A/N: This was suppose to come out yesterday but I didn't have time DX I blame u worrrk! Anyway, ShadowsClaw made a suggestion of Wednesday as an update deadline and I'm gonna try this out, see if it works. So Wednesday is when a new chappie will come, if not on Wed. then the next day. If not at all for the two days mentioned, then it means i'm either really busy or internet problems. Oh and before i forget, the chappie where Kronos and Hades hangs out and didn't find know each other was due to magic, as said 'clouded', like the mist but stronger to hide a god/titan. XD That's for you ,

Read, enjoy and please review!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything.


Act I: Beneath The Wings

Chapter 8: Comfort with a Side of Evil

"Don't let fear eat you up because in the end, you don't want to regret a lot of things."


"You've come this far. Don't give up now."

"Haha! Come on Kronos, hurry up. You're going to miss all the fun!"

"Believe in what you know not what others tell you. Instincts, young one, is very helpful."

"It's not easy being a Titan, brother. There's more to the downside than the up."

"Keep on training. I'll only get worse if you stop now."

"Why can't you tell us where you are going, huh? We're your family dammit!"

"Immortal is not what I am, Kronos. You must realize that everything has an end. We get replaced by those who are qualified and no one would know. That's just how it works for us."

"This is OUR problem too! We are FAMILY brother. Or have you forgotten that?!"

"I chose you not because of our similarities but what I see in you. I chose only you."

"Is this family nothing to you anymore?! Are you just going to give up?"

"THERE IS NO FAMILY HERE! IT'S ONLY YOU AND YOUR STUPID LIES!"

"Cade!"

Kronos snap his eyes open, cold sweat on his forehead as the voice receded to the back of his head. He was panting harshly slowly sitting up trying to calm his breathing. Jay was at his side blanket covered around him looking concern at the titan. Tiny hands grasping his own big ones as if trying to comfort him. He gave out a shaky breath closing his eyes, listening to the beats of his heart. There was silence from both, neither moving nor speaking.

Ba-dum...ba-dum…ba-dum…

He wasn't sure why but the rhythm of his heart always calm him down especially after a nightmare like that. Past memories have been resurfacing more often now and it wasn't getting any easier for Kronos. All after Jay's fever had gotten well. The kid's presence helped a lot, appreciating the comfort given afterwards however it was getting worse. Memories are being mixed with others in one dream. Most of it about the one subject he hates; family.

All because he thought the kid would die. Strong emotions were brought up immediately back there. One he felt the most was failure. Failure to protect his soon-to-be charge.

How can he take care of Jay if he doesn't even know about human sickness and their cure? What if it gotten worse? The titan didn't like feeling helpless while Jay suffers in pain. Even the thought of that kills him!

"Cade? Yu okae?" The kid asked squeezing both hands on his own.

Kronos could only nod lips pressed into a thin line thoughts clouded. He can't find his voice to speak afraid it will be nothing but croaks and groans. He was surprised when a tight warm hug envelope his chest although the arms can't quite reach each other. The kid was looking at him straight in the eyes, a determine face put on. "Me help Cade make nihmaye go bye-bye!" Jay stated.

Kronos wasn't sure whether to laugh at the cuteness or scream in frustration that a simple memory can cause him to freeze up like a statue. It made him feel…helpless again! Stupid family problems…won't leave him alone even when he abandoned them. He cared about some members so departure them to the rest of his idiotic family was agonizing however Kronos had enough. Between betrayals and lies, he had enough of his birth life. He didn't want it anymore. He wanted to be free.

Sighing, he shook his head of these thoughts. What was he doing? Thinking about the past would just aggravate the already hurting wound. Not to mention making him a bit depressed.

The past is done and over it. All that matters now was the present and the future.

He flashed a reassuring smile to the kid then ruffled his hair earning a whine from Jay. "Thanks kid. Now get off me so we can get ready." A confuse look stared back at him making him chuckle. Sometimes the innocent of the kid was just…cute! But he wouldn't dare to say that out loud. The titan still has some of his dignity.

"We're gonna eat outside today. I don't feel like cooking." He explained. "Yu lazy!" Jay giggled poking his stomach. How the kid could change his mood so quickly?

It was just something that only Jay can do.


Percy Jackson was having a good day, hanging out with his friends at the park before the Winter Festival.

He stared smiling at the scene before him not quite laughing just because Drake was glaring holes at him. Annabeth, Nico and Eric had pulled a snowball ambush on the poor energetic twin. They had hid behind one of the trees and jumped out each throwing a big size snowball at the surprised and exposed teen. The poor man had no time to duck or dodge only to shriek loudly that would make your ears bleed if you're nearby. Percy was just lucky he had covered his ears with ear muffs and pressed hands on his ear, just for extra measure. The trio had laughed their butt off ignoring the red growling Drake who swore to get them back.

Probably not the best idea to anger one of Ares kid but hey, Drake and Eric Faller weren't hot-heads like their father was though Percy would never say that out loud. He wasn't in shape for a fight.

"Dammit Percy! You could have warned me that they were gonna bombard me with snow!" Drake growled rubbing his arms together; his dark brown leather jacket hadn't help since the snow went inside also making both black baggy jeans and blue turtle neck wet. He was lucky to have blackish brown winter boots instead of the red sneakers the teen wanted to wear.

Percy shrugged at his friend with a grin on his face though he looked apologetic about it. Drake sighed before snapping at the laughing trio to 'shut up and get their asses up'. Eric was the first on to stop then stood up to lean against his brother only to be shoved down whom laughed before standing again. Annabeth and Nico stood up not laughing anymore but had big smiles on their faces.

Well, Nico had a normal size smile while Annabeth's smile looked like it was breaking out of her face.

Eric patted Drake's back as the said teen grumbled about the wetness making him feel colder. Percy rolled his eyes. "Maybe you should have gotten a better jacket. You know, like a winter jacket? Designed especially for the cold?" he remarked waving a hand to the thin jacket the man was wearing. "Just shut up, man." Drake gritted out arms crossed looking unamused. Annabeth walked to stand beside him while Nico went to sit on the swing right in front of them. The park wasn't empty, far from it. It was only this particular part that is not crowded with people working for the festival. The day of celebration was coming soon and they all had plans to go. Drake and Eric bringing a few more guests along.

"So this Cade guy…I thought you said he doesn't like kids?" Nico asked as he swings back and forth. Eric nodded as Drake snorted before frowning. "We thought so too. That is 'till I saw the kid." He replied looking at everyone. Percy had a feeling what he was implying and he didn't like it. From what the twins had told them, the man lived by himself since he came to the city. Hard to make friends with but apparently, despite being 'an asshole' according to Drake, he was worth all the trouble. Cade also cared deeply about the kid having rescued him and all.

That was the problem.

Percy did not want to separate the already father-son relationship that's starting to bud between the two. He knew too well the pain of losing someone very close to you. What makes it worse is that Cade is all alone. Eric said the man never talks about family because it was a sore spot for him so they were assuming he had no family or any he wants to acknowledge.

If Jay IS a demigod, he hopes the man can understand the dangers surrounding the boy especially when he's just a young kid. Purple eyes were hard to ignore even if it was contacts.

What the prophecy had foretold gave those chills deep into their hearts.

They just couldn't afford it.


The titan wasn't sure if giving the kid coffee was a good idea. Why in the world would he consider such thing? He can only blame the nightmares again.

They were at a medieval themed family restaurant enjoying the view of two knights fighting down at an arena stage in the middle of the room. It was far enough from the customers to fight wildly with fake but realistic looking swords. Jay was clapping his hands excitedly the black knight kicked the white one off him with a loud roar. Kronos found it stupid and ridiculous, often criticizing silently on their fighting...'ability.'

He knew it was only entertainment but being on war more than once made him irritated on fake fights especially if it's using swords. He felt mocked but as much as he wanted to throw a chicken leg at the knights, it made Jay laugh in pure joy.

That was enough for the titan to consider leaving them alone. For now.

The honey brown wooden circular table was covered in a huge white blanket filled with food like barbeque chicken, fried rice, toasted garlic bread, a delicious looking chocolate cake and two sugar packed coffee…in a goblet which is most commonly used back in the past for serving wine. Definitely not the brown bitter liquid humans call 'coffee'. The idea of going back into the past, in medieval times, and leaving the goblet filled with coffee in the center of everyone's attention was too tempting to pass. Unfortunately that would severe his promise and contract. It would do no good to push his luck.

Once the knights were done, bowing while exiting, a jolly music immediately replaced the show and everyone got back to chattering. Jay smiled in a good mood eating his vegetables.

His vegetables.

The action made Kronos stare at the boy as if he'd grown a second head. He was eating vegetables like it was some kind of treat! How can he not be disgusted by those nasty evil things that humans dare to say 'good for your health'?!

Not even the titan had the stomach to do that. Well, there are SOME greenies he likes but the thought of eating broccoli made him feel sick.

It was silly considering he was the adult.

He looked at the veggies with disdain, certain that those things were conspiring against him. Not once has he found himself choking on the vile things but more. Now that they have Jay in their clutches, who knows what they could make the boy do next? Jay must have noticed him glaring holes at the food because he was looking at him funny.

…Like he was insane…

Kronos would have slapped himself if they weren't in public and probably will make him look crazier in front of the kid. He didn't blame him. Seeing your guardian, an adult, glaring like a child would after a fight with their parents at your vegetables was not…normal. If the kid knew he sometimes had childish tendencies, it would be the end of him. It was worse than dying. Not even that half-blood Luke knew about it although the titan suspected he might have known a little. Still…

"Cade want?" Jay innocently asked, smiling as he stabbed a broccoli with the fork before offering it to him. Kronos smiled back sweetly before backing away from the despicable stuff. "It's alright. I'm content with my food." He managed to say without disgust.

'Mature…Very mature, Kronos!' he thought scowling a little at himself. He was being foolish! It's the coffee probably. Or maybe he'd gone insane.

Giggling, Jay ate the thing before making him choke on his chicken with his next words. "Cade silly~" He glared at the laughing boy. "Those things are evil and I know it!" He hissed then cursed as he realized his mistake. The kid merely laughed harder tears coming out of his eyes. Kronos looked down telling Jay to shut up with a growl feeling heat creeping on his face.

Vegetables, he decided, were still his number one, greatest enemy.

After the breakfast and the laughing mess that was Jay, they left to just walk around enjoying the scenery especially the decorations that had been and being put around. Winter Festival was around the corner and everyone was buzzing with excitement. A pamphlet about events that would happen during the festival was already being handed out. He and Jay got one when walking through the park. The nice young lady cooed at the kid for being so 'cute', squeezing his cheek in an affectionate manner but Kronos snickered at Jay's reaction. He couldn't help it. The boy looked at the woman in utter horror like she was going to eat him. In the end, he decided to spare the kid by politely telling the woman off. Jay shuddered visibly; exaggerating with the shakes before looking at Kronos clearly saying 'don't you ever leave me with her'. At that point he didn't care about sanity and just laugh.

It's been a good morning.

"Cade?"

"Mm?"

"Yu sing?"

That…had caught him off guard. They were currently sitting on a bench at the local park just enjoying the scenery while people work. Jay was reading the pamphlet swinging his legs back and forth looking very interested. He must have seen the Night Musical event where people sign up with their own band to sing. Whether it was for fun or fame, anyone is allowed to join. Why Jay asked him if he could sing? He did not know but he had a feeling he won't like it. Narrowing his eyes on the smiling boy, he asked. "Why?"

That innocent smile turned into a devious face-breaking smile. He did NOT like where this is going.

"SING! SING! SING!" Jay replied, chanting as he holds up the stupid pamphlet looking absolutely adorable. Kronos glared at him. "No." He replied flatly. There was no way in the world he would sing. In front of strangers! What if he was a bad singer and just found out by shrieking to the half of the population? No thank you!

He had enough humiliation in his life.

The kid had other ideas though. He looked heartbroken, eyes widening, eyebrows up and lower lips trembling resembling a kicked puppy. His heart tugged at the sight making him feel guilty. "Kid…I don't have a band and clearly, I don't really sing." Kronos tried to explain but Jay was having none of it. It started with small snivels, then gradually into sobs. Dread filled him hushing the kid before he could full-on cry, wiping the tears leaking out in the process.

"Okay! Okay! I'll join just don't cry now." He pleaded not finding the idea of a crying Jay appealing since last time. It still worried him how the kid cold blame himself for the titan's own problems. In a matter of seconds Jay squealed happily hugging the man who was frozen in realization.

He'd been played…He agreed on singing…

Kronos sighed before returning the hug. "Drake's gonna love this." He muttered knowing his fate was sealed. Jay giggled, wiping his eyes clean of tears then beamed at him. "Tank yu!" He smiled caressing the kid's cheek. "Better be. I don't even know what I'm going to sing." Maybe Drake had a few things in mind. The kid shrugged looking at him, a soft smile placed on his pinkish face. "Cade be gweat nu mader wat song it is, me knows." Jay stated. He blinked at the kid surprised at the compliment before chuckling.

Definitely a good morning!

They decided to stay for another hour talking about what to do at the festival and a bit more about them. Kronos learned that Jay feared heights greatly but he didn't mind being high up if the scenery was beautiful or feels good amount of security. He also explained why he'd taken a liking to vegetables where most kids lurched away from it. Apparently it was the only food he's able to have when he'd been an orphan. There were the casual biscuits or crackers but meat was very rare. It made the titan feel stupid about earlier. In return, he told Jay about his fear of being alone. He lied about being ignored as a kid, there was no way he was going to be ignored, and that they were poor. Kronos admitted that when the daycare said they lost him, he exploded. Jay looked at him with wide eyes in awe.

"Yu did?" He asked bewildered. The titan nodded smiling sadly. "I've lost a lot in the past. Losing you was just not an option." He answered tugging the boy close to him. Jay snuggled against his black fur coat, hands gripping softly at his arm. "Sowie.." He whispered looking at the group spraying paint onto the swan stone sculpture. "It's okay. Just don't do it again." Kronos said. He too was looking at them with amusement 'till he remembered what was on Friday. "Jay, at Friday we're going to get something so I can legally adopt you…before any cops show up." Muttering the last part as he thought of the looks his other paranoid neighbor gave him every time they go out.

"Okay." Was all the response he got? No questions asked?

Kronos looked at Jay worriedly but the kid looked back him with a smile as if saying 'I know and it's alright'. Perhaps he was. He wasn't going to question how he knew that. Both watched in comfortable silence 'till noon. More people started to come and soon the park would be flooded. Jay suggested he needed more friends when he noticed the grimace on his face. Kronos snorted, rolling his eyes responding he had enough 'friends'.

If they were anything like the ones in the café, no thank you!

Both walked home contently talking about anything. Mostly about the festival. Jay was really excited having to never attend one. Kronos vowed to make it the best day of the kid's life. It was like a celebration after getting the legal documents.

And dammit if he has to use magic to get those papers, he will!

There was so much the titan would do for the sake of the kid.