"PULL OVER," Luke shouted over the rush of the wind. Thalia stopped, in the middle of East 23rd. The son of Hermes jumped off and dashed into the park. Thalia swore, jumping off the motorcycle they had nicked, and rushed after him.
When she caught up with Luke, he was staring at a bronze statue on a red pedestal, sitting in a chair, wearing a bow tie, coat tails and a top hat and all that. Thalia didn't know who he was, and she shot Luke an unimpressed and confused glance, wondering why he'd made them stop when he knew they were needed somewhere.
"He's an automaton," Luke said, and that explained it all. Thalia watched as he climbed the pedestal. Honestly, Daedalus was a genius. She wasn't going to think about how he'd basically created an army in Manhattan, which no one else except probably Zeus and Athena knew of. Whether to defend Olympus or attack it, she didn't know.
Luke moved forward, pressing the tip of the statue's boot. Thalia jerked when it stood, looking at them expectantly, with blank metal eyes. It was unnerving. The blond haired boy cleared his throat, glancing down at the placard which showed the statue's name.
"Okay, Governor Seward. Command Sequence: Daedalus, Twenty-Three. Defend Manhattan. Begin Activation."
Thalia watched as Seward jumped off the red pedestal and went marching off towards the east.
"They'll keep waking each other up until they're an army," Luke told her.
"And then defend Manhattan?"
"Probably," He looked doubtful.
"How would they know we aren't the enemy?" Thalia asked, arching an eyebrow.
Luke sighed, then shrugged. "I'm no Athena kid, I don't get half the things on Daedalus' laptop. We can only hope everything works—"
Suddenly, there was a loud explosion, the sound of it resonating across the city. Thalia swore, for what seemed like the hundredth time that day, watching as green smoke rose up towards the sky in spirals. Greek Fire.
"Come on," She barked. Without hesitating, they dashed towards the motorcycle.
XMX
LUKE got off the phone, muttering a string of curses in Greek. "What's wrong?" Thalia was still in front of him, and he placed his phone back in his pocket before sliding his hand around her waist once more.
"Michael Yew just called," He told her. "An army's moving through Williamsburg Bridge. They need help." He hesitated. "The leader of the army is the Minotaur." He remembered when he, Thalia and Annabeth had been pursued by furies, hellhounds and cyclops before getting into Camp. Right before that, they'd faced down the Minotaur, and it had been the daughter of Zeus who had finally killed it, but not without breaking a few bones in the process. After, they'd gotten lost in a Cyclops lair, and it was Annabeth's brains and Thalia's fighting which had gotten them out alive.
Thalia didn't say anything, but her hold on the hand grip tightened and they sped up. Luke glanced up. They needed to get there, and fast. But the thousands of sleeping mortals and the vehicles were blocking the roads and making it fucking hard to navigate. He heard a neigh, and looked around, breaking into a smile of relief when he spotted the pegasus hurtling towards them.
He'd called for Blackjack about an hour ago, but the horse hadn't been on time, and Thalia had gotten sick of waiting, which was what had made them steal the bike in the first place. The black winged horse descended, and the demigoddess, who had seen him, screeched to a stop, just coming short of riding over a mortal.
"What took you so long?" Luke asked his companion, flatly, jumping off the bike. Blackjack neighed, and the son of Hermes was sure it was something offensive. For once, he was glad he didn't understand horse. He slid onto Blackjack's back, and turned to Thalia.
"Come on," He held out his hand to her. The blue eyed girl didn't hesitate. Luke knew of her fear of heights, but now wasn't the time. This was a war, and they had to hurry. He hauled her behind him, and her hands automatically went around his waist to secure herself. He tried not to read into it too much.
"Williamsburg bridge, buddy," He murmured. Blackjack neighed, and then they were shooting up into the sky. And damn, the pegasus was fast. They were shooting through the clouds at three times the speed of the motorbike, and in about six minutes, Luke found himself looking down at Williamsburg bridge.
His heart dropped into his gut and he swore as Blackjack dived down. He could see the Apollo cabin, at the far side of the bridge, behind a few trucks and cars. At the other side, the oversized beef was marching forward, leading what seemed to be about four hundred monsters—dracaena, empousa, dragons, hellhounds, telkhines, the usual. It was night time, around 9pm, but the bridge was blazing with light. Cars were on fire, Flames were lit in patches on the bridge, and flaming arrows and spears sailed towards the monsters.
The Apollo campers were behind the cars, sniping at the monsters with arrows, but they kept on coming, advancing, undeterred by the fires and the flaming projectiles. Blackjack knew what to do. He sailed down towards the back of the cars, and landed next to two Apollo kids, sliding off quickly.
Michael Yew raced over to them. He was panting, and he continued to do so when stopped next to them, wiping sweat off his brow. He had a bandaged cut on his arm. His face was smeared with soot, and his quiver was almost empty. "We saw the storm," He met Thalia's eyes. "Was that you?"
The daughter of Zeus nodded. "I dealt with the boats, like I said."
"Sick," Michael nodded, in awe. "If you could do that again and destroy these guys, that'll be hugely appreciated."
Luke spoke before she could, shaking his head. "She'll burn out if she tries to. You know how demigod powers work."
"Are you two the only reinforcements?" Will Solace spoke, from in front of them, firing an arrow.
Thalia and Luke exchanged a glance. "Yeah," She said. "We're it for now."
"Then we're screwed," Will turned to look at them, and Luke could see the veiled panic in his eyes. "Because we're all almost out of arrows."
"Did you bring the flying chariot?" Luke queried, a plan forming in his mind.
"Nah," Michael shook his head. "Left it for Clarisse. Figured that fighting over it was pretty useless, now that we're at war. I tried to convince her to come but…" He frowned. Luke swore internally. Clarisse and her cabin were the best fighters they had. They wouldn't have been stretched so thin if they had been here. His plan dissolved, before it even started.
"Fuck Clarisse," Thalia threw her hands up. "She's being fucking childish. At least you tried."
"Yeah," Michael had turned, and nocking his last arrow, released it into the advancing army. It slammed into a hellhound and as the hellhound disintegrated, the arrow released a loud ugly sound, which made Luke wince, and caused the nearest monsters to explode into dust and sulphur.
Luke watched as they moved on, unbothered, regrouping. "We've got to fall back," Michael told them. "Will, get down the bridge, get Austin and Kayla to quit working on the traps.
"No," Thalia spun her mace canister and her spear formed in her hand. "Bring your campers forward to this position. We're driving them back to Brooklyn."
Luke drew his sword and Michael grinned. "And how are we going to do that?"
"Where're we going to hit first?" The blue eyed boy asked expectantly, spinning Soul Reaper in his hand.
"We aren't going anywhere," Thalia shook her head, tapping her bracelet. Aegis formed on her arm. "I need you to help Michael conduct the defensive line. Move the sleeping mortals out of the way. I'll distract the monsters, and you pick them off while they're focused on me."
"But—" His friend cut him off.
"Luke," She held his look, eyes hard. "Don't fight me on this."
He frowned, brows knitting together. "Fine. You're the boss"
She nodded, and turned, swinging her spear in her hands. Luke watched as his best friend marched out of the cover of the cars, and towards the enemy lines.
-X-
THE MINOTAUR bellowed when it caught sight of her. Thalia's heart was thumping as she walked, and her jaw was set, determination filling her. She knew that charging an army alone was stupid. But they had to hold the bridge, and this was the only way she could think of that they could. She was the only invincible one, after all.
She was tired, and she was hungry. She had over exerted herself to take care of the boats, and if it hadn't been for Hestia's healing, she didn't think she'd have been able to stand again. The bull man hurled a Lexus at her, and Thalia side stepped. It went spinning off the side of the bridge.
A hellhound bounded towards her, and she raised her shield as it came, making it skid to stop in surprise and fear, giving her an opening. She drove her spear into its neck, and it burst into dust. Thalia exhaled, and called out to the Minotaur. "I killed you once before, and I'm going to kill you again, today. Come and fight me!"
His nostrils flared, and then he was racing towards her, swinging two omega-shaped axes. She caught sight of bead necklaces—Camp Half Blood necklaces—at the base of the shaft, and faltered. Thalia barely had time to duck as he came for her. She hit the ground and rolled, jumping up to her feet. Anger filled her as she blew her hair from her eyes. This monster—this beast—had killed campers she'd known. Campers she'd grown up with. Thalia yelled, raising her spear, and charged.
She ducked his second swing and spun, slamming her shield into his face. The minotaur grunted, and then she was flipping once more as he swung for her again. She swung her spear, slashing at his chest.
He roared.
Thalia didn't wait for him to recover. Adrenaline was pumping through her veins and she saw red as she parried a blow from his axe with her shield. She pushed back against him, not quite sure where her strength was coming from, but not questioning it either. The daughter of Zeus swung once more, slashing his weapon in half. The Minotaur was large, and slow, and stupid.
He would be an easy kill.
The bull snorted angrily, and lowered his head to attack. He never got the chance. Thalia slammed her shield into his face, throwing him backwards. Then she leaped, raising her spear, and driving it through the minotaur's head.
She landed on the ground as he disintegrated, and turned back to the monster army. She could sense the unease among them. Thalia smiled. She was breathing heavily, but the rush of finally fighting back, of finally doing something, was filling her entire body.
Like the smart person she was, the daughter of Zeus charged the monster army.
XMX
IF SHE WAS asked later how she did it, she knew she wouldn't have an answer. She didn't know if the weapons touched her or not. She wasn't sure how she ducked the poison or the claws or the fangs. But she was whirling through the enemy lines like a tornado, spear swinging, shield slamming into monsters. Soon she was wading through dust and sulphur.
She barely registered the arrows and spears sailing into the enemy lines from the Apollo cabin, as she did battle against four hundred of Kronos' forces. Blood was thrumming through her veins, her head was pounding, everything smelt, felt and seemed different. She could feel the adrenaline inside her. Thalia felt high, and she loved it. She felt like she was floating, detached from everyone around her, like how she always felt when Percy kissed her.
She didn't want it to end.
The daughter of Zeus let out a laugh, tapping her shield and making it disappear. She instantly drew a knife from her side, slashing at an empousa who got too close. She ducked under the swing of an axe and impaled a laistrygonian through his breastplate. Thalia backtracked, swinging her spear in an arc and destroying any monster within three feet. She dodged a strike from the spear of a dracaena, and dove forward, driving her knife into her chest.
Thalia was untouchable. She sliced, slashed, impaled, slit and carved a line of destruction into the Minotaur's army. The feeling was exhilarating. She loved it. A stray arrow slammed into her arm, but she didn't stop.
She laughed as it fell away, leaving the attacking dracaena looking confused. Thalia knew she'd have a bruise there later, but it hadn't penetrated her skin. Nothing could.
Finally, the monsters—about thirty of them left now—turned, and ran. Thalia let out a yell and chased after them. She heard the Apollo cabin let out an answering cry and follow her.
Thalia released a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding, relief and surprise filling her. She didn't quite know how she'd managed to hold her own against 400 monsters. And win.
They drove the enemy back into Brooklyn, roaring bloody murder as they did so.
She could vaguely hear Luke shouting for them to fall back, pointing out that they were overextended. Thalia didn't pay him any mind.
And then she faltered, seeing where the monsters were running to. Reinforcements, a group of about fifty demigods in battle armour, seated on skeletal horses. At the very back, one of them held a purple flag with scythe designs, that fucking mark of Kronos.
And then one of them stepped forward. It was a girl. Thalia felt her heart drop, eyes blowing wide in astonishment. No. She hadn't expected it to be this early. She wasn't sixteen yet. She wasn't supposed to face down Kronos till then. She had assumed that he'd just sit back and let the demigods and monsters do the fighting for him, like all other Immortals did.
Annabeth pulled out her helmet, letting her golden curls fall over her shoulders. Golden eyes stared right into her. Annabeth smiled.
"Okay, fuck," She muttered. "Fall back!" Kronos' army thundered towards them.
The others didn't need encouragement. Thalia swung her spear, activating her shield as the others fired arrows, bringing down several of the enemy. But they kept on coming. Thalia felt a presence beside her, and risked a glance at Luke, who had come up beside her, jaw set.
Together, they would hold the line whiles the others got away.
Their friendship and the way they battled in tandem reminded Thalia of two characters she'd read from a book in Chiron's library recently, Clary and Simon. They were parabatai. And Luke was like her parabatai. And she knew he wouldn't leave while she was in danger.
In a few seconds, the enemy was on them.
Thalia raised her shield to stop a blow, and then drove her spear into her attacker's sword arm. She heard a scream and then she jerked it away, spinning it in one hand and slamming the base into another's helmet. Her shield arm moved, smacking into someone's head, and she ducked to dodge a sword, swinging her spear in an arc and slashing through the attacker's feet. Beside her, Luke, shieldless, was fighting back ruthlessly, sword swinging this way and that. He wasn't fighting to kill, though, and Thalia knew why. These demigods used to be their friends. It wasn't their fault they were corrupted by their parents.
Thalia was shoulder to shoulder with Luke now, thrusting her spear forward to drive away the demigods. Her shield stayed in front of her, making them recoil in fear. Luke dodged a strike and then slammed the hilt of his sword into a demigod's arm, making him drop his weapon. They were back to back, pushing back fifty demigods, slashing at skeletal horses and the occasional monsters who came through.
Thalia's eyes moved to the other side of the bridge, where Kronos was approaching, walking leisurely. He had all the time in the world. Thalia snorted to herself, and then raised her arm to deflect a blow from an axe. It was a wonder that Aegis wasn't battered by now.
The daughter of Zeus suddenly stilled when she heard a cry. She turned, eyes wide, just in time to see Luke go down, a knife in his side. Panic flared through her and she shifted, driving her spear through someone's—Ethan Nakamura, she realised—thigh. He yelled, dropping his sword and Thalia whacked him aside with Aegis. Kronos came to a stop behind his soldier's lines.
"Stay back," Thalia barked, electricity crackling around her. She desperately needed ambrosia and nectar, and she was breathing heavily, and her head was swimming. Luke's shirt was filling with blood. She had to get him out of there.
Thalia glanced up, and shouted, "Blackjack!" Almost immediately, the black pegasus was swooping down, grabbing the son of Hermes from the throng of demigods around them. Thalia watched as they went, relief flooding her. At least he would get help.
The crowd parted for Kronos, and she slipped into a stance, vanishing her shield and clutching her spear with both hands. "I'd have been happy with that one's death," The sound of the Titan Lord's voice through Annabeth's body was an abnormal one. "Gaea knows he has caused enough…problems, with my host." He met Thalia's eyes, and stretched his hand. Thalia watched, as the blasted scythe formed in Annabeth's palm. Her fingers closed around the shaft. "But, I find, Thalia Grace, that I crave your death much, much more."
They launched themselves at each other, and Thalia dodged the first strike from the scythe, just by a hair's breath. She whipped out with her leg, hoping to throw Kronos off his feet, but the Titan was fast. He jumped up, avoiding her and bringing his weapon down in an overhead strike.
Immediately, Thalia activated Aegis, and the bones in her arm rattled as the scythe slammed into it. She rolled aside, making the shield vanish once more. She remembered the feeling, when that weapon had cut her on the Princess Andromeda. Hell.
She moved again, and they clashed, once more. Her hair was whipping in the wind, breathing erratic as she dodged a strike, slashing at Annabeth's chest. She backtracked, swinging the base of the scythe to Thalia's head. But she was faster. She blocked the blow with her spear, gritting her teeth as she tried to push back the Titan lord. Kronos' eyes flashed, and then his other hand was drawing a knife quicker than she could see—Annabeth's knife—and stabbing her chest. The knife bounced off, and Annabeth's eyes widened, then anger filled them.
Thalia was suddenly thrown back, the scythe hitting her right in the chest.
"You visited the Styx," Kronos sounded irritated, but impressed. "Pity you had to betray me last summer. You would have been such an excellent host."
"Pity you were gullible enough to fall for it," She snarked, spitting blood from her mouth. Her body was aching and bruised all over.
"Whatever," Annabeth waved her hand, looking unconcerned. "You may be invincible right now, but I am still more powerful. I am a Titan." With those words, he slammed the base of his scythe into the ground.
Thalia barely had time to react before a wave of power—pure force—blasted her back. Cars went spinning over the bridge. Demigods—Annabeth's own soldiers—were thrown off the side. Her back connected with a truck with a loud thump, and she slid down, feeling something shift inside her.
Swearing, the black haired girl struggled to her feet. Kronos was advancing, slowly. She looked around, feeling woozy. The Apollo Kids were almost as the end of the bridge. All of them, except Michael Yew, perched on the suspension cables a few yards away, about three arrow nocked in his bow. He looked tired, but he met Thalia's eyes, and yelled, "We have to go, now!"
He turned, and fired one of the arrows towards Annabeth.
Kronos looked up in mild annoyance, and flicked his wrist. The arrow went careening over the side of the bridge.
Thalia coughed out blood, eyes burning with rage. "Thalia," Michael called for her attention once more. "I'm going to destroy the bridge! You need to move!"
She turned back to stare at the ground quickly, then up to Kronos, who was less than 50 feet away. The bridge had suffered damage, from the Titan's blast, and from the previous explosions and fires. It was already weak. Something just needed to tip it over the edge.
Thalia knew she wasn't a coward.
But, in that moment, she turned, and ran.
More like hobbled, actually, but still. She dashed till she had passed Michael's spot on the bridge, and looked up just as he released his last two arrows. This time Kronos wasn't fast enough. The arrows hit the ground, and a large explosion resounded across the bridge. Thalia watched, eyes wide with shock as the exploding arrows shattered against the ground. The bridge shuddered, groaning, and shaking. And then it began to crumble.
Chunks the size of houses fell into the East River down below. Kronos' demigods let out cries of alarm and scrambled back. In a few seconds, there was a fifty food chasm between the Titan's army and Thalia. The vibrations died down.
Kronos studied the problem, looking down, bored, at the drop into the water. Thalia looked up to Michael, who was grinning. The son of Apollo jumped down the cable nimbly.
And then, as though they were in a movie, he jerked to the side like he'd slammed into a wall. Thalia's eyes caught Kronos, flicking his wrist once more. A gust of wind rammed into Michael and his eyes widened as he was thrown off the side of the bridge.
A shriek ripped itself out of her throat, shock enveloping her, and she cried out till her throat was sore. She could hear Michael, screaming as he fell, and then, nothing.
Rage, undeniable and unquenchable rage filled her as she whipped her head back to Kronos. The Titan King smiled, mounting a skeletal horse. The sun was rising, behind him. "Until this evening, Thalia."
He whirled around, in her former best friend's fucking body, and galloped away, his army following behind him.
Thalia raced to the side of the bridge, blinking back tears. Fuck, Michael. She glanced down at the river, then the wreckage. No sign of him. But her eyes caught sight of the empty quiver, floating in the East River, and a wretched sob left her throat. She ran a hand through her hair. She hadn't been particularly close with the son of Apollo. But still, it hurt, losing him like that.
She let out a yell, anger and frustration filling her. The daughter of Zeus fell onto her knees, beside the large golden bow of the former counsellor for the Apollo cabin.
-X-
THALIA burst into the Plaza Hotel, heart thumping. Will Solace followed behind her, looking wretched and desolate. Panic and fear was filling her, alarm bells ringing in her head as she moved through the lobby.
They'd lost Michael Yew, and even though the Apollo cabin was still searching, she knew it would be fruitless. She couldn't lose Luke too. She passed by Jake Mason, and Lou Ellen, and several other campers who directed them to the elevators.
When they got to top floors, her eyes roved around for her best friend. Campers and hunters had taken over, lounging in chairs, washing up in bathrooms, and raiding the minibars. It relieved her to see that so many had survived the night, but she was still worried, and she pounced on the first person closest to her.
"Silena!" The daughter of Aphrodite didn't look surprised, but there were bags under her eyes, and she looked exhausted. "Where's—"
"The terrace," She told her. "Come on."
The three of them dashed to the terrace, which overlooked Central Park. The sun shone brightly, hurting her eyes. Luke was in a lounge chair. And his eyes were closed.
"Fuck," Thalia stilled. "Is he—" "He's still alive, don't worry," Beckendorf came up from behind them. "Will, thank the gods you're here." They shouldered their way through a group of Hermes kids, coming up next to Travis and Connor, who, for the first time since Thalia had stumbled into Camp, looked serious about something. One of them was wiping Luke's forehead with a wet washcloth.
She wished it had been under better circumstances.
Her best friend was covered in blankets, shivering. He looked pale, and his lips were cracked and blue. He was bare chested, his tan body marred by the bloodied bandages wrapping around his side.
Will sat beside him, peeling away the bandages to reveal the wound, and the daughter of Zeus winced, biting her lip. The bleeding had stopped, but fuck, that was a nasty gash. It would leave a scar, and gods knew he had enough of those already. Luke didn't stir as she took his hand.
"There was poison on the dagger," Thalia pronounced, realisation hitting her.
"It's not bad," Will reassured. "Someone get me some nectar. And new bandages. Ambrosia works too."
In a few seconds, Will was cleaning out the wound, putting silver paste, humming a song, which left Thalia a bit confused, and then, finally, he stood. She exhaled, watching the colour return to Luke's face.
"I need some mortal supplies," He announced.
Connor and Travis shot up, eager to help out. Thalia barely noticed as the son of Apollo gave them a list of drugs to return with.
"Thalia," Beckendorf came forward with the mirror shield as the others shifted back inside, one by one. "I've been keeping an eye on things. Their armies all retreated at sunrise, not sure why. But we're stretched thin, and we're down to thirty-eight demigods and about twenty-two hunters. We've also got a lookout at all the exits."
Thalia huffed out, releasing Luke's hand. "Thanks, Beck." She wasn't really in any position to lead anyone right now, and she was grateful for him taking charge. She tried not to think of who might be dead, or not.
"You shouldn't have had to fight them alone," Silena murmured, voice low and sad as she looked down on Luke.
Beckendorf wrapped a hand around her, and she leaned into his embrace. "I wish I could do more," The daughter of Aphrodite said. "I should have known what my siblings were planning to do. I can't believe I didn't see it sooner."
"Silena—" She cut Thalia off, shaking her head. "I ignored all the signs. I should have told someone of the dreams Aphrodite was sending me. Then maybe I'd have realised she was sending them to all her kids." She sounded bitter, and Thalia sighed. "We could have stopped them all from turning. Kronos wouldn't be so powerful, then."
"It's not your fault," Beckendorf squeezed her shoulder, kissing her forehead. All of a sudden, Thalia found herself missing Percy. She wished he was here.
"We need more fighters," Thalia glanced up. "Any word from Chiron?"
"None," Beckendorf shook his head.
"And Grover?"
"I sent Mrs. O'Leary to find him," The son of Hephaestus informed her. "He was at the Brooklyn Battery Bridge, last I heard."
She made a fist, frustration building up in her. "It's still not enough," The blue eyed girl exhaled, finally coming to terms with what was wrong and why they'd lost so many people. "We need the Ares cabin."
Silena perked, staring at Thalia. "Yes! Why didn't I think of it sooner?!"
Thalia arched an eyebrow, as the girl continued. "I can get her to help us. Clarisse will listen to me."
Thalia thought about it. "Even if you could get off the Island, Clarisse is pretty stubborn. She won't give in so easily."
"She will," Silena insisted. "She owes me. For helping with Chris. She has a heart, you know. She wouldn't leave you all to die."
Thalia met Beckendorf's eyes. He nodded, subtly, and she understood. He wanted her away from the real fight, so she'd be safe. "Fine. Grab a pegasus. If anyone can convince Clarisse to get off her fucking high horse, it's you."
Silena nodded, determined, and grim, and she whirled around, rushing out with her boyfriend in tow.
Thalia had never felt more lonely. She missed Percy, desperately. She wished she was with him. She would feel so much better if he was by her side. He'd know how to soothe her worries about Luke. Sighing, she stood, glancing at Will, who said, reassuringly, "I'll make sure nothing happens to him. Trust me."
She pursed her lips, but nodded.
It didn't take long for her to get back to the lobby, and relief flooded her system when she spotted a familiar goat chewing a couch. Thalia grinned and hobbled to Grover's side. "Great to see you're still in one piece."
He looked her over, and she knew he remembered their conversation in the park. "Yeah. You too."
Thalia shot him a look as he took another bite of foam. "What?" He asked defensively. "It's tasty."
She laughed, a sound which was now foreign to her, settling down beside him, and trying to push all her worries and intrusive thoughts to the back of her head. "I heard about Luke," Grover said, his smile fading. "Is he—"
"He's alive," She told him. "Will's seeing to him."
He nodded. "Good, good. I rallied all the nature spirits, like you asked. Well, the ones who would listen. We're helping out as much as we can." He continued, "We covered Uptown. A few hellhounds were shadow travelling past the lines and into the city, but we dealt with them. And there was a dragon in Harlem. We lost a good number of dryads." The satyr frowned. "A few satyrs were killed at Fort Washington, by some giants. But the naiads drowned them before they could do any more damage." He continued speaking, the details of his report getting worse and worse.
Thalia spotted Bianca di Angelo coming into the Plaza with a dozen hunters behind her. The girl met her eyes and walked over to the elevators. She kept listening to Grover, and in about ten minutes, Bianca was back down, standing beside them.
"Thalia, Kronos' forces are still gathering at every bridge and tunnel. And one of my hunters spotted a huge man in golden armour mustering an army at the Jersey shore. He was glowing. A lot."
"Hyperion," Thalia said, face hard. She guessed Percy hadn't been able to convince him, then.
"Lelantos is around too," Bianca continued. "I saw him flying around the city about an hour ago, scouting. And we sealed off all the subway entrances into the city. It seems they're waiting for sundown to attack again. I think Annabeth…" She faltered. "Kronos, needs time to get used to her body. He needs to regenerate or something." Thalia nodded. She'd guessed as much. "Athena and Aphrodite and the rest of the Minor gods haven't made any appearances yet, though."
"Any word from the Olympians?" She queried.
"Typhon is destroying the Ohio River Valley. He'll be at the Appalachian Mountains by midday," Bianca huffed. "Lady Artemis would be here if she could. So would Apollo, and Hermes. But—"
"Zeus ordered none of them to leave the front lines," She said, rolling her eyes. She paused. "So, we've got what, two days before he arrives?" Bianca nodded.
Beckendorf had entered the room, and moved to them. He looked tired. Jake Mason wasn't that far behind. "Thalia," He called. "I noticed something, during the battle. The way Kronos appeared on Williamsburg…he knew you were going to be there." Thalia nodded. She had guessed that too. She knew it hadn't been a coincidence. "And he changed tactics as soon as we deployed. He barely touched Lincoln, where the hunters were strong. But he was at Williamsburg, and they attacked all our weakest spots."
"Like he had inside information," Thalia nodded. "The spy."
"Which spy?" Grover demanded.
Thalia and Beckendorf told him and Bianca about the traitor in their midst. "I think we can rule out Silena, though," She glanced up at the son of Hephaestus. "No spy would run while on a job. She basically offered herself to go back to Camp. I don't think she'd have done that if her job would be to report our every move to Annabeth."
Beckendorf looked relieved at her statement, but nodded.
"It could be anyone," Bianca folded her arms. "I don't think the others would appreciate us frisking them all in search of a communication bracelet."
All their eyes were on Thalia, and she nodded, thinking over their options. "We keep fighting. Kronos wants to turn us against each other. Make us suspicious. We can't let that happen. We'll set up watches. Rotate. But get some rest. We have a long night ahead of us."
There were nods of assent, and slowly, the demigods in the room began shuffling away.
"You too, Thals," Grover said. "We'll keep an eye on things here. You look like you're going to faint, and we need you in top condition tonight."
She didn't want to go. She didn't think she could sleep while the others were scouting, or while Percy was somewhere with family who wanted to kill him, or while Luke was battling death in a penthouse.
But Bianca nodded, agreeing with Grover's words, and Thalia didn't have it in her to argue. She stood, and went to find the nearest bedroom.
-X-
ON THE TERRACE, Luke shifted, brows knitting together, but eyes remaining closed.
Gods, he hated demigod dreams. He glanced around him, eyes widening when he realised where he was. Camp Half-Blood. He was standing in middle of the cabins, near the Central Hearth, and he looked this way and that, confused.
What was he doing here?
Pursing his lips, the son of Hermes continued moving, passing by the goddess beside the flames. He didn't bother sending her a greeting, she probably couldn't see him. He continued moving, looking around for what had brought him here. His brow creased when he finally saw the Big House.
It was red.
Confusion growing, he walked towards it. And then stilled.
Because there, right at the doors, was Chiron, standing beside Hermes. And beside them…his mother? Back when she was still normal, it seemed. Surprise and shock, and pain at seeing her, seemed to hit him at the same time and he stumbled back.
His mother…
She was holding a baby, and he almost bit his tongue, realising. Was that him?
This was a memory.
Chiron looked younger. His hair was shorter. Hermes was in his usual jogging suit. And May…she was pretty. She had long blonde hair, shining blue eyes and a friendly smile. It hurt him, that he'd never seen her like this. Baby him was wrapped in a blue blanket, squirming.
"It's an honour to have you here," Chiron said, hands interlocked. "It's been a few decades since a mortal was allowed into camp."
"Don't," His father sounded heated, like he'd been arguing. He turned to May, and his eyes were wild. "You can't do this."
"Oh, don't you start," She waved him aside. "We've discussed this. You need an Oracle. The old one's been dead for, what a thousand years?"
The other two didn't respond. Luke felt like his breath had been knocked out of him. He was shaking, involuntarily. He felt dazed, and very very confused.
"I didn't tell you the story so you could apply," Hermes said sharply. "Chiron, tell her why this is a bad idea."
"It is," Their teacher said gently. "For many years, I have forbidden anyone from trying. Humanity has simply lost the ability to host the Oracle's spirit."
"I know I can do it," She reached out, and touched Hermes' cheek. He leaned into her touch. Luke blinked. He saw the love in his father's eyes. He knew it had been the same way he looked at Thalia, before. It was the same way Percy and his best friend looked at each other now.
"I was given the Sight for a reason. It's finally my chance to do something good," Her voice was soft. "Don't try to take this away."
Hermes looked defeated. "You realise what this means, right?" He asked. "You won't be able to see me anymore. Not like that."
She laughed, good naturedly. Nothing like that crazed laugh Luke had grown up with. "I would never have had you forever. Eventually, you would have had to move on." Luke clenched his fist. Hermes looked hurt, but his mother continued, "And I can still raise Luke if I'm the Oracle, right?"
Chiron coughed. "It has never been done before. A woman who has already borne a child. The spirit might not—"
"It will," She said, determination in her voice. Luke felt dread fill him. He watched his mother kiss his baby self, and hand him to his father. Then she said, "I'll be right back." And then she was walking through the doors. He knew she was going to the attic.
Luke watched, heart beating, palms sweating, waiting. He watched Hermes and Chiron pace, nervously. Suddenly, a green light lit the attic windows. He froze, realisation dawning on him slowly.
So this was what had happened to his mother?
A cold wind rushed through the fields.
His father stilled, eyes widening, and pushing Luke into Chiron's hands. "No," He yelled. "NO!" He dashed through the doors.
But Luke already knew he'd be too late. The sunny afternoon was pierced with his mother's scream.
XMX
The dream shifted, and suddenly, he was in the lobby of an elegant hotel, much like the place Blackjack had carried him to. He glanced around, stepping back in shock when his eyes landed on two small children, playing on the ground.
He felt fucking weak, like his heart was going to give. He finally knew what had happened to his mother, and he didn't know how to feel about that. What had she seen? What had driven her mad? His eyes were slowly filling with tears as he watched the children. Luke blinked, pushing his feelings away, and the boy looked up.
It was Nico, but younger. Beside him, was his sister Bianca, both children giggling as they playfully smacked each other and chased each other around the marble columns. He was in the past.
A woman sat on a nearby sofa, wearing a black dress, gloves, and a black veiled heart, like they were in the 1940s. She was pale, with eyes as black as Nico's. It was their mother.
On a chair next to her was a man Luke knew well enough. Hades, in a pinstriped suit, hair falling around his head in ringlets, leaning towards the woman, speaking in rapid English and…a foreign language he didn't know. He was agitated.
"Please, amore mio," Hades was saying. "You must come to the Underworld. I will handle Persephone. I can keep you safe."
The woman laughed. "No, my dear. I cannot raise my children in the land of the dead! I will not."
"Maria," He sounded tired. "The war has turned my family against me. Zeus and Poseidon have forced me into an agreement. A Prophecy has been made, and none of my children are safe. You are not safe. We are not to have any demigod children again."
"But you already have Nico and Bianca." Maria was Italian, it seemed. She was gazing at Hades with fire in her eyes; the same fire he'd seen in Nico's and Bianca's on occasion.
"You do not understand," Hades threw his head up. "The Prophecy speaks of a child who turns sixteen. Nico and Bianca aren't even six! Zeus has decreed that all my children below sixteen be sent to Camp Half-Blood to be trained. You know what that means. He shall turn them against me, imprisoned them. My brothers will never take a chance. He will find a way to stop the prophecy from coming true. I cannot risk them losing their lives."
He sounded genuinely concerned, and Maria sighed, saying, "Zeus can go," She paused. "What is it you Americans say? Fuck himself. Yes. Zeus can go fuck himself."
"Maria, please," He sounded anguished. "I was to take them to him last week. His wrath will be heavy. He will be searching for you, and I cannot hide you forever. As long as you are with them, you are in danger too."
Maria smiled. She looked so much like Bianca it was unnerving. "You are the oldest of your brothers, and the most powerful. I trust you." She took his hand. "But I shall not send my children to the Underworld."
"Then there is a place, in the desert, where time stands still," He argued. "I can take them there, and they shall be safe. Then we can be together. I shall build you a palace by the Styx."
It was weird seeing the King of the Underworld as vulnerable as he was now and Luke was reeling from the previous dream, and this new one.
Maria smiled. "My children need their mother. They are only children. The gods cannot hurt them."
The god of the dead laughed, wildly. "You do not know my family."
"Please," He sounded defeated. "I cannot lose you." Maria rose from her seat, and connected their lips. "You will not. I shall be right back. Watch the kids."
Luke watched as she climbed up the stairs. A few seconds later, Hades tensed. The children stopped playing. Luke winced. It was so much like what had happened to his mother. He hated it.
"NO!" The god shouted. He shot to his feet, but he was too slow. He only had time to erect a black wall around his kids, before the hotel around them exploded. The impact of the explosion was so heavy, Luke felt as though he was being blown away, even though he knew he wasn't really there.
It was a lightning bolt, he realised.
He blinked away the dust, vision swimming into focus once more, in time to see Hades, kneeling in the rubble, holding the broken form of Maria di Angelo. He was visibly shaking, and he let out a wretched sob.
"ZEUS!" Hades yelled, rage coating his voice. "I WILL KILL YOU FOR THIS! I WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD!" The fury Alecto manifested behind him. Hades looked back down, sobbing into his sneaky link's body. Thunder boomed around them, and the sky crackled with more lightning.
He sniffed, finally rising off his side chick to check on his children. He looked up, his anger fading and revealing his anguish as he addressed the fury. "Take them. Go to the Lethe and wash their memories. Then check them to the Lotus Hotel. Zeus cannot harm them there."
"As you wish," Alecto bowed. "And the woman?"
Hades bent his head. "Take her too. Give her the ancient rites."
The fury, the children and their mother dissolved into shadows, leaving the god alone.
Luke's eyes were wide.
"I warned you," A new voice said.
The god of the dead glanced up, eyes glowing. "You," He snarled.
"Me," She agreed. She looked familiar, about twelve, in a multicoloured dress, in the remains of the sofa, with short black hair, and tired, ancient eyes.
"I should blast you to pieces," The god rose, slowly.
"You cannot," She said. "The power of Delphi protects me."
Luke took a step back. It was the Oracle.
"Your prophecy has killed the woman I loved," He clenched his fists. "You have killed her!"
The girl didn't flinch as his voice rose. "Your brother ordained the explosion to kill the children. I warned you to hide them sooner. There was nothing I could do."
"I could not," He towered over her. "They were innocent! Maria was innocent!"
"Nevertheless, they are your children, which makes them dangerous," she told him. "The Lotus Hotel only delays the problem. Nico and his sister will never be able to rejoin the world until they turn sixteen."
"Because of you," He hissed, glowering. "You and your so called Great Prophecy. You forced me into an oath I did not want. You have left me with nothing!"
"I foresee the future," The Oracle shook her head. "I cannot change it."
Black fire lit Hades' eyes. "I might not be able to kill you, nor can I bring back Maria. But, oh great Oracle, your soul is still mortal, and I can still curse you," He spat. "Hear the words of Hades."
"No," The girl took a step back in shock. "You would not!"
"I swear, as long as my children remain outcasts," Hades bellowed. "As long as I labour under the curse of your Great Prophecy, the Oracle will never have another mortal host. You will never rest in peace. No other shall take your place. Your body will wither and die, and still the Oracle of Delphi shall reside in you. You shall speak prophecies till you crumble into nothing. The Oracle will die with you!"
Luke stumbled, as though he had been sucker punched, and wheezed. No. NO. It was Hades' fault. It was all Hades' fault.
He blinked, tears running down his face. His mother had done nothing. Hades and Zeus, and the oracle and her fucking great prophecy had driven her mad.
The girl screamed, and the dream shattered.
XMX
HE WASN'T back in his body. No. He was on his knees, still gasping in shock, but this time, on a beach. He glanced up.
Rachel Dare was walking along the edge of the water, wearing a swimsuit and a white tee around her waist. She was tanned, and she kept walking till she was right in front of him. He was too stunned to even take notice of how hot she looked.
The redhead knelt, and began writing in the sand. Luke blinked, trying to focus on what she was writing.
It was Ancient Greek. That wasn't right.
Rachel finished, and muttered, "What the fuck?"
She stood. Luke squinted, reading what she had written. It was Thalia's name.
In front of him, the girl stilled. "Oh," She muttered. "Ohh. That's what it means!"
She turned and ran, racing to the family's villa and suddenly he was inside, at a large desk. Her dad looked up when she entered. "Dad," Rachel called. 'We have to go back."
Mr. Dare's lips twitched. He looked confused. "Back? We just got here."
"There's trouble in New York. Luke and Thalia—"
"They called?" Her father arched a brow.
Rachel hesitated, then nodded, "Yes."
"Your mother and I have been looking forward to this vacation for a long time," Her father set down his coffee mug.
"No," Rachel said flatly, narrowing her eyes. "You both hate the beach."
"What kind of problem are we talking about here, exactly?"
"The city's under attack!" Rachel slammed the table. "Please."
"I think we'd have heard of it on the news," Her dad shot back.
"No," She shook her head. "Not this kind of attack. Have you even had any calls since we got here?"
He shook his head. "No. It's the weekend."
"You always get calls, even on fucking Sunday morning," Rachel cursed, throwing her hands up.
"Language," Her dad berated. He relaxed.
"We can't just leave," Her dad hesitated. "We spent a lot on this."
"And since when have you cared about money?" She said, harshly. His eye twitched.
"Look," She lowered her voice. "I have to deliver a message." The girl exhaled. "I'll make a deal with you."
"I'm listening," He leaned forward.
"Clarion Ladies Academy," She told him. "You get me to New York, right now, I start this fall."
Mr. Dare was silent for a long time. Then he picked up a cell phone and made a call.
"Douglas, prep the plane," He said into the phone. "We're going back to New York."
Rachel frowned grimly, head turning to stare, right at Luke, as though she could see he was there.
A/N: Fuck that was a lot.