Authors Note: Shoutout to Valeur for helping me with...writing. even though that help was like months ago, i still use it, and I'm ever grateful for it. so yes, thank you.
Chapter 37: A good deal of travelling
"Moros has made contact. Indirect contact, but still, contact." Hecate muttered, a giggle passing through her lips here and there. "This is brilliant, we're all going to die at the hands of an enemy we have zero information on."
Perseus and Artemis glanced at each other in confusion. "Um, Hecate? I'm not sure how you came to the conclusion that there now an enemy who's going to 'kill' us all, but I do have a feeling you are overreacting…"
"Overreacting?!" Hecate hissed, glaring at Perseus. "Does this…" Hecate said as she stormed off to a nearby grave, and pulled off the shroud from the body. "…Look like overreacting to you?!"
"Hecate! You can't just do- whoa." Artemis yelled, but then immediately trailed off as she stared at the contents of the grave. Perseus soon followed suite, his eyes immediately widening at the abomination that was filling his vision.
"What…that can't be-"
"One of Lycaon's many children." Hecate said with a hollow tone in her voice. Instead of a corpse on the verge of decaying, there was instead a humanoid monster within the grave, that looked to be a cross between a horse and a crab. There were still some human features around the body, but he gods watched as the human fingers bubbled momentarily, and then took the shape of a horse's hoof. The same thing happened to the other human features, where a spike erupted from a darkening shoulder, and the nose disappeared from the face
"So whatever mother knew and told me was true." Hecate said with a sigh.
"Hecate. What…is happening here." Perseus asked slowly.
"Not now or here." Hecate replied as her eyes darted around. "I don't want to take the risk of anyone eavesdropping on us. Especially if it's your new friend Artemis."
"Then let's get Apollo and the others, and regroup back in the cave. And you-" Artemis said, jabbing a finger at Hecate. "Are going to explain what is getting your robes in such a twist. And that…thing."
"I was going to anyway." Hecate mumbled, covering the monster with the shroud. She then raised her hand and muttered something. A red tinted barrier formed on top of the body, and on top of a few other tombs as well. The barrier then disappeared.
"Can't we just reverse the effects instead of deviating the mortals from visiting or noticing this grave instead?" Perseus asked Hecate, though she did not answer. The trio then made their way out of the catacombs and back into the sewer system, but not before Perseus blocked the hole with his terrakinesis. They then emerged back into the city, which admittedly didn't look like it was overrun by wolves and werewolves alike just five minutes ago. Some light damage here and there, but nothing the gods couldn't fix.
"I have half a mind to leave this place as it is. Let the high and mighty king up there deal with this." Artemis said. Hecate shrugged in response while Perseus spied Apollo heading straight for them, while still covered in fire.
"Guys! You made it out, especially you Artemis." Apollo cried, giving everyone a group hug. "Another win for us, eh?"
Artemis rolled her eyes, but nonetheless smirked. "Yes, now let go you big fiery ball of gas."
Apollo blinked. "Big fiery…huh? Wait, you don't mean…"
"Apollo let go, your flames are tickling me." Perseus said with a chuckle, twisting his way out. "How did you even manage to get yourself in that state anyway?"
"He ate a bunch of pickles." Hermes shouted from afar as he sped up, skidding to a halt next to them. "And then erupted some gas from his lower area if you know what I mean."
"What?! No, definitely not that!" Apollo cried indignantly. "I just covered myself with flammable gas, then lit myself with fire-"
"So that's where the odor was coming from, and here I thought the werewolves couldn't be more hygienic." Artemis said with a laugh.
"That is not true!" Apollo cried out.
"Ow, is it me or is the earth moving way too fast for my liking." Aphrodite grumbled as she stumbled out of a house. "I can see the sky…even though my eyes are pointed to the ground."
"Something tells me you have used to much magic my young apprentice." Hecate drawled. "Not quite proficient as I made you out to be."
"I can actually beat you Hex. Let me just eat some sand, and I'm good to go." Aphrodite exclaimed. She then tripped over her own feet, and fell on top of Artemis.
"We should go; I have a feeling that the mortals might wake up with the ruckus we're making." Perseus said, his eyes trained on the top of the hill. "And it seems like the guards are finally making their rounds over here."
"Then let us scram." Hermes said, flashing away with a soft pop in order to not alert any one the other gods followed suite, with Perseus taking Aphrodite along later after he realized she wasn't going to move along. The group turned up back in Skiágis, with Perseus receiving a small boost of power on arriving.
"Good island." Perseus said with a content sigh, placing Aphrodite on a long sofa, which she immediately claimed for her own by stretching along it. Apollo and Hermes had placed themselves on the main table, with their legs perched on top of it. Artemis on the other hand was leaning against the table, her gaze directed at Hecate who had just flashed in.
"Explain everything you know…about this essence of morose." Artemis ordered, gaining everyone's attention, including Aphrodite who cracked an eye open.
Hecate rolled her eyes. "What am I, the 'prime resource expert' or what." She muttered.
"Basically, yes." Artemis replied.
Perseus smirked as he made his way to the table and took a seat. "Come on Artemis, I know you may be a bit antsy right now, but goading Hecate won't do you any good."
Artemis was about to reply when Perseus grabbed her hand and pulled her down, making her sit on his lap. Artemis remained still as Perseus wrapped his arms around her waist, and then rested his head on her shoulder.
"Um…I…yeah…maybe." Artemis mumbled, her face practically radiating gold. Apollo and Hermes mentally noted down their next tactic to use on any potential lover, while Hecate smirked in response.
"First, let's tell you what we went through after you went down into the catacombs." Hecate told Artemis. "Then you can recount what you faced, and I will tell everything I have been told about the essence."
Apollo and Hermes looked confused, but intrigued on hearing about the essence, while Aphrodite hummed in acknowledgement. Everyone soon began their recounts of the previous events had transpired, and Hecate later explained about the origination of the essence, which more or less freaked the three gods who hadn't heard of it yet. Artemis was also surprised to learn that Perseus had taken Lycaon into custody, instead of killing him.
"I had a feeling that I should keep him alive, just in case. And it seems like I was right." Perseus explained with a grin.
"That's actually perfect. Now I can squeeze any good information about the essence, provided that the mutt has any insight." Hecate said thoughtfully.
"Why don't we bring him up now." Perseus said, snapping his fingers. The shadows behind him swirled around, forming a portal on the ceiling. Lycaon then dropped out of the portal, blindfolded, and bounded by a familiar golden coated rope.
"You think you can make me talk?! You think I will lick your feet and abide everything you immortal assholes have to say?!" Lycaon barked out, struggling with his binds.
"Yes Lycaon." Perseus replied, his eyes gleaming. "You are going to tell us whatever you know about Gello, and her role in your plans. Aphrodite?"
"You owe me a shopping trip." Aphrodite mumbled, a playful smile soon forming. "My dear Lycaon, how are you this fine night?"
"Who the hell is speak…I'm fine fair lady…"
Aphrodite giggled. "That's wonderful to hear. i was wondering, when did you come in contact with this…Gello lady, mhm?"
"The day after I was turned into the beast you see right now." Lycaon said solemnly. "She…she helped me with my new form. Powers, my inevitable transformation…everything."
"Ask him what were the reasons for him attacking Arcadia, or even having Gello involved." Perseus whispered to Aphrodite, which she then repeated to Lycaon.
"It was obvious fair lady. Revenge, humiliation, doom. And a chance…to bring my children back."
"Your children back? How would you be able to bring them back?" Perseus asked confused, his eyes then slowly widening. "Unless…"
"Gello was involved as she promised me that she would resurrect my children. She had the means, it even helped me excel." Lycaon replied, answering Perseus's unasked question.
"Essence of morose can resurrect mortals?" Artemis asked surprised. "Hecate what exactly is this thing?!"
Hecate was massaging her temples. "Give me a break, I'm trying to make sense of this as well!" she snapped. "Why don't you ask the other expert in the room."
Everyone raised an eyebrow on hearing this, that is until they saw Hecate glaring at Aphrodite, who took some time to notice.
"Me? But…I only know how ailment stones work, not whatever this essence thing is."
"Not you, Lycaon. I'm glaring at you so you can ask the questions." Hecate said with a sigh, shaking her head.
Aphrodite blushed "Oh. Yes, of course. Ahem, Lycaon, what do you know about Gello and the essence of morose."
"Gello claimed to be from not of this world. A realm beyond one's imagination, or comprehension. She came to me, saying she can feel…delicious things radiating from me…"
"Morose, doom, impending doom. That's what she probably meant." Artemis mumbled.
"She promised me a sliver of divinity that even the gods will tremble before. She…promised me power. My name, kingdom. And, my family."
"Wait, so does that mean this essence can…revive mortals from the dead?" Apollo asked.
Hecate had a pained look on her face. "No, not exactly. While the essence can bring back a soul to inhabit a body once again, regardless of where that soul has been placed, or, if it has taken up rebirth, it's the matter of what happens to the body. It's not a simple resurrection, I'm sure Artemis and Perseus have caught on to what I mean."
"The essence resurrects mortals, but it turns them into monsters. That's the side effect isn't it?" Perseus replied.
Hecate shook her head. "That's not the side effect Perseus. That's the feature. The essence turns mortal corpses into deformed abominations, things that can only be nightmare fodder. It's a fate I wouldn't wish on my enemies honestly, to die, only to be brought back into your own, but new foreign body. While doing tasks mindlessly for the bearer of the essence. That, would have been the fate of Lycaon's children if Gello had her way."
"My children…monsters?" Lycaon whispered, a low rumble coming out of him.
"Aphrodite, keep your hold on." Perseus warned.
"Look like this Gello lady forgot to mention a teensy detail in the contract then. Always read the terms and conditions, no matter how long or boring they are. That's what I always tell my customers." Hermes snarked.
"Enough Hermes." Artemis said, narrowing her eyes. "Aphrodite, ask Lycaon what's this 'sliver of divinity' that Gello had given him."
Aphrodite had repeated what Artemis asked her to, and on hearing it, Lycaon had a fearful look on his face.
"She promised immunity from weapons made out of certain materials." Lycaon replied. "Promised me, that even the most powerful metal wouldn't even cause a scratch on my body. She lied though, I easily got defeated by silver. Mere silver!"
"Immunity from weapons?" Artemis murmured, staring at the umbra ore dagger which she got from Perseus. "Even from the most powerful one…"
Hecate scoffed. "Yeah right. You're telling me umbra ore can't hurt these mutts." She said haughtily, but lost her smirk when she saw Perseus with a blank look on his face. "Perseus?"
"He and his followers were immune to umbra ore Hecate." Perseus finally said. "I know it sounds impossible, but if it's a cause from the essence-"
"You're telling me this Gello passed on the essence to not just Lycaon, but his entire army of canines?!" Hecate shouted. "That's…that's crossing a line! Who knows which other beings she must have passed it on too, it can't be just Lycaon."
"His dead kids for one, supposedly." Apollo muttered.
"Gello didn't pass it to my pack." Lycaon answered. "I was the one who bit them, which in turn passed whatever power she gave me. But it was hardly anything, even for me. For she gave a quick bite on the neck, and immediately left."
Hecate tilted his head to the side. "You didn't ask him anything, right Aphrodite?"
Aphrodite waved away dismissively. "My charmspeak enthralls the listener to listen to anyone as the period of time extends, nothing to worry about."
"That's interesting to hear." Hermes replied. "Maybe Gello can pass this essence to a limited number of beings? Otherwise, she would have armed all of them with the same dose right?"
"And I doubt she gave him a lot now that I think about it." Hecate mused. "Because, we aren't right now talking to some wolf like monstrosity in front of us."
"Maybe living beings don't turn into monstrosities." Apollo said, scratching his head.
"Why don't we stop here. I don't want us to go around in circles all night, and I personally am quite spent on hearing new information. Perseus, can you keep Lycaon safe somewhere?"
"Well…I can ask the Ourae if they don't mind keeping him with them. I can finally use them for something as well." Perseus replied.
"That's a great idea. Hecate, I know this may be rude of me to ask, but can you-"
"Find more information on the essence, talk and more talk." Hecate replied, and then smirked. "You're lucky I'm invested in this, otherwise I would have flashed away with your nose right now."
Artemis smiled in response. "You can't do that…can you?"
Hecate merely winked as she disappeared in a cloud of smoke. The other gods left as well, with a promise of another night out in a city to celebrate their victory. Perseus had returned back to the cave to keep his new armor when he found Artemis still behind, hugging herself as she stared at the umbra ore dagger.
"Somethings on your mind." Perseus asked as he approached Artemis.
"Mhm." She hummed, closing her eyes.
"I know this is an understatement, but you literally went through a lot these past few days." Perseus said, grasping Artemis's shoulders. Artemis pulled back a bit slightly as she was lost in her thoughts, but immediately relaxed as she basked in the familiar loving touch. Perseus had noticed her reflex action, and held her tightly while reaffirming her with a warm, soft smile. "I won't fault you for venting out if you want."
"I didn't even kill her Perseus, nor did I even manage to capture her." Artemis whispered. "She left, just like that, while I stared dumbly and not even moving a muscle. And even if she didn't escape, she might have as well tried to overrun me with those…creatures she probably made. From bodies, bodies that once had life in them. Children Perseus, children that not only unfairly died at the hands of my father, but would have been given a second life as…as monsters! And I couldn't do anything, anything to stop her, and everything she caused. I-" she choked out. "I didn't…I-"
"Hey, hey listen to me Artemis. You, are the most headstrong and fearless woman I have ever met, and I'm proud to say I'm courting you. You never let anything hold you down or back you down, and always aim for the top. And even when you are pushed down, you always overcome it, no matter what. I know this, and I want you to know this as well if it hasn't gotten in your head. Arrowhead." Perseus replied.
"But maybe if I used more of my godly powers, instead of worrying about collateral damage."
"Artemis, dwelling on what ifs isn't going to help now. It won't at all." Perseus said, pulling her close. "Believe me, there were times when I also felt like there were things that I could have done differently. All we can now hope and do is to not just make the best out of it, but to build and learn upon it. That's one good advice which Zeus has given me so far, I'll tell you that."
Artemis let out a watery laugh on hearing this. "And here I thought 'reach for the top, not literally', was the best advice he's given. Gods Perseus, how do you always know when and how to cheer me up?"
"Well…there are a bunch of answers I can list out, but we'll be her for hours if I did that. But, as cheesy as it sounds, it's because I truly love you Artemis, and that has only grown over the years. You're my other half, and I'm not even exaggerating when I say that because I can feel, or know…wait. is this too much, am I going a bit fast with what I'm- Mphhf!"
"You Perseus, have quite the endearing but slightly irritating quality of rambling and backtracking from what you're saying." Artemis said, leaning back from the kiss she just gave. "Stop it, get some help. And yes, I do love you ash head."
"I…wow…" Perseus mumbled, eyes widening. "Wait, isn't this the first time we have actually said 'I love you' to each other?"
Artemis blinked. "Now that you mention it…what kept us for so long from saying it?"
Perseus nervously rubbed the back of his neck. "I may or may not have chickened out a couple of times…"
Artemis sighed. "Curse Aphrodite for making me think you were going to say it as soon as possible."
Perseus pouted. "Hey! I did say it in the end. Eventually."
Artemis shook her head in amusement as she pinched Perseus's cheek. "Whatever helps you sleep, ash head."
Perseus swatted Artemis's palm in response, making her laugh. The two continued their banter until they ended up staying over in the cave, watching the stars together, and trying to imagine new constellations together.
"Why couldn't I have asked Hera to give more sensible work." Perseus lamented as he scrubbed bird poop off the flower bushes. "At least I have you for company, right Argus?"
Perseus glanced up to where Hera's new attendant was, who was surprisingly, a giant. A giant with…numerous eyes dotted everywhere on his body.
The giant, Argus, merely nodded in response as he placed rocks around a makeshift pond. He had a few eyes on Perseus, a couple more on his work, another set on some nearby peafowl's, and a single eye trained on Hera, who was lounging on her veranda. Basically, the perfect bodyguard honestly. Unless, outsmarted by the god of boring long talks. Especially when it came to sales pitches.
"Say Argus, you can talk right?" Perseus asked.
"Yes." Argus replied.
Perseus raised an eyebrow. "A man- giant, of few words than."
"Yes." Argus said. Perseus managed to catch a peek at an eye that definitely was placed on his tongue.
"So…do you have eyes inside your body? Because I remember Hermes mentioning it once, and I can't imagine your bones having eyes-"
"No." Argus said with a frown. "Don't mention him."
"Right, sorry." Perseus quickly replied. "Though you have to admit, this is much better than guarding Zeus's pet cow. Also known as his previous lover right?"
"No."
"Gotcha." Perseus replied awkwardly, going back to scarping of the bird poop. He finally got a summon from Hera, which he quickly adhered to, if it meant getting from thick tension in the garden with Argus.
"Aunt Hera, is it rude of me to say that I don't want to do hygienic chores?" Perseus asked.
"Mhm." Hera hummed.
Perseus sighed. "I'm not happy doing it."
"You're here? Good, I have a task for you, which will connect to your final task for the day as well. How good are you with story-telling?"
Perseus blinked in surprise. "Um…I guess? I mean, the hunters seem to enjoy it, but Artemis adds more depth so I would say that she-"
"Just say yes or no." Hera said, pinching the bride of her nose.
"Yes." Perseus decided to say.
"Maybe I should get a muse to do it you know." Hera said thoughtfully, making Perseus bristle. "Just tell me what you want me to do beef breath!" Perseus thought. He hoped his mother didn't hear him though.
Hera hiccupped once, but brushed it off immediately. "Well then Perseus. You see, there's this hero out there who will undoubtedly meet his demise quite soon. I want you, to witness this first hand, and narrate the events of what happened to me. The hero is an illegitimate son of my husband, a demigod. Has the same name as you coincidently."
Perseus was already spacing off with thoughts once Hera mentioned he wanted to see the death of a hero. Why would she want to see that? Of course, it made more sense from her perspective when she mentioned the hero was a son of Zeus, but his thoughts immediately grounded to a halt once he heard the last sentence.
"The same name as mine?!" Perseus said too quickly.
"Yes, it's Perseus if you can believe it. Anyway, last I checked, this hero…"
"What was Perseus doing that had Hera believe he was going to die?!" Perseus thought, feeling a bit panicky. No way he was going to let the first hero he had more or less taken under his wing ever since he became a guider.
"So, do you understand what you have to do?" Hera asked.
Perseus didn't say anything, but immediately left when Hera dismissed him, thinking he understood. He flashed off to his palace, falling on a couch as he tried to collect his thoughts.
What was he supposed to do? Perseus had a nagging feeling that the Fates were going to pop up right here and now, and probably berate him for trying to save the hero, which was already in Perseus's mind. But…what if he was meant to interfere? That could be a possibility, he could get a pass for saving lives right?
"You are a guide Perseus, not their savior. Reveal a path for them to walk in, but it will be their choices that matter in the end. The best you can do is, to show them a path that won't stray them downwards, but subtly."
Well, he was half right concerning the Fates. Perseus then let out a sigh and flashed away once again, this time appearing at the beachfront of Aethiopia, the city which Perseus recalled Hera talking about. Sure enough Perseus could spot the demigod, perched on top of a rock spire with his weapons out, along with a young woman seemed who to be chained to the rock. The nearby jeers, and shouts from the locals were also heard, until there were shocked cries mixed in as well. It seemed they, and Perseus, have spotted it. The sea monster, revealing itself out from the surf. Perseus already knew about the details of this mess, how Queen Cassiopeia a year ago bragged that she was more beautiful than Poseidon's Nereid's. Cue Poseidon sending over the sea monster Cetus to terrorize the city, then cue some batty priest claiming that the only way to appease Poseidon was to sacrifice the princess (Perseus was definitely sure Poseidon didn't ask for that) and now cue Perseus the hero coming in between all this, with him now making a choice on defeating Cetus. Perseus knew that the demigod was going to fight the monster, but he doubted the sword and shield provided would be enough against the ancient beast. Unless…
"Sometimes, shortcuts that are set in stone, may might as well be the best route to take upon. Even if you have other means." Perseus thought, sending the message to the demigod's mind. Perseus watched as the young hero faltered in his place, glancing at the sea monster and the sack placed below him. Perseus breathed a sigh of relief when he watched the hero take out the head of Medusa, and easily used it against Cetus, turning the monster into stone. He had adhered to it after all.
The cries and shouts from the locals earlier soon changed into cheers of joy, as they shouted their approval for the young hero not only saving their home, but the princess as well. Perseus rolled his eyes at this, of course they are all happy now that their threat is gone. Perseus watched the young demigod flew towards the city pavilion along with the princess, where they met up with king and queen. Perseus decided that his work was done, though not without a promise that he will talk to the young hero after whatever grand celebration the city will muster. And especially after he gave Hera a very sad bedtime story.
"But young Perseus faltered, his hands clammy as he continued to stare at the impending beast that was soon upon him. The beast then roared, drowning out the background shouts as it prepared its lunge, to strike its foe."
"Mhm…" Hera mused, eyes closed and a serene smile on her face.
"But then, Perseus had a recollection. While he had the aid of the gods, he also had the aid of another. One, that some people refer as a monster."
Hera frowned lightly on hearing this, but motioned to continue.
"Using his quick intellect, Perseus brought out the head of Medusa."
"Huh?!"
"And behold! One single gaze at its grotesque face, spelt the monsters end as it slowly turned to stone. No one thought it would be possible for the powers of Medusa to remain, but that event had sealed the possibility."
"Wait…wha-"
"The hero then set the princess free, and returned her back to her home. And who knows, something could have brewed between the princess and the hero."
"That's imposs-"
"And then they lived happily ever after. The end." Perseus said, clapping his hands. "That was a lovely story, don't you think aunt Hera?"
Hera's face darkened in response. "So that demigod, he lives?"
"Yes, yes he does." Perseus said getting up. "Oh, and Hera?
"…What?"
"I think I have taken quite a liking to that hero." Perseus said, enjoying the look on Hera's face. "After all, we share the same name. And I would hate to see anything bad happening to him, or those close to him, it would really make me…sad."
"Is he under your protection?" Hera asked.
"Hmm, I didn't think of that actually. That's not a bad idea." Perseus mused out loud. And kept a strong hold on the poker face he had, because Hera's reaction was too hilarious not to laugh upon.
"I have a feeling you're playing some kind of game here, my dear nephew." Hera said, clenching her teeth. "I would advise against it. But then again, our terms are only for a month."
"And I hope you will not break them until then." Perseus said, narrowing his eyes. "Or try to do anything later on." Both Perseus and Hera continued to stare at each other, neither of them backing down. Until…
"You are dismissed for the day. However, under the next three days, I expect you to have the golden apples with you. The same amount I asked previously, and, with no help from the Hesperides. Is that understood?"
"Yes."
"Yes your majesty." Hera corrected.
Perseus resisted saying something back, and instead flashed away again to his palace. It was only a few moments after he arrived did he react amongst the silence.
"Stupid, stupid, stupid." Perseus thought, hands on his face. If he hadn't messed up anything before, then he definitely did now. And even though he hated what just transpired a few minutes ago, he couldn't stand the fact that Hera was unnecessarily treating a demigod she never met before unfairly. Sure, he was the son of Zeus, but it wasn't the kids fault when it came to his parentage. Nor the mother's for attracting the sky god's attention. Perseus already had to deal with Hera's ire when that was directed at Artemis, Apollo, Hermes and the other gods that popped up after Zeus's marriage with Hera…and were not Hera's own children.
Perseus let out a sigh as he made his way back to the hunter's camp, where Artemis probably was waiting for him. And tomorrow was a big day to as well, for that would be the day Artemis was going to meet someone Perseus was already dreading. Pontus.
"So I need to speak formally with him?"
"He might indulge it, but don't give him that satisfaction."
"Okay. …Are you sure we shouldn't bring some kind of gift?"
"Artemis's he's a primordial. He's going to think of anything like mundane as some sort of trinket."
"I doubt anything from Olympus can be 'mundane'." Artemis muttered, her eyes widening. "Oh Fates, I'm going to meet a primordial."
"Please don't hype yourself up, you're going to set yourself u for disappointment." Perseus said with a snicker.
"Hype myself?! I'm worried I'm going to screw something up, and then get blasted into smithereens. And we just declared our love for each other!" Artemis lamented.
"…Now you're definitely overreacting." Perseus said with a sigh, rubbing Umbra's top. "Alright girl, you see that current stream over there?"
"Mhm, it looks too fast for my liking though. Are you sure we can't just shadow travel there?"
"No Umbra, shadow travel for some reason is blocked. I'm guessing it has to do with protection or something." Perseus replied.
"How protected is the place?" Artemis asked.
"It's…not really protected per say." Perseus said with a wince. Truth to be told, even he wasn't sure what kind of protection Pontus has placed in case of an attack. Though if Gaia was able to get an upper hand against him all those years ago, before Poseidon adopted the title of ruler of the sea…
"We're entering the current, hold on tight!" Umbra announced, making a sharp turn that almost threw off Perseus and Artemis.
"Percy, I swear I'm going to gut your pet fish one day if it keeps up with its unknown tricks." Artemis muttered.
"Hey, this 'fish', has feelings you know." Umbra grumbled.
"I agree with Artemis Umbra." Perseus groaned. "But not the gutting you part, the…I don't think there is anything else…"
"*sniff* Nice to know about your true intentions Perseus." Umbra mumbled, and then began moving at a moderate pace.
"Oh come on Umbra, don't be like that. I was kidding!" Perseus protested, though it fell deaf on the orca. Which resulted in the couple arriving ten minutes late to Pontus's palace, with no one there to greet them.
"That's weird, I told Aphrodite to be here with him." Perseus mumbled, walking ahead. He then noticed that a certain someone wasn't walking alongside him, and turned around to find Artemis still perched on top of Umbra's back.
"I think your lover has the jitters Perseus." Umbra called out.
"Oh for crying out loud." Perseus mumbled, trudging back to where Artemis was. After pushing and dragging her around didn't help, Perseus then resorted to carry Artemis around, which promptly left her immobile to any resistance.
"Wai, no! That's cheating, you're not supposed to carry me to my imminent embarrassment!"
"Artemis, you are literally acting like a six-year-old now. You don't want Apollo to hear of this and have him start referring to himself as the older twin now, do you?" Perseus asked. That shut Artemis up.
"Umbra, you go and do what I asked you to. And don't get distracted by sharks or multi colored fish, or I'm not going to take you around for a month."
"Yes boss!" Umbra said, raising a fin on the top of its head. Perseus then made his way to the palace, though he didn't make any move to set Artemis down on her feet.
The two then arrived at the courtyard, where they were greeted by the sight of a gigantic crab making its way towards them. Though it got weirder, when Aphrodite was seen perched on top of the crab, a shit eating grin on her face. And flailing around in one of the crab's pincer was a familiar old man.
"Frothy! Put me down right this instant! I don't want to look like a blubbering fool in front of our visitor!"
"Loosen up Grandpa P." Aphrodite called out. "No need to behave so stiff and boring, relax. Artemis will like you, I promise. Oh speak of the telkhine."
"That's Pontus?!" Artemis asked jaw dropped. "The primordial of the sea…"
"Who's acting like a fish out of water in Sebastianos pincer. Yes, that is Pontus." Perseus said simply.
"Is that Kelpie? Wait, that means…" Pontus said, trailing off when he made eye contact with the couple beneath him. "Oh wow!"
Artemis blinked in surprise. "Pardon me?"
"Sorry, it's just that…you look so much like Phoebe that it's uncanny." Pontus said, tilting his head. "Seems like your grandmother has a doppelganger. Though your eyes, you have your grandfather's eyes. And by that, I meant Koios, not that other chopped up cannibal."
"Oh." Artemis replied with a smile. 'Thank you. I…never met either of my grandparents…so it's nice to know I have some similarities other than name and lineage."
Pontus grinned in response. "No problem. Hey little guy, put me down will you." Pontus said, glancing at Sebastianos with glowing orange eyes. The giant crab shuddered for a bit, and then gently set the primordial down, while Aphrodite grumbled in response.
"Don't tell me Pontus was scared as well to come meet Artemis." Perseus whispered to Aphrodite as he helped her down.
"He was about to jump into that portal thingy of his before I stopped him." Aphrodite replied with a giggle. "I then tried stealing his staff, then used charmspeak which didn't work at all, and then I finally had to get Sebie's help with getting him over. Good thing he was throwing a tantrum since he forgot he could basically control all sea creatures, until now. You had a similar situation with Artemis?"
"Yep, though thankfully she didn't get cold feet from the beginning." Perseus replied, taking in the fact that Artemis and Pontus were actually talking to each other with no awkwardness. "Look at them, it's like two old friends meeting each other after so long." Perseus said shaking his head in exasperation.
"Fascinating, you still have residual effects from the ailment stone more than a week later! One would think you may have already exhausted it, with various activities. You are the goddess of the hunt, but that doesn't seem to be the case." Pontus said. "Kelpie over here while he only got two boosts, exhausted that and his last reserve when fighting that storm giant. After that, well, he fainted."
"Pontus, what crap are you telling her." Perseus replied with mock anger, but was interrupted when Pontus waved his hand dismissively.
"So Artemis, as the goddess of hunting, how proficient are you when it comes to hunting sea creatures? Would you even consider them within your realm?"
Perseus looked on fondly as the two people he considered really close to, actually getting along well. Usually it ended up with rose petals, body parts, and arrows flying everywhere. Though Perseus was prepared if some kind of coral fight broke out.
"Perseus." Aphrodite said, a surprisingly serious expression on her face. "Are you going to ask him? About the essence?"
Perseus visibly deflated a bit, taking a deep breath and checked to see if neither Pontus or Artemis were listening. "I…I'm not sure. Part of me thinks I'll get the same response Hecate got from…Nyx. And the other doesn't want to know the full scale of the essence."
"You will have to know at some point." Aphrodite replied. "I'm surprised that you seem a bit…fearful? Of the essence?"
Perseus let out a hollow laugh. "At first I thought prime resources would just be metals or something. Throw in some healing stone then I guess. An all-powerful fire. Heck, while we're at it, some supposed planet destroying crystals. A wand with a buffet of snow related powers. And now, we have demon summoning liquid that turns dead mortals into monsters, and can also amplify monsters being as well. How cool is that?"
"That's not cool Perseus, that's the opposite of it." Aphrodite said, looking lost.
Perseus rolled his eyes.
"Hmm? Oh, Perseus. It seems that unusual orca of yours is outside, waiting for you." Pontus said, eyes lighting up. "Oh and listen to this dear, speaking of the orca, can you believe that my boy over there replaced my handcrafted sea serpent with some fat bloated dolphin…"
"I'll deal with this quickly. Don't wait up for me." Perseus said as he took his leave. Minutes later, Perseus and Umbra emerged from the surface of the ocean, the latter swimming full speed towards an island, soon becoming visible along the horizon.
"Targets were spotted landing on Seriphos like, ten or so minutes ago. They then made their way to the main palace, and haven't left since, which is why I came here as fast as I did. Permission to annihilate them?"
"Umbra, one of those targets is my friend. Or acquaintance, I'm not sure. So we're definitely not going to be annihilating them." Perseus said, getting off the orca. Seriphos really wasn't that special really Perseus thought as he made his way through the main city. The king ruling over it, Polydectes, was not the greatest either. Perseus wondered why the hero Perseus would land over here in the first place, maybe for a rest stop? But then why go to the palace…
As soon as Perseus shadow travelled outside the courtroom, he immediately felt something wrong. No matter the time during the day, there would always be some hustle or bustle inside the throne room, though Perseus couldn't hear anything. He then opened the doors, and found himself with quite a peculiar site.
Every single person in the throne room, from the guards, nobleman, heck even the king himself, were all turned to stone. Perseus knew this, because of who entered here prior, and because that person was here right now, talking to the princess he had saved just yesterday. They were talking in hushed whispers, and if their closeness was any indication, then Perseus knew he had to have some fun.
"Aw, do we have a pair of lovebirds or not?' Perseus said with a chuckle, startling the couple.
"Percy! I mean, oh my gods I'm so sorry milord. Um…Lord Perseus!" Perseus the hero exclaimed, removing his hand from his sword hilt. "You're back…wait. Why are you here? Wait, I shouldn't be questioning gods, that was stupid-"
"Perseus relax, I'm not going to blast you on the spot. And no- let it be." Perseus mumbled on seeing the two of them bow to him. "I believe we haven't met miss…?"
"Princess Andromeda milord." Andromeda replied bowing again. "It is a great honor to meet a god, especially a great Olympian such as yourself."
"Ah, I, thank you." Perseus said bashfully. "If I may ask. What brings you here to Seriphos Perseus?"
"Oh, I actually live here for most of my entire life. And so does my mother. And because King Polydectes- you know what, it's a seriously long story."
But Perseus listened to it anyway. "And you have now returned with your promise fulfilled. I must say, I was a bit worried you came here to this random island and weren't leaving soon, but I guess that was my slight worrying. So, when are you going to be heading off to?"
"Argos milord. I have some unfinished business with my dear grandfather. And, if the gods are by my side, then I shall become the next ruler of Argos after my grandfather." Perseus the hero said, his eyes momentarily widening. "Wait, you're one of the gods…"
Perseus placed a finger on his lips and winked in response. "That's for me to know, and you to find out."
Perseus the hero sputtered in response while Andromeda watched with fascination. "Am I dreaming, or is a god actually being friendly with my husband?"
"Husband?!" Perseus asked shocked. "You guys like met…and now married…" Perseus began to say but then thought better. In the end, each person has a different response to love, all Perseus could hope for is prosperity for the new couple with their marriage.
"…I think Aphrodite is corrupting me." Perseus thought. His train of thought broke though when Perseus the hero held out the invisibility cap and winged sandals for the god. As well as a familiar sack.
"So it was dripping." Perseus said, noticing the stain at the bottom. "At least you managed to cover it before the situation got any worse."
"Worse?" Andromeda asked.
"Yep. Turns out, the blood that was dripping from the sack, courtesy of Medusa's head, led to the creation of a new breed of monsters. They are supposedly called Amphisbaena, and are found along the sea and the Libyan desert, where the blood mostly splattered. They are winged snakes with a head at each end, some even have little arms and legs as well."
Perseus the hero paled. "I…indirectly created a new type of monster?!"
"Yep. At first, I didn't think much of it, until more reports started pooling in. they are not that dangerous, but still a pain to kill. Heck, my pet orca got one caught on its fin at one point, and I didn't even realize it was a new monster."
"Now, I can understand the magic items, but are you sure about the head? It is your spoil of war after all, we immortals really don't have any use for it as well." Perseus said.
"Maybe, but I don't want to rely on the head forever. Because, while taking shortcuts is not a bad thing, doing it on a regular basis and relying on it may not be the best option I feel." Perseus the hero replied with a slight smile.
"You truly are, a hero Perseus." Perseus finally said, taking the items from the hero. "Stay strong and true, for you have now not just your father's and lady Athena's blessings, but you have mine as well. Do well, and you may probably create something much larger than yourself. Oh and Perseus."
"Yes?"
"Your mother was right after all it seems. She felt naming you after me might help you as you would have a god looking out for you. And I can safely say, that happened. Give my regards to her. Oh, and you earned that sword" Perseus said, his form glowing. "And now both of you, avert your eyes. Stay happy you two."
And with one final burst of light, Perseus flashed away from the throne room, leaving behind a stunned mortal and demigod, with neither of them not knowing what to make of what just happened. The gods really had a way of doing that.
That same day, Perseus was making his way through the shadow plane, while absent mindedly killing a hellhound or two here and there that came in his way. At one point, he thought he saw some kind of weird creature having a disc attached to where it's face was, but it disappeared when Perseus crept closer. Even though this was one of his main mode of transportation, Perseus never really thought if there was something more to the shadow plane other than being a realm used for travel. But there was the ancient magic which Perseus remembered sensing only when he was around Pontus's realm. Like, there was another presence in the plane. Maybe more than that creature with the face disc.
"Or maybe because this is an actual ancient place, as it existed for a very long time that I'm thinking like this." Perseus muttered to himself, sensing his destination near. He opened the portal and then popped out into the garden of the Hesperides, thankful that he was now able to shadow travel here. Perseus managed to catch a few notes of a song before it abruptly stopped. Mere seconds later, the air around him shimmered, revealing a familiar young woman, staring at him with surprise.
"Lord Perseus." Zoë breathed out. "When I heard you were probably going to visit often; I did not expect it to be quite soon."
"Does that mean you aren't mad at me for coming over?" Perseus asked with a grin.
Zoë's eyes momentarily widened, and then deepened into a frown before she sighed. "I can't show my displeasure anyway. You are an Olympian god after all."
"That's not an excuse for coming in unannounced though." Perseus replied. "if you're uncomfortable with me coming over, I can stop it."
Zoë grimaced. "It's not that I don't like you. I am wary of outsiders yes. But I'm wary of going outside as well. It's been just me and my sisters all the time, with my father as well in a way. Never leaving this place. So in a way, I'm not used to a change in scenery."
Perseus had a small smile. "I kinda understand where you're coming from. For my early life, Olympus and the Underworld was where I would always go. Then I met my two best friends, and I got to explore a land in the mortal world. The places kept adding up as I grew, and it was daunting at first, but if you have the right company to experience it all, then I feel you will be fine. Of course it could be different for a person, but this is just my personal experience."
Zoë blinked with surprise. "I…understand as well?"
Perseus chuckled in response. "Well that's something. Say, how is it just you today? Sisters are busy?"
"On the contrary, it's a lazy day for us. But I don't really do lazy so I was practicing with my sword."
Perseus looked at her with surprise. "You have a sword? Can I see it please?"
Zoë reached out for top of her head, where she took out a long white brooch from her hair. The moment she clasped it tightly, the brooch changed form, turning into a leaf shaped celestial bronze sword, that for some reason made Perseus feel weird as he stared at it.
"That's a beautiful looking sword." Perseus said with a low whistle. "The craftsmanship doesn't seem to be Hephaestus's, maybe Elder Cyclops, but it's admittedly miles better than the recent weapons I've seen the blacksmith god put out."
"My mother would be happy to hear that. If she were here." Zoë said wistfully. "She rarely visits, and when she does, it's only brief. I have a feeling it may have something to do with our father, or maybe that we refused to go with her to the ocean and leave father behind. I was young then, but I remember being adamant on staying here. Now, I wonder what it would have been if I chose a different path."
"Pleione commissioned the sword? May I hold it?" Perseus asked. Zoë gingerly handed over the sword to him, and as soon as Perseus encircled his hand around the hilt, he felt something in him. Like, something existing cracked, only to reform itself into something newer.
It's terribly…well balanced?" Perseus said, though it was more of a question as he did some practice wings. "This feels weird, cause while I'm good with swords and I went through my fair share of a lot…no sword other than what I currently have felt so right when I wielded it. But this one does…"
Zoë raised an eyebrow. "My mother did say that anyone with a hint of divinity can wield it well. But those that are from the ocean, can wield this blade more times more efficiently. Maybe even much more than that, depending on the wielder. Because the ocean's power is within it. And soon when I'm ready, my immortal power as well."
"When you're ready?" Perseus asked, forming an arc with the sword. But what caught him and Zoë off guard was the spray of saltwater that formed from the sword's blade when doing the arc.
"The only person I know who can do that is my own mother." Zoë said slowly, while staring at Perseus. "Do you by any chance…have a connection with the ocean?"
"Huh?!" Perseus said. Before he can answer though, a loud shout came from the north side, a place that only had one inhabitant stuck there for eternity.
"There's an Olympian here! And it's…it's the same one from the previous time! Come face me you slime-ball, or un away and prove that you're a measly little maggot!" Atlas bellowed.
"Listen Zoë, the reason I came here again is because I need more golden apples. Hera's orders. And don't ask what happened to the previous ones, it's a long story which I won't mind narrating at a later date. In the meantime." Perseus said, cracking his knuckles. "I would like a talk with your father up there."
"Are you sure?" Zoë asked, looking a bit apprehensive. "He may be harmless under that sky pillar, but he does have a way of riling people up. One false move…"
"I'll be fine. It won't take that long, and I'm just settling my curiosity." Perseus said, giving a thumbs up as he sunk into a shadow. He then appeared just a few meters away from the titan, which gave him ample amount of time to take in the sight within him before Atlas noticed his sudden appearance.
Grey clods formed a funnel shaped vortex, reaching down to at least graze the mountaintop. But instead, it rested on top of large muscular being, with light brown skin and long but matted black hair that hung down his face. The being raised its head, it's piercing black eyes boring straight into Perseus's. the being then formed a tired smile, letting out a deep chuckle.
"So…the Olympian reveals himself." The titan said, sighing. "I had a feeling it was someone I never met before. Hello there."
"General Atlas." Perseus breathed out. "You're shorter than I expected."
"I'm sorry to disappoint you then godling. But I assure you, if I didn't have this…thing boring down on me…I would show you my true might. And height."
Perseus smirked. "I'm sure you would. Speaking of that thing, how is Ouranos's supposed private part upon you?"
"A smart moth eh? I can deal with that." Atlas muttered. "Not well godling, I in fact, hate it. Century after century, this thing, has been upon me. But poor grandfather, all he wants to do is embrace grandmother over here, but he can't even do that because of me. At least I'm stopping my lords first enemy from getting what he wants, that's all I get for comfort."
Perseus snorted. "The fact that all you titans believed this white little lie us gods made up is hilarious." Perseus thought to himself. He wondered what Atlas's reaction would be if he told him this was actually the spot Ouranos first touched before he got chopped into teeny tiny pieces and was then thrown into the sea by the titan lord.
"Well then, it was nice meeting you Atlas, but I must take my leave."
"You're leaving" Atlas cried out. "Wait for another ten minutes, you don't know how boring it gets over here. Talking to my blasted daughters is torturous enough, but I can't bear silence!"
Perseus faltered. "Talking to your daughters is…torturous?"
"Oh believe me. 'Father, Ladon did this'. 'Father, Hesperia did this'. 'Father, look I can hold a sword'. Bah! I don't want to hear about Ladon purring for the umpteenth time, the different color combination for a flower crown, or how beautiful a weapon looks! But with you, a man now here. I can now finally talk about real important stuff! Especially about this rumor I've heard, straight from Tartarus. That there is a group of elite warriors being trained, and that they are supposedly going to fight the go-"
Perseus narrowed his eyes. "Not interested, especially from a man who talks down regarding his own children."
"Spare me that talk. They are useless, what good can they really even do honestly. The only daughter of mine that's worth talking about is Calypso. She was a sensible young lady, even supported me during the war knowing the risk she would put herself if the gods won. That I am proud of. And the Hesperides, well, maybe they would have been useful for singing my victories. But now that's even stained with my brethren's defeat. Though for a short time, Zoë did seem to be promising, not much like her sisters. But those thoughts were for waste, seeing how inept she is with a mere sword, holds it with both hands to fight. Can't even strike properly, or do a proper stance. And what minimum skills she does possess is because of me, my skills that were passed down to her. She would be nothing without them, nothing without me, nothing- Mphff!"
Perseus began to make his descent down, leaving behind Atlas with a makeshift concrete gag over and stuck on his mouth. Perseus had just reached the bottom of the first incline when he saw Zoë there, her back resting against the earthen wall, and unshed tears in her eyes.
"Oh Styx no." Perseus muttered. "…Zoë?"
"Oh!" Zoë exclaimed, jumping a bit. "You finally came down; I was worried my…father ensnared you or something."
"Zoë-"
"Here are the apples." She said, hurriedly placing them in Perseus's hands. "And I believe it's time you take your leave milord. Even though you're a god, you still have your duties and amazing life to look forward to, rather than to be here…with…us."
Perseus was about to open his mouth to say something but thought better of it. He was relatively a stranger to her, and prompting her about what happened up in the mountain would possibly drive her away. For now, he would let her be.
"Goodbye then Zoë. And truly, it was a pleasure to meet and talk with you again." Perseus said, flashing away, but not before giving a comforting smile to the melancholic Hesperide. And a silent promise to thrash talk Atlas so bad, his ears would bleed gold.
Welp, that was fun writing. I don't think I have anything more to say except…so long Perseus? The hero, not the god. At least now there won't be any confusion when it comes to dialogue lol. Oh and uh…I noticed while checking for certain parts in my previous chapter, there were a LOT of spelling and grammatical errors, so much that I'm pretty sure it's going to haunt me lol. But I learnt my lesson, don't write in the dark and rely on your computer screen for a light source, because that sucks. I am going to be correcting those errors asap though, which also made me think of going back and correcting errors from previous chapters as well. I did do a silent rework, but I'm sure there's more which I probably missed. Other than that, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter, leave the holy trinity of follow, favorite and review, and I will see you guys in the next update. Oh, and next update, will be next week itself. Bye!...\/