This is a terribly short chapter. I would say it's more of a filler, because as weird as it seems it's actually pretty important. The plot will end up being a lot different than the original A Change of Fate. I have my plans, I promise.
Also, Percy will be twelve in the next chapter. I'm adding something I really wanted to add in the old version and it happens when Percy's twelve. Maybe you can guess what it is? Regardless, sorry for the short chapter!
Ten-year-old Percy's arrow soared to its mark, piercing the target. From fifty meters, it was quite a miracle. His previously abysmal archery had started to get drastically better day by day. Atalanta had hope that by the time he was eleven or twelve, he could match the skills of a hunter. Knowing Percy's determination, it was definitely a possibility.
"Again!" Atalanta demanded. Percy followed her orders, the arrow narrowly missing the last.
"Again!" Atalanta demanded time after time. Percy continuously fired a volley of arrows at the target with such precision that many of the arrows split. "Hm. Didn't expect you to be able to do all of this."
Percy smirked, lowering his bow. "I had a great teacher."
Atalanta rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, little brother." She paused. "That's all for today. Lord Hades asked I end our lesson early, as he will be gone this weekend for the Winter Solstice."
The son of Hestia nodded, waving a quick goodbye as he walked to his uncle's palace. As he walked by, he once again saw Elysium. Over the years, Elysium had become an object of the boy's affection. Just seeing the place, knowing his birth mother was there, was enough to make him want to be there too.
He pushed the ornate doors open, smiling as his hand traced the bronze figures decorating the walls. He entered his uncle's throne room silently, nodding in respect as he entered.
"Percy, I'm glad Atalanta got my message. Instead of a normal lesson, you will be learning endurance with your powers. It is necessary that I see how long you can last." Hades said, uncharacteristically smiling. He wouldn't admit it, but this was something he was beyond excited to see. His nephew was a natural with his abilities. He had even learned to use the both at once, in harmony. It was truly a sight to see.
"Okay, Uncle Hades. In the palace?" He asked, and his uncle shook his head with a smile. Percy immediately caught the gist, disappearing into flames. He reappeared in what he called the training room, which had an Olympic sized pool so he could practice his powers. Percy still had no idea exactly where the room was, and his uncle wouldn't tell him.
Hades appeared across from him, goading his nephew to begin.
Percy nodded, diving into the water. He felt the rush of adrenaline as his body reacted to its natural element; the rush of energy as he took his first breath underwater. He surfaced with a small hurricane surrounding him. Percy controlled it to set him down on the edge of the pool then dissipate.
Percy then began to create small creatures—mostly hellhounds and pegasi—out of water, the creatures dancing around them. He was starting to become exhausted by his powers, but he had yet to tap into the magic of it all. The son of Hestia felt the tug in his gut as half of the pool lifted, and then was thrown at Hades. Miraculously, Percy had practiced with his powers enough so that he missed Hades, forming a Hades sized dry spot on the wall.
Now, Percy could say he was dead on his feet. He sat down so his feet were in the water and then continued. His body lit up into flames, illuminating the room. He put himself out and conjured a ball of fire in his hand, aiming it to hit next to Hades' head. Luckily, his aim was perfect.
Hades hated being targeted by his nephew. He knew that the demigod would never hurt him, but having fire thrown at you was terrifying.
Percy took a minute to compose himself and keep from passing out. Unfortunately, the amount of power he had displayed was far too much for his ten-year-old body to handle.
As the demigod fell into unconsciousness, he left a flicker of a flame on his hand—but this time it felt different. He couldn't place exactly how, but it felt more alive. It felt more powerful, more destructive. The last thing he saw was his uncle's concerned face before his vision faded to black.
When Percy woke up, he felt like his stomach had been microwaved. Every bone in his body ached. He winced, sitting up in bed. His mother was sleeping soundly next to him, but there was exhaustion to her features.
He gently touched her arm, but a voice stopped him. "Let her rest for a moment." Hades said as he entered the room. The god hugged his nephew, hoping that nothing like this would ever happen again. Percy smiled, relaxing in his uncle's embrace.
"Percy, there is much we need to talk about." Hades' face was serious, but Percy wasn't paying attention.
Percy ignored his uncle's words. "How long was I out?"
Hades looked to the wall, knowing the boy would be angry. "A week."
The demigod had to refrain from gasping or panicking. How much had he missed in a week? He would be behind on training! "A week! How?"
Hades nodded. "There is a much more pressing issue. What is the last thing you remember as you were passed out?"
It took Percy a minute to think back on it. "I felt fire on my palm." He paused. "But it felt different, more powerful."
The Lord of the Underworld nodded gravely. "I feared so. Percy, you may not realize this, but what you controlled was Greek fire."
The son of Hestia was floored. He had never heard of a demigod being able to control such an unpredictable element like Greek fire before. "How?"
The god merely shrugged. "To put it simply, I think you using all of your powers at once let us see the abilities we didn't know about."
Before Percy could say anything in response he felt his mother stir next to him. He squeezed her hand and she jumped up, tackling him into a hug.
"I'm so glad you're awake! I was so worried." She said, slightly panicked. Although she was a goddess, she hadn't gotten any sort of rest in the last week. "Was my brother recounting what happened?" Hades nodded, and Hestia's face fell.
"How do I have this ability, mom?" Percy asked, squeezing her hand for comfort. He loved his uncle, but his mother never failed to soothe him. "Uncle Hades said I shouldn't be able to."
Hestia shared a look with her brother. "It should be impossible. Demigods have never been able to control it before."
Percy shrunk into his bed, and Hades sighed. "It is not all bad. Although we don't know exactly why you have this ability, it is very powerful. Hestia will train you to master it, as it is not a power you can let get out of your control."
The son of Hestia nodded, a fierce determination flashing in his eyes. He would learn to use his new fire abilities completely. He by no means wanted or planned to use this power, but it could be very useful in life or death situations.
He yawned, laying back down; he was truly exhausted.
"We'll let you sleep," Hades said, and Hestia stood up as well. They exited quietly as Percy drifted back into sleep.
"Hestia, I believe this ability means he will be under much more scrutiny than we have ever expected."
Hestia nodded sadly. "He will be powerful."
"Yes, he will be." Hades paused and squeezed his sister's hand. "I have no doubts that he will be the prophecy child. Even if Zeus has a daughter."
A few tears slipped out of the goddess' eyes. "I know." Hades wrapped an arm around his sister protectively as she began to sob. The Lord of the Underworld let a single tear slip from his eye. He loved his nephew, and didn't want this fate for him. The tear was quickly brushed away and forgotten.
Hestia looked up at her brother, determination in her eyes. "Train him to be the best he can be."
Hades nodded. "I will."
The goddess of the hearth walked over to the door, sitting down next to her son as she entered. "You will be a hero, my little one." The goddess whispered, holding his hand. "I know it."