Leaneira barely had room to breathe, let alone think but she still somehow found the strength to breathe out as she lifted the weight and breathe in as she lowered the weight. She had better have muscles like the Rock after she got from under there.
And she was getting from under there then she was going to kick Trent's ass and throw Luke back under there to be flatten out like a waffle maker.
Her knees shook as the weight force her down to a knee. She could run out of strength at any second, but spite and adrenaline was a good motivator.
"How is our mortal guest?" a male voice boomed. It was deep and low with a rumble that made the ground vibrate. Huge chunks of black rock began falling in response to his voice. Lea raised her eyes, blurry shapes appearing in front of her before she lost the strength to hold her head up any longer. She absently sensed someone kneeling at her side, hovering around her before the chill of healing mageia rushed through her. "She's fading. We must hurry." The voice sounded a bit familiar.
The deep voice chuckled. A groan spilled from her lips. She was going to beat them all up.
"You heard the boy," said the loud man. "Decide!"
"How dare you torture a maiden like this!" Oh, that voice sounded familiar also.
"She will die soon," the person beside Lea said. "You can save her."
Lea groaned softly. She wasn't going to die. Hermes said... Hermes said that they would make her a new flower before she wouldn't die. And he mentioned something about his Brother's soulmate becoming a god after turning into a flower.
"Free my hands," the other familiar voice said. Something clanged to the ground before the weight was lifted from her shoulders. Lea collapsed on the ground, her body screaming at her in relief. That was interesting. She thought her pain receptors had disappeared already. She blinked blearily. Forget kicking his ass. She was going to kill Trent.
The man in the shadows chuckled. "You are as predictable as you were easy to beat, Artemis."
Lady Artemis? Hermes' sister. Lea sank a bit deeper into her relief. A rescue was coming and then she could heal and then kick those traitors' asses.
"You surprised me," the goddess said, straining under her burden. "It will not happen again."
"Indeed it will not," the man said. "Now you are out of the way for good! I knew you could not resist helping a young maiden. That is, after all, your specialty, my dear."
Artemis groaned "You know nothing of mercy, you swine."
"On that," the man said, "we can agree. Trent, you may kill the girl now." The only one getting killed would be Trent as soon as she gained her strength back.
"No!'" Artemis shouted.
Trent hesitated. "She—she may yet be useful, sir.. Further bait."
"Bah! You truly believe that?"
"Yes, General. They will come for her. I'm sure."
The General considered. "Then my children and the dracaenae can guard her here. Assuming she does not die from her injuries, you may keep her alive until winter solstice. After that, if our sacrifice goes as planned, her life will be meaningless. The lives of all mortals will be meaningless."
Lea gave an involuntary gasped as who she assumed was Trent picked her and began walking.
"You will never find the monster you seek," Artemis said from behind her. "Your plan will fail."
"How little you know, my young goddess," the General replied, voice becoming fainter the further that she was carried. "Even now, your darling attendants begin their quest to find you. They shall play directly into my hands. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a long journey to make. We must greet your Hunters and make sure their quest is... challenging."
The man's laughter echoed in the darkness, shaking the ground until it seemed the whole cavern ceiling would collapse.
The sea cried in rage. Waves slammed against the shores in random places over the entire planet. Thousand feet of waves rose in the air as if they were attempting to touch the sky before crashing back down to the ocean floor. Mortals screamed as the foundations of the earth shook. The waves churned into chaos, whipping gales from every quarter, shrouding over in thunderheads the earth and sea at once – and night swept down from the sky – East and South Winds clashed and the raging West and North, sprung from the heavens.
Hermês walked into the golden-floored hall of the council chamber. Father sat upon the peak of Olympos, eyeing Poseidón in worry as the god of sea was vibrating with fury. The second son of Krónos was sitting upon his throne with his gaze locked intently on Athênê who was doing her best to avoid the gaze of her Uncle. Hermês couldn't blame her as a simple glance at Poseidón's eyes were like looking into the depths of the ocean in the middle of the Night during a hurricane.
The goddess of wisdom was strong without a doubt. She was not an opponent any sane person would have. She was one of the four most intelligent gods of the Twelve Olympioi Major. She was one of the most favored children; and favored daughter, of Ζεύς. And yet in the eyes of Poseidón, whose gaze churned with a towering ball of vexation, she was nothing but a child. His sisters fluttered around him, doing their best to soothe him which was a surprise as Dēmḗtēr tended to ignore both him and Ζεύς in care for her daughters.
Hermês ignored it all as he moved to his own throne. His gaze moved to the expansive view of the world below allowing him to observe mankind from the heights. A pity that he could not see his Leaneíras. His anger had all but burned out, instead an air of melancholy surrounded him. His limbs felt heavy and it was only repetition that had kept him afloat in the air. He didn't even want to be there on Olympos. He wanted to rush back to the mountains of Kyllene and waste away until his love was returned to him.
The golden tables and tripods within the room were automatons animated by Hḗphaistos, and trundled in and out of the hall as required. Hermês reached out for a chalice of nectar, sipping on it absently as the weight of the world rested on his shoulders.
His Leaneíras was out there somewhere. He needed her back. She was like a dream that he had never wanted to awaken from. How had he been living life before her? He suppose he now understood what Aphrodítē meant when she stated that it was both a blessing and a curse to feel everything so very deeply. He wondered how the goddess of love and passion had not been driven mad as of yet?
He could feel eyes roaming over him in worry, but he could not find the strength to muster cheer. Why should he when his Leaneíras had been taken from him? Who knew what dastardly things the enemy was doing to her? Oh, how he would flatten the earth and show them all how he was truly a son of Ζεύς if they assaulted her! The way that he would delight in their screams of terrors when he got his hands on any of them!
A hand rested on his arm, bringing him back to reality. Aphrodítē stared at him in worry while Árēs stood at their sides protectively, glaring at any that gaze at him for a moment too long. Hermês turned to look around the council room, taking note that the cloistered courtyard where the full assembly of the gods was gathered—including all of the earth-, river- and sea-deities as well as nymphs.
He turned to look back at Aphrodítē, noting her looking coolly at another. When he followed her gaze, he took note of Athênê staring at the elder goddess.
"What is the issue," Hermês asked his brother. Absently, he took note of how weak and defeated his voice sounded. Árēs grimaced. "The friend of your blessing did not react well to the news of her capture. She was too distraught to think logically and attacked the child of Athênê when she learned that Leaneíras, um... sacrificed herself to save her. She has yet to apologize."
Hermês knew that she wouldn't apologize at all. He certainly wouldn't.
The other gods and goddesses shifted uneasily as the tension in the hall reached greater heights. Some of them were looking around for Hêbê or Ganymēdēs to serve more ambrosia and nectar. They chittered nervously, eyes fluttering between the three Olympioi Major in fear of a fight.
"Father!" boomed across the hall like a whip. Olympos came to a stop as the doors to the chamber blasted opened with enough force to fly off the hinges. All eyes turned to see Apóllōn, the blue in his eyes giving way to eyes that shine like rays of light that he inherited from his grandfather, Krónos. His hair fastened up so that he may box with girt-up head. He held his bow, drawn in his hands, golden just as his pupils and seething just as he. They all watched as the poison he coated his arrows with dripped acid onto the marbled floors. His golden sword gleamed at his side.
Everyone stood slowly as he stood at the end of the hall, his power radiating forcefully around him.
The last time he had been at such a rage, Ζεύς had slain his son.
Hermês' heart ached, wondering what brought such a rage out of his beloved brother. Huákinthos and Lētṓ stood at his sides, the former gazing at his lover in worry while the latter brimmed in the same rage as her son. In her hands was a staff made from a palm tree coated in adamantine and celestial bronze and it too dribbled with the poison that her children so happily favored.
"Apóllōn," Ζεύς started wearily from his seat. His hand wrapped around the master bolt in a faux state of calmness. Brontê, stern of face, and Astrapê, flashing light from her eyes, stood at his sides holding his other lightning bolts while Kratos and Bia, his muscular enforcers, twitched from their spots where they stood attendant on the throne of Ζεύς.
"A prophecy has just been issued," the god of oracles spat. The golden hue of his eyes flared once more and it unnerved them all when golden-tressed Lētṓ did not calm her powerful son, instead tightening her hold on her brazen staff.
"And what did it say," Ζεύς inquired, heaviness to his voice that betrayed his thoughts for it seemed he already knew. There could be only one reason as to why his splendid son and beloved bride would be so wrathful.
The tension in the room skyrocketed. Huákinthos had longed given up on trying to soothe his blessing and instead just focused on offering as support as he could. The temperature began to rise once more and the acid began to wear a hole into the floor. "Five shall go west," Apóllōn started, voice trembling as he trailed off. He closed his eyes tightly and Hermês flew from his seat to hold his brother up as his terrifying strength began to leave him. The other gods began to cry out in shock as Apóllōn sagged in the herald's arms. Asklēpiós rushed forward to grabbed ahold of his Father while Dionysos and Thuônê took hold of Lētṓ as she collapsed into herself. "Five shall go west to the goddess in chains."
Thunder snapped, crackled and popped as the words registered in the mind of Ζεύς. His little moonbeam was chained? He cast his gaze over to Árēs, remembering when his fickle son had been captured by those damnable Aloadai. He had to reassure himself that his child was there. Outrage poured through the room, the other children of Ζεύς reacting in response to the treatment of one of their own.
"Phoibos," Hḗrē called out, standing to place a calming hand on her husband's shoulder. "What else does the prophecy state?" It took a moment for Apóllōn to respond as his mind was clouded with rage and worry. Hermês continued to run a soothing hand alongside his back while Huákinthos cradled his face and brushed away his tears. Apóllōn took a deep breath, eyes still flashing gold as he turned his gaze towards the King and Queen. Hearts clenched in all of their chest as they bore witness to the agony on the face of Ζεύς' most beautiful son.
"One shall be lost in the land without rain," he stated a bit brokenly. "The bane of Olympos shows the trail."
The gods shared looks. Hermês knew that it had been reported that Artemis was hunting a dangerous monster. It would make sense that it was this so called bane of Olympos.
"Campers and Hunters combined prevail," Apóllōn continued. There was a bit of relief in the room at the last word. He hesitated, gaze going distant as he viewed glimpses of the timeline through the Tapestry. They all waited with baited breath for him to return back to them and when he did... The golden hue faded a bit to show off his envied blue eyes as they darted between Hermês and Poseidón. He sighed heavily, sinking into Hermês hold and bringing Huákinthos hand to his lips before facing his Uncle. "The Titan's curse must one withstand."
The gods murmured wondering which curse of which Titan that the prophecy spoke of but, Poseidón and Hermês both flinched.
Háidēs, Hestia, and Dēmḗtēr tended to their brother. His darling daughter. His little girl. Poseidón had not sired female children in centuries and now, his little guppy was withstanding some damnable curse that was crafted for a deity!
They both inferred that was just whom he spoke of.
Hermês stumbled away. Árēs — when did he get there? — kept from collapsing also.
Leaneíras.
His Leaneíras.
And yet, Apóllōn was not finished as he spoke the most ominous words of them all. "And one shall perish by a parent's hand."
The gods all paused, gazes darting around the courtyard wondering just whom they spoke of.
"Has a quest been issued," Dēmḗtēr asked, eyes darting over to Dionysos.
The god of madness flared a bit at the edges, his gaze growing distant. "We are currently hosting a meeting," the lavender-eyed god stated. "Zoë Nightshade has been chosen as the leader of the quest." Nods happened around the room. It would make sense for her most trusted huntress since Kallistô to lead a quest to find her. "The son of Poseidón noted that it should be three hunters and two campers to go on the quest to keep it fair as Zoë lobbied for all Hunters."
Apóllōn and Athênê and Árēs were immediately shaking their heads. "While strength in numbers would do well for the challenges they may face," Árēs started. "If they are tracking the scent of the monster that Artemis was hunting, it may spook it and the trail would be lost."
Dionysos nodded absently, gaze locked into the distance. "Kheirôn agrees with you." He paused, snorting softly. "They gaze at me as if I were to know this monster. I am still a young god, you know. I don't keep track of all those ancient monsters and dusty titans. They make for terrible party conversation."
Nor was he a fan of thinking about the Titans that ripped apart his first life. He and Zagreus may have continued on as separate beings that worshipped overlapped, but neither forgot the pain that they felt at the actions of Hḗrē and the Titani.
"Kheirôn has some ideas of whom the monster could be yet I agree with him when he stated that none of them quite make sense. Typhôeus and Kētṓ."
"Όχι," Poseidón shook his head wearily. His voice sounded tired. "I would have noticed and sounded the alarm already, though I can admit that there have been disturbing reports from Phorkys, Aigaiôn, and Ôkeanos' territories though nothing to call for war as of yet."
That was not to mention the comments Leaneíras made last summer when she informed Artemis of the thing that grabbed her as she dived from Luke's ship.
"Kheirôn agrees. He believes this monster may be more elusive. More powerful."
There was more muttering coming from the younger gods. Those that had not fought in the Titanomakhía and louder from those that had not during the Gigantomachia.
"They are choosing the questors now," Dionysos announced. Apóllōn and Lētṓ stared at him brokenly. "Zoë Nightshade as the quest's leader. She chooses Phoebe." Apóllōn jerked. If Asklēpiós was his favored son, then Phoebe would be his favored daughter. His beautiful young daughter whom he led to his sister's side as he felled the men that tried to attack her with his arrows. He named her after his Grandmother. Oh, how his heart was breaking to think of her on a quest that took his sister away and foresaw the deaths in two different instances and one of which that claimed one of the questers would be killed by their own parent. Όχι. Όχι. He could not allow his daughter to go. "She chooses the newest recruit to the Hunters also. A Bianca Di'Angelo."
Hermês cast a glance to Háidēs remembering the cloak of death that surrounded the girl's younger brother and would've surrounded her if not for Artemis' blessing over powering it. The giver of wealth didn't even blink.
A wry smile appeared on Dionysos' face. "Grover Underwood has been chosen as the fourth member." There was a paused as he blinked. "Drew Tanaka has stormed into the meeting and demanded a spot on the quest."
Nearly, all eyes fluttered over to Aphrodítē. The goddess tensed her throne; her girdle which was imbued with the power to inspire the passion of desire in mortals and immortals alike flashed bringing all but Hestia and Athênê to their knees. It was only the comforting hands of her children that managed to calm her before the sacred floors of the courtyard could be stained by the gods in their frenzy. "I forbit it," the goddess said in faux calm with a pleasant smile. The dark-eyelashed Goddess cheeks emitted a smile mingled with wrath and all could see so clearly how she gained the epithets: Melainis, Skotia, Androphonos, Anosia, and Tymborychos. "She will not go on this quest."
Dionysos inclined his head. "It seems the others agree. Zoë mocked her and twirled her dagger around in intimidation. And oh, Drew just sneered and said: 'Swing on me and watch how fast everybody say they were just talking about you'. She is determined to go."
"Well she better get undetermined," Aphrodítē snarled. "I will not allow it." She gave a glance to Érōs and Hermês knew that was a horrible idea. Drew hated her half-brother.
"Thalia Grace has volunteered instead," Dionysos announced solemnly. Everyone's gaze snapped towards Ζεύς who closed his eyes. "Zoë Nightshade has accepted — ahh, Perseus Jackson has argued for his inclusion."
Poseidón rose to his feet, trident clutched tightly in his hand. "I will not lose another child to this quest." Apóllōn and Lētṓ snarled, but said nothing as Hermês flinched once more.
Dionysos' eyes sharpened just a bit, placing him a bit here and there. "Zoë Nightshade mocks him, wondering if he truly wanted to save Artemis or if he only wanted to join for Leaneíras."
"Perseus would choose his sister," Hermês murmured. Dionysos inclined his head. "Annabeth Chase also argues for inclusion. She freely admits that she wishes to utilize the quest to find Leaneíras in-between searching for Artemis as she feels guilty." Athênê frowned a bit in disapproval. Hermês knew more so that it was because Annabeth wanted to help a child of Poseidón, but he also knew that she encouraged her foster children to never be indebted to anyone.
"Zoë Nightshade has declined her and Kheirôn points out that the Huntress has the right to chose her own companions." He blinked as he came back to the present. "The meeting has ended. They leave at first light."
All eyes turned to Father whose gaze moved to the expansive view of the world below allowing him to observe mankind from the heights. Ζεύς slipped his eyes closed before he sat straight. "We cannot interfere with the quest. Tis written in the ancient laws by Anankê and Khronos." Apóllōn and Lētṓ snarled, climbing to their feet. "Destiny still ordains that she shall return to her loved ones, come to the bronze-founded house on Olympos of Ζεύς." the Father of the gods continued without acknowledging them. "However, to ensure the will of destiny, we can guide them in the correct direction." Ζεύς turned his back to the assembled gods. "Britomartis, take Oupis, Loxô, and Hekaergê with you. Thin out the enemy ranks and find where they are keeping Artemis. If you can find the monster she is chasing, all the better."
He turned towards Hermês. "You are our messenger, Hermês, sent on all our missions. You may take a squad of your own companions to search for your blessing. Take care of your safety. We cannot afford to lose our Herald." Hermês inclined his head and Ζεύς turned his attention to the Mother and Son before him. "We shall get her back and that I swear."
Lētṓ gave him a grateful smile. Apóllōn nodded sharply, lifting Huákinthos' hand to press a kiss to his palm before moving forward to take his seat at their Father's side. Ζεύς turned to Poseidón. "Earth-shaker, you with your massive power, why moaning so? The gods don't disrespect you. What a stir there'd be if they flung abuse at the oldest, noblest of them all. If any man, so lost in his strength and prowess, pays you no respect – just pay him back. The power is always yours. Do what you like. Whatever warms your heart."
Ζεύς paused.
"Wait, dear brother," Ζεύς who collects the clouds had second thoughts. "Here's what seems best to me. For all that disrespect thee, taking your daughter from her sacred home and casting disrespect to your house, strike their mighty ship into a rock that looks like a racing vessel, just offshore - amaze all men a marvel for the ages." The brothers shared grim smiles, each remembering the last conversation where they spake similar words.
Ζεύς then turned towards Athênê and Árēs. "Assemble the other gods of war. Artemis has been arguing for action against Father's minions. We shall have some preliminary plans in place for her input when she returns."
Ζεύς Panellênios looked at all the deities before him. They looked upon him in reverence. Even the gods who were not his natural children address him as Father, and all the gods rose in his presence. "Come, all of us here put heads together now, work out our victory to bury them back beneath the wide-pathed earth, and bound them in bitter chains, as far beneath the earth to Tartara! How can they stand their ground against the will of all the gods at once?"
Ayo, disney. Are you reading fanfiction because I know that I used the idea of the characters making their own mythomagic cards and i'm sure others did too. 👀