Rage of a Demigod

AN: Hello there, my dear readers! Man, I think I'm spoiling you with such frequent uploads. But hey, that's definitely only a bonus for you! So enjoy this new chapter!

By the way, the Percy Jackson Fanfiction Wiki now has pages for Marcus and Orion. I hope you go and see them.

Now to reviews.

jaffa3: I'm glad you're satisfied.

Gamelover41592: Well then, you probably won't see this coming either.

Crazzytony: You'll see Marcus soon enough, I promise.

RedHood001: I am very glad to hear that from you. And yeah, I was pretty dissatisfied with how Orion was portrayed in Blood of Olympus so I ended up making a, in my opinion, more interesting take on him. Judging by what happened, I think I was able to deliver.

And will I have someone like Gorr the God Butcher? Well, I don't think I'll be having someone like that in this story. Maybe when I tackle the Magnus Chase side of things.

Dcraus: I don't think they will be in this story. Maybe somewhere else.

18 The Heart of a Monster

Just after Orion left, the trio sat there near the campfire, with Zoe feeling somewhat uncomfortable and confused. She was still coming to terms that the man she hunted down for centuries isn't what she thought he was.

And that letter. She glanced at her pack, contemplating if she should give it to Artemis. How would her goddess react? Would she hate her? Hades, maybe she would even be glad. They may have been friends for a long time, but Zoe started feeling like they were strangers these days.

"If thee would excuse me," Zoe said before rising up. "I'll require some solitude for a little while. Go and rest, I'll be back soon." And she walked away from the campfire.

Percy gave a sigh. "Man, I'm starting to see why other demigods join the Titans. If the gods act so cruel and selfish, honestly it makes me feel like I would want to go too."

"I understand you, Percy, but you know better," Annabeth said. "You know that if the Titans win they will make things worse than they already are. While the Olympians aren't always fair, at least things are stable under their rule."

"Yeah, yeah, the lesser of two evils and all that," Percy said. "But still, what Apollo did to Orion, or what Ares did to Marcus, or how Aphrodite manipulates our love lives to end in heartbreak or tragedy. I don't like it one bit."

Annabeth wanted to argue against it but knew what he said was true.

"Tell me, Percy, what did Aphrodite actually say about us?" Annabeth asked.

Percy rubbed his face. "I honestly wish you didn't bring it up."

"Oh, well, if you don't want to-"

"No, no, I shouldn't act like a brat. I'll tell you," Percy said. "Aphrodite told me that she would have me endure hardship, saying that it was the best way to make love worth it. And she also told me she hadn't had a good tragic love story in a while.

"But… I don't want any of those hardships. I want our relationship to have a stable road, not whatever rollercoaster Aphrodite is planning." He then scooted over closer to Annabeth. "Annabeth, to tell you the truth, I'm scared." He then took hold of Annabeth's hand, her own gaze softening as he spoke. "I'm scared about what could happen. For all I know, Aphrodite could have one of us die, and we will have to wait until Elysium or something before we are brought back together. I don't want something like that to happen. I want this life to be spent with you."

"Oh, Percy," Annabeth said before leaning into a kiss which he gladly accepted. "Listen, whatever happens, we will give our best to make it through this. If Aphrodite wishes for us to have a tragic romance… then screw her. We will make our own relationship what we want. Nobody is taking you from me if I have anything to say about it."

Percy got a wide smile on his face before pulling Annabeth in a hug. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear that, Wise Girl."

Annabeth chuckled as she hugged him back. "Well, some of you definitely rubbed off on me after all these years."

Both of them chuckled before separating and kissing for the last time this night. They then went to sleep.

Zoe laid on the grassy ground, her head resting on her hands. Her eyes were glued upwards and looking at the starry sky. Over the years she had memorized the name of every constellation, and she could easily navigate based on their position.

However, her mind had a whole other reason to see the stars. These days, the pollution had made the stars almost impossible to see in many urban areas, but here, they couldn't be any clearer to see. Somewhat ironic that the Sea of Monsters would be the place where she enjoyed their full beauty.

Zoe remembered vividly back to the days of her youth when she was still only a child in the Garden of Hesperides. The memories of her father and her sisters sitting down, with Atlas showing them the stars above and telling many stories of old, and she remembered every single one.

"Father," she mumbled. She hasn't thought of her father a long time. After everything that happened it seemed like all the memories she had of him were negative.

Then the war came, and her father was cursed to hold up the heavens for all eternity, she remembered crying herself to sleep many a night, not having her father comfort her.

Then sometime later, Hercules came to the Garden, with Zoe being so smitten with how handsome he was she ended up helping him sneak past Ladon. She remembered his compliments and promises that at the time made her heart melt.

Then she remembered how she and her sisters were overjoyed to see their father free. She was certain they haven't ever showered him with so many hugs and tears. He told them he needed some golden apples from the tree and promised he would come back soon.

He never did. Instead, Hercules came back, and Zoe's deceit was revealed. Her sisters were so angry that they banished her. In sadness, she went to Hercules for comfort, but the demigod wasn't interested in helping her, leaving her even more in despair as she realized his honeyed words were nothing more than lies.

And here she was, once again without anyone dear to her within reach. Her sisters hated her, her father was with the enemy, and once again trapped in his curse, she was kicked out of the Hunters of Artemis, not even talking to Artemis or Phoebe since, and now the man she had feelings for was held who-knows-where.

Well, there was at least one thing she could change. She would get Marcus back, and no monster was going to stand in her way. She only hoped that he would reciprocate her feelings. Their relationship was already on good terms so she knew he didn't hate her.

Zoe let out a relaxing sigh and closed her eyes before fixating them on the sky again. Right now, all she wanted was to take in their majestic beauty and splendor.

It was good to see the stars again.

Zoe's eyes opened from a dreamless sleep and she quickly took in her surroundings. She saw that she was alone in a grassy field before looking around and saw that Annabeth and Percy were asleep near the remains of their campfire from last night a dozen meters away from her.

She then rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes. So she ended up falling asleep during her stargazing. She supposed it wasn't that much of a surprise since looking at the stars was calming.

She got up and walked up to the sleeping couple, seeing Annabeth slightly snore while Percy had a line of drool coming from his mouth. Zoe couldn't help but smile at them.

"Come on, wake up," Zoe said before slightly shaking them. "We need to continue. Wake up."

The two of them groaned and rubbed their eyes, almost fully awake.

"So," Percy said before letting out a loud yawn. "What time is it?"

"Seven-thirty," Zoe quickly answered.

Percy blinked. She said that without even having to look at a watch. "You know, sometimes you're so good at this survival thing that you creep me out."

"I will take that as a compliment."

While they were getting ready, Zoe noticed something. Not too far from where she was sitting, she saw several silver-tipped arrows stacked together. The same arrows she shot at Orion. Has the giant picked them back for her?

She picked the arrows up and put them into her quiver, already knowing the answer to that question.

"So, shall we go to the cave?" Annabeth asked to which she got nods from both of her companions. "Let's see what this lake inside contains then."

The three then found themselves at the cave entrance which was over ten feet in height. Once they entered the inside of the cave looked pretty typical, a rocky path with some stalactites and stalagmites.

It was silent, with several drops of water echoing in the distance, the air also beginning to feel soggy.

"You know, I have to admit," Percy said as he caught several drops of water into his hand and making them float around. "This actually feels very welcoming for me."

"To that soggy brain of yours, you mean," Annabeth said teasingly.

"Yeah, that's probably it."

They quickly reached what was the end of the path, leading into a quite large space. And there it was, the lake that Orion mentioned. The place was illuminated by the morning lighting piercing through a hole in the upper part of the cave, making the water slightly sparkle.

"Ok, that is pretty beautiful," commented Percy as walked closer to the calm water of the lake. "So, is it magical or something? Like, we speak to it and it shows an image?"

"I'm not sure. Orion never specified," Zoe said as she looked at the lake.

"Hey, look over here!" Annabeth called out.

Zoe and Percy turned to see her pointing at something. They saw that near the end of the path, there was a stone statue. It looked like a very beautiful woman, wing long wavy hair, and dressed in an ancient Greek dress that had no sleeved, and went all the way to the bottom.

The trio inspected the statue, seeing that it was made from the same stone that the cave consisted of and slightly worn down.

"Beautiful," Percy said. The woman, whoever she was, looked almost comparable to Aphrodite in beauty.

"Indeed," Annabeth agreed. "Not just that, the way the statue was shaped was really expertly made. The attention to detail is astounding. I'm almost sure those are freckles on her face."

While Zoe had to admit the statue was indeed a work of art, she wondered who made it. Who would come to the Sea of Monsters, make a statue out of cave rock, and then leave it there?

"Looking at statues isn't going to help us find Marcus," Percy said before walking over to the lake. "Let me see if I can find a clue in this water." He then sniffed the air. "Anyone else thinks this place smells of fish?"

Annabeth raised an eyebrow at that and sniffed the air. "Actually, it does. I wonder why?"

Zoe looked around, trying to see if she could find some clues as well. But then she noticed something. The walls of the cave didn't look right. On several parts, it looked like the rock was torn out of the walls, with some grazes on the halls that looked like they were made by huge fingers.

Percy kneeled and peered over to see into the water. It was pretty dark down there so he couldn't see what was at the bottom. He then put his hand in the water, feeling his connection to it empower him as it did before.

"Hmm, I wonder if-"

He stopped as suddenly two huge yellow and slitted eyes appeared in the water, making Percy scream in terror and back away. Before he could get far, a huge hand appeared from the lake, splashing water everywhere as it reached the surface before wrapping itself around the young demigod as he once again loudly yelped.

The two women turned to see what was going on and Annabeth exclaimed loudly in fear while Zoe let out a loud gasp.

Percy struggled under the strong grip of the hand. It almost felt like his bones would shatter instantly it squeezed any tighter. Then he noticed the shape of the hand, seeing it as the same one from his dream.

Then out of the water, a head emerged, soon followed by torso, all belonging to a giant creature that almost reached the roof of the cave, with the lake water streaming down its body.

All of them, Percy especially, looked in shock and fear at what they saw. The creature had enough features to look like a humanoid man, but everything else about him screamed monster.

Except for his yellow eyes, what should have been his hair was instead many large black snakes that could reach below his shoulders, with all his teeth also being razor-sharp. His arms seemed like that of a crab, but with a more human structure, the same way as his hand except for the spikes on his shoulders. His skin was midnight black and seemed to be made of something armor-like, with some red lines on his sides which seemed to be gills.

The monster moved his head closer to Percy, with his large snakes moving in his direction and letting out some giant hisses. Percy trembled at the sight, feeling like those eyes were about to petrify him, and the fact that those anacondas were coming nearer didn't really help his situation. He was glad that he had already done his natural business before coming into this cave otherwise he would probably need a new pair of pants.

"Son of Poseidon," the monster said. "I recognize that stench anywhere."

Zoe quickly shot an arrow aimed at the joints of the monster's hand, but he just moved it slightly where the arrow broke against his crab-like shell.

The yellow eyes were now on her, and Zoe slightly shook as she readied another arrow.

"Do that again," he said before tightening his first making Percy slightly scream in pain. "And I will make sure your friend here ends up throwing up his guts."

Annabeth turned to Zoe. "Please, listen to him. We can't lose Percy," she said quickly, a look in her eyes practically begging the former Huntress to stop.

Zoe narrowed her eyes and grit her teeth. A hostage situation is the last thing they needed. She put her arrow back in her quiver, and her arms to her sides, but she still kept the bow.

Annabeth gained at least some courage and spoke. "Um, you… you must be the mighty Phorcys!"

"Indeed, I am Phorcys," the monster said. Phorcys then sniffed the air. "Judging by your scent, you are a daughter of Athena. And the girl next to you is a daughter of Atlas."

"Uh, yes, that is correct, mighty Phorcys. I am Annabeth Chase, and the one next to me is Zoe Nightshade. Our friend that you have there is Percy Jackson."

Phorcys then again looked at the boy he was holding. "Percy? That is short for Perseus, I imagine."

Getting the senses to answer, Percy spoke. "Well, yeah it is." Then Percy noticed something out of the corner of his eye and saw Annabeth frantically waving her hands in a negative motion with a panicked look on her face. Percy wondered what she meant before he remembered and mentally berated himself. Perseus was the man who killed Phorcys' daughter, Medusa. "Um, actually no! Sorry, sorry, it's actually short for, uh, Percival! Yeah, that's- AGHH!"

Phorcys squeezed his fist once again as his face morphed into a snarl, his snakes hissing angrily with them so close to Percy that their tongues almost licked him. "Lie to me again and I'll have my snakes devour you!"

"Ugh, yes, yes, I get it! I won't lie, I swear!" Percy frantically said as his eyes shut from the pain but Phorcys once again eased his grip which made Percy almost sigh in relief.

"Now, what shall I do with you three?" Phorcys asked as his gaze switched between them. "First Orion comes here looking for me, and the next day I have even more people disturbing me."

Annabeth gulped. "Please, we did not wish to disturb you. We were just looking for clues to find our friend who was taken."

Phorcys raised an eyebrow. "You came here looking for clues? That's all?"

"Yes, that's all!" Percy said. "We only want to find out friend! We mean you no harm!"

Phorcys was silent for a moment, only staring at Percy. Then he smiled before letting out an almost deafening laugh that almost shook the cave itself. Percy wished his hands were free so he could plug his ears.

Zoe was slowly sweating at their situation. She has hunted some powerful monsters before, but Phorcys was on a whole different level. Why did Orion tell them to go here? Has he tricked them, using Phorcys to kill them since he swore on the Styx no to do it himself?

As those questions raged in her head, she remembered him saying how he came here for a hunt only to end up disappointed. And now Phorcys was saying that Orion was after him. That didn't make sense in her mind. Phorcys was one of the most formidable monsters ever, even the gods would hesitate to fight him, so how could Orion end up disappointed by hunting him?

Phorcys' laughing stopped as he looked amusingly at Percy. "Trust me, son of Poseidon. Your kind has brought me enough harm over the centuries, constantly slaughtering my children. Tell me, have you done anything similar?"

"Um, well, I'm… I…"

"And remember, do NOT lie to me!"

Percy began sweating. He knows that he did indeed do something like that since he was also the one who killed Medusa. But should he say it? If he lied, then Phorcys would have his snakes eat him, and if he told the truth… Well, he could only imagine what would happen.

With a sigh, he spoke. "I… I ran into Medusa. But, she… wanted to kill us so I had no choice!"

Percy's eyes were shut, ready to face whatever Phorcys had planned for him. After a while, nothing came. Percy opened his eyes only to see Phorcys staring at him.

"Of course you didn't," Phorcys simply said before slowly putting his hand down and releasing Percy from his grip.

The group looked shocked at what happened. Did Phorcys just let Percy go? Just like that?

Phorcys then began shrinking until he was the size of a normal human. Well, incredibly large normal human. He was still waist-deep in water but quickly got out, showing that below his waist he was a sea serpent, but then the trunk shrank and turned into legs, going from slithering to walking.

Phorcys moved past them and walked in front of the statue of that woman.

"Tell me, are you familiar with my daughter's story?" he asked no one specific, indicating that question was for all three of them.

Annabeth answered first. "Well, Medusa was originally a human who became a priestess at a temple of Athena, whose priestesses had to swear a vow of chastity," she said while looking at Phorcys who just continued looking at the statue with his hands behind his back. Seeing no negative response she continued. "Then one day Medusa fell in love with the sea god Poseidon, and they… um… met in Athena's temple, which was a great insult to the goddess and she ended up turning her into a Gorgon with a gaze that turns people to stone."

Phorcys chuckled before turning to look at her. "So that's what you believe happened?"

"Wait, that's not how it happened?" Percy asked.

"Your friend's story is only partly true," Phorcys answered before turning back to the statue. He lifted his hand, which slowly began to morph to resemble a more human hand thought it had claws, and cupped the cheek of the statue before caressing it affectionately. "Medusa was one of the few of my children that were born as regular humans, and since she wouldn't fit in with other of my children I left her at Athena's temple, where other humans would raise her." He then put his hand back. "The statue you see here is what she looked like before she was turned into a Gorgon like her sisters."

The trio's eyes widened at that. That was a statue of Medusa?!

"She… she was very beautiful," Percy commented.

"Indeed she was," Phorcys said with a smile. "In fact, she was so beautiful that by the time she became a priestess of Athena, Medusa was almost the sole reason people came to the temple, to gaze at her beauty. They almost began worshipping her instead of Athena."

Phorcys then moved back to the group, who became nervous at his presence. He may not have attacked them yet, but for all they knew, he could jump at them at any moment. He turned to Annabeth.

"Your mother, of course, did not like that such a thing was happening, but she didn't do anything about it. It was hard to justify punishing someone just for being beautiful." He then walked over to Percy, who began sweating as Phorcys and his snakes leaned down. "That is where your father comes into the fray. He was also taken in by her beauty, so much so that one day he approached her and asked her to be his."

"And…" Percy gulped. "She accepted?"

"Of course she didn't," Phorcys said in a more forceful tone before pulling back. "Despite what your friend says, Medusa never had any intention to be with Poseidon and was determined to keep her vows. She rejected him and walked back into the temple. But of course, your father isn't the one who takes no for an answer. So he followed her back to Athena's temple, and took her against her will."

Percy's eyes widened at what Phorcys was saying. "WHAT?! No, no, no, you must be mistaken! My father would never do such a thing!"

"Hmph! Of course, a child would think highly of their parent, sometimes despite the things they do," Phorcys said. "But where was I? Oh right. After your father was finished, Athena saw her chance. She appeared before Medusa, and since she lost her virginity after what Poseidon did to her, Athena cursed her for breaking her oath, and turned her into a Gorgon."

Now it was Annabeth's turn to protest. "Wait, my mother wouldn't do something so petty! She is a goddess of wisdom for gods' sakes!"

Zoe wasn't sure what was going on. Phorcys should have torn them to shreds by now. But he just stood there and listened to Annabeth and Percy talk back to him in such a disrespectful manner. It didn't seem right.

"Your mother may be the goddess of wisdom, but she is a goddess nonetheless," Phorcys said. "Tell me, you two, how much to do you actually know your parents? Have you spent enough time to get to know them?"

"Look, I don't know what your deal is, but there is no way our parents would act in that way!" Percy protested angrily.

Phorcys laughed. "I walked this world long before humanity was ever created. I know your parents far better than you do. And let me tell you, your parents are NOT good people despite what you might think." He then walked over to Percy. "Your father is a liar, a murderer, and a rapist. His past actions prove as such. Your very existence proves that he isn't a good person. And I also know how neglectful gods are to their children."

"No, you're wrong! My father he… he talked to me! He even visited me for my birthday!"

"Aww, well isn't he a sweetheart?" Phorcys said in a sarcastic tone. "He may have committed numerous atrocities, but apparently one birthday visit is enough to forget that, and forgive him for all the years of neglect. Is that what you're saying?"

"What? Of course not, but-"

"But nothing!" Phorcys interrupted. "It doesn't matter how you try to justify it, you can never say your father is a good man after all he did." Then he walked up to Annabeth. "And you, you think so highly of your mother for being a goddess of wisdom. Your mother is also far from perfect. Like many gods, your mother falls victim to pride and vanity. Why do you think her conflict with Poseidon lasts even today? Or why do you think she would bother going to something like a beauty contest between goddesses, or punish people like Arachne for daring to insult the gods for the things they actually did?"

He then walked away and turned his back towards them. "Go ahead, try and justify your parents' behavior. You know they both left you on your own simply because they are gods and they can't be bothered with taking care of their bastards."

Annabeth and Percy wanted to protest with all their might, but they knew he spoke the truth. Their parents left them when they were little, with Percy's mother being forced to be in an abusive relationship to protect him, while Annabeth ran away after the mistreatment and neglect she endured from her family.

"And now you're probably thinking. 'No, Phorcys is just a monster. Our parents would never do something so horrible. He is just trying to turn us against them' or something similar," Phorcys said. "If you don't trust me, then ask your parents and have them swear on the Styx that what they're telling is the truth."

"What's the point of this?" Percy asked, his eyes becoming teary. "Why are you telling us all this?"

There was a moment of silence as Phorcys hung his head. Then he answered. "I am telling you so you know how much your parents managed to hurt us. You see, after that happened, I went to visit my daughter and told her who I was, and that I was welcoming her back to our family.

"But she didn't want to hear it. She cursed my name, screamed at me for abandoning her, and for her current fate. My own child didn't want anything to do with me." He then turned back to look at them, but there was only sadness in his eyes and they didn't look threatening as they did before. Even his snakes weren't as active, only laying on his back and some on his chest. "You have no idea how much it hurts a parent to have their child reject them in such away. And before I could make any more amends, she was then killed by Perseus, and her head was wielded as a weapon. Even when she eventually reformed I was never able to speak to her."

He then moved back to the statue. "I made this statue in her original image, to remember my daughter for who she was supposed to be. And every time a statue got worn down, I would build another so that I don't forget her. And to never forget my mistake for abandoning her to the humans instead of making sure she had a place with her real family."

The trio didn't know how to react. Here was Phorcys, one of the deadliest creatures to walk the face of the world, and instead of killing them, he was… confessing? They really weren't sure.

"So what now?" Annabeth asked. "Aren't you going to kill us?"

Phorcys shook his head. "No, I will not," he answered, surprising them. "You have to understand. As time passes, fights become meaningless, glory becomes worthless, and fame losses any satisfaction. And all you have in the end is a tired father who's had enough. My children go on fighting heroes, either slaying them or they themselves end up being slain, and so on and forth. Plotting vengeance doesn't give me joy as it once did. Or ever will."

It was at that moment where they saw Phorcys differently. Despite his inhuman features, he didn't look like a monster anymore. He looked like a man who had enough of life and just couldn't go on anymore.

Now Zoe came to a realization on why Orion said his hunt was disappointing. When he confronted Phorcys, the monster probably didn't even want to fight him. And that is also why he guessed there might find help with Phorcys.

"Then, mighty Phorcys, perhaps thou can help us," Zoe said getting his attention. "We only need directions. We are searching for Cottus of the Hecatonchires."

Phorcys raised an eyebrow. "And why would I help you?"

"It was worth asking," Zoe simply answered.

Phorcys let out a slight chuckle. "I suppose it was." He then turned to Percy. "Boy, do you have Medusa's head?"

Percy was caught off guard by that question. "Um, n-no. My mother has it."

"Then here's my offer. Bring me my daughter's head and I will help you get to Cottus."

"That's it? That's all you want?"

Phorcys nodded. "Yes. As long as you have her head, she can't reform. And that is the only part of her I wasn't able to bury."

"I… I see," Percy said. "But, I can't just go back to my mother and ask for the head. That would take too much time."

Phorcys narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. "If that's the case then I have no reason to help you."

"Wait, we don't have to give you the head just yet," Annabeth said. "We will swear on the Styx that after our quest is done, we will bring you the head. Will that be enough?"

Phorcys was silent for a few moments. "Alright. I'll accept the terms. Now swear the oath, and I will help you." The three of them swore on the River Styx that they would bring back the head when they were done, and thunder rumbled in the distance. "Follow me."

Phorcys then went outside of his cave into the morning sun right on the beach, with Zoe, Percy, and Annabeth in tow. Phorcys then made a sound similar to that of a whale but more screechy, it actually hurt their ears.

Phorcys crossed his arms. "And now we wait."

"For what exactly?" Zoe asked.

"You'll see. It won't take too long."

They stood there for about a minute, which for people like Annabeth and Percy was kind of long.

"So, if I may ask," Percy said. "If you didn't plan to kill us, why did you have to squeeze me so hard? I can still feel it."

"I was frustrated, and I needed at least one way to let my anger out," Phorcys said with a smile. "I have to admit, hearing you scream like that did bring some joy to my ears."

"Uh, right," Percy said awkwardly. After all that happened, he honestly forgot that Phorcys is supposed to be a monster.

After a few more minutes, something was coming towards their island, something big. A large fin came to the surface as it split the sea in its path. Once it was close enough, the creature rose from the waves, its size almost matching Phorcys'. It was an amphibian creature with four clawed snake-like arms, a muscular torso, his head mostly humanoid with some fins in place of facial hair, large tusks, and three horns on the top. His entire skin was also covered in green scales.

Zoe, Annabeth, and Percy instinctively went on guard when they saw the large monster appear. The monster noticed them and moved its hand to attack but came to stop as Phorcys spoke.

"At ease, Cetus! Those three are not to be harmed!" Just after he stopped, Cetus let out some gurgling sounds that seemed to hold confusion in them. "I know, but the circumstances are different. And they will bring me something I require." He then turned back to the group. "Beautiful tyke, isn't he? Takes so much after his mother."

Whatever the word beautiful meant in monster language, it definitely didn't mean the same in theirs.

"Well, at least he has your tail," Percy commented after seeing a large serpent tail behind Cetus.

"That he does," Phorcys agreed. "Alright, my son here knows the Sea of Monsters like the back of his hand, and he will be able to take you to Cottus, and leave you there. After that, you're on your own."

"You mean we're supposed to… ride on him?"

"Do you want to get there or not?"

"We accept," Annabeth interjected. It wasn't the most… orthodox situation they were in, but it was the best one for now.

Zoe had a few conflicting thoughts about this. She spent so long hunting monsters, yet here she was now cooperating with some of the most dangerous monsters in existence. It just felt… weird.

And while Cetus wasn't the threat his father was, he was still only defeated thanks to Medusa's head, which they didn't have. She really hoped he doesn't disobey his father and tries to kill them. There wouldn't be enough silver arrows for her to put him down.

After Phorcys explained to Cetus what he needed to do, Cetus gave him a nod before submerging himself into the water, with his fins and head sticking out.

"Grab ahold of his fins, and hold on tight," Phorcys explained. "As long as Cetus is with you, no other monster should bother you on your way."

Annabeth gave a small bow. "Thank you, mighty Phorcys," she said in a respective tone.

The three then walked into the water, slowly stepping on Cetus' scaly back. They could practically feel his bodily functions beneath their feet as they walked. They each grabbed a radial bone which provided a surprisingly well gripping capability.

"Um, sir Phorcys," Percy called gaining the monster's attention. "I'm not sure if this will mean anything, but I'm sorry about what happened to you."

Phorcys waved his crab-like hand dismissively. "Don't be, I don't deserve it. I've killed plenty of heroes in my day. I'm still your natural enemy, and I'm only doing this for a temporary agreement."

"Yeah, I get it. Still..."

"Just go, and finish this damn thing. And remember, you swore on the Styx, so you better deliver what you promised if you survive." Percy only gave a small nod. "Away, Cetus!"

Cetus let out a few gurgles before speeding away from there, making the passengers yelp in surprise at the sudden movement. Cetus then quickly disappeared on the horizon, with Phorcys returning back to his resting place.

AN: And that is it, my dear readers! And we finally see Phorcys in this story! And boy did I change that dude or what?!

Okay, let's bring up the elephant in the room. Now, I'm sure that some of you won't like that I used Ovid's interpretation of Medusa's story while Rick Riordan used some other version. But to be honest, Ovid's version was the first time we got an origin for Medusa, and Uncle Rick used some of the later version because they are more kid-friendly to what he was writing. Plus, Rick could just have used a version where Medusa was originally just a monster, but he decided to take a 'former human' angle with her.

But we have to honest, the gods, except maybe Hestia, aren't good people and they did some really terrible things so Ovid's version wouldn't be far off. And even if you think that Athena as the goddess of wisdom would have to know better, this is the woman who cursed an instrument, guaranteeing certain death to someone who found it, and why? Because Hera and Aphrodite thought she looked a bit funny when playing it. Yeah, just those two and nobody else. If that isn't petty, I don't know what is.

On a side note: have any of you been annoyed when YouTubers who speak about mythology bring up the original origin of Medusa, after which people believe them, but then later those YouTubers berate those people for believing them, despite the fact they never brought up any different origin in their original video? It's just a little gripe I have.

And just to clarify, this isn't me trying to paint the monsters in a good light, even Phorcys says he isn't a good guy. I'm only trying to show that tragedy can strike both sides. You won't see demigods siding with monsters anytime soon. But if Phorcys' story made you feel a little bit sad, then hooray for me, I can write tragedies. I think.

And yeah, I took the inspiration for Cetus from the 1981 Clash of the Titans movie. I really like it.

And I'm sorry to all those people who were hyped to see a fight with Phorcys, only to have it once again be a chapter where people are talking instead.

See you next time!