Descendants: Dawn of the Fighters

vii. Insulted

Cerberus told me everything, despite what father ordered him not to do. Apparently, the souls who escaped from Tartarus decided to hunt down what the gods seemed to value the most.

Their children.

In a package that came two days after their escape, was a hand. Not just any hand, but a hand that had a lightning bolt scar on it.

Lucian Lightshear had the same scar on his hand.

The gods then began to panic, they called to their children post haste, however, they recieved no response from any of them. 

Despite appearances, most of the gods care very deeply for the children they've raised. That, and each of us holds secrets that could be threatening to Grand Olympus.

And the gods themselves.

"Then, how come I haven't seen any suspicious activity whatsoever?" Cerberus smiled at that one,

"Because, your father convinced everyone you had died." This shocks me, he lied? For me? He had to have known I had simply ran away.

But if that's the case, then why lie? Why not tell them the truth? Was it too much for an embarrasement for them? Or... something else?

"Whatever his reasons, I suppose it's a good thing he did. He managed to keep you safe." I don't know how to respond to that, I simply nod.

"None the less, how do we know the other children are safe?" 

"We don't. The gods are sending teams out in search of them, but so far, they've had no luck." The wheels have already begun to turn in my head. If they manage to capture all of the children, Olympus is as good as fucked. And if they manage to take Olympus, they'll come for the Underworld too, which would also be fucked.

In conclusion: we're all fucked. 

Unless, we manage to stop it.

"What if..." Cerberus hands me my cup of tea,

"What if... they had bait? Something to lure them out just enough to where we could grab and question one?" Cerberus stops dead in his tracks, his eyes becoming very serious.

"No."

"But-"

"I said no Midnight!" He slams his glass down, the house vibrates.

"You can't just go and do reckless things like this! You're an adult now! We only just got you back and-"

"I, for one, find it to be an interesting idea." We both shoot to our feet, and find father standing right behind us. His eyes are locked on me, and there's curiosity in his expression.

"My lord, I didn't hear you come in." Cerberus bows to father, who simply nods his approval.

"What exactly did you have in mind, daughter of mine?" He's actually considering my idea?

"We throw a huge banquet, and invite everyone from the land. We don't do it down here though, if we do it above ground we can even invite mortals and other species. Make it big, make it loud. This will definitely catch the eyes of those who are seeking out the children, and who wouldn't jump at the opportunity to kidnap the fabled 'Forbidden Child' of Persephone and Hades?" I don't even bother forcing a smile, there's no point in it.

"Hm..." Father moves over to where Cerberus is and sits in his chair, making my heart burn with anger.

"Well, it's not a bad idea. It has a few faults in it, of course, but I believe if we conspire with my siblings we might be able to pull this off." He gazes at me, a slow smile spreading across his face.

"What will you do if they manage to kidnap you?" My heart skips a beat, he's testing me. My resolve. I can't help but clench my fists.

"They won't." He laughs at this, furthering my rage.

"You are seven years out of practice, little one. What can you do against souls who have suffered in Tartarus for centuries? How can you possibly hope to fight them?" 

"I'm not some child who should be taken lightly! I am-"

"But you are." I flinch at his now cold, serious expression.

"You know a great deal about the dealings of the Underworld Midnight. You said it yourself, once they take Olympus, they'll come for the Underworld next. Tell me, what's to stop them from torturing the information out of you?" 

Torture?

Is he serious?

I can't stop it; a low, deep laugh leaves me and I can't stop. I double over laughing, Cerberus and Father say nothing. 

"Torture?" I wipe the tears of laughter from my eyes, and give my father the ugliest smile possible.

"No amount of torture can amount to the time I've spent down here, Father. I was absolutely miserable here, this place brings out the worst in people. I have no idea what Persephone saw in this place, because god knows I don't have her eyes. Maybe if you actually acted like a caring father you would understand that." His expression remains the same, but Cerberus stiffens.

"Midnight, that's-"

"Shut up Cerberus." My tone stops his words dead in their tracks, I glare at him.

"You will let me have this." Cerberus backs down now, quiet as before.

"You-" I turn back to Father,

"Why did you lie to the other gods about me? Why in hell's name would you pretend like I was dead? Was I too much of an embarrassment for you, is that it? You couldn't stand the idea that your own child abandoned her role here? I guess letting everyone believe I was dead was the more honorable option for you and your damn reputation." My body, it's shaking.

"Sorry I'm your biggest mistake, god forbid I want to just be a child. Don't worry though, you did a fabulous job of bringing me back. But don't forget, I'm not some weakling. Don't mash me in with the rest. I am the daughter of Hades and Persephone, I am life and death. Don't insult me with the idea that I'm weak enough to leak suck delicate information. That, I will take to my grave."