Chapter 3: Principle

The grand chamber of Chaos's celestial castle lay before them as Perseus led the way inside. Its imposing walls and high-vaulted ceiling whispered of ages past, a place of significance and gravitas. The air seemed to buzz with an unspoken energy as small spheres of white flames illuminated the architecture. Perseus, a vivacious and radiant presence in this hallowed space, couldn't contain his excitement. He moved with a youthful exuberance, his footsteps echoing through the chamber's expanse. "This," he exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder, "this is where it all begins, where the council shall be founded!"

Phanes and Gaea exchanged curious glances and approached Perseus, intrigued by his words. "What do you speak of, Perseus?" Phanes inquired, his lighter voice resonating with almost paternal warmth.

With his mismatched eyes shining like supernovas, Perseus beamed with enthusiasm as he embarked on his explanation. "Listen, Brother Phanes. It's like a grand gathering of everyone, a place where decisions are made and where the most important matters of the cosmos are deliberated upon. It's like a council!"

Phanes and Gaea turned their gaze towards Chaos, their eyes reflecting the prying of owls. Chaos met their inquisitive looks with a knowing smile that carried the wisdom of countless ages. "I taught him the word," she confessed, nodding her head.

Undaunted by the growing confusion, Perseus continued his animated narration. "And I made a grand castle."

"A castle, you say? Your imagination knows no bounds, young one." Phanes furrowed his brow, now thoroughly confused.

Chaos stepped in to clarify, a fondness in her clashing of violet and ultramarine blue eyes as she looked at her son. "Perseus created a very impressive palace earlier, using the very Earth and stars themselves as his medium."

Phanes's initial bewilderment slowly gave way to a weariness that eventually settled into a warm, genuine smile as he grasped the concept. "Ah, I see now. So, it's like your very own haven, a place you can call home?"

Nodding with infectious enthusiasm, Perseus pointed his finger at his oldest brother. "Yes, Phanes, precisely! My palace!"

"May I have the honor of visiting this palace with you once this 'council' concludes?" Phanes couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity.

Perseus's face lit up with joy at the suggestion. "Of course, Phanes! It would be my pleasure!"

Meanwhile, raised voices had caught Gaea's attention in the corner of the chamber. She turned her gaze towards the source of the commotion and noticed a gathering of godlings, including Ouranos and Pontus, Thalassa, and Hemera. "Percy, dear," Gaea addressed her youngest brother, "Could you please go and see what has transpired between Ouranos and Pontus? They're over there with Thalassa and Hemera."

Without a moment's hesitation, Perseus dashed off towards the group, eager to resolve any discord and share his news with his friends. As Perseus left, Phanes turned to Chaos, a strange glint shining in his eyes. "Tell me more about Perseus, Chaos," he implored, his voice gentle yet filled with an earnest desire to understand. "I must admit, I do not know much about him, and it weighs upon my heart."

Chaos regarded Phanes with a thoughtful expression. Her contemplative silence carried an air of mystique as if she herself were still unraveling the enigma that was Perseus. Phanes, undeterred, continued to express his concerns. "I was by your side each passing moment for the raising of my other brothers and sisters," he confessed, his voice soft but tinged with genuine worry, "however, with Perseus, I do not see much of you. I simply am concerned."

The words hung in the air, a reflection of Phanes's deep connection to the order and his innate sense of responsibility. He sought to unravel the mysteries of Perseus, a Protogenos who defied easy comprehension. Ever empathetic and insightful, Gaea gently rested her hand on Phanes's forearm. "I understand your feelings, Phanes," she began in a soothing tone.

Her eyes turned toward their mother, a gesture encompassing their discussion's essence. "It's possible that Chaos believes she should not burden you with caregiving tasks," she suggested.

"Perhaps she wants to grant you the freedom to create, as is your purpose."

His gaze fixed on Chaos, Phanes let out a measured exhale, unwilling to accept any explanations or sentiments unless they came directly from the Goddess of Creation.

Bestowing upon her firstborn a gentle smile, Chaos's lips detailed the fondness she held for him. "I appreciate you, Phanes," she acknowledged, her voice delicate yet forthright. "I treasure your unwavering comfort and the boundless care you provide for my children."

With a contemplative sigh, Chaos proceeded to address the matter at hand. "There is little about Perseus that I can tell you that you cannot discover for yourself," she admitted, shimmering with hints of wisdom.

Her words held a sense of humility. "Truthfully, there are aspects of him that even I do not possess answers to. The journey to understand him is one that only you can embark upon, dear Phanes."

As Phanes absorbed Chaos's wisdom, a sudden flurry of energy disrupted their quiet moment. "Mother, Mother!" It was Perseus rushing back to their assembly, "Ouranos and Pontus were disputing who shall take Gaea's hand in matrimony! They were arguing; it was fun and absurd!"

Chaos looked at her son with an appreciative smile, cherishing his eagerness to share this momentous occasion. Amid this shared moment of contemplation, Chaos exchanged a knowing glance with Gaea, the two of them acknowledging the significance of the decision they were about to announce. As if with the determination of gravity itself, Chaos addressed the room, her voice resonating with authority so that her words reached every corner. "It appears, dear Perseus," she declared, "that the time has come for Thalassa and Pontus to receive their domains."

The shift in atmosphere within the chamber was palpable. What had been a gathering of family and celebration now took on a far more solemn tone. All eyes turned toward Chaos, standing tall and commanding, as she prepared to bestow upon Thalassa and Pontus their domains. The great chamber seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of this momentous occasion: such was the stage for many cosmic events, but as Chaos materialized at its center, it became clear that this day would hold a place of profound significance in the annals of the Protogenos.

Chaos's gaze turned to Thalassa and Pontus, and her voice took on a ceremonial gravitas. "Step forward and receive all that is principle."

In perfect harmony, Thalassa and Pontus strode toward the center of the celestial chamber, each carrying the weight of their shared destiny. With heads bowed and a sense of solemnity befitting the occasion, they knelt before one of the goddesses who had birthed them into existence. This ceremony was more than a rite of passage; it would mark the beginning of their history within the ever-expanding cosmos. Chaos's voice reverberated with the wisdom of the ages as she began the formal ceremony. "Thalassa and Pontus," she intoned, her voice a symphony of creation, "born from the Earth herself, you are her eternal guardians, the rulers of her lifeblood as it flows within you."

Raising a singular hand, Chaos extended her fingers, and tendrils of glowing cerulean and turquoise light wove intricate patterns in the air, wrapping themselves around the twins. The energy coursed through them, weaving into the very fabric of their being, becoming an inseparable part of their essence. "The bond between your desires is the foundation of your personhood," Chaos continued, "as oceans bear the weight of the two poles, it is only just that the seas are shared amongst counterparts."

Thalassa and Pontus exchanged a profound look, their hearts beating a synchronized drum, embracing the shared fate that awaited them. "Rise like the tides, twins of the Earth," Chaos commanded.

With a breathtaking display, Thalassa and Pontus rose like a duo of elemental forces. Thalassa's once unruly teal hair flowed like a cascade, a waterfall of radiant waves. Her skin had adopted a gentle hue of light blue, giving her an ethereal and shimmering appearance. In a dissimilar vein, Pontus's dark navy blue hair mirrored the profound depths of the oceans. His eyes, almost obsidian at first glance, blazed with an inner light that conjured the image of the tempestuous sea's mysteries - strikes of lightning on murky waves. "My children," Chaos proclaimed, her voice resonating throughout the chamber, "I present to you the newest addition to the Protogenos family."

"Thalassa and Pontus, the Protogenoi of the Seas!" The chamber filled with a chorus of cosmic energy, and the castle itself seemed to sway like the ocean's surface, recognizing the newfound rulers of the Earth's realms. Thalassa and Pontus had embraced their domain as Protogenoi of the seas, and the entire cosmos watched in awe.

Perseus bounded forward, leaving a trail of radiant light in his wake, and stood before Thalassa and Pontus. His left eye sparkled with admiration, planets whistling by in his orbs as he gazed at the newly anointed Protogenos of the Seas. "You both look incredible!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with unbridled enthusiasm. "Each moment that I do not have my domain, I feel as though I have been struck by Chronos's staff! I am envious!"

Thalassa giggled at Perseus's long rant. "Percy, do not be so selfish!" She quipped, teasing him.

"How could I not? Thalassa, your hair now is dazzling, like the gentle waves that caress the shore." Perseus turned to Pontus, "And Pontus, your eyes hold the mysteries of the deep. You two are perfect for your domains!"

Thalassa and Pontus exchanged a subtle, knowing glance, their hearts touched by Perseus's heartfelt words. Thalassa's gaze lingered a bit longer on Perseus, her eyes reflecting possibly a little more than just appreciation. She couldn't help but be drawn to the spirited young godling; he was captivating. As Perseus continued to celebrate their newfound roles, the entire chamber seemed to come alive, pulsing with the joy of this pivotal milestone. Chaos and Gaea watched with fond smiles, perceptive of the subtle connection forming between Thalassa and Perseus.

"Only six million years old, and he is already stealing hearts," Gaea voiced, giving a short chuckle.

Chaos playfully threatened, her fingers gently twirling Gaea's fern-green locks. "You would be wise to control your daughter, Gaea."

As the jubilation began to subside, Phanes, who had been observing quietly, approached Perseus with a thoughtful expression. The young godling was by himself, grabbing a glass of nectar from one of the tables. Phanes's eyes held an insatiable curiosity that he couldn't repress. "Perseus," he began, walking up to the boy, "your palace. You spoke of it earlier. May I accompany you to see this creation of yours?"

"Of course, Phanes! Although, Thalassa, Hemera, and Pontus wanted to attend." Perseus's face lit up at the request.

Phanes contemplated the idea for a moment. "If you don't mind, Perseus, I was hoping you and I could have some one-on-one time, as brothers do."

Thrilled, Perseus nodded, appreciating the chance for a more intimate bond with his elder sibling. "Okay, Phanes. But in return, you and I will explore the mountains that Mother gifted me once I have finished attending to my gardens."

"So it will be." Phanes gave a soft smile.

The transition between the grand chamber and the wondrous fields below Perseus's palace was swift and seamless. In an instant, the great expanse of the cosmos transformed into a picturesque landscape, bathed in the warm, golden hues of a setting sun. As they materialized, they found themselves amidst the vast, rolling meadow. The grass beneath their feet was like a carpet of lush, emerald velvet, and it swayed gently in the breeze as if singing an enchanting lullaby to the land.

The slopes of the nearby mountain range, dressed in the rich tapestry of pine and cedar forests, exuded a tranquil, pre-dusk serenity. Cascading waterfalls, fed by the crystal-clear mountain streams that flowed from the heights, tumbled gracefully downward, casting delicate sprays of glistening droplets that sparkled in the waning sunlight.

Phanes observed the breathtaking scene with a composed demeanor, his countenance reflecting the experience he held as a Protogenos. The allure of Earth's mightiest landmarks was nothing new to him, and yet, the landscape that lay before them held a unique charm. "I must commend you, Perseus," Phanes remarked, his words carrying the weight of his discerning perception. "The beauty of this place is rightly exceptional. It captures the essence of the planet's finest offerings."

Perseus grinned with pride, his mismatched eyes shining like stars on a clear night. "I'm glad you like it, Phanes. This is where I will come to think and dream. It's a part of me - that's what Mother said."

As the sun dipped lower, the entire landscape seemed to come alive in a kaleidoscope of colors. The meadow's wildflowers, kissed by the fading sunlight, unfurled their petals in a graceful display of crimson, violet, and golden hues. Dewdrops clung to their delicate forms, transforming each flower into a jewel that adorned the forest floor. "Brother Phanes," Perseus began, his voice filled with a sense of tranquility. He crouched down as he gently grazed the blossoms in the garden, "It's pretty things like this that are most fragile. That's why I want to protect all of Mother's creations; I want her pretty things to stay pretty.

The two brothers continued to explore the enchanting scene. Perseus led Phanes to a vantage point where they could gaze upon the ever-changing panorama of nature's beauty. Now, a fiery orange ball on the horizon, the sun cast its final, gentle embrace over the land before it descended beyond the mountains.

"Okay, okay, okay!" Perseus started, "This is where the true wonder begins!"

With a flourish, he pushed aside a leafy tree branch, revealing his celestial castle perched majestically atop the mountain slopes. Stepping out of the forest's embrace, Perseus proudly unveiled his greatest creation to his brother in all of its majesty. Gazing upon the sight of Perseus's palace left Phanes utterly astonished; it felt like the choir of stars was serenading of its valor. He couldn't fathom how a godling with a mere six million years of existence had managed to craft something so intricate and sophisticated.

The elder Protogenos had witnessed the birth of countless stars and galaxies, the shaping of planetary systems, and the emergence of life itself; he couldn't help but compare his own creations to this remarkable feat. The complexity and artistry of Perseus's palace left him in doubt about whether his own cosmic wonders could compete with such brilliance. Phanes burst into a bright light without uttering a word, teleporting directly in front of the castle's entrance. His fingers gently traced the intricate carvings on the palace's walls as he muttered to himself, "What in Chaos's name..."

"I have crafted worlds and ignited the birth of stars, but this is beyond that. It's as if he's woven the essence of the void itself into this palace."

A sudden voice interrupted his contemplation. "Do you like it?"

Startled, Phanes took a step back, only to find Perseus floating in front of him, grinning with arms folded across his chest. After a deep breath, Phanes nodded, scrutinizing each detail, "This is... elegant. I can hardly believe it was you who constructed such."

Phanes floated upward, patting Perseus's head in approval. "Brilliant work."

Perseus flipped in mid-air, his eyes animated as his lips curved upward, "Exactly! You understand! Even Mother could not believe it; she said it was good - that it was very good!"

"I think if I hone my abilities, I could maybe even become as skilled as you!"

Phanes furrowed his eyebrows, his voice filled with a confliction, "As honorable as that is, might I give you some advice, young Perseus?"

Perseus nodded, his curiosity piqued.

"You said you want to protect Chaos's creations, yes?" Phanes asked.

"Mmhm," Perseus confirmed.

"Then, would not your physicality be just as, if not more important than your innate talents? Any entity that prides itself on combat, such as Tartarus, would be something formidable in your journey. I suggest you concentrate on fulfilling a solution to that to fully succeed."

Perseus considered Phanes's advice and slowly understood its significance. It wasn't just about being a master of creation; it was about being capable of defending and safeguarding those creations. A sense of tenacity filled him as he nodded in agreement, realizing that he needed to become a well-rounded Protogenos.

"Thank you, Phanes," Perseus replied with sincerity, "I shall invite your advice into my heart. I must be more than just a creator. I need to be its caretaker."

Phanes smiled again, appreciating Perseus's willingness to learn. "That's the spirit, young one. Now, if you're seeking to improve your physicality and resilience, there's one place you should visit."

Perseus's curiosity was piqued, and he inquired eagerly, "Where? Where?!"

Phanes chuckled, a hint of humor in his tone. "Tartarus is the one you seek. He is always looking for an excuse to engage in combat. It's been said he's a formidable teacher in the ways of battle, though I'd never set foot there myself; we're indisputably polar opposites."

The two brothers couldn't help but share a hearty laugh at the thought of their other brother, the embodiment of the abyss, engaging in martial endeavors. "Do you know where I can locate him?" Perseus inquired further. "I noticed he left Thalassa and Pontus's domain ceremony early."

"Well," Phanes began, "I cannot sense his presence, so he must be concealed within his domain - the Underworld. He once mentioned something about a colosseum in his realm. Perhaps you should journey there."

With these parting words of guidance, Phanes prepared to depart, his form dissolving in a burst of celestial light. Perseus waved him off with gratitude, saying, "Farewell, and thank you, Phanes!"

Now left to his own devices, Perseus cast one final wistful gaze at the vast night sky. The moon's ethereal glow bathed the heavens in its pale radiance, casting glimmering reflections upon the dark canvas of space. Perseus focused his thoughts, and with newfound fortitude, he manifested himself within the Underworld - the Pit. The transition was instantaneous and disorienting, a sudden shift from the tranquil serenity of the night sky to the harsh and daunting expanse of the Underworld.

As he materialized in this expanse, he found himself in the core of fiery deserts that stretched infinitely in every direction, a harsh and daunting landscape that would be the future crucible for the enemies of the Earth. A sense of solitude hung in the air as he contemplated his next steps.

Perseus couldn't help but shudder at the difference between the Earth and the Underworld. To put it simply, it was ugly. Undiscouraged, Perseus called out into the cavernous expanse, his voice echoing through the darkness, "TARTARUS!"

With determination coursing through him, Perseus took his first steps, treading on the seemingly endless sands, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of life or the fabled 'colosseum' that Phanes had mentioned. The journey through the barren wasteland was treacherous, the unforgiving terrain challenging his resolve.

As time passed, marked by the shifting phases of the moon, Perseus ventured deeper into the heart of Tartarus's domain. Remnants of doubt crept into his mind as he encountered the unchanging landscape. The isolation of this place weighed on him. He mused aloud to himself, attempting to alleviate the solitude, "This is not as fun as I thought it may be."

Determined, he pushed aside his doubts, reminding himself of his purpose and the need to grow as a Protogenos. He pondered aloud, "Well, I must admit, this certainly will not be a nice place to visit with Mother anytime soon."

Perseus continued his exploration, the relentless fires of the Underworld casting long shadows across the barren terrain. His divine form was resilient, yet he could feel the oppressive heat and the weight of this place. The young godling persevered, his conviction unwavering. "Colosseum... colosseum..."

As he traversed the desolate sands, he paused to shape a small mound of sand, remarking to himself, "This ground is quite sharp; it probably would've cut those wildflowers if they touched."

With a casual shake of the sand from his hands and legs, he continued his journey through the Pit, growing somewhat bored but unwavering in his purpose. Then, he saw it. In the distance, a structure seemed to emerge, growing from the wastelands like an ominous monolith. Dark, jagged rocks reached for the ceiling, their edges sharp and deadly, a stark contrast to the surrounding desolation. Perseus's heart quickened with anticipation as he realized that he had finally arrived at the aforementioned colosseum, Tartarus's realm of combat and challenge.

As his next step touched the ground, he materialized at the base of the foreboding fortress, his divine presence contrasting sharply with the hostile surroundings. The entrance to the stadium stood tall and imposing, formed of massive stone arches that seemed to defy gravity. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Perseus ventured forward, his steps echoing on the worn stones that paved the way. The air was thick with anticipation and the weight of countless battles that would be taken place within the walls.

As he entered the great stage, Perseus was greeted by a sight that left his mouth open in admiration. He slowly spun in a full circle, taking in the enormity of the structure. High above him, tier upon tier of stone bleachers stretched to the heavens, forming a colossal amphitheater. These towering seats were hewn from the very stone of the abyss as if the colosseum had been carved directly from the depths of the Underworld.

The bleachers were empty, but Perseus could almost imagine the roars of a crowd, watching with fervor as mighty combatants clashed for victory. The oppressive fever of the Underworld seemed to intensify in its heart; however, Perseus was undeterred.

Suddenly, his illusions of filled bleachers were shattered as a deep, rumbling voice pierced the silence, calling out his name and echoing through the vast expanse. "Percy?"

Perseus tore his gaze away from the architectural marvel and beheld Tartarus emerging from the shadows. The Protogenos of the Abyss loomed like a colossal specter, his form enveloped in inky darkness, and his eyes shimmered with an otherworldly fire.

"Welcome to The Arena, young one," Tartarus greeted dramatically, his voice resonating with a dark weight. "You've ventured into the land of punishment without supervision. I wonder what Mother would say if she knew."

Still trying to grasp the absurdity of the situation, Perseus questioned, "Your arena?"

Tartarus's voice took on a sinister edge as he revealed the purpose of the eerie cage. "I constructed this place to force the tortured souls that dwell in my realm to battle for my entertainment. In this colosseum, the Arena, their agony becomes my amusement."

"..."

Perseus couldn't help but be overcome by incredulous laughter and giggles, the sheer absurdity of the situation proving too much. Even Tartarus himself broke character as 'the eternal punisher', his dark demeanor replaced by a surprisingly bright smile. "You are... preposterous! Brother Tartarus!" Perseus chortled between gasps for breath.

Tartarus beamed brightly as he rested his fists on his hips. He chuckled darkly, the shadows around him deepening. "Cruelty and heartlessness are the essence of my domain, Perseus. It is what Mother has deemed my principle."

In the midst of the fleeting laughter, the atmosphere in the amphitheater took a serious turn once more as Tartarus regarded Perseus, his eyes a mesmerizing blend of darkness and infinite flame. "Why have you ventured into the depths of the Underworld, little Perseus?" Tartarus inquired, genuine curiosity pouring from his being.

Perseus met the elder Protogenos's gaze with the courage of knights. "I came to challenge you, Tartarus," he declared, his voice resolute. "I wish to contend with your physical might, to train under you, and to become more than just a creator. I want to be capable of protecting the creations I love, as you shall protect sister Gaea from her criminals."

A slow, sinister smile crept across Tartarus's face as he listened to Perseus's pledge. It was a smile that held the promise of grueling trials and formidable challenges, the embodiment of the abyss itself.

"Very well, prodigal god," Tartarus accepted with a tone of approval, his voice echoing through the arena. "I shall train you, and together, we shall forge you into a force to be reckoned with. The abyss shall be your teacher, and your power shall be undeniable."

With an acceptance that bore the weight of the Pit, Perseus's journey into the world of martial conflict had officially begun under the ominous tutelage of Tartarus. "We fight tonight. We fight tomorrow. We fight for millennia until the day you drop below the Underworld."

AN

Hello! Here's another chapter I quickly wrote up; I have a few more ideas for the prologue of this series (yes, we're only in the prologue) so I'm excited to see how well everything will tie together in this first arc.

As always, please feel free to offer suggestions, reviews, or something you might want to see down the line; I always check the comments!

AN: 2

Additionally - since I'm sure a few people are wondering - I wanted to include exactly how old every character is in this chapter so you all can get a better grasp of the characters' relations. (For Protogenoi, as referenced in ch. 1, one million years - an epoch - is equivalent to one year of childhood development)

Chaos: ? (The Eternal)

Phanes: 34 million (Son of Chaos)

Gaea: 24 million (Daughter of Chaos)

Tartarus: 24 million (Son of Chaos)

Nyx: 22 million (Daughter of Chaos)

Erebus: 21 million (Son of Chaos)

Chronos: 19 million (Son of Chaos)

Ananke: 19 million (Daughter of Chaos)

Pontus: 10 million (Son of Gaea)

Thalassa: 10 million (Daughter of Gaea)

Hemera: 9 million (Daughter of Nyx and Erebus)

Ouranos: 9 million (Son of Gaea)

Perseus: 6 million (Son of Chaos)

- ANAKX

Word Count: 4456