Break (Edited 12/31/24)

3.2K 189 84
                                    

Note: Not all of the suggested questions are included because I felt it would be better for the gods to find out about them later. Plus, I've already written a lot. This chapter was posted less than 4 hours before midnight.

I hope this chapter has no mistakes in terms of information, but I would appreciate it if you point something out.

Word Count: 5,000 +

The gods straightened instinctively at the sound of Chaos's voice, his tone effortlessly commanding their full attention. None of them had expected his return, and his overwhelming yet restrained presence served as a stark reminder of his incomprehensible power.

Zeus rose from his throne, curiosity and unease flickering across his face. "Lord Chaos, you honor us with your presence once again," he began, his voice steady despite the primordial's daunting aura. "May I ask what brings you back before us?"

"I hope you all enjoyed watching Percilla's life," Chaos stated plainly. "Since the first year of her hero's journey has concluded, I have come to answer any questions you may have. I will also shed light on anything you may have overlooked in her story. Speak now and ask what you will."

The gods exchanged glances, their murmurings laced with a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

Hades was the first to speak. "What was Percilla's universe like, and how does it compare to ours, Lord Chaos?"

Chaos's shadowy form shifted subtly, his focus narrowing on the Lord of the Underworld. His reply carried the weight of an eternal observer. "Percilla's world is one of subtlety and rules—a cosmos where the divine must tread carefully. The gods there influence mortal lives from the periphery, hidden yet profoundly intertwined. Ancient laws dictate their restraint, forbidding direct interference to preserve balance. There, mortals revere the gods for their mystery and rely on them for guidance, but not without exercising their own free will."

He let the significance of his words linger before continuing. "Your universe, by contrast, is one of overt might. Here, gods walk among mortals openly, exerting their power without hesitation. Mortals do not pray from a distance; they either fear your strength or challenge it outright. The balance here is not upheld through ancient pacts but forged in direct confrontations and displays of superiority."

Chaos turned his unblinking focus to the assembly. "Percilla's universe fosters quiet endurance and self-reliance. Its heroes are shaped by prophecy, faith, and the need to navigate danger through resilience and ingenuity. By contrast, this universe thrives on raw power and defiance, demanding mortals rise to your level or fall before it. Where subtlety reigns in Percilla's world, this one thrives on dominance and pride."

The room was silent as the primordial's words prompted quiet reflection.

Rhea spoke next, her voice calm yet insistent. "Lord Chaos," she began, "if I may—why don't the gods of Percilla's world intervene directly to aid their children? Why do they often leave them to face so much alone?"

The primordial's presence darkened slightly, the swirling shadows around him pulsing. His voice was measured as he responded. "Like I said, the gods of that universe are bound by laws far older than themselves, Lady Rhea. These laws maintain order and prevent divine overreach into mortal affairs. To break such laws would threaten the balance of their world, creating chaos and discord where harmony is meant to prevail."

The Titaness leaned forward slightly, her voice soft. "Then they do care for their children, but they are limited?"

"To some extent," Chaos replied, his tone steady. "Their love is real, but it is filtered through their immortal nature and the constraints of their existence. They often justify their distance with the belief that adversity will strengthen their children. And indeed, many demigods grow stronger through their trials. However, strength born of neglect often comes with scars. The gods may act out of love or duty, but they do not always grasp the mortal cost of their actions—or their inaction."

The Sea Tyrant's Obsession (PJO x ROR) 18+ WTM/WTS Book 1Where stories live. Discover now