Authors Note: Hey all! So, this is a chapter. ...And I don't know what to write. Heh, well then. read on...
Chapter 33: Perseus and Perseus! Wait...
Perseus whistled a happy tune as he roamed around the island of Skiágis while being invisible, taking in how much it grown since almost two decades. The small, but beautiful mountain range was coated with lush forests, with a small mining system inside one of the many mountains as well. Though the Ourae didn't really like humans digging up their 'stomach', Perseus was able to strike a deal with them, a small festival dedicated to them during the fall. He shook his head in amusement as he remembered watching the townsfolks expressions on hearing the priests declare the festival. First the gods, now mountains. Next, Umbra would probably ask for a festival dedicated to her as well, though Perseus had a feeling the townsfolk wouldn't complain for that one. Umbra was great with the people, as she took it to herself to be the sole water-based protector of the island. And would give the people a bunch of delicious sea based animals every month to feast on. She honestly spoiled them.
Perseus let out a soft sigh as he finally entered the city gates. The one and only city of Skiágis boasted an architecture richer and more magnificent than that of Athens, which was ironic considering the patron goddess of that city. The city itself overlooked the beachfront, giving people a spectacular view of a rising or setting sun. Houses were dotted everywhere, and right at the base of the mountain range was the Dusk palace, home of the current ruler of Skiágis. Perseus was happy to note that no one suffered from poverty or any such inconvenience as he watched everyone lead prosperous lives. Having leeway with the ancient laws did indeed have more perks than what Perseus imagined as he subtly helped the people of his island.
Perseus had a small smile on his face as he made his way down the winding streets, to the promenade where his feats, big and small, were being carved out for everyone to see. Him and Artemis against the Python (an accurate description, finally), the time when the faced the Kraken with Umbra, and of course, at the head was him in a not so accurate depiction of him in his eclipse form. Then again, very few people had seen the form, due to Perseus wishing for it to be something used in drastic circumstances. Nonetheless, the depiction was a good try. Though Artemis wasn't really a fan of it.
Perseus had finally made his way to the steps of the palace, where Artemis was, waiting for him. She had a basket in her hand, and a light glare on her face.
"Took you long enough." Artemis said. "The baby is not going to wait around you know."
Perseus blinked in surprise. "Wait, you're not done with the delivery yet?"
Artemis huffed as she grabbed Perseus's hand. "It just started; I came here early to find you. And where were you may I ask?"
"Uh..." Perseus trailed off, nervously chuckling. "I was...exploring?"
Artemis snorted. "Right, on your own island. You were trying to avoid something... . Hmm, don't tell me you're scared of delivering babies Percy?"
"I'm not scared." Perseus muttered. "I just never, experienced them? Like, I heard of it, just never seen it in person."
"Well then, lucky for you, the queen is about to give birth." Artemis chirped brightly, making Perseus lightly groan.
"I don't think I should be there you know. I mean, it's a private thing I feel, we shouldn't be intruding, and-"
"Nonsense, I'm sure Astor and Penelope will be fine with you there. Plus, they were previous hunters of ours, so it's not like they are acquaintances of ours or anything like that."
"Yeah, but still. Maybe I should wait outside, yeah that would be great. Or I can-"
"Too late, we're here." Artemis announced, stopping in front of a wide set of doors. Perseus could already hear the labored cries coming from inside the room, and wondered how long Artemis would stay mad at him if he just flashed away now.
The two entered the room, and found the queen of Skiágis, Penelope, already being fussed over by her handmaids and a nurse. The king, Astor, was tucked into a corner, nervousness radiating out of him as he trembled like a leaf during a storm.
"Before you go and get that king here, help me set this up." Artemis said, handing over the basket to Perseus. Perseus nervously gulped as he handed over a bunch of blankets, a canteen of water and rags, and finally a squishy ball. Why was a squishy ball needed?
"So Astor, how's it going?" Perseus said, clasping the trembling king's shoulder.
"What is going?" Astor squeaked out.
Perseus shrugged. "Life?"
"Oh. Well then, my life is fine. Yeah, it's fine." Astor nervously replied.
"Come on kiddo, your wife is going to give birth and you have to be there by her side. Not hanging out in the corner." Perseus replied, dragging him out.
"I'm not a kid." Astor said with a frown. "I'm twenty-five."
"You're always going to be a kid to me Astor. Can't change that for me, hunter." Perseus said with a grin, ruffling the king's hair. "Now, time for the hard part."
"You think standing there is hard Lord Perseus?!" Penelope yelled, crying out in pain.
"No." Perseus quickly said, pushing Astor forward. "I'll just, be here so I-"
"Percy, next to me please I may need your help." Artemis said, smirking internally as she saw Perseus slowly trudge towards her. After three hours of screaming, expletives aimed at the poor king, and one bruised godly hand later, Artemis was cradling an infant child in her arms.
"It's a boy!" Artemis announced, gesturing for Astor to come over. "Here, help me clean the child, then you can show it to Penelope. Perseus, get the cloth and towel."
"Yes ma'am." Perseus muttered, shaking his head. "Childbirth is definitely difficult." he thought as he thought back to the entire series of events. Five minutes later, Perseus and Artemis watched the glowing couple fawning over their newborn child.
"You were great as always Artemis." Perseus said, squeezing Artemis's hand.
"Thank you." Artemis replied softly, looking a bit exhausted. "You actually helped, I expected you to faint halfway through."
"Oh please, like that would ever happen." Perseus said with a chuckle. "Plus, someone had to be conscious to make sure the king himself doesn't faint."
"Stop teasing him." Artemis said, swatting Perseus's chest. But as soon as she did that, Artemis's eyes momentarily flashed and she slightly winced.
"Hey, you okay? You liked a bit troubled just now." Perseus asked.
"I'm alright, just...I'm not even sure either." Artemis replied. "Alright Penelope, are you feeling any pain? Nausea, aches, anything like that just tell me. Best to be safe than sorry."
"I'm feeling completely fine Lady Artemis, thank you." Penelope replied tiredly. "Just tired."
"Of course, it was my pleasure." Artemis replied with a smile.
"Say, have you two decided on a name for the little one? Or are you going toc one up with one on the spot." Perseus asked.
"Well, we both decided to name our child on any of the two persons who changed our lives." Astor said with a smile. "Perseus if it's a boy. Artemis if it's a girl. And, now we know what to call him."
Perseus blinked in surprise. "After me? Wow, I'm honored you guys, thank you. Wow, someone is being named after me, that is surprising. Like, after me."
"Yes Perseus, someone is named after you." Artemis said with a laugh. "But to think, the child would potentially be named after me. After me..."
"Ahem." Penelope said, clearing her throat, making Perseus and Artemis break out of their stupor, making them both blush in embarrassment. After some more talking, and a promise of blessing the baby when the royal couple made the announcement, Perseus and Artemis were then headed back to the Greek mainland, courtesy of Umbra by riding on her through the waters.
"So Perseus, what did you think of delivering babies?" Artemis asked.
"Um, it was something?" Perseus replied.
"Something?" Artemis asked with a laugh.
"Well, I don't have the proper words." Perseus whined. "It's a bit difficult to convey it."
Artemis hummed in acknowledgement. "I see. Well, lucky for you, you're going to have plenty of time to think of the words. Because I'm going to make sure to take you for every single mortal childbirth that will happen around Greece." Artemis replied with a shut eating grin on her face.
"W-What?!" Perseus sputtered. "I'm not the god of baby deliveries!"
"True, but you're courting one." Artemis said in a sing song voice. "Come on, if you can drag me for your twilight zone, city escapades, then I can drag you around for 'baby deliveries'.
"You have a fair point." Perseus muttered. "Fine, I will join you in your baby delivery escapades."
Artemis shook her head fondly. "Those words sound so wrong in context, you're lucky I can understand you." she replied, kissing Perseus's cheek. "I know this may not be as exciting as beating up mortals-"
"Or castrating them." Perseus replied with a wry grin.
"Or castrating, yes. But I promise you, we will have fun. Though even I'm not sure how we will have fun when helping women during childbirth." Artemis mused.
"We'll figure something out-" Perseus began to say, but stopped when he felt Umbra jerk beneath him. "Umbra no. Don't you even dare think of even jumping slightly into the air from where you are."
"Oh come on Perseus." Umbra whined. "Just one dive, I'm bored from seeing endless water for so long. I want to see something underwater."
"Well." Artemis said, placing her palm into the water as she watched the trail behind. "One acrobatic trick never hurt anyone."
"Yeah! You tell him Miss Artemis, I'll be careful." Umbra replied.
Perseus had a disapproving look on his face as he glanced at Artemis, who just shrugged in response. He then glanced at Umbra, and while he couldn't see her face, the dimly glowing marks on her body and low rumbling was enough to convey to Perseus what she was filling. Perseus then let out a heavy sigh and then groaned out loud.
"Fine. Only one of your trick moves. Artemis is on a schedule, and-"
"Yes! Thank you Perseus!" Umbra cried, immediately jumping into the air. Perseus and Artemis immediately clutched each other tightly as they dived straight into the water, at a very rapid speed. The two then jerked back as they found themselves swimming back to the surface. Umbra then emerged out of the water and high into the air, did a couple of backflips and did a belly flop as she landed back on the water.
"Woo! Thanks again Perseus, that was fun." Umbra said, nonchalantly continuing her swim. Artemis and Perseus then flashed on top of Umbra; the former being soaked to the bone.
"I am never, going to agree to this again." Artemis said, though it was a bit inaudible due to a series of chatters and shivering. "And how are you dry?!" she demanded.
Perseus raised an eyebrow and then smirked. "Poseidon's blessing." he replied simply, snapping his fingers. A hot gust of wind surrounded Artemis, making her instantly dry. And frazzled looking.
"Thanks." Artemis huffed, blowing a bit of hair out of her face. She then cocked her head to the side and then visibly perked up, her silver eyes shining brightly.
"I sense someone calling for me." Artemis said, closing her eyes. "In...Thebes!"
"Our Thebes?" Perseus asked.
"Of course our Thebes Ash head." Artemis replied with a sigh.
"Cadmus and Harmonia's place then huh. Do we leave now or should I tell Umbra to speed up?" Perseus asked.
"I don't want to make Umbra feel bad, but I think this is something I should be there for right now." Artemis replied.
"Got it. Listen girl, we're going to be flashing away now so you can go back to the island if you want to." Perseus said, patting Umbra's back. He then took hold of Artemis's outstretched arm and the two flashed away. Soon enough, the two gods materialized themselves outside a house in the common area of Thebes. Artemis had already summoned a basket containing her necessary stuff and marched in, with Perseus trailing behind. After four hours, swiping Apollo's Iris message twice, and reviving one fainted husband later, Perseus stepped out of the house tiredly. He had already now gained a mad level of respect for all the woman who had to go through labor and for the people that supported them. Because this, was tough, and quite stressful. Honestly speaking, Perseus was just waiting for nightfall so he could rest for the day.
"Looks like someone's already tired." Artemis said, patting Perseus's back. "I don't blame you honestly, this is quite taxing."
"And you're awesome for helping them ease their troubles. Have I mentioned before how amazing you are with this and in general?" Perseus asked.
"Every time. And I don't mind it being repeated at all." Artemis replied. "So, what are you going to be doing now?"
"Well, I was thinking of going to see why Apollo was so persistent in calling me. But then I thought, nah, it might be something stupid." Perseus replied.
Artemis raised an eyebrow. "But I thought you like doing stupid stuff with my brother. And my other brother."
"True, but I mostly steer them away from doing stupid stuff, not encouraging them." Perseus replied.
"Then what are you waiting her for? Go, they might be doing something stupid nd they need to be intervened." Artemis said, waving her hand.
Perseus raised an eyebrow. "You sure? I honestly don't mind if we have to go to another house, it would be better than straining my sanity on those two."
"Just go Perseus, I will call you later." Artemis said, patting Perseus's head. Perseus gave a small smile in return as he gave a goodbye kiss, and then slipped into the shadows.
It took a while for Artemis to get her thoughts straight as she shook her head fondly. Almost two years later, and Perseus still managed to make her heart race she thought. She was just about to flash away when she felt a searing pain cross her head, almost making her double down on to the ground. She clenched her teeth tightly as she waited for the pain to disappear, and no sooner had the pain emerged, did it actually disappear again. Artemis let out a soft sigh as she slowly got up, her mind racing with thoughts of what just happened to her. And why she felt dread pooling inside her for some reason, and the screams of newborn infants.
Perseus emerged in the middle of nowhere. Well, not exactly nowhere. He was far away to the east, in a dessert like area. The reason for that was the because the Golden Caravan was located there, an establishment that was actually sponsored by a deity, Helios himself. And as a policy, everyone was allowed, even mortals and various creatures. That is, if they can survive the trip east. And, are prepared for any death bringing brawls.
Perseus made his way to the caravan, passing by a group of giggling centaurs. The closer he got, the louder the noises inside were, which was when Perseus noticed that he could hear loud yells and shouts from inside, accompanied with the shattering of glass and wood. Seems like a brawl was taking place.
"I swear to the Fates, if it's those two gods..." Perseus muttered, stepping inside the caravan. True to his thoughts, Perseus watched as Hermes wrestled with a Laistrygonian, holding it down with his caduceus on its neck. Apollo was at the other end of the bar, jumping up and down a slowly disintegrating Laistrygonian's body, while playing his lyre and singing shrilly. Even though they looked ridiculous, Percy couldn't help but chuckle at the antics his friends got into. And him as well.
Perseus then immediately ducked when he saw Hermes throw the giant towards him. He heard the sound of wood breaking, and glanced behind to see a large gaping hole, decorated with monster dust everywhere.
"Hey Perce, glad you could make it. And sorry about that!" Hermes yelled, turning his caduceus into a sword, and let out a battle cry as he charged at the remaining stupefied Laistrygonian giants. Perseus merely shrugged as he walked to the bar and called for the person behind it.
"One aged bottle of the Athenian stuff. Any will do." Perseus said.
"Yes lord Perseus." the bartender whimpered, his eyes nervously darting from Perseus to the ongoing fight. "Are you...going to stop that...?" he asked.
"I'm sure lord Apollo and Lord Hermes can handle them \selves. But if the giants start threatening the bystanders, then I will let the shadows do the talking." Perseus simply replied. About five minutes later, Apollo and Hermes then joined Perseus at the bar, sitting at either side of him, covered in monster dust, and grinning widely.
"That. Was. Awesome! Why didn't you join bro, we missed you." Apollo cried as he tried to grab Perseus's head, only for the latter to duck.
"I'm not in the fighting mood today. Plus, I had a bit of a long day so far so I just want to kick back, and relax."
"Good, maybe now we will know what's bothering Apollo after all." Hermes said in a deadpanned voice.
"Come on, just because I'm here, drinking point blank with you guys, doesn't mean something is wrong with me." Apollo complained.
"It means exactly that!" Perseus and Hermes yelled together.
"Yeesh, you're sounding like my mother now." Apollo grumbled.
"Come on Apollo, you can tell us what's going in that head of yours. What is it, roadblock for your newest piece? A nymph caught your fancy, but its off-limits as decreed by your father? Eros with Ourania again?"
"No. Nope. Ew, and definitely no." Apollo said with a shudder, and then sighed. "Promise you two will not freak out, and definitely not tell anyone what I am going to tell you two until I'm comfortable to say so."
Perseus and Hermes glanced at each other, a bit of nervousness creeping I them. They have never heard Apollo sound so solemn and serious in the same tone, so something troubling must have happened to him.
"We promise, you know you can trust me with anything, even without any high-end oath." Perseus replied. Hermes was twitching nervously at his seat due to his nature, but one glare from Perseus made his resolve clear.
"Okay. So, you know how I've been quite...'adventurous' with my relationships since the past few years right?" Apollo said quietly.
"Yes." Perseus replied bluntly, taking a drink to his mouth.
"...Yeah...?" Hermes replied, apprehension mixed in his voice as he too took a drink to his mouth, and subtly winked at Perseus, who glared in return.
Apollo took a deep breath, and then let out a heavy sigh. "Well, it has finally happened. I officially...have a kid. A demigod child to be exact."
That was not what Perseus and Hermes were expecting. Both of them choked on their drinks and coughed heavily, while simultaneously tried to process the information they just heard. Apollo...has a child. Apollo, the most laid-back god...has a child. Apollo, the satyr may-care god, is a father. Oh boy.
"Run that over by me again." Hermes gasped out. "You...have a-"
"Not so loud airhead!" Apollo hissed, clamping Hermes's mouth shut with his palms. Not even a minute in, and you're already trying to tell the whole world?!"
"Mphhff. Meephff!" Hermes grunted, flailing his arms. Perseus who was sitting in the middle sighed, and then managed to get Apollo and heres offf each other.
"Blegh! There was monster dust coating your palms, I inhaled monster dust!" Hermes cried out loud.
"Well, if you weren't such a loudass, you wouldn't be high on monster remains now would you!" Apollo shot back.
"Guys, enough!" Perseus yelled out. "We have to leave, there is way too much attention directed at us. One word, and Helios will come barging down with quill and paper, wanting to write everything down." Perseus whispered yelled at the two. Apollo begrudgingly nodded while Hermes clasped his hands on Perseus and Apollo's shoulder. He then flashed the three of them away, and they soon landed on the roof of a small shrine, but from the thick layer of dust and numerous cobwebs, it seemed to be abandoned.
"Whose shrine is this?" Perseus asked.
"Mine, actually." Hermes replied, a small smile on his face. "Built almost ten years ago for this road, since I am the god of roads and all that. But after monsters infested this place, the road became abandoned. And so did this shrine."
"I see. You want me to clear the road sometime?"
"That would be nice. But anyway, I stole some drinks." Hermes said, taking a couple of bottles out of his chiton. "And Perseus can summon those baked potato slices he created to eat. For now, we're going to talk."
"You're lucky I have some spare ones remaining." Perseus replied, snapping his fingers. A large shield popped up from thin air, setting itself gently on the ground, a bunch of sliced potatoes on top of it. Apollo and Hermes stared at the shield, and then at Perseus who shrugged.
"What, I find it somewhat practical." Perseus said, taking a handful. "So Apollo, when exactly did you find out about your child? And, how did you know it is your child?"
"A god can tell Percy; you would know what I mean if you ever see a demigod around. I knew instantaneously that she was my daughter, and all the possible hardships that would come to her." Apollo replied.
"You have a daughter? Congratulation's man." Hermes said, patting Apollo's back.
"Yeah. I only found out about her like yesterday actually. I got some kind of flashback of her mother, my...old lover. So while I was cruising on my sun chariot, and I figured, why not see what was up with her. So I parked above the village she was in, and I found her cradling a little kid. One look, one look..." Apollo said with a sigh, placing his hands on his face.
"How am I able to even visit her? Am I even allowed to? Talk to her at least? I don't even know, because there are these stupid, ancient laws that my father listens to like it's drilled in his head. I don't want to be some kind of absent father you guys, I don't. And it's going to be my fault only." Apollo cried.
"Apollo hey, come on listen. There's no way you're not going to be allowed to see your kid, I'm sure there's going to be some leeway or loophole present which you can use to your advantage." Perseus replied.
"Yeah. Like, maybe as a sun god you can go to any place, and visit anyone, cause you're a god?" Hermes said, but then cringed as he thought back to what he said. "Or better, if your kid does something related to your domains, you can then visit and claim you're just helping someone with whatever difficulty they have, regarding your domains. That can work, right?"
"I...I think." Apollo muttered, shaking his head. "This is too much for me. I- I'm not sure if I would be able to sneak around. Aren't the Fates all knowing, I'm sure they will have something to say..."
Perseus snorted. "They are not that all knowing, believe me I know. From what I remember, they are still creating souls and allocating our various different choices we may take."
Apollo and Hermes both raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think that?" Hermes asked.
Perseus shrugged. "Nothing, I'm just guessing."
"Do you think I should see her. And her mother?" Apollo spoke up. "I mean, I don't want to intrude, she may not even want anything to do with me. But I don't want to set some possible unrealistic expectations..."
"Do what you believe is right. Probably make sure you know what is to be expected from you, otherwise people might take things for granted." Perseus replied. "And don't worry, if you want, I can help as well in any way I can. I have leeway with the laws remember."
Apollo grinned. "Yeah, that's true. You're one lucky god Perce."
"What's the name of your kid if you don't mind me asking." Hermes asked.
"Atlana. I, honestly don't know why she is called that." Apollo replied with a chuckle. "What's wrong with Apollina?"
Perseus and Hermes bursted out laughing on hearing the name. "There's a lot of things wrong with Apollina." Hermes chuckled
"Especially if you're the one complaining about it." Perseus replied, wiping a tear.
"You guys are seriously mean." Apollo grumbled, a wicked gleam setting in his eyes. "Speaking of kids Hermes, how's your hidden humanoid dolphin hybrid kid doing?"
Hermes began to sputter. "How many time to tell you, nothing happened with that dolphin! Dolphins are harmless creatures; I wouldn't do anything to them."
"Uh...I wouldn't really call dolphins harmless creatures." Perseus said with a wince. "Because if what Poseidon said was true, then my entire childhood is ruined."
"Well, orcas are dolphins. So of course they're not harmless. I mean, look at Umbra." Apollo replied.
"I don't mean orcas. Just, regular dolphins." Perseus replied with a sigh.
"What about Hermes's actual kid that's been roaming around. You know, the one who literally does not make sense as to how he's a child of Hermes." Apollo stated.
"Oh, now you leave him alone. And me as well, the number of questions I still get." Hermes whined.
"Percy, answer me this. If Hermes, got frisky with a nymph...what would the child turn out to be?" Apollo asked.
Perseus had a thoughtful look on his face. "I can't say for sure. A nymph maybe, but immortal? Or some kind of minor god?"
Apollo furiously nodded his head. "Yes, yes, those are obvious ones. But what if I told you, the kid turns out to be a satyr! I'm telling you Hermes; something is definitely wrong and up."
Hermes sighed. "Just like you said previously stated with how you knew your kid was yours, same way, I know my kid, is my own. Nothing is amiss at all."
"Bullshit, total bull. Shit." Apollo said, solemnly shaking his head.
"Are you guys talking about Pan? Come on, Pan is a nice, albeit very loud. Don't you dare go start questioning him or his mother now, otherwise I'll sick old Craggy on you." Perseus warned, glaring at Apollo.
"I want, I want!" Apollo said, raising his arms. "But you know, Hermes isn't the only one with the weirdest kid out there."
Demeter with Arion?" Hermes replied.
"True, but this is weirder. Erikthonius, mortal son of Athena, and, Hephaestus."
Perseus blinked, then shuddered. "Not going to lie, that is weird. I still can't believe Athena of all people has a child."
"A kid whose father is old Hephaestus too." Hermes stated. "Wasn't the kid born out of a dirty handkerchief?"
"Ye-p" Perseus and Apollo said together. "How that kid wasn't immortal in the first place still baffles me."
"I heard he succeeded the Athenian throne from the Gemini, and welcomed mortals to live in the city." Hermes said. "That's quite something, since mortals were initially banned except for Athena's own priests and priestesses."
"Yeah, caused quite the commotion. And the Gemini are not happy about it. For all we know, a civil war might break out." Perseus replied.
"So, when are we going to expect weird, or just regular kids from you Percy?" Apollo asked with a grin, but then frowned. "Not that I'm comfortable with the thought of you and my sister..."
"Then you best shut up about it." Perseus replied with a smile, ruffling Apollo's hair. "Before you puke a little in your mouth."
"Mhm." Apollo replied glumly. The three gods then spent the rest of the day talking and horsing around, until dusk approached which prompted them to leave. Perseus returned back to the hunter's camp and joint them for dinner along with Artemis. And after regaling them with a few stories, Perseus crashed in his bed going, falling asleep for once after ten days.
The next morning, Perseus weirdly woke up early. Or so he thought. He took one look at his very different surroundings, and jumped on top of his bed, forming a claymore out of his vambraces. At first glance, he figured Pontus must have kidnapped hi again for some 'bonding' time, but it was only when he didn't get the familiar underwater feeling did he hesitate. He wasn't in Pontus's palace. Which meant, someone else had took hold of him. But who...
"Our sleeper awakes." a weary voice called out from outside the room Perseus was in. Perseus crept slowly to the doorway, took one peak inside, and immediately groaned on seeing who the speaker was.
"Is that the reaction you should give to beings such as ourselves?! The nerve of these gods." Lachesis cried out, waving her club.
"I feel that is a general reaction one would give us. Especially if it's Perseus over here." Clotho drawled out.
"Can you two hold the string straight please? I'm trying to cut it." Atropos muttered, holding a pair of scissors next to a beige colored string. Perseus watched with widened eyes as the string in front of the Fates glowed for a brief moment-
snip
And then the glow died, and Perseus watched as the beige colored sting turned black in color, and then disintegrated. The three Fates let out a collective breath as they watched the remains float out of the entrance of their cave, a small smile plastered on their faces.
"Did I just...watch you three...kill someone?!" Perseus choked out.
Atropos frowned. "I wouldn't call this killing young god. More like, an act of... . Help me out here sisters."
"Retribution? No, but the person was evil. Finality? No, doesn't really work..." Clotho mumbled.
"Just think of it as death, otherwise Atropos here will bore you with her heavy talk." Lachesis said with a sigh.
Perseus frowned. "Or how about no. But first of all, why am I here again. I really can't think of any reason for you three to bring me here. You all are obviously not going to reveal my parentage, I don't even have some rogue prime resource with me, nor have I done anything wrong when it comes to the ancient laws I last checked-"
"It's none of those." Atropos snapped. "We are here, because of something that correlates with your job as 'Twilight Avenger'. Something I hope you wouldn't mind undertaking."
Perseus raised an eyebrow. "You three have a job for me? Like, am I getting paid, or-"
"No and no. We weren't even sure ourselves if you would be up for it. But seeing that you are doing your job as the link to men and gods so well, I believe it's only fair you undertake this." Clotho replied.
"And...what is this task exactly." Perseus asked.
"A guide, to heroes." Lachesis simply replied.
Perseus blinked in surprise. "A guided to heroes. We... but there are hardly any heroes in Greece. At least, full-fledged ones."
"There are now." Atropos replied, snapping her fingers. An iris message of sorts emerged in front of her, showing Perseus a young guy about seventeen, talking to Hermes. He watched in slight confusion as Hermes gave the guy a helmet that turned him invisible, a leather sack, and winged shoes."
"What am I supposed to be looking at here?" Perseus asked, tilting his head to the side.
Clotho sighed. 'That's the young hero you're going to be guiding. And by guiding, we mean that you will try to steer him on a path that is best for him. Don't try to help him out, or fight alongside him in any matters."
"He's a son of Zeus by the way. Quite a mother's boy though." Lachesis said with a smirk.
"Well, the mother is the only relative of his. Except for Zeus, but that's understandable for why he isn't present. And don't get me started on the grandfather." Clotho replied
"Kronos?" Perseus asked.
"No, Acrisius, what a piece of work. Good thing we gave that prophecy spelling his doom." Lachesis stated, making her and her sisters cackle menacingly.
"Oh." Perseus said slowly. "So, I just have to watch his progress? And when am I supposed to intervene?"
"The young hero will soon approach the Grey sisters on their island. After he has dealt with them and received a specific weapon, then you can reveal yourself. And when you do, give him a blade that will aid him in slaying Medusa." Atropos replied.
Perseus nodded slowly, taking in everything that was said to him, until the part where Medusa came up. "Wait, he is going to be the one to slay Medusa? But, how?"
Lachesis wrinkled her nose. "What do you mean how, he just has to wave the sword blindly and shink! Medusa killed."
Perseus narrowed his yes. "I mean, what makes him so special that he will be the one to slay medusa. Numerous other people have tried and failed. And don't say stuff like fate and destiny, you are the Fates."
The Fates were now staring at Perseus, their eyes slowly glowing. "We understand all that. This young hero, is favored and chosen by Athena herself to be the one to slay Medusa. While it wasn't directly implied, it has happened. He has the blessings of his father, Athena, and now you. He has the makings of a true hero, and he will be one, and a great ruler in the future. So, pardon our language, but yes, it is fate and destiny. A destiny he chose to undertake. We, just gave the groundwork for him to carry on." they said together, their voices reverberating everywhere in the cave.
"Okay..." Perseus mumbled. "So, check on the demigods' progress, intervene once. Got it."
"Oh, and be nice to him will you. And don't worry, he's going to live up to a ripe age of eighty-four. Thanks to you obviously." Lachesis said with a wink.
Perseus looked confused for a moment, but then his eyes immediately widened with realization. "W-Wait, he's that soul you guys asked me to-"
"Okay, bye." Clotho said, waving her hand. Perseus instantaneously flashed away mid-sentence, and as soon as he disappeared, the Fates relaxed on their rocking chairs.
"That god, always keeps me on edge. And asks too many questions. I don't like him." Atropos grumbled.
"Considering his lineage, I don't blame you." Lachesis said with a shiver, but then frowned deeply. "Oh, another one has gone..."
"That...is the eight one in the past three days." Clotho said, a flash of worry crossing her face as she stared at a disintegrating string from a nearby pile. "Will Artemis act?"
"She will, she will." Atropos replied calmly. "If she doesn't, then we shall summon her here for berating."
"True, true." Lachesis and Clotho muttered among themselves, once again spinning a thread, as they watched the mist image of a hero, on his way to fulfill his chosen destiny.
Perseus watched with bated breath as the young hero conversed with the Grey sisters. He honestly didn't know anything about him, but he decided to have a wait and see approach. As for the Grey sisters, Perseus didn't really know anything about them as well. All he heard was snippets from Athena, which he chalked it up to as more disgusting Fates, but greyer. And smellier.
Perseus watched as the hero grabbed a singular eye from the middle grey sister's palm, leading the grey trio to almost launch themselves on the hero. Perseus drew a sharp breath and wondered if now was a good time to intervene, hero was unarmed, but smiled when he saw the ingenuity on how to handle the situation. He did feel a bit grossed out, as he saw the hero squeeze the eyeball, and pretend to eat the singular tooth which the grey sisters apparently shared. They really needed more body parts Perseus thought.
A few minutes later, Perseus watched as the hero made his way to a dead oak tree, after chucking the eyeball and tooth at a nearby moss covered lake. It was then that Perseus decided to make himself known, the Fates did say after he got hold of a specific weapon, which Perseus noted was a very shiny shield. Perseus made himself visible, and then cleared his throat.
"You know, that shield would cause a major chariot accident if you direct the suns- WOAH!" Perseus cried out as he ducked down, easily missing the swipe of the shield which might have cleaved his head off if he wasn't a god. He glanced up to see the hero peering down at him, fear and apprehension clearly evident on his facial features.
"If you're a god here to help me, then I'm really, really sorry about what just happened." the hero blurted out. "But if you're some kind of monster..."
"Lucky for you kid, I'm not. A monster that is." Perseus said with a chuckle straightening up. "Those were quite some reflexes though, especially for a demigod like you."
"Likewise." the hero said nervously.
"Hey, relax kid, I'm not angry or here to harm you. Just the opposite." Perseus replied, an easy smile on his face. "You know, I never actually got your name."
"Oh, it's Perseus milord."
"..."
"...Milord?"
"Pffttt. Sorry, sorry." Perseus snorted, laughing out loud. "It's just that, I didn't expect to meet another namesake in the span of a day."
The hero Perseus looked confused. "Namesake...oh. Oh! Oh my gods, are you Lord Perseus, the god of eclipses, twilight, combat, hunting, mountains, that fire hell thingy-"
"Whoa there kid, I mean...Perseus. Man, it feels weird calling someone else my name. But yeah, slow down, you don't have to narrate all my domains. And yes, I'm the one and only Perseus. Just don't add an honorific, not really a fan of those."
Oh, okay...Perseus. Yeah, it does feel weird calling someone else my name."
"Maybe one of us should shorten our name. So that people wouldn't get confused." Perseus replied with a subtle wink. "I don't mind shortening mine, so you can call me Percy. But don't let the other gods know I just told you that."
"Oh okay. Got it...Percy." Perseus the hero tested out. "If you don't mind me asking, why are you here?"
"To help you of course. Because for some reason, you came looking for Medusa unarmed. But, lucky for you, I have a weapon which will help you." Perseus(Percy) replied, stretching his arm out. A sheathed sword appeared on his palm, which he then handed to Perseus the hero.
"Whoa this is so cool." Perseus the hero whispered, unsheathing the sword. "Man, does this look razor sharp. Thanks a lot Percy."
"No problem kid." Percy replied. "So, do you have a plan as to how you're going to kill Medusa?"
"Well, I have to close my eyes cause she can turn people to stone. So, I will just blindly wave this sword around and shink! Medusa is dead?"
"Yeah...no. Let's try that again." Percy said with a sigh. "Okay, you have a sword, and a shield. Basic, but efficient weapons, check. Now, as you can see the, shield is very shiny. What do you think you can do with that?" Percy asked.
Perseus the hero narrowed his eyes as he stared at the shield, and in turn, his own reflection. "I got it! I can use the reflection from the shield to see my surroundings, without looking directly into Medusa's eyes!"
"That's it mini me, you got it." Percy replied with a grin. "That sword is seriously sharp, and made from celestial bronze, a very rare metal. So you don't have to worry about not being able to cut Medusa's head off. Even though I don't like the idea of killing her, it has to be done."
"Yep. And what about her sisters, the other two gorgons?" Perseus the hero asked.
"From what I heard, they are very sound sleepers, so you should be fine." Percy replied, patting the hero's shoulder. "You got your directions, right?"
"Yeah, I know where her cave is."
"Alright then. It's time for you to leave then." Percy replied, distinctly hearing the excited cries of the Grey sisters as they cried for blood. "Yep, it's definitely time for you to leave."
"Okay. I'm ready." Perseus breathed out, the wings on his sandals soon fluttering. In no time, he was out into the sky. Percy watched as the figure became smaller and smaller, and soon disappeared. Percy then let out a sigh as he heard low growls behind him, and turned around to find the Grey sisters salivating at him.
"You're not that pesky hero boy. Who are you." The middle one yelled out.
Percy showed of his vambrace. "Perseus." he said, forming an attached blade from the brace. "Lord Perseus."
The sister with the one beady eyeball widened gave an experimental sniff, and then shrieked loudly. The other two sister were confused, but were carried off by the latter who kept on shouting expletives. Perseus rolled his eyes as brought down his blade. He had one final stop to go to, a place he didn't expect to return at all.
Perseus was definitely surprised with how adaptable the hero was. He watched as he made his way through the numerous stone statues that littered the now narrow road, and was careful not to accidently knock them out. Perseus was with him every step of the way, until the cavern where the gorgons resided. There were even more statues inside, though most seemed to be half destroyed. Perseus watched as the young hero made his way down, shield and sword ready. It was then that Perseus took another good look at Medusa, only too see she hadn't changed a bit since the time she first transformed. Though her belly was quite big.
"Wait" Perseus thought, peering down at the sleeping form of medusa, his eyes slowly widening. Medusa's belly wasn't big from what Perseus thought was food. Medusa was pregnant.
Perseus was confused and felt sick as he thought of the implications. How long was she pregnant for? Was she like this since her intimacy with Poseidon? How come she never managed to give birth?
While Perseus was thinking all this, he didn't realize that one of Medusa's snakes from her hair was alerted of a presence. Either it was him or the hero, but Medusa was slowly starting to wake up. Perseus held his breath as he saw the other Perseus swing the sword around in an arc, while gazing only at his mirrored shield. Perseus then sighed with relief as he saw Medusa's head get decapitated, finally ending her curse. In a way that Perseus still didn't like, but it was sadly the only option.
He watched with a slight smile as Perseus the hero did a small happy dance after he properly concealed the head in the bag. But his eyes then widened when he saw the blood and ichor mixture pooling out of Medusa's head, and forming two distinct shapes.
Out of one of the shapes, a brown horse with red and gold wings and muzzle broke out, surprising both Perseus's to the core. The two watched in awe as the winged horse took flight, and made its way to the corridor and soon disappeared from sight.
"That horse has wings." Perseus whispered, a grin setting on his face. "That is so awesome."
While the two Perseus's were still distracted by the appearance of the very first Pegasus, a figure dressed in golden armor popped out of the other shape, his golden eyes gleaming. Not wanting to interact with the guy carrying a sack, he scuttled away unnoticed, which worked because Perseus was still distracted.
Suddenly, a loud crash resounded through the cave, making Perseus jump. He glanced down to see that hero Perseus in his stupor, accidently knocked a statue down, which in turn knocked another statue down, and soon started a domino effect.
"Run mini me." Perseus muttered as he watched the hero scramble to the exit. Perseus heard the loud cries of the other two gorgons and turned around to see them approaching fast. Knowing that they would easily catch up to the hero, leaving him no time to attack or take out the head, Perseus decided to intervene. He flicked his wrists a couple of times, his aim directed at the stalactites on the ceiling. A low rumble echoed around the cavern, and Perseus watched as numerous stalactites broke from the ceiling, and fall on top of the gorgons or at the entrance of the cavern, caving it in. He still kept his control on the stalactites pinning the gorgons down, and only let go once he was certain Perseus the hero had made it out safely. As soon as that as achieved, Perseus then let go and flashed away, leaving behind the strangled cries and roars of the two sisters of Medusa.
Perseus flashed on the small beach on Medusa's island, where the hero Perseus was. He had immediately noticed the flash of light, and grinned when he saw who it was.
"Hey Percy. I...I did it. I actually got Medusa's head."
Perseus(Percy) smiled. "You did amazing, I'm honestly proud of you. Even though I know you for like, a day, but still. Really proud."
"Thank you, it really means a lot." The hero Perseus said. "Do you want to take a look at the head or..."
"No I'm good honestly. Seeing the face of Medusa twice is enough for me. But I will need the head later after you are done with it, which, you will know what I mean soon enough." Perseus said with a wink.
"Oh okay, yeah you can totally keep it later."
"Awesome. I think it's time you head home then. You got your directions for that right?" Percy asked, nodding when Perseus the hero gave an affirmative. "Good, I don't want to delay you any further so off you go."
"Yeah, I do have to go soon." Perseus the hero murmured. "But thanks a lot for your help Lord- I mean Pers- I mean Percy, heh. Thank you so much."
"Don't mention it. I'll see you later then." Percy replied, watching as the hero once again took flight, flying towards the sunrise. Perseus let out a deep breath as he heard the snap noise that came with a god flashing, and turned around to see the Fates behind him.
"Let me guess, you're here to berate me about me interfering with the other two-"
"On the contrary, we are here to congratulate you. You did a splendid work on being a guide to young Perseus. We couldn't have hoped for a better candidate." Atropos said, lifting a familiar black and blue string. "So, do you want to make it official?"
Perseus tilted his head to the side, and then smiled. k"Yeah, I don't mind at all."
"Then kneel Lykofós Perseus." The Fates announced together. "From now on, you shall be the guide of all heroes, regardless of parentage or birth. Lead them to glory on their quests, but make them face their hardships and lessons, for nothing comes without a price in life. Rise, Twilight Avenger, protector of all innocent."
Perseus's string as well as him glowed gold, making Perseus shudder. "So, are there any changes in me or...?"
"Hmm...Nah." Lachesis said. "It's only a title, nothing special to add."
"You should be prepared though for what's to come. Perseus, the hero that is, was just the beginning. More are yet to come, and these heroes will span an age the mortal world has never seen before. The age, of heroes. With you, at the lead." Clotho stated.
"But along with this, more challenges will come. One quite soon. Monsters will arise, tales will be sung and written. And best of all, we don't even know what's in store." Atropos replied.
"Until then, we'll be watching you." Lachesis chirped brightly, her and her sister's eyes glowing grey as they slowly levitated off the ground.
"We will be watching you..." they then said together, disappearing in a flash of light.
So, what do you guys think. I apologize if you guys got seriously confused with the Percy and Perseus dialogue. Or was it Perseus and Perseus. Ahhh, I'm getting a migraine now dammit. So, what did you guys think about the childbirth segment with Artemis? I may be wrong, but I have never seen a fanfic explore that side of her at all, which is weird since childbirth is a big thing oh hers. But like I said, I might be wrong. It's just, I never have seen a fic have something like this shown. Though I'm pretty sure I botched up somewhere with labor or childbirth, but I enjoyed writing it nonetheless.
Also, I know not much happened in this chapter, but I promise you guys, er are picking up steam. Which leads me to an announcement. My university has started, new year btw. So, I'm not on vacation anymore, which means that update schedule may get a bit wonky somewhere. Now, I'm not going to leave you guys hanging like I did a couple of times back, which is why I'm going to tell you all a week from advance if an update will come or not. So, yeah, an update will come next week. Cool? Cool.
New a/n:- Okay, I have something to say to you guys. Now I know I didn't update yesterday, and it wasn't because I didn't manage to complete the chapter or hit a writers block. The thing is, my fic more or less got plagiarised. I got to know from a friend and some digging of my own that a couple of authors has either copy pasted my chapters but changed characters or certain interactions, or, have used eerily similar elements and plot points I made in my own works, and basically gave a paint job to cover it up to look different. So yesterday was all me and other people trying to make sense of this situation, and I think we may have controlled it. I'm not sure, it may pop up again for all I know. Now, even though what me and other authors write is ultimately fanfiction, plagiarising works is seriously frowned upon, especially without permission. This is different from tropes and all that, which is why I was concerned about this in the first place. I'm truly sorry about the delay as well, and if any of you readers see people actually plagiarising work, please make sure the original author knows about this at least.Once again, thank you guys so much for reading, leave all the follows and revs and favs and what not, and I will see you guys in the next update. Bye!...\/