Chapter 44

Lightning flashed across the skies striking the water as the Titan of Light was creating blinding rays of power across the reservoir at Central Park. Thalia Grace stood bracing herself with her shield as she screamed in defiance as she watched a figure in golden armor approach her at speeds she couldn't even comprehend.

The daughter of Zeus knew that she had to make a stand here. The other campers were no match for Hyperion, but the reality that she wasn't capable either hit her in the form of a golden sword that impacted her shield so hard she was sent dozens of yards backwards into the air. Trying to find her feet the last thing she thought she would see would be a golden blur, but instead the world went really cold. Screams echoed in her ears, and when she opened her eyes a soft voice spoke to her, "You're okay Thalia. We are here to help."

Her eyes were registering the dark eyed beauty in front of her, but her brain wasn't comprehending how it was possible. A girl that radiated power since the time they had first met at the base of Mount Tam was standing before her, but how did she come to be here? What it would mean for her friends was not quite reaching her brain yet either. A clang that echoed across the battlefield of Central Park drew her attention back to reality. Even seeing an armor clad warrior standing toe to toe with Hyperion didn't allow her to believe what was happening. A silver trident was swirling in speeds she could hardly follow with her eyes as it deflected the strikes of the golden Titan. As the trident seemed to swirl winds were picking up, and the Titan seemed to be in a panic attempting to blast the black and red armored warrior out of the sky with burning bright lights. Every attempt however was snuffed out by hundreds of gallons of water.

Thalia seemed to realize that their chances of winning had returned, and was energized by the realization, "We have to help him."

Bianca Di Angelo chuckled quietly, "He would be thankful if you didn't. Jason and I have both taken down a Titan at this point. I think Percy is beginning to feel left out. Besides, Hyperion made the mistake of remaining close to Percy's father's domain. He is done for."

As if speaking reality into existence Hyperion was encased in a dome of water that he desperately tried to fight his way out of, but the water lowered to the ground keeping the Titan locked in. In this time Percy entered the dome of swirling water, and ripped the Titans blade away causing it to go flying into the ground outside the dome blade first. Then Percy began dismantling the Titan's armor, and methodically began slicing the Titan to pieces as golden ichor now swirled through the dome of water.

Thalia swore quietly, "My gods. He is ripping him apart."

"He is so hot." Bianca agreed with a grin.

Thalia grimaced at her words, but watched in fascinated horror as Percy Jackson dismantled the golden Titan. The water became so filled with ichor at one point that it began hard to see the only remaining armored figure. The wind made the area deafeningly loud, but a final screech of agony wrenched through the area, and suddenly the winds began to slow, and the water began to subside.

Without thought Bianca began walking towards the armored man, and Thalia could only follow with a dumbstruck look on her face. Percy noticed the two heading his way, and he moved to intercept them. Before Thalia could speak to the man Bianca had swept forward removing the man's helmet, and kissing him firmly on the mouth. The moment lasted a little longer than was socially acceptable, but when they separated Percy had a goofy grin on his face as he turned to face the daughter of Zeus, "Sorry it took us so long to arrive. The others led by your brother are reinforcing your lines. I am sorry we couldn't bring the whole army, but I brought some of the best Rome has to offer."

Thalia looked around rapidly, "My brother is here?"

"Taking on the Clazmonian Sow last we heard." Bianca stated with a grin, "Percy was anxious to take on another Titan, so we came here while Jason went after the flying pig."

A blast of lightning rocked Long Island, and Percy along with Bianca winced. Percy whistled, "I doubt much would have survived that. Your brother has been pretty amped since he killed Krios, so I'm guessing the sow has been reduced to bacon. With Hyperion down, that also makes three Titans that will take a few centuries to reform, but that will be problems for another generation. What can you tell us about what is happening here? Where do you need the most help?"

Thalia was completely overwhelmed. She had believed they were done for when Hyperion came marching across Central Park. She had been woken from her short nap, and all the Apollo campers had time to tell her that a golden warrior that looked like a Titan was marching on their location. The fact that a sow had arrived at around the sametime likely meant Kronos was trying to finish them off.

"How are we going to explain this?" Thalia asked desperately to her newest saviors, "The Greeks and Romans have been trying to kill each other for generations. If we introduce you to the Campers as our reinforcements now I don't know what will happen."

Percy placed a hand comfortingly on the girl's shoulders, "Each soldier that followed us here is deeply committed to the defense of Olympus…and to me. They have their orders, and Jason is going to tell your campers the truth. At least some of it. We are the Praetorian Guard chosen by the Olympians to defend Olympus in a worse case scenario. All of us will be recognized by the Greek equivalent to our parents. For now, that is the best we can do. All my people are on board with it, and understand the risk of being here. I brought barely a dozen fighters, but they are battle hardened, and prepared to defend Olympus whatever the cost may be."

Thalia swallowed deeply. She had seen what Percy had just done to Hyperion. A Titan that would've batted her aside like an insect. If the Greeks took issue with him and his friends there was little doubt who was emerge victorious. The young man had traveled across the country with his closest friends, and fighters to help them defend Olympus, and she was slightly sickened by the fact that this was a problem they had to overcome.

Words wouldn't ever be able to convey how grateful Thalia was in that moment, so instead she sighed, "Thank you for coming, Percy. I think we may have lost today without your help."

Percy offered the girl a smile, "Come on let's go meet with your brother, and reinforce the lines. We have a Great Prophecy to fulfill, and I am very much looking forward to a long vacation afterwards."

The three together crossed Central Park in a vehicle that Thalia hotwired, and they met up with Jason along with the others on the north side of Park Avenue. The two children of Beryl Grace embraced tightly as the assembled demigods cheered at the arrival of dozens of friendly centaurs that drove the enemy back. A large centaur came galloping towards Thalia with wide eyes as they shifted from the embracing siblings, to other Praetorians. The clean shaven Centaur looked grim as he said, "So it seems Olympus has truly reached its most desperate hour."

Percy nodded, approaching the man, "Lord Chiron, I take it?"

The man offered a slight bow of his head, "Indeed my young friend. Who might you be?"

Ensuring that the other Greeks were not in earshot Percy offered his own bow, "Perseus Jackson. Consul of Rome, leader of the Praetorian Guard, son of Neptune. I am glad we are not the only ones late to the party."

"The Party Ponies are an effective force. They can also travel very fast. The hard part was getting them all in one place, and to relax long enough to tell them that the fate of the world was in balance." The Centaur confessed while staring into the sea green eyes of Percy, "A Son of Neptune named Consul however sounds like a much more interesting tale. That is a story I would like to hear."

"Perhaps after the battle is finished we can trade stories." Percy offered with a grin, "But until then we are here under the guise of the Praetorian Guard, and will identify as children of our Greek counterparts to keep the peace. It isn't something we are happy with, but the fate of the world can't rest on the shoulders of a millennium old squabble that none of us were around to see. Barring yourself of course Lord Chrion."

"Just Chiron, my boy, and believe me we are thankful for your intervention. As well as your understanding." The man said sagely.

As the Centaurs drove off the remaining enemies, cheers from the Praetorians and campers alike rang throughout the battlefield. Jason approached Percy with an arm around his sister's shoulders, and a wide smile across his face, "Consul I do believe the enemy has been defeated for the day. I also hear congratulations are in order for the successful defeat of a Titan. Welcome to the club."

Percy rolled his eyes at the young man that was like his brother as he called out, "Praetorians. Let us fall back to Olympus. It is time we inspected the defenses, and try to discover who is left that may be able to help us."

The Praetorians nodded, and assembled behind Percy without further celebrations. Thalia turned to the Campers and called out, "Olympus sends us their chosen champions in the form of the Praetorian Guard. They will help us win the coming battles. I know a lot of you will have a lot of questions, but I have met some of these people before when we saved Lady Artemis from the clutches of Atlas. I was sworn to secrecy by Olympus that day, but we are reaching our most desperate hour, and we can use all the allies we can get."

Quiet nods of ascension were given at her words, and Thalia looked relieved that no one openly challenged her. Percy seemed to find her words acceptable, and looked to the centaur, "Chiron will you join us on Olympus? See if we can put some plans together to draw your father out so we can end this war."

A dark look crossed the half man's face, "Kronos will not join us until he is ready to rip Olympus down brick by break. When he enters the fray it will be a final push, and the fate of Western Civilization will be decided. The gods are busy in the west fighting Typhon, and last I checked that was going quite poorly."

Before Chiron could speak further on the matter a warrior in all black armor came stepping out of the shadows, and ran straight towards Percy. Shouts of alarm went up at first, but Bianca embracing the boy seemed to put people at a confused ease. Quiet words were exchanged between the two in Italian, before Nico turned to Percy and Chiron before saying with a wicked smile, "Consul, my father has joined the battle with the other Olympians. The battle with Typhon seems to be shifting in our favor. I don't know if it will be enough though."

Percy frowned at his words, while the others cheered knowing the Lord of the Underworld had joined the battle. A thought occurred to Percy for a moment, and a deep feeling of discomfort spread through him, "If Typhon makes it to the Empire State Building all will be lost. It won't matter if Kronos marches on Olympus or not the city will be in ruins, and we will all be dead. We need a Queen's Gambit, and I might just have the play. We need to get to Olympus, and see if we can find out Typhon's intended trek. That will determine whether my plan will work or not."

Turning to face Chiron to reiterate his question the man shook his head, "I am afraid I will not be joining you on Olympus my young friend. I make it a habit to never appear unless summoned. In my many years of living I have learned some lessons the hard way."

Percy frowned at his words, "I would have the leader of these forces with me in any discussion of what happens next. I can't ask these demigods I've never met to follow my orders blindly."

Grinning at the young man and turning to Thalia he spoke confidently, "You will have their leader. Thalia is the one who had the visions of what was coming to Manhattan. It was her call to arms that brought these demigods here. She is the leader you need at your side."

Percy, Bianca, and Nico all looked to Thalia who had an even expression on her face. It seemed resigned, but proud. Jason's eyes only showed pride in his older sister, and Percy accepted the centaurs words, "Very well. After we pay our respects to Olympus I would have one of my senior Officers meet with someone you trust and help formalize some battle plans. We have to hold out for less than a day before Typhon and the Olympians arrive. I believe it is time to condense our battle lines, and defend the Empire State Building at all cost."

Thalia nodded in understanding, and began following Percy as he explained what they had encountered on the west coast. By the time they had arrived at Olympus, and the children of the three had swapped war stories, Thalia was baffled by their accomplishments, "How did you all become so powerful?"

"We pushed each other." Bianca said honestly.

"Beyond what we all thought each other capable of." Jason said.

"There was an understanding that none of us might live to see our sixteenth birthday." Percy explained, "And we were all desperate to ensure we didn't just see our sixteenth but our sixtieth as well. We fought, we trained, we cried, we bled, and we lost people along the way, but it all made us stronger."

"Percy," Thalia said in wonder, "You ripped a Titan apart with a wall of water that even his immortal abilities couldn't tear apart. How is that possible?"

"I had some help." Percy admitted, "A dip in the Styx was in order to make me a match for our grandfather. I have encountered the Titan Lord twice, and each time I was desperately outmatched. We needed a hail mary, and thank the gods it all worked out."

Getting in the elevator to go up to the 600th floor with two dozen demigods Percy grinned at his fidgeting comrades, "You guys are in for a real treat. I have only been to Olympus once, but it is an Immortal City for a reason."

Michael whispered to his right, "I never thought I would live to see Olympus. All of our training, and dedication led us here."

Percy smiled at the large Hawaiian man, "It will all be worth it when we win this war."

As the son of Neptune spoke the elevator dinged, and the doors opened. The Immortal City was as beautiful as ever, but seemingly deserted from the last time Percy was in attendance. Frowning, the son of the seas spoke, "I admit last time I was here there was music, and more immortals, but it seems even the minor gods are in hiding."

"Or they have joined the otherside." Thalia said bitterly.

The daughter of Zeus led the party forward and explained that it was Morpheus that had put the city to sleep, and that other minor gods had turned on Olympus as well. The thought troubled Percy, but he didn't question it further as they pushed their way to the palace.

"This is where we should bring the wounded from here forward." Percy said quietly, "You will need to abandon your current position if we are to hold the Empire State Building. This is where we will fall back, and more our final stand."

Thalia nodded without question, and said something to a huntress of Artemis in their party that had not said a word since they had assembled. A pang briefly crossed through Percy's chest as he remembered the fate that had befallen the last lieutenant of the Hunt. Shaking the thoughts of Zoe Nightshade aside, Percy continued forward until he was at the Palace of Olympus. He placed his hands on the doors, and paused for a moment. Destiny awaited him, and for the briefest of moments he hesitated before pushing the doors open. No one said a word, but he felt the eyes on him. An arm was placed comfortingly on his side, and he drew strength from the daughter of Pluto that had stolen his heart. Pushing the doors open with the strength he found he strolled into the Throne Room to see a familiar dark haired woman in her early 20's tending a fire in the middle. She was as beautiful as the day that Percy and Bianca met her all those years ago. Percy turned to the gathered who had looks of confusion on their face, while Percy commanded, "Wait outside for a moment. She will want to speak to Bianca and I alone."

The others looked confused by his words, but Percy took Bianca by the hand and led her forward. The sound of the throne room doors closing happened as Percy took a knee before the woman, "Lady Vesta."

"Perseus, Bianca. It seems the time for our debt to be repaid is upon us. Please rise. Before you arrived the hearth had nearly burnt out." The goddess said, flickering her campfire like eyes towards the flames, "Now they are stronger than ever. Your presence restores Olympus' and your Greek brethrens faith. You have both done very well so far. Your journey is almost at an end. The Great Prophecy is almost upon us. Allow me to be the first to wish you a Happy Birthday Perseus."

A chill ran down Percy's spine. So much had happened in the last few days it was easy to forget that the doomsday prophecy was on a timeline. Bianca's hand took his, and she kissed him on the cheek whispering, "Happy Birthday Percy."

Vesta smiled at the demigoddess, shaking her head, "Your warmth is from your mother. My brother never shared affection for any of his siblings. I am happy to see the two of you finding home and strength in each other. It is for those reasons I favored you both all those years ago. Now you favor me, as I remain here, as The Last Olympian."

"Olympus is in good hands if we are to all defend it together." Percy said confidently.

The woman offered him a warm smile, and he felt strength return to his bones despite feeling fatigue from his battle earlier, "Your words encourage me Perseus, but I fear I am not powerful enough to stand up to my father or Typhon. We need a different player to enter the fray. I know you thought of it earlier, and while it is a dangerous plan I can see no other way."

Bianca tensed and squeezed Percy's hand, but he stared into the eyes of the Goddess before him feeling as confident as ever, "It is the divine move we need."

"Then tread forward carefully, Perseus Jackson. I wish you all the strength in the world, but no one has ever attempted what you plan to do." Vesta warned.

Releasing Bianca's hand he offered a final bow, "I will allow the wisdom of Olympus to guide me. As I have done my entire life."

With that the woman disappeared in a small column of fire that turned to fading embers. Taking a deep breath Percy sighed, "Go get the others. I need to speak with my father."

Bianca looked confused for a moment, but she followed her boyfriend's eyes, seeing the throne he was staring at. Frowning, the girl shook her head, "Percy…I don't know about this."

"We can't win this fight divided." Percy explained, "With your father, the tide against Typhon has turned, but they need a haymaker. If Typhon steps into the sea when he crosses onto Long Island my father could finish the fight. With some luck the Olympians will arrive at the same time as the Titan Lord. This is our final hope. Even if I can take down Saturn, and this is still a big if, I can't fight Typhon. None of us can. Please just get the others, and let's trust my father not to kill me for my plan."

Bianca fidgeted, and looked from the throne room doors to the throne of Neptune, "I will be right back, and will knock you off that throne if it doesn't look like it's going well."

"I would expect nothing less." Percy said earnestly.

The girl nodded, and turned to jog towards the Throne Room doors. Percy on the other hand became singular in his mindset. He had to speak to his father. Placing a hand on the throne he felt a power course through him, but it wasn't his own. Forcing himself forward he launched himself onto the chair, and suddenly an angry presence entered his mind, "WHO DARES SIT UPON MY THRONE!"

The noise made Percy's brain rattle, but he held firm as he called out, "Father!"

The power subsided momentarily to the background. It was now all around the son of Neptune, but he did not feel it trying to crush him any longer. The voice came in much quieter now, "Perseus. Why are you sitting on my throne? I could've turned you into a puddle of sea water if I hadn't looked first."

"Father, we need you." Percy pleaded, "The Olympians need you. Typhon is on the verge of Long Island, and if he reaches Olympus we are all going to die."

The man seemed surprised by how abrupt his son was being, but Percy could feel his agitation, "My son, I cannot abandon my home, my people."

"Don't abandon your people. Bring them to Olympus and help us end this war." Percy said, trying to sound strong, "We can rebuild Atlantis. More beautiful than ever before."

"I can't do it, Perseus." Neptune said, sounding disappointed with himself, "My people would never forgive their lord for abandoning their homes in their most desperate hour."

Trying to appeal to the gods' Roman nature Percy tried again, "Father if we can't defend Olympus from Typhon and the throne room is destroyed will you be able to defeat Lord Oceanus in a weakened state?"

The man hesitated for a long moment before responding in a booming whisper, "I don't know."

"Come to Olympus." Percy begged, "Help your family defeat Typhon, and then I will defeat your father before he gets a chance to destroy your throne. We can still do this. We can win this war, but I can't do it without you. You gave me every tool in the world to win this. Please don't abandon me now."

Percy heard his own desperation, and hoped it didn't sound pathetic, but after a long pause Neptune softly said, "It will be done. Don't lose the war before I get there, my son."

With that Percy heaved for breath as he fell to his knees off his father's throne. Bianca and Jason were at his side in an instant lifting him to his feet. Jason's voice rang in his ear, "Percy what happened?"

The power was still tingling through his body, and his ears were ringing, but a smile crossed his features, "I think I just found our ace in the hole. Let's get this defense planned, and win this damned war."

(A/N) Join me on discord! We talk lots of Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel, and various other fandoms at all hours of the day and night. Just delete the spaces below and join us at the Hunters Lounge for some insight into what projects I will be working on going forward, or if you would like to pitch me an idea I am always happy to hear it. Cheers guys!

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