Requiem of Darkness

Thick, colorless clouds rolled across the horizon as thunder snarled in the distance. I stood outside our home, our camper, the small clearing around me empty other than Axel leaning against the wall of the camper. A long blade was gripped in my palm as I let my eyes lock on the dirt before me and began praying.

Dad... Sir. I understand we have no privilege to interrupt your business, but we have an important matter to discuss involving the fate of Olympus. If you aren't busy, it'd be nice if you could stop by. My fists clenched as I opened my eyes to find Thanatos towering before us. I stared at him, my emotion concealed behind a mask of emotionless as I looked him over. He wore a long, tattered black cloak over his muscular body, his tan and scarred skin barely visible as he rested his gleaming scythe against the ground. His wings were large, one only the Undertaker could have possession of, curled around his body. Thanatos's eyes were the color of darkness. Axel sighed impatiently, unaware of his father's presence.

"And of what importance have you to discuss?" Thanatos rumbled, his voice wrought with time and pain. Axel visibly flinched at the sound of his voice.

"E-Erebus has visited us with the battle plans to overtake Olympus. H-he asked us to join and we thought it wise to discuss it with you, sir." I stuttered out, fidgeting under the hard gaze of my father.

"A wise decision. And yet, before I explain my viewpoint, I'm curious of your's, daughter." Thanatos glared at me with wise black eyes.

"Honestly, more violence will only lead to tragedy. But I stand with my family, and if that means fighting over Olympus... So be it." I explained roughly, earning a sideways glance of Axel, guessing where I was with blind eyes.

"I see. Your decision is again, wise. Zeus is a horrible leader, being over dramatic and prideful. He had his time and he ruined it. It is our turn. But what of my son, Axel Price?" Thanatos turned, looking at his son from under the hood of his cloak. "What is your choice?"

Axel kicked at the dirt, "I haven't seen you f-for years... I had my eyes ripped out my a Hydra! D-did I ask to be a demigod? No! And now, my father comes in out of no where and shows no care towards us! I-I never liked your decision to leave us, but I respected you! And now, with my sight gone..." His shoulders shuddered, calling me to him as I placed a comforting hand on his trembling shoulder. "I just... Why are you like this? Why can't I have a father?!"

His outburst caused his face to redden, and yet he was unable to cry despite the shaking breath of his lungs. Thanatos tightened his lips, silent as a grave while staring at his children. Suddenly, he was moving. Thanatos walked towards Axel, his wings dragging across the dirt as he kneeled and gently removed his hood. His shaggy, black hair draped around his thick head while actual concern crossed his face.

"I am sorry, son." He slowly reached out and lifted Axel's chin. "I wasn't there for you, and that was on my part. I can't begin to excuse my actions, but I hope I can be a better father to you."

Axel sniffled, angry at himself for crying, yet emotional as he suddenly fell forward and wrapped his father in a tight hug, burying his face in the dark cloth of his cloak. Thanatos hugged his boy back, watching me carefully as I sheathed my weapon.

"To take on Olympus, you two must be prepared." Thanatos explained smoothly, still holding his son tightly in a fatherly embrace. "There is a camp to train demigods like yourselves, although I wouldn't suggest talking about our battle plans. If Zeus gets wind of Erebus and I's betrayal, it shall not end well for anyone."

Axel pushed away from his father wiping at his nose as he tried to regain his composure, "A camp? So we won't have to live in the woods anymore?"

"No, they have cabins and food there." Thanatos looked towards the rusted camper. "What became of your mother?"

Axel's hands tightened as he straightened his spine, unable to respond. I finally stepped forward and look at the god of death.

"We had been attacked." I stated roughly, shoving my hands in my pockets. "A... A Hydra discovered us."
Axel physically flinched, but stayed quiet.

"Mom wasn't able to defend us and it... It clawed out Axel's eyes and left me with a reminder to never let down your guard." I jutted a thumb to the scars on my face. "After the Hydra left, mom kinda began losing it and wanted nothing to do with us. We bounced around a few foster homes before running away. It sucks, but it's peaceful out here."

Thanatos nodded while his face darkened, "I shouldn't have left you. It was a mistake."

Axel began messing with the strings of his hoodie, obviously sensitive to the subject. I scratched the back of my neck.

"So... The camp? How far is it? Can we take the camper?" I asked, suddenly not wanting to part with the vehicle that had became my home.

"I can teleport you two outside the boundary, but the camper is too big for such a distance. I will keep a Hellhound here however, in order to protect it." Thanatos touched the ground with his hand, the earth suddenly beginning to crack as the howls of Tartarus opened up before our eyes. Axel grabbed my arm in fear, unable to see what was going on. The Hellhound tore it's way through the dirt, drool spilling from its gaping mouth while its eyes shown of fury.

"Do not fear the hound. As the lord of death, Hades allows my control over his mutts. The Hellhound will not hurt any of my blood." Thanatos reached down and gave the monster a pat on the head, no affection in his inky eyes. "As for you two, pack your things and prepare for transport. There are souls to be collected."

I nodded and turned around, pulling alongside my twin into the small camper. I collected my backpack full of things I'd need for a grab and go in case a monster found us. It had clothes, money, food, water and two knives. I slung the bag over my shoulder and grabbed a duffel bag full of weapons obtained from ghouls and armed ghosts we'd fought, weighing down my shoulder once more before finally snatching up a picture frame. I took only a moment to look at it, revealing Axel, mom and I smiling at the camera, Axel's bright blue eyes glinting brightly in happiness. I haven't seen him smile like that in awhile. I stuffed the picture in my bag before jogging outside. The Hellhound was curled up near the front door of the truck, watching the trees. Thanatos stood still, his poker face turning to me as I waddled out with all my belongings.

"Dad, what if the others make fun of my wings? Or think I'm a monster?" I asked him quietly, biting my lower lip.

"If any halfblood teases your wings, I will personally pay them a visit." Thanatos threatened while shredding the faint trace of a smile. "I think they look awesome."

Axel barged out of the house, two unzipped backpacks hanging from his back while a wad of Marvel comic books were gripped in his hands. He grinned as he jogged up to me, standing a little awkwardly close before turning to the right of his father.

"Ready!" He announced.

Thanatos reached out, placing a slender hand on my shoulder and Axel's. A warm familiarity seeping through his fingertips. He raised his mighty wings as suddenly I felt gravity tugging at my body. My mind slogged around as my vision faltered, the ground suddenly numb to my feet as the world began spinning at intense speeds. I slammed shut my eyes and focused on the calm grip of my father before we came to a sudden halt, long grass brushing against my legs.

I lurched forward, groaning slightly as my dad caught me in a strong hold and righted me again. Axel held his stomach, his face pale and hands clammy.

"Welcome to Long Island Sound. Camp Half-Blood." Thanatos gestured before the trio proudly.
I turned about, raising my eyebrows at the large Greek sign above revealing the name of the camp. The faint smell of strawberries tickled my nose slightly. I turned around and opened my mouth to speak, but Thanatos was already gone.

I had forgotten... He never stays around.

Notes