Authors Note: Early update, very early update. So yeah…it's not Saturday where I am from lol (at the time of writing). Let's just say, I am going on a holiday. kind of like a, family get together. Kinda. That was last minute. For the entire weekend. Which meant…I wasn't able to upload (couldn't take the laptop, or do phone) So, I decided to screw it, and finish this entire chapter today. Some stuff did get cut out which I will feature in the next chapter, but enough of me rambling, just read the chapter. Also, small timeskip :)

Chapter 38: A millennium past, arises

Fifty years later

"Pontus…"

"Umumma…"

"Pontus."

"…Let me sleep."

"PONTUS!"

"Oh go slip on algae, who are you to disturb my slumber?" Pontus grumbled, slowly cracking an eye open. He looked momentarily confused as he could only see an inky pool of darkness everywhere, and nothing else at all. Pontus then opened both eyes to see that there was a black specter floating in front of him, shaped like a ball. And emitting a faint purple glow.

"…Erebus?" Pontus softly replied.

"Come to the void. We have much to discuss." The specter said, with it then dispersing. Off at the distance, the golden arch began to hum, with the portal appearing and radiating an unknown energy from it.

Pontus gulped, his mind racing with what Erebus potentially wanted from him. He hadn't seen him…well, after what happened with 'him'.

Pontus was still on his throne when the arch began to hum loudly, prompting him to make a move. After entering the arch, Pontus soon entered a familiar grey room, that had only one occupant, sitting on a chaise.

"Pontus." The black shadowy form of Erebus said, it's glowing purple eyes the only thing different on the form peering up at Pontus. "Have a seat."

Pontus blinked in surprise. "A spectral form? Why not come with your physical body?"

Erebus did not reply.

"Still a man of few words eh." Pontus replied with a nervous chuckle, trying to lessen the tension in the room. When Erebus still didn't reply, Pontus let out a sigh and approached him.

"You do not have to worry about the others entering here." Erebus stated after Pontus sat beside him. "I specifically asked that herald of Chaos to restrict this place."

"You could have talked to me in my realm. Even physically if you wanted to, I don't mind." Pontus replied.

"The risk of someone overhearing there is present, especially seeing that you have some…visitors coming to your place here and there recently. How is…Thalassa?"

Pontus winced. "She…I don't know. It's the same situation a millennium ago, nothing has changed in the slightest."

Erebus's eyes dimmed. "I am sorry for bringing her up, but you cannot fault me for not being worried. Especially after what happened to her."

Pontus's face darkened. "Can we please not go there. I believe you called me here for a reason."

"That is true." Erebus said, turning to face Pontus. "How is Lykofós?"

Pontus had a blank look on his face, but inside, his mind was racing with all sorts of scenarios and thoughts. "Lykofós? Is that someone I am supposed to know about?"

"Indeed. Especially seeing that you are quite close with him. Even referring to him as…a grandson." Erebus said. And though he didn't have a mouth currently, he definitely would have been smirking then.

"I think you're confusing this Lykofós person with Aphrodite, she's-"

"Ah yes, Aphrodite. A curios case, is she not? Born out of the remains of Ouranos's physical genitals, and the sea foam. Now who, contributed to the latter is a real mystery."

Pontus narrowed his eyes. "Are you trying to imply that Aph- no. We're going off topic."

Erebus's eyes glowed. "Yes, we are. Does that mean you want to now talk about Lykofós?"

"I don't see why not, no use discuss-" Pontus began to say, only to stop mid-sentence when he realized what had happened. "Um…so who is this Lykofós exact-"

"Pontus. Why are you interacting with Nyx's child?"

"…"

"Your silence and face speaks volumes. But trying to hide it is futile Pontus, for I myself have seen you interact with him."

"What?!" Pontus said, shock evident on his face. "I…I would have sensed you then! Even in this form of yours, and especially when I am awake."

Erebus let out a sigh. "Pontus, no offense, but you weren't always the brightest flame out of all of us. Even Thal- forgive me I…I really can't help but mentioning her."

Pontus turned away. "Why are you asking me about Lykofós?"

"For a multitude of reasons." Erebus answered. "But firstly, you do realize what he is, don't you?"

"A forbidden being."

"Akrivós. Have you tried to tell Chaos about him?"

Pontus was still looking away, though his face had a hint of shame present. "I needed to alert Chaos, you yourself know about the implications of a forbidden being. I didn't know in the beginning what Perseus's possible unknown motives were, or if there may be a possibility they might show up, or, if they were tied to you or Nyx. Come on, a forbidden being in the same rank as an Olympian? The other primordials would be more confused than they were when they were trying to figure out how Eros actually looked like. But, believe me when I say this, that I never will do anything that will harm or bring that to Perseus, nothing at all."

"So you decided to look out for Perseus…for the possibility of getting in mine and Nyx's good books. Am I wrong?" Erebus asked with a confused tone.

Pontus closed his eyes "No, you are not wrong. I believe I felt, disappointed in myself after I left the entente. That I had wronged the two of you."

"Pontus." Erebus said, letting out a deep breath. "We never had ill feelings for you, in fact we understood why you left. Kaló, you never even wanted to join in the first place."

Pontus slightly smiled. "That is true." He said, opening his eyes. "Well then…back to Perseus."

"Lykofós." Erebus muttered.

Pontus waved his palm dismissively. "I like the new name. So, did you call me down here to ask why I made contact with Perseus, or anything else?"

"There is more." Erebus confirmed. "Now, do you know that Gaia is going to rise?"

Pontus frowned. "Rise as in?"

"Show up in her physical form. Reveal herself to the inhabitants of her realm, and, eradicate the current rulers of the earth. The Olympians."

Pontus stared blankly at Ouranos and then laughed. "You're jesting, aren't you? Why would she want to destroy the same beings who she allowed to overthrow her first children?!"

"And also helped those same overthrown children with the war against the gods? You are someone who has been attested to that." Erebus said, staring at the ailment stone on Pontus's staff.

"Gaia is more or less the definition of a bipolar person. In mood, and in actions. One day, she orchestrates her children butchering her first husband, only to smooch up with him later. And then, humiliate him to the point that now Ouranos will never leave his realm. Then, act as a double agent with the gods and titans. Sure, she may have detested Kronos to some degree, but she also settled with the fact that she would have the titans win, if the gods are shown to be incompetent during the war. A loving mother, but spiteful to those not from her womb. A cunning warrior, but can show compassion. Protective, but ferocious, just like a mother bear with her cubs."

Pontus rolled his eyes. "So what is she thinking of doing this time? Get her titan children out of Tartarus, arm the nymphs and satyrs?"

"Actually, you weren't far off with that first suggestion." Erebus said with a chuckle. "She and Tartarus have done it."

Pontus looked momentarily confused, only to pale when he realized what Erebus meant. "No…how long has it been?"

"Almost half a century. Gaia has been taking her time with them, probably wants this potential war to definitely fall in her favor. An elite force of adversaries that the Olympians will face, each one possibly designed to be a 'bane' to a specific god. There are more though, than just the main Olympians. At least, that's what I heard."

"And knowing Gaia, she would make sure that they would be perfect creations, if she has indeed developed them unnaturally." Pontus whispered. "You think the Olympians can manage them?"

"Maybe. Everything has a weakness, no matter what. The bigger question is, what will they do against Gaia. The ordinal law does state that an immortal fully comprised of the liquid ichor cannot fight against the being whose personification they are born on. Which means that the gods cannot harm Gaia, unless they want to incur Chaos's wrath. Worse, the Olympians are in the dark about the ordinal laws, even the Morai don't know them themselves" Erebus solemnly replied.

"You think Chaos will personally come if that happens? The Olympians harming Gaia." Pontus asked with a small smile, to which Erebus scoffed. "If they were alive, I'm sure Chaos would have sent them instead."

Though Erebus's facial features couldn't be seen, his tone conveyed his fear. "I wouldn't wish that on my enemies. Even though I don't have many-"

"I have a question for you Erebus." Pontus said seriously, looking straight into Erebus's glowing orbs. "I can't help but notice that, you seem to be meddling in this conflict between Gaia and the Olympians. I know it isn't explicit, but why are you doing that?"

Erebus tilted his head to the side. "Do you truly believe Gaia's new handpicked rulers will be any good for the realm known as Earth? What about already weak relations with the other realms, you think they will just sit pretty in one place? Don't forget, Tartarus had a hand in their creation as well, and knowing him, will goad them into trying to reign over the other primordial realms. I'm not saying that each of us wouldn't be able to hold them off, but do you really want some of the other primordials to declare war on Gaia, and possibly, destroy the nexus point that connects each and every single realm with each other, that is Gaia herself. Earth? Do you want, the universe to turn inside out, and contract itself before it rips open, forming an endless black hole that will consume everything in an infinite loop? With the only way to destroy it, is for Chaos to snap its fingers with a bored look on its face? And then starting a new fresh universe, made from scratch. Better question, do you want to be replaced Pontus? With a new creation from Chaos?"

Pontus at this time was backed up against a wall, due to Erebus unknowingly pushing him their while he was going through his tirade. Pontus nervously gulped as he kept Erebus at arm's length, and then gave a shaky smile.

"Erebus…you presume too much. I mean, it's not even a guaranteed that all that you stated will happen you know." Pontus replied.

Erebus fell silent. "Maybe…but I don't want to take any chances. This could all be a simple butterfly effect for all we know."

Pontus blinked. "That doesn't help in the slightest." He said in a deadpanned voice.

Erebus didn't respond to Pontus as he continued. "Tartarus will definitely see to it on how far he can take his 'conquests'. In other words, he wouldn't stop. He would use the children he made with Gaia, and other plans in his arsenal. Gaia would encourage him knowing her."

"Again, you're just presuming!" Pontus exclaimed.

"Hmm, I just realized, you made me not reveal something that will pique your interest when it comes to the Olympians and the ordinal law regarding harming primordials." Erebus replied, cutting Pontus midway, who then raised an eyebrow in response.

"Oh? And what is this revelation."

Erebus was definitely smiling now, as a vapory smile formed on his face, though what the intent conveyed was uninterpretable. "You see, there is an Olympian, who carries ichor, but is not from Gaia's realm. And, is a favorite of yours."

Pontus continued to stare at Erebus as he opened his mouth, raised a finger, but then stopped, then did it again, but then stopped. "A-Aphrodite?!" he finally choked out.

Erebus visibly recoiled on hearing this, his glowing eyes dimming repeatedly. "I…didn't think of that actually. She is from Ouranos and…undetermined?" he said. "But no, I was referring to Lykofós actually."

Pontus nodded slowly. "Of course, he's from Nyx. But wait, wouldn't that be negated since-"

"He's from Nyx." Erebus said strongly. "And even if he wasn't, his status as a forbidden being gives him leeway and an advantage anyway. Which comes, to my next revelation. And that is, how Gaia can be stopped."

Pontus gripped his staff tightly, worried for what was to come next.

"I believe, no. I know. We know…about the power that has been gifted by Chaos to people of Lykofós's kind, a power only exclusive to them. The power to…seal primordials within their own realm, to incapacitate them. That, will completely stop Gaia, and-"

"ARE YOU MAD!" Pontus roared, pressing the end of his staff on Erebus's chest, only for it to pass harmlessly. "Do you know what you're saying?! You…you want to annihilate your own son?!"

Erebus narrowed his eyes. "Lykofós isn't my son, you know that very well. I expected you to disagree, but this strong of a reaction…"

"I don't care if he's your son or not, don't you have even a little compassion or pity for a youth who didn't even choose that ungodly status?" Pontus cried. "A youth that just wants to spend his days with his lover, hunt, family, and friends?! A youth, who didn't ask to be a threat to primordials! And what about Nyx huh! Does she know what you're planning for- Errghh!"

"My wife…doesn't need to know. Anything." Erebus whispered, holding Pontus by the neck. The primordial of the sea struggled against the shadows grip, until Erebus released his hold, dropping Pontus like a ragdoll to the ground.

"Hehehe, you're still the same Erebus." Pontus gasped out. "And I believed you finally mellowed out, you cretinous bastard."

"Fighting is pointless, especially here in the void." Erebus said with a sigh. The center of his body began to swirl, and a stone tablet slowly began to come out of it. Pontus watched as Erebus took the tablet out of his body, and handed it down to him. "What is this?"

"A guide, to unlock Lykofós's full potential. Are you still well versed with the ordinal tongue?"

"Wha-"

"You will need that language to translate all this. And yes, Lykofós has to learn it as well, if he ever wants to do his little sealing power that is."

"H-How did you…get this…" Pontus mumbled, taking the tablet with shaky hands. "Y-You…what makes you think I will do what you ask?"

"I have my methods. As for your other question, I don't know. Maybe for the greater good of everyone, or because of my presumptions. Either way, Lykofós should know about his dormant power. Because like you said, he is a threat to primordials, even though for most it's a potential one. But once they know who he really is, he will have to learn how to protect himself. Even if it means he has to…"

Erebus trailed off as he stared at Pontus, who was shaking like a leaf. He smirked internally as he saw the look of defeat on the primordial's face, knowing fully well that he had won over him.

"Very well. I…will do it." Pontus whispered, getting up. "But, how should I convince him that he should learn-"

"Now that is your problem Pontus, deal with it." Erebus interrupted as he began to sink down, the shadows dissipating. "I will check yearly on the progress, do not fail me. This is for all of us Pontus, for the betterment of life everywhere. For Thalassa…"

Erebus was gone.

Pontus let out a shuddering breath as he took another look at the tablet in his hands, the familiar symbols etched on it sparking distant memories of a time long forgotten. A time he hoped desperately hoped to forget, only for it to now potentially return with a vengeance.

Sounds of metal clashing and people crying out were heard everywhere by Phoebe and Celyn, as they made their way through a forest, knocking down enemies coming their way and other obstacles. And unknown to them, a figure that was chasing them down. "Perimeter is still being held up, this is our only chance to push ahead!" Phoebe yelled, and yelped as she sidestepped various arrows that were coming her way. Beside her, Celyn was fighting the figure that had finally caught up to them, an armored individual with a sword, though she seemed to be struggling.

"A little help out here!" Celyn called out, dodging a swipe.

"We're waiting for reinforcements. Oh, if only Artemis or Perseus were here right now!" Phoebe replied, knocking an archer down from a treetop with her own arrows. She then took out her knives and began to assist Celyn with her opponent. In the end, the two girls were victorious, but their victory was short lived as another individual came out into the open, with a bow drawn.

"Looks like you did end up here after all. The question is, how are you going to escape now?" the individual asked.

Phoebe narrowed her eyes. "Atlana. Why don't you let us go peacefully? We won't hurt you like we did last time."

Atlana laughed in response. "After that humiliating defeat? No Phoebe, I want revenge for what had transpired." She said, arrows drawn and ready.

"If we engage with her, she'll easily incapacitate us because of her distance advantage." Phoebe whispered to Celyn. "But, there doesn't seem to be anyone holding us off from the behind, giving us a very good chance to escape. Unless, it's a trap?"

"Well I'm not going to take my chances with beating Atlana, she's just too good with a bow." Celyn muttered, taking a step back. Atlana took a step forward in response, her eyes trained on the two hunters, when suddenly, a piercing cry filled the air. Atlana turned towards the direction of the voice, only to get immediately knocked back as she felt something hard hit her head.

"Callisto!" Phoebe and Celyn shouted in surprise, as they watched the hunter that knock down Atlana back. She had a sword drawn out, while Atlana quickly scrambled up, taking out her knives.

"Damn it Aias, you had one job." Atlana muttered to herself, wearily watching Callisto twirl her sword around.

"You two, win this for everyone." Callisto shouted at Phoebe and Celyn. "Your coast is clear, charge ahead!"

Phoebe and Celyn cheered in response, making their way to their initial destination. The had just entered a clearing when Celyn suddenly gave out a cry of pain, and Phoebe watched as Celyn flew up high into the air. Phoebe watched as Celyn then fell down, only to get suspended in the air by rope that was tied around he feet. They had indeed fallen into a trap.

"Cut the rope!" Phoebe shouted, noticing a glint coming from a nearby treetop. She quickly moved aside, dodging another arrow that embedded itself to the ground."

"Too many archers!" Celyn shouted, taking out her bow. "You go on Phoebe; I can deal with these tools. Besides, the drop is a bit too high."

Phoebe cried out in exasperation. "Fine! Don't get knocked out, I need you for my victory handshake!" Phoebe shouted, sprinting ahead and out of the clearing. She then came across her target. An elevated piece of land that had a dark blue flag perched on it. And beside the flag, was a lone warrior who was surprisingly weaponless.

"That's a first coming from him." Phoebe muttered, flipping her knives. The warrior made no move to take out any weapons, but instead raised his hand, like he was going to catch something. Phoebe looked on in confusion when she felt the sound of wind being cut above her. She didn't have to look up to see what it was, for the item was instantly caught by the warrior, a metal pole with a cloth tied over it. The warrior untied the cloth and then perched the pole next to the flag, making Phoebe gasp. For it was another flag, this one silver in color.

"We…WON!" Arius cried out, removing his helmet. He then blew into a conch horn and then threw it into the air. "We won, we won! We got the flag, you guys lost. We got the flag, you guys lost-"

Phoebe groaned in disappointment as she slumped to the ground, excited cheers surrounding her as some hunters came out, all of them carrying an embarrassed Clio on their shoulders. More hunters trickled in, some of them looking disgruntled like Phoebe.

"Of all the traps I had to get caught in, yours? Why, why do the gods hate me." Celyn lamented, as she hopped into the area, with Britomartis behind her, holding her down.

"Are you asking the best trapper in the hunt, or are you talking to yourself?" Britomartis asked with a grin.

"Atlana! Your plan worked, I didn't get maimed this time!" Arius joyfully shouted, engulfing the blonde in a hug, which then left her a blushing mess. "Um…sure Arius."

"That was another spectacular 'capture the flag' game you guys." Perseus said with a grin, stepping out of a shadow. "Clio, if javelin throwing was a sport, you would no doubt win first prize. Atlana, great job with distracting your opponents, and scattering them from their own flag. And last but not the least, congratulations team eclipse for you win!"

"For the fifth time in the row." Callisto muttered.

"You know, if you change your strategy, you guys might win at least." Perseus said with a chuckle.

"Are you saying my strategy is not applicable anymore Perseus?" Artemis whispered into Perseus's ear.

Perseus shivered slightly, turning around with a smile. "Welcome back my love." He whispered, kissing Artemis on the forehead. "And as for your question, I hate to say this, but yeah. Your strategy is not applicable now that basically every hunter has memorized it."

Perseus almost swooned when he saw Artemis make a cute frown on her face. "Hmm, well then. Looks like I have to be back on the playing board, and find another tactic to avenge our ten-win streak."

"Not if I have anything to say about it." Perseus cheekily replied.

Artemis scoffed. "Do you really want me sitting on your head again?" she asked, frowning when she saw Perseus blush golden and rubbing the back of his neck, clearly embarrassed. "Why are you…GET YOUR MIND OUT OF THE DRAIN!"

"You're the one claiming it, which means you had it in your mind! I'm innocent" Perseus shot back with a laugh, making Artemis groan in exasperation. Seizing his chance, he leaned down to capture Artemis's lips with his own, to which Artemis reciprocated, but not before she punched him in the gut. The hunters had already left and were on their way to the camp, knowing fully well that their patrons would be at it for a long time for them to wait on. But suddenly, Artemis pulled back slightly from Perseus, slightly confusing him.

"What's wrong?" he asked. Artemis placed a finger on his lips, eyes roaming her surroundings until she trained them on a particular tree. Perseus felt something was going on, especially when he noticed Artemis's eyes widening.

"Oh for father's sake, why is he here?!" Artemis growled, her hand almost reaching her bow. Perseus stared at where Artemis was looking, and noticed a pair of golden eyes peering at them. Which belonged to a black raven.

"Vision. Oh Styx…Apollo, get your sunburnt ass out of your hiding spot right now!" Perseus shouted.

"Okay, timeout! To be fair, I wasn't spying on you two, promise! And how do you know what my ass looks like Perseus?" Apollo's voice called out. The god in question then appeared, looking like a child that was caught stealing cookies in the night (Perseus knew that look personally).

"Because you roam around Olympus in your birthday suit when you're drunk" Perseus replied with a deadpanned voice. "And fortunately for me and everyone else, only your backside has been shown so far to prying eyes."

"Enough of that, tell me Apollo, what is your dumb bird doing out here?" Artemis asked, crossing her arms.

"Um…I was checking up on my daughter?"

Artemis blinked once and then threw her arms in the air. "Come on Perseus, we're leaving."

"You do know that there are two gods looking out for her." Perseus told Apollo while he was getting pulled by Artemis.

"Yes, but you can't be too cautious. Atlana is my first demigod daughter, give me a break for being protective, especially with the ancient laws." Apollo reasoned.

"Then why was your bird still here, and not following your daughter?!" Artemis shot back.

"Um…I was wondering why you both weren't with your hunters?" Apollo lamely replied.

"Go back to the sky!" Artemis and Perseus shouted, both launching an arrow at Apollo, who them immediately flashed away. But not before letting out a shout of pain.

"Artemis…you didn't aim for that lower area of his did you?" Perseus asked.

"Even if I did, he'll heal. He's a god after all." Artemis replied.

"As you say arrowhead." Perseus muttered, thinking of Hephaestus.

"Oh yeah, what was it did that huntress wanted from you. Polyphonte? She joined just a few days ago right?" Perseus asked. But to his surprise, he saw a dark look shadow Artemis's face, a look he had come to see only when someone disrespected her or those close to her. Which meant…

"Yes, she joined a few days ago. And left the hunt today."

"What?!" Perseus whispered yelled, holding Artemis back.

Artemis sighed in response. "She broke her oath Perseus; in the most unconventional and vile way I can think of to be honest. For someone who didn't wanted to be forced into love, she herself fell for it. And I wouldn't mind, we allow that of course, but to go that extra step… . With a bear Perseus, a bear.

"That was what she wanted to tell me, that she had coupled with a wild beast. I was too disgusted with what happened, and since she broke the oath, I banished her from the hunt. Along with a curse that all wild beasts will be against her, forcing her to remain in civilization. Like this, I wouldn't even see her when I hunt, lest I lash out."

Perseus was once again in a difficult position. Sure, this Polyphonte may have broken the oath, but to curse her? Just because she got disgusted? Perseus had a feeling that there was more to that woman's story, especially if she didn't want to be forced into love. But she did…and that to with a bear… . And whatever it may be, he was sure Artemis would have taken it a bit far when it came to cursing her. But to convince her that…

"Hey Artemis…did you ask that huntress the reason why she…uh…you know, with the bear? And if there was a reason behind why she didn't want to fall in love?"

Artemis frowned. "She was very secretive, but if she didn't try to bother to explain, then the reason must be cretinous anyway."

Perseus was going to say something when he felt a spray of sea mist hit his face. Artemis also felt it, their looks of confusion turning into realization when they realized this was a council summon. From Poseidon himself.

"Callisto, me and Artemis have a meeting to attend. As lieutenant, you are in charge of the hunt until we return. Take care." Perseus telepathically said to Callisto. He and Artemis then wordlessly flashed into the throne room, where Zeus, Poseidon and Athena were already present. It wasn't long before the other gods slowly began to flash in as well.

Perseus took a moment to take in everyone's presence in the throne room, as council meetings have become quite uncommon lately. Zeus still looked like he owned and lived here (he did spend most of his time on his throne) while Hera sat beside him, looking mad for the third time this month. Demeter was brushing her hair, while Hestia took out a bag of biscuits and secretly began to hand them out to the others. Athena was staring at Poseidon quizzically, though Perseus didn't linger on as he noticed her shield next to the throne. A shield, which had the head of a certain monster embezzled on it, and sparked the first fight the gods had seen between Perseus and Athena. Though they had patched up, Perseus couldn't help the lingering words of Athena float in his mind.

"Consequences have to be taken, no matter how big the cause."

"How would you feel if someone broke an oath to you?"

"It's not like she's gone forever, she will regenerate. Unfortunate, in a way."

"She's only like that because you made her so." Perseus thought bitterly. He then passed Artemis, and laid his eyes upon Aphrodite, who for some reason looked slightly triumphant. And as always, was making heart eyes at Ares.

Perseus frowned as a thought cam across his mind regarding Aphrodite, but he shook it off. He then leaned a bit forward to check out the gods on his side. Poseidon was brooding terribly, which made Perseus wonder which sea body out there was facing his wrath right now. Ares was picking his teeth with a knife, while flexing his muscles for Aphrodite. Hermes was too engrossed with a really long parchment, probably his debts. On a side note, Georgios and Márta were gaging at Ares, making Perseus lightly chuckle. Apollo was next, and Perseus was wondering who he was posing for, as he watched the god try to form a pose, with Vision perched on his palm. And finally, beside Perseus, was Hephaestus, who was slumbering. Perseus wondered how he could be sleeping with the commotion starting to brew.

"Order, order in the room!" Zeus yelled, banging his bolt on the ground. "Now, Poseidon was the one who called this meeting, so brother, explain yourself."

Poseidon gave a short nod. "Yes. Everyone, while I was in my palace, I felt an ancient, but unknown sort of feeling pass through me. No, not just me. Every single person present in my realm felt it, and after some investigation, it seemed like that feeling was experienced almost everywhere in the sea body that surrounds this land. Even, beyond it as well."

"You felt something ancient?" Athena asked. "How ancient are we talking about here?"

"Titan ancient?" Demeter curiously asked, making Zeus scoff.

"We defeated the titan forces centuries ago Demeter, I doubt they have the strength to return." Zeus answered.

"But they can always return." Hestia replied solemnly.

"This wasn't titan like." Poseidon said with a frown. "I would know, I and others did face them."

"More ancient than that?" Hera asked. "Someone like Nereus?"

"Know, much more ancient." Poseidon mumbled.

The elder gods seemed lost in thought as they pondered over the various possibilities the ancient feeling could be, while the younger gods were slightly out of the loop on who they could think of.

"Something ancient that even Poseidon can't even pinpoint. It's supposedly older than Nereus as well. Maybe Pontus might know about it. …Wait a minute-"

"Perseus? You seem like you just realized something important?" Hestia asked.

"He has his thinking face on." Athena replied. "What a rare sight."

Perseus wanted to roll his eyes, though he wasn't sure if they would press for more information if tried to deny it. He subconsciously caught Artemis's eyes, and it seemed like she as well caught on who it could be.

"Well Perseus, do you have an inkling as to who it could be?" Zeus asked. "We did make sure that you learn and recognize almost every immortal being and their lineage." He slightly joked.

Perseus chuckled. "That is true. Honestly, I would have said Nereus, but Poseidon has already ruled that out. And if we're talking about someone older, than I'm not sure really who fits that description."

"How about the oldest." Ares answered with a grunt.

"…Ares." Athena whispered.

"Hmm."

"You might have just answered our question!"

"Eh?"

"Father, what if its Pontus?" Athena asked Zeus, the latter's eyes widening. Perseus, Aphrodite and Artemis internally blanched.

"Pontus, the ancient primordial of the sea. Yes…yes he may be the one." Zeus mumbled, stroking his beard.

Poseidon looked surprised at this. "Can it really be him though? Because, I have some attendants who used to work for him, but they all told me that Pontus had gone underground after the titan war. No sign of him has been seen since then."

"Underground you say? Hmm, this might mean that Pontus could have been bidding his time, to possibly strike us!" Zeus said with absolute positivity. "He must have amassed an army, and that ancient feeling must be a warning against you brother. He could be planning to overthrow you first!"

"Now that's just presumptuous." Poseidon replied with a sigh.

"Yeah, it is!" Perseus quickly replied. "I mean come on, are we really going to be pegging this on a deity who has been virtually unknown ever since early titan times? And what incentive will Pontus have to attack us anyway?"

Zeus frowned. "While those are good points, we can't deny that there are more that lead towards-"

"I firmly believe that Pontus wasn't the source of this ancient energy or feeling." Aphrodite interrupted, her voice thick. "Can we agree to that, Lord Zeus?"

Zeus blinked in response, his composure relaxed. "Yes…I agree to that. I don't think Pontus is the source of it, besides, there are other deities while younger than the old primordial, can still fit the bill of this ancient energy. We just need to find who it is."

Some of the gods, especially Athena, looked a bit confused as to why Zeus suddenly backed down. Usually, he would try to make sure his point was made and true. But, since none of them also felt it couldn't be the old sea deity as well, they left it at that. Perseus and Artemis mentally thanked Aphrodite for her charmspeak, to which she responded with a giggle.

"Very well then, since we don't have concrete evidence on the cause of this phenomenon, nor do we know if this would ever happen again, we shall leave this at standby. But Poseidon, once you sense this again, report back immediately. We can't leave the slightest potential threat unattended."

Poseidon nodded. "Yes Zeus."

"Now then, does anyone have anything important to bring out for this meeting?" Zeus asked, to which no one responded. "Then, meeting adjourned."

"Perseus, what do you want to do-"

"Sorry Artemis, but can we maybe talk later? There's something I need to ask Aphrodite." Perseus said, squeezing Artemis's shoulder. He then made his way to Aphrodite, grabbed her hand, and then pulled her into a shadow. Perseus lightly smirked as he heard the love goddess scream loudly through the vast black expanse, with the screaming continuing until Perseus had to shake her back and forth, while she was still sitting on a chair.

"Huh? Oh, we're out of that miserable place." Aphrodite said with a shudder. "So, why did you bring me out here to the hideout Percy? You want to talk?"

"I do." Perseus replied, tilting his head. "Aphrodite, do you by any chance, know this woman called Polyphonte?"

Aphrodite grinned. "Why yes I do. And what a piece of work she was, she came to the hunt right? Ugh, what a joke."

Perseus narrowed his eyes. "I don't follow."

Aphrodite sighed. "Percyyy. She's a knockout you know. Like, guys would trip over themselves if they took one glance at her! But instead of basking win the love and adoration, she rejects it! And goes and run off into the wilderness to be some-"

"Hunter?" Perseus asked through clenched teeth.

Aphrodite's eyes widened. "Not that it's a bad thing!" she hurriedly replied. "I'm just saying, a girl with looks shouldn't-"

"Aphrodite." Perseus said in a hollow tone. "While we may be gods and have a perception that we will always be greater than the mortals, that doesn't mean we have the right to shove our baseless opinion on what they should do unless necessary. Hence, why we have omens and prophecies. And just like us, they will retaliate. As for my hunters, I ask you to not even have a thought of messing with their lives, whether within your domain our outside. And this doesn't go for you, it goes for everyone out there. The hunter is mine and Artemis's responsibility, and their decisions are their own. We may push, or distance them from some decisions, but ultimately, we do it for their best interests. Me especially, unless they are too far gone astray. So in short, don't interfere with the hunters, and I won't get angry at you sister. Have I made myself clear?"

Though Aphrodite was sitting on a chair, she was backed up against a wall, due to Perseus unknowingly pushing her back while he was going through his tirade. Aphrodite nervously gulped as he kept Perseus at arm's length, and then gave a shaky smile. Which dropped as she noticed the glowing purple eyes.

"I won't!" she squeaked.

Perseus nodded, stepping back with a blank look on his face. He then began to sink down into a shadow, and was then gone. Aphrodite let out a shaky breath as she clutched her chest, the event that just transpired. She always knew Perseus was a force to be reckoned with, but how much power he held was still a mystery to her, a thought that had been in her mind which originated from Pontus many years ago. A thought she first casually dismissed, but had now returned with a vengeance.

Perseus appeared just in the outskirts of the hunter's camp. There was too much going in his head right now, which was seen when Artemis also appeared next to him, frowning when she noticed that Perseus didn't seem to notice her presence.

"Perseus, are you going to stand there all day?" she asked, but didn't get a response. "Hey, are you alright, because you're unusually quiet tonight." She then said, worry pooling into her as he watched him remain still. "Perseus, Percy. Percy are you even conscious right now?"

Artemis was getting worried, taking Perseus's head in her palms. The action prompted Perseus to break out of his stupor, and owlishly blinked at Artemis who in turn was staring at him with apprehension.

"Hey?" he said, though it sounded more like a question.

Artemis breathed out a sigh of relief, pulling Perseus close. "Di immortals, for a second I thought that maybe you, oh never mind."

"Sorry." Perseus said. "I- I guess I spaced out for a moment. There's a lot going in my mind."

Artemis frowned in response. "Are you…thinking about what I did to that hunter?" she asked. Perseus didn't respond.

"Look, maybe I went a bit far but…this is the first time someone broke an oath to me, especially from our own hunters." Artemis said with a sigh. "I think that made me lash out, and while she definitely deserved punishment, maybe it wasn't for the best to abandon her in disgust. I could have helped her maybe in some way."

"It's not too late." Perseus whispered, burrowing his face next to Artemis's neck. "Maybe…we can grant her safety from any perpetrators who might ridicule or detest her for the deed? Rumors like that will surface, it always happens."

"Yeah, we could do that." Artemis whispered, caressing the back of Perseus's head. "Come, we have a hunter we have to say farewell to. A happy one mind you."

Perseus sighed, making Artemis shiver. "I wouldn't have it any other way." He said, reluctantly pulling himself apart from Artemis, but still held her close. They then made their way to the camp, where a party was about to begin.

"To Clio! For not only being a valuable member of the hunt, leading team Eclipse to victory these past few months, but to her new journey outside of the hunters of the Twilight Moon as well. Yia Mas!"

"Yia Mas!" the hunters shouted, drinking their very diluted nectar mixed with milk to their dismay (It's not water kids)

"You sure you don't want to leave the next morning? At least stay a night." Artemis asked, to which Clio denied.

"If I stay the night, Acantha is going to wrap me around the covers with rope, and hide me in the storage tent." Clio said with a chuckle. "I need t do something back in Kichyros, which would take me at least half a day so it will be best to leave now. After that, I'm on my own."

"Yeah." Perseus breathed out, tears prickling his eyes.

"Oh come on Lord Perseus, I don't think I need tears now." Clio said sadly. "Others have left before too."

Perseus chuckled. "Just because you're leaving doesn't mean you can throw that lord title around." He replied. "And I know others have left before you. It's just that, you were our very first hunter Clio, and you have improved and matured so much, without even aging a bit. You can't fault me for being a bit emotional, seeing you become into a fine warrior, who will definitely make a name for herself, if you want to. Or an underground bounty hunter. Those sound really cool."

"Perseus! That is a highly dangerous job, and I forbid you from thinking of that." Artemis exclaimed.

"Yes milady!" Clio said with a salute, but subtly winked at Perseus who laughed in response.

"We shall say our proper goodbyes later. In the meantime, go be with your friends. They prepared your farewell party after all." Artemis said. She and Perseus watched as Clio made her way with the rest of the hunters mingling about, all of them laughing and crying as they joined with Clio."

"It feels a bit surreal." Artemis muttered. "We knew there would come a day when a hunter may leave, but I barely considered it for our first batch. It's…actually hitting me today."

"You can say that again." Perseus said with a sigh, spying Arius and Atlana sitting together and talking something about something probably funny due to their reactions.

"Is it just me, or Arius and Atlana…?" Perseus asked Artemis, who raised an eyebrow in response.

"Don't get any funny ideas Perseus, let them sort out whatever they have between themselves." Artemis replied.

Perseus had a look of mock betrayl on his face. "Who do you think I am, Aphrodite?"

"You are her 'brother'." Artemis replied in a deadpanned voice.

Perseus smirked in response. "Then are you secretly similar to Apollo?"

Artemis's eyes widened, and then narrowed. "I hate you."

"Aw, I love you too hon." Perseus said, blowing a kiss.

"Um, Perseus, Artemis?" Ajax said, getting the couple's attention. "There's something I wanted to ask you both, if you that's alright."

"Yeah sure, what is it?"

"I and a few others were wondering, what happened to Polyphonte? We haven't seen her since the beginning of capture the flag." Ajax asked.

Perseus felt Artemis slightly stiffen behind him, and he too kept a normal face. Of course the hunters would ask about her, especially if she left without any formal telling. Perseus mentally berated himself for it."

"Polyphonte couldn't adjust to the hunter life." Artemis answered. "She privately asked me if she could leave, as she didn't want to make a big deal out of it, with people she just considered acquaintances."

"Ah I see." Ajax replied. "Well, the hunt is not for everyone of course, and this isn't the first time so I get it. Thank you for telling me."

"Don't worry about it. We will make an official announcement later on, but for now, go enjoy the party. I think I can see the newer hunters getting their hands on the stink arrows." Perseus replied.

"Oh gods yeah. Later Artemis and Percy."

And…I feel terrible." Artemis softly groaned, closing her eyes. "Even though it was a little white lie."

"I think that borderlines gray Artemis." Perseus said. "And why is Celyn and Phoebe dumping all the drinks into one big bowl…hey! Are you guys trying to increase the nectar outtake?!"

Phoebe and Celyn immediately whipped their heads up, looking like deer caught in the light of a torch. "No…"

"You guys, that's not how it works." Perseus groaned, getting up to deal with the two hunters, with Artemis chuckling at their expense. But not without lingering thoughts and doubts, plaguing her mind.

"Come on Pontus, just a couple more symbols, just a couple." Pontus muttered, leaning heavily on his staff as he struggled to get up. The stone tablet that Erebus had given him was floating next to him, with most of the symbols etched on it emitting a faint glow. Though there was a splatter of ichor on the tablet as well, which wasn't there before.

"All I need, hmm, okay." Pontus said, raising his arms. "Paramudi."

The seafloor beneath him began to shake.

"Maziong."

The water around him began to heat up and bubble.

"Tetrekar."

A circular diagram etched on the seafloor, with Pontus at the center, began to glow.

"Ordinage…Kassioka!"

And everything stopped.

Then suddenly, a shockwave erupted from the circular diagram, which Pontus was grateful for to be the last one. The diagram continued to glow, and Pontus watched as the various shapes he made, began to form different structures out of it. A circle created a pillar. The circular diagram formed an open platform, with the pillars surrounding it. And at the center of the diagram, was a lone symbol, resembling two slanting lines, almost joined at the bottom. Because there was a gap, in between of the line's meeting point.

"It's done." Pontus whispered, his eyes lighting up. "With our stage here, we shall now perform. Perseus…brace yourself."

The newly erected structure's glow then disappeared, with everything stopped. And then faded to black.

So…did I blow your minds? No, okay, that's...cool, i guess? So yeah this was something that was a long time coming honestly. And I finally wrote it. But phew I'm spent, my fingers hurt, and I'm just going to now relax, and wake up at 5 in the morning because travelling. What joy, and I'm too tired to write anything else, so I hoped you enjoyed the chapter, give me reviews, yada, yada. yada, and I will see you guys in the next update, which is next week. On a Saturday. Bye!...\/