Hello everyone! I'm finally back after years and years! I come bringing a new story. I originally planned for a remake of my first story "Blood Moon" but this quickly turned into a new direction! There have been some changes from primarily the HOO series but nothing too major. Without further delay lets begin!
The smell of sulfur told me where I was before I could even open my eyes. The plains of Tartarus stretched further than I could see, though thankfully this time they were empty. Reaching into my pocket I felt the reassuring figure of Riptide. I could always count on it being there with me through thick and thin.
"Well, Lets get this over with." I muttered, trying to appear stronger than I really felt, as I started to walk towards what could be considered the horizon, as much as one could be called that in a desolate pit such as this. The only sounds being the crunch of the soot beneath my own feet, and my own labored breathing, as I kept an eye out for any possible enemies, though I knew I would only find one.
"Where are you this time?" The second the words left my mouth I felt a presence right behind me about to strike. Spinning around I brought up Riptide and gritted my teeth as the vibrations of the clash rang out across my whole body. Staring at me was myself, a dark grin resting on his face.
"Did you miss me?" My own doppelganger laughed as we circled each other with our swords pointed at each other. "How about me?" He said as his face morphed into someone I hadn't seen in years, someone I had killed due to my own negligence. Staring at me was the face of Michael Yew.
"You aren't really Michael. He died a hero's death protecting Olympus just like the rest of us. Stop being a coward and tell me who you really are!" I shouted as I swung Riptide at him with reckless abandon. The truth was whatever, or whoever this being was, scared me more then Kronos ever could have.
"Oh, but did he? Was it not your fault that he died? Did you once stop to think about the consequences of your actions?" The doppelganger easily sidestepped my blade before laughing at me.
"How about me? Weren't you meant to protect me?" The face of Bianca looking at me with tears was almost too much to handle as I looked at the girl in front of me. Putting my sword down I figured I might as well try to talk things out with whatever this thing that had been haunting me was.
"You know I tried to do everything I could for you. I would have traded places for you and you know that." I said as I felt a tear run down my eye. It was true, not a day went by that I didn't feel for Nico and the loss of his sister. "I wasn't as strong then as I am now. I am sorry Bianca."
I saw the form of Bianca walk up to me, the sword she was carrying dragging behind her till she leveled it at my chest. It felt strange to see my own sword as the one about to cause my own demise.
"You should have never left this place. You should have answered for your failures, yet you and your little ex waltzed on out of here. You left here leaving behind someone else, didn't you? Fake Bianca said as the sword at my chest turned into a broom while she took the form of another. Bob.
"You were supposed to be my friend Percy. I gave my life to get you out of here and have you ever bothered to check what happened to me? The figure spat at me as I just stared back at him.
"You know-"was all I was able to get out before the breath left my body as the broom carried me at least 10 feet back from where I had been previously.
"You did nothing!" How many times have you talked to Nico since you left here? Not one time have you mentioned me! You left me here for dead and moved on. Just like you do to everyone. You aren't worthy of the title of hero. I could feel the hatred and spite pouring out of each word as the form of Bob came closer.
I tried to stand up but all I could feel was pain as a boot slammed into my side. Rolling over I could see the form of Bob standing over me, but the face was my own again.
"This is where you belong. Down here with me." Was all I heard before I felt the tip of a spear impale my chest. All I could do was stare at my own reflection as I lost consciousness and felt the spear leave my body.
With a gasp I sat up in my bed, the sweat beading my forehead not doing anything to provide me with any solace. Looking over towards my dresser I see the clock showing a nice and early 5:30 in the morning. Another sleepless night.
"Almost six I guess, close enough." Rolling out of bed the cracks of my joints provide me with some form of relief. Though looking at the mirror my red eyes reflected the lack of sleep I've had for the last few years. Stepping into the shower I just let the water run over my face, the energy returning to my body even though my own thoughts betrayed my true feelings.
Putting on some clothes I stare at the sorry features that make up my face and laugh, I could almost pass for Hephaestus with the state of my beard at the moment. Taking a few minutes I decided that this needs to change as I uncap riptide as I try to trim it down to a more manageable level.
Looking at myself in the mirror I thought back onto the dream I just experienced. It was a common thing by now, and one of the biggest reasons I just couldn't make things work with Annabeth. Even immortality couldn't fix that.
Who would have thought that accepting immortality like the hunters wouldn't solve everything. The other six heroes plus Nico and Reyna seemed to be making it work great. I just couldn't get past everything that had happened to get to that point. The last five years felt like a blur after all the warfare of both Kronos and Gaea.
I figured my beard was as trimmed as it was going to get as I finally felt ready enough to face the world. Stepping out of my apartment it was still dark out, yet I could see the faintest rays of Apollo's sun chariot creeping over the horizon.
Truthfully, Apollo had been one of the few positive things in my life since the war ended. I didn't really expect his offer of "therapy" after the gigantomachy to be anything other than an excuse to party. But surprisingly it actually was sessions of therapy that were then followed by an excuse to party.
"Trust me cuz, the best way to get over what troubles you is to drink, and don't try any of that sea god bullshit. You need to be drunk for it to work I promise." Apollo had said after his first session with me five years ago.
I had taken him up on the offer and the only thing he remembered that night was getting into a drinking contest with Hermes before waking up inside Apollo's temple sprawled out on the floor like a murder victim.
The "sessions" especially helped when I remembered my breakup with Annabeth. I sighed, my heart weighing down as I remembered that fateful night.
"We need to talk Percy." I frowned as Annabeth sat down on the couch next to me. Looking at her I couldn't help but smile at her. "Sure thing wise girl, what did you want to talk about?
"I- I don't think this is going to work anymore. You seem to be detached from everything including me." I barely registered her words as the meaning of them reached my ears.
"I know you have issues from our time down there, I do as well, but I think we both need time apart to heal. I just can't do this anymore." I could see the tears in her eyes, and I knew they were in mine as well.
"Can we stay friends at least?" Was all I was able to really say, though I wished I could say more.
"Of course," was all she said as she embraced me in a hug, one that I didn't want to let go of until she finally stood up.
"Please keep yourself safe seaweed brain, and don't beat yourself up." Were the last things I heard as she walked out the door for what felt like the last time.
I couldn't help but look back at that night, I wished I had fought more, that I had done any form of trying to salvage what we had. But some things just aren't savable. It had been three years since that moment, and I had seen her maybe a dozen times since then. Living in New Rome helped ease the pain but even then it was still ever present. We
were still cordial but it was clear that the spark that had formed during the wars had died out, probably for good.
I still had my mom at least, I tried to visit her as often as I could while also trying to protect her. Even as an immortal I still had a scent that made any monster go nuts and try and come after me. The first time I visited three dracaenas thought it would be smart to try and ambush me after leaving her apartment. Since then, I made sure to clear out any monsters before I went there, it was a good workout and helped any demigods in the area.
As I walked down the streets of New Rome I noticed a few people staring at me as I nodded to them. People seemed to like doing that. It made since though when I thought about it, of the seven only Hazel and Frank spent more time here than me, not including Reyna of course. New Rome had become a sort of soothing place for me to rest and do what I needed to do, though it was at least once a week I was called to either Olympus or my father's palace to do some tasks for the gods.
I already had a task from Apollo in Olympus later, though I figured that was just a task of "find out who can drink more between him and Hermes without cheating." The answer was Hermes, and it wasn't even close.
It was the most surprising part of the immortal life, just how boring it was. Even with it being possible to die without war there was almost nothing to do. Part of me inside yearned for the times when I was fighting for my life. Where each decision was life or death. But those days had long passed.
Reaching a coffee shop I ordered a coffee and muffin to eat while I waited till the sun finished rising so I could call Nico and see where he was. I spent most of the time with him either in the underworld or up on Olympus and I could count on him shadow-traveling me to either place. He had promised he would be here this morning and as I sat here eating my sandwich I grew impatient. Even immortal I still had ADHD.
Balling up my napkins I laughed as I saw a lanky guy stumble out of some shadows out in the street and hold his head with what seemed to be a massive hangover. Walking out to meet him I greeted Nico with a pat on the back and a grin so wide it reached the east coast.
"Have a bit too much to drink last night bud?" I laughed as Nico started to retch on the side of the street. Poor Nico looked like death warmed over which was ironic considering his father.
"I'm okay I promise, It's my own fault anyway. Nico stood up and shuddered as I couldn't help but laugh at his struggles. "Me and my dad were spending some time together and we got a little carried away, nothing a little ambrosia won't handle."
I watched him force a piece of it down as he straightened himself up. "How have you been?"
"I've been better, I'd offer you some food, but I think you are good." Giving my cousin a hug I listened as he started talking all about what he had been doing the last few weeks. Apparently, Minos had tried to escape the underworld and he had to deal with all the issues.
"Don't worry about him though, I made sure he's in his place for a while," Nico said as I looked at the sun in the east. I figured it wasn't too early to go visit my mom before heading up to Olympus.
"Ready to go" I looked at Nico as he nodded and grabbed my arm to shadow-travel me to my mom's apartment.
Even though I had traveled this way so many times it still made my stomach curl and want to vomit after. Side-effect of being a son of Poseidon I suppose. Standing up I looked at my cousin as we did a quick recon to see if there were any monsters nearby who may try something.
"You know, after all these wars these monsters just really aren't doing it for me you know?" Nico quipped as I couldn't help but laugh at it. It was true though, doing tasks for the gods was surprisingly boring when you could use your powers to beat pretty much any monster or even small groups.
"Yeah I know the feeling, I can do without the crazy titans and giants for a while though." Even as I said that though the words just felt hollow. Did I really wish for peace? I had found purpose in the wars, fighting for friends and family alike. What was I really useful for without a war?
Shaking my head clear of the thoughts I found no monsters in my search, a look at Nico confirmed it was clear on his side. Walking through the front entrance me and him took the elevator up to her floor.
"When was the last time you saw your mom?" Nico asked as i pressed the button to go up.
"About two months ago, it was good to see someone besides the gods for a bit you know." I said, realizing how alone i had become in life. Living in New Rome had it drawbacks.
"I barely get any escape, its either my father or my aunt trying to force me to eat more cereal." Nico said with a slight fear in his voice. I couldn't help but laugh at the image of him being held down by plants as he is waterboarded by milk and cereal.
"Keep laughing all ill make sure you are next on her list. You can choose between Cheerios or Raisin Bran." He glared as the threat made me shudder at the thought of an angry agricultural goddess after me.
We finally reached my mom's door as I knocked on it. I always felt bad dropping in on her but I had no real way to contact her, phones still weren't a safe option even in New Rome and Iris calls were a pain to use even with my powers.
As the door opened I could see my mom's eyes light up and I was wrapped in a hug before I could even realize what was happening. Wrapping my arms around her as well soothed me more than anything else in the world. Everything felt like it would be okay.
"How have you been? I've missed you so much! Come on in and grab a chair." Mom led me and Nico into the dining room as she went to grab drinks for everyone.
"Thanks mom, where's Paul?
"Oh, he had some work to do at the school, just the usual stuff. But I want to know about what you've been up to instead." Mom sat down and stared at me with a look that said it was non-negotiable.
"You know.. just stuff for the gods when they need it, all that boring stuff." The frown that appeared on my mom's face was the clearest signal I needed that I needed to be a bit more specific.
"Well, I just spent the last week helping Dad with a couple sea monsters that were threatening some Hippocampi, though nothing was really dangerous about it. "I promise" I added as her glare turned into fear, even being immortal-ish she still worried about me and that was why she was better than anyone else hands down.
"You are keeping him out of trouble I hope Nico? Was her only response as I watched his head bob up and down rapidly.
"Of course Mrs. Jackson, I keep a close eye on him for you." It was funny to see that Nico was as afraid of my mom as of his own stepmom and aunt. "In fact, me and him were about to visit Olympus to help out someone right now.'
"Oh, is that so? Well I won't keep you boys for long, would you mind giving me a moment alone with Percy Nico?"
"Sure thing Mrs. Jackson, ill be right outside Perce I got to check on something really quick." I turned to face my mom after Nico left the house.
"Now tell me, how are you really feeling? And you can't trick me, I'm your mother." Mom smiled at me as I let out a sigh.
"I'm not doing good I'm not going to lie. I haven't slept good in weeks now." I felt my mom's arms wrap around my head as I rested on her shoulder. The loss of Annabeth combined with the dreams I had been dealing were almost too much to handle
I felt lost. For all of the being a hero I let too many people die even if others said "it couldn't be avoided." The thought of doing this for centuries was an ever-present thought that has been weighing on me for years now. The fact that I didn't have Annabeth was an even harder point to handle.
"It'll be okay Percy, you will have your happy ending, after all that's why I named you Perseus." The kiss she planted on my forehead was doing more for my mental health then a thousand therapy sessions. The single tear running down my face was proof of that.
"Just promise me you'll come by once a month so I can check on you more."
"I promise Mom." And that was the first promise in years I knew that I would make sure to keep.
We sat there in an embrace until Nico came almost barging back inside. "Sorry to Interrupt Mrs. Jackson but me and Percy have to leave, urgent god business."
"I understand, be careful Percy, I love you."
"And I love you as well mom, ill be back soon I promise." And with that me and Nico walked out into the hallway where we could talk in private.
"What is going on? Who called us?" I asked, dreading the answer wasn't someone like Ares. Most of his "tasks" were just excuses for him to get to fight me and it got old after the second time. The look on Nico's face seemed to say it wasn't him.
"It was Apollo, he told me to grab you and meet him outside of the throne room. He also said we were ordered to tell no one what we were doing." It was strange for apollo to be so serious about his requests. Since spending time with him I found him to be probably the most laid-back of the Olympians. For him to act so serious was concerning.
"Let's go then before we piss off someone we shouldn't." was all I said before Nico grabbed my shoulder and shadow traveled us out of the hallway we had just been standing in.
We landed right out front of the throne room where Apollo was standing, almost looking impatient. He looked extremely pale and stiff as he noticed us in the corner. I could tell he wasn't in a good mood by the way he didn't even smile or greet us with a haiku, not that I was complaining about that.
"You told no one who called you here right?" The frankly harsh tone surprised me, id never seen Apollo act this way before. It was a warning sign that he was this tense.
"No Lord Apollo we did not." We both said in unison as he seemed to relax a slight bit. Sorry to snap at you two. But my father is adamant this stays a complete secret. So lets keep it that way." He said as he motioned us to follow him into the throne room.
It was still as grand as I remembered it when I was twelve, but immediately I knew something was wrong when the only person I saw in it with us was Lord Zeus. He was sitting upon his throne with one of the largest frowns I had ever seen. I didn't have the best track record with him but these last few years I had helped him with some tasks and we had come to at the very least have a cordial respect for each other.
Reaching the front of his throne I figured the best thing to do in this situation was bow, thankfully Nico had the same idea and we waited for his signal to rise, no need to antagonize a giant lightning throwing god when he wasn't in a good mood. It felt good to breathe again after being told to rise.
"Thank you both for your.. prompt attendance, we are waiting for just one more to arrive before we begin. I trust Apollo briefed you on the requirement of secrecy?" Zeus said to us as we both just nodded, his authority ringing out in his voice.
Just then Apollo flashed in with the last arrival who looked bewildered at the emptiness of the throne room like we did. When she saw us though she ran up and pulled both of us into a hug.
"Death breath! Seaweed brain! What are you two doing here." It had been a few years since I had seen Thalia, my tasks really never coincided with the hunter's range. Not that I really wanted to interact with them, I preferred not to be a fluffy animal with antlers.
"We don't know, your father is the one who summoned us here."
"That I was, now that all 3 of you are here, we can begin." That was all he had to say before we all straightened out and turned to face Zeus again. It wouldn't do good to become a static spark on the floor here.
"Before I continue this will remain between the 5 of us here, you will all swear upon the Styx to not tell a single mortal or god about this task you are about to receive." The thunder boomed as all 3 of gave our pledge. "As you can see here a creature is missing, the Ophiotaurus."
I was floored to hear that, and looking at Nico and Thalia they had the same reaction and thoughts. To think that a god or possibly even a titan stole Bessie was frankly terrifying. It was almost the end of the world when Atlas was just going after it, and now Hecate had it.
"Father, if I may, why are all the gods not currently hunting for the thief?" Thalia said as the grumpy face of Zeus contorted even more.
"I did have someone hunting it, your sister and leader Artemis," The grim look on Apollo's face gave me all the clues I needed. "She was captured too, wasn't she?
"Yes, by the same deity who stole the Ophiotaurus, Hecate. She left a note describing her plans. She is planning to sacrifice both of them 4 days from now, only so long as you three are the only ones who go after her." Zeus said as the gravity of the situation was realized. The power of Bessie in the hands of Hecate would be nearly unstoppable.
"Do you know where she is at?" Nico said as Zeus looked over at Apollo.
"We believe she is at her main sanctuary in Lagina, in what is now Turkey. We need the three of you to get there as soon as possible and stop her and rescue Artemis." Apollo said as Zeus looked at him angrily. I could see the electricity sparking from his hands and i was glad it wasnt directed at me this time.
"The priority is the Ophiotaurus, Hecate must not access the ability overthrow the gods, that mission comes higher priority over everything, even Artemis." Zeus looked like he was almost daring Apollo to interject, his frown loosening when he did not. "You three are dismissed, Apollo here will provide you with any supplies you need for the journey. I have faith in the 3 of you and will be watching over your travels. Good Luck." The three of us looked away as Zeus flashed out of the throne room, leaving the three of us with Apollo, who looked on the verge of lashing out in anger.
"Hey Percy, can I speak with you for a minute." I could tell from Apollo's tone that the question was anything but as I followed him to the other side of the throne room. I felt a little nervous talking to the god in this state, but I wasn't going to say that out loud.
"Listen, I know what my dad just said but I need this favor from you. Please don't let Hecate do anything to Artemis, she means almost everything to me. I'd ask Thalia but she takes after our father too much. Stop the sacrifice, but don't let her be harmed." Seeing Apollo almost begging took me back to when I had to rescue Artemis from Atlas, even then he had been willing to break the Ancient Laws to help us save her, and I could feel the same determination from him now. There was only one way I could answer.
"I will." The determination in my voice seemingly re-assuring Apollo if his lowered shoulders were any indication.
"Thank you Percy, It means a lot for me. Seems like just yesterday you were rescuing my sister cross country." Apollo told me as his smile finally started to come back.
"Lets get back to the other 2 and get you set up!" The arms of Apollo steering me towards the other 2 as he started talking about where to go first.
And that will do it for today! I don't have a hard timeline on future updates but I am planning on getting Chapter 2 out by mid-April! In the meantime i look forward to all comments and questions you have and i will try my best to answer them as soon as possible.
