The Seraphic System
Chapter: 111
(The Labyrinth)
-{Rahziel}-
Rahziel paused in her task as the power hit like a wave, pouring down from the seventh Heaven through the large gateway, making her skin tingle comfortably.
Rahziel felt it before she saw it, a warmth spreading through the first heaven that made every part of her being stand at attention. Around her, thousands of angels stopped mid-flight, mid-conversation, mid-everything.
Their white wings stilled behind them as, almost simultaneously, their eyes widened.
Something was happening.
More specifically, their Father was doing something that was enough to pause all activity in Heaven temporarily. The Angels oversaw the administration of the Angel, who happily worked to keep the silver city clean.
The light came next. It poured down from above, and Rahziel's chest tightened with an emotion she couldn't name. Then the beams struck; she couldn't see them, nobody could, but she could feel them passing through the air, directly into some of her siblings nearby.
One angel gasped as golden light pierced straight through her. Another cried out in shock. All across the heavens, her brothers and sisters seemed to be blessed at random.
That was what she could make out: the energy curling around them and empowering them in various ways. As a sensor, she could see this and had no doubt everyone else was coming to the same conclusion.
The air filled with their voices, excitement building into something close to hysteria.
Like children once more.
Rahziel felt it before it reached her.
When it entered her, she couldn't breathe.
The light didn't hurt, but it filled every corner of her soul, settling into a space she hadn't known was empty. Her hands burned, and when she looked down, a gauntlet was forming around her right arm.
A sleek gauntlet covered in dark reddish scales engulfed her hand, causing her to stare at it incomprehensibly.
It wasn't a moment later that her siblings swarmed her immediately, all inspecting the gauntlet with open excitement.
A Sacred Gear?
Rahziel stared at the gauntlet and felt her throat close; her mind raced as she considered what this could mean.
Was this a sign that they were worthy of his gifts?
The thought made Rahziel's eyes burn.
Around her, the general populace of Angels erupted into celebration as they came to the same conclusion.
-{Annabeth}-
"Percy..." Annabeth's voice was tight with concern as she stared at the hulking figure standing guard near the Big House. The creature was massive, easily ten feet tall, covered in armour that seemed to be made of solidified shadows.
It didn't move, didn't breathe, just... stood there, watching them both of them silently.
"What happened?" Annabeth asked, looking to the hulking figure and back to Percy.
Percy looked up from where he'd been absently kicking at the dirt. "Kai appeared with this scary hot Angel and said he was coming along on the quest, then he left this guy with me. To protect me? Then he left and told me that he would be back."
Annabeth blinked. Then sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I admire your ability to simplify that entire statement so simply."
"What? That's what happened." Percy shrugged.
Annabeth sighed, then whispered.
"Percy, Kai just showed up with an Angel, assigned you a personal bodyguard that looks like it could bench press a building, and you summarised it like you were talking about getting pizza delivered," Annabeth said, her voice low.
The hulking figure tilted its head, looking to the nearest building in an almost questioning manner,
"I mean... when you put it that way, it sounds way more dramatic," Percy admitted with a nod. "And a lot cooler."
Annabeth shook her head, but she couldn't help the small smile.
Despite everything, despite the fear gnawing at her about the quest ahead, Percy's complete inability to grasp the weight of supernatural situations was almost comforting.
"So he's actually coming?" she asked, her voice softer now. "Kai's going to help?"
Annabeth couldn't deny she missed Kai, and learning that he had become God… had honestly made her sit down. It hadn't just been Kai's father who sent help at his behest, but rather he himself.
But how?
It didn't make sense. Unless Kai was playing with them? But no, they weren't who he was or even what many said of the biblical God.
It was a mystery.
Percy nodded. "Yeah. I think something's up. I asked what was up, and he got this look, you know? The serious one. Then he said something about a group being behind this, and that they were linked to some of his enemies."
Annabeth frowned, her mind racing. "Problems for Kai?" She trailed off, her stomach sinking. "Just what has Luke gotten himself involved with?"
The person who'd betrayed them.
"I'm not sure," Percy admitted quietly. "But if it's bad enough that Kai's getting personally involved..." He didn't finish the sentence.
Annabeth frowned but accepted it.
Luke had tried to kill her, and she couldn't forget it.
The betrayal hurt deep. Annabeth looked toward the horizon, toward the west, where Lady Artemis was supposedly being held.
Where the quest would take them.
Zoë Nightshade had left a few days ago with the other Hunters, following the prophecy to rescue Artemis. They were supposed to be the guides. Now they were gone, leaving Annabeth and Percy to figure out how to follow.
Or at least she was, Percy seemed content to go with the flow, for lack of a better term.
"We don't even have a guide," Annabeth muttered. "Zoë's group already left. We're going in blind."
"We'll figure it out," Percy said with more confidence than she felt. "We always do. And now we've got..." He gestured at the guardian. "Whatever that is. Plus Kai's coming. He can surely magic us a path."
"I doubt it'll be that easy." Annabeth frowned slightly. "But while I can't say Kai will just 'magic us a path', I'm sure we can figure something out."
Percy grinned. "He didn't feel much different, but perhaps something has changed? We didn't really go over it too much."
"Our friend has apparently somehow become the King of Heaven," Annabeth said dryly, looking at the hulking figure. "Because that's a normal sentence to say."
She glanced at the artefact on the hulking beast's body. Watching its slight glow. Percy had told her it was some sort of privacy artefact, so she could talk freely without anyone overhearing the apparently massive secret.
"Nothing about our lives is normal, Wise Girl."
"Fair point, Seaweed Brain."
Percy ignored her comment. "Do you think he's going to bring someone with him?"
"Yes," Annabeth said. "If he's truly become the King of Heaven, an outrageous statement as it may be, I'd suspect he would be bringing someone strong. Probably not too many, though, since he mentioned wanting to keep this stealthy, right?"
Percy nodded, looking intrigued.
They stood in silence for a moment, both staring at the guardian.
It still hadn't moved.
"Do you think it eats?" Percy asked suddenly.
"Percy, that's not-"
"I'm just saying, if it's guarding me, I should probably know if I need to feed it. What do such monsters even eat? Regular food? Children? Hopes and dreams?"
"Monster? I don't think so, perhaps it's some sort of heavenly beast?" Annabeth said, ignoring his statements.
Percy frowned. "I don't know if they will count, but perhaps some of the Ares children could make themselves useful-"
A sensation washed over Annabeth. It started as a warmth in her chest, then spread outward like light breaking through clouds. She felt her specks of divine blood flood with power, and briefly, the touch of a being far above her touched her soul.
She felt an energy surround her, and power filled her veins.
She gasped, stumbling.
"Annabeth?" Percy was at her side instantly, steadying her.
She couldn't answer. The power flowing into her was overwhelming. It felt like... like being seen and being acknowledged by something supremely ancient and powerful as it flowed through her.
What was happening?
Had some sort of God cursed her? For the presence could only be that of a God. But the power filling her veins didn't feel like a curse, not in the slightest.
Her hand moved on its own, rising in front of her face. Light gathered around her ring finger, coalescing, solidifying.
And there it was.
A ring. Beautiful beyond description. It looked like an inverted mirror made solid, the surface catching and reflecting light in impossible ways. Silver and crystal and something else, something that defied description.
It felt alive.
"What the..." Percy said, looking flabbergasted while staring at it.
Annabeth flexed her hand, watching the ring catch the light. Suddenly, there was another version of her flickering next to her.
Somehow, she knew this was Kai's doing.
-{Kai}-
Walking with Michael beside me, I glanced over my divine shards' progress curiously.
[Divine Shard] {Progress: 32.3%}
[The Shard of God. The resurrected shard of his essence that has merged with the user. As the shard progresses the user will receive more abilities from his merged counterpart. Yahweh.]
Halfway to another divine ability… already.
The progress regarding the divine shard had been growing fast lately, or faster than it had been previously.
I wasn't sure why, whether I was acting more in line with my predecessor or if it was something else. I did have a sneaky theory that obtaining the Holy Grail had helped… it would be on point with my history with artefacts that held God's personal touch.
This was good… The abilities were getting more powerful, and honestly, this was probably the only thing I'd consider next to my unique ability to download in terms of worth.
I looked over my divine shard progress one more time before dismissing the screen. The growth was significant, though I still had a ways to go.
Whatever was accelerating it, I'd take it without complaint. My attention shifted to Michael, who waited for me.
It was then that I finally realised the attire he had somehow put on as we walked.
I stared at the black peasant robes that looked like they'd been stolen from a medieval cosplay convention.
The fabric was coarse, the cut was wrong…
It didn't really blend in with the massive sword that looked more like a treasure piece than an actual weapon. It glittered dangerously in the light, contrasting starkly with his attire.
"Michael?"
"Yes, Father?" He turned to face me, completely serious, which looked adorable.
"What are you wearing?" I questioned.
He looked down at himself, then back at me with genuine confusion. "Inconspicuous clothing."
"Michael," I said slowly. "When I said we needed to be discreet..."
"Yes?" Michael asked innocently.
I reached out and, with a pulse of power, replaced the atrocity he was wearing with a simple robe. "It's not that type of stealth."
I paused, then changed into some casual clothing. A Kemino for myself as well. While I could have made Michael change if he was going to carry his sword like that, I doubt it would have mattered.
Michael looked down at my outfit with approval.
I smiled. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, Father, my duties have been shared between Uriel and Raphael," Michael answered, his posture rigid. "The contact with the church shall be easier with Metatron taking a more active role. We are receiving an influx of leadership roles and old branches of Heaven being reconnected to."
I absorbed the information.
"We can leave without worry then. Make sure to keep communications up with Raphael and Azrael. Though I suspect I'll be finding a few Shades inconspicuously nearby." I said with an amused smile.
As cold as Azrael tried to be, she was extremely soft underneath that.
Michael smiled knowingly. "I imagine so, you've managed to collect quite the gathering of women, Father."
I gave him a look. "Not on purpose, I'll have you know."
"Only Father could do such a thing," Michael said happily.
I rolled my eyes.
"Let's move then," I said, taking a breath and feeling unexpectedly hesitant.
I held out my hand, and Michael almost eagerly grabbed my arm. We vanished in a zap of light, the best form of undetected teleportation I had found so far.
The world blurred, shifted, and we materialised at the edge of Camp Half-Blood. The familiar sight of the cabins, the training grounds and the Big House spread out before us.
"Michael," I questioned.
Michael casually waved a hand. The space bent around us briefly, and a barrier of sorts formed over us. A powerful angelic spell that would let us go unnoticed, I wanted to find Percy
It didn't take us long to find them, especially with Michael having no problem sensing the Demigod child of Poseidon, as he put it.
Percy was training with an impressive speed against… Annabeth.
I tilted my head.
It seemed like someone had adapted to their Sacred Gear rather quickly. She was quickly fighting back and putting up a good fight. If Percy used his full power, he would crush her with ease, but it was still impressive.
My eyes caught sight of Mahoraga, who was seemingly watching. With the other Demigod kids nearby, training and staring at it strangely and slightly warily, except for the Ares kids, who were sizing it up.
Mahoraga's head turned towards us.
My lips curved.
Michael looked at me questioningly, and I returned his gaze calmly.
Percy perked up, and impressively, he could seemingly sense something. The concealing aura probably wasn't necessary, but I was walking around with an Arch-Seraph.
It would block the view of most, but ultimately wasn't meant for anyone above the high class.
The concealing aura dropped.
Percy noticed us almost instantly.
"Kai!"
He jogged over, grinning.
"Hey, Percy." I raised a hand in greeting.
Then there was a blur of blonde hair, and suddenly Annabeth was there, arms wrapped around me in a tight hug.
"Hey Annabeth." I greeted.
"Kai, it's been too long," she said, her voice slightly muffled against my shoulder.
I returned the hug, surprised but not unpleasantly so. "It has."
She pulled back, and I could see the mixture of emotions on her face. Relief, confusion and worry.
"How are you?" I asked.
"Confused mostly," Annabeth said with a sigh. "And I think you know that my time here at camp hasn't exactly been all that boring,"
"Ah, right, Luke," I said with an annoyed look that wasn't directed at anyone.
"I know." Annabeth frowned. "You warned me. I should have been more suspicious."
"He was your friend." I shrugged. "I wouldn't be too hard on yourself. I imagine you didn't expect him to try to kill you outright."
Percy walked up, eyeing Michael with open curiosity. Michael stared back.
Were they having a staring match?
Annabeth nodded, looking unconvinced.
"I still would have died if it weren't for you." She said, looking solemn, "I've been trying so hard to become stronger, so much so that my own siblings are wondering if I was actually a child of a certain war God."
"It's a good thing you prayed to me." I grinned.
Annabeth let out a small smile, then grew pensive.
"Kai…" She started, eyeing Michael.
"Yeah?"
"How exactly did you come to be the king of Heaven?" Annabeth questioned with a hint of trepidation.
Oh right…
I had forgotten how outlandish that would sound.
"It's complicated. But to simplify it, God died, and I am his reincarnation. And I've been slowly inheriting his powers." I said, trying not to complicate the very complicated topic.
Annabeth stared at me.
"Seriously, you and Percy have a talent." Annabeth guffawed. "That's not simple at all, Kai! Gods aren't just some sort of thing that comes around. And the Biblical God was dead… t-that that…. Crazy!"
"Yeah." I nodded wisely, which earned me a slight glare.
Annabeth looked overwhelmed. "So you're a God now? The God my parents pray to? The God I've prayed to?"
The rapid-fire questions made me slightly bashful.
"Not quite," I replied bashfully. "I'm getting there, though. But for now, I'm still an Angel… in some capacity, most of all, I haven't gotten any Domains yet."
"So you don't have the power of a God?" Annabeth seemed to stomach that, her voice becoming concerned. "Are you sure you should be outside of Heaven? Gosh, I can't even imagine how the Angels feel about this whole ordeal."
My face turned downright vicious. "They're doing much better, and there's a reason I have backup with me. I intend for this to be a short and stealthy mission."
She closed her eyes for a solid few seconds before opening them and smiling. "I suppose that's good."
Her eyes flickered to Mahoraga and Michael.
"So," Percy said, finally speaking up while looking between Michael and me. "Who are you?"
I stepped aside slightly. "This is Michael. He'll be helping with the quest."
Both demigods stared.
Annabeth's eyes went wide.
"Michael," she repeated slowly. "As in... Michael the Archangel?"
I beamed. "Exactly."
There was a beat of silence.
"You brought an Archangel," Percy said flatly. "To a demigod camp."
We were drawing quite a bit of attention.
"Seemed appropriate given the circumstances." I shrugged.
Michael nodded wisely. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
Annabeth looked like she might need to sit down.
"Right. Sure. Why not?" Percy rubbed his face, mumbling to himself. "At least the scary Angel is on my side."
Scary?
Annabeth looked like she was running through about seventeen different thought processes at once. "I guess that would make sense. Heaven wouldn't just allow you to travel alone."
They didn't know the extent of that statement.
If I hadn't brought Michael, they would have either locked me up or sent the entirety of Heaven with me. Which, while welcome, would be quite blaring. Even now, we had gone beyond the boundaries with the Greeks.
"Chiron is not going to be happy; he's got this weird need for teams of three going on quests. But I suppose Greg will be coming along as well, making a team of five." Percy mused. "Do you think it's some weird math thing? Like those people who think random numbers can be lucky."
"Greg?" I asked, confused at the name.
"Yep", Percy chirped, pointing towards Mahoraga.
"That's certainly a name to give to a divine General," I replied with no small amount of amusement. "His name was going to be Mahariel, but calling him Greg works too."
The name wasn't particularly original, but I felt he should have an angelic one.
Michael's head snapped to me not a second later after my statement, so fast that an audible crack and small blast of wind followed. I felt his eyes staring into my back.
"The Divine General?" Annabeth questioned, her eyes flickering to Michael.
Michael looked at me, then back to the newly named Mahariel.
"I- I challenge you to a duel!" Michael declared fiercely, drawing his sword. His power began leaking, and an aura of it bent the air to accompany his declaration.
I turned to him with a raised eyebrow.
He was pointing his sword at the motionless Mahoraga. The sword glittered with gathering light and the natural, deadly aura it possessed as an extremely powerful weapon.
I observed his embarrassed and almost pouting visage with mild surprise.
"Michael," I said, genuinely confused.
"Father," Michael said back dutifully.
"Can you put the sword down?" I asked with a hint of amusement.
"Y-yes Father." Michael appeared to realise what he was doing and blushed slightly but accepted nevertheless, his sword lowering but his blue eyes almost… glaring at Mahoraga?
Oops.
Then Annabeth seemed to remember something.
She held up her hand and the ring materialised on her finger, catching the afternoon light. "Also, I have to ask, did you have anything to do with this?"
My expression brightened.
"Oh, you got it, good. I didn't know how that would work with a Demigod." I said brightly. "Yes, that's from me. I decided to give you an extra boon before we started the quest."
"I... yes, but what is it exactly?" She turned her hand, watching the ring shimmer. "It feels strangely intimate and close to my Demigod abilities."
"It's called a Sacred Gear," I explained. "Think of it as a divine artefact that grants abilities to its wielder. Yours specifically creates mirages mainly, but has other boosts."
Annabeth's eyes went even wider. "That's... that's incredible."
"And you just…" She looked at the ring, then at me. "Gave this to me?"
"It's hard to explain." I sighed.
"Is there any place we can talk? We are gathering quite the audience."
Annabeth finally noticed the dozens of curious Demigods. We did make quite a scene, and Michael was hardly inconspicuous. Even when he tried to wear dirty clothing, he looked like some sort of tall prince.
Then there was Mahoraga, who was like some graceful angelic video game boss.
Percy nodded.
"Probably for the best, I'd hate for them to think we are up to something." His voice was flat, and I smirked at his remark.
"We can head to my cabin. It'll be private enough." Percy said, becoming slightly more serious.
The walk to Percy's cabin was quick, though not without incident. Every camper they passed stopped to stare. Some whispered among themselves.
A few of the Ares kids looked ready to start a fight until Mahoraga's head swivelled toward them with mechanical precision, and they suddenly found somewhere else to be.
Percy's cabin was exactly as I remembered it: blue walls, Greek-inspired decorations, and that distinct smell of sea salt.
He held the door open for us, and we filed in.
Michael entered last, surveying the area.
"So, Sacred Gears? What are they exactly?" Annabeth asked curiously.
I settled onto one of the beds, gesturing for Annabeth to sit. Percy came to sit, clearly interested, while Mahoraga lingered in the doorway, standing next to Michael, who was staring at him.
What followed was a more in-depth conversation, with Annabeth acting like an excitable child while Percy seemed to grow even more stunned by the moment.
"Dude, you can just give those out?" Percy asked incredulously.
"No, it needs a good compatibility rate or its power would be diminished greatly," I replied.
"What about mine?" Annabeth asked, her analytical mind already racing.
"While I was assigning Sacred Gears to various individuals who might need them, I found that you had a great affinity with one. An exceptional match, actually. So I decided you deserved it."
Annabeth's cheeks colored slightly, a rare display of emotion breaking through her usual composure. "I... thank you, Kai. Really. That's incredibly generous."
"You're my friend," I said simply. "And you're going on a quest that's more dangerous than you realise. You'll need every advantage you can get."
Percy squinted his eyes. "And where's my awesome divine artefact?"
"You didn't have compatibility with the Sacred Gears I checked," I replied, my voice becoming flat. "And I doubt you need it, considering you've somehow managed to enter deep within the ultimate class."
Annabeth looked between us, curiosity and gratitude warring on her face. Then she smiled, genuine and warm. "I'll make good use of it. I promise."
"I know you will."
Strangely enough, her eyes flickered towards Michael. The atmosphere lightened for a moment, but then I felt Michael shift beside me. His posture stiffened.
"Michael," I said quietly.
The Angel nodded once. His hand moved in a complex gesture, and suddenly the air in the cabin shifted. Power rippled outward from him in waves, forming layers of wards and barriers that settled over the room like an invisible blanket. The sounds from outside became muffled, then disappeared entirely.
Powerful angelic privacy wards. A higher-tiered spell that was further empowered by Michael's heavenly Domain.
Percy and Annabeth both tensed in response as they looked at the change.
"What's the situation?" I asked, my tone dropping all pretence of casualness.
Percy's expression sobered immediately. He exchanged a glance with Annabeth, and I could see the worry there.
"Chiron is gone," Percy revealed, the words heavy.
I raised an eyebrow. "Gone?"
Annabeth quickly clarified, leaning forward. "Recently, Thalia's tree, the tree I told you about a while ago that protects Camp Half-Blood with a barrier, was poisoned. It happened just after Lady Artemis vanished. We suspect Luke was behind it, but Chiron is getting the blame since it's uhh, the King of Olympus' daughter."
I nodded slowly, piecing it together. "So He removed him. I'm guessing there's a problem with that?"
"Yes," Percy said, frustration clear in his voice. "He was here when we first got the quest. He was urging us to go, trying to help us figure it out. And now..."
"When did he leave?" I questioned.
Percy looked bashful. "Just a day ago."
"Annoying," I muttered. "He would have been helpful. What do you know about the quest?"
Percy straightened, his expression serious. "That apparently we have to head west."
I waited for more information.
Nothing came.
"Rather vague," I said flatly.
Percy shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah, well, that's kind of how prophecies work, right?" His tone was flat and annoyed.
I couldn't argue with that.
Annabeth sighed. "The Oracle gave Zoë a prophecy before she left with the Hunters. It goes like this." She closed her eyes, reciting from memory.
"Five shall go west to the goddess in chains, One shall be lost in the land without rain, The bane of Olympus shows the trail, enemies from outside will be unveiled. Campers and Hunters combined prevail, The Titan's curse must one withstand, And one shall perish by a devil's hand."
"Hm," I said, processing the prophecy. Cryptic, as always. But there were clues buried in there. "Well, you can say goodbye to it considering I'm here, but the clues as to where the final destination is are welcome."
Percy let out a deep sigh. "I don't know what to do. I can't say I expected to be a part of another quest when I just got back."
I hummed, giving him a pat on the back.
"Michael," I said, turning to the Archangel. "Is there anything you can try to track the goddess? To locate Artemis?"
Percy and Annabeth both stared at me in surprise.
Michael looked pensive but didn't hesitate.
His eyes began to glow with light, power gathering around him. The wards shimmered as he extended his senses outward, searching across vast distances, piercing through the barriers between worlds and realms.
For a moment, hope flickered in Annabeth's eyes.
Then Michael's glow faded. He opened his eyes and shook his head slowly. "I cannot locate her. She's either hidden behind powerful wards or..." He trailed off, but the implication was clear.
Or she was somewhere even an Archangel's sight couldn't reach.
"Worth a try," I said. "Thanks, Michael."
Michael grimaced and sent a look towards the blank-gazed Mahoraga.
"So we're back to square one," Annabeth said, her voice tight with frustration.
Percy frowned, then suddenly perked up.
"Wait, what about my dreams? Could those help?"
I looked at him flatly. "Unless you're planning to dream us a path there, probably not."
Percy flushed. "No, I mean, I've been having dreams since I got the quest. I keep seeing things. A mountain. An apple tree. Could it mean something? Like maybe my Father is sending me visions?"
He paused.
"It sounds stupid now I've said it, never mind." Percy shook his head.
I went to dismiss it before thinking about my time in the dreams of a certain devil.
I looked over to Michael.
Michael tilted his head, curious. "Dreams sent by someone?"
"It's possible," I mused, pulling up my quest interface mentally.
"But he isn't a child of… the Sun God." Annabeth frowned. "He shouldn't be able to have visions."
Yeah, that's the point. I was curious, though, why did he feel the need to tell us? Surely Percy knew how it sounded.
My eyes glanced over the quest, and I paused.
His words…
It fitted the quest description.
"But I'm curious as to why a god would project those dreams. If Olympus doesn't know where Artemis is, then it's not their doing." Michael said thoughtfully. "And there's only a handful that can do such a thing."
"A trap," I concluded immediately.
Percy blinked, eyes going wide. "Wait, you think-"
"I agree," Annabeth said, shocking Percy.
"Think about it," Annabeth pressed. "Someone sends Percy dreams with just enough information to guide him somewhere. But Olympus doesn't know where Lady Artemis is. That means whoever is sending the dreams is likely the same person who took her."
I looked at my quest screen again, reading between the lines. The riddle mentioned a golden fruit and a garden where Atlas once stood. My knowledge of mythology filled in the gaps.
"Do you know any place like that, Annabeth?" I asked. "A mountain with golden apples?"
Annabeth's face went pale.
"The Garden of the Hesperides," she whispered. "Where Atlas was forced to hold up the sky. It's on Mount Tamalpais, in California."
"That's west," Michael said after a moment. "If my memories of its rough location are correct."
"So someone is sending you dreams that link with the prophecy you had been given," I said flatly.
"Which I presume is not of the Olympians, considering nothing official has been released, and such a matter would allow the Gods to interfere," Michael said, looking at me with a firm look.
"Definitely a trap." I nodded. "So they want Percy to travel there through the human world, presumably with a lot of nasty events planned for him on the way."
How annoying.
"Which means we will need to find another manner of transportation for your safety," Michael said, before pausing. "And your companions." He added as an afterthought.
Percy looked at Michael flatly.
"But what happens if we're wrong?" Percy asked unnaturally quietly. "They're just dreams."
"Then we go back to the drawing board," I said with a shrug. "And I get Gabriel down here."
"Gabriel?" Percy questioned, confused.
Michael smirked slightly. It was subtle, but it was there.
"My girlfriend," I said casually or at least I tried to.
"The Archangel?" Annabeth asked, bewilderment flooding her voice. "You're dating an Archangel?"
"Yeah."
Percy blinked. Then blinked again. "Wait, like, Gabriel? The one who-"
"Announced the birth of Jesus, yes," Michael interjected smoothly. "She's quite lovely." He said that last part with what might have been pride.
"Most of all, she's an unparalleled tracker," I revealed with a proud smile.
Percy stared.
"You're dating an Archangel?" He asked like a broken record.
"Mm, yes, our bond is rather special," I admitted with only a slight blush.
We ignored the vague mutter of 'the fuck?'
"Why not do it now?" Annabeth questioned, pushing the revelation aside with a visible effort.
"It may alert those who don't want the Goddess found, and it'll complicate things. I want to keep a low profile and my involvement to a minimum." I added with a smile. "Believe it or not, having multiple powerful beings in the same area becomes harder to conceal"
I was tempted to call her.
But I was pretty sure we had the place, and going in guns blazing wasn't my intention.
"I suppose it was going to be that or the beautiful Angel you brought last time." Percy relented. "She was pretty defensive over you."
Michael tilted his head. "Ah, Azrael. The second most beautiful Angel in Heaven, if I believe the words of the many humans who have witnessed their visage. Most of all, the Angel of Death."
I sent a look towards Michael, who was still staring at Mahoraga.
Percy nearly fell over. "What?!"
I sighed and ignored him for the moment, ignoring the heat in my cheeks.
"That leaves the question, how are we getting there?" I questioned. "Michael, can we teleport there?"
"I highly doubt it." His answer came instantly. "Perhaps nearby, but the mountain that holds a Titan and a tree that produces god-granting fruits is highly warded against teleportation," Michael added.
"Would you like me to try to break them?" Michael asked with a hint of hope.
"No, that won't be needed for now." I frowned. "Is there any other way?"
He deflated and once more threw another look at Mahoraga.
What was happening?
Annabeth looked in extreme concentration.
"There is a way…" Annabeth said. "But I'm not sure how we would get there."
"What way?" I asked.
She bit her lip, thinking. "I read about it in one of the old texts at camp. There is a massive underground maze that a demigod named Daedalus built thousands of years ago, one that can be used to travel anywhere under the radar."
I blinked. "A magical maze?"
"Y-yes, according to the records, it stretches underneath most of the United States, maybe further," Annabeth said hesitantly. "It connects to different places, and if you know how to navigate it, you could theoretically use it to travel long distances."
Michael frowned. "That sounds inefficient and could prove to be an obstacle."
"It'd allow us to go unnoticed, and there are ways to navigate it. It's just difficult." Annabeth said.
I thought about it for a moment.
A magical underground highway system that could bypass wards?
"Why would we use it?" I questioned confusedly. "It sounds like it would take longer than just teleporting somewhat nearby."
"It would be safe from traps and this group's influence, if you truly believe we will face such troubles," Annabeth replied.
"Ah.. I see." Michael nodded. "Potentially annoying but less dangerous than an unknown being setting traps, along with most importantly, the presence of the Khaos Brigade."
"While dangerous, I doubt with Lord Michael and our group that there would be anything that could crush us," Annabeth said thoughtfully, and eventually she sighed. "Honestly, I wouldn't suggest it, but I know better than to dismiss warnings from you. If such a threat is involved, I'd rather we have another way of getting there."
"It's a good call," I replied with a nod. "I could ask Hestia-"
I felt her presence lock on me.
"-but I don't want to get her involved. And I'm pretty sure she doesn't have access to the authority to do that. If she asks, it'll just draw attention to her, and that can't be allowed." I finished.
I wanted to keep my cards hidden for now.
I could go on a warpath easily enough, and that was with Michael alone, but that would tip my hand too early. They'd tried catching us by surprise, and I wanted to return the favour.
Maybe anger was clouding my judgment, but the idea held a deep appeal.
Annabeth nodded. "I just don't know anyone who would know an entrance, and if there's a closer exit near the mountain."
It didn't sound great, but having a maze that would bypass the annoyance and threats I felt were going to be out trying to catch Percy, and, by extension, me.
It sounded a lot better.
I considered it.
"How long would it take?" I asked.
"There's another issue," Annabeth said. "It'll take longer. The Labyrinth messes with time the longer you're inside. Though in comparison, that's not counting whatever tries to kill us along the way if we teleport."
"For the Labyrinth with you and Lord Michael, I doubt we'll have the same problems other demigods face."
"Are there any other problems?" I asked after a moment.
"Finding an entrance nearby," Annabeth said. "That's the real problem."
I decided that it couldn't hurt to try.
I doubted the Labyrinth would withstand Michael if he decided to flatten it.
"I think I know someone who will be able to give us a better idea of it." I finally said, sensing the divine presence nearby.
My presence in camp was already known, so it couldn't hurt to ask, and it wouldn't link me to Hestia.
-Scene Break-
I stared at the god lounging in front of the Big House.
Dionysus had his feet propped up on a table, a Diet Coke in hand. He looked exactly like the last time I had seen him, purple shirt, leopard-pattern shorts, bloodshot eyes that carried a hint of madness.
Next to him stood a man in cargo shorts and a Camp Half-Blood shirt whom I didn't recognise.
"Ah, the prodigious Angel returns, with company," Dionysus drawled. His eyes swept over our group before landing on Michael.
The god's expression shifted slightly, something calculating entering his gaze.
Michael's sword was probably a giveaway, and the God, no matter how he acted, wasn't an idiot.
"Oh? I thought you'd be a little annoyed I was here," I replied with amusement.
Dionysus raised an eyebrow. "While it might have been a problem, you're a friend of Olympus. Though I can't say your two friends here are." His gaze lingered on Michael. "You may want to be careful with the company you bring."
Michael's eyes narrowed.
Dionysus smiled lazily, but his fingers tightened around his can. He could sense it. The threat level Michael represented, even concealed.
"So why are you here? Come to say hi to our new camp director?" He gestured toward the man beside him with his Diet Coke.
The man stepped forward, extending a hand. "Theseus. I've heard about an angel whose arrival has caused speculation among the gods."
I blinked.
Theseus. I shook his hand.
"I didn't expect to meet you here."
"Chiron is away," Theseus said. "I'm filling in."
"Actually, I need information," I said, turning back to Dionysus.
"Be direct." That was the only response I got.
Michael was glaring.
"The Labyrinth. Where's the nearest entrance?"
The god's expression became more serious. The playful edge didn't disappear, but something sharper entered his eyes. "The Labyrinth. That's not a casual request. A magical maze where no god can gaze."
He laughed at his own joke.
Dionysus ignored him. "Why should I help? I'm already stuck here playing babysitter."
"I can imagine a few reasons."
"Going to rough me up? You've definitely grown in confidence or power, I'm not yet sure. Or perhaps your daddy has sent you a powerful sibling and a… whatever the creature can be called. An angel mutant?" The Greek God of Wine hummed.
Michael tilted his head.
The God smiled. "Come now, even with your presence suppressed. Blonde hair, blue eyes, an angelic face, a few Major goddesses may fight over?"
I reached into my inventory and pulled out a bottle.
The wine inside caught the light, deep gold and clear. Heaven's vaults held treasures beyond mortal or godly comprehension, and this vintage had been aged before Rome fell.
I tossed it from hand to hand. Dionysus's eyes tracked the movement like a man possessed.
Then I fumbled it.
The bottle tumbled toward the ground, and Dionysus stood up, hand outstretched. I caught it at the last second.
"Shaky hands." I chuckled. "Must be exhausted from all this running-"
I nearly dropped it again.
He looked ready to dive.
I caught it.
"-Again."
His eyes burned and, for a moment, became swirling colours filled with pits of madness as he made his displeasure known.
The god glared at me. "Don't do that again."
"Is that a yes?"
Dionysus snatched the bottle from my hand. He examined the label, and something like genuine appreciation crossed his face.
"I'll tell you," he said. "But I know your intentions. I wouldn't get involved. Powerful allies from Heaven aside, this is a game of gods and monsters. That much has become clear."
"Just tagging along with Percy," I said, smiling in a way that gave nothing away.
Dionysus sighed. "The monument representing my father's Fist. In the forest. You'll find a fissure between the rocks." He waved his hand. "Try not to die. It would reflect poorly on the camp's safety record."
I looked at Annabeth, and she looked positively shocked.
Good, she knew where it was.
He threw me an annoyed look. "You have no idea what you've given away, child. This would be expensive even by Olympus standards."
"Seven-hundred-year-old wine? It's cool, but as a former hub for trading Heaven, it has all sorts of wine. I mean, even f-Father experimented a couple thousand years ago. We've got a couple of hundred of them." I shrugged, adjusting my wording when referring to my predecessor.
Dionysus looked possessed.
"Enjoy," I said, quickly pulling Michael along.
We found it twenty minutes later.
Zeus's Fist rose from the forest floor, a pile of massive boulders arranged in the shape of a clenched fist. Between two of the largest rocks, a dark fissure cut downward into shadow.
The entrance to the Labyrinth.
Percy moved closer, peering down. "Well. This looks fun."
Annabeth stood beside him, quiet.
Mahoraga loomed behind us, silent as always.
While Michael's hand rested on the hilt of his blade, I saw his eyes narrow at an owl perched up on a branch, watching us.
I made note of it and looked down into the fissure. Somewhere in that darkness was a path to Mount Othrys.
It certainly didn't look inviting.
I looked at the quest.
[Quest]
The Huntress's Burden
Description: The goddess Artemis has vanished. Whispers speak of a terrible fate, a weight no mortal should bear, a curse older than Olympus itself.
The Oracle's words echo: "Where father once stood eternal, daughter now suffers. Where earth yearns for sky's embrace, a Titan's prison becomes another's cage.
Seek the Mountain of Despair, where fruit once grew, and giants held the heavens. There, beneath the weight of stars, the Huntress fades."
Objective: Locate and rescue Artemis
Bonus Objective: ???
Reward: ?,?
Bonus Reward: ?
I finally accepted it.
Once more caught in another quest, this time with Michael as my company and Heaven ready to destroy anything in my path.
This was much better than last time.
-{Theseus}-
Theseus heard the commotion from the Big House.
Voices raised in confusion, campers running toward the hill.
He moved quickly, years of instinct driving him forward even in this temporary position.
The weakening of the barriers had meant more monster attacks, so naturally, that's what his mind travelled to.
Couldn't say he had been expecting this request, a known position for so long needing replacing. It had come as a great shock. But he had felt the need to step up regardless, lest someone less civil take the role.
He reached the top of the hill and stopped.
Thalia's tree stood before him, but something was different. The pine looked healthier than it had in weeks. The needles were greener, the bark stronger.
And draped across one of its lower branches was a golden cloak, glowing with soft light.
The cloak pulsed with energy. Not the violent kind that came with battle or destruction, but something gentler. Healing energy, pure and potent, flows from the fabric into the tree itself. The Golden Fleece that hung nearby seemed almost dull in comparison.
Theseus stepped closer. He could feel it now. The barrier around camp, the magical protection that had felt strained and thin for so long, was strengthening and knitting itself back together like a wound closing.
Other campers arrived behind him, murmuring in confusion.
Was the tree healing?
Who had done this?
-{Metatron}-
Metatron had to admit, he was excited.
The Night Scripture. His vision was something he had become excited about. With Father's return, it was more necessary than ever to have it.
He ducked under Mr Six's strike, feeling the air whistle past his ear and couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips. Not that anyone could see it beneath his helm.
It was a brilliant idea, really.
And it was absolutely not based on those ninja novels he'd been reading, despite what Aziraphel and Sandalphon were trying to say. It was a serious idea with serious merits.
The ones he definitely didn't stay up late poring over, analysing their tactics and strategies. The ones he certainly hadn't annotated in the margins with thoughts about operational security and information gathering.
No, this was purely a practical necessity.
He pivoted, catching Mr Six's wrist and redirecting the momentum, sending the former enemy assassin stumbling past him with a thoughtless ease that would probably crush the spirit of most.
The only thought he was using was not crushing him, especially with his new connection to his Lord.
Which has changed… everything.
Now, if only he wouldn't insist on going out into the supernatural world.
But what wasn't the point, for now?
The point of the Night Scripture was to operate in the shadows.
Every faction had been playing this game for millennia. Battles fought in shadows, information gathered through means that would never stand up to scrutiny, victories won through sabotage and subterfuge.
It was one of the reasons the devils had done so well against Heaven for so long.
How could Heaven accuse them of anything when their angels had simply vanished? With no bodies, there was little evidence and no proof of foul play. Just... gone.
Erased from existence as cleanly as wiping words from a page. The devils smiled their charming smiles and offered their sympathies, all while Heaven's numbers dwindled.
Most factions played this game.
Mr Six came at him again, faster this time, a blur of motion that would have caught a lesser fighter off guard. Metatron sidestepped, his hand shooting out to tap the man's shoulder.
He was sent flying.
He didn't want to use the Night Scripture for darkness. But some things needed to be done that couldn't be traced back to Heaven's gleaming gates. Some shadows needed their own shadows to fight them.
If the other factions wanted to play in the dark, then Heaven needed pieces on that board too.
Mr Six came again, and Metatron regarded him.
He should probably find him a better name.
Metatron blocked the next combination, a flowing series of strikes that showed real improvement. He countered with a sweep that Mr Six barely managed to avoid.
His Sacred Gear was certainly unique. But his physical abilities were lacking. Other than that, he was a perfect fit due to his previous occupation.
As Metatron began fighting him once more, his mind drifted.
-END-
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