Chapter Four
We Move Away
After the attack, Annabeth thought it would be a good idea to move. Although the situation wasn't the exact same, I had moved schools a bunch when I was younger. I wasn't eager to start a similar process.
"Camp is no longer safe. The borders can't protect us. In order to fight Gaea, we need to outrun Gaea. I say we travel as far as possible, set up there. First monster attack, we move again."
I didn't really like the idea.
"So, you want us to live like we're fugitives?"
"Exactly."
No one else was arguing, so I was in minority. Until Clarisse added something.
"What about Gaea? She'll just move and attack the cities until she finds us. We can't let her destroy the world looking for us."
Annabeth frowned, not liking the new factor that put a hitch in her plan. But all of a sudden, I was on Annabeth's side.
"Oh, wait." I said. "Nope. Guys, Gaea doesn't want to kill the mortals right now. She's out for us. All of them, titans and giants. They practically told me themselves. Every time they showed up, they talked about killing me and my family. They want revenge. Sure, if they capture us, they'll attack the cities, but we've beaten them before. They won't make the mistake of wasting their energy before the get at us."
Chiron paced
"Percy, you present a clear angle. It is settled. Pack up. This was round one, designed to shake us up. She sent one of her strongest titans and a giant. They failed however, due to Percy's, uh, defense. It was indeed effective. Everybody prepare to move. Oh, yes. And Lord Poseidon, we thank you for your support when Oceanus arrived."
My dad nodded his welcome. The group dispersed, and Chiron motioned for me to follow him
"Percy, you must work on your anger."
I tried to say something, but he continued. I knew this!
"Even if it can be justified, it can be deadly. Yes, you saved the day, but a few mere seconds more, and you could have killed our own. Channel your anger and focus on what you are doing."
I contemplated this. I had been working on bottling my anger. That was obviously a mistake. It all gushed out at once. But channeling it was impossible. just then, dad was beside me.
"Yes, Percy. Now, I know my brother will never admit it, but you are as powerful as he is. Gods get angry too, you know this. Nonetheless, we channel it through ourselves, as Chiron was saying, and we use it. Sometimes, as you know, for things not so good. But you-you, my boy, have always had the best intentions. Now, if you will excuse me, I must join the council on Olympus. They must know of your plan."
He disappeared. Chiron galloped away, leaving me to ponder how to work out my anger issues.
If you ever want to be discouraged or saddened for some time, just turn on the news. That's what we did as we traversed to the mountains. There were numerous stories of natural disasters. And, as Annabeth says that someone else said, history repeats itself. Sadly, these were our titan friends. Now, I said before, that they were out for me. They were. They were taking hostages, creating bait, trying to lure me into a trap. Luckily Annabeth was smart enough to keep me from falling for it. I knew this because they sent me Iris Messages after every kidnapping. They had Grover, (who I hadn't seen in years. He was always traveling) Tyson, Annabeth's family, and Hazel and Frank. If there's any cause for someone, besides Annabeth, to hate the Titans and Giants more than me, I would love to hear it. My impulses wanted me to rush in, rescue them, but my wife wanted me to stay. I bet you know which one won.
"It's exactly what they want you to do, Percy. If we wait, we can plan an attack."
"They also know you, Annabeth. They know you'll plan an attack. They'll cover for that, too. We need to taunt Kronos and bring him here. Then we can try our plan. Do you have the jar."
Annabeth held up the container. It was filled to the brim with dark, murky liquid.
"Dad, what exactly is the plan?" Andrea questioned.
"We going to make Kronos forget he was even born."
"How?" Will inquired this time. I pointed to the jar.
"With this."
Kate's eyes widened. "Is that-!"
I grinned. "Oh, yeah."
The big question was 'how?' And that was a very good question. We had doubts about Kronos showing up on his own. If he came, if, he would most likely bring a couple of buddies with him. But we had to try.
"Okay, does everybody know their part? Percy, remember, the water has to be flowing?" Annabeth asked, glancing up from her plans. Thalia nodded.
"Yeah, Annabeth. We're good. Are you sure this is how we get Kronos to show up? And are we sure we want him to show up?"
I nodded for her.
"Absolutely. Chiron thought it was as good a plan as any," I said. "But, Matilda, I want you to make sure all the campers stay away. We don't want any casualties, especially those which can be prevented."
Matilda nodded. Annabeth piped back up.
"And Tilly, make sure to keep Andrea back. She's very reckless, bold and rebellious-like Percy"
"I'll keep her safe, Annabeth," Matilda promised.
"Okay, let's get started. Everybody involved, go to the hill." I ushered the way. We reached the tree, and I began the summoning process.
"KRONOS! YOU YELLOW BASTARD! COME HERE WHERE I CAN SEE YOU!"
Immortal beings hate being called out. Mere seconds later, a golden flash of light blinded me. Kronos stood in full armor.
"I'm here, Perseus. You seek more pain?"
Quickly, I reached my hand out. The dark liquid from Annabeth's jar swirled through the air. It splashed Kronos in the face before he could react. I made the liquid travel up and down his body. Then, I stopped. Thalia darted in and grasped Kronos' scythe effortlessly. The titan stood dazed. We all held out breath, praying that the water from the Styx worked.
"Who am I? Where am I?"
Yes! I had wiped a titan's mind before. I renamed him Bob. However, he had begun to remember his past life. I didn't want to take that chance with Kronos. Thalia reared back. Four cuts later, Kronos was no more. Thalia turned to me with a large smile until a huge spike split the scythe in two and lodged in her gut. I twisted around to see the manticore. Anger started to cloud my vision. No. Stop. Control it, don't release it. I drew Riptide and charged the monster, while Annabeth rushed for Thalia. I deflected multiple shots. As I neared, the manticore looked genuinely frightened. He had taken Annabeth from me twice, once when we were fourteen, and once on our honeymoon. He wasn't going to have Thalia. This was payback. With a mighty swing, he disintegrated. I turned again. Our only hope of killing both titans and giants was gone. Only that scythe could do it. We were on our own again.
"DAMN YOU GAEA!" I screamed. I walked over to Thalia, another curse leaving my lips.
