The Earth Monarch

Chapter 43: Criminal

We stood outside a tall, haunted Victorian style manor. The windows were boarded up, and the yard was covered in dense mist. "Who lives here? Hades?!" Phoebe questioned. "Nope. Older," I answered, stepping up to the doorway.

"Artemis, Zoë, and Phoebe, come with me. The rest of you, patrol the perimeter," I ordered. I knocked, and we could hear the empty echo of the knocker on corroded wood.

"4 for passage. Olympian Goddess, Daughter of Ares, Daughter of Atlas, and Creation of Void," I announced. Faster than a blink, we stood in a grand entrance hall in pristine condition. Golden marble floors, glossed ebony stairs, and a crystal chandelier.

Each room led into hallways of bookshelves, seemingly going on endlessly. "Where are we?" Artemis asked, reaching for her bow. "Where are our weapons?" Phoebe exclaimed angrily.

"We are in the Cosmic Archives. Weapons are prohibited, as is any form of physical combat," I answered, walking forward. "The Cosmic Archives? Why would it be on Earth?" Zoë asked.

"It is a focal point. A planet created by the entirety of the Primordial Deities. The center of the body of Ymir; Yggdrasil. The birthplace of all forms of Magical energy in the universe. The strongest link to pocket dimensions of this universe," I explained.

"Why do you think Earth is the only planet with 100's of pantheons? The only planet that has an immortal guardian like me?" I questioned. "Why are we here, Perseus?" Artemis asked.

I held up my index finger to her. "CHRONOS!" I called, rattling the shelves. "The Destroyer. Creation of Void, the Faded King. Guardian of Planet Earth, the body of Gaea, the nexus of mystical and mythical energy. The most feared and respected and idolized individual in this universe," a voice echoed.

A man in gold armor made of cogwheels hovered in a ringlet clearing. A massive book, with shears cutting a lemniscate was detailed on the cover, hovered before him. He had long white hair, golden eyes, and a Grecian tan. "An immortal that exceeded the power of the Primordial without wielding any domains," he stated.

I knelt to the being, the other 3 following quickly despite their confusion. "Rise, Earth King. You need not bow to me, my son," he stated. "You as well. Any friend of Perseus don't need to worship me," he said. "Mother around? Your ego is showing," I stated, chuckling.

He rolled his eyes, and turned to the hunters. "Phoebe Artemis. Normally, I would never let you set foot in my realm. But, you are accompanied by Perseus, so..." he said. "Zoë and Phoebe, the 2 oldest Huntresses of Artemis," he added.

"You know the reason of our arrival, Father. We can save pleasantries for another time. And DON'T make a time pin out of that," I said, then hastily added. He poured at me, before tossing me a scroll.

"There you are, Perseus. The information you seek is there. Do return it," Chronos said, then went back to his book.

"Is that it?" Artemis asked, her fingers twitching impatiently. I opened it up, and speed read it. I then tossed it back to Chronos, and began to leave.

"I know who is the supplier, and I must go get him now. You're target is the border of Canada and New Hampshire and Vermont. I'll meet you there," I explained. Once outside, I vanished in a puff of smoke.

I reappeared in Tartarus, standing before a rundown, broken palace, only big enough for a throne room and a war room, about as big as half an Olympic swimming pool. The walls were black, and shattered. Some walls and parts of the roof were nonexistent. Voices could be bearding conversing inside.

I kicked down the rusty, bone steel door, and the chatter stopped. Kronos sat on his throne, almost completely covered in bandages. He was missing his left left at the knee, and half his head was gone. Scars adorned every inch of his being, glowing gold with Ichor and time magic.

Beside him was a healthier being. He had black hair, pale skin, and emerald green eyes. He wore black and green leather robes with gold accents and accessories. He had the looks of a trickster and a thief, and held a curved scepter with a glowing green orb in the center, which kept flickering in and out of view.

"Projection? Or are you physically here, Loki?" I questioned. "Projection. I couldn't have alerted Heimdall, Odin, Tartarus, or you to my interference," he answered.

"You know Inter-Pantheon relations is prohibited, especially in times of war," I stated. He nodded his head down. "...Welcome...Perseus. You're looking......well," Kronos greeted awkwardly, his voice hoarse with pain.

"You won't be let off with a warning, Loki. Leave now, and I'll lessen your punishment. Take the weapons, and never interfere again," I ordered, ignoring Kronos. "...Yes...Lord Perseus. Forgive me," Loki said, bowing deeply. The projection faded in a soft green light.

"I know you're there, Koios. Take a seat," I called, turning to Kronos. "I cannot interfere now, Kronos. But, when this war has ended. Doesn't matter if you win or lose, you will face your punishment for your crimes against the Protection Law of Midgard and the Laws of the Primordial Council," I explained. I disappeared before he had time to speak, returning to the surface.

Only <900 words, but I'm ending it here, cause I want to get this out and done with. Next up, the Final battle.