(hi guys!! I'm so sorry for not posting at all these past weeks! this story is almost at its end though! love you guys!)
THREE YEARS AGO...
JULY 19th, 2018.
(ALEC'S POV)
I feel her eyes on me as I wrap bandages around my knuckles, and I turn my head slightly over my shoulder.
"Yes...?"
"Sorry! I was just curious as to what you were doing."
I turn my head away from her, picking up a small dagger.
I then turn around to leave when Davina grabs my arm.
"Alec—where are you going?! What're you doing?! Is there something I should know? I can help you with whatever it is!"
I pull my arm away, narrowing my eyes.
"If you knew what was best for you you'd stay out of this, Davina."
Her mouth drops open slightly in shock, and she frowns slightly when I disappear out the front door.
*******
I stare at the large forest ahead of me, sighing.
Not that hard to find my way back.
It can't be that big...or maybe it is.
I walk into the forest, ignoring the weird ass sounds I hear literally everywhere.
"Alec..."
I snap my head around to the left, seeing nothing.
Of course there's nothing.
I continue walking until I come across a large luminescent teal pond, and my mind flashes back to seven years ago.
I was here before.
That must mean—
"Hello?"
I turn around, seeing the same translucent girl I did when I was 9.
"Echo?"
Her eyes seem to fill with some emotion and she gasps.
"You can't be that boy—Alec? You look so different!"
She floats over to me, eyes wide.
"Your eyes—and your tattoos! You must be...16 now, right?"
I nod.
"Yeah...I'm 16. Trust me, the tattoos and the whole transformation thing wasn't my choice."
She stares at me a little longer, before nodding.
"I get it. You're a shapeshifter, aren't you, child?"
"I am...how did you know?"
She points at a specific tattoo on my arm, smiling.
"They all have that marking on their right arm."
I sigh.
"I'd love to talk and catch up with you, Echo, but I have to go."
She frowns.
"That's too bad. Do you have to go back to your parents?"
"I'm trying to find them, yes, but not for what you think. I'll see you later."
I smile and wave before turning around, and she abruptly grabs my arm.
"Wait! I—uhhh—I've been meaning to give you this."
She holds a large weapon with a sheath covering its blade, carefully pulling it off.
A sword.
The blade glistens in the dim light, and Echo sighs.
"You'll need this, Alec. I know sometime in the furrier you will."
"A sword? You want to give me a whole ass sword? It's almost as tall as me!"
She smiles.
"You'll be able to handle it. I crafted it just for you, my child. For when the Titans arise from the dead."
I make a face.
"What—? The Titans?!"
"In three years. You and a woman. My friend told me so I had to do something. I blessed it with my magic so it has the ultimate power combined with yours if you were to stab them anywhere. Heart, eyes, and throat being most damaging, but anything will work. It can be invisible and attached to you at all times."
I watch as she hands it to me, taking the large weapon in my hands.
She smiles, waving as she fades away.
"I have to go now. Be who you're meant to be, Alec. The defender of men."
********
PRESENT.
(AIDEN'S POV)
Oakley yanks me up and off the floor, and I stumble backwards.
"What're you—"
"Go with your boyfriend, honey!"
He draws a dripping, black laced arrow, grinning.
"I can do this by myself."
Alec takes my hand, and we run back into the trees as Hyperion roars, getting back up off the ground.
"Idiot little pipsqueak! Where is that girl?!"
He looks around, bright eyes catching on Oakley.
"Another one! You look like a tasty snack, boy!"
Oakley snorts.
"Try to eat me and see what happens, big guy."
He stretches out his arm, aiming the arrow right at Hyperion's left eye.
"I'll kill your ass first."
Before Hyperion can move or say anything, Oakley fires the arrow, watching as it pierces his eyeball.
Hyperion lets out a monstrous roar, disintegrating into the ground without another word.
Oakley lowers his bow, before looking at us with a satisfied grin.
"Ahhh...I guess learning archery in the fourth grade wasn't a bad idea, was it, children?"
He teleports in front of us, cocking his head to the side.
"How are you feeling, shortcake? You seem to be popular among us...sinners. But what can you expect? You're in the Sinners Realm."
I stare at him.
"I have no idea why you did that...but thanks I guess."
Alec narrows his eyes at Oakley.
"What is it, studmuffin?"
"You want something, don't you?"
I move my eyes between the two of them.
"Wha—"
Alec gives me a look.
I shut my mouth.
"Got it."
Oakley crosses his arms.
"Why do you assume that I always want something from you?"
"Because you do."
His smile drops.
"Ahh, green-eyed hunk, I can't seem to hide anything from you. Don't worry...I only want to tag along with you and your girlfriend."
Me and Alec look at each other, than him.
"And you assume we're boyfriend and girlfriend why?"
"I don't know Aiden...because "friends" don't say I love you and then have a full on make out session?! Y'all must think I'm stupid."
"I mean—"
Oakley makes a face.
"Don't say anything. But...I expect to tag along with you guys and to have some special alone time fun with Miss Aiden...if you guys aren't an item I don't see why not. I'm actually quite...hmm...sexually hungry right now."
I scooch away from him with a disgusted face.
"Hell no. We have stuff to do. Fixing these fucking giants being here is one of them."
I stand up, getting thrown forward again when the ground starts to shake.
"Damnit. There's more. If you wanna come I'd come now, Oakley. But don't make me regret bringing you. Alec? Come on. Let's not get eaten."
*******
(MYRA'S POV)
I look around, clutching on the bow and arrow.
Damnit.
Thanatos chose the wrong girl for this...Stella actually knows how to fucking do archery.
I guess I might as well go now.
I sling the sack of arrows on my back, edging quietly through the forest.
I jump when I hear a branch snap, releasing a breath when I realize it's me.
I'm too fucking paranoid for this.
I continue through the trees, going faster when I hear a single breath.
What the hell?!
I go even faster, stopping when I hear an enchanting voice.
"Myra..."
I feel someone's hand curl gently around my shoulder, pulling me backwards.
I let out a scream when I feel a sharp pain in my stomach, and the bow and arrows fall onto the floor as I get flipped around to face a woman.
Her face...it's so recognizable.
Almost white hair, bright blue eyes, is she—
My heart stops in my chest when she blows dust on my face, and my eyes drift shut.
"Theia..."
*********
(HECATE'S POV)
I stare blankly at the four of them in front of me.
"The Titans are back? Those irritating old fucks?"
I look at Athena who's still as civil as ever.
"I can't. It was probably Aiden and that damn cat boy."
My eyes snap back on the four idiots, and I smile tightly.
"You guys are going back. Help fix this."
I produce four bows and eight arrows, handing one bow and two arrows to each one of them.
"Those arrows will kill the Titans and send their asses back underground if you shout their throat, left eye, or heart. Use them wisely and don't die. Me and Athena will handle the rest."
I shoot an orb of magic at them before they can say anything, watching as they disappear.
Athena looks at me blankly.
"If my daughter dies you won't like the consequences, Hecate."
I grin.
"What can I say, Athena? I believe I'm pretty reliable. I have to call that damn witch."
"Excuse me?"
"Tempest. The one Aiden was meant to go to? Everything seems to go down the drain with that child."
Athena rolls her eyes, rubbing her forehead tiredly.
"If her father hears about this he's going to be mad."
I give her a look.
"The only way Hades would find out about this mess is if you told him. And I don't think you're going to do that. Are you, Athena?"
Athena shakes her head and I grin.
"I thought so. So do yourself a favor, Athena, and sit down. You'll be fine."
I hold my phone to my ear, sighing when I hear her annoying voice on the other line.
"Oh! Hecate! What a surprise! You don't happen to know where that girl is, right? Hades said she was supposed to come so I could give her ass a potion."
I roll my eyes.
"Tempest. Hey. I don't want to talk to you, just know that, alright?"
"Kind as ever, H. What do you need? A potion?"
"No. The Titans are back, and I suppose you and your witchcraft could help."
I hear a squeal.
"The Titans?! Ahhh, I'm sure Cronus missed me. Do you think he did?"
"Please be quiet. I'm sure he hates you as much as I do. Will you bring your magic ass over here or not?!"
I hear a sigh.
"Yeah, yeah. You just might have to hold them off until tomorrow...it takes a long ass time to get there."
*********
(STELLA'S POV)
I look up at Ryder.
"If this ones fake that must mean Thanatos had her real one this whole time."
She nods.
"And that isn't good. We've gotta find her."
I stand up, and we both run through to a different side of the forest.
We'll find you, Aiden.
******
After wandering around the woods for a while, me and Ryder stop at a large tree.
"This looks like exactly where we started, Stella."
I give her a weary look.
"I'm aware, Ryder. My mind is fuzzy and I don't know where the hell to go."
Ryder smacks her forehead.
"Stella, you literally—"
"I heard something!"
We both snap our heads around, and Ryder grabs my arm.
She drags me behind a tree, and we both watch as three people round the corner.
Wait a minute...
That's the guy that took Aiden.
That's Aiden.
That's—that's Alec.
What the fuck?!
I jump up and Ryder gives me a warning look when I start waving my hands.
"Alec! Aiden!"
She snaps her head around, eyes widening. Alec does the same.
"Stella?"
*********
(RYAN'S POV)
I stand there in shock, and Carden stares at me.
"RYAN, where the hell did you—"
We hear an inhumanely high-pitched giggle, and Davina's eyes widen.
"Watch out!"
The three of them jump back when Rhea throws a beam of light, giggling louder when it almost hits the other woman in the face.
They teleport over to us, and my eyes widen.
"What the fuck do we do?! I don't know how to get rid of her!"
Mal looks at me, then everyone else.
"I don't know, but—"
She pauses when Rhea begins giggling harder, her terrifying giggles turning into loud howling, and her crazy eyes move between us.
"I haven't been out here in ages! Thank you, thank you! You guys look pretty scrumptious...I could just eat. You. Up!"
The man's eyes spark and the woman looks at him.
"Come on, Rylan. We can do this."
Her pale eyes switch to Mal, and she smiles.
"You. Come with us. I have a feeling you can set some shit on fire."
*******
Mal nods, and the woman's hands begin to glow.
"Hey, Rhea! I'll be your delicious mint lollipop—only if you can catch me!"
Rhea narrows her eyes, grabbing the woman easily.
"You didn't think that through too much, did you, Adrienne? I now have a lovely mint lollipop..."
Mal grins.
"Not for long!"
A large fire sets off at Rhea's feet, and she shrieks when it spreads across her majestic gown.
"You irritating little girl!"
She moves to grab Mal when the ground begins to shake more, and a dark blast hits her in the face, disintegrating her easily into the ground.
The woman I assume is Adrienne falls from the sky, landing in the man's arms who easily catches her.
She smiles.
"Thanks, Ry."
Adrienne hops onto the ground, moving her eyes to look behind me.
"Oh shit."
"What?"
Me and Davina turn around, and my eyes widen.
"Oh gosh. Hecate? Athena?"
*********
(THANATOS'S POV)
AN HOUR EARLIER...
I sit in the temple, underneath Nyx's statue.
Hate that little shit...I regret having children with her.
Now I'm fucking stuck!
I stare blankly outside, dozing off when I hear a ear-splitting shriek.
Literally.
I think my ears are bleeding.
Wait a minute...
My eyes widen slightly.
The little british bitch!
"Myra?!"
I stand up when the ground starts to rumble, and I let out a stream of curses when I hear laughter.
Another one of those damn Titans.
I hear some damn elephant stomps, and in comes Crius.
I grin.
"Look who it is! The shortest of the bunch. Besides Theia. She's an irritating little shorty. I'm almost taller than you...aren't you the irrelevant Titan?"
He grumbles.
"I'll kill you! Shut your fucking mouth, Thanatos!"
I rub my hands together.
"My, my, wanna let me go, princess? I have to help my bitchy British buddy."
My eyes widen when he corners me with a large knife, and I smirk.
"I never knew you were into this stuff, Crius. Maybe you should—"
He presses the knife against my throat, and my eyes snap on his.
"Hey...listen...you don't have to—"
"No. You listen to me, Thanatos. I would take great pleasure in killing you then feeding you to my siblings. If you can beat me in a fight and banish me back underground I'll let you go save the werewolf. If I beat you and kill you...well...you get it, don't you, Thanatos?"
I grin.
"I do. And I'll be glad to participate once you get that knife away from my delicate skin."
Crius pulls away and I form a large ball of black magic, throwing it at him with a chuckle.
Crius dodges it, throwing a knife at me which I also dodge.
"Zero to zero, Crius. I thought you were better than that. But then again—you're the weak and irrelevant—ooh!"
I let out a wheeze, pulling a long knife from my stomach.
"Hit a spot there, man!"
I place my hand over it, watching as it binds back up.
Crius starts laughing.
"Healing is cheating, Thanatos!"
I grin.
"Why of course."
I knock him over onto the ground easily, holding the same knife that pierced my flesh at his chin.
I jab it into his chin right when I feel a sharp pain in my chest, looking down to see his hand—and a knife.
Fuck.
I'm a fucking idiot.
I fall backwards, letting out a stream of curses.
Crius pulls the knife from his chin, grinning as blood flies everywhere.
"You're a very gruesome man, Thanatos. Too bad you aren't a smart one."
He drops down, and I weakly raise my hand, stabbing him in the left eye.
Crius lets out a yell, falling backwards and disintegrating into the ground.
I hold my chest, grimacing.
Fuck.
I'll be fine...I'll find Myra.
I try to stand up, only to collapse back on the ground, getting knocked out cold.
********
(MYRA'S POV)
I open my eyes, looking around.
Where am I?!
"Hello, Myra."
"Theia?"
I see her enchanting eyes across the room, then someone else.
"Theia, you say this is the girl?"
"Perhaps...she's the one I found at least. Why don't you go introduce yourself?"
Theia's eyes glimmer and she begins laughing when the person comes over to me, and they lift my face to look at them with a grin.
"Hello, Myra."
My eyes widen and I stare at him.
I thought he was fucking dead.
"Dax?"
*********
(ALEC'S POV)
Stella and Ryder look at us wide eyed, and Oakley snaps his fingers.
"Come on, children. We don't want to get eaten, do we?"
Stella moves her eyes to his.
"Why are you here?! You literally kidnapped Aiden!"
Aiden smiles awkwardly.
"He's okay. Ish. But we reunited! That's good! Where's everyone else?"
Ryder grimaces.
"Thanatos took Myra, and Ryan, Mal, and Davina went to try and find you, Alec."
I rub my head.
"Of course they did...maybe we should—"
I get interrupted by the ground shaking, and we all look at each other.
"More Titans are coming."
Stella says, and Aiden points to the left.
"I thought I saw a temple over there—we would be safe until we can come up with a plan."
We all nod, turning to the left and running out of the trees and to the temple at the top of the hill.
********
We all scramble inside, and I hear a scream.
I snap my head around, and Aiden stands over a body.
Blood pooling around it.
"Alec—"
We all run over, and when I see who it is my heart drops.
"Dad?"