The Seraphic System
Chapter: 120
(The Greeks)
-{Kai}-
The sight of the mess that Mount Othrys had been left in faded, the Greek Underworld taking its place as it materialised around us in a wash of shadow and cold.
I allowed the vaguely familiar sensation to surround me, that peculiar feeling of the underworld, different from what I had felt in Hell. It brought back memories of what felt so long ago.
It was safe to say I felt much more comfortable around Hades. Both because I knew him and because I had three of the people I trusted the most with me.
I had come to understand what a domain like Heaven would provide its master. Heaven had shown me what that felt like, empowering my angelic magic and my regeneration while I was within its borders.
So I imagined Hades had the same effect, putting him at an advantage, but having three Arch-Seraphs to protect you would make a normal man feel confident.
Our arrival was noticed by the residents of Hades' domain nearby; the famous Reapers that made up his forces looked at our entrance with wide eyes.
They bowed at the sight of Hades, who in turn merely nodded.
I watched them with idle curiosity, smirking slightly at the way they looked at us.
Part of my comfort was also due to a specific perk I hadn't forgotten about. Hades' Favour. A passive gift that made it easier for me to accumulate wealth and harder for me to be killed. The dead feared me because of it.
Not exactly much to talk about, but I had a feeling this had been given to me by Hades himself.
But, most of all, I felt like Hades wanted something.
The golden light of Hades' divine teleportation quickly faded, allowing for the expanse of the Greek underworld to encroach upon my sight once more.
Again, I stood before Hades' palace.
Obsidian columns rose toward a ceiling lost in perpetual gloom. Braziers of flame lined the walls, casting everything in a warm glow.
Gabriel supported me, apparently uninterested in the sight, as she focused solely on me. At the same time, Azrael looked around with a mildly interested hum, as if she hadn't seen the place in a while.
Percy and Annabeth, on the other hand, openly looked around, stunned.
Percy's gaze slowly settled on me, and he quickly stood beside me, leaning in slightly.
"Kai." He whispered. "Did you seriously come here when you blackmailed... him?"
Hades twitched.
Gabriel's gaze turned to him, emerald eyes narrowing.
"This probably isn't the best place to have this conversation," I replied flatly.
Percy coughed, nearly dropping the large figure of Mahoraga on his back. The large Shikigami was steadily recovering but hadn't yet found itself able to stand up.
Hades ignored them for the time being, strangely coming to focus on Azrael. The god straightened a bit, his dark robes shifting like shadows.
"Lady Azrael," he said. "I hope the decor is still up to your standards."
Azrael looked around with crimson eyes that briefly shifted silver. "It is just as I remember it. Although I sense you've bolstered the protections, and I do believe the small garden in the front is a new addition."
"My wife insisted on planting them." Hades chuckled. "Most of all, no one will be interrupting us here. Not even my dear brother's messengers can reach this deep without my permission."
Azrael smiled faintly. "While I doubt he would have proven much of a problem, considering this is an issue that Heaven was forced to solve, I appreciate the saving of time."
"Naturally," Hades replied. "That is my brother's concern. I have no control over what happens outside the underworld, though I suspect I'll be getting a visit soon."
"I am curious as to why you appeared," Azrael questioned. "I know you care not for the surface."
"It was partially due to sensing my Father's presence and once again sensing a familiar Angel in the midst of a large event within my Pantheon." Hades admitted. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Kai. It appears a lot has happened."
Azrael blinked. "You know Kaiel?"
"We had an encounter." Hades nodded. "The circumstances were certainly different. A lone Angel is such a rare sight these days."
"I didn't realise I left such an impression," I responded, attempting to ignore the three looks sent my way.
"Alas, you left enough of an impression for me to seek you out again when I felt your presence," Hades replied. "And how far you've grown. Are you perhaps a new Seraph?"
"An intended design for the last few centuries," Michael commented from beside me.
Hades chuckled. "A fair option considering what's transpired on the outside. In that capacity, I at least was able to take away the 'rude' exit that my brother would have tried to complain about."
He was right. It couldn't really be considered rude to leave when it was at the direct invitation of Hades.
"It was certainly a good excuse in a political sense," I said. "Though this whole matter got a lot larger than I had hoped for."
"Oh?" Hades questioned. "What was your intention?"
"Sneak in, sneak out," I replied blandly.
He laughed. "A daring plan. One that didn't go according to plan, I see."
I grinned. "We won."
Gabriel slapped me gently.
"So it would seem." Hades nodded, becoming slightly serious. "I suppose we should hasten this meeting. I can see the fight must have taken much out of you."
Hades' eyes lingered on the new shirt I had put on, and subsequently on the mark. The mark where I had sealed a Titan.
I shot him an innocent smile, eliciting a slight roll of his eyes.
And without preamble, Hades led us deeper into the palace, his black robes trailing behind him like pooling shadows.
"Once more, I must admit, you certainly know how to make an entrance," Hades said without turning. "Surpassing your own record as Olympus's most notorious outsider is quite the feat."
"Apparently, I have an affinity for Greeks." I shrugged.
Azrael's lips twitched.
I mean, I was stealing two of their Gods, and I was close with the eldest amongst the siblings.
"Will they even hear about it?" I questioned. "I imagine Zeus would want to keep mentioning that his Father had escaped into a vessel a secret."
Hades smirked. "I doubt that'll be an easy endeavour with the brief presence that was felt. Though your quick actions definitely delayed it."
He turned to regard Percy and Annabeth.
"And I see you chose the same companions. The troubled child of my brother and the prodigy of Athena." His dark eyes glittered with something between amusement and resignation. "You do have a talent for keeping interesting company, Kai."
Percy scowled. "I don't try to cause trouble. It just sort of happens."
He narrowed his eyes. "Well, you probably asked my mom the last time you kidnapped her."
I sighed, but gave a warning look to Hades.
Hades waved a dismissive hand. "Trouble draws trouble, I suppose."
We entered a smaller chamber, furnished with seats that looked carved from solid shadow. I lowered myself onto one, my body still aching despite Gabriel's healing.
Gabriel guided me down, then proceeded to settle beside me in a manner that left very little space between us.
Her presence filled my senses.
Hades looked curiously at the display but said nothing.
Finally, Michael spoke, thirteen sets of wings behind him and a warm smile adorning his features.
"While I thank you for your hospitality, Lord Hades, may I ask what has truly brought us here today? Surely after learning our presence was with Kai, your motives changed."
Hades sat down, finally becoming serious.
"An understanding question. Though I will state it is a pleasure to see you again, Michael. And Gabriel, lovely as always." He offered a thin smile. "Heaven's finest don't often grace my halls."
"We haven't graced many halls as of late," Michael responded politely.
He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepling beneath his chin. "Indeed. I do find myself asking, who are you? A lone Angel had been enough for curiosity, but now I see three of the strongest Angels known treating you with such a protective nature."
I tilted my head.
There was the obvious answer, which I didn't hesitate to give.
"...Kai?"
Azrael turned away, while Gabriel's lips twitched.
Hades' eyes flashed with annoyance, then he sighed. "If that's your desire."
Then he inclined his head slightly. "Though I would like to know whom I am talking to, especially considering our mutual enemy, I will let it pass for the time being."
He chuckled, the tension in the room easing slightly.
"Very well. Let us speak of matters you might be more willing to discuss. How exactly did the events surrounding my father's presence come to be?"
Azrael's hand glowed, an angelic spell unfurling around the room in a concealing ward, further accompanied by a purple glow as Michael idly tapped his finger.
Hades watched the display, his lips pursing at the lack of trust for his own defences.
I considered how to start this.
How do I tell a god that a group of evil gods are under the wing of one organisation?
Well, I guess the best way would be honesty.
"Recently, Heaven found itself at the receiving end of a large attack," I revealed.
"I see. For it to be an 'attack' and not an attempt, am I to assume that this force got further than the front doors?" Hades asked seriously.
"In a sense." I nodded. "Not past the gates but close."
"And this assembled force?"
"A large force of gods, consisting of major Aztec and Egyptian Gods, along with your own nephew Ares, who had taken it upon himself to try to get revenge," I revealed flatly.
"So that's where he went," Hades said gravely. "My brother has been searching for him..."
"He's within our care."
Hades processed that for a few seconds.
"Then tell me, how does this relate to the situation of my Father?"
Then Azrael paused.
Her silver eyes flickered toward the far wall, in what I knew to be the direction of the legendary Fields of Asphodel. I had caught glimpses of it on our way in and in my time here before.
An endless grey expanse filled with the shades of the ordinary dead.
"Lord Hades," Azrael said as she worked.
Hades looked at her abrupt addressing.
She narrowed her eyes.
"Is there meant to be a Titan residing within your Fields of Asphodel?"
Hades blinked at the sudden question. "No..."
He turned, looking at the area she was in, obviously sensing.
He pursed his lips, his eyes coming to rest on her again with a hint of confusion.
"Then I do believe you have an unwanted guest," Azrael commented.
"Are you certain? I cannot see whatever you're seeing, and I feel obliged to remind you that this is my realm."
The tone in which it was said was respectful, with only a hint of bite.
"The presence is dim and is attempting to elude itself, gaze not over the area but multiple points, don't look for the soul but the influence of the power." Azrael guided.
I looked between the two.
I awaited the outburst of annoyance and anger from the death god, only to find myself in surprise as he took the advice on board, his eyes glancing back once more.
"I can still not see it, but I do sense something amiss. I will investigate it after we conclude here. Thank you for bringing it to my attention."
Azrael nodded. "I only bring it up as a concern for any listeners."
Hades kept looking at the area, nodding absentmindedly as his brows creased. A flash of annoyance, suspicion and confusion ran through his dark eyes, before he once more regarded us.
Hades rose from his seat.
"In that case, I must ask if you could merely allow me to deal with whatever imposter has somehow infiltrated my domain. I am sure you understand the importance." Hades offered smoothly.
"Lord Hades." Azrael addressed him. "This meeting holds importance; allow me to deal with it."
Hades paused.
"If the presence is indeed some sort of foreign or any god, I will deal with it."
Hades obviously didn't like the thought. I could see this had already irked him. To have someone come into your domain and notice something you hadn't been able to notice was embarrassing.
"I'll go too." Percy abruptly announced.
Annabeth's head swivelled to him.
"What?" She all but spat.
Percy shrunk. "W-well. I could be useful, and I'm not doing anything right now. If you're so bothered about it, I figured it must be a god or something, and gods can't take a mortal form against Demigods…"
Annabeth paused, opening her mouth and then closing it again. She pinched the bridge of her nose.
"What? I'm getting itchy just sitting around, no offence, Lord Hades."
Hades stared pointedly. "Some taken."
"How powerful do you think the presence is?" I asked Azrael.
"Firmly in the god-realm, but oddly weakened," Azrael replied.
"Whatever the case is," Hades interjected. "Allowing my guest to take care of my intruders would be an embarrassment to my name."
I considered that.
He did have a point.
"It's not a big deal." I replied lazily. "And it'll be easier this way. A little thank you for giving me an escape."
Hades considered it.
Azrael flashed him a smirk. "If it's an enemy I'd like to get a chance to pay my thanks."
The god of death was visibly torn.
"It is unbecoming-"
"Percy go, be careful and leave if the being isn't a god." I said, watching Percy practically run out of the door with Annabeth following.
Mahoraga all the while was left seated on the floor.
Hades frowned.
"I know you couldn't stomach the thought so I hope you don't mind." I grinned. "Percy doesn't feel like he's done enough and with Azrael there he will be fine."
The god sighed. "Consider yourself lucky I am not my temperamental brother."
"I wouldn't be here if you were." I replied, earning myself an amused smile.
"Apologies, please continue," Hades said, moving on as if nothing had happened. "How is it that you came to fight the most known figure in my Pantheon and his closest ally?"
-{Percy Jackson}-
Percy had never been so happy to leave a room in his entire life.
The tension in there had been thick enough to cut with Riptide, and sitting still while immortal beings discussed politics made his ADHD want to crawl out of his skin.
The passageway opened into the Fields of Asphodel, that endless grey expanse filled with the wandering shades of the ordinary dead.
Annabeth fell into step beside him, her hand resting on her daggers.
"Percy, are you sure about this?"
"Nope." He admitted cheerfully. "But when has that ever stopped me?"
"That's not the reassurance you think it is."
Azrael moved ahead of them, her silver eyes scanning the grey landscape with an intensity that made Percy's neck prickle.
The Angel of Death looked perfectly at home here among the spirits of the departed. Which made sense, he supposed.
"The presence is stronger now." Azrael said quietly. "We are close."
Percy uncapped Riptide. The celestial bronze blade sprang to life in his hand, its familiar weight settling his nerves.
They walked in silence for several minutes, weaving between clusters of shades who paid them no attention. The dead had their own concerns, trapped in the endless monotony of their afterlife.
Then Azrael stopped.
"There."
Percy followed her gaze to a figure standing apart from the others. At first glance, it looked like just another shade, grey and insubstantial. But the longer Percy looked, the more details emerged. Broad shoulders.
A powerful frame.
Eyes that held too much awareness for someone who was supposed to be a mindless spirit. A pair of sharp eyes turned toward them.
A sigh broke the silence.
The figure smiled.
"I've been noticed then?"
"No." Percy replied, squinting his eyes. "Who are you dude?"
The being paused.
"A joker? And no self-proclaimed Lord of the underworld either."
The grey disguise fell away.
The Titan stood revealed, his form solidifying into something terrifyingly real and his power distinctly became noticeable, a pressure forming on Percy's shoulders.
He was tall, taller than any mortal man, with silver hair that fell past his shoulders and eyes that gleamed like polished steel. His features were sharp and angular, radiating a cold intelligence that made Percy's instincts scream danger.
"He's a bit busy right now." Percy replied, ignoring the danger. "Feel free to leave me your name though."
The being chuckled. "I'm afraid I don't have time for this, if my presence is known. It would appear I'm in need of a different location. If you move without hassle, I will give you a swift death."
"Mm, I'm going to pass. I still don't know who you are." Percy said, swinging his sword around.
The being narrowed his eyes and the pressure around him became even more crushing.
"Iapetus."
"A titan." Annabeth grimaced.
Percy frowned. "Not quite a god… but basically one right?"
"They're bound by the same laws." Annabeth replied with a nod.
Percy grinned, mostly because he knew the Angel of Death was watching.
No wonder Kai had felt safe if he had a whole faction of this.
Lucky Angel.
"My name does not make you reconsider?" The Titan asked.
"Nope." Percy replied.
The Titan sighed, eyes flickering towards the empty space that Hades palace sat miles away.
"Then let me show you your folly."
"Only one way to find out." Percy said.
The Titan charged and Percy moved to meet him, a spear of silver light materialising in his hand. The weapons clashed with a sound that rang across the Fields like a thunderclap.
Percy felt the impact all the way up his arms.
"…"
Even suppressed, the Titan's strength was immense. Each blow sent shockwaves through his body, rattling his teeth and threatening to tear Riptide from his grip.
He pushed through it.
Thrusting his sword, parrying the counter and dodging the quick spear that nearly took his head off, his sword slashed out in a counter.
A strike slipped through Percy's guard and carved a line of fire across his ribs.
He stumbled back, gasping.
Annabeth was there in an instant, her blade intercepting the follow-up strike and diverting her attention to him
Unfortunately the power difference was blaringly obvious as Iapetus batted her aside and Percy barely stopped a killing blow.
He nervously looked around for Azrael.
Oh dear.
Power erupted from him in a wave that sent both demigods flying. Percy crashed into a cluster of wandering shades, scattering them like bowling pins. The impact drove the air from his lungs and left stars dancing in his vision.
He forced himself up anyway.
Annabeth was already on her feet, a trickle of blood running from a cut above her eye. She looked as bad as Percy felt.
Iapetus advanced on them slowly, savouring the moment.
A massive torrent of water exploded up and pushed the Titan back, further freezing and encasing his hands. The Titan's eyes glowed and light burned around him.
Percy's eyes glowed green and the Titan's focused narrowed.
Percy raised Riptide one more time.
Iapetus drew back his spear.
Then a blur moved.
Which was to say the world moved around him before he could comprehend.
The Angel of Death crossed the distance between them in a single step, her form blurring into something that Percy's eyes couldn't quite follow.
One moment she was twenty feet away, the next she was directly in front of Iapetus, her hand pressed flat against his chest.
The Titan's eyes went wide.
Light erupted from Azrael's palm. Something that swallowed rather than illuminated. It poured into Iapetus like water into a drain, and everywhere it touched, the Titan's form began to crystallise.
Silver frost spread across his skin.
His movements slowed, then stopped entirely. His expression froze in a mask of shock and fury.
Within seconds, it was over.
Iapetus stood motionless, encased in a prison of dark ice that seemed to drink in the ambient light. His eyes still moved, tracking Azrael with impotent rage, but the rest of him was utterly paralyzed.
"Sealing complete." Azrael said calmly, as if she had done nothing more strenuous than closing a door. "A good job demigod."
Percy stared.
Annabeth stared.
"That felt easy." Percy commented.
"Don't be fooled." Azrael replied coldly. "He was beyond weakened and strangely, he was tired when we found him. He has been using his energy for something."
"He's weakened… by how much?" Annabeth asked.
"At his prime he would be stronger than Atlas." Azrael commented idly. "I will leave him here for Hades." Azrael continued, stepping back from her handiwork. "He will want to determine how the Titan escaped Tartarus in the first place."
A ripple passed through the air around them.
Percy felt it in his bones, a shift in the fabric of reality that made his teeth ache. Divine attention, vast and ancient, focusing on their location like a spotlight.
Hades had noticed.
Percy wanted to respond.
He wanted to say something witty, something to cover up how completely outclassed he had just been. But his brain was still trying to process what he had witnessed.
Azrael had ended that fight in seconds.
How the hell did Kai pull that?
-{Kai}-
What followed was a brief explanation of what had happened. Initially, after revealing Kronos had been sealed, Hades had rightly assumed that Azrael sealed Kronos into me; her face was funny when Hades said that.
That had led to the disbelieving look I was thus subjected to.
Hades didn't understand for a second, but when he did, he gave me a surprised look. "You sealed the Titan Lord."
"It was a group effort," I replied hesitantly.
"I'm sure it was." His tone suggested he didn't believe that for a second. "And what of the other one? The Devil."
"A Lucifer to be precise." Michael supplied.
Hades' expression remained cold. "A Lucifer. Operating on Olympian territory. Interfering with Olympian affairs."
"Rizevim Livan Lucifer," Michael replied instantly. "He interrupted the otherwise successful plan and attempted to ambush me with Atlas. He fled when the battle turned against him."
"How convenient for him." Hades' fingers clasped as he leaned back in his chair. "The devils have grown bold."
"I don't believe it was the New Satan Faction. If that's where your mind is heading." I commented.
I shrugged. "I'm sure they're doing plenty of other stuff."
Percy shifted. "We did run into someone, too. When we were attempting our own escape."
Hades turned his attention to the demigod. "Oh?"
"You may speak freely here," Hades said. "Outsider gods cannot hear their names spoken in my realm."
"Nemesis," Annabeth said. "She attacked us in the defence of Kronos, only to retreat after we held her off."
"The Goddess of Revenge. You were able to ward her off?"
"It was mainly Percy's efforts."
Hades assessed them for a moment, a hint of surprise at that particular revelation. "Nemesis isn't a weak Goddess... you should be proud. As for this group..."
"The Khaos Brigade," I said.
Hades remained unfazed.
"You've heard of them," I observed.
"Indeed. A coalition of malcontents from various factions."
"Well, it wasn't as quaint when they tried to conquer Heaven." I dryly replied.
"Evidently." Hades studied me for a long moment. "You seem to know quite a bit about them."
"We've had encounters," I replied. "And I'm just getting started."
I was going to watch them burn.
"I see." He let the silence stretch before exhaling.
"I shan't keep you for too long. You clearly need rest." He glanced at Percy and Annabeth. "If you desire, I can have these two sent back to Camp Half-Blood."
I shook my head. "I can handle it."
"Before we go." I met his gaze directly. "What's your real motive here, Hades? You didn't bring us to your palace just to ask questions you could have asked anywhere."
The God of the Underworld chuckled.
"Perceptive." He rose from his seat, moving to stand before one of the green-flamed braziers. "Very well. I'll be direct."
He turned to face us.
"I wish to form an alliance with Heaven." Hades revealed.
The Archangels' expressions remained carefully blank.
I felt Gabriel's grip on my arm tighten slightly, but her face betrayed nothing.
"An alliance," I repeated, surprised. "Between the Greek Underworld and Heaven?"
Michael became pensive. "An alliance between a Greek and Heaven? After the disputes over Italy, I do believe our two Factions distanced quite a bit."
"Indeed. Perhaps that's precisely why it is a good option." Hades replied smoothly.
"I could see the benefit," I said, finally staring at him properly.
It hadn't even materialised as a thought in my mind.
I had been looking for Allies. While I was confident Heaven's power would only continue to rise, having allies could never hurt.
"Alliances have become so rare these days." Hades said. "Everyone clings to their old partnerships, ancient agreements. How about a change?"
"And how would this benefit us?" Azrael asked.
"Beyond the obvious threats of the Khaos Brigade. Rogue Titans. The bats operating freely on foreign soil. These are symptoms of a larger disease." His dark eyes met mine. "I am merely offering a mutual alliance against this threat. Once it is dealt with, we would review this alliance."
A short-term alliance.
"But I understand this will have to be spoken to with the Lord Yahweh himself." Hades said slowly.
It was then that it dawned on me.
He wasn't setting up a meeting because he was technically in a position of power. Hades coming to Heaven would put him at a disadvantage in some sense.
"We will consider it." I decided.
Hades flashed me a wry smile. "In that case, I have only one more thing to ask of you."
I sent him a questioning look.
"My children, the two I believe you know quite well." Hades said blandly. "They are no longer safe in the Lotus Hotel. Would you be able to take them in?"
Percy whistled. "At least take him out to dinner—"
He took that moment to remember where he was and promptly shut his mouth.
Hades' stare rested on him, and divine power began filling the room.
"Not a good way to start a request for help," I commented.
Then he returned my gaze and rolled his eyes.
"If it helps, they are baptised."
Gabriel perked up.
"Then don't blame me if they like the church better than whatever hospitality the Greeks have offered," I remarked.
Hades visibly became offended.
"Gods can't interfere." Hades retorted.
"I'm sure the world remains ever thankful for it." I prayed.
Percy choked while Hades snorted.
"Is this an acceptance?" Hades questioned.
"It is."
"And what am I to owe?"
"Nothing. We don't trade children." I smiled innocently.
Gabriel's innocent beam next to me highlighted that as it almost filled the room.
Hades closed his eyes, but smirked. "Very well, I thank you for your generosity."
A few more subjects were skimmed upon until we finally left the Underworld shortly after.
Hades had been gracious enough in his farewell, offering the use of his Domain to travel and expedite our departure. To which I had declined.
This did reveal one thing: I needed to focus more on my own power.
-{Hades}-
Hades sat alone in his throne room, fingers resting against the armrest of his seat.
The palace was quiet. Persephone was in the gardens, which meant he had nothing but silence and his own thoughts for company. He had wanted to speak with Kai again.
The boy had intrigued him during their first meeting, which was a year ago now. A blink in the eyes of a god. Back when tensions had been so high amongst them over the robbery of their divine weapons.
The angel who had come into his realm and threatened him.
Hades shook his head.
It had been Kai's status as an angel that had stopped him from being outright killed back then. And he was ever so glad he had stayed his hand.
When he had felt the disturbance at Mount Othrys, he had been taken off guard. That brief flare of amassed power, the kind only a prolonged battle could produce, had sent a jolt of shock coursing through him.
Even more shocking was the presence.
Yahweh had been there.
He was sure of it.
Then he had found Kai at the centre of it all. The boy's power had exploded in a mere year, and he had been in the midst of the chaos.
It had seemed like the perfect excuse to investigate.
He had been wanting to establish contact with Heaven since meeting Kai. Hades didn't generally consider alliances with anyone. Gods feared death. It was their nature. That fear made any partnership with him uncomfortable at best and impossible at worst.
But something had felt different with Kai. Different from his memories of Azrael, back when dealings between their factions had been more common.
Still, this thought hadn't come without prompting.
Truth be told, he had been offered a position within the higher ranks of the Khaos Brigade.
Even worse was the temptation of it.
Hades knew better, of course. You didn't build an organisation like that without an absurd endgame at its foundation. There would be a price, and Hades wanted nothing to do with paying it.
But he had no doubt they would eventually target him. Those who refused to join tended to become obstacles. And obstacles tended to be removed.
He wouldn't shrink from that confrontation if it came. He was still one of the Big Three, still the ruler of the largest realm in existence.
Yet for all his pride, an alliance of multiple gods and god-killers wasn't something to take lightly. The Brigade had resources. Members from every faction who had grown tired of the current order.
This left his options thin.
His brothers were unreliable. The Devils he would refuse to even contact. The Fallen were the same, while Hel gave the impression she was already a part of it.
Ereshkigal was struggling without Hades's need to put more pressure on her.
Arawn and Donn hadn't been in contact for centuries.
All of this made his immediate decision.
The added benefit had been sensing Hermes approaching on the orders of Zeus. His nephew had probably been halfway there when Hades had snatched the entire group out from under his nose. The thought brought a thin smile to his lips.
As for Kai himself...
Hades drummed his fingers faster.
Michael. Gabriel. Azrael.
The Sword of Heaven. The Messenger of God. The Angel of Death herself.
All of them flanking one supposedly unremarkable angel, like he was the most precious thing in creation.
A new Seraph, perhaps? That would explain the protection detail. Heaven was notoriously paranoid about its rising stars. But it didn't explain everything else.
Had Yahweh finally produced a prince?
An heir?
But even that theory had holes.
Gabriel. Heaven's most beautiful. The one angel that every god with eyes had noticed at some point. Zeus had made overtures. Of course, he had. Poseidon, too, though he had been more subtle about it.
Both had been rebuffed. Firmly.
Yahweh had made his displeasure known in ways that even Zeus couldn't ignore. After that, the Olympians had learned to admire from a distance.
And yet Gabriel had been practically draped over Kai. While Azrael had been looking at him with eyes that held more warmth than Hades had ever seen from an Archangel.
The pieces didn't fit together correctly.
Hades supposed he would have to wait for now.
Though an idea did form.
Perhaps he could invite Kai to the upcoming summit for the various gods of Death. It would allow him to get a better view of him and maybe even get Azrael to accompany him.
For now...
A particularly angry strike of lightning hit his borders.
It would appear his brother wasn't happy.
-{Kai}-
The sub-dimension welcomed us back with its usual warmth. The spiritual energy they passively released rushed upon us as we arrived.
I released a breath.
Well. That had been exciting.
Beyond the meeting with Hades, fighting a Titan King to near death ranked among my worst choices. I couldn't say it had been a failed endeavour, considering the sheer amount of rewards I had obtained and the enemies that had been put back in their place.
The Mortal Cup. An orb that would allow for a Zanpakuto. Then, my first transcendent reward was a mysterious, self-transforming piece of armour.
Even one legendary item had proven itself to be a major item, some just below the existence of a Longinus sacred gear. While I remained unsure what made the new reward of the transcendent rank, I felt excited to find out.
Percy and Annabeth stood awkwardly near the entrance. They shifted their weight from foot to foot, unsure of what to do now that the chaos had ended.
"Well, that was fun." Percy chuckled weakly. "Sorry again for pulling you into that mess."
"Don't apologise," I said, earning myself two flat looks. "I intended on going after them either way. Don't make any mistakes, Perce. We won this encounter, and while it succeeded less than our plan before, we still won."
We had planned to retreat and call in backup from Heaven.
Then I had intended to return, since I refused to leave such a threat to Hestia and Aphrodite alive. It was a bonus that this marked another failed attempt by the Khaos Brigade to release more sealed entities.
Percy smirked. "In that case, you're welcome."
He winced under the annoyed stare from Gabriel and Azrael.
Annabeth laughed. "It would be nice if we could meet under better circumstances, preferably without Percy's ridiculous quests."
Percy nodded his head. His green eyes glinted with annoyance.
"So is this it then?" Percy questioned. "At least we managed to finish the quest, though I really need to learn to stop doing whatever Chiron tells me to do."
His chuckle sounded weak.
"Thank you," Annabeth said quietly. "For everything. We wouldn't have succeeded without your help, and I couldn't leave this fish brain to accidentally insult a god or something reckless."
"Kai did it as well," Percy exclaimed.
Gabriel showed no amusement.
Annabeth ignored him. A downtrodden look passed between the two of them.
"I'm not going anywhere," I said flatly. "You can come to Heaven when you want. I just figured you guys would want some downtime."
Percy and Annabeth perked up.
"Before, I stayed busy. Honestly, I remained stuck in Heaven for quite a while due to reasons, and then I found myself busy at almost every moment." I shrugged. "You guys can visit if you want. I know Medusa or Nyxera would love to see you."
Percy blinked. "Visit? Like, up here?"
"That's generally what visiting means."
"I didn't know that was an option," Annabeth said.
"It is now." I grinned tiredly.
Some of the tension left his shoulders. Annabeth's posture softened as well.
"I'll hold you to that," Percy said, managing a grin. "The visiting thing. Not sure how Chiron's going to react to me casually popping up to Heaven, but whatever."
"I'm sure he'll adjust."
"Yeah, in that case, I guess we will pray for you? We will have to tell everyone we aren't dead and stop the other quests." Percy replied, scratching his head.
Annabeth nodded rapidly. "I can't imagine how many Demigods have died from this."
I opened a portal back to Camp Half-Blood. The shimmering gateway revealed the familiar hills and cabins in the distance.
I frowned.
"Percy," I called.
"Hm?" Percy turned.
"Take Greg with you," I said, using the downright atrocious name for the god-slaying Shikigami.
Percy beamed. "Greg!"
Greg picked himself up, fully healed and rising to his full height. Then he slowly walked through the portal.
Gabriel's eyes flickered towards me, then back towards Percy, softly. "Allow me to provide you with a boon."
She pulled out a vial. "I had intended on handing this to you, as a friend of my-Kaiel."
I looked curiously at the change of voice.
Percy stared at her for a moment, a blush creeping to his cheeks while he took the vial, quickly glancing down to inspect what was inside its confines.
"With your ability to manipulate water, this will allow you to use it for healing purposes and anti-dark powers with its high density in purification," Gabriel revealed.
I sent her a look of surprise, to which she turned away slightly.
"T-thank you," Percy said gratefully, taken aback by the thoughtful gift. "I appreciate it a lot, and I'll put it to good use. Especially since it's from Kai's girlfriend."
Gabriel somehow found herself blushing.
"Much better than that nectar shi-"
Annabeth interjected. "What Percy means to say is thank you, Lady Gabriel."
She beamed.
We said our goodbyes and promised to meet them in a few days… with a proper escort.
I stared at their backs for a moment.
It almost felt anticlimactic. I let the portal close behind them and turned back to survey the sub-dimension.
Maybe that lacked the correct word. I had just fought a Titan King. Perhaps it was because Michael was with me. Yeah, I would have died instantly without him.
Galadriel lay coiled nearby. Her serpentine body curled into a tight spiral as she slept. The golden branches that had sprouted during her evolution had receded. They left only faint traces along her scales.
I made a mental note about Ladon. The dragon had remained sealed in its prison, but when I had checked on it earlier, one of the hundred heads had vanished completely.
Eaten.
Gluttonous snake.
I didn't have time to dwell on that further.
Gabriel took that chance to finally envelop me, her arms coming to wrap around my torso in a grip that would have crushed a normal human. While wings folded around us both, creating a cocoon of white feathers and warmth.
"Gabriel-" I exclaimed, slightly surprised.
Then I found my words unable to come out of my mouth. The sheer comfort that enveloped me almost sucked the energy out of me. She didn't say anything, merely holding on for dear life.
Michael laughed from somewhere to my left. The sound rang lighter than I had heard from him since leaving Heaven. The tension that had coiled in his frame since the battle finally began to ease.
"I suppose that went as well as could have been hoped for," Michael said. "Though I had hoped for lesser obstacles."
Gabriel's wings moved as she settled on the comfortable grass.
Azrael stood apart, watching the display passively, her silver eyes taking in the scene. Then, hesitantly, she moved closer. Her hand came to rest on my shoulder. The touch felt awkward but genuine.
Naturally, I couldn't allow that.
Watching Azrael and Gabriel come to my side so quickly to defend me never failed to warm my heart. It was a good time as well. Fighting Ladon wouldn't have been easy in the slightest.
Learning that I had also damaged my soul was worrying, even if it was offset by the fact that it could be healed with the Holy Grail and the help of Azrael.
I pulled her into a hug with a roll of my eyes.
Much to my amusement, she practically fell atop me. She could have easily resisted, even if I wasn't as beaten up as I was right now.
"I wouldn't say this went well in the slightest," Gabriel said, her emerald eyes glinting fiercely. "I knew we should have at the very least gone along with you."
Yeah, I wasn't trying the stealth path again. I suppose a part of that residual part of me that was a loner hadn't wanted to put anyone in danger due to the warpath I was on.
Michael raised his hands. "The decision is not mine."
Gabriel looked at me softly.
"Lesson learned," I stated.
"Indeed, this force has proven itself worthy of attention, with the close attempt in the Labyrinth." Michael's fist clenched at his side. "Playing around with demonic powers is always a dangerous endeavour. Truly, I should have been more vigilant in the face of such demonic influence."
That reminded me of Pan, the corrupted god we had stumbled upon in the Labyrinth.
In the same effect, Gabriel and Azrael both stiffened up.
But Michael blaming himself was something I wouldn't stand.
"You were vigilant," I found myself saying despite her keen attention on me. "You caught Pan before he could do any more damage. You took on two super-class contenders simultaneously. You went beyond what anyone could have expected."
I paused. "Again, it only shows that the Khaos Brigade has rapidly spread under everyone's notice, and they don't intend on stopping. I was naive and attempting to catch them off-guard; there will be no more need for that."
"What's this?" Azrael's voice cut through, sharp and cold. "What attempt in the Labyrinth?"
Thus, I allowed Michael to explain the situation.
The reaction was immediate.
I was rounded upon before I could protest, Gabriel's hands pressing against my chest while golden light poured into me. She looked down at me with concern, her golden hair spilling over me.
Azrael kneeled beside her, silver eyes blazing as she scanned every inch of my form.
An amount of holy power sufficient to purify miles of land for years flooded through my system.
I felt it run through my veins, scouring for any trace of demonic corruption, any lingering taint that might have taken root.
Gabriel sighed. "Seriously, Kaiel. At the very least, you could have brought Azrael or me."
"On the bright side, we did gain a lot from this," I offered instead.
Gabriel's expression remained unimpressed. "Oh?"
"We stopped a major ally of the Khaos Brigade from being freed. We raided two bases and disrupted whatever they were using them for. We rescued Artemis and put Atlas back in his prison. We confirmed the Khaos Brigade's involvement and their connection to the devils." I tried.
Gabriel remained unimpressed.
Azrael was pensive, her fingers tapping against her arm. She appeared to come to her own decision with a nod.
Michael on the other hand nodded right up until Gabriel rounded upon him with a passive stare.
It was always funny to watch the ancient Arch-Angels act so childish in a sense. It felt like something only an Angel could achieve, even knowing that down underneath they were a lot smarter, stronger and tactful than me.
The current me anyway.
That was a few minutes of talking before Michael finally smiled once more. "Now that everything is finished," Michael said, rising to his feet from where he had been kneeling, "I should probably alert everyone to the situation."
The other Seraphim would want to know what happened. Raphael would fuss over my condition. Uriel would ask a thousand questions about the battle. Metatron and Sandalphon would want tactical reports.
And all of them would be clingy for the coming days.
"Go ahead." I replied. "I don't plan on leaving Heaven any time soon. You did a good job Michael."
The General of Heaven, sword of God and leader of Heaven for hundreds of years looked away, a blush rising to his cheeks.
"Thank you Father. It was… enjoyable to spend time together." Michael said, as if he hadn't just fought one of the biggest battles the Greeks had seen on their territory for a while.
He vanished, leaving only a feather behind as he simply disappeared from view.
The silence that followed felt comfortable.
I took a moment to truly relax.
Azrael said nothing, but her hand tightened slightly on my shoulder.
A thought occurred to me then. A rather mischievous thought that made the corner of my lips twitch upward.
I reached into my inventory.
The tree materialised before us in a shimmer of golden light. It stood about twelve metres tall, its branches laden with gleaming apples that radiated divine energy. The bark was smooth and pale, almost white, and the leaves rustled despite the absence of wind.
Hera's wedding present.
The tree that grew the golden apples of immortality.
Gabriel blinked. "Kaiel, what is that?"
"The Sacred Apple Tree." I replied vaguely.
A rare display of surprise from the Angel of Death. "You took a tree that grows golden fruits of immortality?"
"I liberated it from an unstable environment." I corrected. "Kronos was there. Things were exploding. I saw an opportunity."
"..."
"I can just blame it on Kronos if anyone asks."
Gabriel stared at me. Then at the tree. Then back at me.
I grinned.
All the while Azrael smirked. "A fitting reward for dealing with their issues."
"Don't encourage it sister." Gabriel lamented. "While I do believe a reward is in order, it'd be better if that didn't come at the cost of making a pantheon of enemies."
"If the Greeks wish to find death, then they shall have it." Azrael replied distantly.
The eversoft and lovely Gabriel nodded as if that was a known fact.
"But there'll be more to deal with and Kaiel might take it upon himself." Gabriel pouted.
I deserved that.
Ah it was good to be home.
I paused for a moment. Damn. I really was stealing from the Greeks and Sumerian at this point. The Tablet of Destiny. Primordial energy batteries. And now the golden apple tree itself. Along with Aphrodite and Heracles.
At least I was consistent.
And it was their fault for becoming so involved with me.
I moved to plant it near the Two Trees.
The soil here was rich with spiritual energy, blessed by Laurelin and Telperion. If any place could nurture Hera's tree, it would be this one.
My hands pressed the roots into the earth. The tree settled, its branches swaying gently as it acclimated to its new home.
I reached up to pluck one of the golden apples.
Gabriel was next to me inspecting the tree.
"What do you intend to do with it?" She asked curiously.
"Find out how it works." I responded immediately. "This goes beyond just a blessing after all. The ability to make someone into a god is nothing short of powerful."
Then the Two Trees moved.
Massive roots erupted from the ground, coiling around Hera's tree with a speed that left me frozen in place. Golden and silver bark wrapped around the pale trunk, drawing it closer to the twin giants.
The tree vanished.
Absorbed entirely into the combined mass of Laurelin and Telperion.
Not a single branch remained. Not a single leaf. Not even a trace of the divine energy that had radiated from its fruit.
Just… Gone.
"…"
I stared incomprehensibly.
Gabriel covered her mouth and looked away.
"Azrael… get the axe."
Azrael tilted her head.
I marched up to one of the massive trees.
"Spit that out now!" I demanded.
I didn't actually know if it could understand but I knew the two trees had some form of consciousness. So they better utilise it to understand.
Gabriel burst out into laughter and even Azrael cracked a smile.
"It's not funny." I said pitifully.
Gabriel wrapped her arms around me, still laughing.
I wanted to pull my hair out.
In truth, it wouldn't have been able to be used much anyway. From what I had seen it took fifty years to a century to grow a singular apple. But there had been six other apples on its branches!
I let out a long sigh. "That would have helped and now this gluttonous tree has eaten it."
"Perhaps they needed it more than you did." She offered, amusement colouring her voice.
"They're trees. What could they possibly need golden apples for?" I grouched. "Isn't this cannibalism?"
"Growth?" Azrael suggested. Her tone remained flat, but I caught the glimmer of humour in her silver eyes.
I groaned, then fell back.
The two of them took turns soothing my wounded pride. Gabriel's fingers ran through my hair in slow, gentle strokes. Azrael sat beside us, her presence somehow just as comforting as Gabriel's warmth.
It helped.
More than I wanted to admit.
The minutes stretched into something longer. The tension that had been coiled in my chest since the battle finally began to unwind.
I sat up.
"I suppose it's not a complete loss." I relented. "I can still study the Apple and hope this has gained something beyond a satisfied pair of trees."
Gabriel kissed my cheek.
I could tell she wanted to do more, but held out in Azrael's presence.
"But you've received other things, right?"
I looked at her in surprise.
She gave me a little smile. "I know you by now, you've got that look. What has manifested this time?"
The annoyance was still there, in the deep place only we had shared but for now she was content to spend time with me.
I opened my mouth to respond, only to be interrupted.
Currently we were standing close by to the small river at the base of the two trees, the mansion stood far in the distance with a surprising lack of anybody there for a chance.
Besides the rushing figure that came towards us.
My eyes had just begun to drift closed when I felt a shift in the air.
A familiar warmth approached.
"Kai!"
Hestia appeared at the edge of the grove, her orange eyes wide with worry. Her dark hair was disheveled, as if she had rushed here the moment she heard.
She probably had.
Gabriel's wings parted, allowing me to move up.
The movement sent a dull ache through my body, but I ignored it.
Hestia crossed the distance between us in moments. She stopped just short of me, her hands hovering as if afraid to touch.
"I heard what happened." Her voice trembled slightly. "Michael told me and I came as fast as I could!"
"Hestia."
She stopped.
"I'm fine."
She narrowed her eyes, the two gentle flames a roaring inferno that whipped about in the air dangerously.
"Fighting my Father just hours ago is not 'fine'." Hestia said placidly.
I paused for a second. Hestia's face was contorted into a mix of worry and something else, her burning eyes somehow radiating the distress she felt.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
She pursed her lips. "Don't change the topic Kai, this is serious. I knew you were investigating, which I learnt after you left, but this goes beyond that."
Gabriel and Azrael exchanged a glance. Some silent communication passed between them.
Then Gabriel rose, her wings folding against her back.
"We'll give you two a moment." She said softly.
Azrael followed, though not before casting one last look in my direction. A look that promised our conversation wasn't finished.
Then they were gone.
I almost appreciated it. While they had almost become like sisters to Hestia, a fact that had made Hestia spend the majority of her time in Heaven.
It had just occurred that being told that your father, the very one who had eaten you, was back and had just fought with a close friend was probably more than worrying.
How to go about this.
-{Hestia}-
Hestia stood before Kai, her heart pounding against her ribs in a way she hadn't felt in centuries or perhaps even further than that, being a Goddess had long since made her forget this feeling.
Especially with her seclusion in comparison to the many other gods.
Much to her astonishment, the Goddess of the Hearth had to admit, she felt shaken.
The moment Michael had told her what happened, something cold had gripped her chest and refused to let go. A familiar feeling. An old feeling. One she hadn't experienced in so long.
All her loved ones were powerful.
Zeus, Poseidon and Hades ran the Greek Pantheon. While Hera and Demeter had found themselves in powerful positions. Enough that wars would break over their displeasure.
All the while, the eldest daughter of Kronos found herself relegated. Partially due to her rejection in Zeus' and Poseidon's desire to bed her. It wasn't hostile, but it had insulted their pride. While many others forgot about her.
It wasn't pitiful or sad.
She had friends in Artemis.
But there had been loneliness.
It took a lot to make her truly surprised, but there was a name that had always stayed with her. The one she had watched eat her from birth and had spent so long in the belly of.
Kronos.
The name alone made her stomach turn. The memories that accompanied it were worse. Darkness. Confinement. The sensation of being swallowed whole, of existing in a void where time meant nothing and escape was impossible.
She had been a child when it happened. A newborn goddess consumed by her own father because of a prophecy. Because he feared what his children might become.
Hestia had never spoken of it.
Not to Zeus, who had freed them. Not to her siblings, who had long since dealt with the trauma it had inflicted upon them. She had simply chosen to be kind.
To tend the hearth. To provide warmth and comfort to others because she knew what it felt like to have neither.
And then Kai had appeared in her life.
She thought back to before.
The endless years of existing on the fringes of Olympian politics, ignored and overlooked because she posed no threat and offered no drama. The loneliness that had become so familiar she had stopped recognising it as loneliness at all.
Then there had been Heaven.
Gabriel, Azrael and all the angels had welcomed her with open arms.
The Angels treated her with genuine respect, not the dismissive courtesy her own family offered.
She had always wondered upon the Angels, a Faction built by a true family. That had become even more curious when she had met the Angel who felt lost, without a home or anyone to love.
She had friends now. A place where she belonged that wasn't defined by her usefulness or her willingness to stay out of the way. Most of all, she had gained twelve children.
And Kai.
He had given her all of that. He had looked at her and seen something worth knowing. The feelings had crept up on her slowly. At first she had dismissed them as gratitude.
Then as admiration. Then as something deeper that she couldn't quite name. By the time she recognised it for what it was, it had already taken root too deeply to remove.
She was in love with him.
And he had gone to fight her father without telling her.
"Hestia?" Kai's voice pulled her back to the present.
She looked at him properly for the first time since arriving.
He was ragged. His clothes were new and yet stained with blood that she hoped wasn't all his. Exhaustion lined his features, pulling at the corners of his eyes and weighing down his shoulders.
But he was still beautiful.
That golden hair catching the light from the Two Trees. The way he looked at her now, curious and concerned, with an emotion beneath it that made her breath catch.
"You didn't tell me." She sighed.
"I know."
"You went to fight him and you didn't tell me."
"I know." He repeated.
Hestia stared at him.
"Do you understand why I'm upset?" Hestia asked, her tone clipped as her burning eyes stared into his own.
Kai was quiet for a moment. His gaze never left hers.
"I imagine it's close to why Gabriel was annoyed at me." Kai said carefully. "Though I imagine it was due to Kronos as well."
She frowned. "I'd be concerned either way. It's just slightly more personal."
Hestia contained a shiver at memories that poured into her mind unbidden, composing her outward body with ease as she stared up at Kai.
"If it helps I didn't know that was quite what I was walking into. Though I had suspected Atlas." Kai said truthfully.
"That doesn't make it any better. Atlas isn't a joke." Hestia replied insistently.
"… I admit having Michael may have made me a bit too confident." He offered.
She sighed. "I'm glad you're back, tell me. Is my Father alive?"
She kept a blank face, an apparent giveaway as Kai frowned. In an almost in Kai fashion, he had somehow managed to sense what most shouldn't be able to. He moved forward. His hands came up to cup her face gently.
"You don't need to worry about it. He's been taken care of. Despite the damages this was a big win for us."
Hestia's eyes widened. "Michael defeated him?"
His face turned sour. "No I did, Michael took care of Atlas and a Devil that interfered."
"You fought him?" Hestia asked strangely.
"Yeah…" He answered hesitantly.
She bit her lips, unsure of how to feel about that.
He smiled at her. "So don't worry about him. The damage to me isn't permanent and while I can't say I enjoyed it, it was definitely worth it."
She grimaced.
"I am not a flower. I could have helped." Hestia relented. "Especially in a Greek domain."
She felt her Roman counterpart giggle in her mind.
They had been combined for a while now, though that side of her sometimes took the chance to separate just for little moments like this.
Hestia stared at him, her senses faded as she visualised the strings of relationships. A line formed between them, or rather it was revealed to her sight.
A strong thread of energy hung between them, spiralling orange lines wrapping over each other in a close spiral of energy. The line that tethered to her soul was noticeably glowing in comparison, brighter than the other but not too far off.
She stared at the tether for a few seconds.
It had been a while since she had checked out for fear of what she may see.
"I know you could." Kai affirmed.
Hestia leant up, catching his lips in a kiss that lasted quickly and admiring his look of surprise.
She merely tapped a finger to his lips as he attempted to speak once more.
-{Kai}-
I looked down at the two women sleeping beside me.
The soft light of the sub-dimension still shone in the sky from our position atop a hillside. The lush grass against our backs felt as comfortable as a bed.
After that chat with Hestia, I found myself promptly lying down once more. Followed by Gabriel they had both insisted I rest… without going back to my room.
To my surprise, they had both fallen asleep in my arms, and I had very nearly followed them.
I carefully extracted myself from the tangle of limbs.
Gabriel's wings twitched at my movement, but didn't wake. Hestia mumbled something unintelligible and curled tighter into the warm spot I had left behind.
I smiled at the sight before turning my attention to other matters.
That left my rewards.
I moved a short distance away, settling against one of the smaller trees that dotted the sub-dimension. Close enough to keep an eye on the sleeping pair, far enough to focus without distraction.
The Zanpakuto Spirit Infusion Orb came first. I examined it in my palm, feeling the condensed potential thrumming within. This would require careful consideration.
The sword it bonded with would become a reflection of my inner world. Choosing the wrong weapon wouldn't be any good.
Perhaps Michael? I dared to think about what that insane sword of his would become with the addition of it becoming a Zanpakuto.
I set it aside for now.
The Mortal Cup gleamed softly as I pulled it from my inventory.
A crystal clear liquid gently moved within.
Ten uses per day.
The applications for the Church were obvious, but there were other possibilities to consider. It was basically Evil Pieces for the Angels.
This… this alone would have made it worth it. The thought came about with a new flurry of excitement.
What happened when a typical, trusted exorcist became an Angel? How many were loyal to the church but were unnoticed due to a lack of power? What would becoming a half-Angel entail?
Humans were unfairly weak; without help or some magical bloodline, there was a limit.
I'd have to bring this up with Raphael.
That too was set aside.
That left the Golem of Eden.
My first Transcendent reward.
I pulled up the full description.
[Golem of Eden] [Transcendent]
[Description: A colossal golem crafted in the image of Adam, the first man, representing the pinnacle of Eden's power. Standing at over 30 metres tall, this construct is not merely a familiar but a soul-bound Golem that can grow infinitely with its user.]
My eyes travelled down towards the abilities section.
[Soul Shield: The Golem can be stored within the bearer's soul, providing passive protection against soul-based attacks. While stored, it acts as a secondary barrier that must be breached before the soul itself can be damaged.]
[Armoured Form: The Golem can transform into a suit of armour adaptable to the host's physique. In this form, the bearer gains enhanced physical capabilities and access to a portion of the Golem's abilities.]
[Earthen Restoration: The Golem can repair itself infinitely when in contact with natural earth. The rate of regeneration scales with the purity of the soil and the presence of natural energy in the environment.]
[Garden's Blessing: The Golem passively enhances plant growth within a moderate radius. Crops grow faster, medicinal herbs become more potent, and barren soil slowly regains fertility over time.]
[Eden's Spirit: When deployed in an area with high concentrations of holy or natural energy, the Golem's power increases proportionally. Sacred grounds, blessed forests, and locations touched by divine creation amplify its capabilities.]
[Verdant Command: The Golem can manipulate plant matter within its immediate vicinity. This allows for the creation of barriers, entangling roots, or platforms from existing vegetation. Cannot create plant matter from nothing.]
[Forbidden Memory: The Golem retains a fragment of Eden's original design. When deployed, it can slowly purify corrupted land, cleansing demonic taint and restoring natural balance over extended periods. This process is gradual and cannot be rushed.]
I read through the abilities twice, then a third time.
There were many other smaller abilities displayed with it, abilities I read through.
This was exactly what I needed.
The soul protection alone made it invaluable.
A passive barrier against future harm was reassuring. The armour form solved my lack of defensive equipment. And the nature-based abilities synergised perfectly with my existing projects.
Forbidden Memory could potentially help us with the corrupted god Pan we found in the Labyrinth. Verdant Command offered battlefield control that I currently lacked.
It wasn't overwhelmingly powerful on its own. The limitations were real and significant. But as part of my growing arsenal, it filled gaps I hadn't even realised existed.
Just what would it do to my Mokuton? Could I use it to channel the two trees while I fought?
My mind switched to my next download, which should be done soon. Perhaps after that, I could focus on something truly broken? It had been a while since I had done so.
I was about to dismiss the screen and try out my new armour when another notification caught my attention, reminding me about the most significant issue at hand.
The Mark of Kronos.
-{Aphrodite}-
The meeting had been called urgently.
Aphrodite could tell by the way Zeus sat upon his throne, lightning crackling through his beard with more intensity than usual.
That was to say he was purposely putting on a show.
By the tension in Athena's shoulders as she reviewed whatever reports had been compiled. By the way Poseidon actually looked awake for once, his sea-green eyes focused even as he lounged on his throne.
Something had happened.
She didn't particularly care what.
Aphrodite knew she was probably barely accepted as of now.
Word had spread of her desire to leave and of her preparations. To say it wasn't received well would be an understatement.
She shifted in her throne, letting her thoughts drift to more pleasant subjects. That golden hair catching the light. Those eyes that held depths she wanted to explore.
The way he had looked at her when they first met, not with the desperate lust most beings showed her, but with genuine interest.
Aphrodite felt the connection to her domain with a soft smile. The connection had grown, her power had risen slightly, and most of all, a new domain skill had developed in the last month.
Aphrodite knew what was happening, as she knew that Kai had found himself surrounded by women with the same feelings.
She was the Goddess of Love.
And yet here she was, daydreaming about an angel who planned to take her in while Zeus prepared to deliver whatever doom-laden announcement had prompted this gathering.
"I have called you here because of the events at Mount Othrys." Zeus's voice boomed across the chamber. "What I am about to reveal does not leave this room."
Aphrodite suppressed a yawn.
"Kronos has returned."
The chamber went silent.
Aphrodite's attention snapped into focus.
Around her, the other gods had gone rigid with shock. Even Poseidon looked genuinely alarmed, his casual demeanour evaporating in an instant.
Demeter shared a look with Zeus.
"That shouldn't be possible," Athena said flatly. "He was placed in Hades domain, and I doubt he has turned on us."
"He hasn't fully risen." Zeus cut her off. "Our father was using a host body rather than manifesting in his true form, but the power was unmistakable. I sensed it myself before the barriers went up."
"Barriers?" Poseidon leaned forward.
"What barriers?" Hermes inquired, abnormally silent.
"Someone erected a concealment around the entire mountain. Powerful enough to block even my sight for a time." Zeus's jaw tightened with obvious displeasure, while strangely, he looked away.
"By the time it fell, the battle was already over."
"Battle?" Athena's eyes narrowed. "Who was fighting Kronos?"
"Angels." Artemis cut in.
The previously absent Goddess had arrived, looking worse for wear.
"Daughter." Zeus greeted. "It is good to see you back."
"Sister." Apollo stood up. "It is good to see you again."
"Brother," Artemis replied in a clipped tone.
"I see," Athena said. "You were captured all this time?"
"I was." Artemis glared.
"Heaven interfered in Greek affairs?" Poseidon's voice carried a dangerous edge. "On what authority?"
"That remains unclear." Zeus drummed his fingers against his throne. "But I caught a glimpse of those involved before the secondary barrier was erected. Michael was present. As was Azrael."
Aphrodite felt something cold begin to creep through her chest.
"And another." Zeus continued. "The Angel Kai. The one who has been involved repeatedly in our affairs over the past year."
Her heart lurched with worry.
"What happened to them?" The words escaped before she could stop them.
Every head in the chamber turned toward her. Aphrodite never participated in strategic discussions. Her sudden interest was clearly unexpected.
Zeus raised a curious look but answered regardless. "They survived, as far as I could determine. The Angel Kai appeared to be at the centre of whatever occurred."
"And Kronos?" Athena pressed, redirecting attention away from Aphrodite's outburst. "What became of him?"
"Sealed," Artemis said, the word leaving a bad taste in her mouth.
"How?" Poseidon asked. "The original seal required every Olympian working in unison."
"Are you forgetting who we are speaking of?" Athena questioned. "The Black Death and the Sword of Heaven were spotted-"
"Along with the Lady Gabriel." Artemis corrected.
"-they are more than capable."
Zeus grunted.
Aphrodite's hands gripped the arms of her throne.
"There's more." Artemis stepped forward.
"Kronos wasn't acting alone."
"Explain," Zeus commanded.
"An organisation called the Khaos Brigade. They've been operating across multiple pantheons, recruiting disaffected gods and working to release sealed threats." Artemis crossed her arms. "Atlas was involved as well. He escaped his bonds as part of their operation."
"Two Titans?" Athena's voice was curious. "Working together?"
"At least two."
"Make that three," Poseidon said. "Hades sent word that Iapetus was discovered hiding in the Fields of Asphodel."
Zeus glared. "I haven't heard of such word."
"It was only sent half an hour ago. I had assumed this was why the meeting was called." Poseidon replied. "He's been recaptured, but the fact that he escaped at all suggests the problem is larger than we initially believed."
"How about we slow our roll here," Hermes interjected. "Apollo, what can you see on the matter?"
Apollo paused. "Ehm. Well, here's the thing."
Zeus looked on with furrowed brows.
"I can't see anything," Apollo stated plainly.
Demeter stared pointedly.
"You can't see anything?"
"It's more like something is blocking my sight." Apollo quickly corrected.
"So these enemies are somehow blocking your sight?" Zeus asked, unimpressed.
"Yes," Apollo affirmed.
There was a silence.
Perhaps it wasn't a big deal to any outsider with the amassed power of the Olympians, but Apollo had used his sight for thousands of years to predict events or give insights at the very least accurately.
Until now.
"Fates." Zeus declared.
A strike of divine lightning blazed through the sky, tearing apart reality with its fall.
A space opened, and from within it the three Fates floated out.
"Fates," Zeus said. "Tell me, why does Apollo's sight fail?"
They didn't answer.
Poseidon snickered.
Zeus' nostrils flared. "Well?"
"Doom approaches in blinding crimson. Beware of the wrath of the firstborn son. Gap opens and emerges Wisdom. The gap opens and emerges Wisdom."
Aphrodite nearly choked.
Wasn't that the prophecy that led Zeus to eat Metis, and also what was given when Athena emerged from his head?
Zeus paled.
The fates vanished.
There was silence until the King of Olympus recovered.
"Fates!" Zeus shouted, his eyes crackling. "Do not leave these chambers!"
Zeus attempted to look dignified in the face of the multiple gods watching him.
"This is not the time for such petty games. Your assistance would be… appreciated." Zeus said reluctantly. "At least give us a clue of what is to come."
Divine power flared, a single rift forming and collapsing on itself in the same moment to deliver a small note.
Zeus attempted to hide his proud smile, which turned into confusion.
With her keen sight, she was able to make out the singular sketch of an apple.
"An apple?" Zeus voiced.
The doors burst open.
Hera stood at the entrance, her divine power wafting from her. The two points that served as her eyes were pure white due to the sheer concentration of divine energy.
"Where is it?" She stated coldly, the question was not a question at all.
"Wife. I don't believe this is the time-" Zeus tried.
"WHERE IS MY WEDDING GIFT?" Hera's voice boomed.
"What?" Zeus faltered for a split second.
"My apple tree is gone from the garden of Hesperides!" Hera scowled, the beautiful Goddess' visage twisted in rage.
Zeus had a realisation at that moment, but couldn't voice it as Hera began shouting at him.
"Where is Aunty Hestia?" Artemis abruptly said. "I can't find her even in Camp Half-Blood or anywhere else."
The bickering gods ignored her.
Artemis scowled, slapping Apollo's head.
"Hey!"
"Where's Hestia?" Artemis questioned.
He scratched his head. "In her palace?"
"She doesn't have a palace," Artemis said.
Aphrodite watched the scene passively.
If only the world knew how the Olympians truly were. To think this group could destroy the entire planet if they attempted it.
She shook her head.
-END-
Side-note, what other hidden abilities do you think the Golem Of Eden would have?
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