Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Percy Jackson truly had a lot to be thankful for, he had a beautiful girlfriend, amazing friends who'd go to hell and back for him and a great family that spans time and trials.

But everytime, every single time he walked over that hill, gazing at the only place that ever truly accepted him. He can't be helped, he remembers all those that sacrificed everything they had so he could stand here and now on a bright sunny day.

More than any other Percy had been made aware of how feeble life is. How easily everything could suddenly sink into a never ending pit of darkness. Life was short, mortals use that word with such ease. If they had seen as many lives cut so short they would understand the meaning of those words.

Which is why, Percy now strolled through camp half-blood smiling nervously as he played with the tiny black box in his pocket.

He had a stop at the big house first.

Chiron was naturally taken aback by the sudden news and of course, the ring itself.

"Percy, it is beautiful. Where did you even get it." Eagerly demanded the centaur handing back the wedding ring.

"Hephaestus still owed me one. Rolled his eyes and grumbled when I asked for it." Chuckled Percy remembering how the god felt like his skills could be used better on a weapon, like a Greek fire flamethrower for example.

For the sake of the world, Percy used his self control saved up for the year to decline that offer.

"Where did you find pearls so small?"

"I had to fist fight a giant clam the size of a monster truck, Tyson did his magic with the rest."

Chiron didn't bother manifesting the ridiculous image in his mind, he was simply too ecstatic.

"When are you telling Annabeth."

Percy started fiddling with the box again. "I got no idea and I'm starting to freak out." Admitted Percy puffing out a nervous laugh.

Chiron smiled and wheeled himself next to a full body mirror most likely owned by the overly dramatic Camp Director.

The wise old Centaur gestured for Percy to come closer.

There he stood now before himself, his face twisted with nervousness.

"Do you know what I see?"

"Someone way in over his fucking head."

Chiron chuckled warmly "yes, but I also see the little boy who stumbled his way into this very camp, clutching his best friend because he wasn't about to lose anyone else, but now."

After a few seconds of silence Percy looked down at Chiron. The trainer of heroes proudly looking at him. "But now?" He repeated his voice small.

"But now, I see a man. A powerful man, a strong man, a brave man. At last most importantly, I see a good man. One who's ready to live his life to the fullest with the love of his life. Not every demigod can brag about having such a blessing. You mustn't let it go my boy."

Percy flicked open the ring box, feeling a burst of confidence swell within him.

"Thank you Chiron, not just for this. For everything."

Chiron smiled "all in a day's work, do make sure to tell me when the wedding is."

Percy smiled at his teacher before confidently marching out of the big house.

He had someone else to talk too.

Grover Underwood stepped out of the trees looking a little confused finding chunks of aluminum on the ground.

Grumbling the lord of the wild picked up the littering and promptly ate it. His annoyance growing when he found a trail of it. Most likely a pack of careless Hephaestus kids.

He followed the trail thinking of many creative ways to punish the culprits. Until a familiar voice stopped him.

"Hey G-Man."

Grover whirled around finding an amused Percy seated on a large stone next to a large pond. Sunlight descended upon the son of Poseidon through the branches above him. Making his smile even brighter than it actually was.

Grover having never seen the demigod this happy didn't even bother scolding him about his littering.

Percy took a half torned can from the ground and threw it at Grover quickly opening himself another soda.

"What's going on?"

"What can't just enjoy a snack with my best friend?" Percy asked feigning being hurt.

Grover rolled his eyes smiling and plopped down next to him.

"I'm here, so what's actually up. I know your hiding something in that back of that noggin of yours."

Percy smiled taking a long sip from his drink. "You remember the first time we met?"

"Yeah some rich kid was about to try and find out the definition of curb stomping at my expense and you punched him so hard in pretty sure you deformed his jaw."

"I wonder what came of him." Mused the son of Poseidon. "Either way you wanna know what I thought I'd never say to that whiny target looking kid?" Percy replied with a smirk.

"Gee Percy I don't know, but I'm starting to feel a few words coming at your expanse."

Smiling Percy shot back "I never thought I'd tell him, wanna be my best man?"

Grover's face flash froze into a shell shocked expression.

"You mean as in best man wedding!?" Demanded Grover having recovered the use of his face.

"What else would it be? I finally found the strength to ask you after you didn't ask me to be the best man of your wedding."

Confused Grover replied "but I did."

Percy hid his smug smile with another sip. Grover's face turned red in realization.

"Polyphemus doesn't count!"

The son of Poseidon threw his head backwards madly laughing.

"What about Annabeth's mom?" Grover tried to tactfully ask.

Percy instantly stopped laughing. "I stopped giving a crap about that woman's opinion when she disowned Annabeth for not wanting to commit genocide."

"Understandable." Grover nodded he raised his chunk of can towards Percy.

"A toast to a bright future."

Percy smiled "to a bright future." He toasted clicking his drink.

Now it was midnight, Percy had bribed the cleaning harpies and made sure no god could come bother him.

How? Well he left a very strongly worded letter to the Olympian council that if they dared ruin this for him he would never help them again.

Hopefully their fragile ego could handle it.

Percy kept fiddling with the box his heart beating like a stampede of unicorns.

Once Annabeth was in sight walking towards him, it only beat harder.

She was radiant, as always. She smiled gently at Percy, but he could see the tiny hint of frustration in her eyes.

For Percy knew something she didn't.

"Hey." Was all he managed to push out.

"Hey." Chuckled Annabeth seeing Percy's face. "Are you okay? You looked less nervous facing Kronos."

Percy found great pride in the fact that this name no longer made the world colder not darker. The titan lord's very name had lost its power and it's meaningless.

"Well I'm about to do something amazing that adults

Would call dumb."

"So nothing new." Teased the daughter of Athena.

"Oh on the contrary it's very new." Smiled Percy gathering his courage, all of his worries and fears melting away as he lost himself in the storm of her eyes.

"And it might just be the best decision I'll ever make."

"Percy." Annabeth trailed off "what are you doing?"

Percy had never seen her more unsure in his life, it almost made him falter.

But there was no backing down.

Taking in a deep breath he started lowering himself, a few inches only.

Before it all went dark.

Did I rip off Mortal Kombat, maybe maybe I also wrote this while severely sleep deprived what are you gonna do about it, you not a fed you ain't my mom! Come at me I'm immuned to the consequences of plagiarism and bullets!

Chapter Text

When Percy came back to his senses. He felt the sand first.

Next his eyes snapped open to the raging sun. Groaning he sat up rubbing his forehead.

For a moment he thought himself in a desert, that was until he layed eyes on walls far away nearly out of view, he spun around on himself finding many many people strewn all around.

Some looked like adults, some looked like teenagers, but more importantly some were dressed like they lived in old times.

Percy took a few steps "ANNABETH!" his voice echoed miles around waking up many people at his feet.

"Percy?" A groggy voice asked groaning.

It wasn't Annabeth, but Percy knew that voice.

"Carter?" Percy replied finding the teen on his back, he quickly helped him up. "What's going on?" Demanded the Magician."

"Beats me, I was with Annabeth before everything went black."

"I was teaching a class, same thing happened." He slowly assessed the situation. "That's a lot of people." he commented nervously fishing around in his satchel. "Last time we got together it wasn't for fun."

"It's not a reassuring sight indeed. Any idea where we might be?"

"Well we're not in Egypt that's for sure. I think my sister's around I—."

"Go find her let's try to meet up later." Carter nodded and ran off calling for Sadie.

Percy kept walking around calling for Annabeth, ignoring the various people also waking up. He wished he could have told them to stay down, it was getting increasingly harder to find anyone.

This had the god's name written all over it. Which deity they better pray Percy never finds out.

He saw a young teen maybe around fifteen having a hard time getting up. Taking a second Percy helped him, but the moment the boy met his eyes he stumbled backwards with a startled yelp.

Percy eyed his confused, he seemed oddly familiar, but the son of Poseidon couldn't quite put his finger on it.

A girl with silver hair appeared behind him helping him to his feet, both much to Percy's furthered confusion stared at him warily.

It didn't matter, Percy had better things to do than ask strangers what their deal was.

"Bow to the might of Rome!" Cried out a Centurion in Latin Percy didn't recognize him, he ran straight for him his gladius held high.

Percy casually jabbed the adult man in the face, the Roman falling backwards limply.

He inspected the Roman warrior and frowned when he didn't find a single touch of Imperial Gold. A crazy cosplayer perhaps, he met too man of those that genuinely believed to be the real deal of what they tried to emulate.

"PERCY!"

His keen sense found the source of her voice. His body moved on it's own, the demigod leaping over people to get a better view.

He found Annabeth looking up at him mid jump, she was surrounded by their collective friends. Grover Nico Will all the seven, gathered in the same place. This wasn't a good sign, a blood moon on a Friday the 13th was a better omen.

Percy froze once he realized what he just saw.

All of the seven.

Jason has been dead for months.

Percy broke through the crowd hugging Annabeth the moment he saw her. Throwing a haunted look at Jason as he did.

"Is that really him." He asked his girlfriend.

"He is, I'm just as confused as you." She admitted.

"They broke it to me." Jason spoke up before Percy could. "I don't understand, none of what you guys told me even happened."

Percy and Annabeth shared a look, both understanding very well what was happening. 

Only a few people could have snatched Jason throught time like this.

And Percy begged every god that bothered to listen that it wasn't who he thought it was.

"What is this spell invader!" Demanded yet another familiar voice, only this one made even less sense.

Percy found a man wearing an ancient Greek styled armor holding a terrified Egyptian man by the throat, his xiphos held high.

"Is that." Nico trailed off also recognizing the man.

"Achilles stop!" Barked Percy.

"I know you not boy, know your place!" Barked back the ancient warrior.

"That's Achilles?" Whispered Piper "sir please put your weapon down, there's no need for violence." She said her voiced laced deep with charmspeak.

"Do not try yourself vile temptress!" Thundered a towering man standing a clean head over the great Achilles.

"Ajax?" Uncertainly stated Annabeth.

"Ajax the greater." Proudly proclaimed the Greek hero "and I do not appreciate outsiders trying to seduce my cousin." He added getting closer to the daughter of Aphrodite.

A bit too close.

Jason was quicker than Percy, a flick of his fingers and a powerful gust of wind sent the large man flying head over heels over Achilles.

The Greek warrior whirled around his eyes shining with affront through his helmet.

He dropped the Egyptian man who scrambled backwards.

"You dare." He hissed aiming his blade at Jason.

Percy pulled out riptide and in one fluid movement at his sword pointed at the throat of Achilles.

"We do, back off clearly no one here is responsible for the events at hand. Attacking random people won't satisfy you're curiosity."

Achilles's nostrils flared.

He batted away Percy's sword and the fight was on. The seven didn't jump in letting the two fight for a bit. Percy's friends trusting that he'd hold his own.

Achilles was fast, but Percy had fought faster with and without the curse that they once shared.

He remained on the defensive assessing his opponent. Spectators gathered around some cheering for Achilles to bring them Percy's head.

His strikes landed strong against Riptides, a flurry of blows that Percy didn't fail to parry.

At one point Percy had enough and slashed back at Achilles. The skilled warrior parrying in kind.

One problem being that he hasn't noticed how worn down his blade was striking against Celestial Bronze. Riptide slicing through the sword like a hot knife through butter.

Achilles stumbled back looking even angrier than before.

"Careful Achilles, wouldn't want to hurt you're heel." Percy made heavy emphasis on the last part. His words finally getting to the warrior, who no longer seemed certain he wanted to fight anymore.

"Who are you." He demanded.

"They are from another time mighty Achilles."

"Oh you have got to be kidding me." Growled Percy seeing the lion head peaking above the crowd. Heracles stepped through the people and clamped a strong hand on the warrior's shoulder.

Another man Percy hardly recognized was walking next to him. Last time Percy saw Theseus he was a teenage spirit, now he stood there as a man clad in red coral like armor.

"I am Heracles, son of Zeus and you Achilles are a man who's story has survived for over a century at the time of my birth. I met my own grandfather in this strange place. These young people must be from the future."

"Guessing by they're strange attires." Piped up Theseus with a warm smile. He approached Percy his matching sea green eyes making the connection obvious."

"A strangely clad lad indeed." He laughed "but it is always nice to meet a brother." He offered Percy his hand, Percy shook it noticing that his brother was not so subtly trying to crush his hand.

Percy responded in kind, the ancient hero suddenly pulling away vividly shaking his hand, still smiling.

"So is this more of a back to the future deal or a terminator deal."

"What's the difference?" Asked Hazel.

"Terminator we have no way back. Back to the future we have a stylish way back."

"Deloreans aren't that stylish." Frank scoffed good naturedly.

"Oh and what would you have turned into a Time Machine."

"A 1967 impala."

Leo stared at the Canadian demigod for a solid ten seconds. "Fuck he's right." Grumbled the son of Hephaestus crossing his arms.

"Tell me friend how long are you along in the great fabric of history."

"About four thousand years, give or take. Replied Annabeth shacking hands with the son of Poseidon. "Nearly everyone's story here is told even in our present time."

"Amazing." Breathed Theseus with a wide smile. "You must tell me as much as possible."

"I'm not sure we can, time travel is something we know frighteningly little about. The consequences of any actions taken today could be disastrous for everyone." Explained the daughter of Athena.

Disappointed Theseus nodded in understanding.

"Per Ankh!" Cried out a voice, it was the man of earlier pushing Carter and Sadie in fear, he pointed at Achilles over their shoulders, his hand trembling.

"There's no more danger." Percy assured sendings pointed look at Achilles.

Sadie kindly grabbed the terrified man's hand. Gently reassuring him in ancient Egyptian. He sent one last look at the Greek warrior before running away.

"Annabeth brightly." Greeted Sadie running into the daughter of Athena for a hug.

"Who are these kids?" Questioned Nico.

"Your barely older than me my chemical romance." Sadie bluntly shot back from Annabeth's arms.

Promptly sending Will Hazel and Leo into a laughing fit.

Percy found himself laughing a little himself at his cousin's grumpy look. It was a welcomed change in atmosphere.

"Guys, this is Sadie and Carter Kane. They are magicians descendants of the pharaoh's of Egypt. We helped each other not too long ago to beat an Elvis looking wizard mixing the magic of pantheons."

"Yeah that checks out." Sighed Jason pulling off his glasses to rub his eyes.

"What's next Chris Hemsworth?!" Snapped Leo.

"Thor actually finds that depiction of him really offensive." Piped up Magnus Chase as he approached the group.

Annabeth gently pulled away from Sadie and gave her cousin a hug.

"This is my cousin Magnus, son of Freyr Norse vanir god of peace fertility rain and sunshine." Introduced the daughter of Athena.

"Curse me and my big mouth!" Dramatically cried out the son of Hephaestus throwing his arms up.

"So Norse too huh?" Commented Carter rubbing his chin. "I wonder how that even works."

"Don't break your brain on that kid it's not worth it." Grumbled Percy, but Carter was on a roll mumbling to himself about all the metaphysical possibilities. He nearly bumped into Heracles and looked up. 

"That's Hercules." Dumbly stated the magician.

"You have me confused with another child." Chuckled the son of Zeus. "I am Heracles, who might you be?"

"Carter Kane, current Pharaoh of Egypt I guess."

"Pharaoh?" Repeated Theseus in confusion.

"It's basically a king in his region." Answered Annabeth. "Well both head of state and religious leader to be more specific."

"Interesting, although that sounds dangerous."

"It is." Bluntly agreed Carter.

"How many people are with you?" Asked Percy.

"There's me Zia Walt and some more of our initiates. They're battle ready, but I'd rather it not get there."

"Most of my friends are here too, I recognized a lot of people from hotel Valhalla too. Not necessarily decent people either."

"So we can all agree this stinks of godly intervention?" Jumped in Jason "me and Percy got switched between Roman and Greek he met you the Egyptian."

"And he trained me in maritime combat and survival." Added Magnus.

"I tried to train you in maritime combat and survival." Scoffed Percy before turning to Jason with a finger in his face. "And don't you dare finish that sentence!"

"This could be connected to you." Finished the son of Hades with a shrug.

Percy threw his hands up "the fuck I just said?! Good job corpse breath you jinxed it."

Nico shrugged carelessly "blame the fates."

"I think there's an opening over there." Jason said from the sky pointing at the horizon.

"I'll check my eyes are better." Piped up Carter with a smile.

"Wow dude mocking the myope." Scathingly asked Leo.

"What no! I have actual falcon eyes."

"Too bad that would've made us buddies." Snickered the son of Hephaestus.

The eye of Horus rolled his eyes and in half a second turned into a falcon that took to the sky next to Jason. Circiling above the son of Jupitet's head.

He schreeched a bit before landing back on the ground as a human.

"There's a giant gate in that direction, but it's closed" He stated pointing east.

"Better than nothing, let's get to walking people." Called Percy marching towards the opening.

"You do not command us." Snapped Achilles.

"Die from heat for all I care then." Percy called back over his shoulder.

"The boy is sadly right, we cannot wait here without food and water."

Percy stopped short closing his eyes tightly he slowly turned his head to the source of the voice.

Zoe Nightshade sent him a look filled with contempt, clearly she was from the past.

Thalia Grace suddenly broke the crowd behind her. They're eyes met and Thalia shook her head, her eyes sad but understanding. Her eyes trailed up at Jason and they widdened suddenly filling with tears.

She could only stare as he gently flew away from her once again.

For that single moment the son of Poseidon and Daughter of Zeus knew exactly how the other felt.

They had mourned, they had moved on. Yet the past was back to haunt them both.

Only Percy had a lot more skeletons in his closet. If he was lucky then they'd stay there, but who was he kidding. He must have offended Tyche or just the universe.

Soon he and the seven were leading countless people throughout the desert, these gates were miles away and seemed to grow further the closer they got.

Hours upon hours later Percy was still fine albeit a bit sweaty from the heat.

He couldn't say the same for Sadie, her feet were dragging a bit behind her and she looked tired. Percy berated himself, he forgot the girl despite her great magical powers was still only human. So he did the natural thing.

Offered her a piggyback ride. Which she gladly accepted.

"Onward my steed!" Percy chuckled a little purposely jostling her.

He didn't notice Annabeth smiling warmly in their direction, she felt extremely silly for thinking it, but she believed that if she and Percy would ever be to have a daughter. Well she would probably end up looking and acting a lot like Sadie.

She looked away shoving that ridiculous thought in the back of her head. Neither she nor Percy were ready for children, she wasn't sure they would ever be.

Even the legacy life was extremely dangerous.

Soon Percy noticed one obvious problem. People were starting to get hungry and thirsty.

Luckily Percy could solve one of those issues.

After setting down Sadie he walked a few meters ahead of everyone. Kneeling down he pressed his hand to the ground.

"What are you doing brother?" Curiously asked Theseus.

"Searching for water."

"I doubt father can answer our prayers here."

"I don't need him too."

Before Theseus could ask what he meant water started sleeping through the sand.

Understanding Percy's plan Nico and Hazel joined hands. Their powers combined causing the ground to sink.

Jason smiled and decided to join in, he stared at the sky and clouds gathered above the crowd of people. Small rain started falling down refreshing the masses.

Soon enough a small lake had been created thighs deep in water Percy looked around at the handy work.

"What?" He asked seeing Theseus stare at him with wonder.

"I have met many siblings in my days, but none and I mean none had this gift. Father must like you very much."

"I like to think he might."

"What else can you do?"

"Lots of things, okay everyone water's pure there's enough for everyone." Percy announced stepping out of the water already revigorated by it's power.

He sat down by its edge watching as people of all eras and civilizations drank from the same source. Some even throwing themselves in.

Percy frowned as he saw a few people clearly royalty shoving people aside so they alone could drink from it.

A flick of the finger and water splashed them on their back. More than enough water for them.

Annabeth sat down next to Percy, a small tension hung between them.

Percy didn't speak, he didn't want to talk about his failed proposal.

And Annabeth didn't want to push him.

"You know, with how people of the present and the past are gathered here do you think." She trailed off looking at the particularly younger dressed like modern people.

"You think people from our future could be there." Percy finished for her thinking back to the scared teens he met earlier.

"That's not comforting, but I can't help to being curious."

"Can't blame you, not many people would pass the chance."

"Would you?"

"Without a second thought." He answered with certainty. "We don't ask advice from the dead. So why should we ask advice from the soon to be?"

"Hey wisdom is my department." Laughed Annabeth punching his shoulder "where is all that coming from?"

"I've been thinking a lot, contemplating."

"I noticed." Murmured Annabeth glancing at his pocket.

Percy noticed and his heart lept in his chest. He plunged his hand in his pocket sighing with relief when it closed around both his pen and the box.

"You're gonna have to tell me it's story."

"Only when it's around you're finger." Smirked the son of Poseidon.

A voice gasped the couple both wide eyed turned to Thalia who looked uncharacteristically ready to implode with joy.

Percy made a cutting motion next to his neck.

She sent him a smug knowing look, but didn't add anything else.

After a bit more rest the group marched all the way to the doors, but something was wrong.

"Are those rafters?" Questioned Carter.

"They are." Percy answered looking back at the miles he just walked.

"This isn't a desert, it's a damn colosseum!"

The gates themselves looked like a strange mix between the frame of a Japanese torii, carved out of white marble and gold. It's doors were made of solid silver it's many depictions sculpted in the metal kept changing. Percy recognized some of the things depicted, maybe even himself.

"The Burj Khalifa is a runt compared to this thing." Commented Annabeth putting her hand over her forehead for a better look.

The doors suddenly started swinging open. Despite their gargantuan size they made no sound.

A blonde haired man in sandals stood there, nine feet tall a caduceus lazily resting on his shoulder.

"Welcome mortals magicians and demigods." Greeted the annoyed looking messenger god.

The ancient heroes kneeled while Percy stomped towards the god.

"Perseus Jackson." He greeted "I know what you're going to say, I delivered that letter myself."

Percy punched the god in response, sending him stumbling. Completely flabbergasted by the mere action Hermes forgot to dodge.

"I asked for one thing ONE! And you self centered childish dipshits couldn't give me that!"

"Believe it or not boy, but this isn't our doing. Someone far more powerful brought you here and sadly they don't let us smite insulting children.

"Is that so." Percy replied taking one step towards Hermes who immediately took two backwards. Annabeth quickly put a hand on his chest.

"Ah ah none of that, you can get yourself fried by the master of the house if you want. I need to get you there."

"What is this place." Demanded the daughter of Athena.

"Well I was about to tell you before being rudely interrupted." Answered Hermes sending Percy a pointed look. "You have you're father's hook by the way, ever considered boxing."

"Lord Hermes please." Sighed Annabeth.

"Oh fine fine can't have fun with you two. These are the sands of time my dear and I know about as much as you do on it. You exited the colosseum, so you passed the first test."

Percy opened his mouth to ask more, but before he could demand deeper explanations the god snapped his fingers.

Now he was in a room reminiscent of the Olympian Throne room.

Only this one held just one throne.

The throne itself had to be at least three stories tall, the toga clad man on it could have easily passed for a skyscraper.

He had long white hair that descended all the way down his back and a beard to make Gandalf look like an infant. He was old looking with golden eyes. The mere sight made Percy uncap riptide.

"Oh none of that." His voice casually thundered Percy's eardrums. A mere look from the being and Riptide suddenly fell to dust between Percy's fingers.

It's only then that Percy noticed he was alone.

"Who are you!" Yelled Percy looking back up, only to find no one.

"Better question is who are you?"

Percy spun around finding the same man, only now he looked about Percy's age, with short hair and not a wrinkle in sight. A mischievous and curious light animated his deepless eyes. Percy stared at them for one second too long and saw his entire life flash before his eyes, he even caught a glimpse of moment to come.

Him and Annabeth's wedding, him holding an infant, then a second one. He even caught a glimpse of his own tombstone, but before he could see anything else than his name he was brought back.

Stumbling backwards Percy clutched his head in agony.

"Ah yes, Perseus Jackson a mortal who stood in the presence of more primordials than the gods themselves. How are you buddy?!"

Now Percy was stuck looking down at a child, nine years old max.

"Oh I love you're story it's one of my favorites ever, I've rewound time so many times just to see it again."

"Euhhhh." Was Percy's intelligent response.

The god groaned like a petulant child suddenly looking like a teenager again.

"You really don't know? You've never picked up a book or what? I'm Chronus ya dingus." Laughed the primordial throwing his arms up invitingly.

Percy blinked at the Primordial.

"The primordial of time." He added as if it would jog Percy's non existent memory.

"I rather not learn more about my messed up family tree."

"Fair enough." Shrugged Chronus turning back to an adult man. "You must be wondering why I brought you all here?"

"I'm not sure I want to know anymore."

Chronus chuckled and marched to his throne.

"I have created this dimension, trapped the fates and randomly pulled from everywhere all across time for a very specific reason."

"Which is?"

Chronus spun to him crying out in the voice of a young and old man.

"To, test, your, MIGHT!"

Chapter Text

"Test our might?! So you want us to kill each other for your amusement!"

Chronus shrugged "what can I say, overseeing all of time without end nor beginning it can start feeling."

The primordial twirled his hand a bit before snapping his finger.

"Oh yes it feels MADDENING!!!"

The mere word reverberating around the room nearly made Percy himself go mad.

"No end no start having to split every last tiny little molecule of my being at every waking moments." He laughed a little madly "my brethren have it easy being such tangible concepts, but me! No I have to be the thing that makes it all work, including fate enough is enough."

Percy took a step back all his senses on high alert. It was like Tartarus all over again, but at least the pit had the decency of being somewhat stable.

"How can you just trap the fates? I mean it's."

"Fate and fate is absolute yada yada please my guy you never believed that yourself. The fates are just three old hags that can scoure time and probabilities like no one else. They know exactly what they are doing to make the events they want to happen, but these three faced whores like to put on an act of impartiality. Let's be honest it's a miracle the gods still rule and it's all due to them."

Percy tried not to get angry he really was. There was actually someone to blame for his misery.

"So you see Percy, without time without me to exist the fates are powerless. They cannot distinguish through the static of reality if said static is frozen on the wrong image." Eagerly explained Chronus more simply.

"So fate is—."

"A very useful and well orchestrated hoax pushed forward by the divine. Do you really think nothing could have went differently? Please countless timelines exist through me. It's why I could never be tricked by their lies."

The god waved his hand, images appearing before Percy's eyes.

It was him.

But at the same time he knew it wasn't him.

There were the gods at a civil war, Percy and Annabeth standing together with his father as they battled the other Olympians.

One image showed him being beheaded by Ares. Another showed him drowning the entire princess andromeda Luke included the time he ambushed them on the shores of Miami.

An image showed his entire body dissolving in the Styx.

He adverted his eyes as he saw the Minotaur holding his mother again. Only this time his eyes weren't filled with a bright light.

But his ears were filled with a sinister crack.

On one he stayed with Calypso. The biggest what if of his life finally being answered. He lived countless years with her, in peace and tranquillity. He even made a family for himself.

But it all turned to horror as Kronos appeared on the shores of Ogygia flanked by Hyperion and Atlas. His other self unleashed all of his powers upon them. Mortally wounding Hyperion, but Atlas held him from behind as Kronos slashed his chest open with his scythe. Calypso and her children crying out in horror as they watched the Titan lord rip Percy's still beating heart out.

And consume it.

Worst fate awaited his family.

Percy tried to advert his gaze, but he couldn't. Despite this not being truly his family, he. cried screaming in pure horror and sorrow.

He wasn't even phased by the sight of him battling Kronos, only with lightning dancing around his body as he savagely attacked the lesser lord of time. Him, a son of Zeus?

But the next time he saw himself fight Kronos he knew what had happened. 

The glass ball in his stomach had been obliterated. He shone with pure power as he clashed with Kronos, but their combined might didn't just shake Manathan.

It wiped it off the map entirely.

He saw Annabeth being switched instead of him and Jason. The Romans executing her. Her existence being a supposed insult to the gods.

Percy looked at himself sadly as he ragefully slaughtered entire cohorts of Roman demigod in revenge until only one remained. He and Jason mortally wounded the other in a literal storm of a battle. Both layed dying as Gaia awoke, the world having fallen to the storm that was Percy's wrath.

He gazed on in disgust as he saw himself wield the scythe that had killed so many of his friends. Only for him to strike the heart of Olympus with it. Destroying the gods power along with the flame of civilization.

Next came Tartarus and this one had the most possibility's, but only one truly broke Percy.

He stared with some satisfaction as the potential him killed Akhlys, the goddess of misery crumbling to the ground, poison foaming at her nearly toothless mouth.

They escaped safely, but after that. This Annabeth couldn't look at him without seeing a monster. She lost the person she called her love to that wretched place.

They drifted apart more and more like two shipwrecks pushed apart by the tides.

Until they lost each other to different horizons. 

Percy fell to his knees gasping.

"See." Gently began Chronus. "These are fates that fell upon countless versions of yourself. Different decisions of the fates of these timelines. Perhaps they felt less merciful."

"What do you want!" Percy cried shackily rising to his feet in defiance.

"There it is!" Excitedly clamored Chronus shrinking back to an energetic child.

"There's that indomitable will you humans are known for. Other primordials don't see your merit, but I've lived through enough of you to know better. The way you stand over insurmountable odds in the face of non existence, the way you genuinely evolve!It is such a refreshing breath of air compared to you're stagnant godly family."

Percy clenched his fists. He didn't care that he looked like a child. All he wanted to do was drop kick the god.

"So Percy, what I want? I want to stop having to be spread out like paper. So I organized this little event."

"So you want us to kill each other for you're entertainement." Reaffirmed Percy scowling.

Chronus scoffed "you're more creative than that and I know it. Akhlys really did deserve what she got. I don't understand the guilt she is such a bratty downer and a drama queen no less."

"So what do you expect." Percy asked wanting to drive the conversation far away from that moment.

"To make a choice." Shrugged the primordial like it was simplicity incarnate. "I may have you all here against you're will, but in this velvet cage I offer you something much greater."

Chronus grew closer now looking like an adult man in his prime.

"A choice without hindrance, without even a whisper from these three heartless women. Not a hint of thread to wrangle you're existence. How does that sound my boy?"

It sounded like paradise, only one devised by the mind of a mad man.

He couldn't refuse him even if he wanted too. He couldn't fight the embodiment of time, he doubted he could even hide his thoughts to such a being.

So he accepted.

Smirking Chronus offered his hand, Percy nervously took it.

On the third shake Percy found himself shaking hands with empty air.

"I am getting really tired of being moved like this." Grumbled Percy rubbing his forehead.

He slowly turned around taking in his surroundings. For all accounts this place looked exactly like Olympus. Only less built around the gods ego's.

A true Ancient Greek city stretched before Percy's very eyes.

Only not that far. A few streets in Percy found the edge leading down to a fall at least a few miles high. At the bottom was the Colosseum. It looked even bigger from above.

"Perseus." Gently inquired a familiar voice.

Percy turned around seeing his father clad in Greek toga instead of his usual Hawaian shirt. The crown of golden and green laurel really sold the deal.

"Dad." Percy greeted tiredly marching to the god to hug him.

"After seeing everyone else, but you appear I feared the worst." He sighed pressing a warm hand to the back of Percy's head.

The two hugged for a few more moments before breaking apart.

"Is everyone here?"

"Everyone directly hailing from Greece."

"What about the others?" Asked Percy worried for Carter.

Poseidon wordlessly gestured at the horizon. Percy gave it a better look, finding more islands just floating there in the sky.

More specifically one with a large pyramid surrounded by a massive lush oasis.

Not too far from it was a massive castle of gold.

"Chronus has made sure we were comfortable and I. You're case well fed."

"So he's treating us like pets." Scowled Percy kicking a pebble over the edge.

"Afraid so, I didn't know you were affiliated with Egyptians." He added sounding a bit disapproving.

"Really? You want to do this now!?" 

"I'm just saying son, you can't trust them. Their pantheon will come first."

"Well since Annabeth isn't here to say it I will. The fool build walls and the wise build bridges. You keep these divine quarrels away from us."

"Percy." Tried Poseidon once more, but Percy wasn't having it.

"No! None of that. Carter's my friend, more importantly he's a kid. You or anyone lays a finger on him you'll have to get through me."

Percy stared down his father, who's lips quirked up a little before sighing in defeat. "Fine, but the gods won't like this."

"Bold of you to assume I give a damn."

Poseidon laughed and guided his son towards the center of the floating city.

There throned a massive Hearth managed by the smiling Hestia, the goddess beyond happy to be in the presence of so much family.

Percy recognized most deities present, the Olympians, Phobos Deimos Hecate and many more.

The number of demigods was a bit worrying, Percy could easily assume over 30 people were present.

"Is that fucking George Washington."

Poseidon chuckled "yes he had a bit of a spiritual shock discovering himself the son of Athena, but he surprisingly hasn't tried to convert anyone to Christianity yet."

"Good I don't need more divine beings BS in my life."

"Even if the situation is dire, it is good to see you again son"

Percy managed to smile at his father.

The gods grew quiet as he approached. "Well." Percy greeted neutrally.

"For once we are not stuck in a problem you created, good job kids." He said a bit condescendingly.

Ares nearly lept out of his seat, but one look from Poseidon had him wisely sitting back down.

"Best hold you're tongue child." Chided Athena "we are all stuck on the same boat. We do not need you to cause discord among us, we must remain united."

"Oh please, I'm willing to bet my own life that soon you'll be arguing about something insignificant instead of actually being productive."

"Come on Percy, give us bit more credit than that." Tried to jump in Apollo, but there wasn't much energy behind his statement.

"Enough enabling the son of Poseidon." Interrupted Zeus "we must understand what Chronus wants."

"Entertainement." Percy loudly stated before the Olympians could start arguing.

"How would you know." Demanded Athena.

"He told me." Shrugged Percy. "He wants to melt past present and future together in what he calls a fun event so he won't have to be spread out across existence."

"So what he expects us to kill each other for his amusement." Shouted Thalia sparks flying around her hair.

"He expects us to fight." Percy answered crossing his arms. "But he also said that it would be our choice to what extent."

"Oh great we can decide how much blood we wanna spill everything's alright now people." Piped up Leo in false happiness.

"What else did he say to you?" Wondered Hazel.

"As if!" Rudely shot down Ares leaning close to Hazel's face. 

"We're just supposed to trust that stupid punk got talked too by the primordial of time. Don't make me laugh."

"Oh Ares, you should know I'm not fragile enough to say all of this for the sake of my ego. I'm sure you're special enough little boy to get his attention."

Percy shot back as if he were comforting a small child.

This time it was Phobos who jumped to his feet. 

"You better shut the fuck up Jackson!"

"Oh I know you're not talking after the ass whooping I gave you." Coldly shot back the son of Poseidon.

"Enough!" Thundered Zeus lightning cracking above.

"I will not have conflict among us. Athena is correct, we must remain united in face of this overwhelming threat."

"So these other pantheons, we're supposed to fight then what are we even up against?"

"The einherjar are mostly like us in terms of power, they get traits from their godly parents, but they also all have an added boost in all physical department. To what extent I don't think it's anything ridiculous, but be wary anyway. These guys come with weapons of all ages and nations. Hard to predict if they'll pull out a musket or a grenade launcher." Informed Annabeth.

"How do you know all of this?" Wondered a young girl Percy didn't recognize. After a few moments he realized no one did. He held his tongue, he didn't need to know anything more about potential futures.

"When I found out my cousin was the son of Freyr I asked a lot of questions. As it turns out we both descend from the kings of Denmark. Gods like it when they can find connections to their glory days through people."

Some gods looked offended, but didn't bother rebuking her.

"I don't know much about they're rune magic or how many people can use it. I think I can figure out some of them if I get the right information."

"What about the Egyptians?" Asked Thalia.

"Most of their magic can't really hurt us demigods. Jumped in Percy, Carter and I fought before most non formed magical energy will just sparkle around you, but if they speak the divines words watch out. That fist of Horus packs a mean punch."

"So they're our ennemies?"

"No." Strongly stated Percy "that fight was a misunderstanding, they are just people like the rest of us. If you are to fight them just exhaust them. They are magical, but they're bodies are still human."

"Glass canons got it." Nodded one of the suspected future children.

"I recognized the Shintô and perhaps the Celtics as well. Pretty sure that giant beach island belongs to the Polynesians. You ever fought them?" Piped up a young hooded boy leaning against a pillar away from the gathered mass.

"Be quiet Damian." Nearly growled a dark skinned boy in a purple camp Jupiter shirt.

"No I can't say I ever did." Percy answered anyway, at least we're half informed.

"So only half likely to die. How do we know these people are going to give us the same kindness you plan on giving them?"

"Oh so what you want to kill them all too." Barked the camper leaping to his feet.

"Oh calm you're tits Zhang, I'm just being realistic."

Both stiffened as they realized the slip up.

Frank's eyes were so wide they looked ready to pop out of his skull.

Hazel looked completely calm, a little too calm her smile extremely strained.

"You're an asshole." Grumbled the now confirmed legacy.

"Yeah my bad spoilers." Admitted the hooded boy.

"So euh hi son." Frank greeted warmly albeit very awkwardly. 

"Please don't this make this weirder dad." Sighed the boy "my name's Emile if you're wondering."

Frank smiled a little sadly. Hazel wrung her hands worriedly.

"What if we fight each other?" Asked another unamed demigod or legacy.

"Then treat it like sparring." Shrugged Percy with a small smile.

His smile quickly faded once he noticed all the looks being thrown around.

Clearly there was bad blood.

Hear me suddenly echoed the voice of Chronus all around.

People gods and mortals alike. For this tournament of might will be the greatest you will ever witness.

The rules are simple, two or more fighters will meet in the arena for various types of battles. Warriors will be chosen at random and if you have beef to settle with you're gods and vice versa than you can challenge them! The choice is yours to accept or not, But I must warn you you're fate is in the hand of those that defeat you and no one else, worry not about those old women. They have no influence over you while I'm here.

A wheel suddenly appeared in the sky, it was like looking at a new moon. Countless faces were and names were drawn on the bronze object. More than Percy could count.

Two lines like a clock appeared on the wheel. They spun around at an incredibly speed before suddenly stopping on two names.

Greater Ajax.

Hazel Levesque.

An interesting first matchup! Ajax son of Telamon, the legendary warrior of the war of Troy.

Images of Ajax battling in the legendary war flew by the screen. Him expertly wielding his massive spear with next to no equal.

Hazel Levesque champion of Hecate daughter of Pluto slayer of giants and of the undead. Princess of jewels and curses. Hostler of Arion the fastest horse of the nine realms.

Percy frowned at some of the images. One of them or Hazel clutching a woman that must have been her mother as a cave crumbled around them.

She was then shown riding Arion into battle weaving between giants slashing they're heels open with her cavalry sword. Fighting side by side with Hecate herself.

Emile cheered a little making his mother hide behind her hand embarrassed.

Spaced unraveled in front of Hazel, showing a dark room meant for the warriors. She sent a look at her family, no failing to include Emile before walking through it.

A larger portal opened for the soon to be spectators.

"Why do I have to fight the tiny girl!" Complained Ajax.

"This tiny girl has fought side by side with our gods. As far as I am aware that is hardly an honor you have earned." Angrily jumped in a tall bronze skinned woman that gave the stereotypical image of an Amazon a run for its money. Her appearance and the clothes made of bear fur told Percy this must have been Atalanta.

Despite the woman being a little over six feet tall Ajax still towered over her.

"You have something to say to me savage woman?"

A portal opened behind him, said woman smiled savagely before kneeing him in the groin. Caught of guard Ajax stumbled backwards through. The portal closing as he lept back towards the smug Atalanta.m

Percy gave a little laugh before walking through the portal with Annabeth hand in hand.

The rafters were gigantic. Very reminiscent of the ancient Roman colosseum. 

On the other sides of the arena he saw how every section inhabited a different fractured pantheon and it's architecture. As if Chronus had dragged his fingers through time and ripped a piece of reality to settle it here.

Considering his ridiculous amount of power it wasn't such a stretch.

Percy quickly noticed how each demigod seemed to gravitate towards their parents. Hercules and who Percy could only assume was his namesake remained with Zeus.

Theseus with Poseidon Leo with Hephaestus, but what attracted Percy's attention for real was how Will nervously remained around Hades just to be close to Nico.

Which didn't go unnoticed by Apollo who opted to sit next to his son.

The ground shook as the sands of time shifted into a more solid substance, truly now looking like a proper arena. 

Space warped in front of the spectators, making it seem like the battle was being watched through a television instead of being miles away.

The ground opened on two opposite side of the arena not too far from each other. From the two circular holes rose two platforms. 

Hazel was now clad in her usual gear, golden and pristine like a true Roman.

Ajax was now clad in a celestial bronze armor, much better than his old one.

His spear was easily twice his size, but Percy didn't doubt he could still use it with deadly efficiency. Not that he feared for Hazel at all.

Pluto seemed slightly worried, but Nico stared at the fight with a confident smile.

"You can give up now daughter of the dark one. I have very little care for the child of such a dishonorable god."

"Fields of punishment?" Nico inquired.

"Please my son, it takes more than the mean words of a fool for me to overlook my duties as an impartial ruler, I'm not my brother."

Hazel remained impassive holding up her cavalry sword.

"I see no horse around to do all the work for you." Taunted Ajax "go home cook a meal for those future husband and son of yours. I doubt they'd enjoy seeing you bloodied and broken."

Now Hazel was starting to look annoyed.

She took one step forward and suddenly disappeared.

Ajax looked around wildly before suddenly stumbling backwards as if someone smacked him right in the face.

Growling Ajax made a wide arc with his spear, but he swung at empty air before stumbling forward as he was hit from the back.

"Show yourself coward!"

A small cut appeared on his right arm, making the warrior swipe his weapon in that direction. Only to be yet again met with another wound. This time to the back of his left knee.

He twirled his spear stabbing in every direction. Ajax noticed the sand lifting every so slightly and thrusted his weapon in that direction.

Hazel deflected the strike, but now Ajax had a general direction in which to attack.

And he was relentless, repeatedly stabbing at her, but Hazel wasn't about to act like a sitting duck.

Suddenly the sand stopped moving. Ajax agitedly turned to all directions his spear at the ready.

Small pebbles shifted and Ajax quick like the wind stabbed at the general direction of the movement. Only for him to fall over as the back of his other knee was slashed open.

His weapon slipped out of his large hand. He tried to reach for it but another cut appeared across the back of it.

Ajax rolled on his back suddenly tensing up.

Hazel reappeared her foot planted into the chest of the Ancient Greek warrior. Her blade at his neck.

"Don't think me weak enough to spare you if you try to fight more."

Percy had never seen so much affront in a single man's eyes. He expected he would be seeing that a lot in the next days.

Winner Hazel Levesque!

Emile and Frank cheered loudly while Hades loudly clapped his hands while suddenly standing up. Even Persephone at his side clapped gently at the display of magic.

Now onto today's next challengers!

The wheel turned for a few seconds before settling on two new names.

Carter Kane vs Halfborn Gunderson!!!!

Chapter Text

"Halfborn Gunderson einerjhar of Odin berserker of Valhalla!"  

Images of the Viking of a man appeared, showing how he lived, but most importantly how he died. How he lived and fought through his afterlife. His many triumphs over giant monsters and his inclusion in many important quests.

"Carter Kane! Current pharaoh of the house of life! Eye of Horus and banisher of Apophis!"

Carter shrunk under the looks sent his way as his deeds replayed like an edit. Carter didn't feel too mighty seeing most of the battles where he was the eye of Horus. Especially when it showed him getting eaten by the son of sobek. Sadie got a good laugh tout of that one. 

When it showed him wielding the crook and flail of Ra; many of the ancient Egyptian rulers looked at him with some curiosity some distain and others plain rage.

Zia glared most of them down before pressing a reassuring hand to his shoulder.

____________

Percy groaned seeing Carter's name. He only had good faith in him, but he didn't want to see him fight, especially against someone who could have thousands of years of experience.

An idea suddenly appeared in his mind.

"Excuse me." He spoke quietly "Chronus?"

"Yes Percy?" Patiently asked the voice of the primordial in his mind.

"Wouldn't it be more interesting if certain fighters could have some coaches? People to give them advices. The fights would get longer as a result, more interesting. They could even choose said coach."

The voice hummed "I guess professional fighters are given as much. You may advise the eye of Horus." 

Suddenly Percy was standing in a wide circular room racks of weapons and armors lined the stone walls.

In the middle of the room Carter Kane was pacing back and forth muttering to himself.

"Hey." Casually greeted the son of Poseidon.

"Percy?!" Yelped the magician jumping in fright.

"That's coach Percy to you." Smirked the demigod.

"Coach?"

"I convinced Chronus that having a coach would make the fighting more authentic." Shrugged Percy standing next to Carter. "So what's you're strategy?"

"I don't know." Admitted Carter with a sigh "I don't know what to expect from Norse demigods."

"They aren't all demigods, but Einherjar all have super human strenght. So in you're case directly fighting him isn't the best option."

"I mean it can't be that bad I matched you right?"

"You matched the pace I set for newbie demigods who need to get humbled." Admited Percy rubbing the back of his head. Not wanting to obliterate Carter's confidence.

"Oh." Was all he managed.

"Listen, assume nothing, work with you're strenghts don't try to beat Halfborn at his own game. Find a way to safely gauge his strenght. If he's not that strong get on the offensive, if he's too strong take up a hit and run tactic. You're smaller that's an advantage here."

"Okay, yeah that's a good idea." Nodded Carter "Percy."

"Yeah."

"Do you think we're all making it out of here alive?"

Percy so deeply wanted to lie, reassure him that everyone would find their way back him without a scratch that he'd be home laughing about this with his family.

"I highly doubt it." Percy admitted against his very will. "Best we can do is try to survive as long as we can. That's been my reality ever since I was twelve."

"Should I keep my kopesh? I noticed it wasn't the best weapon when facing faster demigods."

"You'd just do worst with a weapon you never trained with believe me. Now go kick his ass."

Percy stepped off the platform as it rose up, the ceiling opening for Carter. 

"What if I'm not strong enough?"

"Why do you think you got the god of war when you are the exact opposite of a fighter Carter?" Was all Percy cryptically replied.

He sent the younger boy a reassuring smile. Only for it to fade as soon as he was gone.

That look of anxiety didn't belong on his face.

A portal opened behind him, forcing a sigh out of Percy he walked back next to Annabeth and sat down. Sensing his worry she put a hand on his shoulder.

"Carter's a strong kid he'll be fine. Besides this guy's friends with Magnus. He can't be too bad right?"

Halfborn's platform rose revealing a towering red haired mountain of a man wielding a pair of battle axes that let loose a violent battle cry.

"So he's the stereotype of a Viking, great just great"

groaned Percy.

"What?" He demanded noticing some of the dirty looks sent his way.

"You're helping the ennemy punk." Growled Ares.

"As far as I'm concerned you're the ennemy you brainless man child." Percy shot back dismissively.

"Fight's starting." Loudly piped up Apollo before Percy could start a civil war.

The sands shifted to something much different this time. The Palace of Westminster along with Big Ben rose out of the ground along with an entire city block around it.

Wand and Kopesh in hands Carter waited for his opponent's first move.

Being a berserker Halfborn wasted no time charging at Carter.

The eye of Horus glanced at the cars parked on his left. Using his wand and a burst of telekinesis he sent the front of a car violently sliding around into the Norse warrior.

Halfborn reacted quickly swinging his arm at the front of the car, sending it vaulting away on it's back. He brought his axes down, but Carter lept out of the way, the two weapons sinking into the street like soft clay.

Halfborn ripped them out of the ground and went back on the offensive.

Carter managed to deflect a few blows, but each hit rattled his arms as if he was trying to strike down a tower.

Carter erected a forcefield between him and the relentless Viking. The invisible wall bursting with blue light with each powerful hit.

Carter wanted to use the fist of Horus and be done with it, but he couldn't be too hasty. Last time he used it on a demigod it was completely wasted.

So he went for a less physical, but just as direct approach.

Pointing his wand at Halfborn Carter cried out "Sa-Mir!"

The Egyptian divine word for pain shimmered upon the Norse warrior's forehead. He cried out in agony, but he didn't fall down he didn't even shake. He was just angrier now.

"Oh come on!" Complained Carter "what are you demigods made of?!"

In response the now properly enraged Halfborn threw his weapons at the eye of Horus. Carter creating another barrier just in time, only this attack imbeded the two weapons in his shield.

The blades inches away from his face.

Thinking fast Carter sent the two weapons flying behind him with his telekinesis.

Sadly leaving himself completely open.

The punch in his chest sent him flying directly into the front of a car, caving in the hood and the windshield.

Carter violently coughed and gasped as he regained his breathing.

"Come on Carter kick his sorry ass!" Yelled his sister from the stands. Her accent making a violent comeback.

Give me a second wanted to scream Carter, but all that came out were a string of curses muffled by coughs.

"Come on kid he's mad that means he's sloppy!" Cried out Percy's voice going full on coach mode.

"Oh Horus see me through this." Whispered Carter as a fiat flew at him. He rolled out of the way just in time, avoiding getting crushed under two-thousand five hundred pounds of Italian engineering.

Halfborn Gunderson was strong, but Carter had faced gods, he was the eye of Horus for a reason.

Halfborn shoved the cars away and went to grab Carter, but all his mighty fists closed around was a fistful of feathers.

A falcon rose into the sky scratching along the Einerjhar's face. Making him stumble backwards even more angrily.

Carter took to the sky, shifting so fast with what felt like broken ribs had been particularly painful, but it was worth it.

It's only as he was able to analyze the situation that Carter understood what Percy meant. The son of Poseidon was right how could he have been so blind?

He tried so hard to be this brave in you're face fighter type when it just wasn't him. Carter was a thinker, he wasn't weak, but he wasn't mighty in the face of many opponents.

Horus made up for his flaws and lackings. He balanced him, but Carter almost let Horus turn him into a copy of his being. A brave, but reckless fighter.

He got a good look at his opponent. Percy was once again correct, not that he needed any input to figure out the Norse warrior was going completely crazy.

He ripped out a lampost from the ground before launching it at Carter with an angry shout.

It sailed like a spear, but Carter expertly swerved out of the way reinforcing Halfborn's rage.

Another dive bomb at his face probably wouldn't work twice. Carter was almost unnerved by the laser focus aimed at him.

He couldn't use divine words in this form, but he could just as easily do something else.

Carter flew around in circle, the Norse stands complaining about the lack of fighting. Halfborn demanded for him to come down and fight him.

Carter doubted the divine word for sleep or calm would be effective, but he knew another to put people to sleep.

Diving back towards the angry viking the eye of Horus turned back into a human mid air.

In the blink of an eye he was surrounded by a blue gleaming battle avatar. His giant holographic fist slammed straight into halfborn. His massive arm bursting halfway through the pavement.

In the wall of dust Carter faltered as he sensed some force against his fist.

Halfborn Gunderson was still standing, clutching the massive fist his entire face red like a tomato. Veins ready to pop all over his body the second Carter applied more force.

Thankfully for him Carter didn't want his death. Suddenly dropping the avatar left the Einherjar light headed.

Just long enough for Carter to act.

With a snap of his fingers his Kopesh appeared in his hand mid fall. As Halfborn stumbled forward he slashed at his opponent's exposed knee.

The Viking tried to reach for him, but Carter was already out of his reach as he fell to one knee.

Without hesitation Carter focused his power into a single fist. The cobalt fist of Horus covering his.

The godlike uppercut to Halfborn's jaw sent him flying nearly 96 meters into the sky.

Straight through the clock of Big Ben.

All around the arena echoed the sound of Big Ben's bell chiming.

Winner Carter Kane!

The Egyptian erupted into cheers Osiris and Julius Kane chief amongst them.

Percy whooped for his friend before giving his best cab whistle.

Meanwhile Carter looked on in horror, not having meant for his blow to be that powerful. Adrenaline had once again dictated his actions.

Seeing Halfborn Gunderson reappear in the stands bruised and still angry ripped a sigh of relief from him.

The first thing he felt when he reappeared back in the stand was his father's arms wrap around him. Spinning him around in laughter.

"That was amazing!" He happily shouted setting the now whoozy Carter down.

"You're performance was adequate." Said Horus which was the best compliment he was getting out of the god.

"You okay?" Wondered Sadie carefully putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah." Mumbled the confused magician "my ribs don't hurt anymore. Guess Chronus wants us at our best for other rounds."

"Let us be thankful of that." Commented Bastet.

"Try to get you're ass kicked less next time." Piped up Bes "the new Pharaoh can't be looking weak."

"I agree with the half stack. Next time don't hesitate so much."

"You two make me wanna stay with the Greeks." Grumbled Carter.

Horus threw his head back and laughed "ah! As if you could handle the sheer arrogance of Zeus and Ares. These two came to Egypt once expecting easy pickings, but they left with their pride broken!"

"Didn't Zeus backhand you through the fourth great Pyramid of Giza?" Jumped in Set with a nasty smirk.

"Wait there's four pyramids of Giza?" Confusedly asked Carter.

Julius put a hand on his son's shoulder "there used to be four pyramids in Giza."

Set eagerly explained it all to Carter, much to the annoyance of Horus.

"After Greece first took over Egypt Horus issued a challenge to Zeus. Now some stories were tempered with, Egyptian documents that were conveniently written by previous eyes of Horus, but thankfully you're good uncle Set knows better."

"Please stop calling yourself that." Quietly begged Carter, but he was ignored.

"Now Zeus instead sent his son Ares, as it turns out powerful genes aren't hereditary because he was swiftly defeated. Feeling insulted Horus had the bright idea to openly insult Zeus's entire bloodline. Including his mama and the sweet Hestia, seriously who does that she's literally the most pleasent lady in the cosmos."

"She was quite awfully nice." Mumbled Isis in begrudging agreement.

"Anyway Zeus decided to finally show his face." Set broke out into another laughing fit.

"Horus jumped up with his sword and slashed down. Zeus caught his hand like he was a capricious child and reared his other hand slapping him so hard into the pyramid it crumbled all around him." Set wheezed slapping his knee "it's still one of the happiest moments I ever witnessed in my life."

"Shut up." Seethed Horus "he caught me off guard!"

"Enough quarreling children." Calmly interrupted Ra. Set stopped laughing, but still held a smug smirk. Wordlessly holding the embarrassing moment over the head of Horus.

The ex king of the Egyptian gods looked down at Carter asking him one very simple yet very loaded question.

"Can we trust this son of Poseidon? Any ally in this situation could be useful."

Carter waited for the gods and magicians to stop arguing amongst each other. Ra staring at him the whole time.

Once they had settled down Carter gave his answer.

"We can, Percy is a good man with a good heart. If I can't trust the man that said no to godhood so lost children could feel loved. Then who can I trust?"

Ra slowly nodded at him. The only one to respect his word and decision.

The giant clock rang again it's two dials rolling faster than his eyes could track, it stopped.

Heracles! Son of Zeus mightiest demigod of his age!

Gabriel Theophilus son of Atlas! The first and strongest demi titan of his age! 

It didn't take long for the Greek side to start murmuring amongst each other. Wondering how such a thing could be possible.

"Luke held the sky for days before me, with Artemis he had plenty of time to actually sleep around."

"I'm honestly more worried about the first demi titan part." Added Thalia staring as the platforms rose from the ground.

"How many do you think came after him?"

Percy didn't answer the question, he was too busy staring at the son of Atlas. He looked much like Zoe and Atlas himself with a buzz cut, he was early maybe mid twenties, not an age most demigods would reach. He was tall and well built, but he was more lean than massive like the Titan.

Speaking of said daughter of Atlas she stared at her half brother with carefully hidden emotions.

In comparison to the towering Heracles he almost looked small.

Gabriel gauged his opponent from afar, he held no weapon no shield or armor.

Seeing as such Heracles made his first mistake in face of an opponent he did not know.

He took off his lion pelt and dropped his weapon before eagerly cracking his knuckles.

The arena barely had the time to shift into a snowy forest before Heracles threw the first punch.

Gabriel hit the ground the sheer strength behind the blow sending him sliding through the ground, digging a trail with his shoulder.

He groaned slightly as he weakly tried to rise up, only to fall back down.

"I have encountered you're father once you know. A mighty Titan tricked so easily back under his burden that might I add wasn't even that heavy," chuckled the son of Zeus.

"I guess his strength must have been vastly overestimated."

"Funny." Cooly replied Gabriel as Heracles hefted him up by the forearm.

"I could say the same about you."

Heracles raised a brow in confusion, before suddenly being launched over a hundred feet above the trees by a vengeful uppercut to the chin.

His confusion persevered until he hit the ground where he quickly recovered.

Now back on his feet the mighty demigod rubbed his jaw feeling a loosened tooth.

A smile slowly grew on his face.

The sound of splintering wood caught his attention. He spun around just in time for the son of Atlas to use a large tree trunk as a battering ram straight into him.

Heracles was pushed through several tress before finally stopping into a stone the size of a house.

Laughing he casually teared the wood in half landing a punch that sent Gabriel flying backwards.

The Demi-Titan swung his hand into the ground. He spun around lifting a large piece of stone launching it at Heracles. Who batted the stone with his hand reducing it to dust.

The two power houses charged each other, each landing blows more powerful than the other. The ground shook under their shared might.

Gabriel tried to remain calm, but the grin Heracles held was starting to annoy him.

He landed a strong punch in his mouth sending him stumbling away.

"What's so funny!" He demanded.

"Not much, not having to treat my opponents like they are clay to have a challenge is simply riveting!" Heracles stomped the ground so hard Gabriel lost his balance. The Greek hero grabbed him by the front of his shirt and swung him high over his head, slamming him so hard into the ground he was halfway imbeded into it.

But the son of Atlas wasn't deterred not in the slightest. Kicking Heracles off of him he slid behind him and performed a near perfect suplex on the taller man. Denting the ground like play dough.

Not relenting he kicked Heracles accross the face, sending him flying through a few more trees. Splintering them like dry twigs.

He sprinted towards the son of Zeus who recovered a bit slower leaning against the fallen tree. Which he swiftly grabbed and spun around, shattering it against the Demi-Titan.

Gabriel was sent spinning away against a tall boulder overlooking a tall cliff. Now dazed he was completely vulnerable against the onslaught of Heracles.

He kicked Gabriel's face into the stone before forcing him to his feet.

The skilled fighter jabbed him twice in the stomach before landing a powerful uppercut that caved in the stone with Gabriel's head, before punching he square in the face. Flat out shattering a foot deep of stone.

Heracles looked on with distain as Gabriel's daze got worse. Barely able to stand properly.

Heracles pushed him away like discarded trash before approaching the side of the boulder. Two quick hits chipping the stone was enough. Heracles grabbed the side and tipped the massive boulder on Gabriel.

The sheer weight cracking the ground long as it landed. 

Up in the stands Zoe couldn't help, but flinch at the sight and closed her eyes with a sigh.

Percy almost went over to her to offer comfort, but she'd probably find it insulting. So he stared at Heracles as he smugly walked away from the boulder.

Only for the ground to suddenly shift, knocking to unsuspecting demigod to on knee.

Heracles looked up as a shadow was cast over him. The boulder landed on his fist shattering to many pieces.

He looked back down just in time to catch a glimpse of Gabriel's joined feet slamming in his face. The drop kick sending Heracles flying backwards.

He sunk his fingers into the ground sliding to a stop. He palmed his face hissing slightly as he felt his broken nose.

His hands balled into angry fists.

The son of Atlas landed towards him his fist cocked, but Heracles leaned to the side striking his opponents side.

Gabriel landed against a tree and wasn't worse for worse. He ran back to Heracles weaving around his next strike to land a powerful blow at his opponents liver.

In response Heracles once more punched him in the face, the son of Atlas stumbled backwards and responsed in kind.

The two kept battering the other with hits neither yielding under the overwhelming might. 

The sheer shockwaves of their punches damaging the ground even further.

Eventually Heracles caught Gabriel's punch and counterattacked, only for Gabriel to do the same.

Now came the true test of might.

The two began pushing against the other, both intending on overpowering the other.

They're feet began sliding through the ground, the very arena cracking in half like an egg.

Gabriel ripped his hand away landing a strong right hook in the cheek of Heracles. 

Suddenly the two were forced apart as the forest split into a ten meter wide chasm.

Heracles and Gabriel panted on each side, each taking a moment of rest.

The son of Zeus managed a wide toothy smile through his bloodied face. Even the giants had been less of a challenge than this Demi-Titan. Hopefully there were more like him to battle.

Gabriel took a deep breath and cracked his neck. Ready to get back in.

Heracles rolled his shoulders a bit painfully before regaining his focus.

Gabriel lept first, Heracles second, the two once again meeting in a mighty clash. They fell in the chasm exiting the cold Arena hitting each other on the way down. landing in warm sand as they reached the foundation of the arena.

Gabriel snatched a fistful of it, throwing it in at Heracles. He instinctively clenched his eyes shut, the son of Atlas wasting no time to cause as much damage as possible.

Backing him against a wall Gabriel landed at least a dozen blows before Heracles snatched him by the neck. He brought him close slamming his forehead in his face. 

Gabriel stumbled backwards feeling like he just recieved a headbutt from a mountain.

Heracles himself groaned feeling like he had just slammed his head against one as well.

Backed up against they're respective walls the two warriors stared at each other. Not a thought being betrayed by they're eyes.

Gabriel moved away from the wall first, forcing Heracles to act as well.

They're angry shout echoed together as they charged one last time.

Both demigod and demi titan striking each other in the jaw.

Both fell to the ground at the same time. Both motionless.

After a few moments the voice of Chronus cried out "double knockout! That is all for this day ladies and gentlemen. Mortals need sleep and I need more tension."

With that the fighters and spectators were zapped back to they're respective islands.

The mood wasn't festive at first, but Heracles in a surprising show of good sport insisted upon a banquet to celebrate the double victory from the Greeks/Romans.

Ajax naturally wasn't eager to celebrate his defeat, but didn't bother ruining the mood.

Heracles shared a few cups of wine with his opponent. Zeus glaring on in disapproval something that flew over his son's head, but not over Gabriel's who decided to take a breather.

He stood on the edge of the island a beautiful night sky stretching before him.

"I gotta ask."

Gabriel's breath caught in his throat, he jumped spinning around to Percy.

He didn't even hear him coming.

"When and how?"

Knowing full well what he was alluding too Gabriel bitterly answered "sometimes before you're quest to free Artemis. I guess my dad got tired after being blue balled for several millennias."

Percy nodded noting the apprehension on his face.

"Please reassure me I don't have a John Wick-esque reputation in the future?"

"John Wick doesn't have shit on you." Bluntly shot back Gabriel. "Every little Demi-Titan are told one thing. Do not mess with Perseus Jackson or his extended family."

"I mean that's not, innacurate." Muttered the son of Poseidon.

"Sadly for me it's you're family that messed around with me." Grumbled the son of Atlas.

Percy frowned "I'd never—."

"I know, I'm not talking about you just you're kid."

"One of my kids tried to fight you?"

"Nah we're... we'll I wouldn't call us friends more like mutually assured associates. No bad blood though he does stuff for me I do stuff for him."

"Has being a Demi-Titan made people seek you out?"

In response Gabriel pulled on his collar, revealing a gleaming rune on his shoulder. It was Greek with a mix of arcane symbols used by Hecate kids. although Percy had never seen the language used in such a way.

"Believe it or not but that little mark there keeps most low level bastards off my back. Monsters and demigods on missions haven't bothered me in two years. You're kid's a big deal in the witchcraft buisness."

"Circe did say Annabeth had a lot of potential." Smiled Percy hoping the Demi-Titan wouldn't speak too much more upon the future.

"Yeah, he's here you know."

Percy's blood ran cold, he didn't need to know that. The mere thought made him feel like having a panic attack. Especially after what Chronus showed him.

"No spoilers huh? Yeah no problem mister Jackson. I doubt he wants anything to do with this mess either."

"Yeah, I'll get out of you're hair and no mister Jackson please. This whole time travel mess is making me feel too old enough as it is." Chuckled Percy marching back to the party.

"Hello little brother."

This time Gabriel didn't flinch or jump.

"Hey." He greeted back without looking.

"I never thought I'd see the day where Atlas would father a half-blood."

Gabriel shrugged "being stuck under the sky for thousands of years has to make a man rethink his previous bias at least a little bit."

"Have you met him?"

"Once, once was enough. Couldn't shut up about you, traitor daughter this, disowned daughter that. Basically called me the same when I refused to carry the sky for him."

Zoe snorted "of course he'd ask for that and you're mother?"

"Not around." Shrugged Gabriel without a care.

"What did that son of Poseidon want with you?" She asked next with a hint of suspicion and distain.

"Percy Jackson? He's a nice man I met him once and I regret not meeting him again. He even named one of his kids after you."

Zoe raised a brow at the strange information. Truly the future must have been a bizzare time.

"I, Hope you're status hasn't bothered you too much." The hesitance in her tone betraying her worry.

"It did, but ever since I got that mark. Life's been going swimmingly."

"And pray tell who gave you that mark?"

"Damasen Jackson, the son of the guy who just left."

"What did you have to give in return?"

"Will you relax, I just had to do him a solid, a service. Not even anything massive. He's not about this whole double sense curse in a blessing bullshit. He's a good kid, but try to be on his good side."

"Why? This new generation of yours seems quite soft compared to the past heroes."

Gabriel finally looked at her annoyed.

"Well most of you're generation is filled with arrogant people fueled by ego so fragile they fly on a murderous rampage over an insult. It's not because we don't go five seconds without starting a fight that we're weak. Hell on top of that most of the children here are better educated than the people you consider geniuses."

Zoe stared at him and allowed herself to smile a little.

"That brother, is nice to hear."

Gabriel looked confused for a few moments, before shrugging it off.

"Come along now, I must drink you under the table as some of these younglings say."

"Oh you are on." Smirked the son of Atlas.

As they returned the party had regained even more life.

Thalia Grace attempted to out drink Atalanta, it wasn't going well for either of them.

Piper danced a bit with her mother, both laughing as they did.

Annabeth Chase and Percy Jackson were a bit further away just enjoying the other's presence. Like many of the other couples.

The gods intermingled with they're children.

Hermes and Apollo each had an arm around the shoulder of the other. Wildly they spun around clutching a spilling cup of wine mixed with a good dose of nectar. Dionysus not far behind them, drunkenly stumbling around more happy than he'd been in decades.

Poseidon was sharing a fishing story with his sons. A wide smile on his face as he dramatically retold the tale.

Most of the future demigods remained on they're own side, still unsure if they should even introduce themselves.

Gabriel nodded at his fellow Demi-Titan. Glad to see nobody was harassing them.

As he clanked his cup with his sister Gabriel remembered something he'd payed for ever since he was a young boy.

A sibling to share his burden.

As he downed cup after cup of wine with his smiling sister.

It seemed that prayer had finally been answered.

Chapter Text

Thalia Grace groaned awake face to face with the god of hangovers himself. Dionysus peered down at her his cheeks still reddened.

"Lightweight." He greeted with a cheeky laugh.

"What happened?" Asked the daughter of Zeus sitting up and rubbing her forehead.

"You tried to out drink a woman that fights bears for fun."

"I do that too." Flatly informed Thalia rising to her feet.

"Oh what a surprise." Scoffed Dionysus taking another swig of wine.

"Father let you drink again?"

Dionysus nearly chocked on his drink "of course not." He laughed "father can't get over it but he's no longer got any sort of authority at the moment. You're cousin could give him the finger and he could do nothing about it. So I am taking advantage of the situation."

"Don't give Percy any ideas, if he actually lets out all his sass every god from every pantheon will be gunning for him."

"Well it might already be the case now. At least for the gods here. Helping that little eye of Horus did not help his reputation in the slightest."

"What because he doesn't let your petty quarrels guide his actions and decisions?"

The god shrugged "pretty much."

Thalia rolled her eyes and decided to stretch her legs.

It was almost strange how close this island was to Olympus. Each god had their own temple, Thalia chuckled imagining how miffed her father and his wife must have looked once they realized they're temple was the size of everyone else's. No longer befitting of the size of they're ego.

Despite her near drunken state she wasn't blind. More people were adding up, especially from ancient times.

Amazons amongst many of them, Reyna another recent addition looked grimly happy to see her sister.

Strange how they seemed to appear like afterthoughts.

Then there were Bellerophon and Perseus to name just a few of them. She wondered how the ancient hero would react to finding out he had a namesake that also happened to be arguably even more famous than him.

Thalia also wondered how long this would take. How do you satisfy a being who's seen everything in the multiverse? Countless timelines countless lives death and conflict of godlike proportions.

How could she top that?

Her gaze drifted to the other islands, Asgard seemed vibrant and alive still celebrating the prospect of dying in battle.

Well at least they knew how to enjoy the time they had left.

The daughter of Zeus pensively sat down her hangover quickly leaving her.

Annabeth getting engaged, by the gods that made her feel old despite her ageless predicament.

Time passed, time left. That's how the world worked. Thalia didn't have any issue with it. Only everytime she was reminded of it. She suddenly felt it's weight crashing down on her.

She looked around at the gaggles of children from the future. Wondering if any of them were potentially the child or children of Annabeth.

That was such a strange thought, a look into what was to come or what could be?

It was hard to tell at this point. The rules of the universe itself seemed to bend for the primordial of time like playdough.

Heavy mind sister?

Thalia turned to Artemis as she sat down next to her.

"I'm not sure what to think anymore." She admitted her eyes trailing back to Asgard.

"I never thought I would see the land of the Aesir."

"You knew of them?"

"Yes, I even once had the good chance of hunting alongside the goddess Skadi, no nonsense but quite playful at the same time. Apollo once tried to hit on Freyr, but his talkative sword made things difficult."

Thalia stared at the goddess for a few moments.

"I'm gonna need you to rephrase that."

Artemis chuckled "no it's a literal sword, one of if not the sharpest there is."

Thalia looked around at the future children. How did she know they were the ones from the future? Asides from clothes brand that didn't exist they seemed terrified to intermingle.

"You got to speak to any of them?"

"No, but they seem particularly troubled. Even by half blood standards."

"That is not a good sign." Winced Thalia.

Artemis nodded "they're fear makes the future sound quite grim."

"That's because it is."

Thalia jumped and turned her head to a hooded green eyed girl seated next to her. She didn't even hear her coming. 

But the hunter uniform did make Thalia lean closer to be calm. She must have been fifteen maybe sixteen.

The lack of circlet was also quite reassuring, but Thalia wasn't going to cling onto a vague hope. Even she would need to cash in on day or another.

"What happens?"

The girl grew nervous.

"I'm not sure what I can say." She admitted "it's just, nice to see you two again. You didn't die or anything." She hurriedly added wringing her fingers

"It's just been a while."

Thalia looked at her a bit strangely. "You got a name kid?"

She seemed even more hesitant. "I'm Helen."

"Well Helen, what can you tell us child?" Gently asked Artemis.

Helen's gaze trailed off to the somewhat isolated group of teens. 

"Things changed, they changed big and they changed fast. Drove a lot of conflict, Camp half-blood and Camp Jupiter went through they're own respective civil wars. Everyone is pretty fractured at the moment, well at my moment. I joined your group because you're one of the few that are actually neutral."

"What could possibly drive us all to inner war." Frowned Thalia.

"It's not my place to tell." Sighed Helen with clear regret. "You gotta understand this is very personal for a lot of us. It's not a clear cut and dry situation at all."

Thalia stared at her for a bit before slowly nodding. Her gaze snapping to the group of future people. A teen flew over they're head through the pillar of a temple.

Thalia lept to her feet a sighing Helen following closely behind.

"Not him not him not him." Muttered Helen turning to the parting crowd letting a boy in a blue hoodie come forth. Thalia got a good look at him.

Or at least she tried.

The mist was thick around him, so thick in fact she found herself forgetting his face everytime she even glanced away from him for even a fraction of a second.

"Really? You couldn't just keep it to yourself for more than a day?!" Demanded Helen frustratingly throwing her arms up.

"It's Trevor." Stated the boy as if it made everything alright, "we both know he's alive look." He leaned past her. 

"Hey you still alive asshat?"

"Eat a dick." Came a groggy voice from the rubbles.

"See he's okay." He giggled pulling back.

"What even spurred this on." Demanded Helen pressing a finger to his chest."

Thalia raised an eyebrow seeing several of the future demigods violently flinch at her action.

"Hey don't look at me like that, I'm actually stopping a conflict for once." He scoffed slapping her accusing finger away.

Thalia met Percy's gaze as he marched up near them. She shook her head, he didn't seem to like it begrudgingly nodding.

They needed to know some things about these newcomers.

The son of Atlas Gabriel marched past her casually shoving over a car sized chunk of stone. He helped up the boy Thalia's breath caught up in her throat.

For a split second it seemed Luke Castellan had come back.

By the gods she never even considered he could return. Being such an amazing warrior she was surprised the primordial lord of time hadn't snatched him up from a timeline yet.

Facing the future was one thing, facing her past despite knowing full well the events still felt more intimidating.

She adverted her gaze from the boy and back to Helen. She tried not to glance at the boy she spoke too. It was frustrating enough to be so easily manipulated by such a casual veil.

"We have to work together." Argued Helen.

"Please, as if Cronus will just do with pantheons versus pantheons. Face it Helen more infighting means more drama, it's what he wants and it's most likely what he'll get. You really think our relations will just survive this?"

Thalia hated to admit she sort of agreed with him.

Percy and Jason walked next to her.

"Anything interesting?"

"Apparently camp half blood and camp Jupiter went to war with themselves."

Thalia frowned seeing the two boys age several years at the new information. Percy dragged a hand down his face and sighed while Jason tried to remain stoic.

"How bad is it?"

Thalia apologetically shrugged.

The daughter of Zeus watched on as Gabriel and Trevor intermingled with the others of the future. Helen turned to her giving her a nod before marching back to the future kids.

But she also noticed the veiled boy going in the opposite direction, alone.

"Did you notice them." Percy mumbled nodding at yet another group.

They were all teenagers or kids dressed in various colors. All had one and only similarity.

Each had an omega messily painted on the front and back of they're shirts.

Annabeth came up next to him.

"Yeah I didn't really ask." Thalia almost laughed seeing her frustration, Annabeth always hated not knowing anything.

Emile the son of Frank Zhang noticed them watching and pursed his lips before marching up to them.

"You noticed the Orphans huh."

"The Orphans?" Repeated Percy confused and more than a little worried.

"They're the closest thing we've got to gangs." He scoffed sending them a venomous glance. "They don't recognize the authority of Rome in the slightest keep to themselves and actively antagonize everyone, Camp Half-Blood included. Best to steer clear of them."

Thalia was going to ask more before the voice of Chronus echoed.

"Ladies and gentlemen and more, get ready for our next battle of the day!"

The wheel of fate spun in the sky, every soul anxiously looking up.

Annabeth winced, so did Percy. Jason for his part tried to look optimistic.

"Thalia Grace daughter of Zeus servant of Artemis versus, Walt Stone eye of Anubis!"

"Well that was gonna happen at some point." Sighed the daughter of Zeus.

________________

Wait Stone and Sadie Kane were sitting together in an oasis alone when the news came.

The two shared a worried look.

"Anubis thinks this is going to a piece of cake." Reported Walt already feeling a bit of dissonance between him and the god at the prospect of this battle.

Sadie didn't look as confident.

"Carter said Percy was there to coach him or something before the fight. Maybe you should ask for him? He's the only one of us to have actually fought a Greek demigod."

Walt nodded and rose to his feet taking a deep calmly breath.

He turned around to give Sadie a goodbye kiss only to suddenly find himself in a circular armory.

"You have nothing to worry about, demigods arent what they used to be." Came the voice of Anubis in his mind.

"No offense, but I'm being careful about this anyway." Sternly replied Walt. He sensed the god give him the equivalent of a mental shrug before growing quiet.

"Guess I'm the coach now."

Walt turned around to Carter Kane sending him a tight smile.

The eye of Anubis chuckled a bit. "This is insane." Carter shrugged his features growing worried.

"Listen, you gotta be careful on this one."

"I've gathered as much, but why? You never told us much on how you beat Setne just that he was mixing magic. I'm guessing it's where you met the son of Poseidon?"

"Clever as always."

Carter nodded, Percy is the son of Poseidon. This Thalia is the daughter of Zeus, I'm just hoping for you it doesn't mean she's stronger than him."

"What's special about them?"

"Children of the big three, Hades, Poseidon and Zeus. Apparently they're kids were so strong they drove world war 2 against each other. At least that's what uncle Amos told me."

Walt's eyes widdened a bit.

"If what applies to Percy applies to them, don't be afraid of using your stronger magic. I clocked Percy with the fiat of Horus and he nearly ninja kicked me in the face thirty seconds later."

"Dully noted, so I should keep my distance?"

Carter nodded "there's a good chance she may be stronger than you."

Walt heard Anubis scoff.

"So close quarters combat is even less appropriate for you in this case. I guess try to find or make cover for yourself, she's the servant of a goddess of the hunt too. She might be good at long distance too."

Walt nodded sagely storing this information in his mind.

He gathered the gear he needed and mentally noted down his amulets.

He stepped on the plateforme and breathed in deep.

As read as he'll ever be, as he rose up to the arena Carter threw in one last word.

"Oh and Walt, try not to escalate this to a blood bath, please."

_______

Thalia didn't necessarily expect Percy to show up in the armory, but she had to admit seeing one last friendly face right before a potential fight to the death was nice.

"Anything else to add aside from what you already told us?"

"Make sure you don't get hit by any flying symbols. Try to make this a close quarter fight and don't give him time to think." He answered neutrally.

She glanced back at him as she chose an assortment of arrows.

"This isn't just about fighting advice is it?"

"I don't expect to change your mind, but I do expect you to listen to me for a bit."

Thalia briefly mused back to the days she would have been wholeheartedly offended by such a simple demand and nodded.

"I know you said, don't feel for your ennemies they won't feel for you. I still agree with that feeling, but..."

"But?"

"I don't think we can call them ennemies, not yet at least. Just, please don't immediately escalate this to a massacre."

"This is more than a bit foolish." Calmly replied Thalia. "What can possibly make you think that your right, that we can be allies?"

Percy was silent for a bit.

"I guess I only have hope."

Thalia didn't look back to him as she stepped in the circle.

"I can only promise to try."

She could feel Percy slightly grinning at her without even looking.

_____________

Thalia and Walt stared each other down as the wind lifted around them. The sands of time rose and churned like wet clay molding into new surroundings.

The daughter of Zeus couldn't help the small smirk as a forest suddenly rose around her.

Walt on the other hand analyzed his surroundings. Trying to come up with a plan.

Which was nearly his undoing.

"Eyes up!"

Walt's breath hitched as an arrow whizzed past his shoulder leaving a shallow cut in it. The demigoddess was already loading a new one before he ran between the trees. The shade giving him cover.

Keep your distance he reminded himself.

Anubis had another idea.

"What are you doing!" Groaned Anubis in a way only teenagers are allowed too.

"Trying to not be turned into a pin cussion!" Mentally exclaimed Walt.

"Your embarrassing me." Whined the god.

"What?!" Demanded Walt out loud, another arrow suddenly protruding inches away from his nose. Walt stumbled backward and raised his staff.

The next arrow shattered against his forcefield.

He followed the trail of the arrow and found the daughter of Zeus staring him down with her sharp blue eyes.

She held herself casually, almost lazily. Which made Walt feel a bit miffed and Anubis affronted.

Taking advantage of her arrogance Walt swung his wand a large log behind her flying towards her back.

Thalia sensed it coming a mile away. She gracefully performed a spinning back flip shooting another arrow. Same result it shattered against Walt's shield. The eye of Anubis grasped the amulets around his neck.

She was graceful and fast, she also seemed to have great senses.

So he needed to overwhelm her.

Grasping the pale blue amulet around his neck Walt sprinted forward his speed greatly helped by the constant presence of Anubis.

Thalia raised an eyebrow at the bold strategy, she stored her bow around her back and unsheathed her knives.

She charged him head on leaping towards him blades raised.

Walt raised his amulet, a sudden explosion of wind sending Thalia flying over one hundred feet above the treeline.

Thalia felt a burst of uncontrollable fear seep deep into her bones as she registered just how far off the ground she was.

The daughter of the sky was almost thankful when she finally hit the ground.

She gasped for air for a bit before rising to her feet groaning. 

"Okay, safety gloves off." Growled the daughter of Zeus. 

Her spear springing to full length in her hand.

_________

Walt looked around confused as to why he wasn't called the victor yet.

"Isn't she at least knocked out?"

"Ah yes, it is your first time fighting demigods. They are annoyingly resilient. Your gonna have to kill her before she kills you." Casually informed Anubis.

"I'm not killing anyone!" Protested Walt pinching the bridge of his nose.

"If you allow yourself to be merciful to your ennemy, you will die foolishly. Use my powers, they will help you greatly."

Walt hesitated, the powers of Anubis were mighty that much was certain, but they were also deadly.

How deadly for a demigod he knew even less.

The sky above darkened, Walt felt every hair on his body stand.

His shield was up in an instant right before lightning rained down on him with a vengeance.

His shield held up, but nonetheless he was violently knocked off his feet.

The daughter of Zeus stalked towards him, taking the long way around like a preying wolf. Observing him in a way that made both man and god feel like prey.

Walt set off to work taking two blocks of clay from his satchel.

He kept track of her by the showers of sparks dancing across her body, illuminating the dark shades of the forest. He kept working rarely looking away from her until two somewhat derpy looking Jackals were in his hands.

They grew to the size of proper hounds and ran for Thalia in an instant, but in a flurry of rapid stabs and wide graceful swings they were reduced to smocking bits by the electrified spear.

Walt expected her to finally go on the offensive again, but she simply kept walking.

Until she passed behind a tree, Walt looked beyond it ready to see her emerge. Only for nothing to come passed this tree he was sorely focused on. 

The eye of Anubis realized he had just gotten played.

Demons were cunning sometimes, they played on words. Gods could be skilled fighters, but these types of mind games were completely new. Even Neith didn't feel like such a cold huntress.

He looked around every shadow feeling like a threat.

In the back of his mind Anubis kept screaming at him to use his powers.

"Get rid of her advantage!"

Walt would metaphysically smack him later for pulling such vague godly nonsense mid battle.

But as Thalia Grace pounced down towards him from the trees with her crackling spear, Walt fell backwards his mind suddenly clicking.

Grey light burst forth from his hands a mighty shockwave carried throughout the entire forest. The demigoddess was sent flying once more. A thick wall of dust fell over them and the spectators as nearly twenty acres of forest were reduced to a graveyard.

It was like witnessing a nuclear fallout. Everything in a several mile radius layed dead and in ruin.

Walt shakily rose to his feet, never had he mustered so much power from Anubis.

"Careful Walt, that blast even took a chunk out of me. Try to tone it down next time okay?"

Walt couldn't respond. Anubis' powers already felt volatile and dark, but this result was beyond anything he could think of.

Walt was a sculptor, he was an expert in statutory magic. Giving new life to non living things is what he adored to do above all.

Not the contrary.

"I know." Gently interposed Anubis. "It was her or you." He assured, his certainty washing over Walt's mind.

"I don't sense death." Walt breathed in pure shock.

Merely a few feet away from him a pile of ashes rose. The grey sand slid off revealing the snarling face of a Gorgon etched in bronze.

But the expression of Thalia Grace was far more frightening. Her skin even paler than before. Her eyes sunken, one could even claim she was visibly Ill enough to be bed ridden, but she was alive.

Alive and angry.

The eye of Anubis froze in pure trembling terror. Because of the shield, at least that's what Walt guessed.

"How about I take the wheels on this one?" Asked the Egyptian god unafected by the effects of the shield.

Walt reluctantly let Anubis drive him like a flesh mecha.

"So my boyfriend is a gundam?" Walt half mindedly remembered Sadie exclaiming once, she pouted adorably when he didn't get her pop culture references.

Walt watched on as Thalia Grace charged him again. Anubis raised his hands the ground cracking like an egg underneath his feet.

Mummy bands shot from the ground painfully wrapping around the demigoddess. They're hold so tight her spear and shield were pressed tight to her sides.

She struggled in vain barely able to breathe. Walt watching on anxiously as he felt Anubis smugly march up to her. The ground cracked further a half decomposed zombie soldier rising to hand Anubis a Kopesh.

He raised it ready to strike her down. Walt's heart crawling in his throat.

He swung wide his eyes widdening as he noticed sparks flying.

A thunder bolt crashed down the sheer shockwave sending Anubis flying.

Burnt strips of bandage floated around her. Anubis charged her swinging his blade down. Thalia met his attack with her shield.

She brought her shield down onto his toes. Anubis let out a sharp cry of pain only to be silenced as Thalia swung her shield up in his face.

The hunter panted heavily her face twisting in pain as the feeling of her cracked ribs caught up to her.

Anubis clutched his broken nose this unfamiliar human feeling overwhelming him.

He howled in pain as Thalia's spear teared through his leg right above his knee. He swung his kopesh, the heavy blade bouncing off his opponents electrified shield. The sword flew out of his hand.

She bashed him in the chest utilizing her shield to stabilize her spear.

She stabbed at Anubis with a vengeance the god barely able to escape the flurry of attacks. Walt's body grew more and more damages as Thalia marred him with shallow cuts. Her thrusts growing weaker and weaker with each hit landed.

Aegis suddenly retreated in its bracelet form. Thalia grabbed her spear with two hands striking him with the shaft of her spear.

Anubis stopped grabbed her spear, stopping her dead in her tracks. Slowly, but surely he managed to push her shaking arms back. Thinking quickly she stomped on his injured foot. 

The split second of pain gave her the advantage, bashing Anubis in the face. He spun around from the force of the blow, his back to her in a daze. She turned around bringing the shaft of her spear over her head and trapped Walt's chin with it, swinging him over her shoulder.

Anubis crashed hard onto the ground groaning. Thalia crashed to one knee her breathing still heavy. Steeling her nerves Thalia walked to Anubis' prone form and stomped on his chest raising her spear. She caught a glimpse of the god's angry gaze before being her weapon down.

Only to stop inches away from his throat. A small bead of blood flowing down his bobbing Adam's apple.

The god was gone from the eyes. Only the boy scared for his mortal life remained.

Thalia gritted her teeth pressing the spear ever so slightly deeper.

"Yield." She growled pressing her foot harder.

Her ennemy seemed to quite literally argue with himself before forcing surrender passed his lips.

In the blink of an eye the demigoddess was staring at the stone floor of the Greek island, her spear still raised.

Her body wasn't aching anymore. She rested her spear on the floor her hold still tight.

Artemis was the first to reach her, pressing a hand to her shoulder. Zeus was next to reach her his arms crossed sternly.

"You spared him." He commented in clear dissaproval.

"She did what she thought correct" argued Artemis, by her tone Thalia guessed that her sister also didn't approve much of her decision.

"You support this utter foolishness?" Nearly exclaimed Zeus

"today was supposed to show our might not our weakness!" Loudly agreed Ares in frustration.

"His magic was stronger than expected." Huffed Thalia rolling her shoulder.

"Yeah he must have been an eye. It's weird Carter told me the magicians weren't able to do this anymore due to some cosmic balance crap." Piped up Percy confused.

"And of course you believed him." Sighed Athena pinching the bridge of her nose.

"He's certainly more trustworthy than you." Huffed Percy visibly offending the goddess.

"You okay?" Worriedly asked Jason softly bumping his shoulder into hers.

"I'll be fine, let's just leave before they start arguing for real. Jason nodded at her, he and Annabeth marching after Thalia.

Said daughter of Zeus huffed a small sad laugh as she realized two blonde were following her again hoping for guidance.

At least she knew this one would never betray here. Thalia sat down in a garder flanked by the two. Annabeth simply leaned her shoulder against hers. Meanwhile Jason couldn't help, but ask the million dollar question.

"Why did you spare him?"

Thalia pondered for a few moments. Percy asked me too, was the easy and lazy answer. Not even an accurate one either.

"You know in the battle of manathan I wasn't merciful. Unlike Percy I didn't pull my punches. I killed everything and everyone that moved. Monsters demigods it didn't matter, they made they're choice. I couldn't allow myself to feel for them. At least that's what I tell myself whenever I do think of them."

Jason listened intently wondering where she was going.

"It's not like I didn't have sympathy. I just closed my heart to they're pain, they're solitude they're agony. Because really in the end neither side ever really had a choice."

Annabeth closed her eyes tightly trying not to remember the war.

"I guess today I had a choice."

Jason bit his lip, the small scar on it stretching. "The gods won't like this."

Thalia shrugged "this is the rarest time where we don't have to worry about them. Can we do that for a while?"

Jason smiled a bit "yeah, yeah I think we can do that."

Thalia smiled back, for once in her life not caring or worrying about her father's opinion.

__________

Walt came to back in the oasis upon his back. He stared at the clouds for a while.

Sadie's worried face appeared above his.

"Are you alright?" She asked worriedly visibly unsure if it was even an appropriate question to ask.

Walt stared at the sky for a bit.

"After suffering from my curse for so long, I thought I knew what coming close to death felt like. Magic makes death seem so quick clean even, but this. This made me feel like some... some animal." Walt explained in disgust.

Sadie helped him up.

"Why'd you try to kill her."

Walt locked eyes with Carter. Anubis using his lips.

"She tried to kill us!"

Carter pointedly stared at Anubis, the god sneered at the eyes of Horus.

Sadie jumped between the two. "What the hell Carter?!" She exclaimed confused.

"You have to be two to make war." Calmly replied Carter. "I know it's hard, I know this degenerated quickly, but we have to try to be better, all of us." He stated looking at both his sister and her boyfriend.

"We don't know what's going to happen when this is over. We can't give the others ground for war on earth."

"We could make sure that never happens." Shot back Anubis and Walt.

"Walt it better be the outdated god speaking." Coldly replied Carter. "I am not considering genocide!"

Walt crossed his arms defensively "I'm not proposing genocide. What I'm proposing is that we destabilize them. We can make sure they don't become a threat."

"I'm not listening to any more of this." Carter shut down walking away shaking his head.

Sadie stared at her brother's back.

"I'm just glad your okay." Sighed Sadie hugging Walt.

The two gently pushed her away holding her at arms length.

"Sadie I mean what I said, we could ensure a peaceful future for us. The gods can’t help us on earth anymore. Our entire lives inges on the whims of people like the Olympians. You don’t know them like I do. They conquered Egypt once and now they can do it again."

Sadie stared at him worriedly opening her mouth.

"You know I was rooting for you son." Grumbled a new voice.

Walt’s shoulders sagged looking over Sadie’s head to find Set throwing down a foam finger and a beer helmet on the ground before stomping away.

"I hate him so much." Sighed Walt and Anubis in a single voice.

"Let’s just go grab something to eat." Gently said Sadie pulling them along.

All three minds heavy on the possibilities. Only one thought ahead of all others.

Who will reap the first soul?

So might as well give my reasonings before anyone asks as to why Thalia won or before my fic ends up on a ranting subreddit. In all honesty the previous ones didn’t really warrant an explanation 

Thalia sadly has a bad rep as a weak character because dear ol uncle Rick doesn’t know what to do with her.

But watching what we do she’s actually very powerful.

For one she can legit vaporise most monsters in a single bolt of lightning. Which she can basically spam nearly as much as she wants.

In terms of speed Percy while on the curse of Achilles considered her very fast. Reminder bullet are slow to him. 

She defeated many monsters without looking. Demigod senses are pretty OP Percy for example at twelve could map out all his surroundings in a 30 foot radius using his senses.

In terms of strength Thalia can move a boulder the size of a car up a steep hill leap nearly 10 feet and more.

Her skill tho is misconstrued as being above Luke’s and by extension Percy’s. Which only works ignoring the fact Luke was still heavily weakened from holding the sky.

But she is still a very skilled fighter.

Walt’s powers simply don’t stack up. His amulets and statues are very useful and can even be deadly in less than skilled hands like Carter Kane. Summoning a hippo in any scenario is useful.

Summoning animals boats or even the wind of shuu can give a temporary advantage, but it would not be enough against someone as durable as a half blood.

Reminder that Annabeth whom should be weaker can sprint off landing a 300 foot fall in Tartarus where she was basically half dead.

In terms of skills Walt is no fighter.

As for Anubis he’s the godly equivalent of a sheltered out of touch teenager. He’s not really battle oriented. He doesn’t even have a battle avatar.

In terms of strength the best he’s done with Walt is throw a grown man accross a big room.

His magic powers is where it got interesting. The whole death touch only ever worked on non living beings.

I feel the rest is self explanatory.

Now in hindsight I think it’s best that next time if anyone wants an explanation just ask me to edit the story.

Thank you for reading this far :)

Chapter Text

Magnus was used to dying. Or almost dying, preparing for Ragnarok did that.

But this felt different. It didn't feel like a glorious battle it felt like waiting for an execution with extra steps.

War was messy, overwhelming and chaotic. Naturally bloody.

But now it was just waiting for your name to be called fight and maybe survive. All in the name of entertaining a mad god so powerful he made the Aesir Vanir and the giants look like toddlers.

Magnus knew his life was going to be grim, but he had found some form of comfort knowing that even if Ragnarok happened. Even if he couldn't stop it, he would end up dying fighting for something greater than himself.

Not the gods glory, but the survival of Midgard.

Now, it was just survival.

What if Annabeth's name was called after his?

What if Percy's name was called after his?

Magnus found himself shuttering a bit. The opposition was powerful, yet something just told him it wasn't there the tip of the iceberg.

Magnus suddenly felt like his spine was about to rupture as he was violently brought back to the present by a hearty slap on the back from Thor.

As usual the residents of Valhalla had a morning feast. Unable to not party for even a day.

No one had died yet, which was quite an impressive amount of self control for them.

"What hails you son of Freyr?!" Loudly boomed the god of Thunder. "Can you not feel the itch for battle?"

"This isn't a battle, it's a menagerie." Huffed Magnus taking a lazy bite from his falafel.

"I know not what a menagerie is, but you sound disheartened."

Jack suddenly floated next to the god's head.

"He's just grumpy his Greek cousin is going to kick his ass."

"She will not." Protested Magnus.

"Okay yeah she won't." Corrected Jack "I'll let her kick your ass."

"Why?!" Protested the son of Freyr.

"You have ties to the Greeks?" Questioned the god in surprise.

Magnus sighed "yeah, my cousin Annabeth she's a daughter of Athena. She's also the architect of Olympus.

Odin not far away from his son huffed. "Athena, such a pretentious goddess. Nowhere near half as wise as she claims to be."

Frigg sighed deeply, it must have been a common conversation.

"It's always the same with you dear. A divergence in opinions and judgement and it's a whole hissy fit."

"It's not my fault these two are fools!" Snapped Odin going on a rant "Thoth Athena Quetzalcoatl they dared to question my wisdom, me the god of wisdom."

Magnus rolled his eyes with a sigh.

"What's wrong with you?" Huffed Alex flicking his ear.

Magnus grumpily smacked her hand away.

"Why is no one else worried?! We aren't in Valhalla this isn't for fun! If we all die here who knows what'll happen even to the gods! Who's going to fight Ragnarok and defend the realms if we're all dead!"

Thor slammed his fist on the table rising to his feet. "Gandalf's beard, the son of Freyr is right!" he scanned the many people seated at the banquet  table raising his hammer.

"It's not those fucking dainty cowardly Greeks and Egytpians who will rob us of our eternal glory!"

Most warriors raised they're hydromel letting out various war cries.

Magnus buried his face in his hands groaning. Alex poked him.

"Not in the mood Alex."

He elbowed him again. 

"Quit it."

She full on slapped the back of his head, his forehead bouncing off the table.

He glowered at Alex the child of Loki gesturing at the end of the table. Magnus followed her gaze and frowned confused.

The people at the end of the start of the table were mostly teenagers, maybe a few young adults. They all had one point in common and that is the fact they didn't look happy.

They spoke amongst each other calmly almost conspirationally.

Alex and Magnus shared a look.

How to even approach them he wondered. A hooded girl raised her head towards him. For just a fraction of a second they're eyes met.

Suddenly the son of Freyr was assaulted with his own life. All of his decisions layed bare in front of him.

His kind acts.

His less than kind acts.

His moments of cowardice.

It was like being forced under a microscope to be dissected for every little flaw while being forced to witness said dissection.

The girl quickly adverted her gaze looking down at her plate.

Magnus stood up from his seat, curious and urgent to figure out what just happened.

"Don't blame Hefna too much, she's really got no control over it."

Magnus looked beyond Alex to a boy about his age with black hair. He was carving a rune in the wooden table with a kitchen knife.

For a moment Magnus thought it was Fehu the rune of his father Freyr, but no this was Ansuz, the two bars pointed down instead of up.

Spending so much time with Hearthstone gave him a decent understanding of them. It was a rune that represented meaning breath communication amongst many others.

It was also the rune attributed to Odin himself.

"What do you mean?" Questioned the son of Freyr. The boy looked up at him with wide curious brown eyes. "Well first off, I'm Frode, and She's the daughter of Vidar. Being the god of Vengeance and Justice, they have to know what said justice and vengeance is for right? Her dad can control it of course, but she hasn't been an Einerjhar for long."

"What about you? How long have you been one, I've never seen you around before."

"And I'm guessing you won't see me for at least a decade. I've been en Einerjhar for about five years. It's only these two who aren't." Said the boy nodding at two red headed boys with bright blue eyes.

Magnus did a double take.

"Are they—."

"Yep." Drawled the new Einerjhar. "They're dad has no idea." He chuckled dusting off his near perfect carving.

"Why not. You know speak up about it?"

Frode froze a bit. Magnus wondered if he asked too much.

"Let's just say the three aren't exactly in good terms at the moment."

"Is it over reaching to ask why?"

Frode leaned back in his chair looking around to make sure no one was paying attention.

"We don't want Ragnarok, we're actively working against it. He said like it was a great secret.

Magnus frowned confused.

"So are we."

Frode sent him a pointed look.

"Maybe you are, but are they?"

Magnus turned his head to the right side of the table, to the gods. He felt Alex lay her hand on his shoulder. The two staring at the gods.

Cheering for they're doom.

_____________________

Reyna Ramirez Arellano was familiar with orphans. Far before she joined the hunt. New Rome admitted them all the time, well those that passed Lupa's test that is.

But an entire group named the Orphans?

Her blood boiled a bit when she saw the SPQR emblems of painted over with a black omega. She couldn't deny that.

But she was heavily compelled to wonder why?

Why would anyone purposely leave the legion? The orphans hardly intermingled with the others. They remained in they're corners under the glares of the future Romans.

The Island they were on was quite spacious. Vast even, Reyna had yet to even visit all of it.

Vesta the kind goddess insisted for everyone to gather at least twice a day for a meal. No one really had the heart to tell her no.

It's only then that Reyna realized just how many people resided on this island.

Nearly all the hunt several dozen Amazons and several dozens others from past present and future.

The orphans were hard to miss, they gathered at the bottom end of the table.

Reyna remembered stories about how long tables were made explicitly to showcase status and power from where you were seated.

In this case it seemed to simply mirror the past.

The future sat at the start, the present in the middle and the past at the end, where most gods resided, only a few demigods daring enough to try and grow closer. Which seemed to weigh on some of the gods.

Some were conversing some laughed and even chucked food at each other.

But Reyna didn't feel much of the familial sensation Vesta was looking for, of course the hunters were a rowdy bunch especially the younger recruits, but it wasn't them who held the most youth.

No it was the Orphans.

Children as young as four and as old as fifteen were seated in what seemed like an order of youngest to eldest starting from three young men.

They stood out greatly not only by they're slightly older age, but by the color of they're omega.

A boy with black hair and grey eyes bore a forest green omega over a plain black shirt.

Another bore a orange symbol and a toga over it, the last held a royal blue color. She couldn't quite get a good look at them.

"They don't look like a gang to me."

Reyna looked at Nico seated next to her. Or was he? The smaller boy did have a tendancy to pop out of the shadows unannounced.

"No, I guess they don't look threatening."

The son of Hades let out a hum, clearly not sharing her view.

"Do you wish to learn about them? Despite the fact that they are from the future?"

"Reyna I should have died over fifty years ago, I never thought todays problems would be mine, but they are. Percy doesn't want to learn about the future because he's afraid of himself. Me I realized that those problems will be ours eventually, so why wait?" He shrugged.

Reyna considered his words.

"Perhaps we should just talk to them."

"Are you really asking me about social interactions?" Playfully huffed Nico.

"Well, this Will Solace seemed to have trained you well." She smirked lightly elbowing the son of Hades whom rolled his eyes.

Soon more and more people were filtering away from the table. The Orphans were the first, Reyna and Nico only waited a few moments before starting to tail them.

They walked in a messy file two of the eldest at the back and one at the front, keeping the rowdy young's in check.

Reyna and Nico went from the pure white marble of Olympus to a a slightly more natural look. It almost felt like a patch of camp half-blood was fused to the kingdom of the gods.

Nico admired the vegetation crawl around the buildings wondering if that is what camp half blood would look like were the gods caring enough. It didn't only feel warm, it felt safe.

The streets and buildings left place to a large park where the children were left running around.

"Is this Central Park?" Wondered Reyna.

Nico nodded "I think at least half of it, if not the whole thing. Space feels more like a suggestion on this island." Sighed the son of Hades rubbing his aching forehead.

"I hear you." Muttered Reyna "the tents in the hunt had my head spinning for a few days."

Nico's face soured at the mention of the hunt. Reyna went to ask why, but was accidentally interrupted by the son of Hades.

"Why are they setting camp when they got a whole district to themselves?" Wondered Nico watching the children try to set up tents.

"The children like to play camping."

The two whirled around weapons raised at one of the elder orphans with the orange Omega. Reyna took a good look at him. Soft features brown eyes brown hair built like a barrel, she sheepishly lowered her blade when she realized it wasn't a toga he was wearing.

It was a hand made sling.

Currently holding a peacefully slumbering child.

"Why are you following us?"

Reyna sheathed her knife Nico following suite.

"We just had questions to ask."

"And you had to stalk us to do so because?" Teasingly trailed off the boy leveling them with a warm look.

Nico found himself nearly kicking his feet like a nervous child. And nearly kicked himself for feeling this way.

The boy narrowed his eyes a bit.

"I'm Asher, you must be Reyna right?"

Reyna blinked "how did you?"

"Oh I raised one of your sisters, you children of Bellona are far from common, but you all have a real family face." He chuckled warmly.

"Come on let me present you everyone."

The two shared a look before following Asher into Central Park. Where they attracted the looks of many children.

"Why are there so many children with you?"

Asher's face fell a bit, the daughter of Bellona almost felt bad for squashing the warmth on his face.

"We aren't named the orphans for nothing. Children of dead veterans neglected, children who didn't pass the ridiculous tests of Rome, the children neglected by the narrow minds of Camp half-blood. Even abandoned clear sighted children. We take in everyone that we can help."

"Ridiculous." Reyna repeated with some offense.

Asher looked at her up and down his expression never wavering from its pure neutrality.

"You were a devout Roman, I often forget. Tell me Reyna you who have faced countless trials. You who was ready when the wolf goddess came to collect you. Do you really see the child in my arms succeeding those tests just to be accepted by her family?"

Reyna didn't answer.

He smiled sadly "I thought as much." He gestured at the boy his age in the dark green omega setting up a tent bearing a green omega. "This is Alexios, he barks more than he bites."

Alexios glared at Asher who merely smiled back.

"This is Dimitrios."

Not far off the black haired teen walked around with literally a dozen children dangling off his body. He didn't seem to mind, his deep brown eyes shining with mirth.

"Alexios and Dimitrios, pretty Greek names. We don't see much like those in modern times." Commented Nico.

"Yes his mother was a genuine pagan followers. And well Alexios' mother was the on to name him."

"Do your godly parent have anything to do with the colors your wearing?"

"In a way." Began Asher only to be cut off by a little boy with grey eyes pulling on his pant leg. "What is it dear?" He asked leaning down so the child could whisper in his ear. The older teen smiled. "I see our local son of Athena thinks he can explain it better than me."

The child turned to them and began explaining the situation like it was his school project.

"The color black means your not claimed, but the colors are broader than that. Nobody cares what deity you hail from. It's all about the powers and where they come from. Blue is the sky, grey is the underworld, purple is magic in general, red is war or weapon oriented stuff, deep green is nature yellow is for light, pink is for emotions, turquoise is for the sea."

"Why?" Incredulously asked Nico.

"It's easier to keep track of everyone this way if you ask me." Shrugged Asher "besides I don't want the kids to get a big head because of who they're godly parent is. All that matters is the nature they inherit from them. We may all wear a different color, but we all wear the same symbol."

"Why the omega then?"

"That's because we're hoping to be the end of cruelty to children." Jumped in Alexios his arms crossed.

"Why are they here?" He hissed ignoring Nico and Reyna.

"They had questions." Calmly replied Asher.

"I thought we agreed to not interact with the others."

"You and Dim had that idea. I told you I would remain as welcoming as reasonably possible. It's not like they brought the entire island to our corner. I can't let what will come stop me from being who I am now. I know that, you know that."

Alexios opened his mouth to argue again, but was rudely cut off as Asher walked passed him.

"Lily dear you have a nerf mace for a reason we talked about this." He patiently warned a little girl who barely reached Reyna's knee holding a spiked mace above her head mid chase.

"But the spikes don't even hurt." Whined the child. Asher leveled her with what Reyna could only have described as a mom look.

The little girl grumled tossing the heavy weapon aside.

"Demigod kids will be demigod kids." Chuckled Asher.

"Again, how could anyone mistaken them for a gang," incredulously asked Nico turning to Reyna.

"I'm smelling Emile all over those words." Scoffed Alexios "he's just butt hurt we don't listen to the authority of Rome." He mocked, Reyna narrowed her eyes at him.

"Rome promotes unity and order." She cooly replied.

"Yeah when your rich and ruthless enough." Nearly sneered Alexios.

Reyna took a threatening step forward, Nico pulled on her arm. Alexios on the other hand was nearly in her face before Asher calmly spoke up.

"No unnecessary fights, we talked about this. She's allowed to think what she wants."

"Even when it's wrong."

"And you've never had an Ill founded belief?"

Alexios stomped away unable to retort.

"His heart's in the right place, he's just angry." Sighed Asher dragging a hand down his face.

"I understand." Nodded Nico softly elbowing Reyna who's gaze was still aimed at Alexios' back.

She didn't reply instead adding yet another question.

"Why, why go against everyone else to protect these children." Reyna asked suspiciously.

Asher pointed at a child playing in flowers.

"That boy's name is Alan, he's the son of Perses. The titan of destruction. The girl not far from him is named Abby, she's the daughter of Pallas the Titan of war. Alan was rejected because of his heritage and his volatile powers."

As if on cue the flowers at the boy's feet blackened and died.

"It's okay sweetie you didn't mean it." Called Asher to the downrotten child.

"They couldn't bother trying to accommodate him. They believed he shouldn't exist, much the same with Abby. So to answer your question Reyna Ramirez Arellano. I do this because I can and I need not any other reason."

"Yeah we don't all do things for glory." Piped up Alexios setting up the last tent.

Reyna didn't deign answer him and walked away, her steps heavy.

She was back in the district when Nico popped out of the shadows next to her matching her angry pace.

"You seem worked up." He commented off handedly.

"Is super perception one of your new powers." Snarked Reyna.

"People's opinions don't usually annoy you that much."

"I am perfectly allowed to be angry over the ignorant words of that boy over my home."

"Watch out your almost saying boy with as much contempt as your new sisters." Huffed Nico with some amount of bitterness.

"What does that have to do with anything?!" Snapped Reyna. Nico glared at her a bit and opened his mouth. A loud bell rang, interrupting the insuing conversation.

The two looked up Reyna's blood running cold.

Hylla Twice-Kill Ramirez Arellano, daughter of Bellona queen of the Amazons VS!"

"Niccolò Di Angelo son of Hades, the Ghost King!" 

Boomed the voice of Chronus.

Nico stared at the sky for a few seconds.

"So... guess I can't ask you for advice on this one."

Reyna stared at the sky in horror.

Thorned on whom she should feel worried about. She turned to Nico at least intending one giving a friendly advice, but she met the eyes of her sister instead.

Her girlde gleamed in the faint light of the armory. Hylla smiled at her sister, Reyna smiled back an uncharacteristic amount of nervosity marring her face.

Which of course Hylla didn't miss.

"Worried? Should I wear some armor?" She hummed turning to a rack of weapons. Reyna almost smiled, her sister spoke as if she was asking her what she should wear today between two outfits.

"He didn't seem like much in the words of your new sisters. My witches had no issue ripping him from her shadow realm either."

"Nico was lugging around a forty ton statue all across the world." Reyna trailed off "he's more powerful than you think, a lot more powerful than you believe. I've seen him do things I didn't think possible."

"He is of the big three." Hummed Hylla sheathing a spatha at her side, next picking a spear and shield. 

"And a dear friend."

Hylla's face soured a bit.

"You beg mercy from me, for him." Hylla nearly spat her voice filled with venom.

"We both know that's not what I mean." Sighed Reyna.

"Oh I know what you mean, but do you even think of how that would make me look?! Me the queen of the Amazons going soft on some stupid boy because my sister asked me too?!"

"Nico isn't one of your slaves." Coldly replied Reyna. "He's not under your rule, he's not a threat to you're rule. Not treating this as an execution would only show your more than just a killing machine!"

"You dare reduce me to a killer and a slaver." Snapped Hylla getting in her sisters face, poking her in the chest. "You dare think you can command me. I am your elder and blood best to remember—."

"YOU ABANDONED ME!"

Hylla was silenced still glaring.

"How would I know anything of what to reduce you too. The only time you bothered to even look my way, is for war or to demand my help. So forgive me, if I want the one who stood by me the most to see the end of this day."

Hylla stared at her sister's strong, yet still pleading expression. Hers hardened further.

Reyna closed her eyes a deep sigh escaping her lips. As her sister marched away with determined steps she could only hope for the best.

She looked up sadly as Hylla angrily looked down on her from the rising plateforme. Her head and spear standing proud.

______________

A few moments before, Nico on his part stared around the room unsure of what to pick.

He had picked out a modest armor not too heavy to move around in.

A Stygian iron sword, in the middle of the room he found a small circle rack holding a single object.

The Diocletian scepter.

"How." He muttered taking the artifact in his hand.

"For fun."

Nico jumped spinning around to the ever changing form of Chronus.

He looked down at the impishly smiling child and then looked up at a tall smirking man.

"What are you."

The primordial shrugged "I just wanted to see you, I quite enjoy you're story Nico Di Angelo, your strange relationship with me even more."

Nico's face twisted in confusing before he realized the god meant time in general. Which the son of Hades simply could not deny.

"You demigods stumble across so many objects that make fights so interesting. It's only fair to give you a chance." Added Chronus brushing a finger along the scepter.

"Isn't this overkill." Calmly asked Nico.

Chronus shrugged "your opponent is wielding the belt of Hypollita, with it she is far beyond what your physical capacities can be."

"Even then I'm not stupid, the scepter only obeys Roman officials." Huffed Nico placing the scepter back in the weapon rack.

Chronus's shoulders shook as he let out a chuckle, his shape changing with each shake. "Oh you believe me petty enough to put such a weapon in your reach with such a stupid rule? My boy I can't blame you for thinking me like your family, but I can assure you it's not the case."

Nico raised an eyebrow, thoroughly unconvinced.

Chronus shrugged "it's your choice."

The son of Hades glanced at the scepter. He needed all the chances he could get.

Besides, what was he going to lose taking it? Maybe he'll be able to wack her with it.

Grasping a small shield he took the scepter and tied it to its waist. It's dark orb reflecting the dim light.

He stepped on the platform worrying about how far he'd need to go. This was Reyna's sister after all, so how far would he allow her to push him.

How far would he push her?

___________________

The two opponents rose into the sands of time. Gauging each other, Nico shifted the grip on his sword awaiting for what type of fight he was looking at.

The Amazon ran forward towards Nico, shield and spear raised. Her form flawless and without hesitation.

Nico raised his own shield cursing himself for his reflex.

The haste of the Amazon cost her as the sands suddenly shifted into a concrete wall.

Nico flinched a bit as the wall cracked. He stepped back analyzing his surroundings.

He quickly realized this was the Amazon HQ. Hazel had described it to him in very interesting details. The maze of containers behind him weren't reassuring. He couldn't see an end to it.

A fist suddenly burst through the thick concrete wall. Nico didn't waste time stepping inside the shadows ending up atop the containers.

Just in time for Hylla to angrily burst through the wall.

"Fight me face to face coward!" She snapped scanning her surroundings. She marched into the maze of containers her shield raised.

She knew where she was marching too, this was her kingdom after all. Nico followed along making sure to not make a single sound as he essentially stalked her.

He tensed before leaping down towards her, his sword raised.

Hylla turned around just in time to slam her shield across his face.

Nico's head snapped backwards as he was sent flipping backwards into the side of a red container, the metal denting deeply.

"Did you really think such a simple tactic would be the end of me." Coldly growled the Amazon.

Nico spat some blood from his split lip. "Well, can't blame me for going to a simple solution for simple minded problem."

He leaned away and yelped a little as the spear imbeded itself inches away from his cheek. Nico ignored the shallow cut of his cheek, throwing himself aside as the Amazon closed in on him.  

Hylla frowned in frustration as her fingers swiped through the steel of the containers instead of the flesh of her ennemy.

She ripped the spear out of the container and charged the son of Hades, not giving him a moment to breathe.

Nico managed to dodge out of the way of her furious stabs, but soon he had no choice but to utilize his shield to survive the onslaught. Unable to get closer due to her advantage in range.

He felt his back hit the wall, in a split second he deflected her spear. His arm shaking harshly from the simple maneuver. Before she could pull her weapon free of its confines, Nico sliced the spear in half with his weapons. Terminating her advantage.

But Hylla wasn't deterred. She struck at Nico furiously with the remains of her weapon. The son of Hades raised his shield up, realizing too late that he got played.

Hylla slammed the edge of her shield in his side. Nico's ribs exploded in burning agony, but he swallowed the pain back down.

He thrusted his sword low, only causing damage as he precisely brought it back.

Hylla gritted her teeth at the shallow cut behind her knee. She swung wide with her shield, the son of Hades leaning backwards just in time, her shield barely brushing against his throat before it imbeded itself in the wall next to her.

She wrung it free, but her opponent was already long gone.

Hylla hated shadow travel, a power like that only manifested in squirmy cowardly weasels. The warrior inspected her leg testing it a bit.

Just an inch lower and her tendon would have been sectioned.

Perhaps she misjudged him, if only a bit.

_______________

"Why did they have to steal all the muscles." Grumbled Nico nursing his side as he leaned onto a factory machine far away from the containers.

"Oh look at me I'm Percy Jackson, I got perfect skin and I can bench press a damn truck, I'm Thalia I can move boulders the size of cars." Somewhat mockingly said the son of Hades grumpy from pain.

He took a deep breath and winced as pain erupted again.

"Yep that's broken." Sighed the son of Hades. Perks of having an aspiring doctor as a boyfriend, he knew just how to assess how broken his body got.

Leaning with his good side Nico tried thinking of a plan.

He could try to use the scepter, but that was a maybe at best, but summoning skeletal warriors would slow her down maybe tire her out. Or it might slow him down and result in his death.

A shadow loomed over him. 

"Oh for fuck sake!" Snapped Nico leaping aside as a forklift landed where he was.

Nico groaned in frustration using the scepter as a crutch to get back up.

The Amazon queen stood nearly a hundred yards away shouldering a single forklift. She took aim with her free arm and spun around like she was an Olympic athlete throwing a weight.

Nico lept out of the way as she launched yet another forklift.

He ran backwards deeper into the HQ, into a more narrow hallway Hylla hot on his heels. The son of Hades slid down to a stop. He was at a dead end surrounded by cells.

The hallway was dark the only light emanating from the entrance. One way in one way out.

"So it's here you keep you're disobedient slaves?" Nico taunted adjusting his hold on the scepter.

Hylla unsheathed her sword marching towards the boy.

"Nothing to say? Not ashamed are you?"

"I don't expect an ignorant boy to understand the sacrifices and decisions needed for such a great cause." Scoffed Hylla.

Nico rolled his eyes. "Yeah hide behind all those grandiose words and ideas. I know your type, spreading they're own pain everywhere because they can't process it. Been there, pathetic type of person isn't it?"

Hylla's hold tightened and she charged. Only to stumble backwards as the ground before cracked open.

Decomposed Roman soldiers crawled out of the ground shield raised. Hylla rolled her eyes casually smacking the skeletons aside.

With one swipe of her shield she sent an entire rowe of skeletons flying into each other. Each falling like bowling pins.

She stepped on the skull of a fallen warrior reducing it's exposed skull to dust.

Shields and armor yielded under the near lazy swings of her sword, until she was surrounded by piles of shattered bones.

Hylla nearly growled realizing the son of Hades was already long gone. She spun around tensing, a small involuntary gasp escaping her.

Nico stepped away from her his expression grim. Practically using the scepter as a cane he stepped away.

Hylla shook her head feeling a bit dizzy. She pressed a hand to her side at the flaw of her armor. The cut was shallow at best, yet she felt so tired. As if a gallon of blood had been siphoned from her.

She gritted her teeth retaliating, but Nico was already taking his distance. He kept letting her strike at him, her movement growing slower and slower. She swung her shield like a mace the son of Hades nimbly ducking under her arm slicing her bicep open on his path.

The daughter of Bellona felt her arm go numb.

"We don't have to keep going." Pointed out Nico from a safe distance. "We can just stop right now and go back. Your pride isn't worth your life."

"No." Growled Hylla "your right, BUT IT'S WORTH YOURS!"

Digging deep she swung her numb arm sending her shield sailing through the air like a deadly discus.

Nico batted the shield away his hold on his sword nearly giving out.

Hylla charged again swinging her arm down. Nico ducked to the side leaving himself open to a strong punch.

Hylla clobbered the son of Hades in the jaw. The poisonous effects of the Stygian iron allowing Nico to keep his jaw in place.

Nonetheless he was stunned. Her next kick sending him flying. He slid across the ground into a wall, shaking his head, a great mistake that enhanced the agonizing headache he was victim of. The son of Hades managed to climb back to his feet.

He raised the Diocletian Scepter summoning a new wave of soldiers.

Using her good hand Hylla launched her sword like a spear.

The blade went through several skulls, before it shattered the crystal sphere of the scepter into a thousand pieces. The Roman soldiers fell to dust leaving the two panting demigods alone to face each other.

Nico went on the offensive hoping she was weakened enough. He thrusted his blade at the arm he injured. Hylla burst forward her weakened arm wraping around his elbow.

With one swift motion she wrenched her arm up popping Nico's arm out of its socket.

This time the son of Hades couldn't stifle the scream of pain. Hylla raised her fist nearly snarling as she prepared to strike.

Darkness overtook her. Frigid cold wind whistled past her ears, her hold around the broken arm never yielding.

The two blasted through the shadows finally breaking apart. The throne room of Hylla stretching before them.

Nico layed there for a few moments. Weakly rolling on his back groaning in pain.

"Well this isn't the worst I've felt, but this might be top five.

Hylla stood over him with a thunderous expression. "Girl, you might be Reyna's sister but you are going to regret this." Bluntly said Nico.

She threateningly raised her foot.

Nico slammed his intact hand on the floor. The stone ground rumbled, a blunt spire of grey stone the size of an eighteen wheeler slamming the queen back into her throne in a shower of debris.

"Now are we done here!" Snapped the son of Hades.

Nico blinked the plain grey ceiling of the throne room replaced by the cloudy sky.

Hades leaned over him offering a hand.

"That was, anticlimactic, but I am proud of you my son. You fought well, despite not aiming to take off her head." Nico rolled his eyes at the hint of dissaproval and worked his arm.

Hazel slammed into him hugging him so hard she lifted him off her feet. Will Solace quickly examining the son of Hades for further damage before crushing him as well. Planing a kiss on his head.

Hades smiled a bit at the sight of his children. His own happiness growing at the sight of they're care.

Nico looked around.

"I didn't accidentally kill her right?" He asked a bit worried.

He spotted Reyna helping her dazed sister to her feet. Hylla wrenched her arm free from her sister's hold and sprinted towards Nico.

She lept towards him at high speed. Hades had his back turned to the affront, only registering the presence of the Queen as she passed him.

Nico went for his sword, but he was too slow.

He felt a small shockwave blow his hair back. Slowly he opened his eyes to a clear sky suddenly turning cloudy with a chance of smiting.

Jason Grace held Hylla's fist slowly pushing her arm backwards. Hazel's eyes never leaving her. Nico wondered what kind of spell she had in mind.

"There's humility in losing, better go search for it."

Hylla ripped her fist away glaring at the son of Jupiter. Ares glared at him as well over her shoulder, nearly snarling at the disrespect of his honorary daughter and the lack of additional bloodshed.

Hylla marched away her head held high, but Nico could already see it. Even after just a single loss her fellow amazons were already doubting her strength. They were like opportunistic hyenas.

"I had that" Blurted Nico. Jason smiled, Nico realized just how badly he missed seeing it.

"Sure you did ghost king." He teased bumping his shoulder.

His eyes met Reyna's the daughter of Bellona ever so slightly pursing her lips.

"Oh, that's her regretful face. Maybe you should talk to her?" Mused Jason looking worried.

"Why don't you?" Exclaimed Nico receiving a bit of an elbow from Will.

"This isn't about me." Shrugged Jason "plus, I have a feeling she's. She's already mourned, not hurting her further is the least I owe her."

Nico's heart grew heavy.

"This might be your last chance to get some things off you're chest." Honestly replied the son of Hades.

"Maybe." Jason admitted looking hesitant. "But if there was anything I absolutely needed to hear in my time living, I probably would have been told."

Despite disagreeing with his sentiment. Nico admired his certainty and the peace of which he looked at his life.

He jumped a bit as Percy slapped his shoulder. He slapped his cousin's hand away as he ruffled his hair in congratulation, the son of Poseidon chuckling.

The crowd gathered split apart. Leaving Nico to try and find Reyna.

It took him a while, but eventually he found her seated on the edge of the island overlooking the arena. Asgard stretching in the distance.

Nico sat beside her. The two laying deep in silence.

"What you said to Hylla."

"I was just taunting her." Tried to assure Nico. Reyna's face hardened.

"Don't treat me with a velvet glove. She denied none of your claims. What you did to Bryce Lawrence, could you have done it to her?"

Nico stared at Reyna wide eyed.

"I- I'm not sure I could have. I'm not even sure if that power works on everyone, but. She certainly committed enough crimes for it." 

Nico held no pleasure in telling her this, but Reyna always deeply valued honesty.

She sighed her shoulders sagging under the new fact.

"I know what she does is wrong. That her ways are outdated hypocritical and barbaric and yet."

"You can't help, but defend her like she's all you got left. That's because that's exactly the case. At least the one that knows you the most. I know it's easy to feel alone despite having many people willing to help you. Percy showed me that a few years back."

Reyna hummed her gaze lost in the clouds.

"My sister abandoned me too."

Reyna's head snapped to him in surprise.

"It, it took me a while to actually admit it to myself. When we met Percy and found out we were demigods. I thought this was a new start for us, a new great adventure, but the hunt had other plans."

The daughter of Bellona slowly started piecing the pieces together. Nico's breath caught up in his throat.

Reyna grasped his hand, shamelessly fueling his bravery so he may keep confessing.

"She got the chance to be devoid of burdens and she took it without a second thought. She just dropped me in the arms of people we barely just met. I was angry I was terrified I was hurt beyond belief. I know she was just a kid too, but it doesn't change how much she hurt me. She was my whole world and she just left when some higher purpose called her."

Reyna recalled the same feelings when her sister left for the Amazons.

"That was a crappy thing to do, but I defended her still. I pushed my anger on Percy, until Bianca set me straight. She made me realize I was angry at her. I had every right to be. So you have every right to be angry too. All we can do is accept what happened and try to live with it. You still have your sister yes, but."

"The person who was my whole world might as well have just passed away as well." Finished Reyna with a deep sigh.

"So this is why you dislike the hunt."

"Dislike is too light of a word." Admitted Nico "it's one of the many grudges I'm trying to let go of."

"Well I think your doing a great job." Softly smiled Reyna giving his hand a squeeze.

Nico kept looking ahead as the sky slowly dissolved into a starry sky.

"Can I ask you one thing?"

The last sun rays shone in Reyna's eyes as she replied "anything" as the realm was slowly showered in a soft darkness.

"The hunt already took one of my sisters. Just, make sure they don't take another away from me okay." Reyna stared at him intently, shock only briefly crossing her eyes before certainty settled in.

"I promise."

Chapter Text

Percy Jackson slept peacefully in his bed. His mind at peace for once as he lost himself in a dreamless daze.

Moonlight descended on him from the balcony of his room. A shadow suddenly stretched over him, yet no one was there.

The shadow reared it's arm backwards the shadow of a blade slowly dragging along Percy's chest. A small creak echoed around the room.

Percy's eyes didn't even crack open, the sword swung down, Annabeth leaping over the bed like a lioness just in time.

The daughter of Athena crashed into the hidden figure sending them both flying over the railing of the balcony.

The two crashed into the floor, Annabeth rolled back onto her feet, scanning the moonlit night around her.

A figure appeared behind her the air shimmering, a golden sword appeared raised high above they're head.

A blur of bronze flew past the assailant, Riptide imbeding itself hilt deep into the marble floor.

Alabaster Torrington flinched at the shallow cut in his cheek. His eyes snapped up at the small balcony his blood running cold.

There menacingly stood the son of Poseidon. He stepped off the edge falling a dozen meter below light on his feet.

He had seen that look once and only once and it resulted in a thousand dead monsters.

He stood his ground, a spell ready at the tip of his tongue.

Percy Jackson was fast, he was strong more than he could ever be.

But he was no longer invincible.

"Divina—"

In the blink of an eye Perseus Jackson was upon him, his sword raised.

The son of Hecate raised the flat of his blade, the tip braced against his palm in a pale imitation of a shield.

Alabasters felt his imperial gold blade slam against his forehead. The sheer force from his ennemy's swing sending him flying off his feet. He flew into a garden through a marble statue depicting Eros.

The son of Hecate groaned letting out a pained wheeze as he regained his breath.

"Who are you." Calmly demanded Percy peering down at the recovering demigod.

Alabaster gripped his sword and swung at Percy's leg. Riptide intercepted the blade slapping it out of Alabaster's weakened grip.

Percy sighed.

"Either you're someone from the future with a grudge. Or you were part of the army of Kronos. You won't get what you want anyway. Move on."

Riptide receded back into it's pen form. The son of Poseidon walked away.

Blind with rage Alabaster climbed to his feet and launched a fire ball at Percy's shoulder.

The back of his shirt caught fire.

Percy stoped, the remains of his shirt glimmering with blazing ashes floating away. Not even a hair singed on his body.

He turned around, an intense pillar of white flames rising between them.

"Please stand down Nephew, there is no need to shed blood."

Alabaster frowned and could not push back the shiver going down his spine. He slowly turned around watching a hand of water connected to a pond ready to clamp down on his head.

It fell down with a splash.

"I can't let it slide a second time aunt Hestia." Was all Percy calmly told the goddess before walking away.

Alabaster stared at Percy's retreating back, he wanted to shout he wanted to strike.

But he was a mouse stalking a lion.

Angry tears streamed down his face. Alabaster talked big on wanting to give the son of Poseidon what he deserved.

Yet despite studying the arcane for years and deeper than any of his siblings. He was still out of reach.

"Walk with me child."

Despite himself Alabaster followed Hestia.

"You're wrath is more than understandable, but it is misplaced nonetheless."

"He's the one who made you win. If it wasn't for him."

"Perseus Jackson is a large cog in an even larger machine, but only one nonetheless. Who will be next in you're quest for revenge? The late Jason Grace, his sister perhaps, will the children of they're children have to answer for they're actions? Where does you're anger even begin to end up so far as to attempt to murder someone defenseless in they're sleep." Gently questioned the goddess.

Alabaster glared at the goddess.

"What else to expect from the goddess of enablers."

"I love my family, no matter how dark and twisted it gets that I cannot deny. What would you have this humble goddess of the hearth do in face of Zeus? I attempt to keep spirits calmer on Olympus, but the first to admit my attempts don't always work is me."

"Why help me." Demanded Alabaster eager to change the subject.

"You threatened his love. Had you attacked Percy alone he wouldn't have been so inclined to take off you're head."

"Oh that makes it so much better." Sarcastically scoffed the son of Hecate.

"Those who managed to escape that night were pardoned and spared. Thanks to the boy you tried to kill today. Wether you like it or not you're life is owed to him. Do you wish to know the funniest part? He'd never ask you to pay that debt."

"What are you even trying to say?"

"He is not you're ennemy, despite the fact you only see him as one. A piece of advice you most likely don't want. Sometimes the best way to assure the destruction of you're ennemy is to befriend him."

Alabaster scoffed "you're words mean nothing to me, I tried to end you're entire family dynasty why would you're advice hold any weight."

Alabaster departed from the goddess, but merely a few feet away she spoke up again.

"You're mother speaks only fondly of you."

The demigod stopped on his path.

"She only wishes for you to find some peace in you're life. Sadly no spell can bring you this child, neither can vengeance upon another child just like you."

Alabaster marched deeper into the greek city. Far away from where the others had congregated. He opened the door to the small house. It was stacked like the apartment a teen his age would enjoy. It seemed Chronus had enough decency to give people ways to distract themselves as they waited for they're name to be called.

The fire place lit up in a spark of cobalt flames. Revealing someone seated in a leather armchair in front of the fire.

It was the mysterious mist user from before. His face hidden underneath a magical hood.

Alabaster glared at the hood trying to break through the mist. He growled through gritted teeth as he clutched his now aching head.

"That's cute." He said with a clear smile in his voice. 

"Who are you." Demanded the son of Hecate deep down bewildered

"Oh you'll find out, in about a bit over a decade if my count is right. I'm just gonna need to ask you to please, kindly chill the fuck out."

"What?"

"That whole trying to murder people in they're sleep yeah no, I'll leave you with a friendly warning."

The fire place died out casting the room in darkness.

Alabaster blinked and suddenly froze in place meeting blood red irises in the pitch black darkness.

"Perseus Jackson will be the least of you're worries if you try that nonsense again. Understood?"

The light turned back on normal within the apartment. Alabaster gasped for breath loudly as his body was released wondering what in the countless hells had just happened.

Wiping sweat from his brows the son of Hecate dragged his feet to the barren, but comfortable bedroom and collapsed in it. Sleep swiftly clamping down on his mind.

____________

He was back in Central Park again. Probably not to far from the tree that was once the mighty Hyperion.

"Kronos is gone." Alabaster had told his fellow demigods. No longer able to feel the presence of the Titan Lord.

"What"

It was his brother, his youngest brother looking up at him with his small wide green eyes. His armor barely fit his small frame.

"Hey, don't worry Andy." He said kneeling to grasp his shoulders. "Everything will be okay, got it?"

The younger son of Hecate slowly nodded. Alabaster frowned feeling his whole body shake under the weight of his armor.

He quickly helped him take it off while the other unclaimed panicked around him.

"What do we do!? What do we do!?" Panicked a daughter of Iris.

"We fight!" Snapped a sibling of Ethan Nakamura leaning on his spear like it was his lifeline. The words he uttered must have been all the fire he had left in him.

"Are you crazy!? The Olympians will be here any minute! Hell any second! We need to run, maybe the sewers?"

"Gather our brothers and sisters." He whispered to Andy, the child nodded scurrying off.

"We need to scatter, regroup then we can think of a new plan."

"What new plan, where can we even go?! Yelled an unclaimed demigod. "If we're not cut down by the gods it's the monsters who will!"

Alabaster calmly slapped him.

"We need to keep our heads straight." He snapped shaking his fellow soldier by the shoulders.

"We gather in Alaska, it's beyond the reach of the gods. As for the monsters I have a plan for that."

"Which is." Inquired a son of Trivia propped up against a tree. Another unclaimed pressing her shaking hands to the gaping spear wound in his stomach.

Courtesy of Thalia Grace.

"Kill Lamia, she's the one responsible for demigods having a scent in the first place. Once she's dead only monsters able to sense aura's will be able to find us."

"How do you know this?" Asked his Roman sibling hope rekindled in his eyes.

"I found it in the notes of our brother, Merlin. Museums really don't know what they're holding onto sometimes. He figured it out sometimes after the Middle Ages. She dies, we're free."

"Isn't that your sister? Also we'll only be free as long as she's dead. For all we know that could be a long time yes, but it could also be a few days." Jumped in another unclaimed Alabaster could have sworn was probably a child of Athena.

"She eats children." Shrugged the son of Hecate "I don't think I'll lose sleep over killing her."

"What if we just surrender?"

Many glared at the girl that proposed such an idea. Alabaster looked at her sadly. "You're hoping the one time your parent will ever give a damn about you is when you're going to die. You think they'll spare you now?"

She looked down to hide her tears.

"We don't surrender, it's simply not in our cards."

Andy came back his weary siblings not far behind him. Alabaster gave him a reassuring smile.

Slowly it faded as he smelled the scent of ozone. He began an incantation for the strongest protection spell he could muster.

In a blinding flash he was blown backwards into a tree. Lightning crackled above in the sky, but Alabaster could hardly hear anything alone. He crawled forward trying to gather himself. He looked around.

His harmless Roman brother, was still slumped against the tree. A single golden arrow protruding from his heart.

The girl whom Alabaster forgot the name of, kneeled before the Olympians her lips moving frantically tears streaming down her face.

With a single swipe of Ares' sword her head fell, her horrified expression turned to Alabaster as the rest of her body fell forward.

Alabaster turned his head back forward and froze. A pile of charred bones. A small skull staring back at him.

In a horrified daze, Alabaster cradled the skull of his younger brother. He felt the hum of magical energy flowing through the bone. Every part of a demigod was chalk full of it even the blood and flesh.

Alabaster wept as he pressed his forehead to what used to be his family. 

He looked up as his eyes caught a glimpse of silver. Artemis stood before him silver knife in hand. She looked down at him with pity igniting a deep hatred within the son of Hecate.

Fueling himself with the remaining energy of his brother's remains. He threw his free hand forward pouring every ounce of agony into one very simple word he didn't even hear himself.

Ignis 

A small, but powerful torrent of purple flames erupted from his hand. The goddess raised her forearm protecting herself.

The spell was short lived Alabaster's hands falling down against his will. The skull in his hand falling to dust.

The goddess didn't look angered by her burnt forearm. Her expression remained unchanged. It's only then that Alabaster's earing came back. He heard his fellow demigods beg for they're lives, one by one they were silenced.

"Close you're eyes child." Softly ordered the goddess.

Alabaster defiantly held her gaze tears streaming down his cheeks. He wanted her to feel all his loathing before he died.

Swift the goddess struck down.

Only not swift enough.

Alabaster found himself kneeling before an altar in a dimly lit church.

He stared at it for what felt like an eternity before a pair of slender arms wrapped around him. He didn't need any magic to recognize the hold of his mother.

He felt her tears falling in his hair feeling like drops of fire reminding him of his failures, of everything he lost.

He woke up softly crying. Not a sound breaching his lips. A skill he learned to survive on his own.

He stiffened as a pair of familiar arms wrapped around him.

Hecate rocked back and forth softly crying herself.

No law could keep her from holding her scared children now.

"I never blamed you, for any of them. I need you to know that my child."

It didn't lift the weight on Alabaster's shoulders, not even in the slightest. Although it did alleviate his guilt.

He couldn't muster words, letting his mother hold him closer.

Only no word needed to be spoken.

After all a mother always knew.

____________

Annabeth poked Percy's cheek pushing him out of his musings.

"Still thinking about that guy? You haven't touched you're breakfast."

Percy shrugged "I can't shake the sense I've seen him before today."

"So Kronos?" Grimly guessed the daughter of Athena.

"I'm fearing as much. How many like him do you think there are. How many who'll never let it go, or me." He added pointedly.

"Percy." Softly began Annabeth.

"I can't give a kid that kind of existence Annabeth. Especially knowing this now."

Next to them Piper choked on her food a bit.

"I'm sorry I have to have heard you wrong. Are you guys thinking about having a baby?"

Percy and Annabeth became quite mortified when her words attracted the looks of nearly everyone in earshot.

"No, yes, I don't know okay!" Nearly snapped the son of Poseidon.

"I can only hope you're dimwitted son doesn't polute the intelligence of her offsprings." Sighed Athena dragging a hand down her face.

"And I can only hope you drop the evil step mother act soon." Replied Poseidon taking a sip of wine.

Gods himself included knew he'd need it at the pace the day was going.

"It's a pretty big decision." Calmly commented Jason playing with his food. "one filled with risks, especially for us.

"Tell me about it, some dude tried to murder me in my sleep last night." Huffed Percy like he was talking about a minor inconvenience.

"You're oddly calm about that." Pointed out Leo a bit weirded out.

"Well Percy is like a bear, he's pretty murderous when half awake." Piped up Nico giving his cousin a pointed look.

"Are you ever going to let that go? I didn't know it was you it's not like I nearly broke you're tracquea or something."

"No you just nearly beheaded me."

"I'm sorry what." Bluntly jumped in Will Solace.

"Long story short Nico's dad was being a butt hurt jerk and trapped me in a dungeon when I was trying to gain the curse of Achilles I fell asleep and kinda choked Nico when he came to get me."

Not far from him Hades' eye twitched.

"Kinda." Protested the son of Hades. "It felt like I had a hydraulic press clamped around my neck. For a second I'm pretty sure my head would've popped."

"Oh you're exagerating now, you're not that fragile."

Nico glared at Percy the table growing a bit tense. Thalia on her part merely kept eating as if nothing was happening.

"Should we be worried?" Questioned Helen glancing between Nico and Percy.

"You kidding? Neither of these mama's boy would dare ruin Hestia's breakfast. Beside if they were going to throw down Nico would already be body slammed through the table."

"Jeez Thalia, you're faith in me always warms my cold dead heart." Bluntly huffed the son of Hades.

"No offense but you're still built like an anorexic chicken."

Nico gawked a bit at his cousin arguing with her instead of Percy.

As a result the son of Poseidon rescinded back to the depth of his mind. It could be quite a dangerous place at times. Especially when it came to the battle of manathan.

Percy liked to tell others that he tried his best to simply knock out his ennemies in the fray. More importantly it's what he told himself.

Only despite his greatest efforts his blade was still drowned in blood by the end. Mostly evaporated by his clash with Hyperion.

How many faces had he glanced at as he slaughtered hundreds of monsters dozens of demigods if not more. How much terror had he instilled and yet overlooked.

To how many still, was he the monster of the story?

Percy recalled the wrathful helplessness cracking the boy's expression.

And it hit him like a tsunami. Before the battle itself on the Princess Andromeda.

He had effortlessly disarmed and pinned a boy against a wall, told him to run away. To abandon ship before he died.

Had he died? Was this boy from the past back to haunt him. Or simply a wrathful spirit of the present stuck in this horrible shared history.

Percy covered his eyes with his hand leaning on the table for support.

Even if his would be attempting murderer was dead or alive what did it change.

A trail of bodies would always follow him no matter what. An orchestra of agony composed of all his victims awaited him upon his death. Friends and ennemies alike begging the singular question.

Why.

Percy erupted from his seat before he could spiral down further.

He made a beeline for the temple of Poseidon. More like a two story apartment building. Most of the first floor was occupied by a massive Olympic sized pool. Calling it such was an understatement. It was like the primordial of time had carefully sliced a piece of the sea and carefully deposited it here for them.

Percy dove in the water letting himself sink like a rock in the darkness. His back met a bed of bioluminescence algae that flickered with a gentle blue light as he landed.

Percy clamped his eyes shut trying to banish the memories of his actions. Wondering how many of them he could truly be held responsible for.

After all, he didn't start any of this. The terrible parenting and callous arrogance of the gods did. They're casual cruelty and selfishness had bred countless tyrants and murderers before. 

How much could he himself truly be blamed for it?

He let out a sigh a single bubble forming from his lips slowly floating to the surface. Percy followed it lazily until it popped at the surface of the water.

There at the edge of the pool he finally noticed Thalia dipping her feet in the water.

They're eyes met, but there was no expectation from her eyes. He didn't have to come up if he didn't want too is what her gaze told him.

Nonetheless the more curious demigod let himself float at the surface. Ha lazily drifted near her staring at the blue ceiling of the temple decorated like a coral reef.

"It's pretty here." She commented "I kind of envy it. The sky's cool, but. The sea looks so colorful and full of life when you can actually see it. Like a forbidden forest."

Percy listened to her speak rarely hearing so much calmness from her voice.

"I used to fear him drowning me you know. At least that's what my mother kept repeating me whenever I even dared step foot on a beach."

She flicked her feet a bit more splashing Percy a bit.

"In Alaska Gaia trapped me in a pit of mud. There wasn't much else I could do outside of helplessly trash. I get why you're scared of heights now. It's so weird, these things they're a part of us. A fundamental part of our being. Yet it can so easily kill us at the whims of our own fathers and whatever other gods under them."

Thalia smiled sadly.

"So what's wrong with you?"

Percy hadn't exactly expected her to come see him on a whim, but he still wished she hadn't asked. He sighed the water rippling with his breath.

"The guy that tried to kill me, he was on the Princess Andromeda. It all went downhill in my head from there."

"Yeah, remembering those days tend to do that to us all."

"I should have followed you're advice, feeling for my ennemies is starting to feel too heavy."

Thalia scoffed a bit quickly turning into a small laugh. Percy didn't inquire further, but it didn't stop her from speaking up.

"I gave you an advice I thought was wise. Look at that not even an hour later the empathy you managed to feel for both Ethan Nakamura and Luke Castellan saved the entire goddamn world."

Percy didn't respond.

"In the end I was wrong, I trusted this line of thought and it would have killed us all. It's partially why and I'll zap you if you tell anyone this... I trust you better than myself."

Percy finally tilted his head in her direction.

"The things we did Percy, we can't forget we can only live with. A lot of people like to think they'd like being in you're shoes, but they're pretty stupid. You didn't chose to be born the son of Poseidon, just like you didn't chose for the outcomes that led to war. Our ennemies might have had understandable reasons for the path they chose, but it doesn't change the fact that they would have killed us as well."

Percy stared back at the ceiling and let out a deep sigh.

"These days I find it hard to ignore the trail of bodies in my wake."

"Doesn't sound like your only talking about ennemies... I thought you told Melinoe that you forgave yourself?"

"Doesn't mean I'll ever forget. Besides doubt arise and fall like the tides." Shrugged Percy.

"Look at you being all poetic, watch out Apollo might get the hots for you even more now."

"Please tell me that's a joke."

Thalia smirked and got up. "come on out, you gave Annabeth a bit of a scare."

Percy grimaced a bit at the thought and went to bring himself out of the pool.

"So thoughts on baby names?"

A wave of water surged from the pool dragging her into it. 

The hunter burst out of the water calmly glaring at Percy who merely smiled a bit back at her.

"I take it you're not big on the idea of fatherhood."

"You've met me Thalia, what do you think." Softly shot back Percy marching towards the exit.

"I think you're terrified of it for every good and wrong reasons."

She once again gave Percy pause upon the doorstep, but he quickly shrugged it off and went outside to a quite hectic scene.

"What's going on?" He demanded to the nearest person.

The young hunter froze a bit her eyes wide before she steeled herself.

"Frank Zhang is missing and we don't know why."

"Was his name called?"

She shook her head leading Percy to a gathering in one of the many gardens. Everyone was there gods goddesses amazons Greek Romans and Orphans. At least they're three main representatives. Nico had told Percy quite a bit about them, but they still remained a mystery to both of them.

Percy frowned seeing Hazel worried sick, her father worriedly hovering around her. Clearly unsure on how to comfort her without it being painfully awkward for the both of them.

"Why would Chronus just randomly zap Frank somewhere else? This makes no sense!" Exclaimed Leo tapping a screwdriver on his chin the tip of his hair smocking.

"Has Frank said anything to anger the god?" Questioned Reyna.

"My son did no such thing." Growled Ares looking uncharacteristically tense.

"Yeah he's too Canadian for that." Huffed Clarisse whom Percy wasn't even aware was there until now.

Or maybe she was there even before him. Time was quickly losing it's hold in this realm.

"Maybe he's trying to change things up?" Offered Piper "gods get bored and come up with whole other nonsense to keep themselves busy."

Many gods looked at her offended while nearly every mortal present nodded in agreement.

"You're all over thinking things... again."

Every gaze turned to the hooded magic user standing at the edge of the garden. Percy noticed Helen's hand go to her knife just seeing him.

"Oh great how are you going to enlighten us this time." Sneered a future Roman standing in front of Hazel like she was in danger.

"Just take a look at his family tree idiot. We were all categorized on islands and by heritage. Frank Zhang descends from both Ancient Greece and China. And we have an overzealous reality warper hungry for drama. Where the hell do you think he is?"

___________

Frank had no idea where he was.

He was layed out in a field of tall grass the smell of peach reached his nose as his eyes fluttered open.

Pink petals floated down around him, a monkey munched on a peach above him. Dropping the core on his forehead he was fully awaken more than a bit startled.

Sitting up he was met with a massive village stretching before him. He didn't even need a picture for comparison it's what his grand mother had often described him as ancient China.

Frank gulped, this could only mean one thing. He was in ennemy territory.

A small orange pink faced macaque landed on his shoulder. Startling the son of Mars, he eyed the monkey for a bit as it gripped his ear for support, still ravenously biting on a peach.

"As long as you don't bite me we're cool monkey."

With that Frank sighed and hesitantly made his way within the city. His steps dragging along the paved stone ground.

Frank felt like the equivalent of that one distanced relative who couldn't remember the names of anyone to save his life. He felt embarassed to be there already.

At least the ghost town gave him the time to think about what to say. Although it was jarring to see such a beautiful colorful city empty.

"You must be new." A young voice piped up behind him.

Frank jumped and turned around only to see no one. He looked down and saw a young Chinese boy about twelve looking up at him critically like he was the newest fad toy in stores. His hair was black tied in twin buns tied with red ribbons. He wore a simple vest and white linen pants tied at the ankles, his feet firmly hidden in bright yellow roller skaters. A too long red scarf wrapped around his neck.

"Huh, hi little boy I'm just a bit lost I'm not exactly from around here."

The boy grinned a way that reminded him painfully of Leo. Frank wisely took a step back the monkey on his shoulder looking at the child intently.

"Oh you are definitely are new. I'm Nezha." Frank hesitantly shook the boy's hand his every senses telling him to be wary and at the same time to be reassured.

"I think I've heard that name before... you're not really a child are you?" 

The boy looked up at him "That's about as obvious as the fact you're not surrounded by good company."

Frank rubbed his arm self conscious about his tattoo. The demigod shrugged.

"We don't chose our family."

Nezha looked down at his arm and winced. "Yeah he won't be pleased."

"Who won't be-?" 

The Roman demigod was cut off as something slammed into the side of his face sending him flying through an ancient Chinese house. Groaning Frank rubbed his jaw leaning on the side of the well he landed against for support.

He got up and inspected his surroundings. He was in a small courtyard surrounded by buildings on all sides. His grandmother spoke fondly of this part of a Chinese home. Frank could tell why, if he hadn't just been smacked through a wall he'd enjoy the sight of the garden around him.

He heard the tiles on the roof move. He looks up seeing a boy a bit older than him in casual clothing including a red hoodie, shouldering a Chang Dao. A katana like sword seven foot long in total it's handle three feet long and it's blade four feet.

"I'm not looking for a fight." Stated the son of Mars raising his hands.

"A fight would imply you stand a chance Qīnlüè zhě." Scoffed the boy who could only be a demigod.

Frank frowned thoughtfully searching for the word.

"I'm not an invader." He protested "I don't even know how I ended up here. Chronus is obviously trying to cause unnecessary drama. Fighting now would be even more useless. I'm Frank by the way nice to meet you." He added in blunt sarcasm.

"I am Jiehong, son Chenghuangshen god of borders. God of the ancient cities of China."

"I'm the son of Mars Ultor." Replied Frank calmly lowering his hands. He glanced through the hole he came through. Nezha was gone.

A peregrine falcon flew overhead circling the fight.

"The *Roman* god of war." Jiehong scoffed "did he send you alone to try and conquer us, pathetic."

Frank pinched the bridge of his nose. Neither of the two noticing the falcon diving down. Frank raised his eyes just as it reached top speed and flipped. Mid dive it turned into a boy.

Jiehong was sent flying by the two hundred miles per hour drop kick. Frank instinctively ducked as he flew over his head through a building behind him.

Emile stood on the roof scowling, from where he was Frank found it uncanny just how much he looked like his mother. He looked down at Jiehong from his perch scowling.

Said Chinese demigod rose from the rubbles not worse for wear.

Emile landed beside him.

"Who's this jerk."

"Some dude named Jiehong."

"Some dude!" Snapped the concerned demigod. "I am slayer of Jiangshi Bashe and Baize alike! The seventy two earthly transformations won't save you from me!"

"Isn't one of those just a hopping vampire?" Inquired Emile. Frank nodded keeping his eyes on the ennemy.

"You mastered you're powers?"

"Learned from the best."

"Alright, I take him low you go high."

Emile nodded morphing into a hummingbird and dissapeared within the garden. Frank charges Jiehong as he glance around the garden to keep track of the bird.

Jiehong met him halfway keeping Frank at bay with his sword.

Frank felt a bit silly to have walked around without a weapon until now. He could have turned into a lion or an elephant, but he didn't aim to kill him only to defeat.

The demigod went for a overhead strike. Frank side stepped grabbing his arm.

"I don't want to hurt you."

Jiehong slammed the butt of his sword in Frank's stomach making him stumble a bit.

"Bold of you to assume you can!" He practically sneered back.

Emile erupted from the flowers beside him pecking around his eyes. Jiehong growled in annoyance swinging wildly at the bird his eyes half lidded. He went for another overhead slash that Frank intercepted turning into a bull he spun around slamming his back hooves into his chest. Sending him flying off his feet sliding onto the grass.

"Just stop." Nearly pleaded Frank back to human form.

Jiehong sat up and slashed widely at the air. Frank was confused before the grass violently flattened as a gust of wind slammed into him. Sending the son of Mars flying into a tree.

The bark cracked and so it felt for his spine for a split second. As he gathered his breath his opponent closed in on him his blade raised high.

It froze inches away from his eyes. Jiehong's arms violently trembled as he pressed further.

Frank turned his head to Emile standing not far away his hand outstretched. His eyes glazed over and his expression thunderous.

The sword smocked as it suddenly turned red, before his eyes it liquified cooled down and clamped around Jiehong's neck like a vicious claw.

Frank scrambled to his feet as his now helpless opponent hovered in the air his feet kicking as he slowly suffocated.

"Emile that's enough." 

The legacy only kept on glaring, his fist tightened and so did the bind around Jiehong's neck. The Chinese demigod started convulsing.

Frank ran to his son's side and pushed his arm down.

"That's enough." Emile frowned and looked away dropping Jiehong. Frank realized he might have come off quite harsh, but the way his future son looked. Filled with rage and cold bloodlust worried him deeply.

"What was that." He softly asked.

"He was going to kill you." Weakly protested Emile wrenching his arms away. "We can't just show him mercy, you think the others will?!"

"You sound like Lupa." Sighed Frank reminiscing about the wolf goddess and her often vicious lessons.

"Well she's a wise goddess who's seen empires rise and fall. Without her teachings we'd all be dead."

Frank considered putting a hand on his shoulder. "Following the old teachings of Rome nearly killed us many times as well Emile. There's a time to be ruthless and there is a time to be merciful. We have to be brave and wise enough to know when which is best to chose."

Frank spun around his fist closed as Jiehong lept at him a dagger raised.

A blur of gold smacked the dagger out of his hands. A floating staff spun back towards a tree where an armored monkey man lounged on a large branch eating a peach. He lazily caught the staff letting his free arm hang lazily.

"You've already embarrassed yourself enough little boy." Huffed the monkey man swinging upside down with his feet.

"Who's this guy now." Grumbled Emile.

The anthropomorphic macaque fell down on his feet giving the two newcomers a playful courteous bow.

"I am the enlightened one, the numinous wisdom, the stone monkey, the handsome monkey, Buddha of victorious fighting. I am the sage equal to heaven I am SUN WUKONG!" Dramatically proclaimed the monkey king twirling his staff proudly planting it by his side looking up dramatically.

"Never heard of you." Bluntly replied Emile.

Sun Wukong suddenly groaned like a teenager.

"Oh come on! How can you not know me I've fought demons lifted mountains defeated the strongest of gods."

"No offense sir but I've met two people who did all of those but lifted the sky instead of a mountain."

Sun Wukong let out a deep weary sigh.

"I inspired Son Goku."

"Oh yeah now it's coming back to me." Muttered Emile.

"Stupid brute Hercules got all the good Hollywood contracts." Petulantly grumbled the monkey king. "I had an agent sent there, but apparently my story is too convoluted! Lazy bastards I tell you, my story is badass. Dragon Ball proved it by basing half its story on MINE!"

"You just had to get him started." Sighed Nezha suddenly appearing next to Frank. Jiehong kneeled before the godly child. "He's butt hurt he only has animated movies." 

"Half assed animated movies." Huffed Wukong. "But where have my manners gone."

"Oh because you ever had any." Nezha snarked looking bored.

"I see you've learned my moves." Smirked the Monkey King.

"You don't own the seventy earthly transformations Wukong." 

"I might as well, I'm the one who made it popular." Smugly replied Sun Wukong looking down at Nezha with a smirk.

"I didn't learn the seventy two transformations sir. It's a gift bestowed on my bloodline by Poseidon to my ancestor Periclymenus." Calmly explained Frank.

Wukong leaned down to Nezha.

"Poseidon is the chill one out of the three right?"

"Sure as shit isn't Zeus."

"Well at least there's that." Chuckled Wukong resting his staff upon his shoulder.

"I think you two and I are going to have quite a lot of fun." Smirked the monkey king. "Follow me, I believe it's only fair for you to meet everyone."

The monkey king morphed bingo a bird and flew into the sky.

Nezha's roller blades turned into flaming disks, he flew into the sky leaving a trail of fire marking the sky.

Frank shared a look with his son before they both turned into birds, following the path of the Chinese gods.

Both hoping confrontations would remain limited.

Chapter Text

Zoe stared at the self proclaimed orphans. They flew in the face of authority, camp half-blood and camp Jupiter alike. She had seen many factions detach themselves from these two over the centuries.

Only never one so caring.

Reyna her newest sister had given her opinion on the group, it's apparent patriarch especially.

Asher, he could have been mistaken for a mother back in the glory days of Greece. He was relatively short, his expression and skin quite soft. The way he held the attention of the children around him reminded him of her own mother.

Which she found strange considering she was looking at a boy shamelessly wearing a hand made sling holding not one, but three infants, two remaining on his back.

"Back in our days men would have been shamed for doing such a thing."

Her brother Gabriel followed her gaze.

"You mean Asher? He's a good guy and I mean a really good guy a sweetheart even. Just... for the love of all that is holy, don't mess with his children."

"*his* children? And yes, I get what you mean, he seems well accompanied." Hummed Zoe looking at the other two eldest boys.

The one in green glanced her way with a look that could have only been described as a cold predatorial gaze. Like a wolf ready to pounce.

The other one seemed a tad bit calmer. His deep eyes holding a carefully hidden calculation.

"They caught your eyes as well." Hummed Artemis standing by Zoe "I must admit curiosity gripped me after Reyna's strong words."

"Do you still have to keep up lord Apollo's slack in the matter of caring for children?"

"Not anymore." Piped up Apollo in a somewhat subdued tone also appearing right by her. Gabriel jumped his fist raised halfway. Clearly not as used too godly shenanigans as his sister.

"We should be worried right? I mean these days a nomadic group of children just screams homeless."

"The kids are in good hands." Calmly Protested Gabriel. "You haven't seen them fight like I have, there's no fiercer protectors in nature."

"Well why don't we go make sure." Smiled Apollo strutting towards Asher who had taken a seat in the soft grass not far away.

"He reminds me of a nymph." Muttered Zoe "of the old days, radiant and without worry... only."

"Nymphs are never quite what they seem." Finished Artemis with a nod her gaze floating to the children.

They saw Apollo greet Asher out of earshot, the leader of the orphan shook hands with the sun god. Warmly welcoming him like an old friend.

________

"So you take care for children I've heard?"

Asher nodded "I do, if you or your sister are worried you are free to remain and make sure. If that's alright with my friends." He said sending a careful glance at Alexios.

"As long as she stays far away from me." Frowned the boy turning away from the conversation.

"I'm mostly worried about your lifestyle, the kids seem okay well fed happy. What about the education?" Inquired Apollo taking a seat before the demigod.

"I make sure of that myself, it's a bit rudimentary, but I can definitely pass for a teacher." Smiled Asher rocking the sleeping child in his arms.

"When it comes to survival Alexios is the one teaching them. He spent all his life outside of both camp. He's one of the best survivors out there."

"Worried they'll have to make it without you?"

Asher's smile faded a bit.

"People frown on our way of life. We do not worship the gods, at least not as a necessity. It is a choice, which comes off as great disrespect to the others, but it's not about that."

"Then what is it about?"

"No offense sir, but I won't ask children who have been objectively abandoned by they're parents to pray to them. Or go on quests for them, children should not earn the love of those supposed to love them more than anything. Nothing about loving a child is conditional, it would be hypocritical and highly insensitive to tell the child in my arms. Your father galavanted with a mortal and left you. Now go kill this find that and maybe just maybe you'll get a sign that they care. Your daughter I'm holding deserves better."

Apollo's breath hitched.

"Is she really?" Trailed off Apollo looking down at the slumbering blond haired child.

"Yes, her name is Apollonia. Her mother hoped that honoring you with this name would bring you back. Do you want to hold her?"

"After everything you said?"

Asher's face softened.

"I don't pretend to not understand the plight of a god sir. What I deeply disapprove of is the sheer casual amount of callousness you often show. I know it isn't the same for you anymore. Believe me I wouldn't be making the offer to another god without telling them to earn it."

"I'm not sure you'd say that if Ares was the one talking to you." Huffed Apollo a little amused as he carefully cradled his daughter.

"Oh he tried, he left with more than a bruised ego."

Apollo eyed the demigod a bit warily. Demigods often talk big on they're deeds little white lies that Apollo could sense still.

And Asher had yet to utter a single white lie.

"Is that so, what happened then?"

Asher smiled a bit "he played with fire and got burned. Having witnessed Icarus I think you understand what that looks like."

"Truth is poor boy didn't even get near earshot of my chariot." Winced Apollo remembering feeling quite bewildered when the story of the boy that brushed against the sun became so popular.

Asher hummed "well history isn't only written by victors I guess. The overzealous looking for reasoning within simple things often do so as well too much."

Apollo sensed his sister approach them.

"How do you keep them safe? All three of you can't be enough."

"The children may not look like it, but most of them can hang in a fight."

"Hanging in a fight isn't enough." Replied the goddess crossing her arms. "Why strip these children of safety."

"They are given the choice."

"And these children know what they are getting into?"

Asher sent the goddess a soft, but very pointed look while Alexios snapped to her like a snake.

"You have a lot of audacity to pull that kind of bullshit. How many of your hunters aren't even old enough for PG thirteen movies."

Artemis eyed the demigod up and down analyzing him.

His gaze trembled like he was urging to look away. His fist were clenche amidst his crossed arms. So hard they shook. His posture was closed off defensive, almost like he was worried she was going to reply.

Yet there wasn't an ounce of terror in his eyes. All carefully hidden away behind his forest colored eyes.

"I offer my hunters divine protection."

Alexios glanced at Zoe.

"How's that working out for them."

"I have lived a long life boy, one I know I gladly gave up. If you wish to do the same I would remain quiet if I were you." Warned Zoe.

Alexios in the face of the subtly fuming goddess and her lieutenant clearly ready for a fight.

He smiled.

It was toothy, fierce and borderline sadistic.

Zoe grew somewhat wary. Either he was incredibly stupid or he knew something they didn't.

Modern demigods were just as formidable as the heroes of old. That much she had seen until now. Her bother was very much living proof of that.

So what was this one hiding.

"Alexios." Warningly began Asher, but he was ignored.

A blur of silver sailed towards Alexios, he caught the blade and inspected the ethereal see through dagger. His face instantly soured.

"And here I was hoping you weren't notable enough for this mad man to bring here. What do you want Cass." Grumbled Alexios, discarding the energy construct. The weapon fizzing out of existence before it could hit the ground in a shower of silvery sparks.

"I'm trying to keep from doing something stupid." Harshly replied another hunter stomping towards Alexios.

"You might be lost and reckless, but your still my brother. If mother has shown us anything it's that siblings can stick it through no matter how much they dislike each other."

"She showed *YOU!* all I was shown is the end of an arrow!"

"That's not how that went and you know it. She had no choice."

"Oh she had one, she made sure to let me know who was the favorite."

"Oh I'm the favorite." Scoffed Cass. "Mother forgives every stupid thing you do every insult every jab and every jeers. Your just too pig headed to understand that! She loves us!"

"She loves you!" Snapped Alexios pocking her hard enough to jostle her shoulder. "Me she left to grow up in the dirt!"

"Should we stop them." Asked Apollo turning to a quote exasperated looking Asher.

"NOT NOW APOLLO!" Simultaneously snapped the two teens turning to the god and back to they're argument in unison.

Apollo opened his mouth, but Asher was quicker.

"Twins."

"Yeah the one roommate you can't get rid of no matter how you try. It's like a parasite." Sneered Alexios pointedly looking at his sister.

"Oh I wish you were just a vestigial parasite, at least this way I could have you surgically carved you from my life!" Exclaimed Cass her eyes beginning to glow a white tint.

Alexios' eyes quite literally sharpened into feline slits as the two got in each other's faces.

Before a fight could erupt they both leaned harshly to the left both practically howling.

Asher with a completely straight face held the two siblings by one ear.

"If you two wish to level a city block again with another endless argument. You will do it far away from the children, understood?"

"How dare!-"

Asher twisted her ear harder for good measure.

"Ow ow ow ow ow, okay fine!"

Alexios laughed at his sister grunting as Asher gave his ear a good twist as well before letting go.

"Doesn't that remind you of mother?"

"Mother would have never dared to twist your ear little sun beam." Teased Artemis in a mockingly sweet voice.

"Yes I'm sure she'd never dare pup." Apollo bantered back in the same tone.

Artemis and Apollo shared a chuckle they're gaze snapping to a nearby building as Cass tackled her brother through its wall in a shower of white marble.

The celestial twins shared a glance as the other twins shouted obscenities at each other, Cass flew out of the roof deeper within the Greek city.

"They do this often." Guessed Artemis glanced at Asher's tired expression.

"Afraid so yes, if they're mother had the actual guts to sit them down and talk they'd probably be better off."

"The mother is a goddess?"

"Yes, one who'll never admit that she's out of her depth when it comes to motherhood." Asher clicked his tongue "pride ends too many families, sadly I can't just force them to make up. They've already hurt each other enough."

Artemis seemed to hesitate a bit "who is the mother?"

"You already know." Flatly replied Asher.

Asher recovered the child in Apollo's arms allowing the father to kiss his daughter goodbye for now. He shared a look between his retreating back and his uncharacteristically pale sister.

"Artemis? Are you alright."

"They can't be mine." She breathed watching Alexios tackle his sister swing her around and violently slam her into the stone ground hard enough to cave it in. She was no worse for wear and proceeded to kick him off, sending him flying nearly fifty feet down the street.

"They certainly... fight as fiercely as you do my lady." Slowly replied the wide eyed Zoe watching the twin punch each other with ferocity that would make a Lion look like a wet kitten.

"Welp, guess you can't judge me anymore for being a shitty father." Piped up Apollo chucking lightly to himself.

"How can you make light of this!" Exclaimed Artemis gesturing at Cass putting her brother in a headlock and kicking the back of his knee.

"Yield!"

"Urgh, eat, shit!" Choked out Alexios opening his mouth and biting down on her forearm.

Cass yelped releasing her brother who fell down coughing harshly.

"Did you just bite me! You know it's not because you can turn Into one, that you should act like an animal!"

Alexios spat out blood. "Even your blood reeks of self righteousness, and wood I guess it's either where mom or the closet comes in."

"Oh you little bastard!" Snapped Cass summoning a dagger. She impulsively struck down resulting in Alexios using the opening to kick his sister in the chin.

"We were born asexually, we can't even be qualified as bastards you idiot!"

"Don't you fact check me." Shouted back Cass spitting out blood as well.

"Why too afraid people are gonna figure out you were raised in a metaphorical barn. Gotta be hard beings schooled by arrogant ignorant children from the prohibition."

This time they charged into each other at the same time grappling and rolling all over the ground, throwing more punches and insults.

Apollo merely shrugged at the scene "looks like mortal rough housing to me. Sibling are at each others throats their all the time don't worry about it." Realization briefly flashed across Apollo's face.

"Oh my me that's what I've been telling myself ever since my children found themselves on opposite sides of wars. We should really stop them before they kill each other."

Apollo jogged towards the twins "use your words kids!" He called cupping his hands around his mouth.

Artemis on her part frowned deeply as she froze.

The goddess of the hunt prided herself for always being ready despite not being a master strategist.

But this was different. Those were her children she never even fathomed having any until now what was she to do?

Apollo snatched a dagger from Cass' hand. "No no none of that. My only niece and nephew are not going to-" he yelped as Cass nearly took off his nose with yet another weapon trying to stab her brother.

"How many knives do you have?!"

Taking actions Artemis marched between the siblings and grabbed Cass by her hood pulling her away almost like a hissing kitten.

Alexios she grabbed by his arm wrenching him out of his sister's reach.

"That is enough." Sternly proclaimed the goddess glaring down at her son whom the first time showed a monicker of fear.

"This petty battle ends here understood." Added Artemis looking down sorely at Alexios who opened his mouth to defend himself.

"I care not for excuses, you will not attack your sister again young man. Otherwise what comes next is out of my control and brought sorely upon yourself."

Her hold tightened and Alexios' teeth gritted.

Until Apollo grabbed his sister's arm. It began in a soft hold and gradually turned into a vice grip.

"What do you think your doing?"

Artemis had never heard her younger brother sound this cold, but she stood her ground nonetheless.

"I'm trying to instill better discipline within my children."

"Like this?" Replied Apollo confused.

"I will not take parenting advice from you of all peo-"

"You sounded like father."

Four thousand years of existence countless moon rise and sunsets where they had argued and bickered like the childish twins they were.

Yet it is only now, with Four words alone that Apollo finally rendered his sister completely speechless.

So speechless Artemis released both of her children Apollo grabbed the nearest Alexios and put his nephew behind him.

Artemis opened her mouth ready for a scathing reply, denials and insults wanted to roll past her lips like deadly arrows.

Yet none came.

She just looked at her brother's guarded expression and her son cradling his arm now bearing a deep bruise in the shape of a hand mark.

Her hand.

On her son.

Artemis looked down at her left hand, as if it held all the answers to her sudden behavior.

"I-"

She stepped forward Alexios took a step backwards. He glared hatefully at his sister. Artemis turned to Cass and found her at loss for words as well.

Before Artemis could attempt to put another word in, Alexios turned into an eagle and flew away. His wing where his arm would be having a hard time beating.

Artemis stared at the sky numbly, a part of her wanted to give chase. Every molecule of her body demanded that she hunt down her child and set things straight.

She loved him.

She truly did. Gender didn't matter to her, she has had to mother children before even if only a little bit.

"Is that how you feel when you look at your children? Those that are your blood." Softly asked Artemis as despite the situation she was filled with overwhelming warmth, contrasting deeply with the cold dread she felt.

"Everytime, but I'll be the first to admit. Sometimes acting otherwise helps everything hurt a little bit less... you wanna walk with me?"

"I... I'd like that." Admitted Artemis. She turned to her daughter her arms crossed not daring to raise her hands again.

"Would you please remain with Zoe and out of trouble."

"Yes mother." Replied Cass her voice a bit subdued. Zoe placed a hand on her shoulder and guided her away speaking to her in a hushed tone.

The twin archers walked around the island for a bit before the sun god finally spoke up.

"When I was a mortal, I was often faced with Nero. You definitely remember him. He's a horrible abusive man with an ego that made mine look like a twinge of pride, but he was also a father. Not a real father, but he acted as one."

"Are you comparing me to him..."

"Of course not." Strongly, but gently replied Apollo. "My point is, everytime I saw how Nero manipulated and abused his children. I could always relate... how our father made his disproportionate punishment sound like they were self imposed. Gaslighting me into thinking I deserved pain for even the smallest mistakes and defiance. Until now I failed to realize just how much it had effected me."

"You... think father affected me? But I always remained away from the wrong end of his bolt."

"Trust me our father's favoritism never escaped me. Yes that is what I think. It's easy to think we don't emulate the people we hate. Yet our father emulated his many times has he not? These trauma's they, they can make you do things you wouldn't usually. Our father made you distrust men at your core hasn't he?"

Artemis nodded hoping her father wasn't anywhere near within earshot.

"But he's still our father we still... want him to love us. Your distrust of men is more than warranted my sister. I'm only fearing that our father's favoritism rubbed off on you partially because of it. I can't ask you to just up and change that, but I know your son deserves better. You know he deserves better."

"He looked terrified of me brother. I didn't even realize how I sounded I just saw someone hurt my daughter and..." she cut herself short realizing where her train of thought was going.

"Forgot he was just your son too." Finished Apollo. "I know you think it's the end already, but believe me my relationship with my children was way worse before we met properly. Now I periodically visit them in they're dreams." Apollo smiled softly "those are pleasent times amidst all the chaos."

Artemis regarded her brother in a different light.

"You really have changed." She repeated mostly to herself.

Apollo smiled softly "and you have no idea how soothing that is to hear. You know that Asher boy has a point. Us gods need to earn the attention of our children. Not the other way around. Now what you must do is earn his forgiveness."

"And how do I even begin to do that?"

Apollo smiled softly.

"One step at a time."

MEANWHILE IN THE OASIS OF EGYPT

Carter stared at the group sticking together at a small alcove where it seemed Chronus had plucked a chunk of a nome for them. He could not recognize any of them, but by their clothing he could guess one thing.

They were from the future, his future.

"Suspicion arising in your heart kitten?"

Carter glanced at Bast, he was a tad bit surprised she called him that. She usually reserved that nickname for Sadie.

Carter would never dare say it, but he was somewhat jealous she found more of a motherly figure in the cat goddess. A fact his sister may or may not remember after hearing his secret name.

"Maybe, they just seem to stick to themselves a lot. Not that I blame them, but it feels like something else is at play here.... I just hope I haven't done anything horrible."

"And why would it be your doing?" Calmly replied Bast crossing her arms.

Carter shrugged "eventually I am to sit on the throne of the house of life. Eventually it'll be up to me to lead."

"Even when Iskandar was chief lector chaos arose out of his reach. Mistakes aren't the end of us dear. That much I've learned staying with mortals for so long." She said trailing a hand down Carter's hair. 

The young magician managed a smile and noticed that someone else was watching the group from afar.

She was a tall bald dark skinned woman, even taller than Horus wearing a long white linen garb akin to a priestess, with slits along her legs and open shoulders. Revealing lean, but powerful musculature. Her forehead was marked with the solar disk, her right eye with the wedjat. Carter remembered that the left eye was for Horus, the right one for Ra.

"Is that... Sekhmet?"

The sharp eyes of the goddess flickered to Carter briefly, before settling back on the group.

"Yes it is, she doesn't often show herself in human form. Claims it kills her intimidation factor."

"It doesn't." Bluntly replied Carter eying her warily.

"My sister can be quite pleasent when she relaxes, but when she's too relaxed she gets drunk and when she gets drunk she either passes out or."

"It's death on a biblical scale." Finished Carter.

Bast rolled her eyes a bit at the mention of the Bible. "Yes you could say that. Keeping her pleased is like playing with fire either way you get burned eventually."

Despite her words seemingly less than amiable, Bast was smiling.

"It's been a long time since you've seen her hasn't it? Maybe you should go talk to her."

Bast bristled a bit at the thought her hair poofing a bit like a cat.

"Me and my sister aren't exactly, close. She always resented me a bit for taking her place as the eye of Ra. Even though I had to give up that position when I was trapped with Apophis."

"That's stupid." 

"Yes because you and your sisters never get in any silly arguments anymore." Smirked Bast looking down at Carter.

"Stop growing." She grumbled noticing she didn't have to look so low anymore.

"You sound like Bes."

Bast pouted "that's a blow about as low as he stands."

Carter managed a laugh.

Only for his gaze to snap back to the future folks when a loud yelp ran out.

Sekhmet was holding a dark skinned girl by the hood of her hoodie looking at her critically as she marched away. Carter and Bast moved as one towards the goddess. Same as a young girl with short very curly blond hair.

"You better let go of my cousin you good looking bitch!"

Bast's eyes nearly popped out of her skull while Carter trying to think of a way to make sure the girl would see the end of the day.

Sekhmet looked down at the child and smirked looking amused by her ungodly amount of audacity.

"What are you doing with the child sister." Spoke up Bast hoping to spare another child Sekhmet's wrath.

The lion goddess leveled Bast with a slightly distainful look.

"I sensed my eye, I merely wish to see what they are capable of. After all someone wielding my power needs their metal tested. She said raising the teenager higher for emphasis.

Without an ounce of hesitation, the teenager girl encased her forearm in energy akin to the fist of Horus and clocked the goddess in the cheek.

Sekhmet's head snapped to the side, she slowly turned her head to the teenager still smirking. Only now with a hint of pride.

"Good kitten, don't let anyone step on your feet." She dropped the girl who fell into a heap in the sand.

"Don't disappoint me." She said over her shoulder as she strutted away.

The girl practically growled through gritted teeth a ball of fire bursting from her palm.

The other girl grabbed her arm stopping the fire elementalist.

"Don't start another fight you can't win."

She sighed through her nose and lowered her arm the flame dying out.

"I've never seen Sekhmet do anything like that with Jazz." Mumbled Carter looking at the girl.

Her eyes widened a bit seeing him which filled Carter with about as much dread as she seemed to feel.

"Yeah, that's because she only ever called on the healing powers of Sekhmet. I chose both path, destruction and healing."

"That's a dangerous and precarious path." Carter couldn't help, but warn feeling the teacher in him speaking up.

"Why do you need to follow that path? Do you enjoy the power?"

The girl's cousin looked incredibly offended on her behalf. She went to speak up, but she was stopped.

"These days, our days we can't really afford a peaceful path. Nor can we afford the moral high ground."

There was more than enough bitterness in her voice to convey to Carter that this conversation happened before. He wondered if it was with him too.

"Is that aimed specifically at me?" Calmly, but confusedly inquired the young magicians.

The girl got in his face.

"You should have killed the rebels when you had the chance. Would have saved me a world of troubles." She replied coldly.

"Calm yourself little girl." Softly jumped in Bast.

The teen took a very deep breath as the other girl covered her mouth laughing.

"My name is Darius."

"Oh." Bast trailed off "forgive me you just seem so..."

"Delicate? Girly? Smol? Femb—."

"I Will smack you!" Snapped Darius whirling on his cousin.

"Ain't he adorable when he gets mad, it's like a hissy kitten." Mockingly cooed the girl crossing her arms as Darius' eye twitched.

"Point is." Sighed the boy "there's no place for mercy."

"That's easy to say when you don't look for it." Softly replied Carter.

Darius leveled him with a look mixed of exhaustion and contempt, but also a hint of resignation. His brown eyes shining with all these emotions so deeply Carter felt at a loss for words.

"A clear path isn't always handed to us. Nor a peaceful one, you're the eye of the god of war and yet you can't grasp that?"

Carter gave his word good thoughts and shrugged.

"I didn't choose the path of Horus. He simply took the nearest host he found fitting. Some days I think I would have been better off with Thoth or maybe even Isis. War, royalty, those things I never had a word to give. Only actions to stall them."

Darius crossed his arms almost in a protective gesture.

"There is so much I wish I could tell you. Like just how badly you've hurt me. Or well, will hurt me."

"What did I do?" Couldn't help, but inquire the eye of Horus.

"Absolutely nothing." Replied Darius turning his back on Carter, his cousin wrapping an arm around his shoulder.

She sent a look over hers at Carter, whom was suddenly reminded of the way his mother would sometimes look at him with soft disappointment.

It was still as effective as ever to make him feel shameful.

Bast put a hand on Carter's shoulder looking hesitant to add anything, but the boy spoke before she could.

"Have I ever had the right to choose even once in my life? If I never have the choice... what kind of leader does that make me."

______

IN THE HALLS OF ASGARD

Magnus found Alex longingly staring off into the distance, the rainbow bridge circling around the entire island. Magnus followed her gaze and gulped a bit.

There far down, Magni and Modi were sparring the smell of ozone filling the air, the shockwaves of their strikes being felt even several hundred feet away.

"I don't have to worry about competition do I?" Magnus asked leaning against the railing of the balcony.

Alex scoffed good naturedly.

"Nah, strong stoic types shouldering responsabilities heavier than the realms aren't really my type."

Magnus chuckled, but Alex summed up the feeling around the two siblings perfectly.

There was something foreboding about them, like a looming storm.

"You look... nostalgic and dare I say a bit envious. You okay?" Added the son of Freyr.

"Where's Jack?"

"Trying to score a hot date with Gungnir don't try and change the subject."

Alex leveled Magnus with a very annoyed look, his heterochromatic gaze narrows dangerously.

She sighed and looked ahead back at the sons of Thor.

"I'll never have that."

"Have what." Gently inquired Magnus grabbing Alex's hand.

"Babies, I'll never grow up, I'll never get to have a family like that. I'll never get to prove to my mom, to my dad that I'd put them to shame with my awesome parenting skills... I'll never get to love someone like that. Is that even a future if you can't grow?"

"People grow in more than one way." Shrugged Magnus understanding where Alex was coming from. They were immortal they had a purpose, but it was always easy to grow depressed at their state of existence.

What could have been. Is a question Magnus himself often wonders about.

"Yeah and what does character development do for my forever dead reproductive organs." Huffed Alex leaning on his cheek, carelessly smushing his face against his palm.

"It's really eating at you that bad huh?"

"Doesn't it eat at you?!" Demanded Alex looking uncharacteristically bewildered.

Magnus rubbed the back of his head looking for the words that would result in him not getting smacked.

"Not really no, I grew up on the streets. I always lived with the idea that my life had no future or purpose. I barely had an education no passion to drive me, just day to day survival you know. I didn't really think about having kids or anything like that."

Alex grew silent, her jaw tightened and Magnus knew she was repressing a customary cutting sarcastic remark. It was rare for conversations to not end with such.

"If you could get another shot... would you take it?"

Alex's face hardened "Without a second thought."

Magnus remembered how she died. Thrashing and struggling underneath the weight of a massive monstruous wolf and found himself comparing it to his own.

Searing hot, paralyzing ache, but in the end greeted peacefully. Magnus didn't resist the weight of his eyelids, he didn't try to hold onto his last breath. It was just a small gust of wind on a sunny winter day.

How much did he value his own life if he let it end so easily?

"Odin offered me to return to the mortal world once. I thought it was useless, I had a purpose in the hotel. I had finally found my family there. Maybe, maybe the offer could still stand?"

"You don't have to even consider that idea for me."

Magnus shrugged "who knows, maybe a second chance is worth it if it's by your sides."

Alex smiled at him softly and placed a kiss again his lips wrapping her arms around him.

Magnus responded in kind smiling softly to himself.

"Oh love, how quaint."

Magnus felt Alex bristle like a cat.

There stood Loki stalking them from behind a rowe of pillars. His shape changing from man to woman everytime he passed by then. He had swapped his usual casual modern attire for a poisonous green tunic with dark red and gold accents.

"You look straight out of the house of the dragon." Snarked Magnus as a greeting for the god of mischief as Alex pulled away.

"What do you want mother." He said crossing his arms defensively.

Loki smirked as if he had awaited the answer for a while.

"Oh you know, couldn't help, but hear how bad of a parent I was despite giving birth to you."

"Literally the bare minimum." Venomously bit back Alex, "but I guess not giving a damn about kids after they drop out means your adapting to the American lifestyle."

Loki chuckled under his breath suddenly turning into stunning woman in a green dress with flowing crimson hair.

"If you desire to be a parent so badly, perhaps mother dearest can help you?" Loki spoke with a motherly honey like voice jarringly juxtaposing the painfully hoarse voice resulted from his millennias of tortured screaming.

"I know better than to give you the time of the day." Practically growled Alex.

"You won't be able to ignore me here dearie." Smugly smiled Loki.

"Watch me asshole." Scoffed Alex stomping away dragging Magnus by the arm.

Only for the voice of the primordial father of time to echo around his hand made realm.

"FOR OUR NEXT BATTLE, ALEX FIERRO VS ALABASTER TORRINGTON."

Alex froze in her tracks, Loki called after her with a vicious smile in her voice.

"Better sharpen your claws honey, your tasting blood tonight."