Chapter 16: Truth
Nico POV, Salem, Massachusetts
The first thing he noticed when his eyes fluttered open was the coldness of the air. That and a sweet smell that penetrated his nostrils. Floating above him was a faint smoke, likely coming from the heat of whatever meal was prepared.
Moving past the inertia of sleep he rose from the softness of his bed. Whatever he dreamed was now nothing but a black haze, forgotten upon the opening of his eyes.
His stomach rumbling he looked toward the source of the smell. Sitting atop a wooden bedside table was a rather large portion of stew. On its surface was what looked to be pieces of chicken.
Driven by his hunger he practically dived for it, slurping it down without a care for the residual droppings that fell onto him.
Its warmth was indispensable to him in such a cold environment. His pangs of hunger also were combated by the tender taste of the chicken and the softness of the carrots.
When he finished it he was left wanting more. But he soon realized there was a more pressing issue.
Where exactly was he?
His eyes studied the room he was in. It looked dusty, he likely was the only person to inhabit it in a long while. The carpet on the floor was a mishmash of purple and green, forming no coherent pattern. It looked like something out of a modern art museum.
That design choice was extended also to the drapes, which looked like if shaken they would fill the room to the roof with dust. He didn't want to test that assumption.
Steadying himself he rose from the king-size bed he was on, throwing the brown blanket off of him. He ran the back of his hand across his forehead, wiping off a conglomerate of sweat. As he was about to reach for the golden doorknob suddenly something caught his attention.
In the corner of the room, hidden behind the shadow of a mahogany hamper was a small humanoid figure. By instinct he reached for his blade, realizing only seconds later it was not at his hip. Then as his eyes adjusted to the darkness he realized what he saw was only a doll.
The left side of its face was missing, leaving it with a single ominous blue eye. He swore he could feel some sentience lurking within it.
The look of surprise on his face was cast away by a large sigh of relief. He never understood why anybody liked dolls, they were just creepy.
Seriously, what was their appeal? The chance that you could be ruthlessly stabbed to death in your sleep?
He shook the remaining shock from his head as he went to turn the doorknob again. But as he was about to grasp it he felt a push from the other side.
Immediately he jumped back, preparing himself to use his powers if he had to. His eyes went wide as he saw a girl with long black hair and emerald green eyes. She looked a few years younger than him and held in her hand a glass of water.
"Oh, you're awake?" She asked rather plainly.
Nico eyed the girl with caution, he tried to read her aura but couldn't see a thing. It was a power he had learned about by talking to dead Children of Hades.
Could it be that she was mortal?
"Who are you?" Nico demanded.
She rolled her eyes and exhaled, seemingly annoyed. "Oh nobody. Just the girl who nursed you while you were out for a week. You don't need to thank me or anything."
Her words were laced with sarcasm. So much so they were practically a bullet.
"You'll have to excuse me for being a bit jumpy. Especially when you have things like that watching me sleep," Nico pointed his thumb at the doll.
The girl looked at it and tilted her head in confusion. "What about it? I think she's cute."
Nico peered his eyes at the girl. Who in their right mind would call a doll with half of its face missing anything but horrifying? And this was coming from a Son of Hades for Zeus's sake.
"We'll have to agree to disagree," He postulated. "Now care to explain where I am and who you are?"
Leaning on the door the emerald-eyed girl took a sip from the glass of water in her hand.
"Name is Faye, I'm a legacy of Hecate with no real power besides foresight. You're in one of the rooms in the Salem Witch House. Lady Hecate brought you here about a week ago on the brink of death."
He tried to hide the shock that appeared on his face by looking at the wooden floor. Could he believe her?
Brink of death?
Well, she didn't seem to be lying. Her answer seemed to be pretty honest, and he had a good bullshit gauge. It was a necessary skill to develop when living amongst Children of Hermes for years.
"I don't get it. What does Hecate want with me?" He murmured.
Faye shrugged, "I dunno I'm just her assistant. She'll probably be here any minute now that you're awake."
Nico's gaze rose from the floor, "How would she know I'm awake?"
"She just knows things. You get used to it after a while."
Her words sparked him to remember the events before he passed out. It came to him like a wave. Melinoe, his mother. Defeating her. Hecate's warning.
The camp.
What happened to it? Thalia was there so he was sure they would have found a way to defeat the Titans….
No, he shouldn't be thinking of it. Camp Half-Blood was dead to him now. The Gods were dead to him.
As his thoughts came to an end he suddenly noticed the glossed over look on Faye's face. Suddenly the glass in her hands fell to the floor, smashing to pieces. Nico immediately stepped back, as he was barefoot.
"Are you okay?" Nico asked.
Faye's eyes went wide as she shook her head, putting a palm on her temple.
"I," She breathed. "I had a vision, Lady Hecate is about to enter the room."
Huh? Did she drop the glass because of that? Guess she left out how trivial her premonitions were.
"Where is she?" Nico questioned.
Faye turned her face toward the hallway behind her. Nico narrowed his eyes at her.
Then suddenly a voice spoke. "Are you excited to see me, Ghost King?"
As she finished her sentence she emerged from the edge of the door frame. Unlike when he last saw her this time she looked much more dapper. Her hair was put into one large braid, highlighting her green eyes. And she wore a dark purple robe with white-colored insignias.
"No, not particularly," Nico grunted. "Not after the shit you pulled."
A look of surprise flashed across Faye's face as she heard Nico curse at Hecate.
"Don't talk to my lady like that!" She warned the boy.
Hecate smirked, "It's alright Faye, I can handle it. You can return to the reception desk now, I'll clean this mess up later."
Faye eyed Hecate wearily, looking as if she wanted to protest. It seemed like she had a serious attachment to the Titaness. Nico guessed that she must be her only family. That thought created a pang in his heart, remembering the image of Bianca.
Her gaze cast toward the floor Faye stomped out of the room, inclining her head slightly as a show of respect when she passed Hecate. When she seemed to be out of earshot, Hecate spoke.
"She is a good girl. You should thank her later, she did feed you and make sure you did not die of thirst."
Nico clenched his fist. "What is your deal?"
"Whatever do you mean?" Hecate asked, feigning confusion.
"You said I could find my sister if I came here. That was pure bull, you tricked me! I almost died because of your lies."
Hecate crossed her arms. "If I truly sought your demise would I give you lodging and medical supplies? I could have easily slit your throat while you slept. As for your sister, what I said was not a lie. Your reunion will have to wait though, she is busy."
Nico lightened the strain on his fist. His interest peaked. Originally he believed Hecate was just trapping him, but it seemed he didn't have the whole picture. He'd have to pry deeper.
"Then why was Melinoe in the graveyard?"
"Oh her?" Hecate smirked. "Well, you could say she was a test of sorts. One you passed. Perhaps you remember I told you that your destiny waited here as well. Your duel with her has won you the right to grasp it."
The parables she spoke in annoyed him. It wasn't like anything she was saying was very deep, to begin with.
"Can you not speak like you're the Oracle of Delphi? My head hurts and my body feels like crap."
"Well, you certainly have the temperament of your father," Hecate gibed. "Nonetheless, I will tell you everything in a frank manner. Just not here, I cannot risk prying ears listening to what I will say."
Nico studied the Titaness's demeanor, looking to see if she showed any dishonest quirks. But there was nothing. Either she was being honest or she had an indomitable poker face. Both were just as likely.
"Fine, I'll go with you. I want my sword back first though." He then cast a gaze at the broken glass. "Shoes too," He added.
With his sword now at his hip, he now felt somewhat confident. If it came down to it he could at least defend himself. Though in his current lethargic state he'd certainly lose, it was the thought that counted.
Hecate had led him into some strange backroom, accessible only by a key card. When he entered it he was somewhat surprised to see how much it resembled his own father's throne room.
Both had a dismal tone to them. Though Hecates wasn't as helly as his fathers. Since you know, that palace was literally hell.
Studying the large incense burners he found some interest in the scenes depicted on them. Figures were engaged in a large scale conflict, with weapons drawn. It looked like the First Titanomachy.
"This is from Athens, isn't it? Black-figure pottery was their trademark."
"That it is. They are straight from my ancient temples. You have a good eye child, you are the first one to comment on them."
Nico shook his head, not accepting the compliment. "I just remember it from a book my sister read me once. Her dyslexia was never as bad as mine, so when I wasn't able to read by myself she would do it for me."
"So you relied on her a lot I see?" Hecate asked.
Nico nodded, not particularly proud of the strain he put on his sister. After she was gone he realized how much he had burdened her with his problems. She never got a chance to live her own life because he was always in her shadow.
He wanted to apologize to her for that. Also, he wanted to let her know that he was alright on his own now. If he could do that then maybe he could start forgiving himself. But until then he'd always hold onto the grudge he had against himself.
Strange how these fatal flaws worked.
"That none of your business. Just tell me what you couldn't say in the room."
Following his demand, the room grew cold, as if a morning draft was blown in. But he knew for a fact this room has no windows. Even Hecate herself changed, her face became serious. Her emerald green eyes darkened and an aura of darkness surrounded her. It was practically like dark flames licking off her skin.
He had never seen her like this. It was frankly terrifying. Even to him.
"Listen closely," She uttered, narrowing her eyes. "What I am about to tell you. You cannot ever let it come from your lips. It is a secret as great as the world itself."
Nico's eyes widened. He could feel the sincerity in her words, and the magnitude of what she spoke of was enough to send a chill up his back.
"I won't tell anybody," He affirmed, his voice slightly shaking due to adrenaline.
Hecate stared into his eyes. It was as if she was staring into his soul, seeing if he was being truthful or not. When her gaze was let up she took a deep breath.
"To know what I speak of we must go back, thousands of years. In the Greek world there came a cult, one known as Orphism. Its influence was vast and for a time it competed with the mainstream myths of Hesiod. Because of it, many Gods were born and subsequently faded after the cult fell from power. There was one such God—"
She grimaced slightly, stopping her story. It looked as if she was in pain. Nico started to walk forward but she waved him off. Taking a deep breath she continued with what she was saying.
"No, I cannot call him a God. He was far above any God, he was creation itself. The only one, not the fade. There was no other being that supervised creation on the same magnitude as him. After the dawn of time, he entered into a deep slumber in the cosmic egg. It is said that when he reawakens the world shall begin anew."
Nico's eyes widened. Cosmic egg? Like in his dream.
"Uhm…" Nico started. "Is there a snake?"
A shocked look came across Hecate's face. "The snake, it is his symbol. How do you know?"
Nico took a shaky breath, feeling overwhelmed. "I—I had a dream. In it, a man was freed from an egg by a snake. He said three words to me… well, not said. But—"
Suddenly he was cut off as Hecate grabbed him by the shoulders, a large smile painted on her face.
"What were the words? What did you hear?" She demanded anxiously.
"It was… Light. Destruction. Creation."
Hecate's jaw practically dropped to the ground. Silence filled the room for what felt like an eternity. Both of them just meditated on what he just said. Hecate was the one to break the stillness.
"You are the one," She said. "I knew it. Apollyon has grown weak, he won't have the resolve for what needs to be done. That girl has seduced him."
Nico was confused. Apollyon? What needs to be done?
"What are you talking about?"
Hecate let out a small cackle. "You are the Son of Death. Surely it was always you. Nico, you will be the one to awaken Phanes and recreate this world. It has to be you."
He stepped back, strange energy began to thump through his body. It was foreign, almost euphoric in a way.
"Phanes? Recreate the world? What in the Hades are you talking about," Nico said breathlessly.
"Phanes, the Orphic Protogenoi of Creation. That is the name of the being in the cosmic egg. You saw his birth, he gave you the words. Light. Destruction. Creation. That is the path to awakening him. Together we must destroy all light on Earth, only then will he awaken and recreate it all. This time without flaw or sin, no death or struggle. Everything will be perfect."
Nico drew his blade at the Titaness. His hand shook violently, the energy inside of him. It felt like he had suddenly been filled with a thousand volts of electricity. And Hecate's words only made that energy vibrate more intensely.
"I don't know what you're doing. But I don't want this, I just want my sister back. Phanes, a white snake. Cosmic eggs. None of it matters. JUST GIVE ME MY SISTER!"
Suddenly the energy inside him manifested externally. The ground shook violently. It was akin to a magnitude eight earthquake. At any moment it looked like the palace could collapse in on itself.
Hecate though was unaffected. She looked as if she was in a trance. Her eyes looked into his, like a seductress."
"Your mother, your sister. Everything you've ever desired. You could have it all. A perfect world with no evil, with no Gods to cause you pain. Life in a cozy house with all of your family together. That's truly what you want, isn't it? That's what you crave. The grudge inside your heart. It isn't against any single person, it's against the world. You hate this world for taking everything away from you and denying you happiness. So then act on that hatred, join me in awakening Phanes."
Sudden tears trailed across Nico's cheeks as the sword in his hands fell to the now stable floor. What she was saying was true. He had just never noticed it before.
How could that be the case? All of this time he lived with that grudge-bearing down on him. It was no wonder he was always miserable.
Suddenly, he felt a new resolve go through his being. He wiped the tears from his face and looked up toward Hecate.
"I can change the world?" He asked.
Hecate nodded, a large smile on her face. "You will do much more than that."
"How can I start?"
Percy POV, Camp Half-Blood
Being a leader was hard.
That's all he could think about as he passed by the current construction site's being worked on. Over the last week, he had been diligently organizing the campers, a job that should have been undertaken by Pallas.
But the Titan of Warcraft seemed also to be the Titan of Laziness. He'd rather just sit around in the Big House and read books all day. When Percy confronted him he just waved him off saying a demigod wouldn't understand the woes of an immortal Titan.
What would you even call that? An immortal life crisis?
"Hey, Apollyon!" A voice rang out, taking his attention away from his contemplation on bad jokes.
Looking toward its source he saw a blonde teen with grey eyes. If he remembered right he was a Son of Athena.
"Malcolm, right?" Percy asked.
He looked surprised, "Yo remember my name."
"I have a good memory. What did you need, something about the building? Need more supplies?"
Malcolm shook his head. "No, we should have enough. Some guy in a suit wanted to talk to you. He said to meet him in the strawberry fields. Seemed kind of strange, he had a bunch of scars on his face."
Percy thought about it for a moment. "Did he wear a bowtie?"
Malcolm nodded.
"Must be Prometheus then," Percy surmised.
A look of surprise crossed Malcolm's face. "You mean I just talked to the Prometheus? Like the Titan who gave mankind fire Prometheus?"
Percy nodded, "Yeah he isn't much to fuss over though. All he can do is look into the future."
Malcolm rose a brow, "That seems like a pretty useful ability though."
He shrugged, "Just get a vulture, he'd sooner cut off his tongue than be in a foot's radius to one. Anyway, Malcolm, I'll catch up on the construction later, good luck."
Giving him a small wave he made his way toward the strawberry fields. Malcolm was currently overseeing the construction efforts. Seeing as the previous Athena cabin counselor refused to join Kronos. He wanted to just exile her, but Luke uncharacteristically vowed he could bring her over to their side.
Perhaps they had some sort of prior relationship. He wouldn't know as he never pried into Luke's personal life. Not like he had one anymore. Luke was a zealot, he would do anything to destroy Olympus.
Maybe that's what made the two of them have such good chemistry. Both were addicted to their destructive desire.
As he passed by the arena the sound of metal clashing rang out. Along with it was a burning smell. Looking a bit closer he realized it must have been coming from the forge. He'd ordered the Children of Hephaestus to forge new equipment.
Specifically spears and sarissas, the latter just being very long spears. Large round shields with the symbol of Kronos were also ordered to be made. The equipment before was very disorganized.
Truthfully everything about the camp seemed just that. Disorganized.
Seriously, were the Gods so prideful that they couldn't bare to snap their fingers and create cabins for the minor Gods?
It was no wonder so many joined the Titan's side without a second thought. Their choices were either to continue as lackeys for their deadbeat parents or join a cause that promised them a better future. It wasn't a hard choice.
His contemplation came to an end as he saw a silhouette looking amid the strawberry fields. The familiar black tux's owner was unmistakable. It was practically glued to his skin. Hell, it could be his skin. Who knows what the vultures did to him.
"Percy? You're late. I saw you arrive a few minutes ago."
"I guess even you can be wrong. Good to know. Mind telling me why you wanted to meet here and not just find me?" Percy asked.
Prometheus turned around, revealing his grievously scarred face and striking grey eyes. Both his arms were crossed and he had a faint look of umbrage on his face.
"Calypso wanted to see the field," Prometheus explained.
Percy's heart started to beat unexpectedly. "Calypso's here?"
He nodded, "She is, and there is news involving her. That will have to wait though, I have something much more important to inform you of."
His body tensed, he could feel the serious nature Prometheus spoke with. It was enough to make him forget about Calypso for a moment.
"What is it?" He asked.
Prometheus inhaled, "I will be frank Apollyon. You have been left in the dark about another camp. Actually, it is much more than just that. It's an entire pantheon, that of the Romans."
"What are you talking about?" Percy demanded a highlight of anger in his tone.
Prometheus cleared his throat. "We Greeks Gods have two forms. The first is, of course, Greek. The other is Roman. It's a residual effect of Rome adopting Greek religious tradition. And as far as the other camp goes, it is called Camp Jupiter and it is filled with Roman demigods."
Percy clenched his fist, his eyes darkened slightly. "So you decided to keep this a secret from me. Why?"
Prometheus shrugged, "It just never came up. If it makes you feel any better Luke doesn't know about it either."
He let out a scoff, "So what then. Olympus has an army of Roman demigods at their disposal? You thought that wouldn't be, you know, important information."
The Titan of Forethought shrugged, "It was useless information. We planned to destroy the camp after Olympus fell."
"I thought you could see the future, how were you not able to see them joining the fight?"
"Listen Apollyon. I'm not the damned Titan of finely tuned details, alright? Though that would be a hell of a title. I only see the big picture in my visions, sometimes small events cause things to change."
Percy sighed, "Alright then. So what exactly is the big picture here?"
Prometheus brought his left hand up toward his goatee and stroked it gently. "Soon we will strike Manhattan. Our plans are already in motion. The only difference now is they have an army. Prepare the campers for war, that is your task as given by Kronos."
The Son of Poseidon cast his gaze toward the horizon, suppressing his anger. He had no time for emotion to take over his sensibilities. Training the demigods would be a daunting task. They lacked any semblance of a fighting spirit.
Superpowered teenagers. Most of their brains were not even close to ending their development cycle. How would he ever turn them into proper warriors?
"Fine then," He relented. "I will do what Kronos wants of me. Now you said something about Calypso, what was it?"
Prometheus shifted uncomfortably, his eyes cast toward the expanse of the strawberry field. His gaze matched perfectly with the emergence of a silhouette behind a collection of strawberry bushes.
"She would want to be the one to answer that."
Recognizing the figure his heart unexpectedly skipped a beat. The longing that he had suppressed exploded past his barriers as if laced with gunpowder.
"Prometheus! Look what I have found," Calypso joyfully echoed across the field.
On her slender pointer finger was a red dot, her eyes were lit up as she stared at. She didn't seem to yet notice Percy's presence.
But as she grew closer her eyes widened. "Percy!" She exclaimed with surprise.
The Son of Poseidon smiled dryly. "Hello Calypso, you look well."
She looked somewhat conflicted as she ducked down, putting her finger toward the soil so the ladybug could use it as a ramp.
"I am well enough," She conceded, her voice lacking confidence.
Prometheus then cleared his throat. "Well, I have served my purpose. My duties in the mortal world call."
With that Prometheus began to walk away, but Percy stopped him with a hand to his shoulder.
"What do you mean duties? Shouldn't you take Calypso with you?"
Prometheus eyed him curiously. "I must protect mankind. Specifically the innocents, and in a time like this, I am all the busier. As for your second question, I am not the one to answer it."
With that he brushed off Percy's hand and continued forward, being consumed by a fiery aura before disappearing. His absence left Calypso and Percy alone, spawning a slightly awkward silence.
"I—"
"I—"
They both cut each other off.
"No, you go first," Percy murmured.
Calypso nodded, her eyes cast toward her the sandals on her feet. "I have lost it... my immortality."
The frankness she spoke with made his eyes widen.
"What?" He asked simply, doing a double-take.
She smiled weakly. "I spoke with Koios, he said my immortality was lost. Perhaps it had to do with my curse. I am not sure. My immortal essence could have been attached to Ogygia."
Percy felt guilt flood his being. His gaze turned toward the green grass his feet rested on top of.
"Is it my fault?" He asked, his voice low. Again, he was reminded of how all those around him were met with some sort of tragic fate.
Unexpectedly he felt a softness unfold across the left side of his cheek. His eyes rose to meet Calypso's turquoise spheres.
"Don't speak as if you are guilty of a crime. Because of you, I can experience the joy of living again. Mortality just raises the stakes."
Percy could hear his heartbeat out of his ears. He wondered if Calypso could hear it as well.
"I was rash. There was probably a better way to free you. One that did not—"
Suddenly he stopped, as the warmness on his cheek was replaced with an indescribable concentration softness. Time seemed to stop as his brain slowly realized Calypso kissed him on the cheek.
It only lasted half a second at most, so why did it intoxicate him as if it was some finely aged wine?
Calypso's face retreated, her cheeks tingling with red. A reserved expression on her face that refused to fully meet his.
Her utter beauty captured the attention of his entire being. In what almost felt like an out of body experience he saw what lingered beyond the superficiality of her looks. Her eyes were like a bright blue sea, one that showed him the true appearance of her soul.
He had rarely thought of the concept of beauty. To him, he always believed it to be an abstraction, one that was entirely subjective and otherwise a distraction. Beauty in every form was fleeting. That was what he thought. What he affirmed through his short life.
Like a vibrant rose, it would wither away into nothingness. Then there would be no evidence that it had ever existed. Death was all-consuming, that is the cruel truth that revealed itself to him alongside the corpse of his mother.
But this. This was immortal.
This was eternity.
Even if the world was to be destroyed at this very moment her beauty would persist. As if afraid such beauty would escape him, leaving him alone on this cold and lonely planet called Earth he spoke to it.
"Calypso, I think I am in love with you."
Shock crossed her face, just as equally it did his. Soon the reservation she held was cast away and her eyes rose to meet his. Her eyes shone so brightly that even Venus would be jealous.
"I—" She began.
Suddenly a voice rang out, interrupting her.
"Percy, sorry if I'm interrupting something but we need to talk. Now."
The thick atmosphere that seemed to produce a gravitational pull of its own suddenly snapped, as if it was a cord. Percy turned around to see Luke, a grim look on his face. Part of him felt angered that he was interrupted.
But truthfully he was also somewhat relieved. He had no idea why he said what he did, and was not ready for whatever consequences were to arise.
"Luke?" He asked.
The Son of Hermes inclined his head in a slight bow toward Calypso, recognizing her presence. He then continued, the earlier grimness in his voice even more apparent.
"I need to talk to you, it cannot wait."
Percy looked toward Calypso and gave her a somewhat longing look. But as if she sensed the gravity of the situation she gave a shadow of a smile, nodding her head.
"It's alright Percy, we can speak later. Our conversation can wait."
He nodded apologetically, "You can stay in the Big House, we'll talk soon."
With that, he turned toward Luke, who motioned him to follow. There was a certain seriousness that Percy had not seen before surrounding him. Neither spoke as Luke silently led him away until he was confident they were out of earshot.
Turning around with a certain anxious intensity his darkened blue eyes met Percy's sea-green ones.
"Listen, Percy, I need you to promise me something."
Percy looked confused, Luke was not the type to ask for favors like this. "What is it, Luke?"
He inhaled shakily. "Well, I—"
Suddenly he stopped as if overtaken by whatever emotion he was currently feeling. Taking a moment to gently rub his temple's he then continued.
"I volunteered to become Kronos's host. To reform fully he needs the body of a strong demigod. I—I don't know how long I have. But I need you to promise me, look after the girl named Annabeth. She was the Athena cabin's counselor. I know she's difficult but she's smart, she can be a major asset. And…"
He stopped, looking at his tennis shoes.
"I know I am asking too much of you. But there is this girl, her name is Thalia. She was one of the huntresses captured alongside Artemis. Short black hair, Daughter of Zeus. Try to convince her to join us, she's not like her father. If she doesn't then…"
His voice then trailed off into the darkness cast by the rising veil of night. Both of his blue orbs rose from the ground, looking at the Son of Poseidon in anticipation.
In retrospect what he was just asked of was nothing in comparison to what Luke had done to him. Luke had given him a means of survival, the feeling that he was not alone. If it wasn't for that he would not be here today, he'd long be dead.
"I will do it, Luke. But are you sure? Why does it have to be you?"
Luke scoffed slightly, seemingly relieved that Percy agreed.
"If it isn't me then it will be somebody else. The demigods need you. You're the strongest among us. Hades, you could probably beat me in a regular sword duel by now. We captured Camp Half-Blood with no casualties because of you. Now I need to serve my role in this war."
Percy frowned sadly. He wanted to convince him otherwise, to debate him on how it was a foolish decision. But if he did that he would be going against the tremendous selfless resolve Luke was currently showing.
It would be disrespectful if he tried to go against his will. Luke was a warrior, and to go against a warrior's steadied will was close to sacrilege.
"Both of them, I will try my best," Percy murmured as he stared at crescent move now gleaming in the sky.
Luke joined his stare, sharing in the beauty of the firmament. There was no need to speak on it any further, the silence said it all. The path in front of the two of them would be long and winding, full of unexpected twists and endings.
But that was the way of a demigod, and nothing could change that.
Nothing.
A/N
Well, there is a lot to unpack in this chapter. First off I should clarify I'm aware that Percy Jackson's mythology is based on primarily Hesiod's myths. Somebody correctly guessed the identity of Phanes a while back and I would have explained it then but didn't want to spoil the reveal.
Obviously not everybody reading this will know the difference between the mythological traditions so I'll give a quick run down. Orphic mythology was for a time a somewhat popular cosmology of the Greek myths that differed greatly from the "mainstream". There is a lot to it but the only important part here revolves around Phanes.
Phanes was the Creator God that emerged from the World-Egg created by the Primordial Kronos. In this story all of the Orphic deities faded except for Phanes, who is currently in the World-Egg(It is an AU so bare with me). If you want to read more about it the Britannica website is a good source for what is still known about the Orphic myths.
Hope that clears any confusion up. Have a good day/night all, tell me what you thought of the chapter. I'll get the next one out soon.