A/N: Hey guys! Welcome to this story! It's my first story that I'll post on this site. Hope you'll enjoy it! It's just a bunch of ideas meshed into one in this PJO fanfic, so I apologize for it being cringe and/or rushed. This takes place in an AU right after the events of The Last Olympian but before The Lost Hero. So all the stuff that happened previously is canon and still matters!
It's probably going to be cringey, as it is my first ever PJO story on this website. Plus, it's a prelude.
Disclaimer: I don't own the right to Percy Jackson and the Olympians, only my OC, sadly enough. I'd be very rich tho.
Prologue: Shadows of the Past
Life is full of experiences, some pleasant and others mysterious. For Sebastian Isibor, a young demigod, life held both wonders and secrets that set him apart from others. To understand why he was different, we must delve into his past.
Flashback
October 31st, 1930
"Aren't you such a cute little baby," Sebastian's mother, Adelola Isibor, cooed as she cradled her newborn child in her arms. Her warm smile radiated love and joy. "I'll name you Sebastian Augustine Isibor."
A few years later...
Sebastian grew into an active and curious boy. At five years old, he played in the garden with his mother. Suddenly, a rabid dog lunged at him, but Sebastian fought back bravely, using a stick to defend himself. Though he managed to defeat the dog, a deep claw mark marred the left corner of his mouth, leaving behind a lasting scar.
"Come, Sebbie, let's clean you up. We'll have to see the doctor later," Adelola said, concern etched on her face. She carefully wiped away the blood and tended to his wound. "Be careful, it might sting a bit," she added playfully.
They visited the doctor, who placed a plaster on Sebastian's mouth. The doctor explained that the scar would fade over time, but Sebastian, being a carefree child, didn't worry too much. He continued to enjoy his childhood, learning to cook and speak different languages, thanks to his Nigerian heritage.
When Sebastian turned eight, his mother entered into a relationship with a man named Elliott Jameson. At first, Jameson seemed kind, but soon his true colors emerged. He verbally abused Sebastian and his mother, making their lives miserable. As a demigod, Sebastian faced additional challenges due to his ADHD and dyslexia, causing him to feel like an outsider.
By the time Sebastian turned ten, Jameson's abuse turned physical. But Sebastian discovered a unique ability—he could heal his wounds by stepping into the shadows. His resilience allowed him to withstand the pain inflicted upon him.
When Sebastian reached eleven, his demigod powers awakened in a fit of rage, resulting in him disintegrating his step-father's body into ashes. Hades, his divine father, appeared, offering to take Sebastian to the Underworld. However, Adelola refused, not wanting her son to be raised in such a realm. Instead, Hades suggested the safety of the Lotus Hotel and Casino, which Sebastian's mother reluctantly agreed to.
Alecto, one of the Furies, appeared and instructed them to pack their bags. With Sebastian clutching his precious belongings, including a locket with a photo of him and his mother, they embarked on a journey to Las Vegas. Stormy weather accompanied them, reflecting Sebastian's turbulent emotions. Along the way, Zeus attempted to harm Sebastian, but his lightning inadvertently struck and killed his mother.
Devastated, Sebastian's world shattered. In Chicago, before reaching their final destination, Sebastian buried his mother in a cemetery, a somber farewell to the woman who had loved and cared for him.
Arriving at their destination, Alecto handed Sebastian a backpack, her voice laced with a dark humor. His eyes filled with sorrow and determination, Sebastian clutched the locket, staring at the frozen moment captured inside—a reminder of the joy he had shared with his mother.
A godly presence tingled in the air, sending shivers down Sebastian's spine. Hades materialized before him, his enigmatic gaze fixed upon his son. "Sebastian Isibor," Hades spoke, his voice resonating with power. "It is time for you to embrace your true nature and fulfill your destiny."
Wide-eyed, Sebastian absorbed the weight of his heritage. "What is my destiny, Father?" he asked, a mix of awe and trepidation coloring his voice. Hades' gaze bore into Sebastian's, his expression unreadable. "You have the potential to bring about change, challenging both mortals and gods. But remember, your path will have consequences. Balance the darkness within you with wisdom and compassion."
Sebastian nodded, a fire kindling within his eyes. "I won't let chaos define me or darkness consume me," he vowed. "I will seek hidden truths and forge my own path."
A slight smile curved Hades' lips, a rare glimpse of pride. "Remember, Sebastian, you are not alone. The gods and your fellow demigods will guide you. Seek strength and form bonds along the way."
Taking a deep breath, Sebastian steeled himself for the challenges ahead. "I will honor my mother's memory and make her proud," he declared with unwavering determination.
As Sebastian stepped into the luxurious lobby of the Lotus Hotel and Casino, he knew that his life was about to change forever. The air was thick with an otherworldly aura, and the promise of adventure and discovery filled his lungs. He resolved to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of the hotel, seeking answers about his heritage, his abilities, and the fate that awaited him in this strange, mythical world.
As Sebastian entered the grand hotel, the receptionist greeted him with a warm smile. "Welcome to the Lotus Hotel and Casino," she said, her voice melodic and enticing. "Our doors are always open, and time has no meaning here. Enjoy your stay."
Sebastian nodded, his eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and determination. "Thank you," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of weariness. "I'm looking for answers, and I believe this place holds the key."
The receptionist tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with intrigue. "Answers can be found in the most unexpected of places," she said cryptically. "Perhaps you'll find what you seek within these walls."
Sebastian offered her a small smile, his grip tightening around the strap of his backpack. "I won't rest until I do," he said with conviction.
Sebastian nodded, his eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and determination. He walked through the opulent corridors, marveling at the ornate decorations and the hushed whispers of conversations that seemed to float in the air. It was clear that this place held secrets, and he intended to uncover them.
Days blended into nights as Sebastian found himself trapped within the timeless allure of the Lotus Casino. The intoxicating atmosphere made it easy to lose track of time. Unbeknownst to him, days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months and months turned into years.
Yet, deep within the recesses of his mind, Sebastian sensed that something was amiss. A lingering restlessness tugged at his heart, reminding him that there was a world beyond the walls of the casino—a world where he had a destiny to fulfill.
One night, as Sebastian wandered through the opulent corridors, he stumbled upon a hidden passage, concealed behind an ornate tapestry. His curiosity piqued, he pushed aside the fabric and stepped into the darkness beyond.
As he traversed the secret passageway, a soft glow illuminated the path before him. It led him to a small chamber, where flickering torches cast dancing shadows upon the walls. The air felt heavy with ancient magic, hinting at the presence of something otherworldly.
Sebastian's breath caught in his throat as a figure emerged from the shadows—a woman with black hair cascading down her back, her green eyes reflecting the depths of the night sky.
"Greetings, Sebastian Isibor," the woman spoke, her voice resonating with an otherworldly grace. ""You have ventured beyond the façade of the Lotus Casino, seeking answers and purpose," the woman continued, her voice melodic. "I am Hecate, the goddess of magic, and I sense great potential within you."
Sebastian's eyes widened in awe and surprise. He had heard tales of the powerful Hecate, but he never imagined he would come face-to-face with her. The realization that his journey had already attracted the attention of the gods sent shivers down his spine.
"You are not meant to linger in the realm of eternal pleasure," Hecate spoke, her gaze piercing through Sebastian's soul. "Your destiny lies elsewhere, in the realm of shadows and the depths of the Underworld. You must heed the call of your divine blood and seek your father's domain."
Sebastian's heart raced with a mixture of fear and excitement. The thought of venturing into the Underworld, facing the realm of the dead, was daunting. But he knew that it was the path he had been destined to tread.
"I am ready, Lady Hecate," Sebastian replied, determination etched on his face. "I will embrace the darkness within me and honor the legacy of my father. Guide me on this journey, for I seek to uncover the truths that lie beneath."
Hecate nodded, a serene smile gracing her beautiful features. "Very well, Sebastian. I shall bestow upon you a token of my power to aid you in your quest." She extended her hand, and a small, intricately carved obsidian pendant materialized within her palm. "This pendant will serve as a conduit for your necromantic abilities, allowing you to channel the energy of the Underworld. Use it wisely and with respect."
Sebastian accepted the pendant, its weight comforting in his hand. He could sense the latent power contained within the obsidian, resonating with the essence of the dead. It was a tangible reminder of the path he had chosen.
Hecate continued, "To reach the Underworld, you must find the entrance hidden deep within the mortal realm. Seek the guidance of the spirits and the shadows. They will lead you to the River Styx, the gateway to the realm of Hades."
Sebastian nodded, absorbing every word. "Thank you, Lady Hecate. I will follow your guidance and embark on this journey with courage and reverence."
With a final nod, Hecate faded into the shadows, leaving Sebastian alone in the chamber. The weight of his newfound purpose settled upon him, mingling with a sense of trepidation and anticipation.
Armed with Hecate's pendant and the knowledge bestowed upon him, Sebastian returned to the opulent halls of the Lotus Casino. But now, his perspective had shifted. The seductive allure of eternal pleasure no longer held sway over him. He had a mission to fulfill—a destiny to embrace.
With each passing day, Sebastian sought out hidden knowledge within the casino's vast library, delving into ancient texts and deciphering cryptic prophecies. He honed his understanding of necromancy, studying the intricacies of communing with the dead and harnessing their power.
As time slipped away, Sebastian grew in strength and knowledge. He formed temporary alliances with other demigods trapped in the timeless enchantment of the Lotus Casino, sharing his insights and learning from their experiences. He proceeded to devise a plan to escape the clutches of the hotel.
The day of the departure arrived—an effort infused with the resolve of demigods seeking their place in the world. Sebastian infiltrated the heart of the Lotus Casino, facing its illusions and temptations head-on. With each step, he resisted the siren call of eternal pleasure, driven by the desire for purpose and fulfillment.
Finally, he reached the main chamber, where the enchantment held its strongest grip. Sebastian raised the obsidian pendant, channeling the powers granted by Hecate. A surge of necromantic energy radiated through him, dispelling the enchantment that had held them captive.
As the casino was slowly fading out of sight, Sebastian emerged into the mortal realm, blinking in the harsh light of day. He was free—free to embrace their destinies, to navigate the treacherous path laid before them.
Now, Sebastian stood at the crossroads of his journey, his next destination clear in his mind. The entrance to the Underworld awaited him, beckoning him to step into its depths and face the challenges that lay beyond. With Hecate's pendant nestled against his chest, he took a deep breath, ready to descend into the realm of shadows and forge his own destiny.