Chapter 14: The Final Battle

Percy's POV

I couldn't believe that Luke bathed in the River Styx. This just made me reconsider Nico's offer even more. Beckendorf was gone and Silena was bawling her eyes out and Clarisse was actually COMFORTING her.

My father looked even older than before and I barely recognized him. His palace is a disaster. I wish I could stay and help, but I had to lead the camp in the war until Madison gets back.

Madison…

I sighed. I can't believe I kissed her and she kissed ME back!

Something flashed in knocking me out of my daze.

"Nico!"

"What?"

"Uh… Nothing."

"Okay that's a lie. What was with the weird look on your face?"

I felt myself blush and Nico saw it and started to grin.

"Dude, you better tell me or I'll run through camp and tell everyone how you kiss your 'mommy' goodbye before you came to camp." He was smiling deviously.

"How did you…?"

"Son of Hades, Perce."

"You wouldn't…"

"Try me?" I scowled at him and he exited my cabin.

"Hey everyone, Percy k…" I cut him off by placing a hand over his mouth and dragged him back into the cabin.

"Alright, you win!"

He grinned.

"Tell me!"

"I um… before Beckendorf came to go on our mission… I was saying bye to Madison and um… we… uh…" I mumbled the last bit.

"What did you say?" Nico was putting his hand to his ear and was grinning. "I didn't quite hear you."

"We…"

"What?"

"We KISSED! There, I said it!"

He grinned even more and tried to run out the door.

"You will NOT tell anyone!" I quickly changed the subject. "Why are you even here?"

"Have you reconsidered my offer?"

I sighed. "Yes…"

"Well…"

"I'll do it. You're right. It may be the only way."

He motioned for me to follow and he led me to the woods. Ms. O'Leary was waiting for us. I hopped on her and Nico took off shadow traveling. Ms. O'Leary followed right after. We flew through the shadows.

We stopped outside of a house. Nico told me it was Luke's house. He went inside to learn more about him and I waited outside with Ms. O'Leary.

He has been in there for about an hour. I was starting to get bored. I looked around and saw a young girl sitting next to a fire. From what Madison said, I knew she was Hestia.

I walked up to her and bowed. "Lady Hestia, what brings you here?"

"Hello Percy, sit."

I sat down. "Is there something wrong?"

"Young hero, nothing is wrong. I just await the return of Madison. She should be back soon."

I looked up at her. She raised her eyebrow at me.

"Take good care of her Perseus."

"Percy, let's go!" I heard Nico yell.

I turned to tell him to wait a second, but I turned back around and Lady Hestia left.

I got up and walked over to Nico. "What did you find out?"

"Not much." He sighed.

"A waste of a trip, huh?"

"Ya seem like it. Let's go. We have to get this done soon."

I hopped on Ms. O'Leary and we took off once again. We ended right in front of the River Styx. We walked towards it.

"You ready?" Nico asked.

"Ya…" Although, I didn't sound so sure.

I walked to the edge.

"So… do I just jump in?"

"You have to prepare yourself or the river will destroy you. It will burn away your body and soul."

"Great." I muttered.

"There is only one way to stay anchored to your mortal life. You have to…"

We were interrupted by a Greek Warrior behind us. I knew it was the greatest hero of all time, who had died from a wounded heel.

"Achilles," I said. The ghost nodded.

"I warned the others to not follow my path and I have come to warn you."

I knew he was talking about Luke. Luke had been here and he hadn't turned back. That's why he could host the spirit of Kronos without being disintegrated. He was invincible.

"I have to," I said. "Otherwise I don't stand a chance."

"If you must do this, concentrate on your mortal point. Imagine one spot of you that will remain vulnerable. This is the point where your soul will anchor your body to the world. It will be your greatest weakness, but also your only hope. No man may be completely invulnerable. Lose sight of what keeps you mortal, and the river will burn you to ashes. You will cease to exist."

He disappeared.

I pictured the small of my back and jumped in. The pain was like jumping into a pit of boiling acid, but times 50. I saw my mom, Tyson, Grover and everyone else I care about flash before my eyes. I was dissolving. Then I saw Madison swimming next to me. Her eyes shone brighter than ever.

"Come on, Seaweed Brain. Race you to the shore."

I smiled and followed her up. I emerged from the Styx and gasped for air. I felt like I was burned alive and now I know how serious Madison's threat was when she said she would burn you alive.

I looked around for her, but came face to face with Nico. It felt so real, but I guess it wasn't.

Madison's POV

The war meeting went by quickly. Jason would lead the invasion to Mt. Tam and fight Krios. That is his destiny. All the Romans finally get to get out of the camp. There have been a few quests, but nothing major like Percy's quests.

They would be leaving soon and so will I. I have to help with the fight against Kronos. I walked out the door of the war room and stopped half-way down the steps. I felt something in the pit of my stomach turn. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either.

You must leave now Phoenix. The final battle is upon us.

Who is this speaking? I mentally asked.

I am the keeper of the River Styx. I am the Goddess Styx.

What do I owe the pleasure?

The young son of Poseidon has prepared and the enemy is on their way. You must go.

What do you mean by he has prepared?

He bares the curse of Achilles and is now evenly matched with Kronos. You will tip the scales of the fight.

HE BATHED IN THE RIVER STYX?

Yes child, he came into my domain and bares the curse.

I had no reply for that. I stood on the steps shocked. I was pushed out of my thoughts by Reyna and Jason.

"I hope you are all prepared for the invasion of Mt. Tam, I must go now and help the gods with the battle against Saturn."

I took off running and called Blossom. She soared through the sky and I hopped on her just as she skimmed the ground. She kept flying on and I made my way to New York. I heard Jason yell to me 'Be careful' before I disappeared over the boundary.

I soared through the sky and came to see Percy surrounded on a bridge with an army. I jumped off Blossom and into the sea. I stayed submerged so I could make a surprise attack.

I saw Ethan out of the corner of my eye charge at Percy from behind. I knew he has the curse of Achilles, but I couldn't risk them finding his vulnerable spot wherever it is.

I jumped out of the water and attack Ethan from behind. I swiped my foot underneath him and he fell to the ground. I threw him over the edge of the bridge into the water. Percy and I stood back-to-back with our weapons drawn.

"Nice of you to show up Hothead!"

"Oh I know you missed me Seaweed Brain!"

I twirled my sword. We fought the monsters off side stepping around and hitting from every angle. I yelled for Percy to duck and I swung my sword over his head turning three monsters turned to dust.

"Piggy back," Percy told me. We locked arms and he leaned forward. I was lying on his back and I kicked a few monsters in the jaw and others in the gut. He let me down and we kept fighting with ease.

"Switch," I yelled to Percy. He leaned forward and I rolled across his back to the other side. We kept on fighting.

We were starting to get tired.

"Percy, the water, use it, NOW!" I screamed to him.

I helped him with the water and the bridge collapsed sending the army into the Hudson River. Blossom and Blackjack swooped down just in time and carried us back to the Empire State Building.

We got off and Percy pulled me into a hug. "Better late than never!"

"Oh shut it!" I said while punching him on the shoulder. I then realized that it wouldn't hurt.

"Why did you bathe in the Styx?"

He looked shocked. "I guess I can't keep anything from you, huh?"

"Nope…"

"It's the only way to beat Kronos."

"Well it will help…"

"What do you mean?"

"I know a way to defeat Kronos and save Luke."

"How?"

"I'll have to teach you soon."

"Okay… How did you know where my Achilles point is?"

"Wha… I didn't… Where?"

"The small of my back."

He turned and I touched the spot. He winced.

"You're the only one I've told."

I smiled at him. I grabbed his hand, and then realized what I was doing.

"Sorry," I blushed.

"No, it's okay." He said and grabbed my hand back. I pulled him inside and I was met by a giant hug by Thalia.

"Thalia!" I exclaimed.

"You guys were awesome!"

Percy and I both looked confused.

"We kind of I.M.'d you guys, but you were a little busy on the bridge. So, everyone here decided to watch. You guys fought great! It was amazing. You two must have really trained hard."

"Madison trains you so hard until you literally are about to fall dead!"

"Which reminds me… I need to teach you the technique."

I pulled him into a different room.

"What are you teaching me?"

"Remember that trick you wanted to learn that I used against the Dracaenae that had Silena at camp?"

His face lit up and his eyes shined.

"Water is everywhere. It is in plants, the air, and even in animals and humans. More like it is in blood. 75% of the body is just water. You can focus your energy on the water within someone and control them. Like this…"

I focused on Percy and lifted him off the ground. He went up in the air. He crossed his arms and motioned for me to put him down. As soon as I sat him down, I was suspended in the air.

"You learn fast," I told him.

He smirked and sat me down.

"To defeat Kronos and save Luke, you must focus on Luke's inner water and pull him away from Kronos while I pull Kronos the other way. When Kronos is out of Luke, I will use my power of the hearth to burn him to ash. It should work."

"That sounds dangerous."

"It could be, but it is the only way."

He sighed and we got back to training. I taught him how to compact veins and bust monsters to dust. I also taught him how to control people's limbs and make them do things that you want them to.

I turned to drink some water and felt myself drop it. I was turned around and brought face to face with Percy.

"Hey, I didn't say you could use the technique on me." I whined.

"And why not?" He pulled me closer.

I couldn't say anything. I didn't know what to say. He wrapped an arm around my waist.

We both leaned in and he whispered in my ear: "Be my girlfriend."

I looked at him in shock. I was speechless and didn't know what to say. Then Thalia walked in.

"Percy, you have to see this."

She left. He turned to me. "I'll get your answer later."

I stood there a second and then smiled. I bolted out the door and headed outside.

I saw a helicopter flying around and saw that red haired demon in it. I started to boil with anger. What is SHE doing HERE?

Annabeth got on the helicopter and landed it. Percy helped the Rachel off the helicopter.

"PERSEUS, what is SHE doing HERE?"

He saw the anger in me.

"Madison, I don't know…"

"Well, get her OUT of here!"

"Madison…" He grabbed my arm and Rachel got a little closer to him. He didn't seem to notice. I jerked away and gave her a death glare.

I walked into the lobby and people were staring at me, but I didn't care.

How could he? He wanted to be my boyfriend and yet, he allows her here!

I torched all the chairs, tables, and other things that were in my way as I walked to a room to rest.

Percy's POV

I watched as Madison stormed off. I didn't do anything wrong, and yet I actually did!

I looked at Rachel and then pushed her off. I yelled after Madison and ran after her.

I ran into the lobby and stopped when I saw that mostly everything was torched. People were trying to put out the fire. I summoned water and put out the rest.

Everyone looked at me. Thalia came up and looked angry. She pinned me to a wall.

"What did you do to her?" Her voice was full of anger.

"Nothing…"

"It didn't seem like nothing! She looked really pissed and I am right now!"

"Thalia stop." It was Annabeth. I have to thank her later.

"I'm going to go talk with her. You got lucky this time Jackson."

She ran up to talk to Madison. Rachel came back in and headed to the elevator. She went up in it.

I wonder what she's up to. I didn't bother to go find out.

Madison and Thalia came running out here. Madison yelled:

"They're coming! The final battle is upon us! Everyone, MOVE!"

I ran outside behind Thalia and Madison. I looked and saw my mom and Paul fighting some monsters!

"Mom… When did you…?"

"Not now Percy, there is a battle going on!"

"Percy…" I heard Madison yell. She pointed to the entrance to the Empire State Building and I saw Kronos and Ethan going in.

Madison, Thalia, Annabeth, Grover, and I all ran after and got on the elevator.

The bridge was falling. Madison created a bridge out of ice. She told us to go quick. We all ran across. She followed. She barely made it before the whole thing collapsed.

We kept running until Thalia pushed Annabeth out of the way from Hera's falling statue. Her legs were crushed underneath.

"Go on without me, I will be fine!"

We kept running and I saw Annabeth and Madison looked back at her.

We made it into the throne room and saw Kronos standing in the middle. Madison charged and the battle started. He tried slowing down time, but Madison kept throwing fireballs at him and slowing him down. Annabeth and Grover were busy with Ethan. Kronos faced flashed for a second and Luke came through. He muttered one thing… Annabeth. She stopped fighting for a second and was knocked over. Madison went to help her along with Grover. Kronos came back through.

Madison was trying to convince Ethan to do the right thing. He kept looking between us and Kronos and then he charged Kronos. A large hole formed into the floor and he fell through.

"He chose his fate!" Kronos bellowed.

An image appeared and we all watched as my father ascended from the sea and helped send Typhon back to Tartarus. I smiled when I saw Tyson fighting in the battle.

"NO!" Kronos bellowed.

"Now Percy! We have to do it NOW!" Madison yelled.

We both held out our hands and I focused on Luke. I felt a tug in my gut and pulled with all my energy. I saw a small energy force come out of Luke, but before I could see anything, a bright light shone and I saw a glimpse of the Phoenix before I could see again.

I looked and saw a pile of ash next to Luke. Annabeth ran up to Luke and gave him a hug. He gladly hugged her back and kept saying 'I'm Sorry'.

The gods ran in the room in full battle armor ready for a battle. When they saw the scene, they looked shocked. Kronos was gone.

Thalia came in behind them with crutches. We waited for all of them to sit at their thrones and the council meeting began. Grover became the new Lord of the Wild and the Leader of the Council of Cloven Elders. Annabeth got to become the new Architect of Olympus and she gets to rebuild it. Luke gave her a hug and congratulated her. Madison was called up next.

Apollo shrunk down to normal size and examined her. He spoke.

"You defied the prophecy. You changed what my oracle said. No one has ever changed a prophecy. It specifically said: 'a hero's soul cursed blade shall reap', but it never happened!" Apollo was freaking out. "Now I'm seeing a different future!"

Madison didn't look the least bit shocked or scared. She just stood her ground.

Athena got Apollo to calm down and to go back to his throne. Madison went and sat next to Hestia by the hearth.

Then, my dad yelled my name. All eyes went on me. Hestia whispered something into Madison's ear and she looked at me and had a sad look in her eyes. I walked up and bowed before Zeus, then my father.

"A great hero must be rewarded. Does anyone here that denies that my son is deserving?"

No one said anything.

Zeus spoke. "You will have on gift from the gods, the greatest gift of all. The gift of immortality."

I was shocked. I thought about it and knew that I really wasn't deserving. It was Madison who deserved it.

"No," I told the council. They all looked at me shocked. "If anyone here is deserving of the gift, it is Madison. She did everything, I just helped."

Madison eyes lit up.

"I'm honored and everything, but I have a lot of life left to live."

Instead I asked for them to swear on the River Styx to claim ALL their children by the age of 13 and to have a cabin for all the minor gods, plus Hestia and Hades.

They agreed and dismissed the council meeting. I walked up to Madison. She told me to follow her. We walked into a garden. We both sat down on a bench in the middle.

"You never gave me an answer Madison." I looked into her eyes.

She sighed. "What about Rachel?" she spat out.

"I don't like Rachel, I like you."

She smiled at me, and then leaned in. We kissed again. It wasn't like our other one before, but it still had the same feeling. We pulled apart.

"Does that answer your question?"

I smiled at her and nodded.

We headed to the elevator and held hands the whole way down. She whispered in my ear: 'Happy Birthday'.

When we got off, I saw my mom arguing with the front desk man. When she saw us, she ran and gave us both big hugs. Once she saw our intertwined hands, her eyes lit up and she started going on and on about how we are so cute together.

We finally got away from her and saw Luke and Annabeth holding hands. Madison smiled. Everyone was eyeing Luke and I'm sure he felt uncomfortable.

We headed back to camp and saw that everything was still standing. I smiled. We saw Rachel, who was apparently the new oracle and Madison smiled.

Madison and I went back to our cabin and packed our stuff for the school year. When we came back out, we saw Nico already starting construction on the Hades cabin. Annabeth was already making plans and Luke was helping.

We headed to the hill for another school year. I can't wait to see the new improvements on the camp next summer!