Chapter 41
It was a done deal. Typhon had escaped his imprisonment. The gods were mobilizing for war, and the defense of Olympus would be left up to the Greek demigods. The assault on Mount Othrys would rely on the Romans, and a few aces up their sleeves that Olympus willing they wouldn't have to use.
In reaction to this Percy had Bianca communing with the dead nearly day and night. The time to move forward with the most painful bath in history was upon them. Even Jason had come to realize just how outclassed they were. Perhaps it was the haunted look on Percy's face when he had told the story of his own trident killing their friend on the battlefield changed his mind. Whatever it was Percy was grateful. He had enough of his own doubts to make him nervous, and the last thing he needed right now was his own house to be divided.
The good news was Bianca had managed to come back with similar intel than what Nico had gathered. They would need the blessing of his mother, and an anchor to keep him mortal. If he had those two things then he would have the same chances as every other warrior before him. It was this that led him to walking through the DOA building in LA with the young dark haired Praetor. Unlike last time where Jason and Percy had been forced to take a bus, and go on a whole task to get to their destination Bianca was able to walk the pair of them straight through the shadows to the entrance of the Underworld.
It was clear upon arriving in the Underworld that Bianca's reputation had preceded her. The dead fled her path, and only the boldest souls offered her a low bow refusing to even look near her eyes. Charon himself did not even try to engage the daughter of Pluto as she demanded passage to see her father. Instead the ferryman merely bowed his head slightly, and pushed them across the rivers of the Underworld.
It was in no time at all they were walking through the Palace of Pluto, and past the throne room doors that Percy had once walked through. Bianca had walked Percy through the plan many times, but the cries of the damned could be heard from every room they crossed through, and it was disconcerting to say the least.
As they exited the back side of the Palace they duo entered an area that Percy had never seen before. It was a massive area with three life-like statues that the son of Neptune immediately recognized as the three judges. There were hundreds of souls in a line all silent upon their arrival. It was a wonder if they were trying to be on their best behavior before facing judgment or if they were simply unable to make a sound until after the decision of their eternity was made.
Bianca had explained to Percy that the judges were on a temporary sabbatical thanks to the assistance of her father. It was only a short window they would have to enter and depart Elysium. Once the judges returned they would have to wait until they departed again to exit the gates. Normally that length of time may not be very long, but considering the state of things in the mortal world any amount of time could cost them dearly.
It was without hesitation that Bianca strode past the statues, and to the golden gates that led to the entrance of Elysium that had hardly ever been described throughout history. With a shove of her hands the gates blackened and opened before her. Turning to face her boyfriend, her eyes were onyx black, "Are you ready? You are about to be the first child that was not of the Underworld to enter Elysium alive. Many Ancient Laws had to be bent today for this to happen. The Heavens don't even know the consequences we may face for this, but I stand by the belief that this was our only option. Percy…this is the last chance to back out. We will all pay for what we are about to do one way or another. Do you accept this?"
Feeling the tightening in his throat he stared at the gates in wonder. His mother was within his reach for the first time in memory. That was only a part of the motivating factor that made him take the next step forward. The fate of the world may very well depend on this decision, and whatever consequences he faced his hope would be to save as many as his people as possible, "There is no other choice. May the fates and Olympus have mercy upon us."
With that he put one foot in front of the other, and the Princess of the Underworld followed closely behind him. A bright light filled his vision for a moment as he passed through the gates, and he flinched, shielding his eyes only for a moment when suddenly he blinked the black spots out of his vision, and a large park was in front of him. In this park there were dozens of children playing on a playground while parents watched them with large smiles upon their faces. The park had maybe a hundred people in it, and Percy looked questioningly at Bianca, "Where is everyone?"
Bianca looked around, and twitched slightly, "Percy this is your family. Most of the people you see are probably long gone relatives, but they are all blood tied to you. Be lucky. As a child of the Underworld I see a lot more than you. How many people do you see?"
Percy stared in wonder at her explanation before answering, "Maybe a little more than 100."
"Percy…I see thousands. Tens of thousands. It's…It's kind of overwhelming." Bianca said, blinking a few times rapidly.
The Consul of Rome knew he should be moving forward to find his mother, but his wonder at his lost family nearly overtook him. He had never known a single member of his blood family. Not since he had lost his mother at a very young age. Yet according to the girl beside him these people were all someone to him. He wished he had time to speak with all of them, and when a soft hand entered his he felt himself begin to return to reality, "Percy one day you will get the chance. I know you want to ask questions, and get to know these people, but we really have to move. I know where your mother is. Come on."
Moving forward Bianca pulled on Percy's hand and dragged him through the field at the same swift pace they had upon entering the Underworld. The son of the seas tried to memorize faces, and take in details so he may have a chance to track down some of their names, or find out who these people had been, but magic seemed to work against him. For every face he saw a new one would appear, and he would forget the previous face. He could also tell from the grip on his hand that Bianca was very uncomfortable. This may be a paradise to some, but clearly to the daughter of Pluto she saw beyond the mortal eyes capability.
It was no time at all when the young woman stopped, and Percy ceased looking towards the playground. Suddenly his eyes went forward to a bench where a lone woman sat. She was staring at the young man before her with a smile on her face. The woman was stunningly beautiful, her hair long and brown, while her sparkling blue eyes seemed to emanate a warmth that went all the way to Percy's core.
Bianca nudged the boy forward, "Go. Speak to her. We don't have a lot of time, so please Percy make it count."
Feeling his throat tighten again he slowly moved forward. He stood before her for a moment, and he couldn't find the strength to use his words. He knew he couldn't hug the woman, but he desperately wanted to try. Her form was completely incorporeal though, and he knew the anguish of being unable to touch his mother while so close may fracture what little strength he had to remain standing. Finally the woman broke the silence, "You've grown so strong Percy. Please I know we don't have long so take a seat."
Not trusting his voice he nodded, and did as she asked. The young woman who appeared in her early 30's turned to him now with a smile, "I've been watching you turn into a great hero for many years Percy. You've had a hard life, and for that I am sorry. I should have been there for you, but in this life it was just not meant to be."
Finally finding his voice Percy spoke, "I was blessed with the greatest friends I ever could have asked for."
Smiling at her son Sally nodded, "That you have. I thank Olympus for that everyday. Your brother Triton gave you the physical strength that made you into the hero, but it was the strength of Jason Grace and that young woman over there that made you the man you are today. A man I could not be more proud of."
Tears threatened to spill from his face as he choked out, "You've been watching all this time?"
"Always." The woman said with a nod.
"Then you know what I have to do?"
The woman hesitated before sighing, "Yes. I don't like it, and I wish there were another way, but I don't think there is. Percy, you have my permission to do whatever it takes to survive this war. Just please don't lose yourself along the way."
Waiting to feel different, or expecting something to happen Percy was slightly disappointed when nothing around him changed. Instead he took a deep breath, "Thank you mom, and I am sorry I wasn't old enough to protect you. I will do everything in my power to make sure I am strong enough to protect the rest of my family."
Sally offered her son a smile and reached out for him with her hand. Percy closed his eyes as her hand reached his cheek, but felt nothing when he knew her hand must have passed through him. He desperately fought the urge to cry, but instead he took another deep breath, "We will be together again one day mom."
"A long time from now I hope Percy. Go protect your family. Save the world, and become the greatest hero of all time. It is your destiny."
A voice called Percy back to reality as Bianca was glancing back towards the gate with a nervous expression on her face. Standing to his feet Percy nodded in understanding towards his girlfriend. Turning to look back at his mom she had that same calm smile on her face, "That young woman cares for you a lot. She risked everything bringing you here. Appreciate that, hold on to it, and if you have to fight for it. I love you Percy. Good luck."
Having the strength for a few words Percy nodded tightly, "I love you too mom."
With that he began striding back towards Bianca who looked at him with a sad smile, "I'm sorry it wasn't more time Per-"
Before she could even finish his name she was pulled into a tight hug. The whisper of thank you was all she ever needed to hear, and when they separated she reached up and wiped the tear falling down her boyfriend's face, "Come on Percy, we have more work to do."
With that she took his hand, and strided forward once again. It was no time at all that they were back outside the gates of Elysium. Percy had done everything in his power to not look back knowing the most difficult challenge would still lie ahead.
They walked in silence all the way to shore of the River Styx where the hand holding Percy's began to tighten the closer they came to the water. Staring at the overly polluted water the nerves returned to Percy all at once. The warriors that Percy had been able to speak with through Bianca had all warned him of the unimaginable pain that he would suffer upon his entrance into the river, but the faces of Gwen, Dylan, and dozens of others kept flashing through his mind as he attempted to strengthen his resolve.
"I don't know about this Percy." Bianca said without looking at him. When the young man looked at the woman he had come to care for over the years her eyes were fixed on the river of broken hopes and dreams.
The worry was on full display through her expression, but they both knew they really were out of options, "Don't worry Bianca. I know what keeps me grounded. I know who is going to bring me through this."
Now meeting the green eyes that had saved her all those years ago Bianca looked questioningly at him. The smile he offered her sent warmth through her, and somehow she knew it was going to be okay, "Come back to me Percy."
Nodding his head, and taking a deep breath he stepped forward, before a calm voice entered the room, "I had a feeling you and I would encounter each other here one day Percy Jackson."
Recognizing the voice Percy turned his eyes to the side to see a familiar warrior that appeared to be in his 40's, "I thought my father granted you immortality."
Achilles nodded his head, "Aye he did, but that purpose of my immortality is to watch over the warriors who wish to take the same curse I once had forced upon me. Our match in Atlantis was a one time deal that I did for the good of Olympus."
In understanding Percy nodded, "What is your warning?"
"The power that this river will grant you is not absolute, but in the hands of the righteous it can do a great deal of good. I have heard the broken whispers of your enemies, as well as the cries of joy from your friends that have passed through these waters. I know I cannot convince you to turn back, but prepare yourself. Without your mortal anchor you will perish, and become with the River Styx for all eternity."
"I have no plans to die today." Percy said carefully.
"None do." Achilles said simply.
The man turned to walk away and the son of Neptune called out, "That day in Atlantis when we fought…did you let me win?"
Achilles did not turn to face Percy, but the younger man could swear he could hear the amusement in his voice, "I am a proud Greek Percy Jackson. I assure you I would not have handed you a victory under any circumstance. You earned your win."
Before Percy could question further Achillies disappeared in a golden mist, and the two demigods were alone once again. Turning to Bianca one last time he offered her what he hoped was a confident smile, before launching himself into the air, and straight into the River Styx.
No words would ever come to Percy to describe the pain that immediately fell over his entire body. No sensation could ever come close to what he experienced. Visions passed through his mind of the worst moments of his life in a flash. Since he was a boy Percy never feared drowning, but as the River Styx seemed to attempt to drag him to the bottom the horrifying reality seemed to grip him. Trying to focus on his friends back at Camp, his people, the Praetorians, and his immortal family wasn't enough. It wasn't until his eyes went to the surface, and he saw two hands reach into the water to grab him, and yank him up did he see the faces of Jason and Bianca sitting in a canoe laughing, "Come on Percy you can't spend all day down there, we are supposed to meet with the others soon."
Jason tried to sound annoyed, but the look on his face was clearly amused while Bianca was shaking her head, "This was a family trip Percy you can't swim alone forever. Come back to us."
The voice of the girl he loved echoed in his mind several times before reality retook control. In a panic Percy lunged upwards, kicking off the bottom of the River Styx, and launching himself out of the water back onto the shore.
Gasping for breath he immediately felt the burn on his skin as if he had dropped boiling water on himself. He gripped at his forearms in reaction to see how red his skin was, but already the pain was receding and its color was returning to normal. Looking around quickly he realized it was still just Bianca in the cave with him. The gear looked distraught as tears poured down her eyes. She seemed to want to attack him or hug him, and Percy wasn't quite sure which need she would give into first, "My gods Percy are you okay? You were down there forever, and then you just stopped moving."
Looking at the girl, and then back to the river a realization fell over him at once, "I did it."
Bianca looked at Percy in surprise, and then stared at him in wonder, "Do you think it worked?"
"It better have. It certainly didn't feel like afternoon delight." Percy said sarcastically, attempting to find his feet, but swaying slightly as he did so.
Bianca was at his side immediately putting an arm through helping him get his balance. The young woman said, "You look the same, but something is…different."
Before Percy could question that further a golden rainbow appeared, and a face immediately formed in a mist that materialized from nothing. Thalia Grace was standing before them with a spear and shield on her back. Her spiky hair looked messier than usual, and her blue eyes seemed much more exhausted than their previous few interactions, "Jackson, Di Angelo. The Greeks have arrived in Manhattan to start the defense for Olympus. We have all but abandoned our camp, so I hope your intel is good."
Percy straightened up immediately, "I turn sixteen in four days. The Titans will be expecting some sort of Olympian defense. While Typhon is rampaging his way towards Olympus. You will have to hold the line until we can topple the Black Fortress. We will begin our assault at dawn. Your brother is preparing our assault force as we speak."
Thalia looked nervous at the mention of her brother, but nodded at his words, "The Hunters of Artemis are here to assist us with the help of Lieutenant Nightshade. Whatever you are going to do. You better make it quick."
"Good luck Thalia. We will do our best not to keep you waiting long." Bianca said in what she likely hoped was optimism but came out more as a grimace response.
Thalia nodded her head to them, and cleared the Iris message away with one hand. Taking a final breath Percy sighed, "Well looks like we aren't going to do a test run. Let's get back to Jason and assemble the legion. If we are going to keep our word to Thalia we are going to have to move quickly."
Bianca nodded, taking the young boy's hand offering it a gentle squeeze before running into the shadows taking them back to Camp Jupiter.
(A/N) Wow a long overdue update I believe. I think I have the motivation to finish this story. Please it has been a long time since I have been in this particular story so if you catch any major continuity errors please let me know. I also admit I am not going to draw this out very long, because I want you all to see the end of this story. I am thinking 2-3 chapters of the Assault on Othrys, and 2 chapters of the defense of Olympus. Maybe two for an epilogue, so I would say we wrap this up in about 6-7 chapters. Bare with me, and I will do my best to bring you to a conclusion I know you all have been waiting a long time for.
A special thanks to papercarrier19. I saw your review on my server, and you inspired me to write this chapter. I had very much written this story off, but to see how much you enjoyed it really pushed me to turn out another. I want to thank you, and everyone else who has left their words with me over the past few months. It really goes to show how much feedback can mean to a writer, and when I finish this it will be for all of you that encourage me to do so. Thank you.
If you would like to join my discord and converse with me it really encourages me, so please feel free! Cheers everyone, and I will see you all real soon.
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