Disclaimer: I do not own Hero: 108 or Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
Chapter 6:
Percy shivered in the cold climate that had suddenly turned from summer to winter. He turned to the two eldest in the group, who were calmly flying alongside them. He then turned to Nico, who - other than looking slightly worried - also looked like he was having fun.
For some strange reason, Annabeth was pale with fright (though Percy suspected it had something to do with Hawk and Lin Chung). Igor, Rick and Aron were all equally pale, having insisted on going with them. He turned to Jumpy, who was laughing as he soared up higher.
Percy couldn't help but smile at the scene. He himself was slightly frightened at flying so high up in the air, but it was still quite fun once you got over the potentially falling to the ground thing. Their feet soon brushed the tops of a mountain, causing snow gently to gently puff ip. He landed when seeing Hawk and Lin Chung do the same, before starting to shiver once again. He was dressed for summer, not winter!
Hawk, as if sensing their distress, snapped his fingers and lightweight warm coats appeared, resembling those worn by the hunters. The two oldest made no move to take them, instead leading them down into the mountain. Percy looked around, admiring the frozen snowflakes and the snow that was still falling gently falling around them.
He looked ahead, and upon realising he was quite a ways behind, ran to catch up with the group. He saw Hawk stop suddenly in front of a wall before he opened a door that was perfectly camouflaged and carved into the wall. It opened up to reveal a winter version of the Olympian throne room. A goddess sat at the head throne, sitting up when she saw them. Her smile was welcoming, though her eyes widened in surprise when she saw who was leading them.
Her smile seemed to light the whole room, bringing them warmth and comfort. She walked up to them. "Hawk!" She hugged him tightly, a hug that he returned. "I thought you had passed!"
Hawk laughed. "Takes a lot more than a creation by one of my creations to defeat me." The goddess laughed as well, before beaming at Lin Chung.
"Lin Chung. You're here as well?" Lin Chung nodded in response.
Hawk sighed. "I'm sorry to have to come with such disturbing news, but can you inform the remaining Japanese gods to convene? There is something serious we must discuss." The lady nodded immediately, flicking her hand. Then she turned to the group.
"And who are they?"
Lin Chung smiled faintly. "We will explain that later, when all of the gods are here." He turned to the group. "This is Amaterasu-O-Mi-Kami, also known as Amaterasu."
Hawk continued. "The goddess of the sun, as well as the purported ancestress of the Imperial Household of Japan. Very major goddess, though it isn't official."
The group were looking slightly lost. "What?" Annabeth asked again.
Hawk chuckled. "You think that was hard, wait until you meet Tsukiyomi, or Futsushi." The group looked even more lost, causing the other three to chuckle. There was then flashes of light, and Japanese-looking gods and goddesses started appearing. They looked at the group in curiosity, until Hawk cleared his throat and introduced them.
"This is Perseus Jackson, son of Poseidon; Annabeth Chase, Daughter of Athena; Nico di Angelo, son of Hades; Rick Arrogantte, son of Zeus; Ingr Orgueilleux, son of Hades; and Aron Narcissique, son of Poseidon."
The gods and goddesses nodded, though they still looked confused as to why they were being summoned. Annabeth eyed each of them with suspicion. "And who are all of you?" She demanded.
Hawk and Lin Chung glared sharply at her. However, Lin Chung answered her question. "Ame-no-uzume, Uzume, Japanese goddess of dawn and revelry. Fujin, also known as Kami-no-Kaze, Japanese god of wind. Hachiman-Japense god of War, divine protector of Japan and its people. Iznagi: Forefather of the Japanese gods, Japanese god of creation and life-"
"I thought Hawk was the creator of the mortals." Ignr interrupted.
Hawk nodded. "Yes, I am. I created Iznagi, Fugjin, and a few other gods, but most of them are created by Iznagi himself. Sometimes, tales twist as they descend generations, so some people are mistaken as many."
Lin Chung continued before an argument
could spring up. "Omoikane, Japanese deity of wisdom and intelligence, sort of the advisor of the council."
"My mother is the best goddess of wisdom and intelligence." Annabeth boasted.
Omoikane looked like he was about to rip her head off, before Hawk spoke. "Yes, but, sometimes, there are some who are better than others. And that is only in her Greek form. In her Roman form, she is a pathetic minor goddess."
Annabeth growled, but Lin Chung continued once more. "Raijin, Japanese god of thunder and lightning-"
That was when Rick spoke up, growling. "But not as good as my dad."
Lin Chug and Raijin turned to glare at him sharply. "But he is not the only god of thunder and lightning!" He snapped. "Ryujin," Lin Chung pointed to a dragon. "Is the Japanese god of the sea-"
"My dad is the god of sea." Aron muttered, crossing his arms. "And, anyway, why didn't they help during the Battle of Manhattan?"
Hawk snarled at him, making him back away. "Listen carefully. Your parents aren't the only gods in existence with enemies! The Japanese gods are older than them, the Chinese gods are older than them. Far older. So, either deal with it, or I'll shut you up."
"Susanoo-no-Mikoto, also known as Futsushi, Japanese," He pointedly mentioned, glaring at the four demigods, "god of storms, sometimes known as the god of the sea. Tsukuyomi-ni-Mikoto, also known as Tsukiyomi, Japanese god of the moon." He gestured to eight gods standing in a semicircle in the corner.
"Benzaiten, also known as Benten, goddess of everything that flows, both literally and metaphorically speaking. Cishamonten, also called Bishamon, god of fortunate warriors and guards, punisher of criminals. Daikotuten, or Daikoku, god of wealth or the household." Percy turned to the god, who was smiling widely (which kind of freaked him out) "Ebisu, the 'laughing god'; Fukurokuju, god of wisdom and longevity; Hotei, deity of contentment and abundance. Jurojin, represents longevity as well. Kichijoten, eighth member of the seven gods of fortune, goddess of happiness, fertility and beauty."
The eight gods bowed to them. Daikoku smiled broadly. "Welcome."
Annabeth frowned. "Aren't there more?"
Hawk sighed, shaking his head. "I'm afraid not. They either faded or were hunted down."
"Yes, which leads us to our second matter. What are you doing here?" Kichijoten asked him, her head tilted.
Hawk sighed again. "Tsuinmasutazu is rising once again." There were frozen looks of horror pasted on each of the gods' faces. "He has woken because of a foolish mortal, and has sent a demigod to do his work. The demigod can break the Ancient Laws. We need the Japanese gods' help."
Futusushi sighed. He was usually cheerful, but now, he was feeling especially downcast at the thought of their old enemy. "Then how do we stop him? He killed you. We all knew about it, until you were reincarnated only four years ago. If he can defeat you, his creator, he can defeat us all."
Hawk shook his head. "That is what we are here to talk about."
"The Greek gods?" Omoikane asked, head tilted.
Lin Chung nodded. "Partially. The Greek gods, as you need to know, also have Roman counterparts. We would like you to consider an alliance with the Olympians and the Chinese gods."
Izanagi frowned. "We would certainly accept an alliance with the Chinese gods, what with your formidable reputation, but we are not too sure about the Olympians."
"Please." Hawk said. "With the demigod, Twin Masters can twist the Ancient Laws. He will be unstoppable."
Izanagi stopped, clearly considering it. "Maybe if you can give us a few days?" Hawk nodded slowly. "Because, for now, there is a matter that is beyond our reach. If you can help us, we will help you."
"What problem can be so hard?" Percy asked, head tilted.
Lin Chung frowned. "Please don't tell me that it's…" Izanagi winced, looking sheepish, yet serious at the same time.
"Yuki-Onna, the fearsome winter spirit? Yes."