Chapter Twelve

Your thoughts and opinions are welcome. Say whatever you like. Remember, there are only a couple of chapters remaining.

As always, these characters do not belong to me.


A few passers-by paid watched the man casually stroll down the street from the corners of their eyes, too used to being guarded with their lives to look closely. It was no surprise to the citizens in the neighbourhood to see business people gazing up at the once most prized office building.

No one really knew why the building closed. Rumours circulated of bankruptcy and interwork mutinies but nothing was ever proven. What was the real puzzle to the people was why it was never bought or re-opened. Yet almost every year around the same time their seemed to be an influx of men and women inspecting the building.

Some of the men and women wore crisp suits, tailor made and looking way too expensive for this section of town. Others looked more lethal with leather jackets and wicked looking sunglasses, roaring in on a motorbike. One was even seen dressed in khaki Bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian shirt that seemed more at home out on a boat in the ocean than entering an office building. So most of the people ignored the newcomer, believing it was just another business man in the suit, going in to inspect the building.

Kronos waited just outside the door of the abandoned office building, ignoring the people around him. He kept his eyes fixed on the walkway skimming along the building, his mood pensive. Finally, the young man he was waiting for ran into view. Kronos scowled, knowing without having to see a watch that they were behind schedule. The boy had been nothing but a thorn in his side but Kronos couldn't disregard the fact that he broke him out of jail. If Kronos didn't need him to do all of the dirty work, he would have been disposed of as soon as Kronos was walking around as a free man.

'Everything is as promised,' the boy panted.

Kronos did nothing to hide his annoyance. 'Later than proposed, boy,' he snapped.

He paled, his scar standing out more against his face. 'It won't matter so much once we reach our goal.'

'We would have reached it sooner if you were on time. Your incompetence is taxing, Luke Castellan.'

Luke swallowed heavily, his head falling guiltily. Kronos watched emotionless. He did not care for the petty ways of pathetic students these days. It was a relief that Luke had realised that asking for forgiveness was a waste of time.

'Once I reclaim the leadership of Olympus you will understand why proficiency is priority. There are those who won't abide willingly and you will be the one to … persuade them.'

'Me, sir?' Luke glanced up, startled. It bemused Kronos to see the fear in his eyes.

'You against violence, Castellan?'

Luke straightened. 'It will not come to that, sir.'

Kronos grinned at the boy's feigned self-confidence. Kronos found out soon after meeting the boy he had trouble looking at him. Kronos' smile was a taunt, an amusement for Kronos to watch his reaction. And, as if on cue, Luke flinched. Kronos turned away from the boy, entering the building, not waiting to see if he would follow.

They turned down the hallway, facing big, polished oak doors. Kronos' excitement mounted. For years he had waited for this opportunity. He had planned it so meticulously that the proud leaders, he dared to remember as his own pupils, would not see it coming. Kronos knew that even if they discovered his intention, they would be too stubborn to change the date of their stupid, annual meeting.

'Are your men in place, Castellan?' Kronos murmured. He sounded agitated in his excitement.

'As soon as we capture the leaders, they will attack Olympus with no remorse,' came Luke's hurried reply, skipping forward to catch up with his master.

Kronos' ignored the boy as they continued to walk, although it was hard to ignore his panted breathing and loud footsteps across the polished floor. It irritated Kronos to no end and he had to remind himself as he did before that he needed the boy.

They reached the door and Kronos held his breath, his excitement almost overpowering him. Luke glanced over and then quickly away, his own breath hitching from nerves and fear. There was a hunger within Kronos now, a desire to finally act upon his revenge he had kept boiling away inside of him.

'Maybe we should …' Luke began but fell silent from a look from Kronos.

'We? Since when have you been in charge Castellan?' Kronos' tone was one of warning.

'I … I didn't mean …' Luke stammered.

'Quiet! I say what we do or not do.'

Kronos pulled a wicked looking curved blade from his side. Luke did the same, hesitantly pulling his own small knife from his pocket with shaking hands. This was it, Kronos thought. He strode into the room, prepared to take out the first leader…

Kronos pulled up short, Luke mimicking him. The room was completely empty. There were the same twelve throne-like chairs shaped in a 'U'. The floors and pillars interspaced throughout the room were white marble. Large windows that ran parallel to the floor just under the roof bathed everything in a whitish glow. One might have believed royals or even Gods would use this room, it was that spectacular. Kronos swivelled to Luke, who looked completely dumbfounded.

'This isn't possible,' Luke breathed. 'It can't be …'

Kronos yelled in frustration. 'NO!'

'Oh yes,' a quiet voice said ahead of them.

Both sets of eyes fixed on a hooded figure that came out from behind the chair immediately left to the head throne of the right hand side. Another figure came into view and stood across the room from the person but a chair closer to the two assailants. This one was slightly smaller than its partner but dressed similarly in a black uniform, completed with a hood. As the light from the windows fell on the first figure, they removed the hood to reveal his face.

Kronos narrowed his eyes at the dark haired, green eyed boy who stood next to his leader's chair.


'Oh yes,' Percy called out to his enemies.

He walked out from his hiding spot, making sure his identity was hidden underneath the hood of his gear. He heard Annabeth appear from her spot at Athena's chair as they planned.

It certainly was a task to convince their leaders to excuse tradition for one year and an even bigger task to ask them to leave the fighting to their students. In the end they all agreed to give them a couple of hours to stop Kronos before they intervened.

Annabeth expected the news and planned their attack as meticulously as she could. Percy was a little doubtful Annabeth could take on Luke but he had to trust she knew what she was doing. He had to focus on trying to gain the upper hand against Kronos, who some say was the founder of Olympus before he became too ruthless and inconsolable in his training. His students overpowered him and locked him away for his violent ways, becoming the new leaders of Olympus and then branching off into their own firms to maintain some sort of equality. Percy was wondering how he was supposed to take on the founder of the firm and survive. He didn't think he would get close enough to kill Kronos but he may have a chance to subdue him until the leaders arrived. Percy didn't like his chances.

Percy removed his hood, staring directly into the golden eyes of Kronos. Kronos didn't flinch or move once he was unveiled except a slight narrow of his eyes. He wore a black suit, no sign of a crease or stray thread. He didn't look like an evil, vicious fighter at all, which made him even more daunting.

Annabeth did the same and Luke sucked a breath in through his teeth. Luke was sicklier pale then their last meeting. He was wearing his Hermes gear and was it Percy or was the gear hanging slightly off of his frame. Luke's eyes were fixed on Annabeth and from a corner of his eye, Percy saw her watch him with an almost pleading expression.

'Percy Jackson,' Kronos said and his voice sounded like the calm before the storm.

Percy felt his muscles tense as the adrenaline surged through when Kronos spoke. He had to be prepared to fight at any moment.

'It's so nice to finally meet you,' he continued and Percy thought Kronos knew exactly how tense Percy was and was enjoying it. 'Castellan has had to deal with the consequences of your little interruptions to our schedule. Even though punishment is my specialty, I prefer to go right to the source. You've made it quite difficult.'

'What can I say, being a pain in the arse is just a reoccurring habit I have.' Percy grinned mockingly.

'And yet here we stand, me on the verge of victory. Nice touch, seeing the two of you beside your leader's chairs,' his eyes flickered to Annabeth and then back to Percy. 'It will be fitting when Poseidon and Athena find their most prized broken at the base of their throne right before I destroy them.'

Percy remained expressionless and he felt a little sense of pride when he saw Annabeth straighten stubbornly. Kronos smiled and Percy's bones chilled at the sight.

'Students always want to be heroes. I can grant you a hero's death, Percy Jackson. Castellan, this is your opportunity to prove yourself. You know Miss Chase over there?'

Luke swallowed. 'Yes.' His answer was barely audible.

'Good. You hated your fellow students, did you not? It shouldn't be so hard to kill her then.'

Percy clenched his jaw, trying to contain his emotions. His hands shook with anger and he had trouble not clenching those either. Luke stiffened and Percy saw a tremor run through his body. He gripped the knife in his hand tighter and Percy wished suddenly that he had brought a weapon.

'Luke, you don't want to do that,' Percy cautioned.

Luke's eyes narrowed. 'Oh yeah? Don't tell me what I can and can't do Jackson,' he snapped but he didn't move.

'Luke, please listen to me,' Annabeth said softly.

Luke slowly raised his eyes up to hers. There was a look of yearning there, his tough façade vanishing for a second before it was back to the cold stare they met in the stranded building. Percy struggled to remain at Poseidon's throne and not stride over to be beside Annabeth.

Kronos was oblivious to Luke's reaction and Percy suspected that Kronos did not care for Luke at all. His eyes were fixed on Percy, scrutinizing yet oddly curious. Percy tried to not betray his emotions but felt it was a lost cause.

'Jealousy is such a driving force,' Kronos told Percy. 'If it wasn't for Luke's jealousy we wouldn't be here today now would we.'

'Luke?' Annabeth questioned.

'The truth always reveals itself,' Kronos mused, a little too forced.

Percy realised a split second later that it was a decoy. It was just enough time for him to grab the first thing he could reach from his leader's chair and thrust it over his head before Kronos was driving his blade down onto Percy's head. The force of the blow brought Percy to one knee and he grunted, trying to remain off of his back. Annabeth yelled his name before Luke engaged with her.

Percy managed to push off of Kronos' advance, rising to his feet in a fighting stance. His eyes shifted quickly to the small baton he held in his hand and then back to Kronos, who was smiling evilly.

'Well done Jackson. Only a small number could defend that as fast as you did. Now, let's see how good you actually are.'

Kronos lunged forward again and Percy artfully dodged his advance, smashing his baton down onto Kronos' knife hand. Kronos dropped the knife but elbowed Percy in the chest with his other arm. Percy groaned, falling. He managed to flick the dropped knife away to the other side of the room but this left him defenceless. Kronos kicked out, smashing Percy in the chest again that sent him flying into a nearby chair.

Percy struggled for breath as he rolled to his feet, narrowly avoiding another front kick from Kronos. Percy threw an uppercut, having no weapon as his baton fell from his hands from the impact against the chair. Kronos grunted, aiming a punch for Percy's head. Percy blocked, taking a back step. Kronos swung again and Percy took another back step. From his position he could see Annabeth and Luke.

Annabeth had ducked under Luke's wild swing, moving in close to jab his side. Luke sucked in a breath as Annabeth danced back out.

'Don't do this Luke,' Annabeth told him, almost pleading.

Luke snarled at her, his lip already bleeding and leaving a trail down his chin. Percy had to dive as Kronos aimed a well-placed kick to Percy's exposed chest. Percy managed to roll to his feet but Kronos was upon him a second later, driving a punch and connecting with Percy's cheek.

Percy recoiled but remained on his feet, placing his guard up just as Kronos swung again. His punch was blocked as Percy tried to use Kronos' momentum against him but to no effect. Kronos blocked and swung back twice as hard, smashing Percy's solar plexus. He doubled over, receiving a knee to the nose. Percy's head snapped back and then copped a roundhouse kick to his chest, sending him flying backwards across the floor.

Percy gasped for air, too stunned to do anything but slide until he stopped. His chest felt caved in, his arms struggling to shift underneath him so he could pull himself to his feet. His head fell to the side and from there he could see Annabeth receiving a blow from Luke. She recoiled but countered quickly back with another knock to his head.

'Luke, why are you doing this?' Annabeth panted, her voice saddened.

Percy tried to call out but it was a rasp of breath. A shift in movement alerted Percy of Kronos' incoming. Kronos' drove his blade down as Percy crossed his arms, connecting with Kronos' wrists, preventing the blade from piercing his face. Percy groaned. His arms shook as Kronos tried to drive the blade down the last few inches.

'Luke, please. Stop. This isn't you.' Annabeth's voice carried over.

Percy tilted his head to Annabeth. She was crouched a few feet away from Luke, who was breathing heavily.

'They have to … pay for what they did … to me … to other students,' he growled to her through breaths. 'We should be treated … better. And you're defending them!'

He charged at her and Annabeth rolled away but instead of attacking she just blocked his strikes. Percy groaned again, his arms weakening. Kronos was grinning now.

'Give in Percy Jackson.'

Percy strained as Kronos drove his strength behind the blade. There was no way he would be able to fend him off but if he let momentum pursue … Percy glanced up at Kronos, his face screwed in concentration.

'You wish,' Percy gritted through his teeth and then let his guard down.

The blade fell and Percy moved his head out of the way. The blade struck the ground, the sound ringing in his ears. Kronos fell forward as Percy brought his legs up and lashed out. He kicked Kronos in the diaphragm, giving him enough space to roll up into a fighting crouch. He didn't wait for Kronos to right his balance, leaping to his feet and attacking with all his remaining strength.

It was five minutes later and Percy's energy levels were decreasing rapidly. His cheek was bleeding where the blade nicked it as was his forehead just above his left eyebrow. The blood was running into his eye, making it harder to zero in on Kronos. Kronos was unscathed except for a slight scratch across his jawline and he didn't seem to be fatigued at all. Percy was panting heavily, still hearing Annabeth trying to talk Luke around.

Percy went to drive a kick at Kronos' mid-drift when it went downhill. Kronos expected the move, sidestepping enough to deflect the blow. Kronos grabbed Percy's ankle, and grinning, drove his other elbow down on Percy's knee. Percy began to shout in pain but it was cut off by another kick to his stomach and fell to the ground, his face smashing against the floor.

'Percy!' Annabeth shouted.

Percy was dazed but he could see Annabeth turn away from Luke, her guard dropping. Her face was tight with fear when their eyes met. Percy could taste his blood in his mouth. He shook his head lightly, trying to clear it but only managed to spit out blood. He had to get up but he just couldn't find the strength. He rolled onto his stomach, the pain from his knee pounding uncontrollably.

'Castellan!' Kronos' voice sounded from above behind him.

Percy watched as Luke strode forward, grabbing Annabeth in a headlock, his hand ready to snap her neck. Her eyes widened, her hands clawing at the arm against her neck. Fear shot through Percy like wildfire.

'NO!' Percy's ragged yell pierced the room.

He struggled to his feet, ignoring the protest of his knee. He forgot about the dizziness when he stood too quickly. He forgot he was bone tired and his limbs were shaking with exhaustion. He felt the last surge of adrenaline flood his body as he had to get to Annabeth in front of him. He didn't care that he had no weapon, no plan at all but to reach her and yank Luke's arms from his sockets. She was not going to die. Not ever.

Percy only ran a few metres until he was tackled into one of the nearby chairs by Kronos. Percy yelled, trying to break free of Kronos' grasp. He heard Annabeth scream his name again and he punched and elbowed at any part of Kronos he could but they were weak attempts. Kronos pulled them both away from the chair before driving them back into it. Percy's body folded over, a spasm shooting up his back. He crumpled and Kronos picked up his body and threw him across the room like a rag doll.

This was it, Percy thought dimly as Kronos crossed the room towards him. Percy didn't fight as Kronos kicked him repeatedly in the stomach. His arms reached half-heartedly to his face as he was brought up from the floor, only to be punched and slammed back down.

Kronos took a step away to catch his breath leaving Percy sprawled on his back. Percy realised at that moment he was dying. He heard his raspy, struggling breaths. His chest rose and fell rapidly, pain with every fall. His arms were dull by his side. His legs moved sporadically as if they knew they had to leave this situation but they were unable to. Blood fell down the sides of his face, his left eye swelling. He wanted one last sight before he died, so he turned his head to Annabeth.

Through his haze he noticed tears streaming down her cheeks, mixed with blood running down from her hairline. She was watching him, her eyes full of heartbreak. Percy wanted to reassure her somehow but he just kept dolefully breathing in and out. Behind her, Luke was struggling with his grip on her. His eyes were full of determination to see it through and yet he still had not killed her. A small flicker of hope sparked in Percy. She could live.

Kronos ignored the whole exchange, not seeming to care. He placed a foot against Percy's chest, showing his superiority. Percy glared at the man above him with as much hatred as he could muster. This amused Kronos, making him laugh a cold and sinister laugh.

'Still fighting right to the end, I see. I'm glad of that. It's always fun to watch it leave your eyes once I kill you.' Kronos had the blade again in his hand, fiddling with it idly in his hands. 'I must say they trained you well to hold out for so long against me but it really is time to wrap it up. Once I am done with you, I will destroy Miss Chase over there and then your mighty leaders.'

'You … and what … army?' Percy breathed out.

Kronos frowned, his blade hand pausing. He glanced over to Luke, who also froze, with Annabeth still trying to break free.

'Seems like … our leaders taught us well.' Percy managed to smile. 'You didn't … think we figured … out one plan … and not the other. Students … ambushed your troops … along with … Hunters. It's just … you … and you … alone.'

'The men should have been here by now,' Luke confirmed softly. He looked frightened.

Kronos' face contorted in fury. Percy was at some form of peace. He knew that the leaders could overpower Kronos now, if they hurried and caught him before he vanished.

'Luke,' Annabeth breathed and he stiffened at the way she said his name. 'You once told me you wanted to give the children a better life then what we had. Kronos won't do that. He cannot build, he only destroys. Can't you see that?'

Luke's eyes travelled to Percy, who hoped his eyes communicated everything he was feeling. Kronos was shaking with anger though he controlled himself quickly.

'Clever, Jackson. I underestimated you on that one. It is of no consequence. I eliminate you and Miss Chase and will simply bide my time until I destroy Olympus. Farewell, Percy Jackson.'

'Luke, please.'

Percy heard Annabeth's soft voice plead with Luke and Percy's heart ached to be beside her. He met her eyes again. His mouth formed her name at the same time Kronos extend his blade arm, ready to drive it down. Percy thought back to the first he held her in his arms, hoping the memory would stay with him right until his last breath …


Kronos screamed out in pain. Percy went to glance up but was instantly smashed in the face with a stray boot. His vision blotted out but he heard the sound of a scuffle followed by Annabeth crying out Luke's name. There was another cry from someone and then it went silent. He blinked rapidly, trying to clear his sight.

Kronos' body was face down a few metres away, a small knife protruding from in-between his shoulder blades. That explained his scream. Percy tried to rise to his feet, propping his body on his elbows but he toppled to the ground. He brought a leg up to steady himself but gasped and fell when it turned out to be his injured knee.

He glanced from his position on the ground and saw Annabeth crouched on the floor. He sighed when he saw her back rise and fall but Luke was still missing. Percy saw the distance between them and knew even with all of the willpower in the world he would not be able to get to her. He glanced over his head and noticed he was just in front of one of the chairs. Using strength he thought had long left his body; he dragged himself so he was propped up against it. From there he could see a pair of legs beside Annabeth. Luke's raspy voice met Percy's ears and as he tried to listen.

'I'm so sorry, Annie. I didn't realise … I didn't see…'

'Shh. It's okay, Luke. You made up for it by saving us. You killed Kronos,' Annabeth consoled.

'Nothing can forgive what I've done. What I thought …'

He coughed and it sounded like he was choking. Luke was dying, Percy thought. He had also saved Percy's life. The collar of Percy's gear rubbed uncomfortably against his neck, almost as if it was crushing his windpipe. Blood and sweat was running from the open wounds on his face and Percy just let it go, too tired to wipe it away.

'Luke …' Annabeth's voice was tinged with sadness as she said his name and tendrils of soft jealousy spurted in Percy.

'You … make sure the students don't feel like I did. Bitter. Disappointed.' His voice was wavering.

'I won't.'

'Forgive me, Annie. Say you forgive me.' Luke was pleading.

'I … I forgive you, Luke.' She was struggling, her voice unsteady.

'I love you, always have.'

Percy closed his eyes, his heart thudding dully. He was waiting for Luke to confess his feelings and begging for another chance and Annabeth reconciling with him with open arms. If it were to happen, Percy would rather not watch and just die quietly away from them.

'Percy!'

Annabeth's cry startled him. His eyes opened slowly, his eyelids heavy. She was looking at him and Percy saw something in those eyes, apart from grief and worry. She stood, swaying as she lurched towards him. His eyes left her once to see the still body of Luke Castellan lying on the marble but then travelled back to her. She was cradling her right arm in her hand and one side of her face was now caked in blood, but she was breathing and she was alive.

'Oh Percy …' Annabeth whimpered, kneeling beside him.

'Your arm,' Percy said hoarsely. He gazed down at it and then back to her face.

'Hit the floor at a wrong angle. Perce …'

She dropped her arm beside her, wincing. Percy wanted to help her and with effort he shifted closer to her. He closed his eyes, withholding the gasp of pain, his chest excruciating. Annabeth placed her good hand against Percy's cheek and it was like a fresh gust of air entered his lungs. He leant his head into her palm.

'For a minute I thought …' her voice caught in a sob.

'I promised I wouldn't leave you,' Percy murmured, staring into her eyes.

His lips quirked up at the edges and probably looked more like a grimace than a grin. She smiled tiredly in return. She gently kissed him on the forehead before placing her forehead where her lips just were. Her breath washed over him as she spoke quietly.

'I love you, Percy Jackson. I wanted to tell you the other night in my room but I was worried it might scare you away. And then you told me, and I … well I panicked but when I saw you lying there, about to die … I love you, Percy.'

'Best day of my life,' Percy choked out.

Annabeth laughed through a sigh and Percy chuckled, groaning from the pain. He found he had energy again, a strength he knew didn't come from within but from the love she had for him. He raised his hand so he could place them under her chin. He brought her lips to his. He tasted the salty tang of blood but he did not care. She pulled away, scooting over so she could sit in his lap. He flinched when she bumped his bad knee.

'Does this hurt?' she asked worriedly as she leant against his chest.

'No,' he murmured and indeed it didn't. The pain left him when she was there.

She grabbed his left arm and wrapped it around her, turning her head so she could lie against him.

'Don't fall asleep,' she warned, although it lost its edge to the fatigue in her voice.

'Yes ma'am.' There was a pause but then Percy broke it. 'What happened after Kronos pinned me? I must have blacked out.'

Annabeth let in a ragged breath. 'Luke released me and threw his knife, hitting Kronos in the back. Kronos turned on us. He went to stab me but Luke stood in the way, receiving the blow. He knocked me out of the way, Perce. When I turned around, Luke was on the ground and Kronos was coming towards me but then he just fell and died.'

'I should've been the one to save you,' Percy muttered, coughing.

'You already did, Percy. Without you, I wouldn't have had the strength to keep going after seeing Luke in that hangar. I would have drowned in that river.'

'But still –.'

'But nothing, Seaweed Brain,' Annabeth said, her tone suggesting the conversation was over.

'So you love me?' Percy said, changing the topic.

'Yes.' Annabeth's tone was still clipped.

'Must be nice having two guys in the one room that love you.'

'I used to think I loved Luke, but now I know it was just an infatuation. It's nothing compared to my feelings for you.'

'Love you too,' Percy told her tiredly, satisfied.

He leant his head back against the arm of the chair. He glanced down and saw Annabeth smiling. She laced her fingers through his hand that was across her waist and waited for someone to come to their aid.


The leaders of Olympus arrived ten minutes later, barging into the room, weapons ready. It was a shock to find two dead bodies of their foes in the centre of their meeting room and an even bigger surprise to find a student of Poseidon and a student of Athena cuddled at the base of Poseidon's chair, half dead.

There was a gasp and a half strangled cry as a short girl with spiky black hair broke through their group, running towards the students. The Athena student opened her eyes at the sound, her eyes forming tears. She turned to her partner and shook him lightly. His sluggishly opened his eyes, his left one swollen. They rose slowly to their feet upon seeing the heads of Olympus with the help of the leader of the Hunters. The girl was holding her arm while the boy seemed to struggle with his leg. He straightened, swaying unsteadily, lifting his chin.

'It is finished,' he called out to his leaders. 'Kronos is dead by the hand of Luke Castellan, member of the Hermes Academy.'

There was a murmur ripple through the people at the news. Hermes remained silent, his eyes impassive.

The girl picked up where he finished. 'He grew bitter with the way Olympus had treated him. He wanted to change this, which is why he freed Kronos. When he realised the error of his plan he worked to correct his mistake. He died a hero's death and deserves to be treated so. We ask of you, as remembrance of his deed, to change the ways of Olympus and make it fairer to all students.'

The silence following the speech was uncomfortable. The leaders looked back and forth between each other, some angry, some confused and one even looked proud. A man stepped forward, his aura so strong he had to be Zeus.

'It shall be as you ask,' he said unwillingly. 'But we can not guarantee that this will last. We will try, that is what we can promise.'

The boy nodded, his sways even more dangerous. As if released, Poseidon walked forward, as did Athena to reach their students. The boy almost fell into the embrace of his leader. Poseidon helped him forward and Athena walked silently beside her pupil, who was too worried about her partner to notice the honour she was given. Thalia stood on the other side, trying to place the girl's arm in a sling.

'My student deserves anything he desires, does he not?' Poseidon called to the others and they nodded reluctantly. He turned to his pupil. 'Percy Jackson. Percy. For your service to Olympus you can have anything you like. Name it and it will be yours.'

'We have already asked you to treat us differently and that is a request enough. Right now, I just want to go back to my unit and have some time off.'

Poseidon smiled proudly at his student. 'You are my greatest pupil, Percy. You are like a son to me. You have certainly earned rest.'

Percy smiled at his leader as Athena turned to her pupil. 'Well, Annabeth. What would you like me to grant you for your services?'

Annabeth was looking at Percy when she answered. 'Just him.'