Chapter Three: The River of Hatred
And so it went, for five years Prometheus trained the son of Poseidon on Othrys. Prometheus trained him in mind, body and spirit. Percy would have to run up and down the mountain, day after day, carrying heavy rocks. He learned to fight with sword and spear and shield, and all manners of weapon. Well, except the bow and arrow. Even Prometheus's infinite patience ran out trying to teach Percy to use the bow.
Prometheus taught him all the myths of Greek mythology, and all the ways they survived to the modern day. Unlike all of the teachers he had previously, he knew how to get Percy to learn. He brought Percy down to the Garden of the Hesperides and showed him the tree that grew the Golden Apples of Immortality, even though Ladon hissed at them warningly when they got too close. Prometheus showed him how to identify an entrance to the Labyrinth, how to avoid being drawn into the Sea of Monsters, and identified all the kinds of monsters that would want to eat him and how to kill them. He taught him how to avoid drawing the attention of gods, and inversely how to gather the attention of an immortal. He explained that the gods used Iris, the goddess of the rainbow to send messages to one another, and the Titans had a messenger goddess of their own. Arce, the sister of Iris faithfully served the Titans until Zeus brutally removed her wings and cast her into Tartarus, along with the other Titans at the end of the war. She, along with many of the other Titans had risen and were scattered across the globe, waiting for her time, but if he had need, he could call upon her to send messages to his allies. He explained to Percy about the camp for demigods on Long Island, where demigods would stay and train under the care of Chiron, and how few of them would survive to their twenties. Then Prometheus explained to Percy about the Greco-Roman divide, and the history of the gods turn to Rome, how they eventually decided to step back from humanity. He was told about Camp Jupiter, and how they fared much better than their greek counterparts in terms of lifespan. But he also learned of the faults in Roman leadership, and the constant betrayals and backstabbing in their courts.
A few months after Percy came to Othrys, another demigod joined him. His name was Alabaster Torrington, and his mother was Hecate. He was a year and a half younger than Percy. Under the strenuous but fruitful training of Prometheus, the two became fast friends. They ate together, laughed together, sparred together. They were inseparable. Like Percy, Alabaster pledged himself to Kronos the very first day he arrived. His mother, Hecate, also promised to side with Kronos against the Olympians, and every week she came to them and taught them to manipulate the Mist. Alabaster, being the son of Hecate, was a natural, quickly learning how to manipulate the Mist at advanced levels. Percy struggled at first to manipulate the Mist, but after a while he got to be pretty decent too. Nowhere near as good as Alabaster, but impressive for a demigod, Prometheus said. Hecate would bring them into a mortal city, and they would convince mortals that they saw buildings that were never there, met people that didn't exist, and created false memories in their heads. Percy was hesitant about lying to people, but everything they did was harmless. The fake memories they made were about fake friends they fell out of contact with or a good day that never happened. Hecate never asked them to make them experience things that hurt them. This was an exercise to learn to use the tools at their disposal, she explained, not an opportunity to cause unnecessary suffering.
Unfortunately, along with Alabaster came the empousa. They were servants of Hecate, vampires with one donkey foot and one bronze foot. Some of them had hair that was on fire. They always sneered at him when he was near, or bare their fangs at him. The worst one was named Kelli, who looked at him hungrily, and smiled terribly at him, her eyes promising to devour him. If Prometheus hadn't promised they wouldn't hurt him, Percy would have driven them out of Othrys by now.
Hecate and Prometheus were not the only teachers he had though. Two years ago, Oceanus and his wife Tethys came to Othrys. They spent a long time talking with Prometheus and the voice of Kronos. When they finished, Oceanus agreed to aid Kronos against the Olympians. As a gift, he gave Percy two weapons, both forged by cyclops deep under the sea. The first was a Xiphos, crafted from the finest celestial bronze, and whose hilt was decorated with aquamarines and pearls. An image of a serpent was engraved on the blade. Oceanus dubbed the blade Charybdis, great whirlpool of Messina, destroyer of ships. The blade was enchanted to turn into a keychain with a single key on it that would return to his pocket if he lost it. The second weapon was a trident, the symbol of his father. However, the trident was designed with the shaft being three sea serpents coiled around one another, until the prongs separated, and each spearhead looked like the head of a serpent, sharp and vicious. This weapon was also enchanted to turn into a wristband styled like a sea serpent eating its own tail, and would reappear on his wrist in band form if he threw it. Oceanus named it Ketos, after the race of violent sea monsters that ravaged the seas. Prometheus always told him that all the weapons he used seemed unbalanced in his hands, but Percy didn't know what that meant until he picked up these weapons. These weapons felt natural in his hands, like they were forged specifically for him. Every blade he picked up since, he could feel how awkward it was to hold. Yeah, there was a notable improvement in his swordsmanship after that point.
Also, after that day, Tethys would come teach him to use his abilities over the sea. Twice a week he would run down to the water and meet the Titaness of freshwater in Alpine Lake. She would teach him to push and pull the waves, to breathe beneath the surface and commune with all manners of sea creatures. He spent a lot of time summoning and talking to naiads and oceanids. Percy learned to create whirlpools and blades and whips of water. He learned to use water offensively and defensively, as well as passively. He could detect the moisture in an area or in a person. He could create waterspouts to raise him up or ride the waves, swimming faster than any boat or jetski known to man.
He and Tethys got along amazingly. She reminded him a lot like his own mother. When he accidentally admitted that one time, she told him she would be proud to have a son like him. That made him feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
By day, he learned with his teachers, and by night, Kronos would visit him in his dreams. Kronos would ask him about his progress, and praise him for his strength and growth. Kronos would tell him about his plans for the future and his vision of a better tomorrow. Kronos would give him visions of the Golden Age of Man, before they were massacred on Zeus's orders. They lived in harmony with the Titans, and never went hungry or thirsty. There was no crime because there was nothing a human could want that they could not get of their own ability. Pain and longing and hunger were unknown to them. Percy liked these dreams. Then there were the terrible atrocities known that gods were responsible for. Kronos showed him many instances of the gods taking what they wanted leaving only pain and grief behind. Many of the stories of the gods' cruelty Prometheus told him about, Kronos showed him, especially the crimes of his father. Kronos witnessed the life of Thalia Grace, daughter of Zeus. He watched as she struggled under the abuse of her mother, who reminded him a lot of Smelly Gabe. He watched as Hera stole Jason away to give to the Roman Wolf Goddess Lupa when he was two years old. He watched her struggle to survive in the wild, alone and with Luke, and as her father led them to the death trap in Halcyon Green's house. They talked, and Kronos told him how many problems in the modern mortal world were direct results of the god's failings. Sometimes, when he would wake, the presence of Kronos would stay in his mind, but it would always fade by breakfast.
A few days ago, in one of his dreams, Kronos told him he was ready for his first challenge. Kronos wanted to secure the allegiance of the river Styx, a Titaness of considerable power. She, like many other minor gods had joined Zeus against Kronos, but over time she was neglected, the oaths born from her river discarded like trash. Percy and Prometheus were being sent to negotiate with her, and see if she would join them. And today was the day.
Percy and Prometheus walked along a wooded trail in Tennessee along the side of the Cumberland River. It was cold out here. It was the first week of November and it was getting chilly. There weren't even any leaves on the trees. Prometheus told him that long ago, a part of the river Styx had appeared near Arcadia, and as the gods moved West, so too did the Styx appear in parts of the US.
Prometheus stopped by a large clearing, where six people stood waiting for them. In the middle was obviously Styx, a goddess staring at them with dark obsidian eyes, filled with hate. A permanent sneer crossed her pale face. Her ebony hair and dress, black like ash, billowed around her as if she were in a river.
Behind her stood her husband Pallas, Titan of battle and warcraft. He wielded a great spear, and looked at them sternly, with narrowed, calculating eyes.
To Styx's left were Kratos and Bia, and on her left were Nike and Zeleus.
"Well met, Lady of the Terrible River," Prometheus said with a bow. Percy followed his lead.
"Well met, Fire-Giver," Styx replied, inclining her head.
"We come with good news. Kronos, King of the Titans and rightful Master of the World is rising from the depths of the Pit, as are those who would fight with him. In the name of Kronos, we ask you to join us in our fight against the gods of Olympus," Prometheus said.
"You presume much, Trickster. I sided against Kronos in the first Titanomachy. Why would I side with him now?" Styx asked, obsidian eyes boring into his soul.
"Because your king has not upheld his oaths," Prometheus answered evenly. "Your children were promised to stand at th Sky-Father's throne. They were once his fists, sent out to do the bidding of God-King. And yet, they have not set foot on Olympus in millenia. They have been discarded and forgotten as so many other gods and goddesses have been. You, Styx, used to be the most feared and respected of all. You ensured that the Olympians would stay true to their word. And now, the Olympians discard their oaths on you as if you were little more than a suggestion. Twice now, the Olympians broke an oath they swore in your name, and do not see the offenses they level upon you."
"And you would presume to bring one of these children of broken oaths here, to my doorstep," Styx replied. "As an offering perhaps?"
"No. When did the mighty Styx stoop so low as to punish an innocent bystander rather than the perpetrator of the crime? Asbamaeus and his cohorts treat your oath like it's negligible, that they suffer no consequences for their actions. If you side with Kronos, he offers you a spot in his court, with Bia and Kratos as your aides, to ensure our council upholds their oaths, authorized by Kronos himself."
"Cla'rius offered me a similar deal, and now look at me. Why should I think Kronos is any better? He is a liar, a deceiver, an oath breaker. There was a reason I sided against him, you know," Styx answered.
"A deceiver, yes, a liar, perhaps, but an oath breaker? No, when Kronos gives his word, he honors it," Prometheus said.
"Very well. I shall consider your words, on one condition; the boy of the broken oath must face my son and emerge victorious. If the boy succeeds, I shall join you. If he fails, I drag the boy into my river, and I inform the god of favorable winds of your meddlings," Styx said.
"Agreed," Prometheus replied automatically. "Terms of the fight?"
"No weapons. First to submit," Styx said.
"Very well. Percy, are you ready?" Prometheus asked.
Ignoring the nervousness in his stomach, Percy nodded. This was his first test for Kronos. He could not afford to fail. The Titan King would be so disappointed in him. Prometheus took his bracelet and keychain from him. The Titans seemed to form a circle around him, and one stepped forward. Kratos, Titan of Strength, son of Styx and Pallas. He, along with his sister Bia had been the ones to chain Prometheus on Zeus's orders after he gave fire to man. Percy balled his fists as the two of them squared up. Kratos squated low in a wrestler's stance. Percy knew he did not want to grapple with this guy. Wrestling had been one of the favorite pastimes of the Titans, and this guy was not only far stronger than him, but also had millenia more experience than him. Prometheus had warned him to never wrestle with a Titan, because he'd probably wind up dead.
"You may begin," Styx announced.
Kratos exploded from where he stood, charging at Percy. He kept low, his arms outstretched to ensnare him.
Percy just waited, not allowing the show of aggression to scare him. Percy evened his breath as Kratos barreled towards him. As soon as he was within striking distance, Percy moved. A jab to the nose to disorient followed by a straight shot to the Titan's temple. As soon as his hits connected, Percy jumped back out of reach of the Titan's ensnaring arms.
Kratos stumbled forward, failing to grab Percy like he intended. He straightened, wiping a tiny stream of golden blood from his nostril. He glowered at Percy, and adopted a fighting stance of his own.
Prometheus had told Percy to never fight a Titan on their own ground. Titans had been wrestling before even the dawn of man. But they were prideful beings, and if he engaged them in a separate style of fight, most would be honor-bound to meet him in it, if only to prove their superiority.
Kratos advanced again, slower this time, and Percy followed suit. Titan and demigod circled one another, looking for an opening to strike.
Kratos lunged forward with a left hook to his head. Percy ducked back, narrowly avoiding an uppercut. Kratos advanced on him with wild punches and swings, forcing Percy back. He had no time to do anything besides duck, weave, dodge and block. Even the glancing blows the Titan of Strength landed on him felt like he was deflecting cinder blocks.
Kratos threw a cross and Percy surged forward, landing three punches to the Titan's liver before Kratos whacked him with his elbow. Percy went flying, landing a good ten feet away. He scrambled to his feet as Kratos bore down on him, punching the ground where Percy had been a second before. Percy punched him in the temple again, opening a cut on his forehead. Prometheus had demonstrated on several occasions how forehead wounds would bleed profusely. As streams of golden ichor dripped into Kratos's eye, Percy grinned. Kratos blinked at him, and Percy waved to him. With a roar, Kratos lunged at him again. Percy blocked his punch and retaliated with a punch to his head, jerking it back. Kratos responded by headbutting him, throwing him to the ground. Kratos jumped on him, landing punches on him as Percy desperately defended himself. Kratos seethed with anger as he beat down on Percy with heavy blows. The only thing keeping Percy alive was the fact that he managed to keep his guard up. If even a single punch managed to get through his guard, Percy knew this fight would be over.
Again and again the fists rained down on his forearms. He could feel the impacts rattling his bones, shaking the demigod to his core. But still, he persevered. For ten minutes, Kratos beat down on him relentlessly, his fists heavier than boulders, but Percy endured.
Finally, Kratos slowed. He was just fractionally slower than he was before, but that was all Percy needed.
Quick as a viper, Percy's hand shot up. Not as a fist, but with his pointer and middle finger extended. He hit Kratos in his unblocked eye. Kratos roared, clutching his face with both hands. Percy used the opportunity to sock him in the jaw, dislocating it and knocking out a tooth. It also pushed Kratos off him, and Percy scrambled away, getting to his feet quickly.
Kratos sneered at him, half blind from the eye poke to one eye and blood dripping into the other one. He reset his jaw and charger at Percy with a roar. But his swings were wilder and a lot easier to dodge. Percy landed punches and jabs to his liver and kidneys. Each time he did, the Titan would grunt in pain.
Kratos swung at him and this time, Percy caught his wrist in his hand. Kratos fought to bring it back, but Percy held tight. Kratos's bloody eyes widened half a second before Percy's other fist connected with his face, lifting the Titan clear off his feet and sending him back several feet. And there he stayed.
"I believe we have a winner!" Prometheus declared.
Styx glowered at him, but nodded reluctantly. "Very well, Titan. You have earned my allegiance. Styx will stand with Kronos."
Her husband behind her nodded as well. "Pallas will stand with Kronos."
Zeleus stepped forward. "Zeleus will stand with Kronos."
Bia nodded approvingly at Percy. "Bia will stand with Kronos."
Kratos glared at Percy as he got to his feet. "Kratos will stand with Kronos."
A gust of wind nearly knocked Percy off his feet as a winged goddess landed behind him. "Nike will stand with Percy Jackson."
Percy turned around to see the tall goddess standing behind him. She was beautiful, with a winning smile and eyes that glittered with intensity. She wore a white sleeveless dress and held a gold tipped spear. Her dark hair was piled up in braids which were circled in a laurel wreath. Her wings were golden and shone as brightly as the sun. As he looked at her, she smiled brightly.
"Come, Perseus, we must return to Othrys," Prometheus said. Percy nodded, tearing his eyes away from the shining goddess behind him. He took Prometheus's hand and the two of them disappeared in a flash of light.
"Well down Percy, well done indeed. That was no easy fight, and you performed excellently," Prometheus congratulated as they reappeared in the courtyard of Othrys. He handed Percy back his keychain and bracelet.
"Indeed. Overcoming a Titan of Strength is no easy feat. I should know," Atlas grunted.
"Thanks. But I never would have been able to do it without your teachings," Percy admitted.
"Bah. I've been around a long time, lad, and I know a warrior when I see one. You are one of the most naturally gifted fighters I've ever seen. You take to sword fighting like a fish takes to water," Atlas says.
Percy blushed. "Thanks."
"Come're, lad," Atlas commanded. Percy did as he was bid, and approached the Titan trapped beneath the Sky. Atlas shifted, groaning as he put the weight of the sky towards one shoulder. With one hand free, he extended it towards Percy, bronze chains scraping the ground below. "Take out your blade and cut my palm. Oh don't be such a pansy, do it! Before my shoulder cramps."
Percy cut open Atlas's palm, drawing a thin line of ichor on his skin.
"Open your mouth and tilt your head back," Atlas commanded.
"What? I'm not doing that!" Percy cried.
"You want my blessing or not, kid?" Atlas growled.
Percy scrunched his nose in disgust but did as Atlas asked. Atlas raised his hand over his mouth and squeezed his fist. A small stream of ichor fell from his palm and into his mouth. Percy wanted to cry in disgust, but swallowed. Surprisingly, it didn't taste bad. Almost like…cherry?
"I grant you my blessing, Percy Jackson. You will find yourself stronger than any of your kind. Your stamina will be near infinite, and you will be able to endure anything your enemies through at you," Atlas decreed.
"Thank you, Lord Atlas," Percy said.
"Bah. You've earned it. Few demigods alive could go toe to toe with a Titan and emerge victorious, much less unscathed," Atlas said.
"I don't feel unscathed," Percy moaned, rubbing his arms. Atlas let out a booming laugh and Prometheus came up behind him and patted his back.
"Come along then Percy, let's get you some nectar and ambrosia and get you to bed. It's been a long day," Prometheus said.
"A nap does sound nice right about now," Percy admitted, yawning.
That night, Kronos came to him in a dream as he had so many times before.
Congratulations on your victory, young demigod, Kronos purred. The first of many to come.
"Thank you Lord Kronos," Percy said. "I'm ready for whatever you need me to do."
Rest now, young demigod, Kronos said. For soon I will have another task for you. I have communed with another demigod in Camp Half-Blood, and he is willing to join us. In but a few weeks, during the Winter Solstice meeting of the gods, he will steal Zeus's Master Bolt. I need you to be in New York. You and Alabaster will guide him back to Othrys, ensuring the security of the Master Bolt.
Percy felt a pang of jealousy. Why shouldn't he be the one to steal the Master Bolt? But he nodded all the same. "Of course, Lord Kronos. Who is this other demigod?"
He is a child of Hermes, god of messengers, travelers and thieves. His name is Luke Castellan.
