Author's Note: Hello all! A 10K chapter just because it felt right and early! Lots of love and good reviews/points/questions in the last chapter that I absolutely love. Quick thing for this chapter, as an AU, I took a liberty on expanding on godly abilities since the canon never really went into it.
PS: You will all either praise me as a god or curse me as a devil by the end of this chapter ;)
Disclaimer: I only own the plot!
His eyes watching, unblinking as her breathes came softly, little bubbles puffing out each time within her tank. Her dark hair streaked with blue, her green tinged skin carrying a healthy glow unlike when they rescued her. And yet, his eyes moved down to her body covered by a specially made gown meant to suite her within the watery confines of her 'bed'. More like tank, specially filled with mineral waters, sea salt, and nectar to help her recover the fasted possible.
Jason's eyes returned to the soft and gentle smile of Amphitrite's sleeping face, her head leaning slightly in his direction. He sighed as he straightened up in his chair, groaning slightly as his back popped and he put away a small book he'd been reading on Norse lore and tales. Just as he was thinking of leaving he heard the door to Amphitrite's room opening and glanced over to see a near look-alike of Percy stepping in, save for the sharper features, teeth, and blue tinged skin.
"Triton," he greeted with a nod.
"Lord Grace," the sea god returned getting an annoyed frown from the primordial.
"Come on, I'm a stickler for decorum and all but right now shouldn't be a time for formality. Just Jason is fine," he said, catching the slight amusement in Triton's gaze before the sea god turned his eyes to his sleeping mother.
"How long was she up this time?" he asked softly as he walked closer to her tank.
"About two hours or so before she started to get tired and I told her to rest… that was an hour ago," he replied as he looked at her sleeping face again. "Still, Will didn't even expect her to regain consciousness for a week and she pulled it off in a few days. Managing to stay up for a few spare hours after only a week or so of treatment is pretty good, especially for how bad the damage was."
At the mention of the state his mother was brought in Triton clenched his fists, the knuckles cracking as Jason turned his attention to him. Though his face was rather blank, the rage in the sea god's eyes was almost otherworldly, an aura of power briefly flashing around him.
"Triton, reign it in," Jason warned, catching the slight stirring of Amphitrite.
Triton caught the movement too and took a deep breathe to calm down before he slowly relaxed. The silence continued afterwards for some time, neither really feeling like speaking. Jason sat, his arms crossed as he continued to study the face of the goddess that had been the focus of his thoughts ever since he rescued her with the others. The one that triggered his wrath at the sight of her broken form, the one that made his own goal at the time conflict against his own morals. The goddess that possibly stole his heart without him realizing it until now.
"I'm gonna kill him."
The statement drew Jason's attention as he looked at Triton, the sea god's eyes moving from his resting mother to the winged god.
"He's not my father, not after he dared do this."
"But are you truly ready to try and cut down your own father?" Jason asked while looking at him intently. "I get your anger, I do, but does that really translate to you coming out and joining us out on the battlefield? You could just stay here safe with your mother and no one will fault you for it. You didn't start this war after all."
"Maybe but I can't remain doing nothing," Triton retorted while looking at his own hands. "I already stood by doing nothing once and look what happened."
"But you couldn't have done anything at the time. You would have been alone against Oceanus and Poseidon while trapped in the barrier set up by Pontus," Jason replied intently. "And even then, in the end you acted and thanks to you, Amphitrite is safe and now Pontus is down one of his stronger soldiers."
"Yes, and what about the rest that he has at his disposal?" Triton asked making Jason frown.
"The new Council is blind to anything happening under the oceans right now and Pontus has an entire kingdom now at his disposal along with several ancient monsters and old titans that were always loyal to the original children of Gaea. Even with the likes of you, my brother, Nico, Thalia, and the other more combat oriented members, you still need more forces capable of acting on their own to fight down his armies," Triton argued as Jason blew a puff of air. "Yet my brother still tells me no even when he knows I'm capable and a dangerous fighter in my own right."
"It's not about your ability," Jason said after a pause, thinking over his words. "I think it's more about risk being there and not wanting you to shoulder a responsibility that isn't yours." He then looked Triton in the eyes. "You are strong but just the same, there are true powerhouses on Pontus' side that could show up anywhere near a body of water and ambush at their discretion. It's the possibility of you actually being blindsided, of losing you that Percy doesn't want to risk." He then glanced at the sleeping goddess. "You or Amphitrite."
"Why go so far?" Triton asked as he furrowed his brows in thought. "The only time I officially met him when he was a demigod I blew him off and mother didn't even acknowledge him. We are family only by the most stretched terms."
"Maybe …" Jason sighed. "But at the end of the day you are all relatable and have the possibility of growing closer this time around. Family is a big thing to us, especially Percy, so having the chance to add to this odd little family the council has started is something he would definitely go for. He already lost his godly father through betrayal, then his mother and step-father, and nearly lost his sister. Then he lost Nyx who'd become his mother in the decades they were together along with the rest of the elder primordials. He just doesn't want to have to lose anyone else and that includes you and Amphitrite."
As Jason spoke Triton became silent as his eyes became unfocused, the god in deep thought. Seeing this Jason stood and clapped a hand on Triton's shoulder making the sea god jump slightly.
"Look, just because Percy's being stubborn about it doesn't mean he can't be reasoned with to have you become part of the war effort. Just sit down and talk it out of him rather than just request or demand to fight, even if at the end of the day he wouldn't actually stop you but I can see that you still want to join as part of us rather than strike out on your own." Jason then smirked slightly. "I could even help get through that frozen skull of his if you want. Goodness knows he would have rather fought this entire war alone just to protect the rest of us."
Triton shared an amused smirk, knowing that Percy would do something like that. Skilled and powerful he may be but hindsight is 20/20 at times. The pair then turned their attention to the sleeping goddess, a more comfortable silence coming between them for a time.
"You know," Triton started up as he leaned on the edge of his mother's tank. "It's been a long time since I've seen anyone make mother smile the way you do."
"Oh?"
"Mhm," Triton hummed as he glanced at Jason. "The small little smile that I remember when I was just a godling whenever I did something she thought was silly and would tease me about." Triton's smile then fell slightly. "It was the early years that she was the happiest, at least, as far as I saw anyways but then I grew up and we really didn't spend as much time alone together. Rarely did we have the time for mother-son bonding with my responsibilities in the army and traveling across the sea kingdoms all the time. But when I walk in on you two just reading together, she always has that same smile on."
Jason chuckled with the faintest blush of embarrassment making his cheeks shine slightly. He then noticed as Triton glanced to the book left on the stand beside the tank.
"Norse mythology and lore though," Triton said in, clearly amused with the topic. "Any particular reason you're reading on a pantheon that doesn't exist?"
"Not on this planet at least," Jason murmured but Triton caught it, his raised eyebrow asking enough.
"We had short conversations with Cronus and Lady Chaos and though we haven't gotten a definite answer, some of us on the council suspect that there is far more than what's beyond this single world."
"Maybe," Triton said with a shrug before a tiny smirk played on his face. "Still, you two seem pretty cozy together, her leaning over your shoulder as you read to her."
"What are you, a stalker?" Jason teased with a faint chuckle before sighing.
"Just an overprotective son looking out for his dear old mom," he replied getting both to laugh lightly.
"What's this about old?" asked a sickeningly sweet voice making both shut up and look with a start to the tank.
It seemed that at some point their talking had woken Amphitrite up and she had sat up, holding onto the edge of her tank as she looked at them with a worryingly warm smile, her eyes nailing her son to the spot.
"N-nothing mom," he replied shakily, paling until his skin was more of a baby blue.
"So you weren't insinuating that I'm getting old?" she asked as her smile grew.
"Urk!" was his reply, choking on air as he backed up out her reach.
Amphitrite kept the unnerving smile for another minute or so letting the sea god sweat it out before she finally turned her attention to Jason, the winged god having been watching with far too much amusement. He looked back at the woman that had been the focus of his thoughts for the last week, smiling softly at her and being rewarded with the faintest blush.
"How are you feeling?" he asked gently as he leaned closer, resting the back of his hand against her cool forehead, making her blush deepen. "You were a little warm before you went to rest earlier."
"It's okay," she replied almost shyly while turning her gaze down getting him to chuckle.
"Good," he replied before deciding to be a little bold and going as far as to give her a quick kiss on her forehead after removing his hand. "Then I'll be letting the two of you get some peace and quiet together," he added as he straightened up.
"Are you sure? We don't mind the company," she returned as she looked at him, her blush slowly dying down.
"No worries," he replied with a light shake of the head before turning to glance at Triton, amused as the sea god watched him like a haw-err, shark. "I'll visit again if you're feeling better later tonight," he continued looking at her again with a warm smile.
"I'd like that," she answered with her own smile, tucking one of her wet hairs behind her ear.
Triton for his part was making fake gagging sounds in the background but quit it the moment Amphitrite sent him a sharp smile. Chuckling at the mother-son antics Jason made his way out of Amphitrite's room and into the main patient ward for Will's clinic in the city. It was slowly growing with new floors being added to the already impressive floor size ranging close to that of a small school and with three floors already complete. The patient wards was on the second in fact with ER and check-up rooms in the first while the top floor was meant for physical therapy and a safe exercise zone. Granted they were right next to a park added by Rhea and tended to by several nymphs. Lastly was a sub-level dedicated to medical research or testing such as blood work and the disposal of biohazardous material.
Not one for hospitals in general Jason tended to only come in if he wanted to see someone, otherwise he'd stay clear since the smell of disinfectant bothered him but at least Will specified a design with many windows and warm color schemes to make it feel far more welcoming. As he walked Jason noticed some staff passing him by, a mix of minor gods interested in medical fields, some mortals who were in fact parents of demigods and already worked in the profession, or even young demigods already showing talent for healing and shadowing currently on duty staff.
Many gave him slight bows and greeting to which he returned, even if he didn't find it necessary but it seemed that some people just really couldn't get over it. He passed another section of the ward with younger arrivals, a slight frown making itself known as he happened to glance into one room. There was a girl, probably around 13 years old, dirty blonde hair and a tan complexion, crying her eyes out into the chest of a nymph working as a care provider for younger residents. The dryad in this case was gently running her hands through the girl's hair, her light and musical voice speaking in soothing whispers.
The dryad possibly noticed his presence, turning to him and giving him a smile and nod before returning to the girl at which point some movement attracted Jason's gaze lower to see one of Percy's black wolves sitting next to the bed with its head on the bed, comforting the crying girl with simple presence. Percy, being one of the first gods in the city to get prayers through dreams, especially nightmares, had added a significant number to his pack but these newer wolves acted with the intent of protecting the citizens of the city and provide comfort for the young. Wolves like the one stayed with their given charge at all times until no longer needed, in which case they would move on to the next in need, and considering the girl was one of those rescued from the slave trade ring Raven eliminated, that support was desperately needed.
Hoping that the girl was on the steady road to recovery he moved on, making a silent journey to the closest set of stairs and to the first floor. Aside from a few glances and plenty of blushing nymphs and/or minor goddesses making way for him, he was out and about in short order. Looking at the night sky above he sighed, letting a cool breeze tussle his hair before he spread his wings and gently took off. He glanced behind him, smiling at the bustling and growing city within the second district as gods, some with their mortal lovers, their demigods, and other mystic creatures went about their nights.
'And it's only a matter of time before Prometheus finishes preparations for a full school to open up,' he thought as he glanced further down the city to a less crowded space with the construction of a rather large school meant to house all grades through to college. Taking his eyes off it he soon arrived to hover just before the entrance of the Primordial Temple and with a quick tuck of his wings, dropped that few meters or so to land squarely on his feet. Seeing as it was already well into the night most gods had returned home save for those that tended to stay out later or had domains corresponding with the night. He glanced around and could see the torches to several surrounding temples still lit indicating their use but he shrugged it off and walked inside.
It was rather quiet as he walked the enormous halls of marble and obsidian, the marble torches burning with golden fire rather than solid light lamps casting a warm glow up above with the sound of his boots echoing around. As he neared the corridor connected to the primordial offices he noticed both Percy and Andromeda speaking softly and made to approach them. Both noticed and gave light greetings that he returned before he asked the question, "How did it go?"
The pair glanced at each other before Percy answered, "Success." He then glanced down the corridor to one of the extra rooms dotting the end of the corridor meant for meetings.
Some gods tended to feel uncomfortable meeting with a primordial within their office, their mindscapes manifested, leaving them at the absolute mercy of said primordial so the neutral rooms were added for whatever use they might need.
"We have Athena," Andromeda answered while also looking to the rooms though there was no way of knowing what was going on unless they went in themselves since the rooms were made with the intent for privacy.
He was pretty sure several gods had made use of them to get off a quickie between work and boredom.
"She's in there … with Medusa and Arachne," she continued getting Jason to wince.
One unarmed goddess, regardless of being an Olympian, against two powerful, skilled, and major god-class pseudo-goddesses with a bone to pick? That wasn't going to end well for the goddess of wisdom in any way.
"Are you sure that isn't a little … much?" he asked as he looked at the room in question.
"It's between them and we promised them they could get everything off their chests after millennia of pain," Percy said even though he didn't look happy at the thought of Medusa or Arachne going too far, even if he wouldn't actually stop them.
Jason could understand why. Throughout the years in Tartarus many of the council members had gone to great lengths helping many of their allies deal with their traumas and grudges against Olympus. Not to necessarily forgive and forget but to help each come to terms with what happened in the past and what is going to be the future. Especially Percy, knowing how much his hatred for Artemis and Poseidon could turn him into a ruthless killer if pushed enough, didn't want to see Medusa consumed by her own grudge after helping his Shadow move past it as much as he could. Still, in the end he would always offer his support and drop any judgment on his part, knowing that in the end Medusa had to do it for herself.
Before he could ask further on what the rest of the plans were his head turned to the entrance of the temple along with Percy and Andromeda. They could feel Raven's presence upon arrival, though both of them could likely feel where Raven was anywhere in the world if they wanted to. However, it was the second, vaguely familiar presence that tripped Jason up. He looked, half in disbelief, as Raven walked in along with a woman Jason hadn't seen in (for him) over a decade. She'd grown in the last few years, truly filling out to become a beautiful woman the likes of which would make mortals green with envy.
That wasn't his focus though. No, right no he had to quell the surge of anger her face brought him, phantom images of that night crossing his gaze. They both saw them, Piper starting in surprise as her eyes widened upon seeing them. Jason's fists clenched up as he unconsciously started to flare his massive aura to the point a glow started to surround him, a similar haze clouding up his vision. However, before he could act in any way and possibly do something he could regret he felt a hand clamp down on his shoulder. The touch was well into freezing, the grip firm enough to crush steel with pathetic ease, and another aura was flared to counter his own. All of this together broke him out of the wrathful daze that had taken him as he glanced back to see Percy locking eyes with him.
At that moment though it wasn't Percy, his best friend and resident goofball, the guy that visits the orphanage just to make the kids smile and wrestles his wolves for fun. Right now it was Perseus, his king and a god more than capable, and willing, to beat him down if he dared tried to break one of the rules of the city. The primal fury embodying the terror of darkness, as unforgiving as the worst avalanche, looked at him through eyes of writhing black fire.
He didn't say anything. He didn't need to. Just with that look Jason dropped his aura and lowered his gaze almost imperceptibly, something that only another council member would have caught. Perseus gave him a small nod as he removed his hand, leaving a dull ache as a reminder of how close of a call that had been. He look elsewhere, now noticing that Piper had dropped to her knees in fear, trembling with Raven giving her a comforting hug with Andromeda standing between the girls and them, having used her own aura to guard the girls.
Andromeda was also giving him a glare, clearly miffed that he'd slipped so quickly. He sighed at the look and bowed his head in apology before looking past her to look at his niece, trying to convey his apology through the look. She sent him a small but reassuring smile, letting him know that she understood before returning her attention to the slowly calming demigoddess.
"Please excuse me," he said softly to all before breaking down into particles of light and headed for the Palace of the Skies to clear his head.
Maybe Medusa and Percy weren't the only ones that had to slay their own demons…
Athena
She bit her lip as another lash struck, the sound of her dress and skin alike tearing being her only marker for how many times she'd been struck. Her ribs felt like they were slowly getting ready to give as the wires wrapped around her torso continued to squeeze every few seconds. Ichor was trailing down her body and pooling at her feet but throughout it all she didn't make a sound or cry, her stubbornness and pride simply wouldn't let her.
Her eyes had remained closed tight the moment she heard Medusa's whip as it parted the very air before striking her. Each lash felt like the few cuts she took from Percy's swords. The freezing burn, a paradox of pain, was almost paralyzing even if this was minor in comparison to the actual swords slicing through her skin. Sadly the numbing effect was working against her. Rather than one large gathering of pain being added to, each strike felt like a new pain that slowly faded only to be replaced.
She didn't know how long she'd been there, was it night or day, would they ever stop? She just wasn't sure and that thought scared her. She flinched as she heard the whip being readied again and waited for the icy sting … but it didn't come. Instead there was just silence and her own labored breathing. She didn't dare move though, not wanting to entice another attack even with the aching of her body and tightness in her chest. Then…
Sniff. Sniff.
She wasn't sure whether to believe her ears or not but that sound was unmistakable. Joining it was the sound of someone choking up and then she could hear them moving from being behind her to just in front of her. The noise continued and out of sheer curiosity she slowly opened one eye, only to open both in shock.
Standing before her were Medusa and Arachne, both with furiously trying to wipe away the tears trailing from their bloodshot eyes as they looked at her in mixes of anger and sadness. She just hung there, helpless and at a loss for words as she watched the two monsters she once created as they desperately fought a losing battle against their own tears. Medusa had even dropped her ichor stained whip as she tried using both hands but it was useless.
"Why …?" she whispered as she looked between them, unable to find any reason why they were the ones crying when she was the one being tortured.
"Why?" Medusa echoed through a sob before she took a deep breath, more anger than anything taking hold as she straightened up. "It's because this just isn't fair."
"How is-"
"It isn't fair!" she shouted through more tears, interrupting her. "It isn't fair that after everything you made us go through we can't even do the same thing to you!" At Athena's silence Medusa took a shuddering breath before continuing. "Millennia of being alone, to either be hunted like an animal by any fucking hero wanting to make a name for themselves or that huntress' sick pleasure. Hundreds, maybe even thousands of demigods and innocent mortals alike dead because I was turned into a spiteful, demented bitch that took out my anger on those that didn't deserve it like I was some sort of Olympian. And even the company of other monsters." At this Medusa shuddered, her arms wrapping around herself as she looked at Athena with seething anger. "Do you have any idea what happens to female monsters if they are even remotely attractive!? How many times I offed myself because I was cornered and knew what was going to happen to me?"
By now Arachne had moved closer to hug Medusa from behind as the pseudo-goddess lost the anger in her eyes only to be replaced with sadness and hurt.
"I loved you," she whispered, just barely loud enough for Athena to catch. "I was your priestess and you were my everything. My idol, my guide, the only one I would have gladly given my very body and soul to. How could I not when you were thought to be one of the kindest and wisest of gods? Strong, intelligent, brave, the very hallmark of the ideal woman that stood for her own in a world of violence, where woman were property at worst, trophy wives and broodmares at best. And then when he came for me, lured by my beauty and the fact that it would be a strike against you for that fallout over Athens, I was the one you struck out against. I cried, I begged, I screamed and you weren't there!"
With her every word Athena felt as if Percy's blade had sliced into her heart as she looked at Medusa. Seeing every ounce of pain and rage within her eyes, the betrayal and hurt that she had suffered through. Never before had Athena truly seen just how much she had harmed her, once, most loyal of followers. And yet she couldn't utter a sound as Medusa continued.
"I was left broken, afraid, and cursed. I turned into the very monster I once hated when I heard grand tales of heroes and gods. And throughout those years, all I could think about was making you suffer." Now her eyes took a steely glint, the acidic green of her snake eyes boring into the captured goddess. "So I did by targeting your children with glee, counting it as a small, insignificant victory over you whenever I succeeded … until Percy found us." Medusa's eyes softened at that, a small glimmer of warmth coming into her eyes. "I don't know what he saw in me or why he truly bothered but I'll never regret the day I took his hand. He returned to me everything I ever lost and so much more. Someone to put my faith into and follow, even to the Oblivion and great Void itself if need be. Someone to support and stand by, to love and trust, and a whole family that could understand me if even slightly. He became someone that truly does have my soul and body as his, and I wouldn't change it for Creation itself."
Medusa then gave Arachne a nod, the spider woman slowly letting go and stepping to the side as Medusa returned her gaze to Athena.
"And when he could have turned me into a merciless killer, used that hatred to twist and contort me, he didn't. Instead he held me, he let me cry millennia's worth of tears and heartache, and then built me up while trying to help me move past it all. To become something more, not to be a use to him, but to stand and prove it to myself. That I am not just Medusa the Gorgon, but something more and now, after everything is said and done it isn't fair," she said before giving a mirthless chuckle as more tears continued down her cheeks. "Even now … I still don't want to hurt you. I don't want to see you like this, suffering and by my hand at that, even after millennia of dreaming of nothing else. I'm finally here, I could use my limited command of Voidfire to slowly burn and destroy your very essence until you are nothing, until you fade, but I can't and won't. Because at the end of the day it's pointless. Your pain won't erase mine or change anything, so all I can do is move forward."
With that Medusa took another shuddering breath before stepping aside as Arachne took one step forward, her own eyes finally dried but now sporting a blank face, her voice crisp and to the point. Athena was already dreading what she was going to say, not knowing if she could take anymore after everything Medusa threw in her face.
"I can't say that my suffering was anywhere near the likes of Medusa's but even then I was hurt by what you did. You were one of my closest friends, someone that pushed and challenged me at my craft, one of the few things I took pride in. I was always one of the quieter, shy girls that rarely strayed from home, instead helping my family make ends meet with my weaving. Little did I know one of my few friends was a goddess at the time. I remember you were in a mood that day, for what, I don't have the slightest clue. I jested and teased a little, then we got competitive and everyone knows how that turned out. Perhaps I should have had some more humility but can you really blame me? It was one of the only things I was truly proud of since I wasn't the most eye-catching, I couldn't really dance or sing. But to have my friend reveal herself, in a wrath at that, only to curse me. Perhaps the fact that you made me a hideous monster became a saving grace," she said with a slight glance to Medusa as the Shadow wiped at her eyes occasionally.
"But regardless you proved yourself to be every bit the spiteful and cruel goddess like your father. I don't even know if you ever felt remorse for it but then again, I wasn't like a proud goddess such as yourself would ever admit to your fault and I was left to dwell in darkness and my own bitterness. Then I got my own sick pleasure with every one of your kids I strangled within my webs when they came for your precious Parthenos, even if a clever one finally got me in the end. But then, decades later for me Phoebe stumbled upon me and made me the oddest little offer at the time," she said before a slight blush formed on her cheeks. "More's the pity she is both taken and faithful but at the time I was more intrigued than anything. I wasn't amounting to anything, especially after falling into the Pit but I can't regret taking the offer either. Now I am forever bound and loyal to my goddess just as much as Medusa is to Percy but honestly I couldn't ask for more, so why waste my time."
Her eyes then softened as she looked at Athena.
"In the end I'm not any happier making you suffer either. As Medusa said, us harming you is pointless and causing you harm now did little more than take out some frustration but no true pleasure. More surprising for me considering I'll happily admit to being a sadist but perhaps it's that last dreg of friendship I once had with you somewhere buried in my heart. At the end of the day we are far happier than what once was and so pity you," she said, shaking her head softly as she turned away. "Third times the charm right? No longer seeing you gods as a cowering mortal or a spiteful monster but more as an equal has opened our eyes. Maybe you'll see it too someday if that is the will of Lady Chaos."
Both Medusa and Arachne turned away, leaving the devastated goddess as they began to walk away without another word. They opened the single door of the room and walked out without a single glance back, leaving the goddess strung up, with a stinging back, and an aching heart. She wouldn't have been able to say anything if they had stayed. Their words had hurt more than any weapon or torture could have, even after millennia of battle, both of the physical and verbal nature.
Ever the proud goddess she remained silent, her heart screaming and warring against her own ego and pride as a goddess. To try and beg for forgiveness, that she was wrong after so long against the entitlement of being a goddess, that it was her right and will to punish those who dared defy or betray her. Her lips moved but no words came as her eyes fell closed and her head ducked down, a single tear breaking free and trailing down her cheek but there was no one to see…
Next Day, Evening, Annabeth
In a flash of gold the goddess appeared just outside the borders of New Rome, the fields of Mars stretching on behind her. Dressed casually in simple jean shorts and black blouse, her hair in a pony-tail, and beach sandals on her feet. She looked every bit the classic California girl as the last rays of sunlight reflected off her golden blonde hair, her literal sun kissed skin radiating with health like only a goddess could. The picture of beauty beyond mortal's ability to achieve.
And yet it was her cold steely grey eyes that complete negated any warmth from her.
Those eyes reflecting the trials and pain experienced by this demigoddess turned goddess. A warrior, tactician, supporter, and leader. The proof of why she belonged to the 'Strongest Generation" seen in millennia and one of the only demigods to have ever survived in Tartarus.
It was such a goddess that approached the city, not even glancing at any that saw her. None approached though, her gaze doing more than enough to subdue them as most simply stepped back, their heads bowed in submission. Internally it pained her to see them like this. So afraid of her not just for her demeanor but because she was now a goddess. That these demigods almost instinctually avoided even irritating her in fear of their own lives. And the scary question that had come to her repeatedly for the last 24 hours or so; did she merit such fear as well?
Last night had truly thrown her for a loop, seeing the unease and worry sow itself into the demigod forces meant to attack the now revealed primordials. It was only the barest of whispers, most of them caught by her only because she wasn't as easily recognized as the older deities but it was there. Thoughts and ideas of turning back. Of defecting. Of going home rather than face seemingly impossible odds. Luckily it seemed only she and possibly Leo had caught these comments because otherwise, she wasn't sure what one of the older gods, or worse yet, an Olympian would do. Such comments were more than enough to be considered traitors by the likes of Zeus or Artemis, whereas Hera cared for none. She was only set on ripping apart both Thalia and Percy, especially after being so thoroughly humiliated in the attack.
At least they had a little over a week while Leo and Hephaestus completed the repairs before the ships could move again but Annabeth wondered if any demigods would try their luck to sneak away. Her own siblings had turned to her after seeing their mother taken with such ease and many, especially their youngest, had broken down at the thought of Athena joining her sibling in the Realm of the Faded. But for now Annabeth had other concerns, questions that needed to be answered and she would get them … by any means necessary.
So with that in mind she crossed New Rome, idly noticing the quiet of the city as news of their first battle and humiliation at the hands of three opponents made it back to the city. If she remembered correctly Chiron had been the one to receive the news from Hermes but she had no idea how the old centaur took it. But if she truly knew him, then his thoughts were on the safety of the demigods far more than the vendetta of the gods. Perhaps she would speak with him tomorrow before she returned to the makeshift camp of the army but until then, she tracked down one key signature she was unfortunately familiar with.
Leaving the limits of New Rome proper but still within the barrier and bounds of Terminus she made it into the neighborhood given over to the gods after their arrival. Olympus was left all but abandoned, turned into a mountain of cold and desolation ever since Riptide was planted into the empty hearth of the throne room. She looked over the villas once meant for the demigod heroes of the prophecy, grimacing in distaste at some modifications made by the new residents.
She then stopped as she arrived at what was once the home of Jason and Piper, two friends she knew were driven away by the actions of the Olympians. Or more specifically, the manipulations of a particular few gods, all of which she was sadly very familiar with. Ignoring the horribly pink paint added to their former home she approached. Her steps were steady as she read the signature of the one she was looking for and with a flick of her wrist, erected a barrier right over the house itself.
Anti-flash, sound containment, and anti-demigod functions placed within. She slapped a hand onto a wall beside the door, a golden flare of power pouring off to engrave the series of Greek runes and stabilize the barrier needing only her power to function now. A few seconds later it was complete so she turned to the door … and kicked it clean off its hinges.
With a crash it flew back and Annabeth caught the scared squeak of the goddess within. She walked in, her every step echoing within the now dreadfully silent home as she took it in. A simple living room with L styled couch drowned under plushies of every kind, flat-screen TV playing some pointless soap, and pictures teetering on the bounds of porno decorating the walls. She took it all in within seconds before her eyes focused on her objective.
With dirty blonde hair this time around spilling over her shoulders, dulled blue eyes, paled skin, and a rather plain, if tight, shirt and jean combo, Aphrodite had never looked plainer. Even Annabeth had to admit to herself that once upon a time she dreamed and wondered what rolling in the sheets with that goddess would be like, and it got worse when she became a goddess. Never before had she thought a god's libido could be so … demanding. It made her somewhat more understanding of why gods sought out far more than their spouses, even if in the end she detested infidelity. It also increased her respect for the virginal and very few faithful gods.
Infidelity. Even the thought of the word left a bad taste in her mouth and brought a shame to her like no other. Her will simply hadn't been enough and when she gave an inch, a mile was taken. Perhaps she'd been physically satisfied but it never removed the guilt or self-loathing, especially when she hid it away and ran at the only opening she was given. But the past was set and now she had to look to her future … but first she was getting every ounce of information withheld all these years from her.
As such her eyes narrowed on Aphrodite as the goddess squirmed under her gaze. She walked towards her, more of a predatory stalk, before she stood only a few feet away and leaning over the weakened goddess.
"H-Hey … Annabeth," Aphrodite greeted shakily. "What's up?"
"Oh, not much, just thought I'd stop by for a few things while the camp settles out," she replied with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"And h-how are things with the a-army?" the love goddess continued, squirming in her seat all the while.
'No backbone, perfect,' the younger goddess thought with a near vicious internal smirk.
"Good enough. Nearly broken morale, lots of injured, and a few dead in both demigod and godly ranks but get this, the demigods losses were from friendly fire!" she returned as she leaned closer to the cowering goddess. "But I'm not here to discuss any of that, oh no, instead I have some questions for you."
"O-oh?" Aphrodite choked out trying to look curious even as her hands shook.
"What happened the week after the war's end?" Annabeth asked away, getting straight to one of her oldest questions.
Aphrodite's eyes widened for a moment before she hastily said, "Why? You know as well as I do that Percy's disappearance is a mystery to all of us."
"I'd be careful saying his name. Gods can find you pretty easy if you say their name and doing so practically invites him within the barrier," Annabeth said as she straightened up. "But no, that isn't what I mean. What I want to know is what did you lot do?"
"W-what? But we didn't do anything," the love goddess protested without meeting Annabeth's gaze.
"Are you sure? Last I checked whenever something goes to Hades with a demigod it usually involves one of you first," Annabeth pressed but Aphrodite hastily shook her head making Annabeth sigh. Looks like the goddess was going to be stubborn after all.
Pity.
Like a viper her hand lash out and wrapped around the goddess' throat before she could react. All Aphrodite could do was gasp as Annabeth easily lifted her, spun around with a single step, and slammed the goddess into the wall through her TV. The mortal equipment crumpled while the wall barely held as cracks webbed around it. Aphrodite weakly thrashed, grasping at Annabeth's hand but she held firm. Aphrodite even tried lashing out at Annabeth's face but she saw coming from a mile away and caught her wrist.
With a smirk she clenched her fist before twisting, the satisfying snap of Aphrodite's wrist joined with the pained scream bringing an almost guilty pleasure to the younger goddess. Oh how long she'd wanted to do this and so much more to the goddess that had been a thorn in her side for over a decade.
"Don't bother Aphrodite," she said with clear contempt in her voice as Aphrodite's struggles lessened. "Even before you were cursed and forcefully separated from your domains, the moment I was elevated to godhood I was stronger than you. The only reason I didn't go after you sooner was because of the threat you could be to my siblings and the council would have stepped in if I went too far against you."
"What … changed?" the goddess asked through struggled breaths.
"Everything, starting with what you did to me and Percy," she answered, giving a malicious grin as the goddess paled. "You didn't think I'd be left in the dark about that forever did you?"
"B-but-"
"I was never supposed to know right?" Annabeth interrupted and then continued before Aphrodite could even get a word in. "Funny how things go. And here I thought I was being shown all the ropes when mother taught me during that first month only to learn she purposely had to limit what she taught me in regards to godly abilities. It's the law under dear old grandad after all, can't have any new and uppity gods getting ideas no can he? But she pulled a fast one and left me with unlimited access to her library full of all sorts of interesting information." Annabeth's grin then turned into a snarl as she tightened her grip around the goddess' neck. "Granted it looks like I didn't search enough if I didn't even know we had a limited ability to affect the very reality around us such as walking on a surface where it should be empty space but no, that wasn't what really caught my interest."
At that Annabeth paused, feeling Demeter's consciousness pass over in possible curiosity but then left. It wouldn't be the first time Aphrodite got into a catfight with some goddess married to whoever Aphrodite slept with at the time. How convenient for Annabeth since Dionysus would be too lazy to even bother checking what was going on. Knowing she was in the clear she returned her attention to Aphrodite.
"Now where was I? Oh right, hidden abilities for gods. Now one particular that stuck out to me was the ability to relive our memories. At first I thought it was utter bull but after a few tries I learned that it was meant for a god to go over their own history and what happened to them. To get a better understanding or remember something long since in the past. I could even dive into my memories and re-read whatever news articles were on the morning paper when I was just a baby in my father's arms during breakfast. As long as I lived it, and saw it directly I can recall it so you can understand where I'm going with this, can't you?"
Seeing Aphrodite giving her a shaky nod.
"So you understand my surprise and anger when I first detected your presence don't you? As a demigod I wouldn't have noticed but with the senses of a god it was obvious, at least from my direct view. That moment in the volcano forge, when I was looking into his eyes, wanting nothing more than to make sure he made it out with me but I knew he wouldn't leave until he was sure to take those telchines down. A kiss that was supposed to be in the cheek for support…"
"It was love," Aphrodite interrupted only for Annabeth to pull her out of the wall only to slam her down into the floor and step on her chest.
"I didn't love him like that you bitch!" she snarled down at the goddess. "I was a hormonal, infatuated girl still trying to get over myself and the boy I'd loved for years. Percy … he was my rock, my constant in years of rapid change and uncertainty." At that point her eyes started to get watery as years of anger and sadness bubbled up. "Everything just seemed to flow easier around him, even when we butted heads because I did start to love him … as a brother. He was dependable when it came to it, honest, sweet, and loyal. He was someone that made it safe to let my guard down around, to not feel any pressure, especially when I still couldn't come to terms with what I felt for Luke … but you couldn't leave it at that."
She raised her foot and stomped it down again, making Aphrodite cry out with a cough of ichor as the floor gave out under her as tears began to trail down Annabeth's face.
"No. You couldn't help but see a miniature repeat of my mother and Poseidon, only this time, you were hoping we'd actually get together before you stopped influencing me. And then everything changed. Luke was dead so there wasn't anyone for me to run off to and Percy became the hero of Olympus. Suddenly you wanted him, didn't you?" The goddess' silence was more than telling. "Now I was in the way so you let my real feelings come back and even increased my lust when Percy was gone. How convenient that while Percy became the most desired demigod, I turned into the demigoddess several of you gods wanted as well. Hades, I bet a one point you were considering having us both but then making use of that bastard of a playboy fit right into your plans."
Annabeth gave a dry, mirthless chuckle as she shook her head.
"I have to commend you. You truly were subtle to slip past my mother and Poseidon during that whole mess and then you used my own fatal flaw against me. I slept with the sunny bastard once and that shame kept me from saying anything. There I was, frustrate, alone, confused about my emotions, and pumped full of lust until I was reunited but by then I could barely stand myself for what I did." Annabeth chocked up and she dropped to her knees, straddling Aphrodite while looking at the goddess through tears with wrathful eyes. "And then I ran like a good little coward desperately trying to keep what little pride I had intact even though I'm pretty sure a few of the seven knew what happened between me and my current husband," she said, spitting the last word with venom as potent as the blood of a hydra.
"Maybe I would have turned to loving him in that way but I know for a fact that'll never happen now. I'm sure you were told of the new protogenoi and you know he's one of them. There can be no doubt that he knows too, his eyes said as much," she said as she reached down and grabbed a handful of Aphrodite's hair to make sure she couldn't turn her face away. "I even saw him once in one of the parks, crying into Hestia's shoulder, and I remember not even being able to walk up to him then. I wish I had, maybe then I could have salvaged something with him, but I didn't and now here we are. My mother kidnapped, already down several Olympians, and the demigods might be turned into sacrificial lambs to gods who only use them so I'm going to get the truth."
Annabeth then leaned down so her face however right over the love goddess' face.
"What happened during that week? He wasn't kidnapped, that's for sure so that can only mean that you did something that made him run and if he really took after the Night, he had to have met Nyx which means Tartarus. So, what happened that he literally went to hell?" she asked with a growl.
"I can't …" Aphrodite whispered with fear in her eyes.
"Is that so? Oath on Styx then? Too scared of suffering a little pain, or is it that you're so low in power that breaking an oath might actually end you?" Annabeth asked to which Aphrodite weakly nodded. "Simple enough…"
Without preamble she slammed her fist into Aphrodite's cheek, ichor splattering with a tooth as the goddess cried out.
"Then I'll ask and you nod or shake your head. Clear?"
Aphrodite nodded through tears.
"Good girl," Annabeth muttered before clearing her thoughts and then asking, "Is it true Artemis murdered Sally and Paul before kidnapping his sister?"
Aphrodite didn't move so Annabeth reared her fist back again but then the goddess nodded quickly.
"Was it planned or a random act of spite since she owed him several times over thanks to saving her repeatedly? Nod once for the first option."
A single nod.
"Was she working alone or someone else's orders?"
Two nods.
"Who? Zeus?"
A shaky nod but Annabeth go the feeling there was more. In fact, if that happened, why didn't Poseidon raze hell over it? Sally had been his lover at one point after all unless… She paled at the thought as she looked at Aphrodite.
"D-did Poseidon have part in it?" she asked in just a whisper to which Aphrodite slowly nodded as well.
What the bloody hell was going on!? Percy got his flaw from Poseidon, so how did that turn into him not only leaving Sally alone to her death but instigating it. And Percy probably knew this? It was no wonder he wanted the Olympians dead. However, there was one question she now needed answered.
"Did my mother have any part?" she asked, hoping against hope it wasn't so.
Thank Chaos that Aphrodite shook her head. Annabeth released a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Either way, now she knew. Some Olympians, at least the likes of Zeus and Poseidon with Artemis as their attack dog were responsible but it also explained the sudden divide between Hestia and Hades towards the rest of the council. However, that still left what they did after the fact but then again she already knew that answer. They went with it, out of fear, perhaps their own spite or insecurities, but regardless they did nothing against it and then Percy somehow found out and left.
Now she understood his reasons and then added with the shock of Thalia's disappearance after tearing into Artemis and Jason's disappearing with Nico. It was all falling into place and she could bet good money Jason was another new primordial, though which she didn't have the slightest idea. But now it left her with a dilemma, all revolved around what she would do now. Turn coat as well, even with the possibility that she wouldn't be welcomed into Percy's forces, or try to stay and help keep her siblings alive against a hopeless battle?
With her thoughts occupied she slowly got up and turned to leave, uncaring of the crying goddess left in her own crater. She took a few steps before pausing and glancing back at one of the goddess she hated most, especially after all she either caused or helped unfold.
"I'll only say this once Aphrodite," she said in a low and dangerous tone, getting the whimpering goddess to look at her dead in the eyes. "Leave. If you're still in this city by tomorrow morning, I don't care what anyone on the council will say … I'll kill you."
She turned away and didn't look back as the goddess continued to cry. As she left the house she stopped funneling any power into the runes keeping her particular barrier up. She moved on, moving further from the city as she approached the limits of Terminus' barrier keeping all gods from flashing in and out of the city. The moment she was out of the limits she disappeared in a golden flash … only to reappear on a familiar sandy beach.
She glanced along the white sands and rolling waves before looking to the small hills just further in and the rather large villa. By her own design of course as a wedding gift for Leo and Calypso, their private island of Ogygia, now under their strict control and only locatable through their permission. She walked up the sandy trail as the cool breeze swept by, making quick work of getting to the main foyer while also snapping her fingers to erase any traces of ichor or tear stains. The warm torches made for a toasty atmosphere as she glanced inside, spotting a few of the local nymphs and wind spirits cleaning for the evening.
Those that noticed her bowed but she waved it off and moved further towards the hall leading to the guest rooms. As she walked she glanced at some of the paintings or metal sculptures Leo and Calypso used for decorations, snorting at some of the more … odd ones. Honestly after all this time she wasn't sure how Calypso could deal with Leo and his particular tastes in art. Shaking her head of the amusing thoughts she looked to the guest room given to her and reached for the handle but then heard some steps behind her.
She glanced back to see Calypso dressed in a rather flattering night gown just barely on the side of decent. The nymph turned goddess looked at Annabeth with a faint smile, even though she could see the question in her eyes.
"He's fine," she said, getting a sigh of relief from Calypso. Leo had been too busy with repairs to get an IM to his wife and Annabeth doubted he was really mentioned in Hermes' report to Chiron.
"Is it true about Lady Athena?" she asked, getting a nod from Annabeth.
"Yes and that wasn't the only thing," she replied. Seeing the questioning look she elaborated. "I learned some things … things that could change this very war by the head."
"What?" Calypso asked with clear worry in her eyes.
"I'll explain tomorrow," she replied, feeling too tired emotionally after the confrontation with Aphrodite. "So, did she behave?"
Thankfully Calypso didn't press the issue before she glanced at the door behind Annabeth with a smile. "Like there was any doubt she would," she said, getting an equally warm smile from Annabeth.
However, before they could continue Annabeth heard the door behind her open and turned to see an utterly adorable view. A little girl, no older than four at most and barely tall enough for her head to reach Annabeth's waist. She had warm, golden blonde hair spilling down to her back, blue-grey eyes filled to the brim with curiosity and the slightest hint of mischief. Dressed in light green pajamas with dolphins on it and clutching an owl plushy while sleepily rubbing one of her eyes.
"Mommy?" she asked softly as she looked up at Annabeth.
"Cloelia," Annabeth replied as she quickly scooped up her daughter into her arms and held her. "I thought you were asleep?"
"You were close," she replied as she rested her head against Annabeth's shoulder.
"Doesn't matter, little goddesses should go to sleep on time," Annabeth admonished lightly only for her daughter to pout cutely and snuggle closer in an attempt to weasel out of any scolding, minimal though it may be.
Calypso didn't help matters by giggling to which Annabeth shot her a mock glare before sighing in defeat. If there was one person that could get away with just about anything with Annabeth, it was her daughter. The little light of her eyes and the only reason she still hasn't demanded a divorce from the sunny bastard. In her arms was the only thing he'd ever given her that truly matters and something she would never regret. Even if her daughter was cursed, or in Annabeth's opinion, blessed.
It wasn't known why but rarely, some gods were born unable to develop as quickly as gods normally due. Most god reached their adulthood in five years after rapidly going from newborns to toddlers in a matter of days, if not already born as adults like some cases. Cloelia was one such rarity, growing at the mortal rate until she hits around her mid-twenties, by which point she would stop aging altogether. It also meant it would be some time before she was old and stable enough to acquire domains of her own which was why her case was seen as cursed by many.
In Annabeth's opinion it gave her the proper chance to really be a mother and actually raise her daughter. It also meant Annabeth could watch any interactions and influence Apollo tried to have with his daughter but between herself, her mother, and her few friends such as Calypso, Cloelia was well taken care of.
"Well then, come on sleepy head, it's time for bed," Annabeth said before giving a quick goodnight to Calypso and stepping into the room.
"Don't want to," Cloelia tried to protest making Annabeth sigh. Her daughter didn't fall far from the tree, in this case, being stubborn.
"How about a quick bedtime story?" Annabeth asked as she snapped her fingers, changing her clothes to mere cotton panties and an oversized shirt while she walked to the bed and started to tuck in with Cloelia in her arms.
"About the Hero of Olympus?" she asked with big eyes as she cuddled her owl plushy.
Annabeth's mind flashed back to the very battle that happened yesterday night. Eyes of black flames and icy pupils looking back at her own, that sword stopping just before it could impale her straight through the heart. 'I wonder … does he know about her?' she wondered, guessing that it might have played into him staying his hand … though that left whether he knew everything concerning her daughter, especially something only Annabeth herself knew.
"Sure," she said after a pause with a giggle, knowing her daughter absolutely loved anything relating to her favorite hero, firmly believing him to be the greatest ever and even once declaring the only way he could be cooler was if he had been a girl and still did everything he did.
Her agreement got a little cheer out of her daughter, looking far more awake than she should be but hopefully she'd be satisfied with a short one. Chaos help her. Her daughter was a good little Percy fangirl, granted he was one of the heroes Annabeth mainly told her stories about along with Thalia, Nico, and the others of the seven. Annabeth didn't really have a problem with it though considering it bugged Apollo whenever he spent time with her since Cloelia would go one about Percy, Thalia, and other heroes of that generation.
After all, what's wrong with a girl idolizing her godfather?
Author's Rant: Boom! There it is! This chapter was smacking you across the face with a tuna made of feels and I have no regrets!
Let me hear your thoughts, a pleasure, Jbubu
