Eternity

by MoSizzle

Perseus was a legendary hero who lived during in Ancient Greece. His adventures were the stuff of legends - slaying beasts, toppling tyrants, and fighting alongside gods. But alas, the Greeks were known for tragedy, and Perseus was slain in battle. Millennia passed, and the world forgot the son of Poseidon. And now Perseus emerges in the present day - with immortality and a grudge.

8. Confessions

Sorry I didn't update for a while, I had to update other fics, and I've been studying for upcoming exams (pray for me).

I really don't know whether to love this chapter or hate it. Bit of a controversial one.

CHAPTER SEVEN: CONFESSIONS

The next morning dawned bright and crisp, sunlight streaming through the columns of Olympus and casting long shadows on the marble floors.

Perseus sat on the edge of a quiet balcony, sipping nectar as he watched the gods and goddesses begin their routines. Though last night's celebrations had filled him with laughter and a renewed sense of companionship, he now found himself returning to thoughts of the conversation he'd had with Hestia. Her words about being a bridge between worlds echoed in his mind, and he wondered what that truly meant for him.

His musings were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. He turned to see Athena approaching, her expression unreadable as she joined him, leaning against the railing.

"You're up early," she observed, her gaze drifting over the horizon. "I half-expected you to be nursing the aftereffects of Hermes' celebratory cocktails."

Perseus chuckled. "You and me both. But hey, alcohol has never really affected me, son of Poseidon and all."

She nodded. "Where did you sleep? I thought you had gone to the mortal camp."

"I was staying with Hestia." He said simply.

Athena raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing at her lips. "Ah, the goddess of the hearth. I suppose she offered you the warmth and wisdom you were seeking?"

Perseus shrugged, glancing down at his cup. "Something like that. She reminded me of the importance of… finding balance. Between where I came from and where I want to go."

Athena studied him as if trying to decipher his words. "So, you're still set on this idea of being a 'bridge between worlds'?"

"You know me too well, Owl." He sighed, swirling the nectar in his cup thoughtfully. "I think so. It feels like the right thing to do - to create some kind of understanding, a place where both mortals and gods could coexist in a way that respects both sides." He paused, casting her a sidelong glance. "But it's not easy. Not everyone wants to change, and there's still so much I don't know."

Athena's expression softened, and she reached out, placing a reassuring hand on his. "That's why you don't have to do it alone. You have allies, friends—" Her voice faltered for a second, a vulnerability slipping through. "-and perhaps, something more."

"I suppose. But I guess I had a lot to think about."

Athena regarded him thoughtfully. "You've been given an extraordinary role - one that few could carry. And even fewer would accept willingly."

He nodded, watching as a group of minor gods floated past, engaged in cheerful conversation. "It's strange," he admitted. "All my life, I've felt like I didn't fully belong. Half mortal, half divine. And even then I am not a demigod. And now… I'm supposed to bring those worlds together?"

"Belonging is not about blood," Athena said, her voice gentle. "It's about purpose. And purpose has guided you here, Perseus. The gods have chosen you because they know you see the value in both sides."

They fell silent, watching as the morning light continued to spread across Olympus. After a moment, Athena spoke again, her voice quieter.

"Change is a frightening concept, especially here. And even for someone like me, who is supposed to value wisdom above all… it's difficult."

Perseus glanced at her, surprised by the vulnerability in her words. "You're afraid?"

She met his gaze, her eyes steady but softened. "Perhaps afraid is not the right word. But I am cautious. The world has been balanced a certain way for centuries. You… you threaten to shift that balance, Perseus. Not by force, but by the strength of your ideals."

"I have known you for so long, Owl. I taught you combat, we journeyed together. Were we not the best of friends before my… death? Speak your mind, do not hide anything from me."Athena took a deep breath, and for a moment, the composed goddess seemed almost uncertain. "Yes, we were close. Closer than I ever allowed myself to be with anyone," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "You were…different. You brought something to Olympus that no one else could. I admired your strength, your courage. And when we lost you, it was like losing part of that vision for a better world."

She hesitated, glancing away toward the distant mountains. "When you returned, I thought I could fall back into old habits, keeping my emotions at a distance. But you've reminded me that you're still that same person who inspired me all those years ago. Someone willing to challenge the old ways, even when it's difficult."

Perseus felt his chest tighten at her words. "Athena," he said softly, reaching out to take her hand. "I don't just want to be the bridge between mortals and gods. I want to be there for you, too. I want to be a part of your world, no matter how complicated it gets."

Her gaze softened, her walls lowering as she looked back at him, a flicker of warmth shining in her eyes. "You already are, Perseus. Maybe that's what frightens me most."

For a moment, they simply looked at each other, a silent understanding passing between them.

"What's troubling you, Perseus?"

He let out a deep sigh, his hands tightening around the railing. "It's not just the gods," he muttered, his voice carrying the heaviness of his thoughts. "There's unrest. We're heading towards another war. A second Titan War."

Athena's brow furrowed slightly, her sharp eyes studying him, but she didn't interrupt.

"It's not just about the Titans," Perseus continued, more to himself than to her. "There are gods who long for the old days, when they ruled unchecked. The Titans might be gone, but their influence is still there, lurking in the shadows. And there are mortals who seek to overthrow Olympus, to challenge the gods again."

Athena's lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze unwavering. "You think they'll truly rise again? The Titans?"

"I don't know," Perseus admitted, his voice heavy with the uncertainty of it. "But the signs are there. Atlas was freed. Kronos doesn't have a mortal form yet, but he's whispering to mortals. If he finds a way to rise-"

Athena placed a hand on his shoulder."Then there's a real chance of war. Again."

For a long while, neither of them spoke. The only sound was the wind rustling through the trees below. Finally, Athena spoke again, her voice softer than it had been before. "Then we'll have to prepare, I suppose."

Perseus sighed. "You're too… practical. You know that?"

Athena frowned. "What?"

"Nevermind." His heart thudded painfully in his chest. The image of his past was never far from him - not when he closed his eyes, not when he slept, and certainly not now. In his mind, he still saw the faces of those who had fallen, the destruction he'd unleashed, and the things he had done to win.

He could never forget the violence, the bloodshed. In the first Titan War, he had committed atrocities, had taken lives to achieve the impossible victory. Gods, titans, monsters - he'd slain them all with terrifying ease. The power, the strength that he had wielded in those moments of desperate survival. But that power had come at a cost. And now, as a second war grew louder, Perseus feared what he might be capable of again.

"I can't do it," he muttered to himself. "I can't go through that again."

He was being asked to lead, to stand between the mortal and divine worlds, but what kind of leader would he be? What kind of man could he be after everything he'd done?

And what if he was forced to make those same terrible choices again?

He squeezed his eyes shut, willing the memories away, but they refused to fade. The sound of swords clashing, the curses of the Titans, the shrieks of those who had fallen beneath his blade. He could still hear the screams.

Athena sighed, as if she had expected this. "Perseus…"

"I… I don't know if I can do it again," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. He swallowed, his throat dry. "I've killed before. I've taken lives I shouldn't have. I… I was so desperate to win that I didn't stop to think about the cost. And now, I'm scared. I'm scared of what I might become if this happens again."

Athena didn't say anything right away.

"You were different back then," she said, her voice low but firm. "You fought because you believed in something bigger than yourself. You had no choice. No one did. The war was a battle for survival. The Titans had to be stopped. But… now?" She shook her head. "Now, there's another way. We've learned since then. There are always other choices, Perseus. The question is, will you be willing to make them?"

He closed his eyes, his heart pounding as his mind wrestled with the words. He wanted to believe her. He wanted to believe that there was a way to fight without becoming the very monster he had once been.

But deep down, he wasn't sure. "I'm scared, Athena," he admitted, his voice breaking slightly. "And it's funny, because I've never really been scared before. I fought Titans, I toppled kingdoms. Gods and mortals alike feared me. I've never really been scared of anything. When I died, I knew it was going to happen. And I still fought. But know I'm scared of… I guess myself."

Athena's expression softened as she took a slow step toward him. The usual disinterested goddess was gone, replaced by a figure who seemed to understand him more deeply than anyone else. She gently placed a hand on his shoulder, steady and reassuring.

"Fear is a powerful thing, Perseus," she said quietly. "It can paralyze you, or it can teach you. Fear is a part of being alive. It's not about being free of fear - it's about knowing how to face it. And you've already faced so much."

He shook his head, his hands trembling slightly. "But that's just it, Athena. I did face it, but I did it with a kind of reckless abandon. I didn't care about the consequences. I couldn't care. The war left no room for doubts. The cost was just something I had to live with."

Her grip tightened, as if to keep him grounded, pulling him away from his spiraling thoughts. "Perseus... back then, you fought as a soldier, a warrior, one of many. But now, you are different. You're not just a weapon. You've grown. You've learned. There is another way. You have the strength to walk a path that doesn't require bloodshed."

"But how do I know I'll make the right choice?" His voice cracked as he spoke. "How do I know I won't just slip back into the same mindset? What if - what if I lose myself again? What if the war makes me forget who I'm trying to be?"

Athena's gaze softened even more, her thumb brushing gently over his shoulder. "The right choice isn't always clear, Perseus. There will be moments when it will seem like there are no good choices at all. But that's when you need to trust yourself. Trust the lessons you've learned, and trust the people around you - those who believe in you. I believe in you."

Perseus's breath caught in his chest. "You're the goddess of wisdom. You know the cost of war. You've seen what happens to those who are torn apart by it. Don't look at it from the perspective of Athena, my friend. Look at it from the from the wiser angle. How can you still believe I can choose a different path?"

"Because you're not the same person you were before. You've learned the weight of your actions. You understand the cost. That's why you're afraid - because you know the consequences, and you don't want to repeat your mistakes. And that is why you will make the right choice, even when it feels impossible."

"What if I fail? What if I can't live up to everything everyone expects of me?" Perseus whispered.

Athena was silent for a moment before she replied, her voice steady and resolute. "You may falter, Perseus. You may stumble. But failure isn't the end. It's part of the journey. And I will always be here to remind you of who you are - of who you've become."

Perseus took a deep breath, his heart still heavy but lighter than before. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "For not giving up on me."

Athena gave him a small, comforting smile, the kind of smile only someone who understood him could give. "I'll never give up on you, Perseus. Now… you must learn to believe in yourself."

With that, she stepped back, her hand falling from his shoulder.

She rose. "Come with me."

Perseus stood, curious. He followed her silently, his mind racing with the weight of her words. They walked together through the sprawling halls of Olympus, the marble floors echoing beneath their footsteps, until they reached a temple.

Athena turned to face him, her expression more vulnerable than Perseus had ever seen her. "You know, Perseus," she said. "Your path is not just about bridging the gap between two worlds. It's about shaping the future, and in doing so, you're reshaping everything I thought I understood."

Perseus stepped closer, his heart pounding. "Athena, I-"

She raised a hand, gently stopping him. "Let me finish," she murmured, her eyes locked onto his. "I've seen gods rise and fall, seen the endless cycle of conflict. But you... you make me question things I've held onto for eons. What I'm afraid of is not the change you bring, Perseus. It is the truth that perhaps we're both caught in something that neither of us is fully prepared for."

His chest tightened, and he reached out, his fingers brushing her cheek. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

Athena closed her eyes for a moment, as if gathering the courage to speak the words she had kept locked away. She opened them slowly. "Perhaps that's what scares me the most," she whispered. "The idea of us facing it together."

For a heartbeat, neither of them moved. They leaned in slowly, breath catching in their throats as their faces neared, the space between them filled with the unspoken connection that had been building for so long.

And then, without another word, they kissed.

The world seemed to stop.

For that fleeting moment, there was no Olympus, no gods, no fate. Just the two of them, caught in a single, shared breath, where time itself seemed to pause to witness what they had just crossed into - territory neither had ever dared to tread.

There was something fragile in the way they kissed, as if they both feared the destruction of something delicate they'd both built, but neither could bring themselves to pull away. The air around them grew hotter, the temple quiet except for the rush of their breath.

Athena's heartbeat, fast and erratic, pulsed through him as his own heart raced in response. He felt the warmth of her body pressing into his, the soft, delicate brush of her fingers against his jawline. His hand slid into her hair, fingers threading through the strands, pulling her closer, feeling the soft scent of books that clung to her.

When they broke apart, they both stood still for a heartbeat, eyes searching each other's faces for any trace of hesitation or regret. But there was none. Only an understanding, deeper than either of them could fully express, passed between them.

Athena was the first to speak, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've always believed in reason, in control… in knowing what comes next." Her eyes searched his, her vulnerability now exposed in a way Perseus had never seen before. "But with you… I feel like I've lost that certainty. And perhaps, for once, that's not such a bad thing."

Perseus gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing over the line of her jaw. "I don't have all the answers, Athena. I never have. But I know one thing - I'm not afraid of where this path might take us. And I'm not afraid of walking it with you."

She leaned into his touch, her eyes closing for a moment. "And neither am I," she murmured. "But know this, Perseus: this journey, whatever it becomes, will not be easy. The gods will resist, and the balance we once had may crumble. But in you, I see something I've never seen in another. A chance for change, for growth, for something greater than the sum of our fears."

He sighed. "I know, Owl. I know."

"You're not alone, Perseus. You'll always have me."

Perseus took a deep breath. "Thank you, Athena. That… that means a lot coming from you."

Athena's lips curved into a small smile. "Now, before you get too sentimental, let's make one thing clear - if you're planning on causing a revolution, at least have a strategy in place."

"Revolution? Me? Never," he laughed.

Perseus walked beside Athena through the vast halls of Olympus.

The golden light of the gods bathed the marble columns around them, their sharp angles softened by the warmth of the late afternoon sun. Perseus had always admired the beauty of Olympus - the way it seemed to stretch endlessly, filled with secrets, legends, and stories that never ended.

But today, it felt different. Today, the halls were quieter, less intimidating, and for once, they felt like a - not just a place for gods, but a place where people could simply be.

He glanced over at Athena. "How many times have you walked these halls?" Perseus asked, his voice breaking the silence.

Athena glanced over her shoulder, her eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. "Too many times to count. But each time is different, depending on who you're walking with."

Her words hung in the air for a moment, and Perseus couldn't help but smile. He had always respected her, but this... this was different. There was an openness to her now, a softening, like she had peeled back a layer of the goddess she used to be and allowed him to see the part of her that no one else had.

And that, he realised, was enough.

LINE BREAK

"So, this camp…" Perseus said. "What is it like?"

Athena considered his question, a smile playing on her lips. "Camp Half-Blood?" she replied. "It's… unlike anything you might expect. A place of refuge, a haven for demigods where they can hone their skills, learn their heritage, and, for a short while, escape the monsters." Her voice softened, as if recalling memories long past. "It's a place that reminds you of the humanity within divinity. That we are not so far removed from you, despite what some may think."

"Too philosophical for me, Owl." Perseus tilted his head, almost laughing. "You sound almost… nostalgic," he said, a teasing edge to his voice. "Didn't think the goddess of wisdom would get sentimental."

She arched an eyebrow, her usual cool composure returning. "Sentimentality is for the reckless, Perseus. What I feel is more… respect. Camp Half-Blood is a haven. It challenges you, but it also protects you, and that's something even I can admire."

He chuckled, feeling lighter than he had in days. "Sounds nice."

She let out a soft laugh, one that seemed to echo in the quiet halls. "It might be, but don't get too comfortable. The camp is also a place of great responsibility, and it demands as much as it gives. You'd do well to remember that."

Perseus's gaze drifted, a contemplative look in his eyes as he imagined this place she spoke of. A camp where demigods gathered, shared stories, and prepared for battles he knew all too well. For a moment, he could almost see himself there, sparring with other demigods, sharing tales by the campfire, finding some semblance of a family among them.

Athena's hand brushed his arm, grounding him back to the present. "And if you want to go there," she said, a note of warning in her tone, "then know that you'll face challenges there, too. Just as you would anywhere else."

He nodded, meeting her gaze, that familiar fire rekindling in his eyes. "I'm not afraid of a challenge, Athena."

She regarded him. "I would expect nothing less, Perseus."

Perseus laughed. "Of course."

"You do know Chiron and Dionysus teach the demigods?"

He blinked. "Dionysus? As in, Bacchus? The mortal-turned god who's always drunk? That Dionysus?"

"The very same," confirmed Athena. "It was a punishment from Father."

"What could he have possibly done?"

Athena's lips curved in a smirk. "Let's just say Dionysus has a knack for indulging… excessively. He fancied a nymph that Zeus put off limits, so Father thought it would be a fitting irony to place him in charge of a camp for demigods. You can imagine the chaos that ensued."

"And they're both married." Perseus let out a chuckle. "So he went from wine god to camp counselor? That's… something."

Athena nodded. "Something indeed. He detests it, naturally."

Perseus laughed again, shaking his head. "Naturally."

"I honestly do not know how Chiron's patience has somehow withstood every one of Dionysus's antics."

"If anyone could, it'd be that old centaur."

"Fair enough." Athena conceded the point.

They continued their slow pace down the marble hallways. The golden light had begun to fade, casting longer shadows.

After a while, Athena broke the silencel. "I wonder, Perseus… if you truly understand what lies ahead. You speak so easily of facing challenges. But few, mortal or god, comprehend what that truly means."

Perseus glanced over at her, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I'm not sure anyone fully understands what's ahead, even you," he replied gently, a hint of teasing in his voice. "But that's the point, isn't it? We take it one step at a time, face each challenge as it comes, and hope we're ready."

Athena looked at him, an unreadable expression in her gaze. "Hope… a dangerous thing to wield."

He laughed quietly, shaking his head. "Maybe. But the wisest people need that."

She considered that. "Perhaps you're right," she admitted. "Hope, after all, can be as powerful as wisdom. Or more so, if wielded by the right person."

They reached the end of the hall, where a balcony overlooked the world below. Clouds drifted lazily over the landscape, and from this height, they could see the curve of the earth, distant mountains, and rivers winding like veins across a green, living world. Athena leaned against the balcony's edge, her gaze distant.

"This view… the gods seldom share it with mortals. They consider it a privilege, one only a select few can bear to see," she said, her voice wistful. "There is beauty in it. Even after all this time."

Perseus joined her, his hand brushing against hers as they looked out over the landscape. "I can see why they'd want to keep it to themselves. Beautiful, but… overwhelming. This modern world is… nice."

She nodded, her eyes flickering over his face as if gauging his reaction. "And yet, I think it's the mortals who appreciate it most. Immortality often dulls the sense of wonder." Her gaze softened. "Perhaps that's why we gods find ourselves drawn to you. You remind us of the things we can't feel, the way we once did."

They stood in silence for a long time, side by side, a quiet understanding passing between them once more. Finally, Perseus spoke. "I have seen a lot. But I don't pretend to be more than the mortals. They are my equals, I suppose. I think that's what makes me different to you all."

Athena turned to him, her expression fierce. "Then promise me, Perseus. Promise me that no matter what happens, no matter how difficult the path becomes… you won't change."

He met her gazer. "I promise."

And there, on that balcony high above the mortal world, the world changed. The universe was altered.

The Moirai peered through the veil, but they were powerless against the jutaxposition that defied fate.

Just then, a shadow moved in the doorway. Athena's expression shifted immediately, her eyes narrowing as she straightened.

Artemis stepped out of the shadows, her silver gaze sharp, and though she didn't address Athena, her attention was locked on Perseus, a predatory gleam in her eyes.

"Perseus," Artemis said. "Fancy meeting you here."

"Artemis," he replied, keeping his tone even, almost casual. "It's… been a while."

Athena stepped subtly between them, her posture protective. "Sister," she said in a warning tone, "surely you have business elsewhere."

But Artemis didn't so much as blink. "I go where I please, Athena," she replied coolly. Her gaze flickered back to Perseus, and a faint smile curved on her lips. "And right now, it pleases me to be here."

Perseus squared his shoulders, meeting Artemis's gaze with a steadiness he didn't quite feel. "I don't suppose you're here to thank me for saving you?"

She tilted her head, her smile darkening. "Hardly. I'm here to remind you that some paths are meant to end, Perseus. And if you stray too far… I will be there to end it."

Athena shifted, her hand instinctively reaching for her spear. "Enough, Artemis. Whatever vendetta you have, now is not the time."

Artemis laughed softly, a sound as cold as midnight. "Oh, sister, I don't need a vendetta to do my duty." Her eyes never left Perseus.

He raised an eyebrow. "If I remember correctly, I saved you on Othrys."

Artemis smile faded. "Is that what you think?" Her voice was low, cutting. "You think one act excuses the rest? That a moment's bravery means you're beyond consequence?"

Perseus met her eyes steadily. "I don't think that. I just don't agree with your ideas of right and wrong."

Artemis's lip twitched. She glanced at Athena. "But don't let him think he's safe, sister. One misstep, and I'll finish what should have begun long ago."

Once again, Athena didn't respond, Perseus did. His eyebrows shot up in a silent dare. "Go on then, Phoebe Artemis. Try."

A flicker of surprise crossed Artemis's face, quickly replaced by a steely glint. "Careful, Perseus," she murmured, her voice a deadly whisper. "Inviting a huntress to draw her bow is seldom wise. And you, above all, should know I don't miss."

Perseus didn't flinch, meeting her gaze with unwavering defiance. "Then maybe I'm not as wise as I should be. But I won't apologize for standing my ground. I invite you - try."

Artemis's eyes narrowed, her hand drifting to the bow slung over her shoulder. "You mistake defiance for courage, mortal. Defiance will only take you so far before it becomes arrogance… and then, a fatal error."

"Mortal. It's really funny how you all spit that word out like it's a slur. I am mortal. Show me how superior the gods are to humans."

"If you hadn't saved Zoë…" Artemis muttered. "I would have-"

Athena finally stepped between them, a warning in her tone. "Enough, both of you. I won't allow this to escalate. We have more pressing matters than your feud."

The goddess of the hunt regarded Percy.

"Take care, Perseus," Artemis murmured, her voice a low, dangerous whisper. "The hunt never stops."

And with that, she turned and disappeared.

Perseys sighed. "Seems I've made quite an impression."

Athena's gaze softened, though her voice remained firm. "She's not one to forget or forgive easily, Perseus. You crossed a line she holds sacred. What you did during the Sack of Troy - it's a wonder Apollo forgave you."

He turned to her. "I don't regret it. I'll do whatever I must to protect the people I care about. Artemis is a hypocrite."

Athena studied him for a long moment. "Just remember, Perseus," she said quietly, "the gods are not used to being challenged by mortals. You tread a dangerous path."

"They should be used to be challenged." Perseus said "And dangerous paths are the only kind I know."

For a moment, admiration shone in her eyes. "Then walk it carefully," she murmured. "And stay close. You may need more allies than you realise."

Ooh, what did Perseus do to make Artemis angry?

Yup, our duo kissed, I know, some people are probably going to be disappointed, don't flame me in the reviews :0

Review responses:

Anaklusmos404: Thank you! Oof, I have to update The Wisdom of Water.

Robotdocter: I'm so happy that you liked it! Also, I saw your review on the Boy Who Died. How did you not notice the title was a play on words xD. Anyway, thank you for your reviews!

Turtle: Lmao I'm actually managing five. But reviews like yours make it all worth it man, I appreciate you! Oh, don't worry, I have future interactions planned out. And just as a hint, Percy already knows Calypso. Thank you for the review!

Lohm-21: True, thanks!

Vallier2417: Thank you so much man! I hope this chapter cleared out any pairing doubts!

Trife: True enough. Thanks.

TheReaderOfTheOlympians: Sorry for delaying it man.

Mupmup123: Here it is!

Poseidons cat: Try telling that to Zeus lol.

danielchester998: You're in luck, it is!

: So glad you liked Perseus and Zeus' interaction! I don't want to reveal the turth about who killed the Titans (yet), but it'll come in due time. Thanks!

magocrat747: Fair.

IAmOutOfIdeas: It's actually not Perlia lol.

Ltbutterfly287: Eh, to each their own. I understand that Zeus is a different person in the actual Greek mythos (depending on how you interpret it) but this is a PJO fanfic, not a rendition of Greek mythos.

Guest: Thank you!

GuestX: Thanks!

Thank you all for reviewing! I really appreciate you guys.

What will Perseus get up to during BoTL? Read on to find out...