Chapter.30
The next morning, Percy awoke before Reyna. Quietly slipping out of bed, he scanned the floor for his shirt and quickly pulled it on. Turning back to the bed, he smiled at the sight of Reyna still peacefully asleep, cocooned in blankets.
With a gentle smile, Percy leaned over and planted a soft kiss on her forehead before walking off to the kitchen. There, he prepared himself some breakfast and brewed a cup of coffee, taking a seat at the table. As he ate his cereal, he felt Artemis's presence enter his mind.
"Good morning, Percy. The gods request your presence on Olympus for a meeting," Artemis's voice echoed in Percy's mind. He sighed softly before responding, "Alright, I'll be right there." Feeling Artemis' nod, Percy finished his breakfast before fading into the shadows.
As he materialized next to Artemis's throne on Olympus, Percy greeted her warmly. "My lady," he said, looking up at her with a smile. Artemis looked down and returned his smile before replying, "Hello, Percy. How was your night?"
Percy grinned. "It was good," he answered. Artemis nodded in acknowledgment before redirecting her attention to Zeus, who was waiting to start the meeting.
"Now that everyone is here, let us begin," Zeus declared firmly, commanding the attention of the assembled gods. They fell silent, turning their focus to listen to Zeus's words. "Artemis, can you enlighten us on what occurred at Camp Half-Blood yesterday?" Zeus inquired, directing his gaze towards Artemis.
Artemis nodded before addressing the other gods. "Yesterday, the camp came under attack by Titan forces. Utilizing the Labyrinth, they maneuvered their troops into a position to surprise the camp. Fortunately, Percy's swift thinking led him to find Daedalus within the maze. With his intervention, the maze was destroyed, severing the Titans' reinforcements and securing victory for us."
Zeus acknowledged the explanation with a nod before shifting his attention to Percy, who sat at the base of Artemis's throne, idly fidgeting with his necklace. "Percy, anything to add?" he asked.
Percy appeared startled by Zeus's question. "No, not really. Daedalus gave me his laptop filled with his ideas and plans to hand over to Athena or one of her children. It's currently in Annabeth's possession if you would like to take a look, Lady Athena," he replied, turning his gaze towards her.
Athena's expression brightened visibly, her excitement evident in her eyes. Percy couldn't help but smile at the resemblance between Annabeth's expression and Athena's upon learning about the laptop and its contents.
"I will visit Annabeth after this meeting then," Athena responded with a smile. Percy nodded in acknowledgment before redirecting his attention back to Zeus. " Zeus, do we have any updates on Kronos's situation?" he inquired.
Zeus's expression darkened slightly as he replied, "Not yet, but we have confirmed that a boy is hosting Kronos's essence."
Percy nodded solemnly before turning to Hermes. "And I assume you can't track Luke?" he asked, already anticipating the answer.
Hermes's expression fell, his demeanor reflecting his disappointment. "No, I can't. Kronos is shielding him from us," he admitted with a hint of frustration.
Percy nodded gravely before turning back to Zeus. "Thalia has joined the Hunters to once again shift the prophecy into Theo's hands. I will speak with my mother and see what assistance we can offer. I fear time is running short for preparation. With Luke hosting Kronos's essence, I anticipate Kronos will attempt to seize Olympus within two years, if not sooner."
Zeus's expression grew increasingly grim as he absorbed Percy's assessment. "Very well, Percy. We will relay your insights to the campers. Keep us informed of any developments with your parents. Olympians, we must prepare for the potential escape of Typhon."
Percy furrowed his brow in confusion. "How could Typhon escape from wherever he's imprisoned?" he questioned.
Athena turned to him, her gaze serious. "When Theo erupted Mt. St. Helens, it stirred Typhon. With enough effort, Kronos could very well free him from his confinement."
Poseidon's frustration was evident as he interjected, "Oceanus has been causing problems for me as well. Should he target Atlantis, you'll have to confront Typhon without me." The other gods exchanged concerned glances at the thought of facing Typhon without Poseidon's support.
"We will stop Typhon. We have no choice," Artemis declared firmly, her voice resolute. The gods voiced their agreement, though Percy could sense lingering doubts about their ability to thwart the monstrous threat.
"Alright then, this meeting is concluded. If anyone has any updates, call for another gathering," Zeus announced before vanishing alongside Hera in a bolt of lightning. As the other gods dispersed, Percy made a beeline for the hearth, where Hestia sat, a warm smile gracing her features as he approached.
"Hello, Percy," Hestia greeted as he reached her.
"Hello, my lady," Percy replied warmly as he took a seat across from her.
"What can I do for you?" Hestia inquired once he was settled.
"I had an idea that I wanted to run by you. The Roman praetor, Reyna, has the ability to enhance her soldiers' attributes. With her mother being Bellona, if I brought her to help us, would her presence affect the gods at all?" Percy asked.
Hestia appeared pensive before responding, "In theory, she should be fine. However, would she have the strength to do so after her battle? Boosting the forces of Rome while besieging a castle is no simple task, even for a daughter of Bellona."
Percy's frustration was evident as he replied, "I don't know. She's strong, but she's determined to try regardless. I just wish I could do something to help her."
Hestia's smile remained warm as she replied, "I may be able to help with that." With a gentle touch, she placed her hand on Percy's shoulder, causing him to glow with a soft orange light. When she withdrew her hand, she chuckled at Percy's puzzled expression.
"I have bestowed my blessing upon you, which will enable you to support Reyna in her endeavor by bolstering her abilities. In essence, you will be able to alleviate the strain her powers may exert on her."
Percy's face lit up with gratitude as he exclaimed, "Thank you, my lady. You have no idea how much that means to me."
Hestia smiled knowingly before responding, "Oh, I think I do. Your relationship with Reyna isn't exactly a secret to some of the gods. I thought Bellona was going to break something in excitement when she heard that Reyna had captured your heart."
Percy's eyes widened before he blushed and covered his face with his hands, prompting Hestia to chuckle softly. "It's not as bad as you think, Percy. Most of the gods and goddesses are still unaware, but I see everything that transpires at the hearth, or simply put, in people's homes."
Percy lowered his hands and offered a sheepish smile. "And Bellona?" he inquired.
Hestia laughed before replying, "Bellona was with me when I discovered it. We were having tea at one of the shops in New Rome."
Percy chuckled in response before nodding. "Well, thank you, Hestia. I must return to Reyna; she was asleep when I left."
Hestia nodded understandingly. "Of course, Percy. Thank you for visiting me." Percy smiled gratefully and nodded before fading into the shadows.
Upon returning to Reyna's home, he walked back to her bedroom and poked his head inside.
Reyna was seated on the edge of the bed, brushing her wet hair, indicating to Percy that she had just finished showering.
"Hey, babe," Reyna greeted warmly as she noticed him. Percy returned the smile as he entered the room. "Hey, Rey. How'd you sleep?"
"I slept well," she replied.
Percy grinned before joining her on the bed, gently taking the brush from her hand and continuing her attempt to untangle her hair.
Reyna sighed contentedly as Percy brushed her hair. "So, I talked to Vesta. My idea of bringing you to New York should work to boost the campers here. And she gave me the ability to heal you while you do it."
Reyna nodded before replying, "That's good to hear. Maybe we'll stand a chance at stopping Saturn after all." Percy smiled before leaning over and pressing a soft kiss to her shoulder before returning to brushing her hair.
Reyna smiled back before turning slightly so Percy could reach more of her hair.
While Percy was brushing her hair, an Iris message materialized in front of them. As it formed, Theo appeared.
"Hey, Theo, what's going on?" Percy asked, a hint of confusion in his tone. Theo, looking slightly taken aback at seeing Percy brushing a girl's hair, shook his head before responding.
"Hey, Percy. Annabeth has an idea on how to help stop Luke. Think you can stop by camp today to discuss it?"
Percy nodded affirmatively. "Sure, I'll be there soon."
Theo acknowledged Percy's response with a nod before waving his hand and severing the connection.
"Well, this should be interesting," Percy said, grinning at the unexpected turn of events. Reyna chuckled before encouraging him, "Go ahead, Percy. I'll finish my hair." Percy nodded before handing over the hairbrush. "I'll see you soon," he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. Reyna smiled as he dissolved into the shadows.
Arriving at camp, he made his way to Athena's cabin, where he presumed Annabeth would be, and Theo by extension. Knocking on the door upon his arrival, he waited until it swung open. To his surprise, Athena herself stood before him, greeting him with a calm expression.
"Hello, Percy. Come on in," Athena greeted warmly, stepping aside to allow him entry. Percy shook off his surprise and followed her inside, closing the door behind him. Inside, he made his way over to where Theo and Annabeth were standing at a table, engrossed in examining some books and Daedalus's laptop.
"Hey, guys, what's going on?" Percy inquired as he reached them. The couple looked up and smiled, and Annabeth replied, "Hi, Percy. Come take a look at this." Percy walked over and peered at the laptop.
"What am I looking at?" Percy asked, peering at the screen.
"These are the statues around New York. Apparently, they are automatons placed by Daedalus. If I can figure out how to activate them, they could be valuable assets in stopping Kronos's attack," Annabeth explained.
Percy nodded in understanding before turning to Theo. "Theo, I may have an idea that could help you as well, but I need to talk to Nico first," he said.
Theo nodded in agreement. "Sure, Percy. Whatever helps us," he replied.
Percy then turned to Athena. "My lady, if I may," he began. Athena looked at him with curiosity and nodded encouragingly.
"I may be able to help with the fight against Typhon. As a primordial with similar abilities to those of Hades, I could potentially serve as a suitable replacement if he cannot assist," Percy proposed.
Athena appeared thoughtful before a smile graced her features. "That may indeed prove helpful to us, Percy. Thank you," she acknowledged.
Percy nodded appreciatively and then turned his attention to Annabeth. "You will most likely serve as the field commander during the battle. Are you ready to handle that responsibility?" he inquired.
Annabeth's expression flickered with a moment of nervousness before her gaze hardened with determination. "Yes, Percy. I will handle it," she affirmed firmly.
Percy smiled in reassurance and nodded before turning to Athena, who was observing Annabeth with pride gleaming in her eyes. "I will be there to provide reinforcement whenever needed. However, I suspect most of my efforts will be focused on battling Typhon," he added.
Annabeth nodded before returning her focus to her books. Theo glanced up from his reading before directing his attention to Percy. "Oh yeah, who was that with you this morning, Percy?"
The girls turned to Theo, puzzled. "What do you mean, Theo?" Annabeth inquired.
Theo grinned mischievously before responding, "When I Iris messaged Percy earlier, he was brushing a girl's hair."
The girls turned to Percy in surprise, who playfully glared at Theo. "That was my girlfriend, duh," he retorted.
"You guys are still together?" Annabeth exclaimed with excitement. Percy nodded, causing Annabeth to bounce in excitement.
Theo turned to look at Annabeth in surprise. "You know her?" he asked, intrigued.
Annabeth shook her head before replying, "No, but I know of her."
Theo nodded in understanding, while Percy simply grinned at their exchange. "Well, I need to return home to prepare to help with Typhon," Percy announced, turning his gaze towards Athena.
"Alright, Percy. We'll see you soon," Athena replied with a nod of acknowledgment.
Percy nodded in return before waving at the couple and disappearing into the shadows, returning to the Void.
Upon his arrival in the throne room, Percy was greeted by the comforting sight of his parents already present, with Calypso seated at a nearby table, engrossed in her weaving. "Welcome home, Percy," Erebus greeted warmly as he noticed Percy's arrival.
Calypso looked up from her work and smiled before rising from her seat to give Percy a hug, which he warmly returned.
"Welcome back, Percy," she said affectionately. Percy reciprocated with a gentle pat on her back as he replied, "Hi, Caly." Calypso smiled before stepping back and returning to her table. Percy then turned to his parents, who were seated in their respective thrones, patiently awaiting his words.
"I need to prepare to be able to fight Typhon no later than next year," Percy declared. His parents' eyes widened before their expressions hardened. "Very well, Percy. We will begin training tomorrow. By the way, Thanatos visited and forged you another scythe in case you need it against Kronos," Nyx informed him.
Percy nodded, acknowledging the information, before he settled onto his throne, his mind already racing with thoughts of the rigorous training ahead. He knew the challenges that lay before him, but deep down, he understood the necessity of his preparations. He was determined to protect his friends, and above all, to safeguard Reyna. He would not allow them to fall to Kronos.