Rage of a Demigod
AN: Hey there, my dear readers! Well, this took longer than needed. And I'm truly sorry about that. You might've seen that I put out the chapters of my Attack on Titan fanfic like crazy, but that's because inspiration really hit me, and life prevented me doing any more writing. But here I am now, and a new chapter out. I hope you like it.
Now to reviews.
Gamelover41592: Thank you
Whatif-inator: All good questions, and all will be answered
superpierce: Well, I wanted to go with more of the monster he was in the myths instead of him being a cloud or another Titan. Glad you liked that direction
TheLoneSpartan117: Well, I'll do my best to deliver those chapters
jaffa3: Yup, The Last Olympian story has begun
Alphared45667: You'll have to wait and see
LegionnaireBlaze: No, that's just something from the games
Dragulf Icefyre: Well, you could've at least left it up and labeled it as discontinued. I really liked reading it. But I understand your decision
Guest: Sorry, I don't really take story requests. And please, try not to post it as a review
Allen Dragneel: You're very welcome
RedHood001: I'm glad you think I pulled it off. It means a lot
Curse of Kings: It's not intentional. I didn't really watch those shows by the time I wrote Ares. I just felt like this characterization fit him
KratostheLycan: You'll get all that answered eventually
Warlus999: Well, I don't understand the language, but from what I got from Google Translate it's positive, so thank you
Christopher: Sorry about me not really focusing on the Furies' deaths, but there are a lot of things that occupy everyone's time. But I hope the future chapters make up for it. Also, I'm glad you like my story
WearyLegands: Oh yes, it will
sansdust: Trust me, it's not
Monsters and Underworlds
Artemis walked through the grounds of Mount Olympus and headed for her temple. Honestly, after her reunion with Orion, she couldn't properly think about anything so she decided to have a little retreat from the Hunt and gather her thoughts. Thalia can handle things while she was away. The girl had proven to be an excellent Hunter during these past two years.
Though honestly, she wished the girl joined her more out of the desire to be a part of the Hunt rather than as a measure to delay the Prophecy. Thalia's distaste for Luke Castellan could've been a good excuse for her to forsake men.
Artemis shook her head. Forsake men? Was she really the one to talk right now? And right after she was reunited with Orion without spurning his affection. She palmed her face. This was really giving her a headache.
Some soft and delicate humming broke her out of her thoughts as she saw someone standing next to the door of her temple. A frown adorned the hunt goddess's face as she noticed the person was none other than Aphrodite, who simply stood there and examined her polished nails. All the while her lips were curved in a confident smirk.
"Hello there, dear Artemis," Aphrodite said as she stopped looking at her nails, now solely focused on the moon goddess.
Artemis sighed. "What do you want, Aphrodite? Make it quick, I want to be left alone."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, why such hostility? I only came for a visit," Aphrodite said in a tone that exuded an obvious fake innocence.
"Yes, and I'm a gorgon. Tell me, why are you really here?"
Aphrodite rolled her eyes. "Ugh, you're no fun. Though considering who I'm talking to, that's not much of a surprise." Her smirk then came back. "Fine, I'll go straight to it. Who's the new guy?"
Artemis blinked. "Excuse me."
"The new guy. Who is it?"
"What are…? Aphrodite, what the hell are you talking about?!"
"Oh, so you want to play coy, eh?" Aphrodite said as she walked over, getting her face pretty close to Artemis' which made her uncomfortable. "You recently stepped into my domain."
The moon goddess could feel some sweat forming. "Wh-what are you talking about?"
"Oh, you're so cute when you stutter like that," Aphrodite said teasingly. "You see, you're such an aromantic that I practically the complete lack of love in your life. So, when a small spark was lit it practically shined like a beacon."
With her breath caught in her throat, Artemis tried her best to keep her composure. Honestly, she should've figured this would happen. Aphrodite already bothered her before after she felt Artemis' affection toward Orion centuries ago. The pestering didn't stop for weeks. And she wasn't eager to go through that again.
"Look, I don't know what you're talking about," Artemis denied before turning from the love goddess. "Now if you excuse me-"
Aphrodite was already in front of her with surprising speed, making Artemis flinch.
"Oh, no, no, no, you're not getting away that easy," Aphrodite said. "Do you have any idea how juicy this is? I haven't been so excited in who knows how long! Little Artemis finally getting a new love! Oh, now that's just magnificent."
Artemis groaned. "Leave me alone, harlot!"
Unbothered by the insult, Aphrodite pressed on. "Well, who's the new guy?"
"There is no new guy!"
This gave Aphrodite some pause. And for some reason that didn't sit well with Artemis. She expected the daughter of Ouranos to keep insisting she tell her who her 'new love' was. What was she thinking right now?
"Oh, so it's not a new guy," Aphrodite simply said. "Does that mean that-?"
A yellow flash suddenly appeared next to them. The two goddesses saw that it was Hermes, and by the panicked look on his face, it clearly wasn't good news.
"Listen, we've been called to gather! Typhon is on the move!"
Both Artemis and Aphrodite's eyes widened. "What?!"
Most of the twelve gods of Olympus gathered at the large stone balcony next to their throne room where they prepared for their fight. Quickly dropping any clothing of the modern world, they went back to the celestial bronze armor that they wore in their first fight against the Titans.
"You know," Artemis began as she put on some arm guards. "I'm honestly surprised you're going at all, Aphrodite."
The love goddess scoffed as she adjusted her armor, which had to be specially made for her… above average physique. "Just so you know, I also fought Titans during our revolution. And defeated quite a few."
"Yet you obsess with nail polish."
"Oh, so I can't have my own likes?!"
"Enough!" The thunder following Zeus' exclamation made everyone halt whatever they were doing. "This isn't the time for you to be squabbling!"
"Father speaks truth, we have to be organized," Athena spoke as she finished putting on her helmet. "There aren't as many of us this time around. Poseidon is busy fighting in Atlantis, Hades is too stubborn to offer his help, and Hestia is here to guard the Hearth. With only ten of us, we need to be careful."
"Ha! Is that right?" Ares said. "Honestly, you're thinking too much of this, sister. Me and Zeus each had a turn with Typhon one on one. I think you're the ones who need to watch out not to get in our way."
"And last I checked you couldn't defeat him on your own, Ares. Your arrogance is honestly amusing," Hermes said, the wings on his sandals flapping for a few seconds. "Now, I'll go on ahead. Please don't take too long, all of you."
Hermes ran in a flash of yellow light, heading towards their deadly foe.
"Man, he's always in a hurry," Apollo said as he mounted his chariot. "Let us go, and meet the monster head on. And let us finish him for good!"
The sun god's chariot shined as he set off on the trail of his brother. The rest took their chariots as well, headed for the battle, with the exception of Zeus who flew, and Artemis who simply took a Pegasus instead of a chariot.
It was time for them to take down the father and king of monsters. Or perish trying.
Typhon flew over the water with his gigantic wings, a gleeful smile on his face as he headed towards Mount Olympus. The world around him has changed quite a bit. Not surprising considering how long he was imprisoned.
And now that he was free, he can finally finish what he started long ago. The utter destruction of Olympus, and taking his place as the ruler of all.
He chuckled to himself. Kronos was a fool if he thought that Typhon was someone just to be used. Typhon had ambitions of his own. Once he is done with the Olympians, he had his eyes set on Kronos.
Typhon, ruler of the cosmos. Had quite a nice ring to it.
His eyes noticed something in the distance, ten figures flying toward his location. Typhon frowned. Only ten? He sniffed the air. He couldn't detect Poseidon and Hades in that group, and the tenth smell he wasn't familiar with. He never recalled any Olympian smelling of grapes.
Though he supposed it didn't matter. Even if they are in over their heads, they will fall all the same.
The new war against the Titans raged on for a few days now. And Percy Jackson honestly wished Marcus was here with them. They haven't seen him since he, Annabeth, and Zoe rescued him from the Furies. A demigod with super strength would be most welcome this time around. And he wasn't around.
Just their luck as usual.
On the bright side, Percy reunited with Nico, who was on more friendlier terms with him this time. And Mrs. O'Leary was with them as well, and that's always a bonus. Weird saying that for a hellhound, but hey, crazier things happened.
Nico explained that they needed to learn about Luke's past, which would help them against Kronos. And to get there they'd have to use Shadow Travel, which is apparently a way for the creatures of the Underworld and children of Hades to travel through actual shadows. And they could arrive anywhere as long as there were shadows there. Though the act itself is quite taxing.
Since hellhounds are creatures of the Underworld, Mrs. O'Leary can use Shadow Travel, and right now, Percy was holding her fur tightly as they were right in the middle of one of those travels.
After several moments of darkness, strange noises, and some chilliness, Mrs. O'Leary jumped out of the shadows.
The new area was a cliff in the woods of Connecticut. At least, it looked like Connecticut from the few times Percy's been there. Lots of trees, low stone walls, big houses. Down one side of the cliff, a highway cut through a ravine. Down the other side was someone's backyard. The property was huge, more wilderness than lawn. The house was a two-story white Colonial. Despite the fact that it was right on the other side of the hill from a highway, it felt like it was in the middle of nowhere. There was a light glowing m the kitchen window. A rusty old swing set stood under an apple tree.
Honestly, compared to the way Percy used to live, a tiny apartment, and a school dorm, this place seemed amazing. He couldn't imagine Luke wanting to leave here.
Feeling Mrs. O'Leary stagger beneath him, Percy hopped off her back. After letting out a yawn that would frighten a T-Rex, the hellhound lay down to rest. Percy couldn't help but pet her fur. She really was a good girl.
Nico appeared soon after and almost stumbled down before Percy caught his arm.
"So, you wanna take a nap, too?" Percy suggested before pointing his thumb at Mrs. O'Leary, who was now snoring. "She'll make a pretty good pillow."
"No, I'm fine," Nico said before rubbing his eyes. "The first time I used Shadow Travel, I was knocked out for a week. Now it just makes me a bit drowsy."
"I imagine you had a lot of practice."
"You have no idea. A few times I hit a wall. A few times I accidentally went to China. And once I…"
Nico paused, a somewhat grim expression on his face. And considering how grim he already looked like, that was saying something.
"Nico? Did… something happen when you Shadow Traveled?"
"Yeah, I… During my practice, I ended up somewhere… I shouldn't have."
Percy blinked. "Somewhere you shouldn't have?"
"It doesn't matter. We have a more important business here."
"Well, you can tell me while we walk towards the house," Percy suggested. "But… if you don't want to tell me, that's fine."
Nico stared at Percy for a moment before sighing. "Fine. Let's go and I'll tell you."
This was one of Nico's many attempts at Shadow Travel. The one he did before left him with quite a headache. In this other attempt, he tried to go to Italy, more specifically to where his mother was born.
Didn't seem like that much of a hazard. However, just as he pushed through the darkness, he felt something push him to the side.
He slightly panicked. Was something here? No, no, it didn't feel like something living or some solid object. It felt like some force was pushing him away. Like gravity suddenly pulled him to the side. As he traveled, Nico reached with his hand towards this 'barrier' that he stumbled upon. Just what was that? As far as he could tell there was only shadow there, and he should be able to go through any shadow as a child of Hades.
Curiosity getting the better of him, he pushed his hand harder. The 'barrier' within the shadows seemed to give way as his hand got through. But then his whole body was suddenly, pulled through the barrier, and Nico barely gasped as he suddenly changed directions and was flung to the side mid-Shadow Travel.
Nico came to some time after. When he opened his eyes, he was still met with darkness. Though he knew he wasn't within the shadow dimension. Rubbing his eyes to get rid of the blurriness, he noticed that he was in some sort of dark cavern.
With a groan, the demigod rose and palmed his forehead. Well, he didn't feel that tired this time which probably meant he slept for a while. He rose and dusted himself, though he didn't really look dirty or dusty. Now he just needed to find out where he was.
Wait, did he even really need to? All he had to do was Shadow Travel out of here and get to where he planned to be in the first place. Since he was already in shadow, this should be easy.
After some focusing on his part, he tried to blend into the shadow again. But… he didn't. Nico blinked in confusion. He tried again, but he didn't move from his spot. What in the Hades was going on? He never had any trouble with it before. Sure the event itself was exhausting but initiating it wasn't a problem.
It was almost as if the shadows were… rejecting him. But why on Earth would that happen? Maybe Hades was preventing him, but Nico couldn't think of a reason why he would do that.
His ears then picked up something. Something that sounded like… music? Nico saw some glimmer of light coming from one way of the cavern, right where the music was coming from. He thought about going there but should he? But he had no idea where he was and going in an opposite direction would just make him even more lost.
Taking a breath, Nico headed towards the source of the music. The closer he got he was able to pick out the sound of several string instruments and some drums. The light shone brighter and the music louder, but Nico's step was even more careful. He wasn't sure what to expect so he was cautious. That and his previous experiences probably made him more jaded when it came to trusting people.
So, as he approached what seemed to be the exit of the cavern, Nico stuck close to the wall. He was able to make out a large… blue fire? Yes, the fire was indeed blue and pretty hot as well. Which made it even more surprising when he saw that around the flame, people were dancing! Several men and women, at least what he could make out of the shadowy shapes, formed a circle around the large flame and danced in a synchronized way, their legs moving with the rapidness of the stringed instruments.
Nico watched the performance in amazement as he got out of the cave, however, instead of walking up to them, he quickly moved over to a bush that was nearby to keep himself out of sight. He looked around to take note of his surroundings. He seemed to be now near a forested area during the nighttime, but the sky held no stars or moon, and it didn't seem to be because clouds were covering them. They just… weren't there. And the tree seemed a lot darker than usual. Nico even noted that the leaves of the bush he was hiding behind seemed almost black.
Wherever he was, Nico knew it wasn't the mortal world.
He tried to get a good look at the people who were performing, but surprisingly, he couldn't see their features. The ones dancing around the fire still seemed to be covered in shadow despite how bright the fire was. They didn't seem dressed in anything elaborate and actually looked like they were barefoot. Another thing that Nico noted was that they were pretty close to the fire despite how hot it was supposed to be. Even Nico could feel it from where he was.
He moved around, making sure to use the trees and bushes as cover so he wasn't seen. He saw the musicians who played the music, and they seemed to be covered in shadow like the dancers. Nico saw that while their instruments seemed to be in natural color, the hands that played them were still completely. Nico now knew that they weren't just covered in shadow, but seemingly comprised of it!
The young son of Hades began sweating, both from nervousness and the heat. He felt less welcome here than he did before. Wherever here was.
But then, the most peculiar thing in this place caught his eye. There was a rock formation on the other side of the flame, and on top of it, on what seemed like a carved throne, Nico saw a man sitting there. And unlike the rest, he wasn't covered in shadow. Nico moved slowly moved closer to get a better look at him.
The man sat comfortably on the throne, elbow on the armrest and his head leaning on his fist. Nico noticed that the man possessed a very pale skin tone and long straight black hair, with two horns similar to antlers protruding from each side of his head. He was dressed in a fairly fancy shirt with golden highlights, black pants, brown boots, and a long black cloak. However, what most struck Nico about the man's appearance were his eyes. They weren't like a normal man's but serpentine instead.
If Nico was honest, that man gave off similar vibes to Hades. And right now, that didn't seem like a good thing. The satisfied smile the man had on his face made Nico uncomfortable for some reason.
Then the music stopped, along with the dancing, which caught Nico off guard for the moment. The dancers and the musicians gathered in the front of the throne and bowed deeply.
Then the man on the throne began clapping. "Bravo, bravo!" the man exclaimed. ("Wonderful performance, my subjects! You truly know how to satisfy your sovereign.")
Nico looked at him confused. Whatever language the man spoke the young demigod wasn't familiar with. It sounded somewhat… Slavic? Nico couldn't really tell. Though looking at the performers, they didn't seem to acknowledge whatever praise the man gave them, they simply kept bowing.
("Now, let us feast on the offerings from the mortal world. My worshipers gave me plenty this year. Let us hope they do so in the next one as well. Shame my beloved won't be joining us, but I'm sure I'll convince her one day.")
With a wave of his hand, several tables appeared. On them were a variety of fruits, meats, and drinks. Though none of them had chairs. In fact, the only table that did was the table that was located in front of the cloaked man's throne. And it only had one.
The man with serpentine eyes walked down the stony steps leading to his throne before seating himself. All the while the rest of the people walked over and took the food from the table with their hands before eating.
'This guy definitely has a high opinion of himself,' Nico thought as he watched the man simply eat on a plate using a fork and knife, and also taking a drink from a golden chalice. He was obviously some sort of ruler, and he definitely possessed some divine power. Nico wasn't sure talking to him would be a good idea.
But still, what should he do? He needed to get out of here, and quickly at that. Perhaps some of the people here could help him out. Nico hoped they could at least talk.
When he saw a woman from the crowd come closer, he gave a whistle. The woman, who was just taking a bite from an apple, looked in the direction where Nico whistled.
"Over here," Nico whispered just loud enough for her to hear. She tilted her head in confusion before walking over and entering the bushes.
"What are you doing? We should be at the festivities," the woman spoke, and she spoke English at that. Nico felt relieved she could, but from the accent the woman had, it obviously wasn't her first language. "What are you even doing here? Why are you hiding?"
Nico sighed. "Look, I honestly don't know where I am exactly. And I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your party, but I just want to get out of here."
"Your voice. You sound so… young," the woman said as she finally took a look at Nico. "Oh dear, I'm so sorry. Nobody so young should be here. Poor child, you must be so confused."
Her voice turned comforting, somewhat reminding Nico of his own mother. But he couldn't focus on that right now. "Yeah, I'm honestly very confused. Can you tell me where I am and where can I get out of here?"
Nico couldn't really see her expression, but he could tell she seemed sorrowful. "I am so sorry, child, but there is no getting out for us," she said before kneeling down and softly placing her hands on his shoulders. "Once that threshold is crossed, there is no coming back."
"No!" Nico exclaimed as he grabbed her arms. "I have to go back! I don't where I am, but people still need me."
"The more you deny it, the more hurtful it'll be. There is no return from dea-" The woman paused. "Your hands. They're warm."
Nico quickly let her go. "W-what?"
The woman slowly put her hand on his cheek, and Nico was confused about the feeling. However, what he noticed was that her hands didn't seem to be cold or warm. It was hard to describe, but it didn't feel… natural.
("By the gods!"), the woman exclaimed in the same language that the man on the throne spoke. "Y-y-you're alive!"
"What is going on here?" one of the shadowy men appeared, no doubt he heard them.
Nico then found himself suddenly pulled as the woman grasped his arm, taking him out of his hiding spot as he yelped.
("Listen, this boy is alive!"), the woman exclaimed, getting pretty much everyone's attention.
("Alive?!") the man in front of them gasped and almost stumbled backward. Boy, how Nico wished he knew what they were saying.
The other people here began talking among themselves, though not too loudly like someone would expect. However what really worried Nico was that the man with serpentine eyes was now watching him, a frown marring his face. He stood up and spoke ("It would seem that we have an intruder here.")
While Nico couldn't make out the words, the tone more or less showed it wasn't friendly. So Nico quickly wrestled out of the woman's grip and bolted into the forest, ignoring her calls for him to return.
Luckily, Nico's adjusted very well to the dark. One of the bonuses of being a child of Hades, he supposed. So as he ran through the forest, he didn't smack into some tree or trip over a log or anything similar. Honestly, he wasn't sure if this was the right action but he was too nervous to think straight.
Nico looked back, trying to see if there was anyone after him. All he could see was the blue light of the flame, but he couldn't see anyone chasing after him.
However, when he faced forward again, he was met with a familiar sight of serpentine eyes. Nico yelped in surprise as he halted his run, but he quickly lost his balance and fell on his behind. While he saw the man before, now that he was up close, he was easily a lot more intimidating. Not only because of the eyes but the fact he was literally three times Nico's size.
"Well, well, well, it seems that I have quite a visitor in my realm," the man spoke in English this time, though his voice lacked the accent the woman had. His mouth morphed into a grin. "Much less living visitors."
Nico could hardly breathe. The… presence this man had was simply… overwhelming. Maybe that's why his subjects, as he called them, didn't seem very enthusiastic about the praise he was giving them. Just being near this man took a lot of focus not to collapse.
"I-I-I… I-I'm…" Nico stammered. But taking a deep breath, he finally got some courage to speak. "I'm sorry, I… I only came here by accident. I didn't mean to disturb your celebration, I just… I wanted to find where I am, and how to get out of here."
The man cocked a curious brow. "Is that so? Quite an interesting circumstance to accidentally arrive here of all places. Tell me, how did you do it?"
"I… Well, I… I can Shadow Travel."
"Shadow Travel?" the man said with a slight more surprise in his voice. "So you aren't a regular mortal." He leaned down to take a sniff. "Ah, I see. You aren't just some mortal boy. You're a demigod. And quite a… special one, I see."
"Well, I'm just-"
"Oh, but where are my manners? I haven't introduced myself," the man interrupted. "I am Veles, the lord of Nawia. Or as you might call it, Underworld."
Nico's eyes widened. Did he hear that right? This man in front of him was a god? And he also claimed to be the god of the Underworld of all things? Well, he did give of similar vibes to Hades, but that was just a ridiculous claim.
"What are you talking about? Hades is the god of the Underworld," Nico countered, not really knowing why he felt an urge to correct this man.
"Oh yes, he certainly is," Veles said. "But here is the lord of his Underworld. But in Nawia, I'm the master."
"What?"
Veles scoffed. "So you don't understand. I am not a Greek god, little son of Hades. I am a part of the Slavic pantheon of gods, a rival to the chief god Perun, and the one who resides at the bottom of the World Tree. And I'm also the one who will one day take Perun's place as the king of the gods." Nico only stared at him confused, which made Veles look disappointed before he sighed. "You don't know any of that? What a shame.
"Well, it seems you were unaware of Greek gods not being the only ones in the world either. Well, they aren't." Veles leaned down, his menacing grin back. "And if you're wondering why Shadow Travel isn't working here, it is because you are in my domain now. The only ones who can use shadows to travel are the ones I allow. Also, since you're out of the domain of Greek gods, that means that you… belong to me."
Nico gasped as beads of sweat fell down his back. He began crawling back in fear, with Veles slowly walking after him, still leaned down.
"P-please, I just… I want to go home," Nico said.
"Oh, but this is your home now," Veles insisted.
"But my father-"
"Won't do anything. He has no influence here. You should've watched where you were going, as you stumbled into my kingdom. Though having a son of Hades under my thrall? Oh, that sounds quite lovely, doesn't it?"
In desperation, Nico quickly drew his Stygian sword, but in a motion Nico could hardly follow, Veles flicked the blade out of Nico's hand.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, not that behavior just won't do."
Whatever survival instincts Nico had activated as he quickly turned around and made another run for it. But before he could go far, his body completely froze. Panicked, Nico looked over himself and saw that he was wrapped in some sort of purple aura.
With a gasp, he was hurled into the air and turned around to face Veles again. The god's hand was lifted up, emanating a similar purple aura.
"Now, now, it's pointless to try and run. This is my domain, and now that I know you're here, I'm aware of everywhere you'll be. And I'm certainly not letting you out of my sight now."
"P-please, I-"
Nico was flung forward until he was in front of Veles again, and was being held at eye level by whatever magic the god was using.
Veles put his other hand on Nico's chest. "But you won't be mine while you're still alive. Which is why I will be taking your soul." The hand on Nico's chest began burning a gray flame, and suddenly felt all his nerves flare up. The pain was so excruciating that he couldn't even scream.
With a grin, Veles pulled his hand back, and Nico felt himself being pulled away from his body.
"Don't worry, the pain won't last-"
("Veles! Put the boy down!")
The sudden voice made Veles stop, making Nico's soul fly back into his body which fell down since it was no longer encased in the purple aura. Nico let out several deep breaths, both in shock and relief. He looked over to see another woman there, though like Veles her features were clear. She was fair-skinned with green eyes and long red hair, and she wore a white dress. There was also the fact she was emanating actual light from her body.
And with the frown on her face, it was clear she wasn't satisfied with whatever Veles was doing.
("What do you think you're doing, Veles? The boy is alive, which means he doesn't belong here. Even more so with the fact he is a Greek demigod.")
("Dear Zorya, please, no need for such a tone. I was just-")
("I see clearly what you were doing. Do you really want to risk making Hades mad by killing his son?!)
Nico looked between the two of them confused. While he couldn't understand, it seemed like this woman, Zorya if he heard correctly, was scolding Veles. And the lord of the Underworld seemed to just be taking it as he looked embarrassed.
The brightness suddenly intensified when Zorya was suddenly in front of Nico. She leaned down with her hand outstretched, a warm smile on her face.
"Don't worry, little one. I'll take you away from this place."
"You… you will?" Nico asked hopefully.
"Of course. It isn't your time, and you aren't destined to be here. So I will take you back to the surface, where you belong."
"Excuse me?!" Veles exclaimed. "You can't just take him outside."
"The night is almost over, and it's time for me to leave. I have to bring dawn into the world," Zorya said. "And have you not also told me that I can bring anything I wish from here with me?"
"Well, I have, but you haven't taken anything before."
"I'm doing so now, and you cannot complain."
Veles snarled and growled, his hands formed into fists which shook in anger. "Fine! Take him to Jawia! I have my festivities to attend to anyway." He turned into dark smoke before disappearing.
"Come, young one," Zorya once again spoke to Nico, still offering her hand. "Let us go."
The young demigod wasn't sure, but there was a warmth to this… goddess that was very calming. Which he very much needed since he arrived here. Nico's hand reached for her, and the moment they touched they were wrapped in bright light.
Percy couldn't help but stare at Nico as they walked. He blinked away his shock before speaking. "What?"
"After that, I was on the surface," Nico continued. "I was honestly too tired to travel so that… Zorya woman handed me to some white-haired guy and he carried me back. And trust me, that man can run really, really fast."
"Okay, okay, back up a bit!" Percy exclaimed. "So that Voles dude or whatever he's called said he's the god of the Underworld. But he's not Hades and he's not even a Greek god?"
"That's what he said. And I never heard of any Greek gods named Zorya, Perun, or Veles. I looked up those names and they are a part of the Slavic mythology, but it's not nearly as extensive as what the Greeks had."
Percy was still trying to wrap his head around all that. Gods from different mythologies? What's next? Is Thor going to be real?
"Okay, we're here."
Percy was snapped out of his thoughts as he saw they arrived at Luke's former house. Well, whatever Nico just told him can wait. They had other things to settle.
Chris Rodriguez couldn't help but feel annoyed. He couldn't understand why Clarisse was so stubborn. Not just the camp, but the entire world was at stake and she would risk it all by deciding not to have Ares Cabin fight?
No matter how many times he tried to convince her, his girlfriend wouldn't budge. That girl was just too prideful at times.
But honestly, he wished he could go and help. It was at least a way for Chris to redeem himself for picking the wrong side of the war. He owed everyone that much.
As he went for a walk to clear his mind, he passed Thalia's Tree. Well, Thalia herself wasn't in the tree anymore, but the name stuck. This was the barrier that prevented the monsters from entering Camp Half-blood. And the Golden Fleece that healed it still lay on one of its branches.
Strangle feeling it was, seeing the symbol of their protection like that. And how he and the Ares kids were on the wrong side it. The son of Hermes just had half a mind to go by himself to help the war, but maybe he could still convince Clarisse to look at the big picture.
He turned around to go try and do just that but was caught off guard as a hand clasped around his mouth in an iron grip. His eyes widened as they stared into the red ones that belonged to none other than Marcus Addams, whose frown was ever present on his face.
"Sorry about this, Chris," Marcus said before using his left hand to strike Chris on the head. The punch wasn't that strong, but it did make Chris grunt briefly before his eyes rolled back and he fell down unconscious.
Walking past the knocked-out demigod, Marcus ran to the tree and quickly snatched the Fleece. This was something he'd definitely need in the upcoming battle.
AN: And that's it for now, my dear readers! Now I actually originally planned to show some of the actual battle here but decided to delay that until the next chapter which I assure you won't take as long to get out as this one. Now, for you who wonder why I decided to bring in Slavic mythology here, it's a bit of a setup for something I plan to do in the future. And before some people criticize for how I'm showing Nawia and characters like Veles and Zorya, Slavic myths don't have that many concrete things about them. People still debate what plenty of elements actually mean and if some characters are gods or not. I just decided to bring my own spin on things.
And again, sorry for such a long wait.
Now, I remind you to check out my other stories. Trust me, they're worth it. And leave a review, they are great motivators.
See you next time!