Prologue
The line from the great prophecy echoed in my head: A hero's soul, cursed blade shall reap.
My whole world tipped upside down, and I gave the knife to Luke.
Grover yelped. "Percy? Are you . . . um . . ."
Crazy. Insane. Off my rocker. Probably.
But I watched as Luke grasped the hilt.
I stood before him—defenseless.
He unlatched the side straps of his armor, exposing a small bit of his skin just under his left arm, a place that would be very hard to hit. With difficulty, he stabbed himself.
It wasn't a deep cut, but Luke howled. His eyes glowed like lava. The throne room shook, throwing me off my feet. An aura of energy surrounded Luke, growing brighter and brighter. I shut my eyes and felt a force like a nuclear explosion blister my skin and crack my lips.
It was silent for a long time.
When I opened my eyes, I saw Luke sprawled at the hearth. On the floor around him was a blackened circle of ash.
Luke's left side was bloody. His eyes were open—blue eyes, the way they used to be. His breath was a deep rattle.
"Good . . . blade," he croaked.
I knelt next to him. Annabeth limped over with Grover's support. They both had tears in their eyes.
Luke gazed at Annabeth. "You knew. I almost killed you, but you knew . . ."
"Shhh." Her voice trembled. "You were a hero at the end, Luke. You'll go to Elysium."
He shook his head weakly. "Think . . . rebirth. Try for three times. Isles of the Blest."
Annabeth sniffled. "You always pushed yourself too hard."
He held up his charred hand. Annabeth touched his fingertips.
"Did you . . ." Luke coughed and his lips glistened red. "Did you love me?"
Annabeth wiped her tears away. "There was a time I thought . . . well, I thought . . ."
She looked at me, like she was drinking in the fact that I was still here. And I realized I was doing the same thing. The world was collapsing, and the only thing that really mattered to me was that she was alive.
"You were like a brother to me, Luke," she said softly. "But I didn't love you." He nodded, as if he'd expected it.
He winced in pain.
He looked to me with pain in his eyes yet for the first time since I knew him, I could see ease and rest in his eyes. They didn't seem fractured, angered or sunk in despair. He was content.
That was when it started. The roar was unearthly and primal. His eyes glowed golden and golden aura sprouted from his wound.
The three of us were thrown back and Luke or Kronos I guess rose to his feet shakily but his eyes betrayed his condition. They were filled with hatred and rage and he looked ready to kill me and rise my soul back and kill me again.
"JACKSON. YOU. YOU DID THIS. I WON'T LET YOU GO" he screeched in rage his voice so harsh and so loud it made my ears pop.
Right in front of me Luke grew a foot taller. He grew nails and his limbs became thin and gauntly a golden cloak was over his shoulder and he grew golden horns from his forehead onto either side of him instead of growing into the air. It looked some sort of unholy combination of Luke and Kronos's divine form. It was difficult to look at for too long.
My hand instinctively went to my pocket looking for Riptide as Achilles shield (a gift from my dad) activated. Riptide wasn't in my pocket. I held the shield ahead of me defiantly.
Kronos barked a cruel and boisterous laugh and looked on with a manic glint in his eyes.
"Die on your feet. I respect that, Jackson. Let's see" Kronos said as he attacked with his nail and that cloak which started behaving like some snake trying to wrap itself around me.
I did my best blocking and pushing with my shield as I looked around for something, anything to keep myself alive. Riptide was yet to return and I looked around as I pushed his cloak away and then I saw it lying at the hearth-Kronos's scythe.
I ducked under one of his nails but couldn't escape it glancing my face. I bit back my pain from the effect of the nails. They caused a searing pain at the point of scratch and the nails set a chill. I sensed losing the added protection of the Curse of Achilles leave me. I felt blood drip from my forehead nose and right cheek.
Kronos flew back and I dived for the weapon ignoring the effect of the injury and picked up the Scythe. I could feel an itch on my hand but I ignored it and faced Kronos down. He looked to the Scythe and gave me a manic grin and gestured me to attack.
The next three minutes were a blur of Scythes, Swords, Sheilds, Cloaks and Nails. At some point the Scythe went back to the familiar form of Backbiter and I used the Sword and Sheild to keep Kronos at bay. I got in two strikes with Backbiter but they didn't work on him like they did me even if I had the Curse of Achilles. I could still feel the impact and the swords soul effect to a very slight minimum. Kronos seemed completely unconcerned and unaffected by it.
After managing to deftly mauver out of the way of a crazed strike from Kronos's cloak, I ducked under and used the shield. I struck the Titan in his stomach and lifted him off using the shield. He got thrown into the air and feel a few feet away.
The blood flowing out of the dagger hit was reddish gold and Kronos's figure looked slightly malnourished. I didn't think to much and immediately attacked him at his neck not giving him the opportunity to get to his feet.
I jumped and covered the last three feet in air and the sword went through his neck as I landed by his head and the pavement cracked under the impact of my knee. I relished finishing Kronos for a few moments for everything he put me and my friend through.
The sword was through his neck though I didn't let go of it. I took a knee by his face and looked around to see that Annabeth and Grover were not moving and were stuck in place. I looked to the door of the Throne Room and I could vaguely make out the figures of the Gods running towards the door but they were stuck too. They were unmoving and for the first time since the fight started, I realized the two of us were the only people who were moving and still were the only people who were since I had stabbed him.
The horns came suddenly struck me to my left. I went skidding aside before I used Backbiter to stab into the ground and stop myself before I hit Ares's throne.
Kronos let out a manic laugh as he stood up. The harsh golden glow had lessened but his cold presence if anything grew stronger. The golden cloak had changed into a black one and a hood appeared over his head. Suddenly bony wings grew out from his back. They had no flesh or feathers on it. Only a bony frame. He took flight and flew in a circle before settling a foot above the ground floating.
"Ah, I have missed this form" said Kronos as he gave himself a look of appreciation and me a look that said drop dead right now or you will hope dropping and dying was merciful.
Me, I was still reeling from the wings and everything else from him. Backbiter was loose in my hand and I didn't know what was happening.
"You might as well loose the sword, grandson. The weapon won't work on me. It's mine," said Kronos laughing.
No one had moved an inch and it seemed he had no difficulty controlling stuff like before. Luke's face was slowly becoming unrecognizable. Criss cross scars were prominent on his face in multiple places.
Kronos laughed again. He was flying a little higher and spoke, "I see you have noticed. This a form I don't prefer. It reminds me that I am vulnerable to and I would rather not have it but the power from it is… well you can see for yourself" he said pointing to the gods. It looked like my father was the only one who looked like he was even fighting it. There was a slight struggle.
He followed my line of vision and said, "Ah, Poseidon."
He flew towards my father and I moved fast following him unsure why I was even doing it. He stood by him and I had a distinct memory of Jack Nicholson from The Shining due to his expression. He looked manic and out of his mind. I thought this form whatever it was made him more Crazy and Crooked.
"You always did resist me when I was normal. Only if you said yes left your siblings and joined me. We could have ruled the world. Damn you for your loyalty to Zeus and Zeus" he said and he turned around and I caught a glimpse so terrifying I was sure he was going to kill the King of the Gods right there.
"Zeus, I knew my children were ugly and I assumed you just looked like a rock. No, matter I am here we will finish what I couldn't do then" he said running his nail down Zeus's cheek scarring it.
I wasn't sure how he could eat him now but whatever.
"Eternal Maidens if Hestia hadn't done it I would have thought it stupid" said Kronos sneering at Lady Athena and Lady Artemis. His face was obscured by the hood but his cheek had no skin and the flesh was visible.
I looked back to the hearth to see Lady Hestia frozen too.
"I wonder if I can unfreeze Zeus's eyes and make him see as I have my way with his precious daughters," said Kronos as a hand a rotten horrifying and bony hand went towards Lady Athena.
"No," I spoke before I could think it through. My mind was searching for something to hold his interest as I looked to him completely terrified by what I was watching. Where were sarcastic quips when you need them?
"Percy, my grandson. I don't know if I have to feel sorry for you or respect you" said Kronos as he turned around and what I saw made me retch.
Kronos body was basically non existent except for the cloak that was hovering and covering everything in a shadow. His hands had rotten flesh on then and were unusually long like him. His horns were on a white flame that gave out no smoke or no light. It looked it seemed to eat the light up. His face was horrifying. There was no skin and the left corner had no flesh either only the skull and an empty socket. The other part was just half rotten or fresh red flesh. With the bone wings that looked similar to the one of Velociraptor he gave out the eerie sense that a grim reaper looked something similar to this.
The wound was still on his side. How did I know you ask? The place where the wound was there was a slight golden glow.
I had to squash down the urge to just bow down and lick his feet if he had any. I turned to my father's frozen form and I could have sworn he gave me a nod. With more confidence than I had I turned to Kronos who was getting some sick amusement out of this.
"Why do you respect me? What did I do to earn this great boon?" I asked the last part as sarcastically as I could muster which wasn't much given the pressure against my bladder.
"I may hold little regard for you parents but you demigod's selfless efforts to protect them are worthy of ...respect" but he said whole thing especially the respect word like it left a bad taste in his mouth.
"You didn't leave us much choice, did you? It was either help you kill our parents or be hunted to oblivion," I returned back hotly.
Kronos barked out a harsh and boisterous laugh, "Oh, it's good to have some one talk back to you. You can only take so much ass-kissing and boot-licking" said Kronos with tears of merriment in his cruel golden eyes. I was certain now. He was crazy.
"I though you would love having people kiss your ass" I said looking at him with a curiosity as ,my brain went reeling to fix this problem, I was in.
"Yes, I do. But you don't have to come to me to find out if you can eat or not. Honestly I miss Luke and Atlas they might defer to me but they knew what needed my attention and what didn't" he said looking to his side fondly.
"What happened to him, Luke?" I asked Kronos as soon as he was mentioned.
"This form needs a mortal connection to stay active. Luke will live as long as I am alive with this form," said Kronos.
The two of us took a few steps towards each other. Me down the staircase and Kronos towards me away from the Gods. Good, keep your concentration on me and not them, I thought.
"What is this form?" I asked him looking towards the corps like thing walking or eerily floating towards me.
"I can't tell you everything now can I Jackson. This form is special in many ways then you can ever imagine" He stopped for some time before adding in an afterthought "I might tell you if you join me" he said with a sly grin.
"Why do you even want me to join you? What do I have that you don't right now?" I asked exasperatedly. I know. I know. He is a Super Powerful Titan, Percy hold your tongue but sue me. I am sick and tired of him trying to buy me off be it power, knowledge and other stuff. I was exhausted mentally and physically. The wound on my face was still bleeding but I gave it no mind. I glared at the man and asked the man the one question I needed to know the answer too so I can finish him off. Before I could ask him, he spoke with a manic glint in his eye.
"Unquestioning Loyalty," said Kronos looking at me.
"What are you talking about?" I asked him broken out of my thoughts.
"What you can give me? Unquestioning Loyalty," said Kronos.
"Why the hell would I give it to you?" I asked him and I didn't like the look in his eye.
"You gave it to your father and you barely know the man. Honestly, the both of us have talked more than the two of you have. You fight for Olympus even though you know one of your Uncles cursed an innocent Oracle for no reason and the other one killed an innocent women for being with Hades. Look at all of them" Kronos said as he turned to the Gods and Goddesses stuck in time.
I didn't have pleasant memories with any of them bar my father and even those were very small. Apollo, Aphrodite, Athena, Ares, Artemis, Demeter, Dionysus, Hephaestus, Hera, Hermes, Poseidon and Zeus. Almost all of them threatened to kill me at some point. I remembered some of the horrifying things they did against demigods and other people in the Greek Mythology. Sure, some of them deserved it but not all of them.
I suddenly felt Kronos behind me as he whispered in my ear, "How can you say they are any better then me? You gave them your loyalty even with all these flaws. Give me the same knowing all my flaws and I promise you won't regret it."
For a terrifying second, I considered it. Backbiter loosened in my hand, the shield transformed into a watch and then I realized as bad as the Gods were Kronos would be worse. Even more so after I saw this thing he became. I tightened the hold on my sword as I felt a Riptide in my pocket. I hoped Riptide would work since Backbiter didn't and I pulled it out with my left hand and, in a flash, drove it into him.
I met no resistance and looked up into his eyes to see the same manic glint and a cruel smile. His lower body below his chest was basically air and he slapped me away with his hand. I went flying and crashed into a statue of Ares with twin swords in his hand. I had lost both swords on my flight. I woke up with a groan and the Curse of Achilles protected me but I was pretty sure I bruised my hip and dislocated my left shoulder.
I stood up unsurely on my feet and managed to rearrange my shoulder with a huge hiss of pain. I clutched it and looked up to see Kronos's figure flying towards me. I tucked and rolled under the figure and picked up one of the bronze swords of Ares's but not without hurting the shoulder probably.
I managed to parry away his nails, the wings and the goddamn cloak with the sword but it was no use. I could barely keep up with the situation I was in. I was constantly on the defensive and moving back as I had to listen to Kronos try to buy me off or tell me with absolute glee the torture, he would put the Gods through. Some of them honestly sickened me. He is not crazy. He is a psychopath.
I tripped over a piece of marble as I was doing so and fell to the ground. Kronos stood over me triumphantly. Backbiter came to Kronos at his call and he lifted it up primed to strike and I was ready for my death. I looked into his eyes ready to meet it without any fear.
"For what it is worth, I am sorry to see you die Perseus Achilles Jackson you made a fine hero and I regret not being able to convert you and having to bow down to this measure" said Kronos I could see genuine regret on his face. It shocked me for a second before that grin was back. I crawled a few steps back and Kronos seemed to enjoy the fear I felt due to that grin.
I felt water under me as I walked back. It was saltwater and I could feel my strength returning rapidly. I looked up at Kronos who started to bring the sword down. I made a stream of water to emerge and hit the Kronos. Kronos was shocked by the sudden attack and didn't have time to phase out. The water came fast and threw him far away.
I looked back to see the water had come from my father's Trident and I knew I had his support.
I picked up Backbiter that had fallen down and checked and to my immense relief Riptide was back in my pocket but neither of the swords worked normally on him. Until the water, I didn't even manage to actually hit him. Until the water, that was it. I needed a sure and sudden shot and that was what I was going to do.
Kronos was up again and he looked pissed. He flew at so fast I barely had time to dodge him and the next barrage of attacks I could barely defend myself against. He relented on one of his strikes and that was all the opening I needed. I sidestepped a hit from his nails ducked under a wing and drove Backbiter through him as I rose up. Both those things happened so suddenly and so fast Kronos didn't have time to react but like last time it passed through him like he was air.
I was thrown away like a rag doll after this. I managed to clutch Backbiter through my flight and managed to land a little more gracefully than last time (meaning I managed to land on my ass rather than crash into something). I got up after a few seconds with a new plan that had even lesser chances of success then the last one.
I looked to Kronos and back at the sword and grunted in frustration. I swung it around like a maniac and then hit it with my hand repeating the words "Why won't you work?"
Kronos looked highly amused by this and stopped in his steps to look at me. It was hard to look wary and defeated when you have hope something you planned might work (like 0.001%) work but I managed it.
"I told you Jackson, that weapon is mine. It can't hurt me. All I have to do is wish it so," he said with a grin that was highly unsettling yet it conveyed his amusement. It made my skin crawl.
"It worked already didn't it. I mean, my dad and my uncles cut you up with your own Scythe. That was the story" I told in hopes that like all super villains Kronos would reveal his weakness by monologuing while looking slightly surprised at the slip up
It seems I got my wish.
"That Weapon only works with my blessing or if you have my essence. Luke could use it because I allowed him to menaing I gave him my blessing. Your dad and uncle could use it because they had my essence too" he said as if it made perfect sense.
"That makes no sense, I am your grandson. I have your essence too. It should work" I said unsurely still looking at the sword.
"It's not like you can do anything if you know anyway. You have your father's essence. Your father is a known God with his domains but during the Titanomachy he was just an immortal with no domains. He was my son and had my essence," he said in explanation.
"Oh, so basically there is no way for you to die" I said dumbly as Kronos nodded. My mind was reeling with possibilities. Something, Anything please.
"Yes, Now, I have had my fun, so let's kill you and finish your father's and uncle's next" he said dismissively and waved his hand and I flew into his grasp. He held me by the neck and started squeezing.
My eyes started watering and it got difficult to breathe. I started getting dizzy and could feel blood and the searing pain due to the nails where they dug into my shoulder. Essence. That was the only word I concentrated on and looked to see the wound on his left from the dagger. Kronos's essence in Luke. Without thinking without knowing I struck my left hand into the wounds.
The howl that followed from both of us one of immense pain. Kronos dropped me and started withering on the ground after falling over. I flapped around with him and held hard even though it felt like liquid fire was coursing through my wound. I could barely stay awake but I persisted. I could quiet literally see his essence flowing in my blood vessels now. They were gold and silver in colour. The flow caused a burning pain and what followed it was a horrible chill and cold making you shudder.
After what felt like forever but was a minute and half Kronos threw me aside. He stood up and scowled at me but I couldn't care less. There was a chance now. I knew and he knew and he called Backbiter to him as I pulled out Riptide.
What followed could only be described as absolute carnage. We wrecked all of Olympus. Buildings were levelled, shops were destroyed and statues were ripped apart. Kronos wasn't tiring and my father filled the whole floor of Olympus with water so neither was I. Backbiter didn't have the same effect it once did and like for Kronos it either glanced or passed through but I wasn't making much progress with Riptide either.
It was then that I saw the opening and I thought the fates were surely having a laugh. While Kronos was a good Swordsmen whose swordplay was honed by the inclusion of Luke's talents, he relied a little too much on speed. He held his sword a little looser then general and made sure to reduce distance and try to poke his opponent full of holes.
This was perfect for me since the move I was going to use was the one Luke had thought me first and I put it into motion. I parried two of his strikes and gave him a few swings of my own which he mostly dodged and one he parried. He tried to close the distance like general and I moved towards him to my sword held higher than necessary and his room to move was reduced by a little too much.
I took the chance of his indecision and struck immediately a few overhead strikes and by instinct Kronos bought it to the perfect height to block and for me to make my move for the next strike. I slipped by his guard and the sword hit his hilt and I put all my strength into the move. Backbiter slipped and clattered to the ground and I held Kronos at sword point. I immediately picked Backbiter up and I made an X with my sword and Backbiter at the Time Lord's neck. We were both breathing heavily and the Kronos had a grin on his face and I realized why. Neither swords would work. I acted immediately.
I pulled Riptide away and plunged it into his Achilles heel and Kronos looked surprised by the move before letting out an earth-shattering roar of pain as I got thrown back by a long distance.
I still had Backbiter in my hand as I stood up a few seo=conds and Kronos was withering on the ground and screaming. It was a rather comical sight the grim reaper like form spinning around the ground and letting sscreaming his lungs out. He managed to pull Riptide out and throw it aside.
"Percy" screamed my dad's voice followed by Zeus's angry burst of pain from the scar probably. They were free from the time lock. The wings were gone. He was transforming back.
My father was running towards me followed by a worried looking Lady Hestia and a concerned looking Hades.
Athena moved towards Kronos's withering form closely followed by Artemis and Hermes. Zeus was being tended to by Hera and Apollo. Before I could look for Annabeth and Grover I was taken into an embrace by my father.
The first hug in sixteen years and it didn't disappoint. It was warm inviting and protective. It felt wonderful and Backbiter dropped from my hand as it went around my dad. I tried my best not to cry.
"I am so proud Percy. Of what you did. I am so very proud," said Poseidon in a very fatherly tone.
I moved away from the embrace as he held me at hands length and looked to me. The both for us were almost the same height with him having an inch on me. I looked into those turbulent sea green eyes and like mine where so many emotions were warring but the most prominent one was protectiveness and pride.
"Thank you," I said after managing to collect my voice.
"No, Percy. Thank you," said Poseidon.
"You gave us some many scares brat. When my dad held you by his neck. I thought you were done for," said Hades.
"Hades be nice," said Hestia in chiding tone while looking me over. She passed her hand over the scar on my face and neck and I felt heat over them but not like Kronos's searing one these were comforting. I looked over the God of Underworld who looked possibly chastised. I could feel the clotted injuries seal.
"They will scar," she said after her inspection of her work. "They came directly from my father. They won't fade," she finished
"How do you know that? Why are you here?" I asked Hades looking to him about his comment.
"Your father is a smart man. The water under our feet was helping and we were all trying to break free. A few more minutes and we would have. As for the second question, you were right brat. I had to do something different if I wanted to earn their respect," said Lord Hades.
"Took you long enough," said Poseidon from beside me with a hand on my shoulder.
"Poseidon," said Hestia in a warning tone as she gave a warm smile to the God of the Underworld, "They always respected you Hades" she told him which caused him to perk up. Hestia didn't lie. She never did.
"Even when I was creepy and difficult" said Hades looking around at all the gods in their own pockets discussing things. Hephasetus with Athena and Aphrodite walking around and planning. Ares and Apollo standing with Hermes comforting him over Luke's death. Demeter Dionysus and Persephone were discusisng the organisation of a party.
"Especially then. It managed shut Zeus up," said my dad causing a boisterous laugh from Hades. It was such an odd sight coming from the gloomy God of the Underworld.
"Percy," screamed Annabeth's anguished voice from the stairs and I looked to her being helped down by Grover. From the corner of my eye I could make out Athena's tight form and feel her disapproval.
"Go to her. I will deal with Bird Brain," said Poseidon with a nod and a smile.
I ran towards them but not before hearing Hades say, "Now that is a fight I am looking forward to,"
I took the two of them into a hug as soon as I reached them. We were joined by another person and I looked around to see it was Thalia.
We pulled away after a few seconds and I looked around to see Grover was exhausted but in good spirits and Thalia was limping holding a crutch but looked fine. I turned to Annabeth and she seemed to be taking me in as intently as I was her. She looked positively radiant due to the smile on her face.
"We will leave you two it," said Thalia leading a confused Grover away.
I was slightly angry for what Thalia did but also very glad. This was difficult enough as it is. I didn't need an audience.
I looked to her mesmerizing stormy grey eyes and felt my words die in my mouth. My tongue started knotting itself and my stomach was performing backflips as it was filled with butterflies. My hands got clammy and I could feel my heartbeat in my mouth.
"I…" Annabeth started but looked unsure of what to say but her eyes said enough. So, I took the first step. I pulled her closer and kissed her.
She was surprised at first but that was gone fast enough as she started to kiss me back. Her lips were soft and wonderful had a taste similar of fresh strawberries. They felt great on mine as she kissed me hard. I could feel her teeth graze my lips as her hands move into my hair to pull me in closer. I snaked my arms around her waist and pulled her closer. She gave a delighted moan of excitement at my actions.
I could hear a girlish squeal from some where behind and while some applause was audible. Gods did she always smell so great or is it just the kissing I though as I took in her alluring scent from her hair. When I sought entry with my tongue I wasn't denied. If anything, it seems I was encouraged going by how hard she was holding and pushing my face. Our tongues met and it was the most wonderful thing I had ever felt. I fought for dominance in a loosing battle against her tongue.
That thing was like a snake. Moving around swiftly and precisely. She had mine pinned down as she made my mouth her home and explored the whole place. Not one to be outdone my hands went a few inches down from her waist to her ass. I just placed them there nothing else but the change was enough for Annabeth to lose her war path momentarily and give me the chance to counterattack and examine her mouth. My tongue didn't meet any resistance as I did what she did to me. My hand wasn't objected if anything she seemed to be enjoying it.
The need for air finally allowed us to break free. My hands went back to her waist and hers stayed around my neck. She looked flustered and breathless. Her hair was dishevelled and she was smiling a shy and innocent smile at me. How that smile made me want to kiss her again I didn't know or how I stopped myself I didn't know and it still is a mystery to me.
She brought one of her hands away from my neck and ran it over my scar on my face. Looking at her eyes, I knew what I wanted to say to her. For this woman, I would go to Tartarus. For this woman I would go to Sea of Monsters. For this woman, I would listen to Apollo's Haiku's. I would die if it gave me more time with her. I loved her with all my heart and that's what I was about to tell her when the scream sounded.
"JACKSON. I AM DONE WITH YOU," said the Voice of the deranged Time Lord. I instinctively moved in front of Annabeth. I could see my dad moving towards me along with Hades coming towards me. Ares appeared right on top of Kronos but got blasted away by the Mad Titan for his efforts.
"IF I AM DYING, I AM TAKING YOU WITH ME," he came at me so fast I couldn't do anything. He held me by the shoulder's and started to self-implode. I looked to see Backbiter not lying far away. I opened my hand hoping the essence thing will allow me to summon it since I couldn't move much.
Backbiter moved to my hand and the moment that happened Kronos imploded into a bright golden light with a cold edge to it.
"Percy," was the last word I heard from Annabeth before I lost conscious.
I woke up to a big shaggy black dog licking my face wherever he could. I pushed the dog away but he came back onto me.
"Come Perseus Achilles Jackson," said a voice to my left.
"We have much to do," said another from the right direction and I turned towards. There floating in the air were the old hags called Fates.
"There is much that needs to be done too," said the middle Fate.
"Padfoot stop smotthering the boy," said the left fate the dog took a seat beside me looking at the three of them sadly and resignedly as if they were the biggest spoil sports ever.
"Stop calling us hags, Perseus," said the right Fate and I gulped. What the hell is happening and what the hell happened.