The Earth Monarch

Chapter 32: Intrusion

I slowed to stop, hovering high above the planet in the Thermosphere. A futuristic ship was inching through the exosphere, the underside lined with vacuum-plating, an armored shield that resembled the vacuum of space.

"Attention Extraterrestrial Lifeforms. You are trespassing on this planet, guarded by millions of deities of multiple thousands of pantheons. State your reasoning for this illegal intrusion, and we can come to a diplomatic conclusion," I announced, projecting my voice into their ship.

"We come seeking an audience with the planets monarchical guardian. We hail from the planet Aguilar, where our deities you would identify as Primordial," a stern female voice responded. I narrowed my eyes, and turned into gas. I reformed on the bridge of their ship.

"If the Primordial wished to speak with me, they did not need to send you. Even if you are soldiers of the Protogenoi, you are still trespassing on my planet. What matters do the Primordial want to discuss?" I asked.

"We must bring you to them," the admiral answered. "No can do. I am the first, and best, line of defense for this planet against extraterrestrials. Whatever they want, can be discussed here and now," I retorted. She hesitated, before pulling up a holographic monitor.

"Perseus, we figured you wouldn't leave," Chaos stated, appearing on screen. I bowed politely. "What is so urgent that you must bring me to you?" I asked. "Void. He has learned of your presence, and wishes to meet you personally. We wanted to bring you here, so his presence didn't destroy Earth," Chaos answered.

"I will deal with it at a later date. Perhaps we meet in your pit below Tartarus? I know it is one of many entrances to his realm," I suggested. "...Perhaps. Contact us when Void should meet. And Perseus, this is confidential. Do not share this information with anyone," Chaos ordered. "I understand, milady. Good day," I replied, and returned to the quest. Satisfaction filled me, as I felt the ship leave the atmosphere.

Time Skip:

I landed in San Francisco, nearby a port that was a neighborhood of middle aged men in poverty. I moved over to the party, trying to watch the docks discreetly. "Nereus, a smart decision. I'm assuming you sent Grover," I asked.

"You're like Hades, you just appear out of nowhere," Zoë stated, after everyone jumped. "Where do you think he learned it from? Then again, it was a combination of me, Rhea, Hera, Demeter, and Erebus, so..." I said.

"Hera and Demeter?" Phoebe asked. "When they were younger, they were the standard, modern-style siblings. Hades was only a few months old when Cronus got the grand idea to eat his children, so Hestia, Demeter and him got to know each other quite well. As for Hera, I think Hades and Hera had a crush on each other for some time, a few centuries at most," I retold.

"Sometimes I forget how old you are. You must've known the Primordial before some of them were even born," Phoebe said, amazed. "Actually, only Ouranos was the primordial I met from birth. While I am older than majority of them, I didn't know any of them existed until the mid-Cretaceous period," I explained.

"Sorry to interrupt story time, but Grover's caught him," Thalia announced, and we made our way to the trapped god. "Lord Perseus? If you had told me you were accompanied by the Earth King, I...probably have put on a flashier show. But I would've let you catch me without much struggle," Nereus said.

The party wrinkled their noses as he spoke. "Nereus, good to see you old friend. Sorry to be a bother," I greeted. "Nonsense, Perseus. For you, I'd write a book on everything I know. But, you have your father's library for that. What can I help you with?" He asked.

"No limiters, please," I asked. He sighed, but nodded. "What is the bane of Olympus in the prophecy, and where is it?" Zoë asked. "The Ophiotaurus. It is in Camp Half-Blood Bay," Nereus answered.

"Why is it in Camp Half-Blood?" Annabeth asked. "Perseus Jackson, Son of Poseidon rescued the monster from a shipwreck that was atop of it. Now, it won't leave his side," Nereus explained.

"...Maybe he should've been on the quest. We could've figured that out a lot sooner," Phoebe stated, albeit apprehensively. "What Titan do we have to face, and who will die by parents hand?" Thalia asked, causing Zoë to stiffen. "Atlas is the Titan. I do not know which of his daughters will be killed," Nereus answered.

"Where is Atlas now? And how long until the Winter Solstice?" Phoebe asked. "Atlas is in the Garden of the Hesperides, atop Mount Othrys. It has since been moved by the Heart of the West to the top of Mount Tamalpais. The Winter Solstice is tomorrow, the council will be having their meeting by sunset," Nereus finished.

"Thank you, Nereus. You are released. Say hi to your parents for me, if you don't mind," I said. "Of course, Perseus. Though, Thalassa will want to visit once she hears from you," Nereus warned. "I understand. Please warn me via Iris when she will be coming," I replied. He nodded, and leapt into the ocean, transformed into a dolphin.

"Thalassa?" Annabeth asked. "The Primordial Goddess of the Oceans??" "Yes, that is her. She's an old friend of mine. Thankfully I know now that she has a crush on me," I answered.

"Why is that?" Zoë asked, her tone slightly angry. "Back then, I was very oblivious to love. The primordial loved my innocence, so they never taught me about romance, sex, etc. Thalassa, Hemera, and Ourea all had a crush on me, and would often fight over me. I didn't understand what the hell was happening at the time. But now that I do know that stuff, I can prepare," I explained.

"3 things," Thalia stated. "Pardon?" I asked. "3 things you share with Percy. Name, Powers of Water, and Obliviousness to Love," Thalia explained. "I'm not as bad as when I was younger, while Percy at the moment is a lost cause," I retorted.

She snorted. "No kidding," Thalia agreed. "How are we getting to Othrys?" Phoebe asked. "I'd try calling for a ride, but it's impossible for such short notice. Annabeth?" I asked.

"We...can ask my dad," Annabeth answered apprehensively. Everyone agreed, and we made our way to Professor Chase's house.