Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson or Harry Potter.

The Ever Twisting Wind: The Gaean War

Interlude: Years Later - Will gets Immortality

Beta:

Will nestled into Andi's side, his body pressed against hers as they lay atop the soft bed of moss and wildflowers that had blossomed beneath them, shaped by his goddess girlfriend's divine authority. The secluded forest clearing, just beyond the property line of Camp Half-Blood, stretched around them in quiet serenity, the towering black oak behind them standing like a silent guardian. Its massive, gnarled trunk, still warm from the lingering heat of the day, served as their headboard, its sprawling branches extending outward, sheltering them beneath a canopy of deep green leaves. The moonlight filtered through the foliage in soft, dappled patches, casting a silver glow over the forest floor, where lush greenery and delicate blossoms thrived in the untouched wilderness.

The night air carried a hushed stillness, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze and the distant murmur of unseen nocturnal creatures stirring in the undergrowth. The sound of water, a slow trickling stream weaving its way through the mossy underbrush, added to the tranquil atmosphere, its rhythm blending seamlessly with the faint, rhythmic crash of waves rolling onto the distant shores of Long Island Sound. Wildflowers in shades of pale gold and soft lavender dotted the edges of the clearing, their petals shifting slightly in the night air, adding a quiet vibrancy to the scene.

The scents of earth, salt, and crushed flora mingled with the unmistakable musk of their spent passion, wrapping around them in an unspoken promise of intimacy and belonging. The wild, untamed beauty of the clearing, shaped by Andi's presence, reflected the goddess herself, free and unrestrained, completely in her element. Will let out a slow breath, sinking deeper into her embrace, his fingers brushing lazily over the moss. The steady rhythm of her breathing filled the quiet space between them, a soothing pulse that grounded him. Nowhere else in the world felt quite as right as being here, wrapped up in her warmth, surrounded by the living, breathing wilderness she commanded.

His arm draped lazily over her waist, fingers tracing idle patterns against her smooth, creamy skin, still tingling with the warmth of their earlier passion. The faint glow of the moon highlighted the toned definition of his athletic frame, sculpted from years of training and battle. Though still youthful, Will had long since shed the last remnants of boyhood, his body now that of a warrior, honed by his years as a Hero. His broad shoulders shifted as he adjusted his position, golden curls brushing against Andi's bare shoulder, his skin bronzed from the sun and still warm to the touch. The deep blue of his eyes, reminiscent of a summer sky at noon, flickered with drowsy contentment as he let his head rest against the curve of her neck, breathing her in with a slow, steady sigh.

Andi exhaled softly, shifting against the trunk as the moonlight traced the contours of her lithe, athletic frame. Her body carried the natural strength of someone who had spent years pushing herself to the limit, her toned legs a testament to relentless training and a life spent running wild. The smooth definition of her form was balanced by the soft curves that graced her slender frame, the gentle rise and fall of her healthy C-cup bust adding to the quiet elegance of her figure. Her jet-black pixie cut, styled into a short bob with spiky layers at the back, framed her face with effortless boldness. A few stray strands had come loose in the aftermath of their passion, brushing against her cheek before she idly tucked them behind her ear. The striking electric blue of her eyes gleamed softly, standing in sharp contrast to the peaceful night around them, their brilliance carrying the quiet intensity of a summer storm on the horizon.

Will shifted, tightening his hold on her, pressing his face lightly against her shoulder as he let out a satisfied sigh. The night air, cool and crisp, drifted over his bare skin, the slight contrast to Andi's warmth sending a pleasant shiver through him. He absently ran a hand down the curve of her waist, appreciating the way she fit so effortlessly against him, as if she belonged there.

"You are comfortable." He murmured, his voice low and thick with lazy satisfaction. His lips brushed against her collarbone, barely a whisper of contact, before he settled against her once more, his golden curls splayed over her skin.

Andi smirked, her fingers slipping into his messy curls, twisting a few strands between her fingertips with playful affection. She let the soft locks slide through her grasp, clearly enjoying the way they coiled and unfurled at her touch. Tilting her head slightly, she tugged lightly, just enough to draw his attention, a teasing glint in her electric blue eyes.

"I would hope so." She mused, tilting her head against the black oak's trunk. "I would be insulted if you said otherwise."

Will grinned, the corner of his lips curling as he let his eyes flutter closed, a lazy satisfaction settling over him. The warmth of Andi's touch lingered, her fingers still threading through his hair, grounding him in the moment. His breath slowed, his body completely at ease, basking in the lingering glow of their closeness.

"I mean it." He muttered, the words nearly lost to the pull of exhaustion as sleep threatened to take him.

"Glad to hear it." Andi said with a smile that Will did not turn to face but could hear in her voice.

Smiling at that, Will leaned into Andi even more, feeling the steady rise and fall of her breath beneath him, her arms wrapped around him with a quiet fondness that he could sink into for hours. The rustling leaves, the distant waves, and the soft hum of nocturnal life wove together into a soothing lull, wrapping them in an unspoken sense of belonging. He sighed one last time, fully relaxed against her warmth, his body molding comfortably to hers as the forest around them pulsed with life. Even in his haze of contentment, he felt the faint tapping of her fingers against his back, rhythmic and restless. Andi never stayed still for long.

He cracked one eye open, already half-expecting trouble, and sure enough, her electric blue eyes gleamed with restless energy. Moonlight caught on the lightning bolt-shaped hair clips that framed her face, her short black pixie cut shifting slightly in the evening breeze. That mischievous curve to her lips set off every internal alarm he had, but before he could voice his skepticism, she tilted her head at him.

"So, Will," she murmured, her voice tinged with curiosity and entirely too much enthusiasm for someone who had been cuddling just fine a second ago. "I want to show you something. Up for it?"

Will blinked at her, resisting the urge to groan. He had no idea what she was about to pull, but experience told him that protesting was pointless. She was the goddess of the wild, weather, and Wizarding magic; a force of nature in every sense of the word. More importantly, she was his girlfriend, which meant, naturally, that she got her way nine times out of ten.

"Uh… sure." He muttered, trying and failing to inject enthusiasm into his voice.

Andi grinned, clearly taking his half-hearted agreement as full permission. Before Will could second-guess his life choices, she raised a hand, and with a burst of vibrant green flames, the unmistakable flicker of Floo magic, a deck of enchanted photos materialized in her hand. They fanned out neatly in her grasp, glowing softly as they hovered between them, ready to be admired.

His stomach dropped, a familiar, sinking weight settling deep in his gut. Whatever was coming next, Andi's electric blue eyes gleamed with barely contained excitement, making it clear that she was about to hit him with something big. Bracing himself, he swallowed, already suspecting that this was going to be yet another moment where his understanding of her life, and just how much he did not know, was about to expand.

"I've got photos of my new kids! Look at them!" Andi beamed, plucking one from the stack and holding it out proudly. "Aren't they the cutest?"

Will exhaled slowly, steadying himself. He already knew exactly where this was going. Andi was about to gush over her kids. Again.

Will sat up slightly, peering at the first photo with a resigned sigh. A dark-haired toddler, no older than two, stared up at him with wide midnight-blue eyes, her tiny hands raised in a blur of motion as if reaching for the camera. Her features carried the unmistakable influence of her divine parents, Andi and Lady Pannychis, yet something about her was entirely her own. Even at such a young age, there was a quiet, regal confidence in the way she held herself, an innate poise that hinted at the goddess she would one day become.

"Nysa," Andi declared proudly. "Two years old and already a little queen. She's got this way of looking at people like she's judging them, but in a cute way, you know?"

Will hummed, nodding politely, though the weight of realization was beginning to settle in. He had always known Andi had kids with other people. She was a goddess, so of course she had kids with other people. But the more he thought about it, the clearer it became that her divine lineage did not mean just a few scattered children. No, Andi had a lot of children. And not just with mortals, like Phoenix with Christy. She was having children with other gods.

Will barely had time to process this before she plucked another photo from the stack, flipping it toward him with practiced ease. It was the effortless motion of someone who had done this plenty of times before, a well-rehearsed showcase that she was clearly enjoying. He caught the picture mid-air, his eyes flicking down before he could even think to react.

"And here's Clio!" Andi's voice practically sparkled with excitement as she gestured at the image of a newborn swaddled in deep blue fabric, her tiny hands curled into soft fists. "She's the youngest. Look at those wavy black locks, just like Pannychis'. And those eyes? Definitely mine."

Will barely had time to acknowledge Clio's undeniably cute but very new existence before Andi breezed ahead. Before he could form any kind of response, she had already fished out the next photo, her grin widening as she held it up for him to see. He barely kept up as another name left her lips with the same warmth and pride as the first.

"And Helia!" She continued, plucking out a photo of an auburn-haired toddler with golden-green eyes. The little girl was caught mid-giggle, her tiny hands reaching for something just out of frame. "One and a half and already way too smart for her own good. Antheia swears she has a natural connection to plants, which makes sense given who her parents are."

Will tuned out for a moment, his mind still working through the sheer number of names and faces being thrown at him. He had expected Andi to have a few kids, but this was turning into a full-blown parade of divine offspring. He tried to wrap his head around it, but every time he thought he had a grasp on the situation, Andi introduced another child into the mix.

Okay, he thought, just how many kids are we talking about here? I knew she had more than just Phoenix, Lady Pikra, and Lady Xený, but this many? How am I only just now realizing the sheer scale of Andi's ever-growing family tree?

"And then there's Alethea." Andi said fondly, drawing Will's attention back just in time for her to pass him the final image. A tiny baby, barely a few months old, lay nestled in a bed of ivy, her soft golden-green eyes peering up sleepily. Her long, ivy-green hair curled slightly at the ends, giving her an almost ethereal glow, as though the forest itself had cradled her into existence. Or, more likely, Lady Antheia.

Will nodded again, still polite, still vaguely overwhelmed. "She's cute."

"I know, right?" Andi grinned, her excitement undiminished. "They're all adorable. Honestly, sometimes I just look at them and think - wow, I make great kids."

Will let out a breathy chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. You, uh, definitely make a lot of them."

Andi shot him a look, amused but sharp. "Something wrong with that, babe?"

He hesitated, glancing at the photo in his hands. The baby looked so small, so peaceful, wrapped in the gentle embrace of nature. Despite his internal crisis over just how many kids Andi had, he could not deny that each one was adorable in their own way.

"Not… wrong, just…" He gestured vaguely at the floating deck of photos. "You're really out there having kids left and right, huh?"

Andi arched her brow, her lips curving into something knowing. "Will, I'm a goddess."

"Yeah, I know that," he said quickly, running a hand through his shaggy blond curls. "But it's just… wow. You're not just having kids with, like, random mortals. You're having kids with other gods."

"Obviously!" Andi said matter-of-factly. "What, you think I should only have kids with humans?"

"No! I mean-" He sighed, shaking his head. "I just didn't realize how many there were."

Andi smirked. "Starting to feel left out?"

Will scoffed, but the idea was already forming in his head. He was the son of Apollo, the god of light, music, and healing, and he was dating Andi, a goddess in her own right. She clearly had no reservations about expanding her divine lineage. So if he wanted to secure his place in her life, if he wanted to make sure he was more than just one of many, maybe it was time to take things a step further.

His vivid blue eyes flicked toward her, catching the way her electric gaze shimmered with unmistakable amusement, a silent challenge lingering behind the glow. She was studying him intently, her expression unreadable yet laced with an almost predatory patience, as if savoring the moment before he was forced to respond.

Yeah, I need to step up my game. Will thought with determination.

Putting thought to action, Will turned his head slightly, his shaggy blond curls shifting as he studied Andi, his eyes trailing over her with a mix of admiration and challenge. The way she looked in the soft moonlight filtering through the black oak's canopy was almost unfair, her creamy complexion glowing in the dim light, accentuating the sharp contrast of her jet-black pixie cut. The spiky layers at the back added to the untamed energy that always surrounded her, a presence both wild and magnetic. She was effortlessly stunning, as befitted a goddess, and in this moment, she was his.

A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he leaned in just a little closer, feeling the warmth of her bare skin against his own, the heat between them lingering even after their last round. The scent of crushed wildflowers and salt clung to her, mixing with something uniquely Andi, something untamed and intoxicating. His fingers grazed along her side, his touch light yet deliberate, as if testing just how much closer he could pull her before she made the move herself.

"Up for another round?" He asked, his voice low and teasing, but the hint of genuine desire was unmistakable.

Andi's knowing smile was immediate, a glint of mischief sparking in her glowing blue eyes as she met his gaze. She did not answer right away, letting the moment stretch, the air between them thick with anticipation, the unspoken challenge passing effortlessly between them. Then, with a fluid ease that sent his pulse racing, she dismissed her photos in a fresh burst of the green flames of Floo Travel. Shifting smoothly, she pressed her body against his, her bare skin igniting every nerve as she hooked a hand behind his neck, pulling him toward her with a deliberate slowness that made it impossible to think of anything else.

"I thought you'd never ask." She murmured before pulling him into a deep, heated kiss.

Will barely had time to register anything beyond the press of her lips, the electric spark of her touch, before he was lost in her entirely. Her fingers tangled in his shaggy curls, the firm but teasing tug sending a shiver racing down his spine, making him instinctively press closer. The warmth of her body against his was intoxicating, a steady hum of energy that seemed to pulse beneath her skin, pulling him deeper into her orbit. She moved like the wind, fluid and untamed, her breath mingling with his, carrying the faintest trace of wild earth, crisp mountain air, and something uniquely hers. She was the embodiment of motion, of life, yet here she was, wrapped up in him, pressing against him with a force that was impossible to resist.

Andi shifted again, her toned legs brushing against his as she pressed herself fully against him, deepening the kiss with a slow, deliberate intensity that left him dizzy. Her fingers pressed into the back of his neck, holding him exactly where she wanted him, while her other hand ghosted down his side, tracing the hard lines of his torso with a teasing slowness that had his breath hitching. She kissed him with purpose, with confidence, her lips parting just enough to invite him to follow her lead, and he did, mirroring her movements instinctively. The press of her body against his was seamless, the soft curves of her frame molding into him as she seamlessly sheathed herself on his manhood, a contrast of power and grace that left him utterly undone.

Will could do nothing but follow, his world narrowing to the warmth of her skin, the taste of her lips, the tight folds of her womanhood around his penis, and the electric charge of her presence. Andi was like the wind, always moving, always just out of reach, yet in this moment, she was here, wrapped around him with a certainty that sent a shiver down his spine. Surrendering was not even a conscious choice, it was inevitable. There was no resisting her, no fighting the pull she had over him. He simply gave in, letting himself be swept away in the overwhelming force of Andi.

Will ducked low, narrowly avoiding the downward slash of a golden spear that would have skewered him through the ribs. His blond curls stuck to his forehead with sweat, his breath coming fast and uneven as he pivoted on his heel, raising his Celestial Bronze kopis in a desperate parry. The force of the automaton's strike sent a jolt of pain up his arm, but he gritted his teeth and twisted his blade, wrenching the spear aside before slamming his shoulder into the construct's chest. It barely staggered.

He had expected a few guards, not a small army of golden hoplites, all armed to the teeth and moving with an eerie, mechanical precision. The underground chamber was vast, its stone walls lined with flickering torches that cast long shadows against the polished bronze of his enemies. Pillars carved with intricate serpentine designs loomed around him, their presence almost mocking as he fought for every step forward.

Will had no choice but to keep moving. He spun away from the spear-wielding automaton and loosed an arrow into the narrow gap between its chest plate and neck. The automaton stiffened, gears grinding in protest before it collapsed with a final, mechanical whir. That was one down. About a dozen more to go.

He leapt back just as another construct lunged at him, its sword flashing toward his gut. Will barely twisted in time, the blade slicing through the side of his white T-shirt. He had unfortunately run out of his orange Camp Half-Blood shirts, but at least the strike missed his skin by an inch. His shaggy, golden curls, damp with sweat, clung to his forehead as his striking blue eyes locked onto his target with razor-sharp focus. The bronze armor, a gift from Andi, layered over his T-shirt and gleamed under the flickering torchlight, its intricate engravings catching flashes of light as he moved. It was imbued with divine craftsmanship that had already saved his life more than once. A tattered orange scarf draped around his shoulders, fluttering slightly with each motion, adding a splash of color against the metallic sheen of his armor. His bow, another gift from Andi, was a masterpiece of divine artistry, its elegant curves inlaid with celestial bronze filigree. The grip fit his hand perfectly, as if forged solely for him, its weight familiar and balanced. It remained firm in his grasp, the quiver at his back fully stocked with green-fletched arrows, each one carefully crafted for balance and lethality. His athletic frame, honed from years of training, moved with practiced ease as he prepared his next strike, every muscle coiled with tension as he faced the next wave of enemies.

As the automatons closed in once more, he loosed two quick shots, one aimed at the knee joint and the other at the head. His grip on the ornate recurve bow remained steady, the celestial bronze frame glinting under the flickering torchlight, its elegant curvature a testament to divine craftsmanship. The first arrow struck home, embedding itself in the automaton's knee joint with a sharp metallic snap, sending it lurching forward. The second found its mark in the construct's eye socket, piercing through with a resounding crunch. A moment later, its body convulsed, gears whirring erratically before the artificial life left its frame, leaving nothing but a heap of twisted metal and dissipating magic.

Will exhaled sharply, adjusting the quiver strapped securely to his back, where green-fletched arrows stood in a tight formation, ready to be drawn at a moment's notice. His golden vambraces, adorned with intricate engravings of laurel wreaths and sunbursts, bore fresh scratches from the battle, but he barely noticed as he pivoted, already scanning for his next opponent. His lean, athletic build tensed in anticipation, every fiber of his being attuned to the rhythm of the fight.

This fight wasn't just about survival. It was about proving himself, about forging a path toward something greater. He needed more than just skill or determination. He needed permanence. If he could become at least an immortal, or better yet, a god, then maybe he would have a real chance at keeping Andi's attention. She thrived among gods, surrounded by lovers who matched her in power and presence. Even her best friend, Alice, had crossed into that space, as they had started sleeping together, though Andi still insisted on calling it simple skinship.

Andi's lovers were all divine. Not just powerful beings, but gods. Well, goddesses, to be specific. And there were limits to what Will was willing to do to keep his girlfriend's attention, even if he wasn't blind to the pattern forming around her. Still, the thought lingered at the back of his mind, unspoken but impossible to ignore. If there was a real risk of losing her, if he ever felt like she was slipping away, then maybe, just maybe, he would have to consider something drastic. Becoming a woman to stay in her orbit sounded absurd now, but if it ever came down to it… He shook the thought away. No. He would find another way. He would rise to her level, match her on his own terms, and carve out his place beside her. And he had no intention of stopping now.

Not after he had come so far. This was not a reckless attempt to prove himself, but a deliberate path, one carefully planned and leading him to Asclepius' temple at Epidaurus. According to Jason, the god of medicine could be found here, though "resided" was a generous term. Jason, Piper, and Leo had encountered Asclepius during their journey aboard the Argo II in the Second Gigantomachy, uncovering the truth of his imprisonment. Will had only fully grasped the weight of that fate after his own experience with Jason, an ordeal that still felt surreal to think about.

He had only learned about Asclepius because he had helped Andi care for Jason after she had quite literally snatched her half-brother from the jaws of death. Caligula had dealt Jason a fatal blow during the war against him and his fellow Roman god-emperors, Commodus and Nero, when they made their mad bid for power, threatening to upend Olympus itself in the aftermath of the Second Gigantomachy. Jason should have died that day. In any other timeline, he would have. But Andi had intervened at the very last possible moment, teleporting him away a microsecond before his soul could slip free.

That intervention had come with consequences. Jason had already sustained a mortal wound, and while Andi had spared him from immediate death, she had not been able to undo the injury itself, bound by the ruling of the Fates. It had been up to Will to painstakingly nurse him back to health, day by grueling day, relying solely on mortal methods. That had been the price of Andi's interference. From the moment Jason had been pulled from the jaws of death, he was immune to divine healing. No ambrosia, no nectar, no godly touch could mend him. Only time, care, and sheer determination had saved him, and Will had nearly broken himself in the process. But he had persevered, and in the end, he had succeeded.

His reward had not just been Jason's recovery but knowledge, a crucial piece of information that had led him to this very moment. If he wanted to be more than just another fleeting presence in Andi's life, he needed something beyond skill or devotion. Like he had thought earlier, he needed permanence. And for that, he needed to play to his strengths. He was not a warrior. He was a healer. Becoming an immortal through valour in battle had never been an option, but medicine? That was something he could use. If there was a path for him to ascend, then this was it. He was going to become Asclepius' intern.

But first, he had to reach the god of medicine. No easy feat, as proven by the golden shield that slammed into his back, sending him sprawling across the stone floor. The impact knocked the air from his lungs, his ribs aching from the force, but instinct took over before the finishing blow could land. He rolled, snatching an arrow from his quiver in one fluid motion, and drove the Celestial Bronze tip deep into the automaton's exposed knee joint. The construct collapsed onto him, its weight crushing down against his chest until a strained groan escaped his lips. Gritting his teeth, he shoved it off with a desperate burst of strength, his muscles screaming in protest. The moment he was free, he surged forward, kopis in hand, and plunged the blade into the automaton's core before it could recover, severing the last of its function and leaving it motionless at his feet.

Keep going. Don't stop. Will tightened his grip on his kopis, scanning the battlefield. Four automata remained, their golden eyes fixed on him with unrelenting focus. His muscles burned with exhaustion, but he steadied his breath, drawing another arrow as he edged back toward the towering double doors that had to lead deeper into the temple.

Two of the remaining hoplites charged in unison, their golden shields gleaming under the dim torchlight. Will moved without hesitation, raising his bow and releasing a rapid volley. The first arrow struck true, piercing the knee joint of the nearest automaton and halting its charge with a sharp metallic screech. The second found its mark in the construct's chest, driving deep into its core and sending it crumpling to the ground in a heap of whirring gears and sputtering blue light. The second automaton fared no better, an arrow embedding itself in its chest before another lodged deep into its eye socket, its body locking up before collapsing into a lifeless heap.

The last two came at him together, their swords slashing in tandem with mechanical precision, their attacks flowing seamlessly as if guided by a single mind. Their golden shields remained raised, deflecting any attempt at a quick shot, forcing Will onto the defensive as he darted backward, narrowly avoiding the deadly arcs of their blades. Each step they took was calculated, their coordination flawless, pressing him into an ever-shrinking space with no room for error.

Will blocked one strike with his kopis, twisting his body to dodge the other, but his arm screamed in protest. He couldn't keep this up forever. He had to end it. Now!

With a final burst of energy, he threw himself forward, kicking the knee of one automaton as he brought his sword down in a powerful arc. The Celestial Bronze edge sliced clean through its neck, severing its head in a shower of golden sparks. He spun immediately, his final arrow already notched and released. It shot straight into the last automaton's chest, hitting its exposed core. The construct jerked, convulsed, then collapsed in a heap of metal.

Silence.

Will stood in the center of the ruined battlefield, his chest heaving. The golden remains of his enemies surrounded him, their bodies scattered across the stone floor. His bow felt heavier in his grip, and his arms ached from overuse. But he had done it. He had fought his way through.

The chamber still hummed with residual magic, the torches flickering as if the temple itself was deciding whether to accept his presence or cast him out. At the far end of the room, the massive double doors stood unyielding, their heavy bronze surface engraved with intricate depictions of Asclepius' sacred art. A grand staff entwined with a serpent stretched across the center, its polished lines catching the dim light, while clusters of healing glyphs spiraled outward, each carved with meticulous precision. Laurel wreaths and celestial motifs framed the edges, symbolizing divine wisdom and the power of restoration, making it clear that only those worthy of his domain were permitted to pass.

Will took a steadying breath and stepped forward, the weight of exhaustion dragging at his limbs. He reached out to knock, fingers hovering over the ornate carvings, but before he could make contact, a portion of the right door swung inward with quiet ease. From the side entrance, a man emerged, his presence commanding yet devoid of unnecessary grandeur.

Will straightened instinctively, his tiredness momentarily forgotten as his sharp blue eyes fixed on the figure before him. Asclepius, the god of medicine, stood before him, exuding an air of quiet authority.

The god of medicine was the perfect image of dignified calm. He carried himself with effortless grace, his salt-and-pepper hair slightly tousled but still neatly styled. The well-trimmed beard framing his face lent him an air of quiet wisdom, and his golden eyes, crinkled slightly at the corners, held the warmth of someone who had seen and healed more than most could fathom.

His white lab coat rested neatly over a sharply tailored business suit, the dark vest and pinstriped shirt beneath reinforcing his meticulous professionalism. A stethoscope draped around his neck, a subtle yet undeniable mark of his domain. In his hand, he carried a sleek black staff, its polished surface gleaming under the light.

Coiled around the staff was a striking green python, its golden eyes locking onto Will with intelligent curiosity. A delicate circlet of golden spikes crowned its head, marking it as something far beyond an ordinary serpent.

The god studied Will for a long moment, his golden eyes sharp with quiet curiosity. His gaze swept over him with the practiced scrutiny of a physician, noting every sign of exertion, every lingering trace of battle. Yet, beyond the clinical assessment, there was something else. A flicker of amusement dancing in his expression, the corners of his lips twitching as if he had already pieced together the reason for Will's arrival before a word was spoken.

Finally, with a slight tilt of his head, he allowed a knowing smile to form. His voice, smooth and measured, carried the unmistakable patience of someone who had seen far too much urgency in his time.

"And to what do I owe this… energetic visit?"

Will took a steady breath, adjusting his grip on his kopis before sheathing it at his side. His white T-shirt, already torn from battle, clung to his back beneath the weight of his battered golden-bronze hoplite armor. His shaggy blond curls were damp with sweat, stray strands clinging to his forehead, but despite his exhaustion, he straightened his posture. Blue eyes locked onto the god before him, he dipped into a respectful bow.

"Lord Asclepius," he said, voice even, though his pulse still pounded from the fight. "I've come here to request to become your intern."

The god of medicine studied him for a moment, his golden eyes warm with understanding, and hummed thoughtfully, tapping a finger against the smooth shaft of his staff. His posture remained relaxed, yet there was a quiet weight to his presence, a reminder that he was no mere healer but a god who had shaped the very foundations of medicine itself. The measured rhythm of his tapping seemed almost contemplative, as if he were weighing the implications of Will's request. His golden eyes remained steady, scanning Will with the scrutiny of a physician evaluating both the spoken words and the unspoken desperation behind them.

"I'd be happy to take you under my wing." He said, his voice carrying the steady assurance of a master healer. His golden eyes crinkled with approval as he continued, "I heard what you did for Jason Grace. That level of dedication, that sheer perseverance... Any healer capable of that deserves to reach their fullest potential."

Will blinked, momentarily taken aback. He had expected more resistance, maybe a test or some rigorous challenge to prove himself further. Instead, Asclepius accepted him outright. Relief flooded through him, shoulders loosening slightly, but before he could respond, a bright golden light filled the chamber.

The air shimmered, humming with warmth, as the scent of laurel and sunlit fields filled the space. A figure materialized in front of them, casual and effortless as if he had always been there. Golden curls, tousled in perfect disarray, framed a youthful, strikingly symmetrical face. His sun-kissed skin glowed with the warmth of an eternal summer, and his blue eyes, nearly identical to Will's, twinkled with boyish confidence. A simple white sleeveless T-shirt clung to his broad shoulders and sculpted torso, leaving his toned arms bare, while fitted blue jeans hung low on his hips, casual yet effortlessly stylish. His polished brown loafers barely made a sound as he stepped forward, grinning like he owned the room.

Apollo, god of healing, music, poetry, and prophecy, Will's father, had arrived.

"Alright, kiddo," Father announced, slinging an arm around Will's shoulders without preamble. "That was impressive. Real hero stuff."

Father clapped a hand against Will's chestplate, the casual gesture completely at odds with the fact that he had just materialized out of thin air. There was no grand entrance, no divine fanfare, just the effortless ease of someone who saw no need for dramatics. His golden curls caught the flickering torchlight as he grinned, radiating warmth and amusement, as if this were just another casual family visit rather than a reality-altering moment for his son.

"And for such an impressive feat, I'm gonna do you a solid." His grin widened, eyes glinting with mischief. "I'm making you immortal."

Will's brain screeched to a halt. He barely had time to register what was happening before his father, grinning like this was some kind of game, casually pointed a finger gun at him. In the next instant, a beam of raw divine energy shot straight into his chest, flooding every fiber of his being with an overwhelming force. It was not just power, this was something deeper, something fundamental. He could feel himself changing, his very essence unraveling and reforming as his mortality was stripped away, leaving something new in its place. It was an unfamiliar sensation, like stepping beyond the boundaries of what he had always known, his body no longer bound by the same limitations. He wasn't quite a god, but he was something close. Something more than mortal, existing in a space between divinity and humanity, his very being thrumming with an energy he had never felt before.

"What!?"

Asclepius blinked, his own golden eyes momentarily widening. "Wait- What?"

"You heard me!" Father beamed, standing tall like he had just declared the most obvious truth in the world. "Will, my boy, my favorite son. No offense to the others, but come on, look at you. You have officially received a one-way ticket to immortality."

Will opened his mouth. Nothing came out. He tried again. Still nothing.

Entirely unfazed by the fact that his son had apparently forgotten how to form words, Father lazily stretched his arms above his head, his sleeveless T-shirt shifting as he did so, showing off his perfectly sculpted torso. It was a movement so unhurried, so utterly self-satisfied, that it only emphasized how little he thought of the gravity of the moment. With a satisfied sigh, he let his arms drop, flashing a grin that made it clear he was enjoying every second of Will's stunned silence.

"I mean, I was gonna wait a little longer, let you prove yourself a bit more, but then I heard about your situation with Andi, and, well…" He admitted, inspecting his nails like this was the most casual conversation in the world before shooting Will a knowing look. "Plus, spending time as Lester Papadopoulos reminded me how much being a mortal sucks, so I figured I'd help my boy out."

He waggled his eyebrows as if what he had done was no big deal, just another casual perk of being Apollo's son, rather than the single most life-changing event in Will's existence. There was no ceremony, no gravity to the moment, just an effortless flick of power, like this was something he did all the time. The sheer audacity of it left Will reeling, his mind struggling to catch up with the fact that, apparently, he was no longer mortal.

Will made an inhuman choking sound. His face went red. "What- What are you- What situation?!"

"Oh, you know, how you're trying to keep up with your powerhouse of a girlfriend, and she just so happens to be surrounded by divine lovers." Father smirked, tilting his head slightly, utterly delighted by the entire situation. "You're worried she'll lose interest if you don't measure up. So naturally, I thought, hey, why not fix that little problem for you?"

His voice was light, almost teasing, but there was an undeniable finality to it, as if Will had no say in the matter. And considering Father had just elevated him to immortality without so much as pretending to ask for consent, it was painfully clear that his father thought exactly that. Will barely had time to process what had just happened, let alone form an argument. His mind reeled, the weight of the moment crashing down on him all at once. He honestly just wanted to crawl into the nearest hole and never return. Preferably a deep one. Maybe Tartarus.

Watching the exchange unfold, Will caught the faintest flicker of amusement in Asclepius' golden eyes before the god of medicine finally let out a chuckle, shaking his head. The whole situation was completely ridiculous, even by godly standards, and yet it was happening to him, right now, in real-time. Asclepius adjusted his grip on his staff, the green snake coiled around it shifting slightly as his gaze settled on Will, a knowing twinkle in his eyes and a flicker of sympathy beneath his otherwise composed expression.

"Ah~! Young love!" He nodded sagely, as if this was the most reasonable thing he had heard all day.

Will groaned, running a hand down his face. This was not how he had imagined this going. At all.

Both Father and Asclepius clapped Will on the back, the force of it nearly sending him stumbling forward, as if they had not just rewritten the very fabric of his being. Their nonchalance was baffling, as if this was just another routine occurrence in the grand scheme of divine affairs. Will, meanwhile, was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that he had gone from fighting automata to being immortal in the span of a few minutes.

"Don't sweat the details." Father added with a wink, his bright blue eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "You got what you wanted, and that's what's important."

Will swallowed hard, still trying to process everything. "Yeah…"

Done and done! Thanks to Nameless as always!

Will does as Will does, being a silent bro and solid boyfriend. He wants to stay with his dream girl, even if he notices that her domains let her be a touch more girls gone wild. Still, what he did for Jason? Yep yep, such prowess and skill needs to be rewarded you know! And Apollo certainly delivered, no~?

Nameless: Hope you guys liked this set-up for how Will will be able to stay with Andi past his mortal lifespan. Hope you catch the mention of how the war with the Triumvirate played out in the TETWverse. Basically, it played out as per canon, of course with the exception of Andi saving Jason. This does mean that Piper didn't listen to the warning that Ron gave her in Chapter Three: A Hero's Quest - A Godly View. Sad, but he's the Stygian Oracle after all. At least, like in canon, Apollo got a dose of humanity from his experience, though his application of it is still somewhat wanting.

On another note, you might have spotted that Andi's domains got a bit of an upgrade. Why? Don't worry, we'll explain it in the epilogue. *Wink*

Well, that's all for it, so E4E please take it away~!

You know what to do! Smash that review button and tell us what you love! No flames and peace off my peeps!