Disclaimer: PJATO belongs to Rick Riordan, I am just writing for fun.
Hera's POV:
Ten years. We have been waging war against our father and his followers for ten years. After our initial victory over Koios many Titans and Gods rallied to our side and initially the war went in our favor. But the Titans army struck back and they struck back hard. We waged a massive battle at the base of Mt. Pelion, practically in our backyard. The Titans caught us by surprise, but we managed a defense before they scattered our army and had an uncontested route to Mt. Olympus. Hestia was almost captured by Hyperion, but Poseidon managed to rescue her. Hyperion stabbed him and went to cut off his head but Hades and Carolos arrived in time and Hyperion was outmatched by the two, so he disappeared before he could be killed or captured. That battle was a year ago, and since that time, there has been no activity by either army. Poseidon has healed and we have secured our defenses and sat in hundreds of stupid war meetings, which is where I find myself at now.
Zeus and Metis are talking about some strategy while the rest of us are just 'listening'. These past ten years have changed all of us so much. Hestia has let her hair grow down to her lower back but still wears that same sweet smile. She is still the least aggressive and outspoken of us, but is not afraid to put an end to our arguments, reminding us that she is indeed the eldest sibling. Hades has let his hair grow long and is now sporting a beard. He does not speak often but when he does it is usually a sarcastic comment which causes a fight between Zeus, Poseidon, and himself. Demeter wears her hair braided with different flowers in it. She is still shy and does not speak often but when you set her off, Fates be with you because that woman knows she can rant. Poseidon has a headful of shaggy hair and a close cropped beard. He is still that silly goofball that he has always been. Seeing the terrifying being he becomes in battle is still shocking. Zeus hair is a little past his shoulders and he has a bushy beard. He has let his command go to his head. He has been trying to woo Metis but she keeps denying his advances. The rest of us find it funny and we always have a good laugh when she shoots him down. Carolos is the most difficult of my siblings to place. His hair is at his shoulders and he is sporting a close cropped beard. He shares characteristics from all of his older brothers, like Hades' sarcasm, Poseidon's goofiness, and Zeus' commanding aura and of course the temper that all seven of us share. Cal is still terrible at talking to women. We all share a good laugh at our baby brother whenever he has to talk to a woman outside of giving commands. Whenever he tries talking to Leto is the funniest, he freezes up and barley manages to stutter out a "Hey Leto" then runs away. I caught him giving himself a pep talk once, so he could finally manage a conversation with Leto, that boy is sad.
"Something funny sis?" Cal says breaking me out of my thoughts.
He smirks, knowing I was not paying attention before deciding to bring it to the room's attention thus making Zeus and Metis give me angry looks. Well if he is going to embarrass me, two can play at that game.
"Nothing baby brother just remembering yourself pep talk to work up your courage to talk to Leto."
Cal blushes and we all share a laugh at his expense.
"Oh he- he- hey Leto" Poseidon does an impression of Cal, which just gets all of us roaring in laughter.
"Older siblings are such a pain" Cal mumbles and that just sets our laughs off again. Well at least until Metis gasps.
"What is it Metis?" Zeus asks.
"That's how we beat the Titans" Metis exclaimed with a smile on her face.
"How?" Demeter asks the question we are all thinking.
"Simple we release the Titans elder siblings from their prisons and get them to join us."
"Yeah great plan Metis but you forgot a few important details" Cal states.
"Like what Carolos?" Metis spits, she hates when someone questions her brilliance.
"Like how the Tartarus are we going to free them?!" Cal practically yells at her.
"Everyone calm down, now brother explain what you mean." Zeus calmly states.
"Well the Hekatonkheire and Elder Cyclopes are trapped in Tartarus and are being guarded by Kampe." Cal states.
"Who is Kampe?" Poseidon asks.
"Kampe is only the second worst monster to ever come into being. She is mostly a dragon with a huge scorpion tail, which has extremely powerful venom, and to top it all off she has two deadly scimitars coated in the venom." Cal says and visible shutters.
"Well if that's" Zeus starts but is interrupted by Cal.
"Oh yeah the only entrance to Tartarus is in the Underworld, which is ruled by Iapetus, who has legions of monsters on his side and is the greatest wielder of the spear on the planet."
"Better than you Cal?" Hestia asks.
"Uncle Iapetus taught me how to fight" Cal states sadly. We all slightly glare at him for referring to him as uncle. Because of what happened to us eldest Gods we do not refer to the Titans as family, except for mother of course, but Carolos does and it has caused a small sore spot between us.
"The risk is great but the reward will be worth it in the end" Metis says with complete conviction in her voice.
Cal sighs but nods his head in agreement.
"You're right as usual Metis, but here is how this is going to happen" Cal draws our attention to the war table.
"Metis you and my sisters will move our army as close to Mt. Othrys as you can without provoking an attack. While you do that my brothers and I will sneak into the Underworld" Cal orders in his commanding tone.
"Why do we need to move the army brother, if we are not going to attack?" I ask.
"That's brilliant Carolos, we will draw their attention while you four sneak into the Underworld, and if luck is on our side Iapetus may be called from the Underworld to defend Mt. Othrys." Metis exclaims with excitement.
Cal smirks, "My thoughts exactly."
Cal looks at all of us for conformation and we all nod our consent.
"Very well Metis have the army ready to march at dawn and the rest of us should get some rest." Cal orders never taking his eyes off the map on the war table.
"Of course my lord" Metis says with a bow and leaves.
We all leave the room except Cal who hasn't moved. I walk back to him and loop my arm through his.
"What's wrong Cal?"
He lets out a sigh before pulling me into his strong arms for a hug. I snuggle into his broad chest before he speaks.
"This is dangerous sis, Kampe alone is dangerous enough, but add Iapetus and it only gets worse, not to mention the fact that the Titans may attack you guys while we are gone."
I pull his chin down so we are looking each other in the eyes.
"Don't worry about us brother, we can handle things."
"Sorry sis I'm always worried about you guys" he says with a sad smile.
I lean up and kiss his cheek, "You take care of yourself Cal and you come back to us."
He smiles and kisses the top of my head, "Of course Lady Hera."
With that he releases me and we both head to our rooms to get some rest.
Carolos' POV
My brothers and I successfully snuck into the Underworld and are now crossing over the River Styx. Styx was one of the first allies mother secured for us, but she publically claims neutrality because she is married to the Titan Pallas, the titan of warfare. We swore to take Pallas alive on her river; we agreed all holy oaths be sworn on Styx's river as it is the river that separates the world of the living from the world of the dead. We continue our trek through the Underworld in silence before Poseidon decides to break it.
"Well this is officially the worst place I've ever been in."
"Even worse than father's stomach?" Hades asks with a smirk.
"Okay this is the second worse place I've ever been in."
We all share a laugh at this.
"Well when we win this war, one of us will be living down here." I inform my brothers.
"Pray tell what you mean brother?" Zeus asks.
"Father is Lord of the Cosmos and the Cosmos has four main domains: the heavens, the seas, the underworld, and time. When we depose father we will each claim a domain."
My brothers all nod their heads with thoughtful looks on their faces.
"How do we decide which domain goes to whom?" Hades asks.
"I'm sure the Fates will tell us when we win this war" I explain.
"True, but let us focus on the task at hand." Zeus commands.
We turn a corner and come face to face with Pallas and Menoetius, titan of anger and rash fullness.
"Well look at what we have here" Pallas says with smugness.
"Pallas, Menoetius surrender and you will be shown mercy" I say.
"Tempting but I think we will pass" Pallas says, the cocky smirk never leaving his face.
"You four will be brought before Lord Kronos and be made to suffer" Menoetius said anger clearly displayed on his face.
"But first, Carolos, Lord Iapetus has asked that you to go to his palace."
I nod my head, but cannot hide my worry about fighting my Uncle Iapetus. For one I'm not a hundred percent sure I can beat him and the thought of killing my teacher and the uncle who practically raised me rubs me the wrong way.
"Now you go we will entertain your brothers" Pallas says then quickly draws his sword and engages Poseidon in combat.
Menoetius charges Hades, but Hades blew him backwards with a blast of godly energy.
"You two continue on with the mission, Poseidon and I will deal with these two" Hades says as he blocks a swipe meant to decapitate him.
Zeus and I start running to the entrance of Tartarus. We are far enough away that we can no longer hear the sounds of our brothers fighting before we slow down.
"How much longer to Tartarus?" Zeus asks.
"It's a few more minutes that way, but this is where we part ways brother."
"What do you mean brother?"
"You heard Pallas, Iapetus has requested my presences and it's rude to refuse the Lord of the Dead."
"What about Kampe?"
I place my hands on Zeus' shoulders, "You can do this brother, I have faith in you."
Zeus just looks at me before nodding his head. We share a quick brotherly hug and take the paths for the next steps in our destiny.
Hades' POV
This titan is fighting so angry and it's making beating him incredible easy. I look over at Poseidon, who is struggling with Pallas. I could tell Poseidon was holding back, we did have to capture Pallas for Styx. Menoetius swung with all his might at my head in a horizontal swing. I duck my head and bring my sword up and then hear the titan scream. My sword has sliced through his arms and taking the forearms down off. I quickly follow with a stab through his heart and watch with satisfaction as the titan dissolves into dust. I turn my attention to my brother to see that Pallas and he are deadlocked in their fight. I quickly blast Pallas with godly energy and he slams into a wall. Pallas was clearly not expecting the blow so it took him a few seconds to get his bearings, seconds he would not be getting. Poseidon slammed the hilt of his blade into Pallas head and rendered the titan unconscious. I snap my fingers and the titan is encased in celestial bronze chains.
"Took you long enough brother" Poseidon said as he came to stand beside me.
"What are you talking about? I got mine, he was yours."
"You try fighting and holding back, it's not easy."
I just smirk at him and we share a laugh.
"Bravo my lords" Styx says as she appears out of nowhere. I nod my head and give Styx a look over. She is beautiful, she has long raven black hair, an abundant bust, and curves for days.
"It's rude to stare my lords" Styx says in a teasing voice, which makes me and Poseidon look away. Styx just laughs and walks to her husband, while swaying her hips very seductively.
"I'll take him to the prisons on Olympus my lords and thank you."
Poseidon and I nod our consent so she flashes out with the captured titan.
"Well should we help our brothers" Poseidon asks.
I wave my hand and make a chair appear and take a seat.
"No they are big boys they can handle it, besides we should stay here in case the titans send reinforcements." I say in a joking manner.
Poseidon just laughs and conjures up his own chair.
"So that Styx is a nice eyeful" Poseidon says.
"Indeed little brother, but remember I saw her first" I reply with a smirk.
We swap war stories of our conquest of the women in our ranks. Poseidon and I have both had our way with quite a few of the female titans and goddess, but neither one of us has found one we want to make a wife. We both share our knowledge of Zeus' conquest, which are numerous and we share a laugh at his failure to woo Metis. I ask if he knows of any of Cal's conquest and Poseidon does not know of any.
"Well it's not surprising, have you seen him try to talk to a woman outside of giving commands."
We share a laugh, both of us and Zeus are natural ladies men, but our baby brother is terrible at it. Suddenly what sounds like a stampede is heard and Poseidon and I get in battle ready stances. Zeus appears and behind him are the largest creatures I have ever seen. There are three Cyclopes that dwarf any Cyclopes that our father commands and there were three other creatures that I've never seen before. They each have hundreds of hands and heads and were at least thirty feet tall. When they saw us they kneeled and said, "My lords."
I make the motion for them to rise and turn my attention towards Zeus.
"Good work brother, where is Carolos?"
"I thought he would be here already."
"No he left with you, that's the last we've seen of him" Poseidon says.
"We need to go look for him" I say with a slight hint of worry.
"No need here I am" Carolos says as he approaches us. He has a massive wound on his side and bruises and cuts all over him. What worries me most is the depressed look he has on his face.
"What happened Cal?" Poseidon asks in a concerned tone.
Cal drops his head so we can't see his face, "Nothing let's get back to the army."
With that the four of us focus our powers and flash ourselves and our newly acquired allies to our army camp.
Zeus' POV: Before reuniting with Brothers
I went in the direction that Cal pointed out and found myself at the entrance of Tartarus. I could feel the evil drifting up from the pit and did my best to repress the shudder I felt. Before I could focus on it too long I heard a screech so loud it hurt my ears. I turn towards the sound and almost drop my sword at the terrifying sight. My brother failed to describe how awful Kampe truly was. She was how he described but she was also a hundred times more horrible then I could imagine. She smiled evilly at my fear and took out her two swords which gave off a green hue thanks to the venomous coating. I tightened my grip on my sword and brought up my shield. Kampe was quick and brought her blades down with a tremendous amount of force. The force behind her strike jarred me to my bones, but I was able to keep up my defense. I made a mental note to thank my little brother later; all those sessions of him pounding on me with his colossal strength are really paying off in this fight. I got drawn into a weapons lock with the monster and suddenly felt tremendous pain on my shield arm. I forgot about the animal heads on Kampe's belt and paid the price as a bear like creature crunched down on my arm. The pain caused me to drop my shield and back away from the monster. I had to think quickly or this creature was going to kill me. I looked around and noticed a rather large pile of loose rocks up on a cliff at my back. I backed up against the cliff and pretended like I could not fight anymore and the monster lunged for the kill shot. I rolled under the blow at the last second and saw my plan had succeeded. Kampe's swords became stuck in the cliffside and as she tried to remove them I shot a blast of godly energy at the top of the cliff and watched in satisfaction as the resulting landslide crushed the monster. I stood there for a few seconds to gather my bearings when suddenly the rock pile moved and to my horror Kampe crawled out. She was severely injured and was bleeding ichor everywhere. I raised my sword and decapitated the horrendous fiend who exploded into golden dust and slime.
"Not a bad showing little god" a voice sounded from what seemed like all around me.
"Who is there?" I said with confidence in my voice, but I knew I wouldn't be able to put up much of a fight.
"I am Tartarus, little god and I understand you have business with me" the voice roared.
Even though I hated too, even I am not foolish enough to not bow in the presences of a Primordial.
"Lord Tartarus, I request the release of the Hekatonkheire and the Elder Cyclopes, so they can assist us Olympians in our fight against the Titans.
Tartarus hummed like the idea amused him, "And tell me little god, why I should give up my prisoners and not just drag you down into my pit."
Even though he was not physically here I did not doubt the Primordial could do it. I could not stop the fearful expression that crossed my face. Then suddenly an idea came to me.
"A prisoner exchange Lord Tartarus. In exchange for the Hekatonkheire and the Elder Cyclopes, when this war is over all the Titan prisoners of war will be given to you."
Tartarus hummed again but this time it seemed like in interest, "I do indeed hate Gaia's arrogant offspring" he hummed again in deep thought, "Very well little god I accept your exchange."
With that his presences left and in a its place a massive shadow rose from the pit and took the form of six massive beings. The hundred handed ones and the elder cyclopes kneeled at my feet before the largest of the group spoke.
"Are you the one who freed us?"
"Yes it was I."
If possible they all bowed even further, which felt great, before all six spoke in unison, "We are in your debt my lord, what can we do to repay you?"
I proceeded to tell them about our fight and they quickly agreed to fight against their traitorous brother Kronos.
"As one of the Olympians, I Zeus, accept your pledge of loyalty."
With that I led my newly acquired assets to where we came in to find Hades and Poseidon, but no sign of Carolos.
Carolos' POV: Before reuniting with Brothers
I entered the throne room, a room I was very familiar with. I had spent a lot of my childhood here.
"Carolos it has been a while since you last stepped in my throne room" my Uncle Iapetus said from his throne.
I looked into my uncles eyes and saw a look of acceptance in his eyes. Generally when we fight a Titan they are all cocky and smirking at us or giving us hateful expressions.
"Indeed it has uncle; I wish this meeting was under better circumstances."
"As do I my nephew."
"Uncle join us and help us overthrow my father and I promise you will be given a position of power in our new world" I pleaded.
My uncle took a deep breath, "Carolos would you betray your siblings?"
I sighed; I knew where this was going, "No."
"Then you have my answer nephew."
I nod my head and twist my ring to activate my shield. I retrieve my spear from my back and remove my cloak. I look up and see that my uncle is ready for battle as well.
"Before we begin, I want to say nephew that you were my best student and that I always thought of you as one of my own" my uncle says with acceptance in his voice.
I feel the tears gather in my eyes, "Know I hold no ill will against you and you have always been a father to me Uncle."
Iapetus nods at my words and I can see he is misty eyed as well. We take battle stances and I make the respectable motion of bowing my head to my master to which my master raises his spear above his head in recognition of my respect.
We circle each other for a few seconds before I take the initial strike. He catches it on his shield and carries out a counter strike which I block. We trade blows like this for a while and while we are both taking bruises and cuts, neither of us can gain the upper hand. We can predict each other's movements too easily so I decide to do something out of character. Instead of stabbing, I swing my spear and he raises his shield to catch it. He notices the hole I left in my defense and goes to capitalize on it. Seeing the spear headed for my side I drop my spear and grab the shaft of his. I was not fast enough and the tip pierced my side. Biting down my scream I bring my shield up on his spear and break his spear in two. He must have realized what I had planned as he rushed forward and pushed the part of his spear that was still in me deeper. I screamed in agony as I brought my shield down as hard as I could and hear a sickening crunch as my shield connects with Iapetus' head. Iapetus is clearly disoriented so I take a moment to look at my own wound. I am bleeding badly, not enough to die from, but still enough to cause problems if not treated soon. It doesn't seem like he pierced anything major. There is a little bit of the broken off shaft hanging out so I grab it and yank it out, and it hurts like Tartarus. I see stars for a moment before I recover. I look over at my uncle, who is losing ichor form his ears, mouth, eyes, and form where I struck him. I must have put enough force behind my blow to compress his brain, which means he won't live for another hour at the most.
He spits some ichor, "Well fought, it seems the student has surpassed the master."
I look at him in confusion before realization dawns on me; he wants me to end him.
"Even if I manage to defeat you nephew, which is unlikely given the extent the extent of my head pain, I would die from ichor loss within the hour, so from one warrior to another, don't let an old warrior die like that."
I understand where my uncle is coming from, we are warriors to die from blood loss would a great dishonor to us, if we are to die it should be from our opponents weapon. I pick up my spear with my good side and look at my uncle who nods. I drive my spear through his heart and watch as he dissolves into golden dust. My eyes get heavy with tears, but I know that now is not the time for crying, so I make my way back to my brothers.
Line Break: At the God's army camp
We flashed in with our new allies and were immediately met by our mother, sisters, and Metis.
"Thank the Fates you are alri-, Cal what's wrong?" Mother asked as she noticed my massive wound or it could have been the depressed look on my face.
"Nothing Mother, send a healer to my room, I'm retiring for the night."
With that I left, my brothers could handle debriefing our family and incorporating our new allies in the army. I make it to my room and remove my armor, which was difficult with an injury. An Oread, mountain nymph, showed up and began dressing my wound.
"You are dismissed" a voice from the doorway caught the nymphs and my attention. In the doorway stood Hera, whose face was caught somewhere between worried and angry.
"Of course my lady" the nymph said and bowed to the two of us before leaving. Hera took the nymphs place and finished dressing my wound and handed me some ambrosia, our godly food that pretty much cures everything.
"Are you okay Cal?" Hera asked in such a quite delicate voice.
"Yeah sis I feel much better thanks" I say and give her a small smile.
"I'm not talking about the wound Carolos."
I am not sure if I should tell her and show this weaker side of myself. Hera grabs my chin and makes me look at her before placing a kiss on my cheek.
"You can tell me anything Cal."
The loving and trusting look in her beautiful brown eyes makes the decision for me. I pour out my heart to her about the fight with Iapetus and the guilt I feel from killing someone I loved like a father. By the time I am done, I am crying without restraint, the guilt I have accumulated from war finally breaking free. Hera sits herself in my lap and brings my head to her chest.
"It's okay to cry Cal."
So I cry into my sisters' chest, where part of my brain notices how ample it is, for a few minutes, while Hera runs her fingers through my hair and whispers sweet nothings in my ear. I compose myself and look at my sister.
"Thank you so much sister, this means a lot to me."
"You can always confide in me Cal."
We notice at the same time that my body has reacted to the beautiful woman sitting on my lap, talk about awkward. Hera just giggles before getting out of my lap and gives me a kiss on the cheek, which last a little longer than it usually does, and walks out, with a "Good night little brother."
I move to my bed and lay down, "Well sleep is going to be 'hard' to come by tonight." I laugh at my own joke before I attempt some sleep. To prove my point I suddenly hear that my brothers all have 'company' tonight.
"It's going to be a long night.
General POV: Several Months Later
It had been several months since the sons of Kronos had rescued the Hekatonkheire and the Elder Cyclopes. In that time the Olympians had been camped out at the base of Mt. Othrys, cutting off the Titan stronghold from the rest of the world. Their recon had discovered that all the remaining Titans were there and were dug in for a long siege. Carolos had recovered from his wound and had developed several battle plans with Metis. The Gods were awaiting the return of the hundred handed ones and the elder cyclopes, who had went to Mt. Ida to do something they said would assure the Olympians victory. Iris had confirmed that they were on their way back and that they had an official presentation for the Olympians. The seven children of Kronos and Rhea were sitting in their makeshift thrones, surrounded by just about everyone in their army when they returned. The eldest of the Hekatonkheire, Briares, stepped forward while his brothers dropped to knees behind him.
"My Lords, my Ladies, forgive our absence but we have made the tools to assure your victory."
"And what would that be Briares?" Hades asked.
"Mighty weapons, Lord Hades, weapons that are superior to your father's scythe."
Everyone gaped at this; it was a well-known fact that Kronos possessed the mightiest weapon in the universe. Briares made a motion with one of his hands and his brothers stood up beside him.
"The Fates gave us glimpses at your future domains so we have made weapons accordingly."
He grabbed a metal cylinder and presented it to Zeus.
"For Lord Zeus we present you the Master Bolt, which will allow you to summon powerful blast of lightning and summon thunderstorms."
When Zeus grabbed the cylinder it came alive and changed into a shaft of pure energy.
Briares then grabbed a bronze helmet and presented it to Hades.
"For Lord Hades, we present you the Helm of Darkness, which will give you control over shadows and it induces a person's worst fears."
When Hades placed the helm on his head all the shadows gravitated to him and everyone was shuddering from their fears.
Briares then grabbed a bronze shaft that had three points and presented it to Poseidon.
"For Lord Poseidon, we present you the Trident, which will give you control over water and the ability to create earthquakes and hurricanes."
Poseidon grabbed the trident which grew several more feet and its power slammed into the surrounding people.
Briares then grabbed a bronze shaft and presented it to Carolos.
"For Lord Carolos, we present the Omega Spear, which will give you control over ice and snow and grants you the ability to cause winter storms."
Carolos grabbed the shaft which expanded into a long spear and had immense power rolling off of it.
The brothers looked at each other and nodded.
"We thank you for your mighty gifts Briares, you and your brothers have done well and will be rewarded greatly when we defeat the Titans." Zeus said which earned him a loud cheer from the assembled masses. The brothers raised their new weapons in the air and the cheering increased to deafening levels. The Gods now had the allies, skill, and weapons to overthrow their father, and the time was drawing near.
A/N: Thanks for reading. Special thanks to everyone who fav/followed and reviewed. Reviews are appreciated. Sorry if the fight scenes stunk, they are hard to write.