Chapter 24: Prelude to the Battle of Manhattan

3rd Person POV

Percy rose with the sun the day after reading the Great Prophecy among the camp's head counselors and quickly climbed to the roof to meditate before breakfast. If there was ever a time that his meditation was going to be necessary, it was the next few days for certain. The final stretch of the war, finalizing plans for said war, and making sure they did everything they could to win it.

The possibility of impending death on his 16th birthday didn't help at all either.

He didn't find it hard to meditate with everything going on and coming down to the last few days per say, but there was a point of conflict that he couldn't quite identify. He had been more than prepared over the years to fight his last fight on any given Hunt with his mother and sisters. He hadn't even hesitated to trade his life for Zoe's on Mount Othyrus, though that could have been due to the emotional state he was in seeing his best friend breathing her last breaths.

He was prepared for it all to end when he confronted Nichibotsu-chan in Colorado and had she not underestimated him, or made him consume his chakra sooner, he very well could have. So why, when the Great Prophecy had practically called for his death in a few days, did he have reservations about it?

Was it the degree of uncertainty in the other battles that perhaps he wasn't as prepared for his death as he thought? No, that would be cowardly and he was many things, but certainly not a coward. Was it Thalia? He doubted that as well. Yes, he was more fond of her than others and could see himself loving her in time, but he would still put his sisters' lives before his.

Was that it? He hardly knew the campers that well and even then, the only ones he cared for were Annabeth, Nico (though he's not really a camper), Grover (even that was a stretch) and, more recently, Beckendorf. After everything was over, he could see himself developing a bond of brotherhood with the large blacksmith.

But he needed allies if he was going to win this war, and if he didn't win this war, then his sisters' lives were forfeit. They would either all be dead, or worse and used as sexual release and breeding from the Titans, monsters, and enemy demigods. He couldn't let that happen no matter what, so with that, his mind was made up. One life to save millions.

A monster like him could endure that.

He was broken out of his meditation by someone shouting his name. Opening his eyes and blinking away the sun spots, he noticed that it was already nearly 8 AM. 'Huh. Must've been meditating for longer than I thought,' he mused.

"Percy!" the voice shouted again and he turned to see Annabeth in front of the cabin looking simultaneously annoyed and worried. He quickly dropped from the roof and joined her on the walk to breakfast.

"Sorry about that. I was lost in my thoughts I guess," he said dismissively, but she didn't let it slide so easily. "Everything okay? After yesterday," she started, but trailed off in uncertainty. What could she say? They finally heard the Great Prophecy after years of speculation and it (at least on the surface) said that he was destined to die in a few days.

Percy gave her a small smile in reassurance that was equal parts genuine and a grimace. "I'll be fine. We have preparations to make so let's get some food," Percy said and they made idle small talk on their way about reports and Cabin inspections. Percy almost commented that inspections were entirely a waste of time given the circumstances, but held his tongue. A semblance of normality would help calm everyone's nerves after all.

After breakfast, Percy joined Annabeth on her rounds to the cabins to get reports. Any information was welcome to him and Fates' knew that they needed everything they could get.

"Grover's missing," Annabeth commented off-handedly, making Percy falter a step. "He was out recruiting nature spirits to fight against the Titans, but I haven't heard from him in weeks and the Empathy Link I have with him is weakening," she told him and Percy nodded, but didn't say anything for a moment.

"Did he say where he was last headed? Can you locate him through the link at all?" Percy asked her and she shook her head sadly. "He would stay close to the city though. With what little time we have and since we know where the battle will be, he wouldn't have gone far," Annabeth said, but before Percy could comment any further, they came across the Ares and Apollo Cabins in some sort of stand-off and a lot of shouting.

Percy POV

"Enough!" I shouted, my nerves already spreading my patience thin. "What's going on here?" I demanded and looked at Clarisse and the head Apollo counselor; I think his name was Michael.

"These punks are trying to take ownership of the chariot we secured in the raid we led!" Clarisse shouted only for Michael to immediately follow up by yelling, "We are the ones that recovered it though while the rest of you were fighting!"

"You punks wouldn't have been able to recover it at all if we hadn't led the raid in the first place!" Clarisse roared back and the "conversation" rapidly devolved into more incoherent shouting and weapons brandishing. My patience waned even further.

'Are they seriously doing this right now? We're going to fight a war for the sake of demigods and mortals and they're arguing over a chariot like fucking children over a toy?!' I thought bitterly as the shouting got louder and my patience stretched further and further like a rubberband.

Then it snapped.

The ground shook violently in a five foot radius around me and cracked. Thunder clouds formed and boomed overhead. "ENOUGH!" I roared, my voice punctuated by another boom of thunder, but still heard by everyone.

"Are you two seriously fighting over a chariot when we're about to go to war?! Are you really going to argue like children over something so petty when you and your siblings could be dead in the next few days?!" I screamed and took a few breaths in an attempt to calm myself at least a little bit.

It proved futile when Clarisse opened her fat mouth.

"Hell yeah, Prissy! All you guys care about is how well the Ares Cabin can fight, but never appreciate it! You use us as weapons and then kick us to the curb!" she yelled, her face beat red in exhaustion and anger.

I turned to her slowly, the ground ceased shaking and the thunder disappeared. It seemed as the entire world was put on pause to listen to my next words.

"Do you love you siblings, Clarisse?" I asked in a voice just about a whisper, further adding to the tension present. "Because I love mine in the Hunt. See, all my siblings are girls; they're all sisters and do you know what's going to happen to them if we lose to the Titans?"

I took a step forward toward her as she instinctively took one back.

"The same thing that's going to happen to all of the female demigods if we lose. The Titans will use them for nothing other than entertainment. They will either become warriors in gladiator fights, or they will become cock sleeves for any Titan, God, monster, or demigod that wants to use them," I told her in an emotionless tone and took another step forward, hardly noticing everyone else backing up.

"You see Michael," I started, shifting my attention to get the point across to both parties involved. "My sisters are the Hunters of the Maiden Goddess Artemis. How do you think that would feel for them to have the one thing that they hold most dear in the world, to be forcefully taken from them? How do you think your sisters would feel?"

I took another deep breath to calm myself enough to walk away before looking at the two of them again. "I don't care who takes the fucking chariot. What I do care about, is that you figure out who's going to take it after the war is over. We can't be fighting amongst ourselves now because then the Titans will win and we'll all be dead or worse. So either swallow your pride and work together with the damn thing, or I'll just destroy it so none of you can have it," I said and walked away straight to the arena to vent my frustrations.

I was halfway there when I sensed Annabeth following me. "Annabeth, please not right now. I need to blow off some steam. We'll meet tonight to go over the plans," I told her in a no nonsense tone and proceeded to train my problems away for the next few hours.

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3rd Person POV

The meeting with the counselors that evening was rather uneventful, meaning that it was a standard tactics and positioning discussion about who would fight and defend where. They went over every entrance to the island and assigned/split up cabins accordingly, but the hope of survival was at an all time low.

They didn't have the numbers that they would need to get the job done, but they had to try regardless. If there was one thing that they were all on the same page about, it was that they would go down fighting to the last breath.

Percy's nerves and patience recovered somewhat after blowing up on the Ares and Apollo Cabins, but he certainly wasn't in any state of mind that was particularly helpful. He was so lost in his own thoughts and uneasiness, that he hardly noticed he had approached the hearth and saw the 8-year-old Goddess tending to it.

"Lady Hestia," he said with a half-bow. Normally, he would bow fully to the goddess he respected the most other than his mother, but it was a clear sign that he wasn't in the right state of mind. Luckily, she didn't comment on it or seem to mind.

"Perseus," she said back and with his name alone coming from her lips, a calming feeling of warmth washed over him as he sat down and stared into the fire. Both of them were silent for a moment, before Percy found the courage to ask a question.

"I figured that you wouldn't be off fighting against Typhon, but I must ask Milady. How can you stand by and observe the conflict, death, and wars for thousands of years without taking a stand or taking matters into your own hands?"

If Hestia was surprised by the question, she didn't show it. Instead, she observed Percy for a moment, seemingly searching for an answer, before she turned back to stoke the hearth.

"I do not sit as idly by as many believe me to, Perseus. I am the Last Olympian. The one who stays behind to defend the home while the others are off fighting. I am the Goddess of Hearth and Home. It wouldn't do me very well to abandon the home and leave it undefended while the others are away," she told him and Percy hummed in acknowledgement.

"As presumably the most powerful Olympian, it would make sense for you to handle the defensive front," Percy told her, earning a small smile; one that he didn't return because of his next words.

"But what of the saying 'The best defense is a strong offense'? Could you not turn the tides by joining in the fight?" Percy asked and Hestia adopted a faraway look as she stoked the hearth again.

"Perhaps, but it is because I've seen millennia of conflict, death, and war that I do not do so. So much fighting - some justified, some not - that I have grown tired of it," she said and was silent for a moment as Percy digested her words.

In a sense, he understood what she meant. He had been fighting for almost half of his life and he couldn't deny that there were times he had grown tired of it. But the Titans would be his first war. It was far different than hunting.

It was a battle of ideals that could only end with one victor.

"Do you know the story of how Dionysus became an Olympian?" Hestia asked suddenly and made Percy furrow his brow in thought.

"I believe most people believe that Zeus appointed him to replace you," Percy said and trailed off to finish gathering his thoughts on the matter. "But after talking with you so far tonight, I would say that you stepped down to avoid conflict."

Hestia smiled warmly at him. "Very astute, Perseus. I did indeed step down for my nephew as I didn't want to see my family bicker and threaten war. I didn't want any more conflict in my home. You can imagine as the Goddess of Home, conflict within it is quite unpleasant," she said and Percy nodded slowly, but the confusion showed on his face.

"I learned over the millennia the power to yield, Perseus. It is a very difficult thing to understand and even harder to master. But the power to yield can be just as strong and effective as a sword or a spear," she told him and Percy hummed in acknowledgement as he turned back to the hearth.

With no more words to be spoken, Percy rose from his spot and gave Hestia a full bow. "Thank you for the words, Milady. I will retire for the night," he said and Hestia gave him one last warm smile.

"Thank you Perseus and good luck. You will have quite the stressful next few days."

LINEBREAK

Two days later, Nico stumbled into the infirmary at camp with an unconscious Grover. Annabeth cried briefly in relief after waking him up using the Empathy Link and Grover explained the presence of a strange man in Central Park and how everyone fell asleep around him.

"It really is Morpheus, just like we guessed in the prophecy," Percy said as the wheels turned further, trying to understand the goal behind his presence.

"The mortals," Annabeth said suddenly and Percy's head snapped to her. "Putting all the mortals in the city to sleep keeps them out of the way," she explained and Percy nodded in understanding.

"That means the attack is coming sooner than we thought," Nico added and Percy hummed in absent acknowledgement as he thought of the next plan of action. Reaching a decision, he turned to Nico.

"Nico, I need you to try everything you can to get your father to send us some support," Percy told him and Nico grimaced. "Percy, Father is the least likely person to come to the Olympians aid. It's literally impossible," Nico told him and Percy shook his head in exasperation.

"I know, but we're living myths already. Impossible doesn't exist with us. Do everything you can and tell him that if we win this war, I'll get him the respect he deserves and I'll owe him a favor on top of that. I swear it on my father and the Styx, okay?" Percy said and Nico hesitated for a moment as the thunder rumbled before nodding and disappeared into the shadows.

Percy then turned to Annabeth. "Gather everyone up and meet me on Olympus. It's time to get ready. I'm going ahead to get the Hunters," Percy said, but unlike with Nico, he turned on his heel and went straight to the stables to grab a pegasus.

Percy POV

I got to the stables and immediately heard the chattering nonsense of the pegasi and almost groaned in annoyance, but one of them stuck out to me. He had a sleek black coat and an obnoxious New York accent to go with it. He was also the only black pegasus in there and I did enjoy the color.

'Yo. Think you can give me a lift to the Empire State Building?' I asked him and he snorted and looked me up and down.

'Another one of Poseidon's kids? What happened to the other one?' he asked and I sighed.

'He was working with the Titans, so I killed him. Was he your last rider?' I asked and he snorted, but that time in amusement.

'He claimed me as his, but I didn't reciprocate. A little too cocky for my tastes, but yeah I can take you there, Boss. For some donuts of course,' he said with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

'Donuts… why not. What's your name, big guy?' I asked as I led him out of the stables.

'Call me Blackjack, Boss,' he told me and I couldn't surprise another sigh.

'That's not going away anytime soon, is it?'

'No can do, Boss.'

'Fine. Let's go.'

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3rd Person POV

The elevator dinged and Percy made his way to the Throne Room after IMing his sisters to meet him there ASAP, and gave Hestia a nod of the head in acknowledgement before a flash arrived making Hestia disappear into the Hearth.

Percy opened his eyes and gave a short bow to Hermes. "Milord," Percy said evenly, but Hermes just looked at him with a critical eye.

"Perseus Jackson," Hermes said in an equally even tone. "I have been sent to deliver a couple messages. One, you are on your own to defend the city. The Gods are solely putting their efforts into stopping Typhon," he said and Percy nodded sharply, but underneath the facade, he was annoyed.

'That isn't useful information.'

"Two, Athena said to pass the message of 'Plan 23' to Annabeth," Hermes added and Percy nodded sharply again.

'Okay. I have no idea what that is, but if Athena's suggesting it then it'll probably help.'

"That is all I have to say. Do you have any messages you'd like me to deliver?" Hermes asked, surprising Percy. He truly didn't expect the Messenger of the Gods to ask him that, but he slowly nodded as his mind raced.

'I knew we wouldn't get help from the Gods, but I need an update on Poseidon. He's the key to stopping Typhon,' Percy mused and looked into Hermes eyes as an equal. "I have a question and a comment, milord," Percy told him and Hermes raised an eyebrow in response.

"Is there any word from Poseidon or is he still battling for the seas?" Percy said and Hermes shook his head. "He is still preoccupied at the moment. The comment?"

"Regardless of whether or not your son is still present in that body, his soul is tied with Kronos' now. This only ends with the both of them dead. I'm sorry to have to take your son's life," Percy told him and Hermes went completely rigid.

Sadness, anger, and guilt were the only emotions present in his eyes as his face remained stoic.

"You should get back to the front lines, Milord. I have a city to defend," Percy told him and offered another half-bow and walked away without waiting for an answer.

Just as he arrived at a park near the elevator, the doors dinged open and the demigods started pouring out with Annabeth in the lead. Several elevator trips later and informing Annabeth of Athena's message, the entire camp and the Hunters were gathered around Percy and Annabeth.

Percy POV

"Campers. Hunters. The next few days are going to be the most difficult we've had in a long time. The Gods are off trying to prevent Typhon from reaching Olympus and we will receive no help from them," I started and looked over everyone gathered letting the tension settle, but not take hold.

"That's fine. We've been fighting for our survival without the help of the Gods since we discovered our heritage. This changes nothing. We fight as we always have. For our siblings and our friends. For the people standing next to you, camper and hunter alike. But most importantly, we fight to protect this world and all those in it," I said and saw the determination of everyone present settle in more than the gravity of the situation had.

Pleased with the looks I was receiving, I wrapped up my speech (if I could even call it that).

"You have your assignments at the entrances to Manhattan. Defend them to the last. For our survival!" I roared at the end and received an echoed roar and the banging of shields.

"Not bad, Kelp Head," Thalia said, appearing on my left with Annabeth and Phoebe in tow. I let out a small chuckle that was mostly nerves. "It was the best I could think of," I told her before clasping hands with Annabeth. "Stay safe out there and remember the plan," I told her and she nodded seriously before quickly giving me a hug and disappearing down the elevator.

Phoebe POV

"So this is it, huh?" Thalia said in an attempt to lighten the mood at least a little, but it didn't have the effect. I turned to look at my little brother, only to find him staring up at the sky. I followed his line of sight and saw the Huntress Constellation twinkling at him as if to say, "I'll always watch over you, Little Brother."

"When I accidentally killed my mom, I was scared," Percy said without taking his eyes off of Zoe. "When Bianca and Zoe died, I was scared. When I fought Nichibotsu-chan, I was scared," Percy told us and then closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

I was confused as to why he was telling us those things. On the surface, it seemed rather random, but as I observed his breathing and his facial expressions, I began to understand. He was still my little brother; the same little boy that came to us years ago.

And yet, he was an accomplished warrior. I saw the signs of apprehension in his posture, but at the same time he seemed to be completely at peace. I was so lost in my observations, I almost missed what he said next.

"Any one of those - any one of our hunts or fights - could have been my last. Here we are now with the Great Prophecy upon us. The prophecy that has practically signed my death warrant and I'm equal parts terrified and at peace," he said and my breath hitched as he finally pulled his eyes away from Zoe to look at Thalia and I.

There were unshed tears in his eyes, but he didn't look particularly sad. It was a bizarre look that spoke to exactly how he was feeling: conflicted. A walking contradiction. He was terrified, but knew what had to be done. It pained my heart to see him that way.

"I now know how Zoe felt on the quest to save Mom. It's terrifying, but it also means that I can die knowing that I saved the ones I care about," Percy said, but received an electrified slap to the cheek.

"Shut the fuck up!" Thalia hissed and I noticed the tears in her own eyes. "Prophecies have double meanings and we don't know that you'll die for certain, so shut up and take your own damn advice. Fight for your survival!" she finished and Percy held a hand to his cheek before he started chuckling.

"Thanks, Lightning Bug. I needed that," he said and wrapped me up in a hug first. We squeezed each other tightly before he let go and wrapped his arms around Thalia and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"Stay safe, both of you. Protect our sisters," he said and we both nodded before we headed to the elevator and he called for a pegasus.

"He'll be alright," Thalia said suddenly as the elevator descended, making me look at her.

"I won't lose him too," she said and I nodded.

AN: Sorry for taking so long to post, but there ya go. Life happens and what not. I'll probably write a chapter for each day of the battle and one or two (3 tops) for the aftermath and such. Updates should be at the very least every week until I finish the Titan War since the gyms are closed again.

Until next time!