Chapter 6- The Quest of Perseus

"Be careful, both of you," Reyna said as she waved both Percy and Jason off at the Camp borders. "Try to avoid trouble as much as you can,"

"We tend to try, but normally it just finds us instead," Percy muttered to which Reyna rolled her eyes. She gave both of them a hug and then turned off, going off to her next lesson.

"Well then hurry along" came a sharp voice behind them.

"Yes Terminus," Percy grumbled to which Jason stifled a laugh.
"Well then both of you have all the necessary equipment. Jason Grace, legionnaire of the Fifth Cohort and Perseus Jackson, probatio of the Fifth Cohort, good, very good. Do either of you have anything to declare?"

"Yes, I declare this is stupid and unnecessary, just like your presence here," Percy replied

"Hmph! Whatever, now off with you,"

"One of these days, your sassy mouth is going to put you in trouble, just saying," Jason smirked

Percy and Jason both started walking off. They had been ordered to go to the coast of the city, near to where Percy had fought off the cyclops a while back, and they would be given assistance by Juno. They talked while they walked about different things such as football, the weather, chess strategies and a few plans for what they would do on the next weekend, assuming they make it out alive.

Percy suddenly stopped in the middle of the street, confusing Jason. He opened his mouth but Percy interrupted him, raising his hand. He had seen someone following them for the past 10 minutes and at first, he tried to play it off, but now he was suspicious.

"That man in the hood has been following us for a while now. Pretend we are splitting up and take the right. I'll let him follow me and you sneak up behind him. The moment he realises I'm alone, he'll try to target me, engage then," Percy spoke in a low tone to Jason to which he nodded. They waved to one another as though parting and Jason went off. Percy continued to walk, watching the hooded man at the corner of his eyes.
As suspected, when the man believed Percy to be alone, he dashed but thankfully Jason did not fail him. Just as the hooded man neared Percy, he ducked and shifted his right leg to cross out, allowing him to narrowly dodge the blade in his hands and Jason came through, barrelling the guy with his weight, pushing him down to the floor. Percy immediately grabbed his necklace, drawing his bow out and aimed it at his attacker, daring him to try attacking him. He motioned for Jason to move and he did so, grabbing his coin and flipping it, drawing heads and forming the gladius.

"Take his hood off Jason," Jason used his sword to flip it over, revealing a dracaenae.

"What do you want and why are you following us?" Jason asked her in a stern voice.
"Son of Jupiter and son of Neptune together without fighting. Now this is interesting. If only you two knew what theft had occurred. The betrayals! The master will deal with both of you. You two shall know the power of destruction at its full force!" the dracaenae cackled.
Jason looked at Percy in confusion to which he shrugged before releasing the arrow, disintegrating the monster.

"The master?" Jason said in confusion to which Percy looked confusion before grimacing slightly.
"You know something don't you?" Jason said it more as a statement rather than a question. Out of everyone, Jason seemed to be able to read Percy better than most, with the exception of Lupa. Percy was silent for a moment before motioning him to walk as he explained the conversation he had with Lupa earlier on. He was pretty sure Lupa wouldn't mind telling Jason the gravity of the situation he would be up against if it helped him understand the scope of the quest and maybe save his life.

Jason frowned as he took in everything Percy said. Out of all the things he expected, he had to say, the rise of Saturn wasn't quite expected.

"Wait, so this could be the cause of the monster grouping. They are never this organised. And this could explain why Lupa sent you to their base. She doesn't just want you to confirm her suspicions, she wants you to see if there are any other enemies that could be rising. If Saturn is rising, so could other Titans be. That's why she wants you infiltrating," Jason mused to Percy to which he nodded

"Yes. I didn't think of that, but that is a good assumption to make," Percy replied
"I'm worried for you Perce. You sure you can get through this?" Jason asked.
"Jason we're demigods. Life is always full of risks for us. We just have to adapt and make it through. Or else, Lupa would have us for dinner," he grumbled the last part to which Jason laughed.

"Well spoken son of Neptune," came a voice making Percy whirl in surprise. His hand instinctively went to his ring before realising who it was. Her voice sounded rich and her hands carried a lotus staff.

"My lady," Jason spoke to which Juno smiled warmly.
"I assume both of you are aware of the circumstances to which you both have been given your quests?"

"Yes, Lady Juno. We were told of some treachery that may have occurred in Olympus. However, I am surprised Lord Jupiter allowed you to intervene here?" Percy asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Jupiter, bless him, has to sometimes listen to us. While I may be his wife, I have gone behind his back when needed, for the sake of our family. While he has his suspicions, his mind is clouded by his anger that he was breached without knowing the culprit. His temper is slightly flamed and I fear that his judgement is slightly clouded. While his suspicions may be right, he needs time to cool down and understand. Your father and Ceres are trying to get him to calm down, but till then, I have intervened in order for our safety in order to aid my champion and you at your father's request. And I must say, I am intrigued to see what kind of person you are Perseus" Juno spoke to which Percy looked at her questioningly.

"Your father hasn't bore a child for a long time, and usually they tend to be very powerful and influential. And since birth, you have been influenced in the godly world by Lupa. You are a factor that we are all intrigued to see what you do. You have even attracted Jupiter's attention, which is surprising to say the least, based on your parentage. Now for my aid to you heroes, I have some information. Perseus, I was told you are aware of where you need to go. Your father requested I give you these pearls." Juno said as she handed him a sea green orb to which he pocketed.

"I do not understand my brother's logic at times but he believes that these pearls will protect you. Should you find yourself in danger, use them and they will guide you back to where you belong," Juno spoke and Percy nodded, his mind slightly confused.

"Another riddle for me to solve. Great…" he thought. He looked at Jason before embracing him in a hug,
"I'll see you back in Rome," Percy said to which Jason nodded. He knew that no matter what, he'd see his cousin again soon. He had to survive. Percy bowed to Juno once more before leaving them alone.

"Jason, your father has sent you some aid. Give it one moment," Juno smiled. Jason looked to the sky before his eyes widened. He could feel it in his blood, there was a spirit, more specifically a storm spirit flying through the sky and angling towards him. It took the shape of horse as it landed gracefully in front of him.

"This is a gift from your father. A storm spirit who will be your companion, aiding you when you should require it. He goes by the name Tempest," Juno told her champion. Jason looked at her gratefully but his eyes looked slightly lost.

"What's bothering you my chosen one?" Juno asked him

"I feel as though I'm not strong or good enough to do this. I'm not powerful enough to protect my loved ones," Jason told her, his eyes glazing over the sky.

"Not powerful enough. Jason, one of the things many heroes before you have in common is that they all started off just like you. Unsure of what they were capable of, not knowing they were on the path to great things. Just as you are. You say you are not powerful enough. You are your father's son. You have the skies at you command. You just need to say the word and the winds will be at your beck and call. The lightning that flows through the sky will obey your word should you will it to do your bidding. You are powerful Jason and you have a good heart. And you are favoured by me and your father. Many of the gods will be influenced by you due to your connection to us. You have all the tools you need, you just have to believe in yourself. Even your cousin knows this. The only thing stopping you from greatness is yourself Jason" Juno told him. Suddenly she looked up at the sky before sighing

"I am afraid my time is up my champion. Should I stay any longer then your father will be forced to intervene. Remember what I have told you. Now go on. I'll be watching over you," she said before disappearing into the wind.

Jason looked at his new friend, who appeared to be waiting for him.

"Hello master," came a voice in his head, making him jump. Jason looked at his horse before speaking
"You can understand me?" Jason asked
"Yes master. As a storm spirit, I have a connection to you. I can understand you and speak to you in your mind master," Tempest replied.

"Great. Just one thing, don't call me master. Just Jason," Jason told him to which he approved. Jason climbed on his new friend before asking
"You know how to get to Aeolus's place?" he asked. The horse grinned in response before readying his legs. Jason held on firmly before nodding to him. And suddenly he felt the rush of wind on his face as they took off into the sky. Jason had never been this high up in the sky and it felt amazing. For the first time, he felt close to his father's domain. The hose tensed before gaining a burst of speed, making Jason yell in delight as they flew across.

Percy was tired. He had been walking on for a while now. He needed to get to the area of Mount Tamalpais as Lupa had told him. She knew that if the enemies were rising, there would be some information for him to get here. He stopped to rest for a moment before hearing some sort of vibrations in head, almost like a beacon. He turned to the river, which appeared to be leading to the sea. He could almost feel someone calling him. He took a deep breath before walking in. The water welcomed him, making a small path for him, guiding him towards someone, a woman. She had dark black hair, eyes blue like the ocean with slight tinges of green and a dress made of green silk. A nereid.

"Welcome child of the sea. You have come far since your birth. You really look like your father," she spoke in a kind voice

Percy wasn't sure what to do but he bowed in respect to her.

"You are a Nereid?"
"Yes child. I am a spirit of the sea, one who serves in the court of your father. We have all been watching you with interest. After all, it has been many ages since a child of the Sea God has been born. You have attracted the attention of many beings, divine and spirits. You are a factor of great influence and many of us await to see what you bring," she explained to him

"How comes you are allowed to be here? If I am correct, the roman deities and spirits usually don't intervene or contact us half bloods on a regular basis." He asked her and her face darkened slightly

"Unfortunately, son of Neptune, there are forces at play that have not been seen for many millennia. A chapter of utter despair, destruction and chaos is being replayed and has many of us worried. It has warranted for certain measures to be placed. However, everything comes at a price. And as you can see, it is not a violation of the rules for my presence here. After all, I am not a divine deity myself. However, your father would not have you go in to an area of enemies unprepared. You may not realise it but your father cares for you a lot, yet he is forbidden from being here himself. He must watch you from afar. Therefore, he has sent me to give you some warning and some advice," she explained to Percy.

"You are about to enter one of the most dangerous areas, filled with darkness many can not even imagine. You must focus on what keeps you grounded and what you fight for. The people there will cause you to doubt yourself, try to influence your mind but you must resist. You are the child of the sea, and you represent such force in yourself. Remember what you fight for and why,"

"Yes, my lady," Percy replied as the Nereid studied him.
"Your father cares deeply for you, young Perseus. He will not have you lose your life so easily. Unfortunately, there have been prophies foretold about certain demigods. You are one of them and they are paths to darkness yet great victory should you survive to manhood. Your father will not stand for you to die, despite the wishes of a few. Now as for my advice, when you near Mount Tampalais, there is a tunnel nearby. As you are your father's son, you can tap into the vibrations of the earth. Focus on them and you can locate that tunnel. When you go past, identify yourself as a servant of the master and you shall be given entry. You will find what you need to there," she told him

"I-" Percy stopped himself for a moment before speaking, "Thank you for this ma'am. I appreciate the advice,"

She smiled at him once more before Percy turned around. He willed the water to shoot him across back to the surface. He looked at the sun, which was just past midday. He splashed his face with water before resuming his journey.

Percy felt the atmosphere change instantly as soon the mountain came into view. The air felt thicker and slightly darker. He could feel the evil flowing across him, making him shiver slightly. The Nereid had told him that he could find the tunnel by his earthshaker powers. He had tried to use his powers over the earth before but only had very limited success. But he also knew that sometimes, one needed the right circumstances to push them into doing something. He took a deep breath before really concentrating into the earth. He could feel a tempo in the earth, almost like a heartbeat. He extended his senses across the area, identifying the different disturbances across the land before feeling a sharp rise a few metres ahead of him, almost like a cave. He assumed that was the tunnel and jogged on. As he walked on, he could see a tunnel. On the edge of the tunnel, he saw a cyclops holding a spear in his hands, the watchguard. He approached the cyclops who readied his spear.

"I am a servant of the master, here to deliver news to him," he told the cyclops who looked at him suspiciously.

"Do you want to let me in or should I tell him the reason he doesn't have his information is because I was held up by a cyclops who wouldn't let me in," he said in a sharp tone to which the cyclops widened his eyes and moved out the way.

Percy nodded his thanks to the cyclops before entering. He went through the tunnel. He understood what the Nereid had said about this place twisting him. He could feel himself being pulled by the darkness. He cleared his thoughts, and kept thinking about freshwater and sea corals and other things that kept his mind clear. He walked past a few monsters, who gave him one glance over before continuing. Some looked at him suspiciously but didn't say anything. After a few minutes, he saw the tunnel ending, clearing to some sort of large room. There seemed to be some sort of meeting going on. He walked to the corner slightly to avoid being seen.

"The attack on New Rome failed my lord. The son of Neptune along with a son of Venus managed to overpower the creature sent by Oceanus. Would you like for us to arrange another attack?" said a creature to a hooded man who sat on some sort of throne. He thought for a moment before responding.

"No. The demigods remain unaware of anything too suspicious happening for the moment. They may chalk it up to being a mishap. We can use this to our advantage and sabotage them. I want to bring me a few empousai by today evening. I have a task for them," he ordered in a gruff voice. The creature bowed once again before going back.

"The Olympians are foolish. They believe that with their power they are invincible. But soon they will learn their lesson and they shall be brought to their knees. The new age will come soon and we will have our revenge,"

Percy scanned the room and his eyes widened in fear. He knew immediately he was screwed. Just a few metres away was a man, who radiated power. Harsh power. Not many knew him but Percy recognised him immediately. Menoetius, the minor Titan of Anger and Rage. The titan met his eyes and his eyes widened in shock before an evil smile came to his face. Percy tried to quickly run out before he heard a voice

"Well well well! What do we have her in our midst? A son of Neptune. Looks like we're in for a special treat!"

Percy turned around to see approximately 300 monsters standing around, all looking at him like he was lunch. Which in a way he was.

"Well then. Dinner is served!" the hooded man shouted and immediately they all charged against him. Percy ran through back into the tunnel, adrenaline coursing through his body. He knew he had to somehow slow them down and warn Rome in advance. If not, then there would be large casualties against his friends and the gods would be unaware of it till it was too late. He could feel some sort of dark force, trying to lure him back but he steeled his mind as he dashed.

Percy concentrated as he ran, which was quite difficult to do. He could feel the tempo yet again within the earth. He reached into his pockets and grabbed the pearl Juno had given him. He tugged his gut and immediately the earth roared in his ears as the tunnel shook around him. He felt his vision dim slightly and his bones tiring. With all his strength, he smashed the pearls on the floor before blacking out.

Percy found himself watching the world from a high perspective. There was destruction everywhere, fires spreading across the streets, large storms and tornadoes roaming everywhere, trees flying around, knocking over other things, lightning striking the ground and the ocean flooding the city, breaking down buildings. And in the middle of all the destruction was one man, holding a scythe laughing, as though he was amused at all the chaos around him. The man turned to him, as though gesturing him to join.

Suddenly the scene shifted and Percy found himself at the Wolf House. The beginning of his journey. On the rock stood a she-wolf, many feet taller than Percy, her eyes reflecting the silver moon, her chocolate red fun gleaming in the darkness

"What did I just witness?" Percy asked Lupa
"The consequences should you fail your quest. Olympus stands at the brink of war. Jupiter seems to have lost his patience and is readying to start pointing his bolt. Your father, Juno, Ceres and Vesta are trying to console him but he is beyond angry. He wishes to ready his army to launch war against someone. A part of him is also blaming your father for what is happening (his Greek side but obviously Percy doesn't know that) as he believes your father has conspired against him. You must bring light to what has happened soon. Should you not, then what you have witnessed shall come true. And all shall be lost," Lupa told Percy, her eyes studying him

"How long do I have?" Percy asked
"You have one more day. Juno and Vesta have convinced him to hold out on his plans for some time, trying to show him sense to what must be done. But should you not arrive by the Solstice, then Jupiter will take action. Do not fail my young destroyer, or all shall be lost."

Percy woke up with a start. He found himself in some body of water. He looked up across the water to see it was night. So, he had been knocked out for only a couple of hours. He then felt his skin crawl. He could see the titan from earlier, waiting for him just at the edge, a large grin on his face and a sword in his hand. He knew he was screwed here.
He took a deep breath before willing the water to shoot him

"Well, look at that. The son of Neptune survived. Well done, I have never seen Saturn look as angry as after you destroyed a chunk of his army. But unfortunately, I can't let you leave,"

"You work for Saturn don't you? You're helping him rise from the depths of the Pit. You plan to help get back all the titans," Percy said, as he studied the minor Titan.

"Yup. And that's why I can't let you live kid. You go to Olympus and you might just get those dimwits to listen to you. Nothing personal kid, just can't let you go. Unless…..you join us," Menoetius offered him to which Percy raised an eyebrow

"Think about it. What have the gods ever done for you apart from use you. They see you as entertainment, pawns that can be moved across a board. Saturn wants to rid that. He wants to break down the gods, not the demigods. He wants to offer everyone a new life, a better life. To give you all the chance to move forward without having to worry about the dangers of life. You join us and he'll spare New Rome. All he wants is to get rid of those arrogant gods,"

Percy thought for a moment. He knew that he shouldn't listen to what the titan was saying but some part of him felt compelled to. In the end, all he wanted was to protect his friends in Rome. But then Lupa. Lupa would absolutely tear him apart if he betrayed the gods, if he betrayed her. And despite everything, Percy would never betray Lupa, she had raised him and even though she wasn't the loving type, she had cared for him and shown him the affection in her own way, helping him reach to where he was now. And he would rather die than disappoint her. His eyes steeled before tapping his ring, summoning Interitum.

"Well then kid, it was nice knowing you," Menoetius said before hefting his sword. Percy knew he didn't stand a chance against a titan with millennia's experience, but maybe someone else could.

The titan grinned before dashing towards him. Percy met the strike but in a blink of an eye, Menoetius slid downwards to his left before using the hilt of his blade to knock him in the ribs, sending him flying a few feet across. Percy's mind raced for strategies as he remembered what Lupa had told him about certain enemies. This was the Titan of Anger and Rage, but if he taunted him, he could draw him out, clearing for an opening. Percy got back up, challenging him to come at him again. The titan smirked before sprinting at him but this time Percy was ready. He met the strike again, feeling the impact of the swords blow across him before swerving to the back left, using his elbow to hit the back shoulder and then rolling away. He spun around to meet the titans strike again but this time he allowed the titan to push him towards the sea.

Percy knew how the ancient laws worked and what restrictions each deity had. And while the Olympians preferred to work indirectly, some deities liked to intervene where they could. From the corner of his eyes, he could see satyrs and wood nymphs watching the fight. Percy ducked under a swipe for his head before barrelling his shoulders into his legs, making him lose his balance. Percy rolled away again and went for a side strike but Menoetius deflected the strike and used his elbow to hit Percy in the stomach and his fist rotated to hit him in the ribs.

Percy could feel a few of his bones crack but steeled himself to meet the next strike. He muttered a prayer hoping she would hear him. He wouldn't be able to hold out for too long. Percy looked at the sea, feeling it respond to his thoughts.

"Wait," he muttered as he side stepped to a strike that would've cut arms off before bracing himself and pushing his knee to the titan's stomach and hitting him in the chest with his sword, causing golden blood to flow out. Ichor.

"Now!" he shouted as the sea spouted a large gust of water, pushing the titan back with a lot of force. Menoetius grinned

"You're far better than many I have fought kid. But your time ends here. Know that you earned my respect,"

"Whereas you are just trash. I had better fights with a son of Venus, you should know," Percy taunted. It worked. He snarled in anger and with all his strength hit Percy knocking him down into the water with a lot of force. He felt his vision blur, his head pounding and he could taste his own blood. But he hoped that his plan worked

Behind Menoetius, the water swirled, and out came a woman wearing battle armour, a sword in her hands.

"Salacia, you have no right to interfere!" Menoetius growled to which she smirked in response
"As Queen of the Seas, you are in my domain. All I needed was a reason to be granted access here which my champion provided by praying to me for assistance. Now then to dispose of you…" she said

"Your champ—?" Menoetius looked at Percy before his eyes widening in understanding. Salacia rushed forward as both deities engaged in a fierce battle. Around them the sea thrashed and the earth shook from their battle. Percy felt his senses wake as the water rushed to heal him, doing their bidding to the master's child. He looked at the sky. Percy knew it was risky after everything he had been through but he needed to help. This was still his fight and he had to help his patron.
He felt the water boost his energy and he concentrated with all the strength he had left. He had never focused so intensely before. All around him, the sky darkened, just like it did when he fought the sea creature. The smell of ozone filled the air along with the smell of freshwater. He could feel the sea respond to his commands and suddenly the metallic scent on his tongue formed yet again. He could feel electricity run across his skin, from the crown of his head to the tips of his fingers and toes. The lightning started to brew in the sky as the sea around him started to work in sync with the skies, heeding the commands of the son of Neptune, readying themselves for his orders. Percy shouted with all his strength and he could feel his body weaken, his head splitting and his ears popping with a shrill pierce but it worked. The sea had enveloped the titan grabbing him with all its might as thunder roared loudly across and a flash of blue lightning struck from the heavens and came in contact with the water, directing the energy at the titan, making him scream in pain. Salacia drew her blade back before stabbing him in the chest, making him splutter in pain. He looked at both of them with anger before speaking

"You may have defeated me for now son of the sea, but watch yourself. One day, when you least expect it, your anger shall be your downfall. And I shall be there personally to kill you. I will draw the blade and vanquish you," he glared before glowing. There was a harsh yellow light before he disappeared.

Salacia approached Percy, her sword disappearing as she looked at him in concern. She saw his bag a few feet away and grabbed it, taking out a few blocks of ambrosia and feeding it to him. She commanded the water to heal him while she used her godly abilities to help him recover. She took out a flask of nectar and Percy took it gratefully.

After 10 minutes, Percy felt as though he could stand without losing his balance and losing his vision before looking at Salacia.

"That was a dangerous call back there. Using your divine abilities in that manner to that extent. Had it not been for your father aiding you at the moment, your body would've been crushed under all that power and you would've had extensive internal injuries. You have to be careful using your powers. Everything and everyone have limits Percy. And until I train you more, doing something like that is very risky. You need to be cautious; your abilities are your greatest assets but also your biggest weaknesses," Salacia warned him as Percy nodded, his eyes showing how tired he was

"Thank you for aiding me," he said gratefully. "Had you not come, I don't think I would've survived,"

"Smart plan. Drawing him into the sea to call for my help. But no worries, by the time you need to be ready, I'll make sure you are able to fight off far more powerful deities," Salacia told him before tipping her head to the sky.

"Jupiter and your father wish to speak with you. I'll send for someone to take you to Olympus when you are ready," she told him before disappearing in a sea breeze.

Olympus. Percy was most probably one of the luckiest demigods ever. No one had ever been to Olympus, much less met one of the gods. But in all honesty, he didn't feel lucky. He felt tired and angry. But he wasn't sure who he was angry at.

He turned around to see a black spec coming towards him from the sky. After a few moments, he was it was a pegasus. Percy grinned, he always wanted to ride a pegasus. The flying horse landed next to him.

"Heya. You the son of Neptune?"
"Yup,"
"The name's Blackjack. I've been told that I am your companion from now on, my lord"
"Ok, one thing, none of the 'my lord' crap. Just Percy," Percy told his new friend. Blackjack smiled at him before saying
"As you say boss,"
"No, just Percy,"
"Yes boss"

Percy groaned before shaking his head in laughter and climbing on.
"Next stop, Olympus." Blackjack neighed before taking off. It was incredible. Percy felt the wind lapping on his face as he rose to the sky. Within a few minutes, a large palace came into view, just laying on a large mountain.

Blackjack stopped at the marble steps of Olympus and Percy got off, walking towards the throne room. There were many marble pillars, depicting the history of Rome and Greece, thousands of bronze braziers glowing with orange fires, large gardens with different types of trees and plants and fruits hanging out. The smell of various foods hung in the air, enticing him to try them. There seemed to be no regard for geography here.

He walked past many nymphs and hawkers and other immortals. Percy followed the main road to the Throne Room. The doors opened as soon as he approached them and he walked in.

There were 12 large thrones, arranged in an inverted U, each throne representing the deity it belonged to. There was a massive hearth glowing brightly, with a woman sitting in the middle. She winked at him before motioning for him to walk.

On the thrones were only 2 people, in their giant form. On the head throne sat a muscular man, with dark hair and a neatly trimmed grey beard. His blue eyes glowed, as though electricity was crackling against them and his face looked proud and handsome but his eyes showed him to be in thought. Next to him sat another man, in some sort of battle armour. He had raven black hair and also a neatly trimmed beard but also a tan and dark sea green eyes, just like his son. He had an elegant and stylish crown on his head, with a coral in the middle. He had the exact same brooding look in his eyes that Percy had. To his side was a bronze trident with a green aura surrounding it, reflecting the power of the sea. His symbol of power. Percy had only dreamed of seeing this man, never believing that he could get to meet him.

The air was tense, filled with energy. Percy approached his father and knelt at his feet.
"Father."

The air crackled around him as he kept his head down.
"Should you not kneel before the king first, boy?" Jupiter asked, but Percy kept his head down.

"Peace, dear brother. The child is deferring to his father, as he should," Neptune replied to Jupiter. His voice stirred memories in Percy, the night when he was still a baby, and Neptune had come to his cradle and taken him, the night when Neptune had given him to Salacia in the palace, giving him a kiss on his forehead before leaving him to his wife, the time when he heard his father's voice when fighting a wolf, telling him to call the sea for aid.

"Very well," Jupiter grumbled "Lets hear what the boy has to say. Then I shall decide what to do,"

"Perseus," Neptune spoke as Percy looked into the eyes of his father. His very own eyes.
"Address Lord Jupiter, my child. Tell him what you've learnt and what you have witnessed,"

And Percy did. He told them what he had seen in the tunnel, what he had learnt about Saturn's rising along with the other titans and the battle he had fought. Jupiter didn't say a word till he had finished, taking in everything his nephew had said. Once he was done, Jupiter looked at his brother.

"Looks like it is what you assumed. But still, for him to betray us," Jupiter glared at Mars's throne confusing Percy, "to him I can't comprehend. Yet for father to surface is one thing, for him to rise completely is another,"

"You must face facts brother. The sooner you realise it, the quicker we can begin to prepare," Neptune responded. Both of them had a quick discussion in Latin. Neptune tried to make a suggestion but Jupiter looked at brother firmly, asking him to give him time to think upon it. Neptune sighed before nodding. Jupiter turned to his nephew.

"I will take your information into consideration and act upon it accordingly," he spoke as he rose from his throne. His eyes met Perseus's eyes as his face softened slightly into annoyance but also slight respect.

"You have done Olympus and Rome a service young half blood. Very few heroes could do such a feat and live to tell the tale. However, I must warn you, your arrival in the godly world has had an impact. Some do not trust what your arrival means. If I'm being honest, I am slightly wary of what this may bring for us. However, for the sake of peace, I shall let you be Perseus," Jupiter told him. He looked to the sky and with a flash of lightning, he disappeared.

Percy turned to his father, who looked at him with pride.
"Your uncle has had a flair for the dramatics. He likes to show off quite a lot," Neptune mused. "I believe you must have a few questions, my child?"

"What does the arrival of Saturn mean for us?" Neptune's eyes darkened slightly before speaking
"When we first fought our father, Percy, your uncle cut him into small pieces before banishing him to the darkest depths of Tartarus, just as he had done to his own father. Then our army broke down the palace and with the help of all our brethren, we managed to take down our enemies. Now to suggest that he is rising again, it scares many Percy. Back then it took all of our power and many allies to take them down, with a lot of casualties and death. Should we have to go through this again, it puts fear for many people at the thought of fighting him again. Arming us Olympians with our original powers to fight him and preparing our children for what may come. Saturn has stirred many times before and Jupiter wants to chalk it up to this being another minor stirring, but he's afraid that this time, it may be far more dangerous."

"That's what he's attempting Father. That is what he wants,"

Neptune looked at his son before sighing
"This discussion has been closed for now. You have completed your quest my son, that's all that has been mandated for now,"

"Father—" Percy stopped himself before resigning himself to the fact that he wouldn't get any more answers now. A small smirk came on Neptune's face

"Obedience doesn't come easy for you, am I right?"

"Unfortunately not, Father,"

"I suppose that is my fault. After all, you are just like sea, you don't like to be restrained. And yet I am also sorry for bringing you such tragedy. As I'm sure you know that there is a future ordained about you, filled with greatness but also tragedy. And for that I am sorry for what you will have to go through,"

"It is alright, Father."

Percy looked at his father once again, trying to capture as much of him as he could, knowing their time was coming to an end. Neptune's eyes took some sadness as he transformed to his regular size.

"I am sorry my son. But, as you know, the ancient laws of nature do not allow me to interact with you as much as I wish to. But I want you to know, that I am always watching over you, offering you protection when I can. Just because I am not there doesn't mean I am not there for you. And I want you to know I am proud of you. I am very proud of the person you have become today and you are my son, now and always. I want you to know that should you ever seek haven, the sea will always be there for you, just as I am. You are the true son of the Sea God and you will be one of the greatest heroes to live through the ages," Neptune told his son, his eyes filled with fiery pride and a warm smile on his face as he disappeared in a sea breeze.

Percy's eyes were filled with tears as he smiled at what his father said. He steeled himself back to his stoic emotions before turning around and walking past Olympus. Around him, many people knelt in respect to the Son of the Sea God.

Author's Note: Sorry for the long delay. I fell sick for quite a few days and couldn't do much and also I have exams coming up soon so I have been focusing on that. I want to give an apology to all my discord members for making you wait for so long for this chapter and delaying with every time and as an apology I included the scene on Olumpus today. That is why I didn't upload it today morning. Next chapter will show Jason's side of the quest. Also as some of you noticed, I introduced Tempest earlier and that's for a reason, you'll all see it later

Whew! 6818 words. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Thanks to ShadowThanatos, AWESOME1356, JoJo Jesus, ashblaze03, RageSage, Blackhairedboy 916, HellRaiderS, Ash and Yesse2362 for reviewing. All of them mean a lot to me. And here are a few responses to your reviews:

JoJo Jesus: I agree with your reasoning that Annabeth won't develop feelings for Percy in just a few months of HoO however, she won't be meeting Percy for the first time in HoO (oops spoiler XD). Thanks for reviewing :)

ashblaze03: Did the spacing a bit differently, hope it's easier to read. Let me know if it isn't and I'll space it out even more

Ash: You're not the only one who doesn't want Preyna. And trust me, I do not mind doing Preyna, it's just that so many Roman Percy stories are Preyna and I just want mine to be a bit unique, but like i said before, nothing is decided yet.
Also you said Reyna is a bit more stoic and stern however in the books, Jason says that Reyna becomes more stoic and stern after her meeting with Venus. That's the basis I am going off

Enjoy the chapter

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That's all from me for now

SpiritsOfTheWorld