Chapter 28 Reading an Old Friend

"Um excuse me?" Michelle asks, she was a daughter of Aphrodite, she had curly brown hair and ever-changing eye colours, she had her hand up in the air. "I would like to read," she said.

"Read then," Kronos said and tossed the book to her, she blushed as it fell, and a few demigods giggled.

Iapetus shuddered as he felt Hyperion cast from Othrys. Across the room, Krios flinched as he remembered Kronos' anger. The last person he had done that to had been Rhea, and she still had not returned – though the Titans were suspecting that was from her own choice.

Iapetus frowned as he looked at the bile on the floor – Perseus had thrown up again, and in Kronos' chambers. Iapetus winced as he thought of Kronos' reaction, especially if Kronos was still angry. He could sense the Titan approaching, his anger washing over everything in Othrys. Iapetus took a deep breath to clear his head before crouching beside the demigod.

"Perseus, does it hurt?" He asked uneasily as he studied the burnt bicep.

"To much pain and you will no longer feel any," Apollo said, he felt unease at this chapter, he had a feeling that this was a turning point for Percy, he saw Rachel looking at him with the same thought in mind.

Percy mutely shook his head, his lips pressed tight together as he swallowed to try and get rid of the taste of sick in his mouth. Iapetus grimaced and strode into the adjourning bathroom, summoning a cup from the cookhouse on the first floor of Othrys – he knew the cooks wouldn't mind, they were used to having several things disappearing throughout the day. Iapetus quickly filled it up with clean water and handed it to Percy when he re-entered to room.

"Drink," Iapetus ordered as he crouched in front of him. Percy numbly reached out for the cup, his hand shaking from the shock of what had just happened.

"We have to heal him," Krios spoke up from where he was leaning against one of the walls.

Iapetus grimaced. "And what if Kronos doesn't want him healed?"

Kronos smirked his brothers knew him so well at times, and in other times they were useless.

Krios scowled at him. "The kid may not be in pain, but that makes it worse. Not better."

"You think I don't know that?" Iapetus growled. "I am the Titan of pain, Krios."

"Can you take pain and give pain?" Athena asked, she was curious and wanted to learn as much as she could about the Titans and the unknown.

"Of course," Iapetus said with a scoff, "I am a Titan, my powers are mast and great," he boasted and motioned for Michelle to pick up where she had left off.

Krios sighed. "I'm only trying to help. We've got to do something."

"And risk having Kronos even more angry?" Iapetus asked already shaking his head. "I'm not going to risk it. He is not in pain. We can leave him be for now.

Krios tensed as the door opened and Kronos stepped in. Percy almost dropped the cup in his nervousness. Kronos nodded to Krios and Iapetus as a rare sign of thank you before heading straight to Percy. He crouched in front of Percy who avoiding looking at him and glanced briefly at the burn covering Percy's bicep before turning his attention to the cut on the demigod's face.

He moved Percy's head to the side with a finger, Percy immediately doing what he wanted, shivering slightly at Kronos' touch. Kronos studied the cut for several moments before turning back to the burn. Anger flickered briefly in Kronos' dark golden eyes, and then he moved one hand, so it was hovering above the burn.

Apollo listened he was sure this book wouldn't describe how the Titan healed Percy, but he was a god of healing and would always love to learn new ways to heal.

His eyebrows furrowed slightly, and a faint golden glow emanated from his hand, bathing Percy's arm in warmth. As Percy watched, the burn started healing from the point closest to the bone. The charred look of his bone faded and muscle, tendon healed seamlessly back together.

He faltered when he realised that as soon as his nerves healed it would hurt a lot, and Iapetus placed his hand on Percy's shoulder. Percy felt like there was a barrier between the pain and his senses. He could feel it was there, but it did not affect him.

"It is kind of cool to know the future," Leo said.

"Yes, but we know we cant switch this past, after all that's what the Fates said." Athena looked thoughtful.

"You will not be able too, because the Fates made an alternate dimension as soon as they decided that the gods needed to win," Kronos said. "Somethings must happen to have balance, each decision you make affects the future and can lead to multiple out comings, it is not fun to be all powerful, especially for mortals, they've gone mad plenty of times the Fates decide to put in charge."

Kronos stood up once he had finished, leaving Percy's arm blemish free, but the cut still on his face sending ichor dripping onto the floor. The Titan looked down at Percy for several moments before turning to Iapetus. "I trust you will be able to keep anyone else from harming him again without my permission?"

Iapetus' eyes widened slightly, then a small smile formed on his face and he nodded. "Of course, my Lord."

Nico looked at Iapetus and Percy, they were one of the few that had so far defected for some time against Kronos, but he held something over them for insurance and Nico was afraid of what that was or what it wasn't. Nico was having a difficult time thinking that the gods might loose, and he was not sure if he wanted the Titans in power. Though Percy might be a good option considering his mortality was in answer.

"Krios, due to Hyperion's actions I am in need of a new General to work alongside Atlas. Since you are the only other Titan that was not encouraging Hyperion, you will take up the position," Kronos stated.

Krios nodded. "Yes, my Lord. It would be an honour," he said, only just managing to hide his smile.

"I will not tolerate any insubordination; do I make myself clear?" Kronos demanded, clearly not just talking about his orders, but also going behind his back to help the gods.

"Trying," Annabeth said with a smirk. "They have been trying, but you stopped them each time, doesn't mean they won't try to help in the future," she said.

Iapetus studied him for several moments before slowly nodding. "Crystal clear, My Lord." He took a breath.

"If, and only if, you release the mother of the twins. She has done no harm to you, and only wishes to protect her children. If the twins find out what you've done, they will be furious. We will work with you, if you swear on Chaos that you will only kill those that are helping the gods, but those that choose neutrality will be safe and protected."

Kronos' hand clenched and he felt his anger rise, his brothers tensing as they felt it affect them too. "You think you can order me around?" He growled out.

"They have before," Percy whispered. "When you guys were younger," Percy grinned as gold eyes turned to him. "Iapetus told me humorous stories of when you guys were younger."

"Eons ago Percy, now no one commands me, they can suggest, I might take it into consideration, but I am the ruler…" gazing into green eyes he dips his head to kiss Percy. "Don't ever forget that."

Iapetus looked at him calmly. "I think our request is reasonable. Continue as you are planning and there will be nothing remaining to rule over. That will defeat the purpose of all of this."

To his surprise, Kronos snorted in amusement. "You think I'm going to just kill all of them?" He laughed. "Oh, no. I know that won't help. I will be giving all of them an opportunity to join us. After that, however, all of them are fair game. I will keep the half-bloods that survive around to give us offerings and power whilst the mortals assimilate, and then those that do not submit to our rule will be killed. Those that accept that this is the inevitable future will live."

Iapetus shook his head. "Stop the guard around Victoria Arygris' house and let her find her children."

"I swear on Chaos, I will be more willing to serve you if you let her go," Krios added.

Kronos tilted his head to the side. "Why are the two of you suddenly so eager to help me?"

"Because I made a mistake on my own," Iapetus said warily.

Kronos' mouth twitched up. "Really?" He asked, a sarcastic bite to his tone. "I wonder what that was."

Iapetus' eyes widened. "You knew?" he asked incredulously, realising that this was what Kronos had meant to talk about all along. And he had blundered headfirst straight into the trap. "Why didn't you say anything?"

Kronos sighed. "Because, Iapetus, I had hoped that you would own up before too long. Especially after the events today."

"You planned this?" Krios exclaimed. "You planned…" he gestured in Percy's direction, realising even as he did so that Kronos was standing between them. When had he moved?

Aphrodite squealed so loud it startled everybody, she had a insane look on her face, she sat at the edge of her throne and was clapping her hands.

"It is finally happening!" she said gushing her voice high and very girly, like a fan girl. "Pernos, she said and looked at the two that were a couple.

"Ignore your mother and read girl," Zeus said used to the goddess weird random outbursts.

"No," Kronos said violently. "I never planned for Hyperion to disobey an order. I suspected Iapetus would manage to relay something to the gods. And I had hoped that he would realise his folly before the consequence became apparent."

Iapetus stared at him. "You... you didn't say anything. You had five hours. And you didn't say anything."

"I wanted to know if I could trust you," Kronos said evenly. "Since you did not tell me what you did, I had decided I couldn't. Not when it comes to matters of Othrys."

"But when it comes to Perseus," Iapetus murmured.

Kronos nodded slightly. "I can trust you to protect him from the Titans and monsters that wish him harm." Iapetus opened his mouth to answer, but Kronos quickly cut him off. "Now, if the two of you would get out of my room that would be appreciated."

Iapetus closed his eyes when he saw the gods of Olympus staring at him, it wasn't because he was ashamed, it was because he was remembering… He wasn't sure what he saw in Percy to do this, to betray Othrys if harm came to the demigod, he had been a Titan for eons, he trained Atlas and all his other Titan children to be loyal to Kronos. Why was he so conflicted now?

Krios immediately slipped out, whilst Iapetus hesitated. Kronos rolled his eyes. "Go, brother. I would not harm the boy after bothering to heal him, would I?"

Iapetus nodded and reluctantly made his way out the room. He paused at the door and turned back to face Kronos. "How did the talk with Crow go? I never asked."

Kronos chuckled. "Excellent. He's coming here tomorrow."

Iapetus' eyes widened. "What?" He exclaimed. "You're letting him into Othrys? Are you mad and forgetful? Have you forgotten what he did last time he visited?"

Kronos frowned. "I am neither mad nor forgetful," he snapped. "However, we will need his help to raise mother, and I'd rather like to keep an eye on him."

"You know a lot of your actions seem like it is of a mad person? I mean taking over the world, killing people you don't like or get in your way doesn't help," Jason said and cringed as cold golden eyes glared at him.

"You try reasoning with the gods," snarled Kronos and ignored his children's protests.

Iapetus shook his head. "I don't like it."

"You don't have to like it," Kronos stated. "But you do have to live with it."

Iapetus nodded slightly. "Kronos?" He asked, and Kronos raised an eyebrow for him to continue.

"That was the first time in three centuries that you've called me brother and meant it."

"Awe, ittle bitty baby Iapetus feels loved!" Hyperion crooned to his brother and grinned at the Lord of the West.

"I am sure you will be when he decides he doesn't like you as well," Iapetus said.

Kronos crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head towards the door. "I don't care. Get out."

Iapetus grinned, quickly retreating from the room and shutting the door behind him. The remaining Titan allowed himself a small grin, having successfully managed to avoid swearing the oath his brothers had wanted him to. Kronos flicked his wrist, locking the door from the inside, and Percy tensed as he heard the click.

The Titan settled down sitting on his bed, studying Percy in silence for several minutes. Percy kept his gaze down to the floor, finding patterns in the black marble.

"Little bits of gold is what I saw," Percy muttered into the ominous silence as Michelle stared at Percy.

"I see milord," she said calmly and ignored as everyone on the gods side exclaimed at her display of loyalty.

"You'll be staying here for a while," Kronos finally said. "So, I suggest you get comfortable."

He inclined his head to the door Iapetus had gone through to get water. "Through there is the bathroom," he said, a frown forming on his face as his eyes landed on the pile of bile still lying in front of Percy. "If you feel like you need to use it – whether to relieve yourself or because you're feeling nauseous – please do."

He flicked his wrist, sending the bile through the door and into the toilet even as the water in the air condensed and washed the floor clean.

"I have no need to be cleaning up after you because you cannot stomach looking at an injury. Secondly, that staircase," he said nodding towards a spiral staircase in one of the corners of the room, "leads up and out of this room onto the top of this tower. You are welcome to use it if you wish, however I do not want you deciding to jump off. Do I make myself clear?" he asked, his sharp, bright gold eyes boring into Percy.

Percy grinned and motioned for the demigod to stop reading, "I had never thought of jumping off, I knew you or the other Titans could find me," Percy admitted, he had thoughts in his head that the book didn't describe, so he decided he could voice them.

The demigod nodded.

"Good." He frowned slightly as he scanned Percy over and stood up, striding over to a closet pushed over to the side. He rummaged for several seconds before turning and throwing a full outfit of clothes towards Percy. "Get yourself cleaned up," he ordered.

Percy's head snapped up towards Kronos, his eyes widening. He realised too late that he was staring and quickly dropped his gaze.

Poseidon felt his heart break slightly, he knew his son was acting like a slave, he never wanted a hard life for any of his children but that was the price of being a child of the gods. War, death, and monsters. He had done unimaginable things in the past and he accepted that, but when it came to his children Poseidon would do anything for them, and he was pretty sure if it came to it he would break all his oaths to Olympus if it came to it. He would have too, his wife Amphitrite was a daughter of Oceanus, and his son Triton was the grandson of Oceanus…. Ichor called to ichor and sooner or later they would all join Kronos and his mission.

Kronos snorted. "Go," he said, amusement clear in his tone.

Percy scrambled to his feet, nearly running into the bathroom as he realised that he was still dressed in only his boxer shorts. He took a deep breath and shut his eyes as he locked the door behind him, turning and sliding down the marble as he tugged his legs into his body and curled up. He barely heard the door exiting into the rest of Othrys open then close and realised that Kronos had left.

He swallowed, realising that if Kronos had not come then Hyperion would have continued, likely until he was dead. Kronos had essentially saved Percy's life. The thought made him want to be sick again.

"Oh gods," Annabeth whispered as she stared at Percy, "You owe Kronos a life debt," she glanced at her once lover and when she looked back up again, her eyes were moist with tears.

It wasn't what had actually happened that made Percy feel worse, it was the fact that the gods had seen. They hadn't known how bad it was, and that was what Percy had liked. Percy swore under his breath, hopefully cursing Hyperion to Tartarus and back. He then turned his attention to the clothes that he'd thrown onto the floor.

It seemed like Percy was still loyal to Olympus, but what had changed so drastically? Athena mused watching the titan who was rolling his eyes at what Kronos had whispered.

A white short-sleeved top, navy jeans, and a pair of boxer shorts. Percy thought back to the black shirt Kronos had been wearing – white and black, good, and evil – did Kronos do that on purpose?

Percy glanced down slightly, seeing that his own boxer shorts were covered in ichor, and promptly took them off. He frowned, wondering where Kronos had gotten the clothes as he slipped into the shower, deciding he didn't want to know. He slowly relaxed as the water cascaded onto his back, feeling the remaining cuts finish healing to leave scars and the bruises fade.

He reached up and ran a finger along the scar Hyperion had made from his cheek to his ear, feeling the raised skin even as he realised why Kronos had left it – as a warning and a reminder to any who would try to do the same. Percy looked down, seeing gold-tinted water dropping down the hole that he guessed was the plughole.

"A sign of strength?" Clarise wondered, she also never allowed all of her scars to heal, they were a sign of over coming pain, coming out the victor.

He realised that he was completely at Kronos' mercy – if he even had any. He was now relying on the Titan for everything, and Percy would be surprised if that wasn't what Kronos had planned. Percy stepped out of the shower, drying himself with a quick thought as he reached for the clothes. He was about to open the door when he saw the mirror. Percy hesitated before turning fully to face it.

He looked like death had warmed over. His skin which had started to recover its tan, now looked sickly, despite the fact that it had only been two weeks since the Titans had taken him from Camp Half-Blood. One year, nine months, and three weeks since he left Tartarus – he'd been in Othrys for two weeks.

"It had felt like a long time for me, time really didn't entirely matter when you're a prisoner, for how long I've been one," Percy said.

"Oh Percy," Poseidon whispered and prayed for the Titan.

It felt like only yesterday that he was in those chains down in Tartarus which he'd quickly learnt to hate. The last cut Kronos had made down in Tartarus had faded into a white line and stretched from the left side of his chin to the right side of his forehead, crossing over his nose.

The recent one from Hyperion was small, but red and still sore and was engraved on the right side of his face. Then there was the scar which trailed around the outside of his left eye and down to the corner of his mouth which was the first one Kronos had done when they'd arrived at Othrys – that one was also slightly red still.

If he looked like that after dunking himself in water, he'd hate to know what he looked like before.

"Pretty horrible," Iapetus admitted. "But no one can really fault you, Hyperion can be a bastard."

Percy shifted slightly as he took a deep breath, readying himself to face Kronos again. He uneasily unlocked the door and peeked his head out. His eyes widened when he saw the other demigod sprawled out over Kronos' bed. "Luke?

"Ah, here I am once again," Luke said and grinned. "I get to help Percy be loyal to the Titans, sorry Percé, but that had been my mission since even before this," Luke said and watched as Hermes looked away.

"I've already forgiven you for all misshaves," Percy said.

The dead son of Hermes shot up, grinning widely. "Perce!" he exclaimed. "Awesome. You are still alive. I had my doubts."

Percy blinked. "Wha… how are you alive?"

"That would be Iapetus, under Kronos' orders. Silena, Beck, Chris and the others all came back too."

"The others?" Percy frowned, shifting slightly as he tried to decide whether he was allowed to sit on Kronos' bed or not.

"You could, not Luke really, but since I am not there I don't really care," Kronos said to Percy.

Luke grinned, gesturing him forward. "Kronos won't mind… well, probably. Besides, I will say I told you to. I don't think he'll argue with that."

Percy was speaking before he even thought about replying. "Then you don't know him."

"Sit," Luke ordered, patting the bed beside him with one hand as he produced a burger from behind his back with the other hand. "I have food."

How could Percy refuse? He sat beside Luke, happily accepting the junk food. "Thanks," he mumbled.

"I hadn't really had food in weeks, it was also starting to taste pretty weird, like it was yummy but that I didn't really need it," Percy tried to explain.

Luke just shook his head. "Don't thank me, Perce." He frowned. "Have they even fed you recently?"

Percy nodded slightly. "Ambrosia and nectar."

Luke groaned. "You've missed out on proper food!"

Percy smiled slightly. "Don't make me laugh," he warned a split second before taking a bite.

Luke nodded. "Of course. Don't want you being sick again."

Percy shifted. "Exactly how far around has that gotten?"

Luke snorted. "Percy, monsters are bigger gossipers than the Aphrodite kids back at Camp."

"Hey!" the Aphrodite cabin kids exclaimed and looked away as Grover pointed out that they do gossip a lot.

Percy swore under his breath. "Already?"

Luke raised an eyebrow. "It's been six hours since the whole Hyperion thing. Look," he said, pointing out the slit window. "It's sunset."

Percy stared out the window at the sinking sun before glancing to the staircase in the corner. "Come on," he said, already starting towards it.

Luke raised an eyebrow as he followed Percy. "Where are we going?"

"Up top," Percy said, pointing to the ceiling above them. He scrambled up the stairs, reaching for a trapdoor at the top. He pushed it open, almost sending the marble flying off the hinge with his strength. "Oops," he muttered.

"Careful," Luke warned. "Kronos doesn't like it when someone messes with his stuff."

Aphrodite really tried to conceal her excitement but it came out and she was over heated, she was fangirling her favourite OTP, she wanted them together and even thought she was the goddess of love she couldn't mess with this couple, only Eros could and she so wanted in on this get-go.

"I've noticed." Percy scowled as he helped Luke out. His eyes widened as he turned to look out across the bay area towards the sea. "Whoa," he breathed. The sun seemed like it was drowning in the ocean, streaks of bright gold ribbon racing across the waves with the wind.

"I see why Kronos likes it here," Luke murmured.

They could see for several hundred miles in all directions. Percy stood and watched as darkness spread out across the earth, surging off into the distance. "Luke?" he asked finally, continuing only when Luke raised an eyebrow. "Is it true that Crow's coming here tomorrow?"

Luke nodded. "Yeah. Didn't you know?"

"I overheard Kronos and Iapetus talking about it. But apart from that, no."

Luke frowned. "Look, ask Kronos later. He'll be able to say more than me. I'm just a lowly demigod. I don't really know what's happening – I only got here this morning. But you've got to get him to tell you how to survive in Crow's presence."

Mae'r Cysgodol you mean," Percy said."

"You are catching up quite quickly for someone who wasn't raised on the old tounge," Iapetus looked at Percy who grinned.

"I am a quick learner," he grinned and motioned for Michelle to continue reading.

Luke sighed. "I don't speak Old Tongue, Perce."

"It means The Shadow," Percy translated.

"Now we are getting to learning new things, this book is really useful!" Athena commented and looked at Percy as if she could dissect his brain and learn things that only he had privy to because of his Titan genes.

"A good name for him," Luke mused. He hesitated slightly, glancing at the brand on Percy's forearm. Percy braced himself for the question, but it never came. "You should be happy he gave that to you, Perce," Luke said, shifting slightly as he knew that Percy hated it.

Percy glared at him, his eyes narrowing. "Happy he marked me like a slave?" Percy demanded, holding his forearm out so the words Lord Kronos seemed to reflect the moonlight.

"No," Luke shook his head. "Perce, that mark warns away any monsters and Titans from touching you."

"How do you know all this?" Jason asked looking at Luke and the way he looked away before answering.

"We used to share a body, Kronos knows me inside and out and I know him a bit," he then went quiet.

"And it definitely worked, didn't it?" Percy snapped.

Luke winced. "Hey, it's not my fault – don't snap at me. Look, don't you wonder why none of the other Titans have touched you until now? Trust me, they've wanted to." Luke took a breath. "And the Titans don't really think about relationships like mortals – they're like the gods. Age, gender, or relation doesn't matter. I've already had Themis and Theia try to approach me for… for some fun, and I've been here less than a day. Kronos is constantly asked by a lot of Titans. But recently, according to them, he's been too busy. Guess who he's been with."

Percy stared at him. "He's been torturing me! You're joking."

Zeus face palmed himself, yes he was a god, immortal and didn't really care about who he had sex with, but his father was out of bounds on sex, ugh it was gross thinking that someone could love a monster like that Titan.

Luke smiled slightly and shook his head. "Not about this. You're lucky, Perce. Although you might not think it, that's your protection," he said jerking his finger towards the words in Percy's forearm.

Everyone in the room looked at Percy, they got to hear all sides of the story, and now they knew, Percy hadn't been willing at first, but what had happened for Percy to betray Olympus?

Percy stared down at his arm, thinking about what Luke had said.

"I'm going to turn in," Luke announced. "I'd recommend you do too." And he turned, jumping down the trapdoor.

Percy stared out over the bay area for a few more minutes, trying to sort his thoughts before he went back into Kronos' 'chambers' as he called them. Percy smiled slightly to himself, thinking that despite some of Kronos' actions, which were quite modern, he was still not completely up to date.

"But then neither was I, after all who the heck is the President of the United States?" Percy asked.

"Fucking Donald T" (*) Athena sneered, it was usually her children that ended up in high positions like that and she was quite upset that an actual mortal had gotten that power position.

Percy was calmer when he descended through the trapdoor and shut it behind him. He took a breath before going down the stairs and entering the bedroom. Kronos was leaning against the door, and Greek fire torches were flickering around the room, casting a green glow upon the marble.

"I won't be here tonight," Kronos said, apparently not eager to be wasting any time. "I have business in Vermont."

Percy's eyes widened. "That's… that's near New York."

Kronos nodded slightly. "I am aware. You can sleep in the bed," he said evenly, his face void of any expression.

"What where you thinking, when you said that?" Percy asked tilting his head.

"I was thinking that id have to change my bed spread, because another immortal laid in it, as well as a demigod." Kronos said bluntly.

Percy nodded, muttering a quiet, "Thank you."

Kronos didn't answer and just turned around to leave the room. Percy stared at the door for several moments before taking off his shirt and pants, carefully placing them on the back of a chair in front of a desk. He slipped into the bed and surrendered himself to the tug of Hypnos.

Golden eyes watched Poseidon he had to admit that hearing his thoughts after getting into his mind with carefulness from practice, he was amused. Poseidon was conflicted and soon it would be over, and he would have a loyal follower, maybe talking to the Fates about doing this had been worth it after all.

A/N: I am sorry for posting this a day late, but family issues happened, and I could not update as fast as I could.

I am praying for all this COVID19 can get done and over with.

Hope you liked it: JIO