A/N- Another sunday, another update! So this chapter I'm going to start off with Percy pov, switch to Thalia, then switch back to Percy for the ending. I tried to make it super obvious but tell me if it bothers you, I can just separate pov by chapters instead. Enjoy!

Percy

"Some party." I commented, kicking the burned corpse of a mortal guard. I turned to my father who had his right arm in a cast. "What the hell happened to you?" I asked him, gesturing to his injury.

He clutched his left fist, gritting his teeth. "Why don't ask your nuisance of a girlfriend?"

At any other time, I would've made a joke about his statement but the titan Lord's eyes were a glowing gold and I knew I was talking to a ticking time bomb. Instead, I went with my second reaction-surprise. "Thalia did this?" When I arrived on the ship a mere five minutes ago, there was a giant hole in the middle of deck and half the ship was missing. Mortals, demigods, and monster remains were scattered all over the deck. Presently, I stood on what remained of the deck with Kronos and Prometheus while the mortal cleaning crew made a rather poor attempt to clean up the wreckage.

"Her and one of guards, Charles Beckendorf." Prometheus dusted ash off his pristine suit, stepping forward. "He perished in the explosion but the girl escaped. Our spy has confirmed she arrived at camp a few minutes ago."

Beckendorf's passing was news to me but I didn't dwell on it. He'd done alot for me this past month but just like everyone else, he was just passing through this world. A mere blimp in the universe.

Philosophical, I know.

"They came on the ship with the intent to destroy us. She came to destroy me." Saying that outloud sparked something in me-outrage. She knew our lives were tied together, was she asking for a death wish? Unknowingly, I clenched my right fist, gasping as my fingernails dug into my skin.

"Goddammit!" I growled, clutching my hand. The slight pain only fueled my rage. "How dare she try to kill me. Me!"

"Calm down." My father said. "We think she was actually going to save you before they detonated the bomb. She went to your room looking for you."

Whatever he had just said went in one ear and out the other. Threatening and killing people was my thing. Not hers. If she wanted to play a game of cat and mouse then I was up for the challenge. I know I shouldn't be surprised at her attempt to kill me or save me (whichever one it is) because let's be frank, I've been acting pretty horrible lately.

"She needs to be punished." I concluded, starting to think of ways to torture her. I might not be able to kill her but I could inflict pain on others. That would hit her hard.

"Does he even listen to me?" Kronos muttered under his breath before straightening his polo shirt. "Whatever, I could care less about a lover's quarrel but I do love punishment. What do you have in mind?"

While I pondered a possible punishment, my eyes wandered to the mortal clean up crew. They were tossing bodies overboard and sweeping away monster ash like nobody's business. They had this glassy stare in their eyes which was a side effect of the spell they were under. Hecate had enchanted them for us and they did whatever we told them without question. That had me thinking..."Is it possible to spell mortals to kill themselves?"

"Yes, they'll do anything, even that. Their conscience is enchanted to obey our every command." Prometheus supplied. "Just say the command. With all due respect, Perseus, what does have anything to do with the girl's punishment?"

"She hates it when innocent people get hurt. I think it's a side effect of having morals or something stupid like that." I explained before turning to my father who nodded approvingly. Oh yeah, he'd go along with my plan. "I need ten mortals. Get them from anywhere, pluck them out of their jobs. If they have families, even better. Throw in a comcast employee too, those people deserve death for their terrible cable service. Women and men, just give me ten mortals. Send them to Camp-I have a message for Thalia. After they deliver the message, I want them to slit their throats."

"Brutal." Kronos smiled, glancing at the other titan. "Do as he says."

"Yes, my Lord." Prometheus pulled out a pen and pad before turning to me. "What's the message you want to send?"

I thought wisely before making up my mind. "Game on, Thalia. Game on."

The titan of premonition said nothing, just scribbled the words down before promptly walking away. Kronos and I were left, standing in the middle of all the destruction that had occurred.

"I awoke Typhon, just as you asked. Most of his energy has been depleted from his imprisonment but he'll be ready by December. He should reach New York a week before my birthday."

"That'd be music to my ears if twenty percent of my army hadn't been wiped out today." Kronos sounded more annoyed than angry. The glow in his eyes had subsided but something worse replaced them. Vengeance.

I whistled underneath my breath. I wouldn't want to be at Camp Half Blood now-he looked like he wanted to wipe out every demigod off the face of the earth.

"This means they have the upperhand over us now. We have to even out the playfield." My father mulled over this idea for a while.

"We can't kill them directly. Monsters can't get in unless invited so there goes that." I ran a hand through my hair, racking my brain. "Maybe the spy could invite them in."

"We've lost temporary contact with her." He answered and when I rose a brow, he spoke up again. "Her name is Silena Beauregard. Apparently, she was in love or something stupid like that with Charles Beckendorf. She's not too keen on answering us right now for obvious reasons."

"Wow." I commented. While I knew there was a spy at camp, I never would've guessed Silena. I chuckled under my breath, I bet she was regretting tipping us off about mission explode the Andromeda right about now. "Alright so that plan's a bust. Maybe a bomb?"

"My blasted son-Zeus-would knock it out of the sky." Kronos dismissed the idea. "We need something on the inside. Something they won't see coming."

"Well, that sounds like something you and other diabolical minds should figure out. I'm out." I pivoted in the opposite directions, heading to the bar as Kronos called out to me.

"Military strategy meeting in thirty minutes! We need to come up with a strategy to reduce their men as well. An eye for an eye."

Instead of looking back, I simply nodded and continue walking. I took a left turn, entering the empty bar. The only soul in there was the middle age bartender who nodded to me as I walked in.

I dropped myself in the red, leather stool, folding my hands.

"You're underage." He noted, voice emotionless; bland.

"And you're probably in a mid life crisis."

The mortal sighed as if he had a headache. "What will it be?"

The corner of my lips pulled up, now that's what I wanted to hear. "Ketle on the rocks. Make it snappy, I don't have all day."

The man poured ice into a glass, filling it halfway with vodka before setting it down before me.

"You're going to have to pour more if you want me to even consider tipping you."

He filled the glass and began to walk away until I flagged him down again. "Hey, the bottle stays."

I could've sworn a ghost of a smile appeared on his face as he set the bottle before me, retreating to the back of the bar.

I was halfway through my second drink when my peace was rudely interrupted. The sound of heels clicking across the wooden floor deafened my ears and I rolled my eyes, gulping down my drink before pouring another one. I had a feeling I was going to have to drink the entire bottle to get through this conversation.

"Percy, you got back and you didn't come see me?"

"Yep." I answered bluntly, turning around just in time to face the empousa trailing a finger down my shirt.

Ignoring my comment, Kelli came closer and placed her arms around my neck. "I missed you. Did you miss me?"

"Nope."

"Are you sure about that?" She asked, placing a hand on my chest.

I glanced at her hand, picked it up, and let it fall on the bar counter. "Does that answer your question, Kelli?"

The empousa smirked and sat into the stool next mine, placing a hand on my thigh. She sighed several times, trying to get my attention.

She inched her hand up closer and I rolled my eyes.

Undeterred, as always. I don't know if it was the vodka talking but I decided to entertain her. "Ok, I'll play...what self created drama are you whining about now?"

Kelli's eyes lit up and I took a shot, bracing myself. "I could've died today, Percy."

"I wish you had." I snorted, lowering my lashes. I couldn't take her seriously in her singed black dress and disheveled hair. She looked like a hot mess, emphasis on the mess.

"It's not funny." She said, her voice dropping down an octave. Well, damn. She was serious. "Your ex almost killed me."

Immediately, all the humor drained from my face and I turned toward her, raising a brow. "What did you to do her?"

"Nothing! She tried to crush my windpipe." Kelli took her hand off of me to rub her throat, revealing a nasty purple bruise. "She's violent."

"Sweetheart does have that effect on people." The corner of my lips pulled up and I hope she was receiving my ten gifts kindly.

"Well, are you going to do something about her? I need to be avenged."

"You're not serious, are you?" I glanced at the empousa who was glaring at me. Her face had turned beet red and I wondered how much damage Thalia really did do to her. I opened my mouth to throw back a sarcastic insult but thought better. "Look, I sent some mortals after her. They're going to kill themselves in front and that should dampen her moral conscience or whatever you call it. Considered her taken care of."

"That's not good enough." Kelli growled, balling her fists. Her eyes brightened, hungry for vengeance. "I want her to suffer. I want her to feel pain and if you won't do it, I'll do it myself." The empousa swiftly turned around and started walking away, until I shot forward, gripping her wrist and turning her to face me.

I lowered my voice, seeing the gleam in my eyes through the clear reflection of the bottle. "If you even so much as look at her the wrong way, I will tear you apart limb by limb."

"I thought you didn't care about her."

"I don't but if anyone's going to inflict pain on her, it's going to be me."

Kelli seemed to accept that and raised her head, placing her forehead against me. "Can I tell you something?"

"I'd rather you not speak at all. Ever."

Ignoring me, she pressed up against me, bringing her lips dangerously close to mine. Chocolate brown eyes stared daggers at my lips and it didn't take a genius to know what she was thinking of. "It's really hot when you get all rough with me. Does it turn you on?"

"Dear gods, no. I'm so unbelievably turned off right now, it's like a power outage in here." I dropped her hand and glanced at my wristwatch. I was supposed to be in the war room ten minutes ago. No doubt Kronos would chew me out. "Please don't talk me again. Actually, don't even breathe in my direction."

"Okay, I'll see you later, baby." The empousa planted a kiss on my cheek before I could stop her then walked out the door, the sound of her heels fading into the background.

Pulling out a wad of cash, I slapped it on the bar which earned a nod of respect from the bartender. Unfortunately still sober, I took the bottle and practically dragged myself to the war room. The war room was more of a business room, a long wooden table was surrounded by ten black leather seats. Only four were occupied-Kronos at the head, crusty-I mean trusty-Prometheus was at his left. Next to Prometheus was Paean, the former physician of the gods. To Kronos' right was an empty chair, assumingly for me. Next to the empty chair was Hyperion, the titan of light, fire, and power.

The men were in middle of a conversation when my father held up his hand and all murmurs ceased. Gold eyes like my own met my gaze, challenging me. "You're late, Perseus."

"Wanna state anything else, captain obvious?" I scoffed, sauntering over to the empty chair and dropped myself in it. I took a swig of vodka, not backing down from the stares of the commanding titan officers. If I weren't the son of Kronos, they would tear me apart in an instant. They thought it was unfair that while they had to work to get to their esteemed position, I skipped ahead simply because of genetics. They wanted to challenge my position at the right hand of my father. A part of me wanted them to. I craved a challenge and when one of them wanted to tango, I would enjoy beating them to a pulp.

"You're drunk." My father rolled his eyes, swiping the bottle away from me.

"I wish." I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand then looked at the men expectantly. "Well, what are we discussing today, lovely gentlemen?"

"With all due respect, my Lord." Prometheus started and I was tempted to roll my eyes-here we go again. "We're here to discuss matter concerning halfbloods. I'm afraid Perseus is still partial to Camp Half Blood and it isn't wise to have a bias opinion in our decision."

Before my father could even speak, I uncapped riptide and launched it across the room. It buried deep within the wall but inches away from his head. "Tell me something, Prometheus." I lifted my gaze to his, my mouth in a tight line. "Do you know what the chain of command is?"

The titan gulped, glancing sideways at the sword before meeting my gaze. His eyes held control but I could tell a part of him wanted to cower away. "The order in which authority and power in an organization is wielded and delegated from top management to every employee at every level of the organization. Instructions flow downward along the chain of command and accountability flows upward."

I didn't ask for the dictionary definition but whatever floated his cruise ship. "No, it's the chain I go get and beat you with until you understand who's in command here!"

"Perseus, enough!" The titan of time barked, his eyes glowing.

I was ready to fight when I felt Riptide return to my pocket but leaned back in my chair. Reminder to check myself. "Next time you won't be so lucky."

"I'd like you try, mutt." Prometheus spat. I gave a low whistle, I'd really gotten under his skin. Good job, Percy.

"As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted," Hyperion's gold eyes were smoldering, like he was fire within and in some ways, he was. "We lost twenty percent of our assets in the explosion. The 7% mortals we can easily replace but 13% were powerful monsters that we needed for the war. Who knows how long it will take them to reform?"

The man had a point-the more powerful a monster was, the more time it took for them to regenerate.

My father cleared his throat, running a frustrated hand through his perfectly groomed hair. The more I was around him, the more I started to wonder about the body he hosted. Luke had it coming in more ways than one but up until this point, I'd never seen him peek through unless Kronos wanted him to. I wondered if he saw what Kronos saw. I wondered if he had any thoughts, if he could communicate with the titan. I wondered if he was anything more than just a body.

I wondered how long it would be until I would become a mindless body.

As if an anchor were pulling me back down to reality, I focused on the remainder of the titan's words.

"While we may have Typhon on our side, we must reserve him specifically for the gods. Their children can be handled by our monsters. We will need to find some more monsters to replace what we've lost." Kronos' conclusion was valid.

"Sir, I've checked back st Mount Tam and our various forces in New York, we don't even have enough monsters to replace half the ones we lost." Paean informed us. "If we send our army to war in reduced numbers against half bloods who are well trained to kill them, we'd barely stand a fighting chance."

I laughed without humor. "That sounds like a problem. Might want to consider taking out some demigods to even out the playing field."

"And how do you suggest we do that without losing any of our men?" Kronos asked. "Their magical borders is protected from monsters. Our spy won't communicate with us, let alone invite them in. Mortals are too incompetent to get the job done and nonetheless, the demigods would spot them from a mile away."

I thought about it for a while, considering all the options left. From seemingly out of nowhere, I remembered a practically useless fact but it gave me an idea. "Paean," I addressed the physician who faced me. "Tell me about that Formula X that you've been developing."

Prometheus threw up his hands, protesting. "Sir," He looked to my father. "Formula X has nothing to do with this! This boy is completely unprofessional and off task!"

"I'd hold your tongue if you want to keep it." I said in a low voice, itching to unsheath my blade.

Kronos rolled his eyes, annoyed. "Answer the boy's question, Paean."

"Right," The man pushed his glasses further up the bridge of his nose before answering. "Formula X is a serum complete with the world's most contagious diseases. They've been genetically engineered to kill anything-man, monsters, demigods-within hours. We only use it on insurgents though. If you're thinking of injecting it into halfbloods, that'd be hard to do. We certainly have enough to eliminate the entire camp but we'd have to inject them all separately. They'd know something is up."

"And what if you made the serum airborne?" I asked.

Paean's eyes were wide like saucers and he literally began shaking with excitement. Huh, the power of science. "I'd need a host to inject the serum with then it can spread by touch. I can make formula X airbone in ten minutes."

"It's not a bad plan," Kronos admitted, nodding ever so slightly. "But how will you execute it? I doubt they'll trust you enough to touch you."

"No, not me but perhaps a long lost friend." I smirked and my father did the same, understanding clearing the confusion on his face.

"So this your plan to wipe some of the half bloods?" Hyperion was not impressed. "Once everyone starts dropping like flies, they'll find the anecdote."

"I'm sure they will but I can definitely take out 20% of them with Formula X." Paean's voice was confident as he turned to my father. "Sir, as long as I get that host, I can guarantee a 100% success rate with at least 20% of the camp's population obliterated. Just say the word."

As Kronos was considering this, the titan of premonition scoffed. "I can't believe we're going to infect them with a virus."

"No," Kronos' voice was steady, unwavering. He had made his decision. He looked at me, amber eyes to match my own.

"We're going to give them a peace offering." We said simultaneously.

Prometheus and Hyperion seemed wary but nodded. "As you wish, my Lord."

"Paean, have the formula airborne in ten minutes. We'll need one vial of the antidote." Kronos commanded and I tilted my head, confused. That was not part of the plan.

"That is certainly within my abilities, my Lord but may I ask why we'll need an antidote?"

"Because Perseus will be accompanying the peace offering and we can't have him getting sick now can we?"

"He will?" I echoed. Was there another Percy wandering around somewhere on the ship?

"You will." My father confirmed, giving me a sideways glance. I sighed, that was his way of saying he wasn't going to tell me why and that I shouldn't even question him.

"That is all, meeting adjourned. You are all dismissed." Kronos voice rang with finality and the titans left, leaving just Kronos and me alone.

"Get Katie to Paean and go to camp." Kronos commanded. "Make sure the spawn of Zeus doesn't get infected. Distract her. Be back by sundown."

"Yes, sir." I grumbled, exiting the room. Careful to not step into any potholes caused by the explosion, I made my way to the prisoners ward that was located on the second floor, tucked away in the further right corner. We kept all of prisoners of war there, including Katie Gardener. The daughter of Demeter was unconscious on the field during the battle of the Labyrinth and a monster brought her in. She, like several other of our demigods, was brainwashed. She had been compelled to fight Thalia during her time here and now she was going to help me take out some demigods.

I walked into the room with eight cells in it, only two were occupied. A guy with a mohawk slouched in the corner of his cell, his eyes glassy as he watched me pass his and bend down to the cell adjacent to his. Stringy brown hair the color of the earth and green eyes like a freshly cut grass stared into mine. Unlike the others, Katie eyes didn't glaze over completely unless she was commanded to do something. I think she knew what was going on but barely spoke.

"Hey, Katie." I waved to her and she came forward, clutching the bars of the cell.

"Hi, Percy."

From my angle, the bars seemed to divide her face into sections and she showed no emotion, only recognition. "I'm going to need to you come with me. We're going to take a break from this dump."

The girl nodded and backed up, waiting for me to open the door. I placed my hand over the lock and muttered the word open in Greek. The lock glowed for a moment and when I heard the clicking sound, I opened it. The girl was fragile and weak but she stood up without any help. Her bottle green eyes showed more emotion than her face-like she had heard too much, seen too much.

As I slipped an arm around her waist and guided her to the medical wing of the ship, I almost felt bad for her. The look on her face typically came after war. But the funny thing is that the war hadn't even begun yet.

We walked in silence to the medical wing, passing mortals and monsters who limped out of the wing with injuries most likely from the blast. They glared at me like I had done this to them but when they met my cold, amber eyes they cowered away, picking up their pace. Yep, there were some perks to being intimidating as hell. Passing a window, I found Paean in an empty room, staring at two differently colored vials in his hands. He motioned for me to come in and I did so, Katie detaching herself from me. Paean snapped his fingers and a chair appeared in the right corner of the room. I guided Katie to the chair and while she sat, waiting for instructions, I spoke with Paean.

The doctor handed me the vials, clearing his throat. "The red one is formula X, give that to Katie. The blue is the antidote, take that and you'll be fine even if she coughs or touches you. Just make sure not to transfer the antidote to anyone else, it's also airborne."

"No touching or coughing, got it. Anything else I need to know?" I placed the vials in my pocket, making sure I remembered which one was which.

Paean shook his head. "No, everything should go as expected. There's a herb-bay laurel leaves-that are the main ingredient in the antitode. They grow by the strawberry fields in Camp, they have access to the cure and they will figure it out. Your job, however, is to-"

"Delay that access as long as possible. Got it." I turned to leave then pivoted around, an idea springing into my mind. "Say, what was that thing you were saying about Thalia's blood the other day? I think you said you needed it to break the fates' bond cast between us."

"Right, I'm gathering all the necessary materials required to break the bond but I need more blood from her. I wasn't able to get enough while she was here." Paean sighed. "I guess I'll have to work with what I've got. There's no way we'd get her blood willingly."

I pursed my lips, thinking of a solution. "I can get you her blood in exchange for a small favor-I have a question."

Paean's eyes widened and he greedily nodded his head. "Anything, as long as I can answer it, I will."

"When Kronos inhibits a host, is the host sentient? Or is the body just that, a body?"

Paean scratched his non-existent head, taking a moment to think before answering. "No, the host is able to use all five senses. He can hear, smell, and all that but because the titan Lord is such a powerful parasite, he can easily water down those sense. It'd be difficult for the host to fight Kronos but it's definitely possible."

"Thanks for the info. I'll get you Thalia's blood." I promised then nodded to Katie who followed me out of the room. We exited the partially destroyed ship and reached the docks. We walked aways to the parking lot and once in my car, I handed her the red vial and commanded her to drink it. After she did so, I downed the blue viall and we were on our way to camp half blood. Halfway there she began coughing and that's when I knew it had kicked in. I slammed on the gas trying to get her there before she died.

The drive there was completely silent which gave me time to reflect. I hadn't been back at Camp since the battle and no doubt the campers saw me as the enemy. Annabeth was probably there if not, she had gone off with the hunt. I assumed Nico, Tyson, and Grover were long gone by now, preparing for the war. Chiron would be there with his judgy little eyes. He'd probably try to convert me over to their side but he was going to have a hard time with that. Then there was Thalia.

"Thalia, Thalia, Thalia." I murmured while at a red light.

The last time I'd seen her, she was screaming. Screaming for me to come with her and I'd be lying if I said that didn't unravel me, even now. Surely she had received my ten mortals by now because it'd been about three hours since I had sent them. I wondered what she thought of me-was she planning to put me on the blasted path of redemption or had she given up on me by now? I hoped the former, not because I wanted to be saved, but because I wanted her to die knowing that her last acts in the world consisted of her trying to save a man that couldn't be saved.

I didn't want to be saved. I was fully aware that what I've done isn't right-killing Sally and Paul, raising Typhon, siding with the titans-but I just didn't give a damn. It felt unbelievably liberating to give into my titan side, to not be bound by the expectations of others to do good. I was tired of the fighting the world then turning around to fight myself-to fight my nature that I couldn't change no matter how hard I tried.

So I wasn't going to fight myself anymore but I was going to fight anyone who tried to turn me back. I wasn't going back to being a weak pawn for the gods. Never. Not for anyone, not even Thalia, never. I was going to do what I wanted, when I wanted.

I parked not too far from the beach and killed the engine. "Alright, Kat. We're here."

"Hmm?" Katie murmured, waking up. "Percy?"

"I'm here," I told the girl, getting up and sauntering over to the passenger side. I carried her in my arms bridal style, crossing the beach, and going up the hill. At the top of the hill were two campers on watch, staring at me with wide eyes. I didn't know any of them but they sure knew me.

The two boys with mousy brown hair stared at me, shaking. "Y-you're Percy Jackson."

"No shit." I smirked but it fell when one of the boys reached for the conch to alert the camp. "And if you know who I am, you know what I can do. I think you know better than to blow that conch."

The boy lowered the conch and let Katie and I through. We passed through the magical border just fine. Campers strolled around like it was just an ordinary day but there seemed to be a lot of commotion around the big house. In fact, there was a rather large crowd surrounding the big house. Since no one else had recognized me, I pushed through the crowd, trying to see what all the hub bub was about.

"What's going on there?" I asked a random camper.

"Thalia's reading the Great Prophecy." She said offhandedly, straining her neck to see through the window. "Senior counselors meeting only. I'd kill to be in there."

"Be careful what you wish for." I murmured, adjusting Katie who groaned. Good, she was still alive. She coughed a few times which caught the attention of the campers. They glanced at me, including the girl I had just talked to. It was deadly silent.

"What?" I chuckled. "You've never seen a sick girl before?" Laughing, I walked forward and the campers parted like I was the one with the virus.

"Haven't your parents taught not to stare? It's considered rude." I commented, eyeing a group of Hermes kids staring wide-eyed at me. "Then again, I grew up without a parent."

When I received no response, I shrugged. "But it's okay. You wanna know why?" I bent down, directing my attention to a little girl who was clutched her sibling's leg. They both looked like Beckendorf, must be daughters of Hephaestus.

"No." The little girl said, shaking like leaf.

I decided to tell her anyway. "It's okay because I killed her. Boop." I tapped her nose on that last word before getting up, placing Katie on her feet. She swayed slightly but she'd be fine. The crowd I'd just gone through was rather large, they'd all be infected by now.

I set a hand on the door handle, looking back at the shell shocked crowd. "I can't wait to kill every last one of you."

Immediately, the campers scattered, probably running for safety. There was no sense in attacking me, they knew I was linked to Thalia. But still, if they cowered after seeing me, they couldn't take on an army of monsters. I chuckled underneath my breath, this war was going to be too easy.

Before opening the door, I heard her voice.

"...His choice to make, whether to save Olympus or raze. No matter the decision made, his choice will result in the end of his days."

I gulped and Katie looked at me as if to say I was screwed.

"Well, I'd hate to be that guy." I laughed nervously. The prophecy predicted my death. Great. But it was slightly comforting to know that whether I sided with the Olympians or the titans, I would still perish. Burying those ominous lines in the back of my mind, I threw open the door, putting on a mask of pure confidence.

My eyes locked with electric blue ones. Thalia. She had tears in her eyes and her lips were quivering but that expression was fleeting. Her mouth settled into a tight line and she scowled at me. "Percy." She breathed.

"Hello, Sweetheart." I smirked, stepping over the threshold like it was any ordinary afternoon. "Did you miss me?"

Thalia

"Holy crap on a cracker," I said, groaning. "Chiron's not serious is he?"

"Afraid so." Annabeth grimaced, straightening her silver parka. Today was her last day at camp before she went off with the Hunt. I tried not to think about it too much but deep down, I didn't want her to leave. I didn't want to lose someone else. "I know you've had a long day already but-"

"Don't finish that sentence," I warned her, getting off of my bed. I briefly checked the mirror, trying to compose myself. I'd gotten a haircut recently so my hair was to supposed to fall into a long bob like Jennifer Aniston but right now I looked like the girl off of the rings. Today, I sported all black, a sign of mourning. "Do you know what it's like to tell ten families that their son, father, daughter, mother, cousin, or spouse is dead? Do you know how horrible I felt when I manipulated the mist to make it seem like it was an accident? That the ten mortals' death had nothing in common, that they all just happened to drown in Montauk on the same day. I mean, one of the mortals worked for comcast and even he didn't deserve such a cruel death. The look on their faces..." I shuddered, desperately trying to get the cries of the families out of my head.

My fingers held the seashell on my camp necklace and I shook my head. "No. I just got back ten minutes ago. We literally just burned Beckendorf's shroud this morning-Silena tried to jump in the pyre with it. Had Clarisse not stopped her..." I trailed off, trying to remember how to breathe. Everything was crashing down like waves and I wasn't sure how long I could keep afloat. "Tell Chiron I can't read the Great Prophecy. Not today."

"If you don't then more people will die. If we can decipher the prophecy, we might be able to stop a catastrophe. Please, Thalia. You have to." Annabeth urged.

"Not today." I said meaningfully. "The prophecy has been waiting for years now, it can wait another day."

"If not for the innocent people that will die-have already died-for this war. Then for him." She pointed to the seashell I had wrapped my fingers around. "Maybe the key to saving him is in there."

"But it probably predicts his death." I maintained then sighed. "You drive a hard bargain, Nerd. I'll do it."

Annabeth gave me a small smile, then opened my cabin door. "After you."

I walked out into the bright light, enjoying the sun's warm waves. It was soothing and I needed that more than ever. Annabeth and I walked to the big house in silence. I braced myself for what I was about to read and passed the threshold. All the senior counselors were there-Clarisse sat with Silena, a comforting arm around her. Michael Yew who represented the Apollo cabin was talking to the Stolls. Jake Mason had replaced Beckendorf as head counselor and my heart almost burst seeing him there.

"Thalia," Chiron trotted over to Annabeth and me, a small scroll in his hand. He handed it to me and although my hands were shaky, I managed not to drop it. "Whenever you're ready."

I'm not ready and I don't think I'll ever be ready. I wanted him to tell him that but nodded instead, not meeting his eyes. Annabeth squeezed my shoulder briefly before taking a seat. Chiron said nothing, taking a seat by the ping pong table. Everyone was silent as I shakily walked to the front of the room. The multiple pairs of eyes combined with the bright lights made feel like I was melting. What didn't help the situation was the fact that I could see a few campers peering out the window from outside the big house. No doubt there would be a crowd of them outside in a few minutes. Maybe there was a sign that said "hey, come watch Thalia read her sort of ex-boyfriend's death and the end of the world prophecy."

Turning my attention back to the counselors, I shakily unraveled the parchment paper. My heart was beating at a hundred miles per hour and I began to feel light headed.

Let's get this over with.

"A half blood of the eldest gods, shall reach eighteen against all odds." So far I had managed to keep my voice relatively steady. I took a deep breath and kept going. "The scorned lover's futile attempts will...will..." I trailed off, gasping. I hoped to the gods that my dyslexia had read that wrong.

"Go on." Annabeth encouraged, her eyes a soft heather gray. "You can do it."

I bit my lip and blurted out the end of the sentence. "The scorned lover's futile attempts will result in a blade to her chest."

Immediately, my audience gasped and most of them were pale. I started to feel lightheaded and no doubt, I probably looked worse than them. Rushing my next words, I finished the rest of the prophecy. "His choice to make, whether to save Olympus or raze. No matter the decision made, the choice will result in the end of his days."

My stomach dropped and I stood there, shaking, just trying not to cry. No one said anything. Shock registered on their faces but that was it. I was going to get stabbed and Percy was going to die. It didn't matter whose side he was on, it was always going to end this way. The fates were so cruel.

I thought about sitting down when I heard the noise outside quiet down. Huh. I figured they must've gone back to their cabins since the show was over. I heard this rattling sound by the door and I stared at it, wondering who was coming in. All the senior counselors were here and no one else was invited to the meeting.

What happened next made my blood run cold.

The son of Kronos swung open the door, a smile plastered onto his face. I briefly noticed Katie Gardner behind him but my eyes locked with his.

"Percy." I breathed, dread filling me. It'd been so long since I'd last seen him...

"Hello, Sweetheart." He stepped forward and suddenly the room seemed too small, like he didn't fit in here. "Did you miss me?" He asked, a hint of a devilish grin in his eyes.

"No." I replied, blocking my true feelings from creeping up my throat and satisfying his cruel curiosity.

"Ouch, you wound me." He chuckled, taking another step forward. Another step towards me.

"Percy, whatever you've come here to do-"Chiron started calmly, rising but the raven haired boy held his hand, stopping him.

"I've come bearing gifts. Consider Katie here a peace offering." Percy gestured to the girl who came forward, coughing like she was dying. What did they do to her?

"Katie." Michael Yew and Stolls caught her and took her away from Percy, keeping her safe.

I rose a brow, skeptical. "Peace offering? For what?"

'"Consider it a 'I forgive you' You know for blowing the Princess Andromeda and trying to kill me."

"I wasn't trying to kill you." I told him. "Besides, I don't think you want forgiveness. You sent ten mortals to kill themselves in front of me."

"You're still on that?" He scoffed, tsking. "We had a spat, I'm over it. Stop dwelling on the past."

"That happened this morning." I countered. "Not even six hours ago."

"Exactly. It's almost noon now. You should've gotten over it by now." The amber eyed boy yawned as if he were bored. "Anyway, you and I need to have a chat. In private."

"I'm not leaving her alone with you." Annabeth stood up, maneuvering herself so that she stood between Percy and me. "You don't get to talk to her. Not after all you've done."

Everyone in the room was at a standstill; it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. No one knew what to do and Percy's unpredictable nature made the situation all the more dire. My breath seemed to stall in my chest and I looked in his eyes for any sign that somewhere deep within, he didn't mean to do any of this. That he was being forced to do this. Nothing in his expression told me anything. He looked the same, a hint of madness in his eyes as if torturing me was his idea of a fun past time. But other than that, he looked the same as ever except this time, his priorities had shifted.

"Annabeth, as annoying as ever. Not gonna lie, I was so relieved to hear you had joined the girls scouts. Couldn't wait until you left." The son of Kronos reached in his backpocket and nearly everyone lunged forward.

Before I knew it, I had activated my spear, took a few steps forward, and aimed it at his chest. "Drop your weapon."

Percy lifted his lashes to reveal a brilliant gold; he seemed amused. He held his hand up, revealing a stick of foil wrapping between his index and middle finger.

Gum. He was reaching for gum.

"This is such a powerful weapon, I totally understand your fear. The power to destroy bad breath is something to fear." He smirked, unwrapping the gum and popping it in his mouth. He threw the wrapper behind him and his eyes fell on the blade resting at his chest.

"Do it." He whispered quietly, all the mirth drained from his face.

"W-what?"

"Do it. It's what we've both been waiting for, isn't it?" He held my gaze as if he could see my soul. And I could see his-dark, empty. Cold. "So go on. Do it. I dare you."

"You're sick, Percy." I spat at him, lowering my spear and transforming it back into a mace canister. "I'm not going to kill you."

"Why not?" He countered, catching me off guard by the sudden animation in his voice. I felt like I was talking to the Joker sans the clown makeup. He was reckless, a ticking time bomb and if I didn't defuse the situation, he'd only do more damage. "Because you would die also or because you still care about me?"

I looked away for a moment, composing myself. "Both."

"You're going to regret that." He stated nonchalantly. "You and me. Outside. Come alone or I'll kill everyone here."

He pivoted around and went out the door, waiting on the porch. I looked to Chiron for an okay and he nodded; I could go forward. I started forward but Annabeth called out to me.

"Thalia, don't. It's too risky." The blonde advised.

"I have to. He'll kill everyone here if I don't." I told her. "Put your cap on and follow us from a distance. It'll be okay, I can handle him."

"Tik Tok, Sweetheart." Percy glanced over his shoulder at me. "I can line up more mortals to die if you don't pick up the pace."

I took a deep breath and a moment of understanding passed between the daughter of Athena and me. "Yell if you need me." She put the cap, vanishing.

I left the big house and had to catch up to Percy who was walking away. Campers stared at us as we walked past and I gave them a look that said everything was fine. But when I looked at Percy, I wasn't so sure of that.

We were entering the forest when Percy stopped abruptly. I hit the brakes as well, looking at him expectedly.

His jaw worked, his eyes a dull gold. He was angry. "Tell Annabeth to stop following us. Now."

Shocked, I turned around and shook my head. The girl reappeared and seemed like she wanted to start forward, but I held up my hand. Reluctantly, Annabeth backed away and turned back around.

"Don't ever do that again." Percy's was a low, dangerous whisper.

Not trusting myself to speak, I nodded and we picked up the pace again in silence. We walked aways until we stopped at the lake. It was pristine, calm; something I wish I was right now. I tried not to get too choked up that he brought me here out of all places. This was Percy's favorite place at camp. He took me swimming here almost two years ago now. I hated him back then but that was one of the first time I saw the side of him that I came to fall in love with. He'd taken me here for prom as well, the night before everything went to shit in a handbasket because of the Labyrinth.

My heart ached for those moments, for better times with the boy I loved more than anything in this world. But things were different now and I was slowly starting to accept that.

"Why did you bring me here?" I asked him, hoping my voice wasn't as hoarse as I thought it was.

"Because I can." He answered simply, turning around to face me. "You did quite a number on the Andromeda, Thalia."

"Good." I commented. "I'm sure you were devastated by the destruction." I laughed without humor, kicking a small pebble into the lake. It did that rippling effect before sinking to the bottom of the body of water.

"Very." He shot back sarcastically. His intense gaze unnerved me, as if he knew what I was thinking.

"I bet Kelli was there to comfort you." I scowled, regretting the words as soon as they came out. I didn't care who or rather, what Percy did.

"Ah, yes." His smile was blinding, eyes smoldering. "She told me you two had a run in. She's lovely, isn't she?"

I scoffed, turning to face him. "Look, Percy, I don't care who you screw but I didn't think you had such low standards."

"You're joking right?" He was amused. I was not. When he saw the look on my face, he nodded with understanding. "You're not. Whatever Kelli told you, it wasn't true. It's not like that. I've never given that girl the time of day. Ask the readers if you don't believe me. Trust me."

"Hard to trust you when you kill without remorse." I shot back. I wasn't going to deny the fact that relief slipped through me when he told me he wasn't with Kelli. Now was not to discuss our relationship, though. I had to get more information out of him.

"Look, judge me if you want. I don't care. Your opinion of me doesn't matter anymore."

"How can you say that?" I threw my arms up, frustrated. "I'm one of the few people left who still defend you even after all you've done. Percy, I'm trying to save you."

"I don't want to be saved!" He yelled and I flinched at his harsh tone. "I...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell at you. I heard the prophecy, Thalia. You're trying to save a dead man."

I gasped and bit my bottom lip. "You know better than anyone else that prophecies aren't straightforward."

"I think this one was." He said quietly.

"Hey, look at me." I said, taking a risk by grabbing a fistful of his shirt. The soft, cotton material combined with his musky scent reminded me of what it felt like to be in his arms. "You're not going to die on me. Not after all we've been through."

Percy

Seeing Thalia's intense gaze felt like being punched in the gut. Repeatedly.

Up until this point, I had been able to resist her pull. I don't think she realized she did it but I always felt compelled to be near her. She pushed me to be the person she knew I could be and I never wanted to disappoint her. But here she was again, pulling me back in when I had made it more than clear that I didn't need saving.

She grabbed my shirt and I was immediately was reminded of when I had to stay behind at Mount Tam. It felt like I was being stabbed when I pried her fingers away from me and watched the van drive away, her screams shattering me.

"You're not going to die on me. Not after all we've been through." Her blue eyes seemed clouded over, like a storm was brewing inside of her. The air was charged with electricity causing my arm hair to stand up. A rosy flush tinted her normally pale complexion and I desperately wanted to look away. She was encaptivating. Her being this close after so long was the sweetest kind of torture. Each breath she took, I felt in every part of my body, in some areas more than others. Really inappropriate, but she always had a powerful hold over me. Common sense jumped out the window. So I searched for a distraction, anything to get her out of my head but I was in too deep, I let myself get reacquainted with the angles of her face, the graceful column of her neck, and the slope of her shoulders.

Several moments passed before I spoke. I said the first thing-that wasn't about Thalia-on my mind. "Do you remember the story about the fall of Troy?"

That pretty color edged into her cheeks again, so not helping the situation. She flexed her fingers against my shirt, sending my senses flaring. "Yes."

In attempt to keep myself level headed, I told her the story anyway. "Paris, the prince of Troy, wanted Helen, arguably the most beautiful woman back then. But there was a problem-she was promised to Menelaus, a Greek from Sparta. Paris was visiting Sparta for the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, the ceremony being organised by Zeus. However, Eris, the goddess of discord was not invited, angering her. So she dropped a golden apple from the Garden of the Hesperides on which the words "To the fairest" were engraved. Hera, Athena and Aphrodite claimed to be the fairest of all, and demanded the apple. Zeus, trying to calm them, asked Paris to make a judgment. The goddesses offered the young prince various gifts, and Paris eventually chose Aphrodite, who had told him she would give him the most beautiful woman in the world. Hence, Helen was abducted by Paris and brought to Troy. When Menelaus realised what had happened, he went after Paris, determined to bring his wife back. That is how the Trojan War started."

"You brought me out here to give me a history lesson." Her voice was hoarse as if she was straining to understand the point of my story.

She wasn't getting it. I was trying to warn her about formula X. While I distracted her, Katie had probably spread it to everyone within a one mile radius. I wasn't supposed to warn her but I felt compelled to. I couldn't help it and I hated myself for giving in to her. So she needed more prompting, more obvious clues. "Who won the war?"

"The Greeks." Thalia said, her low breath distracting me. Damn her.

"How?" I pressed on, clearing my head.

"They retreated from the city of Troy, like they were surrendering but left a wooden horse outside the city. The horse was disguised as an offering for Poseidon so the Trojans took in their city like a spoil of war." She bit down down on her lower lip, and I fought back a groan. "But it was trap. Dozens of Greek soldiers were hidden in the horse and when the opened it, they came pouring out and took over the city. That's how Troy fell."

"So now you understand?" I asked, hoping she got the hint.

"Understand what?" She burrowed closer, tucking her fingers against the collar of my shirt.

I pulled back, her eyes searching mine, and then I reclaimed the distance, and, damn, the kiss was half innocent, half desperate, and wholly perfect. My grip on her back tightened as she tilted her head, and even though the kiss started out as something sweet, I totally took it there. I deepened the kiss, throwing every fear into it, every minute that had passed that we'd been separated, and everything I felt for her. I wasn't sure how much of the antidote was left in me but I knew it was enough to protect her from the virus. Her breathy moan shook me, and when she wiggled it nearly undid me.

"No. D-don't do that." She whispered around my mouth, resting her forehead against mine. Her eyes were closed and I wanted-no, needed-to know what she was thinking.

"You kissed me back." I said after dragging in a breath.

"I know, Percy. I was there." She stepped back and I immediately missed the warmth of her skin. "That was a mistake and it's not going to happen again. Are we clear?"

I plastered on a grin, burying my true emotions. It was easier that way. "Crystal."

"So what happens between now and December?"

I shrugged, stepping forward. I got all in her personal space, my fingers trailing her neck.

"Percy." She warned me before her voice was strained. She wanted me as much as I wanted her. Now that I thought of it, I wasn't sure why I had to leave her behind to join Kronos. That wasn't part of the deal-I was just supposed to pledge my allegiance to Kronos and be his host when the time came. Until then...

"Come back to the Andromeda with me. Join the titans and we can be together." I offered, the words pouring out before I could stop them. My fingers closed around the blue seashell I'd given her. "Please."

The daughter of Zeus did something I didn't expect.

She laughed. She pulled away, doubling over, laughing like I'd said something funny.

"Right." I said underneath my breath, looking up at the sky. The sun would set soon and I'd have to get back to the ship sooner or later. When I looked back at her, Thalia was wiping a tear out of her eye, her laughter subsiding.

"You're really insane. I'd never join Kronos and if you really knew me, you wouldn't have asked that."

"Well, the offer's on the table." I shielded my lashes, looking at the lake. "If you ever want to take it up, you know where to find me."

"I wouldn't hold your breath." She retorted before walking away, toward camp.

I caught up to her and we walked back to camp, greeted by chaos. As we reached the cabins, demigods began dropping like flies. I gave a low whistle, formula X sure was effective.

"What did you do?" Thalia voice cracked as she bent down to inspect some demigod who was convulsing like crazy. "I'm going to get you help, okay?" She told him and ran to the infirmary. I followed her, avoiding the demigods passing out in our midst.

Dozens of dead demigods lay in the infirmary, the medics not looking too hot themselves. Annabeth and Malcolm approached us, leaning on each other for support. Annabeth had beads of sweat running down her forehead and I was surprised she was still alive.

"Katie...she spread some virus to us. He's trying...to kill us." And with that, Annabeth passed out. Malcolm bent down to help her and that's when Thalia turned around to face me, her stormy eyes furious.

I grinned, shrugging. "Must be the weather. Allergies maybe."

Thalia looked like she wanted to clock me but then a look of understanding crossed her face. "Trojan horse." She whispered. "Katie's the Trojan horse. You're avenging those killed on the Andromeda."

I gave her a round of applause. "Wow, you're a quick one."

"Why? Why are you doing this to us?" Her voice broke and I had to harden my heart to reply.

I brought my lips close to her ears, resting a hand on her waist. "I bet you wish I had been on that ship this morning. Just because I can't kill you, doesn't mean I can't torture you. When I told you game on, I meant it-I will strip away all that you know, all that you love. Until you have no shelter but me."

Thalia's voice shook, I could hear heartbeat picking up. "Then you'll kill me, right?"

"And let you find peace? No, that's when I'll let you live and that, that will destroy you." I kissed her cheek before backing away, leaving the distraught girl and the infected camp behind me.

"An eye for an eye." I whispered, echoing my father's words.

A/N-I'm sorry for shitty prophecy, I have no rhyming skills. Literally I didn't update last week because I was coming up with that prophecy and rewrote it like ten times then before I knew it, sunday had passed. So I tacked on some more words to this chapter to make up for last week. My goal this month is to update every week, I'll try my best! Thanks for reading, I'll see you guys next Sunday!