Harbringer, Hyperspace
1600 hrs
Gideon's POV
I stood beside Warpath as we look ahead into space. All we see is a blur of stars as we travel in hyperspace. After a while, I said,
"What now? We are heading back to the place where you are exiled. You sure you can hold up?" Warpath nodded and replied,
"That's why we are not going into the realm of the gods. We are going beyond it. Alaska. The Primordials will not be affected and the Kingpin does not have any allies there. We can lay low there for a little while. After that, we will find the Kingpin and end his life for the things he did." I nodded and walked back below decks. The Primordials are lounging around, but all of them are edgy. I asked Aether and Chronos,
"My lords, where are the Wielders. Didn't they stay and fight?" Aether replied,
"They are too weak. We have to send them back to Earth." I snorted and replied,
"Weak? More like boastful. Those idiots think they know everything and can take on everything just because they defeated Gaia. You should have let them fight. Then they will know just how weak they are." Chronos shook his head and said,
"They wield the weapons of old. They will be a force to reckon with once they train hard enough." I muttered,
"Or they let go of their egos." Chronos chuckled and replied,
"Yes Gideon. I know you and your team hate the Wielders. But they will be willing to learn if the right way of teaching is applied." I raised up my hands in a surrender sign and replied,
"Don't expect us to teach them. Warpath hates their guts, and by the way they treat us, we hate them as well." With that, I walked on, hearing the chuckles from Chronos and Aether. I headed to the Bridge, where Mitchell and Ilona are piloting the Harbringer. Gideon, Shay and Thalia are controlling the Falcon, Maverick and Crusader. A few more hours and we will reach Earth. As of now, we are still in hyperspace. I asked Mitchell,
"What's our progress mate?" Mitchell replied,
"So far so good. But it would be good to undergo repairs. The Harbringer has sustain damage in the firefight back on Utopia." I asked,
"Give me a sitrep on the damage." Mitchell said,
"We have a damaged ion engine, 6 EM-1 cannons are offline. The hull has taken heavy damage. Armour-piercing bullets had pierced the hull and hit the vehicle bay. It's offline. The ship won't be able to hold up in another fight." I was about to reply when Warpath's voice said,
"Then we won't fight. We will get to Earth and land in Alaska. I have a few friends there. They will help." I said,
"Amen to that sir." With that, we exited hyperspace and the bluish tint of Earth's oceans glowed in front of us. I said as Warpath took over,
"Let's strap ourselves in." I headed over to the seat where the weapons controls are and sat down, strapping myself in. Warpath pilot the Harbringer into Earth's atmosphere. The air in front of the ship heat up as we entered the Earth's atmosphere. Once past that, we saw that we are in Alaska. But something doesn't feel right. I walked up and stood beside Warpath and said,
"Sir, something doesn't feel right. I have a feeling someone is waiting for us." He nodded and replied,
"That's because the gods had extended their rule here. We are in their sights. There." Sure enough, the Olympian council was there, waiting in full battle armour. Behind them is the Wielders being held prisoner. The Weapons of Old are nowhere to be seen. I equipped my Exo-suit to Assault and said,
"Sir, by your lead?" Warpath glowed, and when the glow died down, he is equipped in golden armour, Solarion in his hand. He said,
"Let's….." He was cut off when Oathkeeper flew into my hand, the blade glowing so bright until I covered my eyes to shield the glow. When it died down, El'driun is in my hand. Also, my body is covered in silver armour, but my shoulder plates are gold. Also, El'driun has a golden hilt, with a glow emitting from its centre of the crossguard. It is a sphere, filled with righteous fury of the sword. The blade is a double-edged blade, glowing in power. I look at Warpath and saw pride in his eyes. He said,
"I couldn't ask for a better Wielder of Oathkeeper. It is yours now. It has chosen you. It should be called by its real name; El'driun. May corruption fall before this bade." He looked around, seeing all of us are ready for battle. He said,
"Let's deal with them once and for all." With that, he led us onto the deck. Zeus, upon seeing us, and the power of the Ancient Weapons, pointed his Master Bolt at us and said,
"Perseus, come with us. You are working for us now. Come peacefully, or the Wielders die." I gritted my teeth in fury and bellowed,
"Such arrogance from you Zeus. It is you who should learn respect. Bow down before the power of the Sword of Justice." And I stabbed the sword into the deck and kneeled. Immediately, the heavens darken and swords made up of energy struck the earth, forcing the Olympians to defend themselves as the sword mark their deeds as corrupted. Only Artremis and Hestia are unaffected as they disagreed to capture us. They escorted the Wielders out of harm's way and teleported them to the deck of the ship. They themselves joined us on the deck of the ship. Artremis said to Warpath,
"We can't stay here. Soon Athena will find a way around Gideon's attack." He nodded and said,
"Gideon, prepare for the final attack." I nodded and whispered in an ancient language,
"El'driun, aid us in the protection of the innocent lives that live here. Save them and us from the onslaught of corruption." The sword sphere glowed and a bright white light engulfed us and that's the last thing I remembered as darkness engulfed my vision."
Angiris Council
Imperius's POV
I looked over the mortal realm. It is peaceful. We protected the mortals and guide them. They do not know who we are, but our responsibility is to protect them. But I sensed a disturbance. Tyrael stood beside me and asked,
"How are you brother? Is the mortal realm well?" I shook my head and replied,
"I sensed a disturbance in the power flux. Someone is tapped into El'driun's powers." Tyrael frowned and replied,
"I sensed that too. Should we investigate?" I shook my head and replied,
"Wait for now. The mortals do not know of this power flux. We should not alarm them." Suddenly, a thump was heard behind me. I spun around and dashed to the entrance of the Angiris Council. When I dashed outside, I was shocked with the scene in front of me. I yelled,
"Angiris Council!" At once, the members dashed outside. Tyrael immediately rushed to a boy holding his sword. He looked up and said,
"All of them are weak and unconscious. They need help." I looked over to the one who wield Solarion. And I am shocked to see that he is unconscious as well. I rushed over to him and gently carried him. I said to Auriel,
"Auriel, prepare the rooms. They need rest. I sensed from them that they are very close." I look over and saw Chaos regaining consciousness. I handed they boy to Auriel and she carried him to the room, the rest of the Angiris Council also did the same. I kneeled down beside him and said,
"Chaos, are you alright?" He nodded weakly and replied,
"Help me up." I grasped his hand and pulled him to his feet. He staggered a bit and I supported him. I said,
"What brings you and the Primordial council here?" He said,
"The Olympians ambushed us. They wanted Perseus, the new wielder of Solarion, to work for them. Gideon, the new wielder of El'driun, answered by attacking them, seeing their actions as corruption. He called down a barrage of energy swords, but he was weakening. As a last ditch effort, he called down the blessing of the sword and the sword responded by teleporting us here." I gritted my teeth in anger and replied,
"The Olympians must pay for this. They disrespected you and the beings who are higher than them." He nodded and replied,
"In due time, yes. For now, we must heal and train." I nodded and help carry the family of Perseus into the Angiris Council chamber. Once that is done, I stood at my position as the Head of the Angiris Council. The rest took their place and I said,
"Chaos and his family has come to seek our aid and protection. As protectors, we should give them aid. What says all of you?" A united "Aye" was heard. I said,
"Council dismissed. Let's hope the young heroes will awake soon."
*Two days later*
Warpath's POV
I groaned as I opened my eyes. The bright light forced them to close. I opened them slowly and saw that I was in a white room. I look over and saw my weapons, Exo-suit and armour are there. But Solarion is not with me. I look down at myself and saw that I was dressed in a white t-shirt and comfy blue pants. I slowly got off the bed and walked to the entrance of the room. I opened the door and heard people talking. I called Solarion to me and is surprised to know that it did not respond. The talking stopped and the door to my room open. I'm surprised to see a middle aged man walked in with Solarion in his hand and the golden armour on him. I said,
"Who are you and what are you doing with my spear?" He laughed, a deep laugh and replied,
"Your spear? My boy, I am the first wielder of Solarion. I am Imperious, the Archangel of Valour. It is nice to meet you." I look at him in confusion and asked,
"How do you know me?" He replied,
"Chaos and I are good friends. He told me of the things you did in the name of righteousness and valour. Not many people can assemble a team of your choosing." I blushed and replied,
"I chose them because they are good hearted. Not because of their achievements." Imperious laughed and replied,
"And it paid off didn't it? Now, it must be a shock to wake up here. Let's take a walk, if you're up to it." I nodded and stood up. I walked over to my Exo-suit and equipped it in specialist. I strapped my hidden blades on my arms and said,
"Forgive me for not trusting you immediately. I have issues in the past." Imperious nodded and we walked out of the room and into a hallway that showed different actions of valour, both by angels and mortals. Imperious said,
"Welcome to the Halls of Valour. Come." We walked in silence. After a while, he said,
"You must have questions. Go on, ask." I asked,
"Why did you save us? You could have leave us in the entrance of the council. Why save us?" Imperious replied,
"Despite what many think, I am a kind leader. You and your friends have defended others and spared them from the onslaught of evil and corruption. That, in my eyes, is valour." I continued,
"Why did Solarion chose me?" Imperious replied,
"Because Solarion can see and judge whether a person's actions is worthy of it. Your actions, since when you're 16, are nothing but valorous. That's why Solarion had made you its permanent Wielder. It is yours to wield." He handed me the spear and I grasped it. He continued,
"However, you do not have proper training on how to use the spear properly. You need to know the true power that lies in the spear. It is your only hope on how to defeat the Olympians. I sense they are aiding the Kingpin." I nodded and replied,
"I do not know who the Kingpin is, but he or she will die." Imperious stopped and said,
"Even you are highly trained, your brashness is what caused the loss of lives on Utopia. Do not fret, you and your Team will be trained by the Angiris Council, in the mystic ways of the Ancient Weapons and Tactics. What says you?" I replied,
"As long it can bring down the Olympians and the Kingpin once and for all, I accept." Imperious nodded and said,
"Tell your team and family that training starts tomorrow. Do not be late." With that, with a flash of golden light, Solarion and Imperious disappeared. I look around the halls of valour, but Imperious is nowhere to be found. I shrugged and headed to the Halls of Justice, where Tyrael is at. I found him talking to Gideon, where they are briefing on the training that is upcoming for us. Once they are done, Gideon walked over to me and shook my hand. He asked,
"How's the head coming along mate?" I rubbed it and replied,
"I'll live. Thanks Gideon. So you ready for the training tomorrow?" He shrugged and replied,
"Shouldn't be harder than your training. You push us to our limit as always." I chuckled and replied,
"That I do. You go on ahead. I'm heading to the Gardens of Hope. Thalia is there with the girls. Auriel is briefing them." Gideon nodded and headed to his room. I walked in the opposite direction and saw Mitchell and the guys being briefed by Itherael, the Archangel of Fate. Seeing that they are in deep discussion, I continued on to the Gardens. Once I'm there, I was shocked by the beauty of the gardens. Cherry blossoms flowed softly in the breeze and sunlight stream in from the gaps of the trees. But, there is also a feeling of home. Someone approached me and stood beside me. I look over and saw that it is Thalia. She laced her fingers with mine and said,
"It's been a long time since we spend some time together. Don't you think so Percy?" I sighed and squeezed her hand. I replied,
"Aye. And I'm sorry. I have been too focused on finding the Kingpin to spend time with you Thalia." She smiled at me and said,
"Don't be my love. I know the stress that is placed on you. But you need to let the Team to help you shoulder it. That's why you called us. We are a family. We look after our own. And soon, ours as well." I look over at her in shock, and asked,
"Ours? What do you mean?" Thalia placed my hand on her belly and said,
"Percy, I'm pregnant. With your child." I collapsed in sheer happiness. I asked her,
"When did you find out?" Thalia laughed at my facial expression and replied,
"Auriel told me. She sensed that a powerful being is within me. I pieced it together pretty quickly." I stood up and clapped my hand,
"Now, no more missions for you until our child is born. I'm sure that Lord Chaos will agree. Don't you my lord?" Lord Chaos stood beside us and he nodded, saying,
"The child will be a powerful one. Even now, I can sense the power that is in her." I called Solarion to me and said,
"Ok, looks like my daughter will not be dating anyone until she is finished with her Assassin training." Lord Chaos and Thalia rolled their eyes and Lord Chaos continued,
"But her future is blur. Not even Ananke can see her future. She is able to decide her own fate." I nodded and replied,
"Then who will train her my lord?" Lord Helix joined us beside his son and said,
"Perhaps Tyrael is suited to train her. He is the archangel of justice and aspect of wisdom. He will be suited to train her in the ways of the mystic arts and weapons training. For her Assassin training, the Twins will be suited to train her." I nodded at his wisdom and replied,
"Thank you Lord Helix." Just then, I saw Thalia hold her belly and she cried in pain. I immediately laid her down and asked anxiously,
"Thalia, what's wrong?" Thalia gestured to her belly weakly and said,
"Percy, the baby is coming." I immediately yelled,
"Auriel, I need your help!" She immediately rushed over to Thalia and said,
"I need to transport her to the medical bay. It's in the west wing of the building. Meet us there. Oh, bring Hestia and Artremis. They will be a big help in the delivery of your child." With that, she lifted Thalia in her arms and with a glow of silver light, both of them disappeared. I immediately ran out of the gardens and into a silver hallway. I activated Thalia's tracker on her Exo-suit and followed her signal, while contacting Artremis and Hestia and telling them the news. By now, everyone had heard of the news and is making their way to the west wing. When I reached, the Team and the Assassin brotherhood are there. Lord Chaos and Lord Helix stood behind me. The Angiris council is inside the room, along with Hestia and Artremis, to aid the birth of my daughter. After an agonising 3 hours, a baby cry was heard. I immediately bash the door down. The Angiris Council, Artremis and Hestia look at me with smiles on their faces. Artremis said,
"Percy, your daughter." She handed me my daughter, and a protective feeling wash over me as I look at my daughter for the first time. She has a small turf of black hair on her head and when she open her eyes and look at me, the colour was a bright electric blue. I walked over to Thalia who smiled at me weakly. I past our daughter to her and tears formed in her eyes. She said,
"She is beautiful. What should we name her?" I smiled and said,
"Zoe. Zoe Jackson. After the Huntress." Thalia nodded and said,
"A fine warrior's name. Her name will be feared." With that, Zoe Jackson was born to us. I look around, seeing the happy faces of the Team and the Assassin brotherhood. I also saw in their eyes, the willingness to kill to protect her. I suddenly noticed a power flux, and the water in the cup started to float up. Thalia also noticed it. She look at me for confirmation. I shook my head, showing that I'm not in control. We look down on Zoe, and saw that she is sleeping. I whispered,
"So young and she is already controlling water. I wonder what other things she can do." Thalia shrugged and replied,
"I don't know. But we will protect her." I nodded and said,
"Rest. I will be right here." She nodded and fell asleep. I stood up and said,
"Gideon, Mitchell, bring the rest in. They would want to meet her." Gideon nodded and asked,
"What about the Wielders? Should they come in?" I shook my head and replied,
"No, they do not have the right." Gideon nodded and both of them walked to the entrance of the room. They escorted the rest of the Assassin brotherhood and the Team in, but the Wielders they prevented. They look on with hatred in their eyes. Jason forced their way into the room, the other wielders doing the same. I immediately knew something is amiss. The Wielders respected me, and knew their place. But they didn't. Jason drew his rapier and I immediately flicked my wrists, my hidden blades shooting out. I went on the offensive, attacking with speeds no one can match, forcing Jason on the defensive. I spotted an opening and I took it, leaping into the air and struck the killing blow. Blood sputtered out from the headless Jason and his body slumped to the ground. The body transformed to a headless monster. I looked to the other wielders, their facial expression showing fear. I was about to say something when a blur figure shot around the monsters, killing 5 of them and leaving 1 alive. I look at the monster that is Annabeth. I kicked her and stabbed my hidden blade into her shoulder. I asked,
"Where are the real Wielders? Tell me, and I will let you live." The monster shook in fear and spilled his guts. Once I have the information I needed, I said,
"Thank you for your cooperation." And I silt her throat, revealing the monster. I stood up and said,
"The Wielders are being held prisoner at the basement of the empire state building. Gideon, Mitchell, Ilona and Joker, I'm tasking you with this mission. Do whatever it takes to bring them here. Kill anyone that stands in your way. Maximise stealth as far as you can." They nodded and started to walk out to prep when Tyrael said,
"I will accompany the young warriors. I would like to see their prowess in the field of battle." Imperious said,
"I would like to follow as well. Let's see how they fare in battle." I nodded and said,
"Alpha Team, you have your training. For 5000 years, you have been under my tutelage. Now, it is the time for you to go on solo missions. May the light guide you and your blade." I placed a gloved hand on my chest and bowed. They did the same. I said,
"Tyrael, can you transport them to the outskirts of Manhattan? Make sure your signature is not detected." Tyrael nodded and the Team, Imperious and Tyrael walked out of the room. A flash of blue light told me that they have embarked on the mission. I look at Thalia, Itherael, and Auriel. Auriel placed a hand on my shoulder and said,
"Do not worry young warrior. They will not be harmed." Itherael chip in,
"Yes, the scroll of fate told me that the young warriors are destined to be protectors. Protectors of what, I cannot say. The scroll did not elaborate." I look at him and nodded. I replied to Auriel,
"It's not that I worry. I have no doubt of their skill in battle. But rather, the schemes of the Olympians. I fear that they will be walking into a trap." She replied,
"Tyrael and Imperious will protect them. You are the champion of valour. Gideon is the champion of Justice. Ilona is my champion and Joker is Itherael's champion. You five are the chosen ones of the universe. You will not perish." I nodded at her words. My eyelids feel heavy. Auriel said,
"You will be safe here. Your child and Thalia will be safe here. Sleep young warrior." With that, I closed my eyes and slipped into a dreamless sleep.
Manhattan, New York
Gideon's POV
We appeared at the outskirts of the city. I took out my binoculars and survey the entrance. Heavily guarded with 20 men, all with MK14 rifles, equipped with seeker beams and thermal sight. Also, snipers covered the troops on the ground. A MG nest cover the front of the entrance. I noticed that the troops on the ground and the MG nest are only facing the front. But the snipers are covering them from the fourth floor. And there is a blind spot between the snipers. I activated my grapple, the others doing the same. I grappled to the roof, in between the snipers, the others following my example. Tyrael and Imperious appeared behind us, observing us. I looked below and saw two guards, oblivious to us. I leapt down, my hidden blades shooting out and I landed on the ground silently, executing a double assassination. Without missing a beat, I threw a throwing knife at the running guard that managed to see me, killing him instantly. But, the kill was in the open, and the guards are instantly alerted. They dashed to the alleyway that I'm in, but I was already gone, taking advantage of the guards' distraction and sneak by their unguarded checkpoint. The others also leapt across the rooftops silently and re-joined me on the rooftop of a abandon building. I took out my binoculars and observe the entrance of the empire state building. It is heavily guarded with a force of 25 armoured guards. I narrowed my eyes, noticing a weakness in the guards' patrol movement. The timing is roughly 5 minutes apart. And their heads are not protected. I waved Ilona, Mitchell and Joker into a sniping position. I myself got into prone position beside Ilona and equipped my sniper rifle; a silenced MSR, with a chambered .338 Lapua Magnum round. I set up and observed the patrols through my scope. Ilona whispered,
"Guard, at the entrance. He's alone, distance 500 metres. Push two left." I dope my scope and settled the scope on the target. I whispered,
"On target." Ilona whispered,
"On your shot." I took a deep breath and the scope settled. I rest my finger on the trigger and exhaled and fired. The silenced round hit the guard with a deadly headshot. He was dead before he hit the ground. Mitchell fired a shot into the head of an incoming guard. I swung around and found another target next to the BTR. I fired. The silenced round hit the guard in the chest, the round entering his armour like it is nothing. I look to the empire state building windows and found two guards talking. I muttered,
"Mitchell, two targets marked. Second floor window of the building. Execute sim-shot." He aimed his target on the left. I put my scope on the right and muttered,
"One…. Two…. Three." Both of us fired at the same time, killing both of them instantly. A flash appeared behind us. I look behind and saw Poseidon standing there. He is unarmed. I stood up, flicking my hands and my hidden blades shot out. Tyrael and Imperious also had their weapons out. He sighed and said,
"I do not wish to fight. I just want to talk." I readied my blades and replied,
"Forgive me for not believing you. You tried to have your son murdered when we landed in Alaska." Poseidon called his trident to him and he sighed. He said,
"If we have to talk after battle, so be it." He lunged at me, but Tyrael blocked the strike and counter-attack. The power flux that is being unleashed will definitely attract the other Olympians. I said,
"Time for plan B." I threw my smoke grenade and leap into the smoke, taking advantage of the confusion and dashed into the basement of the empire state building. There, I saw the Wielders being chained to the wall, when the Weapons of old beside them. I look at the energy readings and knew that it is the real Wielders. I forced the cuffs to open and they collapsed to the ground. I supported them to their feet and Jason said,
"Gideon? Where's Percy?" I drew my sword and replied,
"In a safe location. Now let's move. We have to get out of here." With that, the Wielders staggered to their feet and grabbed their weapons. We ran up to the entrance of the building and saw the entire Olympian council waiting. Zeus walked up to us and sneered,
"Where is Perseus?" I spat,
"Go to hell." Zeus pointed his master bolt at me and fired. But a golden shield erupted in front of us. The bolt hit it and an explosion rocked the ground. When the smoke cleared, Imperious was standing in front of us in full battle armour. His back have golden wings that flowed softly. He growled,
"You made a big mistake making us your enemy Zeus." Zeus sneered and replied,
"Imperious. Finally came out of your hiding spot. Now I can finally kill you and take Solarion as my own." Imperious snorted and replied,
"Another day Zeus." With that, he envelop us in golden light, teleporting us back to the Angiris Council. Tyrael appeared beside us and said,
"That was too close. Percy must receive training on the mystic arts. As well as the other four." Imperious nodded and said,
"The training will begin tomorrow. Now, the young heroes must rest." He waved his hand and we are transported to our rooms. I deactivated my Exo-suit and placed my sniper rifle on the wall. I changed my clothes and prepared for bed. I fell asleep instantly when my head hit the pillow.
Warpath's POV
I look out of the window of the hospital, waiting for news of the Team. I look back to Thalia. She is sleeping peacefully, with Zoe in a cot next to her. Imperious walked in and stood beside me. I asked,
"The Team?" Imperious replied,
"Mission accomplished. The wielders are back with us. Training with begin tomorrow. Get some rest." I nodded and turned to Thalia and Zoe. Thalia is just waking up. She blinked and said,
"Perce, what time is it?" I replied,
"It's just after 10pm. Go back to sleep. I'll watch over Zoe." She nodded and went back to sleep. I watched her sleeping form, her face illuminated by the moonlight. I look over to my daughter and saw her stirring. I walked over to her cot and picked her up and held her. She opened her eyes and look up to me. I muttered,
"Hey baby girl. What's the matter hmm?" She reach up and grabbed a part of my hood and played with it, while looking at me. I smiled and tickled her chin. She giggled and squirmed. I rocked her while walking to the kitchen to brew warm milk for her. After a few minutes, I poured the milk into a bottle and feed her. She suckled the milk and finished it in record time. Man, she has my appetite, that's for sure. Once she's finished, she yawned and closed her eyes and went back to sleep. I went back to the room and laid her back into the cot. I look back to the window and sighed. The days ahead will be filled with difficulty. Zeus will not stop to find us. So, after the training, we are taking the fight to them. With that thought, I took my place beside Thalia in a chair and fell asleep.