Disclaimer: I do not own these characters or this story
Five Rivers of the Underworld
Previously…
"PERCY!" He cried out, panic clear on his face.
'Nico! What happening? What is it?" I yelled out, feeling my own panic start to rise in me.
"Percy! We need help! We're being attacked! The Underworld is in an uproar! We can't last much longer!" He yelled out ducking as a swipe was aimed at his head. He blasted the creature with a beam of black energy, but that only made him more tired.
"Percy, I need you help! They came out of nowhere! Spirits are getting restless; the Fields of Punishment are being broken into and they are going after the Lake of the Five Rivers of the Underworld! This attack, it's not random. It was coordinated." He turned around eyes wide with fear before he turned back to the message.
"That's not all Percy. We know who's attacking! It's-"
The message was interrupted by a black stone being thrown at the mist, causing the message to blink out.
"Nico! NICO!" I screamed. But the message was gone. I felt terror grip my heart. My cousin was being attacked and I don't know by who. A fiery resolve burned in my stomach as my eyes turned into flames. Whoever it was that attacked my cousin is going to be sorry.
No one attacks my family and gets away with it!
Now…
Percy POV
"Nico! NICO!" I was freaking out right. Desperately digging around in my pocket, I fished out another drachma and tossed it into the rainbow mist in front of me.
"Iris! Please show me Nico!" I called out desperately.
The picture turned fuzzy and full of static before turning back into a rainbow. "I'm sorry, your call could not be completed at this time. Please try again later."
I yelled out in frustration, firing a blast of water straight at the rainbow, completely dissipating it. My mind was racing, and my heart was pounding so hard in my chest, as panic began to claw at my chest. What was going on? Was Nico hurt? How the Hades did the Underworld get attacked and who was attacking? These questions were circling in my head as I felt the anxiety enclose around me.
Quickly pushing the panic aside, I gained a look of determination on my face as I began to stalk towards the throne room doors.
"Percy!" My father called out, appearing in front of me. "Just where do you think you're going?" He asked.
I looked at him a little confused. Didn't he already know?
I clenched my hands into fists. "I'm going to the Underworld. I got to help Nico, dad! He's in trouble down there and he needs my help!" I yelled.
My dad just shook his head and looked at me with a little steel in his sea green eyes. He then shocked me with what he said next.
He looked me dead in the eye and said, "No."
I felt my eyes widened in shock before I felt anger blossom in my chest. "What do you mean 'no'?" I hissed out.
My dad's eyes narrowed. Amphitrite and Triton were glancing at each other nervously but stood there like they didn't know what to do. Must be because both me and Poseidon started to glow a faint green aura.
He stood up to his intimidating, 6'6', powerful height. Even though he wasn't much taller than me, he could look down on me with his powerful glare." You're not going down there, son. Who knows what is happening down there? You could get hurt and I will not see that happen! Let Hades and his boy fight their own battles." He said.
He didn't shout, but the way he said it demanded respect and he assumed I would obey him. I just looked at him in shock at what he said.
I narrowed my eyes at him, sea green and red flames meeting sea green, not letting myself get intimidated. "I am not going to abandon my cousin like that dad. I will not let whatever is down there kill him. He may be immortal now, but he can still die and reform in Tartarus and that is not going to happen. Not if I have anything to say about it."
I stalked past my dad who had a shocked look on his face. He must not be used to being told no by his subjects. As I passed him, I felt him grab my arm, holding me in place. "Perseus Jackson, I forbid you from-"
I brushed his hand off and spun around, anger burning in my eyes as they were replaced with pits of fire. Water swirled around me in a vortex of power, equalling that of Triton. Poseidon stepped back in surprise and all three of them were staring at me in awe and a little bit of fear. But I didn't care at the moment as anger was clouding my mind. I was still pretty heated from what happened with the hunters and this was not a good time to be pressing my buttons.
"You FORBID me?! No! I am my own person and my own man! I can control and go where I please father! I will not just sit here and have my thumb up my ass and let my cousin fight whatever monstrosity that could be killing him right now!" I exploded, feeling the throne room shake much to their shock.
I clenched my fists again and violently reigned in my temper. I met my father's shocked gaze with my own. While I held my anger in check and could now speak more softly, that in no way lessened the cutting tone in my voice.
"Dad, please listen to me. I have had only very few people in my life that I could count on. I made friends at camp, but they betrayed me. I loved my mother and Paul with all my heart, but they died because of what I am. Only you, Nico Thalia, and Artemis are the only ones that I can always count on and haven't left me yet. I cannot sit idly by and watch one of the ONLY family I have left die when I could have done something about it." I said, feeling the pain that I thought I buried deep down be brought back to the surface.
A single tear ran down my face, but I quickly wiped it away. I was unsuccessful as their looks of shock turned into shame and regret. I pushed those bitter feelings away and hardened my gaze at them.
"And what about your brother, my Uncle, Hades? It's his realm down there. What if he is in trouble and none of his family comes to his aid? He never had anyone he could count on. He has been trapped down there for millennia because his family banished him down there and he has lost nearly all hope that his family cares. The House of Poseidon is known for our loyalty to our loved ones, isn't it time we show it?" I asked.
My father now had a look of deep shame on his face. Loyalty was all of our fatal flaws. But to hear me, his son, bring up how his elder brother feels like his family didn't care about him? It must have struck a chord in him.
The regret in my dad's eyes were replaced with a fiery determination. Grasping his trident, his body glowed a blinding sea green light so bright, we all had to avert out eyes lest we be blinded. When the light faded, he was standing there decked out in beautiful, ornate armour, looking like the mighty king of the sea.
His armour was mix of green and blue, the colours of the sea, swirling in a wave-like pattern mimicking the ocean waves. It consisted of light-weight chainmail covering the entirety of his body was armour pieces placed on his chest, back, arms, legs, and shoulders. On the face of the chest piece was his symbol; a glowing green trident that shimmered with an aqua light. It was built for speed, strength, power, and agility, offering maximum defence while able to unleash devastating offensive blows without taking away any mobility or restricting agility.
He slammed his trident into the marble with a resounding boom. "You are right son! Today, the House of Poseidon shall march into the realm of the Underworld and shall help my brother destroy the evil that plagues his realm. It's time for our family to know the care we feel for them!" He cried out in a commanding voice.
Triton and Amphitrite both gave each other knowing smiles before their own bodies were encased in armour as well, each one similar to dad's but Triton had pearls coating his armour while Amphitrite had multi-coloured coral on hers. I felt a smile tug at my lips seeing my family ready to fight for their own.
Dad then gave me a sly look that was mirrored by Triton and Amphitrite. Before I could protest whatever, they were planning, he lifted his palm and blasted me with a sea green light that was quickly followed by a dark green light and an aqua blue light. The light surrounded my body and I could feel metal form across my skin and power fuse inside me. When the light faded, armour covered my body.
Looking down at myself, I couldn't help but be struck in awe of how beautiful and deadly the armour looked. It was much like dad's armour with the chain mail and armour pieces, but they looked a little deadlier. The colours on my armour were swirls of sea green and jet black, resembling the currents of the darkest abyss of the ocean. There were little spines on my forearms and back, with two little openings at my wrists and ankles. Around my waist and shoulders, were my Stygian Iron Throwing Knives, protruding from the armour. On the chest piece was my father's trident but surrounding it was a circle of red flames that glowed like actual fire. It was the flames of the hearth and my mother.
Reaching around, I felt two slits in my armour covered by leather. That must be for my wings. I let my wings out of their slits and felt them push through my armour seamlessly. Metal began to coat my wings until I had silver metal armour coating my wings. Even though my wings were indestructible, the armour coating them looked wicked, with little spines extending past them. They were like hundreds of sharp little knives, making each feather a deadly weapon. I smiled wickedly at the sight, imagining all the fun I could have with this.
"How do you like your armour son?" Poseidon asked, smiling mischievously.
I smiled back at him. "This is amazing! When'd you have time to make it?" I asked.
"It was a team effort." Triton said, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Your brother, Tyson, crafted the armour with the help of Briares while me, your father, and Triton blessed and enchanted it. Those little openings at your wrists and feet can summon and project pressurized blasts of water at your enemies. While you can summon water from within you, this will save energy." Amphitrite said with a soft smile.
"Also, the metal knives coating your wings can offer extra protection from blows and force and you can fire them off at will. They will return to you armour much like you pen does." Triton explained.
I couldn't help being in awe and felt extremely touched by this gift from them. I felt a little guilty for not visiting Tyson sooner and I knew the big guy would feel really sad about my disappearance.
"Thank you all for this amazing gift. And dad, after we beat whoever is down in the Underworld, remind me to visit Tyson and make him a whole bunch of peanut butter sandwiches. I miss the big guy."
Dad smiled fondly at the images of Tyson stuffing his face with peanut butter sandwiches and nodded his head.
"Dad, if you would please, teleport us to DOA Recording Studios. We need to get there fast. And don't worry about the Ancient Laws saying you can't enter Hades's domain. I got that covered." I said much to the confused looks on the gods faces.
We all stood around Poseidon as he placed a hand on Triton's shoulder, and mine with Triton holding onto his mother. With that, we all disappeared in a green flash of light heading straight for Hades.
LINE BREAK
Third Person POV
They arrived outside DOA Recording Studios in a flash of light, all of them armed to the teeth. Poseidon had his powerful trident, a aura of green and blue surrounding the deadly barbs, charged with the power of the seas. Amphitrite had her own smaller, more graceful trident and a net attached to her back to entangle her enemies. Triton also had a trident, but he had a sword on his hip, much like Percy's. It was then that Percy realized that Triton's sword and his sword were a matched set, his being the twins to Triton's. They walked in cautiously but weren't prepared for the sight that they saw.
The inside looked like an earthquake hit it and destroyed everything. The tables were smashed to smithereens, the chairs were knocked over, and the windows were cracked and shattered. But the creepiest part of the whole thing was there were no shades or ghosts in the lobby at all. Every time Percy had been here, there were ghosts packed in here, rambling about and waiting to get into the afterlife. But now, it was empty and eerily quiet, not a soul to be seen.
A groan was heard from behind the desk. Poseidon and his wife and eldest son all got into defensive positions, waiting to strike at whatever was gonna attack them, but Percy's head snapped turned to the noise, recognition and worry flashing in his eyes.
"Guys relax for a second. I think I know who that is." He said, as he cautiously made his way to the desk.
Percy shifted through the rubble of the desk, until he found a body underneath. Quickly throwing planks aside, he finally dug out the unconscious form of Charon. The Ferryman was pretty banged up. He had scratches all over his face and swelling around his eyes. His signature shades were gone, but his eyes remained closed. Whatever attacked him, he didn't let go without a fight.
"Charon. Charon! Wake up man! I know you're dead already but wake up!" Percy yelled, shaking him for effect. Wow, never thought I would say that. He thought with dry humor.
He groaned again as he slowly opened his eyes, leading to twin pits of night, death, and darkness. "Ohhhhh…my head. Wait…wha? Jackson? You're here?" He mumbled, sitting up and rubbing his head.
"Yes Charon, I'm here. We don't have much time, but my father and the rest of my family is here to help. We need to get to the Underworld, but with Hades currently occupied by whatever is attacking him, we need you to give us permission to enter." Percy rushed out, as his eyes grew a little larger.
"You know I can't do that. I may be a god of the Underworld, but I don't know if I have the power to allow immortals to cross." He tried to object.
Percy was getting desperate. He and the Atlantians needed to get to the Underworld NOW. So, I decided to play his trump card. "Charon, if you do this for me, consider your debt to me for saving your son to be paid in full. Please Charon, we need to help my Uncle and cousin. And if he knows you allowed us in and we won, you will most certainly get a pay raise." He persuaded.
Unknown to Percy, Poseidon, Triton, and Amphitrite were all looking at the duo in shocked silence. Since when did Percy and Charon have a friendship? Since when did anybody have a friendship with the son of Nyx? And did Percy just say that he saved his son? What they Hades?
Though Charon didn't really have eyes, a flash of emotions could be seen in the pits of darkness that were his eyes. Finally, acceptance and defeat were shown on his face.
"Okay Percy. I will allow them into the Underworld." He said, with a sigh, before clutching his side in pain. Percy saw this and placed his hand on his side, a warm orange glow coating the wound before it disappeared.
Charon sighed in relief as all his wounds were healed. He stood up and stretched, all his aches and pains from his fight gone.
"Man, that was better than Nectar and Ambrosia. What was that?" He mused.
Percy only shook his head. "No time to explain. Could you please let us in now?" He said impatiently.
Charon sighed but walked towards the elevator, motioning them to follow. He waved his hand around before three small black balls appeared in his hand.
He extended them out to the other immortals in the room. "Here. You need to eat these as we enter the elevator. They will allow you to enter the Underworld until the effects were off or you get a formal invitation. The effects should last for 24 hours."
Poseidon and the others each took a ball and looked at it suspiciously but ate them quickly after seeing Percy's glare. A faint black aura surrounded their forms before it seeped into their skins. The sighed as they felt the boundaries to the Underworld lift and they could finally enter the elevator.
They all got on the platform and began to descend downwards.
"So…You saved Charon's kid?" Triton said awkwardly.
Percy rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Yeah, back when I was doing missions for mom. He's a sweet kid. Looks just like his dad but has his mother's kindness." He retold the tale of how he saved John as Charon had a small smile on his face.
As the two sons of the sea talked, Charon turned to Poseidon. "You have quite the son there, milord." He complimented.
Poseidon got a small smile on his face as he watched his sons converse. "Indeed, I do." He said softly.
While Poseidon felt immensely proud and loved his son with all his heart, he couldn't help but feel guilty. He remembered when his son was just a small boy and watched as he grew from afar. He wished that he could have been there for Percy when he grew up. But he left his mother and him to grow up with a wretched mortal that abused him, and he couldn't do anything.
"You know, I might not be the best father in the world, seeing as I'm a god of death. But I know that I love my kids no matter what and would do whatever it took to be there for them." Charon said.
"I see how much you care for your son. And let me tell you milord, your son holds no resentment towards you." Poseidon turned and starred at Charon.
"You really think so?" He asked. Charon nodded his head.
"I've seen a lot of death in the thousands of years of ferrying souls to the other side. None of them had the fire and forgiving nature that your son has. All he wants is to make you proud and he felt great to know that he has a dad that loves him and would try to do whatever it took to be a part of his life; Ancient Laws be damned." Charon's words made Poseidon feel a whole lot better. It was like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Since when does a god of death get so wise and understanding of mortals?" Poseidon asked playfully.
Charon cracked a skeletal grin as his head became see-through. "You learn a lot after ferrying millions of souls." He said simply.
The rest of the ride became silent as the travelled the last hundred feet down and soon were traveling across the River Styx. Percy looked down and was happy to see that the Styx was still clean and had the orange hue of Hope running through it. Funny, it actually seemed to bubble happily when it sensed Percy's presence.
Soon the fog cleared, and the sight of the Underworld came into view. They all were struck with horror as they witnessed what looked like a warzone in the making.
The black landscape was littered with fires as skeletons, ghouls, and spirits were in the fight of their lives as the battled unending waves of monsters. The Spirits and shades were floating around and chattering in terror, chaos spreading all around. The Fields of Punishment were in turmoil, the evil souls their rioting against the security ghouls and skeletons. The fields of Asphodel looked like a bunch of landmines exploded over it, leaving smoking craters and stalactites raining down onto the ground. Elysium seemed like the only place that wasn't in danger. Whenever a projectile or monster tried to go near it, a golden force field surrounded the place, turning back any attack and leaving the souls in peace. Percy breathed a sigh of relief. At least my mom and Paul would be safe.
But what really caught their attention was that mixed amongst the monsters were these giant stone creatures. Half of them were Earthborn, children of Gaea. They each had six arms and their skin melted and shifted from stone to dirt to mud. But the other parts were monsters that they had never seen before.
These monsters were very similar to the Earthborn except for one key feature. They were bigger and composed entirely out of precious metals and gems. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, gold, silver, platinum; all these metals and gems were apart of these monster's bodies. It was like a jewellery shop came to life and fused together. They watched as they struck the earth and a crack formed down the middle, swallowing up some skeletons. It removed its fist from the ground and it wasn't even dented. They made a mental note to watch out for the fists.
Percy turned to address the group, the blessing of Athena making his mind race. "Okay guys, here's what we're gonna do. Dad, you, and Amphitrite fight your way to Hades Palace and help him out. He'll have his hands full with whatever is trying to take control of his Palace."
They nodded. "You got it Percy." Amphitrite said, brandishing her spear with confidence.
"Good." I turned to address Triton.
"Triton, since you've led an army before, you go and take command of the armies of the Underworld. Take control, form their ranks, and push back the monsters to the Pit of Tartarus. Try to funnel them into a choke point and force them down into the pit." Triton got a wicked grin on his face as he spun his trident around.
"If they are anything like my Atlantian soldiers, this will be a piece of cake." He said.
Percy then turned to Charon. "Charon, you stay here and guard the entrance way. We need you to watch our backs in case reinforcements show up." Charon gave another skeletal grin.
"Alright, but I won't be alone." He said. Putting his fingers in his teeth, he gave a high-pitched whistle. A few seconds later, a giant black mass of fur burst from the shadows, revealing the panting, three-headed guard dog from hell, Cerberus. He barked happily and wagged his tail, before giving Percy a lick on the cheek.
"Hey boy! It's good to see you too! Could you do us a huge favour and stand guard with Charon?" Percy asked. Cerberus tilted his head to the side, as if in consideration.
"How about this, if you do a good job guarding, I'll get you a huge Red Rubber Ball and play fetch with you for a full day. How does that sound?" Cerberus barked happily and wagged his tail, making it thump so hard against the ground, the earth shook.
"Good boy!" Percy yelled. He then turned to the shocked looks of his family.
"What? Cerberus like red rubber balls." He said defensively.
Triton shook himself out of his daze. "I'm not even gonna ask, but you owe us a good story after this!" He said before turning and running straight for the carnage.
Poseidon and Amphitrite wrapped Percy in a massive hug. "Be safe Perseus. I don't want my newest stepson to become a permanent resident of the Underworld." Amphitrite said in a motherly tone. She gave him a kiss on the forehead before letting out of war cry and following after her son.
Percy shook his head in surprise and amusement. "You sure got a heck of a wife there, dad." Percy said playfully. Poseidon looked at his wife lovingly as she stabbed an earthborn in the chest, making it erupt in a shower of stone. She had a ferocious expression on her face as she threw herself into the melee, scattering and scaring monsters with her fierce battle prowess.
"Yes, I do. But son, what are you going to do?" He said, focusing back on his son.
Percy's expression darkened, along with his armour. He pulled out Riptide, its metal surface casting a faint bronze glow over his face that made him look almost sinister.
"I'm going to find the bastard that hurt my cousin." He said ominously.
And with that statement, he turned and rushed down the banks of the Styx, slaying all forms of monsters that got in his way. Poseidon prayed for his son to be safe. He then formed shifted his attitude from fun loving to General Warrior King. With a mighty war cry he let loose a blast of pressurized water from his trident, cutting a trench into the earth, destroying monsters and Earthborn alike.
Poseidon was slowly gaining ground towards the palace, cutting a path through the monsters and rock creatures. A hellhound foolishly jumped at him, only to be impaled on his trident and blasted off with green energy. Swirling the trident around like a staff, he sliced and clobbered many monsters in his wake. The blunt end of the staff smashed into the nose of a Cyclops, breaking his skull open. The sharp edges of his trident sliced open an Empousai, making her scream before she burst into flames.
He quickly made his way to his wife, who was ensnaring giants and hellhounds alike before she speared them with her won trident.
The pressed themselves back to back, covering each other. "Well my love, I have to say that this is the most fun we've had in a while." Poseidon said as he blasted a row of hellhounds back with water.
She smiled at him before he stabbed an Empousai in the stomach. "Sort of reminds me of our 1,000th anniversary when the shark men attacked. Good times." She said.
"You are as beautiful as you are fierce at wielding that trident, my little Sea Pearl." Poseidon complimented, successfully making her blush a cheery red.
She smacked his arm playfully. "Fight now, talk later. But if you do a good job at killing all these monsters, there might be a special surprise waiting for you at home." She said suggestively, rubbing his arm.
That comment made him really happy as he redoubled his efforts and was soon slaughtering the monsters in hopes to impress his wife. Soon the army was retreating and actually running towards the Pit to get away from the Sea God. But he wasn't finished as he slammed his trident into the ground and summoned up a mighty earthquake. The ground rolled in a wave, rising up to thirty feet, smacking into the retreating monsters and forcing them into the entrance of Tartarus.
"How was that, my queen?" He asked playfully,
She responded with a kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck. "That was great Coral Brain. But now let's go help your brother, ok?" She asked, laughing at his expression.
"Right. Forgot about that for a second." He said sheepishly, rubbing his head.
Together, they made their way to the palace of Hades. They passed by their son, Triton, who was currently commanding a legion of ghouls, skeletons, and spirits, having them push the enemy back. He somehow managed to find a particularly large hellhound, tame it, and was riding it like a horse. Looks like Percy isn't the only one with an affinity for hellhounds.
They reached the broken gates to Hades palace and wasted no time in running through the doors. They had never been in Hades Palace before and couldn't but be awed by its beauty and a little guilty at its similarity to Olympus. Did we really banish Hades down here and he grew so lonely that he tried to copy Olympus just to feel like he belonged? What an awful family we've been and hat a horrible brother I've been. Poseidon thought as he and his wife made his way through the halls.
Suddenly, a mighty bellow was heard followed by the sounds of destruction and fighting, the place began to shake under the onslaught of power. Poseidon felt a surge of protectiveness towards his brother as he sprinted through the halls.
When they finally made it to the throne room, a horrifying sight met them. Twelve of the Precious Metal Monsters surrounded Hades. Hundreds of piles of jewels laid scattered throughout the throne room, signaling that he had fought far more dangerous enemies than what he was facing. He looked like he went twelve rounds with Mike Tyson. He had bruises on his face and a cut on his pale arm that was leaking golden ichor.
But the rage on his face was unlike any Poseidon had ever seen. His eyes were a solid black onyx color as he glowed a black aura of death.
They were confused as to why he was showing so much rage until they saw the collapsed body of Persephone behind him. She looked pale and had a nasty cut running across her forehead. Hades was standing over her protectively, brandishing The Sword of Hades in front of him. If looks could kill, these creatures would be dead a hundred times over.
Hades was completely oblivious to their arrival as his gaze bore a hole through the Metalborn. "You dare invade my HOME!? You dare HARM MY WIFE AND SON?! FOR THIS INSULT I SHALL DESTROY YOU AND SCATTER YOUR REMAINS THROUGHOUT TARTARUS!" He screamed as he let loose a blast of solid black light, striking one of the monsters in the chest, causing it to explode.
Hades went crazy as he advanced forwards, slashing and hacking at the larger, stronger monster. A protective dome of shadows surrounded Persephone, keeping her safe. He managed to dispatch two more of the creature, slicing one in half vertically and decapitating another. But one of them snuck up behind him and slammed its fist into his back.
Hades screamed in pain before he was hit in the side, slamming into the wall. He slid down the wall in a crumpled heap, his sword sliding out of his grasp. The Metal monsters surrounded him and were going for the kill when a shout stopped them. Hades lifted his head and fought through the darkness that was clouding his mind. His eyes widened in shock to see his brother and his wife standing there. He was in even more shock to see the fury and anger on their faces, a snarl crossing their lips as they glared at the monsters.
"GET AWAY FROM MY BROTHER FOUL CREATURES!" Poseidon bellowed, unleashing a devastating earthquake towards them.
They were knocked off balance from the shaking earth. Before they could catch themselves, Poseidon raised his hands and clenched them violently. The earth rose up and entombed the Metalborn's legs and arms in solid stone. When they were restrained, Poseidon rushed over to his brother and kneeled by his side.
Concern shone in his sea green eyes as he looked over his elder brother for injuries. "Hades, are you okay?" He asked.
Hades just looked at him dumbstruck. "Poseidon? How the hell did you get down here? I didn't give you an invitation to enter my domain!" He yelled in confusion. That hit to the head really messed his brain up a little.
"Yeah, about that…Percy got a call from Nico and he was in my throne room when it happened, just after the meeting. He then convinced us to come down and help out. You have Charon to thank for letting us in." He explained.
Hades groaned as he shifted a little, feeling pain all over as he sat up. "Remind me to give him a raise. You're help could not have come at a better time."
Poseidon nodded, but then his face shifted into confusion. "How did this happen, brother?"
Hades shook his head. "I don't know. After the meeting, I flashed back down here and literally five minutes later we were under attack! And these metal monsters, these Metalborn, I can't use my powers over the precious metals and earth to destroy them. It's like they were made to negate my powers!" He said.
"Do you know who attacked you?" Poseidon asked. He looked over his shoulder really quick to see his wife guarding Persephone and keeping an eye on the struggling Metalborn.
Hades nodded his head. "Yes, but let's take care of these things first before they get loose." Poseidon helped his brother up and gave him some ambrosia and nectar. The godly food did its work, healing all his wounds and washing the pain away. Hades quickly went and checked on his wife, treating and holding her with tender care as he tended her wounds. As soon as she was taken care of, he kissed his forehead and sent her to her quarters, summoning a virtual legion of guards outside her room.
They approached the restrained creatures, which were now struggling like crazy in their earthen bonds. Hades was looking at them with barely concealed rage. The earth began to shake, and skeletal hands began to claw through the ground. Poseidon placed on hand on his shoulder.
"Hades, you said that your powers over precious metals couldn't work on these creatures. What if we combined our shared powers over earth? That may be enough to destroy these creatures once and for all." Poseidon said, much to Hades's shock.
A small, evil smile crossed his lips at the idea. "Since when did you become so smart Kelp Head?" Hades asked playfully.
Poseidon rolled his eyes at his brother's antics. "Okay brother, focus your power over the earth and I will as well. When the time is right, join hands and channel our power together."
Hades nodded once and closed his eyes. Both of them called upon their connection to the earth. Hades felt the dirt, the ground and stone with his mind. He was master over everything under the earth and he felt his power and connection grow as the tugging in his gut signified it. Poseidon focused on the earth as well. The hard, unyielding stone being cracked and splintered by his power. Like ocean water beating against a cliff side, wearing away the stone side, eroding it till it was no more.
Their auras flared with power as they focused it onto the creatures. They gritted their teeth as they felt the tugs in their gut start to become painful as they summoned more and more of their power. When the power became too much for them to contain, they grasped each other's hands, Midnight Black and Sea Green swirling into a ball of power, they shot it forwards, slamming it into the remaining nine Metal Monsters.
The Metal cried out in pain and agony as they felt the power rush through their bodies, vibrating and shaking it to pieces. Small jewels fell from their bodies as their own power was overridden and they couldn't hold themselves together. With cries of pain and agony, they exploded in a shower of rock, metal, and jewels where they were promptly collected by Hades and sent to Tartarus.
"Never mess with my home and family you disgusting creatures." He hissed out in a cold voice, venom lacing his words.
He then turned to Poseidon. "Thank you, brother, for your help. I honestly did not expect any help to come from Olympus." Hades said. The blunt way he said it made the guilt Poseidon felt intensify.
"Brother, I just want you to know that I am sorry for all those years that I have treated you. I never knew you felt this lonely, isolated away from us. My fatal flaw is loyalty, but it took the prodding of my son to remind me that I needed to be loyal and care for all my family. Can you ever forgive me brother for my harsh treatment of you and could we have that brotherly relationship that we should have?" Poseidon said sincerely. Amphitrite stood by her husband's side, pride shining on her face at his confession.
Hades felt his jaw drop in shock. Here was his younger brother, who while not as prideful as Zeus, was still pretty proud, APOLOGIZING to HIM! He waited so long to here those words from his family and now that he was finally hearing it, it was like his dreams had finally been realized and the Fates were smiling down upon him.
"Thank you, Poseidon. That's all I ever wanted." Hades said.
"Granted it will take some time, but if our sons can get along, then why can't we?" He said with a genuine smile.
A large smile spread across Poseidon's face as he swept his older brother up in hug. Hades just hung there awkwardly. He may want to have a brotherly relationship with Poseidon, but he still had an issue with people touching him.
Finally, Poseidon set him down. "So, brother, who attacked you and why did they attack you?" He asked.
Hades's faced paled as he suddenly remembered who came after him and what they were after. He began to run for the doors, with Poseidon and Amphitrite hot on his heels
"Poseidon quick! Follow me! We must get to the Pool of the Fiver Rivers before it's too late!" He called over his shoulder frantically.
"Why? What is it?" Poseidon called out.
"Because this whole attack was a trap, a diversion! They weren't after me! They are after the waters of the Five Rivers of the Underworld!" Hades said increasing his speed.
"Who is it?" Poseidon demanded.
Hades looked back over his shoulder and had fear in his eyes. "It's my bane! It was Alcyoneus!"
LINE BREAK
Percy POV
I trekked my way down the River Styx, following the path that me and Nico took when I was last down here. From what I gathered from the Iris Message, Nico was by the cave where the Underworld River Pool was. So, if Nico was anywhere, I had to be there. I just pray that whatever had him, hadn't hurt him yet.
I quickened my pace at those thoughts until I was in front of the cave where the Pool resided. I entered cautiously, Riptide and Typhon raised into defensive positions. I had yet to come across any monsters and when you're down in the Underworld with a battle raging, that tends to make things a little suspicious.
Before I took another step into the cave, a wall of earth rose up behind me, sealing the entrance and only exit to the cave. I spun around trying to locate the source of what manipulated the earth. The only people that could do that were my dad, Hades, and Gaea. My dad and Uncle were back at the palace and Gaea was still in her slumber so who could this be?
Then things started to get a little creepier as shades and spirits began to melt from the walls. More and more of the undead came from the walls, each of them brandishing a spear, sword, any form of weapon. A cruel laugh echoed throughout the cave. I paled because I recognized that laughter. It was the same mocking laughter I heard in Alaska when Hazel, Frank, and me fought…
"Ahh…I see you remember me little one." A cold voice came from across the room.
"No…It can't be. Frank and Hazel killed you!" I yelled out.
The mocking laughter filled the cave again as light suddenly blazed. I squinted my eyes before opening them again as I saw what a nightmare was come true.
"Yes, they did. But I am back now and since my birth place is now the Underworld, I cannot be killed!" He yelled arrogantly.
There stood the Giant, Alcyoneus, looking exactly like he did in Alaska. He was over forty feet tall with rippling muscles under his gold-tinted skin. He had rust covered dragon legs and his entire body had jewels and precious stones embedded in them. His red eyes bored into mine. Despite the amusement on his face, his eyes gave away the hatred and anger he had for me. I stared in horror as I saw my cousin, my bother, Nico at the Giant's feet.
Nico looked awful. He had multiple deep wounds covering his body, all of them bleeding golden ichor. It seemed as if multiple bones had been broken, some of them puncturing through his skin. Both of his eyes were swollen shut and his nose was broken and bloody. Just seeing him in such a state made a murderous rage well up inside me.
"The little death spawn put up quite a fight. But as you can tell…hehe…he didn't last very long." Alcyoneus chuckled maliciously as he kicked Nico's prone form, eliciting a groan from him.
"Stop that!" I yelled, sending a blast of fire straight at him. But it never made it as the shades stepped in front and took the hit, making both dissipate.
"Ah ah ah. Can't have you lighting the place up like that. Fire plus all those deadly mystical properties of the waters? Imagine the explosion." He said with dark glee.
"How are you even reformed? It should have taken you millennia to reform after the beat down Hazel and Frank dished out on you!" I yelled.
His face twisted into a snarl. "Yes, I should have. But my new mistress was kind enough to raise me from the Pit of my father after you sent my mother back into slumber. Granted I was surprised that she chose to resurrect me and not all my siblings, but I can't be choosy, now can I?"
"Who is this mistress you're working for? Tell me!" I commanded.
He shook his finger at me in a patronizing way. "Now why would I do that? That would give away the surprise. But let's just say that a storm is coming your way and when my mistress finally rises once more, none of you have a chance!" He laughed manically.
He then locked his glowing red eyes on me, his face twisting into a mask of hatred. "Sadly, you won't be able to see it. I have been waiting so long to kill you and your little friends. When I get out of here, I think I'll visit them. Make the little bitch scream as I make the freak watch as I carve up her pretty little face." He said sadistically.
That was the final straw. I yelled in fury, dashing forwards to gut the snivelling little freak. Before I could even get close, the shades surrounded me and began to attack in earnest. I felt their blades sink into my flesh as cuts began to open on my arms. I flew upwards and flared my wings, sending hundreds of deadly knife-like projectiles towards the shades. But they all passed through them harmlessly like they were made out of mist, which they were.
I landed on the ground with a boom and started to swing my swords in twin arcs of destruction. I slashed and hacked at the shades, but my blades just phased right through them! Flames were out of the question as I only had a limited amount of oxygen in here. And I couldn't make a hurricane underground! What do I do?
I desperately, jumped and dodged out of the way, using my agility and dexterity to avoid the incoming blades. But soon, I had my back against the wall with the spirits advancing on me. Was this the end? Had I survived this long, only to die far underground? I then looked and saw Alcyoneus smug look and Nico' broken body at his feet. NO! I would not die like this! Nico needed me.
I was breathing heavily, my chest rising and falling rapidly. I felt my guitar pendant hit my chest with each breath. Wait a minute…If shades were like air, they could be dispersed! If I just hit the right sound wave…
I pulled on the guitar pendant and felt my guitar form in my hands. Alcyoneus burst out laughing when he saw what was in my hands.
"That's your mighty weapon boy? What are you going to do? Sing to the spirits?" He laughed uproariously.
I smirked back at him. "Something like that." I then struck a chord, a loud sound wave blowing every shade backwards as they began to writhe in pain.
I continued to strike more and more cords, mire sound waves blasting into the spirits, disrupting their forms. More and more of them fell to the ground in pain, clutching their ears. I didn't know that spirits could feel pain. One mystery solved! Soon, all the shades were dissipated into nothing, leaving behind a faint shimmer a cry of pain.
Alcyoneus looked shocked before rage entered his eyes. "You think you've won? You've won nothing!" He shouted.
As if in slow motion, I saw him reach down and grab Nico by the shirt. He hauled him up and ran towards the entrance to the River Pool. My eyes widened in horror, as I knew what he was about to do.
"NOOOOOO!" I screamed. I dashed forwards faster than I have ever run in my life. I had to get their first! I had to stop him.
But it was too late. I could only watch, a few feet away from them as Alcyoneus pitched Nico over the ledge, down into the River Pool. As I watched that happen, I felt unbridled rage burst in my chest. I didn't stop running and increased my speed. Alcyoneus was laughing in victory before I slammed into his form, sending both of us over the edge.
I looked down and saw Nico was halfway down. I whipped out my wings and dove down as fast as I could. When he was ten feet from the water's edge, I swooped down and scooped him up and began to fly upwards.
I felt relief, knowing both Nico and I were safe. But that feeling was short lived as I felt the Bane of Pluto latch onto my leg, dragging me downwards. I pumped my wings as hard as I could, trying to maintain altitude, but I was slowly being dragged down.
The Giant just looked up at me with rage filled eyes. "If I die, you're coming with me!" He yelled.
I looked at Nico in my arms and saw him stir awake. He looked around frantically and saw where we were. I knew there was only one chance to save him. He looked at me as his eyes widened in realization at what I was about to do.
"Don't do it Percy! Please don't do it!" He yelled frantically, grabbing onto my shirt.
I just looked him in the eyes, tears spilling over. I only said two words to him. "I'm sorry."
Acting quickly, I surrounded him in a flash of flames, teleporting him to the top of the cliff. I couldn't teleport myself out because Alcyoneus would have come with as he was attached to my leg. But Nico would be safe. I felt my muscles straining and crying in pain as I tried to maintain altitude with the extra dead weight.
I closed my eyes. "I'm sorry Nico. I'm sorry dad…I'm sorry Artemis." I whispered.
Finally, with one last flap, my wings gave out as both me and Alcyoneus plunged into the Lake of the Five Rivers of the Underworld. The last thing I saw was Nico yelling my name, horror in his eyes as he had one arm extended outwards, like he was trying to grab me.
I saw all of that before I plunged into the deadly waters of the rivers, feeling their power surround me as I sank to the depths below.
Nico POV
I could only lie there, staring at the lake as it rippled from where Percy fell in. I felt tears running down my face in torrents as the horror of what just happened fully hit me. My best friend, my brother, sacrificed himself to save me at the cost of his own life. The absolute worst part was that I would never see him again. The rivers could destroy the essence of any being, wiping their soul clean from the earth. How was I going to tell his dad? Oh Hades, how am I going to tell Thalia?
From behind me, I felt the earth wall that was blocking the entrance crumble away. I turned and saw my father, with Poseidon, Triton, and Amphitrite burst through the barrier, weapons poised ready to strike.
"Alcyoneus! You shall regret ever coming back from Tartarus! Unhand my son or I shall-" My father stopped in mind rant as he saw me.
Relief flashed over his features as he rushed over and embraced me in a hug I was not ready for. Sure, he was more fatherly towards me nowadays, but physical contact was kept to a minimum as he was still learning.
But I didn't care as I clutched onto his robes and began to sob my heart out. I know what you're thinking; the big bad son of Hades is crying? What a baby! Well I didn't care! I just saw my best friend die before my very eyes and I felt my heart clench in pain.
"Shhh…son. It's all right. You're safe now." He said soothingly.
I only shook my head, the tears never stopping. "No dad. It's not okay! It will never be okay again!" I wailed.
Poseidon came over and crouched down beside me. "Nephew, what happened? Where's my son?" He asked, panic rising in my eyes.
I could only look at him in sorrow and aguish, my gaze going towards the pools. All the immortals looked to where I was, and their eyes widened in disbelief and horror.
"No…It can't be! Not my son! Not AGAIN!" He cried.
He fell to his knees as if they had been cut out from underneath him as he began to sob. Heart-wrenching sobs wracked the sea god's body as overwhelming grief washed over him. Amphitrite and Trion kneeled by him and tried their best to console him, but they were freely crying as well. Even my father had a few tears in his eyes! He never cries! But Percy was the only one that could get such a response from him. It was unbelievable at how much he had changed all of us.
"Brother. I know you are grieving, but we need to inform the council of this. They need to know…what has transpired down here." He said sorrowfully.
If Poseidon had heard him, he didn't acknowledge him in any way as he was too far in his grief. My father only looked at his brother sorrowfully but didn't move to break it up. He knew that his brother needed this.
A mighty whoosh was heard that snapped us all out of our grieving. We turned to look at the Rivers Pool to see it spiraling rapidly; the currents were sloshing and swirling in a maelstrom. Suddenly, the pool exploded in a blast of power and a figure was blown out of the water!
The figure landed on the ledge and remained motionless. The figure was a muscular man with unruly black hair, but we couldn't see his face. An ethereal light surrounded the man, pulsing with untold power. But the armor, the hair, and the WINGS were so familiar! We all rushed over to the down figure, curious and hoping beyond hope that this was whom we thought it was.
Carefully turning the figure over, we all gasped in shock and in joy as our prayers were answered! We were all wondering how he survived, but we didn't care right now as we all rushed forward to check on the man. Before us was the unconscious form of my cousin, Percy!
But our joy was short lived as he suddenly arched his back and a wail of pain erupted from his lips. His whole body began to spasm as his aura flared and pushed us backwards. His skin seemed to glow, and his veins looked like liquid fire was rushing through them. His whole circulatory system was light from within; looking like little lines of lava was running through his whole system.
Soon, his body stopped spasming, but the fire in his veins didn't go away. Poseidon rushed forward and scooped his son into his arms, gazing down at his son in worry. The way he held him was like a parent would a small toddler, carefully as if the child was a fragile little object that could break at a moment's notice.
"My boy. My precious son. I've got you now. You're gonna be alright." He whispered, stroking his hair back from his face.
He then locked eyes with my father and an unspoken agreement passed between them.
"Triton, you and your mother go back to Atlantis and tell them what has happened. Rule in my stead while I tend to Percy on Olympus. I will send you updates on his condition." He commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
They nodded their head in agreement and flashed out. "Brother, will you and your son accompany me on Olympus? I feel that Percy should be surrounded by family in order for him to pull through."
My father agreed and called for the furies. Once they arrived, he gave them specific instructions to take care of the Underworld and to take care of his wife. They bowed to him and left quickly.
And with that final word, we all flashed out, off to Olympus in search of Apollo.
LINE BREAK
Artemis POV
We searched everywhere for Percy. High and low, east to west, forest to mountains; but he was nowhere to be seen. Thalia pushed the hunters incredibly hard, still incredibly pissed off at what they did. But the Hunters didn't complain as they too were frantic and were worried about out Guardian. The needed to apologize and hopefully earn back his forgiveness.
I could not get this weight out of my chest. I felt a sense of dread settle over my heart. I don't know why, but I had the feeling that Percy was in grave danger. But being unable to locate him was extremely frustrating. So frustrating, I let out a scream of anger as I fired multiple arrows into the forest, decimating many trees.
Spent, I sat down on a root and sulked. Thalia came up to me and sat down beside me. "Milady, don't worry. We will find him." She reassured, though it sounded like she was trying to convince herself.
"I don't know Thalia. He flew away, and he was so angry when he left. We can't find his trail due to the lack of his demigod scent and coupled with the flying and amount of damage he caused, there's no telling where he could be!" I threw my hands up in exasperation.
Thalia just stared at me for a long time. "You like him, don't you?" She asked softly.
I whipped my head towards her so fast, my neck cracked. "W-what did you say?" I stuttered slightly.
Her electric blues eyes bored into my silver ones. "You like him, don't you?" She repeated, sounding surer.
"What?! Of course not! I don't like him! He's a male! He is what I hate and what the Hunt stands for! He-" Her stare bored into me before I sighed in defeat. "He's the only male I find acceptable and that I like." I finished softly.
There, I finally said my feelings out loud. I waited for Thalia to reprimand me and call me a hypocrite. I felt unshed tears fill my eyes as I pictured her yelling at me and taunting my weakness. Imagine my surprise when I felt her hug me instead!
"Why are you hugging me? I thought you would be furious with me!" I said shakily.
She only shook her head. "Artemis. I could never hate you. You're my sister and lady and I will always care for you. And don't be upset with liking Percy. He's a wonderful man, the only decent male on this planet and my best friend. I couldn't think of anyone better for you to be with." She said sincerely, before narrowing her eyes.
"But if you tell him I said any of that, I will shock you into next week." She threatened., which brought a grin to my face.
"I hear you loud and clear." I said.
She smirked before looking serious again. "When did you start liking him?" She asked.
I shrugged. "I don't know. I always respected him ever since he saved me from the sky and befriended Zoe. He wasn't arrogant or boasted about he saves the man-hating goddess of the moon. He didn't even give it a second thought! After that, I watched him, how selfless he was, how kind and caring and how fierce and strong he was. He cares for his friends and protects them with a fiery passion but can be a gentle and caring as an older brother. And it really started that night after he rescued Helen and we talked under the moonlight. He is the perfect hero. The perfect man." I said, feeling myself blush.
Thalia had a mischievous grin on her face. "Aww! Milady has a crush!" She teased.
I blushed even harder. "Shut up." I mumbled.
"But seriously Artemis, I need to know something." She said deadly serious.
I felt nervous. Even though I was a goddess, that glare of hers was still pretty potent.
"One, do you love Percy?" She asked bluntly, shocking me completely.
I struggled to form words, but finally managed to answer. "I don't know." I said in a small voice.
"If you do and Percy loves you and you two decide to form a relationship, will you ever leave him? I need to know that I'm not dealing with another Annabeth." She said.
"If he continues to be the way he is, that will not be a problem. But if I find something wrong that I don't find acceptable at all, then I will break things off and go my own way." I said, gaining confidence.
She nodded. "Good. That means that you are a strong woman that knows what she wants and won't take crap from anyone, but you will try to make things work out. That's all I needed to know." She said with a smile.
I gave her a small smile as well. "But just to warn you, if you hurt my cousin like Annabeth did, you will answer to me. Firstly, you need to make sure whether or not you like him" She said, eyes flashing, looking very much like our father.
I nodded my head vigorously to which she smirked at.
"Good! But anyway, let's get searching again. Our 24 hours are almost u-" She was cut of a blinding flash of golden light. Hermes appeared out of that light with a panicked and anxious look on his face.
"Artemis! You and Thalia need to get to Olympus NOW!" He said without any formalities.
Normally, I would have snapped at him, but he looked really frantic, which was totally unlike him.
"Why Hermes? We are still searching for Percy." I protested.
He looked at me with a sombre look and his next words sent dread coursing through my body.
"We found him Artemis. And it doesn't look good." Before he even finished talking, I grabbed Thalia and was already gone.
Wow, that chapter had a lot of the word 'armour' am I right? Cool, a friend of mine (Rav3n Qween) wanted to see some Mortal AU ideas and if readers might be interested, how do you think of these? Rate them, oneshot or story so she can write!
A) Percy is a sailor, left for dead after a pirate attack. Annabeth is a lost mermaid. Together they can find what they lost
B) Annabeth is a servant to the queen of Athens, but her enemies see the queen as a weak force and seek to dispose of her… fortunately the court jester has a plan. (Which didn't include falling in love with the queens servant, but happened anyway)
C) In the year 3018, humans are safely in space… or are they? As a hidden force takes out ship after ship of colonists fleeing the destruction of earth, Ship Captain Annabeth and Engineer Percy might be the only chance at survival.
D) In a dystopian future, Percy is a fugitive; leading rebels across the frozen steppes of Eurosia and the scorching dunes of the Saharan Deadlands. But when a government runaway joins his army, can he trust them?
E) When animals envolved, many people saw them as threats whilst other seeked to use their powers. Now 18 years and 1 interspecial war later, the remnants of the human race move in packs, attempting to claim areas of the earth for themselves. Annabeth Chase can't help but want the jungles, an area ferociously guarded by the apes and their strange leader.