'thoughts of flashback'

"normal speech"

Disclaimer: I own nothing of PJO

Chapter Seven: First Encounter

"Perseus, young Perseus, will he rise? Will he fall? Doomed to despair, and never stand tall? Will he crumble and waiver, or will he rise above all and become only braver? These questions and more; will ensure that his life will not be a bore."

"Choices, choices many there are, if he chooses the right path, his life will go far."

"A warning, some caution, advice that we give, if he stays at the pass, not long will he live."

"He is a hero that much is true. Sadly borne before his time, this much we knew. His life can be great, his legend grow grand, but only if he knows where to make his last stand."

As Hebe walked back to Olympus these words rang clearly through her mind. Not a single word was lost as she listened intently to what the Fates had told her. As always they spoke in rhyme and riddle but she was confident she knew what it meant.

They had given her great news, ones which lifted her heart, but it was the last few things they said that worried her most.

It seemed they warned her of the choices Perseus had before him. If he chose wrong, he would die or suffer an equally grave consequence. If he chose right though, they implied that he would be a great hero, a legend even, one that would be a shining example for many others to follow.

The only puzzling thing was why they bothered to tell Hebe at all? Yes she wished to know if they could be together but knowing what she knew now, it only made her even more worried that they couldn't.

"I have to talk to mother. She'll help me figure something out." Hebe vowed before running quickly to Hera's temple. Even so she couldn't help but twirl in happiness as she remembered the rest of what the Fates had told her.

With a squeal she spun a full 360 degrees and couldn't stop herself from skipping along the way. "They said he'll marry if he lives! That he'll marry before he reaches full adulthood which means we'll be together soon. His future bride is one from the royal line of Olympus. It's definitely me. Oh I'm so deliriously happy."

As Hebe rushed away to find her mother, too happy to keep her voice down or care who was around, she didn't notice how stormy grey eyes watched her skip away. Those same eyes that were quickly trying to put together and piece what little information the owner picked up from overhearing her talk.

"Where could she have gone that made her so happy?" Athena asked herself. There was too little information, and not one to resolve to guesswork she shook off her curiosity and left to watch the battle at the Hot Gates continue.

Things were turning interesting even for the gods. Yes they wanted the Greeks to win but not even they held high hopes for the small force of Spartans to hold the massive Persian army off.

War horns sounded, the men all roared, winds blew and everyone's adrenaline shot through the roof in preparation for battle. No, not a mere battle, but war.

The Persian army rushed the grouped together Spartan and Athenian soldiers, eager to crush them and repay in kind the dishonor they'd already dealt their horseman and messenger from days earlier.

Leonidas held fast, ensuring that no Spartan had the bright idea of rushing out of the phalanx. Perseus gripped his sword tighter, just wanting to get things done and over with.

The distance between the two armies grew smaller and smaller. From several hundred paces, to less than a hundred. The seconds dragged on for the Spartan-heavy side of men, the opposing Persians seemed to take forever to get closer.

"Hold!" Captain Artemis yelled out to the men, ensuring none panicked and backed out or rushed forward.

"Do not move an inch! Yield not a step! Give them nothing." Leonidas roared over the incoming sound of the Persian army.

"But take from them… everything!" Perseus finished, picking up where Leonidas left off.

All who doubted him, all who still saw him as a child playing in a man's role, all silently reevaluated Perseus as he took command. Yes he was a demigod, and all knew he had the rank of Commander of the Athenian military but many doubted his real strength.

Some believed that he was handed that title since he was a brother of Theseus not because he earned it.

Watching him now, how he inspired his men, and even those he'd only been with for a short time, they knew they were wrong.

Like a wave crashing upon a ship's hull, the Persian army crashed into the phalanx. It had the same effect, they were pushed, they were forced to dig their heels into the ground, but they didn't break.

The great force of hundreds of men pushing with all their might against the shields of Sparta, it could not break the phalanx. The Persians pushed, they rammed their bodies again and again against the wall that Leonidas' men embodied.

All that was accomplished was for the Greek soldiers to dig their heels into the earth, troughs being dug as they put in the effort to not budge even the smallest amount. They were here to make a statement, to make a stand; try as hard as you want, you won't be stepping foot into Greek soil so casually.

They were now at a standstill, the Persians and Greeks, no force was yielding, neither side was giving up.

Perseus knew this was the opportunity to counterattack. "Push! Push them back!"

Around him, the Spartan and Athenian soldiers were taunting the Persian soldiers. Asking if this was truly the might of Persia and their vaunted god-king Xerxes.

With a mighty heave the front line of the phalanx threw their shields forward and their opponents back. Caught off balance the Persians weren't prepared to defend against the swords and spears that ended their life.

Because of the narrowed nature of the Hot Gates, the Greeks had several rows of men to hold the phalanx. Every time one row got tired or threw their men off, the row behind stepped forward to pick up the slack.

War is an ugly thing.

Some refer to it as an art, as a skill that should be honed to attain glory, prestige and respect.

Perseus hated it. He hated war and everything that came of it. He knew it was necessary, he couldn't deny that, but that didn't mean he had to enjoy it too. It wasn't so much that he hated the thought of death, gore, or the blood, but that he feared the danger his friends and allies were in.

He was one man, a skilled warrior without a doubt, but only a single person. He couldn't go around and protect his friends as much as he would have liked to.

Not during war. Everyone being in danger was the very meaning of war.

His friends possibly dying, someone always in danger, something always needing to be protected, he hated it. It was no wonder he disliked war even if he knew that the only way to prevent or possibly avoid any future battles was to be so good at it that no one dared challenge you. A catch-22 if there ever was one.

He had to be good at war to prevent war; moronic is what it was.

Again and again the phalanx buckled down and weathered the storm that was the Persian army. Over and over did they push them off, push them back and kill each successive line that crashed on the Greek shields.

Sparta's harsh training and strict military way of thinking paid off here. The soldiers moved as one, covering each other's backs, a shield always at the ready for any incoming attacks. A sword was always in motion to stop any Persian trying to attack.

Athens prided itself on superior military strategy and thinking their battles through, but even they had to admit that they were glad it was Sparta they fought alongside with. Few could match their warriors in strength and skill.

They were pushing forward instead of being pushed back, Perseus shouted out commands repeatedly to remind his soldiers not to get excited and run forward. As one the machine that was the Spartan and Athenian alliance stepped forward, cutting a swathe through the invading Persian army.

Men were butchered and skewered with ease. Few looked like they even understood how it was they died before breathing their last breathe. Blood soaked the earth and the innards of scores of men littered the area.

War was ugly.

'War is definitely not art. War is not beautiful. But I must bear with it, for if we didn't fight here and now, war is the least of the problems Xerxes would bring to Greece.' Perseus steeled his will and kept on attacking and defending.

"More pressure!" Captain Artemis called out. The phalanx once more threw their shields up and killed even more Persians. "Attack!" That word signaled the first line of Spartans to break their formation and take the battle to the enemy.

No longer would they sit back and wait, that wasn't the Spartan way. Now it was time to show Xerxes exactly why Sparta was considered one of the strongest militaries in all the great lands. It was time he was reminded why he asked for a surrender and then alliance from Leonidas instead of trying to conquer first.

Perseus ran forward, a Persian ran to meet him and he brought his sword down trying to bifurcate the son of Poseidon. Without breaking his stride, Perseus battered the sword slash away with his shield and pierced the man through with his spear.

He hurriedly pulled the spear out and spun, not wasting the momentum of his actions, he used the spear as a makeshift club to brain another Persian soldier that was coming at him from the side. When the Persian was thrown off his feet from the blow, Perseus stepped forward and speared him through the chest to make sure he would never rise again.

Alongside him and only a few paces ahead, Leonidas was cutting through the Persians with ease. At one point he saw how Leonidas hefted his spear, took aim briefly and threw it effortlessly into the chest of a Persian running at him.

Not losing any momentum the King of Sparta ran forward and yanked the spear out only to embed it in yet another Persian's stomach. Unfortunately he lost it there as he wasn't quite fast enough to retrieve it before he was once more attacked.

Perseus unsheathed his sword and ran to fight side by side with King Leonidas. To any and all that watched the encounter, if it wasn't for the blue that distinguished Perseus of Athens, one would think he'd been fighting alongside the Spartan King his whole life.

Their teamwork was flawless. Where one ducked another thrust his sword forward, when one pulled away to defend the other stepped up to attack. Like Typhon waded effortlessly through Greece when he rampaged, Perseus and Leonidas moved against the tide that was Persia no more hindered than a horse through a field of grass.

Their swords sliced through the air and into the flesh of the invaders. Blood was constantly unleashed but none of it flowed from the veins of Leonidas or Perseus. Death was a relief for many of the Persians as the mere sight of the two unstoppable juggernauts that were dispatching men with ease, was enough to give anyone nightmares.

Leonidas used his shield like a battering ram, smashing it into the sides, heads, chests, anywhere that would throw a Persian off balance. Perseus wielded his shield and used it to deflect any attacks coming his way.

He did not try and stop them, did not try and weather the blows but merely redirected their force away from him. At one point he took the shield off his arm as he'd gotten careless and lost pace with Leonidas.

A Persian was running at the King from his blind spot, intent on repaying him for all the blood he'd shed.

Perseus took aim and threw his shield forward with a mighty heave like he would throw a discus. He was glad he'd had a similar experience and his aim wasn't off as it caught the Persian square in the chest, alerting Leonidas of his presence and allowing him to decapitate the attacker.

The shield ricocheted off the Persian and luckily hit another off to the side also throwing him off his feet. Perseus ran forward to the disoriented and out of breathe soldier and quickly ended his life. He picked up the shield that Theseus had given him and sent a silent thank you to his brother.

For hours the two sides warred. No longer did the Spartans fear or have even the remotest hint of nervousness as the immense force sent to them that morning was cut down to a fragment of its former glory.

Out of breath but still high on the joy of battle Captain Artemis reached his King's side. "They look thirsty." He panted out.

The hot sun beating down on the backs of all was unforgivable on this day. Helios certainly did not pity nor care for the comfort of men.

Sweat ran down everyone's backs and the Persian side looked particularly exhausted.

Leonidas smirked victoriously. "Well then, let's give them something to drink."

Wordlessly the Spartan and few Athenian soldiers formed a phalanx once more. They marched forward, safe behind their shields at the waiting and nervous Persian soldiers.

Leonidas' intent was clear. He wanted to push the remainder of the men off the cliffs and into the water and rocks below.

As unforgiving as when they defended, the phalanx advanced forward to push the Persians. Try as they might the Persian soldiers couldn't break the formation and get away from the cliff.

They struggled, they fought and hacked viciously at the shields of Greece but it was for naught.

All remaining soldiers were pushed quite off the cliffs and into the Gulf of Malia if they survived. If they didn't they faced their death on the rocks sticking out of the water.

Given a bit of time to catch their breaths, Perseus turned to see if Astinos was still alive. They'd lost a few men in battle but not nearly enough to compare to the losses Xerxes just suffered.

He found the young Spartan going around and stabbing any Persian still alive. It was a kind gesture, even if many would think it cruel. At least he gave them a quick death rather than suffer as they bled out.

He walked over to stand next Astinos and took off his helm to run a hand through his hair. "What do you think they have in store for us next? Perhaps the famed Immortals that Xerxes commands?"

Astinos laughed and clapped Perseus on the shoulder. "If I didn't know any better I'd think you were excited and looking for more battle?"

He didn't need to say anything but once again the young Spartan was teasing him about being a lost Spartan himself.

Perseus scowled and turned to the sound of horns blowing in the direction of the Persian camp. Where before it'd been a legion of men on foot ready to crush the Greek resistance, now Xerxes had sent a platoon of men on horseback, perhaps hoping to trample the hardy soldiers.

"Be easy men, they couldn't beat us with numbers and they certainly won't beat us because of what they ride." Leonidas assured his men.

As the thunderous sound of hooves grew closer and closer, Perseus' smile grew wider and wider. Many Spartans and even Leonidas looked at him with worry, thinking he'd lost his mind.

All of a sudden Perseus burst into laughter and stepped forward out of the phalanx the soldiers had settled into again. He walked with a strong and confident gait to meet the incoming Persians.

"Perseus! What are you doing? Get back here." Daxos called out worriedly in slight panic.

Perseus turned to face his former teacher, the smile still prevalent on his features. "At ease Daxos. It's time to show Xerxes what a child of the sea can really do. Let's see if the vaunted god-king can back up his words after this."

Though still worried, Leonidas and Daxos let him do as he wished. That didn't mean they'd sacrifice the phalanx though.

When the men on horseback were within shouting distance Perseus raised a hand up and took a firm stance. "Stop! I order you to stop and throw these pathetic excuses for men off your backs."

Many of the soldiers both behind and thundering closer though him crazy. Did the young Athenian really think he'd stop the Persians by simply ordering them?

None expected and were completely caught off guard by what happened next. The horses bucked and skidded to a stop before reaching Perseus. They threw their riders off their backs and proceeded to trample them to death.

The Persians were caught completely unprepared and could only scream in agony and horror as what to them, a madness gripped their steeds and turned them against their master. Once every single soldier had been thrown off, some had managed to kill their horses but were in turn trampled by others, the horses calmly trotted towards Perseus.

Daxos tensed and Leonidas readied to fight an insane herd of horses but nevertheless waited until word from Perseus came that he needed help.

Perseus sensing their unease turned to the horses first to speak and then he'd speak to the soldiers. "You have as asked, for that I will grant you your freedom instead of the death that awaited you if you had continued into this fight." The horses whinnied in seeming gratitude. Perseus pointed in the direction of the Hot Gates behind him, "Go, run wild, but do not bother or help the Persians again. I will make sure my father hears of this."

"Thank you Lord." One of the great black steeds neighed in response, but only Perseus understood him. "We would never hurt the son of our forefather. Thank you for granting us our freedom young Lord."

Perseus walked up to the horse and petted his snout and muttered a quick prayer to Poseidon before allowing all the horses to leave.

It wasn't until the entire herd of newly freed roans had departed that Leonidas allowed himself to relax. "What was that?"

The son of the sea turned to face the confused King and all the soldiers as well. "That is the reason why Xerxes is nothing but a coward and liar who shall be put to death for daring to impersonate a god. My father is the creator and lord of all horses. It was foolish to send them against me, a child of their lord."

Everything made sense now, all understood what the young demigod had just done.

Stelios barked out a laugh. "Well then, what surprises do you have in store for us now Perseus? I look forward to seeing what else you can do while we do battle together."

The emerald eyed teen who'd already seen far too much death with those eyes turned and looked to the Persian camp. "And I look forward to showing Xerxes exactly what someone with real godly heritage can do. It's your move now pretender. Show me what else you got."

A/N You guys are awesome for all the reviews you left. Thanks for the advice on the movie. Also, I might have stolen one of the battle things from anaklusmos14, the thing with the shield but I'm not sure. If I did, my apologies, but it was just too awesome not to put in.

As always, please leave all concerns, questions and comments on your way out. Thank you.