The War II: Death's Identity - New Gen

Apoth became emotionless again and grabbed one of his scythes from off his back. He placed it under Tartarus' chin and used it to raise Tartarus' face so he could look directly into the Primordial's eyes.

"There is a difference between us. We both looked into the void. But when that darkness looked back at us." Apoth rose his right hand and pointed it at Tartarus' face.

"You blinked." Apoth closed his fist and Tartarus screamed in pain as his body dissolved into a black smoke and disappeared.

Jackson furrowed his brows as he saw the Monster Army waiting for the demigods to reach them. With quick thinking, he deduced that the shield around Camp Half-Blood wouldn't let the monsters in. But he didn't even have time to think about it as he charged across the barrier and into the enemy army.

He weaved through countless different species of monsters. From Dracnae to Frost Giants. Out of the corner of his eye, he could make out the figures of his fellow demigods. To his surprise, they were actually making progress.

But it wasn't enough. He sliced down one monster but five more would take its place. They were fighting a losing battle.

He used the water in the air to create spikes of water, he controlled them to stab a couple monsters that were surrounding Frank. Frank nodded his thanks and Jackson nodded back. Jackson flipped over a monster that was sneaking up on him and used the water to whip the monster into gold dust.

Jackson saw that Piper was getting overrun so he sprinted over to her, slicing monsters as he went. Jackson decapitated a monster that was going for Piper's back. They went back to back as they sliced monsters together.

When they were finished killing the surrounding monsters Piper quickly gave Jackson a "thanks" before running off to help Jason. Jackson searched the area for Gretchen but he couldn't spot her. He saw Hazel and decided to go and ask her if she had seen his girlfriend.

Jackson made his way over to Hazel but Hazel threw her knife at him. Jackson evaded it but was surprised that his whole back had been covered in the gold dust.

"Thank you," Jackson said. Hazel nodded, "No problem." Jackson cut down a cyclops behind Hazel.

"Have you seen Gretchen?" Jackson asked. Hazel stabbed a nearby monster in the chest, "No but I think she was over by Leo working against the Hydra."

"Thanks!" Jackson yelled as he ran off towards the battle of fire. He quickly sighed in relief as he saw his girlfriend was okay.

He saw Leo totally covered in his own flames. Gretchen flipped onto the Hydra and started to cut off each head. Leo would then send a fireball to burn the necks, successfully destroying the monster.

Gretchen and Leo nodded to each other than ran in separate directions, supposedly to go fight other monsters. Jackson looked on to see younger demigods get slaughtered down as they were no match for the strength of most monsters.

It pained him so much. Young demigods who had just been introduced to this world were taken right back out.

A demigod's life. That's when he saw the Giants move in. That's when the battle became of a more divine status.

Gods vs Giants. The Gods soared above the demigod battle in their chariots, destined to get to the Giants before the Giants could reach the demigods.

Jackson was distracted for one second, and he would have perished had not Jason come up behind him and electrocuted the sneaking monster at Jackson's side. Jackson looked at Jason, who only nodded to him. The rest of the Seven, Nico and Thalia, joined them as they made a plan to help out the Gods. Each would take a respected God and help them defeat there counterpart. Jackson, of course, chose his father.

Jason chose his father and so on so forth. They looked to where the energy blast battle was and charged toward the battle. Cutting down monsters front, left and right they were seen as an immediate threat. Monsters were jumping up on them trying their best to slow the demigods down.

But they were determined. Lighting, fire, water, darkness, and blades all came forth to create a destructive tornado that was headed toward the divine battle. Once they finally reached the Gods' battle they looked back to see their destruction.

The monsters were finally starting to lose. Only at a solid 3,000 in numbers now, they started to flee. You could hear the cheering of the demigods as their battle was finished. Sadly the Nine of them had yet to start theirs.

They looked at each other. Each one looked everyone in the eyes. "For Olympus," Hazel said.

They all nodded and turned towards their suicidal mission. "FOR OLYMPUS!" They screamed and charged.

Jackson took his father's side. As expected the Giant was ugly. Very ugly. Jackson decided to take advantage of this. "Father," Jackson said as he parried Polybotes' strike. "I will distract him and then you come up behind and take him down."

It was a simple plan. 'What could go wrong?' Poseidon nodded. Jackson ran right in front of Polybotes and waved his sword in the air.

"Oi! Ugly ass! Why don't you go bang yourself in the bum so we don't have to bloody run ya through you, ya bloody cunt!" Jackson insulted in a British accent.

Oh, his plan worked. Worked a little too well actually. Polybotes screamed in rage and charged the demigod. Jackson squeaked in fear. "Sorry," Jackson squeaked. Before Polybotes was on top of the demigod, Poseidon came up behind the Giant and ran his sword through him.

Polybotes screamed in pain, trying to dislodge the sword from his back. Jackson ducked under a swing from Polybotes and used the water to carry him up to the Giants wild face. Jackson plunged his sword into the Giant as he rose, effectively creating a very big cut. Poseidon and Jackson used the water to create a massive spike and they both threw it at the Giant.

The spike of water made a sickening sound when it made contact with the Giant. The Giant collapsed to the Ground and dispersed into a blue mist. Jackson looked around to see how the others were doing. Jason and Zeus were doing well in combating Porphyrion, trading off lighting blows that kept stunning the King of The Giants.

Each pair of God and Demigod looked like they had their opponent Giant under control. Jackson looked back to Jason's fight. Zeus smashed his Master Bolt into the side of The Giant, effectively incapacitating Porphyrion.

Jason flew in the air and commanded the sky to darken as another large lighting strike electrocuted Porphyrion. Porphyrion's wild eyes darted as he realized he was losing. Losing fast. They darted to his brothers to see that they as well weren't doing all that well.

With a final push of strength, he commanded the monster army to fall back, "Retreat! As your King, I demand you to flee back into the forest!"

The monsters and Giants did as they were told. Monsters were cut down as they ran past demigods and Gods. Porphyrion barreled into the forest, but not before getting struck by lightning again. The King of the Giants then disappeared into the forest.

The Olympian Army cheered. There were shouts and screams of victory and happiness. They had won the first battle by a long shot. The Gods turned to the demigods. Zeus floated over to the front, "You all did a wonderful job today, but the war is not over yet."

"Everyone move back into the barrier we will have the Seven plus Nico Di Angelo and Thalia Grace meet in the Big House with the Gods as we come up with a plan to win tomorrow's battle as well."

Zeus then flashed away, presumably into the Big House. Most Gods followed. Poseidon walked up to Jackson, "You did amazing today my son, I wouldn't ask for a better son than you."

"Thank you, Father, I am glad I made you proud today," Jackson thanked.

Poseidon nodded, then flashed into the Big House. The Nine, walked in the back of there army. There was not much talking as they all were caught up in their own thoughts about the first battle.

Finally, they reached the Big House. They walked in quietly and were surprised to see all the Gods sitting on the couch like regular people. They talked all night on plans before coming up with a brilliant one to storm Gaea when she made her entrance. They pinpointed each remaining Giant's weaknesses and gave one of the Nine a specific Giant.

Artemis looked off into the distance. They were planning and yet there would be no hope for them. Sure they won the first battle, but when her Apoth came they would be done for. She sighed, all she could do was hope for the best.

Hope for the best...

Apoth grinned. It was finally time. His revenge was so close. Zeus, Athena, Poseidon. Oh, he had already thought out their punishments. Late last night after he defeated Tartarus he had gotten the message that he would be needed in the next battle. At first daylight, he appeared from the dark at the Giant campsite. To say he was excited was an understatement.

The Monsters had no idea he was there. He would show up right before the battle started. Apoth has all his gear on. Cloak. Check. Vambraces equipped with hidden blades. Check. Scythes. Check. Sassiness that kills. Hell yeah, that's a check. Combat boots. Check. Throwing knives. Check. Any extra secret weapon that might be used to torture any unlucky camper. Check.

Apoth looked in the mirror. "You lookin fine as hell today," he complimented his reflection. He touched the tip of his finger to his tongue than placed the said fingertip on his cloak. "Szzzz," Apoth made a sizzling noise.

Apoth walked back into the shadows waiting until the battle would start. He was curious about the campers so he decided he would have a look in. He walked to the barrier, but it blocked him out. 'Great,' He thought, 'I'm an enemy so now I'm not allowed in, shitty way to get guests in my opinion.'

He pouted for a little bit before retreating back to the shadows. He was bored. But he decided for once that he would be patient, his revenge was just so close. He waited. And waited. Waited some more. Than waited. 'Oh my gods, what takes so long to just, wake up, put some clothes on and line up for battle.'

Apoth sighed. After about another two hours there was finally action. He could see demigods, all in their little armor come out and take a stance in a very orderly fashion. He looked to the Monster Army, the last Monsters were just filling in the lines. Apoth grinned, "Finally."

Apoth chuckled sinisterly, "They don't even know what they are going up against."

The demigods rushed out of there cabins, dressed in full body armor. They lined up in there respected lines just like the Gods told them too. They weren't scared anymore. Yesterday's battle was terrifying but today they had more confidence in their abilities.

Spears at the front and archers at the back they made way to where they were about 100 meters and positioned themselves in a defensive manner. The Nine walked past the defenses and into the front lines. The Gods followed the Nine demigods to the front.

"Demigods," Zeus said. "Today we battle hard. For tomorrow has yet to come. Battle here, battle hard, so tomorrow can come to be good."

The demigods all nodded.

The plan then was sent into action. Jackson would go up and talk to the main leader. He would take a son of Apollo who was actually part of the plan. You see the Son of Apollo, was very ugly. His name was Jonah. He offered to sacrifice himself for the greater good. In his pocket, he had a self-destruct mechanism built by the Gods.

It was strong enough to destroy Gaea. So the plan was, lure the Leader out, then destroy them, hopefully destroying the monsters' order and causing them to go into chaos. Jackson had told them that the barrier wouldn't allow the Monsters in, which they would use as an advantage.

Jackson and Jonah would be inside the barrier, ask to see the leader, the leader would come out and Jonah would rush him just in time for Jackson to retreat as Ugly Jonah destroyed Gaea.

Simple. Easy. Their plan was sent in motion. Jackson walked with Jonah over to meet the Monsters. He didn't ask Jonah about his sacrificial decision. It may have been too personal.

Once Jackson was near the Monsters. Now only around 10 yards away from the army and a solid yard away from the end of the barrier Jackson asked for the leader, "We wish to speak to the leader of the army!"

The Monsters turned to each other. The ground then started to rumble. An earthquake of a whole different level. A crack appeared in the monster army as Gaea rose from the depths of the Earth. She cracked a sadistic grin as she came forward, "I am the leader of this army."

"I am Gaea, the Primordial of the Earth. Strongest being to exist upon this planet," She announced.

"Have you come to surrender?" Gaea asked. Her ancient voice like an earthquake itself.

Jackson took a step back. The power was too much for him to handle. He struggled but he managed to step up. "No. We have come to talk with the leader of the monster army."

Gaea was about to say something but then a commotion in the monster army began. This perked the Gods' and demigods attention. Jackson looked and saw a figure cloaked in Black making his way to the front. Monsters would bow as he walked past them.

He walked past the Giants. His jaw dropped when he saw that the Giants too dropped to a knee and bowed to the figure.

He stopped next to Gaea. Jackson could see two red eyes glowing beneath the hood of the stranger. "Now Gaea, what is this you are announcing? You. The leader of the army. Maybe I should put you in timeout," the stranger threatened.

Gaea shook her head and dropped to her knees and bowed to the figure. "No, my lord."

"Good, your physical form was not what I was expecting," The stranger said. Gaea smiled, "How so?"

Apoth smirked, "Well the fact that nature upon this world is beautiful I thought you would at least show a single aspect of that beauty."

Gaea growled, but one hand from Apoth and she immediately quieted down, "Behave Earth bitch."

Then the aura dropped to a cold one as the figure looked up. It looked like the stranger looked past Jackson. Jackson turned around to see Zeus staring definitely at the figure. A couple gods shivered under the stranger's look.

The stranger's gaze landed on Jackson's father. Apoth growled and turned to the two demigods. Jonah took a step up, showing confidence and bravery. Yet Jackson knew that it was the most foolish thing the boy could do. Jonah walked up to Apoth right at the end of the barrier. Apoth met him at the barrier on his side.

Jonah took a breath and glared at the stranger, "We come in peace-" That was all he got out as madness spread.

The stranger's hand glowed black as he destroyed the barrier, "And you go in pieces."

The Stranger pulled out two beautiful scythes and easily cut up Jonah's whole body in less than a quarter of a second. The stranger's speed was on another level. And yet he could also destroy the barrier. This was some deity beyond Jackson's comprehension. An explosion was heard. And it was big big big big. It destroyed half of the rest of monsters and yet Apoth stood there like nothing happened.

A black shield surrounded him and Gaea. Courtesy of everyone's favorite blood lord. Jackson fled back. The figure walked over to where the army was. Stopping 20 yards from the Olympian Army.

The Monster Army followed as well, but stayed back 50 meters from the Olympian Army. The Gods took an aggressive stance, ready to blast the opponent. Yet the stranger just laughed.

Apoth turned to the Monster Army. "MONSTERS! HEAR ME NOW!"

"TODAY! EVERYTHING THEY'VE BUILT WILL FALL! AND FROM THE ASHES OF THEIR WORLD, WE WILL RISE REBORN!"

Monsters roared and banged their weapons on the ground as they became stricken with bloodlust. Apoth laughed. Laughed like a madman. "I have been waiting for this for a long time," he spoke.

Poseidon stepped up and pointed his trident at the stranger, "We don't even know who you are!" He declared.

Apoth cocked his head, "Oh really? Then let me introduce myself." His form shifted and he became a literal walking hell. Black wings. Dark cloak and scythes to go with it. A demonic voice spoke.

"I am Apoth, Killer of Monsters, Bane of the Olympians, Lord Over Earth, Destroyer of Life, and the Personification of Death itself."

It was terrifying as each title made the aura around him feel colder and the sky would grow darker. "But... You may know me by a different name," Apoth said as he started another crazed laughter.

The Darkness grew and the Sky thundered, the waves near the shore grew massive as the wind tore through the sky. The moon turned red, as red and black lightning showered the sky. The Gods couldn't help but feel awed at the amount of power in one being. The Demigods struggled to stand and yet some had already fallen down at the pressure of Apoth's power.

Then it became calm. Everything stopped. Apoth went back to his regular form. The wind stopped. The ocean stopped churning.

And yet, the sky remained dark.

"Beneath this cloak is darkness. Beneath this hood is forgotten. But let me take it off so you can remember what you have left behind. What you have created. Darkness. Evil. Destruction."

And with that Apoth pulled the hood off his head.

"Did you miss me?"