Authors Note: More training sessions! Only because I realized we don't have one with Hades, he needs more love. And it's a big chapter this time, with an announcement at the end so hold on.
Chapter 11: A new power (possible domain?)
"You want me to form a barricade around Tantalus's little island, why?" Hades asked as he stared at the weekly reports from his attendants, the Furies.
"The nearby prisoners are complaining. They claim that they are already facing enough punishment, raspy cries from an all hungry/thirsty king does not come under their sentence." a Fury by the name of Alecto answered. "They also said that they can smell the food as well, and are getting unintentionally ravenous. We do only feed them just phlegethon water to keep them from fading."
Hades nodded. "Fair enough. I can have Tantalus move somewhere else. How about, that piece of land just outside the kitchens. Or is that a bad idea, it might make him break out even more from his prison. I don't blame him though, with him unable to eat any food and drinks, and, ironic as it is, the heavenly smell from the kitchens, the offer to break out would be so, tantalizing." he said, grinning evilly. "Shouldn't have fed me and my fellow Olympians his own son in the first place. Oh and I give you three free reign to choose the delicacies so go wild. Next report please."
Tisiphone, another Fury cleared her throat. "Milord, the judges are running out of ideas for creative punishments. They seek guidance once again."
Hades groaned. "Didn't they come to me just four days ago for more 'creative punishments' ? Wasn't drowning in the river Cocytus not enough for them."
Tisiphone just shrugged. "They claim that they can't compete with your beautiful sadistic mind and other stuff. Which is just hellhound poop."
Hades raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying that I don't have a beautiful sadistic mind?" he asked.
Tisiphone gulped. "No milord, I meant that, they should know better than to disturb our lord with such trivial matters. You are already evaluating the punishments, no sense in recommending them."
"That is true...but I'm bored really. With my wife "upstairs", there's hardly anything I can do. Thank the Fates for Perseus, his company is definitely a blessing in disguise." Hades replied.
Alecto smirked. "When is our little brother coming anyways, we have to congratulate him on his brilliant punishment idea. Who knew that poetry spouting godling's voice can be used very effectively for wake-up calls."
Hades just stared at the three. "But weren't you born from Ouranos? Unless...Perseus is the child of- !"
"Of course not milord, that's preposterous. We are children of Nyx, and so is Perseus hence the brother title. Perseus does not have any connection to that sky bound primordial." Megaera, another Fury replied.
"Oh...but you three are adopted by Nyx..." Hades stated.
Alecto shrugged. "And Perseus knows very well that Hestia adopted him but he still refers her as his mother."
"Speaking of his mother, she's actually outside right now with Perseus." Tisiphone said, perking up. "Should I bring them in milord?"
Hades had a confused look on his face. "Today's not my day...it's tomorrow, right? Then why? Anyways, bring them in."
Tisiphone nodded and flew out of the veranda overlooking the throne room. A few minutes later, she came back with Hestia and Percy in tow.
"Hello sister, any reason why you came down-"
"AIDONEUS HADES! You say one more word and I'll make sure to burn all your silk robes, one by one."
Hades immediately went quiet on seeing her usually peaceful sister burning with fury. "Um, did I do something?." he timidly asked.
"Oh you definitely did something. What in our father's name made you think that teaching Percy intimidation tricks, derived from your Helm of Darkness was a great idea?! He scared the living out of Ares so much that he reduced him to an almost blubbering mess according to Apollo. Though I doubt that since he looked fine, a bit freaked out yes, when he got the kids out from that earthquake that took place in the arena today. But was still very much freaked out when I mentioned your name!"
"I, uh, didn't know he was going to- Wait, did you say an earthquake?! And it happened today and the kids were there?! Are you and the twins fine?" Hades asked, directing the last question to Perseus who gave a short nod.
"Don't try to change the subject brother." Hestia said, glaring at Hades but ultimately sighed. "But yes, there as an earthquake that happened today. Strangely enough, it was Perseus who caused it."
"Perseus?! That's quite unexpected. I'm guessing old shell head is not happy that he might have to share his domain with someone, even if it's Perseus." Hades replied.
Hestia smiled. "On the contrary, he was excited to teach Perseus on how to control his now new found powers. I just hope that Perseus doesn't pick up his sass and love of puns, one person doing it is already enough."
Perseus smiled. "Come on mom, where's the pun in that?" he asked.
Collective groans were soon heard from the occupants. "It's too late sister, our bother has already corrupted him." Hades said, placing his hands on his face.
Perseus's eyes suddenly lit up. "Hey uncle, I have another idea for a punishment you can use. How about we make them listen to bad puns as a punishment?
Hades blinked. "That's...actually a brilliant idea! I'll get to work on it, oh the stuff we can come up-"
"Wait a minute, WHAT!" Hestia cried out. "First of all, why are you telling Hades punishment ideas, and why are you behaving as if this is not the first time? She asked.
"Oh...um..."
"Hades..."
"It was the Furies! They were the ones who approached Perseus with punishment ideas. I just, well, rolled with it I guess..."
Hades pointedly ignored the horrified expressions on the Furies faces and winced when he saw his sister once again get angry. "You're making my son give out punishments to the damned?!" Hestia shouted
"They're not freaky or anything like that. And he only did once so far, and that is making the souls hear Apollo's poetry early in the morning so that they can get up." Hades said, whimpering.
"And that's supposed to be better?!" Hestia asked.
"Well, think of it as this way. He's dishing out punishments to the very bad people, he's kind of like, "avenging" in a sense."
"Yeah mom, I mean it's not that scary, or bad, or anything like that." Perseus said hurriedly.
"That's...I don't even know what to think of that, and I don't even know whether to feel bad for Apollo or those souls." Hestia said.
"I know that you're being a bit too overprotective." Hades muttered.
"What was that?" Hestia asked, glaring at Hades.
"I was...apologizing! Yes, I'm so sorry for making your son do all that stuff and, uh, teaching him...scary faces.
"Mother would actually love what young Perseus is doing." Megaera said offhandedly, not paying attention to the two staring gods and godling. "Scaring the war Olympian and improving greatly with skills and powers, she'll be proud."
Hestia turned a bit pale on hearing this. "You three keep Lady Nyx updated with...my son?" she asked.
Alecto shrugged. "Very rarely actually. We don't get off days."
Hestia gulped. "Has she ever mentioned me-"
"Confidential. I'm sorry, but it is how it is." Tisiphone replied.
"Okay...moving on. So, I'm guessing that with Poseidon also helping out, we might have to change up the schedule." Hades quickly said.
Hestia nodded, composing herself. "He'll still come tomorrow, but I'm not sure if thrice a week will do, it'll be too hectic for Perseus."
"Then Tuesday's and Friday's. And I don't think it'll be a problem, Perseus's shadow powers are anyways stable, well here at least. I'll be taking him to the mortal world from now onwards." Hades replied.
Perseus had a look of excitement on his face when he heard what his uncle had to say. "You mean I'm going to the actual mortal world, like we can go to a town or maybe even a city! I always wanted to go to-"
"Whoa there, slow down kiddo. We'll probably train in a secluded forest area or something like that." Perseus shoulders slumped. "But, if you manage to really improve with your powers, then I will definitely take you on a trip to a city of your choice. What do you say?" Hades asked.
"That sounds awesome! Can I go mom, please?" Perseus asked, jumping up and down.
Hestia sighed. "I'm not sure sweetie, you are still-". "Oh no, he has the puppy dog look. Yep, Poseidon has definitely corrupted my son." she thought.
"Alright fine, but you will do whatever your uncle tells you to do, no questions asked. And Hades, I expect you to keep a watchful eye on him, don't get sucked into any of his shenanigans."
"Yes ma'am!" Hades and Perseus said together, giving her a salute.
"Well then, I think we are done here. Would I have to bring to a location on the mortal world?" Hestia asked.
Hades shook his head. "There's no need for that, I will come personally to get him. And just for clarification, I'll be taking him to a secluded area, just south of the city Kichyros." Hades replied.
"See you tomorrow uncle, bye!" Perseus called out, and he and Hestia flashed away. Hades sighed slumping down on his throne. "For a peaceful goddess, she can sure be scary."
"Alright, we are going to use the pun punishment starting next week. Furies, you'll will run them down to the judges where they will select the best ones."
"No."
"I'm sorry what-"
"You tried to throw us under a mountain, putting the blame on us so that Hestia will rant on us. We will get the puns, no problem, but you will be the one who will decide which to use. And we are going to get really bad pu(nes)." Megaera cried out.
"Oh, sweet pomegranate no."
"Why are we here again? This place is really kind of creepy uncle Hades." Perseus stated as he saw the city of Kichyros down below the cliffs.
"Well, this is actually my patron city. The good people of Kichyros were kind enough to have me as a patron god for their city. And it's quite nice let me tell you. Offerings in your name every day, sacrifices, animal not human, and a festival dedicated to you. I'm telling you young Perseus, being a patron is great, and like I said before the people are really nice as well. Now, sit under that tree and do your breathing exercise. After that do your sensory stuff and tell me when you get a pull."
"Um uncle? I already got like, more than a pull." Perseus said, gesturing to the shadows creeping slowly towards him.
"Okaaay. How about you just start with the breathing exercise, try to calm down. Push the shadows away, never let them consume you. For power when handled improperly will consume you. Never let that happen." Hades replied
Perseus gave a short nod as he steadied his breathing. He felt the shadows slowly approaching him and immediately pushed them back. "Back!" he thought as he focused on one singular point, which connects to a pocket dimension used by demons and others for travel. "Got you." he said and opened his eyes to find Hades smiling down at him. "Looks like the purple glow has finally gone, never liked that to be honest. It always unnerved me, made me feel that you might be something else. I can see now why Ares would have freaked out but I don't regret teaching you that."
Hades sighed as he sat down next to Perseus. "No offense to Hestia but she sometimes coddles you a bit. And I understand, you are her first child in a sense, she will be a bit overprotective. But you're almost going to be a teen mentally and physically, and soon an adult. And there's going to come a time when you will need every trick up your sleeve, so it's a good idea to build up your arsenal. Because one thing all of us Olympians are definitely sure of, is that you'll achieve greatness. There will be some envy floating around no doubt, but no one can deny the potential and new heights you are breaking. I mean, a child of Nyx, with unprecedented shadow manipulation, a pro at handling weapons, and can shift tectonic plates as well? That's pretty hardcore and there might be more, hidden by your paternal parentage. Or you don't have a father, who knows?"
"Eh, I don't care about that." said Perseus, as he plucked some apples from a nearby tree. "Besides, I actually can't wait to try and... what do you mean by tectonic plates?"
"Causing earthquakes. What I used was a technical term." Hades replied.
Perseus snorted. "You, using technical terms? Did my sister give you a dictionary for your birthday?"
"Hey! I can use big words along with Athena, she isn't the only one who can do that. Stop laughing or I'll sic my guard dog on you!"
"So he did put Cerberus on you?!" Artemis asked, with a n incredulous expression on her face.
"Yep. But all I got was slobber, and that stuff was everywhere. It took the Furies at least six big pieces of meat for Cerberus to get his...their?, attention away from me. Mom reckons it's because of the steak I had for lunch that Cerberus was onto me in the first place. All I know is that my uncle can't take a joke." Percy replied. The two of them were on a beach in Delos, staring at the waves.
"Is Apollo still mad at me?" Perseus asked.
"Yep, and if you ask me, making those evil souls listen to my brother's poetry was a brilliant idea. Too bad mother didn't agree with me, confiscated my bow and now with you going and Apollo not speaking to me, I'm going to be bored."
"You'll live, but come on he should feel kinda honored I guess." Perseus said, the two of them laughing.
"I still find it weird that you are friendly with the Furies. That's really something." Artemis said as she picked up a seashell, inspecting it. "Is Poseidon going to come here?"
"No, mom said that a naiad will be coming by with a pearl or something. I supposedly have to crush it and it'll take me wherever I have to be. I honestly want to train underwater; I think that would be awesome. But I guess barren land won't be so bad either." Perseus said, throwing a rock at the sea.
"OW!"
"Huh, what happened! Artemis did you hurt yourself?"
Artemis frowned. "No, but I definitely heard someone shout 'ow'."
"Well yes, I'm right here you know." a voice huffed.
"Okayyy, so we both agree that we're hearing voices, right?" Artemis said nervously.
Perseus just cocked his head to the side. "Artemis, I think the water is talking to us."
"I'm not the water." the voice huffed. Before their eyes, a young girl materialized out of the water. She had the same kind of hair as Perseus, jet-black but a dark blue shade under the sunlight and had bright green eyes, and pale skin.
"You should watch what you throw and where." the girl said, massaging her shoulder and glaring at Perseus. "You might hit a naiad, like you did just now!"
Perseus paled on hearing that. "I'm really sorry, I really didn't know that I would hurt someone."
"Hmm, since you were sincere with your apology...as well as really cute, I'll forgive you. I am Ceto, it's nice to meet you Lord Perseus." The naiad said, giggling.
"Oh, um, it's really nice to meet you Ceto. Again, really sorry about that rock. Oh, and you don't have to call me lord, I'm still a kid, not even an Olympian yet." Perseus said, a light blush on his face as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Hehe, you're funny. I heard lot about you from the other naiads who come down from Olympus. They were right about you being modest and nice." Ceto said. "Oh! And your eyes, they are so-"
"Excuse me, but are you here for something or were you just passing by." Artemis said out aloud, interrupting Ceto.
"I'm here for something alright, and that is Perseus." Ceto said, smirking when she saw Artemis give out a small yelp. Turning to Perseus, she brought out a small teal colored pearl and held it out for him. "Lord Poseidon had instructed me to give this to you, it'll take you to the designated location. Lord Poseidon will be there to start of your training. Good luck." she said, placing the pearl in his hands. Giving a wave she walked back into the sea, disappearing instantly.
"Well, I guess that's my cue. I'll see you tomorrow?" Perseus asked Artemis who was glaring at the spot where the naiad disappeared. "Hmm, yeah, I don't have Athena's class so I'll be free."
"Nice, tomorrow then." Perseus replied, setting the pearl in front of his feet. Giving a final wave, he crushed the pearl and was immediately enveloped by white mist and disappeared with the sea breeze.
Perseus felt his feet touch solid ground and opened his eyes to find that he was in a desert of sorts. Poseidon was just a bit ahead, lounging on a long and low looking chair, sipping coconut juice.
"Perseus! Glad you could make it. Ready to start cracking your new found power?" Poseidon asked grinning.
Perseus grinned back. "Yep, though I was expecting to appear underwater."
"Poseidon chuckled. "Excellent, as for underwater, that will happen today only. I have some work with Delphin, my advisor. So today's your lucky day Perseus, for you get both. Now before we start, I have something to tell you. Good news and Bad news so what do you want to hear first?"
"Good news I guess." Perseus replied nervously.
"Alright then. The good news is that I recently had a conversation with the Fates regarding your new power and possible domains. They confirmed that I will still hold the title of Earthshaker as well as my domain on earthquakes, no other god in the foreseeable future will share that domain with me."
"That's a good thing I guess, then what's the bad news?" Perseus asked.
"Well, I won't say it's bad...depends on how you take it. So, when I asked what's the deal with you having earthquake causing powers, which are quite powerful too, they immediately shut up, not even budging. But I managed to get Lachesis to tell me that the earthquake thing is just the tip of the iceberg for something big. Sadly, I couldn't get anything more as Atropos whacked her with her club and kicked me out of their cave, so there's that."
Perseus eyes widened on hearing this. "What does that even mean?! 'Tip of the iceberg'? Is there like more to it, I'm really confused."
"Me too kiddo, but whatever it will be, we'll tackle it together that's for sure." Poseidon said, grasping Perseus's shoulder. "Now do you know how to do breathing exercises or will I have to teach you that?" he asked.
"I know how to them, Uncle Hades already taught me."
Poseidon nodded. "Okay, that's one thing taken care of. So do that, and once you're ready, reach for the earth below instead. With your affinity, I don't think it'll be that much of a problem."
"Got it." Perseus replied as he readied himself. Getting his breathing into order, he placed his hand on the ground, letting his senses reach out. He then felt something which really confused him.
"Uh, Uncle Poseidon, I can feel the sand."
"Well...you are touching the sand so-"
"No, I can feel it like moving within me. Perseus said, gesturing to the intricate patterns forming under his hands.
"Not going to lie, that is weird. Try not to focus on that, push deeper. Reach deep into the earth, try to find the tectonic plates below the surface." Poseidon said.
Perseus did that and immediately found what he was looking for. "Uncle Poseidon, I found it." he cried out.
Poseidon's eyes widened on hearing this. "You did?! That was quicker than I expected. Okay, try to maybe, I don't know, move them, I guess. But gently, we don't need a full-scale disaster on our hands. Maybe just a slight tremor."
Perseus nodded and made two tectonic plates slightly touch. This immediately caused cracks to appear, thankfully not deep. Perseus then felt something tug at his gut and he immediately imagined a stone like pillar emerging under Poseidon's feet. Before Perseus could even react, that exactly happened, launching the sea god into the air and fall back to the ground, all sprawled up.
"Owww, that definitely hurts. What even was that." Poseidon muttered.
"I'm so sorry Uncle Poseidon, I don't know what happened. I was doing like you asked but then I thought of something and then it happened! Though I'm not even sure how that happened in the first place and I hope I didn't hurt you, please-"
"Whoa there, slow down kiddo. Don't worry, you didn't hurt me or anything, I've faced worst though I was definitely taken by surprise..." Poseidon said, staring at the ten feet long stone pillar with awe. "Kid, this is taller than me. Not in full height of course but still."
"Oh, that is big."
"It IS big. You-" but whatever Poseidon was going to say was interrupted by an Iris message forming in front of him. There was a blue skinned man, a merman, on the other side of the call. "Milord, forgive me for interrupting. Our scots have intel on the telkhine base which we have been keeping an eye on. Delphin will brief you on it in the canyon where you two had set up your meeting point."
Poseidon's eyes lit up on hearing this. "Excellent, I will be there as soon as possible, with young Perseus of course. Come on, we can continue our training there. Oh and here." Poseidon said, forming an air bubble around Perseus's head. "That should do the trick. I also gave you a minor blessing which will allow you to move freely in water."
Perseus had a small smile on his face as he tried to forget about the previous incident. "Alright, I'm ready when you are." And for the second time in a day, Perseus turned into sea mist. But soon appeared in a large underwater canyon which Perseus realized must be the entrance route to Poseidon's kingdom. He then heard a weird chattering noise to his right and tuned to find a dolphin covered in chainmail armor. He yelped when the dolphin circled him giving him a critical look.
"Delphin, stop scaring him. Perseus, meet Delphin, my royal advisor and part time general and lord of all dolphins. Delphin, this is Perseus, son of Hestia and future seventh Olympian. I would give more titles but knowing Perseus he'll be bright red and lucky for him those are the only two I can think of." Poseidon said, chuckling.
"I won't be that embarrassed." Perseus muttered. More chattering noises were heard from the immortal dolphin which suspiciously sounded like laughter. Then again, their sounds did kind of sounded like laughter.
"Alright, introductions are done. Now Perseus, I have a hunch on something that may be the best possible answer we have for now. So what I want you to do is...make more stone pillars." Poseidon stated.
Perseus sighed. "I already told you uncle; I don't even know how I managed to create that."
"I know, but trust me on this. Maybe try causing a tremor again, you might unintentionally cause one which might give you a clear idea on how to do it again. Plus, you won't be able to hurt us as we'll be floating at a safe distance." Poseidon replied.
"...Fine." Perseus said with a defeated sigh, as he once again concentrated on his breathing and surroundings. Above him, Poseidon was keeping a watchful eye on him as Delphin briefed him on the telkhines. "Our scouts spotted stygian iron being transported to their base. Our best bet is they are making weapons, but we're not sure for who." the immortal dolphin stated.
"I will alert Zeus of this; he always hated those creatures. Tell Arkos to reward the scout team as well, they really did a brilliant job." Poseidon said.
"If I may, Milord, what do you mean by making the child create "stone pillars". I honestly don't follow."
"You'll see soon Delphin. And I hope I'm correct about this."
Suddenly, another stone structure erupted, much bigger than the previous one and leaving a slightly panting Perseus behind as he stared at his creation, hardly believing his eyes. "Amazing job Perseus! Did you get a feel or anything like that?" Poseidon shouted.
"I-I felt a tug, and then I imagined it and it worked! It actually worked!" Perseus shouted, a full-blown smile on his face.
"That's splendid! Try it again."
Perseus did it again with the same but some varying results. Some of them were a bit shorter but very much bigger than the one from the previous training session and from that day in the arena. The same results popped up until...
"Spikes, those are spikes if I'm not mistaken Milord.
"Yep, those are indeed spikes Delphin. Pointy rocks. Perseus! Come back over here." Poseidon said aloud.
Perseus swam up to his uncle, a bit of confusion shown in his face. "What's up?"
"Terrakinesis." Poseidon simply said.
Perseus blinked. "I'm sorry?"
"Terrakinesis. The power of controlling the ground beneath you, or earth manipulation. Something like that. From the looks of things, that might be the possible explanation for your powers. How you got them, no clue. But like I said, we'll get through them. Us Olympians, as a family."
Perseus grinned. "A very dysfunctional family that's for sure, and that does sounds like a cool power."
Poseidon snickered. "A very dysfunctional family true. And your powers sound amazing, not just cool."
Suddenly, a small glowing red hearth appeared above Perseus's head, a signal to let Perseus know that he had to return home. "Looks like we'll continue this the next time kiddo. Here." Poseidon said, fishing up another teal pearl and giving it to Perseus. "Just think where you want to go, and you'll be there. And if you can, I want you to try practicing making "small" stone structures. Like this you can possibly get the hang of controlling the sizes."
"Will do uncle. Also, can I ask you something?" Getting a nod from Poseidon, Perseus asked. "Who is Amphitrite. And what did mom mean by 'Good Luck'?"
Poseidon's face immediately became a dark shade of red while Delphin was rolling all over the place definitely laughing.
"Oookay, Bye uncle and thanks for your help! Sorry about earlier as well." Perseus shouted, crushing the pearl with his hands and disappeared once more. Poseidon merely sighed, knowing fully his nephew was going to torment him about it later on. "Oh, shut up Delphin." Poseidon said, glaring at the wheezing dolphin. "I'll sick a lobster on you if you don't keep quiet!"
Well, that's a wrap on chapter 11. Now, time for an announcement. Dear readers, it is with great sadness that I must inform you that this story is going to go on a hiatus...Naaaahhh, I'm not that mean. But I will be taking a small break of one week cause my exams are going to start next week, hence the break. I will start posting chapters up again from the 12th of May onwards but we are definitely going to continue off with a bang! More Gods, Powers, Characters and a good amount of...Pertemis! This chapter was just a teaser of what's to come from the stories main ship, so keep your eyes out for future updates. And now, I'll be answering some reviews which I couldn't before: -
KitKathy520: - I'm glad you noticed that Hestia is a bit protective of Percy, because I was meaning to address it later on. And yeah, our favorite blacksmith god isn't born yet but he'll definitely make an appearance soon enough. XD
Greninga19: - Thanks a lot! You don't know how badly it was eating me up so I'm glad you liked it.
Mark Andrew: - Pontus is a good theory, but nope, it's not going to be him. And we'll definitely see more of Nyx, and if you reread chapter 8, I added a new scene that might hint to her ;)
DeadDredd :- I hope Hestia's reaction was to your liking :)