Rage of a Demigod
AN: Hello there, my dear readers! I hope your wait has been paid off as we have another chapter of Rage of a Demigod. Enjoy!
Now to reviews.
jaffa3: It's definitely coming.
vmage2: Glad you think so.
xXwolfsterXx644: Well here it is.
Guest (1): Oh, Ares will definitely get his comeuppance.
Guest(2): It would.
Allen Dragneel: You're welcome.
picking-up-story-from-abadoned: Thanks.
Guest(3): Sorry you think so.
Guest(4): I didn't want Marcus to be a 100% Kratos. I mean, if I make him so powerful from the start, then why even have any other demigod here. He wouldn't really interact with other characters if he was just that strong. I mean, plenty of people feared Kratos but before the end it's not like gods and titans feared him. Only a few really did. Trust me, Marcus will definitely have plenty more moments that show why he's the most powerful demigod.
Pedro Alonso Buby Huayanay Zamudio: It will definitely come, but not too soon. There are still plenty of things to do.
dominickwarcimaga666: Don't worry, this story has a long way to go still.
SpartanWartastic: Well, I see somebody watched the Omni Man vs Homelander Death Battle.
iamaninjabruh: Here it is.
Sayanka Betal: Well, I didn't want him to be a rude bastard all the time. Even he has his soft spots.
Guest(5): I'm glad you think so. And here's the new chapter.
tobitto: Well, if it wasn't for Annabeth, he wouldn't have.
24 A Father's Heart
"Annabeth," Percy said. "You have no idea how happy I am that you kept that Lotus Hotel card with you."
Annabeth grinned as she pocketed the said card. "Of course. There is no way I wouldn't keep such a valuable resource."
So after Marcus left, they were faced with the issue of getting back. Luckily, Annabeth remembered she had that card from the Lotus Hotel, after which they were able to take several cabs back to Camp Half-blood.
"I'm surprised that you are still able to use it."
"Well, they haven't suspended it yet," Annabeth said with a shrug. "Maybe the staff of the Lotus Hotel just forgot. Whatever works for us."
"Indeed it does," Zoe commented. "I have to admit, it's surprising to hear that Percy was the first one to figure out that the Lotus Hotel was a trap."
"Hey, as I already said," Percy said. "I may not be the brightest guy out there, but I have my moments."
"Great, now can you find a way out of us getting scolded by Chiron?" Annabeth teasingly asked.
Percy winced. "Gods, we're so screwed aren't we?" he said. "Especially since Marcus isn't here to confirm our story."
"True, however, for all intents and purposes, we were only out of the camp for a couple of days," Zoe said. "We might face punishment, but there is no evidence that we did anything major. For all we accomplished, I think we can handle whatever Chiron has for us."
"Well, when you put it like that…"
"Say, Zoe," Annabeth said with a smirk. "How does it feel to officially have a boyfriend?"
Zoe blushed for a moment. "It feels… well, to be honest with thee, it feels great. Unlike Hercules, I actually spent some time with Marcus. To finally have him just… it feels right."
"Oh, don't I know that feeling?" Annabeth said while glancing at Percy who lightly scratched the back of his head.
They found themselves almost at the entrance of Camp Half-blood, where they saw Argus looking at them curiously.
"Well, let's just hope this doesn't end too badly," Percy said with a sigh. Maybe Chiron would believe them after all.
So, much to nobody's surprise, their arrival was met with shock and surprise, probably added by the fact they looked a bit roughed up from everything they've been through. The torn shirts, the bruises, and a cut or two (which is something they should probably have to get checked) would definitely raise a few eyebrows.
A good number of demigods gathered around them, asking what happened, where they were, how they were, all the usual questions. Though it all pretty much stopped when the man with a white stallion's lower half appeared.
"Percy, Annabeth, Zoe," Chiron said in a tone that seemed to be both concerned and disapproving. "By the gods, where have you been? Everyone in the camp was worried about you."
"Forgive us, Chiron," Zoe said. "But we… We've gained a lead on Marcus' whereabouts. And we decided to investigate."
Chiron raised an eyebrow. "A lead on Marcus? Why haven't you discussed it with me and the others? Why go on that journey by yourselves?"
Percy sighed. "Chiron, we're sorry about that. But you see, we-"
A sudden burst of flame appeared a few feet in front of them, revealing someone they hoped they wouldn't meet in a long while.
'No, no, no!' Zoe thought. 'It's too soon for him to be here!'
When the flames subsided, standing in the middle of the scorched grass was none other than Ares, in his usual biker look, though his shades were smoking. Not a good sign.
The war god had a heavy frown on his face, his fist clenching as he walked in the direction of the trio.
"L-lord, Ares," Chiron said as he went to greet the angry god. "This is quite a surprise. What can we do to-?"
"Out of my way, hay breath," Ares said roughly before actually backhanding Chiron. The centaur grunted before falling over and hitting the ground.
The campers gasped at what happened before looking at Ares in fear. However, Percy got a look of anger instead.
"Hey, what the Hades was that for, you jerk?!" Percy demanded.
Ares responded by grabbing Percy's shirt and lifting him up. "All right, no screwing around," the war god said. "Listen to me, you little brat. I don't have time for your bullshit, so you'll tell me where Marcus is right now. Or I swear I'll reduce you to nothingness."
Percy gasped as he tried to pry Ares' hand away to no avail. "What… What are you talking about?"
Ares' shades completely melted off his face, revealing his fiery eyes. "What did I say about no screwing around?!" he exclaimed before bringing up his free hand, which was quickly engulfed in fire. "I'm gonna ask again. You better tell me where Marcus is, or I'll vaporize you."
"Leave him be!" Zoe shouted.
"Shut it!" Ares said before throwing the fire in her direction.
Zoe barely dodged in time as the fireball flew next to her. But the moment it landed the ground was set ablaze, and a wall of flame appeared in front of Ares and Percy, separating them from the rest, with the other demigods quickly scattering away.
"On, no! Percy!" Annabeth shouted as she saw the two through the intense flames while Zoe groaned in frustration.
"I will ask again," Ares said as his hand reignited. "Where is Marcus?"
However, despite everything, Percy stared defiantly. "What? Not happy that he isn't your slave anymore? Well, too bad for you. He didn't come with us, as you can see. And I have no idea where he went, and to be honest, I wouldn't tell you even if I did know. So tough luck."
The fire that surrounded them intensified, as well as the fire within Ares' eyes as he glared at Percy.
"Fine then," Ares said in a low tone. "I tried to be nice, but you just had to be your usual dumb self."
The flame in Ares' hand intensified. "Now die!"
"PERCY!" Annabeth and Zoe shouted.
However, before Ares could strike, another hand grabbed his, holding the war god's attack in place.
Ares quickly turned around to see who would dare to stop him while Percy looked wide-eyed.
"D-dad?" Percy breathed out.
Poseidon stood there glaring back at the god of war, still having a firm grasp on the flaming hand.
"If you finish your attack, I swear I'll send you to Tartarus myself," Poseidon said in a threatening tone.
"Keep your nose out of my business, Poseidon," Ares said.
"Oh, it's 'Poseidon' now? No fish jokes?" Poseidon said before a ball of water formed over his trident. He then tapped the ground with the trident, making the ball disperse and extinguish the surrounding flames. Annabeth and Zoe felt relieved as they saw the fire disappear. "Also, you were about to kill my son. How is that not my business?"
Ares grumbled his hand shook in Poseidon's grip.
"Let him go, Ares," the sea god demanded. "I won't ask again."
Despite how much Ares wanted to kill the sea god's spawn, he knew fighting Poseidon right now wouldn't be a smart idea. His hand then stopped burning and he let Percy loose, making the demigod drop on his feet and stumble a bit.
"I hope you had good reason for this transgression," Poseidon said as he let go of Ares. "What exactly had Percy done to make you want to kill him?"
Ares grumbled under his breath. He knew he couldn't reveal what he was doing otherwise he would have all of Olympus going after him. He hoped that he would at least get Marcus' location quickly but that damn Percy Jackson just had to be stubborn about it.
"I was just angry," Ares said. "I'll keep myself in check."
"Really? Is that it?" Poseidon asked. "I highly doubt that."
"Believe whatever you want to believe," Ares said. "But I'm out of here." 'You won't get so lucky next time, Percy Jackson.'
In another burst of flame, Ares disappeared from sight.
Poseidon then approached his son with worry in his eyes. "Percy, are you all right? Did Ares hurt you?"
"Uh, no I'm… I'm fine, dad," Percy answered.
"I'm glad to hear it," Poseidon said with a smile. "If Ares pulls something like that again, I promise you he will be severely punished." However, Poseidon noticed that Percy seemed to be staring at him for some reason. "Percy, is something wrong?"
Percy quickly blinked. "Oh, no, nothing's wrong, I promise," he answered. "Hey, dad. Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," Poseidon said with a nod. "What do you need?"
"Well, it's just that…" Percy said while looking at his father. He remembered his encounter with Phorcys, and what the sea monster told him. However, right now he didn't see that in his father, just his usual caring self.
"What is it, son?" Poseidon asked, somewhat worried about Percy's sudden silence.
"Well, I... It's just…" Percy stammered as he tried to find the right words. "It's… It's nothing. Sorry, dad, it… wasn't anything important."
"Oh," Poseidon said, feeling somewhat disappointed. "Well, the next time we meet I'm sure you'll have more to talk about. Until then, son."
Poseidon's form turned into seawater that was then dispersed in the wind, leaving behind a scent of sea breeze.
Annabeth approached her boyfriend, also joined by Chiron who recovered from Ares's backhand. "Are you okay, Percy?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Percy said before looking down. "Just fine."
Up in the heavens, Mount Olympus stood. The majestic structure of such beauty was hard to describe as many gods walked through it.
However, Zeus, the king of the gods and the father of Olympus stood inside his palace. His arms were crossed as he looked down to the mortal realm. He witnessed everything that happened with Ares in the camp, and to say he was concerned about what his son was doing would be an understatement.
"Something troubling you, father?"
Zeus turned his electric gaze to his daughter, the wisdom goddess Athena.
"Is there something you need?" Zeus asked.
"I can see that the upcoming war with the Titans is weighing heavily on your mind," Athena said. "Trust me, we are all concerned about it."
"It is not just the war that bothers me," Zeus said. "I'm worried that Ares might be plotting something."
Athena looked at him curiously. "What makes you say that?"
"His behavior is very suspicious. He actually almost ended up killing Percy Jackson if not for Poseidon."
"And what do you think he may be plotting?" Athena asked. "Do you think he is conspiring with the Titans?"
Zeus shook his head. "No. Even he wouldn't be that predictable. Besides, I doubt he'd want to share power with the Titans after everything that happened."
"Then what do you think it is?"
"I cannot say for certain," Zeus answered. "But enough about that? Why are you here? I doubt it's just because it was to ease my mind about the war."
"Father, I was wondering," Athena began. "This war... It carries an even bigger level of uncertainty than any other war has before. So I have a suggestion about increasing our odds."
This got Zeus curious. "And what did you have in mind?"
"What if we requested aid from the other pantheons? Like the Egyptians or the Norse, for example?"
Zeus frowned. "Out of the question."
"B-but, father, just give it some thought," Athena insisted. "Our very fates hang on a very thin thread. And I'm not confident in Percy Jackson as the prophesized demigod to make the right choice."
"No," Zeus said firmly. "I will not degrade ourselves by seeming so desperate we need aid from foreign gods. Besides, what aid can the Egyptians bring us? Ra currently is not even in his right state of mind. And there is no chance that I will owe a favor to somebody like Odin. That man is way too devious for his own good."
"So you will not even consider it?"
"I will not," Zeus reaffirmed. "I suggest you drop this, Athena. Our war will be fought by us and will be won by us. That is how it always was, and how it always will be. Our millennia-long rule is proof of that."
Athena chewed on her lip briefly before speaking. "Very well. I'm sorry if I offended you."
"It doesn't matter," Zeus said before turning back. "We will just have to endure that storm when it comes. That is all we can do."
"Of course," Athena said before turning around and leaving the palace, disappointed in her father's stubbornness. Honestly, Zeus sometimes seemed too proud for his own good.
Right now, she could only hope that they emerge victorious in the upcoming conflict.
Percy jumped off Blackjack's back, while Annabeth dropped from Porkpie's.
"Thanks again for that, Blackjack," Percy said with a smile.
"No problem, boss," Blackjack said. "But are you sure you want to be here again?"
"Well, this time I have a special delivery to make," Percy said as he took a box that was tied to the saddle. "So we have some assurance that we'll make it."
"Oh, I hope you're right," Blackjack said. "This place still gives me the creeps."
After the whole ordeal with Ares, the group had a talk with Chiron about what happened. To say that the centaur was shocked would be a huge understatement. Though he did end up believing them but said that they should keep some detail under wraps lest they cause a panic.
So the new prophecy, the exact reason behind Marcus' capture, and Ares' involvement were omitted or watered down. So the official story was that Marcus just went to relinquish his service to Ares, failed, got captured at the Sea of Monsters after which Percy, Annabeth, and Zoe saved him.
Not a complete lie, but not a complete truth either.
In the end, they were punished with some more chores as they did end up going out without permission. But it wasn't all that bad.
Percy then ended up contacting his mother about the Medusa head, much to her expected shock, but he still convinced her to mail it to him. Good thing the Olympian mail service was top notch so he got it pretty quick.
And once the day had arrived, Percy went to Blackjack and told him he needed a ride to the Sea of Monsters again, with a lot more sugar cubes promised. Annabeth insisted on going with him. Just for some reassurance.
"So, will you and Porkpie be fine if you waited for us here?" Percy asked. "This trip shouldn't take too long."
"Of course, master," Porkpie answered.
"You know, Percy," Annabeth spoke. "This kinda feels weird when I can't understand them."
"Yeah, I imagine it does," Percy said with a chuckle. He then turned to look at the sea. "I wonder how long it will take for Cetus to come here."
As if on cue, the monster slowly rose from the water to his great height, making the two pegasi back away.
"Uh, are you sure this is a good idea, boss?" Blackjack asked nervously.
"Trust me, he's not as bad as he looks," Percy commented.
Cetus then actually seemed to growl, indicating that he heard what Percy said.
"I-I mean, well… I didn't mean it like that, I swear," Percy said.
"He meant that you are a very threatening figure, that's all," Annabeth said, with Percy silently thanking her for the save. It was actually a good idea to bring her with him.
Cetus tilted his head for a moment. After a brief silence, he simply leaned down into the water, offering them a ride on his back again. At least he didn't seem angry anymore.
"Okay, well, we better get going," Percy said before he and Annabeth stepped into the water and climbed onto Cetus' back.
The son of Phorcys turned and began swiftly swimming to the direction of the Sea of Monsters. Percy held unto the fin while also holding the box. He had to admit it was a bit tough, but he had to endure until they reached Phorcys' island.
It didn't take them long until they reached the entrance to the Sea of Monsters, with Scylla and Charybdis well in sight. They hoped that with Cetus they wouldn't have the problem of either of them getting in the way.
Of course, Fates decided to play with them once they saw the six heads retract into the rock formation only for the full form of Scylla to descend down into the water below.
"Oh, come on!" Percy exclaimed as Cetus ceased swimming and stopped in front of Scylla.
"What on Earth do you think you're doing, Cetus?" Scylla asked as her yellow-slitted eyes narrowed. "I already had those mortals pass me by without any consequences. Do you think I'm going to let it happen again?"
Cetus grumbled before letting out several grumbling sounds, which was his way of speaking. Annabeth and Percy couldn't get what he was saying, but seeing Scylla widen her eyes, they guessed that she did.
"Father?" Scylla said flabbergasted. "Father has requested them?"
Percy blinked in confusion. "Father?"
"Oh, yeah. Scylla is actually a daughter of Phorcys," Annabeth clarified.
"Wait, really?" Percy said. He did think that Scylla had similar eyes to Phorcys. Guess that was one of his traits she inherited. "Geez, you'd think Phorcys was the father of all monsters, not Typhon."
"Actually, considering that Phorcys is also the father of Echidna, you know, that old lady that threw the Chimera at us and also Typhon's wife, Phorcys could be considered the grandfather of all monsters."
"Wow. We get involved with interesting crowds," Percy commented.
"Sometimes a bit too interesting," Annabeth said to which Percy nodded.
"And what in all of Tartarus would father want from these puny demigods?" Scylla asked.
Cetus responded with his usual gurgles, to which Scylla scoffed.
"Medusa. Why am I not surprised it's about Medusa?" Scylla said with crossed arms.
"Is something wrong?" Percy asked.
"What does that concern you, boy?!" Scylla asked. "If you speak to me again, I'm going to-"
Cetus interrupted her, saying something in a more aggressive manner as he pointed at her.
"Fine, fine," Scylla said through her gritted teeth before turning to Percy. "Father always had a soft spot for Medusa. I never understood why. I mean, look at me! I was also cursed to become a monster. What made Medusa so special?!"
Cetus gurgled a response.
"Oh come on, I wasn't that bratty," Scylla protested.
"I doubt it," Percy said under his breath.
Scylla continued. "At least Medusa could still move where she wished. I was forced to be stuck here with only Charybdis as company."
The whirlpool next to them began shivering.
"I never said you were bad company," Scylla told the whirlpool.
Cetus once again gurgled a response that was followed by a hand motion, which both Annabeth and Percy deduced that it showed Cetus was getting impatient.
"Fine, I won't waste any more of your time," Scylla said before moving away, allowing Cetus to pass. "You're some of the luckiest mortals I've ever seen. If father didn't need you, I swear I would have killed you."
"Well, thanks for not doing that," Percy said as they slowly passed the huge monster woman. "By the way, if it's any consolation. I think I'll tell your dad to visit more often."
Scylla blinked. "Why would you do that?"
"Let's just say I know a thing or two about absent fathers," Percy said. "Also, I can tell you got your good looks from your mother considering you barely resemble your father."
Scylla's dark cheeks actually turned purple. "Y-you think so?" she asked as she began fingering her long black hair.
Percy grinned. "Oh definitely."
Cetus grumbled, which they could tell definitely wasn't speech this time as he began swimming away at great speeds.
Percy looked back to see Annabeth looking at him annoyed.
"Perseus Jackson," she began. "Out of all the things you did, having hots for somebody like Scylla… I mean really?"
"Oh come on, Annabeth. I wasn't trying to flirt with her just to calm her down," Percy assured her. "Besides, that relationship wouldn't work. You're my Wise Girl, remember."
Annabeth pouted for a moment. "You better mean that, Seaweed Brain."
"Cross my heart, and hope to die," Percy said with a smile before turning to Cetus. "And don't worry, big guy. I wasn't trying to put moves on your sister. I was only trying to make her feel better, I promise."
One of Cetus' giant eyes turned to Percy before returning to look forward. But besides that, Cetus didn't respond.
Back at the entrance, Scylla still ran her finger through her hair as she watched the mortals leave with her brother.
"Hmm, I wonder if we'll see those demigods again," Scylla said.
The whirlpool beside her trembled again while the protruding teeth moved around as if in amusement.
Scylla's purple blush intensified as she looked at her friend annoyed. "Oh, be quiet you."
They arrived at the island quickly enough, with Cetus dropping them at the shore, and waiting until they were finished. Percy and Annabeth walked into the cave, this time knowing full well what to expect.
Phorcys sat near the lake, shorter than his normal form as he just seemed to stare at a cave wall. His head then perked up and he noticed the two demigods approach him.
"So you've come," Phorcys said as he rose. He then sniffed the air for a bit. "And with what you promised. I am grateful."
Percy nodded before approaching the grandfather of monsters and handing him the box.
"We hope you understand the precautions we had to take," Annabeth said.
"I understand," Phorcys said while looking at the box. He knew that nobody would actually want to be turned to stone. "Again, you have my gratitude."
"And thank you as well for your help," Percy said. "Without you, we never would have succeeded."
"I'm glad to know our bargain bore fruit for us all," Phorcys said.
"Oh, and one more thing," Percy said. "I think you should also pay Scylla a visit as well."
Phorcys looked confused for a moment. "And what brought this on?"
"She misses her dad. That's all," Percy said.
Phorcys looked contemplative for a moment before responding. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I hope that we won't meet as enemies next time."
"Yeah, me too."
"Now you may take your leave."
Percy and Annabeth nodded before walking away slowly, leaving Phorcys behind as he began opening the box. However, just when they were out of sight Percy heard Phorcys speak, and halted in his tracks.
"I am so sorry," Phorcys said in a cracking voice as he gently held the head of his daughter in his hands, dismaying how the eyes were closed and the snakes on Medusa's head unmoving. "I never should have left you."
Percy took several steps back but making sure he didn't take a peek so he wasn't accidentally turned to stone.
Phorcys traced his finger under Medusa's eye, with a few of his snakes even nuzzling her cheeks. "I never should have been afraid. What should I have cared what the others thought? I'm Phorcys and you were my daughter. To Tartarus whatever they would have thought."
To Percy's surprise, Phorcys seemed to be holding back tears from how his voice seemed to crack.
"I know this is a fool's hope, but I hope that you can hear me somehow. Just so you know that I loved you, my child. I never wanted anything bad befalling you, yet it's my fault that happened. I'm telling you that I'm sorry, even though I know you'll never forgive me."
A tear actually escaped Phorcys' eye, and one of the snakes came to lick it away. "For centuries I lived with my failure," he said before looking at the statue of the human Medusa he made. "And my guilt has never left me. I don't expect you to ever accept me, but I just… I just want you to know that I never wanted anything bad to happen to my little girl."
More tears escaped his eyes and he hugged the head close. "Oh, Medusa. How I wish you could hear me. So that you at least knew your father cared." He actually began sobbing as his shoulders shook. "P-please, forgive me. F-forgive me."
Percy bit his lip as he heard Phorcys speak. Deciding he spied enough, he walked away to join Annabeth and left the father to his grief.
AN: And that's it for now, my dear readers. Boy, that ending was a bit of a downer, I admit. But I hope you at least enjoyed the chapter.
Also, I once again implore you to check out my other stories. Trust me, they are worth it. And leave a review, they are very good motivators.
See you next time!