Chapter 23: Revelations

3rd Person POV

After Percy's perceived successful sabotage mission (he figured that he took out some of them, but did not doubt that Kronos saved others in his retreat) and retreat into the sea, he quickly sped toward the kingdom of his sperm donor. It wasn't because he wanted to make things right between the two - far from it actually - but he understood the importance of allies in the war. If he was a betting demigod, which he wasn't since Gabe had a gambling problem, he anticipated Kronos sent forces after Poseidon to run interference.

So when he arrived at the gates and wasn't admitted entry immediately, even with the less than ideal state of the city of Atlantis, he didn't panic. Instead, he swore on the Styx that he was there to simply converse with Poseidon and asked for them to send Tyson to escort him. After too much back and forth and wasted time, one of the guards agreed and soon after that, Tyson was crushing him into a hug.

Percy POV

"BROTHER!" Tyson yelled as he swept me up into his large arms like a toddler and crushed me like a grape. I couldn't help the breathless laugh that escaped from my lips. "Hey bud! How are you doing down here?" I asked and he started to ramble, almost incoherently, about the forges and all the weapons he had been making and how much he loved it and learning from the other cyclops. It was a lot.

"That's awesome buddy! Look, I'm a little short on time and this isn't just a leisurely visit. Can you bring me to Poseidon?" I asked and he tilted his head like a lost puppy. A rather large lost puppy, but it was still endearing. "You want to see Daddy?" he asked and I nodded, making him beam excitedly again and turn to lead me to presumably the throne room.

Once we got there, I didn't bother knocking and just opened the doors and drifted in, making every head that was observing maps and discussing defences snap up to me. "Poseidon," I said cordially, but not particularly kindly.

"Perseus," he said in a similar manner in response. There was a tense moment of silence before anyone spoke again.

"You look old," I told him and might have gotten a snicker out of one of his advisors, but I didn't pay enough attention to find out, for it was then that I noticed his wife and eldest son present.

"Lady Amphitrite and Lord Triton," I said with a small bow at the waist. They were related to the… god that I wasn't particularly fond of, but my resentment wasn't for them. "I apologize for the rude intrusion and my existence. I harbor no ill-will for you two and rather share your… call it disappointment for the adulterer," I told them and they took a moment to absorb my words.

Amphitrite eventually gave me a brisk nod, but Triton just scowled. "Why are you here, bastard?" he asked, but was disappointed that I didn't react to the jab. "We're in a war and I needed to confirm that Poseidon couldn't spare us any allies. Now I know the why, but not the who," I told him and turned back to Poseidon.

"Oceanus. He decided to not remain neutral this time," came the brief reply from the sperm donor. "I see. Is he truly not neutral, or did Kronos manipulate him this time?" I asked, but then thought better of it. "Nevermind. It doesn't matter. What does matter, is that if you do not win the battle soon, Typhon will pull Olympus to the ground. The Olympians need you top side," I told him and everyone present scowled.

"I can't abandon my people," Poseidon replied through gritted teeth. "I never said you should. Unfortunately, I inherited that fatal flaw from you, but if Olympus falls, even with Kronos defeated, your throne falls too, and with that, a good portion of your power," I replied back evenly and the tense silence was back.

No one wanted to utter a word as the truth of the matter was presented. They had to decide the battle with Oceanus sooner, otherwise their King would be too weak to prevent their annihilation. It was a scary thought.

"What do you suggest?" Poseidon asked and a moment of surprise flickered across my face as well as everyone else's in the room. I took a few moments to gather my thoughts. "I don't particularly care for you, as you know. That being said, if you don't come to the aid of the other Olympians, it won't matter if I kill Kronos or not," I told him and I was silent for another moment.

"I can't figure this out for you. Both because I don't know what to do on this front, and I don't have the time. The camp needs to start setting up their defences in the city," I told him and turned on my heel to leave, but stopped at the doors to the throne room.

"A piece of advice Poseidon: Atlantis is its people, not its buildings. Buildings and kingdoms can be rebuilt, but its people cannot. Save as many as you can and defeat Oceanus quickly. Otherwise, all of us - not just your people - are doomed," I said and pushed the doors open again.

I barely caught the slightly amused tone of Poseidon's wife who said, "Well, he's certainly different than the others you've… sired."

3rd Person POV

Percy willed himself through the seas and arrived back on the beach at Camp Half-Blood about 45 minutes after leaving Atlantis. By his estimate, he had been gone on his mission for about a day and a half and quickly checked in with the Hunt via IM. They were nearly into position around the city and waiting for the call.

With that out of the way, he went to find Chiron in the Big House. Once he did, he had a brief discussion with the centaur that the mission was successful and a war council should be called, but after he slept for a few hours. Leaving the energy boost of the sea had an even more draining effect than he anticipated combined with the lack of sleep the last 24 hours.

Dream Sequence

Percy's dream took him back to Mount Othrys, which held absolutely no good memories for him. A large part of him wanted to travel to the Titan stronghold and raze it to the ground, but he had other priorities on the Eastern Front. He wasn't foolish. After learning of the existence of the Romans, he imagined that their task would be to assault there.

Regardless, he overheard Krios and Hyperion talking of their plans to take Olympus. Luckily, they were splitting up and Hyperion would be stationed in the East. As the Titan of Light, Percy imagined it would be like fighting a ridiculously overpowered Nichibotsu-chan, meaning he would have an elemental advantage, so long as he could engage him on an advantageous fighting ground.

Unfortunately, that left the Romans to deal with Krios (whom he had to look up his Roman name later to avoid exposure and confusion) while also destroying the palace. It didn't look great for them, and he didn't doubt Krios would also have nearly as large an army as Kronos was likely to bring, and both Krios and Hyperion could easily have other Titans and/or Minor Gods with them.

Before he could ponder further, his dream shifted angles and he saw Nico spying on them in the shadows. Nico heard the same plans, but turned to Percy, the two sharing a look that says "What now?". Percy simply moved his head in a gesture for Nico to get out of there; at least, that was how he hoped Nico interpreted it and he would see his young charge back at camp.

Dream Sequence End

Percy awoke from his dream in what he guessed was the early evening, not that he cared. Instead, he grabbed a quick shower and donned his traditional outfit that he always wore before making his way to the Big House. Moments later, he discussed with Chiron briefly that ended with Percy going to the attic to retrieve the Great Prophecy, and Chiron calling for the war council.

Annabeth POV

The war council was assembled with Chiron and Percy sitting at the head of the table and everyone else in their respective seats. The realization and resulting tension was palpable to everyone in the room, but no one spoke for what felt like an eternity. Finally, Percy did.

"Annabeth, can you IM Nico and tell him to get here?" he asked and I nodded briefly before stepping out to do just that. By the time I came back in, the shadows in the corner of the room darkened and spit Nico out. While I was sitting and Nico was recovering from shadow traveling, I noticed Percy had a small piece of parchment on the table in front of him.

"To start, the sabotage mission was successful," Percy began, wisely (in my opinion) to lift the tension and foreboding atmosphere. I smiled a little bit and saw him give Beckendorf a brief nod. "During the mission, I revealed myself to chat with Kronos briefly," he said, but paused awkwardly before he continued. "Well, I tried to aggravate him and it proved successful," Percy finished and got some more chuckles from the counsellors.

"However, he confirmed some of the suspicions I had," he switched to his emotionless tone and everyone held their breath. "There is a spy among us," he stated simply and panic began to rise, but before it could, the room became bathed in a heavy presence; almost like a god was among us. Collectively, we all looked at Percy.

It was hard to forget just how strong he was. He had always acted so… aloof wasn't the right word, but certainly reserved. It made him extremely approachable on one hand, but on the other, it served for people to severely underestimate him. Myself included at times.

"Now, before we start throwing accusations out, we will not act on this. There will be no witch hunt, no fighting, and no questioning one another," Percy demanded, but only Clarisse was brave enough to ask. "Why the hell not?!" Others murmured their agreement; I did so silently.

"Because if we're divided, we lose," Percy said simply, but with the tone he suggested it with, it was the absolute truth. My Athenian brain instantly saw why he did. We couldn't afford to be.

"That being said, if they are in this room, I give them this chance here and now to admit it with no repercussions and an opportunity to explain yourself. I swear on the River Styx and my Father that no harm or mistreatment will come to you, and anyone who disobeys that order will deal with me personally," Percy said and the thunder boomed loudly overhead. At first it was silent and no one spoke up.

I took that time to observe everyone in the room, looking for any form of nervousness or grief, but found none. When I turned to look at Percy to get the meeting moving, his gaze was locked onto someone, completely unflinchingly. I followed it and saw Silena Beauregard of the Aphrodite Cabin, barely retaining my gasp.

The stare must have gotten to her, because she rose shakily from her seat not moments before. That time, people in the room did gasp, but none were more heartbroken than her boyfriend, Beckendorf. I could see his jaw set into a hard line, but the overwhelming sadness in his eyes gave him away.

3rd Person POV

"I-I… I'm the spy," Silena whispered, but before the room could break out into shouts of disbelief and anger and sadness, Percy held his hand up to stop them. "Silena, right?" he asked, not unkindly at all, and she nodded. "Please explain, I will uphold my oath on the Styx that no harm will come to you, but I would advise that you swear on the River yourself that the reasons behind it are the truth," Percy told her and she took a breath and nodded.

Silena told them everything. The fact that Luke was kind to her at first, but when he defected, he threatened everyone she cared about (namely Beckendorf) if she didn't at the very least be used as a spy. During her story, Percy's thoughts were mentally applauding Luke (or Kronos; he really wasn't sure who the mastermind behind it was) for influencing a key figure that goes almost entirely overlooked by the other campers.

He could respect that it was a brilliant move.

He tuned back in as she was finishing up. "I swear on the River Styx that what I just told you all is the truth," she said and the thunder boomed overhead again. When nothing happened to her, Clarisse reached over and patted her on the shoulder in a reassuring manner, undoubtedly still angry about it, but also concerned for her best friend and pseudo-sister.

"Now, do you have any information about their forces, or were you only giving them information?" Percy asked and Silena shook her head. "I was only reporting to them. I didn't learn anything about their plans up to this point," she said and Percy nodded.

"That's fine. The only thing I need to know now is will you fight with us? Do you want to atone for what you've done? Then fight with us now so we can bring this war to an end. Earn your forgiveness by taking up arms with us," Percy said in a strong, but not commanding tone. A brief look of surprise crossed her face, but it was replaced by determination. Determination to repent, but more than that; to protect. "I swear on the River Styx that I will atone for my mistakes by fighting alongside you all," Silena said and thunder boomed overhead for the last divine promise of the night.

Percy nodded in satisfaction. "Nico, if you would be so kind as to elaborate on the knowledge you found," Percy said and directed all their attention to the dark-clothed boy in the corner. Surprisingly to some, Nico stepped forward, albeit nervously, but gave his recount of what he heard from the Titan's Krios and Hyperion for Kronos' plans to take Olympus. Percy interjected a few times to elaborate or clarify as he had dreamed the conversation, and soon they knew it all.

"Perseus," Chiron said, gathering everyone's attention. "I believe it's time to read the Prophecy," he said softly with a hint of remorse in his eyes. Percy nodded and unrolled the parchment in front of him.

"A Half-Blood of the eldest Gods,

Shall reach sixteen against all odds

To see the world in endless sleep,

The hero's soul, cursed blade shall reap

A single choice shall end his days,

Olympus to preserve or raze."

Percy POV

Absolute silence reigned in the Big House after I read the prophecy. There were conversations happening, but I wasn't entirely aware of them. I was lost in my own thoughts.

'I'm going to die. Maybe, it's a double meaning, but more than likely I'm going to die. To save the world, my fate just might run out. Hell, there's a good chance that it will. I guess… to save those I love, I accepted becoming a monster. To save them, I would die. It's not even a question to debate.'

"Percy," someone called to my attention, but I didn't hear it. My eyes were still unfocused with a blank expression on my face.

'Is this how you felt, Zoe? Knowing a prophecy that calls for your death and going through with it anyway? Is this why you didn't want me to know about it?'

"Percy!" someone yelled in my ear and snapped my consciousness back to the war council. I turned to look and see Annabeth's concerned gaze. I hardened my emotions immediately after, reverting back to my blank mask, and looked at the gathered counsellors.

"Sorry. I was analyzing the Prophecy to myself. Now, the first two lines are clearly me. The third line is tricky, but I suspect Morpheus is the cause of whatever it will be. He's a Minor God and the Olympians have neglected their importance, so I wouldn't be surprised if he's an enemy," I said, getting nods from the others.

"The rest of it is irrelevant at this time. What is relevant is how we're going to defend Olympus. Chiron, I presume the Olympians are facing off against Typhon?" I asked and got Chiron to show us an IM in response. The situation certainly didn't look good, and after finding out the prophecy, I had to make doubly sure that my emotionless mask was set.

"Right. Let's get to bed for the night. We'll reconvene tomorrow after breakfast to discuss battle plans and the like," I said and everyone grumbled but nodded nonetheless and shuffled out. "Beckendorf, stay behind," I said and got an annoyed look from the man in question, but he agreed.

After everyone left and Chiron retreated to his office, I stared down the admittedly much larger man with the same stern glare my mother would give me in the Hunt. It certainly wasn't the glare I had picked up from Lupa, but it was more than enough to get the point across.

3rd Person POV

"What Percy?" Beckendorf demanded with slight hostility, but Percy ignored it and replied with an equal hostile tone. "Don't give me that attitude, Beck. She did it to protect you no matter what's going to happen. Are you going to look me in the eyes and tell me you wouldn't have done the same thing if the situation were reversed?" Percy snapped back and Beckendorf's demeanor softened.

"I'm not saying that she's in the right, but I know damn well I would have done the same thing in a heartbeat for any of my sisters in the Hunt. You love each other, she's scared of losing you, she made a deal to protect you because you're important to her. Either forgive her and love her with all your heart, break it off, or simply ignore it. We have a war to win and I - no, we - all need you at the top of your game if we're going to survive," Percy told him, in a slightly softer tone.

Beckendorf sighed heavily and looked at Percy. "You're right. I would've done the same," he said and Percy's expression softened completely and gave Beckendorf a cheeky smile. "Don't tell me that. Go tell her. She's already waiting for you," Percy told him, making the two chuckle lightly before the atmosphere great somber again.

"Listen, Perce," Beckendorf started, but Percy cut him off. He knew that Beckendorf was going to try and sympathize or pity him for the fate he was perceived to have and Percy wanted none of that. "We don't know anything for certain other than the first two lines. We'll cross that bridge when we get there because it's not going to change the fact that we both have a lot of fighting to do until then. Go get your girl, Beck. I'll see you tomorrow," Percy told him and Beckendorf nodded.

Once he left and it was Percy alone in the Big House, Percy finally let his shoulders sag. He didn't expect the weight of the situation to weigh him down even heavier than the sky, but it did. He didn't want to die - he didn't think anyone did - but he had a mission. A mission that he would see through to the end.

So as he stepped out of the Big House into the summer evening air, he took a deep breath and looked up at the Huntress Constellation twinkling brightly back at him as if to say, "don't you dare get down on yourself now. This will be okay".

A small, wry smile crossed Percy's face as he studied the constellation again. "I may be joining you sooner than I thought, Zo," he said quietly to the night air. The constellation of his big sister seemed to dim slightly with his mood.

"Father guide me," he whispered and retreated to the Artemis Cabin to get some sleep.

AN: Chapter 23! Little bit more build up, but I think it was necessary! With the idea to save Beck already written, I revealed Silena so that they can actually get their happy ending in the world of the living! A favorite ship for me and they'll get married and leave CHB shortly after the Titan War. They may make an appearance again during the Giant War Saga, but that'll be a long time from now.

Until next time!