Wisdom's Revenge | Olympus's Traitor #2

Chapter 9: The "Truth"

"What do you mean the Hunt got to him first," Annabeth said icily as she stood facing a window, back to Edikitís.

"Three of them showed up right as I was about to go in," Aether replied as he shifted nervously from foot to foot. "I didn't think I could take them on, and I wanted to make sure I got the other two here safely."

"I see," Annabeth replied, pausing for a few seconds before continuing. "While your failure is regrettable, the fact that you brought the other two safely away from the influence of your father is commendable." Annabeth then turned from the window to take a seat, motioning for Edikitís to also sit down across from her. "Now, you mention a man was with the other two Huntresses?"

"Yes, mistress," Edikitís replied. "A man with dark hair seemed to be leading them."

"It is just as well you stayed hidden then," Annabeth said. "You are not yet ready to face your father in combat."

Aether's gaze snapped up from the desk and to Annabeth at the mention of his father. "That man was the monster that killed my mom?"

"Unfortunately," Annabeth sighed.

"I had a chance to kill him," Edikitís whispered. "To make things right. . ."

"He would have likely destroyed you," Annabeth scolded. "That man shows no mercy, and has the skills to defeat all that face him in combat. I have seen him challenge even Titans and Giants, only to destroy them without pity or remorse." Annabeth then paused for a moment, letting this statement sink in. "Now, I believe it is time for you to finally know everything. You are ready to hear the truth of your father and who he is."

"Really?" Aether replied, anticipation evident on his face.

"Yes," Annabeth confirmed. "It is time." Annabeth then stood up to once again face the window, motioning for Edikitís to stay seated as she did so. "Your father is a manipulative man," Annabeth started her explanation after taking a deep breath. "He has the face and personality of a friend, but below that facade is a true monster. Perseus Jackson destroys everything in his path without remorse, and he intends to rule the world."

"How?" Edikitís questioned. "Won't the gods stop him?"

"No," Annabeth said bitterly. "He has them all fooled. Well, almost all of them. He has them convinced that I am the enemy, that I'm the threat to Olympus."

"You?" Edikitís asked. "But you've done nothing but try to help and improve Olympus."

"This is true, my only aim is to the world of all that is bad and usher in peace," Annabeth replied. "However, your father has manipulated them beyond redemption."

"Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"Yes, I am," Annabeth said resolutely. "If we are ever to destroy your father then the gods must be removed."

"How?" Edikitís questioned.

"Leave that to me. Now, it is finally time to breach the topic of who your father is," Annabeth said, causing Aether to wait breathlessly. "Your father is Perseus Jackson, son of Poseidon. We met when we were 12 years old, and back then he seemed so innocent. How wrong we were. Behind his loyal, loving, and sarcastic facade was a true monster. Jackson had us all fooled, and it wasn't until after the Giant War that I discovered his true intentions. However, by that time it was too late. He had embedded himself too deep. For a time I was able to make everyone see the truth, but it didn't last long. He still had some loyal agents, and they made sure that the truth was still twisted."

"Then what happened?" Aether asked when Annabeth abused for a breath.

"I turned to King Ixion in hopes that he could help me make things right, but it didn't go to plan. The Romans and the Hunters of Artemis helped Perseus, and they foiled my plans to bring peace to the world. To make matters worse, during that time he married your mother." Aether growled slightly at this, and Annabeth's tone got noticeably sadder. "Your mother was Thalia Grace, my best friend. He tricked her, and turned her against me. Eventually they had two twin daughters, then they had you and your twin brother."