Son of Perseus ✓

Thirty-Five

   After Raijax had explained everything she knew, the group headed out to where Xuviphas's largest gate had been located—in Greece.

      Koios had talked to some people to arrange the group to stay in the nicest hotel on Athens.

       Monsters from far and wide showed up to show their support for stopping Perseus in his tracks.

        Jasoslav had recognized some of the creatures from the inn in Aexizan two years ago—Kyros, Yuriy, Jin, Zorya, Heliko, Malaika, Zaizriiel, Liulfr, and Nine.

       "Jasoslav?" A voice called out from behind him.    

       He turned around just to see a woman with platinum blonde hair and a Japanese woman beside her.

        "I'm Delyth Myrddin…" The woman with blonde hair began to say to the Ukrainian boy. She gestured to the woman beside her. "This is Samiko Yamazaki. …You might know us better as Pestilence and Death…" Delyth paused.

       Jasoslav seemed to be in awe about the fact he was talking to half of the horsemen of the apocalypse.

       "You're brave. Very brave," Delyth said.

        "We just want you to know we're with you," Samiko told the boy. "All the way."

          As more monsters showed up, they introduced themselves to Jasoslav and pledged to follow his orders no matter what.

         He had heard many names.

         Ascelin. Akrydos Zenak. Noaah Iomharsson. Altaïr Siraj. Zoey Mantovani. Brynhildr. Syn Olsdottir. Sawyir Ciar. Derbáil Ciar. Aculia Ciar. Diablo Madrid. Jaispir Myrddin and his brothers Lachlann and Arthwys. Aylwin Bayko. Gaiana Horváth, which was a name Jasoslav recognized–though, she said she couldn't stay long.

          Gabriel Valeriev. Seraphiel Hazra. Castiel Yu. Michael Aroha. Lazarieleus Achshiyarshu. Celeste Espino. Finnleiy Voltini-Akamori. Oakley Pyeon. Kamyrin Yekatenzhik. Arii and Wanda Wyrzykowski. Jayaatu Buqu. Hyun Eonjeok. Cedozar Slavogost. Hrafnúlfr Heimirsson. Adaageio Chuo. Vasyrenia and Xalvanok Idyras. Eyvindr. Faykira. Ioniyskiy. Yevnoik. Heqaib al-Saqqaf. Stanley Siyaj. Seyhak Sao. Jonas Baard. Harper Goldin. Quinlan Chulanont. Lydia Andrysiak. Tatiana and Lyra Caesar. Amri Sayyid. Chiaki and Kota Akamatsu. Azeline and Evangeline de Chalons. Raziya Satara. Kyrylo. Adam. Siku Yotimo. Cristal Araujo. Aedona Stavayeva. Jack and Kenneth Kawakami. Alvaryn Metz. Zorthrin Isaeva.

      Among the crowd, there were a few familiar faces—for starters, Lukyan, Akachi, Sethunya, Bohdana, and Koios. The modern versions of Akuppi-Adad and Elyjaaih Sítheach showed up relatively early on.

     Jalila had brought Raijax, Zemfir, Aahmasaha, and Ia with her.

         "Jasoslav?"

         The boy turned to face the voice.

          There stood his mother, Dasha.

          He hadn't seen this version of her in years.

         Dasha ran up, pulling her son into an embrace. When she pulled back, she swatted his arm. "Never run away like that again," she scolded. Her gaze softened. "Is it true, what they're saying? You're leading a force against your father?"

         Jasoslav nodded. "He needs to be stopped or else so many innocent people are gonna die." He shook his head. "They don't deserve it."

       Dasha slightly nodded, taking in the information. "Well, I'm proud of you then."

         Jasoslav had froze. That was the first time his mother had ever said she was proud of him.

         Hours past when Athanasia showed up with Olwyn, Yaotl, Decimus, and a couple dozen demons following.

         "Anyone have room for twenty-eight more?" Athanasia started to say.

            The man named Noaah instantly ran up to Athanasia, trying to chat with her.

      "Is it weird?" Jasoslav began to ask Lukyan when he got him alone. "Being here again after so long? I mean, this is were you grew up, Luka."

        "I'll admit, it kind of is," Lukyan told Jasoslav. He laughed ever so slightly. "The last time I was here, I was about…six or seven I think. Oh how the times have changed."

       Jasoslav swallowed a little, nervously.

       Lukyan patted his back, softening the tone of his voice to something a little bit more melodic. "It's okay, Jasos. We'll stop Perseus. Together."

       Decimus approached the two. "They want you to say a few words, Jasoslav."

       Jasoslav exchanged a glance with Lukyan before heading toward a counter and getting on top of it.

      Jasoslav took a deep breath. "We're all here for a reason."

        Creatures began to look his way.

        Jasoslav continued. "Our very world and realms are faced with possible extinction. Xuviphas is to be opened. Opening Xuviphas in the manor that it is, will tear our world apart as we know it. Many will die if this isn't stopped." He paused, swallowing. "Perseus had done many…wrong things throughout the centuries. But, none as lethal as this. Perseus seeks our deaths. He seeks our demises. He seeks bloodshed! That's why he must be stopped, no matter the cost."

        He took another deep breath. "I know I'll give it my all to make sure this treacherous beast is stopped… even if it means giving my own life. What about all of you?"

       Shouts of agreement echoed through the hotel.

       Jasoslav said, "With Xuviphas being open like this, there's no way we'll all get out. But, just know, some's sacrifices is for the betterment all of paranormal and humankind alike. It'll be an honor to fight beside all of you."

      The cheers crescendoed.

     After giving his speech, Jasoslav headed over to Athanasia. "What is it?" He asked.

      "Well, if we're doing this, I think it's only fair if I free Zephyria," Athanasia said. "So, I have to go to Hell and get her. I will say, that it will be dangerous."

       "I'll go with you," Olwyn said. And when she got looks, she said, "What? She needs all the help she can get."

      Jasoslav nodded. "Yes. Free her."

      As Jasoslav watched them leave, he knew this was possibly the last time he'd ever see some of these people again.