Valen sat unmoving on the couch, his mind still reeling from the dream he had. I had felt so real as if he was actually experiencing those moments.

"Twice kindred, twice bound, the harbinger of darkness shall be found," He muttered. "In the unknown lies the core, in the heart lies the crown."

"Sounds like an incomplete prophecy."

Valen almost jumped in surprise, "Will?"

The son of Apollo nodded, "Where did you hear that?"

"In a dream." Valen said, "They stopped abruptly after saying those two lines."

"Maybe the other lines are not meant for you to know yet?" Will suggested, "The fates work in strange ways."

Valen frowned, he was certain those were the Nornir, not the Moirae, but Will had a point.

Will furrowed his brows, walking up to the window, "What is that?"

Valen got up, walking up to him to see what he was. He narrowed his eyes at the hyperborean giant, holding a white flag no less. He switched on his soul vision, his expression turning grim.

"Will, alert the others, we might have a fight on our hands." Valen ordered, walking over to Percy's room. Will nodded in reply and ran off to wake the others.

Thalia walked up beside Valen as he knocked on the door. There was no response.

"You saw the giant too, I'm assuming?" Valen said, knocking again.

"Yes," She said, barging into the room and beginning to shake Percy awake. "Percy," she said. "Come on. It's late afternoon. We've got visitors."

"Visitors?" he said groggily, getting up on his bed.

"A titan, a demigod and two monsters, they come under a flag of truce but I wouldn't trust them to uphold it." Valen said, "I've asked Will to alert the others, we should probably get the hunters ready to fire just in case."

Thalia smirked, "Who do you think we are? We did that as soon as we noticed them."

Valen nodded, "Good, now come, we should meet these 'diplomats'"

"The tux dude is the Titan?" Percy asked as they got closer.

Grover nodded nervously. "He looks like a magician. I hate magicians. They usually have rabbits."

Percy stared at him. "You're scared of bunnies?"

Even Valen turned back to look at him.

"Blah-hah-hah! They're big bullies. Always stealing celery from defenseless satyrs!"

Thalia coughed.

"What?" Grover demanded.

"We'll have to work on your bunny phobia later," Percy said. "Here they come."

The man in the tux stepped forward. He was taller than an average human—about seven feet. His black hair was tied in a ponytail. He wore dark round sunglasses, and the skin on his face was littered with scars.

"Percy Jackson," he said in a silky voice. "It's a great honor."

In contrast, the empousa hissed at him.

"My dear," The Titan said. "Why don't you make yourself comfortable over there, eh?"

She released his arm and drifted over to a park bench.

Percy stared at the armored demigod for a moment, before speaking, "Hey, Ethan. You're looking good."

Ethan's only response was a glare.

"To business." The Titan extended his hand. "I am Prometheus."

Percy was taken aback by the introduction, "The fire-stealer guy? The chained-to-the-rock-with-the-vultures guy?"

Valen facepalmed, Percy seriously lacked tact.

Prometheus winced. He touched the scratches on his face. "Please, don't mention the vultures. But yes, I stole fire from the gods and gave it to your ancestors. In return, the ever merciful Zeus had me chained to a rock and tortured for all eternity."

"But—"

"How did I get free? Heracles did that, eons ago. So you see, I have a soft spot for heroes. Some of you can be quite civilized."

"Unlike the company you keep," Percy said, glancing at Ethan.

"Oh, demons aren't so bad," he said, having misinterpreted Percy's comment. "You just have to keep them well fed. Now, Percy Jackson, let us parley."

He waved towards a picnic table, and they sat down. Grover and Thalia standing on either side of Percy. Valen stood beside the table, between the two factions, subtly connecting his shadow to the others for a quick escape.

The blue giant propped his white flag against a tree and began absently playing on the playground. He stepped on the monkey bars and crushed them, but he didn't seem angry. He just frowned and said, "Uhoh." Then he stepped into the fountain and broke the concrete bowl in half. "Uh-oh." The water froze where his foot touched it.

Prometheus sat forward and laced his fingers. He looked earnest, kindly, and wise. "Percy, your position is weak. You know you can't stop another assault."

"We'll see."

Prometheus looked pained like he really cared what happened to them. "Percy, I'm the Titan of forethought. I know what's going to happen."

Valen frowned, "No, you merely speculate what can happen. It's not pure future sight, that's something I reckon Apollo would have."

Prometheus smiled, "You are right, Valen Steensen. Yet, my forethought has rarely ever failed me. I supported the gods in the last Titanomachy, I knew Kronos stood no chance. That I am supporting him this time, is proof enough of Kronos' strength this time."

"And not because Zeus chained you to a rock?" Percy said.

"Partly, yes. I won't deny I want revenge. But that's not the only reason I'm supporting Kronos. It's the wisest choice. I'm here because I thought you might listen to reason."

He drew a map on the table with his finger. Wherever he touched, golden lines appeared, glowing on the concrete. "This is Manhattan. We have armies here, here, here, and here. We know your numbers. We outnumber you twenty to one."

"Your spy has been keeping you posted," Percy said, keeping up the cover of Silena being a double agent.

Prometheus smiled unapologetically, "At any rate, our forces are growing daily. Tonight, Kronos will attack. You will be overwhelmed. You've fought bravely, but there's just no way you can hold all of Manhattan. You'll be forced to retreat to the Empire State Building. There you'll be destroyed. I have seen this. It will happen."

"I'd rather die fighting than live in fear under Kronos' rule." Valen said, "Prometheus, you know exactly what kind of ruler Kronos was, why do you think any sane human would support you?"

Prometheus smiled, "We have quite a few demigods in our ranks, wouldn't you agree Ethan?"

Ethan remained silent.

"The demigods in your ranks are motivated by anger and revenge, they are blind to the world Kronos will build, and he knows this."

The smile never left his face, and he turned to Percy, waiting for him to answer.

"We won't lose, I won't let it happen." He said.

Prometheus brushed a speck off his tux lapel. "Understand, Percy. You are refighting the Trojan War here. Patterns repeat themselves in history. They reappear just as monsters do. A great siege. Two armies. The only difference is, this time you are defending. You are Troy. And you know what happened to the Trojans, don't you?"

"So you're going to cram a wooden horse into the elevator at the Empire State Building?" Percy asked. "Good luck."

Prometheus smiled. "Troy was completely destroyed, Percy. You don't want that to happen here. Stand down, and New York will be spared. Your forces will be granted amnesty. I will personally assure your safety. Let Kronos take Olympus. Who cares? Typhon will destroy the gods .my way."

"Right," Percy said. "And I'm supposed to believe Kronos would spare humankind."

"All he wants is Olympus," Prometheus promised. "The might of the gods is tied to their seats of power. You saw what happened to Poseidon once his undersea palace was attacked."

Percy winced, remembering the state of his father when he last met him.

"Yes," Prometheus said sadly. "I know that was hard for you. When Kronos destroys Olympus, the gods will fade. They will become so weak they will be easily defeated. Kronos would rather do this while Typhon has the Olympians distracted in the west. Much easier. Fewer lives lost. But make no mistake, the best you can do is slow us down. The day after tomorrow, Typhon arrives in New York, and you will have no chance at all. The gods and Mount Olympus will still be destroyed, but it will be much messier. Much, much worse for you and your city. Either way, the Titans will rule."

Thalia pounded her fist on the table. "I serve Artemis. The Hunters will fight to our last breath. Percy, you're not seriously going to listen to this slimeball, are you?"

Prometheus didn't seem bothered by the insult, and smiled again, "Your courage does you credit, Thalia Grace."

Thalia stiffened. "That's my mother's surname. I don't use it."

"As you wish," Prometheus said casually.

"At any rate," the Titan said, "you need not be my enemy. I have always been a helper of mankind."

"That's a load of Minotaur dung," Thalia said. "When mankind first sacrificed to the gods, you tricked them into giving you the best portion. You gave us fire to annoy the gods, not because you cared about us."

Prometheus shook his head. "You don't understand. I helped shape your nature."

A wiggling lump of clay appeared in his hands. He fashioned it into a little doll with legs and arms. The lump man didn't have any eyes, but it groped around the table, stumbling over Prometheus's fingers. "I have been whispering in man's ear since the beginning of your existence. I represent your curiosity, your sense of exploration, your inventiveness. Help me save you, Percy. Do this, and I will give mankind a new gift—a new revelation that will move you as far forward as fire did. You can't make that kind of advance under the gods. They would never allow it. But this could be a new golden age for you. Or . . ." He made a fist and smashed the clay man into a pancake.

The blue giant rumbled, "Uh-oh." Over at the park bench, the empousa bared her fangs in a smile

"You know the Titans and their offsprings aren't all bad," Prometheus said, "Percy and Valen specifically."

"You've met Calypso." He said, looking at Percy. "And the friends you made in the nexus of the realms." He turned to Valen, "Oh yes, we know of your trip to their realm."

Valen narrowed his eyes, "What do you mean? Theron and Aricia have nothing to do with Titans."

"Are you sure?"

Valen couldn't answer that. Their parentage had always eluded him, he had told Theron he was a son of Apollo, but he wielded moonlight instead of sunlight. Of course, his mind has immediately gone to Artemis, but he didn't think she would have broken her oath. Aricia was even more of an enigma, her pure destructive power outclassed anything the Ares cabin had.

Could it be true?

Thalia's cry of warning brought him out of his thoughts, and he could do nothing but watch as Prometheus' index finger tapped Percy's forehead.

Valen summoned his weapons, ready for a fight, and to get them out of there, but Prometheus raised a hand.

"I assure you, I have no intention of harming him. I'm merely showing him the truth."

Valen narrowed his eyes in suspicion but didn't lower his weapons.

Mr. Steensen, do not panic, I am speaking to you telepathically.

Valen stared at him, Prometheus?

Yes, I am under the impression you do not want your friends to know of your unique heritage just yet, correct?

Valen nodded subtly, Yes.

Good, then we may talk this way.

Why would I want to talk to you personally?

Oh? Do you not want to find out the truth behind your friends?

And how can I be certain you're not trying to manipulate me against them?

Now, why would I do that? Besides, it is hardly enough to turn you against them.

Right, and I'm Zeus.

Do you want the truth or not?

Valen sighed, Go on.

I will not tell you outright how they are connected to us, but I will give you hints. It is more believable when you figure it out rather than being told the truth don't you think?

…

Aricia Faelith is not a demigod, you have been trying to link her powers to one of the gods, but you will fail.

So she is a demi titan?

As for your other friend, Theron Crillo, well there's an interesting case.

What do you mean?

I never expected her to show herself after so many millennia, much less like that. Prometheus mused to himself.

Hey!

Looks like your friend is awakening.

"Percy?" Thalia asked. "What . . . what was that?"

Percy looked down at himself, wiping the sweat off his face.

Prometheus nodded sympathetically. "Appalling, isn't it? The gods know what is to come, and yet they do nothing, even for their children. How long did it take for them to tell you your prophecy, Percy Jackson? Don't you think your father knows what will happen to you?"

"Perrrcy," Grover warned, "he's playing with your mind. Trying to make you angry."

"Do you really blame your friend Luke?" the Titan asked. "And what about you, Percy? Will you be controlled by your fate? Kronos offers you a much better deal."

"I'll give you a deal." Percy retorted, "Tell Kronos to call off his attack, leave Luke Castellan's body, and return to the pits of Tartarus. Then maybe I won't have to destroy him,"

The empousa snarled. Her hair erupted in fresh flames, but Prometheus just sighed.

"And you?" He turned to Valen, "We have much to offer to you Valen, we could teach you how to resist the mark of the Obscure one, we could take you to where your mother's soul is."

Valen stayed silent, those were both enticing offers. Being alive, he could not enter Valhalla to meet his mother whenever he wanted, and the mark… He wasn't sure if he liked the idea of being marked as if he was someone's property.

"Valen?" Percy said, "Don't listen to him, don't let him prey on your vulnerabilities."

Grover nodded, "Whatever issues we have, we will go through them together, we're friends right?"

"I swear to Artemis if you're thinking of accepting his deal, I'll personally shove my spear up-"

Valen chuckled, cutting her off, "No need to resort to such violence Thalia, I'm not going to accept." He turned to face the Titan, a sort of cold rage settled on his face, "Your army put my sister in a coma, you're sorely mistaken if you think I'm ever siding with you."

Prometheus sighed again, "Very well." "If you change your mind, I have a gift for you."

A Greek vase appeared on the table. It was about three feet high and a foot wide, glazed with black and white geometric designs. The ceramic lid was fastened with a leather harness.

Grover whimpered when he saw it.

Thalia gasped. "That's not—"

"Yes," Prometheus said. "You recognize it."

Valen stared at the box, oddly fixated on it for some reason. His soul vision activated without him even knowing, and a warm light welcomed him, it made him feel like they could win this war, showing him visions of a utopian future.

"This belonged to my sister-in-law," Prometheus explained. "Pandora."

Valen broke out of his trance, his vision turning normal once again. That was close.

"As in Pandora's box?" Percy said.

Prometheus shook his head. "I don't know how this box business got started. It was never a box. It was a pithos, a storage jar. I suppose Pandora's pithos doesn't have the same ring to it, but never mind that. Yes, she did open this jar, which contained most of the demons that now haunt mankind—fear, death, hunger, sickness."

"Don't forget me," the empousa purred.

"Indeed," Prometheus conceded. "The first empousa was also trapped in this jar, released by Pandora. But what I find curious about the story—Pandora always gets the blame. She is punished for being curious. The gods would have you believe that this is the lesson: mankind should not explore. They should not ask questions. They should do what they are told. In truth, Percy, this jar was a trap designed by Zeus and the other gods. It was revenge on me and my entire family—my poor simple brother Epimetheus and his wife Pandora. The gods knew she would open the jar. They were willing to punish the entire race of humanity along with us."

Prometheus tapped the lid of Pandora's jar. "Only one spirit remained inside when Pandora opened it."

"Hope," Percy said.

Prometheus looked pleased. "Very good, Percy. Elpis, the Spirit of Hope, would not abandon humanity. Hope does not leave without being given permission. She can only be released by a child of man."

The Titan slid the jar across the table.

"I give you this as a reminder of what the gods are like," he said. "Keep Elpis, if you wish. But if you decide that you have seen enough destruction, enough futile suffering, then open the jar. Let Elpis go. Give up Hope, and I will know that you are surrendering. I promise Kronos will be lenient. He will spare the survivors."

" 'Too much hope can cripple a man,' "Valen said, quoting his father, "Your 'gift' is only a distraction, it will constantly torment us with temptation, why should we accept such a gift?"

"Because it is too late," Prometheus said. "The gift is given. It cannot be taken back."

He stood. The empousa came forward and slipped her arm through his.

"Morrain!" Prometheus called to the blue giant. "We are leaving. Get your flag."

"Uh-oh," the giant said.

"We will see you soon, Percy Jackson," Prometheus promised. "One way or another."

I'd seal that thing in the shadow realm if I could, Valen glared at the pithos, But the thought of locking up hope in such a desolate place gives me chills, it feels wrong on a fundamental level.

He left Percy and Thalia alone to talk about his vision, while he mused on the Titan's words about his friends. He was still no closer to figuring out Theron's identity, other than him being somehow connected to the Titans, he could only assume he was related to Selene, Titaness of the moon, in some way, but he doubted it. After all, Pan had faded after the wilderness started dying, and people forgot about him. He himself had mentioned that the only reason he had survived that long was because of the Satyrs believing in him. Compared to that, Selene must have faded long ago.

As for Aricia, it was a little easier. Prometheus had said something about her not being a demigod, it made sense why Valen had been unable to link her to any of the gods. But a demititan? He ran through every Titan he could remember, but he didn't know if any of them had shown mastery over a destructive purple magic.

He sighed, he would need more time before he could figure them out. Looking up, he noticed Thalia had gone, and Percy was sitting on his bed deep in thought.

As he got closer, he could feel the conflict within him, so he sat beside him, giving him time to think.

After a while, Percy sighed, and pulled his head back up, and almost jumped when he sawValen sitting next to him, "How long have you been there?!"

Valen shrugged, "A while, wanna tell me whats going on inside your mind."

Percy sighed again, "It's just, what Prometheus said, I can't help but feel like he had a point."

"What, about the gods being evil or Kronos being strong enough to win this time?"

"The Kronos part," Percy said, "You saw how bad our situation was last night, if you hadn't gone around helping the cabins we might have lost a lot more."

"We spread ourselves out too thin, the second wave overwhelmed us." Valen said, "I convinced the Ares cabin to join us, and my father will be coming to the surface soon, don't lose hope Percy, we can win."

"Can we?" Percy asked, "Fighting monsters is one thing, but what happens when the other Titans enter the fray? We can't win against all of them."

"Percy, you fought Ares when you were twelve and won," Valen said, grabbing his shoulder, "You're not alone now, the entire camp is behind you. Sure, most of them can't win against a Titan alone, but they can hold them off for long enough."

Percy frowned, he did have Achilles' curse now, that was a major advantage to his favor. In his quests with the son of Hades, he had noticed how he used his powers. The unconventional means surprised most monsters, often turning the tides in their favor. He had not seen many demigods do that, using their powers to such an extent. Even he did not use his powers over water much in his fights, choosing to depend more on his swordsmanship.

Percy looked up, staring his friend in the eye, "Can you teach me how to use my powers like you?"

Valen raised an eyebrow at the request, "Thought you'd never ask."

"What is water?" Valen asked once they had reached the pond at Central Park.

Percy was taken aback for a moment before he replied, "It's a necessity for life?"

"And?"

"It's the most abundant resource we have." He said.

"It's a fluid," Valen answered for him, "it is shapeless, yet strong."

He waved his arm at the pond, "The way you use it is rigid, your mind is fixated on the few tricks you know about it."

A wisp of his shadow reached up to his fingers, coalescing into a sphere, "How strong do you think I'd be if I only used my shadow powers for shadow travel and stealth?"

Percy thought back to all of the times Valen had used his shadows to create weapons, impaling unsuspecting enemies, he used the shadows as more than just a tool to hide and teleport.

"Water," Valen said, "can be horrifying when used right. Try it, don't just cause a tidal wave or a hurricane; shape it, mould it with your mind. Let your mind bend, forgo the limitations you've put on yourself, reach your true potential."

Percy listened silently, kneeling down beside the pond, submerging his palm inside the water. And the water listened, rising up from the surface, first in the shape of a cube, then to a fish, and lastly to a trident.

Valen smiled from behind, "Take it, wield it as a weapon."

Percy raised his arm, and it flew up to him, it felt cold and weirdly solid to the touch. Valen stepped back, summoning his bident to his hand, "Let's dance."

Percy nodded, his trident facing downwards, and Valen disappeared from his vision.

He froze when he felt the two stygian iron blades graze his neck.

"Your enemy won't play fair. Expect them to use underhanded tactics." Retracting his bident, Valen jumped back. "Come on, we're in your territory, it should be easy for you."

"Most enemies can't teleport behind me in an instant." Percy deadpanned.

"Emphasis on most." Valen retorted.

Percy sighed, tightening his grip on the trident. It was a weapon he wasn't used to, but it felt right in his hand, perfectly balanced just like riptide. He glanced at the water, a plan forming in his mind.

Valen disappeared again, appearing inches before Percy, bident ready to impale him, but jumped away at the last moment.

The land he was standing on had been shredded by spears of solid water.

"Woah," Percy stared at the destruction in awe, "I did not expect it to be that strong."

"Try not to kill me will you?" Valen said.

Percy chuckled nervously, "Sorry dude, I'm still new to this."

Valen didn't reply, narrowing his eyes at him. The fact that he was able to do that on his first try was nothing short of a miracle.

Well, two can play at that game. Valen thought, swinging his spear at Percy, a volley of shadow spears tearing through the ground, racing at him.

Spears of water rained from above, nullifying them in an instant.

"Good, you're learning fast," Valen said, Scarily fast.

Percy stared at the water, willing it to flow out again, shaping it into a massive hand. "That's awesome!"

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Percy said, having the hand form a fist.

"I am not using my umbrakinesis for a thumb fight." Valen refused, "Use it to fight me."

"Uh," Percy looked up at the arm, trying to think of a way to practically use it in a fight. In the end, he sighed and shrunk it down to a more manageable size, giving it a water sword for good measure.

Valen nodded in approval, summoning his own sword, and having it float mid-air.

They clashed again, Percy using the shaft of his trident to block Valens hit. Valen smiled, twisting his bident and forcing Percy's trident out of his hand.

Percy did not waste any time, swinging his arm at Valen, sending a massive wave toward him. Meanwhile, his floating hand fought off Valen's sword, albeit poorly.

"Finding it hard to keep your focus on both ends?" Valen taunted, swiping his hair off his face.

Percy narrowed his eyes, focusing on the water under Valens feet. The son of Hades held up his bident and stepped forward.

Only to comically fall down, courtesy of a lone water tendril grabbing his leg. On the other side, Stormguard finally vanquished Percy's construct, returning to Valens side.

Valen sighed, pushing himself up, and glancing at the position of the Sun. "We should stop, get some rest before the battle."

Percy nodded, "We need to be in good shape before the battle." He grinned, "But I totally kicked your ass though."

Valen smiled, "I let you."

"Of course you did."

"You doubt me?"

"No, why would I ever doubt you?"

Valen fell asleep on the same couch he had slept on earlier, and he had the same dream.

He could see Nico struggling under Hades' power, his face was red in stress, he was barely standing on his feet, but he was conscious.

Valen saw the exact moment Hades' body faded, all his power entering Nico, but before it could settle, Nico fell unconscious, and Hades was kicked out.

"That looked better than last time." Valen said, grimacing at Nicos pain.

Hades nodded, "Yes, his body is adapting in response to his will, it won't be long before the process is finished."

"We could use the help." Valen said, "You know, I've been thinking."

"Hmm?"

"Should I expose the norse by using the powers I got from mother."

Hades remained silent to that, staring at Valen.

"I mean, what's the point in having this power when I can't even use it to save my friends."

Hades sighed, "If you feel it is absolutely necessary, use it. But try not to let too many of them know."

"Of course." Valen said, that was reasonable. "So how's uh, Melinoe doing?" He asked, changing the topic, "You know, after you fought her."

"Why don't you ask her yourself?" Hades said with an amused smile.

Valen blinked in deadpan, "She's right behind me isn't she?"

"It would seem so."

Slowly, Valen turned back, "Hello La- I mean Melinoe." He corrected, noticing her pointed stare.

Melinoe nodded, satisfied, "How've you been doing on the surface little brother?"

Valen shrugged, "We're doing the best we can to hold Kronos' army off. But none of it will matter if Typhon isn't stopped."

Hades raised an eyebrow, "My brothers have been unable to stop him?"

Valen shook his head, "Posiedon is in his own realm, fighting off Oceanus. It's just Zeus and the other Olympians."

Hades frowned, "Kronos has planned this war well, Posiedon will need to forsake his palace if we are to beat Typhon."

"Could you not help them?" Valen said.

Hades shook his head, "I must finish the process, besides didn't you say you could use help?"

"Well, yes, but it will hardly matter if Typhon reaches us."

"He won't, have your friend convince Posiedon to aid in the fight, and we might stand a chance to win the war."

Melinoe patted Valen's shoulder, "If a Titan appears in the battlefield, call me, I'll hold them off."

Valen nodded in appreciation, "Thanks Melinoe,"

All of a sudden, the dream began distorting, and Valens body started fading.

"You're waking," Hades noted, "I will join you as soon as I can, do not give in to Kronos' army."

"Remember to call for me if things get out of hand." Melinoe said, and Valens dream ended.