Authors Note: Alright everyone, this is a special A/N so listen up! Pontus, is going to speak a bit of bullshit in this chapter. That's how it is. The reason I'm telling you all is so you guys won't get confused when the actual lore comes up of this fic, and it will. Very soon. I have put an underscore (_) the one in the bracket to help you guys know what is bullshit or not, so the underscores are intentional! Also, if you haven't noticed, the fic is now rated M because of…rape. But it's mentioned, not explicit. And I wasn't sure if I should keep the T rating so I changed it to be on the safe side. If someone could let me know what the rating could be with mentioned rape, I would appreciate it. And if you guys are confused with the lore of the fic, don't hesitate to ask me.
So yeah, there's mentions of rape in this chapter only! Just a big warning.
Chapter 40: Solosis…Akilio
"Perseus my boy! I'm glad you came; quite glad you came." Pontus said, clasping a pale Perseus's shoulder. The latter gave a stiff nod, his eye trained on the monument within the depths of the sea. Something that looked a bit mundane, but definitely wasn't.
"I thought a lot…and I'll do it. I will learn this 'power' within me." Perseus said, his eyes slightly narrowing. "It better be worth it Pontus."
Pontus vigorously nodded. "Yes, yes. But, before we really begin, let me reiterate the fact that no one, for the time being, absolutely no one should know what will be transpired here soon, and what we will be doing from now on. Aphrodite, and any god who asks you, shouldn't know. And…I fully know you're going to hate this, but this has to be confidential from her as well…not even Artemis should know.
Perseus sighed heavily. "I figured you would ask me of this-"
"I mean it Perseus." Pontus warned. "You yourself said that you wouldn't want anyone to find out anything different about you. And if that statement from your tongue was a lie, then you might as well make sure you make that lie a reality."
Perseus blinked in surprise, a bit taken aback with Pontus's seriousness. Seeing him like this also put Perseus on edge, bracing himself for what's to come. "I understand clearly."
"Good…good." Pontus muttered, wobbling towards the monument. "Now Perseus, what you see here is something that has been from an age long gone bye. It's remnants however, as you can see, still remain. This…is-"
"A nexus point?" Perseus stated.
Pontus frowned. "Not…exactly. Tell me Perseus, what do you know about nexus points?"
Perseus had a thoughtful look on his face. "Well, some writing say that it is the place where two primordial deities first made contact, and more or less formed a bond with each other. The nature of the bond, can be classified as symbiotic in nature. Nexus points are also stated to have high amounts of concentrated power within them, though no one knows why that is the case. And that-" Perseus said, pointing at the monument. "-Is a nexus point."
"Not exactly."
Perseus swiveled his head towards Pontus. "Oh? But didn't you tell me a few days ago that this was a nexus point?"
"You're half right really Perseus, when it comes to if that is a nexus point or not." Pontus said, rubbing his eyes. _"However, while we are most definitely on a nexus point, this monument isn't something one would say that defines if they are standing on a nexus point or not. Or maybe it's the old soul in me that thinks that. But anyway, you can say this is…an anomaly."_
"An anomaly." Perseus whispered. He can't fault Pontus for thinking that, especially with the ordeal he had to go through with it. "So, which nexus point are we on now. The one that connects you and Gaia?"
Pontus chuckled. _"I'm afraid not, that place isn't anywhere within the mainland, it's quite a bit far actually. This nexus point, connects me with Erebus."_
Perseus's eyes widened. "The Underworld?!"
"Ah, ah, ah. Not exactly." Pontus said, wagging his finger. "Erebus is more than just the Underworld my boy, you should know that by now."
"Erebos is the entire realm that pockets the space between Earth and Tartarus. The physical embodiment of the primordial. And like I said before, I, have a bond with Erebus."
"I'll be honest Grandpa P, I can't see how the vast expanse of water can have a bond with darkness that is Erebus. Or Erebos…this is confusing."
Pontus smirked. "It's not farfetched like you think it is. Answer me this then, where do you think the underworld rivers got their liquid bases from?"
Perseus blinked. "You have to be joking…" he muttered.
Pontus laughed. "It sounds bizarre in a way, but it's true!"
Perseus sighed. "Well, it's too be expected. So, Erebus? I'm guessing you have one with everyone else, like Tartarus and Ouranos."
Pontus shrugged. "No, not really. I don't have a nexus connection with Tartarus or Ouranos. But Tha- …Thalassa had a connection with Ouranos before."
Perseus frowned. "But don't the underworld rivers flow through Tartarus as well?"
"That is not enough for me to consider a connection." Pontus said, waving his hand dismissively. "And as for Ouranos, he's way too snobbish for my sanity. And those mind grating angels of his…Eugh! No way I want to be connected to him."
"What do you mean by…'to consider a connection'?" Perseus asked.
"Not exactly what you just said." Pontus replied. "Our nexus points were pre chosen by the omnipotent one itself, but all of us weren't connected to each other from the beginning. However, if we wanted to, we can dissolve the connection, or, form a new one. Though there will be a lot of repercussions if that happens for both cases, and for both sides of the primordials who wanted the connection to be dissolved or made. Which is why some of us don't really go for it, and if we do, analyze each and every situation, advantages, disadvantages that come with it. It's tedious work, and was done was done a long time ago. Which is a good thing, since most living life forms didn't exist during that time and had to face the after effects."
"So, these monuments are located on every single nexus point?" Perseus asked.
"Uh…" Pontus trailed off, desperately thinking on what half assed explanation he should give Perseus regarding the location on the archaic megalith. That name…still sent shivers down Pontus's spine. Perseus was still patiently waiting for an answer, to which Pontus opened his mouth and uttered out-
_"Yes."_
Perseus nodded. "Makes it easier to find them then huh." He said.
"No, because we aren't on a nexus point for crying out loud!" Pontus thought bitterly. "Curse my nonsense spouting self. The only reason I was able to find this blasted megalith was because of the crappy tablet which Erebus gave me, and told me to find a bloody barren spot to summon the fucking death trap!"
"You alright Grandpa P? You look like you just sucked in a lemon whole." Perseus asked, raising an eyebrow. "Also, why are we able to stand on our feet instead of swimming around?"
"Ahem, just a feature of this place, nothing special." Pontus said with a sigh. "Now…on unlocking the power!"
"Right…unlocking the power." Perseus muttered.
"I'll be honest Kelpie, I don't really know the deal with this thing and how to work around it. Are you able to give any insight on this?" Pontus asked.
"Well…" Perseus said, closing his eyes. "I'm pretty sure I was taken to some place that is definitely not on earth." He said, not noticing the blanched look on the primordials face.
"He went somewhere else?!" Pontus exclaimed internally. "Dammit, I can't probe the question out easily without gaining suspicion."
"Um, would you be able to describe the place." Pontus asked.
"It…was all white? Like initially, and for some reason, there was a lot of wind. And chanting if I'm not mistaken." Perseus mused.
"C-Chanting?!" Pontus stuttered out.
"Yeah, I do remember the words though. There was like…Meraza? And Tertrekar, they were prominent. And I think I heard Parasal, Majika, Mahasa…and…Paragion.
As soon as Perseus uttered those words, his eyes and the scars on his left hand flashed white, eliciting a gasp from him. Pontus stumbled back when he saw Perseus momentarily levitate off the ground. Behind them, the symbols on the monument glowed.
"Perseus…" Pontus whispered, his head already translating the words which Perseus said. "Do you know…are you sure those are the exact words you heard?"
"Um…yeah?" Perseus nervously said, massaging his left palm. "What just happened?"
Pontus shook his head, looking a bit troubled. "I- Let's get you on the platform shall we? If my theory is correct…then…"
"Then what?" Perseus asked, to which Pontus didn't respond. Instead, he led Perseus on to the platform, but stayed behind.
"I want you to repeat those words Perseus, in the exact same order they were uttered out." Pontus said, noticing the gods' worried glance. "Just…trust me on this, alright?"
Perseus gave a stiff nod, his eyes taking in the place he actually felt the most pain after a very long time. He hated that, and the fact that he feels so safe standing here, when just a few days ago he was bleeding out and writhing in pain. It's like what he felt before, like this was a gateway to home, and it wasn't Olympus. And he doubted it was the elusive mansion of Night. It was more than that.
Pontus cleared his throat, startling Perseus out of his thoughts. He then stood straight and took a deep breath, his gaze lingering on the symbol on the ground. And he then spoke.
"Meraza…Tetrekar. Parasal…Majika."
"Mereza…Tetrekar. Mahasa…Paragion."
Both Perseus and Pontus waited with baited breath as the mysterious words were said out loud. Perseus was half worried that he was going to start bleeding on the platform again when he noticed something. Nothing was happening.
Pontus looked happy and disappointed at the same time. "Maybe your pronunciation was wrong? I've been told by Artemis that you used to struggle with it in the beginning." Pontus teased, trying to diffuse the tension.
Perseus scoffed in response. "Do I look like a little kid Grandpa P? Besides, I'm pretty sure I-" But before Perseus could say anything, his eyes flashed white once again. The markings and the symbol on the platform glowed a blood red in color, shooting a helix shaped beam of light from where Perseus stood. Pontus was once again reminded of the previous events, and just as he suspected, Perseus was gone. Though that did not stop his worrying at all, nor did it ease his mind on wondering why suddenly, he felt a sharp pain go through his body. A pain he hadn't felt…since them.
He was floating. That much Perseus can confirm with his eyes closed, as he more or less felt himself drift aimlessly like a feather in the sky. He then cracked an eye open, expecting to maybe see that same white background place from before, only to feel his throat tighten as he took in the sight in front of him.
At first, Perseus though he was floating along the night sky. Though there weren't any stars. Everywhere he looked, it was just black. And, there was a heavy amount of the magical mist everywhere. But when he looked down, all he could see was a swirl of either colorless or black tinted energy, churning and forming a vortex beneath him. And it was massive, much larger than what Perseus's godly vision could manage. He then looked up, and was greeted by a sight of another vortex of energy, this one a bluish green in color. Beside it was another vortex, a bluish white in color. Perseus looked down to see another vortex, this one with a purple tint. And off at the distance, a grey colored vortex.
It was starting to feel a bit too much for Perseus, though he had an inkling that only he could have managed something like this for so long. He began to move through the spacious void, his mind racing with the various possible places he could be in. could he be in space? No, that's impossible, where are all the spherical landmasses and the celestial stars then? It couldn't be space, but…
It did have that same wretched familiar feeling Perseus felt before, and he was starting to loathe it. Why…why was he feeling this way? He would have understood if this was Nyx's realm but…it wasn't. He couldn't sense the powerful presence he had associated with Nyx whenever he heard her voice. Or the feeling of clarity whenever he used his umbra ore weapons. That much he could at least attest to.
Perseus then perked up, his ears picking up a source of sound that was starting to become clearer by the second. And eerier.
"Meraza…Tetrekar. Wekshiel…Paragion."
"Oh not this shit again." Perseus muttered, feeling a prickling sensation creep up his palm. He held it up, and noticed that the scars were starting to look raw and inflamed. Perseus frowned at this, but decided to push it at the back of his mind for now. He wanted to first find the source of the chanting.
Perseus was thrilled to find out he could move around this, though that still needed a bit work as swimming didn't seem to work. In the end, all Perseus could do was just drift in place, without moving his limbs. As he was moving around, Perseus turned around to take a better look at his surroundings, and noticed another vortex just next to the bluish green vortex. This one, had swirls of brown and black in it, making Perseus frown.
"This can't be random, and that color coordination…" Perseus muttered, massaging his temples as he felt a headache creep up.
"Meraza…Tetrekar. Solosis…Akilio."
"Solosis, Akilio. Those are new words." Perseus noted, descending downwards. As soon as he appeared just above the swirling black vortex, Perseus's vambraces started pulsing. The god abruptly stopped as he once again felt the presence, the presence of his birth mother. The headache seemed to have dimmed down as well, as Perseus carefully approached the vortex.
"What if…" Perseus mumbled. "What if that's Nyx. Then that means…" Perseus breathed out, his throat hitching.
"These all are primordial realms?!" he thought frantically, once again taking in the sight of the number of swirling of vortexes.
"If that's Nyx, does that mean that's Pontus above me? But wait, shouldn't Nyx be above Pontus since she's night? Or maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way." Perseus thought, this time drifting towards the bluish green vortex that might just be the primordial of the sea.
"Did I come out from there?" Perseus wondered out loud, tilting his head at the hole in the center of the vortex. "And can I go back in through there…"
Suddenly, Perseus felt the headache from before come back in full force, making him double down in pain. His head felt like it was going to split right then and there as he clutched it, while a singular foreign word rung within his head.
"Kassioka…Kassioka…Kassioka…"
"Show yourself! I know someone's out there…reveal now!" Perseus shouted, grabbing his now bleeding left palm. "Fates…what is happening to me?!"
The ringing in his head only got louder, causing an animalistic growl to rip out of Perseus's throat. Staying here was too much for him to bear, leading him to do one thing. To take a leap of faith.
Perseus then surged forward, going through the large bellows of mist, towards the vortex that supposedly led to Pontus. But as if it had sensed his intentions, the mist began to thicken considerably, and small wisps began to reach out for Perseus.
"No…you…don't." Perseus growled out, eyes glowing white. His entire form was glowing gold, while also radiating waves of power. He had almost reached the entrance of the vortex when the large amounts of mist collected itself fully, obscuring his vision. But Perseus unknowingly grinned at that.
The last thing he remembered was hearing a loud pop noise as he raised his left hand, the scars on his outer palm changing its shape and color to something else, while white light emitted out from it and surrounded everything.
Pontus tentatively stepped towards the monument, staff and spear ready. He should have known better, especially with what those words translated to, he should have known better to make Perseus say them out loud. Pontus's thoughts immediately halted when he saw the symbol glow once again, producing another helix shaped beacon of light. The beam died down, revealing Perseus standing, but swaying in his place. Pontus was about to rush to assist him when Perseus raised his hand, halting him. The latter took some wobbly steps forward, but was able to steady himself.
"Perseus?" Pontus slowly asked. "Are you of sound mind?"
"…What a ridiculous question to ask Pontus." Perseus replied with a smirk. "Of course I'm not of sound mind."
Pontus didn't reply, watching as Perseus stretched his limbs. "Can't even walk properly in that void." Perseus muttered.
Pontus's eyes widened. "You went to the Void?!" he whispered shouted.
Perseus raised an eyebrow at this. "…Yes? You know that place?"
Pontus nodded. "It's a place which the omnipotent one itself gave to us primordials to freely use and meet up with each other, a sort of neutral territory where the ordinal- I mean, uh…ordinary immortals can't access. I'm surprised you managed to get in."
Perseus had a thoughtful look on his face. "That makes sense, a meeting place for all those vortexes that are technically your realms, right? You have a lot of mist there, that's for sure."
Pontus stared blankly at Perseus, wondering what the hell he was talking about. Vortex? He didn't have a vortex in him, and neither did everyone else. And last he checked, the void didn't have mist in there except for cleaning time.
"Unless…he went somewhere else? But similar in my voids concept, but highly different? Okay Pontus. Deep breath and calm down. Just…roll with whatever Perseus says, that'll be fine."
While Pontus was going full speed with his train of thought, Perseus was staring at his palm with slight disbelief. "Um…Grandpa P?"
"Eh?" Pontus said, blinking as he stared at Perseus. His gaze fell on where Perseus was staring at, and Pontus immediately felt bile pile in his mouth, and a migraine forming in his head. For etched on Perseus's skin, was a deep blue mark of the lone symbol that was on the platform. The slanting lines, sent a foreboding shiver down Pontus's line, even after many years.
"Huh. Looks like you got a tattoo Kelpie." Pontus said, licking his lips.
Perseus looked horrified. "My mom is going to kill me!" he shrieked out.
Pontus couldn't hold it anymore. He bursted out laughing, and was happy for it. The fact that this all powerful god was still scared of his mother was something he hadn't heard or seen at all.
"That's what you're worried about?!" Pontus wheezed out. "I figured you would be more worried about the fact that the tattoo is that same prominent symbol on the monument."
"Well…yeah." Perseus said. "But, it has something to do with Nyx right? All of this is for her, so it can't be that bad if I'm her son…"
Pontus's laughter died down, a poker look on his face. But inside, guilt was eating him up everywhere at a tenfold.
_"Uh, yeah. That's true."_ Pontus said out lamely.
Perseus then frowned. "Why would that thing take me to a place where all of you primordials are supposedly-"
"For training of course Kelpie, nothing else." Pontus said a bit too quickly, and cheerily. "You know what I think, we did enough for the day. Even though it was barely a few seconds when you came back out after you went in."
"…What?!" Perseus shouted.
Pontus didn't seem to notice his surprise, while Perseus turned deathly pale. "It felt like ten minutes…but only a few seconds?" he whispered to himself, the questions about that place only rising.
"It was difficult Erebus, convincing him. I don't know how I did it, but I concocted something to keep him out of the loop, and it worked." Pontus said, pinching his nose. "I deserve compensation."
"You will receive your compensation once Lykofós attains his sealing power." Erebus grumbled, present in his spectral form. The two were in the self-contained Void, the one for primordials.
"We don't even know how long that will take." Pontus exclaimed.
"Fifty years. There, you want a timeframe? Fifty years." Erebus muttered.
"Is that a presumption?" Pontus asked. "For when those children of mother nature and king of the pit will appear?"
"Possibly." Erebus said with a shrug. "Now, what happened with Lykofós during training today?
"Perseus." Pontus grumbled, but he told Erebus everything, and his newfound concerns.
"You're telling me, there's supposedly another Void that us primordials don't even know or even have access to?" Erebus mused, stroking his smoky chin. "I find that difficult to comprehend. Any descriptions?"
"Perseus refused to give any, which was weird. The only thing he managed to slip out was some 'vortex' or something. But I'm telling you Erebus, the seeds of doubt are now planted in that boy. He even asked me why I was acting so weird ever since this full 'sealing power' ordeal has started, not his words mind you. It won't be long before he starts suspecting." Pontus said nervously.
Erebus waved a hand dismissively. "We'll cross that bridge once the time comes. But more importantly, Lykofós has finally gained his mark."
Pontus gulped. "Yes…the Tetreja. I was surprised he got it already, but then again, none of us know if the other forbidden beings got theirs from the time of creation, or if they earned it."
"Those savages have earned nothing but are constant hatred and fear." Erebus spat out angrily. "Everything handed to them on a silver platter by Chaos itself…its blasphemy."
"…Yes." Pontus muttered. "But Erebus, don't tell me the words young Perseus heard in that other void isn't troubling. Please, don't try to deny it either."
"I have no inclination to." Erebus said with a sigh. "It is…a bit troubling."
"Meraza…Tetrekar. Parasal…Majika." Pontus uttered. "Mereza…Tetrekar. Mahasa…Paragion."
Erebus's eyes dimmed. "Child forbidden, embrace the truth. Child forbidden, approach your dwelling." He roughly translated.
"Meraza…Tetrekar. Wekshiel…Paragion."
"Child forbidden, welcome to where you dwell." Erebus translated, scoffing. "A bit overkill, honestly"
"Meraza…Tetrekar. Solosis…Akilio."
"Child forbidden, awaken the seal."
Pontus sighed. "Perseus mentioned another word that was stated, 'Kassioka'. And as we both know, it roughly translates to 'Primordial'. Why would they repeatedly say that?"
"I'm not sure myself. But the rest of the words, I can't help but wonder that if the chanters are trying to help him." Erebus muttered.
"You're interpreting it like that?" Pontus asked. "Interesting. For me, they just seem like coincidences honestly."
"Hmm." Erebus hummed. "What is Lykofós doing currently?"
"Let me check." Pontus murmured, waving his hand. The magical mist came out of his hand, and then, an image formed out of it.
"Artemis!" Perseus whined, clutching tightly on to the goddess's leg. "You can't leave me, pleeeeease!"
"Perseus…"" Artemis said with a sigh. "You have to let go off my leg soon."
"Never!" Perseus's muffled shout said.
"I'm going to be late for my hunt!"
"And you're supposed to join me in patrol!"
"Well…we can't have both tonight." Artemis said with a fond smile on her face.
"Why not? We're a packaged deal after all." Perseus said, puppy dog eyes at full force. "Please come or stay with me?"
Artemis then rolled her eyes. "No."
"My love?! Now I'm not letting you go!"
"Lykofós Perseus you let go off my leg this instant otherwise I will saw your arms off!"
"…You do that and you will never get my amazing and wonderful hugs ever again Phoebe Artemis!"
"Is this how the younglings are acting these days?" Erebus wondered aloud while Pontus dissipated the mist image. "Back in our time, we used to be the strong and silent type, capable of making our enemies flinch with a single gaze. Now this generation…solely consists of whiny love-struck beings."
"Uh-huh." Pontus said, a sly grin on his face. "I'm sure your enemies would have cowered if they saw the blubbering and heart eye mess you were if Nyx simply passed by you. And I'm sure it won't be fear that will make them cower."
Erebus's eyes widened, his face darkening. "Th-That's…that's not true!"
Pontus chuckled, but he soon sobered up. "Do we really need it? You know what I mean, I'm sure the gods can handle the giants-"
"How many times to tell you Pontus, it's not just the giants!" Erebus bellowed. "Gaia will be there as well, and the gods can do nothing with the ordinal law in place."
Pontus got up, shaking his head in frustration as he paced around the room. "Your feelings may be different than mine Pontus, but trust me." Erebus stated. "In the end, all will be well. And then finally, we should have our peaceful slumber we always wanted, without any interference…"
Many Years Later
Perseus wasn't sure what he was staring at. Okay, he knew what he was staring at, but he still couldn't believe his eyes at what he was seeing. And Demeter's description of it didn't do it justice either.
"It's a…big boulder?" Apollo asked uncertainly.
"A rhinoceros!" Hermes said confidently.
"Ooh, ooh, it's a pig!" Aphrodite said, jumping in her place.
"How astute of you my apprentice." Hecate said with a sigh. "But no, it's a boar. That's clearly on a rampage."
"Now known, as the Kalydonian Boar." Hermes said with a grin, writing something down.
"Also known as, the Death Pig." Aphrodite said. "Who knew Artemis could summon something sooooo nasty."
"And all because a king forgot to give her apples. Or even lemons. Your girlfriend is something else huh Percy." Hecate said, a wry smile on her face.
"Yeah…" Perseus said, wincing when he saw lightning shoot out of the boar's mouth, electrocuting a bunch of the king's guard. "It's…something."
The last few decades were really something for Greece. Many heroes and monsters with their legendary tales appeared everywhere in the mainland, and so did various events regarding the gods. This era alone saw many iconic faces from the likes of Theseus, Otrera, Bellerophon, Cyrene, Atalanta, and the newest kid in the block, Heracles (not even his real name). Perseus had overseen most of the heroes' journeys, and even some who chose to remain anonymous. Though that didn't mean it was all sunshine and rainbows like with Perseus the hero. The god was still mad at Theseus for ditching Ariadne for her sister (he told him to hold on to her for crying out loud, but no, listen to the wisdom goddess instead). He did help Bellerophon by having him use his clumsy nature to his advantage though his glory days were long gone now. He had honed Cyrene's fighting skills, making her formidable fighter (Artemis was still bummed about the fact that she wouldn't join the hunters, reason being she wasn't a team player). Atalanta…nothing major had happened with her yet, though she and the other solo hunters in Greece had banded together to take down the Kalydonian boar, which was something notable. Otrera…she was doing well with her Amazons (they were scary though, Artemis and Ares loved them). And as for Heracles…last he heard, the high king of Mycenae, Eurytheus, had ordered the demigod to do ten tasks as stated by the oracle of Delphi (though technically, it was Hera).
All in all, life in Greece was actually starting to get very eventful for the mortals and the gods, and the Kalydonian hunt was just the tip of the iceberg. Perseus spied the hunter/ prince Meleagar, followed swiftly by Acantha and Ajax. Oh and, Ajax and Acantha had left the hunt a few years ago, banding together to form a duo of bounty hunters. And weirdly enough, Clio was their mentor when it came to bounty hunting, something she took up during her leave.
"I'm not surprised yours and Artemis's hunters are in their best form out of all of them, like wow, look at them go." Apollo said with awe. "I'm almost jealous since I'm rooting for the dude with the axe."
"Thank you." Perseus said "I just hope they stay safe. In competitions like this, one tends to derail the euphoria with envy and contempt, leading to a disaster. I will try my hand in diffusing the situation if necessary, but I don't how long it will take before Artemis notices me interfering."
Aphrodite scoffed. "You very well know how she acts sometimes Percy; no one will fault you if she tries to escalate matters and you decide to intervene."
Perseus frowned. "I know, but I don't want to act like I know better than her. She lets me do my methods without question, so I shouldn't be complaining…about her methods…"
"Here we go again." Hecate said with a sigh. "I'm not going to act as therapist again, just letting you all know that. And huh, looks like Pasiphaë needs me for something. Excuse me." She said, flashing away.
"I want to check on Cyrene, see how my lover is doing." Apollo said brightly, though winked suggestively. "Maybe even check on young Orpheus as well. See ya!"
"I have to remain here sadly." Hermes said with a shrug. "Have to give a report to father."
"I'm going to Lerna." Aphrodite announced. "Little Seb made a friend there, and that's where I need to go pick him up."
"Leave him there honestly sis, they might miss him." Perseus quipped, laughing when Aphrodite swatted his arm.
"I'm warning you, I'll make sure Seb won't be the lead singer for yours and Artemis's wedding. Then you will have to settle for Apollo." Aphrodite said, making Perseus pale.
"That's not going to threaten me." Perseus replied hotly. "The muses will be available."
Aphrodite merely smiled. "Whatever you say little brother." She said, leaving behind a cloud of scented vapor after flashing away.
"*cough* Gods that's strong." Perseus coughed. "See you around Hermes."
"Sure dude, where are you heading?"
"Training." Perseus said simply, flashing away. He then appeared just outside the current stream that would take him to Pontus's abode. Perseus then took a deep breath and then propelled himself forward, using the current as a boost. He soon approached Pontus's place, but he didn't stop there. The god continued his trajectory as he zoomed past various sites, until he finally reached the place he was looking for. The archaic megalith, the name Pontus had given him of the monument many years ago.
"Mahasa Paragion!" Perseus shouted as he rested on top of the platform. The familiar helix shaped beacon enveloped him, sending him down a spiral of a multitude of colors related to the blue and green shade. Perseus felt his ears pop as he exited the vortex, suspending himself in the void. Nothing had changed since the first time Perseus first appeared in this place, unless you count the Mist not trying to blind him.
"Well then." Perseus breathed out, closing his fist and then stretched his left arm forwards. "Solosis Akilio!"
Nothing happened.
"Solosis Akilio!"
Nothing happened again.
"SOLOSIS AKILIO!"
Nothing happened still.
"Aaaghhh!" Perseus yelled out, a burst of hellfire erupting from his body and spreading out. "Just show me a sign, anything! Anything to show I'm not doing this wrong…" Perseus yelled, breathing heavily. But no response came. Even the eerie chanting Perseus heard in the beginning days had long gone now.
Perseus sighed in response, his form relaxing as he adopted a resting position. He then started to drift around lazily, trying to note anything different that was in the void, but nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. Perseus had just finished making around the primordials realms when he noticed Pontus's vortex flash violently. The god sighed in response, knowing what was happening. He then made his way into the vortex, and moments later, he was back in the actual realm, staring at the primordial of the sea who looked like he just ran a marathon.
"I…don't like the fact that you can just come to my place and use that…thing whenever you feel like it." Pontus gasped out.
Perseus shrugged in response. "Lucky for you, I don't think I plan to use the megalith any longer."
Pontus owlishly blinked on hearing this. "I beg your pardon?"
"You heard me! This is literally, the biggest waste of time I have ever experienced, and that's saying something since us gods don't care about time. This is worse than when I tried to control my hellfire, or, when I'm learning my previous powers. And you know what's worse than that? I don't even know what power I'm supposed to 'awaken', when before I knew what I was getting. That! Takes the cake!"
"Well that's not enough to quit-"
"And you! You!" Perseus yelled, jabbing a finger at Pontus. "You, and the copious amount of secrets you're hiding from me. No, no don't try to deny it! I know you're hiding confidential details, whether you got it from Nyx, or they're your own, you have them. And instead of sharing, you're letting me do this blindly, probably knowing the consequences of what would happen!"
"I don't!" Pontus shouted. "_I am as blind to this as you are,_ but that doesn't mean I want you to be some kind of test subject. Maybe I have some things hidden, but did you stop to think there may be a reason I'm hiding them?"
"Is it for my benefit or yours?" Perseus growled out.
"Wha-"
"Is it for my benefit. Or yours, Pontus."
"…"
"…No answer. Just as I thought." Perseus muttered, his purple aura flaring down. He felt a bit guilty seeing Pontus's sullen expression, but he shot it down quickly. "I'll be taking my leave then."
Pontus solemnly nodded, not meeting his eyes. Perseus waited for a few minutes to see if maybe something might occur, but nothing did. He then flashed away, leaving the primordial alone who then fell on his knees.
Perseus then appeared in the living room of his home, sighing heavily. He was about to go to the kitchen to blow off some steam when a figure suddenly flashed on top of him, sending both of them on the floor. Perseus heard muffled cries from the figure, and set aside the long red hair that was on his face to reveal a tear stricken Aphrodite.
"Aph…what? Hey, what happened?" Perseus asked gently, hoisting himself up. The love goddess was clutching his cloak tightly, and hiccupping quite loudly.
"H-H-H-"
"Deep and slow breaths, what did Hestia teach you? Deep and slow breaths, here, copy my breathing." Perseus said, helping Aphrodite calm down. "There That's better. Now…explanation."
"…H-He's dead." Aphrodite whispered, her eyes tearing up again. "He's…Oh my fa-!" Aphrodite exclaimed, promptly crying again.
On seeing that there was no way he could get an answer out at this time, Perseus then proceeded to soothe Aphrodite, while also trying to figure out which guy close to Aphrodite died. And not going to lie, who would even get this kind of reaction?!
Ares? No, he saw him today in the caravan. Pontus? What was he thinking, he just saw him a minute ago. Some mortal lover? No, last he checked, she wasn't seeing anyone. Then which guy…oh. Oh…
Oh no.
"Aphrodite?" Perseus said softly. "Is…it Sebastianos?"
And just like that, the wailing got louder and Perseus's ears started to ache.
"H-How?" Perseus said out loud. Even he was shocked, the crab was supposed to be immortal. Kinda, he could still die. Which meant, he was probably down in Tartarus.
"It's not that bad Aphrodite, he could still reform…" Perseus began to say, but immediately paled when he saw the gold stained eyes staring at him. "Okay that was very insensitive of me, I apologize. I'm sure I would be mad if someone said that about Umbra, so I'm really sorry I said that Aphrodite."
The goddess merely nodded, once again dissolving into a pool of tears. In the end, Perseus had to carry her to the kitchen where he began to give her, her ultimate comfort food while he began to make something.
"Here, eat this for now." Perseus said, handing over a bag of sand to Aphrodite, who quickly ate it up. Only to stop midway.
"What's wrong?" Perseus worriedly asked.
"…Sebastianos always used to tell me not to eat sand whenever I did." Aphrodite whispered, staring at her shoulder. "But he's…he's not..."
"There, there." Perseus said, holding Aphrodite close. "Seb is a strong guy, he'll come back."
"But how long will it take!" Aphrodite wailed. "I'm going to kill that son of a bitch named after the other bitch!"
Perseus's eyes widened. "Wait, you know who killed him!"
"That blasted son of Zeus. Heracles." Aphrodite spat out, steam literally coming out of her ears. "I asked Iris to show me the events that happened in Lerna…and she showed me everything. Even how…how he…oh-"
"Iris, show me what you showed Aphrodite today regarding her crab in Lerna." Perseus telepathically communicated. "And mute the scene please."
Moments later, an Iris message formed on the ceiling. Perseus made sure to direct Aphrodite's gaze elsewhere, and watched as a burly young man wearing…lion skin?! The demigod was wrestling a Hydra down, when Perseus noticed a set of pincers coming out of the ground. Perseus saw Heracles go for the crab, and while Sebastianos put up a valiant fight, it was all for nought as Perseus flinched when he saw Heracles smash the top of Sebastianos's head by bringing his foot between his eyes. The scene was muted, but Perseus was pretty sure he could hear the resounding crack coming out of the split shell.
"It's…brutal." Perseus whispered to Aphrodite.
"I turned him into a constellation." Aphrodite hiccupped. "H-He loved singing about s-stars as well…and I couldn't bear not to have his presence-"
It wasn't fair honestly, Sebastianos clearly looked like he was in the wrong place when Heracles went after him. And he had just warmed up to that crab and his crazy songs, heck, he actually considered getting him to be the musician for his wedding. Of course, Artemis had to agree first but…
But one thing as sure, Perseus was going to keep an eye out on the demigod. And not because he wanted to protect him or something similar, but because of something else. And looking at the son of Zeus's track record, one wouldn't wonder why.
To be fair, Perseus didn't expect to meet Heracles soon that was sure. Though, one year wasn't really qualified as 'soon' in mortal standards anyway. And he didn't expect the reason to come from his girlfriend.
Artemis had come barreling into his house, looking a bit wilder than normal. Perseus on the other hand was trying to outrun his mother, the latter having a hand lit with fire.
"I'm telling you mom, its permanent!"
"Are you sure? Just one touch-"
"Mom I tried taking it out with hellfire!"
"But you're immune to it sweetie. But regular fire…"
"I- I'm immune to that as well!"
"Perseus!" Artemis shouted, halting the mother and son in their tracks. "You, are coming with me for something."
"Thank the Fates!" Perseus cried, diving behind Artemis. "Take me away from that loony person!"
"Did you just call your mother crazy?!" Hestia and Artemis said together.
"…I said loony- there's a difference-"
"I'm sorry Hestia, as much as I would love to watch this unfold, I need him with me before I start killing someone. Literally." Artemis said, flashing the two of them away. They appeared in the outskirts of a forest, which Perseus vaguely recognized to be somewhere in Ceryneia. He and Artemis were also invisible.
"Your mother is still giving you grief for your tattoo?" Artemis asked with a smirk.
Perseus sighed. "I swear, it's been years. And she's still convinced she could 'get this stain out of her baby boy'."
Artemis giggled. "Be glad I like it, otherwise I would have pinned you down way back in order to get it out."
Perseus smirked, leaning down. "I wouldn't mind you pinning me down at all." He whispered, internally cheering when he noticed Artemis's ears gain a golden tint.
"Ahem, we're on godly business lover boy, focus." Artemis breathed out, pinching Perseus's cheek.
"Yes ma'am! What's the business?"
Artemis looked ahead, narrowing her eyes. "Him." She said, pointing at a lone figure that was walking away from them.
As the two gods went closer, Perseus immediately noticed Artemis's golden hind slung around the figures shoulders, it's legs pinned by an arrow which was pierced through them. The other thing he noticed was the lion skin the figure was wearing. And he only knew one person who would wear that.
"Who in their right mind thought that capturing a gods' divine animal was a good idea?" Perseus said, shaking his head.
"Time to find out." Artemis drawled, dropping the invisibility. "Hold it!"
Perseus almost laughed when he saw the demigod trip on his own feet.
"L-Lady Artemis!" Heracles stammered out, his eyes darting between the two hunting gods. "And Lord P-Perseus!" he squeaked out.
"Where are you going with my hind?" Artemis demanded.
"Um…I…uh…"
"Artemis, that's not how you ask someone." Perseus said, clasping Heracles's shoulder. The latter looked a bit relaxed, but then turned pale when he noticed a blade forming out of the vambrace, and slowly creep up towards the side of his neck."
"So Heracles." Perseus said, smiling brightly. "Where are you going with my lover's pet doe?"
Heracles gulped. He quickly explained how the high king had set him up for the task because of the prophecy, knowing fully well that Artemis would kill him if he managed to capture the hind.
"Mortals. Do they really think we're their assassins or something?" Artemis huffed telepathically. "Now I know how you feel Percy."
"Story of my life." Perseus replied. "But he speaks the truth."
Artemis sighed. "I am relieved that my hind isn't that injured. Heracles, complete your task and see to it my hind is safely returned to the wild. If that doesn't happen, the repercussions will be fatal. Have we made ourselves clear?"
Heracles vigorously nodded, and was soon on his way when the gods vanished. They had however turned invisible again, in order to talk privately.
"I've noticed that you have been more or less looking out for the heroes in this land. Is that demigod counted in that list?" Artemis asked.
"Nope." Perseus said. "It's…I don't do it for all of them. Just when it's required…it's a bit complicated."
Artemis nodded, massaging her temples. "I can still hear poor Del's whimpers. Probably should have asked him to release her here only, and I would have sent a sign signaling the demigod had completed his task."
"Well there is something I want to do." Perseus said nonchalantly, but grinned evilly. He then made a series of clicking noises, and was glad to see Heracles jump in fear, frantically staring at the ground around him as he hopped around.
"He almost dropped Del!" Artemis seethed, glancing at Perseus. "That was a bit mean though."
"Hey, he made my sister cry. That's something I wouldn't forgive." Perseus replied with a huff, making Artemis chuckle softly.
"I'll give that a pass then. But now that business is over." Artemis whispered, caressing Perseus's shoulder. "Would like to give chase, lover boy?"
Perseus blushed. "Oh?"
Artemis leaned forward, her lips almost brushing against Perseus's own lips. "Catch me if you can." She breathed out, sprinting away like an arrow, her laughter flowing out.
"That woman, is going to be the death of me." Perseus muttered with a smile, sprinting ahead to catch up with the goddess.
"…It's time."
Gaia opened her eyes, a sinister smile creeping up her lips. She drowsily got up from her bed, and made her way out of the room. As she made her way across her abode, she distinctly heard clanging sounds coming from outside. A smile graced her lips as she entered a verandah and peered down, her eyes landing on a giantess, that was slaughtering cyclops left and right with blades made out of pure light.
"Foteinós dear, I think you have tortured the cyclops a bit too much." Gaia called out. "Come, we are going to gather your brothers."
Foteinós had a sullen look on her face, but nonetheless complied. The two made their way through a forest, until they came across a large metallic wall, with symbols etched on it.
Taking a deep breath, Gaia then placed her hand on the wall. "Tartarus, it's us. We seek permission to enter your realm." The symbols glowed brightly for a few seconds and then dimmed down. The part of the wall which the immortal beings were facing then began to bubble, and then dissolved, revealing an opening. The two made their way through the opening and continued on, until they found themselves in a vast cavern, it's blood red tint involuntarily making Gaia and Foteinós shiver.
"Come child, we won't be here for long." Gaia muttered, already feeling her power weaken as she trekked along the pit. They finally reached their destination, the heart of Tartarus, where already a large horde of giant beings had gathered. They seemed to be cheering and looking at something.
"Runt! Runt! Runt! Runt!"
The being in question was Orion, who was struggling to ride a drakon. The giants laughed as the drakon buckled harshly, sending Orion flying and crashing on Kylotes.
"Runt can't charm women. Thought he'll charm drakon." Polybotes chuckled.
"Ai, runt is not like us." Mimas growled.
"Enough boys, don't bully your brother." Gaia said with a sigh, garnering everyone's attention.
"Mother!" the giants yelled, rushing towards Gaia. They didn't get close though, as they immediately halted on seeing the light blade blocking Gaia from the giants.
Gaia smiled. "Forgive me children, but I'm not in a state to be bombarded with your hugs. And thank you my dear."
"Didn't I warn you all not to rush after your mother?" Tartarus muttered, twisting his metal hand. "Hello my love, and you too dear Foteinós."
Gaia smiled while Foteinós stiffly nodded.
"Is it finally time? We can now send our children to your realm?" Tartarus asked, grinning maniacally when Gaia nodded. "After all these years…It's time. Our conquest, is about to commence!"
Gaia rolled her eyes on seeing Tartarus and the giants cheer. "This is nothing to celebrate, we still have the fight to go through first. And while I am confident in the abilities of our children, we shouldn't be that confident."
"Yes, yes, I understand." Tartarus said dismissively. "Permission for them to scale through your realm?"
"Permission had been granted since they were born. Now, my children!" Gaia announced, spreading her arms. "Your moment has finally come! Go forth and mark your territories on my realm. And when the time is right…strike! Strike down the treacherous mountain where the gods reside, and shackle their mangled bodies once you have had your way with them. Establish yourselves as the new rulers, and make the world tremble when anyone utters your names. You have my full support, now, lay waste on to Olympus!"
The giants roared with approval, weapons forming in their hands. All of them rushed onward, where a new gateway was present for them to enter the mortal world. Gaia and Tartarus grinned with appreciation, though the latter was confused on seeing Foteinós remain behind.
"There's something I need to discuss with her." Gaia said on sensing Tartarus's confusion. She then turned to face the giantess, her eyes gleaming.
"My child, you have trained the hardest out of everyone, and for good reason. Your opponent…will not be easy. He is a being out of…any realm really, even though he miraculously carries the immortal blood in him. He has abilities that even us primordials wish to have. But he is still defeatable, he is not perfect. You especially, have powers that will oppose him just like your brethren. Use them well.
"That is true." Tartarus muttered. "Though I am still confused on how she has light based powers. More or less similar to that of Aether or Hemera."
Gaia sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose. "My dear, we have had this discussion every single time I bring up Foteinós. Why not ask the same for Polybotes? He can summon and use poison, the powers of Akhyls, another primordial. Hmm? Why not him?"
Tartarus fumbled for an answer. "Well I…it's just poison. It's nothing major honestly to wonder about…"
Gaia narrowed her eyes. "Akhyls wouldn't take that kindly. Even though her powers may not seem powerful, please don't question her might. She is a formidable primordial, especially with her prime resource, the death mist. Even you know better to scoff at it."
Tartarus gulped, nodding vigurously.
"Our children have been specifically created and fine-tuned by me, with no problems unlike last time. Created to fully oppose most aspects of the gods. It would make sense that Foteinós would have some kind of light based powers. Alas, nothing could have been done about the hellfire. Unless…do you have the armor?"
"Yes, yes." Tartarus said suddenly, rummaging through a satchel. He then presented out a set of celestial bronze armor, decorated with drakon bones.
"This…is the best iteration we have been able to produce yet." Tartarus said with a sigh. "My mages have failed continuously to try and harness hellfire's ashes abilities, and this is the best thing they could make. The protection may be temporary, but it'll be able to take in the power of hellfire for a brief period of time."
"Nyx can make it permanent. Why can't you." Gaia muttered, taking the armor. "For you my child, it will give you the edge against that being. Now, go join your brethren up in the surface. Thrive in the light that has sufficed you, and find Perseus. Alone.
"Yes…mother." Foteinós nodded, gripping the armor tightly. Tartarus and Gaia watched as she made her way to the gateway of the mortal real. Tartarus ha a solemn, but proud expression on his face. While Gaia…was trying to not to cry.
"My babies, they're all grown up." She said, sniffing. "Where did the years go!"
"A lot of years went Gaia, a lot of unnecessary years." Tartarus muttered, eyes gleaming. "I will be heading back; our children will need all the reinforcements they can get when the time arrives. I suggest you return as well; you are being weakened by the minute the more you stay here."
"I know that." Gaia huffed. "Don't remind me." She said, studying her fingers. "Perseus…that being has unknowingly taken my power."
"Let's see how he feels, if I try take it back from him…"
Perseus was once again floating through the void, this time his attention focused on something he was surprised he didn't see before. For just at the entrance of the bluish white vortex, there seemed to be a golden barrier covering the entrance. Perseus wasn't sure what to make of it, nor of the new word that was currently being chanted when he approached the barrier.
"Solosia…Solosia…Solosia…"
"It sounds similar to solosis…" Perseus muttered, sparks coming out of the barrier as he tried to reach out for it. Nothing weird seemed to occur to him this time, but he was still wary. And curious, as to which primordial seemed to be the only one to have the barrier.
"Can't be Pontus or Gaia. Neither can it be Ouranos or Nyx." Perseus muttered glancing up at the realms. "Not Hemera, she's over there. And I'm guessing the two at either side of the far end is Aether and Erebus. Tartarus is way below. So which primordial could this one be?"
Perseus groaned, drifting back, his thoughts muddled. While staying in the void didn't have any adverse effects on him, the sheer scope and enormity of this place was still something Perseus wasn't able to fathom. And the fact that he was doing this all alone didn't make it any better. He desperately wished he could explore and share this place with Artemis, but he wasn't sure if non Nyx children could enter here. Or maybe they could, and what was told earlier to him may might as well have been another fabricated lie by the primordial of the sea. Speaking of which…
Perseus had been ignoring Pontus, only to some extent. He still visited but not by his own accord, and only spoke to him if he wanted to. It was a good thing he and the others like Aphrodite and Artemis would only go at least two or three times a year to see him, because if it was a regular occurrence, then they would have surely noticed his change in attitude with Pontus.
After some time, Perseus decided it was time to head back. He once again went through the vortex, and ended up in Pontus's realm, in the megalith. And as always, Pontus was there as well at the side, a guilt ridden expression on his face.
"Perseus wait!" Pontus said quickly, desperation laced in his voice. "I know…I know I may have messed up what we have but just listen to what I have to say now. I'm not trying to apologize; Fates knows how many times I've tried but you always leave so…here." He said, handing s tablet to Perseus, which slightly piqued his interest.
"This is something I should have shown you from the moment we started this. And…I'm sure you will find this more useful than I did. Whatever you may need, I think this tablet will provide everything." Pontus replied.
Perseus didn't say, though he did gingerly take the tablet from Pontus's hands. The tablet had various letters and symbols etched on it that Perseus couldn't recognize at all. He was tempted to ask Pontus about this, but the primordial had already left.
"Does he expect me to automatically gain that 'power' as soon as I look at this tablet?!" Perseus muttered angrily. He wasn't some gifted prodigy who could master anything from the get go, and once again, that expectation was placed on him.
"Stupid craggy old immortal beings." Perseus muttered as he flashed away, still lightly cursing as he appeared at the outskirts of the hunters' camp. He wondered what he was going to do with the tablet and the male hunters today, since Artemis had taken the girls for a 'girls trip'. But instead, he was surprised to see the female hunters already milling about. Wondering why they had turned up early, Perseus was about to announce his presence when he sensed something strange. All of the hunters looked visibly shaken, especially the female ones. As for the boys, they all had looks of disbelief on their faces. It was almost reminiscent of the time when Artemis had her domain-
No.
"No…not again, please not again." Perseus gasped out, barreling straight into the camp. "Artemis, is she-"
"Percy!" Phoebe and Celyn cried, hugging him tightly. Perseus reached out to Artemis, and sighed in relied when she sensed her close by. But then frowned when he felt her close off herself from him. Perseus pushed it back for the time being as he focused on the hunters. They more or less looked happy to see him, but Perseus could tell there was a sort of tension floating around. Where one mistake, could just break everything. As he glanced around he noticed Atlana by herself, though Arius was trying to talk to her. Which was a bit weird, since she was always with Callisto…
Perseus frowned. "Girls, where is Callisto?"
And just like that, tension thickened. The hunters visibly flinched when Perseus mentioned that name, some of them looked like they might even cry. Perseus's worry was increasing rapidly, so much so that he didn't realize Britomartis trying to get his attention.
"Perseus." She hissed, gesturing to follow her. Perseus wasn't sure if he should leave with the hunters in their current state, but stepped aside, eyes shinng with worry as he watched the hunter fidget nervously.
"Tell me everything that has happened." Perseus replied shortly.
Britomartis slowly nodded. "You know how Callisto has been acting sort of distant the past few months?"
"Yeah, her mother died around that time right?"
"Yes but…that's not the actual reason she was closed off. Today after our hunting trip, we were going to go for a bath."
"Okay…shit. Don't tell me you guys had another Actaeon situation?!"
"No, it was not that. It…Callisto wasn't joining us for the bath which confused us. And…lady Artemis managed to figure out why."
Perseus wasn't sure what he hated more, the suspense on what happened, or the fact that he was glad the cloth wasn't ripped from the beginning. "And that is…?"
"Callisto was pregnant."
Perseus blinked, his thoughts screeching to a halt as he tried to make sense of the words just spoken to him. Callisto was…she wasn't. She wouldn't, she loved the hunt, she wouldn't just do something that would make her leave it. And that to in an unorthodox way.
"We were all shocked to hear that as well. Artemis had then formed a barrier around her and Callisto, probably to take about the situation in private. But then…something happened that I…I didn't even expect to happen." Britomartis said, looking a bit frightful.
"What?" Perseus gently asked.
"She…Artemis turned her- Artemis turned her into a bear." Britomartis said with shock in her voice, as if she also couldn't believe what she said had actually happened. "And we don't even know exactly why. Some thought that maybe because she broke her oath but none of us are sure exactly-"
"Is Artemis in her tent."
"Y-Yes."
Perseus nodded, releasing a dep breath. "I…be with the hunters for now. I-I need to talk to Artemis…" he said, leaving the hunter alone. "Was that what the prickling sensation was whenever i was next to Callisto, like it was telling me something." Perseus thought. He was then outside Artemis's tent, and slowly opened the flap of Artemis's tent and peered inside. It was dark in, but it didn't matter to Perseus as he approached Artemis's bed, where the goddess seemed to be asleep. He then knelt down and gently held her stiff shoulder. Perseus felt her immediately relax at his touch, but there seemed to be a layer of tension that was forming between them as well.
"Artemis." He whispered. "Are you awake."
On seeing her nod, Perseus sighed. "Can you please look at me. We…we have to talk about Callisto." He said. Artemis immediately stiffened. "Please…I'm not…I just want to know…why?"
It felt like forever, but Artemis slowly turned around. Perseus was then greeted with the tear stricken face of his girlfriend, his heart clutched tightly as he noticed her almost gasping for breath. He gently caressed her face, sensing waves of calmness through her body.
"Artemis…how did…can you please tell me what happened with Callisto?"
Artemis didn't say anything for a while, but she kept on opening her mouth like she wanted to actually get the words out. "What did…you hear?"
"Britomartis told me that she was…pregnant. But, I can't believe it Artemis, she wouldn't have-"
"Raped." Artemis whispered hoarsely.
As soon as Artemis uttered the word, it felt like time literally stopped as a myriad of emotions swirled inside Perseus. He wanted to deny it…but he knew it to be true. Artemis's form in front of him was enough to convey it.
"Who…" Perseus breathed out, eyes glowing. "Who…did this to her. Did you already-"
"No." Artemis whispered, more tears coming out of her eyes. "And believe me…I would have got you as well to…but we can't. I can't…"
"Artemis tell me who did this now!" Perseus shouted.
"My father." She whispered bitterly. "Zeus."
Perseus felt wetness on his hands and glanced down to see ichor staining the inside of his palm. His uncle…Zeus… . Even though he very well knew about Zeus's trysts with various mortal woman, he never expected him to go after the hunters at all. He knew they were special to him and Artemis, special to his own daughter. He knew about the consequences, but he still went after Callisto and ripped her new life out from her. He…
"Percy…Perseus you're glowing."" Artemis said worriedly, holding the god's hands. "Listen to my voice, you can't lose control okay? Listen to me, please, try to calm yourself. Because if you don't, you're going to disintegrate-"
"He knew." Perseus choked out squeezing his eyes tight.
Artemis blinked back tears. "I know…believe me I know and as much as I want to castrate my father and throw him into Tartarus…I don't think I have the strength to do it."
Perseus shook his head. "Artemis…why did you turn her into a bear? Because she broke her oath? Or because she hid it from us for so long, and continued to remain in the hunt…"
"…It was the latter." Artemis whispered.
Perseus choked back a sob. "She didn't deserve it. She didn't deserve it."
"…"
"Artemis, I love you but you always make rash decisions most of the time." Perseus muttered, kissing her forehead. "But I'm going to fix this, I will fix this."
Artemis's eyes widened. "But…how will we get her back to the hunt?!"
"We can't, that much is clear. But we can still save the rest of her life…find her. Artemis…do you regret what you did to Callisto. Please, be honest with me."
Artemis opened her mouth, the words immediately tumbling down. "Yes." She said hoarsely. "She was one of my favorites Percy, and I was so angry. But I'm going to fix this, I'm not going to put another streak on my name."
"Find her Artemis. Please…find Callisto."
"I- I will." Artemis said resolutely. "I promise. But…what about you?"
"I'm going to see Iris for a favor." Perseus said, the purple aura flaring. "And then…I'm going to request an audience with a king."
Zeus was on his throne, lazily forming cloud patterns on the sky. As he reached out for a glass of nectar, the throne room began to darken. Zeus glanced up looking annoyed, wondering which god was pranking him this time.
"Ganymede! Go check which hooligan decided to cover the windows with drapes." Zeus shouted. He was about to go back to his past time when he noticed a small puff of cloudy mist float in front of him. Zeus then realized that more were forming, out of his mouth. He then felt a shiver go through him, and then heard soft crackling noises everywhere. It was then that he realized that the temperature in the room had actually dropped, and the crackling noises were not coming from the hearth. They were coming from the frost that was slowly covering the thrones.
"Lord Zeus." A hollow voice spoke out, echoing across the room.
"Who dares to pull this stunt?!" Zeus growled out, a thunderbolt in his hand. "Show yourself!"
"If you so wish." The voice said. The shadows that were casted in the room shimmered, and then stretched out to meet at the center of the room. Zeus watched as the shadows formed a humanoid shape, which then disappeared to reveal a cloaked figure, wearing a helm.
"Hades?!" Zeus asked with shock, narrowing his eyes. "No wait…you can't be Hades. Who-"
Zeus wasn't able to finish his sentence however, as he narrowly dodged a shadow tendril that went for his head. He ducked and then rolled over. His eyes widening as he finally recognized the figure.
"Perseus?" he said, sounding unsure. "That isn't you right neph-"
"SHUT UP!" Perseus screamed, sending a wave of tendrils towards the king of the gods. Zeus repeatedly blasted each one of them with his bolts, and then fired another one at where Perseus stood. The latter merely deflected it with shift of his shield, sending the bolt at the ceiling.
"What has gotten into you?!" Zeus exclaimed. "Stop right this instant, and I would not persecute you for attacking the king-"
Perseus laughed. "Persecute me?!" he cried, lifting both his arms. Cracks appeared beneath him as stone fragments began to levitate into the air. "Oh no Zeus, you are sorely mistaken." He said, launching the stones at the god. "Tell me, you are the god of justice, aren't you?"
Zeus quickly threw up a shield, but didn't remain unscathed as the rocks sliced through his body. "What of it?"
"Well Lord Zeus, I am here to bring justice to Callisto's plight." Perseus growled, grinning maniacally when he saw Zeus pale and falter. "And you…the assailant. Will be persecuted."
"Perseus…you can't accuse-"
"Iris showed me everything Zeus! Don't dare fucking lie to me!" Perseus shouted, slamming his foot on the ground. A tremor occurred as stone spikes came out one by one out of the ground. Zeus didn't have time to move as an enormous spike erupted from the ground, impaling him on the leg.
"You tricked her! You disguised yourself as Artemis to get close to her, and then you assaulted her! In that same form! How sick and twisted can you get!" Perseus screamed. More shadow tendrils went for Zeus, but instead of binding him, they snaked inside Zeus's mouth. Zeus desperately tried to stop Perseus by launching his master bolt this time, but his shots missed as they directed towards either random spots in the room, or hit some thrones.
"She did not consent! And then you raped her! Impregnated her! You stripped away the best part of her life, all for your lustful needs!"
Zeus's was choking out ichor, unable to respond as he felt the tendrils slowly creep inside his limbs, snapping his bones in the process.
"Artemis turned her into a bear and exiled her into the forest. Does that sound amazing if someone did that to you! Or your child? But wait, you don't even care about your children anyway. You despise Ares, killed Athena's best friend, forbade Hermes's and the twins mothers from entering Olympus, fathered countless demigods who never knew their father or were killed because they were your child. And last but not the least, seduced your daughter's hunter, who she saw as a sister! Who knows what you will do again later!"
"…gwaghh…"
"ANSWER ME!"
Perseus felt something inside him break, a glass sculpture that couldn't take the pressure that was exerted on it. He vaguely felt his palm burn, and is if his mind was on autopilot, raised it up. He unknowingly showed Zeus his closed left fist (though the sky gods eyes had rolled at the back of his head) the tattoo glowing a neon blue. And then, he opened his fist.
Streams of white energy erupted from his palm, spreading everywhere. Perseus's eyes glazed over, his pupils disappearing. The energy streams then stilled, and as if they had sensed Zeus, began making their way towards him. Zeus had long fainted, but still cried out in pain as this time, the energy streams began to pierce his body.
"Lykofós…you have done it!" A deep male voice spoke inside Perseus's head.
"I-" Perseus muttered. "Done it?"
"Yes, yes you have. I…am Erebus, and you have unlocked what is your birthright. Your mother, Nyx, will be proud of you."
"Proud?"
"You have turned the tide for all future events child! And speaking of which, why don't you turn the tide with this one?"
"Turn?"
"Yes. Eradicate Zeus, Lykofós! I can sense your feelings; you know it will be for the best. Either you can banish him, or finish him here only. Think about it, as king, what has he done when it comes to the betterment of Olympus and the mortals? All he has done is cause suffering, and the gods have followed him like the puppets they are, thinking they could do what they want in their playground, earth, and their toys, the mortals. But you can change that if you remove the root of the problem! In fact, why don't you replace him? Why don't you dethrone Zeus…and be the new king of Olympus?"
"Be…king?"
"Yes my boy. Maybe the gods can be redeemable, and you will then be regaled as the entity who made it happen. You could usher the gods into a new era! One of prosperity, a platinum age that will rival the golden one! All you have to do…is seal Zeus away. And he wouldn't be a bother to you…at all."
"Seal…"
"That is your power Lykofós, to seal beings no matter their lineage, or the blood they carry or not. You have the forbidden power to change the course of history…embrace it!"
Perseus's head felt heavy, unable to think coherently. The streams of energy buzzed with power as they brought Zeus closer to Perseus. The god was a sight for sore eyes, his skin white and sunken with veins popping out. Perseus also looked no better, his left hand was actually charred for the first time in his life, while white energy flowed through his visible veins, coursing through and slowly creeping up the length of his arm.
"Do it now Lykofós! I'm not sure how long you can keep this before it consumes…never mind. Say the words, the very word you have been uttering for so long in the void! Seize your destiny!"
Perseus blinked, an echo of a chant reverbearating in his head. Light gasps came out of Perseus's mouth as he struggled to breath, while his mouth began to dry.
"Sol…Sol…" he rasped out.
"Solosis…Ak-"
"Enough."
Perseus gasped out, the pupils returning in his eyes. The glow on the tattoo/mark eventually died down, and so did the energy streams coming out of Perseus. Zeus fell on the ground with a thud, still unconscious. Perseus then felt something in him shift, and a wave of sky-blue color came out of Perseus, surrounding Zeus. Perseus watched as the god was instantly healed, even his previous wounds. Perseus stumbled in his place, his head feeling empty except for the tiny voice of Erebus.
"Who said that?! What's happening, Lyko-!"
"Leave…Erebus."
Erebus's voice disappeared.
Perseus was panting loudly, wondering what the fuck had just happened, when the voice spoke again, with a calm soothing tone.
"Perseus…so that is your name. My…son."
Perseus fell to his knees, breathing heavily as soon as he heard the voice's words. A single thought crossed his mind. It wasn't Nyx talking to him. Because the speaker was a male.
The voice chuckled softly. "Mhm, I assume this is quite a shock. But yes, I am your father, my dear Tetrekarn."
"What…who…"
"Not today, you have just experienced a great ordeal. However, I have neutralized the repercussions. The king of Olympus would not know what has happened after you showed him the mark. I did this to avoid the questions, and for you to do what you intended to do in the beginning."
"How…how…"
"Emotions are the ultimate power to grace this universe. Will power, a sense of need, duty. You did gave me quite a fright when you awakened your power though."
"I don't…understand…"
"I don't expect you to, you are still a child. Well, in my eyes anyway. But I don't think I can come like this again, this may be the first, and last time I speak to you. Until we meet face to face that is."
"Wait…"
"Do the right thing. I…forgive me…but I went through your memories right now and I must say…I'm impressed with what you have accomplished- oh…"
"Looks like I'm leaving earlier than I expected. Always infuriating when that happens. Farewell my Tetrekarn…Perseus…"
Perseus grabbed his head tightly, as if he was trying to block something. He choked out his words, wondering if the mysterious voice would speak to him again. But it didn't. Perseus then let out a scream as he fell on the floor, already craving the voice of the one who may just be, his father.
My mind is fried. Like, too fried for me to function heh. But yeah, this was chapter forty, ended with a bang (I hope). I hope you guys liked this chapter, cause there was a lot to unpack. And yes, I more or less have introduced Perseus's father, he will be revealed soon. And no, it's not Chaos. I am not doing that cliché lmao, so don't worry you guys. Also, I have a mini announcement. As I mentioned earlier, we are approaching a 'finale', and something tells me the chapters are only going to get longer. There are only a couple of them, but, will be quite long, like this one. And, I will also be heading to my uni's campus after a hell of a long time, so moving and writing will affect my uploads. I will upload on a Saturday, the only question is when. But, I will definitely upload, and will finish the 'finale' before the middle of December. That's the only timeframe I can give you guys, so please bear with me.
So yeah, thank you for reading the chapter, feed me with glorious reviews and f's and f's, and I will see you guys, in the next upload. Bye!...\/