another arrow struck Artemis' stomach and Apollo's leg. There was no sign of the archer. Then, arrows began to rain upon them, wounding every exposed body parts. Artemis frantically searched for the archer or archers that could send arrows with such precision. Every arrow was sent at a particular part of the body, disabling the part. The only reason they were standing was that their wounds were healing as soon as they were formed due to the energy given by their domains and their skills at dodging the most.

Artemis looked at Perseus, wanting to know if he had set up the archers. He stood, just watching amused as they were getting shot. Artemis realised; he was shooting them. The arrows are water arrows, and he was just pointing the water arrows.

I thought such precise control of water is possible only for Uncle Poseidon. Or the other water Lords. Then again, he did help them defeat the Leviathan.

Artemis turned to Apollo to tell him but Apollo too had arrived at the same conclusions. They quickly separated and ran for cover, sending arrows at Perseus. But they were intercepted by the water arrows. But they were also getting results. He was also being hammered by arrows and he had hidden behind his shield.

The arrows soon began to be replaced by water spears, piercing their bodies and coming out of the other side. But it was apparent that even with the additional support of spears, the Twins were soon regaining their dominance in the fight. They just needed to move fast enough to avoid arrows and Perseus could not send arrows accurately as he is not seeing them. Apollo soon thought out a way to defeat his shield.

"Explosive arrows, sis. We're going to take out his shield." Artemis nodded and prepared them. On the signal from her little brother, she sent out the explosive arrows with her brother. The arrows struck the shield on the centre and exploded.

BOOM!

Perseus was thrown away half a mile by the explosion, breaking through more than one tree. Must have broken his spine and/or ribs, Apollo thought gleefully. The shield would have been decimated. Those arrows held the firepower of a nuclear nuke. Apollo and Artemis moved towards their fallen enemy, whilst thinking of how to kill him slowly and painfully. When they reached him, they were surprised. The shield had been thrown away from its owner but not much damage was present on it, just some scratches and burn marks. Their enemy had also risen from where he had fallen.

The man had a quite amused look. "Well, that was a good warm-up. I must say, I underestimated you two. But it seems that you are correctly been acclaimed as the God and Goddess of Archery. What about round two?" The shield dissolved. Artemis now annoyed send a projectile of moon's energy out of her hand towards the man but the man just summoned his swords and deflected it, the projectile hitting a tree and burning it to the roots. Artemis and Apollo started sending out projectiles of the energy from their domains but they were simply deflected by the man's swords. The forest was soon burning and a forest fire had started. This was weakening Artemis' attacks and she began to slow. Apollo noticed this and sorted out a plan.

This is going just like that Duel centuries ago. How to attain victory? Apollo thought desperately.

"Sis, I am going to engage him in close-combat. And- "He was cut-off.

"I am not allowing you to go there, little brother. You cannot win there."

"Yes, I know. But I am good at close combat than you. So, I could hold on much longer. Don't argue. Now, listen. I go in and you can support me from this much distance. He cannot defend attacks from both sides and we can take him down."

Artemis thought about this. It was a viable plan. He was at a good distance from her and she could support Apollo from this much distance. What would happen if he somehow managed to block her and fight against Apollo at the same time? She raised her concerns to Apollo.

He just waved them off. "It would be no problem. You just cover me. If everything fails, I can break his arms or legs and win. We both know he is not a complete Immortal. And hence cannot match my physical strength. There is no way he is going to win against a God." Apollo grinned and Artemis just smiled.

Artemis watched absentmindedly as her twin reached their opponent while covering him. She had a feeling of dread as Apollo reached the man. Apollo had summoned his sword and had clashed with Perseus. The sword was a Greek sword with a golden surface and a bronze hilt. It radiated power on its own. Artemis was now successful in sending arrows to his body parts and he had to divert attention to avoid arrows. So, he couldn't fight off Apollo with full concentration and Apollo was making the most of it. But he couldn't quite make any wounds, yet.

"Finish it fast, little brother! He is adapting and may soon overpower you." Artemis advised her brother in his mind. As if on cue, a storm soon formed in her vision. Her arrows began to become directionless. Going here and there. "Not this again." Artemis cursed and tried to move but the storm was centred such that she was always at the epicentre. She tried to teleport but it was doing her no good. Magic. Why does everyone forget that he is the God of Magic somehow? The storm was a barrier to hold a god. Artemis cursed; Apollo's plan was a good one, till now.

Apollo also saw the storm and cursed," A distraction." He is on his own now. Apollo knew that he couldn't win on his skills purely. So, he decided to use his powers. He used his domain of Prophecy which could be defined as future too. He began to foresee Perseus' oncoming strikes and deflected them. He also made wounds where his defence was open. He could see that he was slowly winning. Perseus was taking many wounds and he was tiring. But, as quickly as Apollo tasted victory, the tables were turned. Perseus' movements began to be erratic and unpredictable. He couldn't just place his next strike. Apollo looked to Perseus, wondering what has changed and saw that the man was smirking.

"Your predictions could not give you much chance, God of prophecy. The sea and the tides are unpredictable."

Apollo began to get wounds. His left hand had already become useless and there were wounds on his torso. His legs were bleeding and even with his self-healing, many wounds were inflicted within seconds. Apollo was trying his best to get a strike on the man but his defence was very good. Apollo did manage to make some strikes but they were very few and most were deflected. His wounds were also healing very quickly. Apollo decided to take out his last trick before he is defeated. If this isn't going to work, then he would have to obliterate the man.

Apollo quickly teleported behind the man's back and slashed. It was quite sure that he hadn't expected that and couldn't defend himself fast enough. He again teleported and made another slash. Another wound. Apollo grinned. Although this kind of fight is cowardly, but hey it is getting results. After all, victory is important, not the path. Perseus was soon on his knees, blood soaking his clothes. Apollo prepared himself to finish the fight and raised his sword.

Perseus raised his head and muttered, "If that is how you want to play ..." Then, he too disappeared. Apollo was stunned. Where did he go? He wouldn't run, would he? He soon got his answer in the form of a stab to his back. He quickly turned but there was no one. Another slash to his back. This continued for a few minutes and Apollo was bleeding ichor like a fountain. Damn, vapour travel. How could I forget that? Before he could take his true form to destroy him, a well-placed slash at his tendon on the knee made him kneel and Perseus appeared before him, a cold smile on his face. Apollo tried to raise his sword but a kick from his leg to his joints in the shoulders broke both arms. Apollo, for the first time, felt fear as he gazed upon the green-eyed man. He still hadn't said a word but stabbed Apollo in the chest. Apollo screamed as his heart was pierced by the sword with Styx waters burning the heart. Apollo looked upon his soon-to-be murderer and saw his sadistic smile.

"Don't fret now, Apollo. That comes later when I make you see your sister being murdered."

"Please, take my life if you want for revenge but not my sister's."

"Revenge!" The man laughed. "Revenge! I see that you haven't changed much from the past. It was a good joke, even when you're on Death's sweet embrace. Why would I want revenge, God of healing? If I wanted revenge for cursing me, so that every wound I acquire would be more painful and take more time to heal, I would have done that centuries ago. No, Apollo. This is not revenge. At least not by Perseus. You forget that today I'm not Perseus Jackson. After what I am about to do, he may kill himself. If he can die, that is."

He looked towards the storm that had decimated most of the forest and was still encircling the auburn-haired goddess. "As for your sister, it depends on her skills. Don't worry, you can watch it and then I'll kill you."

He removed his sword from his chest and turned towards Artemis before Apollo could plead. He made motions with his hands and spears of water pinned Apollo downed to the ground. He waved his hand and the storm vanished. Artemis quickly looked for her brother. She found him, defeated and bleeding on the ground. He wouldn't be able to heal that many wounds and help her. So, she is on her own. She saw the man walking towards her. She sent out a volley of arrows but they were deflected by the man, not stopping in his pace. She even tried explosive arrows and Godly arrows but he simply avoided them and quickly reached her. She summoned her twin knives and met in battle with the twin swords. He made strikes after strikes, not giving her time for preparing herself for defence. She could see that the swords were not ordinary Celestial Bronze or Imperial Gold. Both these metals would not have been able to hold against godly weapons.

The battle continued for half an hour with Perseus making strikes fast enough before she could defend herself and Artemis taking wounds. In one quick movement faster than she could respond, he made an upward motion with his swords and sent a kick at her chest, disarming her. Without giving her time to raise herself from the ground, he jumped on her and sat down on her thighs. As she squirmed, he stabbed one of his swords on her chest and other on her left shoulder-blade. He then got off her and watched as she screamed in pain due to the piercing of her heart. Ichor spilt out of the wound and soaked her hunting clothes. She watched fearfully as he bent down.

Perseus pulled out his sword from the heart and made a spear of water impale her other shoulder blade. She again screamed in pain. Her chest wound had healed within seconds but she could not move due to the water spears pinning her down. He looked at Artemis with a glint in his eye that scared the moon goddess.

He smirked, "Are you watching Sun God?"

He pulled out a dagger and placed it at her throat, but his eyes, that had started to become a bit foggy, travelled up and down her body. Their position was rather provocative, it almost made Artemis blush. Almost.

"Although...dying a virgin? That's a little cruel, even for me." Perseus leaned into Artemis' face; she could feel his hot breath on her lips. She shivered as his left hand caressed her thigh.

"Would you like me to help you with that Artemis? I have heard that it's rather pleasurable" He grinned evilly.

Artemis's eyes widened. No! He wouldn't do that to me. I was once his friend. He wouldn't...

"Monster!" Apollo groaned, fearing for his sister's wellbeing. He could only watch in fear as Perseus' hand groped his sister's breast. Artemis's eyes snapped shut; she bit her lips to suppress her moan, as he fondled her left breast. The spears were pinning her down, withstanding her godly strength to push up.

Artemis opened her eyes to find Perseus' ones smouldering with lust, they had glazed over and she knew that he was going to do it.

"Perseus" Artemis croaked, "Please don't do this- "She cut herself off with a small shriek. Perseus had placed his sword still on his left hand next to her face and used his now free hand to grope her right breast. His left hand slithered its way under the hem of her hunting dress. His rough, calloused fingers, teasing her as he massaged her inner thigh, very close to her-

"Perseus! Please!" Apollo cried. He simply ignored him and leaned into Artemis's ear.

"I know you're enjoying this Artemis!" The tip of his tongue grazed her jawline; Artemis couldn't hide the moan that escaped her lips.

"I'm not" Artemis could barely whimper, in fear of what was about to happen.

Perseus smirked against her neck, "Aren't you? What if I do this?" He licked her collar bone all the way to her lips. Artemis's own tongue licked his saliva off her lips.

"You were always so beautiful Artemis" He whispered; Artemis's eyes shot open. This wasn't his husky voice from a couple of seconds ago; it was his normal voice. His hand caressed her face like a lover as he stared at her with smouldering eyes. But he ruined it by smirking almost sadistically.

"But I'll admit, horny look looks good on you too." He smirked.

Artemis blushed as he used his dagger to tear open her shirt. Before Artemis could protest, he bent down and nipped her neck. She gasped as he proceeded to leave a trail of love bites that would most likely stay for at least a couple of days, down her neck and to the shy of her breast. Artemis whimpered. He grasped her legs roughly and adjusted them so that they were wrapped around his lower back.

"Percy...please" Artemis pleaded.

Perseus pulled back and growled, "It is Lycaon. I don't want you moaning that bastard's name."

Lycaon. Silver. A plan began to form on her mind.

"Perseus, please; I am begging you. Don't do this. Please!" Tears welled up in Artemis's eyes.

Perseus' eyes widened in anger, and for a split second, his eyes held that beautiful glint in them from the old Percy. It disappeared as fast as it appeared. Perseus faltered a bit before his surprised expression was replaced with a scowl.

He raised his arm, intending to plunge his sword into her neck.

At least I can do this for Percy, after everything he has done for my hunters and my family in his early youth. Even if this is the monster that he has become. Was New Athens Lycaon too? I would never know.

Artemis looked at Apollo, she sent him a loving smile, as if to say goodbye. He began to curse and scream for Perseus to stop. Artemis turned her head to face Perseus, she stared him straight in the eye. Perseus stared right back. He brought the sword down; Artemis closed her eyes and plunged her silver dagger through pain into his neck.

She looked at Perseus, surprised. She was sure he would have seen the dagger coming. The sword was lunged into her shoulder. She didn't let out her pain, not wanting to give him the pleasure. He had already humiliated her enough.

He let out a howl and sank into the ground. He removed the dagger from his neck and placed it on the ground. He was bleeding but the wound has already closed. He seemed surprised, sad and angry.

Percy remembered her final words to him.

"Forgive me, my love. You will find your equal, my love. I am sorry that I caused you more pain."

Percy took control.

Finally, ...

...

...

What have I done?

"What have I done?" He looked at her exposed torso, then looked up and shook his head, his voice changed, "Argh! Get out of my head!" He clutched his head and fell onto the ground, wincing as if in pain. Artemis realised her torso was exposed and folded her arms over her breasts, blushing and looking away. He took off his jacket and threw it towards her, never looking.

What have I done? How can I atone for this?

"Cover yourself Lady Artemis!" He muttered his voice back to his normal cold one. He made motions with his hand and Apollo was freed. He quickly reached her, bleeding and glaring at Perseus.

"Sister?" Apollo croaked. "Are you alright?"

Perseus kneeled before Artemis.

"Kill me, Lady Artemis. I have avoided death till now for I had given my word not to die to Aurelia. Not if I can avoid it. What is a broken word compared to what I have done? Kill me. This is the only thing I can offer." He bowed his head and submitted before her. His eyes were in tears.

Artemis stood up, putting her weight on one side.

This was Lycaon. Not Perseus. Not Percy. She reminded herself. Justice, not vengeance.

"Just go, Perseus Jackson. Just...go." Artemis' eyes teared up in her own pain and humiliation. But she consoled herself. She saved herself. She is independent. Justice, not vengeance.

"Your wish is my command."

He turned away from Apollo and started walking away, muttering to himself.

Suddenly, three lights arrived from the sky towards the ground. Two were grey light and the other was a red light, as red as blood. The Twins didn't move from their positions. Perseus hadn't even noticed this, still talking to himself. The light cleared and there stood three Olympians-Athena, Mars and Annabeth. Athena stood in her armour, holding her spear and Aegis, her grey eyes with not-so-well-hidden anger and despise. The face of Medusa on the shield would have made any mortal take a step back involuntarily. Annabeth was also in her armour; her grey eyes did not reveal anything. She held a sword and a replica of Aegis. Mars stood in roman armour holding a gladius and a shield, his bloodshot eyes indifferent. They were looking at the man to kill whom they have arrived.

Athena moved forward towards the man, "You have no idea how much I was waiting for this moment, Perseus. I- "She looked towards Artemis and saw her half-naked and bloodied state. "Sister, what is this? Perseus, you have done it, again haven't you? Why my sister? I will kill you painfully for this. Are you even listening to me, you bastard?" Perseus seemed not to hear any of her threats. He still had his back towards them.

Athena turned to Apollo, "Where were you when this bastard was defiling your sister, you idiot? Too lazy to move a finger? I should have known that you did not love her as you proclaim. I-" She was cut-off by Artemis.

"Wait, sister." Artemis felt compelled to stop her. She didn't know the reason she was defending a man who had tried to rape her. But her heart was asking her to do exactly that.

"Hear me out, sister. He- "Artemis' vision suddenly became a blur and her head started spinning in circles, forming a massive headache. She clutched her head and fell to the ground, unconscious. Apollo rushed to her, checking her. She is fine, physically. She just fell unconscious without any reason. Apollo looked at Perseus, wanting to know if he was the reason. But he was not; he was still muttering to himself and clutching his head, now and then.

Athena also went to her sister and checked for the reason. She decided that she was unconscious after the hideous act Perseus did with her. This just gave her more than one reason to kill that bastard. She rushed forward and made a stab with her spear, fully expecting him to turn around and defend. But the spear met no resistance and passed through his chest, coming through the other side. She ripped it out, feeling enormous happiness at the blood overflowing from the wound. He still hadn't turned around, as if not yet felt the wound. Men, they are so slow these days. She hit him with a shield on the back and sent him onto the ground. Her daughter and not-so-overly-idiot half-brother stood with her. Mars was just watching Perseus and Annabeth seemed hesitant to attack him.

Perseus stood up, still not turning around and muttering to himself, "What have I done? What can I do to atone for this?" His wound has closed. Athena was frustrated that a spear to the chest still hadn't killed him. She was getting angrier and the angrier she became, the less rational her actions would be. She motioned for Mars to hold him down. Mars held Perseus down without any resistance and Athena send a powerful kick to his bone with all her strength which is a lot, to crush the spine. Perseus didn't scream in pain or anything but fell to the ground unmoving. As a lasting blow, she again stabbed him with her spear. Perseus raised his body, took a long breath and again fell to the ground limply. Mars turned his dead body around and put a hand over his chest, to feel his heartbeat. Silence. Mars let out the smile of a victor. Athena, seeing this smiled content. She had done what she had been waiting for and had fulfilled her promise to her daughter.

Thalia watched in muted silence as the War gods of Olympus killed the General of monsters without breaking a sweat, the one who had defeated the best archers of Olympus without any considerable damage to him. She had just arisen from her comatose state after Artemis stabbed Lycaon. Thalia was not at all happy about Percy's death. She was sure trying to rape Artemis was all Lycaon. There's no way Percy would do something like that. Though she was one of the first to voice their opinion at his punishment, she never wanted his death. He was one of her best friends and more than a brother Jason ever was. He had been the one to take upon the prophecy so that she could have a family and a peaceful life. He was one of the people that had been able to understand and withstand her fiery temper. She could feel tears coming from her eyes but didn't try to rub it. She was shedding tears for the death of a friend and a brother, not this beast he has become. What Nico would do, she wondered.

Apollo too was conflicted. He did not doubt that he deserved it after what he tried to do to his sister. But he didn't know how she would respond to this. He knew that she had loved him in the past. Hades, she told him first and he was always enjoying making fun of her for that. He was friends with Percy in the past and he had been the best prank partner with Hermes. They would always prank Artemis and Aphrodite and somehow got away with that. Percy was the one that made him see that just because he was younger doesn't mean that he could not protect Artemis. He was the one to get rid of Artemis' misconceptions of him and made their sibling bond stronger. So, he didn't know how Artemis would react to his death. Would she be happy that he had died? No, no. She still loves him; however, she tries to convince herself that she doesn't. He was a good man in the past and that was why she loved him. She still believes that the old Percy is still there and hence doesn't want his death. Her judgement right before this shows her belief. He wondered what his wife, his oracle, Rachel would say. She was one of the oldest friends of Percy and has supported Artemis' theory. But it doesn't matter now. He is dead. He could see that Mars was also having such thoughts by just watching his face. Percy may not be in Mars' good books, but he respected him for a great warrior.

Apollo watched as Athena and Annabeth bend down and picked up his swords that had fallen near his body. They seemed to have a hard time lifting it. Apollo looked at the swords. They were just plain Greek swords. That raised another question- how the Hades is he capable of lifting it? Curse of Mars would have prevented him from being able to lift a simple sword or any weapons. So, these weapons must be somehow connected with water, Anaklusmos was. Apollo also thought about how his wounds healed. It should not have been possible. The man was full of mysteries but they had died with him now.

Athena turned to Mars and asked him to lift it. Mars seemed to put his best effort but the swords have not lifted from the ground. Apollo went near them and tried to lift them. Not only he could not lift it, but also his hand seemed to be trying to capture the tides. He could not hold the sword properly to lift. It was too shifting and seemed to twirl in his hands like a whirlpool. The only thing Apollo could not lift were the symbols of power of other gods. The swords seemed to act like Poseidon's trident when once he tried to lift it.

Must be his symbol of power, then. As he is the God of Magic and Tides. But they should pass onto his heir. Which should be Athena and Mars as they killed him. Unless...

Suddenly, the swords began vibrating in Athena and Apollo's hand and shot out. Apollo's eyes followed and the swords shot towards Perseus who was standing without any injury whatsoever and a grin on his face-a sadistic grin. He hands were held out and the swords arrived at his hands. He began twirling them.

"An advice, Goddess of Wisdom. To kill a beast, cut off its head. It is no matter now, though. You won't survive this night. Although I have to thank you idiots. If you haven't angered him, I would never have been able to take over. So, let the games begin." He grinned a smile and made a notion with his hand. Soon, a rain of arrows began, pinning down the gods inside their shield. Apollo had made a barrier around Artemis and her hunters and could barely hold the barrier without the arrows harming his injured sister. Perseus strode forward leisurely. He first approached Mars and the arrows stopped around him. Mars quickly attacked, sending blows upon blows. But he just deflected them and even with a shield, Mars was getting wounds faster than he could heal, Perseus' dual swords creating the best offence and defence. Athena saw this and cursed- a division. She could not help now. She would have to think out a solution to this problem of arrows. She looked to her daughter and saw that she too was as helpless as her, for now.

Mars was getting tired and was looking for a way to end this soon. He saw an opening in his defence and thrust his sword towards Perseus' exposed shoulder. He realised too late that it was a trap. Perseus moved his shoulder sideward and thrust both of his swords into Mars' shoulder. The swords broke through his muscles and tendons, bringing agonising pain on his sword arm. Perseus pulled out his swords, ripping apart his entire shoulder joint and making the sword now useless. Mars looked at his almost ripped apart shoulder with shock. Before he could put his shield in the way, Perseus had already thrust his swords at the other shoulder and ripped it apart. Mars now had no weapons and his limbs were useless. Perseus sent a powerful kick towards his chest and Mars fell to the ground, groaning. He was sure that more than one of his ribs has been broken. Perseus made a wave motion and the arrows around Athena and Annabeth stopped and shifted into spears. They flew towards Mars and pinned him down. Perseus turned towards Athena.

Athena had risen and stood menacingly. "I had thought that after the 'gift' I gave you, you would have committed suicide. But it seems that I have to kill you myself."

Perseus never faltered in his pace even after seeing the horrifying face of Medusa on Aegis. "Oh! We received the 'gift' alright. Consider this as our thanks."

Athena turned towards Annabeth and nodded. She still had the magic cap, so it could help. Annabeth also nodded, put on her cap and disappeared. Perseus didn't seem to notice this and was looking only at Athena. Athena smiled; she is going to achieve what her brothers had not achieved. She let out a battle cry and rushed forward. But it was her greatest mistake. When she made her thrust with the spear, he just sidestepped and put his swords around the spear. He pulled them hard and the spear flew away from her hands. Athena was stunned. Nobody has ever disarmed her so fast. She thrust Aegis towards his chest. It seemed to push him a little bit but he also pushed. Both were pushing now. His swords had disappeared and he was putting his entire strength into the shield, somehow matching Athena's own. Sort of like when she fought Atlas in a Duel. She knew that holding this is her only chance unless she could get a weapon. If they unlocked, as much as her hubris didn't want to admit it, he could quickly defeat her.

Suddenly, a sword pushed through his abdomen from the back. Athena smiled. Her daughter had done it, she had finished the fight. But when she looked towards Perseus, she was surprised to see that he too was grinning as his plan succeeded.

He simply muttered, "Took you long enough." Athena was in too much shock and didn't notice he had unlocked from her shield and sent a kick at the shield, throwing her to the ground. Perseus turned around, grinning as if he had won, sword still in his abdomen. He pulled it out and thrust it towards the shocked young goddess. Her scream echoed in the forest. She fell to the ground, trying to remove her own sword out of her stomach, coughing up ichor every second.

Athena had risen from the ground and growled at the sight of her favourite daughter. Perseus too turned, still grinning. Well, I am going to wipe out that smile off his face, Athena thought. She concentrated and began to glow. Thalia, unable to interfere, saw that Perseus was still grinning, but he too had closed his eyes.

"Well, I was getting tired of this less destructive fight anyway. Now, I can use my other weapons too." He started laughing. Thalia was seriously considering that he had lost his brains. How can you fight someone when you cannot use your eyes to see? Thalia watched as Athena had become a literal light column and was radiating energy, burning down trees and plants. Perseus had summoned his battle axe. It was a double-edged axe with the blade surface silver. The axe was a green axe and Thalia had a feeling that it was not an ordinary axe. It was radiating energy of its own. He caressed it lovingly and rushed towards the light column, eyes closed. The light column now had taken the form of a woman full of light and she too rushed forward, a spear forming. They clashed and Thalia could see that even though he had his eyes closed, he was still winning. His moves and strikes were a bit slower than normal but were still in par with the goddess. She knew that he had done this before. No way, one could fight like this without experience. But with who and why?

He interlocked his axe with her spear and pulled it hard, disarming her and then struck on the centre of the goddess. The axe passed through the light and an explosion took place, sending Athena, now in her human form and Perseus away from each other. Athena had drained all her energy and could not lift even a stone. Perseus, however, stood up coughing up a little blood and strode towards Athena, water spears already holding her down. He approached and stood with a sadistic grin.

Athena could only look up and accept that she had been defeated. Now, she was at his mercy. She croaked out, "How?"

He still hadn't stopped grinning. "You forget that I have fought immortals before and comparing some, you are a child. Now, how should I kill you?"

Annabeth saw her mother about to be killed, pleaded. "Percy, please. Please don't kill her. I would do anything. I-"

"Shut up, goddess." His voice had lost its sadistic edge, but he still wasn't Percy. "I will not kill anyone today, not today. Not because you asked me to, but because I feel like I have done enough sins for one day." He turned towards Apollo, the only currently standing god.

"Take them to Olympus, Sun God. And ask Lady Artemis to forgive me if she can." Before Apollo could respond, Perseus waved his hands and disappeared. Apollo turned towards the bleeding gods. All the spears that were holding them down had disappeared and they were slowly getting up, except for Athena who was still down. Apollo wondered where their skills and powers had gone. Here, they are five Olympians with varying domains and known to be the best warriors of Olympus, defeated in the most humiliating way by a man who is not even a complete Immortal. He had found their weaknesses during the battle and had successfully used them. He and her sister were taken out in close combat, Athena and Annabeth were defeated before they could come up with a strategy and Mars was the only one who had not been defeated using his weakness. He was ambushed and was defeated using his shock and surprise.

Apollo now understood why his father always wanted his children to train and push their limits. Perseus was the reason. He was afraid of him after the massacre of New Athens. He was afraid that if Perseus attacked Olympus, they may not be able to win. That also meant why he always seemed to not provoke Perseus, to avoid such a cataclysmic war. If he had listened to his father, Perseus would not have defeated him so easily and he could have protected his sister much better.

Apollo was pulled out of his thoughts by his sister's groaning. He had pushed her head on his lap and was waiting for her to awake. She woke up, her eyelids fluttering. She seemed to look around for someone but only found three beaten up gods. She stood up and looked to Apollo for an explanation. Apollo gave her new clothes with a twitch of his fingers and started narrating everything to her.

When Artemis felt consciousness return to her, she looked around to see if Perseus was still there. But he was nowhere to be seen. Apollo told her that he had disappeared. She tried to remember her meeting with the Creator's brother.


Immortal Realm of Aphinur

As Artemis lost her consciousness of the world, she searched for where she was. She could not see anything. Nothing but darkness. Who had pulled her into this imaginary world? She was not sleeping; she was sure of it. She seemed to stand for hours, bored out of her mind. She could not return to the outside world, as much as she tried. Whoever called her here wasn't done with her yet. Suddenly, a voice resonated through the darkness.

"Welcome, Moon goddess. Pardon me for calling you to this world, but I wanted to talk to you." She looked for a source but couldn't find any.

"Who are you? Show me your face. What is this place?"

"I cannot show you my face as I am still sleeping. As for who I am, I am Order, Chaos' brother."

Artemis laughed, "The creator does not have a brother, fool."

"Is it that she had led you all to believe while we were asleep? I had thought that she had changed after the War. I should have known better. No, moon goddess, your creator does have siblings. Six to be more precise. She is the youngest and I am the second youngest."

"How does the creator have siblings? She had just existed. That's the truth."

"Believe it, Moon goddess. We are siblings made from the energy of our father. We-"

"Believing that you are the Creator's brother, which I don't, how do you have a father? Aren't you the first beings that existed?"

"No, goddess. We're not omnipotent. There are older beings than us. Now, to why I called you here? I am here to declare war on your planet, Earth. You are the daughter of the current immortal king, aren't you?"

"A war? Why? I am a daughter of the Olympian King, not the current king of the planet, not that there ever was. He rules his area while the titans rule their own and the Primordials act as advisers."

"So, Zeus had sucked up his pride? And the Primordials had accepted peace? So, my assumptions were true. He was assembling an army against me."

"What are you talking about? What army? Who is he? And why this war?"

"Why this war? It is because of my domain. I am the personification of order while my sister is that of chaos. The time for chaos had ended and the time for recreation of this galaxy again had started. Your planet is causing chaos more than what is acceptable due to your familial connections with Chaos. If left unchecked, this could be problematic for the stability of the universe. So, I would destroy your entire galaxy and provide stability to the universe. It is my duty to my domain. After all, chaos strengthens me and order my sister."

"Destroy our planet? Do you think we would just lay down our lives and cower? We will not and-"

The voice laughed. "Funny, that was what he said to me too. I can see why you would become my greatest enemy in this war along with him. Yes, it would be better if you laid down your lives. Your defeat is assured. Maybe it will take me quite a time, I will do my duty."

When Artemis was about to say something, she found that she could not speak. The voice laughed at her attempts to speak.

"You are no match for my power, little goddess. Go now. Consider yourself warned. I will be coming to officially declare war soon. You have seven centuries of your time." Artemis found herself drifting from the darkness towards light.

The voice called out to her," And Artemis, do let my nephew know my best wishes on his wedding if you see him." Artemis did not understand this and soon the light overwhelmed her. She opened her eyes to see that she is lying on the ground, her head on Apollo's lap.


Artemis tried to clear her mind from the thoughts to tackle them one by one. But it was easier said than done. Questions about the identity of the man mentioned by Order swirled in her mind, if it was Order at all. She wasn't convinced. How can the Creator have a brother, so she just placed this meeting in the back of her mind and didn't bother to mention it to Apollo, who was checking her for any fatal injuries. All had healed thanks to her godly blood. Physically, at least.

"For the last time Apollo, I am fine. Now stop pestering."

"I am sorry big sis. I was never afraid more than today when you were molested by that bastard. I- "

Artemis interrupted him, "Believe me, little brother. I was too. But it has passed and I am not at any danger. You are a good brother and don't call me big sis. It is as if you are insulting me."

Apollo smiled, "Not at all, I mean it. You are a good sister, too. You won't be coming to Olympus?"

Artemis just shook her head. Apollo nodded. He then teleported the gods to Olympus.

"Apollo, can you heal my hunters?"

Apollo nodded and made a hand gesture which removed the poison from their veins except for Atlanta and Andy who was blown to unconsciousness. Atlanta was conscious but was crying, unable to stop the pain.

"Apollo, what happened to Atlanta?" Artemis asked fearfully. "She isn't going to die, is she?"

"Let me check."

Apollo reached his daughter and placed a hand over her forehead. She was looking at him with hope. Golden light emitted from his hand and covered her whole body. Artemis sighed in relief. Apollo was going to heal her.

Suddenly, a reddish-brown light come out of her body and repelled the golden light. Apollo was thrown away from his daughter. Atlanta suddenly opened her mouth to shriek but no voice came out. She was sobbing and convulsing, her eyes glazed over. She eventually blacked out.

"Alpha toxia. That bastard!" Apollo cried.

"What is this poison, brother?"

"One of the worst poisons in Tartarus. Used for torture, basically. You remember the one Tartarus used on Percy while he was being hanged upside down?" On Artemis' fearful nod, Apollo continued. "The poison wouldn't allow her to speak. Also, when somebody tries to heal it or expunge the poison, it will increase the effects and gave nightmares. Eventually, she would ask for death. Maybe in a few months..." Apollo cried harder.

"Did I bring this on her, sister? On revenge for cursing him?"

"No, you're not responsible for his actions, brother. Is there no way to cure her?"

"Nobody would be able to remove the poison if it entered the veins. Maybe Perseus? He inherited Akhlys' domain, after all."

Both of them saddened at that. There is no way he is going to remove the poison when he poisoned her himself.

"Go to Olympus, Apollo. Give my regards to Rachel. Try to keep your big mouth shut. Not a word about what happened to anyone. Not even Hermes. I don't want what happened to be made public."

Apollo nodded and disappeared.

Artemis turned to Thalia hugging Perseus' jacket close to her, "Tell them that we camp here today. I am going for a walk. I need to think."

"As you wish, Milady."


Perseus appeared near the sea where his parents were buried.

"Percy, you know that I tried to stop Lycaon-"

"You drugged me. Using my own memories. You knew that that good-for-nothing werewolf would have nothing good to do. There's a reason I killed that bastard. Knowing that you will hand over control to him, you drugged me. Had I been-"

"Had you, what? You were already tired after fighting the Bactrians. If you had tried to fight Artemis or the Other Gods or Andy, you would have been dead. Do you want to die?"

"You know the answer to that. Death would have been more honourable than what I did today."

"Death is more honourable? There's nothing honourable in death. Especially in ending your life. You know that you gave your word to Aurelia. I won't have you dead since it's my body too. I am not apologizing for that. But I am apologizing for what we did to Artemis. The time it took me to give up my word to free you were already too much. I deeply apologize for that. I know what she means to you."

"At least we got rid of the bastard. That's a silver lining at least."

"Now, what can we do to rectify our mistakes. When he killed Aurelia, we had a debt to pay only to that child-killing bastard Amon. This is not the same case."

"There's nothing we can do. Maybe disappear from her life, entirely. She can never know what happened. She would be devastated."

"Now, aren't you getting too sentimental for my taste... I hope you're not going to say 'I love her' now."

"Shut up. I still haven't forgiven you for saying all that to Artemis."

"You were always too sentimental for my taste. She is one of the few Immortals you have respect for. I can't even imagine being in love with Aunt Hestia or Lady Leto or your father. Other than loving her, what reason do you have for your "immense respect" for her? Hmmm?"

"Everything outside of battle is too sentimental for you. No, I do not love her. She gave Andy a home. I respect her for that. Now, shut up. We must listen to what our teachers have to say. Now, of all times."

"Before that, I think you should heal our body. Otherwise, we won't be alive to listen to what they have to say."

Perseus checked his body for injuries. He began unbuttoning his shirt and threw it into the sand. He had a strong chest. But the back was also heavily scarred. Whip lashings, sword wounds, spear wounds, arrow wounds, you name it- every such wound was there. But they were healed and had left scars only. But then he waved his hand and it seemed as if another layer of air has moved away from the body, revealing the true state of his body. They were horrific, most parts were just forming flesh and one could see through the holes in his body. Where there was flesh, it was burned to almost black. It was obvious that he was using the Mist to create illusions to fool anybody who saw his body and only he knew its true state.

He muttered, "Damn immortals and their energy forms. Athena nearly burned me. It also didn't help that I had to fight five gods. Thanks to you, genius."

He put the sand over his wounds, in those having flesh as well as don't having it. After he put sand all over his body, he manipulated seawater and made a layer over his body, but it was the third layer. The second layer seemed to be air. He then began muttering something and suddenly he screamed as if his entire body was being poured acid over it. But slowly, the wounds began to heal faster than even Apollo would have healed and flesh began forming at a faster rate. Within minutes, his body mended itself leaving only scars in place of the wounds.

He once again turned one-eighty to check for wounds. There were strange symbols on his body. His chest had a number-777- burned into the flesh in an unknown manner. The numbers were just readable. They were too much like those tattooed in the jails. But surrounding this number were numerous weird symbols that are not important right now. But there were other symbols that anyone with a bit of Immortal Blood could recognise. Ancient symbols for the seven elements. A symbol of tide on the chest for Water, a glowing fire on the back representing Fire, a storm on abdomen representing Air, grains of sand on the lower back for the Earth, an image of the sun on left bicep for Light, an image of the night on the other bicep for Darkness and finally an hourglass on the back of the neck for Time. The symbol of water was the only symbol that could be seen easily. Others had almost faded.

Perseus content with his work had started buttoning his shirt and stood up.

He called out in a language that no one on Earth currently speaks. Suddenly, two people arrived-no flash, no sound. They were a man and a woman, presumably a couple, both in old age. The man was a tall one almost as tall as Perseus. He wore a long white cloth around himself. Agasthya. The woman was also covered in a similar white cloth. The man had a very long white beard and hair. The woman's hair was partially white and black, flowing down to her waist. Lopamudra.

Perseus suddenly seemed to glow as if he has a firecracker in his body, bursting in every colour known. The man who supported himself on a staff strode forward and placed a hand on Perseus' head. White light emitted from his hand and Perseus stopped glowing.

"There, there child. Control your emotions."

Perseus immediately got up and bowed to both, touching their feet in reverence.

Lopamudra spoke," How many times do we have to say, Perseus, to not bow to us?"

"You know why. You gave me a path to live when I lost it. You had guided me in my troubles. That is why I respect you and bow to you. "

"Why have you called us, child?" She asked.

"You know that there's a war-like personality in me. In recent years, he has become much stronger and today, I did something because of it. Partly, anyway."

"You mean, Perseus and Lycaon."

"No, just Perseus. Lycaon was destroyed today."

"How? We have been trying to destroy him for thousands of years."

"Apparently, the answer is to stab me with silver. Lady Artemis did it." Perseus answered proudly.

"But she would not be able to lay a finger on you in a Duel. And you're not foolish enough to fight her outside a Duel." She hardened her gaze at Perseus. "You didn't face her outside a Duel, did you?"

Perseus' head hung up in shame. "There are a lot of things that happened today that I wished hadn't."

Before Lopamudra could ask him for clearance, Agasthya replied Perseus' previous question. "I had feared that this would arrive one day."

"You know the reason for this?" Perseus' voice was very much giddy. Agasthya nodded and made a notion. Suddenly three rocks arose out of the earth. Agasthya and Lopamudra sat on two rocks and Perseus just sat on the sand.

He started, "To make you understand easier, I would say an example. Helix's children were called the Immortals. They were the ones to have a physical body, unlike their father who was pure energy. The elder sibling held such power that they are always in slumber but still control their domains. But, the younger three and sometimes the fourth too are not that powerful like their elder siblings. They were required to not rest and sleep. The eldest of the three-Void was the personification of the space and place where immortals go when they fade which you already know about. The second one was Order the personification of order and the youngest was Chaos, the personification of chaos. So, the youngest two's personalities were conflicting and they began to fight with each other. Void didn't want to participate in his sibling's fight and he just watched from his domain. Well, I got off-topic here. My point is that Chaos had children- the Primordials. Contrary to the popular belief of The Greek World, Chaos wasn't the creator. She was the reason for earth becoming a suitable habitat for humans and the current plants and animals present on earth. Earth was part of a realm in which the only habitable planet was Earth. There were other realms and many habitable planets. So, these, of course, lead to a variety of species on each planet. There were also many portals between realms. The Primordials felt that such dangerous species should not be allowed to have free reign."

"I know this story. I thought you were going to tell me the reason for this problem."

"I'm getting to that. So, skipping, when the Primordials wiped out each realm, blood was spilt and spilling of blood is never good. This caused the Primordials to begin to think irrationally. They turned against each other, never trusting their own sons or their partners. A good example is Ouranos banishing the Hectonchires to Tartarus. He feared that they wanted to kill him and take his throne. There was no love within the family. Their entire characters changed and they developed a type of dual, contradictive personalities."

"Now, this is where you come in. The blood that you have spilt is calling out to you. You've killed more than the Primordials had killed. For whatever reason, killing is not acceptable before the universe. So, your other character will soon develop. He will be everything you are not-all your hidden ambitions, all that you have lost and let go. He'll fight for control and I fear that you may not last that long. All your anger, lack of hope and love, and living isolated without a company to share your agony and pains that you suffer every day- all these things are causing his mental strength to increase exponentially. You are born a human and however maybe the strength of your mind, you can't just escape from what all humans are born with- need for hope, love and a proper shoulder to cry on and lift off your burdens even for a second. As long as you seek isolation, you shall never solve this problem."

For a long time, which may be hours, silence prevailed.

Lopamudra asked Perseus finally. "What are you planning to do about that?"

Perseus didn't say anything for a minute. When he opened his mouth to say something, she interrupted "Don't ask us for help, Perseus. You know what we taught you. You alone could fix your own problem,"

"But, how did you understood what I was about to ask?"

Agasthya answered, "Because, we know you. So, what are you going to do?"

"Well, I had thought about this. How about we merge these personalities? Wouldn't that be a solution?"

She replied, "Perseus, even if you do merge, it will affect your own identity. Also, merging is not a simple task. We're talking about seven hundred or plus year coma, not your usual seven-year ones to prevent the breaking of the Morai's seals."

"I know, I know. It is possible, right? And, I will do this task. After all, as you taught me, the mind can overcome anything. I am the living proof of it."

She conceded." Very well, then. What else would you like to know?"

"I also wanted to know why the seals were breaking. Has it anything to do with him awakening?"

"The seals were breaking because of your anger. Since you asked the Morai to make the seals, your emotions are part of its strength. As of now, your emotions are contradicting themselves and the seals are trying to let your emotions into the physical world from the psychological world."

"So, when I merge, would it stop this breakage?"

"It should technically. But you could never depend on them completely. You should just break them and accept what you have got. It will help with your merging." Lopamudra said.

"How will it help? What it has got to do with these?"

She answered, "It has everything to do with it. You must master your emotions when merging personalities."

"But, I could do it. I can- "

"You cannot, Perseus. You should accept your past, not run away from it like a child. Your fears are giving your other personality strength and due to Lucifer's curse, it would be faster and soon he could overcome your will."

"Well, his curse could make it problematic but I still don't see the need to face the past."

"Well, consider this Tidal Lord." Perseus' face changed to anger. "See, just one name from your past and your emotions are sky-rocketing."

"I can't just forget it and move on. That name was given to me after my greatest mistake."

"I know that it is one of the things you regret, but you can't change the past. You should move on from your guilts."

"I will try, but I can't make any promises." Perseus exhaled deeply, "You know that how much I despise shedding blood, but battles always find me."

Agasthya nodded, "Very well." The woman added, "As for battles finding you, you have taken sword in your life. And quoting from a wise man, "Those who took up the sword shall always fall by the sword." So, you cannot stop it. Have faith, Perseus. Know that you would always be our greatest student, child."

Perseus just nodded. "A man among the hunters have the ability to sense elements, he sensed mine. But such people were lost for millennia, not since the time of speakers." Perseus said.

Both were surprised.

"An element senser? That is not quite seen in this realm. Who is he? Is he a demigod?"

"From what I gathered, his name is Jason, the lieutenant's husband. He was a son of Aphrodite but was disavowed. So, he is a mortal now."

"Son of Aphrodite, you say? Well, she had always been a powerful god. So, it is quite possible that her children would get powerful gifts. But these kinds of gifts always depend on the mortal parent, his/her lineage. His father must have been of an ancient lineage. But just sensing would not make him powerful. He should develop from there. Do you think that he would be a problem?"

"Of course not. As I said, he is the lieutenant's husband. So, his loyalty would always be with her. Also, Lady Artemis herself approved of him. So, he should not be a problem."

"'Artemis herself approved?' You give a lot of resp ect to her decisions, don't you?" The woman asked. Perseus just nodded and smiled.

"Also, one more question. Will they come?"

"No, they will not. They are quite happy with their families. They do not wish to be part of any more war. Also, they do not forgive what the Primordials did. But they are willing to train you and any other who could find them."

"But how can they just stand out? They were the ones that stopped him the last time."

Agasthya replied, quite angered, "And what did we get in return, Perseus? Slaughter of our brethren? No, we will not participate in this war. You are on your own."

Lopamudra's face wavered, "There is bad news, Perseus. It seems Order has sent his son to ally with him."

Perseus paled and his eyes showed fear. True fear.

"I had presumed that much but this soon?"

"Are you afraid of your life, Perseus?"

"Of course not, teacher. I am just afraid of the ways he would try to reach me. The last time he had tried, my mother was lost to me. Annabeth. And Sarah." And by default, Andy.

The man added, "We're afraid that the bad news isn't finished. He can soon awaken the Huntress, after Order's declaration of war. How? We still don't know."

Perseus was shocked. "That is impossible! Michael and Lucifer together had bound her the last time. Will he have that much energy by the time he fully awakens?"

The couple just nodded. The man added, "Well, lucky for you, she can't set foot in this realm. But as soon as you set foot on another realm... It would only be a matter of time before she finds you and kill you. How are your preparations for war on Earth going?"

"Well, Ephinur is as ready as it can get. All the immortals will fight together and the mortals would help. They are all ready and would give their lives for their brethren. The only problems would be the Gigantes. But they would not be much of a problem with all the immortals on our side. This would be a strong and feared army. But I suspect that it is not going to be enough..." Perseus trailed off.

He shook his head and said, "Okay. Thank you for coming, teachers."

The man rose and said to Perseus, "A word of advice, Perseus. It is easier to carry a burden or live a life if you have someone."

Perseus had also risen and said, "Thank you. The advice was great but I can't disappoint any more people. Mom... No, Mrs Blofis I do not deserve to call her mother, I have let her down. I have let down both my birth parents. I have let down my friends. I am a disappointment. I only wanted the respect of two women in my entire life- one who now would only look at me with fear after today's incident and the other, the good woman who raised me. She sacrificed her life for me and what did I give back? Nothing but unhappiness. I was the reason she had to see her husband and daughter die in front of her eyes. She asked me to give her a death so she could escape life and attain a piece, I made a mistake and granted her wish. I killed her with my own hands; the boy she raised killed her. When I had realised my mistake and realised that I should have helped her, it was already too late. So, I began collecting favours from Lord Hades so that I could for at least one day stay in Elysium and ask for her forgiveness. But she is now disgusted that she had given birth to a killer. She was a good woman who didn't deserve a bastard son like me."

"So, teacher, I do not fear death. I look for it. The only reason I currently exist is because of my promise to Aurelia. I know that I will always be hopeless, never getting any sleep. You always ask me why I am not getting married, well here's my answer. I am not worthy of anyone's time. Which woman would want a life with a killer? I do not deserve happiness and the only thing that will now give me peace is death. I don't think I deserve even that after what I did today."

The woman hugged Perseus and said to him, "Someday, you will attain peace, child. But know that a woman is essential for a man, be it as a sister, mother or a wife. As is for any woman. Such is the law of the Mother. Otherwise, one would go mad with hopelessness."

Perseus simply smiled, "I already am. That is why I seek death, as only death can give me peace now."

Lopamudra said, "Always remember, child. All human wisdom is contained in these two words - Wait and Hope. Wait and Hope, child. Wait and Hope."

Agasthya and Lopamudra disappeared as quietly as they arrived.

"You forgot to mention the incident about Artemis while throwing me under the proverbial bus."

"Aren't you the reason?"

"It was Lycaon. I was just following your code of conduct-never break a word, as much as possible, anyway."

"It doesn't matter to whom we have shifted the blame. We wronged Lady Artemis and we need to atone for it."

"How does someone atone for this kind of sin? It is similar to atoning for killing someone."

"I don't know. Maybe disappear from the face of this realm. She does ask us to go. Maybe with Laura."


As Artemis got ready to sleep that night, she thought she heard a whisper.

"Your every wish is my command, Lady Artemis. Every wish."


In the dark realm

"What are you seeking here, immortal? This is not the realm of immortals. This is the realm of demons, where I rule." A voice in the shadows said to the man standing in front of the shadows.

"I came to ally with you for the war with Chaos for my father, although I don't understand the need for asking for help from you."

"Yes, I have heard that he is awakening. But, do not think that you could defeat the gods of Earth easily. They are allying with other realms as we speak."

"We know that. That is why we have come to the strongest demon of all realms. Or are you not that strong, demon?"

"DO NOT MOCK ME, IMMORTAL!" The man cowered. "I am the strongest one and the king of Demons. I am willing to ally with your father as long as I get to destroy Earth and kill him. He had been the reason for my re-imprisonment."

"Your demands will be granted. My father can arrange for your revival. As for him, we will try getting him here or you could search for him when you have escaped. Then, you could have your revenge, if you are skilful enough. I have heard that he has grown strong from the time of escaping your imprisonment."

"Do not fret, son of Order. I will kill him. His powers and skills would be nothing before me. Then, you will have your victory."

"Very well, then." The man disappeared.

"Soon, Perseus, soon. You will beg for death. As you once did." The voice laughed within the shadows.


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