Day 153- The Harvest
The hills of Camp Jupiter bursted with color as the stifling heat of summer turned to the relative cool of autumn. Percy walked out of his apartment in New Rome, pulling his rain jacket over his head to block out the steady drizzle of rain. Stella stepped out directly into a puddle, uncaring of the rain in her new raincoat and rain boots provided by a sweet elderly couple in New Rome. She skipped out in front of him, careful to always stay within eyesight but content to explore the puddles herself.
They'd moved into the two bedroom apartment over the summer in order to take advantage of the kitchen. The legionnaires and Greek campers were eating in the barracks, but Percy and the other council members' schedules were so off that he rarely had time to eat with them. Their new bedroom had a kitchen, carefully stocked with the ration box that the residents of New Rome got every week.
That had been a disaster at first. He'd helped his mom with what he could as a kid, but he'd never been allowed to cook anything that came near Smelly Gabe's mouth, and after he'd been taken care of Percy spent most of his time at camp or drowning in catch-up school work. Cooking had never been at the top of his list. And with food carefully rationed, he couldn't afford to mess up. Luckily, Reyna had stepped in and mercilessly taught him to make something edible for himself and Stella. He still thought his baby sister enjoyed his one week away, however, because she got to eat with Hazel and Reyna, who were admittedly still much better at cooking than he was.
He nodded to the residents of New Rome as he walked through the city border and out to the Fields of Mars. The sunflower field, the Field of Mars, and every available space between the hills and Camp had been terraced and filled with crops. Katie and Jeremy, with the help of Marcus and Atia and the blessing of a still very weak Demeter had transformed the inside of the Camp into a bounty of provisions.
Hazel and Jason waved at him from the far side of the Principalis. They'd left the small bit of grass between the barracks and the Caldecott Tunnel free for training, and half the legion was there now practicing their tight-space maneuvers. The other half was spread over the hills, harvesting their bounty. Hundreds of baskets of corn, potatoes, wheat, and every fruit and vegetable imaginable were plucked from the hills and taken to the barracks, where they'd converted a number of now-empty buildings into storehouses and food prep zones.
Though they hadn't yet managed to set up secure supply lines, he thought they'd done well providing what they could for themselves.
Percy caught Reyna's eye on his way as he strode towards the Tunnel. She excused herself from the harvesting operation and strode purposefully to him.
"You're off again?" she said, displeasure evident in her voice. Reyna disliked anything that kept the council members from camp. It was a valid concern. Not only did more work fall on the remaining counselors that way, but the outside world was only getting more dangerous. Their last team sent to protect the latest attempt at a medicine shipment had never returned, and the council didn't have the resources to send out a recovery party.
The professors at New Rome University and Reyna had tried every possible combination to get a solid supply line with goods they couldn't produce on their own into camp, but between monster attacks and the complete chaos of the mortal world, only one shipment had gotten in all summer. They were lucky that ambrosia and nectar had been stockpiled in the camp for years to help with battle-related injuries, but that didn't help the mortals who were in New Rome with them.
"It's my week in Atlantis, Reyna. I'll be back soon". Percy smiled as Stella hung off his arm like a monkey.
"I know," Reyna worried her lip.
"Do you need me here? I know it's a bad time with the harvest just starting..." Amphitrite would kill him, but the camp and his friends came first, so if they needed him, he'd stay.
Reyna snorted and gave him a look that told him he was being stupid, "We can survive without you for a week, Jackson. We do it once a month". She turned serious, "Plus, what you're learning down there is invaluable. The military tactics you've taught the legion and the terracing irrigation system from Atlantis have already helped us tremendously".
"Then what is it? That isn't your thank goodness Percy's leaving me alone for a week face".
Reyna sighed, "I have another task I want you to do while you're out".
He pried Stella off his arm, kneeling down to look her in the eyes, "Reyna needs to talk to me before I leave. Can you go over a little early and show Hazel your new rain clothes?"
It said something to how far they'd progressed over the last few months that Stella merely nodded, hugging him tight and loudly whispering, "Come home safe and bring me some candy please" before running over to the legion, splashing in every puddle along the way.
Percy rose and turned back to Reyna, who was viewing him with something between amusement and regret. "You want me to go looking for Butch, Angelica, and Felix. You think the monsters who attacked the supply caravan left them alive?"
"We can't afford to send anyone out to look right now. We have to get all this food sorted and continue to defend the camp," Reyna walked with him to the entrance of the tunnel, "I can't just leave them though, so if you could look that'd be great. But that's not what I was thinking of, actually. I want you to try to establish a supply line".
Percy frowned. Logistics weren't his thing. He was lucky he even knew the basics of supply chain, there was no way he could match the combined minds of New Rome University and the Legion. "From where? I thought we'd exhausted all our options until we can find a route that isn't crawling with monsters".
"We have a legionnaire in Japan who works at a pharmaceutical company. I want to get medical supplies through Atlantis to Camp Jupiter. You can escort them every month".
Percy stared at her, "That's actually a good idea. Muir is going to flip out and then be proud because I'm totally claiming this idea as my own. You can't change that now".
Reyna laughed, startling Percy. She didn't laugh much even before the Blip, but with the loss of half their camp, she'd not laughed for a long time. Percy guessed that with crops on the way and a decent hold on their little slice of the world, she was starting to relax, one day at a time. "You think they'll go for it?"
Percy shrugged, "They're always encouraging me to "think like a leader" and "try to find a solution that isn't just killing the monster responsible", I think he'll just be glad I'm trying something new this week".
He frowned. Sounds like their contact had things sorted in Japan and they were waiting on the San Francisco side, but "We'll have to get it to Atlantis first".
Reyna clapped him on the back, "I came up with the first part, you figure out the second. If you're going to take credit you at least need to do part of the work".
Percy couldn't argue with that, "Sounds fair. I think we could figure something out, although we'll need to be willing to trade something with them".
"Just Iris message me" Reyna promised, then shoved him out the door, "Go on, Percy, you've got a busy week ahead of you. And you have to be back by Sunday for the council meeting".
Percy looked over his shoulder as he left, taking the image of a green, thriving camp with him as he ventured into the mortal world once more.
Day 155 - The Reaping
Percy was having a really good day until Delphin shoved a trident in his arms.
Muir had loved the supply line idea, and agreed to have a team of whales under the supervision of Atlanteans transport a shipping crate from Tokyo to Atlantis, where Percy could then direct a team of dolphins to bring it into San Francisco Bay.
"You still need practice working with the ocean and its creatures" Amphitrite had agreed bluntly, "This will provide training for both you and our younger warriors who will guard the shipment".
He'd even made some progress on that front with her yesterday.
"You reach out your hand and expect the ocean to do your bidding," Amphitrite swam around him as they stood on a cliff overlooking Atlantis, speaking only in the tongue of the naiads, "And it's as if you said words in the human tongue. It doesn't understand what you want; even here, where the ocean is eager to please".
"I never had trouble with that before," Percy frowned, "Lady Amphitrite, we've been working together for four months and I still don't fully understand. My father is gone, but I can still do everything I could before, it's just harder. Shouldn't it be all or nothing?"
Amphitrite for her part didn't look upset by his lack of understanding, "Very little in this world is all or nothing, Perseus. Let me tell you a story that might help".
"Long ago, and this part of the story you know, Posideon and his brothers deposed their father, Kronos. They divided up the earth between the underworld, the sea, and the skies. Though taming those kingdoms was difficult for all, the seas proved the most troublesome. Poseidon's personality was suited for the sea. He was adaptable, able to be kind in one second and ruthless in the next, as the sea itself was. However, of all the primordials and Titans, my father Okeanos chose to remain neutral in my grandmother and uncle's dealings with the gods and goddesses. That did not mean he was content to just turn over his domain to an upstart young king".
Oceanus's name flowed in the naidic tongue, and Percy had an impression of an ancient depth, slow to both anger and kindness. Percy thought over the story, then frowned, "The myths say he willingly gave up his throne to Poseidon''.
Amphitrite sighed, "They are not totally wrong. Aunt Rhea had convinced him that standing against the gods was folly. He did not want to go to war, certainly not after his siblings had been defeated. But he was proud of his influence and power. He'd worked hard as a young man for what he had, and even though he was glad to be rid of the effort and responsibility, he wanted a hand in the way things were done in this new kingdom. So he offered Posideon a wife".
Percy raised an eyebrow, "That's a little demeaning, isn't it?"
Amphitrite actually gave him a real, though tiny, smile, "I certainly thought so, especially after Posideon selected me. I ran from him and attempted to seek refuge with Atlas. But I was raised in the household of Okeanos," her chin lifted with pride, "And we were born to rule the unruly seas. I understood the merits of my father's plans, once I stopped running long enough to consider them. Delphin himself helped me see that. Then I met Poseidon and, well, I discovered I was indeed very good at ruling the unruly seas".
Percy laughed, "I can tell".
"When our rule was very young, the seas didn't listen to Poseidon either. He had the blessing of Okeanos but he didn't have its respect. This led to frustration as sometimes it was very easy to rule and other times, the depths exploded into civil war".
"How did he tame the ocean then?" Percy was intently listening now, drawn in by his own family history and the possibility of a solution to his struggles.
"Time, Percy, time and patience. He took my advice and listened to the seas, understood their natures and their currents. Only then could he direct them. Sometimes, young demigod, it's easier to go with the currents in order to achieve your goals, rather than forcing them to your will. There's more than one way to accomplish a task".
"He always seemed so effortless though".
"He was, eventually. It's like reading the language of the naids. At first it is difficult and you have to focus on every word fragment. But now, it's second nature to you". Amphitrite stopped in front of him, "Listen to the currents, Perseus. Understand them. Then, when you need them, they'll be there".
She reached her hand down towards the city barrier, where a team of mermen were attempting to untangle a fish who'd become caught during the last sea storm. Instantly, small tendrils of water separated from the currents and reached towards the fish. The mermen stepped back, watching as Amphitrite directed her thin strings into the complicated web of the city barrier, surgically removing barbs until the fish was free to swim away.
She turned to Percy, "Now you replace the barbs I removed".
He nodded, closing his eyes in order to feel the rhythm of the sea. It was easier here in Atlantis than in the open ocean, but it still struggled against him.
"You're not listening, Perseus. Every few minutes something happens. Can you tell me what it is?"
He scrunched his eyebrows together. What could she be talking about? Until he felt it.
"The current backpedals when it hits the city barrier" he realized. He waited the one more cycle, then reached to the water on its back current and separated it into tendrils, allowing the returning current to push the barrier's barbed pieces back into place.
"Good job". Amphitrite looked almost smug, her arms crossed over her chest. "You may have some potential yet, Perseus".
Percy, against his will, felt a satisfied blush rise to his cheeks.
"But that's only half of it," Amphitrite said, serious once more, "Do you remember when you were in Atlantis during our battle with my father? Okeanos?"
Percy stared at her, "Yes, but I thought we were pretending that didn't happen".
Amphitrite glared at him, "Do not be facetious. Posideon and I joined forces to protect Atlantis".
"That's right, he looked better when you were helping him". Percy stared at her, "Are you suggesting that you need to help me in order for me to use the ocean again?"
She gave him a very unimpressed glare, which Percy took to mean that he was not correct.
"I have a deep and ancient connection to the seas. I am a naiad, daughter of a Primordial. When I calm the seas, I use the part of myself that was born of Okeanos, my heritage".
Amphitrite stood in front of him once more. She looked as she had since the Blip; drawn and exhausted, a testament to the amount of effort she was putting into keeping Poseidon's domain under control. Then, her eyes started to glow. Her hair grew as black as the depths of the sea and her skin the color of coral. The water spun around her with ease as she wove complex patterns around them, a sickly green filling in the gaps. The spectacle was so extravagant that he could see some of the guards below staring up at them. This wasn't her true form; he would have been vaporized, demigod or not. But this was a peek, a shadow of her power and might and majesty.
"This is a part of myself, Perseus," her voice boomed, around him, as if he was in a dome. "This is the goddess and titaness and primordial that lives inside of me".
The color slowly bled out of her as the waters calmed and she returned to her normal form. "I have the legacy of titans and primordials inside me. So did Posideon. I showed him how to tap into his titan heritage and the blessing of my primordial father in order to rule the seas the way you've seen in your short mortal life".
Percy was still in a bit of a haze, but he felt the need to clarify, "But you said to listen to the currents, to not use brute force".
"There is a time and a place for everything. Don't use brute force when you can ride the currents. But not all of the seas are welcoming or kind or even ambivalent. The depths hold monsters and forces not seen by mortal eyes for thousands of years. In order to tame the ocean, you sometimes need to put something powerful in its place".
Amphitrite motioned to him, indicating their lesson was at an end and they should return to the city, "Look at me, Perseus. Do I look better now than I did before I used that part of myself?"
Percy hesitated. His mother and Annabeth had taught him how to answer this question, but he sensed the goddess was trying to teach him a lesson, "No?"
"There is a cost to all power. I can use the goddess part of myself far more easily and with less fatigue than tapping into my heritage. I'm cut off from my father, from my grandmother and grandfather. There isn't a limited pool of their influence, per se, but it is like funneling a massive force of water through a mortal garden hose. If you do it for too long and too often, the hose will crack. You're cut off from your father now, Perseus. Your powers are your own, but anytime you did something impossible, you were tapping his godhood. Now, you're cut off. If you want to do the same thing, you have to tap the part of him that's in yourself. That could lead to even more power than before, but it comes with greater risk".
Percy frowned as he swam hard to keep up with her, "The hose will crack? That doesn't sound like something I want to do".
The queen of the oceans snorted, "Certainly not. That is why you must dedicate yourself when you are down here. I need to know that you can handle it when the time comes".
She lifted her chin, "You may not have primordial and titan blood in you, but Poseidon's blood runs through your veins. If you can prove your worthiness and dedication to the seas, I will teach you as I taught him".
So Percy was feeling pretty good about himself when they came back to Atlantis, until Delphin met them at the gates and shoved the offending trident into Percy's arms. He struggled not to drop it as Delphin turned to Amphitrite.
"My Queen, my apologies. We found them".
Amphitrite frowned deeply, "They're in the ocean?"
Delphin shook his head, "They're in a large, polluted building on the shore. Conveniently placed, however, so that our scouts could see it".
Amphitrite shook her head, "I don't like this, Delphin. It's a set up".
"My Lady, I'm sorry, but if it is, I think it's already been tripped".
"What's going on?" Percy asked, trident under control. Delphin glared at him, something unfamiliar from the stern but kindly immortal.
"Start your katas. You have much progress to make with the trident now that you can fight underwater without looking like a newborn cyclops".
Percy opened his mouth to argue, or even just defend himself, but he found himself facing an equally serious glare from Amphitrite.
"Fine, I'll just go over there and stab nothing while you talk about incredibly important things".
Amphitrite had the audacity to pat him on the head then wave him off. Rude.
He forced himself through the strenuous exercises Delphin had assigned to get used to the flow and weight of the trident while listening to the rapidly escalating conversation between immortals. Well, trying to listen. They were very good at not being overheard. Finally, they walked over to him, expressions serious enough that even he didn't think about complaining.
"My Lady? General?"
Amphitrite sighed, "Against our better judgment, we have a task for you".
Percy stood up straighter, trident falling to his side, "Really? Me? I mean," he hastily amended at their unimpressed looks, "Yes, of course My Lady, whatever you need".
"We sent our scouts to look for your missing camp friends. They found them".
Percy's eyes widened, his heart pounding in his chest, "That's...amazing! Thank you!"
Delphin shivered uncomfortably, which Percy had learned meant he was uncomfortable with the situation, "Perseus, we found them in a warehouse in Seattle, right along the ocean. The warehouse was not well guarded, but far enough inland that our scouts had a hard time making an accurate assessment".
Percy hesitated. Why would monsters keep demigods so close to the ocean? They knew he was still alive. Maybe they feared the hunters or Hazel more and were trying to avoid open ground or dense forest. Why would they keep demigods alive at all?
"It's a trap, isn't it? That's what you were talking about. They're drawing someone out. Me, presumably, since it's near the ocean and not, like, underground or something".
Delphin nodded, "The monsters are watching your camp. They see you leave every month and disappear under the ocean. It's a valid assumption that they know that you are here, and that we will be looking for your demigod friends".
"What's the point though?" Percy asked. He honestly didn't know what they would gain. His father was gone, so he couldn't be used against Poseidon. He loved his friends, but they wouldn't be foolish enough to make a trade for him. And he was already gone from camp, so if the monsters were planning an attack, they could just attack while he was in Atlantis.
"We're not sure" Amphitrite admitted, "And that makes us nervous. However much I hate to admit it, you have potential Perseus. I can't keep this up forever. Even Posideon had myself and Triton and Delphin to help him".
She took a deep breath as if steadying herself, "I didn't want to tell you this, but your father's throne is cracking deeply, and will continue to do so. I need to stabilize it, but I can't go to Olympus because I'm needed to stabilize the seas. Hestia was right, I need your help. And if you spring this trap and the goal is to kill you, I won't be able to help you".
Percy nodded thoughtfully, "But they have the campers? Butch, Felix, Angelica?"
"Yes". Amphitrite fixed him with a cold gaze, "I will not stop you. But if you perish, know that you doom the seas and Olympus and the Earth".
Percy closed his eyes. He knew Amphitrite wouldn't tell him this if it weren't true and absolutely necessary. He knew also that he still had a ways to go before he was ready to hold down the fort. But the campers trusted him, they were his responsibility too. They were his responsibility before the seas ever had been.
He opened his eyes, decision made. Amphitrite nodded, aware of his decision without him having to say anything, "I knew you would choose this. It is why you are a good leader, but it is also why you would make a terrible god. Delphin will escort you as far as he can go. If you desire to bring the campers back through the ocean, he will give them a blessing in order to easily traverse the seas".
Percy bowed, swallowing hard. Amphitrite noticed, and placed a hand on his shoulder, "It seems our week has been cut short. Return to your camp after your mission. But if you survive, I expect you to have practiced before our next meeting to make up for lost time".
"Thank you, my lady" Percy rose, and started towards the open ocean with Delphin, a squad of mermen falling in behind them. The god of dolphins frowned at him, then indicated for a merman to take the trident Percy held. Percy raised an eyebrow questioningly. Delphin nodded, "I was perhaps unkind, but you are not ready to wield this weapon yet. I'll send it back with you to camp to train. For this task, use your sword".
Percy nodded. He was always more comfortable with Riptide than any other weapon. Delphin looked at the squad around them, speaking in Mermish. Percy hadn't mastered that language yet, but the meaning was clear. They each placed a hand on the immortal, who closed his eyes. The seas seemed to shift around them as Delphin found a strong current and pulled. The closest thing Percy could compare it to was shadow-travel, though the mechanics were more like Flash-level ocean swimming. In any case, they were at their destination in thirty short minutes. The currents deposited them in the shallows.
Delphin nodded to Percy, "Perseus, we will wait here for you, but know we cannot help until you make it to the ocean".
"I know," Percy grimaced, "I won't be long".
"See that you are not. I would hate for all the training I put into you to go to waste". At that moment, Delphin looked every one of his ancient years.
Percy merely gave him the Atlantean salute; touching the point of his sword to his heart then across his forehead. "Η νίκη μου να είναι και δική σου".
Percy turned inland, letting the waves bring him in gradually, taking the time to let his legs adjust to land. He could feel the oppressive smog and humidity, could see pinpricks of electricity in the city on the horizon. But his business was on the docks tonight.
The warehouse stood before him, ominous only in its supposed abandonment. Percy ghosted forward, choosing stealth over speed. The demigods had been here for at least three days, another thirty minutes wouldn't hurt them, but a mistake on his part could.
He could hear the tell tale growls of harpies and the grunts of cyclops. This was a coordinated effort, not a few packs of rogue monsters. He couldn't make out what they were saying, but his path to the second floor appeared to be clear.
He padded up the metal staircase, cringing when the structure groaned under his weight. But the monsters didn't pause their argument, so he continued onwards. When he hit the second floor, he dropped to his knees, sliding to the railing and peering over the side.
He could see a horde of monsters standing in the warehouse below. Two demigods were strung up on what looked like an abandoned assembly line. Butch and Angelina. Percy could see blood dripping from where their arms were held above their heads by thick celestial bronze chains. He'd have to think of something to break those.
Sitting in a large metal chair was a man wrapped in a dark gray robe. He fingered a wicked looking curved blade, not even wincing when it drew a bead of ichor in his fingertip. His features were mostly concealed under a hood, but Percy could see the angular jut of his chin and the sharp point of his nose.
Percy moved softly to the edge of the railing behind the two demigods and swung down, careful to land on the balls of his feet and roll quickly behind the assembly line. He made more noise than he meant to, but he was always more sensitive to noise after being underwater for a long period of time. None of the monsters seemed to notice. His plan was going well, considering he didn't really have a plan other than get every demigod out alive, when he stepped on something.
It didn't make much noise, but he heard the monsters' conversation stutter. He froze, relaxing a bit when their argument started up again until he looked down.
Felix laid below his right foot, empty eyes staring up at him. Dried blood ran down his face from a massive dent in his head. Percy gagged, trying not to vomit. The son of Mercury was covered with blood, his body broken and bleeding. But worst of all, his feet were missing, legs ending at roughly cut ankles.
"I see you've discovered our welcome present. Sorry for not wrapping it, but that would defeat the purpose," the hooded man called out from his chair.
Percy reached down and closed Felix's eyes, whispering, "Ave, lapsus heros". Then he stepped out in front of the monsters and god waiting for him.
"Can't say I'm a fan," Percy snarked, shoving his rage down deep inside where it wouldn't reveal itself too early. "You could have just left a note if you wanted my attention so badly".
"Where's the panache in that?" the man stood. He was easily over six feet tall, with a lean stature but from his movements, Percy could tell he was a fighter. His curved blade was returned to a sheath on his back, a twin blade already sheathed on the other side.
"Well, you've got my attention now," Percy didn't stop moving, careful to keep Butch and Angelina as well as the immortal in his eyesight. He could hear monsters shifting behind him, but his greater concern was the man in front of him. "You can let them go, and we can have a chat".
The man laughed, a genuine deep chested laugh that grated on Percy's nerves. "Do you not recognize me, young demigod? I suppose you were a bit distracted when we last met".
Percy sighed, "I've met a lot of people, forgotten a lot of people. It's nothing personal".
The man waved a hand dismissively, "No offense taken. There were many of us there that day at Nyx's palace. My siblings got a bit beside themselves. You should know that I won't be that easily fooled by tourism plans".
Percy continued to circle the immortal, but his heart raced in alarm. A child of Nyx. This could be very bad. "Thanks man, I'll remember that. Just out of curiosity, how did you get out of Tartarus?"
The man smiled mischievously, "Oh, I had some help. It's not really that hard right now, with things the way they are. Even with the help of his minions, Hades can't watch everywhere at once".
"Hmmm". Percy looked over at the campers. They didn't look good, but they were alive. That was something. "I'm assuming you want something from me, given the easy passage into your hideout and the fact that two of my friends are still alive".
The man pulled another chair across from the oversized one he had previously lounged in, gesturing for Percy to sit. Percy snorted, "No offense man, but I think I'll stand".
He smiled, a sharp and pointed thing, and gestured to the chair once again, "I think you're aware of exactly how serious I am, based on your evaluation of the situation. I won't ask again. Sit, Perseus Jackson, and chat with me".
Percy sat.
The man sat across from him, bridging his long thin fingers, "I've been in Tartarus a long time, Perseus. So very long. I didn't mind it as much as my siblings do. I like my mother and rarely had to venture out into the desolate wasteland of Tartarus. However, I've been waiting and planning this day for even longer than I've been trapped there. I made a promise once, and even the Fates can't undo something once I've decreed it".
Percy stared at him warily, "I know you. Moros".
The man chuckled, "Very good. Took you a while, but, better late than never". He leaned forward so his eyes were only inches away from Percy's, "You know why I'm here then? It's traditional".
"What's traditional?" Percy's mouth was suddenly full of cotton. He swallowed, trying to hide his unease. Based on the god in front of him, he was doing a terrible job.
"I told Zeus this day would come. He threw me in Tartarus, like that would do anything to stop it. Olympus is weaker than it's ever been. The mortal world is in chaos, the barriers between all worlds are frighteningly thin, including Tartarus". Moros shook his head, "I warned everyone. Olympians, Amun-Ra's brood, our trite brothers and sisters to the north. I even warned the mortals. Sent visions of a threat to Tony Stark, created paranoia among the Avengers. Of course it tore them apart. It wasn't even hard. Disappointing, really".
He stood, walking to the back of his chair and leading on the back, "I knew there was nothing they could do, but I do so love giving everyone a chance. There's nothing fun about writing the future if there isn't a smidge of possibility that it will all fall apart. Of course, no one ever understands in time. It's rather disappointing. Of course, that means that my future comes to pass so I guess not that disappointing".
"You wanted all this to happen?" Percy demanded, rage building until he felt like it would leak out his eyes and choke him, "All this destruction? This death? Everyone who was Blipped? Why?"
"I don't care about the mortals that disappeared. I don't even care that much about the immortals who found themselves halved. I care about my family and our future. And though I might not have minded Tartarus, my mother is very unhappy".
The man gestured, and a pair of cyclopes moved towards his friends. Percy was up in half a second, Riptide drawn, but the god quicker, looming above him with a curved blade at his neck.
"Don't get upset. They're just taking off their chains. I needed your attention, I got it. They don't matter any more. I'll even let you keep them alive. I'm nice like that".
Percy kept Riptide out but lowered the point to the floor. The man smiled, "Thank you. I meant what I said, you know. There's a chance for the remaining Olympians and your rather puny camp. A very small chance, admittedly, but I like a little risk in my plans".
"I think you just like to see us squirm and suffer before we die" Percy realized, watching the monsters carefully as they lowered Butch and Angelina to the ground, "You like to string us up like worms on a hook and slowly lower us into a pool of pirannhas".
Moros laughed, tapping his nose, "Okay, you've got me. Sue me, I get bored! It's a bit annoying really. You've blamed all your problems on the Fates, but I'm the one who writes your destinies. I've so enjoyed your suffering, son of Poseidon. I know what you've done, what you are doing, and what you will do. And you, you will suffer most of all for the pain you dealt and will deal out to my family. For starters, Akhlys was my sister".
Suddenly, he was in Percy's face again, sharp teeth less than an inch from his neck, "I should warn you, little fish. I try not to take things personally. It's so...exhausting. But for you and your little friends, I'll make an exception. You've made a grave mistake, demigod. And now, I'm your Doom".
He laughed, his voice echoing throughout the warehouse, "But for now, I think I'll let you suffer in the knowledge of what is to come. You can't do anything to stop me, Perseus Jackson, try as you might. I'll see you for Christmas next year. Until then, enjoy my gift to you and your camp". The god of doom tipped his imaginary hat to Percy and both him and the monsters disappeared.
Percy didn't waste a second, rushing over to Butch and Angelina, who were just starting to wake up. He dug a mashed piece of ambrosia out of his pocket and split it between them, checking their vitals as best he knew how.
"What, Percy? What happened?" Butch moaned, wincing as Percy's hand reached a stab wound on his side.
"Damn it, the shipment" Angelina cursed, rubbing her bleeding wrists, "Sorry Percy, we lost it".
Percy scoffed, "I literally don't care. Don't worry about it. I'm just glad you're, well, you know".
"Alive?" Butch snorted, "I feel like I got run over. What happened?"
Percy stared at him, "You don't know? You got attacked. You've been missing for almost a week".
They stared at him. Clearly there was either some memory magic or massive concessions at work here, "Did you come by yourself? Did the council send you?"
"In a way". Percy looked around the warehouse. He didn't see any traps or tricks but, "We should get out, now. Moros could have left anything in here".
"No idea who that is, but I'm game. Where's Felix?" Butch asked, levering himself up with a hand from Percy. Percy bit his lip, willing himself not to look where the body was.
"He's...let me take care of it. You two get to the ocean".
Angelina stared at him, horror crossing her face, "Percy..."
"Please. You're both hurt. Just go. I'll bring his...I'll bring him. Go". Percy shoved at them, and it was a testament to what they'd been through together that they did as he said, even though they looked back with concern a number of times on their way out.
Percy took a deep breath, then walked over to the pile of vinyl tarps he'd seen during his earlier reconnaissance. He pilfered a couple, then walked back over to Felix's body, wrapping him carefully but efficiently.
Butch and Angelina were standing on the shore as he walked out, Felix's body in his arms. Butch sobbed once, reaching out a hand to touch the body, then seemed to think better of it and pulled his hand back. Percy ignored their reactions, focusing on getting them all to the relative safety of the ocean. "Hold onto my shoulders or the pressure will crush you".
They waded through the water, bearing their burden across the ocean floor until they reached Delphin and his escort. Delphin took one look at the wrapped body in Percy's arms and murmured a death hymn in Mermish.
"I'm sorry, Perseus, though I am grateful the quest wasn't a total loss". Delphin took a deep breath, then bestowed a blessing on Butch and Angelina so they could breathe without Percy. One of the mermen took a box of supplies out of his pouch and began tending to the campers' wounds. Another reached over and, with Percy's permission, took Felix's body.
Percy turned to Delphin, "Can you get them back to San Francisco? I need to check on camp".
Delphin frowned, "Certainly, but is that wise? I can get you all back within a few hours".
"I met Moros, Delphin". The god's skin paled an alarming amount.
"And he let you live? Perseus..."
"He's got something against me, but he's got something big planned with Nyx. I can fill you in later, but I think...they need me now Delphin".
His undersea mentor sighed, then nodded once, "You are exceptionally connected to the Little Tiber in New Rome. You should be able to travel there, even with the current climate".
Percy nodded, trying to focus on the memory of teaching Stella to swim in the Little Tiber instead of the dried blood on his hands.
Delphin nudged him, "Remember, listen to the ocean. Feel its currents. Then, remember the Little Tiber and its winding course through New Rome. Feel the transition between them, then allow yourself to follow the path".
Percy nodded, doing as Delphin said. He opened his eyes to find himself standing waist deep in the Little Tiber, surrounded by fire.
"What..." Percy spun around, trying to understand. He was in Camp Jupiter, he could tell. The Little Tiber felt different than anywhere else, and he could see temple hill in the background. But the space between New Rome and the Caldecott Tunnel was on fire. He could hear shouts in the background, and something growling right behind him.
Percy spun around, Riptide cutting through a hellhound before his brain had even processed it. He pulled, watching as the Little Tiber exploded over what used to be the Field of Mars, dousing the fires and crushing monsters into dust beneath his fury.
It'd been a long day and his home was on fire, so Percy thought he could be excused for being a bit more aggressive than usual.
The water turned to mist as he swept it over the fields that just a few days ago held a bounty that was supposed to last them six months. Within a few minutes, the fires were out and Percy could see the legion finishing off the last of the monsters in the distance.
Reyna rode up next to him, eyes swollen and hair frizzed, Argentum at her side. They were both covered with dust, both monster and soot.
"Thank goodness you're here," her voice was rough and worn, "You're supposed to be in Atlantis".
"It's a long story. What the hades happened here?"
"The monsters attacked after nightly drills. With the harvest, the guard was...thin". Reyna sighed, "We were exhausted Percy. And now..."
Percy stared at the desolated fields in front of them, "How bad?"
"We saved the storehouse," Jason appeared out of the smog next to them. Percy'd never seen the son of Jupiter look so frazzled. "But all of the fields are gone".
"How much has been harvested?" Percy squeezed his eyes shut, trying to shut out the nightmare, "And is everyone okay? Stella?"
"We have about a quarter of the harvest already stored. Three casualties, all legion. Stella's with Mrs. Perez up at her apartment. The monsters and fires didn't come near New Rome. I'm not sure if it was Terminus or if the monsters didn't want to attack the city". Hazel stood next to them, arms crossed. "You got here just in time. Fighting extreme fires isn't fun when your only Poseidon kid is away. I can only do so much with trenches".
"Not that we're not grateful, but why are you back?" Jason stared at him with discerning eyes. "You still had five more days in Atlantis with your step-mother".
"It's a long story" Percy sighed, "I found Butch and Angelina. Delphin is bringing them back for me. Felix is dead".
The three stared at him, and Percy pointedly didn't look their way, "Yeah, I don't really want to talk about it right now. Let's just...deal with this and I'll explain before they get back. We've got bigger problems".
Reyna snorted, "You're telling me".
"At least the monsters won't come back for a while now, I don't think".
"Why? We're vulnerable?" Reyna looked at him, eyebrows furrowed.
Percy laughed bitterly, "We're worms on a hook. It's easy to kill us, but not as much fun. They want to see us suffer".
"That's...dark" Reyna glared at him.
Percy just shrugged, "I talked to Moros. We're in some serious trouble".
They stood together on temple hill, their future smoldering around them.
Day 241- The Mourning
They made it to Christmas Eve, but it wasn't easy.
Katie stormed up to the council three weeks after the disaster and threw a bag of seeds down on the ping pong table Percy had dragged into the forum for old times sake.
"I can't. Grow. Anything".
Nico raised an eyebrow, "I thought that was your thing".
"And I thought your thing was brooding and not being here," Katie snapped. Nico raised his hands and leaned back in her seat.
"Why can't you grow anything? You're the best gardener I know". Jason smiled encouragingly. It didn't help.
"Of course I am, I'm great. The problem isn't me". Katie ground out. The fern Hazel had brought into the building to "spruce things up" wilted and died on the spot.
Thalia snorted from the corner where she was shooting arrows into a picture of Thanos, "Yeah, the best".
"The ground sucks," Katie glared at them all, which was unfair because Percy hadn't said anything snarky yet.
Hazel frowned next to him, "The ground was fine earlier. The California climate is great for growing things...usually".
Reyna grunted from deep in her paperwork. The weather had been crazy since Thanos snapped away half of humanity and Olympus. Percy wasn't sure if it was Posideon's absence, the fact that Zeus was practically catatonic, or something else completely unrelated to the Olympians.
"I know. It was great. I was proud. And then you let in dirty filthy monsters that not only burned my plants but salted the earth!" Katie screamed and pulled at her hair. "They ruined it and we are going to starve because some upstart alien ruined everything!"
The council sat up straighter, looking at each other in alarm, "I'm sorry, they what?" Thalia was using her dangerous voice, the one that usually meant she was about to kill a monster or electrocute Percy. Or both.
"Is there anything we can do about this?" Reyna asked, finally looking up from her papers.
"I think so," Hazel said slowly, "Things can still grow..."
"Weeds!" Katie wailed, "Weeds can grow! Not my strawberries!"
"Okay...I could probably draw the salt out. I'll need to talk to our dad, maybe, I'm good with jewels but not minerals". Hazel was staring at Katie like she was insane. Percy agreed, but he also didn't disagree with Katie.
"What's the situation?" Percy asked Katie, holding up a hand when she started sputtering, "Hazel will get the ground back to functioning order with you in the next, oh, six to nine months?" He looked at Hazel, and she nodded hesitantly
"So we need to last six to nine months. We should plan on nine given the weird weather crap. What do we have stored?"
Jason cringed, "Two, three months. Four months on starvation rations".
"Don't love the sound of that," Percy muttered.
"Who knows, we could get supply lines together?" Reyna asked, "Atlantis seemed willing to..."
"Atlantis is in shambles," Percy said shortly, crossing his arms and leaning back. The other stared at him.
"What, why, I thought they were doing well". Reyna stuttered. Look at that. Percy had finally managed to stump her.
"Yeah, I may have been sugar coating my visits there," Percy admitted, running his hand through his hair. He hadn't cut it for a few months, and it was starting to hang down over his eyes. "Queen Amphitrite is, well, for lack of a better word, completely worn down. And with everything going on down up here, I haven't been back since, you know, Felix. And Delphin reached out last week, Moros hit the seaweed fields. And the barracks. And five villages".
The rest of the council stared at him. He shrugged, "They'll get the medicine here, don't worry about that".
"Percy, that's not...okay whatever, we'll discuss this later. And we will," Hazel glared at him. "For now, let's figure out how to feed our people".
"Starvation rations right away I guess," Jason said hesitantly, "And then, we might have to reconsider the idea of stealing some food for the winter".
"Not to mention hope that Moros doesn't attack in the meantime" Reyna groused.
Percy shook his head, "He won't attack, not in force at least. Though I wouldn't be surprised if he keeps regular but small monster attacks up through the winter. He wants to see us suffer. And he said he'd see me next Christmas, not this one. He's crazy, but he literally helps write destiny so I believe him".
Reyna huffed, "Alright. I know everyone has responsibilities, but if all the council members could stay in the camp for the next few months until we've got food and security sorted, that'd be great".
Nico nodded, Thalia hesitantly agreeing as long as her hunters were welcome. Percy shrugged, "They're going to hate it, but Atlantis will probably allow it. You should be aware that my fathers throne is going to be an issue within the year, along with all the other thrones on Olympus probably".
Reyna took a deep breath, "One day at a time. Alright, we can do this. Let's get to work".
By the time Christmas rolled around, they were still on starvation rations, so there was no feast. Just another communal meal of canned vegetables and rice. The only things that were different was a scraggly pine tree the kids had decorated with mismatched baubles and lights that didn't work (their electricity had been out since a monster attack destroyed their generator) and a scavenged box of mediocre wine found in the basement of New Rome University for the adults.
They gathered on temple hill with lit candles, paying respect to gods who were either disappeared or incapacitated. They sang Christmas songs and told the stories of happiness, cheer, and generosity to children that would go to bed hungry and wake up to no presents in the morning.
The group sang deep into the night, but it was more forced merriment and the desire not to be alone than joy or cheer. They attempted some of Camp Half Blood's more colorful Christmas songs, but when Connor had to leave during their morose rendition of "Apollo Got Run Over By a Reindeer", they stuck to the classics.
The New Rome orchestra (or what remained of them, which was really just two violins, a cello, and a trumpet) strummed out the last notes to Joy to the World as Jason got up in front of the group, not even having to call for silence.
"I know that for most of us, this is not how we'd envisioned spending the holidays. It seems a little odd celebrating Christmas in the shadow of Temple Hill, I'll admit. But this is a season that has grown to be celebrated by all, a time to give freely, laugh a little louder, and reflect on the year. This year, we might not want to reflect on the past. But we can be grateful for what we still have. I know better than to ask for cheer and merriment and celebration. But as we leave tonight, remember that you are not alone. Even in the darkest of times, there is light and hope".
Jason paused, clearing his throat. Percy thought he might have seen a tear on his face, but he'd never tell anyone. Not when Jason was trying so hard to keep it together for everyone.
"I'll leave you with this tonight: we are here, against all odds, to celebrate Christmas. If you can be grateful for nothing else, be grateful for that. So here's to a season of reflection and hope for the future," Jason lifted his glass in a toast, the rest of the assembled demigods and legacies following suit.
The campers separated into smaller groups, some returning to their dorms or barracks and others preferring to remain in the company of others. Percy's group sat below the university's bell tower, passing around a pilfered bottle of wine.
The earliest snow in Camp Jupiter's history fell around them, blanketing New Rome in eerie silence. New Rome always felt like a bit of a ghost town after the Blip, and tonight felt like it was just them.
Even the slight buzz of alcohol couldn't keep Percy warm and comfortable. He pulled his shivering sister closer to him, making sure their blanket was wrapped tightly around her shoulders. The last thing they needed was to get sick.
"I remember last year, Piper spent three days trying to track down every figurine I'd negotiated as my present," Jason chuckled, taking another sip out of the bottle and passing it to Nico, "She couldn't find the one of Tyche and drove me crazy for a week. I thought she was trying to micromanage my work. Turns out she was trying to get a peek at my invoices to figure out where there might be one in stock!"
Thalia snorted, "Classic Piper".
"I think it's sweet" Hazel said, smiling faintly, "I remember Frank had no idea what to get me, since, you know, I can get metals and jewelry pretty much by walking through an old park".
"Annabeth was always unfairly good at gifts," Percy complained, "It made my gifts look bad every single time. She said she loved them, but when she gets me a one of a kind Nemo plushie from a quest and I get her another book I don't understand for the third year in a row, I kinda doubt she's being honest".
Reyna snorted, "Why am I not surprised that her Athena-given intelligence applied to picking out the perfect present as well?"
"Did you guys do anything other than presents for Christmas?" Percy asked hesitantly, looking down at Stella, "When I was little, mom would make blue cookies and we'd dip them in milk while watching the Grinch. Sometimes we'd go down to Rockefeller Plaza and look at the tree and watch the ice skaters".
"Really?" Stella asked, eyes wide, "Can we go see the tree?"
Percy's smile faded, "It's not safe right now. Plus, I'm not sure they even put up the tree this year".
"The household used to go to Christmas mass" Reyna stared straight ahead, not making eye contact with anyone in their little group, "Hylla and I went a few times. It was nice, but I haven't done anything like it for years. Just legion activities".
Jason nodded, "Same. If we did something when I was still with Thalia and Mom, I don't remember".
"We didn't really have any Christmas traditions," Thalia said softly, "Let's just say our mother wasn't the church type. I've never even been to a Christmas service".
"I have" Hazel answered softly, drawing the attention of the little group, "My grandmother took me a few times, mostly on Christmas but other times as well. Before...well...everything".
"Same" Nico whispered, wrapping his arms around himself, "In Italy...we'd go to mass. I can't remember much...just singing and the snow and the church bell".
Hazel spoke up hesitantly, "I know, given everything, our lives aren't exactly traditional so it might seem a little out of place. But there was one hymn that helped. It was written by a man who lost everything he had. I could sing it, if you don't mind..."
"Go ahead" Jason said softly, "It certainly couldn't hurt".
Hazel cleared her throat, then started singing in a soft, sweet voice, "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll..."
Her voice shook and echoed throughout the plaza, but it grew stronger and surer as she continued, "Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul..."
The snow continued to fall around them as Hazel sang through the hymn, the final note echoing in the silence for an eternity. They sat without speaking for a long time after she'd finished, watching their candles burn, until they all stood up at once. Percy gave each of them a hug, wrapped Estelle in his arms and grabbed his dwindling candle. He shuffled slowly back to his apartment, not sure if he felt better or worse.
Stella barely stirred when he laid her down in her bed, making sure to tuck at least two blankets around her and leave a glass of water on the bedside table.
"Merry Christmas, Paul. Merry Christmas, Mom. Merry Christmas, Annie" Percy whispered, blowing out his candle stub in the window and laying down in his own bed. He watched the snow fall outside his window, and didn't fall asleep for a long time.
Day 280- The Hunger Pains
It was mid-way through winter, and they were officially out of food.
It was the coldest winter on record, and even with Hazel and Katie's ministrations, their ravaged fields wouldn't yield any food. The monsters had increased as their food stores dwindled, pushing them to their limits. Whenever attacks came to Camp, they targeted their storehouses and ignored the legionnaires, as if the goal was to prolong every camper's suffering.
Percy would bet they were under orders not to kill the campers or completely destroy the camp, just to prevent their attempts to get more food. True to the immortal's promise, he hadn't seen Moros since that day with Felix, but he certainly felt like the god of Doom was playing with them. They hadn't even been able to send out a party to look for him or a quest to stop whatever was to come. They were just too hungry.
His stomach groaned, but the manual labor distracted him. Made him think he wasn't alone in the dark and the cold of the apartment living room, with only a candle stub to break the shadows. Made him able to forget the sound of his sister crying herself to sleep, the painfully thin forms of all his friends and family.
"This is just in case, Annabeth. You're going to come back, but I don't want to do this half way if..."
He couldn't even let himself think about it. Just continued, one stitch at a time. It was her string, a thin, glittering gray silk that was a gift from her mother for the whole Arachne ordeal. She'd used the other colors, but Percy thought she might have been saving this for their wedding someday. He hated to use it now, for this, but she could always unravel it if...when she returned.
"Anyways, I'm almost done weaving the base. Amazing, I know, I didn't think the loom would even fit in our apartment, much less be able to finish it all by myself. It's okay, but where I'm going to really show you up is on the detailing. So you have to come and outdo me. I've been practicing, I'm going to embroider an owl of course, the lightning bolt, Grover in a wedding dress, Atlas and the sky, a maze, the empire state building, the Argo...I thought about Arachne but decided just to skip the Athena Parthenos. I think you would agree with that. I went with a tasteful outline of the New Rome University bell tower instead".
He swallowed hard, "I expect you to be here before I finish. I'm giving you plenty of time, I'm terrible at embroidering. And I still have to finish weaving mom's and Paul's".
He had set aside sea blue silk from the camp stores to weave his mom and Paul's shrouds. He knew they weren't technically demigods and he should probably bury something for them instead. But this felt right. They'd been tied up in his world for so long and were heroes in their own rights. He'd burn shrouds for the bravest woman, the smartest woman, and the kindest man he'd ever met along with the other fallen heroes.
"Look at this. It's the best I can do, and it's still wobbly" Percy chuckled softly, "So come here, Wise Girl. Tell me what I'm doing wrong. I promise I won't mind. I'll even let you take over".
The candle continued to burn down as Percy talked to Annabeth through the cold, hungry night.
Musical Inspiration:
Day 155- Felix's death and Percy's return to Camp Jupiter: "Pilgrimage" by Greg Dombrowski
Day 241 - Hazel's Christmas Hymn: "It Is Well With My Soul" by Horatio Gates Spafford arranged by Rene Clausen (Here's the link to the version I like. It has just the right amount of eeriness mixed with reverence and hope: watch?v=tyPEohF6qq8&list=PLmfoDJoqvxyxZ3qznDa006dNoOAizcY1u&index=7)