I was almost not going to update but I couldn't help it. I just love this story. It was just one figment of my imagination and now it's a story and I can't help loving it even though this crossover is so rare and not that popular.
"Oh dear Gods!" One human screamed in Greek as I ascended from the skies. I allowed one side of my lips to rise, as my feet landed on solid ground. The fog cleared to reveal the 100 Shadow Titans, all waiting, as still as statues, for my command.
I guess you are curious as to what happened. Well, after Kydilla, Saturn gave me and Frank and Hazel more missions. After my third mission, it started to become boring. I was tired of people recognizing me, so I took a page out of my brother's book, made a mask for myself out of gold, all thanks to Hazel who summoned the gold and Frank who helped me design it. It wasn't that I didn't trust Hazel's powers, it's just that I grew to like being faceless, for everyone to wonder what I truly look like.
Also, sometimes it gets tiring. I'm not like Hazel, I don't have a strong affinity for the Mist. Sometimes, I lose control over it and people see me as I am. With my new mask, I don't have to worry about such accidents.
To others, I wear a black and gold armour, with a gold mask. You might ask, where's your diadem? How do you think I made the mask? It's like Jason's coin—one side is the diadem, the other is Prodosia's mask.
Walking confidently to a cowering mortal, I sneered. All they could see were my eyes and my mouth, I had no doubt it scared them, especially because of the uncanny similarity between Neptune and me. The mortal was lucky I chose him though. Grasping his chin and harshly turning him around to meet my eyes, I pointed with my other hand at the frozen mortals, giving them a silent command.
In unison, the Shadow Titans sprang forward, cutting down anything that came in their way. Never letting go of the mortal's chin, I took out Kósmina, raising it high in the air. What came out from the mortal's mouth was a screech so high, I winced. And I got used to Will's sonic whistles! Still, I plunged Kósmina into the ground. "I'll let you live if you spread the word. I am Prodosia, and I lay claim to this land. Anyone who dares challenge me, they are welcome to. Just be sure they know they will die." He seemed shocked it was a girl talking, but he nodded so quickly, like those bobbing toys that I forgot the name. I threw my arm out. He landed on the ground. Like a coward, he ran away, never once looking back. Turning back to the mindless soldiers, I let myself relax my guard for what seemed like forever. A job well done. I'll rest a day or two in my new place before heading back to Titus, after clearing up the chaos the Shadow Titans make. Besides, I miss Hazel and Frank. It's been a month with only the occasional dream talks in that mindscape I created so we could talk when all three of us were asleep. It isn't as frequent as I wished, but beggars can't be choosers. The soldiers continued hacking down everything as I wrinkled my nose. I hated them, created out of someone else's pain. I might've been sympathetic, if not for the fact I knew one of the suffering ones was the Minotaur. Let him suffer, I say. I haven't had the time to actually check out Tartarus. I must say, I prefer this Tartarus. Not at all scary and designed to kill. Kinda chilling really. Too dark for me to do much, but that's expected. I walked around, wondering who else I could find. Lifting destroyed buildings, sensing the earth, searching the waters. All the ones I found were dead. I was quick to shut out the sorrow. There was no regret in this. I made the choice to come back. I made my bed. Now I have to lie on it. And I won't regret anything.
"What have you done?" A grief stricken woman cried out, as I spotted her knelt down, hidden behind a tree. She carried a tiny child. Her innocent snow-white eyes (a colour I have never seen before) scanned the place she once called home, not sure what to make out of this destruction. My heart skipped a beat—this girl was just like Emily, the innocence that stayed there despite all that has happened. The girl who was oblivious to her friends. I fight for this innocence. A reminder when I need it. She was like Aura, and all the young girls I saved from my past few conquests. Raising my right hand, I sent the Shadow Titans going, far away from this mother and child, before running to them. Considering I ran at the speed of lightning, it may seem like I teleported except there was still a trail of lightning behind me. "Go away! I won't let you harm my baby." The woman cried again, backing up again. The baby pouted, eyes filling with tears. Still, I kept silent, going up to them. It took a couple of tries before she finally realised I wasn't there to attack them, and let me approach. I waited until it was only the three of us, before finally doing something. Pressing a secret button on my mask, transforming it back to the diadem, I flashed the woman a teeth-showing grin, before bending to see the girl better.
"Some call me the villain." I stated clearly. She jolted, not ready to see such a youthful soul. Yeah, I got used to it. "Some called me their heroine. Want to know something? One cannot be judged by what the public says. My mother once wanted to name me Perseus, the destroyer. What people didn't know was that the name also means the avenger. Tell me, if I spared your child, what would you call me?" For now, I didn't want her to know my name. Not until I knew if she could be trusted.
"Destroyer!" The woman snapped in a crisp Greek accent, no longer afraid but indignant and furious. "You destroyed my world!"
"In war, there will always be casualties. Right now, I give you an ultimatum. Continue living here, find the survivors, and surrender to me, Prodosia. I will let you all live, so long as you call this land mine. Or else, I will kill all of you. I won't even need the Shadow Titans to do so."
"That is hardly a choice!" She protested, motherly instinct at work even if she didn't know it, covering her child. Mum would've admired her, admired the love and care this woman showed. Would've disapproved of my actions. But I learned long ago, dead people tend to not want things. The longer I dwell on the what ifs, the more I will regret.
"You can also leave, leave and never come back. Not tell a soul what I look like. I won't chase after you, I give you my word and swear on the Gods and Titans and immortals. But remember, not everyone will believe that. At least here, you will live prosperously." I tickled the baby's stomach, smiling gently as she giggled and laughed with joy, uncaring of what had happened. Raising a clenched fist, she waved it at my face. The woman's face softened. "You have a way with children. How unlikely for a commander of Saturn."
"Every child has their parents. I was born to a mother unlike anyone in the world. Even my biological father claimed she was 'a queen among mortals.' I had a sister, I know the way of children, so believe me when I say caring for your child here is the safest of all three choices." I answered honestly. It wasn't like this woman could do anything. I give this ultimatum to all survivors, in the previous 9 towns. Most accepted, although she is the first to be with a child. She must not know about my other conquests. "Your daughter has a future. Rebuild this land, without the influence of men, without the shadow of the Gods, and let your daughter have a life. The Gods and Titans will not dare pass what I have claimed as mine."
"You are different." The woman whispered as I activated my mask again, about to call back the Shadow Titans. "You might be a normal human."
"Oh, but I was."
"Then why have you become like this? The Gods would've liked someone like you." She seemed persistent to see the Gods in the light. I was more understanding as I had been in the same position.
"My mother may have birthed and raised me, but it was the Gods who shaped me and made me like this. Sometimes, you can't see what's on the surface, but rather dig deep and find the real thing. It could be as precious as gold, but it can also be as deadly as the deep sea."
I didn't wait for her response. Instead, I vapor-traveled away. After commanding the Shadow Titans to stop, I looked through the place. It's good, I picked a good spot. If what Saturn says is true, then this is the perfect place. However, I don't play by his rules. This place is also perfect for farming. Mortals were foolish to build temples and buildings here, when the soil was full of nutrients. I will get Hazel to come and give it a headstart. I cracked my knuckles, which were sparking with lightning, casting a dome around the place like I've done many times, dancing in the same pattern, weaving my hands like I was some sort of ballerina. Lightning danced in my wake, as my first element rose and joined with it. Who said lightning and water didn't go well together? They were the perfect shield. Maybe later, I will create a wall to protect this place. What did they call it? Nah, never mind. You conquered it. You should name it. It was what Aura told me, and I shall act on that. Parigoria it is.
Would you want to hear about boring stuff? Time skip
It took a bit longer than I expected to rebuild Parigoria to my new conquered land. 2 months to be exact. Usually it only took a month, maybe a few extra weeks if required, still. After Kydilla, I decided to personally oversee the place, not because I didn't trust the people I named rulers. By now, Frank and Hazel were already relaxing at Titus, waiting for my return. No disturbing each other on missions. That was the only rule Saturn had insisted on. We don't really mind since we know how important it was. Usually though, I would only spend two weeks on the place, find a mortal to swear loyalty to me, and get them to rebuild the land according to my rules. I'll expand on that when I need to.
There was a lot of legal things I had to do despite it not being the modern times. The boy did his job, and spread the word I, Prodosia, had overthrown yet another land. Cocky men came to defeat me, seeking glory. I sent all of them back to their hometowns in a box. In remains. Believe me, it was satisfying breaking their bones and cutting off their limbs, listening to their pitiful screams. Some, I granted mercy, boiling their blood in an instant. That made people both wary and reassured, for they know I guard this place. Made people want to come here, which I had no objections to. Population crisis. Besides, if I wanted this place to prosper, I needed people working. I protected them, they worked for me. It was simple like that. No one cared if I was Prodosia, like in my other lands. They all just needed someone to protect them, which my shield provided.
The woman I talked to, Amey, became the acting regent after swearing loyalty to me. No, it wasn't by the River Styx. Yes, it works. If she betrayed me by anything, her blood would boil like she is fully exposed to the sun, dying in a gruesome way as she explodes. Amey understood the risks, yet she still swore. A good thing because I kinda like her. Didn't want to be always suspicious of her, waiting for the slight possibility she would reveal my face. I named her daughter, Elpis, ruler of Parigoria once she becomes 16, no strings attached. A subtle way of showing I didn't obey any tradition. All the conquered lands, after Kydilla, I made a female as the ruler. There were too many male rulers anyways. Before leaving, I discussed with Amey the future of Parigoria. She was more relaxed in my presence, especially when I took off what made me Prodosia.
"You are good, my Queen." She had said with respect. I told her she didn't need to, but she told me that fear won't last forever, and will only encourage people to rebel. However, respect was everlasting. I followed her advice. "You could've killed everyone, but you didn't. You could've abandoned the survivors when you invaded to die, but you didn't. I do not know everything about you, I do not know why you kill so many just to preserve the others, nor do I know why you side with Saturn, but I do not care. You are willing to do so much for a conquered land, willing to do what you can to make it prosper, and for people to live happily. To those who grow up here, you are their goddess." Weirdest thing? She wasn't exaggerating. They literally built a temple for me. A freaking temple! They call me Lady. There were barely three dozen people, but soon there would be more. I was worshipped. I could tell you, it was awkward. People bowed when they saw me, claiming me as their 'Savior' and asking for my 'divine help.' They didn't care if I was Prodosia, which was a secret imbued on them before they entered the town. I'll leave you to the details if they leaked the fact that I was nice.
It was my last day. I left 10 Shadow Titans to protect the land, the rest having left as Saturn required them. Already, we could see progress on the farming lands. Still, no signs of the Gods. They have not shown themselves for the past 9 conquests either. Never mind, I wasn't impatient. I can bid my time. But the first to fall will be Poseidon. Or rather Neptune. It will be by my hand. No one else is allowed to harm him. I will cut them all down, and my father will finally get what he deserves. As I walked out of the blooming town, a smile was etched on my face. The mask wasn't suffocating or unbearable, it was perfect. For so long, I had worn the mask of the perfect demigoddess. Time to show the world who she really is beneath that mask of pretense. And I'll be sure Hazel and Frank would be right there, beside me, as the world falls out of the Gods dictating ways.
Something about Azure—it was a teleporting stone. I think I illustrated its powers when I briefly visited Kydilla again. Taking Azure out, I activated the stone, causing it to glow as bright as a star. "Titus." I called out, feeling the familiar rush as I was swept away. Amey will take care of Parigoria, I have faith in her. If she loves Parigoria like she loves Elpis, I have no doubt this land will grow. Just like I didn't doubt Kydilla and the eight other towns. Slowly, we conquer all of Greece. We change their Gods. One step towards victory. When the Gods are weak and vulnerable, we will swoop in. And destroy them once and for all.
"Oh my Titans, finally!" Hazel practically jumped on me as I entered the room. Frank laughed joyously as Hazel and I landed on the floor in a heap of laughter. She hugged me like some octopus, and I reciprocated the gesture with more enthusiasm. I've missed them so much. After helping both of us up, Frank also enveloped me in a hug, lifting me off my feet. I squeaked, futilely kicking my legs. "Styx! Frank! I gotta breath!" Hazel wrapped her arms around my waist, leaning in. I stopped kicking to avoid hitting her, not that it would've hurt. "Nope. You're staying here forever, Sephie. How dare you leave for longer than what we agreed!" Despite her words, there was only love and care in her tone. I calmed down, returning the hug. Titans could've entered, but we didn't stop, not until we finally got enough of each other to separate, but never letting go of each other. "I love what you've done with the place!" I gushed as I took one look around our room, finally noticing how big it is when the wall separating our training room and bedroom was demolished. Frank did that. Not me. Nope. Definitely not me. Hazel had called on the different kinds of flowers to bloom, decorating the walls. Tulips, buttercups, poppies. Flowers that were most certainly not supposed to be in a room were, all thanks to Hazel. There was a tall tree—an olive tree by the looks of it—at the centre of the room. Long, sturdy branches were stretched, making the tree look more like a tree house. Frank also contributed, adding a magnificent water fountain that spewed water out from a statue of the three of us. Well, technically water spewed out from the fountain and above the fountain sat a statue of us carved from stone. The imperial gold weapons were hidden by a willow tree. Huh, I guess I underestimated how big the room was. Somehow, they also added windows made from gold to let sunlight enter, feeding the growing plants. This place looked like it was a forest instead of a bedroom. All it was missing was life. Speaking of which, my heart twisted thinking of BlackJack and Mrs O'Leary. Was it fair that I left them? No. Will I get them back? Perhaps. We shall see what the Fates bring.
Hazel showed me this clear patch of grass. It was a bit smaller than the training mat, but it'll do. Sitting on the sidelines was a rack of the most precious stones I had ever seen. Noticing my interest, Frank said, "Hazel and I wanted to bring back something to remember this war by."
"I found this crystal in Lumos." Hazel grabbed one of the duller obsidian stones. When it hit the light however, a rainbow instantly formed. The stone also seemed to glow bright. No wonder she found it in Lumos, a place she renamed. A land of light. "It reminded me of Leo. How everyone only saw him as a tinkerer, but he was so much more. All we needed was to see him at a different angle." She shuddered, barely controlling her tears. I pressed my lips against her forehead, slowly rubbing circles on her back. First Sammy, now Leo. No, now her family. It just wasn't fair. Frank tilted her head and kissed her soundly to which she responded eagerly with a kiss of her own, wrapping her arms around his neck, tiptoeing. I wrinkled my nose but didn't interrupt. Out of the three of us right now, Hazel was most dangerous. She may be chronologically 80+ but she's biologically only 17, not to mention has died. She's most vulnerable, which means she has a loose hold over her powers. She, like me, has the blood of two of the first 6. There's a reason why powers are more unpredictable than strength like Frank's.
After waiting for a few moments and they showing no signs of stopping, I smiled, slipping away. I'll let Frank deal with his girlfriend. Saturn will be angry if I don't report, and frankly? I'm in no mood to listen to his rant. I had no photographic memory though, so it took like half an hour to find the stupid throne room. Even with my speed. Those who saw me made way for me, a look of fear in their eyes which I have grown to savour.
I dashed past the door, once again forgetting to knock. Ah well. Saturn broke off from where he was communing with Themis. "Saturn." I drawled out in Greek. He looked annoyed, but rose. Quite tall really, but height didn't matter. "Prodosia." My name sounded weird coming from him, but I ignored it.
"Dominated the town. Forgot its name but yeah. Finished. Anything new?" I asked, examining my nails, all cracked up. I'll cut it later with Kósmina.
"I will blame that on the fact you are a leader, not a follower." He growled slightly, but eased up. "The Titans are winning. We slowly invade my children's most sacred homes, taking away their worshipers. Soon, all we have to do is take the Flame." Ah yes, the Flame. The one that creates the Shadow Titans yet no one would tell me about for they also didn't know. It wasn't my concern, at least not yet. "Once we have it, they will be weakened, and we shall go in for the kill. The Gods will be exterminated and the Titans will rule."
"Delicious." I licked my lips. The air around me felt dryer as I condensed the water vapour and froze it, creating a ball to play with. Up. Down. Up. Down. Up. Down. Up. Down. Up. Down. Repeat. "It has taken me longer than estimated. For now the conquered lands thrive as they swear loyalty to me, which branches to you. My newest conquest, Parigoria, will soon have the supplies needed. Chári has been prepping the warriors she has to offer. Cecelia has led Chári well, an amazing queen. Many will fight for our cause for a chance at winning her hand in marriage." I paused. "But my efforts were not in vain. The regents I have chosen will lead the kingdoms well. Soon, I'll link the 10 places together and make a new queendom."
"How many soldiers would that be?" Saturn asked thoughtfully, as even Themis considered this.
"Chári alone? About ten thousand or so. There was more time to prepare as she was my second conquered land." Chári is also one of my more favoured cities. Do you know what Chári means in Greek? Grace. As splendid as the suggested name, and as attention seeking as their father. Humans are easily convinced by the promises of safety, they don't care if I have killed and tortured. Then again, besides my mask, I do not hide under pretence. The assurances of protection isn't a lie. It is truth. "But Saturn, do be wise. The soldiers I have stated are not meant to go in the middle of the war between Gods and Titans. We are otherworldly beings. You cannot let them fight against the Gods, that is a waste of mortal lives."
"The Lord does not need to listen, girl." Themis's voice was sharp and defensive, loyal to the very end. Saturn chuckled, patting her arm. "Do not fret Themis. I will converse with Prodosia. We need to know where to strike next." Then, to me, he asked, "what of Góissa and Ekdikó?" You didn't think I was the only one who got a new name did you?
"I'll let your imagination run wild. They are in the room." I said in an annoyed way, telling him exactly what they were doing without having to actually tell them.
"You will relay what happens here to them then. Anything they have to contribute, be sure to inform me." He ordered as I gave him a quick bow of my head. He finally calmed down so my head wouldn't be ringing later on from how loud he was. Gosh dang it, I wished I could just mute him like a phone can mute notifications.
"The Gods will need to act soon if they wish to still preserve anything. We must counter their attack." I stated firmly. If there was a table, I might slam my hands on it. Alas, there wasn't, and the best I could do was unsheath Kósmina and trace the blade with two fingers as I imagined how tantalising it would be to run her through the Gods. Saturn eyed Kósmina warily but wisely kept quiet. Themis also cooled down, giving me an approving nod. "They have not found out the truth about the Shadow Titans. Without the knowledge, they cannot hope to defeat them."
"That might not be so true. My lightning can destroy them." I interjected. Is it so wrong that Themis reminded me of Annabeth? I loved these banters with my girlfriend that always ended with kisses in bed. Themis is truly wise and smart if she can keep up. "Yes, Prodosia, but you are not on the same level as the Gods. Your lightning is more powerful. Brighter. Jupiter cannot hope to defeat it. Only their Flame can kill the Shadow Titans. We must take it."
"With it, they are stronger." I murmured, annoyed. "Yes, they are. For now, so are we, but that can change any moment." Themis said neutrally.
"We cannot take the risk." Saturn was adamant.
"Where is their Flame? I will retrieve it." My hold on Kósmina was stronger. Riptide was like a beacon of light, muffled by the indestructible cloth. Saturn shook his head. "We will not risk you, Prodosia. Neither Góissa nor Ekdikó."
"The Gods must lose, Saturn. I committed my life to destroying them. I do not care if I will be risked. The Flame must be extinguished." I growled, baring my teeth. Saturn's eye ticked, indicating he was losing patience for me. Alas, that was a common thing these days.
Saturn shook his head. "Very well. Once we make a new plan, we will inform you." I wasn't satisfied, but it was the best I could do. I crossed my arms, nodding once. "To other things then… "