Author's Note: More reviews! You are all awesome and I love you! I know, an entire week without updates, the horror but alas with finals, I'll be busy. On another note, next chapter and hope everyone enjoys!
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Uncle Rick
An Hour After Percy Left
"Andy?"
"Hmm?"
"You okay?"
"Yeah … why wouldn't I be?" Andromeda asked as she stopped staring off into the fields of Tartarus.
Rhea looked at the currently little girl in worry. After the episode with detecting her domain and finding Aphrodite, Andromeda had kept a constant blank face and seemed to space out constantly. Rhea was pretty sure that Andromeda was currently monitoring the love goddess, possibly in thinking if and how to pass judgement on her. Even after these years, Andromeda hadn't been vocal about punishing the gods. She wanted their rule to be over, that was clear, but whether she had a hand in their punishments after all was said and done was up in the air.
Personally Rhea would be more than happy if Andromeda kept her hands clean of Olympian ichor after the war. She was simply too sweet and kind to be brought into the torture of the Olympians regardless of how much right she had to after what they did to her family. Percy agreed wholeheartedly with Rhea but he also said that if she made the choice to participate, he wouldn't stop her either. Looking at Andromeda now, Rhea couldn't shake the feeling that she was starting to consider to just that with Aphrodite. Deciding to voice her thoughts, Rhea began, "Are you looking into Aphrodite?"
Andy frowned for a moment before slowly nodding. "It's just that … when I felt how she is … it's like I need to constantly watch her to make sure she doesn't continue with her ways … but I can't really do anything yet, can I?"
"No," Rhea answered while shaking her head. "For now you must stay hidden."
Andy huffed in frustration before frowning at her lap. After a few moments she looked at Rhea with a critical eye, making Rhea begin to feel slightly uncomfortable.
"Hey Rhea … um," Andy muttered softly.
"Yes, what is it?" Rhea asked as she leaned forward curiously.
"Umm … do, uh, just forget it," Andy replied but Now Rhea was too curious to let it up.
"Nah-ah, there's something on your mind so tell me," she persisted while narrowing her eyes at Andy.
"It's nothing, really," Andy shot back.
"You're a terrible liar," Rhea said with a faint smirk before becoming more serious. "Now tell me what's on your mind."
Andromeda bit her lip as she looked anywhere but Rhea's face for a few minutes. She then glanced nervously at Rhea before asking shyly, "You love my brother … right?"
Rhea looked at her in slight surprise before blushing slightly while answering, "Of course I do."
Neither had really said it yet though. She knew Percy was still sensitive to that word after everything that happened with the cheater and Aphrodite's meddling. Heck, his luck with romances have really sucked considering his first crush and girlfriend-ish relation with Rachel ended because of her being the next oracle and all that, then the odd episodes with Calypso and later on Reyna. Rhea was also shy about saying it to him due to her past with her siblings. She hadn't loved Kronos but it was her mother's request that the two be together and she truly had tried to love him … but it just never happened. Afterwards she was alone when her children won the war and she thought she was destined to remain there for all eternity, never loving or loved.
Then suddenly she meets one raven hair man who that damned smirk … and a spark she thought would remain dead forever suddenly grew into a flame. It all started with simple companionship and training, then they became close friends until they were the closest friends could be. They trusted each other in any situation and would always be there for the other. How could she not fall in love with him? Now if only she could work the courage to actually tell him.
"That's good," Andromeda said sweetly before adding with a smirk, "And I would love to call you 'big sister' officially."
"Andy!" Rhea shouted in surprise while her face went golden while her heart raced away.
"What?" Andy asked innocently while shrugging. "It's true and … I know he feels the same."
"He does …?" Rhea whispered softly as she looked at Andy in the eyes. "Are … are you sure?"
Did Percy truly return her love? Had he finally healed enough to love her the same way she did him?
"Yeah … but," Andy continued and Rhea felt her heart drop at the 'but'. Was there something wrong that kept him from being with her? At her look Andromeda took a deep breath before continuing. "Percy's a klutz right?"
"Huh?" Rhea asked, completely caught off guard by the sudden change in the conversation.
"Percy," Andromeda continued, "He is a big, lovable, silly klutz right?"
"Yeah," Rhea said with a tiny sigh as she looked down. "But I still love him."
"I know you do, that's why I'm going to tell you this, otherwise when he does tell you he'll mess it up somehow. I don't really feel like watching you two go in a back and forth just because of a misunderstanding so I'll be frank … but don't let him know I told you," she said seriously making Rhea nod firmly. Andromeda took a deep breath before continuing, "Percy does love you, truly, but … you aren't the only one."
"What do you mean?" Rhea asked nervously as she fidgeted with the hem of her dress.
"What I mean is, Percy was starting to fall for someone else before he came to Tartarus and then met you. Now he holds you and that significant other in his heart but he's scared to tell you," she answered.
"Why would he be scared?" Rhea asked softly as she looked at Andromeda.
"Because he's scared to lose you if you don't take it well. He also doesn't want to hurt you in any way or make it look like he betrayed you. In fact I'm pretty sure if you made him, he'd choose you since you're together right now … but I can also guarantee that he wouldn't truly be happy."
Rhea stayed silent as she looked at the girl she considered a little sister for some time, her thoughts focused on Percy and the new information she had. So he loved her … but another as well? Who was it? She couldn't recall Percy talking about anyone particular during their years but then again, aside from his adventures, she'd never asked that particular question and didn't think he'd want to touch on romance at the time. Not to mention it would have been awkward when they were dating too.
Still, how did that make her feel? A little hurt maybe? Yes but at the same time she knew he did love her and would never hide something like a relationship on the side from her. Percy could never willingly hurt those he cares for … and if he did love someone else as well, then they couldn't be bad right? She was brought out of her thoughts when Andromeda poked her before speaking up.
"So … what will you do?" she asked nervously.
Rhea gave her a reassuring smile before answering, "I'm going to take a walk and think about it." That answer didn't seem to settle Andromeda at all but before she could add anything Rhea continued while raising a hand. "I didn't say I was angry or am going to break with him. Heavens no! He hasn't done anything wrong and I could never hurt him like that either. I just want a little time to myself before talking to him next time I see him. If he truly feels that way then we're going to need to discuss it like a couple."
Andromeda sighed in relief at her words, giving her a faint smile before hugging her close.
"That's great to hear … and I'm sure everything will work out right in the end."
Rhea smiled at her words before both left the embrace and got up. Rhea was about to turn away to begin her walk when Andy cleared her throat to get her attention.
"Yes?" Rhea asked while half turning to look at her.
"Mind if I borrow the necklace Nyx gave you for your visits to the mortal world?"
"Why?" Rhea asked with a tilt of the head.
"I want to check something," Andy answered cryptically.
"Andromeda," Rhea said as she fully turned around and crossing her arms under her impressive bust while giving the girl a critical eye. "What are you planning that needs you going to the mortal world?"
Andromeda bit her lip for a moment before replying, "I want to see them."
"Who?" Rhea asked with narrowing eyes.
"Percy's friends. The ones that he had to leave behind. I just want to check up then for him since, well you know, it's hard for him since he can't really interact with them yet and all that."
"It's too dangerous," was Rhea's immediate answer. No way in hell she was going to let Andromeda go back to the mortal world alone and risk capture and torture or worse at the hands of the Olympians.
"No it isn't!" Andromeda snapped back with irritation lacing her voice as she shifted to her adult form. "I can take on any god that might be there and I'm only going to Camp Jupiter. Plus its night time right now and with Nyx's necklace, I'll practically be invisible power wise. Only someone like a primordial or you and Percy would be able to detect me past the charmed necklace."
Rhea knew she was right but still, the thought of Andromeda getting hurt or worse terrified her. Still, she could see it in Andromeda's eyes that she would just find another way to go if Rhea said no… the Jackson siblings, never had there been such mule headed kids before. At least with the necklace she could be assured that Andromeda was hidden and had a means of escape. They stared off for nearly a minute before Rhea sighed while running a hand through her hair.
"Fine," Rhea finally said and raised a hand before Andy could celebrate, "But you need to be back before dawn at the latest. And if something goes wrong, pray immediately to Nyx or me or any others who can receive prayers. We'll come in even if it means tearing apart an Olympian or two. Am I understood?"
"Crystal," Andy said with a nod before Rhea reached her dress and pulled out an obsidian amulet. She handed it to Andy who quickly put it on before focusing on it.
With a glow of power her hair and eyes became midnight black while her godly aura suppressed to the level of a minor demigod at best. With that she gave Nyx another nod before she closed her eyes and dissolved into the shadows. Rhea sighed as she watched her go before muttering, "I hope I made the right choice …"
Percy stepped out of the shadow of a palm tree as he took in the sights. He remembered the last time he was here, on the island between Gibraltar and the gate to the Mare Nostrum. The beach was quiet and clean, a gentle breeze passing by. Dawn had come recently and the last dregs of shadows were fading making Percy feel even more sore thanks to the remains of Medusa's curse. He rolled his shoulders as he walked along the fine sand, his hood up to keep his identity a secret.
'Now where is he?' he mused before spotting the subject of his search. There, down near the lapping waters of the beach stood Hercules. His dirty blonde hair and trimmed beard waved in the breeze while his electric blue eyes remained cloudy from thought. Dressed in Bermuda trunks, opened beach shirt, and his iconic club impaled in the sand at his side. Percy could tell that he was looking out at the sea morosely, a soft sigh escaping him as Percy approached near soundlessly. 'Okay … how to do this?' he thought awkwardly before he cleared his throat to get his attention.
At the sound Hercules wheeled around to look at him in surprise before he grabbed his club in reflex and leveled a glare at Percy.
"Who are you stranger?" he asked while taking a defensive stance.
"Someone who wants to talk," Percy replied while raising his hands to seem less threatening.
"About what?" Hercules asked suspiciously without taking a step. "And how did you get here in fact? You feel like a demigod and yet I didn't see a vessel or even detect your presence on arrival."
"I shadow traveled and maybe my power was too low for you to bother," Percy replied with a shrug.
"A very likely story," Hercules retorted while watching him closely. "Tell me, why shouldn't I beat you to an inch of your life and drag you back to Olympus?"
"Wouldn't that require you being able to leave this island?" Percy shot back with a tiny smirk. "You're no better than Calypso with this island. The Gate Keeper of Olympus … how grand," Percy drawled while crossing his arms.
Hercules started to turn a golden shade with anger before gritting out, "Are you trying to die?"
"No, however," Percy said with a raised finger, "how about this? We'll fight. No powers or weapons. Just a good old fist to fist. If you win, I'll remain while you summon the Olympians. If I win, you need to do one request for me. Afterwards, you're free to do as you wish … or whatever it is you even can do on this island."
Hercules studied him intently for a few moments before snorting, "Fine." He then tossed his club aside, stripped his shirt to reveal his overly large muscle. Percy scoffed at the failed attempt to intimidate him before he uncrossed his arms and stood at the ready. They looked at each other for a few moments before Hercules suddenly ran forward.
Percy watched as Hercules closed in and sent a haymaker but he ducked right under it as Hercules stumbled past him. He then waited as Hercules returned with growing anger, making jabs and grabs but Percy was a weasel. He weaved in and out of Hercules' grasp with bored ease, even going as far as to tuck his hands into his jean pockets while his eyes glowed in amusement underneath his hood.
Occasionally he would throw a returning jab, nailing Hercules in the nose, the kidney, the sternum, and the temple. Hercules shrugged most off but Percy could see that the damage was slowly building. Hercules was getting sloppier, sometimes stumbling whenever Percy got a good hit at his face and his posture was starting to slump while Percy looked as fresh as a spring daisy. He smirked a little before deciding to throw a taunt after Hercules missed a punch by a wide margin.
"Come on. I came all the way to see you here! Make it worthwhile," Percy goaded making Hercules turn golden even more as went for a wild tackle.
Percy chuckled as he jumped and used his hand to vault over the moving tower of muscle, smacking the back of his head all the while.
"Olay!" Percy shouted with a mock bow, making Hercules roar in rage as he charged again.
His time Percy gave him a smirk that some would call sinister as he caught each of Hercules' hands in his own while grounding his feet into the sand below him. The momentum of the charge pushed him back though, his feet leaving deep trenches in the beach until Hercules slowed to a stop with his hands still locked with Percy's.
"My turn," Percy snickered before applying full force to his hands, bending Hercules' fingers back as he released a pained grunt.
Hercules may have been strong by godly standards but when compared to the likes of Tartarus and even Nyx … well, he wasn't anything special. Knowing that, Percy kept the pressure until Hercules dropped to one knee. Once there, Percy raised his knee and smashed it into Hercules' face. A satisfying crunch marked the recently broken nose as Hercules groaned but Percy wasn't done yet. He then turned around as he pulled Hercules along before slamming the god of Strength straight into the beach. The impact formed a deep crater while making the whole island shake slightly as dust and sand billowed around them.
Percy then finally released his grip on Hercules and stood straight, marveling at the still conscious god even as he moaned in pain. 'Well, at least he can definitely take a hit,' Percy mused as he stepped around the hulking man before setting his foot near Hercules' throat.
"Yield?" Percy asked calmly while looking down at the bested god.
Hercules looked at him past some ichor that had fallen into his eyes from the pretty little cut he got on his head before nodding slowly.
"Alright then," Percy clapped enthusiastically. "Then my request is this; I want to hear your story."
"W-what?" Hercules asked in confusion as he slowly sat up while gingerly touching his forehead.
"You heard me," Percy replied while plopping down beside the god.
"But I'm sure you know …"
"I don't mean the Hercules, great hero who completed the 12 labors. I mean the man that lived as a hero before it all happened. Before the murder of his family after a vengeful goddess cursed him with madness, before his life was turned into a living hell of betrayal and manipulation only to then be cast aside. I want to know the man who once wore the name Heracles with pride and was the true hero demigods should strive to be," Percy said seriously while looking intently at the shocked god.
Hercules openly gapped at him, his eyes showing his disbelief at the request. Percy for his part kept his expression as serious as possible. Even though he found the face Hercules was making hilarious, he didn't want the god to think that he was making fun of him in this request. They remained silent for some time until Hercules sighed while running a hand through his disheveled hair.
"I don't think anyone has ever asked about that before," he muttered as he looked out at the beach and sea beyond.
"Well them that makes me special as the first," Percy replied before grinning. "I'll even sweeten the deal and show you who I am after you finish. Sound good?"
Hercules glanced at him before smirking. "Yeah, that'll do."
"So…" Percy intoned with a rolling hand.
"Hmm … where to begin?" Hercules said while looking up at the sky. "I guess that it all started when I was just a boy. Everyone knows about those serpents she sent after me when I was but a baby. After that failed attempt I think I was left alone with my mother, Alcmene, well into my early childhood. I remember meeting father for the first time but it was brief and I didn't really connect him with the king of the gods until later on. I grew up like any other boy at the time. Loud, energetic, getting into trouble at every turn and generally driving mother crazy … but I did have a sort of father figure at those times."
Hercules paused as he glanced at his hands sadly.
"I never really did appreciate him enough. A wise old hunter he was by the name of Garic. Mother didn't let herself get involved with any men in case of father's wrath but Garic was old and wasn't interested himself so it wasn't a worry for him to visit often," Hercules told with a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "Taught me to hunt and shoot, gave me a whooping once or twice when I was getting bigheaded … hehe … he knew I was stronger but I respected him too much to do anything and I usually deserved it anyways. But … when I was around 12, I remember father visiting again to see how I was doing."
Hercules paused as he grimaced slightly. "He didn't like the sound of anyone being around me that could fill my head with 'dangerous ideas' as he put it. Turns out when a man teaches you to have humility and offer your services to those in need is dangerous by Olympian standards. I didn't realize it then but suddenly Garic wasn't around anymore … and then the first monsters came when I learned the truth of who my father really was… Then the monsters started to attack in force."
Hercules glanced at Percy, his jaws tight as he continued on. "I fought my first hellhound. Smashed the thing under a cart. Soon more came and I got battle hardened fast. Used my bow a fair amount too and it went like that for several years. By then I'd developed a small reputation as a monster slayer but also a helper. Logging, hunting, building, anything that could put my strength and hard-learned skills to good use."
"Was glory not your goal though?" Percy asked with a raised eyebrow … not that Hercules could see it.
"Hmph … at the time, no," Hercules answered. "In truth I was rather happy with the peace and quiet, granted with the monsters it wasn't necessarily boring either. I just wanted my village and mother to be safe after all, it was my home and practically raised me while my father was probably off knocking up other women," Hercules practically spat the last sentence. "He visited from time to time, usually before I would offer my services for work. He would go on how it was beneath me and all that but I never saw anything wrong with it. Garic taught me the joy and self-satisfaction of a hard day's work. I was proud of the things I helped build and protect."
"Makes me wish this part had been in your legend," Percy murmured as he looked critically at Hercules.
"Ha!" Hercules boomed as he clapped Percy on the shoulder. "Well what could you expect? Mortals are always drawn to the bigger and shinier tales and usually forget the humble beginnings. The only reason anyone knows part of my birth was thanks to those damned snakes. But yes, it is a pity." Hercules then sighed again as he looked at the sea. "Of course after some years I met … her."
"Her?" Percy asked as he leaned closer curiously.
"Yes, her …" Hercules murmured with a pained glint in his eyes. "My wife …"
"And her name was?" Percy asked.
"I can't remember it," he answered.
"Why?" Percy asked with a frown.
"You know what I did," Hercules replied as he looked at Percy. "I murdered her and our children."
"But you were cursed," Percy countered.
"Then I should have been stronger!" Hercules snapped back before taking a deep breath. "I should have been stronger but in the end I was made a puppet. So, for my crime, I forced myself to forget her and my children's names … I don't deserve to even utter them."
Percy watched, stunned, as one of the greatest heroes should him a side he doubted any ever knew existed. This, was the man behind the legend, a man who had lost what he cared for most … but then where did the legend come from? I didn't look like Percy would have to wait long to find out.
"Anyways …" Hercules said after a few minutes. "After I met her, well, what can I say? She was perfect. Kind, gentle, understanding, patient, and most importantly, loving. Fiery too if you managed to get her upset enough and let me tell you, that woman could throw a slap hard enough to even knock my thick skull! She was everything Garic used to tell me about finding in a woman and I was more than happy to settle down with her after a few years. Father visited again and was angry that I was wasting my potential though, saying that his son was above a mere mortal … that was the first and last argument I had with him. But a few years later the curse of that queen," Hercules said venomously, "came and you know what happened after."
Percy remained silent for some time as he digested the story he'd just heard. So Hercules had not even been remotely close to what the myth said … or was it? He had to know so he asked one question that concerned him.
"You do know that she can't cause madness, right?" he asked in an even tone, not trying to anger the god and risking the chance of losing the knowledge that he wanted.
Hercules scoffed before looking at him with a 'are you serious' face. "Of course I know it wasn't just her. Her orders, sure, but we both know what disgrace of a god actually implemented the madness. If I could get my hands around that porker's neck …" Hercules seethed while making strangling motions with his hands.
"So then … what happened with the labors?" Percy asked after Hercules set his hands down. "I mean, all the accounts I've heard go back and forth with you being arrogant, prideful, and a general ass."
"You go through having your family killed and being left alone to serve a punishment for a crime you didn't willingly commit without indulging in as many vices as possible to drown the misery," Hercules replied soberly. "I sort of knew that it was the Olympians, not just the queen and the bastard drunk that did it. They watched on and did nothing … but in the end I couldn't really go against them so instead I became like them. I flaunted my linage, drank and claimed many women, and even cheated in some of the labors. I just wanted them done so that the Olympians would leave me alone."
"And Nightshade?" Percy asked in an edgy voice. She had been so heartbroken thanks to Hercules and had her life ripped apart because of it. Depending on how Hercules answered … well … the Olympians might end up short a god.
"Nightshade," Hercules echoed as he furrowed his brows in thought. "She was … a Hesperides, correct?"
Percy nodded firmly, waiting for the explanation. Hercules sighed before speaking softly, "I do feel guilty about that but at the time, as I said, I just wanted to be done with it. I didn't think Atlas would have punished her so gravely and when she ran to me, crying while begging for me to take her with me … I just couldn't."
Percy noted the look in Hercules' eyes and recognized it instantly. It was a look he'd seen in the mirror so many times, especially when he knew a battle or dangerous quest was coming.
"You didn't leave her because she would slow you down," Percy murmured as he looked at Hercules, "You left because you were scared that you would grow attached … and then fail to keep her safe."
Hercules slumped as he nodded slowly. "It sounds like you know the feeling."
"Swear to it," Percy suddenly said making Hercules look at him strangely. "Swear on the Styx and your immortality that everything you just told me is the whole truth," he continued gravely.
Hercules looked at him unwaveringly for some time before answering, "I swear on the Styx and my immortality that everything I have just told you was the truth and nothing but the truth."
A loud thunder crack sealed the deal and nothing happened to Hercules in the next five seconds. Percy let out a breath of relief he didn't know he was holding. 'Nyx was right … he really was different from the legends,' Percy thought as he stood up and dusted off his leather pants. He then turned to face the god as he remained sitting.
"Well … a deal is a deal," Percy said before he pulled back his hood and revealed his face. Hercules narrowed his eyes at him for a moment before they shot wide as he gaped at him making Percy. "Yup. Percy Jackson, holder of too many titles to count or care, guy that helped bury your ass in fruit and whole hams after besting the senile water god you have living on the other side of the island with a daughter of the love goddess. How's it going?"
Hercules continued to gap at him for a few seconds before asking, "How? They said you disappeared from the face of the earth after the war and no one could find you."
"Didn't look hard enough," Percy answered with a snort before digging into his pocket and then tossing Hercules an obsidian marble.
Hercules looked at it curiously before Percy explained. "You were treated unfairly and left here to rot after what the Olympians did. If you want your freedom and wish to join me, crush that marble and I'll come to break the seal on this island."
"You're … going against Olympus?" Hercules asked incredulously. "But why? You're their hero."
Percy gave him a smile devoid of warmth before replying, "Let's just say that they did something similar to me … and I refuse to continue on with their abuses. I won't ask you to fight for me if you do chose to be free … but please consider my offer. Also I would ask you the favor of not revealing who I am … but that's up to you too."
He was taking a gamble here but Nyx had convinced him that the payoff was worth the risk. Getting the legendary Hercules to remain neutral would go a long ways to helping resolve this future war quickly and if he actually joined to fight, all the better. Hell, Hercules had beef to pick with Dionysus and Percy would gladly had over the bastard to him.
"I'll be on my way then," Percy said as he raised his hood again while aiming one last glance at the silent god as he stared at the marble in his hand.
He silently walked to the nearest shadow of a palm tree before dissolving into the darkness. His travel was short as he thought of his last destination for his little recruitment drive. Soon he materialized at the borders of a familiar river. The ghostly wails and screams of the damned echoed in the distance as a familiar chill permeated the air. Percy sighed as he looked at his uncle's domain before turning his attention to the river and walking forward until his toes barely scrapped the black waters of the river of hate.
Percy took a deep breath as he chanted mentally, 'Need to get her attention. Need to get her attention!' With that he slowly started to walk into the hellish waters, his skin already tingling as the acidic liquid tried to eat away at him. He kept his face blank as he slowly walked, biting back the screams of pain that desperately wanted to come out. 'This hurts more than the first time!' he complained as he moved through the waters till they were at his waist.
He was starting to breathe harder and he knew that it was a matter of time before the water ate past his skin. He was focusing his raw power throughout his body to resist the effects of the river but that was draining as well, and it did nothing for the pain. He was already starting to feel light headed and ready to step out but then he heard an amused giggle come off his right side.
His face turned, his flaming black eyes meeting a pair of swirling green and black streaks staring back at him.
"Lady Styx," he said with a small smile even as he contained his grimace from the pain. "How lovely to see you. I was wondering … are you interested in an offer I have for you…?"
Author's Rant: Well ... didn't see that coming did you! Hercules with redemption and so much more! Let me hear your thoughts! A pleasure, Jbubu
