"Do whatever you have to do to survive. Even if it means cutting out the last string of humanity you have left."
"Long time no see, Perseus. Let's have a chat."
Percy stopped running as he noticed the towering God of war before him with his broadsword slung over his shoulder. Piper and Hazel were both kneeling on the ground in front of him, bruised and battered but otherwise fine. Percy's nerves eased at the sight of them. Training his eyes upwards at Ares, the son of Poseidon leveled his sword at the God. The others behind him did the same as they prepared to face off against the Olympian.
"You've fucked up, Mars. Coming all the way out here to the Godless land with your weakened powers to fight us." Jason taunted, lightning flashing in his eyes. He wasn't one to do the taunting like Percy always did but when he spotted his girlfriend and the state she was in, all honor was thrown out the window.
"Mars isn't here, child." Ares sadistically smirked, eyeing the demigods like a wolf would to its prey. "Just the devil."
Silence ensued as they all stared at Ares's menacing red eyes, the only sound being the raindrops heavily hitting the God of war's armor. Percy gripped his sword tightly as a million thoughts raced through his head. How did Ares find them so quickly? He thought they would've had more time to be prepared but it seemed fate had other ideas. It doesn't matter though. They could take on Ares. His powers should be weakened and with the other guys to help, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. Idly swinging his sword, the son of Poseidon approached his longtime rival, prepared to finish the match they had all those years ago on the beach.
"You sure you want to do this, Ares? You might fade if I kill you off here. Do you really want to take that chance against me?" Percy returned an equally sadistic smirk, his green eyes flashing a dangerous poison color. Ares clicked his tongue in annoyance at the demigod's insolence but refused to move from his position. He knew that Jackson and the other demigods could take him on equally, considering just how much power he's lost since being here. And the sea God's brat was right. Who knew what would happen to his immortality if he were to lose. Looking down at the demigoddess before him however, he knew that there was still a way to win this fight. Screw honor, he needed to win no matter the method.
"We're not gonna fight, Jackson. I have other methods for beating you. " Ares responded, leveling his broadsword at Hazel's neck. The poor girl looked to be on the verge of hyperventilating as she desperately looked at her group of friends for help. Frank gripped his weapon tightly as he watched the women he loved be at the mercy of his so-called father. He wanted to charge and absolutely murder the piece of shit but knew he shouldn't. Percy had a better chance at beating Ares and until he gave the command, he wouldn't do anything no matter how much he disliked it.
"I knew you were a coward but to do this? It's embarrassing for the so-called God of war." Percy growled, not daring to move an inch in fear of Ares actually slitting Hazel's throat. This was a difficult situation they were in. Ares had him at a deadlock and he knew it. Any other situation, the God and he would've already traded blows.
"Percy. We can still take him and save Hazel and Piper. Just give the word." Nico whispered behind him. The son of Poseidon could sense the heavy unease and anticipation in Nico's voice. He couldn't lose another sister. He didn't want to go through that pain again and would do anything to prevent it. Percy cracked his neck in annoyance at the tough situation. One wrong move and they were done. This journey would end with them dead at Ares's feet. Looking at his friends who all seemed scared to their wits' end however, he knew he would do anything to keep them alive and happy. If that meant taking on the God of war so be it. And so with a subtle nod of his head in reply to Nico, the group of men all prepared to fight for their lives and saved the women they loved.
Ares noticed the shift in their demeanor. It confused him as to why they would still fight knowing the situation they were in. One flick of the wrist and the girl's blood would be all over the ground below. Looking at the fierce eyes of Percy Jackson though, he began to understand why. To have that confidence and determination even in the face of danger made all the difference. That was why he had such a big following not just of demigods but also Gods.
"I had a feeling you might try to be the hero." Ares smirked at the determined men before him. Little did they know that he had one more trick up his sleeve. Snapping his fingers, he watched in sick joy as the trees around them began to move, one by one revealing the army of cyclops the demigods had escaped from days before. Percy's eyes widened at the sudden reveal of the monsters, backing away slightly as the ground below him shook. His nerves were going haywire as he realized this shitty situation, they were in just got a whole lot worse. They were surrounded now with no possible chance of fighting Ares without losing a couple of lives.
"Such a fucking coward." Percy glared at the smirking God who only shrugged his shoulders.
"To win by any means, am I right?" The God responded. Percy swirled his sword in anticipation, trying to think of something to get them out of this but he was drawing a blank. Ares smirked in victory at the son of Poseidon's lack of action before telling him to surrender and get on his knees before him. Percy craned his head to the group, his eyes silently asking what they should do. Fight? Or do what Ares says and have a chance of coming out of this all alive. The guys subtly nodded their heads, reluctantly agreeing that the best course of action was to listen to Ares's demands for now. Percy nodded before capping his sword and walked over to the God, kneeling on the wet, soaking ground before him. The others soon followed suit as they tried to ignore the infuriating smirk on Ares's face as he watched them all kneel before him.
"Good. Good! It seems you still have some brain left in ya." Ares taunted as he began to slowly walk around the kneeling demigods, analyzing each one of them. "Starved, malnourished, tired, haven't bathed in days. Jeez Jackson, you've gone through all that shit just to end up like this!?"
"It's better than being at mercy of Olympus." Percy replied, earning another laugh from the God.
"Yet, look where you sit. Kneeling and at the mercy of me, an Olympian. So really, you haven't changed much. You're still just a petty demigod."
"Get to the chase, Ares. I'm not just going to sit and hear you drone on and on." Jason spat, eyeing the God up and down in distaste. Ares's back straightened at the disrespect from the son of Jupiter but elected not to hurt him just yet. He still needed to prick the mind of Percy and make him realize just how utterly fucked he was before killing anyone. Walking over to the son of Poseidon, Ares knelt down and put his scared hand against the demigod's cheek. Red met green as the two stared at one another in absolute hate.
"Do you realize just how long I've been waiting for this? To finally have full reign and kill you like the dog you are." Ares asked, his warm breath pushing against Percy's face. The demigod decided not to answer and instead focused on the wellbeing of his friends beside him. He could care less about Ares's vendetta about him. As long as his friends were ok then nothing else mattered to him. They look scared for him, frightened as to what Ares would do to him. He too wondered just what the God had up his sleeve. Maybe soon an opportunity would pop up for them to escape if he kept talking.
Ares clicked his tongue at the lack of response, getting up from his position and walking over to the son of Hades who defiantly spat on his shoes. Ares stared at Nico for a few seconds before hitting him as hard as he could. And then continued to do so over and over and over again. Percy cringed as he heard the clash of bone against bone.
"Ares, stop! Ok, stop! I get it! I'll answer your questions just stop!" Percy yelled, finally fed up when he could see that Nico's face was barely unrecognizable due to the amount of blood on it. The God of war decided to agree to his pleas, taking deep breaths as he proudly walked over the slumped body. Percy had a face of death on his face as he watched his cousin pass out in his own pool of blood. He subtly used his powers to allow the blood to steer clear of Nico's mouth which lessened the chance of him choking to death.
Ares knelt down in front of the black-haired demigod, putting his blood-stained hand on his cheek seeing Nico's blood over him.
"You know, I've learnt a lot about you over the years. I know how you think. I know how you feel. I know what makes you tick." The God said, giving a smile that sent shivers down the spine. "And to make the great Perseus Jackson suffer doesn't mean beating him to an inch of his life. No…No…To make you suffer means to make your friends suffer."
Percy's poisonous glare fixated on Ares, daring him to make a move on anymore of his friends.
"Don't." He growled. "You only have a problem with me, not them. Leave them out of this and take it out on me."
"Did you not hear me, Jackson. In order for you to suffer I have to make your friends suffer first!" Ares asked, slugging his broadsword over his shoulder as he skipped to the middle of the circle. "So! Which friend of yours do you want to suffer first!?"
Percy shook his head in reply. He could never be able to do that. To put pain onto one of his friends simply to avoid it himself was cowardly. It was something the Gods constantly did, and he promised himself he would never be like them no matter how powerful he became.
"Aww, c'mon. I know there has to be someone here that you wouldn't mind seeing their brains all over the ground. So tell me, Percy, before I decide to just kill you all!"
"I would never do that, Ares. Just take it out on me because that's all I'll agree to."
The God sighed in mock disappointment before reluctantly nodding his head. The great Percy Jackson would never willingly allow his friends to be hurt. So it looked like another method would have to be used. Snapping his fingers as a brilliant idea formed inside his head, Ares walked over to the far left of the circle where Piper was. Pointing his broadsword directly in her eyes, the daughter of Aphrodite looked to be on the verge of hyperventilating as he desperately looked to Jason for help.
"Since Jackson doesn't want to pick, I guess we'll have to do this a different way. And what better way than a game of eeny, meeny, miny, moe, right!?"
The group stayed silent, all too stunned and scared to speak as the God began to play his game. Walking slowly behind them with his sword inches away from their heads, Ares began to sing in a sadistic tone.
"Percy, we have to do something or one of us is about to get killed!" Jason whispered to his right. Percy agreed but what could be done? Any attempt to run or fight would be met equally by Ares and the cyclops surrounding them. He hated to say it but if they were going to fight, they would have to accept losing a couple of people. The son of Poseidon could feel Ares's broadsword prickle his neck as he passed him, continuing to sing that old nursery rhyme. He was almost done but Percy couldn't tell who it would land on. That meant he only had a few more seconds to come up with a plan. Nico was clearly out. Jason, Frank, Leo, Will and the Stolls could probably hold on their own. The girls however seemed shaken. There was no telling what Ares had done to them before they got here.
"To pick the very best one!" Ares loudly proclaimed, tapping on Travis's shoulder. The poor kid tried his best not to be scared but there was only so much he could handle. To die like this was certainly something he never thought of. But to his relief and disgust at thinking that way, the God of war passed him and continued on around the circle.
"And!"
"You!"
Jason frantically looked over at his cousin, hoping for something to happen that could help them. The son of Jupiter felt his heart sink when Percy could only shake his head. He couldn't think of anything. No strategy or plan could possibly save all of them. Ares had them pinned.
"I'm sorry." Percy could only whisper to his friends, disgusted with himself because of his failure. Ares smiled in glee seeing the son of Poseidon's downcasted face before proclaiming who the first victim would be.
"ARE IT!" He screamed, pointing his sword directly in the demigod's face. Frank was the first to plead out to Ares, desperately yelling at him.
"No! No! Please, it can be me!" He cried out, almost crawling to the God if it weren't for the cyclops holding him down. Ares shook his head, disappointed at the demigod's pathetic display.
"You have no one to blame but Percy and yourself, kid. You decided to go down this road and now you gotta pay the consequences." He replied, before leveling his sword at Hazel's neck. She was the one Ares picked and now she looked to be on the verge of passing out due to the sheer amount of fear she was experiencing. Tears formed in her eyes as she looked over at Frank, trying to reassure him that it was ok.
"I'll find you in a different life, Frank." She wept, giving one last smile at the son of Mars. Before the God could go through with the act, a cyclops came walking into the frame. He was presumably the leader of the pack considering he was the tallest and most muscular. Percy almost threw up as the monster walked closer to him, his stench being on par with Tartarus's air.
"Lord Ares, you promised us." The cyclops said, annoyance laced in his voice. Ares craned his head at the monster, his eyes growing furious at the lack of respect and the audacity of this lesser being interrupting him. But the God remembered the promise he made with the monsters in order for them to follow him. He supposed he could throw them a bone for their help.
"Of course, my dear friend. As promised you get the first pick of the litter." Ares replied before suddenly grabbing Hazel by the hair and dragging her over to the pack of cyclops.
"W-Wait, wait, wait, wait. What are you doing?" Frank frantically asked as he watched the woman he loved be dragged across the mud before being thrown in the middle of the pack. The group of friends could only watch in horror as their friend, who was screaming out for help, be manhandled by the cyclops. Her body ripped apart piece by piece as the cyclops fought for their meal. Percy could only watch as the person he considered a sister be torn limb by limb, her warm blood falling down on him like rain and her shrill screams filling his ears.
Soon, Hazel's pleas and horrific howls came to a cease. The only indicator that there was once a Hazel Levesque on this Earth was the puddle of blood seeping into the ground. The cyclops continued to munch on their meal, using the girl's bones as toothpicks to get the meat out of their teeth. Ares sighed in satisfaction at the first death of the night before kneeling in front of Percy.
"There's going to be plenty more that are going to die, Jackson. I promise you that." Ares said to him, looking into his sea green eyes that held a thousand-yard stare. Blood dripped down the son of Poseidon's hair and eyes as he emptily stared back at the God. His ears rang as he tried to process all that had just happened, but it seemed his brain wouldn't allow that. The experience was too traumatic for it to handle at the moment. Ares huffed at the demigod's lack of emotion and was about to move onto the next victim in hopes it would incite something in Percy but stopped when he heard the son of Poseidon whisper.
What!? What'd you say?" Ares asked.
"One day." The son of Poseidon whispered, looking into Ares's eyes with such hate and anger. Hazel's blood dripped from his hair into his eyes but Percy didn't flinch nor even blink. He held Ares's gaze as he made a promise to him that he would one day complete.
"One day. Not today…Not tomorrow…but one day, I'm going to kill you."
Ares was silent as he stared at the demigod. Every fiber and nerve in his body screamed at him to look away and run. The God never knew there could be so much hate in a person's eyes, directed at him no less! Shivers went down his spine but despite his better judgment, he stayed where he was and continued to taunt the son of Poseidon.
"Holy shit!" He laughed as he got up from his position. "Now that was fucking good. You almost got me, Jackson. I'll give ya that."
The demigod didn't respond as he regained that empty look in his eye as he stared at Hazel's puddle of blood. The others could only weep as they mourned for their friend. Piper and Katie were heavily crying. The guys were all snarling at the God of war, eager to kill him but knew that they wouldn't even be able to get close. Nico was still passed out, which Percy was somewhat grateful for. The kid didn't need to see another sister die. The conversation to be held later, if they got out of this alive, was something he was not looking forward to having for a second time though. The pain of Bianca's death hit heavy on both their hearts. And now with Hazel…..only time will tell what the consequences might have on them.
"You fucking bastard!" Frank yelled, spit and tears flying out. "I'll fucking kill you! I'll fucking kill you all!" He desperately tried to crawl to his weapon but was held back by the bloody hands of a cyclops. The God of war walked over to his Roman counterpart's son and dipped his sword beneath his chin. The two looked at one another in hate and disgust before Frank spat in Ares's face.
"I never knew just how weak Mars's children were. Thank Gods, you aren't one of mine." The God said, wiping off the spit from his face. Frank, despite the sword at his throat, continued on with his hateful words. Promising the God that he would soon die at his hands and anyone else that was on his side. His children, his lovers, the Gods that supported him, all of them will die.
"Jeez, kid. If you're so upset by that girl's death then why don't you join her?" Ares interrupted, growing a terrible, sadistic look in his eye. "Matter of fact I'll help you out." He said, getting behind Frank with his sword held at his neck. The God made sure Percy had a clear view so that he could see another friend's life drain from their eyes.
"Please, not-not again." Percy and the others pleaded out as they watched Frank struggle in the vice grip Ares had on him. The God only laughed at their desperate cries, relishing in the power he had over them.
"I already told you, Jackson. I'm gonna make everyone you love suffer before I make you! Now watch this." He said, moving his weapon back to slit Frank's throat. The group of demigods except Percy turned away from the sight, not able to bear to watch another friend die. Before Ares could end his life, Percy captured Frank's gaze, both recognizing all the hate, pain, and anger in them. The son of Poseidon tried to silently convey just how sorry he was about the situation he got them in. How he was sorry he couldn't save Hazel or him. Despite the sword at his neck, Frank shook his head, conveying that it wasn't his fault. It was no one's fault except Ares. Hazel and the rest of them knew the consequences of this journey.
"Live, Percy." Frank said aloud, giving him his final words. "Show these damned Gods what you're truly capable of!"
And with that final out cry of determination and fearlessness of death, Frank Zhang prepared himself for death. He could feel Ares's sword slowly digging deeper and deeper into his neck with droplets of blood already beginning to leak out. He closed his eyes and prepared to meet death with a smile on his face. At least he would finally be able to see his mother, grandmother and Hazel again in the underworld. He hoped they would forgive him for showing up earlier than they had hoped.
And with that final thought Frank Zhang accepted his inevitable death….If it hadn't been for the sudden silver arrow that flew through Ares's hand and making his sword fall to the ground with a loud clang. The demigod inhaled a deep breath as he fell to the ground. He was alive! How, he didn't know but he didn't care. There was now a window! An opportunity for them to fight Ares and escape! From the corner of his eye he saw Percy and Jason ,who had already gotten up from their position, gather their weapons in preparation for a fight. It seemed they too knew that there was now a chance at survival.
The two cousins were the first to fight back, killing any cyclops that dared get close. They worked in unison like a well oiled machine, each striking a monster at the same time and blocking any incoming attacks.
"Hunters, fire at will!" Frank could hear the echo of a woman yelling from the woods around them and the whistling of arrows filling the night air, hitting the army of cyclops around him. The monsters fell like flies as they desperately tried to get into a defensive formation, completely caught off guard from the surprise attack. Frank noticed the God of war behind him who was grasping the arrow out of his hand and cursing at his attackers for ruining the moment.
"Fuckin sluts followed me." He angrily muttered as he flexed his wounded hand that wouldn't heal normally thanks to being all the way out of here in Alaska. Frank's vision turned red as he eyed the God that seemed to pay no heed to fighting going on around him. This piece of shit acting so nonchalant even when killing an innocent woman. No one of that nature deserved to live, not even a God. Looking to his left, Frank grabbed a discarded sword on the ground before getting up from his position. He stomped his way towards Ares, easily taking out any monsters that got in the way of his path of revenge. He will kill Ares even if it means dying to achieve it. To avenge Hazel's death meant everything to him now.
"You fucking bastard!" He snarled before delivering an overhead swipe at Ares. The God didn't see it coming, taking the brunt of the hit before being sent back into a tree thanks to Frank's demigod strength. "I'll fucking kill you for what you've done." The demigod gained a sadistic grin as he approached the downed Ares. How he loved to see the God bleed.
"You think you can kill me!?" Ares replied, wiping the dripping ichor off his face and pushing himself off the ground. Grabbing his broadsword, the two circled one another and prepared for a fight. "Get real, kid. The only person out of your group that can truly take me on is that man." He said, pointing to a bloodlusted Percy Jackson who was currently snapping the neck of a cyclops with one hand. Frank agreed but he needed to do this. To at least try to fight. He couldn't rely on Percy to save the day every time.
"I don't care. I'll make sure that I'll kill you. One way or another." He replied before charging at the God of war. Ares easily dodged the strike but didn't make a move to attack. His hand was pretty messed up and it didn't allow him to properly wield his weapon. If Percy or Artemis joined the fray then he was truly in some deep shit. Frank pushed on however, using every ounce of strength he had in him to land a blow on Ares. The two continued their little game for some time with Frank wildly swinging his weapon in blind anger and Ares dodging effortlessly. Eventually, Frank's anger turned to exhaustion as the events from the night caught up to him. His last attempt at hitting the God ended up with his sword stuck in the bark of a tree. He had lodged the blade deep into it thanks to his sheer strength but he couldn't move it anymore.
Ares smiled at the opening and prepared to end this fight, raising his sword to cut off the demigod's head. Frank cursed at his lack of ability to handle a sword and his luck. He had just narrowly escaped death not even a few minutes ago. Now it seems he was on its doorstep once more. He prepared for the strike but noticed that the God's arm seemed to almost be stuck. Maybe that wasn't the best term to describe it. More like held back. The demigod turned his head and soon discovered his answer as to why. Percy, who was a couple yards away, had his hand outstretched towards them. His sea green eyes glowing brightly in the dark as he continued to use his powers to hold back Ares.
Frank took this chance to rock Ares's shit, repeatedly punching him in the face while the God could only take the brunt of the attack. Jason and the Stolls came running up to them, joining in the fight as they took turns ganging up on the God. Travis head butted Ares before pushing him over to Jason who lifted him into the sky before sending him raining down like a comet. Frank picked him up off the ground before sending him into a tree, the force from the impact shattering it. The group of men, after taking care of the remaining monsters, all slowly walked up to Ares. They twirled their weapons in anticipation to finally end this fight once and for all. To avenge their friend.
"Y-You fucking pathetic demigods." Ares groaned, spitting out ichor. They had really done a number on him. His face was battered and almost unrecognizable which caused Percy to almost smirk in satisfaction for repaying Ares the same way he had done Nico earlier. It seemed however, that Nico would be ok. Will had immediately ran over to him after the battle broke out and had started to use his powers to heal him. He was relieved that they hadn't lost him too.
"You hear that guys? We're the pathetic ones." Leo sarcastically replied, cracking his fingers that were ablazed. He was just itching to burn this God's face off. To make him experience a fraction of the pain he put them and Hazel through. Ares, with his swollen eyes, looked up at them before giving a bone chilling smirk. It seemed he wasn't out of the fight just yet. Reaching into his pocket the God of war pulled out a red vial of sorts. The demigods were confused as Ares took off the lid and lifted it to his mouth.
"Don't let him drink that!" They could hear a woman, presumably Artemis, scream out from the woods behind them. It was too late however as they didn't have enough time to swat the vial away. Ares quickly downed the contents as he laughed at their misfortune.
"You fuckers almost had me but now there's nothing you can do!" He said, his voice getting harsher while his body began to convulse. Artemis could only watch as Ares began to transform the same way he did last time they had fought. It seemed there was nothing they could do now. It was too late for them. Ares would inevitably grow stronger and kill them all. There was nothing she could do to stop him. Her powers were all but gone now thanks to this godsforsaken land.
The demigods backed off as they prepared to fight, gripping their weapons tightly as they watched Ares transform. Suddenly, however, Ares began to look like he was convulsing. It was as if he couldn't breath with his face turning a darker shade of red and purple. The group all cringed as they began to hear the cracking of bones and watched as ichor began to seep through his mouth and eyes.
"I've stopped the liquid from entering his bloodstream." Percy panted, walking to the front of his group with his hand clenched. His eyes were seriously glowing at this point with his aura pulsating in the air. The demigods could only watch in silence as they watched Percy perform this jaw-dropping act of power. To control a monster's blood was one thing. It was another to do it to an Olympian.
"A-ACK!" Ares choked, desperately clawing at his face that was seriously beginning to bleed. He could feel his blood begin to boil in his veins, his bones slowly crack and break, and his lungs felt like they were being squeezed by a cyclops. It took all the will power in him not to succumb to the pain and pass out. Percy continued on with this torture, making sure that Ares wouldn't be able to get back up and hurt his friends again. Despite the painful tug in his stomach, he couldn't help but laugh at the pathetic sight of Ares. A Olympian God, slumped against a tree and choking to death by the hand of a mere demigod.
"Do you feel that Ares?" Percy whispered, kneeling down next to the God. He put his hand on his face as he continued to boil his blood. "That's true power." The son of Poseidon tapped even further into his powers, feeling every drop of life essence Ares had in him. He didn't want to stop at just his bones breaking and his blood boiling. He wanted his lungs to burst like balloons, his heart to be crushed and his eyes melt out of their sockets. He wanted this God to feel a semblance of the pain he had Hazel and countless others put through.
"Percy, Stop!"
"He's out man! You can quit it."
"C'mon, Perce. You're scaring us!"
Snapping back to reality, Percy could feel a slender hand gripping his shoulder. He craned his head to find the Goddess he least expected to be staring down at him. Poisonous, glowing, sea green eyes met brightly lit sliver.
"Stop." Artemis gave the simple but clear command. Percy didn't want to stop. He felt amazing. He could feel every drop of moisture in the air, could feel rivers miles upon miles away and even feel the blood of every single creature around him. This power…it was exhilarating! With it, he could save everyone. He could take on anyone that imposed on him, even Gods.
"Percy, Please! You're scaring us!" He heard a familiar voice call out to him. He glanced to his left and found Thalia staring at him with fear in her eyes. The sight of her shook his very core. She reminded him of Annabeth when they were in Tartarus. Thalia had the same fear in her eyes as she did when he was torturing that Goddess. His heart clinched in sadness as he realized he had done it again. He had failed to keep his promise to her. He had failed in holding back this power that no man should have.
Releasing his grasp, Percy let go of Ares and backed off. His shoulders slumped and head held low as he tried to avoid all the fearful glances aimed at him. Artemis helped him to his feet as she ordered her hunters to prepare to leave. The sounds of their battle had surely brought the attention of unwanted visitors and they clearly didn't have the resources or energy to take them on.
"What about Ares?" Leo asked the Goddess who only shook her head.
"My powers are next to non at the moment. I wouldn't be able to securely hold him and that would only put us at more risk. A risk I can't take." She replied, thinking about all the hunters she had already lost thanks to the God of war. It was best to just leave him here and by the time he wakes up-if he ever did-they would be long gone.
"Is he dead?" Katie asked her, cringing at the broken mess that was once a God. Artemis was about to respond but the son of Poseidon was the first to answer.
"No….I-I left him alive…to make sure he would feel everything." He replied, cringing at hearing just how bad his own words sounded. He was no better off than Ares. He had done the same thing he had done earlier. He almost wanted to punch himself in the face as he realized just how badly he screwed up. He had promised himself he wouldn't act like them, the Olympians. But look where he was now! No better than them.
"Then let's change that! No one like him should be left alive." Frank said, eagerly walking over to the slumped God. Now was his chance for revenge.
"You fool!" Artemis grabbed him. "Do you know the consequences if Ares were to be killed!? Not only would war break out on a mortal scale but an Olympian one too. And trust me, there are no winners in an Olympian war."
"But he killed Hazel!" Frank cried out, tears beginning to weld in his eyes. "He killed the girl I loved. He let her be eaten alive! I-I-I listened to her screams for help and all I could do was watch!" He wept, falling to his knees. Exhaustion was finally catching up to him as his brain tried to shut down. The trauma he experienced tonight was something he would truly never be able to look back on. He didn't know if that was a good or bad thing.
Everyone could only watch the unfolding scene in a sad silence. They knew the pain Frank was feeling. They had also loved Hazel and wished they were able to do something to bring her back. Especially Percy, who couldn't even look at his friends in the eye. He was ashamed that he couldn't protect his friend. And ashamed at what he had become. They all stared at the weeping demigod who had his lover's blood covering him, each one wondering if this was only the beginning of untold amounts of death.
Rain was pouring down on them heavily at this point. It seemed even the night sky was weeping for the death of Hazel Levesque. Once a bright, cheerful woman gone in the blink of an eye. The only way of knowing that she once roamed this world were the memories they had of her. Memories that would forever haunt them.