DISCLAIMER: Percy Jackson and Crew are the intellectual property of Rick Riordan
WARNING: OOC Characters!
Err, hi? (gets glares thrown in with hisses and boos) I'M SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG! (cries in a corner) T.T I wanted to post this on time, I really did! But then, well. Typhoon Haiyan suddenly came and my close friends all have families living in the devastated areas, so I was promoted to the duty of being the shock absorber. Yay. Not. The thing is, with shock absorbers, they usually empathize with their 'patients', so it equaled to me having absolutely no will to write at all. :/ But, I did manage to get my butt working again, so here I am, delivering an extra long chapter to everyone! :D
Just a little warning, though. This chapter maybe a little intense. I tried to inject humor in it if I could, but I really don't know. :/
... Can I just say I LOVE YOU? 'Coz you guys really are the BEST, damn it! THANK YOU to everyone who read, favorited or followed this story! :D
MoonVongola, High Gaurdian, ptl4ever419, Padfootette, Lourdes08, Anastasia Diana Black, harryginny9, howtobecrazzy101, heartdraconis19361, HEIDI, ghg, fanticywalker, PreetSalvatore, crimson reaper 218, PurpleRoseFromYou, godess bubbles, Guest # 3, KirstyLovesToRead, Maine008, Lucky Guard, GuardianWitchDemiGhost, Guest # 4, Wisdom and Sea, Layla Riddel, Guest # 5, Guest # 6, sharonpijl, Minerva, x3sYellowie, preppygoth13, fishy girly, Stormbringer54, LittleDiva - Thank you for all the praise you've given! Really, I can't thank you guys enough. :D And I'm REALLY SORRY for the late updates I've given. I'll try to be more punctual next time! I promise! :D
blackheart121992 - Yes, indeed! Well, then, I hope you enjoy this chapter very much! :D
Outofthisworldgal - ... Who says she didn't? :P :)) Yes, I SO totally agree. I'm so glad you liked him like this. Really, of this was anime, I'd be calling him a tsundere of all things. (Now isn't that a scary thought. O.o) Weeeell, Let's just say Poseidon has bigger fish to fry than li'l ol' Hades. :3
Tipper dehavilland - Then I hope you truly enjoy reading this chapter, since this takes a large foundation to the whole series. :D
Mistake Experience - ... Err, how did you know? :)))) Thank you very much! :D
Starkidlover100 - Thank you so much! I'm SO HAPPY to hear you say that! :'D And I'm so happy to have converted you into a fellow writer for Lukercy! Yay! :D They will be! Forever and a day! :D
Queen-of-Earth - Oh my gosh! I'm so happy to have made you a birthday gift! I do hope you've enjoyed it! And I hope you'll like this one too! :D And Thank you so much for the concern! :D
Guest # 1 - Thank you! :D Well, I'll have little twists and turns for all of you, but I'll have all five books. :D
bookwormultimate - Oh! Congratulations on the reposting! Keep it up! It's getting interesting! :D
Kida Night - Don't worry. I won't. I still have many more things to write about! :D
Midnightshadow35 - Well, I'll let you make your own assumptions on him based on this chapter, alright? :D
redrobin - ... I think so too, but on where he should, well. He still has three more years for that white hair to show, right? :D Well, for that question, remember that Percy is quite new to her powers. All she could do in the Tunnel of Love was to keep the boat from capsizing. So, from a realistic point of view, she still has to have a little more time before she learns all the tricks, right? :D
ro781727 - Yes. To both, actually. Haha. I'm sorry I've only updated now. Muse took a vacation in the Bahamas when I became a shock absorber. :/ Err. Sorry, but I can't do that because I need to make the actual fight chapter first before the gods' one. Sorry! :( Ohh, it'll come alright. When you all least expect it! ;) Haha! Well, belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too! Again, really sorry about the lateness of this one. :/
ultima-owner - Oooh, yes. Yes they will be. I'll make sure of that. :)
coastiewife465 - Of course he does. He's not such a bad guy, after all. :D Hohoho! Poseidon's revenge will be delicious indeed! Well, without it being too bloody. Ares would probably like that. O.o There are many ways to torture someone, after all. :)
The-Mixed-Up-Girl - Don't worry! The confusion will end in the next chapter! And I hope you won't give up 'till the end! :D
EmpressLupin - Soon, darling. Soon. :D As for those two, well. I have plans. BIG plans. XD
Crimson Dragon Devil - I know! Luke certainly does, too! XD
GreekMythGuardian - Thank you for the input! I'm glad to know I've done him good! :D
WinkeeCharm - Oh my gosh. THANK YOU! I feel so appreciated! :D Yeees. About that. Ha. Ha. Well, Luke's kinda in the crushing stage going on to the love stage, so between 15 and 16 would be about right. Well, think about it. They're actually aware that they pretty much don't have long lives to live, being hunted and all, so they take every opportunity they get. And they believe that it's actually Aphrodite who governs their love lives, yeah? So, it's pretty much not weird for them at all, as long as they feel something for someone. AND at that age, it's all holding hands and chaste kisses are the most romantic things, right? So, pretty much innocent and fluffy. When they both hit 18, well. That's a whole different ball game. XD
aLazyButSmartFanPJO - Really? I'm so glad then! I actually had a headache after I typed in Hades' part. O.o Aww. Thank you so much for that! :D I'm so happy my English is at that level! :D Yeah, I really plan on doing some things. Count on it. :D
Guest # 2 - Soon, darling. The major ass whooping will be soon. XD
Jazzy - Haha! I'm so glad that I deliver then! :D Haha. Well, then. Can I satisfy a question? The first kiss will be underwater. XD I think so too! :D And to think, the bastard's a sexist and all, so who better to deliver first grade humiliation than good ol' Perce? :D
SakuraFlame10 - Thank you for liking this story! :D Don't worry, it'll happen. Soon enough. XD Thank you though! I really appreciate the sentiment! :D
bookobsessed246 - Oh god. MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP PLEASE! WITH EXTRA SPRINKLES! :3 Weeeeell. We'll see if he pisses her enough in their first meeting, shall we? XD
Anonymous - Thank you for the compliment! :D I'm actually thinking about that part. I'll just make that a surprise to all of you. :D Just, thank you. You've really captured what I wanted all of you to see, and that's really the nicest thing that anyone has ever done to me. So just, thank you. :D
Meg daughter of wisdom and sea - Haha. They will. Otherwise, how can we see what Zeus' reaction will be? :D Haha! Find out in this chapter! :D Yeah That really put me through the ringer. :/ Really? Wow, that's deep. O.o Haha. I feel bad for him, too. Imagine, an eternity with a person like that. O.o
Lolxxx - Hahaha! Weeell, just see this chapter for their reactions. It'll be, Explosive. With a capital E. :)) So very misunderstood. I just want him happy, darn it! O.o
twistedwonderland101 - I'm so glad I've managed to live up to your expectations! I'll strive to write even greater chapters! :D
CynthiaAndromeda - Haha. Well. Let's just see at the end, alright? :)
Lunarium - Yes, I plan to make all five. XD And I'm not saying anything. :))
Lord Jace - ... That was a deep breath. :)) I Hope I haven't left you hanging too much! :D
anzB - I'm so sorry for the wait! I really didn't want you guys to wait, but I really couldn't do much. :/ Ohh. As for your suggestion, I already have plans for Luke and his POV, but that won't come for a long time 'till now. But I'll use it. :D
ZeldaWolf434 - Haha. Not saying anything. It'll be revealed soon. :D
Lukercy555 - Haha! Well, I'm honored you've actually made a whole new word just to describe what you felt about the chapter! :D I'm so glad I've caused you to be happy! It's all I want in you guys. :D Haha! I hope you like this new chapter, too! Oh! And remember that conversation we had? I've taken a liking to one of your suggestions. :D
Εδώ είναι το επόμενο κεφάλαιο! (Here's the next chapter!)
Chapter 24 : Clutch Time!
"…You are the Prophesied One, Child. You are powerful. You can defeat him. Save your siblings. Save the world."
That was the first and last time he had heard her voice. The urgency, the sorrow it had was overwhelming, but, unfortunately, the invisible weight it had put upon on his barely a minute old shoulders far outweighed any sweet words she had used to sugarcoat her expectations of him. Of course, now, he has enough mental capacity to understand that he was the only one left, that it automatically has to be him, or else the very world that Chaos had so painstakenly brought to life would be destroyed for good, but, back then, when he was first pushed by his goat of a nanny to train, he had wondered. He was only a year old at that time, and yet his nanny, Amaltheia, had expected him to have a decent grasp on his locomotor movements, and a fairly decent grasp on his powers.
"Train, Master Zeus, for you will need it when the time comes." He was then pushed in front of an advanced obstacle course that would take a complete athlete to come out of it in 10 minutes. "Get back here in five tops."
But how? He had wondered then. Even though he was only a year old, his mental capacities had been that of a small child, roughly that of a five year old, and he had the complete understanding that what was being asked of him was completely and irrevocably impossible. He had longed to look at his nanny pleadingly and ask that she be more reasonable, but the moment he had opened his mouth, his nanny had pushed him on with a harsh bop of her horns, and he had no choice but to do as she had ordered, sure that he would trip and fall to the ground a mere few feet from the starting point. But no. He realized that he can. His limbs felt completely alien to him as he hoisted himself, ran over things, and crawled all over the place. This is impossible! I'm dreaming! His mind screamed at him as he barely completed the course within the time allotted, earning him an approving nod and a brisk 'Ten minute break, Master Zeus. Then we start on your archery lessons.' But as he nodded absently and gazed at the field that he had managed to clear in, his head cleared of the panicking voice and, instead, it had gained a different one altogether.
I'm powerful. But not enough! I must have more!
Yes. Yes. It wasn't enough. He had to get strong. Stronger. To fulfill the Prophecy.
As the time had passed by, that was the only thought that had taken root inside his mind, and allowed to bloom. He was the One. He was the Chosen One. He would defeat his tyrant of a father. He would make his mother proud. He would make Chaos himself smile upon him with pride as he singlehandedly rescues the world that he so loves dearly. He would be revered as the one who had rescued them. A Hero.
That was the thought that he had carried with him when he unmindfully snapped the neck of the nymph – was it a Dryad? He couldn't remember – that was about to serve the bastard some of his evening wine. He then dutifully put on the degrading uniform and hurriedly mixed a bit of the most foul-tasting mustard he could find into the ever sensitive Pinot Noir the bastard so loves. He had then served the foul tasting concoction to his father, hiding a victorious smirk when the bastard had taken a gulp of the wine in the most unrefined way, and was rewarded by his actions as his face tinged green. The Lord of Time took a deep breath, and promptly emptied the contents of his stomach onto the table, which happily included his brothers and sisters, all of them at their prime.
The battle that had taken place after that incident was the one that defined their current existences. All of his siblings had wanted to have a piece of their father, if one could call him that, but everyone had reached the consensus that he must have the first whack at the titan. After all, he was the one who made it possible for them to escape their hellish prison. They rightly should give that privilege to him. Besides, he knew he could take him on. It was what he was training for all this time.
When he had succeeded in weakening their father up to the point where he just laid there for the youngest god to slice him up to pieces, the others were all in varying states of shock. Here was their youngest brother, defeating the monster that was responsible for all of their misery from the time they were swallowed up to the present. Then, the others were all shaken from their contemplation as a fierce shout of victory resounded through the battlefield, and everyone cheered. They had won!
But, as one war had finished, another took its place, because, for all that the First Six were siblings, they didn't want to give up the position of ruling to one another. When they all argued about their domains, though, all of them had resolved to drawing lots, relying on the Fates to govern them to the proper decision. And, although the three ladies quickly backed down when they were satisfied with their end of the bargain, the three men, the Big Three, didn't want to relinquish the power that would come with the title of Lord of the Heavens. Hades had argued that he was the eldest of the three, and therefore, the massive responsibility must fall on his shoulders. Poseidon had argued that his domains encompass even the domains of his brothers, and therefore, he must be the most powerful one out of them and thus, he must get the responsibility. But Zeus had argued that he had drawn the Lord of the Sky, and he was the one who had defeated their tyrannical bastard of a father, so of course he should be the one leading. It had led to a massive debate that had lasted for one whole month before Poseidon sighed and said he doesn't care anymore as he turned to watch the argument continue with an exasperated eye. Both Hades and Zeus hadn't backed down, but, eventually, Zeus had Hades unintentionally admit that they had a debt to him for what he did to their father, and so capitalized on it. Hades was forced to back down, but not before warning Zeus about the humongous responsibility it endowed, and his impending realization that he was right, as he promptly vanished towards his domain. Zeus just huffed, certain that he could handle it. Though, he had put up the barrier that had forbidden Hades from ever setting foot in their home in retaliation. Oh, the three ladies pleaded that he remove the barrier, but he stood firm.
Soon, though, he grew tired of having the three constantly at him, even when they were busy constructing their home, Olympus. So, he had made a deal. Hades would get one, one day in Olympus if Hera consents to marry him. He had thought about it, and had finally come to the terms that he needed children to pass on his legacy to, or at least be temporary buffers to the throne when he can't claim it for himself. So, he had wanted Hera, whom he had assumed was the most powerful of the three only because she was the first one to be spewed up by their father. Hera was reluctant at first and tried to keep the deal to a month because she was worth more than a day, damn it all to Chaos! Zeus, on the other hand, would have none of it. He was the one they all agreed on (well, not without an almost war) to be the Lord of the Heavens, and he will not conform to others' wishes, but they must conform to his!
The others all eventually agreed, but he was sorely disappointed with his chosen wife because even after two couplings – two! – the children they produced was nowhere near the power levels of Hestia! And she was the weakest (or so he believed)! He had to find someone who could at least give him an heir worthy of being called his spawn. He then noticed how beautiful some of the humans were, even more so than his plain wife. He also noticed how utterly gullible some of the nymphs were to his charms. Well. If Hera couldn't give him what he wanted, he'd just have to make do.
And as Dionysus was first born with Semele, who was at least twice as powerful as Hebe, he had made a decision. If a mere mortal would give him someone like Dionysus, what would happen if he coupled with nymphs? But Semele was an accident. So, he thought. Why shouldn't he play things a little closer to home first? He'd make the halfblood Dionysus a full blooded god later. He had other godly beings to pursue.
He had cornered Demeter, and with that, erm, persuasion, came Persephone. Still, she wasn't strong enough, especially with the trouble he had garnered with Demeter, Hera and Hestia! He only wanted a strong heir! What was wrong with wanting that? Though, they had that annoying point that he was married when he did the deed, but who cares. He was the king here. He called the shots.
Well. If his sisters won't give him what he wanted, he'd go to another. He had accidentally chanced upon Leto bathing on a secluded island, and he just couldn't resist. At this point, before Leto had the chance of birthing, Hera had gotten wind of the fact and cursed her to not be able to give birth to land. He then secretly created a floating island and had her discover it before she was due, thus giving birth to Apollo and Artemis, two powerful gods in their own rights. But, no. Not enough! Even though they were rightly classed as powerful as Demeter, he still needed someone who could go toe to toe with his two idiotic brothers.
He had tried it with Maia next. The girl was so utterly easy to bed. Just show a little charm and drop in the 'falling for you' phrase, and voila! A new possible heir on the way. As Hermes was born though, he couldn't decide between feeling elated that he was stronger than the Twins, disappointed about his lack of power against his brothers, or just plain annoyed with the trouble the child had gotten into just a year from birth. He just sighed and resolved to try someone else.
He had tried his hand with Hera again, if only to stop his sisters' bitching, but to his immense surprise, she gave birth to Ares and Enyo, with Ares being as powerful as he was on one of his bad days.
He was going to stop there, but then, even though she was a mere mortal, Metis had snared him with her smarts and looks and talented hands and did he mention her looks? So he carelessly took her to bed, with him erasing her memories this time, so as to serve as a deterrent to his sisters, however small. However, that blasted prophet of the Fates had come down to their throne room, without so much as a notification of his presence (even though they had only finished their home a few days ago), and declared that the next child to be born to him would cause him to be dethroned! And that wasn't happening! Ever! And so, when the blasted prophet disappeared from his sight, he had promptly teleported Metis from wherever the Hades she was at that current time, and promptly ate her. After all, if she was inside him, she would never have to give birth to the child that will be ultimately his ruin. His siblings had all been appalled, of course, but they never would understand him. Oh, he had promised to Hestia and all about stopping his activities, but he knew he could manipulate the wording into working for him than against him. That should teach them to stop trying to trick him.
After that, well, was the same old routine for him. Sleep with a random woman that caught his eye, then face the wrath of his sisters. Well, he would have stopped because he already had fulfilled his desire of a strong heir in Ares, but then, he'd lose his only entertainment. Besides, any woman who had shared his bed should be proud that they've attracted the most powerful being that had ever lived! Besides, he knew how to properly pleasure a partner. Just ask Leto!
But then, he was suddenly gripped with a humungous headache that had the whole of Olympus creaking and groaning because of his lack of control over his powers. Only when he had commanded Ares to crack open his head had they all discovered that what was causing his headache. Or, rather, who. Athena had come out of his head, in full armor, and looking at the room with her stern gray eyes. She surveyed the room with an impressive frown before catching sight of him and offering him the most beautiful smile any woman had ever given him.
"Father." Her voice was musical to his ears. Add in the fact that she was strong, no, powerful. As powerful as Poseidon on one of his bad days, and he had found the one who would take over his throne. His heir.
But then, his spoilt wife had practically demanded that he couple with her that very same night, when he was supposed to be celebrating with Athena! So, without so much as a little hesitation in his plan, he gathered clouds and shaped them into his likeness. He then waited until the prude (yes, she was definitely a prude through and through. Seriously, is it even a wonder he went skirt chasing with her fashion sense and personality?)had fallen asleep and shoved the animated cloud in his place. Task done, he had returned to Athena and their private celebration as Father and Daughter.
When Hephaestus had been born though, Hera had given him a chilling glare and had promptly shoved everyone from the infirmary and slammed the door in front of them. He was amused though. The child was as powerful as Ares, maybe even more, but he wouldn't pick him for an heir, seeing as technically, he wasn't his, even though everyone but the two of them knew that he was.
As the years had passed, he had assumed that Hera had resolved to herself to never ever again ask for something she had no right to (as she should!). She had shoved away the reminder of her idiocy to him and he had happily fueled the rumors that Hera herself was the one responsible for the horrid appearance of the God of Forges because of her pettiness. One day, though, a few months after Aphrodite had mysteriously appeared from out of nowhere and declared herself to be his daughter (he really didn't remember sleeping with someone who could have given him a goddess as beautiful as the Goddess of Love, but then, he reasoned that she got the genes from his handsome self), he had suggested that with the twelve of them there, they could form their council, the ruling body that would govern the entirety of their kingdom (he planned to include Dionysus later). The others were surprised at his offer of sharing his power, but otherwise relented easily. Well, except for Poseidon, judging by his sharp glare. But the Sea God kept quiet and just let the others decide. Foolish choice. And so, the Olympian Council was established. And, for the last years, all was well, except for the fact that he had forcefully instated Dionysus, effectively usurping Hestia's spot. The Council tried to interfere with his decision, but they had learned that in matters such as this, it wouldn't matter because he could just persuade the others to his line of thought, therefore garnering majority of the votes. Zeus just laughed gaily inside his mind.
And then that blasted prophet of Apollo's had had to have a prophecy about one of their halfblood children, and his routine was once again compromised. What was it with him and prophecies that make almost all of them against him? Still, he had to do some kind of damage control here, because if the Big Three suddenly went celibate for a long time, it would only lead to awkward questions and dangerous conclusions by those idiotically harebrained masses. Thankfully though, there was a looming war on the horizon between his demigod children and that thrice cursed Hades' (or maybe Pluto would be more appropriate. Ahh, what does it matter anyway. They were still the same, whether Greek or Roman), so, when the war had been finally won by his side together with Poseidon (he was still surprised by that one), he had cooked up the oath and made the two others swear off any flings to prevent another cataclysmic war. The two looked pained, but finally relented, seeing that the first evidence that Zeus was really doing the best that he can for the world had made the Council nod in approval. The Lord of the Sky was immensely pleased that his ploy had worked, even though the reason he gave them was more of a side effect to the real one he had in mind. Still, he doubted the his two brothers had fully believed him, with the contemptuous glare Hades had given him before he fazed out of his presence, or Poseidon's 'that was total bullshit' stare and raised eyebrow.
So it really didn't come as a surprise to him that Hades would try and squander his latest conquest from him. He had blown the hotel they were staying in to smithereens for his transgressions, of course, to the abject horror of the entire Council, barring Athena. The Wisdom Goddess pointed out that with the oath in place, it was for the best. Artemis had winced a little before sighing resignedly. Apollo and Hermes were looking at the Wisdom Goddess like she just declared herself to be the Goddess of Love. Hephaestus was impartial, Ares was numb, and Dionysus was uncaring. Aphrodite looked as if someone told her she was uglier than Echidna herself. Hera was glowing red with anger. Demeter was torn between feeling enraged for her daughter's happiness, hope that maybe now she would see that being married to a god would only lead to many heartbreaks, or absolutely livid at Zeus for trying to tear apart a family that violently. Poseidon just rubbed his temples and closed his eyes tightly in aggravation, unsurprised that this was one of the methods Zeus will enforce just to keep his stupid policy up. He in turn just smiled benevolently, like he had done the world a wonderful favor. Well, his world, that is.
But then, he wondered if he should father the hero in the prophecy, if only to give him even more leverage on the decisions of the Council. Well, his musings on that part was put to rest when he discovered that his latest find for the week, one Susan Grace, was pregnant, even though he had cast the necessary spell to stop conception (yes, he could just use those rubber things the mortals use, but, really, they were so below him that they should just be honored he noticed them at all!). He just sighed, figuring that he could at least see the power levels of the godling he spawned before deciding to get rid of the child, or keep it. And he was not disappointed. Thalia had wonderful power levels, the most powerful demigod conceived! It really almost made up for the near obsessive craze Susan had developed for him, though, that had apparently worked to his favor seeing as the girl had ventured to the world early and had begun training far earlier than every hero that had preceded her. But the only thing he hadn't counted on was that Hades' resentment on him for destroying his current mortal family to be transferred to the girl. He was confident at first, seeing as the girl was his, but then his bastard of a brother had sent a full legion of hellhounds, every monster he can control, and the three Furies. So it wasn't any surprise to him that the girl was on the verge of dying when he intervened, even with the help of Athena's and Hermes' favorite children. And intervene he did, even with Hera's ire once more directed towards him. He didn't do all of this just to have it all disappear in a mere moment!
So, imagine his rage at hearing that Poseidon had sired a demigod, whose powers dwarf even Thalia's! How DARE he! Thalia was supposed to be the most powerful! She was supposed to be the Child of the Prophecy! All because of him! But nooo! Poseidon had to have the last laugh, doesn't he?
But then, he suddenly remembered Hades, and calm had settled into his rage filled mind. If he spites Poseidon's bint of a daughter, the Council would surely view this in outrage and might spark another civil war amongst themselves, especially seeing to what he did to Hades. But then, Hades has that deep seated resentment on him and Poseidon, so doesn't that mean that Hades would do his utmost best to do to the girl what he did to Thalia?
That thought had mostly stayed his hand during the whole quest of the girl's, and it would stay his hand right now as he and the Council watched the girl's group venture towards the entrance to the Underworld.
'Give me a good show, brother of mine.' He thought with maliciousness.
…..oo00oo…..
Hestia grimaced a little as she watched the group steadily approach the Judgment Pavillion. She really didn't want to continue to watch, even just in the case that Hades' gut instinct would prove to be infallible once more, then he really would need her help with whatever in Chaos would happen at that time. But Zeus just had to see what's inside the Underworld, never mind that he was the one who had installed the 'no trespassing on each others' domain' rule (which, in her own private opinion, was a load of bullshit). She lightly chewed on her lower lip as Percy and the others were converged on by many spirits clamoring on finding out how the Hades were the four still in full color while they themselves looked like characters from an old black and white film. Same as the other quests that had required heroes to traverse the expanse of the Underworld. Peaceful.
Too peaceful.
"Hestia, are you alright?" A low baritone voice sounded off to her right, and she was snapped out of her musings and right into concerned sea green eyes. She laughed uneasily as she waved her hands in a negligent manner, mentally begging Poseidon to drop it. Thankfully though, her kind, kind brother took the hint and turned back to the smoke projection, his face once again regaining the worried look he sported awhile ago. Hestia just sighed and met the concerned blue eyes of Aphrodite.
'On my say.' She mouthed to the Love Goddess. The woman just nodded and plastered her attention to the projection, though Goddess of the Hearth could tell she was keeping an eye on her. Good.
'Hades, if you're dead wrong, I'm going to feed your peeled carcass to Cerberus while singing that infernal song of Apollo and Hermes'.' She thought as she gazed at Percy's grimacing figure.
…..oo00oo…..
"What a, uh, nice reception." "Thank you for stating the obvious, Grover. I feel so much better now." "Hey, at least I tried."
"Did I mention that I really like this satyr, D?" Hermes stated as he peeked around Poseidon's throne to throw a cheeky smile at the Wine God.
Dionysus just sighed irritably. "Yes you have. Several times."
"Good. Then I'll repeat. I REALLY like this satyr." Dionysus just glared at the back of his uncle's throne, intending to make his vines strangle his irritating cousin, but doing accidental harm to Poseidon when he's panicking this much would just be asking for another natural disaster, so he kept his cool. For now.
"Admittedly, what I had imagined the Underworld to be is exceedingly accurate." Demeter admitted as she watched the children admire their surroundings.
"Wait, you haven't been there yet, Aunt Dem?" Apollo poked his head out of the safety of Poseidon's throne to look questioningly at the Agriculture Goddess, before yelping out as a flash of energy hit him in the face with the force of a rampaging bull, hurtling him backwards to a pillar. Light surrounded him for a few seconds before subsiding, leaving behind Apollo. In briefs. Leather briefs. Apollo took one look at his nudity, another look at his snickering, nearly nude brother and leveled his smirking aunt with a bland stare. "Well, at least I know now you like blonds in leather, Aunt Dem."
Demeter just shrugged. "You're not nearly enough to handle me, Apollo." Chortles erupted from the throne room as Apollo immediately erected an affronted glower. Artemis was already curled up in on herself from laughing so hard while Hermes was rolling on the floor, never minding his own nudity, laughing all the way. Apollo shot the smirking goddess with a grimace.
"You're mean, Auntie!"
"Just saying the truth, dear."
Hestia just giggled at the pout Apollo now has. "But really, Dem, you haven't even been to the Underworld once?"
"No," Demeter shook her head as she again shifted on her throne, trying to cross her legs primly while tugging on the still short dress she was forced to wear. "Persephone might be my daughter, but she's never shared anything about her married life to me. Once she's with me, I quite literally forget that she's married now. She still acts as if her time in the Underworld is but a mere dream." Eyebrows furrowed at that, but the others held their tongues. This is one issue that must be resolved by mother and daughter.
Everyone then turned back to the projection, only to find the group staring longingly at the right part of the Underworld. Or more specifically, the Isles of the Blest. But when the gods heard what they were saying, almost all of them had looks of surprise.
"This group of demigods is unusually humble." Hera murmured, but due to the shock rendering the room silent, everyone had heard her statement.
"May always did say Luke would grow up to be someone kind." Hermes had poked out his head out of the safety of his uncle's throne, and his lips then twisted into something that was so love stricken that Aphrodite could help but squeal at the cuteness of it all.
"Hmp. We still don't know whose spawn the other one is, though." The Wine God grumbled as he lazily dipped down further on his throne.
"In due time, D." Apollo hinted as he got up from the floor and made his way to his own throne, obviously already accepting the fact that he was going to be an exhibitionist until at least the end of the session. He then ignored the sharp looks sent his way as he sat down on his golden throne, legs comfortably apart as he threw a smirk at his still hiding brother. "Still there, Hermes?"
"This is so not fair! Why is he your favorite, Aunt Dem?" The Messenger God immediately went from longing to whining in a few seconds as he was reminded of his own state of undress. Demeter just sighed as Hestia went to pull the clearly reluctant god to his throne, who was still stubbornly refusing to relinquish his self-imposed shield, judging by the way he was stubbornly clinging to the back of Poseidon's throne, legs and all.
"Noooooooooo!"
"Pathetic." Artemis sighed as she closed her eyes in embarrassment as Hestia finally succeeded and was dragging the god pitifully by his foot.
"Hush, now. They're moving again!" Aphrodite shushed as she looked intently at the group, drawing the attention of the others back to the questers, who were indeed moving. Towards what looked like a silhouette of Hades' palace.
"Damn it to Tartarus! I feel defenseless without my swords!" "That makes the two of us. And my sword was just smithed by Beckendorf."
At that, Hermes, who was deposited on his throne by a silently giggling Goddess of the Hearth, had stopped pouting at Hestia and sharply looked at the projection, totally ignoring Poseidon's whimpering, a thoughtful glint in his eyes. Thankfully though, no one noticed a thing, except for the softly smirking blonde beside him.
"Mare is something wrong?" "I don't know. Did one of you pull-? Ack! Help!"
"No! Percy!" Poseidon hollered out, quickly standing up, preparing to flash down to the Underworld, allowed to or not (because damn it all to Tartarus that was his daughter and damn them all if they thought he won't do anything!), but Hestia had quickly flashed to his side, laying a calm but firm hand on his arm.
"Brother. Please don't."
"Hestia, that's my daughter! I need to help her!" His voice took on a slightly hysterical edge as he helplessly listened to the frightened tone his precious pearl of a daughter was using to call for help. He ignored the tightening of his sister's hand on his arm as he once again prepared himself to transport to the Underworld, but then, two sets of firm hands clamped down on his shoulders, forcibly making him take a seat back on his throne. "Wha-?"
"Take it easy, Uncle P. Your blood pressure is at its limit, you know." Apollo cheerfully exclaimed, a light smile on his lips, which was the direct opposite of the iron grip he had on his left shoulder.
"We don't want war right this second, Uncle. Please restrain yourself." Hephaestus' low voice gruffly explained as he clamped down hard on his right.
"Well, if you don't, I'll just have to tie you up!" Hermes chirped out beside Hestia, a long coil of rope in his hands. Whether or not the God of Mischief was feeling his nudeness or just plain ignoring it was a tossup as his eyes glittered eerily at the scowling Sea God.
"Let go of me! And where exactly did you get that, Hermes!" Poseidon snapped at them, clenching and unclenching his hands as his daughter's screams tore at his heart, with him doing nothing to prevent anything! "I have to help Percy!"
"Can someone do something?" Hestia looked at the room at large, imploring the others to do something to try and calm the panicking god.
"Leave him be. He's overreacting." Zeus' bored voice dismissed the problem, making Hera and Demeter glare at his cavalier attitude. Hestia would have also joined in had it not been for the fact that when everyone was distracted by Zeus' response, she looked hard at Aphrodite, silently begging her to respond. Luckily though, it seemed that Aphrodite was waiting for her signal as she spoke up perkily.
"I might have something of mine that can calm uncle down, but I left it down in my rooms. Shall I go and get it?"
"No, I'll get it. Thank you, Aphrodite." Hestia quickly volunteered as she gave one final nod of thanks to the Goddess of Love before disappearing in a flash of light. Aphrodite just smiled, understanding that the thank you extended to so much more than a mere imaginary item.
…..oo00oo…..
Hades huffed out a strained grunt as he clenched his jaw in concentration. Beads of sweat were accumulating on top of his brow and his hands were clenched so tightly to his throne's arm rests that his knuckles turned stark white.
This was the state Hestia had caught him in when she flashed into his throne room.
"Hades! What's happening!"
"She's being sucked into Tartarus." The Lord of the Underworld grunted out, teeth gritted intensely. "And I have no idea how!"
To Hestia's credit, she only nodded once in understanding and asked in the most level voice she could use. "What can I do to help?"
"Try and channel your energy into me. I'm not strong enough to even break the hold he has on Poseidon's child!" He looked at his sister with weary acceptance, but Hestia just took a firm grasp of Hades' right hand.
"We can do this, Hades. I know we can."
…..oo00oo…..
"PERCY! Gah! What the Hades!?" "It's some kind of barrier, damn it! Percy!"
"NO! LET ME GO! PERCY!" Poseidon actually roared as he struggled to free himself from the restraining rope that the three other gods managed to loop around his body. Apollo, Hermes and Hephaestus were all surrounding the thrashing god, their faces grim as they kept one eye on him and the other on the projection.
"This can't be happening." Demeter muttered faintly, looking as pale as fresh snow. "That's the entrance-!"
"How can he be strong enough for this!?" Hera growled, her chocolate brown eyes spitting fire as she clenched her throne hard enough to make a dent on it. This shouldn't be possible! He shouldn't be able to do anything of this magnitude, damn it to Chaos!
Aphrodite, meanwhile, just clasped her hands together, as if praying to some higher deity, though whoever would be higher than the gods themselves was a mystery. "Please. Please let her succeed."
…..oo00oo…..
"I've slowed him down until now, but I can't break the telepathic hold he has on her!" Hades grunted as sweat poured down on his stress lined face.
"Can you link yourself to Percy, then?" Hestia urgently asked, her form flickering between that of a young girl and that of a regal young woman in her late twenties. "I am having trouble with retaining my current form. Hurry, Hades!"
"I'll try, Hestia. It's better than doing nothing." The Lord of the Underworld then took a deep breath, hoping against everything to have this work.
…..oo00oo…..
"Uncle, Uncle, look! Percy's stopped for some reason! CALM DOWN FOR A SECOND AND LOOK, UNCLE POSEIDON!" Apollo all but roared to the heavens as he, Hermes and Hephaestus were busily restraining their panicking uncle by coating the rope that was holding the Sea God to his throne with their own powers so it wouldn't break at the absurd amount of power that was leaking out of the god. Though, maybe some of the words he said filtered into Poseidon's panicked state because he suddenly stopped thrashing and homed in on the projection, watching as Percy staggered to a stop just in front of the chasm that would take her straight to Tartarus and him.
Satisfied, Apollo released a deep sigh and looked at girl, noting that her previously hazed over eyes were starting to clear up, revealing the fact that she was indeed under some kind of trance awhile ago. And as her eyes returned to that brilliant sea green of her father's, they noticed that the barrier had also went down and the girl had hauled her friends up and were rushing towards the exit.
"Thank the Fates." Hermes murmured beside him, shoulders slumping down in relief. Hephaestus nodded as his own body sagged slightly as he released the tension he was feeling awhile ago. Apollo was going to concur to that statement, but then as the four children had gotten through the exit, a bone-chilling voice resounded through the throne room, filled with malice and evil ancient power.
"HADES!"
A few minutes of horrified silence permeated the room before the Queen of the Heavens turned to the so-called King of the Gods.
"Zeus!"
"No. Impossible. I won't have you doubting the ability of your ruler, Hera."
"But, Zeus-!"
"Silence, Demeter. End of Issue."
The others just stood back, grimacing. If the two sisters couldn't even make Zeus budge a little, there wasn't anything anyone can do, especially since Artemis would need Athena's help in the issue, and the Wisdom Goddess was currently MIA. So, reluctantly, they all focused on the quest, finding the four already traversing the expanse of Hades' courtyard to enter the palace itself.
"Aunt Demeter, can you tell Persephone to let up on the gothic decorating? This hurts my eyes." Aphrodite whimpered at the sheer numberof gruesome statues littering the beautiful garden. They just ruined the innate beauty of the scene!
Demeter took one deep breath and exhaled rather loudly as she too turned back from glaring at Zeus' unconcerned profile and looked at the projection with a grimace. "I'll try my best, dear."
"And it seems I need to pound some more lessons into that idiot's brain." Dionysus grumbled as he watched how Grover was lured in by the pomegranates.
"Ah, go a little easier on Grover, D. He's already halfway through with his mission." Hermes tried to force it out as light hearted, but failed miserably by the looks that the other gods gave him.
"I'll admit. Black and bronze look good together." Artemis lightly commented as the quartet walked down the black and bronze halls.
"Uncle H also nailed the intimidation part." Apollo snorted a little as he spotted the skeleton guards posted on each and every door.
"Well. Here it comes." Hermes murmured, free hand clenching into a tight ball as he watched his favorite son marched through the door to meet with his great-uncle.
"You lot are either recklessly brave, or undisputedly foolish, to have come here as you did, Daughter of Poseidon, Son of Hermes, Son of Nemesis, Protector of the Wild."
"Did he just say what I think he said?" Artemis asked faintly.
"I think so." Hermes squeaked out.
Apollo just hid a smirk behind his hand as he watched metaphorical thunderclouds appear above his father's head. Ha! Serves him right to be upstaged by Nemesis of all gods!
"You were the one who helped us awhile ago?" "Correct."
The God of Prophecies had to bite the inside of his cheek to prevent his hysterics from leaking out seeing as the thunderclouds above the Lord of the Sky even doubled with what Hades had implied. That he was strong enough to push him back by himself. When he looked down, on the other hand, he let a small smile appear as he watched Poseidon visibly slump onto his throne in relief, instantly noting that if Hades rescued Percy, he wouldn't do anything to hurt her.
"But, why? Wasn't it you who stole the Master Bolt?"
"No, it wasn't." Hephaestus rumbled out, earning him a raised eyebrow from Hermes, a nod of agreement from Apollo, and a look of acknowledgement from Poseidon.
"Me, Persis? Have you beheld the Fields of Asphodel? Surely, you've deduced on your own that I have been wrongly accused, or have I overestimated your intellectual capacity to be at least on par with your father?"
"Well. It's nice to know that Uncle Hades still has that wonderful skill of complementing and insulting you at the same time." Apollo tried. He truly did, but he couldn't help but snort at Hermes' deadpanned declaration. Artemis looked like she wanted to be annoyed, but was amused at the same time. Hephaestus even cracked a small smile as Aphrodite giggled lightly at the truth in that statement.
Only the Original Six, or those that were present then, didn't smile at the joke, instantly knowing that if Hades wasn't the bad guy, then who was? Hera and Demeter exchanged worried glances, but a glance at Zeus showed them that Zeus will not tolerate more nagging.
Poseidon, meanwhile, had suddenly sat up straight, making the three gods surrounding him tense slightly, but he didn't thrash suddenly or let his powers loose once again, so they relaxed a little. Poseidon noticed this, but didn't care for the moment, because the pieces all suddenly fit together. He knew. He knew who was behind all of this, and damn it all to the Fates if he doesn't make them pay for all that they've done to his daughter. He flicked another glance at Hades' face. And he knew that his brother would immediately help him out with this.
"Another reason to validate my innocence is the fact that my own weapon, my Helm, is irrefutably missing."
Hera, having heard enough, whipped her head to stare down her bull-headed husband. "Zeus!You can't just ignore that!"
"I can and I will."
"ZEUS!"
"Silence, Hera. I will not tolerate anyone speaking to me in that tone. Even you."
The Queen flushed an angry red but before she could say another word, a gentle hand covered her own clenched ones. She looked at her left, meeting the sympathetic brown eyes of Demeter. The Goddess of Agriculture just shook her head sadly, making Hera clench her eyes shut in aggravation.
"Unfortunately. And yet, I ask you a question, Persis Jackson." "Yes, my Lord and Uncle?" "Why have you seen fit to travel here to my domain, when the thing you seek is within your range ever since you've seen it fit to walk inside the entrance to the Underworld?"
Poseidon closed his eyes, flinging up a promise to apologize to his brother face to face in the near future as every god gasped at the revelation. Zeus just narrowed his grey eyes even more.
"You assumed correct, satyr. Though, by your astounded expressions, you had no clue. My foolish little brother has been duped by his own coveted son. How utterly ironic."
Silence descended the throne room as Hades had revealed the invisible bag that was hanging on Percy's shoulders. Slowly though, each and every head had swiveled to Zeus, gauging his reaction.
The Lord of the Sky had his eyes closed, his head tilted back as if deep in thought. After a few seconds, though, he lowered his head and opened his eyes, affixing thunderous grey eyes in the direction of Ares' throne. "He shall be punished." He flatly said, his voice ringing with authority, as he once again focused his attention to the quest, pretending as if the others with him were both mute and dumb to understand what he said.
The others just looked at each other in slight surprise. Still, though, each of them turned back to the projection, only to have their jaws hit the ground as they watched Percy offer the Master Bolt to Hades in compensation!
Almost immediately, the air in the throne room thickened with ozone, with Zeus halfway out of his throne, his expression truly terrifying. "HOW DARE THAT LITTLE WENCH-?!"
Before the Lord of the Sky could finish though, his vision was suddenly full of a glowing Trident, and as he traced the weapon back to its owner, he balked a little seeing the terrifyingly calm expression Poseidon had. The God of the Seas looked at him, sea green eyes glowing with enormous power, as he spoke in a level tone. "Finish that sentence, Zeus. Finish it, and forget our oath. Finish it, and I'll bring you war. Right this second."
Zeus stared at him for a few more seconds before slowly reclaiming his seat, his face set into a furious rage, though after a few more seconds, he resolutely ignored his brother and looked at the projection once more. Poseidon took a few more seconds before lowering his weapon and proceeding to copy his brother. The others just all breathed a deep sigh of relief, though before any of them could move from the shock of almost going into war at that moment, Hades had declined the offer! AND HE LET THEM GO WITH A SMILE!
"I'm dreaming, aren't I?" Hermes asked the room at large, his eyes taking on swirling patterns as his headache increased exponentially. Really now. Luke really could pick them!
"N-No. You're not." Artemis faintly said, slumped down on her throne.
Hephaestus just pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath while Apollo just smiled at the room. Aphrodite was shaking her head ruefully, Demeter was massaging her temples and Hera was just sighing. Really. What's happening?
…..oo00oo…..
"Was it necessary to reveal yourself to her, Hestia?"
"Call it a precaution, Hades. We cannot afford to give an inch."
"If someone saw you?"
"Impossible. Those flames come from me. I merely altered them a bit to make me invisible to the others."
Silence. "Still. Thank you for coming, sister."
A warm smile. "You're welcome."
Hey, ho! I'm actually finished! :D I'm just so glad I've finally posted this! :D
So, what do you guys think? This actually, I think, is the second longest chapter of this story. An apology to all of you for making you wait for two months. :/
TRIVIA: Actually, and this is for Melanie and katie, Aphrodite had two myths attached to her birth. One was she was Zeus' daughter, but the other one was she was born from the cut off genitals of Ouranos, father of Kronos. So, I just made use of both into my story. Hope that clears the confusion about our not-so-ditsy Love Goddess. :D
THE NEXT CHAPTER! DUN-DUN-DUN! PERCY Vs. ARES! PLACE IN YOUR BETS, 'COZ THIS BATTLE WILL BE ONE IN A MILLION! XD
Read and Review, guys! See you next month! :D