Authors Note: Welcome, to my cradle cray week. Where me being the crazy person is going to be doing a double update this week, as well as an update for shenanigans. Yep, that's crazy, I know. But enough chit-chat, let's get on with the chapter.
Chapter 29: New conquests and chapters
"The wing is of the same material if that's what you're wondering." Mados called down. "Too bad there's no eclipse tonight, aerial fighting is out of the question. Too bad there's no speck of dirt either for your terrakinesis. Too bad there's hardly any sunlight to produce a measly shadow for you to use as well. TOO BAD YOU'RE IN A LAND WAY BEYOND ANYTHING REMOTELY GREEK. NO POWERS, NO HELP. YOU, LYKOFÓS PERSEUS, ARE GOING TO DISINTEGRATE BY MY BLADE!"
"You're strong...even without your powers, you're strong." a beaten up Mados gasped as he slowly got up. "But I still have some power in me Olympian, though it didn't leave you burnt as I hoped it would."
"Allow me to do the favor then." Perseus growled, lighting his hands on hellfire. Mados's eyes immediately widened with fear as he took a couple of steps back. "No, anything but that." he whimpered.
Perseus was standing just a couple of hundred feet away, decked in a new set of armor and cloak. Shadow tendrils were everywhere around him, and a series of jagged rocks tipped with celestial bronze was surrounding him. Perseus was floating in the air, his now dark blue aura pulsing with power, and literal blue flame eyes boring down on Typhon. His hellfire wings were also spread open, and so was his braces with the attached blades, coated with hellfire as well.
Perseus then surged forward, while simultaneously growing in height until he was at least sixty feet tall, and took hold of Typhon and crashed him through the cliff. That wasn't enough though as Perseus kept on pushing forward, until he and Typhon were now on the other side of the cliff. Typhon had managed to get an arm out and grabbed Perseus, only to drop him down as he desperately tried to put out the hellfire burning his fist.
All this, all this Tartarus watched with a horrified and sickened expression. The air around him was getting heavier and he felt the tension in the room creep up immensely, even though he was the only occupant. He watched the scene where Perseus and Mados fought in the air, he watched the scene where Perseus handled Typhon like some kind of rag doll, albeit a heavy one. He watched, as he kept on clenching and unclenching his fists at the image of Perseus glaring down coldly on Typhon, shadow tendrils, jagged rocks, hellfire wings and all. He could almost feel the power rolling out of the measly image, and this probably wasn't even his true form.
"Angel of darkness." Tartarus muttered, recalling Mados's words. "So, this is him. All this time, and it was him. Lykofós..." Tartarus muttered, slowly getting up. He then grabbed his throne, ripped it out of the floor, and threw it at the smoky image of Perseus, which dissipated on contact with the throne.
"KYLOTES! Prepare the cavalry, we are going to war!" Tartarus thundered, marching out of his throne room. The cyclops nervously peeked out from the destroyed set of doors where the throne had landed. "How many groups-"
"All of them! Arm every single monster loyal to me, and bring them to the Edge!" Tartarus roared, grabbing a drakon bone spear. He would have probably gone for the entre set, if he didn't get distracted by a gurgling noise. He turned around, to find a pool of inky black shadows that were slowly forming the upper half of a humanoid body.
"What is happening here. Who are you to dare demand an entrance-"
"Silence Tartarus. Rattling your petty thoughts will not deter my presence." The shadowy figure spoke up. Tartarus was just about to launch into another tirade when he immediately stiffened. "Erebus. You dare...you dare walk on my realm? I will declare-"
"I am not physically on your realm." Erebus interrupted, as a misshapen face appeared, but then immediately changed shape. However, two glowing purple slits remained on the supposed face. "The law dictates we have to be physically here only if invited, or only if we declare a war. But we both know that none of us primordials are stupid enough to declare war on each other."
Tartarus glowered. "You don't know that. Now move aside, I have a conquest to fulfill."
"Take one step into my wife's realm, and you will be the first to feel my wrath." Erebus said sharply. "I may have not been there the previous time when you so foolishly declared war, but I am now. And so are my other children, namely Aether and Hemera. The latter, equipped with her prime resource. Are you sure you want to face the brunt of four primordials, three of them with their resources in hand? While you, have nothing to even remotely use."
Tartarus gave out a cry as he lunged forward, only to seamlessly pass through the shadowy form of Erebus and fall on the floor. Tartarus slowly got up, while Erebus as well slowly turned around.
"Just because you have your little family." Tartarus snarled, spitting out the last word. "Doesn't mean you're invincible. I have my followers; I have my army. Heck, I'll even throw in my newly born giant children into the war if they are even able to land a punch. I even have Gaia with me, she-"
"She, unlike you, will rather sit this one down than to face potential genocide. As deranged as she is, she at least knows when to not draw the line. For your sake, don't tarnish your name further. Unless you want Pontus to somehow one up you." Erebus said. "With just a snap of my fingers, I will have everyone loyal to me at the Edge in an instant. My shades, Nyx's twili forces, our multiple children, will all be at the beck of my call to deal with you. Or any fool who dares challenge us. And if I want to, I can even bring him down here as well from the surface world. You know, Nyx's child who you're so fond of." Erebus said, a shadowy smile momentarily forming on the misshapen face. "It's your choice Tartarus. What will it be..."
Tartarus was glaring daggers at Erebus, as he gripped his drakon bone spear so tightly that cracks were forming. He then let out a sigh, his grip on the spear loosening.
"I will back down." Tartarus said, his head hung down. Only for it to come up again as he stepped closer to the shadowy form of Erebus. "For now, that is. This isn't over, I will have my questions answered, I will have this conquest fulfilled. And I will, have my hellfire back, even if it means that I would have to subdue and chop that god into tiny little pieces, and sprinkle them into the abyss of Chaos so I can extract my prime resource, from his remains. I am not a threat to be taken lightly Erebus."
Erebus stared at Tartarus silently for a moment, until he snorted. "Focus on your previous 'conquests' first, what is this, your sixth one? I have no time to deal with your tall promises." he said shortly, the shadowy form slowly dissolving. "And I know you're not a threat to be taken lightly Tartarus. But you aren't one to me." As soon as Erebus uttered those words, he was gone. Tartarus was still staring at the spot where Erebus was, until Kylotes nervously stepped inside the throne room, shaking like a leaf in a storm.
"M-Milord. I just received word t-that Mados's regenerating pod has appeared. Should I-"
"Leave me cyclops. I wish to be alone." Tartarus muttered, but it was still loud enough for Kylotes to hear, and he immediately scampered away. Tartarus had not yet moved from his position, as he slowly brought his right hand forward, the one which the hellfire had disintegrated, and was now replaced with the stygian iron hand. Tartarus drew a short breath as he slowly got up, and made his way to the barracks. He never backed down from his conquest, he will see them fulfilled. But all in due time, all in due time...
"He's coming around!" Aegipan yelled.
"Move aside now! Perseus, hey Perce? You feeling alright?" Hermes asked slowly.
Perseus cracked an eye open, only to immediately shut it. "There's to much light." Perseus whined.
"Dude, it's only sunset. Stop whining." Hermes said with a huff. "Are you able to stand?" he asked.
"Maybe, I don't feel any pain." Perseus said, slowly bringing his upper body up. "Just, massive amounts of exhaustion."
"You almost ripped yourself in half with the stunts you were pulling. Zeus reckoned that you would be greatly injured by now, but for some reason you look healthy enough." Hermes replied, frowning for a moment.
"Huh, you can say all my ailments are gone then." Perseus said with a chuckle, but then frowned. "Has Typhon been subdued?" He asked.
"Yep. I don't think anything is going to wake him up from his imprisoned sleep for another two millennia or three. Etna is very mad though."
Perseus raised an eyebrow. "Etna the mountain?"
"Etna the mountain nymph." Hermes corrected. "She looks a bit squished. But hey, that's what happens when someone picks up your life force and smashes it on top of a ginormous monster. She's still standing though."
"...I see. By the way, where is Zeus anyway." Perseus asked.
"Went to send some wind spirits to collect the gods. Oh man, we're so going to get a verbal smackdown from Zeus." Hermes muttered.
Perseus grimaced. "Yeah, good luck with that. But first, I need to go to Olympus and check on-"
"Perseus. I'm glad to see you not only awake, but safe and sound as well." Zeus said, his eyes gleaming. "That was quite a spectacle you showed today, I'm almost jealous with your display of power." Zeus said with a nervous chuckle. "A very strong display of power." he then muttered, his eyes hardening.
Perseus rolled his eyes. "Thank you, uncle." he said with a sigh.
"Now tell me Perseus, what happened to the Ophiotaurus anyway? I remembered asking you that before, but I don't think you gave me an explanation." Zeus asked.
Perseus gave a short nod and then told Zeus about what had transpired. Going to the land beyond the gods, the Kraken, and the illusion of the Ophiotaurus. Perseus decided to leave Mados out of the story, only saying that a minion of Tartarus was the one who orchestrated the entire thing.
"So it was all for waste? Di immortals, my paranoia can really get the best of me sometimes." Zeus muttered.
"Aunt Hestia is really going to whoop your butt father." Hermes said shortly, making Zeus pale.
"Alright, enough gloomy talk. I believe that there should be some rewards given out to the ones who have helped fight the onslaught of Typhon. And the first to receive, Aegipan, please step forward." Zeus announced. Aegipan the satyr slowly approached the god.
"For your bravery and selflessness, I would have awarded you with immortality. But since you already have that, I would bestow upon you another higher honor. A constellation, depicting you." Zeus said. Perseus and Hermes gave a low whistle on hearing this, while Aegipan nervously shuffled in his place, but accepted the reward. Zeus then snapped his fingers, and the group watched as the slowly turning night sky got a set of stars that glowed more brightly then the others. Perseus tilted his head to the side to make out the shape formed, only to frown when seeing it.
"Uh...why does the satyr have a fish tail sprouting out?" Perseus asked.
"Oh, uh, when Typhon was attacking, I ran away using my shape-shifting powers. I wanted to turn into a fish, but I panicked and was only able to produce a fish tail. It was still effective though." Aegipan replied with a light chuckle.
"A constellation depicting a satyr with a fish tail. You can't go more unique with that." Zeus said with a laugh. "Hermes, step forward!"
Hermes's eyes widened on hearing his name, and he then cautiously stepped forward.
"My son, for your bravery and trickery for getting my thunderbolts, and for stitching up my tendons back into my body." Zeus said, not noticing Hermes's queasy expression. "Your reward is, that you will be exempted from the punishment I will be giving the runaway Olympians. That will be all."
Hermes blinked, and was going to open his mouth to complain when he saw Perseus's heated glare. One look at his face, and Hermes could feel what Perseus was trying to convey: 'Don't push it.' Hermes sighed; he did run away as well in the beginning. He then gave a short nod to his father.
"Not complaining I see. Good, good, you are dismissed son. Perseus, please step forward!" Zeus announced.
"Perseus, my nephew. You have shown a great deal of valor and courage by going toe to toe with Typhon. I helped, of course, but I can't deny that without your help, we probably wouldn't even be standing here right now. You're already an Olympian god, you can mostly have anything you want which I can give. Which is why, I will grant any one request of yours. As long as it's reasonable of course." Zeus said, the last part a bit quickly.
Perseus sighed as he thought of what he wanted. He momentarily glanced at the night sky where the moon wasn't to be seen, due to it taking part in the solar eclipse. And that was when Perseus realized what he wanted.
"Lord Zeus, I wish...to have your permission and blessings as well...to court your daughter Artemis." Perseus said slowly, gauging Zeus's reaction. Said god was staring at Perseus with a blank look on his face.
"You wish...to court my daughter." Zeus said slowly, as a few sparks emerged out of his hair. Perseus held his ground as he gave another affirmation, glancing momentarily at Hermes who gave him a thumbs up. "That is correct Lord Zeus."
"..."
"..."
"That's it?!" Zeus asked, looking very confused, and a bit disappointed
Perseus blinked a couple of times as he registered Zeus's reaction. "Uh...what do you mean by 'That's it.'?"
Zeus groaned out loud, and then gave a sigh. "I mean, you can ask for virtually anything else, but you go with the most obvious request?"
Perseus frowned a bit. "I don't get it..."
Zeus grumbled. "Perseus, you can literally ask me any day, at any time, that you want to court Artemis, and I will still say yes. I'm not stupid, I can see the mutual growing attraction the two of you have for each other, and I will literally be a hypocrite, and the worst god out there if I were to stop that. I'm just confused that you would use this one-time request for something so...ordinary. Tame even."
"Oh." Perseus said. "But then what can I even ask you?"
Zeus shrugged. "Anything that you want. And it has to be reasonable, did I mention that before?" Perseus cocked his head to the side as he thought about what he wanted. He stared at Hermes, and his eyes lit up. Perseus was about to say something, only to get interrupted immediately by Zeus.
"And don't you dare think of using your request for the runaway gods. Making me not punish them will not work." Zeus said.
"That's not fair." Perseus muttered. "It's supposed to be anything."
"Anything that's reasonable." Zeus said with a huff. "Pick something else."
Perseus nodded, his mind wandering off to the fact that Typhon had destroyed not just many cities and towns leaving people homeless, but many natural locations had been destroyed as well. "Something that benefits me." Perseus thought, a small smile grazing his lips. He definitely knew what he was going to ask for.
"Lord Zeus, I wish to have a city of mine."
Zeus had a thoughtful expression on his face. "A city for patronage huh. Yeah, that can be-"
"I'm not done yet." Perseus interrupted. "I wish to have this city located on a new piece of landmass, somewhere out in the sea. I also wish to design and pick everything that will come to this island. Where I want the forests, mountains, rivers, city, all of those to be located. And I wish to have this place inhabited by all those people who have lost their hometowns to Typhon's destruction. They will operate under my rules and regulations, and there will be no outside interference from anyone. That is all I ask."
Zeus glared down at Perseus. "That is a bit much nephew. But it is...acceptable. Very well, you will have your city on a new piece of land, whatever you want to call it. Anymore technicalities to be added, hmm? How much the population should be, plumbing- wait scratch that, don't you dare teach them about plumbing!"
Perseus smirked. "Yeah, sure."
Zeus then trudged off while Hermes approached Perseus. "You're own city? Man, that is awesome. Hey can I be the first god to have his temple put, after yours of course."
Perseus shook his head fondly. "I'll think about it. Right now, I want to go to Olympus as soon as possible. I need to check on my mom and hunters."
Hermes nodded. "And I'm exempted from punishment. Good thing I came back huh?"
Perseus didn't say anything as he and Hermes flashed away. The two appeared at Olympus's town square, only to find it relatively empty. The two made their way to the throne room, and found Hestia watching over the hunters, who were sleeping peacefully on the floor in some kind of bags. Hestia turned around, and immediately surged forward when she saw her son at the doorway.
"Oh, Perseus." Hestia said softly as she took the god in her arms. "Oh sweetheart, are you alright? Let me look at you, oh I'm so happy to see that you're safe."
"Hey mom, missed you too." Perseus said, giving her a hug. "And I'm alright, really- wait just a minute. Why do you look so sick, and why are you wincing in pain?!"
"You always say you're alright Perseus. Even when you shattered your bone that one time." Hestia said, fussing over the state of his clothes, and ignoring his question. "This is new armor, and it's already ruined? I don't see any major injuries, thank the Fates. And no minor ones either..."
Perseus grabbed Hestia's shoulder as he stared at her worriedly. "Mom, what happened to you. And don't try to deflect the question, please."
Hestia shook her head as she gave a shuddering gasp. "So many homes, so many homes destroyed Perseus. Families gone, it was- it was so- And I didn't know where you-"
"Hey, mom, I'm right here okay. I'm not going to leave your sights anytime soon, got it. And you'll be fine, I promise you will be fine." Perseus muttered, bringing Hestia for a hug.
Perseus shrugged. "I'm immortal, what did you expect. How are the hunters." he asked worriedly.
"Emotionally exhausted, but fine for now. The\y all were really worried about you going away unannounced, and became more afraid when Typhon appeared and most of the gods had retreated. Wait, what happened with Typhon, I didn't check what was happening with the outside world as the toll was too great on me, plus I had to take care of the hunters, and you were gone-"
"Mom relax, you're rambling." Perseus said quickly. "Like I said, I'm here, and alright as well. As for Typhon, Zeus took care of him."
Hermes snorted. "By taking care of him, you mean you whooping Typhon's ass number of times, then yes."
Perseus facepalmed while Hestia was staring open mouthed at her son. "Perseus! You went to fight that thing all by yourself?!"
"I had help." Perseus muttered, knowing fully well that wasn't going to help his case at all. "From uncle Zeus mostly."
Before Hesta could say anything, the throne room doors boomed open as Zeus pranced inside, wearing his Sunday best.
"Guess which god saved Olympus once again, with added help. Me! I-"
"SHHH!" Hestia whispered shouted, pointing at the restless hunters. "We have children sleeping here. And I would really like to have a chat with you, brother."
Zeus audibly gulped as he slowly backed away. Perseus sighed and then snapped his fingers, making the hunters disappear. "I sent them to my place, hopefully they won't get confused on waking up." Perseus said on seeing Hermes's questioning gaze.
Zeus cleared his throat. "Yes, thank you nephew. Also, the gods have arrived, so please take your place on the thrones." A few moments later, the remining Olympians nervously walked inside the room, some of them looking badly injured, probably from the strain on their domains. But none of them dared to face Zeus. However, most of them brightened up on seeing Perseus and Hermes alive and well.
"My bros are alive!" Apollo yelled, sprinting to the gods and tackling them into a bear hug. "Oh, am I glad to see none of you charred or melted.
"Likewise, Apollo. Likewise." Perseus said, patting him on the back. The trio disentangled themselves, only to get bombarded by another person.
"Goddammit you idiot. When we heard that you took on Typhon- oh I'm having a panic attack." Hecate said, breathing heavily. "Do another crazy stunt like that, and I'll torture you with my torches."
Perseus chuckled, while Hermes frowned. "Hecate, are you crying?' he asked, making Apollo stifle a laugh.
Hecate sniffled. "No, there's just a lot of dust. And ash, if you don't keep quiet." she said in a low threatening voice, making Hermes and Apollo keep their mouths shut.
"Wait, where is Arte-" Perseus said, only to feel Hecate, Hermes, and Apollo peel themselves of off him, only to be replaced by a silver red figure, hugging him tightly. Perseus immediately melted into the hug.
"Hey Artemis." Perseus said softly, soothingly rubbing his hands on her back and hair.
"Hi." Artemis said with a choked whisper, nuzzling further into Perseus. The two seemed to be in their own world as none of them noticed the smirks (and one glare, courtesy of Hera) directed at them, or their friends sprawled on the floor.
"Damn Apollo, what does your sister eat." Hestia groaned, clutching her head.
"She even left a mark on my hand when she pulled me off Perseus." Hermes whispered with awe and fear as he stared at the angry gold mark on his wrist. "How..."
"Are you alright?' Perseus asked Artemis, leaning a bit back.
"Yeah, just got a gash on my head from trying to save Apollo from Typhon's grasp, but it's healed." Artemis said, holding her hand next to Perseus's cheek, which he immediately leaned into. "But what about you, you fought Typhon, and I'm pretty sure some other monster while finding the Ophiotaurus."
"Yep, completely healed and fine." Perseus said with a grin, as he felt Artemis's thumb brush against his cheek. "You really helped me big time you know. When I fought Typhon." he said with a wink.
Artemis frowned lightly. "What do you mean I...oh." she said, a small laugh coming out of her lips. "Please, that was almost unintentional. But I don't mind taking the credit."
"Which is why I'm saying you helped me out."
"No credit for Apollo?"
"He stays at the same place for all eternity, there's nothing that can be done." Perseus said with a smile.
Artemis laughed, as she rested her forehead on Perseus's. "True. ...I really missed you."
"Me too. Listen, Artemis." Perseus said, leaning back a bit but still holding her. "I...I have something to tell you. Or ask really. Your dad even said yes, so we don't have to worry about-"
"AHEM! Perseus, Artemis. The main reason we all are here is because we are doing a meeting. So can you please go and sit on your thrones. You can talk later. And you all who are standing around, sit as well! If you don't have a throne, take a spare stone chair now!" Zeus shouted., banging his master bolt on his armrest.
But I haven't even hugged Percy!" Aphrodite complained. "I need affirmation that-"
"Those who will not take their seats will receive more punishment! And I will personally assign the Furies to dish them out!" Zeus yelled, his face turning gold. The gods immediately scrambled around to sit at their spots, and soon enough, the council was in full session, with some guests as well.
"Now, before I address the elephant in the room, I have just one thing to say. The storm giant Typhon, has been properly subjugated and immobilized. With the combined efforts of me and Perseus, mostly me that-" Zeus began to say, only to feel the pointed stares of the gods. They did hear everything that transpired from the wind spirits, even though there were some aspects they couldn't fathom.
"Uh, as I was saying, with the combined efforts of me and Perseus, with some additional help from the immortal satyr Aegipan and Hermes, the former receiving a constellation for his bravery." Zeus said pointing up at the ceiling where the stars forming fish tailed satyr shone brightly. After the gods finished 'oohing' and 'aahing', Zeus continued his speech. "We have managed to properly defeat Typhon. While he wasn't sent to the pit, trapping him in the mortal world where we will be able to keep an eye on him would be much better I feel. And now, to address the situation that transpired, where about ninety-five percent of the people sitting in this room... . Ran. A-way."
"We hadn't run away, we just had to regroup." Athena said quickly. "And make a new plan, strategize-"
"For almost four days! And leaving me out to rot on the Greek countryside!" Zeus yelled. "I have never been so embarrassed, and humiliated in my entire life!"
"Good, it will teach you some humility." Demeter muttered, only to jump when Zeus launched a thunder bolt at her feet.
"This is serious talk over here! Everyone looked like fools when facing Typhon. My siblings, not you Hestia, we faced bloody titans when we weren't even in our prime! My son and daughter, the two warlike figures in my council. What happened to 'Bathe in its blood' and 'Athena always has a plan' huh? Or was it, 'Running and screaming for mommy' and 'Distracting other gods with feathers, making them lose balance'?! While I really understand that the rest of you all are newer gods, and have never faced anything like this before, but your first time dealing with a threat is literally running from it? What will the public think for crying out loud, that we Olympians are cowards?! We have an actual, reputation at stake here. This council, is the main body that rules over this Greek world. What will the other gods think when they see their rulers running away with their robes between their legs. They will think 'Hey, they are running from a threat that could destroy us. Did we really just put our faith on a bunch of pansies?' Next thing you will know, they are going to rebel against us, or overthrow us like we did to the Titans. And I'm sure none of you all will like that right? Because we weren't ruling unfairly, we were actually cowards who can't fight!" Zeus shouted, his voice literally shaking the walls of the room. The gods looked scared shitless as they have rarely seen Zeus blow up this bad. Even Hades was shaking like a leaf as he gravitated closer and closer to the doors, probably thinking of making a run from it.
"Oh, and Apollo." Zeus said shortly after, making the sun god shriek. "If you ever, ever, get a vision of sorts that could spell doom to Olympus...YOU TELL ME FIRST THING WHEN THE VISION IS OVER AND NOT WHEN THE EVENT IN THE VISION IS GOING TO BEGIN!"
"Y-Yes f-f-father." Apollo stuttered out.
"Now, for the punishments. Hermes will be exempted from them because he had the decency to return back at least. All of you are going to tend to my livestock, without using any powers for at least a month. Make a timetable for yourself, and if you miss a shift, I will strip your godhood for the day. And I will send Hermes or Perseus to check up on you all every day. And yes, those outside the council are in this as well. Now excuse me, I have to vent my anger on something, otherwise I'm going to increase the severity of the punishments!" Zeus shouted, getting up.
"Um, uncle?" Perseus spoke up.
"What...now." Zeus muttered.
"Can I have Poseidon, Demeter, and some other gods help me with making the island?"
"Hmm, sure why not. Maybe that could be part of the punishment as well." Zeus said, stroking his beard. He then immediately disappearing in a flash of light, Hera in tow.
The rest of the gods immediately breathed a sigh of relief on seeing Zeus go. As far as punishments go, this one was thankfully small. Some of them flashed away, while others lingered around, most of them making a bee line for Perseus.
"What you did to Typhon was something that would go down in history. And I'll make sure to have it happen." Hades said, squeezing Perseus's shoulder.
"Totally, that literally was the stuff of legends kid. As your trainer, I am proud." Ares said, ruffling Perseus's hair.
"You really have to teach me all the moves Perseus, I'm almost jealous." Athena said with a wry smile.
"Percyyyyy!" Aphrodite squealed, crashing into Perseus, and making them both fall on to the floor. "Oh, I'm so happy you're alive. I missed you sooo much!"
Perseus playfully rolled his eyes. "I'm glad you're alright to sis."
Aphrodite and the rest of the present gods whipped their heads to stare at Perseus.
"Did you just call Aphrodite...sis..." Athena asked slowly.
Perseus shrugged. "What, there's nothing weird about that."
Aphrodite squealed again as she once again engulfed Perseus in a hug. Apollo joint Artemis at her side, and loudly sniffled. "Why don't we have a ice brother and sister relationship like these two." Apollo whined.
Artemis rolled her eyes, "Because you are an obnoxious piece of shit."
Apollo sniffed. "Yeah, I am."
"You actually referred me as your sister, officially! Oh I'm so happy I could kiss and marry you right now!" Aphrodite yelled.
Perseus blinked twice. "Okay, now it's weird." he said, bringing himself up. He then grabbed Artemis's hand, flashing himself and her out of the throne room, much to the confusion and amusement of the gods.
"Woah." Artemis said, stumbling a bit on the ground. "Where are we?" she asked, glancing around at the verandah the two were currently on right now.
Perseus cleared his throat. "Well, I wanted to ask you something, really important. And well, peace and quiet. So... yeah."
Artemis raised an eyebrow. "You mentioned something similar in the throne room as well. Something about my father allowing...something."
Perseus nodded quickly. "Yeah, yeah. So, I asked Zeus, and he said alright. Okay, technically he said why am I even asking something like this, but you probably aren't getting the context so just forget what I just said. But basically, I, no we, no wait I-"
"Perseus, stop rambling." Artemis said, clasping her hand over Perseus's mouth. "Now tell me, slowly that is, no need to rush. What is it that you want to tell me."
Perseus gulped as he slowly removed Artemis's hand from her mouth, but continued to hold on to it as he intertwined his fingers with hers. "Before fighting Typhon, I was asked what my biggest regret probably will be, if I die or whatever." Perseus said. "And that is not spending more time with you. Not like friends or anything like that, but as something more. More than that really."
Artemis's eyes widened on hearing this. She was about to say something, but Perseus was on the roll. "And as I was fighting Typhon, my thoughts were all on protecting my friends and family. But mostly you Artemis, mostly you. I wanted o really protect you. So, when your father asked for any one request from me, I asked him his permission, to court you."
Artemis had a grin on her face. "And what did he say?"
"He said why I asked for the most obvious thing ever." Perseus said with a deadpanned voice, making Artemis momentarily stumble. "What?!" she yelled.
Perseus sighed. "According to him, I could have asked him at any time of the day, and he would always say yes."
Artemis shook her head. "And here I thought I would have to fight him tooth and nail in order to convince my father that the two of us can court each other."
Perseus chuckled. "I had a similar thought. But now that your father, and mother actually, I talked to Leto once, has given me their blessings, I have another thing to ask of you. Artemis, I really really like you. I honestly don't know when that even happened, but it just did. Like my head just flipped a lever or something. So...will you, only if you allow that is, for me to court you. Officially. Be a couple, maybe go on dates. I mean, you can say no of course, I won't get mad, the choice is up to you so yeah, but I- Mmphhff!"
Perseus stilled as he felt Artemis's lips on his own, making him once again melt in her grasp. The two continued to kiss as they slowly sunk to the floor, their fingers still intertwined as they refused to let go of each other. The two then let go, both of them staring at each other's eyes. Silver eyes gleamed brightly as they stared at the pools of inky black eyes, highlighted with the royal blue ring.
"You really ramble a lot." Artemis said, letting out a small laugh.
Perseus smirked in response. "Hey, if that's how you're going to shut me up whenever I ramble, then I'm going to ramble for eternity.
"Silly Percy." Artemis said, shaking her head fondly. The two leaned in for another kiss, this one a bit more passionate than the ones before. The two remained in their position well over the night as they continued to kiss and gaze into each other's eyes (and the stars) as they cuddled on the veranda.
"I still can't believe that just happened." Artemis whispered, glancing up at Perseus. "We are dating, right?"
Perseus chuckled. "Yes arrowhead, we are dating." he said, pressing a soft kiss at the top of her forehead.
Artemis giggled lightly. "Say that again. Pleeease."
Perseus rolled his eyes fondly. "Artemis, we are dating. And yes, this is really happening." he whispered into her ear.
Artemis let out a sigh of content as she rested back on Perseus's chest. "Amazing. And if this turns out to be some dream which I'm going to wake up from, I swear to the Fates I'm going to track Morpheus, and kick him where the sun doesn't shine."
Perseus winced. "Ouch. Can we not talk about 'that', please?"
"What is it with men and being weirded out by...'that'."
"It's a universal pain we all relate to."
"Whatever you say ash for brains. But you're right, no talking about all that stuff, I just want to cuddle with my lover. My new boyfriend."
Perseus tilted his head to the side. "I'm...your boyfriend. Can you say that again please."
Artemis smiled as she rested her cheek against Perseus's chest. "Perseus. You, are my boyfriend."
Perseus had a full-blown grin on his face. "One more time, pleeease."
"I already said it twice Perseus."
"Hey, I did it for you as well."
"But I didn't do it thrice."
Perseus pouted, but then grinned again. "Well then, looks like someone needs the...tickles!"
"As if tickles can threaten me- HAHA Percy stop! No, not their BWAHAHA!" Artemis cried, laughing out loudly. The two continued their antics as they were slowly lulled to sleep with the calmness of the night. But not before reaching for one last kiss.
"Should we...wake them up?" Clio asked slowly.
"I mean, what else are we going to do, let them sleep?" Phoebe asked.
"We can. But we want to hug them and ask them questions but they are both asleep." Acantha whined.
"Guys you do realize where we are right? We, are in Perseus's house." Arius said slowly.
"Are we now. I thought we were captured by some monster." Celyn said dryly.
"Maybe we should let them be. They look really tired out, that's for sure." Ajax said, whispering his words as he was the only sensible person to not talk loudly when two other people are sleeping.
"Guys, we are in Percy's place. Do you know what that even means." Arius asked, his voice a bit shrill.
"What!" The hunters, except for Ajax, yelled together.
"It means we are on Mt. Snowy Olympus. The Mount snowy Olympus." Arius whispered. "Let that blow your mind for a minute."
Celyn was just about to smack Arius on his head when she properly registered his words. To be fair, they were too stressed to take in the fact that their patron had gone on some last-minute call, a lady claiming to be Perseus's mother (who was super sweet and nice) had whisked them away to Olympus. Also, due to the fact there was some freak cyclone happening in the distance. And because the enormous room they were in wasn't really properly lit as well.
"We...actually are in Olympus." Celyn whispered. Then she Approached Perseus and Artemis and began shaking them awake. "If there's one way we can visit Olympus, it's with these two being awake. Percy, Lady Artemis. Wake up now!"
"Huzzah! Who dares- Celyn? Who said you could wake me up." Perseus said with a yawn.
"Is it morning already?" Artemis wearily asked, propping herself up. Her eyes immediately snapped open, and glanced at Perseus, looking a bit apprehensive. "Um...Perseus? What did we do exactly last night?" she nervously asked.
Perseus cocked his head to the side, and shrugged. "We just talked about yours and my fight against Typhon." he replied.
Artemis blinked a couple of times, and then snarled. "Forget kicking him in that place, I'm going to castrate Morpheus!" she yelled, jumping up from her position on the floor. But before Artemis could go to where ever Morpheus was, Perseus let out a laugh as he grabbed Artemis's hand, spun her around and wrapped his hands around her.
"I'm just teasing arrowhead. Don't worry, last night was not a dream, it really happened. And yes, we are dating." Perseus said softly, pressing a kiss on her forehead. Artemis once again melted in his arms, only to pinch him hard making Perseus jump back. Which proved to be fatal as Artemis started bombarding him with punches and slaps.
"That...was...not funny...Perseus!" Artemis yelled as she started wringing Perseus's neck back and forth. None of them probably seemed to realize the audience they had.
"...What is happening right now..." Arius whispered shouted, looking really freaked out.
"From what I can gather, Perseus and Artemis have started to court each other. Perseus must have done something to launch Lady Artemis's tirade upon him. He is a really brave man for that." Ajax said, nodding his head sagely.
"No. He's stupid." Celyn said.
"Artemis, we have children in front of us." Perseus gasped, as he struggled to get out from Artemis pinning him down.
"Oh I know that. Which is why I'm doing this." Artemis growled, pinning Perseus's arm behind his leg. "Hunters, never tease your significant other with dumb stuff that was talked upon previously. Otherwise, you will end up like this ash head right here."
"That is bad advice, very bad advice. My mom can give better ones, and she hasn't been in love at all!" Perseus yelled.
Artemis frowned. "Are you saying my advice is bad?" she asked.
Perseus gulped, and then began whistling a happy tune. "Your advice is great as always. Though there are some aspects that need...refining.
"Hmm, maybe you're right." Artemis said, letting Perseus go. The latter immediately relaxed on the floor and let out a contented sigh.
"Are you guys done? Because we really want to explore Olympus." Celyn said, receiving affirmed shouts from the rest of the hunters.
"Woah, hold on now. Who said you guys can go and visit the city?" Artemis asked, a light frown on her face.
"Um..." Celyn began to say, only to trail of as she and the other hunters nervously glanced at each other. "You guys maybe...?"
Artemis sighed. "As much as me and Perseus would like to take you around Olympus, I'm afraid that isn't possible. I'm not sure if you guys are allowed to be here I general, my father is very picky about who gets to enter Olympus, and some gods aren't very friendly towards mortals. though you aren't now but they are a bit prejudiced."
"Artemis is right, I don't think today is a good time to visit. Us gods would probably be busy as well, trying to fix Greece up from its mini apocalypse that got over like yesterday. We wouldn't have time to do a last minute tour, and Lord Zeus is not in the best mood right now as well." Perseus replied.
"Aww..." the hunters groaned. Clio then gave a short sound off surprise, catching everyone's attention.
"Wait, Lord Zeus. Oh, my gods. Lord Zeus, that means other gods are here. Poseidon, Athena, Demeter. Oh my gods, other gods are here as well. We are in the home of the gods!" Clio gasped, her breathing becoming irregular.
"Clio, hey breathe with me. You're okay, just having a small panic attack. Easy there, easy." Perseus said slowly, running Clio's back.
"Maybe we should do something before mundane, in case we accidently break them." Artemis said, looking a bit nervous.
"Yep. Alright everyone, who wants to help make breakfast?" Perseus asked. Excited cheers soon followed as Perseus and Artemis tagged behind their hunters as they made their way downstairs.
"Perseus?" Artemis asked, slowing down a bit. "Can I ask a small favor?"
"Yeah, of course. What is it?" Perseus asked.
Artemis looked a bit nervous. "Can you confirm...that we're actually courting?"
Perseus smirked. "If we weren't dating, then I wouldn't be able to do this right?" Perseus asked, leaning down to give a chaste kiss on Artemis's lips. He then slowly leaned back, only for Artemis grabbed his head and bring it back forward, returning the kiss.
"You know." Artemis said, raising a finger and then putting it down. "I would have allowed that even if we weren't dating. But then I would expect some kind of confession."
"Already did that. Which is why I kissed you so easily." Perseus said with a grin, pulling Artemis close. The two then walked down together, as a brand-new chapter in their lives have just begun.
And cut! That's a wrap, a filler chapter galore. I can't really do one action chapter after the other lol. Anyway, be on the lookout for a Saturday update soon, and I actually have nothing much to say. First time? Yeah, first time. Thank you guys so much for supporting this story, and I will see you all later. Bye!...\/