(Recap: I inhaled the poisonous Tartarus air and braced myself for what I was about to say.

"Thalia, Reyna, Annabeth. I know I should've told you this a long time ago, but I wasn't ready then, and I'm sorry about that. But now I am."

"What are you talking about?" Annabeth asked confused.

"This," I said and pulled off my mask.)

Ch. 20

For once I'd left all of them speechless at the same time.

"Percy." Thalia breathed. They were staring at me with eyes so wide that I was worried the eyes might actually pop out. They were like that for a full 3 to 5 minutes. Skylar poked Reyna in the ribs to get her attention. She looked at her for a second then back at me.

"It's really you. After all these years." Reyna whispered.

"Yes, Reyna. It is really me."

She just stared back. I'd braced myself for every possible reaction. The sudden angry outburst, screaming, guilt display, apologies, violent emotional behaviour, you name it. But this... I didn't think I'd have to brace myself for a 'no reaction'.

"Uh, guys... You're worrying me now, say something please."

"Percy...I don't understand! How..?" Annabeth tried to imagine what happened.

I inhaled and was about to tell them the whole story, but Skylar interrupted me.

"I'll tell them, Percy, you rest. You need it."

I nodded. I did need some rest, She began

"Dad had an eye on a certain greek hero Perseus Jackson since the time he'd returned the lightning bolt of Zeus up to the time he lead the Greek demigods into war against Kronos. He was impressed by what one demigod had done. By how loyal he was. If there's one thing dad valued more than anything, it was loyalty. So when this hero showed potential, he decided to bring the matter to the attention of the Council. When the 2nd Great Prophecy was in play, the whole Council saw what Perseus did, what he was capable of. On his way, he'd overpowered countless enemies, but also his fears. The Council wanted to have him as the Council's Army's leader." Skylar was saying, but I interrupted then

"Wait, you mean the whole Council had known all along what I'd come to be?"

"No, they didn't Percy. They can't see the future and you know that. But you were a candidate they were all willing to bet on." She answered me. Then looking at the girls who were silently absorbing the whole story she said

"Continuing to where I left off, there was a very ancient prophecy that described the path that one had to take in order to become the Council's Army's leader. That included a win over the Cyprian Tallert, and for Perseus to be the leader of dad's army. But that's not something you can just do, it needs training and experience. So it was decided that he'd be approached by a member of the Council with an offer to be under his command and train for that spot."

"Wait, so you're saying Percy was approached by some Primordial who wanted him to do a deadly quest with no assurance that he'd live or not, with his life at stake and his past life on earth to forget just to be a Commander of some army?" Thalia asked quizzically.

"It's not just some army Thalia. You see them in action then judge them." I managed to chuckle before Skylar continued, "Besides, I said this is what was planned, not what was done, thanks to you demigods."

"What do you mean, thanks to us?" Annabeth asked.

"After your war against Gaea, the Council took a vote as to who'd approach Perseus with an offer. At first Lord, Aether was to approach him since the Council felt he was most suited for the job of training a young potential demigod. Perseus' loyalty was well known to the Council members, so they knew they had to wait for an opportunity. He'd never leave his girlfriend and his campmates. But then, something happened at camp, something the Council hadn't expected. A betrayal of sorts."

At that Annabeth and Reyna looked down in shame. Thalia didn't need to since she wasn't there when all this happened, but she did anyway.

"I didn't mean for things to turn this way, Percy. I know there's nothing I can say that'll make you forgive me, but please consider the circumstances under which I was forced to take that decision." Annabeth said pleadingly looking in my direction, still looking down.

"Annabeth. I've already forgotten about that incident. I understand what forced that decision out of you and Chiron, and I understand that even though it was hard on you, you really didn't have a choice." I said.

"Forgotten, not forgiven," Annabeth noted sadly.

"We can talk about that later, Annabeth. I'll explain it to you as soon as we get outta here."

She just nodded.

"What happened after the betrayal?" Reyna asked, urging Skylar to continue my life's story.

"Well, as I was saying, it was a shocker, changing things drastically. The Council knew that Perseus was what he was because he cared about others and did whatever he did not for himself but for the good of others. This betrayal was a bullet to his fatal flaw, and the Council thought they'd lose a great hero forever. But that wasn't to be. Dad convinced the Council that he could train Perseus and make him what he was destined to be. The lieutenant of the Army was soon to retire, and Perseus was eligible for that spot. Dad didn't wanna waste more time after the betrayal as he was afraid Perseus might do something rash and the world would lose him forever. So he approached him with his offer the day he left. And Perseus realized that he had a chance to get away from everything that hurt him while also doing something for others. So he grabbed that opportunity at once. Dad brought him to Celestio where a day later I met him. We became fast friends. Back then I didn't know anything about him. But eventually, he opened up to me. He went on to prove his mettle to the Council and become the Commander of dad's army once he completed the prophecy. Thus the name hellfire."

They were soaking in this information.

"You came a long way, didn't you kelp-head," Thalia asked with sadness and happiness both mixed in her tone.

"I did thals. But I didn't forget what we had. You're still my best friend and cousin. I know you. You must've beaten yourself every single day thinking it was your fault and you weren't there for me."

"You do know me well." She smiled a bit.

"But it's true. If only I'd been there, things would've been different." She said sadly.

"You can never be sure of that Thals. But what we can be sure of is that now I'm here, you're here and nothing's gonna take that away from us. Rather than live in regret, let's cherish this time together. Let's be cousins and best friends like we used to be."

"You're right. Nothing's gonna take this away from me. Let's enjoy it." She smiled. Then she came to me, carefully raised my head a bit and lightly hugged me, making sure she didn't hurt my wound. I hugged her back. A tear was trickling down both of our cheeks, but we wiped it off each others' faces with a warm smile.

She stood back again, and I looked at Reyna who looked like she wanted to say something.

"I'm sorry too, Percy. This is actually my fault. As preator, it was my job to convince my own people that you were a hero and that those accusations were lies. And I failed." She too looked sad. For someone who didn't like to show off emotions, this was a brave leap in doing just that.

"Reyna. I know we weren't great friends when I left to begin with. But you always supported me. You were the one to let me know what was going on in your camp. You tried your best, and that's what matters. I always respected you for who you were, and still do. There's nothing you need to apologize for. In fact, I thank you for trying to convince them and do whatever you could to stop what happened from happening." I genuinely smiled at her.

"Thanks, Percy. I don't think you've changed a lot." She nodded in acknowledgement like a soldier. I nodded back.

"Percy. How are you feeling?"

Skylar asked me looking at my wounds.

"The pain's subsiding Sky. Eventually, it'll be gone. Told you I could make it."

"Oh, I always knew you could make it. But can that ever stop me from worrying?"

"Fair point. Don't worry, just a few more minutes and I'll be as good as unscathed. So now I suggest you all stop worrying about me and let's discuss what we're gonna do about this dragon."

Once Thalia, Annabeth and Reyna regained their composure and made mental peace with the fact that I was alive, their expressions indicated that the gears in their heads had started turning.

"I think I have a fair idea of how we can begin. It may not be enough, but I'm pretty sure it has to be the starting." Thalia said.

"Go ahead we're all listening," Skylar said.

"Remember the prophecy."

"What?" I asked confused. But it seemed like I was the only one who hadn't got it. Everyone nodded.

"The lost hero's past and present must unite. Now that we know who you are, we have no doubt you're the hero. So your past and present have to unite in order to kill the dragon, Percy." Reyna said.

I groaned at that. Not a month on Earth and I was already a hero of another prophecy?

However, I realized she was right. Another prophecy that I'm part of, another prophecy I'm unknowingly and unwittingly made a hero of. I sighed. That had to be some new kind of record now.

"You're right. It does make sense. But what do past and present mean? What is it? Like a recipe that I mix past and present and fling into the dragon to kill it?" I asked stupidly. Thalia facepalmed. "You're still the same seaweed brain, Jackson. How did you even manage to live so long with that kind of a brain?" She said.

"I'm honoured by the support you show me, pinecone face. Thanks so much." I said sarcastically.

"Past and present aren't ingredients. They're people. As much as I'd love to be wrong for once, I know I'm not. Me and Skylar. I am closest to Percy's past and Skylar, here is the only person related to his present. So, his past and present are aptly summed up in us." Annabeth said.

"People are past and present? What does that even mean? We five couldn't defeat that thing and you think you two can manage?" I asked raising an eyebrow.

"I think what she means is me and she will be going offensive and trying for lethal strikes while you guys go defensive. And I agree with her, it's a good plan and kinda satisfies the prophecy simultaneously." Skylar said.

"Before, we tried that. I and you were attacking. We were pushed to play defence very early. How do you plan to make it work?" I asked.

"Leave it to us," Annabeth said confidently and gave a nod to Skylar, who nodded back in return.

"Wait. We go there again? Just like that? What about some plan of attack!"

"Oh, I have a plan. Attack. Let's go." Skylar said.

I was completely healed now, with nothing more than a scar left behind to symbolize I'd ever been dealt a fatal blow. I nodded, we took out our weapons and with fierce determination and a ghost of a plan and walked towards where we'd run away from just about a few hours ago. This time though, we needed the element of surprise. Once we reached there, we hid behind a rock. The creature was in plain sight to us, but it couldn't see us yet.

"Listen. We can have the element of surprise if we attack now. Thing is, he recovered from two of those the last time we fought like it was a piece of cake. So this time Skylar, you and Annabeth make goddamn sure you don't let him recover at all, otherwise, we might as well wave the white flag and let it kill ourselves." I said seriously.

"Got it. Don't worry. You just keep it occupied playing defensive."

I looked at each of their faces, nodded to everyone once, and when they nodded back, we charged.

The fight was identical to the last time and yet not so much. The girls even after not having fought together at all even once were doing a terrific job.

The dragon was trying to push Annabeth and Skylar into defensive by using agility to counter their blows, but as soon as it countered and the girls blocked, we three would switch to attacking. I could tell from the angry grunts and desperate moves that the creature was getting impatient. We had to bid our time until it made some desperate jibe and we countered it once and for all. We'd already managed to land several blows, a few of them even major.

True, we received cuts of our own, but nothing major.

"Guys its tiring down. Let's go all out and end this thing once and for all." I mind messaged them.

They all nodded, and I suddenly almost felt bad for the dragon. The way we were all attacking, it looked like it wanted to wave the white flag. Soon enough, the dragon dropped down heavily injured, but alive. Annabeth had her sword at his throat, but I said "Wait. It is an ancient creature and has done many wrongs. Killing it with a sword might kill it right now, but it will reform. If not now then maybe in a hundred or a thousand years. But it will, and again it will reign terror in innocents with its atrocities. My hellfire can destroy it once and for all. Let me kill it."

Annabeth nodded, seeing the logic in what I'd said. But we didn't expect what came next. In a bid to save itselfyy] y, it launched itself with everything it had - on Reyna. Reyna wasn't expecting this and was taken Completely off guard. The dragon managed to leave a huge gash on her stomach. She screamed in pain, clutching her stomach and dropping down on the floor unconscious. I lit my palm with purple flames and released a huge ball of fire on the creature, terminating it, making it ash. I immediately rushed to Reyna. The others were already there, with Skylar assessing the situation.

"Please tell me it isn't a temporal wound." I pleaded, hoping to death I'd be right. Without training like me or Omega or someone, there's no way you could survive that wound.

"It's isn't," Skylar confirmed. I sighed in relief.

"But it looks bad. We need to get her to get her out of here and into an infirmary fast. She is immortal, but she can still fade. Then we'll have to wait for her to reform fast." She said seriously.

"Okay. You get ready, I'll be right back."

It was time to do what I was here for in the first place. I took out the amulet that Nico had given me and placed it where I was supposed to. An enchantment came to my mind at that moment just like he'd said it would, and I spoke it. The light coming from the bodies of the Titans stopped, signalling that Tartarus couldn't help them reform anymore. "Quest mission accomplished finally." I thought contentedly to myself. I immediately went to where the others were waiting for me. We took out our pearls and crushed them under our feet to get out of here. Skylar did it for Reyna, as she was still unconscious. They had stopped the bleeding using a few basic first aid amenities, but it still looked back. Once we were transported out of Tartarus, I didn't care where we were.

"We need to get Reyna to our infirmary at Celestio. The one at camp doesn't need to be flooded if amidst a war if we can help it. Sky, Teleport Reyna and yourself. I'll get thals and Annabeth."

"Will do." She said and held Reyna firmly. Soon, she'd disappeared.

"Alright ladies, grab my hand and we'll be off too."

They did as told, and we soon appeared outside the infirmary of Celestia.

"I know it's not the time, but this place is too huge and beautiful for an infirmary. I can't imagine what the rest of the planet must be like."

Annabeth would've sat marvelling at the infrastructure too if Reyna hadn't been injured so severely.

"You know what thals? I'll give you all a tour of this place once we're done with the war."

"That'd be amazing. But right now let's go see how Reyna's doing."

And that's where we went. But we were met with a sullen looking Skylar instead.

"What? Don't tell me we were late, that isn't possible!" I said.

"Turns out we were just in time. A few moments later and we'd have lost her, at least that's what I'm being told."

"Then why that face? What more did they have to say?" Annabeth asked worriedly.

"She's slipped into a coma, and they can't say when she'll wake up."

"Oh." Was all Thalia could say. That was a big blow.

"She's still fighting in there. They say things can turn either way from here. Either she may wake up or there won't be anything left of her to wake."

"She'll fade," Thalia whispered.

"I'm sorry," Skylar said, putting a comforting hand on Annabeth's shoulder, while I pulled Thals into a comforting hug. She had tears in her eyes.

"Commander Stormbringer! You're back! Thank Chaos you're fine." One of the soldiers of my army exclaimed. He was lying wounded in the infirmary.

"Mark! Thanks, I'm fine. But what the hell are you doing in an infirmary? What happened at camp? "

"The war on camp has begun sir. You were late by a day. Kronos has unleashed everything he had on us. He said he knew exactly where you were, but that you'd never be able to return."

"I'm fine like I said. And from your injuries, I know you are too. So give me a report. What happened today?"

"Honestly boss? Things aren't looking great. We've already lost some of our lads. The Council's Army hasn't had any casualty, those guys fight like beasts, but they have their own share of injuries. The campers are the worst hit due to lack of capable talent though. Those immortal campers are good, but a handful of 'em aren't enough. They've lost many. But the big blow is one of theirs is severely hit. Nico di Angelo was taken down trying to go one on one with Kronos himself. He may be fine, but he won't heal in time to assist in the war."

"Life suddenly became a lot more depressing," Annabeth muttered sadly. Thalia just nodded.

Looks like we're in a spot, outnumbered. And we've just lost two of our most powerful fighters. They may not be dead, but they won't be alive for long anyway if we don't do something soon. None of us will be. And End won't even need to interfere.

I won't let that happen.

"We've defeated Kronos once, we'll do it again. The campers have lost people. They need hope. And I know just how to give them hope." I said confidently.

"What are you planning to do Perce?" Thalia asked me.

"What you know now, they'll know by this time tomorrow. We wait here today, surprise attack the enemy tomorrow. At the end of the day's war, I'll reveal myself to everyone." They all just nodded.

(A/N: PLEASE REVIEW, CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM IS APPRECIATED.)