𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐌𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐓! [pjo]

XXIX; death's glowing

━━━death's glowing

.・゜゜・───・゜゜・

The ghosts were circling. There were about a hundred in all—not an entire legion, but more than a cohort. Some carried the tattered lightning bolt banners of the Twelfth Legion, Fifth Cohort—Michael Varus's doomed expedition from the 1980s. Others carried standards and insignias, as if they'd died at different times, on different quests—maybe not even from Camp Jupiter. Most were armed with Imperial gold weapons—more Imperial gold than the entire Twelfth Legion possessed. The stark sunlight glinted off of them.

"Thanatos!" Hazel turned to the robed figure. "We're here to rescue you. If you control these shades, tell them—" Her voice faltered.

Cal's breath hitched.

The air felt electrified, crackling and spitting across Cal's skin. His eyes were kind. Yes, he was beautiful, unfairly so, but his eyes. Gods, they were so kind, so sympathetic. Glistening gold like Hazel's, enchanting and open. Comforting. It was like he knew what his job was, and what it meant to die. It was like his eyes were apologizing for taking people away. Cal was glad that when she died, those eyes were gonna be the first thing she saw. Maybe Percy and Annie would be the last.

"It's Cupid," Frank said.

"A really buff Cupid," Percy muttered.

"You compliment me," Thanatos said. His voice was as gorgeous as he was—deep and melodious. "I am frequently mistaken for the god of love. Death has more in common with Love than you might imagine. But I am Death. I assure you."

"We're—we're here to save you," Hazel managed. "Where's Alcyoneus?"

"Save me...?" Thanatos narrowed his eyes. "Do you understand what you are saying, Hazel Levesque? Do you understand what that will mean?"

Percy stepped forward. "We're wasting time." He swung his sword at the god's chains. Celestial bronze rang against the ice, but Riptide stuck to the chain like glue. Frost began creeping up the blade. Percy pulled frantically. Frank ran to help. Together, they just managed to yank Riptide free before the frost reached their hands.

"That won't work," Thanatos said simply. "As for the giant, he is close. These shades are not mine. They are his." Thanatos's eyes scanned the ghost soldiers. They shifted uncomfortably as if an arctic wind were rattling through their ranks.

"So how do we get you out?" Hazel demanded.

Thanatos turned his attention back to her. "Daughter of Pluto, child of my master, you of all people should not wish me released."

"Don't you think I know that?"

"Listen, Death." She drew her cavalry sword, and Arion reared in defiance. "I didn't come back from the Underworld and travel thousands of miles to be told that I'm stupid for setting you free. If I die, I die. I'll fight this whole army if I have to. Just tell us how to break your chains."

Thanatos studied her for a heartbeat. "Interesting. You do understand that these shades were once demigods like you. They fought for Rome. They died without completing their heroic quests. Like you, they were sent to Asphodel. Now Gaea has promised them a second life if they fight for her today. Of course, if you release me and defeat them, they will have to return to the Underworld where they belong. For treason against the gods, they will face eternal punishment. They are not so different from you, Hazel Levesque. Are you sure you want to release me and damn these souls forever?"

Frank clenched his fists. "That's not fair! Do you want to be freed or not?"

"Fair..." Death mused. "You'd be amazed how often I hear that word, Frank Zhang, and how meaningless it is. Is it fair that your life will burn so short and bright? Was it fair when I guided your mother to the Underworld?"

Frank staggered like he'd been punched.

"No," Death said sadly. "Not fair. And yet it was her time. There is no fairness in Death. If you free me, I will do my duty. But of course, these shades will try to stop you."

"So, if we free you we get mobbed by angry caspers?" Cal asked.

Thanatos nodded, "Interesting analogy, but yes."

"Ok." She breathed out, shuddering in the cold. "So, how do we break your chains?"

Thanatos smiled, and Cal's heart hiccuped. "Only the fire of life can break the chains of death."

"Jesus," Cal muttered.

"Ok, without the riddle please," Percy muttered.

Frank drew a shaky breath. "It isn't a riddle."

"Frank, no," Hazel said weakly. "There's got to be another way."

Laughter boomed across the glacier. A rumbling voice said: "My friends. I've waited so long!"

Standing at the gates of the camp was Alcyoneus. He was even larger than the giant Polybotes they'd seen in California. He had metallic golden skin, armor made from platinum links, and an iron staff the size of a totem pole. His rust-red dragon legs pounded against the ice as he entered the camp. Precious stones glinted in his red braided hair.

The giant approached, grinning at Hazel with his solid silver teeth.

"Ah, Hazel Levesque," he said, "you cost me dearly! If not for you, I would have risen decades ago, and this world would already be Gaea's. But no matter!" He spread his hands, showing off the ranks of ghostly soldiers. "Welcome, Percy Jackson! Welcome, Frank Zhang! Welcome, Callahan Lee! I am Alcyoneus, the bane of Pluto, the new master of Death. And this is your new legion."

━━━death's glowing

.・゜゜・───・゜゜・

A//N: would y'all be mad if I killed Callahan?? Cause,, I got plans and they're angsty.....