Percy Jackson : Gods Annihilation

"Some are really starting to consider what we said during our attack and many of the younger, less experienced ones don't want to fight. Period. But they are too scared to speak up and the demigods themselves are divided in that sense as well."

"Let me guess, those of roman origin are more aligned to the Olympians?" Thalia asked as she flicked a tiny bolt of lightning between her fingers.

...

Percy nodded before giving a heavy sigh. "Their mind set is more in line with that of a large, unified unit and especially militaristic, not to mention they watched the execution of a patron god for them. Plenty of them are out for blood, both personally and due to their conditioning meaning …" he trailed off as Jason and his fellow former demigods grimaced at that.

It was one thing thinking about having to fight former allies, it was another coming to grips with it actually happening in the near future. Jason couldn't help but picture one tanned face with intense brown eyes, spear and shield in hand with the cape of a praetor billowing behind her. He could only hope that he wasn't the one to meet her in the battle field.

"Will we be attacking them again before they can settle out of the Argos?" asked Thalia as she waved her hand, portal projections of the nearly repaired ships from overhead appearing.

"No," Percy replied firmly. "Hitting them while disorganized might be beneficial but then again, the actual casualties might rise with the way they suffered friendly fire before. It might be annoying but letting them set up their own camps will let us pick out and separate certain gods easier."

That got some agreeing nods from the group, knowing that their targets were not above hiding behind their own forces or using them as meat shields if a similar attack is carried out. Besides, considering how they can't keep a track of Pontus or Poseidon at the moment, it was preferable to be close to their home. Silence reigned for a few moments before Nico cleared his throat to draw attention. Once he had it, he spoke up.

"What about things on the mortal front?" he asked, looking at Rhea and then shifting to the silent Andromeda, the goddess having focused all her attention onto a tablet in her hands while nervously biting her lip.

Though before he could call to get her attention Phoebe spoke up with a tone of amusement in her voice.

"Well I think things are going well, after all, someone has become a bit of a celebrity in recent days," she said, getting a sheepish chuckle and embarrassed blush from the reigning queen.

Jason snorted in humor himself, remembering the veritable wave of videos, pictures, and news broadcasts that came from Rhea's little visit. Her speaking to the Pope for an hour or two on that balcony with tea and cookies of all things, though only Rhea herself and the Pope are aware of what was discussed as far as the mortals were concerned.

However it was the next few hours she spent in the square itself, giving greetings, healing minor things, and even playing with some children at a point was what really started to get all sorts of attention.

It stood to reason that Rhea's visit and undeniable proof of something mystic existing before them was both a great inspiration as well as a source of fear for the masses. Sure, Rhea's calming aura and friendliness won over many but many groups, especially those associated with power derived from the masses or those who have held hereditary power for generations were unnerved.

It was no secret that a good chunk of popular vote for some countries was derived from candidates striving for the belief of their religious figure, whatever it may be. Now however, no empty claims could be made with there being actual physical proof of a deity being present.

How many could claim they follow the will of their god(s) in question without the presence and support of, as far as they are aware, Rhea in this case.

How many will fear that their claims or any dealings done behind locked rooms will come to light and even suffer true divine retribution? After all, when Percy destroyed that illegal underground club with Ares' capture, plenty of politicians and members of the police force had been present and so met their ends. Then of course there are the groups that see a female deity as an attack on their own beliefs, thus making their reactions the most volatile as of yet.

'Fanatics,' Jason internally groaned as he noticed the others murmuring to themselves what could be the next step after Rhea's visit. Of course they settled down after a few minutes, deciding unofficially to simply keep an open eye and possibly contact yet another global figure or group to slowly adjust the mortals to their continued presence, having already obtained positive interactions with the Canadian and British government as well as leaving a rather amiable visage with the Pope.

That being said, it worried him if other gods or even Pontus himself would try to interact with the mortals as well. They were pretty sure that Pontus would only use them as fodder at best if he did but it was the diversion of their attention that could become problematic.

"Andy!"

Percy's sharp call brought Jason out of his thoughts as he glanced up to see Andy had jumped as well, almost dropping her tablet and looking at her king with almost owlish eyes.

"Y-yes?" she stuttered out at the beginning before clearing her throat and really paying attention.

"What's got you so worked up?" he asked as he glanced down at the tablet now resting on her lap.

Jason noted that it had the gold edges meaning it was noting for a god but curiously, the little heart icon on the side was slowly turning into a deep red inching towards the center of light blue and small cracks were forming on the sides. Just looking at him gave him a sense of worry as he brought his attention back to the now squirming goddess. She glanced around before returning her gaze to Percy.

"I was monitoring Athena …" she said before pausing and biting her lip more before continuing. "… And it's getting bad. If she keeps holding out the way she is, then … she'll break."

That got some frowns and grimaces all around, the others having discussed and known, especially the consequence should Athena fail Andromeda's test. It left a somewhat dry feeling in Jason's mouth, knowing what would happen should Athena break.

The mention of which put a damper on the mood quickly, only for Rhea to clear her throat and try to move the conversation along to other avenues, even if at the back of several minds, it was a wonder what would happen with the captured goddess…

...

A Day Later

( Medusa )

Her gaze had been on the door for the last hour, almost unblinking and uncaring of some of the looks she got from the rare god that passed by. They didn't matter to her at the moment, only what was happening to the goddess behind that very door.

Medusa chewed on her lip slightly as she thought on whether she would go in or not. Could her going in even do anything for the goddess? Would the sight be something that Medusa would be even willing to remember if she did?

All those questions plagued her mind and unsettled her more and more until she took a shaky breath to try and calm herself. 'Being out here doesn't do anything … but maybe …' she stopped the thought even as she looked more intently at the doors and before she registered it, her hand was already on the handle. She turned it and soundlessly opened the door to step in, the sound of pained groans and heavy panting reaching her ears.

She quickly closed the door behind her and turned, a frown in place, as she looked at the sight before her. Athena was still strung up by her wrists, her hair and dress plastered to her with sweat as her chest heaved with every breath, the smell of arousal being almost stifling. The tattoo-like collar around her neck glowing an almost angry red and flashing every few minutes making Athena wince or gasp.

Athena had never seemed weaker and out of her element than now … and the sight brought nothing but pain to Medusa. Quietly she walked up to the distressed goddess, trying to keep her face blank even as Athena finally managed to focus her clouded grey eyes on her.

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Don't forget to throw some power Stones, to keep the story going.

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