Chapter 1: The Son of the Earth Mother

HI guys, new story, I was writing chapters for my other story when this came to my mind, and I couldn't let the idea slip past me, so I just started writing. Originally, it was a couple sentences and then... it turned into this. REST ASSURED, I am still working on my other story. I will focus on that one while this one takes a back seat while I try to figure out more ideas. SO anyway, enjoy.

"Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster" - Sun Tzu

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Long ago, during the tumultuous age of gods and titans, the union of Gaia, the Earth Mother, and Tartarus, the primordial abyss, gave rise to two beings of incomprehensible power: Kurama and Typhon. While Typhon embodied the raw force of chaos and destruction, Kurama's nature was far more enigmatic. With an insatiable curiosity, the fox roamed the earth, observing the intricate dance between mortals and immortals, always shrouding its true intentions in mystery.

As centuries passed, whispers of Kurama's existence spread far and wide, whispered among gods and demigods alike. Some trembled at the mere mention of his name, while others sought to harness his power for their own purposes. Among those intrigued by Kurama's enigmatic nature was Zeus, the King of the Greek gods.

Driven by a desire to quell the chaos unleashed by Typhon's rampage across the world, Zeus embarked on a quest to seek out Kurama. Through trials and challenges that tested even the mightiest of gods, Zeus finally encountered the elusive fox deep within the heart of a dense forest. Kurama regarded him with piercing eyes, its nine tails swaying in a hypnotic dance that seemed to echo the very essence of the cosmos.

"Ζητώ τη βοήθειά σας, Κύριε Κουράμα," Zeus humbly began, his voice echoing through the ancient trees. "Βοήθεια κατά του Τυφών και για να σταματήσει την οργή του σε όλο τον κόσμο. Τα άλλα πάνθεον του φεύγουν όπως και τα δικά μου."

(AN: I used Google Translate :). "I seek your assistance, Lord Kurama."; "Assistance against Typhon, and to stop his rampage across the world. The other pantheons are fleeing from him as well as my own")

Kurama's response was cryptic yet profound. "Δεν είμαι παρά μια αντανάκλαση του χάους, μικρό Δία," it replied. "Εκεί που ο Τυφών φέρνει την καταστροφή, εγώ φέρνω... ισορροπία." 

(AN: "I am but a reflection of chaos, little Zeus."; "Where Typhon brings destruction, I bring... balance"

Zeus, though puzzled by Kurama's words, had no time to dwell on them, for a tremor shook the earth, and a deafening roar echoed through the forest—Typhon had awoken from its slumber, thirsting for destruction.

With a knowing glance, Kurama vanished into the shadows, leaving Zeus to face the approaching threat alone. But as Typhon descended upon the forest with all its fury, Kurama reappeared, its nine tails swirling with energy.

In a dazzling display of power, Kurama and Typhon clashed, their battle shaking the very foundations of the world. For days on end, they waged war with unrelenting ferocity, each blow threatening to tear the Earth asunder.

In a moment of desperation, Zeus cast aside his fears and joined Kurama in the fray. Together, they fought as one, channeling their combined might to seal Typhon away once more.

In the end, Kurama and Zeus emerged victorious, sealing Typhon deep within the fiery depths of Mount Etna and restoring balance to the world. With its task complete, Kurama vanished once more into the depths of the unknown, leaving behind only whispers of its existence.

And so, the tale of Zeus, Kurama, and Typhon became legend—a story of balance and chaos, woven into the very fabric of the universe. Zeus, in a rare moment of gratitude, spread their story far and wide, ensuring that the legacy of Kurama would endure for eternity—a reminder of the delicate balance that exists between order and chaos.

*A few thousand years later*

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting its ethereal glow upon the weary travelers as they pressed on through the dense forest. Thalia, Luke, and Annabeth had been running for days, pursued relentlessly by Greek monsters sent by the Lord of the Underworld, Hades. Exhausted and with their nerves stretched to their limits, they stumbled upon a clearing bathed in silver moonlight.

As they ventured deeper into the heart of the forest, a strange sensation washed over them, a feeling of being watched by unseen eyes. Thalia, ever vigilant, tightened her grip on her bow, while Luke unsheathed his sword, ready for whatever might lie ahead.

Annabeth, ever curious, spotted something, and asked her companions, "Is that a tail?" Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows—a majestic nine-tailed fox, its eyes glowing with otherworldly wisdom. Thalia, Luke, and Annabeth froze in awe as the creature approached them with an air of quiet authority.

"Running from trouble, I see?" Kurama said, his voice booming throughout the forest. 

Thalia exchanged a glance with Luke and Annabeth, her heart racing with uncertainty. They had heard tales of the nine-tailed fox, whispered among the ranks of other monsters, but never had they imagined they would stand face-to-face with the legendary creature.

Before they could respond, the massive fox said "Come on out children," and another presence made itself known—a shimmering figure emerging from the trees, her form radiant with divine grace. It was Artemis, the Greek Goddess of the Hunt, her silver bow gleaming in the dappled light, accompanied by her handmaidens. She regarded Kurama with a mixture of surprise and caution.

"Lord Kurama," Artemis greeted with a small bow of her head in respect. "It has been eons since our paths last crossed. But how was it that you were able to detect me?"

Ah, but you are far too young to hide from me, dear Artemis," he replied, its tone dripping with mischief. "After all, I am the son of Mother Earth herself."

Artemis nodded again before turning her gaze to Thalia, Luke, and Annabeth, her expression unreadable. "What brings these demigods to your domain, Lord Kurama?"

Thalia stepped forward, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. "We seek refuge, Lady Artemis. The monsters are relentless, and we have nowhere else to turn."

Artemis regarded them with a keen gaze, her eyes narrowing in thought. "Very well. You may find sanctuary in my huntresses' camp for a time. May I ask that we also take refuge here, my Lord?"

"Yes, you may. For as long as I am here, monsters will not dare enter the sanctuary of the brother of Typhon," Kurama's voice boomed.

As Artemis led the children away, Kurama watched with a knowing smile, its nine tails swaying in silent approval. In that fleeting moment, amidst the tangled web of fate and destiny, Thalia, Luke, and Annabeth felt a glimmer of hope that they could survive after all. And as they followed Artemis into the safety of her camp, they knew that they had found allies in the most unexpected of places.

Thalia, Luke, and Annabeth sat around a crackling campfire in the heart of Artemis's huntresses' camp, their faces illuminated by the dancing flames. They had been welcomed into the sanctuary after encountering Kurama, the son of Gaia, and now found themselves surrounded by Artemis and her fierce band of hunters.

Artemis, her silver eyes gleaming in the firelight, turned her gaze to Thalia and her companions. "Tell me, children, what do you know of Kurama?" she asked, her voice carrying a weight of power. Though, nothing like Kurama's own.

Thalia shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of Artemis's gaze upon her. "We've heard tales," she began cautiously, "whispers among the monsters we've faced. They speak of him as a being of immense power, born from the depths of Gaia herself."

Luke nodded in agreement, his expression serious. "They say he's the twin of Typhon, the father of monsters," he added. "But while Typhon revels in destruction, he seems to possess a more... calm nature."

Annabeth, ever the strategist, interjected with her observations. "He seems to have a keen intellect and a deep understanding of the world," she mused. "And his connection to Gaia suggests a profound link to the earth itself."

Artemis listened intently, her features impassive as she absorbed their words. "Kurama's origins are indeed shrouded in mystery," she remarked, her voice tinged with a hint of reverence. "But his presence in these woods signifies a shift in the balance of power—a convergence of forces that cannot be ignored."

One of Artemis's hunters, a girl with eyes with a silver circlet, spoke up. "My Lady, what do you think Lord Kurama's intentions are? Will he aid us in our struggle against the rising of ancient monsters?"

Artemis's expression softened with a rare smile, her gaze turning to the flickering flames before her. "Kurama is a creature of chaos, yes," she conceded, "but he is also a child of Gaia—a force of nature, bound by the laws of balance and harmony. Whether he will aid us or not remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his presence in these woods heralds a turning point in our journey. Now, as you are here young maidens, how would you like to join the Hunt?"

As the conversation continued late into the night, with Thalia and Annabeth both refusing the offer, the demigods couldn't shake the feeling that their encounter with the nine-tailed fox was just the beginning of a much larger story—one that would shape the fate of both gods and mortals alike. And as they drifted off to sleep under the watchful gaze of Artemis and her handmaidens, they couldn't help but wonder what role Kurama would play in the days to come.

Later that night, Artemis gathers her Hunters, addressing them with solemn determination. 'Hunters, I am off to Olympus. I must reconvene the council to discuss the matters that have unfolded today. I shall return swiftly.' With a reassuring smile bestowed upon her loyal companions, she flashes away.

Artemis stood before the grand throne room of Olympus, she pulled out a bow where she shot a silver arrow into the air as she called for a meeting of the gods. Soon, members of the council flashed in. Zeus, the king of the gods regarded her with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. "Artemis, daughter," he greeted, his voice rumbling like distant thunder. "Why have you called us today?"

Artemis bowed respectfully before her father, her silver bow glinting in the divine light of the chamber. "Father," she began, her voice clear and unwavering. "I come bearing news of a most unexpected encounter."

Zeus arched an eyebrow, his gaze narrowing in interest. "Speak, daughter," he commanded. "What news do you bring?" 

Artemis met her father's gaze with a steady resolve. "Father, my Hunters and I have encountered demigods on our hunt for the stirring of monsters," she began, her voice carrying through the hall with authority. "Thalia, your daughter, Annabeth, daughter of Athena, and Luke, son of Hermes, along with an unexpected surprise—Lord Kurama, son of Gaia." At the mention of their children, Athena and Hermes visibly perked up, their interest piqued by the revelation.

When she finished, Zeus's expression was grave, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "Lord Kurama," he mused, his voice echoing through the throne room. "I haven't seen that mischievous fox since that day." 

Hera, seated beside Zeus, could barely contain her fury at the mention of yet another of her husband's offspring. Her eyes flashed with anger, and her voice dripped with venom as she spoke. "Another of your bastards, Zeus?" she spat, her words laced with scorn. "How many more must we endure?"

Zeus's gaze hardened, but before he could respond, Athena, the goddess of wisdom, interjected with a calm yet firm tone. "Lady Hera, your anger serves no purpose here," she admonished, her eyes flashing with wisdom. "We must focus on the matter at hand—Lord Kurama has resurfaced." 

Hera, Queen of the Gods, fixed Athena with a steely glare, her expression tight with displeasure at the mention of another of Zeus's offspring.

Apollo reclined on his throne, a wistful smile gracing his features. "The old fox reappeared, huh? I miss that guy. When you see him again, lil sis, tell him I said hi."

Artemis, glancing at her brother with a hint of irritation, replied, "This is not the time, brother, and for the last time, I'm older."

"Hey, hey, c'mon, it's just a small favor, lil sis," Apollo said with a bright smile, his charm undiminished.

"For the umpteenth time, Apollo, I'm the old—" Artemis began before getting cut off by a clap of thunder.

"Enough, children," Zeus sighed, his voice carrying the weight of authority as he pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation.

Very well," Zeus continued with a nod. "Artemis, go ask Lord Kurama if he would accompany the demigods to Camp and if he would like to reside in the forest there. Meeting adjourned."

The other gods, including Hera, exchanged glances of slight confusion. Athena spoke up, her brow furrowed with concern. "Father, is that truly wise? He is, after all, the son of Gaia. We have never had the best relationship with the Earth Mother, and he is to be near our children," she questioned, her voice laced with skepticism.

"You have never met him, daughter. He is neutral towards us after all. Go, Artemis," Zeus replied firmly, his tone brooking no further argument.

Artemis inclined her head respectfully. "Yes, Father," she replied before swiftly flashing out of the throne room, her silver aura disappearing in an instant.

The rest of the gods followed suit, including Hera, who shot her husband a parting glare filled with unspoken frustration. Only Poseidon remained in the throne room, his expression contemplative. "I hope you know what you are doing, brother," he murmured before also flashing out, returning to his kingdom beneath the waves, leaving Zeus alone in the throne room.