Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson
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LAST TIME:
"No, I can't say I have. Why there?"
"I need to visit a certain god."
"D-Don't tell me…" Asclepius appeared to pale a little as Percy gave him a devilish grin.
"Although I have several gods on my side I need another one. Vesta is strong but one voice only gives me so much safety. Why not have the two oldest Olympians on my side?" He asked with a sparkle in his eyes as Asclepius paled even more.
"You are crazy, fool! If you didn't know me and Pluto don't exactly get along."
"I am well aware of your past, but I have a plan."
"And what is this plan?"
"I'll let you know when we get there, now come along prisoner. We have a long way to travel. Titan, give me two wolves to carry us as far as they can."
"..."
"What?"
"You don't have a plan do you…"
"Listen here… that's the plan."
"You didn't say anything."
"I'll figure it out! Quit your bitching!"
NOW:
THIRD PERSON POV:
LOCATION: LAS VEGAS
"Why are demigods so persistent! I'm your opponent, not your enemy! Why do you keep attacking me!" Percy yelled his kopis slashed forward with incredible might and met the golden gladius with full force. The gladius was forced back due to the blow, the demigod tried to hold up his shield but Percy's own smashed it away. He then punched forward with his fist holding the kopis as it slammed into the face of a demigod that couldn't block the blow in time. The roman camper took three steps back and then turned to Percy with a bloody face as he glared at him. He took one step forward but then in the next second his legs seemed to lose their strength and he collapsed to the ground with a look of confusion on his face.
"Y-You fucker." The demigod cursed as his head spun from the blow just now, Percy just gave a sigh in return.
"Hey language, you're still a kid." Percy said as he towered over the 14 year old boy completely unharmed as he glanced around him. In the alley laid several unconscious demigods strewn about the ground like garbage. Each with a fist shaped bruise on their faces or body, this had been the 3rd team of them Percy had run into and he was quite tired of it.
"S-Shut up! Release Asclepius immediately and accept your death!" He roared as he tried to stand up but failed to as he returned to one knee.
"Ehhh I'll release him later, besides I haven't done anything bad to him. I just need his expertise on healing for a bit." Percy glanced at said god who was dressed up like a wannabe tourist. A white hat with a bass fish on it, a shirt that said 'I Love Las Vegas', black shades, cargo shorts with a fanny pack, and knee socks complete with sandals. He also held his large staff with Spike wrapped around it, it made quite the image. All together Percy could only grimace at the sight but the god didn't seem to care, he simply enjoyed his large drink.
"Release him! Then die!" The boy roared again, his eyes burning in anger, which were met with Percy's very bored ones as he gave a soft sigh.
"... Romans." Percy scoffed as his leg shot forward and kicked the shield the kid held in front of him. The kick was simple and plain but the strength behind it was enough to send the boy flying backwards and slamming into a wall. With a final groan the boy collapsed and passed out as Percy gave a nod.
"Check them would you." Percy said as the god put down his drink and set to work as Percy drug the demigods who he had knocked out into a pile. At this point Percy had long released Asclepius' restraints and simply put two normal black bracelets on his wrists to serve as a fake restraint. The god is fully going along with his plan at this point.
"Hmm… nothing but a few large bruises and small cracks in their bones. With demigod healing abilities they will be fine." The god said as Percy nodded and dropped the last demigod into the pile of them. All of their weapons piled to the side as he prepared to leave the alley.
"Also what's so bad about Romans?"
"Nothing, they are just very… persistent! By the gods are they persistent."
"Well you aren't wrong, they are persistent that is for sure."
"Asclepius I have a question."
"What is it my boy?"
"Do all gods have such terrible fashion sense?"
"W-What!? I will have you know, I blend in perfectly here."
"..."
"Hissss."
"Shut up Spike, nobody asked you!"
"I agree with the snake."
"Hiss."
"Sorry, I agree with the python."
"Both of you enough! You can't even understand him! You two… *sigh*. Anyways Percy where to now?" Asclepius asked as Percy glanced around until he found the mark he was looking for. Carved into the wall was a Symbol of two large gates made of many greek letters with an Omega symbol spread across the middle with a small arrow pointing a certain way.
"This way." Percy said as Asclepius glanced at the mark and frowned.
"When did you learn to read Greek writing?" He asked as Percy paused and glanced at the god who stood still. The two just stared at one another for several minutes. Percy's eyes seemed to gaze past the dark glasses as they pierced into the gods eyes. Many thoughts traveled through his mind but Percy decided to go with it.
"I believe you should already know the reason." Percy said as Asclepius just stood there silently as he let out a sigh and rubbed the back of his head.
"So my assumption was right, over the past few days I began to sense your origin was not so simple." He said as Percy shrugged and started walking forward again as the god followed behind.
"Hestia told me Poseidon and Neptune adopted me. She also mentioned that I am a bridge of both pantheons, it is also the reason I can kidnap a Roman god to help a Greek one." Percy said, in truth he was more right than he had ever been.
"Hmm… Hestia was incorrect." Asclepius suddenly said as Percy paused for a second and looked back at the god in a confused face.
"I mean with your adoption, you are speaking to the god of medicine here. I can sense much more about your blood than Hestia or Vesta could. While I can tell Poseidon did indeed adopt you as a true blood child Neptune did not. That blood comes from your origin, though I can't dig too much into your origin with just observation I can see this much." He said as Percy's face showed shock.
"So my real dad was a son of Neptune?" He asked as Asclepius shook his head as the two began walking again as Percy led the way but his focus was now on the god of medicine.
"No, no. Though the blood of Poseidon and Neptune make each other stronger, your blood of Neptune is much weaker. Your father was more than likely a legacy of Neptune." He said as Percy just silently walked as he digested this new info.
'It appears Order information was wrong.' The voice of Chaos rang in Percy's head, but since he couldn't send back a message without talking out loud he remained quiet.
'I swear he was a legacy of Poseidon… at least 90% sure… 80% sure. Roman and Greek gods are just too similar to one another.' Order joined in as Percy stifled a chuckle as he and Asclepius came to a turn in the alley. Long ago the alley seemed to transform into something magical as it just kept making turns and separate paths.
"Well… that is good to know." Percy said as Asclepius nodded slowly as he glanced at the boy beside him.
"Also did you know your soul and body are currently off axis?" He said as Percy quickly looked at him with wide eyes as the god quickly waved his free hand.
"It's nothing bad, no need to worry. It sometimes happens to people who get stuck in time traps, the lotus hotel is in vegas and it made me check you just in case. Do you know when you were born?" He asked as Percy just glanced at him.
"Should be August, 1993." Percy said as the god nodded.
"Yet here you are as a full 18 year old, you have aged much quicker than you should have. To you it would have been a full 18 years of life but to the world it was not. Basically just don't expect to age until your real 18th birthday. Your soul and body will realign with the world and then you will be all good. So nothing to worry about!" He said with a smile as Percy was once again stunned silent for the moment, he easily took the gods words as truth.
"That is also good to know… hey is there anything else wrong with me?" Percy asked as Asclepius glanced at him and shrugged.
"Other than your personality, there is nothing else wrong with you." He said and in turn Percy's face twitched in anger a little.
"So what are your thoughts?" Percy suddenly asked as the god shrugged.
"You are a special demigod, there is not much to think about. Both roman and greek blood flow through you and you seemed to have a special past. My guess… you will become a person of much interest, if left standing, when you return to New York." He said as Percy nodded, he had long figured as much.
"We are here." Percy said as they rounded one last corner as a neon sign that said "Devil's Abode" with a martini glass flowing under it. Also a neon arrow pointed towards a staircase that led down to a basement door on the side of the building.
"It's a bit… on the nose, don't you think?"
"If it wasn't a bit on the nose I don't believe it would be related to the gods." Percy said as they made their way down the stairs as Asclepius seemed to pale a little. Finally they reached the door that didn't have a handle.
*knock* *knock* *knock*
Three quick raps on the door was all that was needed as soon a sliding view hole was open revealing two empty looking eyes. They stared at Percy and then turned to the god by his side as one eyebrow was quickly raised upwards. Without a single word the peephole closed, both Percy and Asclepius looked at one another then the door slowly began to swing inwards.
"The lord is waiting for you at the table at the end. Please do not let your surprise visit ruin the night." Said a tall chocolate skinned man with a British accent. His white hair shaved into a military style and a fancy italian suit covered his body.
"Charon… it has been a minute hasn't it." Asclepius said as the two opposite sides of fashion clashed right in front of Percy, hurting his eyes a bit. He didn't let the name slip by him as he glanced at the ferryman of the underworld.
"Indeed it has, back for another?" Charon said with a smirk.
"Not this time, but when I am. Don't blame me when your pay is cut." Asclepius said with a brilliant smile as Charon's face turned into a frown as the aura of the two god's auras clashed with one another as the air got heavy.
"Enough. Come." Said a calm voice from inside the classic bar as Charon clicked his tongue and turned away from the duo. Walking inside Percy admired the fine craftsmanship of the wooden tables and bar. Multiple liquors he had never heard of were stacked behind the bar as well. Turning his head he finally saw a figure drinking a small glass of copper color liquor. The figure himself sat there silently as his imposing presence covered the two, his face calm like a lake but his aura seemed volatile like gasoline.
He was surprisingly muscular and handsome but his skin was pale like a vampires and his eyes glittered like frozen tar. Percy didn't know if they were the eyes of someone about to go insane or make the next big discovery. This was Hades himself, the god of the underworld.
"I am surprised you found this place." His oil-like voice broke the silence as Percy instantly put on a business smile and sat down across from the god as Asclepius slowly did the same.
"Hestia says it has the best orange juice she has ever had, also it can only be found if the lord of the underworld allows you to find it." Percy said as Hades let out a small snort as his eyebrow was raised a little.
"It seems Hestia has told you much about me. What brings you here demigod? Especially with a missing god?" Hades said as his eyes locked onto Percy who just kept on a smile.
"Hestia said you didn't like small talk so I will get to the point, I need help. Another voice on Olympus who supports me." Percy said as Hades sat there with no expression.
"For?" Hades asked.
"Well to make it so I don't blow up because of a certain lightning god of course! I kidnaped this dude to heal Artemis and the hunters, I am sure you already put that together. Zeus' punishment towards Artemis and the hunt was too much, her previous deeds far outweigh the cons of her breaking the rules. Hestia mentioned he did so to make an example out of her for what is to come." Percy said as Hades just took a sip of his drink.
"I don't see how this is my problem, I am not one for Olympian drama." Hades said with a frown.
"You're completely right, it isn't your problem." Percy said with a shrug as both gods looked at him confused. However Percy's face slowly turned into one like Hades', no emotion present as he stared into the god of the underworld's eyes. An aura began to spread from him that was almost like a wet blanket. Heavy and sticky like it wouldn't come off very easy.
"That can easily be changed however. Artemis is a goddess full of secrets you know. Who knows what she shared with me?" Percy said as silence filled the room as Hades' aura suddenly flared as the room shook and his glass cracked in his hand. The pressure on Percy was so immense that his nose suddenly started to bleed, but he gave it no mind. His eyes didn't leave Hades' as they sat in silence.
"Are you threatening me boy?" Hades asked in a very calm tone as Percy suddenly smiled, his aura receding in a second. Blood was still dripping from his nose as it seemed to go unnoticed by him.
"Of course not, I would never do such a thing! Who do you take me for?! Listen listen, you hate Zeus. I totally get that! I mean I honestly hate that god as well, he needs a swift kick in the ass. I am more than willing to help lace up the boot. This little work around of mine involving the Roman pantheon is already pushing the limits, once I get to New York I just want to heal Artemis and the hunters as well as seek justice for them during a meeting. Just think of it as me owing you one." Percy said as the pressure continued to slam into him but Percy remained silent with a smile on his face as Hades' brow twitched a little.
"Asclepius, what does he mean, the Roman pantheon?" Hades suddenly asked as the medicine god sighed.
"He already knows Hades, he not only knows of both camps but he also possesses blood from both Greek and Roman pantheons." He said as Hades' eyes widened as his form suddenly shifted to a more martial and disciplined one but then shifted back to his original one. After flickering a few more times he finally remained as Hades, a slight frown on his face as a headache coursed through his head.
"A bridge…" Hades whispered as the other god nodded as well as Percy remained under the pressure still.
"So what will it be? Help keep me from blowing up or not? " Percy asked as Hades slowly let off the pressure on him.
"Even if you succeed, what will you do after? Zeus will not allow such a demigod to roam free." Hades said.
"All I want to do is go back to the hunt and live peacefully… well, a semi peaceful life. Zeus took that life from me and I wish for it back." Percy said as Hades snorted.
"Demigod if I do help and you succeed, Zeus will only see you as a threat. Just imagine, a demigod that not only undermined your commands, received the support of several gods, and thwarted your attempt to control Olympus in a time of crisis. If it were me I would feed you to Cerberus." Hades said in a cool tone as Percy just smirked.
"You are not wrong, but you are also looking at a demigod of two pantheons. Also someone who has learned under the hunt and trained by a god for almost 15 years. I'm a very strong fighter, each group of roman demigods sent after me have been defeated with ease, I even killed a Minotour. I am the son of Poseidon, powerful blood runs through me. I am more than just smart, I helped formulate a plan to work around Zeus' punishment for Artemis and even kidnap a god. If you ask me, I look like a pretty amazing tool that can be used." Percy said as Hades eyebrow raised upwards.
"You don't seem the type to be treated as a tool."
"You are correct, but to ensure the future safety of my goddess and the hunt I am willing to do what I must. Until I am strong enough to do it myself that is. All Zeus really wants is to protect Olympus, though I admit he is a tyrant, the man will always protect where his throne is. It is a surprising redeeming quality he has."
"All I have to do is promise to help Olympus with what it needs and protect it when a threat appears. Let's say… ten years. By then I am sure I will have plenty of ways to protect myself from Zeus when the oath's time is up." Percy said as Hades sat silently until a large evil grin spread across his face.
"If I couldn't sense the blood of Poseidon from you I would assume you were my own. You are like a pet snake, one second you are tame and happy and the next moment you are wrapped around your owner's neck and killing them." Hades said it like a compliment as Percy gave a sheepish smile.
"As long as I am happy and nobody messes with people I care about. I will be as tame as you want me to be. If you mess with them however, I will be the worst enemy you have ever faced. Also if you help me, you can stick it to Zeus." Percy said as Hades let out a sudden laugh surprising the two across from him as he slapped the table as well.
"Well.. I do need something fun to do anyways. It is getting boring down here… very well, I will help you. A favor for a favor demigod, If you are planning on doing as you say then I might actually use it later." Hades said with an evil grin as Percy revealed a grin just as evil.
"It's a deal, I don't feel that your request is unreasonable. As long as the request fits the deed. Here they said don't go making deals with the devil." Percy said, sticking out his hand as Hades thought for a second and nodded he then accepted the hand and shook it as thunder rumbled in the room as the Styx accepted their deal.
Elsewhere several primordials were all looking towards a certain primordial of day as she gave a sheepish smile.
'What did you teach him?' Chaos asked as Hemera nervously laughed a little.
'I-I didn't teach him much. I only had a few classes about deception and how to scheme and he absorbed everything like a sponge. He is surprisingly talented at scheming,' She said as everyone turned to Chaos as she blushed a bit.
'I am not a schemer.' She said as everyone raised an eyebrow as she blushed harder.
'At least not anymore.' She said with a cough as everyone turned back to the scene before them.
"Also about what Artemis said." Hades suddenly said as his grip tightened on Percy's hand effectively trapping him in place.
"It honestly was a bluff, I have no idea what secrets Artemis holds. Seeing your reaction I assume there is something, since you're helping me though I don't care about it anymore." Percy said as Hades' eyebrow twitched violently, he started to reconsider his choice suddenly.
"He is a snake indeed."
"Hiss."
"I wasn't talking to you Spike."
"Hiss hiss."
"Oh Percy? No he isn't as majestic as a python. Just look at him, just look at him. He is a snake for sure, a very creepy one at that."
"Hiss."
"I'm glad you see it now. Promise me you won't ever be like him, alright?"
"I can hear you two."
"We are well aware of that Percy, otherwise I wouldn't be having this conversation with Spike."
"You two are the worst. Also Hades can you please let go of my hand? It is starting to hurt."
LINEBREAK: 1 WEEK LATER
LOCATION: New York
"So how long until Percy gets here you think?" Zoe asked the room.
Currently she sat on a chair looking out a window that overlooked the city. Her hunter attire was long replaced with a t-shirt with a cartoon design on it and loose pants. They were just some of her clothes that Sally had brought her, courtesy of the hunters. Currently her hair was let down from its normal braid as she played with a bit of it in her hand.
"A few more days I think. He mentioned he was going to swing by our home in West Virginia and pick up a few things. I'm just happy the ward held and the fire didn't burn it all away." Sally said with a small sigh as she walked over and set down a pot of hot water and three cups and a box of tea flavors.
"Ginger or peppermint?"
"Peppermint for me please." Zoe said with a smile as Sally nodded.
"Ginger for me please, also I could have just poofed some up Sally. You didn't need to do this." Said a 24 year old Hestia who was also in a normal shirt and a skirt, her mousy brown hair hanging lightly on her shoulders. As she offered to help, Sally just waved her off.
"Let me do some work around here. We are using your apartment after all. Besides, I like it better this way. It gives it a better flavor." Sally said with a smile as she made tea for all of them as the two stayed silent.
"By the way, thank you again for giving us a place to stay for a bit." Zoe said as Hestia shook her head.
"Don't worry about it, it's the least I could do." Hestia said as the two sat there awkwardly as Sally finished up the tea and handed them their cups. Glancing at the tea the two found it somehow blue as they inwardly shrugged, they had long gotten used to Sally's food antics.
"Sooo… What's going on between you two?" Sally suddenly asked several minutes later, nobody had spoken a word the entire time and seeing how the two acted around each other it didn't take a genius to see something going on. Hestia tensed a bit as Zoe coughed a bit as she set down her tea as Sally just sat and waited for an answer.
"I-It is nothing." Hestia said as Sally raised an eyebrow.
"Doesn't look like that to me, it looks like you two had a fight." Her eyes staring right at the two as they squirmed a bit under her gaze
"Sally…" Zoe tried but was shut down.
"Don't you Sally me." She huffed as Zoe and Hestia glanced at one another.
"It is more of a… private matter. We didn't have a fight." Hestia said as Sally seemed to ease up a bit on her stare.
"Well whatever it is, figure it out you two. I am tired of seeing you two glancing at one another and then seeming to shrink back from your gazes. You two are acting like children. If I wanted to see such a sight I would go watch Zoe and Percy on their first date." Once she finished she took a sip of her tea as Zoe blushed a bit and Hestia just stared at her tea in shame.
"Well I'm going to go get some stuff for dinner, you two please talk at least a little." Sally said as she finished her tea and stood up, not before walking over to Zoe and giving her a motherly hug and a kiss on the forehead. She then suddenly did the same to Hestia as the goddess looked stunned as Sally gave a smile to them.
"With as little stress as possible please, it isn't good for my grandbaby." She said as she quickly left the apartment leaving Zoe and Hestia alone. However the silence continued for several minutes until suddenly Hestia seemed to give in.
*sigh*
"She is right, we are acting like children." Hestia said as she looked at Zoe.
"You were the one who got awkward. Right after you found out I was pregnant." Zoe said in an offhanded tone as she glanced at Hestia as the goddess chewed on her lip a little and nodded.
"You aren't wrong, I just… had a lot of emotions hit me at once." Hestia said in a somber tone as Zoe raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?" Zoe asked slowly as Hestia stayed silent for several minutes as she closed her eyes and bit on her lips harder. Seeing this Zoe felt a pang in her heart as she unconsciously reached out and grabbed Hestia hand as the goddess paused for a second.
"If you need time that is fine I will wait, just tell me whenever you are ready. I just hope you can talk to me normally again." Zoe spoke to her in a soft voice as Hestia opened her cinder like eyes as she looked into Zoe's honey colored ones.
"It seems Sally rubbed off on you." Hestia said with a small smile as Zoe just smiled as well.
"I think it is for the best, I am going to be a mother soon." She said as she lightly placed a hand on her stomach as Hestia glanced at it as well. Slowly she seemed to make up her mind as she took a small breath.
"Hey Zoe… do you know why I am a virgin goddess?" Hestia suddenly asked as Zoe raised an eyebrow and shook her head.
"I don't, you never told me before. I assumed you just didn't like men." Zoe said as Hestia shook her head.
"It isn't that at all actually. No… it is because of something much more horrible. I fear becoming a mother, that is why I remain a virgin goddess. You know the myths right? Kronos eating his children, I still remember it so vividly it haunts me in my dreams some nights. Yet even while being swallowed by Kronos, something that sticks with me the most is my mothers wails. It was filled with so much despair that I would never forget it." Hestia said as she clenched Zoe's hand she was holding as Zoe paled a bit at the story as she held her belly a bit harder.
"Th-That sounds horrible. I am sorry you had to go through that." Zoe said as Hestia's eyes seemed to grow distant as she shook her head.
"You don't need to apologize, it is in the past. When I heard you were pregnant for some reason I couldn't help but recall my past. I know Percy isn't like that, he would never do such a thing. He is not like Zeus or Kronos, but knowing that… I felt jealous of you and the baby. Knowing that you and the baby would never have to go through what I did made me jealous. Stupid I know." Hestia said, wiping the corners of her eyes.
"..." Zoe couldn't find words as she just held the hand of Hestia as the two sat in silence as Hestia slowly stopped crying as she took a deep breath.
"I am happy for you and Percy, I truly am. A baby is a blessing to a mother and father. Proof of their affection and love for one another. Truly magical. I wish you a healthy birth and an easy pregnancy." Hestia said as Zoe slowly looked up at Hestia as she suddenly felt a very subtle connection with the goddess. Hints of sadness and confusion flowed into Zoe as she finally seemed to understand just what was going on.
"Hestia… I feel like you aren't telling me the whole truth." Zoe said as Hestia flinched as she met Zoe's eyes as Hestia froze under the two honey like eyes as Hestia's heart began to beat faster.
"I-I don't know what you mean." Hestia said but she couldn't move her eyes away as Hestia's heart just beat faster.
"I have known you for a long time Hestia, though we haven't talked a lot during that time I know you better than you think. I picked up on your habits and things over the thousands of years you stayed at the hunt. While I am sure you felt jealousy because of your past, you have never reacted like before hearing the same news from others." Zoe said as Hestia froze like a deer in headlights as her mouth seemed to instantly dry out as Zoe gave a soft smile.
"You might not know it but your eyes tend to wander as of late. Always somehow finding their way to Percy, never for more than a second but I have seen it several hundred times." Zoe said calmly as Hestia's hand trembled in the grip of Zoe's.
"I-It isn't like that." Hestia managed to make out a sentence as Zoe gave a small comforting smile.
"Emotions and feelings are complicated. I have faced betrayal and suffering that I brought on myself for falling in love in the past. I was beyond terrified to try for a relationship again, but with Percy it just felt right. He washed away all my concerns being his normal goofy and serious self."
"I'm not-."
"Sometimes new emotions are confusing and hard to understand. It takes time for us to figure things out. I just hope you can accept your own feelings and not tear yourself apart trying to get rid of them." Zoe said with a smile as Hestia still seemed frozen in time. Her mind raced as she didn't know what to do, small false truths seen through in an instant by Zoe. She didn't know what to think.
"I-I-I…" Hestia couldn't find words as Zoe just patiently waited for her.
"I'm sorry." Hestia said as tears began to fall from her face as Zoe got up and hugged the crying goddess. Hestia's face buried in Zoe's bosom as warm tears flowed from her eyes as she cried a bit.
"Don't be sorry, you did nothing wrong. Emotions and feelings are impossible to control, just accept them. I know it seems like the wrong thing to do but it is okay." Zoe whispered as she slowly pet Hestia as she comforted her.
"..." Hestia stayed quiet as she wrapped both her arms around Zoe and continued to quietly cry. It was the goddess' first time feeling anything like this, she was so terribly confused and frustrated with herself she didn't know what to do. How could she! He already had a lover! Her friend nonetheless.
"May I ask when you started to feel things?" Zoe asked as Hestia trembled a little.
"R-Right after we entered the Nest, I was never able to see Percy the same." Hestia whispered as Zoe nodded.
"Hestia you don't have to worry about a thing, I am not mad at all." Zoe said as Hestia looked up at her with puffy red eyes with a confused look.
"W-Why not? Why are you okay with me liking Percy?"
"It's a long story, it is called the River of Love." Zoe said with a small smile as Hestia's eyes blinked in confusion.
LINEBREAK:
LOCATION: West Virginia
"Haaaaaa… Home sweet home. Haven't seen this place in years." Percy whispered as he approached his home that was surrounded by burnt down trees. Though his time away was technically only about a month for him it was a full 2 years and change.
"Fire ward?" The now normally dressed medicine god in his Greek form asked as Percy nodded.
"Artemis put it in after we adopted Tracy. Long story." Percy said, waving him off as Asclepius nodded looking around at the damage the fire had done.
"Smart idea, it is a lovely home." He responded as Percy nodded and approached the cabin, after making it inside Percy as Asclepius stayed outside. After plopping down his backpack and letting out a soft sigh as he looked around the cabin. Several minutes passed as Percy just slowly walked around and picked up pictures of him and his mom and other things that she requested. After a while he had everything that was requested and was munching on an apple as he exited the building and locked it back up.
"Hey Asclepius you ready to…" As Percy spoke and turned back around an instant feeling of death covered him. His brain filled his mind with danger signals as his spine tingled and black lightning instinctively covered his body and his head reared back as fast as it could. In slow motion Percy watched an arrow slowly come from his left as his head continued to go back. Percy was somehow too slow as the very edge of the arrow cut into the bridge of his nose.
Seeing the arrow dig into his flesh and cross his vision, Percy's mind fired on all cylinders as the danger did not leave his sense as his shield sprouted to life and so did his Kopis. In an instant two more arrows slammed into his shield causing a boom and a loud ring. The force of the blow threw him off the porch and crashing into the ground, after rolling twice Percy was back on his knees as he already had the shield in front of him.
"Asclepius!" Percy roared as he tried to find the god but was stopped as yet another arrow came flying his way at incredible speed. His shield arm still tingling from the last collision, he dodged to the side as his muscled barely could force him out of the way even with the lightning buff. The arrow missed Percy by inches as it struck a tree and made it explode into millions of splinters as they rained down on Percy.
However Percy kept his eyes forward as he tried to locate the medicine god but found no trace of him as he gritted his teeth. He then turned towards the direction of the arrows as his eyes slowly squinted as his vision began to reach through the trees until it saw a glimmer. One second later the glimmer transformed into three of them, each going a different direction as Percy's eyes widened as he dashed forward as fast as he could.
In an instant three arrows were on him as they curved through the air like homing missiles. Percy didn't pause as he took action against them. The first arrow came on straight as he planted his right foot harder than his left veering him to the side as it scraped past his side cutting barely into his side. Then the two arrows on his sides came at the same time as he raised his shield on his left arm and his kopis in his right and then the lightning covering him burst out as he spun. In a flash his shield hit the side of one arrow and his Kopis did the same to the other.
The force of the two arrows was so great Percy's arms were nearly thrown away. With a roar Percy forced both arrows to veer around him and off into the woods as they destroyed trees like nothing. The force behind the arrows still left Percy spinning like a top in the air as he hit the ground and rolled like a loose tire until his kopis slammed into the ground forcing him to stop.
"Fuck." Percy whispered as a cold sweat covered his body. These arrows were more deadly than anything he had faced. The minotaur was a close second with its limitless strength but he was… a raging bull. These arrows were accurate and deadly to a point that Percy feared for himself when his body couldn't handle the lightning buff any longer.
As he kneeled there and waited the sense of death disappeared but the sense of danger did not. Understanding the message that was being sent his way Percy took a deep breath and slowly stood up. He then canceled the lightning and began to walk forward at a fast pace. He needed time to recover and seeing as whoever was aiming for his life wanted to talk he wanted to use the chance to recover.
Following the direction of the arrows while tending to his wound on his side he moved forward as he quickly wrapped it in bandages to stop the bleeding. As Percy kept walking the sense of danger began to grow as he realized how far he had been walking. It was nearly ¾ a mile at this point, if that person was as deadly with a bow and arrow that far away he could only imagine how deadly they were up close.
'Percy be careful, this person is as strong as a minor god or even more so.' Chaos said in a worried voice as Percy gave a small nod, unfortunately she couldn't tell him exactly who it was. If she did the Fates would punish him, so for now all she could do was tell him a rough power level.
"Took you long enough, I was beginning to get bored." Said a deep rumble of a voice as Percy entered a small clearing as he found two figures. One was Asclepius who was currently hog tied and gagged. Some sort of special metal chains were used to hold him in place, even his staff and Spike were bound in sealing chains. The gods' eyes found Percy as they went wide as he tried to speak but only muffles were said.
"Silence." The man said delivering a light kick to Asclepius as the god turned towards him and seemed to curse at him through the gag. Even Percy was surprised by the rage in the god's eyes as he followed his gaze to the easily 7 foot tall man.
In one hand was a bow that was made of some soft of black wood and he had a quiver full of meter long arrows on his back. His attire was ancient looking metal armor chest plate and leather everything else. Small straps holding it tight to his body, the only thing that wasn't covered was his face that had a simple hood on it but his face was easily seen under it. His face was firm and focused, his chin very square in shape as he didn't look human. The most striking thing were his eyes, each was a vibrant green swirl, like tornadoes were trapped in them.
"Who are you?" Percy asked but the man just stared at Percy with curiosity in his eyes as he looked him up and down.
"I should be asking you the same question." His deep voice rumbled as Asclepius tried to yell as Percy but was kicked again by the mysterious… man? As Percy readied himself as the man chuckled.
"You stink of that boy Poseidon, but your abilities are not from his blood. Maybe a cross bred demigod?" He said as Percy's eyes narrowed.
"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. Who knows." Percy said as the man just stared at him as the two didn't move.
"Demigods were always cheeky weren't they. Well who would have guessed on my first day back I would find such a powerful demigod and the medicine god himself. He will be pleased. Boy follow me or die." He said as a sense of death fell on Percy again as his body shook from the sense alone. Whoever this man was he was strong, sure Percy had felt the pressure of gods but never one who was focused on killing him. It was an entire different feeling, one that scared him truly.
Slowly Percy lowered his shield and kopis and dispelled them into their bracelet forms, his eyes locked on the man's. Slowly a grin spread across the man's face as Asclepius' eyes went wide, for the first time he saw the strong willed demigod who was like an unstoppable freight train come to a halt.
"Smart lad! You choose wisely! Though the big man will be the one to decide if you are trustworthy, I'm sure with a bit of work you will be. Still a bit old for a demigod but that doesn't matter. You will be a great addition to our ranks, in a few years time you may even hold an important role. " He bellowed happily as Percy just stared at him in silence.
"What ranks?" Percy asked as the man paused and looked down at Percy.
"Why the titans of course." He said as Percy's eyes went wide, sure he had heard hints of a threat stirring against Olympus but he never would have guessed it was the titans. Percy's mouth went dry as the news stirred in his mind.
"My name is Lelantos if you were wondering." He said as Percy just stood there in awe.
"The titan god of air and stalking prey." Percy said as the man showed a small grin as he laughed.
"Smart indeed! It seems you know more than I thought." He said as he walked forward as Percy just stood silently in front of him. Lelantos then held out his hand as Percy raised an eyebrow as the titan frowned.
"Bag and weapons, can't have you running around with such dangerous things." He said as Percy frowned but then an idea came into his mind. One that could shift the whole situation.
"Fine." Percy mumbled as he slung off his bag and suddenly tossed it towards the titan. With one hand the titan caught the bag with ease as he grinned.
"Was that so hard-." Lelantos was suddenly caught off guard as the bag in his hand began to grow so heavy that he fell forward to his knees. The ground cracking under his smashed hand as a wave of danger crashed into his mind. In less than a second a Kopis covered in dense black lightning was swung right towards his head.
In less than a second Lelantos managed to get unstuck and was able to barely dodge the strike as it smashed into the ground.
*BOOOM*
A massive explosion erupted from the ground as debris and dust were thrown up. The titan was also thrown back from the force of it causing him to roll several times but he was able to steady himself in a second. In less than a second he had pulled the bow off his back and had an arrow notched as the rumble continued and the debris fell from the sky. The dust covered his vision as his eyes narrowed, this boy was smart, but not smart enough.
"You think this is enough to stop me boy! I will sacrifice you to Kronos myself! I will be the one to run the blade through you!" He roared in anger as the sky shook from his roar. He was met with only silence as he frowned as he waved his hand. Just then the wind began to stir and a large gust of wind began to blow through the clearing.
With one last push the dust was all pushed away but at the same time a massive dull silver sword was flying through the air right at Lelantos as his eyes went wide. With quick movements his bow met the blade in a shower of sparks as the force of the strike was enough to force Lelantos back. As he did he managed to pull back on the arrow and fire it forward only for the arrow to meet a massive tower shield with the Greek symbol of Chaos on it. The arrow was deflected like it was nothing as the figure behind the shield shot forward as black lightning crackled around their metal boots.
*BOOM*
Lelantos was caught off guard as the 7 foot tall tower shield smashed into him like a freight train, the 7 foot tall titan was thrown backwards dozens of feet. Slowly he slid to a stop and he slowly picked himself up off the ground as golden blood dripped from his now broken nose as fury filled his green eyes. He looked up to find a figure clad in silver and gold trimmed armor, but while giving off a regal look like a paladin on closer look you could see a hint of savageness to it.
His helmet was sleek and smooth, completely covering the face as only two small glows could be seen inside the hamlet. On the top was a large red plum coming out of it that swayed in the air as he slowly walked towards Lelantos. His stature was even taller than the titans as he stood at 8 feet tall and held a 6 foot dull silver sword rested on his shoulder. (A/N: Think knight Artorias but a little different)
"Who the fuck are you?" Lelantos cursed as he stood up and wiped his nose as the knight stood silently.
"Your death." The man spoke in a deep and regal tone, in the next second he sprinted forward as Lelantos drew his bow and began to fire 5 arrows at a time, each had swirls of green wind magic around them as they shot forward with multiple booms. As the arrows reached the knight the tower shield was used to knock them out of the air. Each arrow seemed to lose all magic the instant they hit the shield and simply returned to normal arrows.
"W-What!"
The titan was too slow as the giant sword slashed forwards as he began to clash with the mighty figure. Each blow shaking his whole body and flinging him around like a kite without a string. His bow was able to hold against the blows but his strength was not, he was the youngest of the titans he did not have strength like Atlas. Each attack he aimed at the knight also failed to do anything against his massive shield.
Lelantos cursed at himself for not bringing any other weapons as his rage grew as he threw his hand towards the knight as the wind began to stir and then a hundred mile hour gust of wind slammed into the knight. To which the knight just raised his shield up and deflected the wind. Lelantos was not done however, as he dropped his bow and thrust both hands at him as more wind began to gather.
"AHHHHH!" He roared in rage as the wind began to increase in speed. 150 mph 200 mph 250mph. It kept going upwards until it stagnated at 300 mph as the titan poured all his magic into the wind. The tree stood no chance as they were ripped from the ground and the rocks and dirt did the same as they flung at the knight. He stood strong, his tower shield taking the full impact of the wind and his sword acting as an anchor so he wouldn't fly away.
"Enough!" The knight roared as his whole body glowed a dark aura and his eyes lit up with a deadly red light. Even Lelantos felt the veil of death cover him, the knight then pulled up his sword as black lightning and the dark aura combined into a pure black cover on the blade. He then slammed the blade into the ground as an eruption of light exploded outwards.
*BOOOOOM*
A dome of light erupted outwards as Lelantos felt blinded from the flash, in an instant the wind was ripped from his control and then the searing heat and wind hit him. Something seemed to lock him in place as he feet remained in place as the eruption enveloped him and the forest around him. Several cities surrounding the mountain range saw the flash and felt the rumble in the ground as the sky began to flash with lightning.
Back to the mountain range in ground zero kneeled the very knight who caused the explosion in a crater. His armor and shield were a little scuffed up but otherwise fine as he slowly pulled the sword from the ground. Standing several dozen feet from him was Lelantos who stood with his arms crossed in front of him. His figure is covered in burnt flesh and multiple wounds, his leather armor long gone on his arms and even his metal chest piece was badly damaged.
Golden blood also dripped from his mouth showing the severity of his wounds. His arms slowly fell to his side, the flesh burnt away revealing white bones underneath them. Beneath him was a cone of untouched land showing he had absorbed the full brunt of the attack. His eyes remained full of rage as he stared at the knight as he stood there and slowly sheathed his sword. Lelantos felt the rage in him boil over as his green eyes turned red in rage.
"Fucking coward! Why do you sheath your sword! Fight me! Let me kill you!" He roared as he raised up his arms to fight as the knight stood still.
"Your life is not mine to take it seems." He said as his body began to slowly dissolve into light particles as the titan eyes went wide.
"Your name!" The titan roared as the knight just looked at him as half of him had already turned to the light particles.
"... It is Barbatos. Guardian of Percy Jackson. Should we meet again, let us have a proper bout." He said as the rest of his body dissolved and soon Percy with his mask with the white side out was revealed. He just reached up and took off the mask revealing a panting and strained face as he slowly kneeled and collapsed to the ground.
As Percy appeared Lelantos suddenly felt his feet free themselves off the ground as he stumbled a bit as he swallowed a mouthful of blood he was about to spit up. His mind full of questions as he stared at the strained demigod as he began to slowly begin to walk towards Percy.
Percy just eyed the titan as he couldn't find the strength to stand as his body was completely drained of strength. He barely even held onto his consciousness, he knew the consequences for summoning one of his guards was a lot but this was the first time he had been awake and felt the price. Seeing the state of the titan before him was well worth it.
"You look like shit." Percy said with a grin as the titan just stood before him silently as his arms dripped blood onto the ground.
"You are coming with me, Kronos will recover a great amount with your sacrifice." He said as he balled up his fist and prepared to strike, but Percy just continued to grin at Lelantos as grew confused.
"What is it boy?" He asked as Percy took a few breaths as his smile grew.
"It's just… I didn't know snakes could get that big." Percy said as Lelantos showed a face of complete confusion when suddenly he suddenly remembered something.
"HIIIIISSSSSSS." A deep grumble of a hiss sounded in the air as Lelantos turned around just in time to see a massive green snake behind him, its two large yellow and glowing eyes focused on him. The head of the beast the size of a minivan as a certain medicine god stood on its head in full battle armor. Just then the massive body of the beast shot forward and wrapped around the titan.
Lelantos tried to fight back but he was far too weak, the beast's lower body which was as thick as a tree trunk wrapped around him and began to squeeze. Lelantos didn't even have time to scream as more and more layers of the giant body of the snake wrapped around him squeezing even tighter. As it did, Asclepius jumped off the head of the beast and landed right before the head of the titan that was sticking out of the coil of the snake.
"Die titan scum." Asclepius said with a disgust filled voice as his sword was brought down on the wide eyed titan. With one swing the titan was beheaded and then his body was crushed to mush underneath the intense pressure of the snake. Asclepius just slowly bent down and picked up the head and put it in a linen bag he summoned.
"You took your time." Percy said with a smile as the god just stood there silently and gazed down at Percy.
"Spike takes time to transform, also he said-."
"I know I know, he is a python not a snake. It seems the bigger he gets the more sensitive he gets as well." Percy said as he flopped to the ground as the god kneeled beside him and began to apply magic to him to see what was wrong. Seeing nothing except exhaustion the god sighed.
"HIIIIIIISSSSSSS." Spike grumbled again.
"He says you're gonna get squished next if you keep up with the jokes." Asclepius said as Percy just smiled.
"He loves my jokes. Also Asclepius as designated prisoner I'm gonna have to ask you to get me to New York, as long as we get to camp half blood I will be good." Percy said as the god laughed.
"You never stop joking do you."
"No I can't, so long as there's air in my lungs."
"HISSSSSS."
"Spikes says he can fix that."
A/N: Sassy Percy is funny Percy, also Medicine god for best magical beast WIIINNNNN! Hope you all enjoyed the encounter and the fight! Also finally to New York to see how angry Zeus really is, also to see our wounded moon goddess! Also what Hestia and Zoe doing? Hmmm
Also please leave a review I enjoy reading them lol.
E/N: Let's go! 4 chapters done in a nice quick succession, AND I even basically finished moving while editing this group! Anyway I hope this was good for you all, I loved it! - Sol