A/N: Hello. So, this is the thirteenth chapter of Perseus: Excidium Troiae. Enjoy.
HECTOR stood next to the Gates of Troy, hands behind his back in anticipation. He had been waiting, for days, for the arrival of his two best friends and his brothers, along with all their allies who had survived the raids of Achilles on their lands. Most of them were already in Troy, but a few were yet to come. He knew they would be there soon. He could see the Greek camp from where he stood, but he could not see what was going on inside it. Their wall was huge—they had been building for ten years, and now their encampment was enclosed and out of view. He sighed to himself. It had been hectic in Troy since his arrival from his father-in-law's land a week ago.
The Achaeans had returned, all of them reunited in the same spot once more, after nine years. Hector knew that one way or another, things were coming to an end. Sooner or later, one of them would fall. But he would do whatever he could—would give up his life—so Troy could go on. He heard the horses then, and looked up. Relief filled him when he spotted the steeds racing towards the city gates. Seated on them were Perseus, and his brother Deiphobus. It had been so long since he had seen either of them, and he found a smile lighting up his features.
Behind them came men, most of them in armour, but a few, about a hundred, wore normal clothes of commoners. "Let them through," He motioned to the guards behind him. The city gates swung inwards, and Deiphobus charged through, followed by the soldiers and civilians coming in after him. Hector saw Perseus stop his horse opposite him, waiting for all the people to make their way into the city. Troy was the safest place in the entire region now, although no one knew how long that would remain so. His eyes travelled to his best friend as the gates swung shut.
Perseus looked bad. There were bags under his eyes, which told Hector that he had not been sleeping much. He knew the man did not need it now, but rest was important when fighting in a war. He waited for the horse to draw to a stop next to him and Perseus hopped down, sending him a tired smile.
"It's good to see you again," Hector spoke, moving forward. He wrapped his arms around Perseus, and the green eyed man returned his hug earnestly.
"Is Aeneas here yet?" His friend queried, pulling away.
Hector shook his head. The curly haired son of Aphrodite would arrive soon. Hector just hoped he came in time for the battle that was coming.
"Let's go in, then," Hector motioned towards the city. "You look like you haven't slept in days. The Greeks are still preparing, and you need rest."
"I'm fine, Hec," Perseus rolled his eyes at him. "I don't need to sleep now. You remember that, don't you?"
"Of course I do," He snorted. "But you still look as though you could drop dead at any moment. Immortal or not." The son of Anchises opened his mouth to argue, but Hector cut him off, glaring at him sternly. "I'm not taking no for an answer, you stubborn arse. Let's go. I order it"
A glare spread on Perseus' face, and he nodded, conceding defeating. "Fine, fine. Whatever you say, Your Highness."
Hector scoffed, and grabbed on to Perseus' hands. He pulled him towards the gates, a smile on both their faces.
-X-
AENEAS sat next to his brother and Hector in his chambers at Troy. It was dark out, and he had just arrived at the city a few hours prior. He had been travelling for a while, and he knew he should be resting in preparation for the next day's events, but he would never pass up an opportunity to be with Hector and Perseus.
"And then I kissed her," Perseus was saying. His eyes were wide, as though he himself couldn't believe the words he was saying. There was shock on his features, and Aeneas knew that the same expression was on his face. Hector looked unsurprised.
"She literally told you she would tie you to the bed sometime ago," The Heir Apparent reminded. "I think her intentions were pretty clear. Perhaps she won't be bothered." Aeneas choked, trying to hold back a laugh.
"It's not funny," Perseus shot him a glare. "I haven't seen Selene since then. I—"
"You think it might have ruined whatever weird friendship the two of you have got going on," Aeneas spoke up. Perseus nodded, a frown marring his features.
"Relax, Perseus," Hector sighed. "It wasn't even a real kiss. You're getting worked up over a peck to the cheek. People do it all the time. And she'll come to you soon if she wants to."
"But what if she doesn't?" His brother rubbed his temples. "I'm such an idiot, aren't I? Gods, I'll never be able to look her in the eyes again. Why did I even do that?" He glanced up. "She must think me such a man-whore. I had just told her I'd slept with another woman, and then I kissed her." He groaned, head falling into his hands.
"Perseus," Hector's tone was hard. "She hasn't even tied you to that bed yet. Relax. She will come, even if it's just to clear the air." This time, Aeneas burst into laughter.
"It's refreshing seeing you flustered over something as simple as a peck," The Dardanian King smirked.
Hector snorted. "It's a good change from that ghastly and morbid I'm-fighting-in-a-war attitude he's been airing for the past nine years now."
Aeneas laughed. His eyes flickered to the window. He could see the Greek wall, and in front of the makeshift gates they had made. Just seeing those large blocks reminded him of the death and carnage that was coming. Of the war they would be going to fight tomorrow. They might die, or they might live. He would leave that choice up to the gods. But tomorrow…tomorrow, he would fight. He would fight to defend his home. But for now…for now, he would spend all the time he could with his brother and best friend.
XMX
THEY ATTACKED with the rise of the sun. The Greek were not expecting them so early, and Aeneas grinned to himself as he cut down a soldier racing towards him. He ducked under a swing from a broadsword, and his arms moved swiftly, stabbing one sword through his assailant's chest, and then lopping his head off with another swing. He sidestepped a thrust from a spear, and leaped forward, slashing through the man as he went. He could hear screams of terror, and cries of pain, as several men were cut down. They fought for hours and hours, and the day stretched on with endless death and carnage on both sides, just like he had expected the night before.
Somewhere at his left, Perseus was tearing through men. It seemed as though he had forgotten about the Selene incident, because he wasn't getting distracted, and he fought like a monster, as usual. He killed men left and right, tearing through armour, severing limbs, and making a path of blood and bodies as he pushed forward towards the wall. Achilles wasn't present, and Aeneas wasn't sure if that was a bad or good thing. But at his right, Hector and his brothers were charging towards the Greek walls.
Achaeans fell all around him, and cries of anger and rage were coming from the Trojan side as they fought, pushing back the lines of the Greeks. Aeneas surged forward, running a man through. He dodged underneath a strike from a sword, and slashed through the soldier's neck. He continued fighting savagely, tearing through enemy lines, his arms swinging around him as finally, he cut down the men standing before him quickly. Aeneas heard a yell and pivoted on his heel, raising his sword just in time to cross blades with a man. He gritted his teeth in annoyance. They were so close to the Greek walls…so close.
With a yell, he pushed back the man and leaped forward, swinging for his head. The man ducked, and Aeneas swore, dodging another strike. He launched himself into the air, spinning and bringing his foot down. It knocked the man's sword out of his hand and with a yell, Aeneas drove his swords through the soldier's chest. He was battered, and tired, and bloodied, although most of it did not belong to him. But his heart was brimming with hope…Hope that they could end this. They could breach the Greek walls, and then burn their ships. They could kill their commanders, and end everything.
With a roar, he charged towards the Greek encampment.
-X-
PERSEUS jumped through the hole they had made through the walls. There were Trojans all around him, shouting at their success in bringing the Greek's protection down. He was grinning to himself, all thoughts of the Titaness he hadn't seen for days at the back of his head. His eyes flickered around the beach, and hope bloomed in his chest. The Greek camp was in chaos. Men, Achaeans, lay dead on the sand. The ships were burning in the distance, and soldiers and Kings ran helter-skelter, as Trojan soldiers swarmed the encampment.
He spotted his brother and Hector battling side by side against about five soldiers, and Perseus swore to himself, before racing towards them. He swung his sword as he got closer, lopping off the head of one of the men. He heard a gasp of surprise from his side, and without wasting time, he ran the Greek through with his sword. He spun, to cut more of them down, but Hector and Aeneas had already completed the task.
"We could have handled that," Aeneas said, rolling his eyes.
"I know," Perseus grinned.
"We need to move," Hector's voice was hard. "Achilles hasn't been seen in battle. We need to find him, and find a way to kill him."
"He has iron skin," Aeneas reminded them. Suddenly, he darted forward, and drove his sword through someone behind Perseus. The green eyed man turned in surprise, slipping into a stance. They couldn't afford to get distracted.
"Come on, then," He said. "Let's go." They went off together. Fires burned around them. Screams ripped through the air, and blood soaked the sand. Bodies filled up the water as Perseus and Aeneas followed behind Hector. They cut down men as they went, ending lives, defending each other, and checking all the tents as they went. It seemed to take hours, but finally, after much blood and jumping off dead bodies, they spotted the tents next to the water, which seemed a bit isolated from the rest.
"It has to be that one," Aeneas said.
"I'm sure it is," Hector bore an expression of determination. "We can end this."
Perseus nodded to them. Together, they charged towards the tents of Achilles and the Myrmidons.
XMX
THEY STORMED through the first tent, swords swinging. Before them, two men jumped out of their seats, surprise on their faces. They were unarmored, and when Perseus glanced at the table they had been seated at, incredulousness filled him.
"A board game," He glanced up at Achilles, an eyebrow arched. "You were playing a board game while your men got massacred outside your tent?"
"What?" Achilles looked astonished, as though he hadn't quite realised what was happening in the Greek camp. Perseus glanced at the other man, overly large and giant-like. Greater Ajax, the King of Telamon. He shook his head at the son of Thetis. "Never mind," He swung his sword. "You die today."
They leaped forward, then, the three of them. Hector jumped for Ajax with a roar, and Perseus made for the fair haired demigod, Aeneas at his side. Achilles let out a loud curse, darting to the side. Perseus brought his sword down in a strike, but the blond haired Prince was fast. He grabbed a sheathed knife from his bedside and blocked Perseus' strike. Beside him Ajax and Hector were going head to head, overturning tables, clashing again and again, sword against sword. Aeneas dashed in front of Perseus, swinging his blades, and Achilles dodged the first, and leaned away from the second.
Perseus raced for him once again, hurling his shield as he ran. The warrior prince swore once again, and jumped out of the way of the oncoming shield. But Perseus was quick. He ran forward, slashing at Achilles' neck. The Greek raised his arm quickly, blocking the strike. He spun on his heel as Aeneas came at him with his sword, narrowly avoiding them. Perseus' brother attacked once more, stabbing at Achilles' chest with one blade, and attempting to lop his head off with the other. Both swords impacted against Achilles' skin, but the prince only grimaced as they glanced off.
Perseus surged forward, swinging for the man's arm. Achilles dove to the side, only for Aeneas' swords to come at him again. He blocked the Dardanian King's strike, but then Perseus moved, bringing his sword down in an overhead slash. Achilles pushed Aeneas back, and dove away. He heard a yell of pain from behind him, and spun, to see Ajax clutching his side as Hector pulled away. He turned back to his own fight. Aeneas and Achilles were going head to head, fighting each other ferociously, the Prince dodging most of his strikes, and Aeneas trying to penetrate his skin. Perseus grinned to himself. They could actually win this thing. He raced forward, to join the fray.
Achilles sidestepped to avoid a strike from Aeneas' sword, and when his brother struck again, he blocked with his knife. Perseus vaguely wondered why he wasn't going for the kill, but he pushed the thought out of his head and attacked. His sword bounced off Achilles' skin at contact, making the man hiss at him, spinning to attack. But Aeneas was there, though, slashing at Achilles chiton. The cloth ripped from his back and he cried out, but his skin was still intact, and there was no blood.
Perseus swore to himself and jumped forward to attack once more.
Only to be met midway by a glowing spear.
He backtracked in shock as the spear was thrusted forward, and his eyes widened when he realised who wielded it. He had seen her once before, all those years ago, during the 'Paris and the golden apple' fiasco. Athena stood majestically before him, eyes glowing with fury. and ethereal light. Behind him, Aeneas was still going head to head with Achilles, although he kept trying to move to join Perseus. At his side, Ajax tumbled through the tent, tearing it away from its nails and bringing in the noise and screams of battle from outside.
"Achilles is not to die today, Son of Anchises," The goddess said, swinging her spear. "But you…you are lucky Lord Zeus has allowed you to live this long. But no more. You were not meant to be. Your immortality was a slight against Olympus, and both you and Apollo shall pay for it. Your time has come. Immortality granted from Hera's apple might be permanent, but that does not mean I cannot make you fade."
He gritted his teeth. "You're talking as though I had a choice in this, Lady Athena. I never wanted immortality. But I won't allow you to prevent me from defending my home." He slipped into a stance, and for a second, his eyes glowed green. Shock rippled across Athena's face, but she covered it up quickly with indifference.
"So be it, then," She adjusted her shield, and charged.
XMX
HER first thrust was blocked by two silver knives. Selene shimmered into existence before Perseus, and his eyes widened in surprise, but his heartbeat suddenly quickened at her appearance. The dark haired titaness pushed Athena back, and the goddess stumbled away from her.
"How dare you interfere?" Athena snarled.
"I shall not allow you to take him to The Void for a matter he did not have a say in," Selene's eyes were glowing, pure white, as she took in the goddess before her. She turned to Perseus, for just a split second, saying, "Go help your brother." He stared for a second in shock as Selene turned back to Athena, shouting, "Go!"
At that he dove into action, swinging his sword as he went. Achilles held a sword now, along with his knife, and he and Aeneas were trading blows quickly and ferociously. Hector was still fighting Ajax, and the tent around them had been obliterated. Perseus jumped forward, swinging his sword for Achilles' head. Shock rippled through him for a second time as a different weapon blocked his strike. The god Hermes pulled back, and swung his staff for Perseus' head. He was about to duck when another sword, golden in colour, intercepted Hermes' weapon.
"Apollo," He stared at his former mentor in surprise. He hadn't seen the god in years—almost a full decade, and now, suddenly, here he was, coming to help him after turning him immortal against his will? "Go!" Apollo shouted, without turning to face him. "Save Aeneas' life."
He nodded silently, and dashed for his brother. This time, he wasn't stopped. He swung at Achilles' shoulder, sword slamming into it, with the intent to rip off his arm. The man cried in pain, but the blade glanced off. Aeneas slashed at Achilles' neck, but again, the sword bounced away. "Are you okay?" His brother panted out.
"Yeah," He dodged a strike from a furious fair haired demigod, and backtracked as the knife came for him. He was too slow, however. The blade nicked him in the side, opening a small cut and making him wince as ichor flowed out. Achilles spun suddenly and parried Aeneas' strike. Quick as lightning, his foot shot out and slammed into Aeneas' gut, making him grunt and sending him flying.
"I will kill you all!" Achilles roared. Perseus scoffed, and then attacked once more. He feinted a slash at Achilles' left, and the demigod fell for it, diving away. Swiftly, Perseus switched up and slashed at the man's hands, knocking his blade into his wrist and sending his sword flying. Behind him Aeneas came once more, slamming his sword into Achilles' other hand. The son of Thetis cried out in pain and dropped his knife. Perseus laughed, and swept forward, sword point aimed at Achilles' heart.
His blade was blocked by a blue, pulsing trident.
Poseidon stood before the beaten Prince of Phthia, eyes glowing with an eerie bluish green light.
-X-
"YOU," Perseus hissed, unable to stop himself.
Poseidon tilted his head in confusion. "I don't think we've met before." He narrowed his eyes. "But you…you do look familiar…No matter. Achilles is not to be killed." Around them, the battle raged, but for Perseus, it seemed like everything had come to a standstill.
This man…this god, had stolen everything from him. He was the cause of his mother's death—his mother, whom he had not even grown up to know. His mother who he had lost almost all memory of. He had lost his home, and his family, because of Poseidon and his stupid storm. He had never been acknowledged by the Olympian in any way. He hadn't even checked to see if he had survived the destruction of that ship thirty years ago. And now, here he was again, ruining his chances at finally killing the bastard prized fighter of the Greeks.
"I look familiar?" He snarled. Anger filled his veins, and fury, raw, unimaginable fury coursed through him. He hated Poseidon, so so much. "That's all you have to say?!"
The god looked surprised at his apparent hatred, pulling back a little. Perseus bared his teeth at him.
"I—" The Lord of the seas narrowed his eyes, and stared. And then his eyes widened, as realisation dawned on him. Astonishment made a home on his face, mixed with disbelief.
"You—Are you a son of mine?"
Perseus laughed—he actually laughed, maniacally. And then he replied, unable to keep the hatred from oozing into his voice. "I am the son of Anchises. You will never be—have never been—my father. I despise you. You killed my mother in that storm thirty years ago, you bastard. And I'm going to bloody kill you for it!"
With that, he leaped forward, slashing his sword at the neck of the Olympian god of the seven seas.
-X-
AENEAS dodged a slash from the knife of the fair haired warrior. Achilles was angry now, that much was certain. But Aeneas was worried for his brother. So many gods were appearing to take him down, and his heart had almost leaped out of his chest when Poseidon had appeared. Hector was still battling with Ajax, and now Patroclus, at the same time. Athena and Selene were fighting like the deities they were, destroying everything with a clash of their weapons. Apollo and Hermes went head to head. And Perseus was fighting like an animal, savagely, furiously, with his biological father.
He raised his sword to stab at the warrior, but Achilles sidestepped and rushed forward, slamming his elbow into Aeneas' outstretched arm. He cried out and dropped the weapon quickly. Achilles swung at him with the knife once more, and Aeneas backtracked, narrowly avoiding the strike.
"I'll kill you," Achilles' eyes blazed. "I don't care what the gods say, I'll kill you right now." He dodged under another wild slash, and spun, kicking out and pushing the man away. Achilles slid through the sand, swearing. Aeneas moved forward then, slashing at him. But the man was fast. He dodged, and slammed a fist into Aeneas' chest. He doubled over in pain and Achilles punched him in the face, sending him reeling back. Aeneas grunted in pain and sidestepped as the man came at him again. But Achilles slammed his elbow into his face, and slashed at his chest. Aeneas gasped in pain, dropping to his knees. Blood flowed out of his quickly forming wound.
Achilles grinned at him. "It ends now, King of Dardania. You have been an impossibly frustrating foe to face. But all men must die one day." He heard a yell from behind him, a shout from Hector as he saw what was happening. Aeneas tried to stand, but pain flickered in his chest and he fell back to his knees. He heard a cry from Perseus, and saw his brother push past Poseidon towards him.
Achilles brought his sword down in an arc, and Aeneas prepared for the inevitable.
Only for a sword to break Achilles' strike. The son of Anchises looked up in surprise. Achates gave out a war cry and pushed Achilles back, sending him flying through the sand. Quickly, his former-bully turned to him. There was worry in his eyes. "Are you okay?" The man asked.
Aeneas couldn't let go of his surprise. "You saved me."
"Would you have preferred me to let you die?" Achates rolled his eyes. "We aren't children anymore, Aeneas. You are a King, and one of the best fighters we have. We need you, and your troops. You don't die anytime soon. Not under my watch." He blinked in surprise. Achates went on. "Childhood vendettas are past now. Like I said, we aren't children any longer." He held out his hand. Aeneas stared in hesitation. "We're bloody thirty-five, Aeneas. Are you going to accept my help or cling to some stupid children's feud."
He smiled, and reached out. Achates pulled him up and Aeneas muttered a small thanks.
At that moment, Perseus pulled up next to him. "Brother. You're hurt?"
"We must—" A scream cut Aeneas off. They turned, just in time to see Achilles coming for them. But then he stopped short, and was hurled through the air by an invisible force.
"All of you, stop it now," A heavenly voice cut through the fighting. Gods lowered their weapons, slowly. Soldiers pulled away from each other. Aeneas looked up. Descending from the heavens was a woman, with long black hair, oxen coloured eyes, and an elegant face. She wore a white flowing gossamer dress, and held a staff topped with a lily. Draped on her shoulders was a cloak of peacock feathers.
"Hera," Perseus muttered from beside him.
"Lord Zeus commands that this battle ceases," Hera announced. "Night has fallen, and the dead must be buried and injured treated. Trojans, return to your city immediately. There shall be no more bloodshed!" Her eyes turned to where Aeneas and his allies stood. She looked all the gods in the eye. "As for you all…Zeus shall deal with you on Olympus. Your interference shall not go unpunished."
Aeneas heard a cry of outrage from Achilles. They had been close. So close to ridding the Achaeans of two of their greatest allies. But they had failed. They had failed once more.
A/N: Well…the next chapter is the last of ARC II. Also, please, please, please. I need more feedback from The Guardians of Greece.