Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson or Harry Potter.
Consul of the Underworld: Grinding Phase
Chapter Twenty One: The Mixed Bag of Xmas
Beta: ShadowofAxios
Alkiad lounged in a simple bikini with a similarly dressed Pyrrha cuddled beside her as they both enjoyed some peace and quiet by the pool of the villa that they'd been allowed to use as part of the one day in the Blessed Isles that was both their honeymoon and wedding gift from her Auntie Hera.
"Best honeymoon spot. Ever." Pyrrha murmured as she snuggled deeper into her wife's side.
Relishing in her wife's warmth and the blissful setting, the daughter of Hades couldn't agree more. There was a sense of absolute peace and happiness that pervaded the Isles which when combined with its ability to grant any want its inhabitants or guests might have, combined to make it the best place in all of Greek creation. Bar none.
"I could spend eternity here." Alkaid said as she put an arm around her wife's shoulders and pulled the redhead closer. "I can see why this is the best afterlife in the Underworld."
Sure she had visited on a few occasions, but had never stayed for more than a little while. Without divine permission, and even her Father had never been indulgent enough to give her that, a mortal visiting the Isles would have their souls wither away into nothing from pure bliss within hours.
"Be that as it may, girls, I'm sorry but your time's up." A strained voice said from inside their villa.
The newlyweds turned lazily to see a handsome man with golden blonde hair and a flaming aura of power striding purposefully towards them. He was dressed in a traditional chiton in addition to a bow and a quiver full of arrows slung over its shoulders.
"Is it really, Lord Apollo?" Alkaid asked wistfully, not wanting to leave. She'd recognized the god almost immediately. His fiery aura was unmistakable.
"I'm afraid so, Alkaid." The god said apologetically. "You need to leave now if you want to continue your quest. And your friends need you."
"What's happened?" Pyrrha asked, sitting up in alarm even as clothes magically appeared on her as per the power of the Isles. Clothes that Alkaid was surprised to note consisted of a very feminine houndstooth shawl collar blouse, a ruffle waistline pencil skirt and a long sleeved flower patterned double breasted trench coat.
Pyrrha really is rediscovering her femininity lately isn't she. Alkaid noted with some pride in her small part in helping her do so. I like it. It suits her.
If the politely appreciative look in Apollo's eyes were any indication, the god agreed.
"They're about to storm Othrys and an army of monsters is moving to catch them from the rear." The god of truth said seriously, setting aside his appreciation. "Frederick Chase, Annabeth's mortal father, intends to mount a rescue using his Sopwith Camel. It would be prudent if you joined him."
Sitting up and finding herself dressed in a back slit bowknot detailed sheath dress and a double breasted banded collar woolen coat, Alkaid allowed herself a sigh in resignation that this couldn't be avoided.
"Where can we meet him?"
"Sonoma Valley Airport. Are you ladies ready? I can teleport you there now."
Pyrrha and Alkaid both shot their honeymoon villa one last wistful look and exchanged one between themselves before nodding.
"We're ready," the Potters said in unison.
"Then good luck, girls." Lord Apollo offered as all three vanished in a brilliant flash of light.
The two women materialized in the hangar of some aerodrome next to a handsome, athletic, middle-aged man with intense brown eyes, and sandy-colored hair who was hastily working on an vintage Sopwith Camel plane from World War 1. Even without the heads up from Lord Apollo it wouldn't have been difficult to identify the man, his hair alone was a dead ringer for Annabeth.
The man, looking confused at seeing the two suddenly appear, turned to them and nervously asked, "Um, can I help you?"
Alkaid smiled disarmingly and said, "Mr. Chase, we're here to assist in a rescue operation. As I'm sure you've heard about."
"Yes I have," The man said, standing a little straighter as he finished his flight checks and moved on to checking the guns. "You two are here to help?"
"Yes, we are."
Pyrrha largely tuned out the conversation. Being all diplomatic was her 'Kaidy's area of expertise. Besides she was too busy admiring the marvelous weapon that was the restored Sopwith Camel F.1. As a daughter of Ares, she had a innate appreciation for all manner of weapons, and this vintage fighter plane was no exception. She was admiring its wonderfully deadly design when the glint of bronze caught her eye as Chase checked that he'd properly loaded the guns' ammo feeds and she couldn't stop herself as she jumped into the conversation.
"Are those Celestial Bronze bullets you're loading into those guns?" Pyrrha asked shocked. "Don't you know they can only be used once? That they'll immediately disintegrate afterward?"
"I know," Chase said as he went back to checking the guns. "But there isn't any other way I can use it effectively with the Camel, now can I?"
Pyrrha tried to think of something but came up short. Using a plane as a platform, any Celestial Bronze they used would be single use anyways. That being the case, it actually made sense to use bullets since the Camel came with a pair of Vickers machine guns.
"But how many bullets do you have?"
"Not many," Chase admitted. "Only enough for a few strafing runs. I intend to make them count though."
"We'll help there."
"Ever see a walking nuke? We got one right here." Pyrrha thumbed at Alkaid with a quirked lip and receiving a tired sigh from her wife at the oft repeated joke.
"Even if she's as powerful as you say, the Camel is a single seater. The only way I can think of for you to help me is if you got me more Celestial Bronze, but I have no time to melt it down anymore."
"We have our ways, Mr. Chase." Alkaid smiled coyly. "Do not worry about us."
"Those are a lot of monsters," Pyrrha noted with a frown as she gazed down at the horde of monsters rushing up Mount Othrys and the beleaguered questers which looked exhausted after a tough fight with Atlas who thankfully was once more imprisoned under the weight of the sky.
"Agreed," Alkaid noted as they flew next to Mr. Chase's Camel on one of her magical platforms. "Lady Artemis looks exhausted too and in no position to do anything about them. We need to buy them some time while she recovers. Mr. Chase, you think you can strafe the enemy vanguard? My spells are likely to cause quite a bit of collateral damage and I don't want any spillover."
"Leave that to me, Mrs. Potter." Mr. Chase shouted as he sent his plane into a dive towards the front lines of the enemy army.
"Pyrrha, handle shields. I doubt the monsters can hit us while we're so high up but-"
"Better safe than sorry. Got it." Pyrrha agreed, pulling out her wand.
Alkaid meanwhile summoned her Grimoire and flipped through it for the spell she wanted.
"Silent whisper on blackest night, cruel equalizer," the sorceress began chanting as she picked out the appropriate spell card and slammed her focus around it, intending to fully amplify her casting. "Bring my enemies to where death and nightmare reigns supreme! Nocturnal Annihilation!"
At her command, a sphere of pitch black darkness appeared in the thickest concentration of the monstrous army, where it proceeded to eat away at all life within, consuming it and leaving a lifeless patch of earth that was covered in a sea of gold dust.
The sudden attack threw the army into confusion and they milled about in shock trying to comprehend what had just happened. Shrieks and roars along with a few commanding shouts ran throughout the surprised throng as they scattered from the bombardment and sought cover wherever they could. This mayhem gave Mr. Chase an opening that he fully exploited to begin strafing the leading elements of the monster army. Alkaid however was not resting on her laurels just yet.
"επικαλούνται: Οι Επτά βέλη της η Μεγάλη Άρκτος [Invoke: The Seven Arrows of the Big Dipper]!"
As her spell words spread on the wind, the roar of seven meteors hurtling through the sky resounded all around them. As one the monsters all looked up and bore witness as seven hunks of rock proceeded to smash into the pier where the cruise ship from whence the monster army was pouring out was docked. Monsters died by the thousands and even the heavily warded ship was badly damaged and began to take on water.
It seemed however this was finally enough to trigger a response and some of the monsters finally began retaliating, hurling rocks and other projectiles the Potters' way. Even with their monstrous strength though, their throws fell far short. Though the increasingly large flock of varied flying beasts that were raising into the air towards them were a threat.
"'Kaidy." Pyrrha warned even as she shot spells at the flying mob, thinning them as best she could.
"I see them. Επικαλούνται: βροχή φωτός [Invoke: Rain of Light]!" Alkaid cast, causing the sky overhead to ripple as beams of light rained down like heavenly judgement. They were so numerous that not only did they wipe out a large chunk of the intercepting aerial monsters but also obliterated another big portion of the landbound army.
It was a satisfying sight that she was sure made Pyrrha's blood sing.
"'Kaidy, Chase is coming back." Pyrrha informed her as Alkaid finished with her latest spell.
"Raging fires heed my call and descend on my foes with all your fury. Burn away my enemies till they are nought but ash! Firestorm!"
The spell conjured into being a billowing inferno punctuated by a trio of fire tornadoes that washed over the enemy army like a tsunami of flames.
"Ladies," Mr. Chase shouted as he neared. "The children are safe! We're meeting back up at Sonoma. Meet you there."
"Got it!" Pyrrha shouted back, before turning to her wife. "'Kaidy, let's go."
"No!" Alkaid retorted, bloodlust pumping in her veins and a cruel smile spread across her lips. "This is the perfect time to thin our enemies' numbers out a little!"
"I think not, sorceress!" A evil voice boomed from the whole mountain as whole chunks of its mass shot into the air at them.
At the same time, and far more distressingly in Alkaid's opinion was the immensely powerful presence that suddenly surrounded them. The air became charged with vile, chaotic energy that sought to crush her very being. To tear her apart and leave her nothing more than a wretch under its absolute dominion.
"Shit, is that-?"
"Yes, it's the Crooked One." Alkaid confirmed as she pushed her magical platform into high gear and started to fly away as fast as she could from the accursed mountain.
Sweat poured down Alkaid's face as her grandfather's oppressive power began to surround them and press down upon her. It was like a million needles was puncturing her brain all at once. Even in that matchbox of his, he could end us. Fuck! Why can't he just die off like his fallen age!
"'Kaidy, the rocks aren't blowing up." Pyrrha shouted, sounding rattled just as much as she was. "I've tried knocking them out of the sky, but-"
"We need to get out of Othrys' area of control." Alkaid told her through laboured breaths. "His power is protecting them and smothering ours. I'm barely keeping ahead of them as is."
"Shit!" Pyrrha cursed as she upped the tempo of her casting, presumably as the rocks got closer. "How much further? And doesn't this remind you of the time in Jersey with the crazy three headed dragon?"
"A few hundred metres, and yes it does."
The rock missiles seemed to sense their window of opportunity was closing because Alkaid could feel them accelerating!
"Bombarda Maxima!" Pyrrha shouted desperately even as her spell did nothing. "Damn it! Come on! Faster 'Kaidy!"
Despite her best efforts, the rocks caught them just at the edge of safety. Thankfully, Alkaid reacted quickly.
"Oval Protection!" The sorceress cast hastily, conjuring a spherical barrier of magical energy that protected her and her wife from the impacting rocks. Said projecticles, or their creator at least, wasn't happy at being thwarted though and instead of giving up like good sports, instead upped the ante by transforming into large earthen claws that latched onto her barrier and tried to drag them back towards Othrys.
Alkaid was having none of that. Who knew what awful fate awaited them should they find themselves at the non-existent mercy of her grandfather and his Titanic cohorts? She thus poured ever more of her dwindling magical power into her platform. Despite her efforts though, the grip the rocky claws had on them was too strong and she couldn't move a single inch. In fact, it took everything she had just to remain where she was. That wouldn't last. Not as her reserves steadily depleted.
We've gotta try something reckless.
Quickly condensing their defenses into a smaller sphere, Alkaid began gathering her magic for another spell.
"Uh, 'Kaidy?" Pyrrha asked as she eyed the growing mass of magic that her wife was amassing.
The sorceress didn't answer as she primed the trigger in her mind.
"Grab hold!" Alkaid ordered, waiting only as long as it took for her wife to comply before she unleashed her spell. "Divine Buster!"
At her command, her massive beam of green energy shot both young women directly out of their little defensive shell and propelled them over the edge of Othrys' line of control at frightening speeds all while they fell towards the earth far below.
"I'll get the rocks! Alkaid catch us!" Pyrrha shouted, a smile in her voice as they fell through the air. "Time to turn you rocks into dust. Bombarda Maxima!"
One by one, Pyrrha shot down the rocks Kronos had sent after them like homing missiles. Waiting just as they crossed out of Othrys' protection, the redhead took them out like she was skeet shooting. Even as Alkaid barely managed to catch their fall by conjuring a new platform, one which teetered a bit from their rough landing but thankfully held.
Through it all, Alkaid could only take shuddering breaths and tried to calm her shivering hands. That was close. Too close. I underestimated the Crooked One's power and pushed my luck too much. I guess I'm becoming overconfident again.
"Okay that's the last one. What now? Head back to Sonoma?"
"Or you two can come home early and help with the set up for the Solstice Ball," Melinoe suggested as she appeared from nowhere, an entourage of ghosts hovering around her. "Or get some more honeymoon time in? It's only a few more hours but that's better than going to Olympus like the other losers and spending time being ignored at the Council meeting."
"It was a brief honeymoon." Alkaid said tiredly. She nevertheless affected some playfulness and winked at Pyrrha, who smiled in return.
"Could you send the questers a message that we're okay and to head to Olympus without us?" Pyrrha asked. "We don't want them to worry."
Melinoe looked a little put out to be running errands for Pyrrha, but sighed in resignation when Alkaid nodded in agreement to her wife's suggestion. "Oh fine! I'll send one of my ghosts to do it. Benny!"
"Yes, my lady," a spectre of a man in a black and white checkered suit said as he floated to the front of Melinoe's pack of attendant spirits.
"Go play courier."
"At once, my lady." The ghost said as he disappeared.
"Now that's done, time to head home." The goddess said as she snapped her fingers, teleporting herself, her retinue and the Potters away.
Some hours later, after a relaxing if not exactly restful time later, the Potters were getting ready for the Underworld's annual Solstice Ball. Alkaid with the ease of long practice had already finished slipping into her open back, black tulle evening gown, applying her makeup and fixing her hair into a artful bun. She was thus free to help Pyrrha put the finishing touches to her look. She had chosen an adventurous burgundy spaghetti strap V-neck side slit dress that showed plenty of leg, much to Alkaid's appreciation. Her hair was done up in a single long braid and with her wife's help was putting on the minimum of makeup.
"You should really let me put a bit more," Alkaid coaxed as she finished with applying the limited makeup her wife had wanted. "It'll make you look even better."
"Don't need it," Pyrrha reminded her. "Married remember. To you. Or are you saying I don't look pretty enough without makeup?"
"No, it's just if you're going to experiment with it then why not go all the way?"
"'Cos I hate the feel of too much of the stuff on my face?" Pyrrha said with a shrug. "Honestly don't know how you stand it."
"Practice."
Pyrrha just shook her head in exasperation.
"Mum, Mama, are you decent?" Mina shouted from outside the door to Alkaid's room, which her Father had kindly refurbished to reflect her new marital status by expanding and adding new furniture, particularly a nice king sized bed which the couple had happily tested out a little while ago. "Can I come in?"
"Come in, sweetie." Pyrrha called out for the both of them, causing their daughter to swing the door open excitedly and skip over to hug them both. She wore a white dress, that accentuated her fairy-like features and hinted at the innocence she clearly did not have.
"So who taught you not to just barge in?" Alkaid asked the goddess of serial killers suspiciously.
"Grandma Persephone! She promised that if I was on my best behaviour today she'd give me an extra present for the Solstice!" Mina declared unashamedly.
"So bribery works huh?" Pyrrha mused with a shake of her head. "Gotta keep that in mind for future reference."
Mina bobbed her head excitedly.
"Sorry to interrupt, my ladies," a ghoul servant said poking his head into the room. "But the festivities are about to begin and Lady Persephone requests that everyone head to the ballroom now."
"We'll be right there," Alkaid informed the servant politely as she began guiding her family to the party.
"So how have you been while we were away, Mina? Were you good for Baba Yaga?"
"Mina is always good." Mina insisted with a pout. "But yeah, I was extra good this time. I didn't want to spoil Mama and Mum's honeymoon by causing trouble."
"That's a good girl." Alkaid told her daughter with a smile.
"Of course. How else will I get siblings?" Mina nodded seriously.
"Patience, sweetie, patience." Alkaid said easily, causing her self-conscious wife to blush.
By this time, the Potters had reached the ballroom and was almost immediately met with an enthusiastic cry of "Big Sister!" from the di Angelo siblings as they raced over to hug Alkaid. She returned the hugs eagerly. She'd missed her younger siblings terribly over the last few days. A feeling that was made worse by not having had the chance to talk to them at the wedding due to her own giddiness and their own skittishness at the event.
As she pulled away from the hugs though Alkaid was puzzled by their appearance and couldn't help but wonder who had helped them pick out their clothes. I know they couldn't have done it themselves. Sorry to say it, but neither of them have good enough fashion sense to have pulled this off on their own.
Bianca was looking adorable in a replica of Belle's iconic ballgown from Disney's Beauty and the Beast but in maroon. It made her look like the princess she was and Alkaid heartily approved.
Nico, in turn, was smartly dressed in a tailored tuxedo, though he kept fiddling with the bowtie with a grimacing pout. The young boy looked incredibly dapper in the outfit and Alkaid had to fight the urge to squeal at how cute he was.
"I like the outfits," Pyrrha commented.
"Thanks, Pyrrha." Bianca said with a blush. "Lady Persephone helped us pick them out."
"Really?" Alkaid boggled. Her stepmother being so accommodating to her Father's bastards? Sure, she'd accepted her but that was only because she practically raised her herself. What had changed?
"I did," the aforementioned goddess said as she slinked over in her dress of living flowers with a smile. "You weren't around to help them, so of course I stepped in. It's what mothers do."
"Thank you, stepmother."
"Mother," Persephone corrected with a smile.
Alkaid blinked, surprised. Pleasantly so.
"Yes, Mother."
"Good," Persephone said with a ecstatic smile. "Now run along for now. As much as I like to chat with you, I am the hostess. I'll be sure to catch up with you later. Till then, have fun."
"Will do, Mother." Alkaid said, still feeling warm at being able to finally address her mother figure with the term of address she'd always thought she'd deserved.
"Come on, 'Kaidy," Pyrrha said gently guiding her wife and the rest of their little family away. "Why don't we grab something to eat, huh?"
Alkaid just nodded, still a little too overcome to speak.
The Potters were about halfway across the ballroom when with a high pitched squeal of "Mina~!" Makaria appeared out of nowhere and tackle hugged the aforementioned little goddess
"Hello Auntie Makaria," the silver haired girl chirped as the two goddesses happily rubbed their cheeks together.
"Makaria? Since when do you like Mina?" Alkaid asked incredulously, remembering how her sister used to hate her daughter.
"What's not t-to like? Makaria slurred. "She's so, so cute! I just w-wanna squish and cuddle her all~ the time!"
"Uh, Makaria, are you drunk?" Pyrrha asked sounding shocked.
"Maybe~!" The goddess of blessed death replied as she picked Mina up and spun her around.
"Whee~!" The goddess of serial killers squealed happily.
"How are the ghost goats?" Alkaid asked with a quirked lip, amused by this turn of events.
"They are fine and cute. I have them wearing little bells." Makaria said with drunken pride.
"Maka? There you are!" A haggard looking Melinoe said as she floated over. "Oh, Al, the missus and the adorable little troglodytes too. Hey ya."
"Auntie Mel! Spin me around too!" Mina demanded popping in front of the goddess of ghosts and bouncing excitedly.
"Huh?" Melinoe asked only to have Makaria pick Mina up and demonstrate what the little girl meant, complete with happy squealing.
"Uh, sure. Later. After I'm good and wasted. Anyway, I gotta babysit the goat goddess."
"Goats!" Makaria cheered and stumbled away into the crowds.
"You got her drunk to attend the Ball, didn't you?" Alkaid accused knowingly. "You should know better. Maka is insane when drunk."
"Yeah, yeah," Melinoe said with a defeated sigh, pinching her nose. "At least she's too drunk to remember anything about Mina besides she's cute. Otherwise…"
"She'll be all scared and mean?" Mina asked with a pout.
"Yeah, sorry about that." Melinoe agreed. "You two just have conflicting domains. It's a thing with us gods."
"I know," Mina kicked the floor unhappily. "I don't have to like it. I even learned more about goats."
"You don't have to like it. It is what it is," the older goddess said before being distracted by something in the crowd of guests. "Oh Tartarus' teat, she's summoning them! Maka! Stop!"
"For the Herd!" Makaria's voice shouted enthusiastically from a short distance away.
"Big Sister, are our older big sisters crazy?" Bianca asked as Melinoe ran off to contain whatever madness, Alkaid refused to check herself, Makaria had unleashed.
"Yes." Alkaid sighed and patted Bianca on her shoulder, "Be sure to never follow their example."
Both di Angelos nodded.
What adorably obedient munchkins they are. Oh! I hope my future kids follow after them.
As they continued their trek to the refreshments, the family gave greetings and new year cheers to all the various guests they passed. The di Angelos were a little stiff about it, having little experience dealing with so many divinites in one place but the adults and Mina happily guided them through it all.
Finally making it to the food table, Alkaid ushered her entourage of children to go get something to eat which they eagerly obeyed. She and Pyrrha picked out their selection more sedately before hanging back to watch with amusement as the little ones piled their plates high with goodies.
Mina and Nico were arguing over what food was better, while Bianca hung back, enjoying her own meal as if was the best thing she'd ever had.
"'Kaidy, should we stop them?" Pyrrha asked while gesturing with her plate at Mina and Nico as their little argument devolved into an arm wrestling match.
"I don't think so," Alkaid waved away the question. "Let them be kids."
Pyrrha shot her a look that seemed to suggest she was worried she'd been replaced by a pod person, but Alkaid just sent her a smirk and nudged Bianca's foot.
"Must I?" The older di Angelo asked with a pout.
"Only if you want."
"That's just guilting me to do it." Bianca pointed out, her pout growing.
"Just because you've got a big sister now doesn't mean you're not still Nico's big sister," Alkaid reminded the girl. "He's still your responsibility even if you can now share the burden."
Her cute little sister grumbled but complied. She put her utensils down, picked up the hem of her gown and moved to stop her niece and brother from coming to blows at a holiday party.
"That was good parenting," Mother said as she walked over with Father on her arm.
"Done playing hostess, Mother?" Alkaid asked tentatively, waiting for any sign that she would need to correct her term of address.
"For now," the goddess of springtime said with a tired smile. "Husband, why do we do this every year?"
"Because it rankles your father and allows the minor gods an outlet to vent their frustration without outright betrayal." Father reminded his wife.
"Politics," the Queen of the Underworld said with a long suffering sigh. "The bane of my existence."
"It's not that bad," Alkaid countered.
"Yes, it is!" Both Mother and Pyrrha insisted, receiving matching raised eyebrows from their respective spouses.
"You only say that because you enjoy it, young lady."
"She's her Father's daughter." Pyrrha added with a nod.
"Is that a problem?" Father asked, with another raised eyebrow.
"No husband, Pyrrha is just pointing out a fact. Be nice to our daughter-in-law."
"Yes, dear." Father said, chastised.
Pyrrha grasped Alkaid's hand at this demonstration of acceptance by her in-laws and gave it a happy squeeze.
"So Father, how's the Council meeting going?" Alkaid asked, knowing that her Father was currently both here and on Olympus.
"It's finished, they're partying now." Father said grumpily. "If you call their uncivilized display of drunken mayhem a party that is. Thankfully, Dionysus, of all gods, had the good sense to sequester his Campers in a more tame section of things."
Mr. D isn't as irresponsible as everyone thinks. Just working with him at Camp a few days will show you that. He just wants people to think he is, because he hates being there.
"The questers are attending the party as well?" Pyrrha asked sounding surprised. Alkaid could empathise. That was highly unusual.
"Yes, to celebrate his little tree girl becoming a Hunter. Whoo." Hades rolled his eyes. "My brother could throw a party for paint drying."
"I wish I could dispute that, but unfortunately I'm afraid you're right." Mother said with a sigh at her father's frivolity.
"So anything happen that we should know besides Grace becoming a Hunter and taking herself out of the running for the Great Prophecy?"
"Besides Nightshade becoming a constellation? Nothing much." Father grumbled. "You did so much more than the other questers, even sunk the Titans' little cruise ship and they didn't even bother to reward you."
"Oh." Alkaid frowned, feeling sad for the long lived Hunter. It seemed her time had come as well. Speaking of which, she had a promise to keep. "Oh Father, speaking of Hunters. I made a promise with them that the girl who died on the quest would get priority to Elysium."
"I'll see that she's first on Charon's ferry once his shift starts later."
"Thank you, Father."
"Yes, yes," Father said waving the gratitude aside. "Don't worry about the Skeleton Warriors either, the stupid things tried to storm Olympus to get to their prey and got dealt with."
"Skeleton Warriors?" Alkaid asked, blinking in confusion. She vaguely recalled the other group of questers mentioning them, but hadn't run into them herself and so it hadn't really made an impression.
"Atlas sent them after the questers." Mother explained helpfully.
"Ouch," Pyrrha hissed. "Those are nasty."
"Yes, which is why you should be glad that they're not a problem anymore."
"Oh, Father!" Bianca said happily as she ran over from settling the dispute between Mina and Nico. The two having stopped fighting and were now happily sampling the food table together. "I got you something."
Fishing a small party popper out of a pocket in her dress, she presented it to Father.
"What is this?"
"It's a little something I whipped up with the magic Big Sister is teaching me. Chiron back at Camp thought it would be nice to show it to you as proof of my learning, kinda like a report card? He said it could double as a gift too since its seasonally themed."
Alkaid fought hard not to coo at the earnest look on Bianca's face. It was like something she would do as a young sorceress.
"That was very thoughtful of you, Bianca." Mother said as she nudged Father into picking up the popper. "And Chiron and Alkaid as well."
"Yes," the lord of the Underworld said distractedly as he pulled on the triggering string. Nothing happened though.
"Oh pooh!" Bianca said with a frown. "It's a dud. I was so sure it would work this time."
With a pat to her shoulder, Alkaid gave her an encouraging smile. "Trust me, the first time almost never goes as planned."
"Like your self cutting potatoes." Mother tittered, making Alkaid blush.
"It's not my fault vegetation does not agree with my magic."
"Ah, the excuses. I miss those days." Hades chuckled.
"I have a feeling I need to hear this story." Pyrrha said with a mischievous grin.
"Daughter-in-law, there are many stories I'm sure you'll enjoy hearing." Mother said with a mischievous smile that left Alkaid wanting to die in a hole. Well, the Pit was only a few miles away.
Thankfully for Alkaid this was the time that Bianca's little gift decided it was time to go off. In an explosion of color and with a dozen shooting stars as backdrop, a series of dark purple holograms shot out of the popper and spelled out 'Happy Winter Solstice!' even as a recording of Bianca and Nico happily shouting the same filled the room.
This startled the whole ballroom for a moment, before it was filled with applause. Makaria let out a snorting giggle as other laughter and merriment followed.
"Was that Makaria?" Father asked concerned. "Is she drunk?"
"Yes," Alkaid, Mother, and Pyrrha all said at once.
"It's Melinoe's fault."
Mother's clarification just added to Father's alarm and he looked ready to bolt over to make sure Makaria was alright.
"Relax, husband." Mother told the god sternly. "Mel is watching out for her. She'll be fine."
"That's more worrying though!"
"Mel isn't that bad," Alkaid loyally defended her big sister. "She knows when to be responsible."
"Why am I not comforted?"
"Because this is Melinoe?" Pyrrha asked. "Really Lord Hades, she was watching out for Makaria just fine earlier. I think they'll be alright."
Father looked skeptical and shot Bianca a questioning look. His youngest daughter replied with a hesitant nod.
"I hope you ladies are correct," Father said resigned.
"We are. Trust us." Mother assured him.
"Hi Father," Nico greeted as he finally made his way over after demolishing everything on the food table and with an equally gluttonous Mina in tow.
"Hello Nico," Father greeted pleasantly.
"Father, I just noticed something." Nico said as he eyed their gathered family. "Is it just me or are practically everyone in the family girls? I'm feeling a little outnumbered here."
Father grumbled, "Son, suck it up. I've been dealing with it for millenia. You will have to deal with it too."
"Well, it is true." Mother said with an amused smile shared with the rest of the present ladies of their House. "I mean it's even the subject of a popular joke among the gods."
"...What joke?" Father asked cautiously as he stepped away from his wife with a wary look in his eyes.
"That instead of the House of Hades, we should be called the House of Ladies." Mother told the children with a teasing smile.
"Oh! I love that joke!" Makaria said popping out of nowhere to drape herself drunkenly over Mother's shoulders before bursting into drunken giggling.
"I've heard it too." Melinoe said as she walked over, with a grin at Father's expense. "My ghosts hear it all the time too, might I add."
"Oh no no, we are not letting that stick!" The Lord of the Underworld cried out unhappily, looking horrified, in defiance of the way that his family were all snickering at his expense.
"Ugh! Nico!"
"Yes, Father?" The sole son of Hades asked confused by the sudden summons.
"We're going to kill something epic and prove the manliness of our house. Come along!"
"Uh okay?" A still confused Nico replied. "Can we get some of the hot cocoa first? I haven't tried any yet."
"...Yes." Hades said with a sigh, even as he pushed his son along.
The various ladies of his House just chuckled in amusement at the whole scene.
Omake: Not so Silent Night
As the Potters rematerialized from Melinoe's teleport after their narrow escape from Mount Othrys, they found themselves in Alkaid's bedroom in the Underworld. It had been completely remodeled though. It was at least twice the size it used to be with new furniture added. A whole bunch of which Pyrrha recognized as stuff from the guest bedroom she used whenever she used to visit the Underworld. If she'd hazard a guess, her clothes and other things had also been moved in accordingly too.
"Looks like your Father did me a solid," Pyrrha noted as she finished her quick survey of the room.
"Well, you are his daughter-in-law now," Alkaid said as she sat on their new king sized bed and leaned back.
Sitting down next to her, Pyrrha couldn't help gasping as the mattress sunk in and adjusted itself perfectly to her weight. It was fantastic, even better than the one they had back at home.
"This bed-"
"Is insanely comfortable," 'Kaidy agreed. "And soothing."
"Are you still shook up about what happened?"
"Did you feel the strength of his presence? Of course, I am."
Pyrrha had. The presence of the King of the Titans when he'd stirred had pressed down on her like a ton of bricks. It had driven the air from her lungs, making breathing difficult and filled her with a sense of dread that caused her to break out in a cold sweat. Though since she didn't seem to be the target of the Crooked One's ire, it seemed she'd gotten off lightly.
Taking hold of Alkaid's trembling hands in her own, the daughter of Ares gave them a comforting squeeze. "Relax, we're safe now. He can't hurt you."
"Yeah, 'Kaidy relax." Melinoe said in her head, and only her head, materializing above them in midair. "Wicked ol' Grandfather can't hurt you here. We won't let him."
"Thanks Mel, Py." Alkaid said with a genuine smile. "So Mel, what's brought you."
"Just wanted to let you lovebirds know that the Ball is in four hours and Father expects you to be there. Both of you. So whatever you do, be ready by then."
"Will do, sister." 'Kaidy said with a nod.
"Have fun," the goddess teased as her head vanished, leaving the newlyweds alone.
"So we have four hours to get ready huh?" Pyrrha asked, her mind thinking on what they needed to do to prepare for the festivities.
She didn't get far before Alkaid used their still joined hands to pull her flush against her.
"I can think of something to do to fill all that free time," the sorceress whispered huskily against the increasingly flushed skin of Pyrrha's neck.
What followed was a slow, tender coupling as the two women made sweet love to each other. Lavishing their spouse in love and comfort, something they both needed, even Pyrrha, after the trying time at Mount Othrys. One round was not enough though, and they were gearing up for another, more playful go at it.
Which was why Pyrrha found herself in the bathroom, waiting for Alkaid's permission to reenter the bedroom. Her wife had a 'present' for her and was setting it up.
I wonder what it could be. The redhead thought excitedly, her imagination jumping from one insane idea to another. It was hard to predict with 'Kaidy. Her bedroom presents could range from risque to downright Melinoe levels of debauchery if left unchecked.
Not that there was anything wrong with that of course. Well the former at least, the latter… Well, let's just say that going overboard was a charitable description at times.
"Pyrrha~!" The husky voice of Alkaid called out, "Come on in~!"
Bracing herself for anything, the daughter of war compiled.
She was greeted with the sight of Alkaid lying on the bed, in a relaxed, sensual repose. That was normal. What wasn't normal were the colorful red and green ribbons that hugged her hourglass figure like a second skin. She was technically fully covered up, but the ribbons were so completely flush with her skin that they left nothing to the imagination. All in all, it made for the most breathtaking view.
"Come unwrap your present, Py." Alkaid cooed, invitingly, cocking her finger in a come hither gesture.
Swallowing hard, Pyrrha was more than happy to oblige.
Done and done! Thanks to the team of Nameless and Axios as always!
I know honeymoons are supposed to be longer, but time crunch and all. I'm sure they'll have another one once the war lets up.
Nameless: Besides there was Quality over Quantity factors involved here. So it wasn't quite as bad as it seemed.
Alkaid has demonstrated just what she's great at, army killing. It also makes her Nuke comments totally justified. That ending chase was fun, plus, using a blaster spell to propel themselves? Classic!
Nameless: Indeed. The scene also shows that Al has a problem with overconfidence which creeps up on her repeatedly as she grows a little too comfortable with things. Expect that to be a running theme. It might not be her Fatal Flaw, that's the way she can't let grudges fester and must act on them as swiftly as she can, but it's definitely a flaw that can get her killed.
Of course those holiday feels were fun, For the Herd, Makaria for the Herd indeed. Hope you enjoyed the family time because the House of Hades always makes me laugh with their antics.
Nameless: I totally claim credit for that line. For the Herd!
And woo-wee, dat Omake. Our newlyweds sure know what they need to do to get into the holiday spirit!
Nameless: Indeed. Quite adventurous too, since to my understanding some of the things they try out (you lot will need to read the uncensored AO3 version to see what I mean) are quite advanced. Well, they have been together for years so I'm pretty confident in saying that they're up to it.
You know what to do, smash that review button and tell us what ya love! No flames and peace off my peeps!