A/N: Well, here's chapter nine. This arc is going to be exactly nine chapters long and I hope you'll all enjoy it. Stay safe, happy reading, and have a great day/night.

PERSEUS staggered up the hill, teeth gritted, hand at his side. He could already feel the wound closing, and the harsh evening wind brushing against his injury didn't even sting. No wonder he had felt so powerful during the start of the second battle. He stormed up the path, ignoring the glare of the moon above him and the lights coming from the Greek camp at the beach as the Achaeans buried their dead and performed funeral rites. Below him, in the city, the same thing was being done. He finally came to a stop under the tree he had met the god at that morning, and sure enough, Apollo leaned on the trunk, waiting expectantly for him.

Anger filled him and his vision turned hazy. Before he knew what he was doing he had jumped onto Apollo, knocking him onto the ground, and was whaling on him with his fists. The god made no move to defend himself, and Perseus threw everything into his blows. He put in all his frustration, his anger, his fury, and slammed his closed fists into the god of the sun. They went on like that for minutes, the sun god motionless, Perseus seeping with emotions as he punched and punched and punched. Finally, panting, he peeled himself off Apollo. The immortal deity slowly rose from the ground. He was bruised and bleeding ichor but he didn't look fazed. He waved his hand, causing both of their injuries to disappear.

"It was you, wasn't it?" Perseus yelled. "You did this to me!"

"I did," Apollo said, with no remorse in his voice. "I had my reasons."

"You had your reasons?" He bellowed. "You had your reasons for turning my life upside down? Just like you had your reasons for cursing the only girl I ever liked because she would not go to bed with you?!" Apollo looked unperturbed.

Perseus ran a hand through his hair and snarled. "What were you thinking?" He turned to glare at the sun god. "Why? Why would you do such a thing?!"

Apollo inhaled, then began, "I had a vision." Perseus cut him off, not even trying to hide the rage he was feeling.

"A vision?" He yelled in disbelief. His fists shook and he glared even more ferociously. "You made me immortal because of a vision?!" At his words, he felt power course through him, fuelled by his anger. Clouds gathered above them and thunder boomed. The ground beneath him began to shake, rumbling like an earthquake was being created just by his screams at the god of the sun. The ground rumbled, but his feet were planted steadily on the earth, just like Apollo's. He let out a roar of frustration, barely hearing the yells of fear and surprise coming from the city down below, or the Greek camp by the beach. This time the son of Zeus stumbled. "You—"

"You would have died," The god snapped, cutting him off and momentarily stunning Perseus with his sudden aggression. "You would have died today by Achilles' blade had I not given you Hera's apple!" He paused, righting himself. Perseus felt shock engulf him as the son of Leto's words sunk in.

Apollo continued, "Look, I know, that ever since Cassandra…we haven't been the same. We'll never be the same, and I've come to accept that. I know, you're probably starting to see me as some sort of manipulator and villain in your life. You think that I'm a bad person. I took your choices away from you and I took away something that could have made you really happy." He glanced up, towards the heavens. "But you have to understand." The god came closer, eyes narrowing, a finger burying itself in Perseus' chest. "You—You are destined for great things. You are going to save a lot of people one day. I saw that the second you landed on Delos. Whatever I do, whatever choice I make about you, by Hades, even for you—it's so that you will be happy, and so that you will survive this war."

He began fading into mist. "I don't care about how you see me now, Perseus. As long as you're safe, and as long as Fate is satisfied and your destiny is fulfilled…I shall keep doing what I'm doing." Without waiting for him to answer, the god of the sun melted and vanished from view.

Perseus collapsed on the ground then, making the earthquake seize. A heavy weight seemed to settle on him. All the anger, all the rage and fury, seemed to seep out of him. His mind played back to his time, growing up together with Aeneas, his father, meeting Hector. He had thought they would be with them forever…in life and in death. But…no.

His wrath was replaced by grief as the implications and realisation of what would happen dawned on him. He could never grow old now. He could never die. He would continue to live while everyone he knew went to the Underworld, and he could never be with them. He would be burdened with watching ages of mortals and heroes and people go by, while he remained the same…forever and ever.

He cried then, unknowingly. He was still, on his knees, staring vaguely at the horizon, a blank look in his eyes as the tears fell onto the earth, clouding his vision so he barely noticed as a familiar dark haired Titaness landed on the ground next to him.

-X-

SELENE did not know why she kept on returning to the city of Troy. Maybe it was because of that boy—Perseus. He was a man now, actually, and there were several things about him which might be the reason for her watching him from the skies each day.

He was morally upright, handsome, ferocious in battle. But it wasn't that that kept drawing her to him. It was something she didn't know. Something she didn't understand. If anyone asked, she could not give them a solid reason as to why she kept lingering around the city at all times. Maybe she just wanted to catch a glimpse of Anchises' son. But what was so special about him? Although she had asked herself many times, she still did not have an answer.

Shaking her head, she watched from her chariot as he exchanged words with a familiar god—Apollo. They argued, and with her Titan hearing, she took in every single word they were saying. It didn't take her long to put two and two together and when Apollo vanished from view, she watched as Perseus collapsed on the ground and began staring at the Greek camp in the distance. Her eyes were wide with shock as she realised what exactly had happened.

The world of the gods would be in disarray because of this. Olympus would be in chaos. Someone had been made immortal, without the knowledge or consent of Zeus.

There was a bleak expression on Perseus' face, vague and barely-there. But he was crying, that much was visible. She didn't know why she smiled sadly at that. He was crying, not like the soldier he was, but like a child that had been separated from its mother, and something about that seemed endearing to her.

Perseus continued crying, barely making a sound, and Selene realised then. No matter how tough he acted on the battlefield, no matter how many opponents he took on, he was just a man. And men were broken little things, except that Perseus was perhaps more broken than others. He continued to cry. He was—had been, actually—just human. And it made her feel angry on his behalf, that Apollo had stolen such a thing as his mortality from him—the very thing that gave reason for his existence. Just like Selene had questioned her existence when her domains had been taken from her, he was questioning his very self now. All because of Apollo.

She would never pretend to understand how in Gaea's name mortals survived with such tiny life spans. But no one, human or not, should have such a big decision made on their behalf, without their consent. To her, being immortal was a gift. But to him, clearly, it was not.

She knew, that perhaps, had it been any other mortal they would have been overjoyed by the fact that they would live forever. But Perseus wasn't just any other mortal. He was different. He was wise and calculating and he obviously saw more demerits to being immortal than benefits.

She pulled her chariot down toward the forest and jumped out from inside it, right in front of him. She slowly lowered herself onto the ground so she was level with the son of Anchises. She could see the pain reflected in his eyes as he looked up at her in confusion. Selene had never before done this—she knew not how to comfort those in emotional agony. Give her a wound and she could treat it. Give her a beast and she could kill. But this—this was out of her area of expertise. Nonetheless, she whispered his name. He didn't respond, choosing to stare blankly at her while tears streamed down his face.

Selene reached out hesitantly. She wrapped her arms around him and drew him to her. Without a sound he leaned into her, head resting on his shoulder.

They stayed that way for a long, long time.

-X-

ACHILLES rolled his eyes lazily as he heard the raised voices of his comrades. Honestly, they were annoyingly loud. An earthquake had just ended a few hours prior and he didn't feel like listening to the childish voices of the others. He didn't think he could stand another second in the command tent. They had been there for what seemed like hours—since the ending of the second battle about five hours ago.

"We can't breach the walls," Diomedes was saying, shaking his head.

"Yes, we can," Agamemnon argued. "We just have to fight till we get there—"

"We tried that today," Odysseus sounded frustrated. "Those walls were built by Apollo and Poseidon. They will not come down easily! Many lives shall be lost if we attempt this."

"We can take them," Ajax boomed. "All we need are catapults, and onagers—"

Achilles scoffed silently in his seat and tuned out the sound of their voices. As he sat, his mind drifted to the battle he had had with Perseus just a few hours before. He didn't understand how that had come to be. They had fought in Skyros, and Perseus had bled red. The day before, when they had landed on Troy, he had seen a cut on Perseus' neck—it had been red too. So how, how in the name of the gods had this happened? Was the son of Anchises favoured by the gods? Was he chosen by them in some way to stop the Greeks? Achilles pursed his lips.

He would need to find some answers, and seek out a way to pull out Perseus from this war. The battleground was equal now. Achilles couldn't be injured apart from through his heel, which was always covered in leather. Perseus however was immortal and couldn't be killed at all. Hades, it wasn't an even battlefield. Not at all.

Perseus couldn't be killed. But Achilles could. If the two of them continued clashing long enough for Perseus to keep him distracted, the other Trojans could push back his allies. If they met again in battle, there was no telling who exactly would win. Not when they were both practically invincible. If he did not challenge Perseus too, the man would definitely slay a lot of soldiers on the Greek side. Just like Achilles had done with the Trojans in the first two battles, Perseus could decimate the Greek forces. Maybe his new immortality even came with extra powers.

Achilles frowned, and then jerked upright when he heard his name. He glanced around the table, where all the commanders stared at him expectantly. "What?" He asked in irritation.

"I asked for your thoughts on the matter," Agamemnon curled his lips. "Or do you want to be left in whatever fantasyland you were in just now?"

He bared his teeth. Honestly, Agamemnon's face was looking so appealing to his fist. "What exactly are we talking about here?" he asked, while attempting to reign in his anger.

"We're trying to decide what to do next," Odysseus spoke up. "Obviously trying to breach the walls would not work, as we would instantly be pushed back. Agamemnon asked for your opinion." Achilles was silent for a few minutes, thinking through every possibility. He had to come up with something witty, a plan worthy of Athena herself. He thought for a few minutes, and finally, he spoke. "Troy is dependent on its allies for food, supplies, trade, and soldiers for war, right?"

Agamemnon snorted, and said, "They are. But how does that—"

"We cannot advance on the city right away, Odysseus is right," He shook his head. "It would be a futile effort. So we besiege any and all towns and cities surrounding it—supporting them. We cut off their food supply, take control of the armies of their allies, force them out of the walls if we can. And when that's all done, we move on to the city itself and find a way to get in."

His eyes flickered across the room. "We build a wall to protect this encampment too. When Troy is surrounded some of us find a way to enter the city and open the gates for the rest of the army. But first, we have to take control of their surroundings."

"Are you suggesting we divide and conquer?" Diomedes looked sceptical.

"It could work," Nestor spoke up. "It is a good plan."

"I agree," Palamedes said. "I'm for it."

"But we'll be separated. Weaker," Menelaus argued. "And far easier to defeat."

"It's a risk we must take," Achilles insisted. He stood up, glancing at each and everyone. "This is war, after all. It's all about risks."

"Where do you suggest we attack first, then?" Lesser Ajax asked.

Achilles grinned, leaning forward. "Dardania."

-X-

ARTEMIS landed next to the two figures seated in silence underneath the shadow of the tree. To say she was surprised to see Selene there would be an understatement. But her friend had taken what seemed like a liking to Perseus, and she wasn't in any position to question why Selene kept seeking him out. Not after what had just happened.

Pursing her lips, she moved forward, slowly. Perhaps he wouldn't even want to see her. Maybe he would take out his anger on her. She had never felt this much sympathy for any man. But Perseus—he was different. He was like a younger brother to her. The green eyed man glanced up when he heard her footsteps, as did Selene. Both stared at her in expectancy, although there was a little acceptance and defeat in Perseus' eyes.

"Is it true?" Artemis asked. She had been told by the gods observing the battle. She had been informed of what Apollo had done and she had asked him herself. He had told her, given her his reasons for doing it, even. And then he had run, to hide from their father's wrath. She didn't even know where he was now.

Zeus had called a meeting on Olympus and had raged and raged. But it was done. They couldn't force Perseus to pull out of the war, and they couldn't kill him for what had happened. They couldn't even reverse the immortality.

She had heard all of this, but she wouldn't believe it until she saw it. Selene was silent, eyes narrowed. Artemis had the decency to look ashamed. If it had been under different circumstances, perhaps Perseus would have been happy. But this was a war, and even she knew that dying protecting someone or something, that was the greatest honoura hero could achieve. But Perseus would never get that.

Personally, she cared not for mortal lives—except those of the people closest to her; like Perseus, and her semi-immortal hunters, and her priestesses and worshippers. Their lives were short, and passed by in the blink of an eye, yes, but even she, the almighty goddess of the moon, sometimes pondered what it felt like to be mortal. She wondered what it would feel like to have something to live and die for. She wondered how it would feel like to have a purpose and see it fulfilled, and then rest in the safety of Elysium. Being mortal gave endless possibilities—you were aware that you could die any second, and so you fought for life. But now, Perseus would never have that. He had lost the very thing that made him human.

Perseus didn't answer. Instead, he shifted his body a little, and Artemis caught sight of the gold which spread down his armour. She had heard, but she couldn't keep herself from feeling shocked.

"Apollo shall be found, and punished by father," She stood straighter. "I know that isn't any consolation—"

"You're right," His voice was hoarse but had an edge to it. "It isn't."

Artemis bit her lip. If it had been any other person she would have struck them down for cutting her short. "Look, I know nothing I say will change what Apollo did. But, I will make sure he is punished on your behalf. I hope that shall make you hate him a little bit less." He glanced up, a glare forming on his face, as though to say, Nothing can make me stop hating Apollo.

Artemis sighed. "The Greeks just finished planning their next course of action. They're separating, and plan to cut off your food, weapons, armour and soldier supply. They're going to conquer the islands and cities around Troy, and then advance when the entire region is theirs. You'll be short of allies if that happens, and Dardania is first." She paused. "You have to inform the armies and Kings. Tell Hector. Stop the siege."

Perseus didn't respond. Instead, he glanced at the side, fixing his eyes on a blade of grass next to her. Artemis took that as a sign. Sighing to herself, she vanished from view, back into her moon chariot in the sky.

-X-

PERSEUS turned to Selene then, flushing as he realised how close they were. He pulled away from her, not understanding why he suddenly felt embarrassed at the fact that the Titaness had seen him cry.

"It's not like I saw you naked, Perseus," She admonished, standing. "There's no need to be shy."

He smiled hesitantly, and wiped his eyes. He hadn't even realised he had been shedding tears until she had come. Selene's grin faded and she moved closer, seriousness in her voice. "How do you feel?"

"Like I can take on the entire Greek army," He muttered. And that was the problem. He sighed.

"There's nothing I can do, is there?" He glanced up at her, pursing his lips. The son of Anchises wanted to feel hopeful. That maybe, someone, Zeus or another god or something, could reverse what had been done to him. Selene shook her head sadly and he felt as though an anvil had been dropped on him. "The effects of the apple are permanent."

Perseus sighed, forcing himself not to break down again. He took in a deep breath, feeling the calmness wash over him. There was nothing he could do. Whatever had been done to him…it was final.

He wanted to curl up in a ball and hide. He wanted to continue raging, and crying. He didn't want to give up, or accept it, just like that. He didn't want to be immortal. But Artemis had given him valuable information. That was the only good thing that had come out from this entire thing.

"Telling you to accept it and move on would be cruel," Selene murmured, shaking her head. "I truly am sorry for what you have lost, although I do not understand it."

He smiled at her. He didn't know why she had come, or why she had done what she had—comforted him. But he was grateful for it. And yes, she was right. It would be downright wicked to tell him that. But although he hated to admit it, that was exactly what had to be done. He wasn't a child, and he felt as though there was no more anger, or fight in him. It was time to accept what he was now, and use it to help his city.

He would never forgive Apollo for this. He would always despise the god of the sun. But for now, he would put it behind him. He would fight for Troy. He turned to the Titaness. "Thank you. Thank you for coming here tonight. I am much obliged to you."

She nodded, and said, "Do not let it worry you too much, Perseus. Some view immortality as a blessing, but more see it as a curse. Do not despair for thinking the latter. There will be light at the end of the tunnel. A silver lining to this situation." She turned away from him and began moving to her chariot. He watched her go. When she had settled inside it, Selene turned back to him, murmuring, "There always is." And then she disappeared from view.

-X-

ACHILLES folded his arms as he waited by the edge of the water. In a few seconds his mother rose out of the depths, and began making her way to him. She stopped a few feet away and smiled. "I saw what you did today." Pride enveloped him and he nodded. "It was good. We pushed the Trojans off the beach and killed a lot of their soldiers."

Thetis sighed, and Achilles forged on. "But one of them—a General of their army, Perseus." He paused, looking her in the eye. "He worries me."

"He should," His mother told him. "You must not take him as an idle threat. For if care is not taken, he shall be the end of you." Achilles blanched. His mother's words were just heightening his anxiety. Thetis continued, "He is immortal now, through the will of his mentor Apollo. He cannot be killed. But should any harm befall him the two children of Leto and their mother, along with the Titaness Selene shall call down the fury of the heavens on the one who is the cause of it."

Achilles frowned. That complicated things.

"If he keeps fighting, the Trojans could win," He said. "He could kill me."

"He could," Thetis agreed. "You must tread cautiously around him. And his brother, Aeneas. Do not touch him either. The gods have forbidden it."

Achilles frowned. What was so special about Perseus and his brother that the gods favoured them in such a way? "But, aren't they simply mortals?" He queried. Or weren't, in Perseus' case. His mother laughed, startling him.

"Gods, no. Those two are anything but mortal. Aeneas is a son of the goddess Aphrodite." At his scoff, the nymph glared. "He is not to be taken lightly. He might not like war, but it is a necessary evil in his eyes and he would kill any which threaten his home and family."

"I leave to attack Dardania at dawn," He bit his lip. "Are you saying I cannot kill him?"

"No," She said harshly. "Do not kill him. You would be struck down by the Olympians!"

He sighed. "What of Perseus?" Achilles finally asked. "What is he?"

"A son of Poseidon," Thetis announced. "I felt it when I watched the battle today. It is why he reacted badly to your killing his brother." Achilles wasn't even surprised anymore. So it meant that the kid who had formed the water spears was Perseus' brother. "And I suppose Poseidon would also strike me down should I hurt his son?" He asked wryly.

"He does not know of him," Thetis shook her head. "He believes him dead." Achilles frowned. Everything about the two men was mysterious.

He was silent for a few minutes. So it meant Aeneas and Perseus were off limits. He remembered Calchas' words, that Troy would fall after ten years. But maybe, just maybe, he could end this before it got bad. Turning back to his mother, he asked, "Could you arrange a meeting between me and Helen? I need to speak with her." Thetis looked confused, but nodded. "Just before daybreak, you shall meet me here."

"Alright," He nodded.

-X-

AENEAS was stumbling towards his chamber when he heard the voices. He was still in shock, still reeling from what they had witnessed on the battlefield. Perseus had been made immortal and he didn't know how to feel. He didn't know whether he should be crying or whooping with joy. His head hurt from overthinking it. After they had returned from battle and he and Hector had calmed down their panicking friend, he had stalked away towards the woods and Aeneas and Hector hadn't followed, because they knew exactly what he was going to do.

Perseus preferred to grieve in private. He never made them see him cry, unless he couldn't hide it. But he was going to seek out Apollo, and Aeneas knew that his brother would not appreciate him following after him and stopping him. Hell, he wanted to go after the sun god himself. He wanted to deck him so hard he flew into next summer. But he just hadn't been able to get his feet moving. He had been waiting at the entrance to the palace for hours, but when Perseus didn't show, Hector had told him to go to bed—Creusa was probably worried. Both of them had left.

Aeneas ran a hand through his hair as he walked. And then he stilled, recognising the first voice. He drew his sword and began following it to its source. He stopped behind a narrow passageway leading to Paris' room.

"You know that this isn't right," Achilles whispered. "Bewitched or not, you should see that your decision to stay in Troy is going to end up with thousands dead."

"I do not love Menelaus," Helen replied in the same low voice. "I am not coming back. Leave from here before I call the guards."

Aeneas frowned. What was going on? How had Achilles breached the walls? Or was this some sort of sleep-deprived hallucination?

"Helen," Achilles sighed. "I don't know what spell you have been put under, but even if you will not come with Menelaus, come with me. None of them would dare stand against me. The war would be ended." He paused. "Think it over." Aeneas heard a small gasp of surprise, and his eyes widened. He stepped out of his hiding spot just in time to see Achilles pull away from Helen, the latter with her hands on her lips. He had kissed her. Disgust filtered through him as he began stalking forward.

"Aeneas," Helen muttered his name in shock. Ignoring her, he made his way steadily to Achilles. He was almost near the fair-haired man when a faint blue light enveloped him. And then he vanished from view.

Aeneas blinked in surprise, frowning. He glanced around him in mild confusion, wondering how he had come to be there. He turned to Helen, brow creasing. Why was he in a dark corridor with his brother-in-law's wife? "What's going on?" He enquired. "Why are we here?

She looked a bit surprised, but then smiled, although it seemed forced. "It was nothing. We simply met on our way to our chambers," She glanced up at him. "It happened just now. How do you not remember?"

"I—" He paused. He couldn't help but feel that he was forgetting something other than that. Something big. "Never mind. I must go." He hurriedly made his way out of the corridor and towards his own chambers.

-X-

HECTOR pursed his lips as he glanced down the hill from the city gates and towards the beach. It seemed as if the Greeks were packing up. They were loading their ships with their belongings, although the building of the wall was still being done. But the Heir Apparent knew they were not leaving because they were tired of the fighting. If Perseus' information was true (And of course, it was), things were about to get bad. All their allies had to return to their respective kingdoms and fight back against the Greeks' attempts to capture them.

He glanced at his side, where his best friend stood. There was something different about him now. Something ethereal. Hector supposed it had to do with the immortally. He sighed. He still wasn't sure what to make of it, and how to handle it. Him and Aeneas had comforted a distraught Perseus before he had stormed towards the hills the night before. But now, he seemed…accepting. Resigned to the fact that he was immortal, and nothing could change. Hector smiled sadly. The Greeks and their stupid war and his stupid brother Paris had ruined everything.

Now, with the departure of their Greeks and all their allies, both of his brothers in everything but blood were also leaving. Hector had given Perseus permission to go. If Artemis was to be believed, and Dardania was truly going to be the first to be attacked, its King needed to be there to defend it. And who better to aid him than his own brother? Aeneas turned to face him and Hector smiled sadly. It would probably be a long while before they saw each other again. He reached forward, pulling the King of Dardania into a hug.

"Stay safe," Hector murmured. "Please."

"I'll try," Aeneas squeezed and then let go. "You too."

Perseus came forward then, and threw his arms around Hector. He held him tight and Hector said, "Make sure you return in one piece."

"Don't worry, I will," He squeezed once more, and pulled away. "I'll be back immediately we're sure Dardania is safe."

"Just…remember one thing," Hector began. "You'll outlive us now. You won't join us in the Underworld. But that changes nothing. You are still the same, and so are we."

Aeneas nodded in agreement. "It doesn't matter what colour your blood is. Red or gold, we'll forever be brothers, all three of us. And nothing can change that." Perseus sent both of them a grateful smile, although it seemed a little sad. Hector pulled him into a hug again.

"Nothing changes," He said again. "And don't you dare forget." Perseus nodded once more, before throwing himself onto the saddled horse that had been prepared for him. Aeneas followed his lead. There were thousands of men behind them, some on horses, others on foot.

Aeneas turned to face them and shouted, voice reverberating across the earth. "It is time to leave! Prepare to fight immediately when we arrive!" The men roared in approval, and a shout of "Dardania!" was started among their ranks, and spread out quickly through the troops. Aeneas smiled, and turned to face Hector, expression slipping into seriousness.

"Take care of Creusa for me," He said. Hector nodded. He watched his two best friends spurn their horses into action and take off up the hill.

They disappeared from view a while later, lingering hugs the only thing left of the two brothers in the city of Troy.

A/N: Well, here's that. Perseus will never truly accept what Apollo has done to him. But, he will move on, however fast that may be. He has to, because they're at war. Better than being a sissy and crying about it all the time, IMO. Hope you enjoyed it.

-TripleHomicide.