Previously:
"Perseus, care to explain the new planet covered completely in water now orbiting Pomeacus?" He demanded.

"Perseus, Alke, there are people right outside the gates," Elpis said suddenly. Her eyes were staring straight ahead and Alke knew she was using her powers over the protections of the castle.

Bothe Perseus and Alke moved to their nearest window to see lanterns lighting up the angry faces of 'Lord Atlas'' men. They shared a quick glance.

"Or now is good too," Perseus said seriously.

I sat back in my seat, we had wasted no time once we learned that this 'Atlas' was attacking. I'm going to be old fashioned and say that we hastened to the throne room and I now sat on the coveted throne of my great-too-many-times grand father. It was a lot more ornate than I expected since Alke and Elpis have all said he was very much like me. Considering I hated overly decorated objects, one would think he did too and limited the amount of sparkly jewels that were put on this thing. The throne is suppose to glow when I say my oath for Styx's sakes! How blinding this is going to be.

"Alright, everyone ready?" I said, shifting uncomfortable in the hard throne.

"Yes, Lord Perseus," Alke said, bowing slightly.

I glared at him but ignored the unnecessary formality. "Then let's get this over with," I sat straighter in my seat, facing forward, listening to the pounding of the doors as Atlas' men continued trying to take the doors down. "Let them in."

Mason and Alexis opened the doors and at the same time, the men and the tree trunk they were carrying fell in.

"Welcome to the throne room of Lord Perseus, soon to be Primordial," Grover said, walking up to the attackers. I could feel his nervousness and prayed to any god that could hear me for him not to mess this up. "If you would just take a seat, we will get started."

I looked first to Elpis to the right of my throne then Alke on the left. "Are you guys totally up for this?" I asked. "Because I know you'd have to give up your titles and that might drain you and then you'd be out of the fight if there is one and I'm not sure I'd be able to-"

"Perseus," Elpis interrupted softly. I shut up immediately.

"Don't worry about us," Alke smirked, "you're not having second thoughts because you think we'll be hurt are you?"

"Yes," I said, going back to staring straight ahead. "You're my friends."

"What is the meaning of this?" 'Atlas' demanded as he was ushered into a seat by Tyler. The scum bag wore a mask and a deep hood, hiding his eyes and the top of his head. He seemed to like the color black and he had no weapon visible on him. "You have no right to be in that throne, you are not Primordial of this world!"

I narrowed my eyes. That voice sounded too familiar to be coincidence. Before I could place it, Thalia appeared out of nowhere with Alexis by her side.

"Shut up and sit down," she hissed as Alexis growled. "You are about to witness the coronation of Heir Perseus, son of Hestia and Poseidon, who are great great grandchildren to one Primordial Pelagius."

"What?" 'Atlas' demanded as he was shoved down by Alexis.

"You heard me," Thalia said, turning her glare onto a guy who thought he could get the jump on her while she was distracted. "Now, sit."

"Thank you Thals," I said, smiling as Mason and Alexis went to close the doors, trapping Atlas in along with about sixty men he'd brought along. We were out numbered about twelve to one and we'd managed to get them to do what ever we said. I smirked, this was too easy.

"I'm going to kill you for this, dear cousin," she glared at me as she jabbed her spear at a few rebellious people. "I am not an usher."

"You make a great one though, Thalia," Grover called over.

"Shut up, Goat boy," the daughter of Zeus said.

Once everything had settled, I turned to Alke and nodded.

Taking their cue, Alke and Elpis came around to step in front of me.

"Lord Perseus, heir to the throne of Pomeacus," they started in unison.

"I, Primordial Alke-"

"-And I, Primordial Elpis-"

"Do bestow upon you the responsibility and duties of the throne of Pomeacus to rule over and guide justly and fairly with compassion, mercy and empathy," they continued. "Do you solemnly swear to do so?"

I looked at 'Atlas' in the eyes and smirked at his outraged face and returned to look Elpis in the eyes. "I do solemnly swear."

"Then state your oath, Primordial Perseus," Alke said, pulling my gaze to him. "You have accepted the throne now the throne must accept you."

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. This part I knew couldn't be planned. The words would come to me if I was indeed the true heir. The officiators (Elpis and Alke) and the rest of the audience would be able to tell the truths of my statements by the glowing throne I mentioned earlier.

"I, Primordial Perseus, vow upon the Void itself-" there were some gasps to that but I hardly noticed, I was too in the trance I was pulled into- "to rule this land the way it deserves to be ruled. I vow to lead our people into peace and prosperity-" I paused, shaking with emotion from the words I was urged to speak next. Up to now, I had been saying everything forcefully, putting power and strength I didn't know I had behind the words. "-with my queen, empress, soul mate and one true love by my side, we will win what ever battle we come across. Upon my soul, I so swear."

There was silence after I finished. I opened my eyes to see everyone staring at me in either awe, fear or rage. The only one hating me at the moment and not showing fear was 'Atlas'. Who, by the way, still reminded me of someone. His eyes held a familiar sense of disgust and disdain, as if he were looking down at me.

Well, that narrowed it down didn't it? I've felt that before on the otherside of Ares' look and Dionysus and Zeus, that is, before they changed their minds about me. Them and several other immortals not to mention demigods...and several of my school teachers.

I was brought out of my musings when Alke said in a loud, projecting voice, "Hail, Primordial Perseus! Ruler of the land Pomeacus!"

This prompted the audience, including Thalia, Tyler, Grover, Mason and Alexis but excluding 'Atlas' to respond, "Hail, Primordial Perseus! Long may he rein!"

Alke, and Elips moved away to stand by Tyler and Grover on either side of the room. Mason and Alexis were at the doors and Thalia stood in the middle of the room, daring anyone-especially Atlas- to attack me. Of all my friends, I think she and Alke were the most intimidating. They look like the kindest and least likely to kill you but they can actually and will kill you. Well, except for Thalia, her dark clothing and sparking eyes would never pass for a cute, kind hearted teen. More like a murderous one.

"No!" there it is, I was waiting for that, the denial from Atlas-if that's even his name and I suspect it is not. "No, this was not suppose to happen! I was to be ruler! Attack, you fools! Kill him!" He shouted the last part to the men surrounding him who all stared at him then at me in horror.

"Kill 'im, Lord Atlas?" A familiar thug questioned the outraged leader. "'E's of Olympia blood, sir. He is out ruler, it would be treason!"

Atlas looked side to side, frustrated and looking for something. He finally settled on something and snatched at it. He grabbed the dagger on one of his men's waists and charged.

Thalia made a move to intercept but I sent her a look that told her not to.

I stood up from my seat on the throne, the sight of which not even making Atlas falter, he was too far gone in his rage. I reached for the sword behind me and at my waist, calmly going down to meet him.

He let out a yell as he came down for my heart, the dagger glinting in the firelight from the torches on the walls.

Unfortunately for him, my sword was there to block it, twisting his wrist to the right and the blade safely away from any vital organs. Fortunately for me, I lived.

Thinking fast and acting on instinct, my free hand reached out to grab his right wrist, the one holding the dagger. I squeezed tightly and twisted, making him drop his weapon. Dropping mine and bringing that same hand up, I pulled back Atlas' long sleeves.

I grinned as I aw the tattooed letters of SPQR and the symbol of the lyre. Not to mention the seven lines right underneath. Signifying seven years of service. "Hello, Octavian," I said. "It's been a while. Since-what was it? You were blown into the sky and killed Gaea. Or at least put her to sleep again."

"What would you know, Graceus scum?" Octavian spat through his mask and hood, "none of you ever came to look for me."

"Nico said you were dead," I shrugged.

"Lies!" He shouted, "he's a Greek, he always lies!"

"Well, Hazel said you died too," I drawled, "that and no one knew how to get to outer space then."

"There's also the fact that none of us liked you," Thalia muttered loud enough for us to hear.

There were some sniggers as I pointed to my cousin. "That too," I conceded.

Octavian growled and brought his knee up to my stomach. I doubled over, momentarily thrown off balance and let his wrist go, allowing him to escape. As I regained my breath, Alexis and Mason chased after Octavian and caught him before he could go very far.

"Thank you, Alexis and Mason," I said as I came up to them. They each held one of Octavian's arms, restraining him from any sudden movements. "Octavian, hear this, Olympus is in trouble. An unknown enemy has arrived to take over-in fact they may have already. What I need to know is if you will fight with us."

"How do I know this isn't a trick?" Octavian spat. "You're a Greek, you'll say anything to get me to do what you want."

"Oh for the love of-" I ran my hands through my hair, glancing at Elpis and Alke in exasperation. "You know what? I give up; so many have tried to reason with you, Octavian and get you to see the real manipulator that it's pointless by now. You three-" I pointed to three random men standing off to the side, "-take him to the dungeons, Tyler lead the way."

"Yes, sir," the three chosen people saluted and took Mason's and Alexis' places.

As Tyler passed me, on the ay to the doors, I stopped him. "See if you can figure out if they're on our side or his side now," I murmured, "if they're with Octavian, lock them in the dungeons as well."

"Alright Perseus," Tyler smiled at me and led the men out with Octavian.

"The rest of you," I turned to the rest of the small army of men who came with Octavian. "What to do with all of you." I paused thinking. "What are you? Thieves? Criminals?" My eyes narrowed. "Murderers?"

I saw several gulp nervously and share sideways glances with their neighbors.

"Sir?" Dexter inquired nervously.

I rose an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.

He must have mistaken it for disapproval because he hurried to correct himself. "My-my lord?" He tried.

I made a gesture with my hand for him to continue.

"What-"

"Now!" It seems a small group of men had thought they would try fighting their way out and suddenly made a break for the door.

I sighed in annoyance as I saw other men gain courage from the sudden burst of action and join them. Only a quarter of them actually did so however. "Enough," I said, releasing a small amount of my power to freeze-quite literally- the rebellious group in their tracks. I sent a small glare at them and rubbed my temples.

"There was a chance I was going to let you all go free but now..."

"No, Sire, please, we weren't a part of that," Dexter started but I cut him off with a wave of my hand.

"I'll deal with them later," I said, turning my gaze to those who didn't try to run. "Those of you who didn't run and fight," I paused, looking at them silently, "Congratulations, you've just been accepted into the army of Pomeacus as the first elite group of warriors."

Those who were not trapped in ice relaxed in relief.

"Be warned," I said sternly, "any attempts of desertion or betrayal will be met with execution and any, any cold-blooded killing will be met with the same results." I saw many nod in acceptance but that wasn't the acceptance I wanted. They were resigned, I needed firm belief and pride in what they were fighting for.

"Your pasts," I started again, "don't matter. I don't care if you were a murderer, abuser or a theif yesterday. All I care about is what you do today and tomorrow. Any behavior like that is strictly prohibited. Armies-especially elite groups -are above such lowlife necessities-as I know sometimes you needed to so such things. However, you do not need to anymore. You will receive proper training, payment, housing and care for your families should you die in the service of your land." Now I was pacing in front of a steadily growing proud army of men standing at attention.

"But you must do a few things in return," I said before their egos rose too much. "You must promise to always do what I ask with out question or hesitation. You must swear on your life you will never betray me or your fellow comrades for if you betray me, you betray your friends, your families and your ancestors." I looked into their now solemn expressions, "and above all, be kind. Be kind to your fellow citizens for you were once in their shoes; poor and with out a proper station in life. Live up to the expectations that anyone would have of an army."

There I stopped speaking, waiting for some sort of reaction from my new men. Silence reined for the next few minutes until-

"Sire?" Dexter stepped forward, now looking much more sure of himself. "I would be honored, it would be no burden upon me or my family to follow your requirements for your army." He bowed deeply, his head almost touching the floor.

As if on signal, the rest of the men stepped forward and did the same. I smiled widely, looking to Thalia in triumph.

"Then welcome to the family my friends," I said with open arms. "I grabbed Dexter's hand and shook it, bringing him into an embrace.

🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥

It has been several months since I got promoted to Primordial-or Emperor, however you want to call it. The group of around 45-50 men that had been inducted to my army are now my royal guard. Elpis' idea, not mine. I can take care of myself, thank you very much.

The entirety of Pomeacus knew now of the new ruler on the throne and they still haven't stopped celebrating. Honestly, how long does it take for the fact that there is a new ruler to become old news? Or partying in general?

The actual army-after the royal guard-is slowly growing, new recruits come strolling in everyday. Especially now since I let it be known that women are allowed to join if they so choose. Granted, many of the men and some women took that hard but once they saw Thalia fight they shut up.

In fact, most of my army is made up of women. Most are some of my best warriors and people you don't want to get on the wrong side of.

I think, though, Alexis' power gained from this planet is the one that unnerves me the most. She is physic. It's the little things, your emotions she can figure out just by being in the same room as you. She can't tell what you're thinking but she knows if you're hungry, if you're either physically or emotionally hurting and even some things about your near future. She's come up to me, completely out of the blue, saying to wait a few seconds before exiting the room. I found that if I hadn't, I would have been electrocuted by Thalia who was chasing Tyler and Grover for some prank they did.

Not only that, but she's turned into a Sherlock Holmes. She can tell you things you didn't even know about yourself and your past. Her intuition has gotten stronger.

Mason's power was more protective. Since he was obviously very protective of his mate, Alexis, he was able to create a forcefield like a small bubble around anyone he chose, protecting them from physical and magical harm.

Things had just started to get into a regular routine after all the bumps in the road got smoothed out and to get in track when one day, things changed.

I was in my office, going through the recruitment papers and matters of state when my door burst open, letting in a flustered Tyler and a somewhat calm Alke.

"Perseus," Alke started, "Cove is here. With news."

I rose my brow, judging from their state, there was some thing more and it wasn't good.

"And..." Tyler swallowed hard, his eyes darting around the room, looking anywhere but at me. "Oh, you'll just have to see." He opened the doors again, beckoned to someone on the other side and stepped back to allow them in.

In walked Cove but that's not what made me stand up quickly from my seat and walk around my desk. "Sadmep?" I said in shock, "what are you doing here?"

"Earth needs your help, Perseus," Sadmep said. She looked absolutely battle worn. She had gashes all over her armor and her arm in a sling. Her helmet was off, showing her messy and tangled blonde hair. Bags under her eyes showed how much sleep she'd been getting and some dirt on her face showed how recent it's been since the battle she'd fought in.

"Sit down," I said, pulling out a chair for her, "rest for a moment then tell us what happened."

"It was awful, Perseus," Sadmep said as she sank into the seat I'd procured, ignoring my suggestion to relax. "No one saw it coming and now the mortals know all about the gods and demigods and aliens and-"

"Woah, woah," I said, holding up my hands to slow her down. "Take it slowly, didn't see what coming?"

"The attack," Sadmep said as if I were an idiot. "Despair and Sorrow sent a huge army to attack the camp, so huge the gods had to help. They were out numbered by all the monsters in Tartarus plus millions."

"What?" Tyler asked quietly.

"That isn't even the worst part," Sadmep continued. "Despair and Sorrow didn't show up to the fight. Instead they attacked Olympus where only a few minor gods and goddesses were left to protect it. Even Hestia went to the camp. They decimated Olympus and the thrones in the throne room. I barely escaped Earth with my life. Despair has every life form on that planet under his control and rein. The gods reduced to nothing but slaves in his palace. Thinks it as some sort of joke or game-Perseus," she looked at me with desperate eyes. "The other primordials and peaceful Titans aren't even free. They lie in his dungeon and any memoir of the rein of the gods or even Titans are hidden in his palace. Nothing, nothing we did could stop it."

Silence followed her rant of terror. All I could do was sit in my seat behind my desk, thinking about my mother and father enslaved to this Despair and Sorrow.

"Who is this Despair and Sorrow you mentioned?" I asked. "I've never heard of them."

"My brother and sister," it was Alke who answered. "Despair's real name is Eris, he is the first born. Sorrow's real name is Ania, she is the third. I was second and Elpis is the youngest. While Elpis and I personify hope and courage, Eris and Ania personify despair, sorrow and grief. They always took comfort in other's pain and destruction." (AN: I know I am not getting some of the mythology right but I had to tweak it for it to fit the plot I had in mind)

"What are they doing on my home planet?" I asked.

Alke looked me in the eyes solemnly. "Destroying it most likely," he said. "Elpis and I had trapped them in the void with some spell Elpis had figured out but that wasn't enough so we created our own prison even stronger and trapped them there. Somehow, they got out and decided to start destroying the universe. Starting with Earth apparently."

"How did they get out?" Cove demanded, placing a protective hand on Sadmep's shoulder.

Alke shook his head. "I don't know," he answered.

I sighed and looked down at my desk. Was the army even ready for such a large scale of a battle? "Okay," I started standing up. "Gather everyone. We need to have a meeting. It's time to plan for war."

Later in the council room, I was quieting down the arguments that broke out after Sadmep described the problem. "Guys, calm down, we need to plan how we are going to deal with this. Thalia, stop sparking, Shadow, bring the table back into sight. Grover, stop eating the table, there are scrape pieces of metal there for a reason. Thank you, now, Sadmep you mentioned the mortals know about everything abnormal to them?"

"Yes," Sadmep confirmed.

"What about the world leaders?"

"In slavery, along with everyone else," she answered.

I whistled. Bet the stuck up snobs are really understanding what they put other through, I thought to myself. "Any rebellions?"

"Only one, in America. Texas, it's mainly refugees hiding underground," she answered. "They're waiting for a chance to fight back."

I grinned. "Of course they are, they're Texans. What else would you expect?"

"Perseus," Thalia scolded, but she was smiling too. "Focus."

"Right," I said, turning to Alke and Elpis. "Any ideas how to deal with Eris and Ania?"

Alke glanced at Elpis, who looked at the table with a dark glower. "Well," he started. "I'm going to check out their prison, try and figure out how they escaped. Maybe if we figure out how they escaped, we'll figure out how to defeat them for good."

Now I understood why Elpis was glaring at the table. I heard no 'we' in that. "What about Elpis?"

"I'm staying here to help you," she said evenly.

"Alright," I said, a little nervously. "I say we send a small group of warriors to Earth to figure out everything is laid out. Then we see how to proceed from there."

"I'll go," Thalia raised her hand.

I nodded. "Thalia, Grover, Tyler, Shadow, Mason, Alexis, Elpis and I will all go back as a small scouting party. Sadmep, I want you running things from here. Rest a bit from what you went through. See if you can teach the army a few things. They already know about the other worlds out there."

Sadmep nodded.

"Cove, I don't want anyone leaving or coming to this planet, not unless you know it's Alke or someone else in this room," I said, looking at the Gatekeeper in the eyes.

"Of course," Cove nodded in acceptance.

"If things go wrong and I don't come through-"

"Kelp head, don't even think about finishing that thought," Thalia growled.

"Yeah dude," Grover said around what ever he was eating. "We'll make it. All of us."

I grinned wryly. "Fine," I said. "We leave in the morning. Get some rest."

"How?" Cove asked. "Toll has stopped transporting to Earth."

I smiled. "You guys remember the planet now orbiting this one? Isi?"

"The one made up completely of water?" Mason inquired skeptically.

"Not entirely," I said slyly. "You'll see."