Chapter 46: Chapter 46

S A V A N N A H

I WONDERED WHAT the mortals saw; when the clouds were pierced apart by a sudden burst of light and the Olympians rode down from the New York sky in their blazing chariots.

Because to the rest of us, it looked exactly as it sounded —completely awing and mind numbing.

We all stood stunned for a moment. Seeing the divine and being a part of it proved to be quite different from each other —it was almost like a spell was cast as our eyes took in what simply put, was the splendour of the gods.

Even in their human forms.

But then we snapped out of it, as Zeus’ thunder and lightning reminded us that this was far from a friendly visit. A wall of rain followed suit; heavy and sudden, soaking us instantly.

I blinked through the torrent, focusing on the number of opponents heading our way.

I counted eight chariots. I glanced at each rider and I knew who each of them were, as though instinctively, even though I had never seen them before —especially as humans. Two carried Zeus and Hera; another with the goddess Artemis; one with her brother Apollo; Ares, the god of war himself in another; one with Poseidon and another with Hermes. Either he truly was neutral, or he had been forced to participate. But I received my answer as he looked directly at me, and tapped the side of his nose. He could prove to be an ally of some kind.

The last chariot, led by Horkos had my father in it with him; his hands tied to one of the winged wheels.

“Hades!” I cried, lurching forward.

Thanatos put an understanding hand on my shoulder. “I will get him,” he promised. I gave him a frustrated expression in return, but I was grateful. He looked back up, and then narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

“…Wha —why is Apollo here?” he remarked distastefully. “What, is he going to be the backing track or something? Document the event in rhyme? Dazzle us with his smile?”

If I was not facing death for the second time, I might have laughed.

“This battle may yet prove to be entertaining, though,” he went on. “All of the eldest sons of Kronos are here.”

I gulped. That was definitely a bad thing. But at least, two of the gods were on our side. I looked up again and I met the fire in Horkos’ eyes; a slow simmering burn of pure unrelenting prideful judgement. He looked like he could not wait to skewer me with the two sickles he held.

“Oh my gods,” I gasped, gripping my swords tighter. “This is it. We’re all going to die.”

Søren turned to look at me a little condescendingly. “We volunteered our lives for this. So now, I am offended.”

“Why?” I questioned. “There are eight angry celestial beings about to land and pummel us. What could possibly be a more appropriate response?”

“How about some positivity?” Thanatos suggested.

“…We’re all going to die quickly.”

“Savannah,” they scolded simultaneously.

“Sorry,” I deadpanned, shrugging. Lightning then fizzled in the sky and I swear I heard my name in the thunder that followed. “…Shit, get ready!” I cried.

Zeus and Hera’s chariots landed first, before coming to a standstill at the end of the street. The others landed in a migrating V formation behind them. Then everything was suddenly still. The rain trickled to a drizzle and the wind died down. Lightning flashed without thunder; only possible because of Zeus. But the lightning highlighted the gods’ faces —fierce, angry and deadly. I glanced at the Reapers beside me and saw the growing fear in their expressions.

But no one ran off.

They all stayed with me.

Zeus admittedly appeared only slightly less intimidating in his golden toga and cleanly shaven beard —but his sapphire eyes gleamed with the strength of a fluorescent light. He paused as he assessed our small defence. He did not chuckle or seem amused. He did not look hesitant or unnerved either. He actually had the audacity to look at us as though this was all a minor inconvenience that he really could not spare the time to deal with. I clenched my jaw.

He was clearly not going to take this seriously.

Hera then stepped out of her chariot and somewhat floated in her white floor-length toga over to the midway of both sides. Her golden laurel wreath shone and shimmered in the streetlights, along with the flecks of gold in her hair and around her eyes.

“Didn’t she get the memo?” Thanatos hissed. “This is a very important battle; not a Red Carpet event.”

“Oh my gods —shut up,” I hissed back, shooting him a look.

Hera glanced at us and raised an eyebrow. Being the goddess of family, she could easily see how much Thanatos and I rubbed each other the wrong way. But then again, so could anyone who had functioning eyes.

I held my ground and looked Hera dead in the eye, but inside I was trembling, ready to get on my knees and beg like my life depended on it, if need be. She had this air about her like an empress scorned.

“Grim Reapers,” she began. “And gods,” she shot Thanatos a look. “This is an effort in a warning. Surrender now, and we can avoid the catastrophe that a battle would bring.”

There was a pause as we all shared looks. Was she serious? If anyone was anticipating a catastrophe it was the gods for making a grand entrance which screamed, prepare to be murdered, mortals!

“How about you all go back to where you came from so we can avoid catastrophe, instead?” I dared.

Hera frowned. “I don’t think you are in any position to speak out of turn, Savannah Green. I shouldn’t have to remind you that we are all here because of you.”

I clenched my jaw and glared at her.

“Well, we are here because we know that what you are trying to do is wrong,” Thanatos defended me. “Savannah hasn’t done anything wrong and you all know it. So why don’t you drop the fake concern and just do what you really came to do —to sound the bloody starting horn.”

I stared at him in amused disbelief, before looking back at Hera. She did not exactly react. Maybe she had to admit to herself that Thanatos was right.

“…Very well,” she said, abruptly turning on her heel. She walked back to her chariot and got on, before taking off and hovering above us. “But remember this. We gave you a chance.” Then she turned to her husband. “Let us get this over with.”

I looked over at Zeus. He raised his hand upward and clenched his fist. Stray bolts of lightning crackled down from the sky and around us and collected in his hand, before forming one large unstable bolt. Then he looked directly at me, making me tense. The electric look in his vibrant blue eyes sent shivers through my body.

“You made me skip dinner,” he grumbled. “So, I am in a worse mood than usual. Expect us to clash swords. Or, I suppose —cause a spark.”

The lightning in his hand crackled.

Athena simply turned her nose up at me. Artemis looked grave and almost a little reluctant —but Apollo was just sitting on the side of his chariot filing his nails. Maybe he really was here as a joke.

“Your soul is mine, Savannah Green,” Horkos then said ominously. He looked down at me with eyes as bright as the moon as he twirled one of his sickles. “You and your entire family will meet their end on this day.”

I gulped and unconsciously took a step backwards. Thanatos took a step out in front of me. I looked up at him in confusion. “I won’t let you get close enough,” he said firmly. I blinked rapidly.

Then I frowned. What he was doing was sweet, but he was painting a different picture of me from the impression I had made in Mount Olympus.

I could fight for myself.

I moved in front of him in turn and raised my swords. “And I won’t let any of you get close enough to any one of these Grim Reapers, either,” I declared.

Zeus smirked. “While I admire your unnecessary and ultimately useless courage, I feel like I need to remind you,” he started, walking forward. Then he suddenly appeared right in front of me, in the blink of an eye. “—that actions speak louder than words!” he thundered, bringing his lightning bolt down to strike me.

For a split second I was completely frozen. Out of the corner of my vision I saw Søren and Thanatos attempt to shield me. But then my body moved automatically, and I pushed both males out of way and moved to block Zeus’ attack with both of my swords. Lightning struck the tar beneath my feet and knocked back everyone within five feet.

“Savannah…!” Søren’s voice cried.

“I…I’ve…got this,” I growled determinedly, clenching my jaw. I met Zeus’ eyes and did not waver. I pushed back against him, and he faltered slightly, seemingly surprised that I had actually managed to block his move.

“Charge!” someone then screamed.

More cries then rang out and everything blurred around me as Reapers and gods ran at each other and collided in a resonating clang of iron, obsidian and steel. I huffed out a breath, beginning to feel the strain in my muscles. Zeus was starting to increase his force, which then involuntarily pushed me backwards, with my feet still grounded. I struggled under his weight, and I was about to pull back —when he suddenly cried out in pain.

He fell down onto one knee before me and I stepped back into a defensive stance, pointing out my swords at him cautiously.

“Thanatos,” growled the god. I glanced a little way past him and noticed my half-brother standing behind him with his scythe drawn. “You have wounded me.”

“Good,” Thanatos spat, coming around to stand beside me. “Just be grateful that I didn’t aim a little higher.”

I then realised that there was smoke coming from the back of Zeus’ right leg. Thanatos had slashed his calf and golden ichor was now dripping onto the ground. I smiled up at Thanatos and he returned it.

“Thought you could use a hand,” he quipped.

I nodded, and then brought my sword down to Zeus’ neck. He looked up at me with honourable surrender, but I was not going to go that easy on him.

“You have done nothing but confirm my notion that half-blood gods are nothing but trouble,” Zeus grumbled.

I frowned. “And so, what if we are?” I challenged. “It’s not as though you’re perfect. The apple does not fall far from the tree.”

“There will always be those who will fight,” Thanatos added. “Most of what that treaty states is profoundly unfair. It is outdated and needs to be revised. If you’re still so afraid of half-blood gods, then maybe you’re not fit to reign as king.”

Zeus then started.

He glared at us, with all traces of humility gone. He struggled, but slowly managed to stand up, with one of my swords still at his throat. “How dare you,” he said. “Do you know who I am? You dare to question my authority? I think that position of yours as the Reapers Organisation CEO is getting to your head —”

“He deserves that position,” I cut the god off.

Thanatos blinked stupidly. “…I do?”

I sighed, focusing my attention on Zeus. “You on the other hand, aren’t even the oldest child of Kronos. What makes you think that you’re so qualified to be king of the gods?”

“I maintain order,” Zeus raised his voice. “I ensure that the future of this world as well as others is sustainable. Hybrids like you do not aid in reaching that goal!”

“You’re just afraid of change!” I shouted back. “You would rather brush everything under a rug than think about a future where there are endless possibilities. Change is inevitable, Zeus. And we must all either change with it or get left behind.”

“I would rather eradicate change all together!” Zeus declared.

“Without change you would not be here,” Thanatos pointed out. “None of us would. What do you think evolution is? Growing up and taking responsibility? The wars you have waged and the lives you have taken —everything that you do influences everything you become. And frankly, you have become something of a monster, Lord Zeus.”

The godly king paused, and his anger wavered.

He then looked rather grief-stricken. He clearly knew it —or at least he could now see it. He knew that we were right, and that he was just too proud and too safe up in Olympus to realise just how much had changed.

I slowly began to let my guard down. Maybe we could even draw a conclusion to this sooner than expected.

“Daughter of Hades,” Zeus then gravely addressed me. “Perhaps…some change is indeed due.”

I stuck my chin up in the air, showing my definitely condescending, but genuine approval. It felt…good, to have finally convinced him.

Then I tensed, remembering the other gods around us.

I turned and saw Chainsaw Guy as he brought his chainsaw down against Ares’ sword, causing sparks to fly.

I saw Søren deflecting arrows from Artemis’ bow with his sword.

Abigail roared to my right, jumping to avoid Athena’s spear before firing her gun. Hermes weaved in as silent as shadows, expertly slashing the ankles of Reaper and god alike; like a chaotic assassin.

All around us immortals fought; blood splattered, bodies thudded the tar, and red bursts erupted in their wake.

It really hit me then —that souls were being taken.

“I’m going after Hera,” I told Thanatos, sheathing both of my swords. “Keep an eye on Zeus, and make sure he doesn’t try anything.”

“Please,” Zeus rasped, giving me a pained expression. “Do not hurt Hera. She means well, deep down. She does care. And she is still my queen.”

“Oh, I won’t hurt her,” I scoffed. “Physically.”

Zeus swallowed uneasily.

“And don’t worry,” Thanatos smirked at me, bouncing his scythe up and down in his hand smugly. “One well-placed hit, and this can send him straight to Tartarus.”

“Good.” I gave him a curt nod.

I turned away and faced the raging battles.

My eyes narrowed as wisps of humanoid entities wafted in and out of existence amongst the gods and Reapers. They were clad in armour and wielded blades of crystal clear ice —at least, it seemed that way whenever their icicle-spiked, giant lanky bodies were given physical form. The warriors moved with such precision and swiftness that it resembled a dance. Like flurries of snow and blizzard, they gyrated and slammed into anyone in their way. Though their sole targets only appeared to be the Olympians.

I then knew what they were. Servants of Hades.

The Págos.

Their strikes did not kill —they were designed to weaken and freeze. Shuddering and thankful that I was not an enemy to them, I ran for Hera’s chariot. It was quite a distance off the ground.

I took a running jump, aiming for the wheels.

Hera watched as I launched myself upwards and gripped a slippery wheel, ducking underneath the flapping wing. She did not react.

“Child,” she said gently, offering a hand over the side. “What do you hope to accomplish from all of this?”

I growled and tried to hold on more securely. “You said that you liked my idea of training other half-blood gods. Why did you change your mind? Using fear to subdue your subjects isn’t a good leadership trait. I’ve already convinced your husband. I can convince you too.”

Hera then motioned for the chariot to lower to the ground. I stepped back as it landed, before she got off and stood in front of me.

She was more dazzling up close.

“My husband is stubborn. I know that,” she sighed. “But I am not. I recognise a need to admit defeat when I see one. Why do you think I am not taking part in this?” she asked, gesturing to the battles raging around us.

More red clouds burst, and shrieks filled our ears.

“It was never my intention for this to go on as far as it has. But my siblings ever rarely see eye to eye with me.”

“Oh, I know that,” I quipped, unsheathing one of my swords to have it at the ready. “Your ways are dated, Hera. Things need to change. And that can’t happen without you.”

She chuckled softly. “You do not have to tell me twice,” she smiled. “I would like to prevent war, if and when I can help it. I understand, Savannah. And…I do like your idea, by the way. I just…sometimes I think that I live in Zeus’ shadow,” she confessed, glancing downwards.

I raised an eyebrow. Well, I supposed that being somewhat second in command would result in some feelings of inferiority.

“You are one of the eldest gods,” I said. Hera looked up at me again. “You were born with power and influence. It would seem that Zeus has forgotten that as much as you have. Remind him.”

Hera’s rose quartz eyes sparkled. And she smiled.

I still wished that I could have hurt her though. A sudden shiver then ran up my spine and I frowned. Hera then frowned too, in confusion.

Then suddenly, “Savannah, watch out —!”

I heard the sharp gasp and swing of metal before I whipped around. Red blood splattered out in my direction.

Time came to a halt and my eyes locked with pearl ones; wide and terrified.

Nadine fell forward onto her knees, with half of a sickle blade sticking out from her stomach.

I stared, completely stunned.

I could not say anything. I could not even draw a breath.

It felt like everything had just stopped —so abruptly that it did not seem real.

I did not want it to be real.

But Nadine was looking up at me, tears streaming down her face as her baseball bat rolled out of her hands and onto the tar road.

“Nadine…” I whispered, reaching out shakily.

What could I do? Pull the blade from her midsection?

Horkos looked on, with what appeared to be slight surprise as he assessed the situation, before he flippantly remarked, “I missed.”