Sup ladies and gents! How is everyone, good? Good! Loven the reviews and all that, especially when there is some meat to it so I can reply and answer questions or thoughts. Glad you're all here, really, so here's a biggie for you all! Thank you for the patience, I know since the last few chapters are kind of slow in the action sense but next one is fast paced baby!
Disclaimer: I only own plot.
With Annabeth
The goddess took in the sight before her, never having truly expected the city sitting atop the mountain and its intricate design that her inner architect went into a frenzy over. Sure, the walk up the rather wide and winding path leading up the mountain had been tedious but in the end she could manage it, even if the wolves following just some meters away kept her on edge. She knew with them there Percy had constant eyes on her, possibly even directly through the sight of his wolves.
Still she moved along and made sure to keep her distance. With the way her last interaction with Percy went, she was liable to get bitten if she got too close to one of them. It hurt seeing such coldness and anger in his eyes as he looked down at her as if she was a bug in his path. She expected it though, just as she knew hoping he'd accept taking care of Cloelia but it was the only way … and she was running out of time.
So with that in mind she marched forward towards a towering gate, massive doors made of a wood she could not identify blocking her path. She glanced up at her sides, seeing battlements at either side though strangely unmanned. Were it any other place she would call it arrogant, leaving such positions unattended, especially when this was the sole way into the mountain top city she could see. However, the moment she had set foot on the mountain itself she had felt the immense barrier around it, to her senses almost resembling a thick and sturdy dome filled to the brim with varying power signatures.
That very same power that flowed off and around the mountain and clueing her in that the Primordial themselves powered it. At the moment all she could read on it was that it contained anti-flash properties and the ability to detect any entry or exit though she was sure it had far more just waiting to be activated. It was feeling the barrier and seeing the mighty walls surrounding the city at the very top that proved to Annabeth that at least Olympus as it was stood no chance of claiming victory.
With a path and gates like these, any army would be slaughtered trying to get in, the rest of the mountain was too steep and climbing via rope or ladder was plain foolish. She was also sure that some form of air defenses were in place and that was without even counting on the likes of the winged primordial gods themselves coming out, especially Thalia in that particular case. However her musing were cut short as the gates slowly opened soundlessly hinting at the engineering having gone into their construction before her eyes widened at just who was coming to greet her.
There was another of the missing titans, Atlas of all beings himself. Wearing what resembled a tunic in Annabeth's opinion with trousers, large plated belt around the waist, and thick leather boots, all in dark grey or black with dark green fringes. Even with the loose choice in clothing the top was stretched tight over rippling muscle of the towering titan nearly reaching eight feet. Surprisingly he held a spear clearly made of Stygian Iron in hand making Annabeth question how considering only Hades his children or monsters have been seen using it before.
However what was most shocking was the fact that Atlas had a dark green blindfold even though he was facing her exact spot and seemed to be 'looking' her in the face. She stood silent, unsure of what to do exactly considering she was standing before a former enemy which technically still was and judging by the power coming off him, nothing short of her own divine form could match him and even that was an if. There also seemed to be something … more about him, but she couldn't place her finger on it.
"Chase," Atlas said with a nod, his voice stern but not hostile like it once was when she met him all those years ago in the war.
"Atlas," replied, unsure if she needed to add anything more but then Atlas turned.
"Come," he instructed as he started to walk at an even pace and the doors beginning to close.
Annabeth barely avoided squeaking as she jumped after him and once passed the doors walked at a pace to match his longer strides, idly noticing Percy's wolves had left. Now inside Annabeth could see that the city was divided and being on the outermost layer was surrounded by small fields with a large building a distance away and closer to the second wall. She also noted structures similar to aqueducts doting the fields though some seemed larger and were significantly lower to the ground, a mere story or so in comparison.
"The barracks," Atlas supplied as they walked along a stone path that was a little narrower than the one leading up the mountain. "And the others are either aqueducts or transport rails for harvest and supplies."
"But I don't see any motors to take things into the city," she replied, noting that all the rails tilted down towards the lower level they were currently in.
"No need. Many of the satyrs, spirits, and even gods that work the fields are under the patronage of Rhea and are given a minor earth control. Two satyrs can easily take a several ton haul up the rails by simply pushing and willing the stone carts to move in tandem," Atlas answered before resuming his silence as Annabeth simply took in the scenery.
They continued to walk for several more minutes as the second wall came closer, giving Annabeth a clearer view of many towers and tall buildings within the walls. Although as they walked she couldn't help but get more curious as she kept stealing glances at Atlas, wanting to figure out the new puzzle that he represented. Why was he here, what was that odd power coming from him, how'd he get blind, and she just didn't know if she could or should ask?
"Speak goddess, otherwise you'll burst," Atlas' voice cut in making Annabeth jump slightly in surprise.
Blushing in slight embarrassment and adding another question of how did he know, she took a breath before getting on with it.
"So … why and how are you here?" she asked.
"How is simple, Jackson came to me with an offer of freedom with one condition and even though I didn't know it was him at the time, I agreed. Why I am here like this was due to the mercy of my aunt and then being under the absolute patronage of my lady."
"Lady?" she asked as she glanced at a team of satyrs who paused from tilling some field as they looked at them.
"Lady Styx," Atlas supplied much to Annabeth's surprise. Again, somehow Atlas knew or guessed that she was shocked, even going as far as smirking before answering. "Yes, Lady Styx along with the original Phoebe are also new primordial goddesses. Lady Styx of Hatred, Oaths, and the River Styx while Phoebe controls Inevitability, Compulsion, and Necessity."
"And what does being under her absolute patronage mean exactly?" Annabeth asked, finding that particular detail intriguing since she's never heard of absolute patronage before.
"It means that I am vowed to always serve her to the best of my ability. That my life truly is hers and she may command me as she wishes but," he said hearing Annabeth's gasp. "It must be done willingly and in doing so I am both connected to my lady as well as blessed with much of her power and abilities."
"Such as?"
"My skin is nearly indestructible and I have no vulnerable point is a key blessing, however, no power or ability is absolute without a draw back. In my case it was the sacrifice of my sight and even then, just because my skin is perfect armor does not mean I can't be crush or strangled as so eloquently demonstrated to me in a spar against Jackson after obtaining my abilities," he explained, almost grumbling the last bit before continuing on calmly. "Her waters are a safe haven to me and I am her main Keeper and as such, it is my duty to enforce the punishment of broken oaths. Lastly is my ability to feel the hatred of those around me, to understand it, its source and extent."
He paused as Annabeth took it all in, awed at the strengths and abilities given to Atlas placing leagues above what he once was though Annabeth still wondered how he could 'see' given that he hadn't so much as stumbled around or looked past her any time he faced her. Though she doubted he would elaborate on that considering her role in this war was up in the air at the moment and she was pretty sure there was more to him that what he mentioned, especially considering he hadn't told all that much.
It would only take one successful attack to see he was impervious and she knew they didn't have anyone with enough brute strength to overpower the Titan of Strength and Endurance since the disappearance of Hercules. Still, that answered as to why and how he was here but what confused her now was how he seemed so … okay with it. Last she recalled Atlas had been frothing at the mouth for freedom and to essentially rip apart everything built up since the fall of the titans. And yet here he was, being her guide and escort on her way to see a council with several former demigods that faced him in battle.
"Um Atlas?" she started, getting an acknowledging grunt from the titan. "… Why do you seem so … happy? Satisfied, generally okay with all this? Didn't you hate Percy, the demigods, us?"
Silence pervaded for some time before Atlas gave a mighty sigh as he stopped a few meters from a second set of gates and turned towards her.
"Saying that I am happy with this and at peace are two different things Chase. Sadly, I do not believe happiness is something I could ever deserve … not after what I've done." Raising a hand to stop Annabeth's questions, he continued. "You see, a key difference between myself and so many of other deities currently in opposition to the new protogenoi is one thing; the willingness to change. And that all begins at the moment I made my worst mistake since banishing my daughter. I struck her down."
Atlas stopped as he seeming to look far past her, his shoulders slouching before his voice came far more tired and almost defeated then anything she's ever heard before.
"Calypso was my favorite, much as I deny it and the loss of her left me bitterer after the first war than the defeat itself. Sure, I fought willingly and to my best but wouldn't you also fight against some upstarts instigating rebellion and anarchy with their actions. Our rule wasn't pleasant under Kronos but there was general order only for everything to be thrown in disarray with the legitimate princes and princesses of the throne fighting against their father rather than say, moving away and living their own lives once they escaped their imprisonment. Would Kronos have chased them to the ends of the earth in fear of them ever gaining enough power to truly challenge him? Undoubtedly just as you can't tell me Zeus and his council wouldn't have tried to attack or gain control over the new council under Jackson for the same reasons."
Atlas then shook his head as he continued on. "War would have been inevitable, only this time Jackson was far more prepared and more powerful, keeping the Olympians in the backpedal and corralled, removing certain forces and strategies to try and overwhelm them quickly while minimizing loses on both ends save for the Olympian council themselves," he said before pausing. "Tangents aside, it was the loss of my daughter that truly brought about my hatred for the Olympians, only going on their word that she was even safe though alone rather than turned into some personal whore for them on her island," he spat, the disgust and venom in his voice making Annabeth take a step back.
Atlas then sighed as he ran a hand through his hair.
"Of course it was also my own folly to try and keep my other daughters isolated and protected before the war even began and then more so after I was imprisoned, commanding Ladon to keep an eye on them from all others. It was this restriction that led to Zoe jumping at the chance of escape and living beyond the walls of a garden, even going as far as converting her own divinity into the essence of a powerful weapon in hopes of having Hercules take her and we all know how that went. And yet all I could see was one of my daughters trying to abandon me and so I banished her, uncaring of the fact that she was little more than child with no experience of the ways of the world. In a way it was a blessing that the moon goddess found her, even if it only suited to fill my daughter with hatred in turn."
Atlas then returned to 'looking' at Annabeth.
"Sadly even my regret was overturned to anger and bitterness as I lost another daughter to the Olympians and then the war came. I was so concerned with them and my revenge that I didn't care about trying to reconnect with my daughter." Atlas then paused as he looked at his own trembling hands. "I felt so powerful and free … only to truly realize what I'd done after I was imprisoned again. When I saw her constellation and remembered her as I'd stabbed her, I felt nothing but disgust and self-loathing, almost begging for someone to truly end me … and then my aunt and the other Jackson, Andromeda, gave me a chance." Atlas raised his head as his fists clenched up. "I got to speak with her again, if only briefly and apologize for what I'd done, if only to settle some of that guilt but it will never wash away my full crime. Then Lady Styx offered me the positon in service to her and even offered to take in my daughters as well, safe and sound."
"So does that mean …?"
"No. My lady is their patron but not under permanent service like myself. I wished for them to have a choice for their futures and my lady accepted it which I am forever thankful for. They are now oath keepers as well, working in tandem around the mountain and living peacefully which is all I can ask for," he said with a heavy sigh at the end. "The loss of my eyes was a willing sacrifice on my part, meant to suite as a blessing and curse."
Annabeth tilted her head to the side in confusion at that, unsure of what he meant by blessing and curse. Luckily, he elaborated.
"I never have to see my own face, one that still brings me shame, ever again but … I can never see the smiling faces of my daughters, witness the day they dress in white and walk to their significant other, or lay eyes on those that I could call grandchildren … for I do not deserve such honors," he finished, leaving a shocked and silent goddess as she stared at him. "That goddess, is why I am at peace and even grateful for my current position in life."
Without another word he continued walking, leaving Annabeth several paces behind and she shook herself from her stupor to follow along. The pair walked in renewed silence then as they passed a second set of gates, these manned by minor gods from what she could tell and judging by the sour looks, they knew who and what she was too. The doors opened soundlessly allowing both deities to pass uninterrupted and into the city proper from what Annabeth could see. Her breath hitched slightly as she marveled at the beautiful structures carved of marble and obsidian, using fusions of Greco-Roman and Anglo-Saxon designs for the homes, elevated walkways above the lower merchant streets leading to private homes.
She watched in awe as gods and mortals of all kinds got about their day, simply living as if the war wasn't happening right now. She walked as if in a trance, trying to take in every detail around her as she followed Atlas. She was surprised to see him receiving nods and small head bows, or greetings as even some kids ran past, shouting greetings to 'Mr. Atlas' with all smiles to which he returned as he moved on.
"They respect you here," she murmured as she looked around, surprised that she received some greetings as well but she noted that they were mortals while the other gods tended to stay back.
Atlas grunted before replying. "It is appreciated. They know I am an oath keeper and protector of this city, one of many in fact. After all, neither the mountain itself nor even the city matter but its residents. They are the life of it and we are sworn to protect them. You see Chase, this is a home, a safe haven where all walks of life mingle in peace. Parents rest at ease even as their children play beyond their line of sight or even after dark, where one does not have to look over their shoulder on their walk home after a long day. I doubt any city around this world could boast the same and mean it."
"How?" was all Annabeth could ask.
"Oath of Citizenship," he replied easily. "All follow it as iron clad rules that render all equal within the city, be they mortal or god. No violence, regardless of what may be the reason behind it save for in sanction spars and duels within the arena to name one. Also, you do feel that barrier correct?"
At Annabeth's nod he continued.
"Once upon a time barriers were created with an idea and will of a god or being capable of using magic before being implemented. Runes later came into play to stabilize and prolong the effects, maybe to separate the need for constant and direct intervention from the castor. Yet nowadays humans program computers and codes thousands of times more complex and intricate then the most extensive rune scape. What covers this city is a barrier coded and composed of a completely new runic language, built and layered under the direction of Styx and initially powered by the entire council."
At her awed expression he continued, "Self-updating, capable of reporting any change to Styx with a full sentient awareness comparable to the most advanced A.I.s, able to detect malignant intention and isolating possible risks to the city or its' populace. You could say that the central control rune or processor is blessed by several of the protogenoi, Nico's domain of Judgement to be fully unbiased in regards to law, Andromeda's domain of Desire and so finding even the most hidden goals, and Jackson's domain of Darkness, something that goes beyond the physical manifestation but to see the malice we all are capable of harboring within our hearts. You see Chase, this is the potential and ability when divine beings use joint efforts, they create things beyond the wildest expectations."
Having finished Atlas continued to walk as Annabeth followed, her own thoughts racing through the ability and implementation of such a system. The complexity and time taken to create it alone must have been staggering. However that left her with another question.
"But what about the people? Can they truly being happy knowing that they're under constant watch?"
"No society or community can form and last without a joint agreement in rules and concession of certain liberties and freedoms Chase, otherwise it is anarchy with sentient beings degrading to their most primal urges and self-importance over the rest. There isn't anyone living here that wasn't made aware of the rules beforehand and those that didn't due to the rules, being exclusively some gods as of yet, were wiped of the memories and left to their own devices wherever they came from," Atlas replied without looking back.
"Memories wiped?"
"Gods are petty and selfish beings Chase. Do you really trust some slighted god to keep quiet over the existence and location of a city when they could simply rat it out just to spite those that dared defy them?" Annabeth's silence spoke volumes. "I thought as much, though having memories wiped is unnecessary now that the city is revealed and if someone that is invited to live here does not swear, then they are kindly but firmly escorted out, simple as that."
"And if the council turns to abusing such power?" Annabeth asked skeptically, knowing the saying about absolute power and all that.
"The council has its own extra oath sworn on the name of Lady Chaos meant specifically to counter such degradation. She is their true and final check in power, along with their own rules to prevent any one member gaining advantage over the others. After all, would you be willing to break an oath on Her name?" he asked.
Annabeth paled at the thought, actually feeling as if daring to go against such an oath would lead to having her very essence painfully torn from her. She was sure Fading would be the least of her worries if she did such a thing and knew even as powerful as Percy was, he did not so much as hold a candle to Chaos. Shaking her head of the thoughts, they walked on in silence as they ascended through the city, stores decreasing in number and more homes being apparent.
At one point that crossed a large building that reminded Annabeth slightly of a Church though without any obvious crosses or other such signs but only in design. Outside in a rather large yard with a few trees were dozens of children milling around playing with several nymphs, wolves, and some mortals playing with them. She even spotted some minor goddesses amongst them much to her shock before noticing a small sign near the path leading to the building that red "Leto's Orphanage".
Still Atlas didn't stop so she didn't get a chance to pause and ask about it before they passed a third and apparently final set of gates leading them into the third portion of the city. She looked around to see all manner of small temples scattered around with some gods and satyrs or wind spirits milling about carrying documents, small supplies, and expressos. She was also surprised that most if not all gods she saw looked to be dressed for business or at least a blend of casual-formal wear.
Again Atlas remained silent as they walked to the largest temple by far with a roof several stories tall and doubled doors larger than those of Olympus that were open for all to see. Some gods were buzzing in and out with their duties with there even being a nymph at a reception desk that waved at them as they entered, though her eyes watched Annabeth intently. She followed silently until they stopped in front of a massive hallway, the only thing visible at the end being a large hearth filled with golden fire with some flecks of reds and whites.
"They are waiting," Atlas said suddenly, making her jump at bit at the abrupt end to the silence.
Looking at her guide she steadily nodded before slowly walking forward, now really becoming aware of the pressure at the end that steadily built as she got closer. Annabeth felt her confidence waning as she moved, the pressure mounting as even her breathing got heavier until she finally arrived at the end and almost stumbled at the sight.
Eight Primordial Gods looked at her as one, each easily measuring close to a hundred feet in size while standing before their thrones, their eyes glowing with their respective power as the very air around them shimmered and distorted under their presence. Then, with some silent signal all sat as the fire in the hearth fizzled out to reveal a small seat and desk, even a damned cup of water and jug on it fit to her mortal size.
She very audibly gulped as she got the order and message. Sit there and if she said one thing wrong or pissed someone off, that fire was coming back with her in the center of it.
Taking a deep breathe to stop the shaking of her legs, she walked steadily, wearily glancing around at the strongest deities around her and recognizing each with more or less an idea of what each controlled and represented. Once at the chair she sat with her hands on her lap, feeling like some school girl called before the school board. Granted detention and expulsion were the least of her worries.
Tense silence filled the atmosphere for several minutes making the minor goddess squirm in her seat, not daring to look directly in front of her for several reasons. First being that Percy, Rhea, and Hestia all sat before her. She wasn't ignorant of the meaning behind all three having such an arrangement and had quickly spotted Rhea's matching ring to Percy's and Hestia's letting her know that Rhea was also married to Percy, and therefore queen as well. She could literally feel the hostility pouring off Hestia and she was pretty sure it was why the seat felt uncomfortably hot whereas Rhea wasn't as overtly hostile but there wasn't an exactly warm and inviting presence around her either.
Percy again had that near unreadable look to him, seemingly indifferent to her aside from the narrowed eyes. However it was what was at their feet that really made her nervous. Sitting at Percy's feet was a very familiar, T-rex sized wolf with silvery-yellow eyes staring right at her. Bedside Lupa was another familiar monster of equal size, the Namean Lion lying next to Rhea's feet. Lastly and most worrying in her opinion was the fact that Ladon was sitting behind Hestia's throne with several of his heads around it, the largest reared up and over the throne itself, all large orange eyes watching her every move.
Just feeling the power of those three alone told Annabeth that she stood no chance if hostilities erupted and judging by the looks, all three were itching to pounce but were kept at bay. The silence persisted for some time and she actually gave in, taking a quick sip of the water provided before hastily putting it back down and resuming to sit still.
The silence was finally ended as Percy sighed before speaking in a baritone, his voice laced with authority.
"We are gathered here at the request of Annabeth Chase, minor Olympian goddess of Architecture and Guerilla War Tactics."
Annabeth resist the urge to flinch at the mention of her second domain, one that had less than pleasing symbolism, even being the key note in relation to the formation of her own symbol of power and its ability. Still, she kept quiet as Percy began her hearing, of what exactly she wasn't entirely sure.
"So goddess," he continued, his eyes of black fire and icy pupils pinning her to her seat. "What did you want?"
Shifting slightly as she looked up to meet his gaze, she spoke clearly and evenly, "I came to make a request to have my siblings and other demigods spared."
"We already made the offer," Rhea spoke up as she looked down at Annabeth, a finger lazily tapping her arm rest. "They can choose to turn back and withdraw. However, if they make the choice to face us on the battlefield, to attack our city, then that is that. They've made their beds and now they will lie in them."
"But the Olympians would never allow it," Annabeth retorted, keeping her demeanor respectful and voice even. "Half the demigods are marching under duress and don't even want to be near the war but turning back is to betray and the remaining Olympians would sooner cut them down themselves," she argued, watching as some of the protogenoi glanced amongst themselves with some murmuring.
It seemed that this very subject had been debated before and seeing the wavering opinions, she pushed forward.
"Please," she said, getting them to simmer down and return their attention to her. "This isn't war, it's slaughter and we have even fighters as young as 12 that just aren't even remotely ready for this."
"Plenty marched at the age of 12 during Kronos and Gaea making their bids," Jason spoke up as he looked at the minor goddess, his back straight and rigid, nothing but a professional air around him. "Not that I agree with them being brought to battle either but they are demigods, their resilient and adaptive."
"Not for this," she countered. "This isn't some bumbling horde of monsters thrown together by one or two competent commanders with general mayhem as a goal. They are facing you," she said pointedly as she looked at each and every former demigod and legends in their own rights. "You aren't some singled out titan or Giant with a known weakness and a past history of failure at your backs. No, each of you is a hero/heroine that have bested ridiculous odds and faced the impossible only to come out on top. Primordial, and I presume, each more powerful than Gaea had been but unlike her, you are all tried and true warriors. I've already seen what you can do and I would bet my left foot that it was only the surface and that the only reason you haven't simply won yet is because you don't want wholesale slaughter."
With her words she didn't see any of them protesting against it, acknowledging that she right in regards to just how powerful they were. Even the Olympians being dangerous in their own rights, had dulled over the millennia after the defeat of the Giants with nothing else to truly challenge them and no apparent reason to try and get better. While before her were several beings who already had talent unlike most others and then trained and worked that talent to the very bone, making them go from being dangerous to outright lethal.
Even looking at the four new primordial goddess that weren't of note for being warriors held an air about them that tipped Annabeth off. Rhea's subtly flowing power was the only one truly close to matching Percy's and she held the poise of a seasoned warrior as well and Hestia's feral eyes alone were enough for the goddess to know that Hestia was just as easily to be feared on a battleground. Still, shaking herself of those thoughts she pressed on.
"Please, their desperate, I'm desperate. We don't want to have to fight but unlike me they can't just run away or flash here. They can't travel without rest or food while fighting anything that might get in their way and avoid the enemies at their back at the same time. Staying with the army is their only option at the moment," she said, her tone pleading as she looked at the council around her.
She then noticed Thalia frowning and looked at her as the winged goddess sighed before speaking.
"It just isn't that simple Annabeth," she said, making Annabeth internally smile in relief to see that even if having grown apart, Thalia was still somewhat caring of her by using her given name rather than the cold utterings of 'Chase' or 'goddess'. "You know that as much as some demigods want out, others want to fight for their own reasons. Loyalty more so on the Roman side, perhaps for revenge due to killing Ares or harming their idols, or even some just wanting to make names for themselves. If demigods started suddenly disappearing, which would take some time, especially if the Olympians and other gods react and form so sort of barrier to prevent or at least slow us down. That could lead to suspicion amongst each other and possibly turn into outright attacks against each other. Next thing you know, an army is killing itself with nothing but demigod casualties, defeating the purpose of this very meeting."
Annabeth sighed as she nodded, knowing that Thalia was right in that regard. There were already some glares and suspicious looks being sent between small parties, some of the more vocal of their loyalty harassing those that appeared hesitant for the cause.
"But … what if they surrender on the battlefields?" she asked with hope in her voice watching as some of the council members have her a raised eyebrow. "If I return and try to speak with the demigods not wanting to fight, and convince them to drop their weapons as a sign of surrender during battles, could you spare them and get them out of there?"
That got some more eager debate out of the council and Annabeth watched with baited breath as they spoke on the possibility and how they could go about it. Apparently, and much to Annabeth's silent horror, there was something else far more dangerous than the Olympians that the new protogenoi were staying on guard for. They knew something would happen once the Olympians attacked, there was simply too much opportunity not to, but the question was of what and when? It got Annabeth thinking about the brief words of the group of cyclops that attacked her and mentioning of a new master while Poseidon trained.
Whatever could possibly put the strongest beings on the planet on edge was definitely something to watch and guard against, not to mention that Poseidon, one of if not the strongest fighter of the Olympians was with this other force, then things would only get worse.
Her thoughts were broken though as Rhea cleared her throat for silence, making the minor goddess to look up at the stronger being as she started to speak. "It seems that your suggestion could have some merit, however, picking out these demigods and transporting them away while we fight won't be easy. There is also the danger of them being caught in crossfire, and if others notice their actions, being cut down by their own before they can be taken. So, no promises but we will try to be more cautious should the fighting break out but," she raised her hand to stop Annabeth from cheering at her apparent success. "Try to get them separated to some degree that way it will be easier to move them away because if they are mixed into our opposing forces, they might not get spared."
Nodding firmly Annabeth thanked them profusely and Percy waved his hand, ending the meeting. Most of the new protogenoi teleported away via their own elemental means while some remained seated. In this instant being Percy, Rhea, Hestia, and if she recalled correctly, Andromeda. Suddenly Annabeth felt as if the pressure had increased significantly as the second, more personal reason for her visit was brought into question again. However, seeing Hestia's literally flaming, crimson eyes nailed to her didn't help the goddess calm in the slightest.
"So Chase," Rhea started while crossing her arms under her bust and narrowing her eyes at the goddess. "Care to explain about what happened during your earlier meeting with my husband?"
Her tone alone made Annabeth want to duck down, knowing that Rhea was not pleased in the slightest with Annabeth's revelations on the matter of her daughter and the role casted onto Percy in relation to it. Still, she had her reasons and didn't regret … at least she hoped she wouldn't.
"Y-yes," she managed to replied, silently cursing her own stutter. "I named him Cloelia's godfather in secret."
"Why?" Hestia asked with a noticeable growl, speaking for the first time as literal steam drifted off her hair. "After everything that happened, why could you possibly even consider him for the role?"
"It was the only way …" Annabeth tried to protest but Hestia cut her off.
"Like hell it is!" The draconic goddess snapped back with small licks of flame escaping her clearly fanged jaws thoroughly scaring the goddess. "The only way? You didn't even name a godfather when asked all those years ago and suddenly you pull this? What, trying to get something over him to make use for you like that Tartarus episode?"
"I didn't …"
"As long as we're together, sound familiar?" Hestia asked making Annabeth visibly flinch. "As far as you knew, it was practically a guaranteed death and you dragged him with you, knowing that you didn't even deserve his love and then, the moment you got the opening, you took it and ran."
Annabeth turned her head away as she took the goddess' words, knowing she couldn't refute them. Yes, Aphrodite had been the one to mess with her emotions, but in the end it was her choice to lie about, to hide and then take godhood the moment it was offered. She simply couldn't bear the thought of telling him or the shame that would come with it at the time, her own hubris simply wouldn't allow it. Not when she'd gotten the recognition of her mother, was respected, and was even offered something demigods dream about.
It looked like Hestia was going to continue tearing into Annabeth but was silenced as Percy reached across and took her head, surprising her as she looked at him. Annabeth would have denied it but she felt a pang of pain in her chest seeing the look he was giving Hestia, so warm and kind like he once used to with herself. It seemed it had a similar affect as Hestia visibly calmed with the area around her cooling before all four returned their attention to her.
"Just … tell us why, Chase?" Percy asked with a sigh as he looked at her.
Taking a deep breath she nodded before answering, knowing that they probably wouldn't like it any better.
"Because of a prophecy …"
As the sentence left her mouth the room grew tense again as the four primal beings looked at her with visible surprise. Then, after some odd silence Andromeda broke it.
"What?"
Only being able to nod, Annabeth waited to see how they would take it before she went further. Percy just snorted and then rubbed the bridge of his nose while Rhea bit her lower lip, Hestia looked narrowly at her own lap while tapping her fingers and Andromeda looked at Annabeth. After some time Percy sighed again before directing only one opened eye at the smaller goddess.
"What is it? When did you get it in fact?"
"It was the night after Cloelia's birth," she replied, remembering that happy night as she rested with her newborn in arms, her mother having been the last to leave after making sure Apollo didn't bother the new mother and child. "Rachel visited at some really late hours," she continued, remembering how Rachel could be very random at times and surprise visits to Olympus weren't actually uncommon in those days. "She sort of stumbled into my room, not sure how without tipping anyone off. Actually she looked almost drunk or something and then her eyes were sometimes flashing green, other times just looked glazed over and then she started a prophecy but it was strange," she explained as she frowned slightly in the memory of that odd night. "It was almost like she was cut off from delivering the whole thing and next thing I know, she ran out. I ran into her a few days later but she didn't remember anything."
Annabeth then fell silent as the primordial beings took in what she said, sharing glances with each other until Hestia spoke up.
"Looks like we'll have to talk to Phoebe about this. Only she can see the records of past prophecies as well as those that are possible."
"But will she find it?" Rhea cut in drawing attention to herself. "The year that Chase's daughter was born was shortly after many gods and mortals joined us, including Phoebe herself. We already know that the actions of a primordial could have completely unforeseen consequences of a previously stated prophecy, and if Chase is right, this one was incomplete. Who's to say that it wasn't something that slipped through the cracks when the Fates were trying to decipher everything that was happening?"
The others nodded in agreement to her words before attention was turned on Annabeth again as Hestia spoke up, "So, this prophecy?"
Annabeth sighed as she nodded before reciting the fragments as they were told.
"Fate distorted and souls separated … Daughter of ill-fated union … War of wars to rage … To live as harbinger of peace … To die and leave destruction … Cursed blade and legendary hero … Forsaken love, the strongest protector … Goddess to reclaim herself …"
Annabeth stopped as she recited the last bit that Rachel said as she took in the looks of the winged gods before her, their earlier surprise turning into grime contemplation. Even if incomplete, several lines were already telling and Annabeth knew without a doubt it involved both Percy and her daughter. His sword Riptide, cursed and impaled with the abandoned city of Olympus, left there by the legendary hero, her forsaken love. It hadn't taken her long to discern that and with the mention of her daughter's life being possibly on the line, it hadn't taken her much to decide on who to name godfather, a choice that she had still been pondering for days.
Sure, to the gods she had simply said to stay with only a godmother, not trusting any of the gods with her child and considering the mentioned war, didn't name any of her siblings as the godfather simply because she doubted they would be enough. Hades had said it repeatedly during the years when asked if Percy was alive and his answer had always be yes, so taking the shot, she named him as such in secret, having faith that he would be there when needed. It seemed that after some minutes of silence the winged beings looked back at her, possibly having come to similar conclusions as her.
"We … see," Rhea said with a tired sigh before her gaze fell on her husband and king.
"That certainly brings things into perspective," Percy said in an unreadable tone as his narrowed eyes fell on her. "But it seems that we'll have to think on this a bit more. It is rather sudden, after all." With that he and the winged goddesses stood, some shooting her curious glances. "For now, we'll let you stay as a guest. Atlas will see you about accommodations for the night but until then, I think the gardens behind the temple might interest you."
Before she could ask what he meant by that, all four disappeared in burst of shadows, their presence vanishing just as quickly making Annabeth sigh as slowly got up and out of the desk. Mind you, she was still very aware of the three beasts, or more accurately, two beasts and fellow goddess watching her from their spots at the bases of each thrown. She wasn't tempted to find out if being in their continued presence was a risk to her health so she made a hasty retreat out of the throne room.
Once out and after waving down a passing nymph to ask for directions she soon arrived to the aforementioned gardens. They were beautiful, she had to admit, with all manner of wild flowers and shaded trees, small stone courtyards and paths marked throughout. She tried to let herself relax as she slowly walked one path, enjoying the soft breezes as she spotted some nymphs here and there tending to it. However, soon she arrived at what was likely the center and a quick look around confirmed that it sat a distance behind the throne room itself.
Taking it in, she let a small gasp escape her as she saw a beautiful oak of pure white with actual golden leaves measuring several stories up, planted on an obsidian black soil island and surrounded by clear waters with a small path leading to it. The veins of color running up and down the trunk, along with the sheer presence coming off the tree let Annabeth know it was significant but for what exactly, she wasn't sure. However her musing were cut short as she heard some small barking off to the side and looked only to let her mouth drop in shock.
There, just off the path and under the shade of some trees were Athena and if she recognized him right, Triton, sitting on a bench. Sure, it was surprising suddenly seeing her mother but what surprised her more was that she was actually leaning her head against Triton's shoulder as the god in question lightly rubbed her shoulder and she could make out the slightest tear marks along her mother's face. Then, looking at their feet Annabeth spotted the source of barking being a little grey wolf pup that was pawing at Athena's feet.
Before she could stare for longer or even find her voice however Triton noticed her, his eyes widening for a moment before he murmured something to her mother. Athena's head shot up as her eyes immediately found Annabeth before gasping as she abruptly stood before glancing nervously to Triton as the god stood as well. Annabeth watched, transfixed as Triton murmured something else to Athena with a gentle smile before he went as far as kissing her on the forehead and then walking off down a different path, all the while Athena remained rooted to the spot.
Annabeth for her part couldn't help but frown in confusion at seeing her mother. Sure, Percy had told her that her mother was safe but she'll still had some doubts. However, that didn't mean she was expecting to see the kidnapped goddess simply resting in a garden and speaking to a god Annabeth hadn't seen hang around her before and it was someone related to Poseidon that made it that much more surprising. Still, she walked forward and was noticed by her divine mother but Athena simply remained still, going as far as tugging at the ends rope around her waist as she glanced at Annabeth, the wolf puppy at her feet looking on as well.
"Mother?" Annabeth gently called as she got almost within arms distance, finally getting Athena to look her in the eyes.
"Annabeth," her mother replied as she looked her over, frowning at some of the dirt and grim left from her travels.
Unsure of what to do left both in a bit of an odd silence, with the goddesses being close over the years but there was still this slight air of distance that Athena had as long as Annabeth could remember. In fact the only time Annabeth could truly recall Athena dropping such a wall was with Cloelia … and at the brief moment she saw, Triton.
"I'm glad to see you," her mother's voice broke her from her thoughts before her eyes widened as she looked properly, seeing how Athena's arms were almost open to her but the goddess looked unsure of just how to go about hugging her.
Not really even thinking about it Annabeth stepped closer and embraced her mother, feeling the goddess stiffen for a moment before the embrace was returned. It was almost timid at first but then the strength came in as Athena pulled her closer, head's resting on the other's shoulder in this novel experience. It was the first time Annabeth could ever say she'd gotten hugged by her mother and it felt … nice. The close warmth of the touch while carrying a sense of safety and reassurance, something that Annabeth was sure Athena was feeling herself.
"I'm here mom," she said softly as her face nuzzled into Athena's shoulder, feeling the other goddess tighten the hold as she nodded into it.
The hug lasted for several minutes as neither goddess was really in a hurry to let go but eventually they did when there was whining at Athena's feet. As Annabeth pulled back she watched as Athena quickly scooped up the puppy in her arms and held it at her chest as she petted her softly.
"So …" Annabeth started up after a minute of watching her mom coo over a puppy. "Who's this?" she asked as she gently petted the pup as well.
"Anesi," Athena replied as the pup playfully nipped at her fingers. "She was given to me by Lady Andromeda."
'Lady?' Annabeth mentally asked but didn't voice it, instead asking another nagging thought.
"So … um, why were you so close with Triton?"
At that the question Athena paused in her petting as she turned her attention to Annabeth, her features softening with tones of regret in her eyes much to Annabeth's surprise.
"Let's just say … you weren't the only one that ran from their shame," Athena answered softly and then continued before she could ask further. "And a lot has happened since I was taken making it a long story."
Annabeth looked at her mother curiously for a moment, still trying to settle how she felt about this changed demeanor of her mother. That wall was gone and she seemed oddly vulnerable in a way but also more open and softer. Still, seeing as she was supposed to stay for the night anyways, she figured she could spend it with her mother.
"I've got time…"
With Hestia
She sighed softly as she watched her finger, lazily trailing over the lightly tanned skin and coiled muscle of her husband's chest. She relished in the intimacy and warmth shared between them as she rested on him, not a shred of clothes or space to separate them. She could also feel his hand running along the back of her head, idly playing with her hair as he hummed softly making her that much more relaxed. It really did wonders after the tension of yesterday's meeting but her husband, wife, and consort had been all too eager to make it up to her.
Of all the council, she'd been the only one that didn't even want to give that minor goddess so much as a glance, even less so allow her into the city. Some may have called her petty, insensitive considering the reason for the goddess coming all the way to their city, and even intentionally malicious. She knew and recognized it but for the life of her, she couldn't react in any other way. That goddess was one of the few beings Hestia had truly hated for a time and even now still resents.
And all of it because of the end of the war.
Most regular mortals and ignorant gods would say considering love a great power something as idealistic and naïve but she knew otherwise. For demigods that lived fearing the next day, unsure if today's friends would be an enemy next, especially when dealing with temperamental gods. Her husband had loved, and trusted. It was his driving force to keep him moving forward, to bear the pain and torment of war left on his shoulders under a prophecy. To keep his own alive, to strive for peace, to simply survive … and that first love crushed him, turned into betrayal and lies.
Annabeth Chase had been his first true love and Hestia knew, just as well as Rhea, Andromeda, and their harem that no matter what happened, a piece of his heart would always stay hers. It was why even now he couldn't cut her down even if he wanted to. Because knowing she had been a victim as well had left a fragment of hope, the irony of which wasn't lost on the Primordial Goddess of Hope, that there could have been more to it. Even if he accepted that she would never be part of his life again and he wouldn't be in hers, that past and its scars would never leave him.
And it was knowing that which got Hestia so reactive. She already suffered the cold pain that is isolation, to sting of being forgotten and left without voice. To watch as her desperate pleas were ignored, as her family twisted and contorted into something she could no longer recognize as family. And then her husband came, the first to truly see her, to bother and hear her even if she had been pushed to the sidelines in the fires of war.
Then that war ended and the demigod that had become a close friend over the year before Hera hid him came to her and only with her, allowed himself to break. She watched as the strongest demigod shattered after being too strong for too long, all the pains and regrets during the wars and those lost under his command or leadership, of his time in Tartarus and all he saw. She held him as he lost one of his greatest reasons for even pushing on.
Listened as he spoke about his dreams that would never come, of growing old together in the possibilities of New Rome. He had his mother at the time but she, just like Paul and Andromeda at the time had been mortals and would always need to be kept at some distance just for their safety. His father, like the other gods, would stay away from their children as was expected and by law. At that point it would even been possible to convince him to take godhood then and there. In fact, Hestia had already been considering it because she wanted him to stay with her but then that meeting happened.
In their self-centered pride and ego, they murdered his family thinking it was necessary to separate him from his mortal connections but nothing could have been more wrong. They took what was already a broken demigod and gave him a focus. Something to hate, to see as the cause of so much suffering. They took their hero and created their executioner, one devoid of any ties to them. And he had carried through with it so far, even while trying to spare demigods where he could and keep the battles away from mortal homes.
But now that same goddess came back, begging and pleading the case with the use of a completely innocent child. Something new that would tie him to her in some shape or form and Hestia simply couldn't trust it. It didn't matter for the reasoning behind it or who the child was, she knew her husband was still a hero at the core and would not abandon a child, regardless of the linage. Even if he'd been just as upset to be named the godfather and gave a front, Hestia knew her husband and that he'd already been monitoring Cloelia's shadow since Chase told him, completely bypassing the protections of Ogygia within the hour.
And even if Hestia would not hold anything against the godling, Chase was another case all together. She didn't trust her and within the deepest recesses of her own heart, she had her own darkness. A spot of doubt, of familiar fears that whispered how Chase could use her own daughter to return to Percy's side. It didn't matter how irrational, how much Hestia knew Percy would never forget or abandon her, it was a vicious scar of her own past that would never fade. And Percy knew it, just as he knew of his own doubts or Rhea's, but together they reassured each other, just like last night.
Last night's activities had been all about her and after everyone was refreshingly spent, Rhea surprised her by leaving her alone with Percy, dragging a sleepy Andromeda with her to the love goddess' room. She'd appreciated it and after another round, the pair fell into sweet unconsciousness together. Even once they woke up it had been for another round of sweet love-making, leaving them where they were now with her resting on him.
"Honey…"
"Hmm?" she hummed as she turned her head up to look into those flaming black and icy blue eyes.
"So … are you okay with it?"
He didn't need to say what, she'd already known it had been on his mind since the meeting yesterday. She sighed softly as she nuzzled against his chest, peppering it with kisses before looking at him and nodding. He smiled in return before sitting up and kissing her properly and then getting up. She was a little annoyed at losing her body pillow but followed after, both dressing with a thought. Her in a scarlet chiton and black sash around her waist, and sandals while he went with dark grey jeans, blue shirt, and his ever present Coat of Darkness into a design much like a leather jacket, finished with simply drakon hide leather boots.
With both ready they flashed away as a notice to their approach, arriving just at the gates leading out of the city limits and to the path down the mountain. Upon arrival they saw that they weren't the only ones with most of the council save Phoebe and Styx being present along with Atlas as the proper guard and Athena, pup in hand, saying their goodbyes. Eyes turned on them as Hestia schooled her features the moment she saw Chase and walked to Rhea and Andromeda's side as Percy approached the minor goddess.
"Chase," he said evenly with a nod at the shorter goddess. Without really waiting for a reply he held his hand up in a moment the shadows condensed around it.
Within seconds they dispersed to reveal an icy blue bracelet with a very small wolf charm attached to it. He offered it to the goddess expectantly and after gawking a bit she gingerly took it.
"Does this mean …?" Chase trailed off as Percy lightly shook his head.
"I don't know if I could accept such a role," he said, seeing the goddess' crestfallen face and even the way Athena looked at him almost pleadingly from the side. "… However, that won't mean I can't keep an eye out just in case. Just make sure she wears that because once it's on, only she can take it off."
"Thank you," Chase said warmly as she held the charmed bracelet to her chest and smiled radiantly at Percy making Hestia bite back a growl.
Percy looked at her with narrow eyes for a moment, seeming unsure about how to really respond to such a genuine thanks from the goddess. "You're welcome," Percy murmured softly as he turned around and walked back to Hestia's side before Hestia and Rhea each stood to one of his sides with a hand held in theirs.
With that finished Chase gave a hug to her mother and some bows to the council members as they nodded in response and then Chase turned to walk down the path.
"Be safe … Annie," Thalia said softly making the goddess pause to glance back and nod before she took off in a jog, the protogenoi watching her move.
They knew they were actually close to the metaphysical border of the 'Land of the Gods', only several miles in fact so Chase would only need to run for less than an hour before she was far enough to safely flash away and not run the risk of running out of energy. Though as she left a silence filled the air as some of the protogenoi looked up at the sky as a breeze passed over them.
It was only a matter of time before this peace and quiet came to an end, and the war truly began…
Oh, baby. Now we are getting somewhere! I know a few were iffy about Percy forgiving Annabeth but at this point, she is honestly of little interest or relevance to him. Sure now the prophecy has some of his attention, but that plays a part later. War and so much is on the horizon so buckle up!
A pleasure, Jbubu
