Authors Note: Well, another day, another chapter. Hope you guys are happy that I'm back updating, it's nice it be actually 'back'. Though I am slightly disappointed with the few reviews *sniff*, maybe I should try reverse psychology. Anyway, continue reading please.
Chapter 52: Only a few revelations
"Just when I was to return to my hunters…" Artemis grumbled. "It's like you men are one after the other trying to keep me away from them."
"Oi!" Percy exclaimed with mock indignation. "I'm making an effort not to be insulted over here."
"Not you, I meant… boys."
"Thanks, that really helped."
"Dam, you have to leave again?" Thalia asked.
"Dam indeed bug." Percy replied with a sigh. "Inside joke." He told Artemis on seeing her questioning look.
"Are you gods always this busy? Because so far, I'm only seeing you all hop from one place to another." Thalia asked.
"I agree, were we always this busy? I presumed not being the focus of attention will allow us to kick back and relax."
"We were always busy Perseus." Artemis recalled. "But we each had the right company to get through with it." She then said with a wink.
"Oh now that I won't complain about." Percy said with a grin, leaning back. "Besides, I won't ask for anyone else to spend my free time with-"
Umbra suddenly sped up jumped into the air and landed back in the water. It then came to a relaxed state, a shit eating smile on its face.
"Your kid was slipping off." She said simply to the two gods, who were now drenched, and glaring daggers at her.
"Are you in the mood for seafood Artemis? Because I so badly want to grill orca meat right now." Percy asked calmly.
"I myself would prefer some orca fin soup." Artemis agreed.
"Aren't you two supposed to go for some meeting?" Thalia asked while Umbra complained about there being no sense of humor in her master
"Right, council meeting. I don't want Zeus to send reminders now." Percy said, slightly shuddering. "We'll have to leave you with the hunters. Again." He said apologetically, making Thalia sigh. "Let's just hope we don't find it in flames."
The hunters camp was thankfully, not in flames. Yet. Percy noticed that some of the hunters had disappeared, while a few remained. As for Arius, he was also nowhere to be seen.
"With Zoë milady." Hunter said, answering the question asked by Artemis. "Said he wanted to experience 'familiar territory' again. Phoebe and Celyn went with them as well."
"Well, they are keeping an eye on him at least." Artemis noted. "Hunter, watch over Thalia for now. And inform Zoë once she arrives that me and Perseus have gone to attend a council meeting. And knowing what's going to happen, it's going to be a long while before I return back here."
"Again milady?"
Artemis slightly smiled. "This time it's different at least."
"No, you can't go on Umbra without my supervision."
"But why, I'll be careful."
"Yeah master, have some faith in me at least…"
"You're already in hot water, don't increase the temperature." Percy warned.
"Can't even take a joke now…"
"Perseus, we have to go." Artemis called out.
"Yeah, in a minute!" Percy said, ruffling Thalia's hair. "Be good kid!"
"When am I not." Thalia retorted with a grin.
Percy grinned back. "Never." He replied, enjoying Thalia's mock surprised look. He and Artemis then flashed away with a bright light, soon appearing just outside the doors of the throne room.
"Hmm, I can't hear anything inside." Percy murmured, glancing at Artemis. "You think he just called us both only, or…?"
"Perhaps. Why don't we go in and see then?" Artemis replied, her mouth slightly twitching.
"Okay." Percy said, casually swinging the doors open and strutting in. Only to stop dead in his tracks.
All conversation ceased in the throne room as soon as the doors opened, which led to eleven pairs of eyes to be directed towards the entrant, which was Percy, who slowly paled once he realized that everyone was in the room.
Zeus was of course at the head, a small smile on his face when he saw Percy. Next to him on the men's side, Poseidon was staring slack-jawed at him, a stormy look behind his eyes. Ares was no different, for he had immediately gotten up and summoned a spear, his face turning various shades of gold. Apollo was listening to his Walkman but winked at Percy, while Hermes literally crawled up his throne, staring at him with bugged out eyes and pointing at him with a quivering finger. Hephaestus, reputed for not getting surprised at all, literally burst into flames. And next to him, a man who Percy had never seen before, raised an eyebrow in boredom.
On the other side of Zeus, his wife Hera, the queen of Olympus, looked sick the more she stared at him. Her sister, Demeter was no better, as she had already fainted, crumpling in her throne. Athena, similar to her brother Ares, had also gotten up and was adorned in full battle gear, her storm grey eyes staring ferociously at Percy. Next to her, Artemis had flashed on her throne, giving a subtle wink to Percy and mouthed 'good luck'. And finally Aphrodite, who just waved at Percy and blew him a kiss.
Percy internally sighed. "Maybe I should have given a warning" he muttered as the room immediately broke into chaos.
"What the fu-!"
"RAAAGGGHHH!"
"Stand down!"
"Enough!" Zeus bellowed, but Ares and Athena had already made their call. They both charged at Percy with weapons drawn, the latter merely grinning as he crossed his arms, catching both weapons between his vambraces.
"Hello my dear siblings. How have you been."
Ares let out a war cry, while Athena peered at him with cold, calculating eyes. "Bold of you to speak with his tongue."
Percy sighed. "Come on, I don't want to go through this again. Uncle Zeus, I thought you informed them of my arrival?"
Zeus looked confused. "I specifically told you to meet up with your fellow gods before I held the meeting. I'm assuming you didn't, judging from these reactions you have garnered."
"Brother." Poseidon asked softly, an undertone of danger in his voice. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Guys, come on, it's me." Percy said with a laugh, disengaging with Ares and Athena. "Look around, Zeus, Artemis, Apollo and Aphrodite already know. They can vouch for me, It's really me."
"What?" Athena shouted, a scowl on her face. She turned towards Artemis, a questioning look on her face. "Sister, what does he…how-"
Artemis merely smiled. "I'm sure you can figure this out if you think really hard."
"Impossible!" Hermes screeched, wringing Apollo's neck. "You knew and you didn't tell me?!"
"I told you hundreds of times!" Apollo cried out indignantly. "You literally ignored my calls!"
"Because you kept telling me you got our heart back! I work 24/7, why would I respond to a body part. I have half a mind to fine you!"
"You… you." Ares muttered, his breathing becoming heavy. "So… you did survive Gaia's wrath…"
Percy grinned. "Yep. Though sadly, that altercation is not as bloody as you would have liked it."
"That was quite a spectacle back then." Hephaestus called out from his throne. "You made a mark back then, which unfortunately got sullied. But that doesn't matter really lad."
"Oh, thanks- mmph!"
"I don't care." The war god growled, cracking Percy's ribs as he gave him a jab on his chest. "I'm bloody proud of you, punk. Though you are thousands of years late for my respect."
"Apollo, revive Demeter please. And give something for my wife too." Zeus ordered. "And brother, are you just going to stand there?"
"This… this is a bit too much. Even I-" Poseidon muttered, clutching his trident tightly. "How is he here…"
"He will explain in due time. But see him in case you don't get a chance later on."
"Uncle Poseidon!" Percy called out, grinning wildly. "You look sea sick!"
Poseidon composed himself. "Hush boy, you don't want me to throw you in a pod of sea serpents now, would you?"
Percy gulped. "No sir."
"Then come here son." The sea god bellowed enveloping Percy into a hug. "I must say when my brother called us all for a council meeting so soon after the last one, this was not what I envisioned to happen."
"Council meetings are still boring? Some things never change then." Percy replied with a laugh.
"Speaking of change, let me look at you." Poseidon said, pulling Percy back. "Hmm, it's been so long, but you are exactly as I recall. Older maybe, though you should do something about that hair."
"Huh? I think it's fine." Percy muttered, running a hand through it.
"Too long."
"Uh-oh, Percy start running, Athena's mad because you broke her." Apollo shouted, cackling to himself.
"Oh I'm not mad." Athena replied tiredly, massaging her head. "I just have a child inside my head right now, making it difficult to think this hard."
Percy's mouth opened and then closed. "I'm sorry, what-"
"But, that doesn't mean I am not pleased to see you." Athena replied, grabbing his hands. "We will need to have a discussion on that ability of yours, the one you subdued the earth mother with, and what more practical uses you can apply now. For strategic purposes of course. And I believe you would need another crash course on the history you have missed, so we can sit down in the same night and go over through it together, and then we can-"
"Athena, breathe!" Percy interjected with a laugh. "You're rambling again."
"Oh." Athena mouthed, alight blush on her cheeks. "Well, that shouldn't stop us-"
"Daughter, maybe you could continue your discussion later." Zeus interrupted. "I haven't called this meeting just to reunite Perseus with everyone. There is a pressing matter we have to discuss."
"Oh come on father, can't we leave it for next month? It should be a time for celebration! Our own god has returned from who knows where, it should be a day to commemorate! Banquets, nectar infused wine, and I'm thinking of a music number which I would very much like to do."
Aphrodite visibly paled. "Please tell me it doesn't involve the flamingos…"
"You are surprisingly not jumping about." Hephaestus commented to the only other god that was still seated. "The mere mention of the word 'party' would have you sitting upright at the very least."
"I have been unfortunately banned, remember? I'm supposed to be in probation my dear friend." The god drawled out. "Dead god!"
Percy didn't realize that someone was calling him, until he felt someone tap his shoulder. He turned around to find a grapevine floating next to him, which then receded back to the throne of the god who Percy noticed earlier. And after mentally checking his list, realized who this could be.
Dionysus, the god of wine, was short but porky. He had a really red nose and watery eyes, like he was going through some kind of allergic reaction. His hair was curly and so black that Percy was almost sure it was purple. He reminded him of those winged babies he saw in Renaissance paintings, hubbubs? No, cherubs. A big middle aged looking cherub that was dressed in a tiger print shirt and probably fitted well in a trailer park. A far cry from the lithe demigod he vaguely remembered during the Gigantomachy.
"So… you are my predecessor." Dionysus muttered, eyeing Percy.
"I'm sorry?"
"Hmm, you look quite threatening… . I believe it ruins the element of surprise." The god replied, summoning a can of soda and raised it to him. Percy was confused, until Zeus launched a thunderbolt to the ceiling.
"Now, can we please sit down and talk in a civilized manner." Zeus grumbled, raising his hand. A simple stone throne appeared, placed next to the hearth.
"Take a seat nephew."
"What, why not give him his throne?" Aphrodite demanded. "You're giving him this to sit on?!"
Zeus raised his hand. "There are reasons Aphrodite. Which is why this meeting is taking place now."
Percy glanced at Artemis, who looked confused too, but gave a supportive look to him.
"Well." Zeus then said, after a brief moment of silence. "Now while Perseus's reappearance is one of profound joy, there are sadly, certain restrictions that we must take into account for holding this information from the public. For some time now, Perseus has been roaming about the mortal world, and has come across some… concerning individuals. These are none other than the titans."
The gods who weren't privy to the information were had various degrees of shock and surprise on their faces. "While the selection is very small in number, and only those of lesser threat, the conclusion remains that there are titans who have broken out of their respective prisons. And it may be only a matter of time before titans of higher caliber may join that list."
"What are you implying Zeus?" Demeter asked.
Zeus frowned slightly. "Titans shouldn't be roaming the mortal world. Those in Tartarus are secured heavily by the Hecatoncheires. And I have made sure the peaceful titans are secured."
"So they are breaking out!" Ares shouted.
"Or someone's freeing them." Athena pointed out.
"Are you saying there's a possibility that an uprising may happen?" Hera asked.
"That's too soon to say. But it is a possibility."
"Brother." Poseidon said slowly. "You don't think it could be… πατέρας?"
Zeus's face darkened. "I don't think so."
The elder gods shouted, while the younger gods listened and stared with rapt attention. A quick discussion was held between the siblings in Greek, which slowly devolved to them just communicating telepathically.
"I made sure to ask them personally if they sensed his presence." Zeus's voice thundered. "And the answer was negative, there is no reason to place the source on him."
"Then who else brother?!" Poseidon argued. "If what Perseus speaks is the truth, then there's no one else other than him to lead."
"There are always others Poseidon. Others who want to take the mantle, to finish what they started. Those who want to rebel..."
"Um." Apollo raised his hand. "Are you guys talking about Kronos?"
The throne room slightly darkened at the mere mention of the name. Zeus frowned. "Take heed in not invoking that name often. But there is no indication on him rising."
"I have already heard your pleas before Perseus." Zeus then said on noticing Percy getting up. "However, my decision still stands. But that does not mean we can't take any precautions."
"I want my children to heed these words for now. The possibility of titans reappearing may increase, but we don't know by how much. Perseus here has already engaged with two, and there is the risk of more coming from his name alone."
Athena's eyes then widened. "If we are to concern ourselves with titans, what about the great prophecy? And the child?"
Zeus glared at Percy. "The child will be taken care of. I have made necessary precautions on how to deal with her."
Ares flicked out a knife. "I still believe we should kill her, for all of our sakes." He grumbled, receiving nods of approval from Dionysus and Hera.
"Killing her may be the easy option." Athena agreed. "But would it be the right one?"
Ares shrugged. "Who cares, as long as we don't have a reason for the prophecy to hang over our heads, we can-"
"No." Percy said strongly, his eyes glowing. "You, and no one else, will even lay a finger on her."
Dionysus scoffed. "Why so protective over that little brat?"
Percy didn't answer, and instead glared at the god, who frowned in response. "I don't like that look of yours." He muttered, waving around his can.
"Enough." Zeus rumbled. "The child is not part of this discussion. But she is indeed a liability, especially if she comes across a titan."
"Which is why I'm asking you to let her remain with me." Percy demanded. "She will be safe with me; you claim you don't want any titans after her when you're literally going to let her be on her own!"
"She will be watched over." Zeus thundered. "We are not repeating that discussion again Perseus. And if you are that worried for the child's safety, then it will be best you undertake this task I have for you and my children."
Percy clenched his teeth. Hermes looked curious. "A task?" he asked
"Tracking and hunting down any titans that may have escaped." Zeus announced. "This I give to my children to carry out. All of your strengths will be key in making sure this operation will be successful."
Dionysus's eyes lit up. "Does that mean my probation is over?"
"No, you are still required to remain in the camp. You will not be participating"
"Darn it."
"Wait." Percy said, getting up. "You didn't include me in that list among your children. Am I not to meant to participate in this task as well?"
Zeus narrowed his eyes. "Think carefully Perseus, why would I send you out to hunt titans, when I am also actively trying to reduce the knowledge of your revival among others?"
"And that leads to the other matter. I have previously mentioned about restrictions that are to be taken into effect with Perseus's reappearance. The first, is that his anonymity will be preserved. We do not need to alert the entire Greek pantheon on his arrival, nor do we want to alert any potential threats, who may take this information and act upon it. The current situation for now is favorable, we can assess more on titan activity, and let them run their course naturally without any external factors prompting them to reveal their hand early. Or change it. This will also allow us to learn how much they know, and what their individual and main motivations may be."
The gods fell silent on hearing all this, the only sounds heard being the slight crackle of the hearth. Artemis glanced at Percy, the resigned but dejected look on his face making her heart ache. She knew he was looking forward to the possibility of tracking down any titans alongside her, and she wouldn't lie and claim that she didn't feel the same. And after seeing him interact with the child, Artemis couldn't fault Percy for being protective of her well-being. And from what little she interacted with Thalia, she could see why.
"Ares, Athena, Artemis, Apollo, Hermes. I leave this to you all."
Zeus stared at Percy, an unreadable expression on his face. "You should not presume to have any relations with that child mind you. Nor do you forget her actual relation with me."
Percy smirked. "I may already have, Uncle."
Zeus stroked his master bolt, a slight frown on his face. "Any questions?"
There were many questioning looks among the gods on the conversation that transpired, but no one uttered a word. Zeus then got up, his face slightly darkening.
"Remember, your appearance is a secret. Refrain from anymore revelations, this secrecy has to be maintained." He told Percy. "Your throne will not be given, or status revealed until deemed fit. Is that clear, by everyone?"
"Aye." everyone muttered. Zeus then disappeared in a flash of lightning, and the meeting adjourned. Percy sighed as he shrunk down to mortal size, while Artemis appeared next to him.
"How are you feeling?"
"Kinda awful? I can't say much progress has been made." Percy muttered, frowning. "How am I supposed to even maintain my anonymity now? I don't want to do something stupid like give myself a new identity or something."
"There's the death mist you used before." Artemis recalled.
"I may be cut off from any possible source for that right now, so that's off the table."
"It's not fair!" Apollo wailed as he threw himself at Percy. "We were supposed to have a grand party, booze everywhere! But father had to bloody… aargh!"
Percy felt something poke him behind the back and swerved around, finding a grinning Hermes. "Holy shit dude!"
"What, you thought I was some apparition?' Percy snickered, while Hermes laughed, swinging his arm around the god.
"Ah, I never should have doubted it. Styx, I can't believe you came back." Hermes exclaimed, giving Percy a noogie. "Things are only going to get crazy now huh?"
"I suppose so, now that father has officially gave the command regarding the Titans."
"Of course." Hermes muttered. "I don't know how that is happening, titans possibly breaking out, but it got me thinking, about my mother. Even yours in fact."
"Maia." Apollo said, a soft smile on his face. "Yes, I do wonder how mother is doing…"
"Perseus." Poseidon called out, calling over the god. "Does your mother know?" he asked.
"Of course. She was one of the first."
Poseidon nodded. "Good, good. She was rightfully distraught when you disappeared, it had taken a long time before she could even partially recover. But she never really did fully in the end, but I suppose none of us really did to some extent."
"But, there is no need to dwell on the past now." The sea god replied with a smile. "While my dear brother may have barred any festivities, that doesn't mean we can't celebrate in our own way. Come to my palace, it will be lovely to catch up one day."
Percy sweatdropped. "I'm supposed to remain incognito, remember."
Poseidon sighed. "For being the god of theatre, my brother does take away the fun sometimes doesn't he. Fret not, there can be other ways."
"That's right Uncle!' Apollo grinned from behind Percy. "Get ready, because we are definitely doing a get together right this instant. You, me, Hermes! And Artemis I guess."
"You guess?" Artemis asked from behind, making Apollo jump. Poseidon winked at Percy and disappeared into sea breeze.
"I'm just saying sis; you don't really want to join us for boy stuff now."
Artemis crossed her arms. "I don't trust you. And who said drinking yourselves silly is boy stuff?"
"So… you will do that?"
"No."
"There, that's why it's us boys only sis."
"Don't call me sis!"
"Uh…" Hermes said slowly, stepping back. "I am on a bit of a tight schedule today, plus I have a meeting with someone regarding business, so I'm not sure if I-"
"Oh no you don't!" Apollo exclaimed, grabbing Hermes by the collar. "We all are here, and we all are going to have fun, especially with Percy here. And no one will be leaving for any reason!"
"Well…" Percy trailed off. "There is one more person missing."
'…Of course! How can we forget about our mysterious beauty." Apollo said with a dreamy sigh.
"I'm right here actually." Aphrodite replied.
"Oh, and there's Aph too." Apollo said, a grin on his face. "What say, me and Hermes grab the stuff, Artemis I need you for lookout, and Percy…"
"I'll go ahead to the Underworld. There is one other person I would like to see before meeting Hecate." The god replied, smiling slyly.
"Then it's decided!"
"I may have to leave early thoughhhh!" Hermes cried out as Apollo grabbed him and dashed out of the throne room in a blur, leaving scorch marks on the floor.
"Ganymede won't be too happy on seeing this." Artemis noted.
"Well, looks like us boys are going to be dragging you away for an even longer time." Percy teased.
"Well, thankfully it's with those that I'm comfortable with then."
"Because you would go immediately to your hunters after the meeting?'
"Not before sending a message to the fool delusional enough to give me an invite."
Percy slightly winced. "Ouch, you are more defensive then I remember."
"Well." Artemis sighed. "You already know why."
"True. But you don't need to put the front up now. You've already established yourself now more than ever. You could let loose a little."
"Maybe. But it is second nature for me now, so losing it may be difficult to ask."
"But… you don't have to worry about me guarding myself around you." Artemis then said, a cheeky smile on her face.
"Oh really." Percy smirked, inching closer to her.
"Uh-uh, don't forget, no touching."
"That's alright, I'm fine with looking." Percy replied with a grin.
"Oh hush you."
"Make me..."
"Maybe I will…"
"Ahem."
Percy and Artemis immediately backed away, both of them staring at an amused Athena.
"I must say it is cute seeing you two gushing over each other again. But can you please limit it to inside your tent?"
"We weren't- um, not like that-"
"Sure Perseus. But, we will have to discuss this new development Zeus has brought upon us. It may not be tomorrow, but some day. I hope I can expect you two to at least take this seriously?"
"Of course." Artemis said, while Percy looked confused. "I'm not part of the titan hunting team though?"
"That is true, but you are the only who had interactions with them in this current time period. So it will be wise to gain any input from you, see if we can connect some things. Which is why I would need you as well."
Percy nodded with a grin. "I'll be happy to help in any way I can."
"Well that's one load that might be off my shoulder then. Now to reign Ares in before he decides to charge blindly." Athena muttered to herself, disappearing in a flash of grey light.
"So, what will you be up to now? You want to accompany me down under, or are you planning to go back to the hunters?"
Artemis had a thoughtful look on her face, "Actually, I was thinking of staying here." Artemis said. "Roaming around, collecting my thoughts to be exact."
Percy raised an eyebrow, but didn't press on. "I was thinking of seeing my mother again. I should let her know about this meeting before she decides to go help for some non-existent party.
"Aren't we having one though?"
"Huh, you're not wrong." Percy realized, slowly grinning. "I'll see what I can do. See you soon?"
"Of course." Artemis replied, giving Percy's hand a tight squeeze. She then swept out of the room, while Percy stepped into a shadow, letting it swallow him into the realm.
Percy glided across the shadow plane, wondering how he was going to present himself to Hades. He could always just take a stroll through the Underworld, maybe even come across the Furies. Or maybe run across some souls he may once know. No, scratch that, he wasn't ready for that yet.
Percy felt the presence of the Underworld getting closer, and increased his speed. It wasn't like he was much in a hurry, but after knowing the primordial Moros had taken residence in the shadow plane, Percy wasn't keen on running into him or any of his associates yet. Especially after that threat, but now was not the time.
Percy then ripped out an opening and dived through, appearing right at the entrance of Hades's palace. Familiar black columns portico made out of black marble, and into the palace. The entry hall remained the same, with its polished bronze floor and torches of Greek fire. Though this time, there was no ceiling. It didn't matter anyway; Percy knew the god of the dead didn't have to worry about any rain.
Percy then walked up the winding steps and found himself in Lord Hades's throne room, with the god nowhere in sight. Percy looked confused on spotting the empty throne made of bones and slowly walked around, wondering where the god was when he heard something ripple behind him.
"You didn't think I would have immediately sensed your presence godling?" An oily voice spoke."
Percy smirked. "Come on Uncle, it has been two thousand years. And I have been mostly an adult anyway."
"I never implied you were actually little." Hades replied with a smile. His dark green robes shimmered as he moved, the contorted faces of souls rippling through the fabric as they silently screamed. His appearance this time was a bit different, his long black hair now replaced with a shoulder length wolf cut, and a neatly trimmed beard. An intricate golden crown adorned his head. His skin was still albino white, but there was some color slowly coming in.
"You know, I almost didn't realize that you didn't attack me for entering your palace, or realm in fact." Percy noted. "Not that you have barred me or anything, but it is, well, me."
The god of the dead chuckled dryly. "I was informed of your imminent appearance by your mother just a few minutes ago. She informed me that you had visited the other Olympians, and that Zeus has imposed some, guidelines, on your reappearance. I must say, I sadly relate to that."
"But, I must congratulate you on returning back to the land of the living. Even though Tartarus has never had the pleasure of your presence."
Percy momentarily smiled. "I came from there, remember?"
Hades waved it off. "From what I recall, that's a technicality. But how are you, ever since coming back. Have you had the time to adjust to this new era?"
"Well, I must say it's nothing that I ever expected it to look like." Percy admitted. "The progress humans have made since back then, it's almost astounding."
"Yes, I have seen my fair share." Hades replied, staring out to the acropolis of the dead. "The amount of equipment I had to borrow and use, I must say, it has managed to make handling the dead more effective."
"You don't sound too happy though." Percy snickered.
Hades rolled his eyes. "It's starting to get a bit crowded." He admitted. "Not to mention the pay raises that everyone has been demanding lately. That Charon, all the time demanding for Italian suits…"
"Hey now those aren't too bad." Percy agreed. "But everything seems quite… normal I must say. In the mortal world at least. "
"Indeed. However, there is always a storm brewing close by. Ready to rip everything out from its roots." Hades replied as he walked away, and seated himself on his throne.
Percy raised an eyebrow. "I assume you are referring to the prophecy?"
"Correct. You may think I would like to keep to myself, away from this new mess. But truth to be told, I wouldn't mind if the root is destroyed."
Percy frowned. "The root?"
Hades's skin turned slightly grey. "Forgive me nephew, I seem to be delving deeper in thought regarding the prophecy. Now more than ever. Especially after I have learned that Zeus's spawn has gone missing. I couldn't help but wonder how my brothers grave mistake will play out. Will that child doom us as the prophecy calls for, or will it keep us sustained? Once again, a child of Zeus may be hailed as the hero of Olympus. Nothing different from what we have seen over the centuries. Or so we are led to believe."
Percy straightened up, a questioning look on his face. "I don't understand your thoughts Uncle."
Hades glowered down at him. "You may not have been informed then. I won't hold that against you, that period of time was… difficult, for me to oversee. The losses my children's wrath caused, and the losses they themselves faced. Even those who were innocent…"
"I've heard about those wars." Percy said sadly, a sympathetic look on his face. "I'm sorry that had to have happen."
Hades let out a shuddering breath. "You have no need to apologize for that nephew. But I rather not really think about it, what had happened to them. The number of children I had to displace at that time. A daughter of mine to Alaska. A couple of my children from Italy to here. Another in Korea. But in the end, not one of them…"
"And now, I am expected to sit down here, barred from any public opinion, and just wait out for this prophecy to play out that is regarding us? I refuse nephew, and I'm sorry if our views may differ, but I won't apologize for them."
Percy slowly stepped back, a realization slowly settling in him. "What are you exactly planning?"
Hades's eyes darkened. "I believe I have taken this conversation too far." He said, sighing deeply. "I'm afraid that's been happening more and more as I remain alone. Can't bear to step out of my palace now these days, and roam around like I used to. One wrong turn… and I might just see them… . Either lost or suffering."
He then laughed darkly. "Oh, it's times like these where I do miss Persephone. But it's fine, I won't take her away from her time spent above."
"Looks like you could use some company." Percy offered.
"Oh no, it's fine. I might call Shakespeare when he's free to read to me. Or maybe I'm in the mood for Enid Blyton's work. Regardless, I know you plan to spend some time with your friends, I won't keep them waiting. But thank you, for coming down here and seeing this old soul at least."
"Now why would I not do that." Perseus said with a small smile.
Hades stood up. "Pardon me nephew, but I must take my leave. I hope you enjoy your stay in the Underworld for now."
"I will." Percy replied, watching as Hades melted into the shadows. He then made his way to the staircase, and as he descended down, he tried not think of the conversation he had with Hades. What he said back there was troubling, to put it mildly. He hadn't seen his uncle this riled up since… ever, and it only fueled his speculation on what transpired with the gods since his disappearance. Things didn't seem that drastic now, but as hades had eloquently put it, t did feel that currently, they were in the calm before the storm.
Percy then reached the lower floors, and made his way through the corridor, passing through some newly installed dungeons. He finally made his way to the other end, where Hecate's quarters were, located behind a stone wall. It still had Nyx's symbol on it, the outward facing crescent moons attached to a full moon. Percy walked around a couple of times as he muttered to himself, and then knocked.
A series of crashes and curse words flew behind the door, and then silence, which prompted to Percy knock again.
"Argh! Whoever is behind that, door, run away now. I have a ruined potion in my hands that I would very much like to throw on you, just to see what happens…" Hecate's voice echoed as the stone wall rolled away, revealing a frazzled looking Hecate, who was clutching a cauldron that contained a pungent smelling blue liquid. Her words died down as she stared at her visitor, her face immediately paling and her eyes widening as she took in Percy's appearance.
She was in her form of a mother from what Percy remembered, since it was morning. Frizzed up red hair that was everywhere, and jade green eyes that somewhat lacked the mystical look Percy associated with her. But otherwise, still the same.
Percy slightly smiled. "So, I know it's been a while."
Hecate looked unimpressed. "Two millennia." She said flatly, throwing the concoction in her hand on Percy, who swiftly dodged it in response. The potion fell on the floor, and different types of fungi immediately sprouted from it.
"Why is everyone wanting to kill me?"
"So I'm not the first? Shame, I would have finished the job." Hecate muttered, crossing her arms. "Would have stayed dead."
"And not celebrate this jolly day?" Percy said brightly, slowly rubbing his neck as Hecate's blank look slowly made him uncomfortable.
Hecate exhaled deeply. "Eris told me you know, about you. And I may have had a premonition of you. I do see sometimes into the future, but only glimpses and things that haven't been set"
Percy rolled his eyes. "Well of course she did…"
"She's a good sibling who keeps me informed, unlike you." Hecate shot back. "Though later on, I wondered if she did it just to see my reaction."
"Well, my point still stands then." Percy said, shifting in his place, while Hecate was still staring at him with her arms crossed, a pointed look on her face.
"Well." She said. 'I'm not going to hug first."
"Nor am I." Percy replied, looking away briefly.
The two continued to be like this, with Percy whistling away as he constantly glanced at either the ceiling or the floor, while Hecate was taking an interest in the growing fungi that was happening behind Percy. But in the end, their eyes locked and they both laughed as they embraced each other.
"Oh, you being back does not bode well at all." Hecate finally said as she pulled away.
"Hey!" Percy exclaimed, lightly frowning. "I have you know, we had the best times when I was around."
Hecate patted his arm. "I'm not denying that." She said, stepping back inside. "Though that only happens when something occurs."
Percy shook his head fondly as he followed the goddess inside, the stone door closing behind him. The laboratory didn't seem much different other than the extra equipment and potion bottles. He noticed Hecate's torches hung above a fireplace, and was about to say something when a disgusting smell hit his nose.
"Scram Gale, you know you're supposed to not be here when fires are lit." Hecate ordered.
Percy blinked. "Is that a weasel?" he asked on spotting the animal on the countertop, who hissed in response to his words.
"Polecat." Hecate corrected, picking up the animal. "Her name is Gale, and she was a human once. Sadly, she had very bad digestive issues, still does. Very disagreeable back then, which is why she's here as my animal companion.
Gale farted in response.
"Ugh. So many potions, but still no results."
"Why… did you turn her into an animal?" Percy asked.
Hecate looked confused. "I just told you."
"Right…"
"She's not the only animal companion I have though. I have a lovely black Labrador as well, such a sweetheart. She's up in Persephone's garden I believe."
"Oh that's nice."
"Mhm, her name is Hecuba. The former queen of Troy if you didn't know."
"Oh… . I'm sorry but why are all your pets once human?"
Hecate shrugged. "I need good dependable assistants. Can't have them yapping at me all the time."
Gale chittered something.
"Which they still do, but moving on!" Hecate announced, throwing Gale inside a room and then closed the door.
"So, what are we doing? Or you just popped in to say hi?"
"Well, there is a plan." Percy said, snapping his fingers. A whole banquet worth of food suddenly appeared on top of an extra table, which immediately covered most of the floor space as it was placed down.
Hecate looked confused, and was about to say something when music suddenly began to play from outside. The door suddenly burst open, and in came Apollo and Hermes, both of them carrying a boom box over their heads which was playing ACDC's 'Back in Black'.
"No, no, no, no." Hecate muttered as she slowly slumped in her seat, head in her hands. "You called them? Over here?!"
"Well, there was nowhere else."
"Skiágis!" Hecate cried out, but then immediately clasped her mouth. "Oh, no that won't do…"
"For the record, it's only going to be for a short while." Artemis said as she stepped in, followed closely by Aphrodite.
"You!" Hecate shouted, pointing a finger at the love goddess. "You have some real nerve showing up here after last time."
"I said sorry then, no need to hold a grudge." Aphrodite replied indignantly.
"Don't ask, even I don't know what's happened between them." Artemis said on seeing Percy's questioning gaze.
"All right, food!" Apollo shouted with delight, grabbing an entire plate of brisket. "Hermes, get the wine and vodka. We are going hard today on the feasting."
"Why, Olympus ran out of funds?" Hecate snarked, making Percy chuckle. "Zeus put out a decision stating I'm not to explicitly reveal myself to the Greek world. Something to do with a looming threat."
Hecate frowned. "A threat? What kind?"
"Hmm, I'm not sure if we can tell you. Olympian confidentiality, you know." Aphrodite replied.
Percy scoffed. "Hecate is an Olympian."
"Also a Titaness." Aphrodite murmured.
"Mhm, oh yeah. Honestly, with everyone calling you a minor goddess, I almost forgot about that fact." Hermes replied.
Hecate smiled tightly. "Thanks…"
"Ahh, but it is good we are all here once again." Apollo said happily. "Now when was the last time we have hung out together?"
Hermes frowned. "Well, we fought together in the gigantomachy. Then before that there was Olympus, maybe Arcadia?"
"And after?" Percy asked.
The gods fell silent. "The final announcement of your passing." Artemis said softly. "I don't believe we all, at least the five of us, have been together since then."
Percy whistled softly "Damn. That is a long time then."
"Oh yes. And a lot has happened." Hecate replied, handing out tea cups to the gods. "Like those two, they got together." She said, jutting her head towards Hermes and Aphrodite, both of them immediately paling.
"…"
"…"
"…WHAT?!"
"I'll need to prepare for that one day." Apollo muttered to himself, downing his tea with vodka.
"It was a one-night thing!" Hermes cried out, ducking under the table. "Nothing happened after that!"
Hecate scoffed. "Oh please, you two had a child after that little tango of yours."
"YOU WHAT?!"
"Oh yes, what was that kids name again." Artemis mused.
"Hmm… a-ha! Hermaphroditus." Apollo said proudly.
Percy momentarily calmed down. "You named your child the combination of both your names?"
"Um…" "Well…"
"That's like if me and Artemis named our child Pertemis." Percy continued, looking weirded out. "And I promise to not give horrible names if the time comes." He told her.
Artemis coughed. "I'll hold you on to that." She muttered, hiding her face with her cup. Apollo cackled besides her, and she responded with kicking him on the shin, making him fall off his chair.
"Just don't give that poor kid a name that begins with 'Hippo'." Hecate replied. "Who knows how many people in Greece had their names beginning with that."
"You're not any better with the kid thing though Hecate." Percy teased, making her glance up. "I've heard you've been busy yourself."
"Oh, that." Hecate said, waving it off. "It's been a while since I've had kids now, or even mortal lovers. Who knows, might start again."
"I had a couple of your children in my hunt a few times." Artemis said. "Quite proficient with the mist, I must say."
"Thank you. I am quite proud of my children. That I won't deny. But you, Perseus…" Hecate said, a mysterious smile on her face. "You are not shy from the child department yourself."
Percy tried to look nonchalant. "I don't know what you mean."
Hecate snorted. "Right, and I can't see bits of the future."
"Fortune teller." Aphrodite said with a giggle.
"Hey, I do the fortune telling!" Hermes exclaimed.
"You do it with dice." Apollo clarified.
"I mean, yes… but put some respect into it!"
"Hecate is the one with the crystal ball." Artemis teased.
"Oi, watch it maiden goddess. You're not off the children hook either." Hecate warned, grinning slyly.
Artemis huffed. "I've raised some of my hunters, and that's fine with me for now."
"Exactly, I've helped with that too." Percy said, and then frowned. "Wait, what do you mean by that-"
"Don't think too much ash-head. Nice and slow, remember?"
"Oh, so that's the status now huh." Aphrodite realized, looking slightly disappointed.
Hecate laughed. "Yes and no! you know that's not what I meant Perseus."
Apollo cleared his throat. "Ah yes, I must reiterate this again to you because you failed the previous time, but if you hurt my little sister-"
"Shut up Apollo." Percy and Artemis said together, making him sulk
Hermes laughed. "Well, I can't say I didn't miss this." He said, raising his glass. "But yes, my kids are great too." Hermes said with a smile, pushing his curly brown hair back. "If only the laws were relaxed a little though..."
"I agree. But mine are always cool." Apollo said proudly.
"Mhm. My little heartbreakers." Aphrodite happily sighed.
Percy raised an eyebrow. "You guys talk like you hardly see them?"
Apollo chuckled dryly, reaching out for a bottle of wine. "It's because we do notsee them most of the time. Maybe the rare chance for birthdays, or if they come to Olympus for a field trip. But because of Zeus putting more restrictions on the ancient laws, we hardly can interact with our children. And it's the same if we interact with other gods' children too. The only best case scenario is through quests, maybe sometimes dreams? But that's also a rarity."
"Has it been like this for years?" Percy asked. "What reason is there for doing that in the first place?"
Hermes shrugged. "It's the vague reasons. We can't have favorites, we can't stay down here for long lest we forget our duties, we shouldn't interfere in demigod affairs."
"I argued that leaving demigods unchecked leads to consequences." Artemis said solemnly. "Especially the demigods of the big three. It became more apparent as time went on. But after the second world war, Zeus still made it a point to be adamant about enforcing the rules. Back then he was thankfully lax with them, it helped that your domains allowed some sense of free reign for others, but still not too much. But now…"
"Well, we should be thankful he hasn't completely barred us from mingling in mortal affairs at least." Aphrodite said with a chuckle. "Imagine if he shuts Olympus one day, inside and out. No one can leave, nor anyone can enter. That would be crazy."
The gods didn't comment on it, knowing fully well that it could be a possibility undertaken by the king of the gods. For better or worse.
"But yeah, that's how it's been with us." Hermes quickly said, taking a swig from his bottle. "We moved around the country, did some crazy stuff along the way, and more or less tried to have a good time. Though nothing crazy like back in the old days sadly."
"Good, we'll have some peace and quiet for once." Hecate muttered, sipping her drink.
"Don't jinx it, knowing us, we will probably have another war popping up." Apollo said tiredly.
"Hmm, might happen with this threat that you gods are keeping hush-hush." Hecate replied, giving everyone a pointed look.
Percy grabbed a plate of moussaka and began serving it to everyone. "We have reason to believe that titans may be on the rise." He finally said.
Hecate's gaze wavered. "Titans?" she asked softly, her face slowly hardening when she noticed no was jesting. "I see…"
Aphrodite waved her hand dismissively. "It's not like they are coming in now." She said. "We have plenty of time to kick back and relax."
"Does this have something to do with the prophecy?" Hecate asked Apollo.
"It's a bit too early to say." The god replied with a grimace. "But with Percy traveling with child of the prophecy, and if he did come across titans during his travels, then they definitely may want to link themselves to it."
"She won't be the only one though." Hecate muttered. "The prophecy did mention children, as in plural…"
"Look, we shouldn't delve deeper into this without proper clarity." Apollo warned. "Believe me, I have seen many prophecies go left because of mortal tampering. If we try to do it, then the results might only get disastrous."
"We could get razed." Hermes murmured.
"Not helping." Artemis said with a sigh.
Percy's mind immediately went back to Zeus, and now Hades. But then a new doubt started creeping inside him. He wasn't trying to influencing the prophecy, was he? Already things were starting to go into motion earlier than he expected, but it wasn't because of him. It was… circumstances. They had just happened.
"Perseus?" Artemis's voice spoke up, making him snap back. "Yu spaced out for a while there. Are you feeling alright?"
"Yes, just… thinking about… war." Percy replied lamely, until he did remember something. "Speaking of wars, what is this Isle War that some of you have mentioned before. Because I keep hearing about it in regards to me, and I have a feeling it has something to do with Skiágis."
The gods shifted in their seats, until Hermes sighed. "We would have told you to ask the history nut, but she would have been too ashamed to tell you anything. I don't blame her though."
"The Isle war, Perseus…" Artemis then said. "Did involve Skiágis. Because it was the only side that was in war. With almost all of Greece."
Percy slowly blinked. "I'm sorry?"
"You see Perseus, after your disappearance, the faith in you had started to dwindle among the populous. It came to the point that Skiágis of course was one of the only few regions that actively worshipped you. However, it also led to most of the Greek mainland, that is the Mycenaean kingdom to slowly ostracize the island nation. That became more apparent after the Trojan war as well, when Skiágis refused to take part in the war and side with Greece. And that was when the first siege occurred, led by Athens, against the island."
"Oh…" Percy said slowly, an unreadable expression on his face. "So that's what this was about. Then why was the island shrouded from mortal eyes, to hide its destruction?"
Artemis shook her head sadly. "That happened much later. The Isle war was a civil war in a sense. Some small nations backed Skiágis because of old truces and favors. Demigods were torn between fighting for their home back in the mainland, or for fighting for the island that gave them a new home and purpose with the half-blood camp. Many of our old hunters aided the island as well, though many lives were lost too…"
"And it didn't help that while Greece was fighting with itself, another threat was looming in. the stragglers of Troy, who founded an admittedly great empire when the time came. The Romans."
Aphrodite slightly winced. Artemis then continued. "The Romans… let's just say they did not leave any stone unturned. They basically put an end to an already declining Greek civilization, and if it wasn't for the flame of the west, who knows what would have happened. Many cities were destroyed, and important artifacts and temples burnt or stolen. Your presence was wiped by them most of all, and we were scared at that time if that destruction may have taken away any chance for you returning. I think second to that was what happened with Athena, with the Romans carrying away the Athena Parthenos and it being still missing to this day.
Percy's eyes widened. "They took her statue from the Parthenon? Shit, that must have messed her up…"
"Almost did. But not all of Greece gave up when it came to the Romans. Even though Skiágis was running on its dying embers after the countless wars, it still gave it's all by being one of the last forces that tried to stop the Romans. Arius himself was one of those who led the charge. But in the end, the island was burned. Its citizens fled, and many of your temples destroyed. And if I'm not wrong, I think that may have set Arius on some path. I'm not sure what, but I won't be surprised if those wars may have led him to just… leave everything."
Artemis took a deep breath, sighing heavily. "We gods didn't want the last thing under your name to be fully taken over, so we channeled the mist and the shadows to hide the island. A charm was even placed there, to make sure that any unassuming sailors steered away from where the island was.
"I'll have to give it to those people, really. The Achaean League, Corinth, Skiágis… . Though I must say, your people really got quite fanatical during those times. Don't know why, but there was something strange with how they were revering you. I would have been jealous if it wasn't for that cult like nature I kept sensing from them." Apollo said, frowning deeply. "It was quite odd…"
"And that's hopefully most of the history cleared up for you." Hermes piped up. "You'll rarely find material regarding those events nowadays. Even the Amazons sadly don't have much. Just tiny transcripts, broken pottery, and stories talking about an ancient city that supposedly sunk into the sea. But we more or less wanted that, so I guess it's alright."
Hecate sighed. "Whelp, we have been all talking about quite some heavy stuff now, especially since this is supposed to be a party. Let's discuss something fun. Come on, what do you got Percy, anything new that you found out, seen from your time since waking up in the 20th century?"
Percy glanced at Artemis, who raised an eyebrow. He raised his right arm and slightly waved it around. Artemis gave him a pointed look, and jutted her head to the others. Percy shrugged in response, making her sigh. Percy then gave her another look, a grin on his face. Artemis responded with a curious smile then slowly nodded, as if she was considering something. She then turned forwards, followed by Percy, while the the rest of the gods stared at them with various degrees of confused looks.
"Are you two finished?" Aphrodite asked with a sarcastic tone.
"Yep." Percy said brightly, placing his right hand on the table. The umbra ore brace then began to receded back, revealing his greyed arm. The gods slightly jumped on seeing the arm, their eyes slowly widening as they took in the bulging like veins running through the entire length, and the grey patches of skin that were of various shades of that color. The blue tetreja symbol shined under the light, like a burn wound.
"Dude, what in Tartarus happened to it." Hermes whispered.
"Oh you poor thing." Aphrodite cooed, holding his arm. "Hecate, can't you heal him?"
Hecate opened her mouth and then closed it in shock. "Why are you asking me?" she cried out. "He's the healing expert over here." she said, pointing to Percy.
"Excuse me?" Apollo shot back.
"To be fair, you haven't done much medical stuff these days." Artemis brought up.
"That's unrelated!"
"I got to know my parentage." Percy then said, getting everyone's attention. "I may not know what I'm fully capable of, but at least I have some idea of what I am."
"Are you sure you want to tell us?" Artemis asked worriedly. "You were hesitant the last time."
Percy shook his head. "You guys deserve to know. You all have stuck with me, trying to help me figure this out back then, it's only fair if we all know what we might be up against. It's high time you all know about forbidden beings…"
"…I am so confused." Hermes said, bringing out his sixth bottle of wine. "I may need another run down."
"No, no we don't. I don't want to hear the words 'cool' or 'awesome' from both of your mouths, otherwise I would smack you both." Artemis warned Apollo and Hermes.
"Still, to think that another race of beings exists alongside us. And that too with their own prominence." Hecate said, nodding appreciatively. "I almost want to learn more about them."
"I'm honestly not sure how though." Percy replied. "The primordials don't have much to say either from what I already know. Or they are keeping things to themselves, who knows."
"So there are four of them…" Aphrodite replied, holding up four fingers. "One is like tree-d up like how Percy was-" "Tree-d up?" "-Somewhere in the waters. Two of them are like missing after fighting some other primordials. And the other, who is Percy's father, is probably somehow active? But no one knows where, or what's he doing."
"That's basically it." Percy replied, sharing a tub of popcorn with Artemis. "This is fun, watching them trying to make sense of this."
"I'm no better to be honest. But I will admit; it is humorous." Artemis replied, flicking a popcorn towards Percy, who caught it in between his teeth.
"Forbidden beings. I wonder how forbidden those ladies might look." Apollo murmured, a stupid grin on his face.
"Hmm, forbidden males…" Aphrodite mused.
Hecate rolled her eyes, which then lit up." "Oh, oh! I can maybe learn more about these beings. Perseus, hand over that tablet you have."
The god in question looked confused. "What tablet?"
"The tablet of course. The one which Tetrekars have." She said, and Percy still looked lost. "The tablet with writing Percy, honestly, what's taking you so long?"
"I know what tablet you are talking about." Percy coughed, swallowing his food. "I'm just trying to recall when I had a tablet like that with me."
Hecate just stared at him. "You are joking right?" She almost yelled, garnering the other gods' attention. "You said it yourself! You used words that you learnt from the tablet to summon some kind of monument, which you then used to seal the earth mother. If I can inspect the tablet, and you of course can provide any possible translations, then we could maybe find something about this ancient race."
Percy just stared blankly at Hecate, his face slowly paling as a realization dawned on him. Artemis watched with bated breath, knowing that expression very well what Percy was making, and wondering what debauchery had happened now. While Apollo, Hermes, Aphrodite were swinging their heads left and right, wondering which god will react first.
"So…" Percy said slowly. "I may not have the tablet with me now. In fact, I don't think I ever had the tablet in my possession for a while now."
Hecate slowly smiled, while her eyes began to darken. In fact, her hair began to change color as well, signaling the change in time and form, her hair turning black.
"You lost it?" she said calmly, her eyes glowing.
"No!" Percy exclaimed, waving his arms around. "I know better than to lose that. It's just, so much had happened back then that I think it… slipped out of my mind?"
"You and the others literally discussed about Tetrekars at that time! How did it slip your mind?!"
"Okay, okay…" Hecate said, taking in a few deep breaths. She grabbed a pot of tea and downed the entire beverage in one sip, smacking the pot on the table with a resounding thud. "Do you at least remember when you had it last on you?"
Percy closed his eyes. "Um, I had it during the gigantomachy." He muttered. "Then it must have been with me when I went into the world between worlds, and most likely when I got sealed myself. Then… I woke up in Tartarus. So maybe at that point… to here?"
"Okay, and you were in the mortal world for?"
"Four months?"
"O...kay." Hecate muttered, slumping down. 'This might be difficult to trace now."
"I'm sure you can do something." Apollo offered. "Like a find-me spell?"
"Find-me spell?" Hecate mocked, glaring at the god. "Like that is so easily applicable."
"It could be in Tartarus only." Hermes said. "Like, if that's the last area Percy remembers having the tablet, then it could still be there."
"Great…" Percy groaned as he held his head in his hands. "Just the place to leave something of that caliber. The freaking pit itself."
"It could still be there." Artemis replied, taking Percy's hand in hers. "Tartarus is big in scope, so the tablet could still be around there. Hopefully."
"Mhmm." Percy groaned.
Hecate sighed. "Like Percy said, would that tablet even be safe in Tartarus's realm? He has an idea about forbidden beings, maybe he might come across the tablet and have something to do with it. Or someone else really, we don't know if a random creature may have even got their hands on it too."
Aphrodite snorted. "Imagine it sees that strange little thing and thinks it might be able to summon some kind of ancient creature out of it. Like drawing a pentagram or some symbol."
Percy immediately stilled, and then straightened up, his face showing a million thoughts bouncing in him.
"Ohh, I know that face." Artemis said, a grin on her face. "He's thinking."
Percy waved a hand towards Aphrodite. "What she said!" he exclaimed, immediately getting up. "You said- 'Drawing a symbol'. I did see a symbol. That was actually drawn, or carved, whatever the case but I saw it! I saw it in-" Percy said excitedly, his eyes widening. "Of course, it could make sense. How would she know otherwise, and wanting answers too."
Percy glanced at Artemis. 'You may not like what I have to say next." He said, a sad smile on his face. "Back when I was travelling with Thalia, I picked up some kind of activity happening within the shadow plane. I begin to follow this source, and ended up in this town called Dawson. Completely abandoned, a ghost town really. But something was happening in it, something sinister. I then found this craved inside one its mines." He said, showing off the tetreja symbol on his hand. "It was there, but the reason why was less than ideal. Because I found that symbol leaking a prime resource. A resource we are very well familiar with, and a certain daimon."
Artemis's eyes widened. "She's still alive?!" she hissed harshly.
"I'm afraid so." Percy said sadly. "I came across Gello, and her army that she was resurrecting. She was using the essence to reanimate the dead, just like she tried to do it with Lycaon's children in Arcadia. But this time, she succeeded. Until…"
The gods waited with bated breath. "Moros." Percy then said. "I came across the primordial of doom."
Hermes lowly whistled, while Hecate and Apollo stared at him with open mouths and Aphrodite stared at him with awe. Artemis had tightened her grip as she interlaced her fingers with his, a pensive look on her face.
"It was… an experience, that's for sure." Percy said with a shuddering breath. "But the fact is, he spoke regarding me being a Tetrekar. And Gello had carved the Tetreja symbol."
"So, there is a possibility… that she or someone else took the tablet. And now it's in Moros's possession." Hecate finished, mimicking Percy by sitting on a chair, head in her arms. "I don't know which scenario is worse…"
"But even if that may not be the case." Percy then continued. "We still have a lead with the forbidden beings. They have a connection to it, and the way they interacted with me, it seems like they are seeking answers as well. They wanted to know about my nature, why I still live even after sealing away multiple beings. And I have a feeling we might find some answers there."
"Where?"
"Where I last encountered the primordial and his daimon. And that same day where I saw that realm trying to blend in with the mortal world, with architecture of its own. A realm that we never really had answers for on its existence, and why it does. And what's my affinity to it."
"The shadow plane." Artemis realized. "That is Moros's realm?"
Hecate vehemently shook her head. "No way, Moros doesn't have a realm. He's an abstract concept, it's complicated but he doesn't really possess a realm like the others. Beings like him reside… in concepts that relate to them? It's difficult, but I feel Moros may not just be hiding in the shadow plane. There's possibly a reason for that too."
"A forbidden reason" Apollo said, nodding his head slowly. "You know what I'm thinking?"
"What?" Percy asked, a grin appearing on his face.
"Oh, you know what I'm thinking." Apollo cried out gleefully, swinging his arm around Percy. "We all are definitely thinking about it!"
Artemis shook her head and sighed, a smile slowly forming on her face. Hecate too sighed resignedly and stared at her torches. Hermes looked thoughtful, then rummaged inside his satchel and took out a phone, stepping aside to make a few calls. While Aphrodite quickly applied some makeup and glanced at everyone a curious look on her face. "So, are we going somewhere?"
"The shadow plane. The territory of Moros. For the god team of Olympus is back baby!"
Back in the mortal world, just near Lake Marion, Arius was trying really hard to lose the hunters that were tailing him. But wherever he went, one of the three would be right in front of him, looking nonchalant as they smirked at him.
"You know; you guys seem to really like my company even though you 'turned your back on it'." Arius said loudly, making air quotes with his hands.
Zoë sniffed. "Please, thy really think we are here on our own will?"
"Then why not leave?"
"Because our lady gave us strict instructions to watch over you." Celyn replied. "And not to do anything stupid."
Arius snorted. "Please, I'll fall in a ditch, and I myself will have to climb out of it in the end because your lady said so."
"Maybe if you stop acting so bitter, we could work something out." Phoebe muttered to herself.
"What was that?"
"Nothing boy." The hunter grumbled.
"Well, if there's nothing else for either of us to say-" Arius stated, swinging around. "Then shoo."
"Will you stop acting like a spoiled brat!" Zoë shouted.
"And I want some privacy, but we can't all be happy now can we." Arius shouted back. "And now you know why I decided to leave."
"We all know that's not the reason." Celyn said softly, making Arius pause. "No, no you don't know." He murmured.
"We were there to see okay. You don't have to deny it."
Arius clenched his teeth. "Fine, one of the reasons since you so eloquently remember. Not surprised that your lady doesn't remember."
"Because she actually doesn't." Phoebe shot back. "She doesn't know. We didn't inform her."
Arius swung around, a calculating look on his face as he analyzed all three hunters faces. They in turn stared back defiantly at him, making him sneer. "Good, one less person…"
"Where are thee going now?" Zoë asked tiredly, watching as Arius made a beeline to the lake.
"Private business." He merely replied. Phoebe rolled her eyes and muttered something incomprehensible as she walked away, while Celyn gave Zoë a sympathetic look and stayed behind with her, watching Arius as he walked along the bank. He gave one final glare to the girls and then turned around, rummaging around his pants. Zoë frowned as she watched him, a dreadful realization hitting her as she saw Arius relax.
"Oh my gods! You're not- ugh!" Zoë shouted, bounding some feet away away. "You disgusting pig!"
"Why, what is he… oh." Celyn too realized, looking queasy. "Zoë please shoot him."
"Oh I have half a mind too!" she shouted, pulling out her bow.
"I said I wanted to do private business, you didn't listen." Arius retorted back, as he relieved himself. "Actually, wait. I don't want to go out like this…"
He began to whistle a tune as he stared out at the open view of the lake, a blank expression on his face. He spied at the distance what looked like the remnants of a village, wondering if he should take a peek there. Only to then hear the gurgling sound of water close by, making him alert. He was pretty sure the only water related disturbance was being made by him, so to hear something else made him pause.
"I hope it's not fishes." He thought as he quickly finished his business. Only to still hear the gurgling noise, now very close to him. Arius glanced down, and found the shadow of a strange blob floating in the water, bubbles slowly popping out of the surface.
"Ah shit." Was his last thought before a wave of water crashed into him, sending him flying back. Zoë and Celyn both backed away when they saw Arius fly back, their weapons out. Arius sputtered as he slowly got up, his eyes widening.
"They followed me here? How?!" he cried out, pulling his pants up. In front of him was an eight-foot-tall creature, with bluish green skin that was slicked with water. Its front limbs were long and spindly as it clawed on the ground with stubby back limbs. They were attached to a body that was the size of a car, and had another set of protrusions coming out of its shoulders, that moved like an extra pair of hands. As for its face, it was shriveled up and flat, but there were distinct horns that protruded out of the forehead, which curled up to face forward.
"Di immortals." Zoë whispered from behind, nocking an arrow and taking aim.
"Zoë, don't get its attention." Arius warned. "It's just one, we don't have to make it go in a frenzy-"
The sound of something breaking through the water cut him off, revealing it to be another one of those creatures. Another one also broke through the surface, making the number three in total.
"Okay, so there's more. I guess we can share." Arius sighed.
"What the hell are those!" Phoebe shouted from behind, making everyone cringe. The creatures all let out loud screeching cries as they began to move, making their way towards Phoebe, who immediately drew out her knives.
Arius immediately cupped his mouth. "Hey troll!" his voice boomed out, making the leaves rustle. Two of the creatures stopped in their tracks as they cocked their heads around, as if they were trying to pinpoint the source of the sound. Celyn noticed this too, and something else.
"They don't have eyes!" she exclaimed. One of the creatures turned towards Celyn's direction barring its teeth.
"Arius. What. Are. They." Zoë asked slowly.
"Aeternae." He replied with a pained smile. "Under normal circumstances, this would be quite a sight, seeing these creatures in person. They are quite rare in the wild you know. I'm actually surprised they migrated."
"From where thee were?!"
Arius quickly shook his head, then snapped his fingers, garnering another one's attention. "They were quite scattered back in the old days. But I guess with the gods moving, they did too. Though I haven't seen them in a long time."
"Will you get to the point and list their weaknesses!" Phoebe shouted, making one of the creatures snarl in response. On either side of their body, there were slits across the side which opened and closed briefly
"Don't provoke them! These are blind creatures, but they do sense their surroundings and prey with those slits of theirs. Gives them advanced hearing and smell."
"Weakness." Phoebe hissed.
"Oh." Arius said, shrugging. "No weakness."
Phoebe snapped a curse at him and then charged at the Aeternae. The creature swung its horns in defense, making her stop her charge midway.
"You know, Alexander the Great fought these creatures once according to some sources. Found them in the northern plains of India." Arius said.
"What are they doing here then!" Celyn shouted as she dodged a strike from the Aeternae.
"I guess it didn't want to be left out. Who knows."
"Are thou just going to stand there or are thee going to help us?" Zoë shouted as she launched an arrow. It struck the Aeternae, but not deep enough, which only angered them more.
"Um, yeah. Let me just, try to… well…"
"Gods, don't tell me you are still useless with weapons." Phoebe exclaimed, letting out a strangled laugh.
"I'm… manageable." Arius cried out indignantly. "I just never held one in a millennium."
"So you don't carry anything?!"
"Um…"
"Don't just stand there, do something!" Zoë shouted
"I am! I just need to concentrate." Arius gritted out as he clutched his knees. "Just keep them occupied for now."
"What is he thinking?" Zoë thought as she narrowly dodged one of the Aeternae's spindly protrusions. She watched as Arius began to breathe rhythmically, slowly reaching out and placing his hand where his heart was. She wasn't sure if it was her being distracted by the fighting, but it looked like Arius's skin was slowly turning red.
And he then vanished.
"That asshole! I can't believe he left, he-"
Phoebe immediately felt a rush of hot air almost knock her to the side, and watched as the Aeternae she was fighting get compressed in a second, and was then sent flying back into the lake. The sound of a heartbeat beating very fast began to echo next to her, and she then saw Arius standing where the Aeternae was, his skin fully red in color. A thin vapor was emitting out of him, and Phoebe watched as veins started to slowly bulge out around Arius's body, making him grimace more.
"Sorry, it takes a while to get this thing moving." He rasped. One of the Aeternae from afar had caught his attention, and charged towards him. Arius bent down and then pushed forward, disappearing once again, only to appear in front of the monster. He clasped his hands together and brought it down on the Aeternae's head, sending it wedged into the ground. He then grabbed its horns and pulled it out, immediately twisting its neck and straightening its body up.
"Zoë, the slits!" he shouted. The hunter watched as the slits began to open up, and understood. She grabbed a handful of arrows from her quiver and shot it one after the other into the slits. The Aeternae thrashed around in pain as its senses became null. Arius then released it and disappeared, this time appearing up in the air. He struck a leg out as he dived down, leanly striking the monster at its, neck, making it limp.
"Holy shit…" Celyn whispered in awe. Arius disappeared again, this time appearing behind the last Aeternae. He let out a yell as he pushed his hands back, and then launched them forward towards Phoebe. She yelped and raised her knives in instinct, only to find golden dust falling in her line of view. She wondered how it was possible that she managed to kill the creature, when she realized it had exploded into dust before it even impacted her, Arius's collision had done the job a bit too well.
And as for him, the partial immortal wobbled in his steps as he tried to stay upright. His skin slowly returned back to his original color, the veins also disappearing. Arius drew a deep breath as he tried to take a step, even though he could feel his legs becoming numb.
"What was that…" Phoebe muttered softly.
Arius blinked. "I just told you, they were Aeternae."
"Not that!" she snapped. "I meant you! What did you even do, how even?"
"Ohhh." Arius then said, slowly chuckling. "Well, like you said, I'm mostly useless with weapons. And I needed some wayyy…to… defennnnd…"
"Arius?" Celyn prompted, noticing that his words were slurring.
"Takesss a tolllll." He muttered falling to his knees. "I'lllll…sleeeep."
And he promptly fainted.
The hunters were breathing heavily as they stared at the snoring Arius, and then at the slowly disintegrating Aeternae, leaving nothing behind. They then stared at each other, wondering what secrets their old fried was hiding. And if they would ever learn more about them.
Phew, chapter done huh. Alright, I will say this, we are going to be getting into some pretty interesting stuff now, and don't worry, you guys won't have to wait long to see. I myself can't wait to write it out either, so the feeling is mutual XD. But yeah, thanks for reading this story, hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. Please review, would love to know your thoughts, and I will see you guys in the next update. Bye!...\/