Divinity at Play

(??? POV, Multiversal Viewing Theater)

"This time around, your counterpart won't get any cheats," S.E said.

I gave the eccentric entity a curious stare, "Really?" I asked.

"Yup, instead he'll be the cheat."

"What?" My confusion did not diminish, instead it increased at his response.

"Don't worry everything will be fine."

Somehow that sentence did not make me feel any better whatsoever.

------

The scene was firmly locked on a baby. It was a baby that was neither cute nor ugly, for it was an egg. A substantial egg with little arms and feet and one that would sleep deprive its caretakers.

An egg with eyes that just happened to mirror the night sky.

"Should we be leaving our son here of all places?" A deep stark voice spoke, its origin nowhere to be found.

"Of course. Mother promised this was the best way for him to turn out normal. Also, She and Ana kept muttering about delaying the inevitable chaos, whatever that's supposed to mean." A feminine voice responded.

Somehow managing to eye his son with trepidation without actually being visible, the owner of the deep voice shuddered. He knew very well how terrible his son could be, unfortunately, his wife seemed oblivious to their son's potential for trouble despite her unintentional pun.

"Then I should at least reward this woman for her sacrifice, it's only fair we compensate her for forcing him on her."

"Hmph… She should be honored to raise my adorable little star." The woman spoke indignantly, insulted at her male counterparts' wording.

Realizing that a response would not be worth it, the male let out a dark yet gentle mist, filling the air and quietly seeping into the apartment and its occupants.

Once he was sure everything went smoothly, a knock could be heard as both presences disappeared from the area.

…

Shortly after, a woman's head nervously peered at the entrance of the apartments. She was strikingly beautiful, with sparkling blue eyes and long brown hair.

Once her gaze moved downwards, she gasped in surprise at the little eggling placed near her door. Without hesitation she picked up the young baby, maternal care filling her as she worried about him. 

While fussing over the surprisingly quiet child, she found a letter left on his blanket.

---

Dear Ms. Jackson,

Myself and my wife have decided that you are by far the most suitable choice for raising our beloved child. He is naturally of supernatural origin, belonging to the same pantheon as that of your former paramour.

Naturally, this task would not be without its merit. You will regularly receive a sizable stipend to take care of not only little Anastasios but also young Percy and yourself. Fret not, for we have decided to honor both you and your son with our protection and blessings. Henceforth, until they reach the age of Twelve, no monster or divine shall harm them or come near you.

I suggest you use that time wisely and prepare young Perseus for the world he will inevitably be forced into.

(Mortal you best take off my little star, or there shall be consequences. If that thunderfart tries anything, he'll find out just why I'm feared. Also, stay away from that wretched mortal, I will not have that sewer rat corrupt my little baby - N)

Best Wishes,

E & N

---

Sally froze in shock at the contents of the brief letter. She had no idea how to react to essentially having a baby forced into her care, but she also felt a sense of elation that hadn't been there since Percy's birth.

If the letter was true then there would be no need to bother with that disgusting man, she and Percy would be safe for at least a decade, and all she had to do was care for this adorable little tyke.

While she was nervous, Sally decided to take things in stride. Whoever Anastasios parents were, they did not seem to fear Zeus, and that sent a surge of confidence in her.

If they did care for the reaction of the God King, then surely Percy would be safe?

Leaving that thought for another time, She cooed at the little boy, singing a sweet lullaby and rocking him in her arms.

Once she entered the apartment, she found two curious sea-green orbs looking inquisitively at the bundle in her arms.

"Percy, I want you to meet your new little brother… Astas."

------

"I'm a demigod!" My words spilled out before I could stop myself.

"Eh… Not really. Your situation is pretty special in this one." R.O.B clarified, not that it made much sense.

"Is it gonna be a power bullshit reality?" I questioned the entity.

"Let's just say you're a hellion without a leash, and boy do you make more than a few people regret seeing you. What makes it even more fun, no one can do anything about it."

That did not make me feel better.

At least this won't be filled with depression or angst… I hope.

…

Unnoticed by the observer, purple mist silently surrounded his body.

S.E, noticing his audience's change, smiled knowingly, "So that's what you got, this should prove interesting."

------

The scene unfolded panning towards a hill, with a gorgeous pavilion at the center of it.

Hundreds of children and teens of different ages could be made out. All sitting on different tables with those that shared similar traits, chattering amongst themselves.

All went silent as a centaur pounded his hoof against the floor of the pavilion, raising his glass.

"To the gods!"

Taking a cue from the centaur, everyone raised their glasses in unison. "To the gods!"

Wood nymphs came forward with a platter of food: grapes, apples, strawberries, cheese, fresh bread, and barbecue. Many of the teens spoke out to their glasses and whatever they wanted would appear on their glasses.

Loading their plates with whatever they wanted, the teens moved almost automatically towards the fire in the center of the pavilion. Taking a portion of their meal, they dropped into the fire, sacrificing it to their parents or whichever deity they held a particular liking to.

Once done, they returned to their seats, jumping straight into their meals.

Standing out amongst the crowd of teens excitedly talking amongst each other and enjoying their meals, was a tanned child, his disheveled jet-black hair swept to one side. The usual sarcastic troublemaking smile was nowhere to be seen and his eyes carried within them an indescribable guilt.

The centaur pounded his hoof again once everyone was done with their meal, gaining the teen's attention.

Knowing it was his time to speak, a chubby-faced, red-nosed man got up with a huge sigh.

With a resentful look towards the children staring at him, he began his announcements. "Yes, I suppose I'd better say hello to all you brats. Well, hello. Our activities director, Chiron, says the next capture of the flag is Friday. Cabin five presently holds the laurels."

A bunch of cheering arose from said cabin occupants.

"Personally," The man continued, "I couldn't care less but congratulations. Also, I should tell you that we have a new camper today. Peter Johnson."

The centaur now identified as Chiron murmured something to the bloodshot man.

"Er, Percy Jackson," He corrected. "That's right. Hurrah, and all that. Now run along to your silly campfire. Go On."

Just as everyone cheered and prepared to head down towards the amphitheater, a shocking scene occurred.

Every single fire within the camp was snuffed out, the sky seemed to turn darker. The sound throughout the area went silent, not a peep could be heard as the campers all became alert at the sudden eerie silence that engulfed them.

None of them relaxed as they all looked poised at the ready, their senses warning them of danger wherever they looked.

Slow yet rhythmic footsteps could vaguely be heard. Everyone turned their attention to the source of this sound.

A pale figure made itself apparent to them all, his starry purple eyes standing out, contrasting the darkness around him. His disheveled void black hair, mixed with the colors of a purple space nebula lay haphazardly atop his head.

There was an expression of pure annoyance in his entrancing face, aimed straight towards the man who'd just finished speaking.

"You have a lot of nerve-threatening my brother, Dionysus." Gasps emerged from the surrounding campers, as this seemingly ten-year-old boy openly called out the God of Madness with impunity.

"Anastasios, I have never threatened any of your kin." To the shock of everyone, instead of the furious response they expected from God, his words were filled with nervousness.

Warily glancing to his sides, as if looking for an escape, horrifying those who were knowledgeable enough.

As if the fates themselves conspired against him, a tanned figure rushed towards the pale child, "Astas!" The pure unbridled joy and relief in his voice was clear to all those present.

It was like a burden had completely vanished from his shoulders.

The shock in the watery blue eyes of the God of Wine wasn't even hidden, his words perfectly describing the troubling position he found himself in. "Shit…"

------

"Huh, I never expected to see Dionysus of all people looking scared shitless," I said to the overpowered entity next to me.

"A bit of a spoiler you could say, but Hermes managed to piss off your counterpart a few years prior, and well… The Greek gods quickly learned they weren't the top dogs in town."

"I would love to see that scene. Isn't he too strong though?"

S.E shrugged his shoulders, "Most Riordenverse reincarnators have to be overpowered by default, especially those that end up in the Greek camp. Thanks to Zeus, they only have a 2.5% chance of making it to adulthood, even with cheats."

What kind of fucking statistic was that? Then again the Riordenverse was one of the more dangerous worlds out there, few gods had pleasant myths written about them and the Greeks were some of the worst out there.

"That's ridiculous." I blurted out. This wasn't just being paranoid anymore, it was a full-on power trip.

"Eh, why do you think those that survive or escape his wrath do their best to cuck him after the shit he puts them through?"

"Fair enough."

------

The scene presented a different environment. Massive columns rose to a domed ceiling, which was gilded with moving constellations.

Twelve thrones, built for beings that towered above all, were arranged in an inverted U. An enormous fire crackled in the central hearth pit, the thrones empty except for two at the end.

Both the head throne and the immediate one to its left were occupied by two giants. Facing them was a familiar boy, his sea-green eyes mirroring that of one of the giants.

"Do not presume to fly again. Do not let me find you here when I return. Otherwise you shall taste this bolt. And it shall be your last sensation."

Thunder shook the palace, and just as the giant who spoke was about to disappear with a blinding flash, a purple ball of energy immediately struck him, sending the giant back to his throne.

His grunts of pain echoed throughout the hall.

"You know after Hermes and Dionysus, I figured you idiots would learn." A pale child appeared out of the throne's shadows, his otherworldly face apathetic to the pained grunts of the giant.

With a nod, he greeted the other two occupants, who had yet to process what just happened. "Percy. Barnacle Beard."

The grunts of pain quickly changed to screams of agony, as the proud giant now felt his very soul being wrenched from his very core.

"This, what is happening to him?" The other giant asked nervously.

"Oh, it's just his very soul being torn apart, nothing much. Hel was very insistent I got that trick up to notch to use on him specifically." The casual way he said that sent shivers through the 'Barnacle' giant's body, who eyed him warily.

Not only him but the rest of the divine deities observing them were frightened by his actions. There was a reason Hel was one of the most feared goddesses within the supernatural world.

To think she would teach him of all people this cursed attack, and it appeared that he was very capable in its usage.

Finally, once satisfied that Zeus would be cowed, the purple orb expunged itself from the giant, who trembled at the sight of the seemingly innocent child ahead of him.

"Play stupid games, win stupid prizes, thunderbeard." The child looked scornfully at the shaking giant, who did not hesitate to flash away as soon as the boy's attention was no longer firmly on him.

"He will remember that." The remaining giant pointed out.

"Good, the longer he remembers, the better his manners will be." Scoffing at the giant's warning, the pale child said dismissively. "Now talk with Percy, as you should have when you first claimed him and put him in this farce of a quest."

Nodding in acquiescence, the giant shrunk to normal size, motioning for the only other child in the throne room to follow.

Only after he got a nod of assurance from the pale child, did Percy follow behind his father.

Anastasios had a smirk on his face that left many of the Olympians watching him trembling with fear.

"Now then, let's see what's so special about this little mountain."

------

"Damn!"

"Yeah pretty much. That kid does not mess around when it comes to dealing with the divinites." S.E said.

"I'm confused, why would my counterpart even let Percy go through with the quest in the first place?" I asked, it was weird, seeing as he could just reveal everything.

Considering the gods' reactions to him, it was safe to say that they would have no choice but to take his words seriously.

"Because he loves his brother." That didn't make any sense at all to me.

Seeing my confusion, S.E explained. "Despite the hardships Percy will face, every single one of them went a long way in shaping his character. His attitude to life and the feelings he had for those around him. Astas, despite all his power, understands that only by going through all of this will Percy truly thrive and come out the best he could be."

"That's pretty deep coming from you." I said, before continuing, "Well, at least Percy has someone he can rely on when shit gets blown out of proportion."

"That he has. That he has. Don't worry the changes aren't that obvious in the beginning, but they'll start to show soon enough."

------

This time the screen revealed a chaotic situation. Pirates ransacking what appeared to be a spa, while its workers screamed in terror.

The pirates let out enraged shouts of fury when they noticed a ship they were no doubt familiar with sail away. Yet, as they cursed at the fleeing vessel, they were unable to react as their shadows lunged at them.

Every single one of the pirates dropped dead, taken by surprise and unable to fight back against their own shadows. A pale figure emerged from nowhere.

His starry eyes looked straight towards the previously fleeing spa workers who were restrained by their shadows, though remaining unharmed.

A beautiful throne of midnight obsidian appeared behind him, promptly seating himself languidly, without care.

"Hello C.C. or should I call you Circe?" The boy addressed the dark-haired woman.

The infamous witch dared not respond, for she had heard of this particular hero and his deeds. Having just realized exactly who that demigod had been when she saw the ship sail away on its own.

"I apologize for my actions, my Lord. I am willing to pay in any way you deem appropriate." Circe responded, not daring to look the young boy in the eye.

"Huh… a goddess with some sense in her, how refreshing." Astas said, "How about this, considering my friendship with your mother… I will merely take two of your attendants as recompense for stepping out of line."

That earned him a look of surprise from the goddess, knowing what she did about him, she expected him to geld her for her actions.

"Of course, you may take whoever you desire." She said eagerly, wanting to be rid of this ticking time bomb as quickly as possible.

For a few moments, the boy said nothing as he gave a thorough look to her attendants. Finally, his eyes paused at two particular girls.

The first had black hair pulled back into a ponytail, with perfect makeup and a nervous smile on her face. The second looked quite similar to the first with glossy black hair and piercing black eyes, like her goddess, she dared not look at the imposing godling in front of her.

Nodding his head in satisfaction, "Reyne and Hylla shall serve as the payment. Pray I don't feel the need to return to this… establishment." Astas said, not bothering to hide the distaste in their voice.

With that said, the two girls and the young godling both disappeared, with them all the guinea pigs had left without a trace.

Just as Circe was about to release a sigh of relief, a small note appeared in front of her.

---

I would suggest that you and your niece, Medea, stay away from any particular faction. It would be annoying if I have to end both of you permanently, such talents really should not go to waste in some pointless quest for revenge. - A

---

This… This was both a threat and an opportunity.

The boy was interested in her and her niece's talent, which made sense when one considers his relationship with her mother.

Not sure how to take this offer, Circe decided to discuss with Medea their next course of action. Whatever she chose would surely affect them both.

For better or worse.

------

"I'll be honest S.E, this counterpart scares me a bit," I admitted openly, not like he couldn't read my thoughts.

I don't know if he can hand Matthias his ass, but he will be stronger than Cailin unless that crazy scientist manages to pull a fast one. You never know with those types of people.

They always have something up their sleeves.

"Can't blame you, though he's more on the Chuuni angle, rather than edgy if that helps you sleep at night. He's not as scary as he portrays himself." S.E said.

"Well… Fuck."

------

The scene was no less exciting than the previous one, if more so.

A blonde girl leaped onto a monster's back and drove her knife into his mane. The manticore howled, turning in circles with his tail flailing as Annabeth hung on for dear life.

"Fire!" An older girl ordered.

"No!" Percy screamed.

But the Hunters let their arrows fly. The first caught the manticore in the neck. Another hit his chest. The manticore staggered backward, wailing, "This is not the end, Huntress! You shall pay!"

And before anyone could react, the monster, with the blond girl still on its back, leaped over the cliff and tumbled into the darkness.

"Annabeth!" The boy yelled, starting to run after the duo, but he was interrupted by the sound of gunfire, coming from a helicopter.

Most of the Hunters scattered as tiny holes appeared in the snow at their feet, but the girl with auburn hair just looked up calmly at the helicopter.

"Mortals," she announced, "are not allowed to witness my hunt."

She thrust out her hand, and the helicopter exploded into dust—no, not dust. The black metal dissolved into a flock of birds—ravens, which scattered into the night.

The hunters advanced on the remaining children, before coming to a stop as their shadows froze them on their paths. The auburn-haired girl warily looked around, her hunters struggling against the unexpected attack.

With a beam of silver light from the goddess, the hunters immediately regrouped, cautiously looking for any sign of the assailant.

At this moment, a figure in black walked out of the darkness step by step. His ethereal features mixed with his disheveled void black hair made him stand out wherever he made his presence clear.

Next to him was the blonde girl from prior, looking shaken by what she had just experienced.

"Annabeth! Astas!" Percy rushed to his closest friend and brother, sending them both to the ground as he fussed over them.

Their sudden reunion was interrupted by the auburn-haired girl who looked poised to strike at any moment, her eyes glancing at the pale boy with a complicated expression.

"Anastasios." She started.

"Cut the bullshit Artemis, what are you doing here?" Astas rudely questioned the girl.

Behind her, the Hunters bristled at the arrogant tone of the young boy. Barely restraining themselves from putting several arrows through him.

Glancing at those around her, "Perhaps we should all take some time to cool off before we start this conversation." Artemis said diplomatically.

"Fair. Percy get off me so I can talk to this princess properly."

…

"So you're the kid who made Mr. D scream for his mom?" A punk-looking girl questioned the starry-eyed boy, her expressive blue eyes looking at him with open curiosity.

"Your father too, if I recall correctly." Said the boy whilst chuckling. The look of disbelief on her face told him exactly what she thought about his claim.

"Anastasios, could please stop demeaning my father in my presence?" Artemis asked tiredly.

That humiliating event would forever stain her father's reputation, not that he'd enjoyed a pleasant one all that much. Most deities preferred to interact with Jupiter instead for good reason after all.

"As long as he stops shoving his head under the ground, maybe I will," Astas said, not remotely believing that was possible.

It would take Kronos directly punching Zeus in the face for the idiot to start taking his threat seriously.

"Now then, since you've so nicely decided to take Bianca in. I'll be temporarily taking Nico under my protection, while those three bickering fools get their shit together." Astas continued, having just revealed the two siblings' heritage just moments after she took in the girl as one of her hunters.

While she suspected Bianca's parentage, there were far safer ways to reveal it.

"Will Nico be alright?" Speaking of the fury, Bianca looked worriedly at her brother.

"Eh… Corpse breath might not fully be able to keep Thunderfart in check, but as long as I make my position clear, Zeusy boy won't touch a hair of his. It's not like your old man broke the pact." Astas reassured the sister.

Thalia didn't seem to agree, "What do you mean he didn't break the pact, there are two living examples that he did…" Pointing at the Di Angelo siblings.

"Nah pinecone, they're here because of time shenanigans. Hades kept his dick firmly in his pants after the oath, or at least he used protection."

That disgusting image aside, Artemis could not sense any lies. Ah… now she had to make sure the girl wasn't driven mad by that revelation.

For Gaea's sake, why did she have to deal with this? She sent the little bastard a look that promised vengeance.

------

"Not as edgy as I expected and he even saved Annabeth, so that changes things."

"Not by much, they only need to use any demigoddess they can get their hands on to trap the Moon Goddess," S.E said.

He's not wrong, though who could serve as bait escaped him? He couldn't remember any demigoddess, really all that relevant in Luke's group. Maybe Selina? But she was his eyes in camp, he doubted he'd pull her out of there for something any other girl could do.

"Don't think too much about it, Artemis will still get trapped. That's inevitable."

"What's with the familiar way Artemis talked with Astas?" I asked, it didn't seem like the goddess held any sort of animosity towards the godling, or was it primordialing?

"Eh, he guided a lot of potential hunters to her, so does have a somewhat favorable view of him, and it's not like he goes out of his way to antagonize every god he meets."

The scenes we watched just now all had him insult the big three. I'm pretty sure he's antagonized quite a lot of deities already.

"Shush, go to sleep."

Before I could speak my thoughts out loud, everything went dark.

------

"Stars," Zoe whispered. "I can see the stars again, my lady."

A tear trickled down Artemis's cheek. "Yes, my brave one. They are beautiful tonight."

"Stars," Zoe repeated. Her eyes fixed on the night sky. And she did not move again.

Thalia lowered her head. Annabeth gulped down a sob, and her father put his hands on her shoulders. Percy watched as Artemis cupped her hand above Zoe's mouth and spoke a few words in Ancient Greek. A silvery wisp of smoke exhaled from Zoe's lips and was caught in the hand of the goddess. 

Zoe's body shimmered. Just as Artemis was about to make a move, a pale hand grabbed hers, stopping it in its tracks.

Before the goddess could react, the silvery wisp of smoke was gently guided back into Zoe's body. Her brown eyes slowly opened, and her cooling body filled with warmth once more.

"Come now Arty, do you think I'd just let her perish like that." A familiar voice spoke, as the goddess turned to look at the pale hand's owner.

"Astas…" Her voice was surprisingly tender.

------

Percy wanted to argue, but he couldn't find one. Athena leaves him speechless.

"I hope the Council's decisions prove wise," Athena said. "But I will be watching Percy Jackson. I do not approve of your friendship with my daughter. I do not think it wise for either of you. And should you begin to waver in your loyalties…"

She fixed him with her cold gray stare, and he realized what a terrible enemy Athena would make, ten times worse than Ares or Dionysus or maybe even his father. Athena would never give up. She would never do something rash or stupid just because she hated someone, and if she made a plan to destroy someone, it would not fail.

Before she could leave, a pale hand placed itself on her shoulders. "That's rich coming from you owl… care to repeat it?" Astas said, the steely tone in his voice sending shivers down the goddess's spine.

"Anastasios…"

Unbothered by the looks he was receiving from the gods around him, his brother continued, "I can assure you, little goddess, if you even touch the hair of my brother. I'll show you why immortality can become a curse."

------

Two figures stared at each other.

One was a beautiful woman, with hair as black as tilled soil, her eyes swirled in green and black as deep as the crust of the earth. A dreamy smile on her lips that made her seem cold and distant.

The other was a boy, his ethereal features mixed with his disheveled void black hair, making him stand out wherever he made his presence clear.

They both had smiles on their faces, not a trace of hostility between them. The boy was the first to break the silence. "Tell me, Aunty, do you care to make a bet with me?"

------

"Well someone certainly doesn't play by the rules." S.E chuckled before disappearing.

The theater went silent, only the quiet snores of the human could be heard.

"…"

======

Note: That's a wrap, how exciting a PJO one-shot… It felt right to make this particular idea a reality, considering PJO was one of my first forays into the world of fiction, it felt appropriate to finally write about it. Any sentence/line that sounds familiar can be found in the following works; The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters and The Titan's curse by Rick Riordan, his books formed a significant part of my childhood and I genuinely do recommended having a go at them if you haven't read any of them yet. The next LoN update will be released on Tuesday, enjoy!