Act I Chapter X: Chiron and Percy Have a Talk

Percy's eyes drifted open, and he blinked a few times to drive out the sleep. He was curled up in the bedroll that he had been given. It was comfortable, and no bugs had managed to sneak in. A small groan left him as he stretched, and he shifted in his bedroll. Chiron usually woke them when it was time for breakfast, so Percy assumed that he had woken up early.

Percy always had issues when it came to waking up early. He liked to stay up late, and maybe not wanting to go to school also caused him to sleep in later than he should have. Here, he had no issues falling asleep as soon as he made it to the tent. Mostly because sword training left him physically exhausted, and Annabeth's lessons made his brain literally want to shut down.

"Morning," Will said softly. Percy turned his head and smiled at his companion. In the corner of the tent, Luke was still sleeping.

"Morning," Percy whispered back. He moved his bedroll a little closer to Will's. The two of them had not talked much, as they were mostly apart during the day. When they had dinner, they were too focused on eating to talk, and Percy usually fell asleep the second his head hit the bedroll. "How are you settling in?"

"I feel like it's all some kind of dream," Will confessed in a hushed tone. He scooted closer as well. "Like, those nightmares I had were weird enough, but it could all be explained by staying up too late or a horror movie that I watched. Here though? It just, it changes everything. I don't know how to feel about this."

"I don't either," Percy admitted. He sighed tiredly. "There are times when I think that I'm going to wake up and realize this is the wildest dream ever, but we're on the third day. This is real. It's happening. We are the sons of gods."

"Gods that are dying," Will cut-in. He laid his head back. "I have so many questions. Who is my father? What attracted him to my mom? Where is he now? How am I supposed to defend myself against monsters? I know that is what our training is for, but when I come face to face with a monster, will I remember my training? Or will I just freeze up?"

"I worry about that too," Percy agreed. He sat up. "We just have to try our best with training. That's what I'm going to do."

"You're right," Will agreed. He carefully climbed out of his bedroll and moved towards the tent flap. Percy followed behind him, and the two of them left the tent. Upon stepping outside, Percy saw that Clarisse was standing over the fire and stoking it. Her other hand held onto a small cup that she took sips from.

Percy quietly walked towards the fire and sat by it. Clarisse didn't spare him a second glance. Will moved to Percy's side and sat by him as well. After a moment, Clarisse grabbed two cups from inside a bin and poured a liquid into them. She offered the cups to them.

"Hot chocolate," Clarisse muttered. Percy took a small sip and exhaled softly at the taste. He saw movement out of the corner of his eyes and looked at Chiron. The Centaur walked towards them and smiled.

"Morning," Percy greeted. Will waved his hand, and Clarisse just nodded.

"Morning everyone. Percy, shall we go for a walk?" Chiron asked. Percy nodded and stood. "Put on your armor as well."

Percy nodded and walked towards his duffel bag near his tent. He opened it and dressed in his armor, trying to move quickly. He struggled with some of the straps, but Chiron didn't rush him along. It seemed like he was engaging Will in a conversation. Percy finally finished and hurried to Chiron's side.

Chiron smiled at him and led him towards the edge of the clearing. As they walked, Percy paid attention to the sounds all around them. There were birds chirping in the air, rousing the rest of the animals. A gentle breeze shook the leaves, and if he paid close enough attention, he could hear the sounds of a shield bouncing against armor, most likely belonging to Reyna.

"How are you handling everything?" Chiron asked as they moved away from the camp. Chiron was still wearing his tweed jacket, but there was a new addition of a bag of arrows slung over his back. A bow hung on his shoulder.

"I don't know," Percy admitted. He sighed and looked down. "I miss my mom and Paul. And all of this is just... I don't know."

"It is very different from anything you have ever known," Chiron agreed. They walked in silence for a few more moments. "May I see your sword?"

Percy nodded and grabbed his pen. He uncapped it and watched as a bronze sword sprang to life in his hand. Percy handed the sword off to Chiron. A sad smile came to Chiron's face.

"Do you know anything about this sword, Percy? Where it came from or who made it?" Chiron questioned.

"No," Percy began. He debated telling Chiron what his mother had said, but he knew it was best to just keep his mouth shut and see what Chiron had to say.

"This sword has a tragic history," Chiron recalled sadly. He studied the blade in his hands. "It was first forged in the fires of Mount Etna and then was cooled in the River Lethe: the river of forgetfulness."

"Will hurting a monster with the sword cause them to forget things?" Percy asked after a moment.

"No," Chiron answered. "And, you should only use this weapon for emergencies. The training that we are giving you should only be used if it is life or death. I am sure that you have been told that these weapons can only harm monsters. Mortals cannot be harmed by celestial bronze, but you can be harmed by both."

"Because I'm a demigod?"

"Yes. You live with one foot in each world. One of mortals and one of gods. That is what makes demigods special. They can do things that gods cannot do, and they know all the beauties of life," Chiron explained. Tears touched his eyes. "But, your blade has a long and tragic history."

"What kind of history?" Percy questioned. Chiron handed him the sword back, and Percy placed the cap to the tip of his sword. He placed the pen back into his pocket and looked at Chiron.

"We should not go into it," Chiron answered. "This blade was given to a strong warrior who then handed it off to a warrior of legend. Of myth. It has found its way to a select few heroes throughout history before disappearing for some time. Only to find its way back to you."

Percy didn't ask any more questions, and Chiron offered no more details. The two continued to walk, leaving the clearing further and further behind. Chiron spoke, "Do you know of the original Perseus?"

"I do. He was a son of Zeus," Percy replied. He glanced at Chiron. "That's also the reason why my mother gave me that name. She named me after him because he was one of the only heroes to have a happy ending in those myths."

"Many heroes do have a tragic ending," Chiron said softly. He looked away from Percy. "And, I am afraid that you will have the most tragic story yet."

And with that happy statement, they continued their walk in silence. The words felt like a punch to the gut, and nervousness started infecting Percy's mind. Why would Chiron say he was going to have a tragic story? Especially after the small amount of time they spent with each other. Did Chiron know about Percy's father?

They walked in silence until they came onto what looked to be some kind of mound. Percy tilted his head as he saw ants scurrying up and down the mound, carrying leaves and crumbs of food. Chiron studied the ants with a small frown on his face.

"Do you know why the camps were destroyed?" Chiron questioned.

"I've only heard bits and pieces," Percy said. He wasn't sure if Annabeth had shared her theory with him. Chiron motioned for him to sit, and Percy complied. He studied the mound. The ants moved at the same pace with none of them lagging behind. Each brought back something to the colony before heading back out.

"Our biggest problem is that we did not know of each other," Chiron began softly. "When the Greeks and Romans discovered each other, skirmishes and full scale wars erupted between them. They battled like they were bitter enemies of old. In a way, I guess they were."

"Hatred has flowed like a river of blood ever since the Trojan War," Chiron continued. A solemn look darkened his eyes. "Lupa and I only spoke a few times over the years, and I wish that we had spoken more. With the camps divided, it split the gods as well with their personalities. Some days the Greek side took over more. Other days it was the Roman side."

"There was nothing to bridge the two camps together. I wish there had been. Now, I do not know if we have the numbers to bring Olympus back to its former glory, but all we can do is train demigods to survive the best they can."

"We have to try," Percy said. He looked at Chiron. "Is it possible?"

"I don't know," Chiron admitted. His gaze moved back to the ants. "They work together as a unit. Each member has a role that they fulfill. That will be the only way that we can begin to bring Olympus back. It is too much for one demigod to undertake."

"But a team could?" Percy prodded. He met Chiron's eyes. Chiron seemed to be lost in thought. He finally sighed.

"Maybe," Chiron said softly. "That is not something for you to worry about now. You should focus on your training. Especially your sword training. Once you feel comfortable, we will teach you how to fight with others. Maybe even lead them."

"Now come. I want you to show me your sword techniques. Let's see if there is something you can pick up on," Chiron said with a small smile. "After all, it may save your life one day."